Tantrum exclusive : CHESTER FRENCH

With a controversial new music video, ‘Black Girls’, currently going viral on the internet and a new sound that has had plenty of ears pricking up all over the music industry, we thought it was about time for us to talk to the lads behind Chester French and find out what makes them tick.

From their roots as Harvard graduates to working with Beyonce’s sister, Solange, we get all the gossip on on these American indie-pop boys.

You both studied at Harvard, what made you decide to go into music instead?
Max: Harvard makes you pay money and asks you to leave after four years.  It was time for our backup plan.
 
D.A.: I just thought that it would make for a better life than the other jobs I foresaw.

What is is about music that you find so captivating?
Max: I think Insane Clown Posse put it best: "music is magic, pure and clean/you can feel it and hear it but it can't be seen."
D.A.: I think it's one of the few mediums in which people have been able to create things more beautiful than nature. That's hard!

The single ‘Black Girls’ is about lust, what is it about black girls that drives you crazy?
Max: To me the song is more about interracial relationships than about lust.  There is a song on our album called "Drop" that has a more erotic and lustful disposition if you're interested in what drives us.
D.A.: I agree with Max. "Black Girls," and the video, certainly touch on sex but our goal was really to talk about love. This isn't meant as a heroic gesture of any kind, but I'm in an interracial relationship and still find that it is stigmatized in subtle and overt ways. I find
women of all shades beautiful, and though everyone has instincts of their own about what's more or less appealing aesthetically, sexiness largely emanates for me from a girl's personality.

The video for your current single ‘Black Girls’ is rather provocative, what was the inspiration behind it?
Max: It was inspired by our song "Black Girls."
D.A.: We wanted to depict love that crossed peoples' mental boxes.

The video also features two woman as the couple of interest, what was the message you wanted to convey with this?
Max: It's ok to love whomever you like!
D.A.: We wanted to push people to look at love that violated multiple norms. The song is nominally about black women, but the spirit behind it is one of empathy and empowerment directed at any mature love that society outcasts. I feel strongly, also, that people wouldn't have found this offensive and that youtube would never have age-restricted it were it featuring a heterosexual couple.

You worked with the fashion photographer Francesco Carrozzini on the video, what was it about his work that made you pick him?
Max: We've done a few photo shoots with Francesco in the past, all of which yielded conspicuously great photographs as well as excellent hangouts.
D.A.: Francesco also knows how to convey simple and clean visual ideas. There wasn't a lot of margin for error here.

With the new single, is there an album in the pipelines?
Max: Yes. I dare say it should come out this June. Preorders, our next single, and some things should be available this week at chesterfrench.com.

As an American band, what draws you to the English music industry?
Max: For such a small country, you guys have created an enormous wealth of amazing and inspiring records.
D.A.: Agreed!

 
You’ve worked with the likes of Pharrell, Janelle Monae and Solange, who else would you love to collaborate with?
Max: I want or collaborate with any and all musicians over 50 and the Flaming Lips.
D.A.: I agree. I think both of us are far more excited by masterful musicians than we are by trendy or popular ones, though sometimes they are coincidental.

Where would you like Chester French to be in ten years?
Max: I want to have a bigger studio.
D.A.: I'd like people to still be listening to our work. Even just a few people.

Interview by Robyn Lynch

image via Chester French. Special thanks to the Chester French boys, Davida Williams & Dana Boulos.


check out the chester french website here, and follow them on facebook / twitter too!

Chester French - Black Girls

We just love indie-pop duo Chester French. With their eclectic and intriguing musical offerings, these boys have been Tantrum faves since we first heard an unmastered copy of 'She Loves Everybody' back in '07 and we've kept a close eye on this band ever since. The video for their most recent single, Black Girls, was shot by acclaimed fashion photographer, Francesco Carrozzini and to say we're obsessed with it would be a bit of an understatement! Check out the amazing video and equally amazing song below, and keep looking out for an exclusive Tantrum feature on Chester French that will be heading to this very blog really soon!

A Musical Revolution.

Calling all hipsters, music snobs and band geeks out there - you think your band is cool? Think again. Russian band Pussy Riot are starting a revolution with their music.

Clad in balaclavas and neon, these women are capturing the mood of a generation through songs protesting their political regime. Termed 'the symbol of young Russian discontent' by the media, they recently performed a gig in Red Square which ended with them being taken away by police.

The power of musical protest.

The band are sworn to anonymity, yet they show no fear in the face of arrest - in fact, it's something they've come to accept will be part of their struggle against Putin and his regime.

So what do they hope to achieve? In an interview with Moscow News the band told them, "We have a lot of goals: we want to develop the protest punk rock, we want the ideas of feminism again become relevant, we want to see Putin is gone, we want to be around Pussy Riot formed a kind of creative environment, which would fall more and more people with their ideas and projects. In principle, this is already happening."

Music has always been a method of self-expression, capable of great good - something that's easy to forget in a time where too much music has little meaning.

So who wants to start a band and change the world now? We sure as hell do...

You can find more information on Pussy Riot here.

Urbanears - Be our valentine?

Urgh. It's that time of year again. If the valentines blues are bringing you down, we've got just the thing to perk you up - the perfect V-day gift that you can pick up for yourself...

These awesome Urbanears plattans headphones are the perfect Valentines accessory, and not only because they come in that brilliant shade of cerise. They also feature a unique 'zound plug' on one earcap, which basically lets someone else plug their headphones in and share your music. Cool, huh?

So forget all those tear-jerking love ballads, this year you can kick back and enjoy your Valentine's day with the only person who won't judge you for the embarrassing amount of pop-punk you listen to... your best friend, of course!




urbanears cerise plattans rrp £50, for more info visit urbanears.com

Dazed & Confused: Making It Up As We Go Along

Few magazines are as iconic as Dazed & Confused. From it's humble beginnings in 90s London, Jefferson Hack & Rankin's editorial baby has grown into one of the most interesting and renowned youth culture publications in the world. So it seems only fitting, that to celebrate 20 who years in the fashion/music/culture publishing biz, they release a book showcasing some of their best bits.

Making It Up As We Go Along features snippets of some of Dazed's most cutting-edge editorial content, including photo shoots conducted by renowned fashion photographers, interviews with celebrated names in the music and fashion and arts industries and little anecdotes from the founders and team that have made Dazed what it is for the past 2 decades. This beautiful coffee-table book salutes the innovative content and design that has ensured Dazed & Confused's place as one of the pioneering arts & cultural publications in the 21st century and is a must-have for fans of the magazine and fans of the art world alike. In just 20 years, Dazed has cemented it's place in publishing history, we just can't wait to see how much further they come in the next 20!


Dazed & Confused: Making It Up As We Go Along is published by Rizzoli and available here

Watch out 2012: Soundtrack to the end of the world.

Lux Leopard

First up are Lux Leopard - a Russian indie band whose music has absorbed elements of indie, melodramatic, rock, pop, funk and nu-wave. This creates an upbeat, vibrant sound which shines through whatever the mood of the song. They are currently recording an album, but their debut EP "Secret" is available now. 

The Ghosts

The Ghosts are immediately recognisable, dreamy and a little bit haunting (in the best way). Taking in a wide variety of influences to create something unique, demonstrated brilliantly in first single 'Enough Time.' Their brand of unsettling beauty is worth putting on repeat while you wait for the album...


Caged Animals

If you're following our Twitter feed (and if you're not, why?!?) you'll have heard about our great love of Caged Animals. While their album was released in 2011, we had to include them for 2012 because there's so much on the album to enjoy. Their sound is utterly enchanting, and you can't just listen once - so don't even try to stop at one.

Erin K & Tash

Anti-folk at its absolute finest, Erin K and Tash have been carving out a slice of music which is entirely their own. You may have heard their clever, catchy songs before, but if you haven't then you're in for a treat. Their debut single is already out, and we're waiting so impatiently for their debut album come spring!

Foreign Slippers

Strong yet ethereal, Foreign Slippers are masters of the paradox. The songs are delicate while having such strength that the songs are pulled from simple ballad to something much more complex. With the "Avalanche" EP available already, we're excited for what comes in the year ahead.


The Jezabels

Ending on a piece of old school, American highway music with none of the usual side effects, we have the Jezabels. With resonating vocals and bucketloads of attitude, this is a band that are hard to shake off. The perfect way to start as you mean to go on, we need another Jezabels fix early 2012 please.



words: Kirsty Gillespie

Joy Division by Kevin Cummins.

If you call yourself a music fan, then there's absolutely no doubt that you know all about the iconic post-punk Manchester band, Joy Division (and no, just knowing of them because you stumbled across the movie Control one night on TV does NOT count.) Although the band was short-lived, their contribution to the British music scene in particular is immense, and this book of photographs by NME photographer, Kevin Cummins (whose career started alongside that of Joy Division) allows a rare insight into the behind-the-scenes lives of the beautifully tragic band.

Although it's not a new release, we feel it's a book that deserves a special mention. Filled with Cummins' stark black-and-white photos of Ian Curtis, Peter Hook, Stephen Morris and Bernard Sumner as they rehearsed, performed and hung out, the simply titled Joy Division proves the point that a picture speaks a thousand words. The images hold a certain nostalgia and sadness about them, perhaps due to the fact we're all aware of how the whole scenerio panned out for the band, however, the photographs also stay true to the style and the sound of Joy Division. The simple, honest and raw monochrome images complement the band perfectly, but if you're one of those that likes your books with a shot of colour, Joy Division also features images of rare concert posters, set lists and guitars and personal notebooks belonging to Ian Curtis.

This book is by far the most definitive and one of the most beautifully designed Joy Division books around, and offers an invaluable insight into one of Britain's most iconic rock bands for hardcore fans and music enthusiasts alike. If the bright orange cover isn't enough to grab your attention, what lies on the pages between it certainly will. So press pause on whatever Love Will Tear Us Apart cover you're listening to (and my, there have been a fair few of them!) and tune into the real thing. And while you're at it, pick up this book and delve right into the dark and beautiful world of Joy Division.


Joy Division: Foreword by Jay McInerney, Contribution by Bernard Sumner, Photographed by Kevin Cummins. Published by Rizzoli.

you can buy the book for £17.01 on Amazon and find out more on the Rizzoli website.

Tantrum's top albums of 2011

Putting together just five top albums of 2011 is quite a formidable challenge, there are of course so many genres of music and so many
bands who have done astounding things over the last twelve months. From soft electronica, to classic indie rock and an iconic artist of a
generation, I think these five have it covered.
 

Metronomy - The English Riviera
 
Known foremost for their indie club hit A Thing For Me a few years back, Metronomy have crafted one of the best loved and most hyped
albums of the year, The English Riviera. A band who are also recognized for their incredible live sets, the band outplayed every
single festival stage they were put on this year with crowds seen brimming out from canopies above. Slow and infectious guitar rifts
mixed with escapist electronic beats has become Metronomy’s trademark mixture on The English Riviera, making for a sound that creeps further
under your skin with every listen.

The Horrors - Skying
 
Starting a few years ago as one of the biggest jokes in the music industry, The Horrors have had the musical come back of all time to
take the crown as one of British music’s most important and innovative modern bands. The album Skying has split critics and fans alike down
the middle however all agree this is the sound of a band evolving. Firing on all cylinders, The Horrors have made themselves a name which
will be closely watched after this progressive and imaginative album.

The Vaccines - What Did You Expect From The Vaccines
 
While a lot of bands receive blinding levels of hype and media attention at the beginning of every year, hailed as ‘the next big thing’, very few indeed actually deliver. Justin Young of The Vaccines has this year gone from battling to be heard over rowdy pub punters to selling out Brixton Academy two nights in a row. Helped by numerous NME covers, hours of Radio 1 play time and an infectious indie/punk
sound, The Vaccines have built themselves as one of Britain’s most important bands of the year, whatever you might have expected from The Vaccines, I bet this wasn’t it.
 

Beyonce - 4
 
A worldwide phenomena both for popular and alternative music fans alike, Beyonce crossed the 
border between the two this year by being the first female artist to headline Glastonbury in over 
twenty five years. An appearance that co-ordinated with her album, 4, the American powerhouse 

has already had four hits since the albums' release in June. A true icon of our generation, 2011 
will be remembered as the year Beyonce broke free of her pop star diva mould and turned into 
a true music icon.
 

The Strokes - Angles
 
As the only band left standing in one piece or with a shred of dignityfrom the noughties indie 
generation (we're looking at you, Kings of Leon), The Strokes' fourth album Angles is a pretty 

big deal. While slowed down and sounding aged, The Strokes are still making music that sounds

like the bands initial criteria of painfully cool and achingly addictive guitar rifts with more than just 

a slice of sex appeal. Playing a handful of festival gigs this summer, The Strokes showed the
upcoming wave of bands just how it is done.

words: Robyn Lynch 

XFM's Winter Wonderland

As summer rolls out and the sharp winds of winter snap, the longing for festivals and dancing all night long to your favourite bands is ever keen. One way to stave off those winter blues was a bout at this years XFM Winter Wonderland. The London gig was a showcase of this years freshest talent and old favourites playing to a packed out and festively happy crowd of music fans.

An unfortunate bout of illness saw one of the most adored bands of the past twelve months, The Horrors, pull out only hours before the doors at Brixton Academy opened, however this left the remaining five bands more time to play. Starting the evening on an early roll Band Of Skulls broke the nights trend of boys in bands with bassist and vocalist Emma Richardson setting it to the crowd with their garage rock sound.

Pulling back to a sweeter but albeit more festive sound Ben Howard had Brixton Academy captivated with an acoustic set. Playing only two tracks, a short but intensely endearing set saw a rowdy crowd hushed for ‘Old Pine’ and ‘The Fear’.

It was not until the kings of indie-rock The Maccabees took to the stage that XFM Winter Wonderland really took to its stride. A band who have gone from strength to strength over the last few years, 2011 has been worse off for the bands absence while writing new material. With a third of their set dedicated to new material, latest single Pelican marked a triumphant return for The Maccabees while Lego and Precious Time could be heard shouted back to the band from every corner of Brixton Academy. Getting into the Christmas swing a surprise Home Alone Christmas medley saw the crowd enjoying a very merry night out.

A theme that continued when James Dean Bradfield of The Manic Street Preachers took to the stage to accept the XFM Inspiration Award or the “award for old people” as he named it, before playing a cover of Wham’s Last Christmas. Another unfairly short set, the Manic’s frontman continued to play favourites Your Love Alone Is Not Enough and Design For Life.

While many were dubious of The Kaiser Chiefs headlining such an event, by the time the band took to the stage the majority of Brixton Academy were merry enough to sing and dance along to the last of the nights entertainment, in true festival style. Still with only a thirteen song set, although some will think that quite enough, the band blasted out crowd-pleasers such as Everyday I Love You Less and Less, Ruby and I Predict a Riot to a massive response.

A massively enjoyable night despite band illness and pull outs at the last moment letting down XFM Winter Wonderland again this year. A feeling that all the bands should have longer on stage was washed under the floorboards by the high quality of the sets that were played, leaving those attending with strong Christmas cheer.

words: Robyn Lynch

TANTRUM ISSUE 2.

Tantrum Magazine Issue 2 : The Music Issue is now live! Featuring work by Ryan Handy, Faye Sampson, Emily Scarlett Romain, Adam Jones and Holly Booth as well as a heap of written features, and interviews with Riot Boutique, Thomas Tantrum and Charlie Simpson.

Go check it out at http://tantrummagazine.co.uk and let us know what you think!

Submotion Orchestra

It's the age old dilemma - it's a Friday, you want to go out and enjoy yourself, but at the same time you're exhausted and just want to curl up with some good music. Luckily, the solution has come in the form of Submotion Orchestra...

With 7 members, this is a band which can create delicate layers with perfect harmony - while keeping a contemporary vibe that's unusual in this kind of music. With a great mixture of up tempo songs which wouldn't be out of place in any night club and luxurious slow melodies which make your heart ache in the best way, this is a band which caters for everyone in every mood possible.

New single Always falls into the former category, fast paced and urgent while retaining the ethereal feel which identifies Submotion Orchestra. It's already a hit at live shows, so all that's left is for you to take a listen and fall in love...

Well, that's not quite all that's left. We were lucky enough to grab an interview with the band and talk to them about their own taste in music:

Was being in a band always an ambition?

We've all known individually for a long time that we wanted to be involved in music for our lives. We've all come from different and varied backgrounds too - Dom with his classical training, Taz, Tommy and Bobby with their jazz and funk history, Ruby even played steel pans for many years - before we all coalesced with Submotion. But since we've all done alot of session work individually - playing with amongst others, Gentlemans Dub Club, Haggis Horns, Dennis Coffey, Matthew Halsall, iDST, Breakestra, Andreya Triana, Jenna G and loads more - it took a little while for the unit to become a fully-fleged band rather than another project that we were all involved in. But once it did, everything happened very naturally and organically, the audience grew quickly, and we all got very into what was happening.

What’s your favourite song of yours?

It varies from gig to gig and day to day. 'Finest Hour' was pretty much the first tune we did as a band, so that's stayed pretty special, but 'All Yours' is sounding pretty good at the moment, and our live arrangement of 'Always' is a lot of fun for us all to play.

If you could pick a collaboration, who would it be with?

We'll collaborate with anyone, any time - we all love too many musicians and types of music to be picky. Clearly people like Cinematic Orchestra, Bonobo, 4 Hero, Murcof, Dj Shadow etc are right up our street, and we've started getting some great people into do some remixes for the album (names kept secret for the moment, i'm afraid). But we'd also love to get people in who aren't in a similar musical field, just to see what would happen - Eric Whitacre, Colin Blunstone, Manuel Gottsching would all be lovely. We're hoping to get a string quartet involved with us too, in the near future. There's just not enough time to sort everything you want...

What’s your guilty pleasure (music wise and in general)?

We've got some pretty big Carpenters fans in the band, but they wouldn't feel guilty about it - it's too good for that. Fatty has an unhealthy obsession with 'Roundabout' by Yes, which is clearly inexcusable. Beyond that, we've been known to get a little bit too into our karaoke if we go, which is definitely a guilty pleasure...

Is there any song you associate with a mood (e.g. when you’re happy, angry, etc)?

'Perfection' is pretty good for when you're feeling sleepy. Come to think of it, quite a lot of our tunes work at that time.

If you had to put one song on repeat for the next week, what would it be?

The Theme from 'Rocky' and anything by Shooby Taylor the Human Horn - we defy you not to feel good after listening to those...

Who are your biggest influences?

We've got so many people we look up to and idolise that we can't sum it up briefly. One of the things we like about the band is that we all have very different inspirations, from Cinematic Orchestra, to Steve Reich, to Mala, to Tangerine Dream, to Esbjorn Svensson, to Debussy, to Mr. Fingers, and around a million others, and there's bits of all those things in the music somewhere. In the band, we've got Ruckspin, who comes from a dubstep/drum and bass background, and brings that quite clearly into the sound, along with the dub influence of King Tubby/Augustus Pablo. Tommy has a very wide range of contemporary jazz and classical influences, while Taz tries to get a bit of his synth heroes - Tangerine Dream, Vangelis, Stevie Wonder, Manuel Gottsching - in there too. Danny is an encyclopedia of world rhythms, and his love of Brazilian percussion really comes out in tunes like 'Always'. In short, everyone brings something different to the table, due to their musical background and development.

So if you've gotten to this stage and you're as hopelessly in love with them as we are, there's light at the end of the tunnel! Starting tonight in Brighton, Submotion Orchestra are embarking on their UK tour. Check below for a date near you, and, as always, tell them Tantrum sent you...

15th October: Brighton - Coalition

18th October: Southampton - Joiners 
20th October: Guildford - The Boileroom 
21st October: Bristol - The Thekla 
22nd October: Nottingham - Stealth 
31th October: London - XOYO

Urbanears - The ultimate accessory.

We're pretty sure you guys are smart cookies. So you're probably aware of what this season's (scratch that, EVERY season's) must-have accessory is, right? Move over statement necklace, bags - take the backseat, skyscraper heels - err, we're sooo over you. Make way for the ultimate accessory that you do not want to be seen without this season - Urbanears.

Firstly, if you're sitting there thinking 'what the hell are Urbanears?!', then it's pretty likely you've been living in a cave (or just without an internet connection...) for like, 2 years.
Based in the centre of Scandinavian style, Stockholm, Urbanears produce headphones with a focus on high-quality sound and construction and of course - fashion-leading design. Mixing fashion and technology to create a 'part-garment, part-headphone', Urbanears integrate sleek features and mind-blowing sound in a neat little package that comes in an array of colours and styles. Perfect for any music-loving, fashion-savvy smartypants who knows that Urbanears are the thing you want to be seen wearing this season and every one after that.

Grab your very own pair at Selfridges, Urban Outfitters and other retailers, and check out www.urbanears.com for more info and products.

Get down to the BEAT Bunker.

Let us set the scene for you – it’s the weekend, you’re primed and ready to go out and dance the night away, but the working week has dragged you down and you want nothing more than a cutting edge gig from the comfort of your own home. Sound familiar? If so, we have just the solution for you.

Hanna Hanra (of the awesome BEAT magazine) is hosting BEAT bunker, the living proof that staying in really is the new going out. With a desk bar and the latest bands at close range, this really is the gig of the future – and the line up sits at the cutting edge of the music scene. Over the coming weeks, such bands as Bones, the Shoestrung, Mini Mansions and Cerebal Ballzy will be gracing the BEAT office – but with spaces limited to 30 places a gig, it seemed as though most of us would have to settle for wishing we were there.

Luckily for you dear reader, there is light at the end of the (music) tunnel – thebeatjuice.com are streaming the BEAT bunkers for your viewing pleasure. In homage to such nineties TV classics such as The World and The Tube, combined with the wonders of the internet, you’ll be able to enjoy these gigs from the comforts of your bedroom (alcohol optional, but advised).

In fact, Hanna summed it up in a way even us Tantrum-ettes would be proud of - "I'm thinking that booze + booze + band + small space + Sunday night = rowdy random fun."

So extend your weekend, pour that extra glass, and enjoy the wonder that is BEAT bunker while you can.

Gigs can be found here the day after performance.

More information on Hanna Hanra and Beat Magazine is also available here.

Taking Back Sunday: taking back music for good.

When we heard Taking Back Sunday were releasing another album we headed straight for their back catalogue to tide us through the wait - but the waiting is no more, and not a moment too soon. Their self titled fifth album is a triumphant return to what the band do best - anthemic rock.

First single El Paso (above) gave a taster of what to expect, with a killer tune and the trademark TBS swagger, and songs like Sad Savior and Call Me In The Morning take things a little slower without losing an inch of that attitude . One of our favourite things about this band is that the songs are more than skin deep, with lyrics that look pretty on paper, but with real bite in the heat of the song, and this album continues that awesome tradition.

Highlights definitely have to be This Is All Now - which showcase seductive vocals and a stadium worthy chorus - and Best Places To Be A Mom, with its guitar driven melody and headbanging potential.

Taking Back Sunday is an outstanding album in a stellar back catalogue, proving that this is still a band to be reckoned with.

We expected this from The Vaccines...

As some of you may know, Tantrum HQ has recently been rocking to the sound of our new loves The Vaccines. What Did You Expect From The Vaccines is one of those rare albums that can stay permanently in a CD player because you know that it has a song for any mood - and that's just the first of its virtues.

There's the feeling that although this album is their debut, it signals the start of our long love affair with the band. A return to the rock'n'roll era that's been sorely missed, The Vaccines fill a gaping hole in the music scene at the moment.

The album has been dividing opinions since it was released, but it is so worth listening to. One of our highlights is opener Wreckin' Bar, with its kicking beat and relentless chant. Single If You Wanna (below), Norgaard, and Family Friendare destined to become old friends, with a mixture of power and feeling that's just irresistible. Our personal favourite has got to be anthemic Post Break Up Sex, which manages to be both mournful and kick-ass all at once.

The Vaccines have been hailed as the saviours of guitar rock, and this album does nothing to dispute this claim. Put down your false idols and worship at the altar of The Vaccines - we'll save you a spot.

What Did You Expect From The Vaccines by The Vaccines - out now.

Words: Kirsty Gillespie

Photo credit: Roger Sargent

Dancing Backward In High Heels? Only for the New York Dolls.

If, like us, you've been feeling like your life has been lacking a soundtrack recently, then salvation is about to come in the form of the New York Dolls' new album, Dancing Backward in High Heels.

This is the Dolls' 5th studio album, featuring original NYD members, David Johansen (vocals) and Sylvain Sylvain (guitar) with Brian Delaney (drums), Jason Hill (bass) and original Blondie guitarist Frank Infante.

DBIHH is best described as modern nostaligia, with a new twist on a classic style. Streetcake, Funky but Chic, and Kids Like You are definite highlights, and new single Fool For You Baby is a great example of what to expect from the album.

Dancing Backward In High Heels proves that when it comes to good music, it's talent that matters most - and that you too can be forever young. What else could we ask for?

(Well, just because we love you, you can read an interview with Sylvain Sylvain here.)

The album comes with a bonus DVD of unseen and live material too. If that's not enough to impress you - and if it's not, seriously, what is wrong with you? - you can also see the NYD live at the O2 Academy Newcastle (27 March), Manchester Club Academy (29 March), and two exclusive nights at The Old Vic Tunnels in London (30/31 March). Tickets are limited, so make sure to get yours as soon as possible!

Dancing Backward In High Heels by the New York Dolls, available from all the usual sources.

Words: Kirsty Gillespie

Huge thanks to Noble PR.

Bellow for Sister Crayon

Beautiful melodies, soaring vocals, and songs covering a diverse range of important and touching subjects - yes, Sister Crayon are here.

Debut album Bellow is undoubtedly a triumph. Seeming almost other worldly, the album dives straight under your skin and takes you to the most wonderful places. Ixchel, The Lady Rainbow is upbeat while managing to be utterly haunting, with some of the most intricate piano work we've heard in a long time, while Anti-Psalm carries a pulsing bass and a truly hypnotic chorus.

Latest single I'm Still The Same Person is another instant classic. It has more of a synth vibe too it, seeming to mix etheral vocals with dark undertones as if they were a totally natural combination.

It has been said that "stumbling onto Sister Crayon is like finding a book of apocalyptic poetry in the confessional booth of an old, burned out cathedral" - do yourself a favour and find out just how true that is.

Bellow by Sister Crayon - out now.

(Album, quote and pictures courtesy of Silver PR.)

'Freak Out' for Tapes 'n Tapes...

Here at Tantrum HQ we were lucky enough to get our hands on Outside, the newest Tapes 'n Tapes album - and if you're not jealous, you should be by the end of this...

Described by NME as 'a Coral-esque riot of rattle and bang,' the third album from the band is bigger and better than ever. Tapes 'n Tapes seem to have a talent for catchy, guitar driven music - and how could you ask for anything better?

First single Freak Out is probably the song on the album most fitting the NME comparison to The Coral, with sweet riffs and lyrics that leave you dying to know the story behind the song. SWM is another favourite, along with One In The World, which, if we were in charge of the world, would be played in every club in the country instead of what's in the charts.

Official video for single Freak Out (above)

The best description we can come up with is 'Conor Oberst and Johnny Borrell's teenage lovechild,' which might not make it as a catchphrase, but if you listen to the album we bet you'll understand - and love it just as much as we do.

Outside by Tapes 'N Tapes is available from their site here, or if you're in the UK and are too impatient to wait for US shipping, you can buy it on Amazon (here) or Play (here). Alternatively, ignore all of that and google it for yourselves...

words: Kirsty Gillespie

Playing the Queen of Hearts.

Before the madness that is London Fashion Week, we've just found a delicious slice of electro-pop to get us running from one show to the next. Queen Of Hearts (who you may remember from our twitter or facebook teasers) has just hit the net and it's exactly what we need to get us (even more) excited.

Described as 'melancholic electro-pop, with a big dollop of love on top', this is musical glamour at its finest. A strong debut, with ethereal vocals and a pulsing beat, this song is going to be everywhere soon.

If you were disappointed with the new Gaga song, or are missing the Blondie sound, we can't recommend Freestyle more. Learn the lyrics, pull out your best dance moves, and party to the sound of the future - we certainly will.

Photo Credit: Jenny Brough

Freestyle by Queen Of Hearts: listen here

Unsigned Soul.

Being coerced into leaving my bed to travel a deserted field takes a certain degree of talent. On this day in particular at Kenwood House, not only had the British winter fully taken hold of London, but aforementioned field was also covered in a thick layer of snow.

I was introduced to Dorian Oddwood by Nedim Nazerali, photographer for the day, as well as Imran Nazerali, his ‘assistant’ (little brother), Elliott Power the director and stylist, Kyle De’Volle.

Dorian is an alternative pop slash indie musician with more London dapper than hair on his head. With a certain quirky swank and a soulful voice only comparable to the likes of John Legend, his performances and acoustic versions (which you almost never come across these days) have been thoroughly savoured by those who have come across his talent.

Dressed in an olive green mohair coat by graduate designer Benedicte Zuccarelli, an abruptly checked shirt and deep purple pair ski pants and construct ion boots on his feet, we went full swing into an interactive shoot in and amongst a mass of white stuff and sunshine. Elliott, Dorian’s best friend and film producer, as well as Nedim and Imran, had their cameras at the ready for an impromptu snap whilst Kyle told me about his styling and recent involvement with Rita Ora (definitely one to keep note of) a 20 year old singer who is currently signed to Roc Nation, to which at this point I wonder why everyone has more musician friends then me.

After a mid-snow garment change into a tent-like anorak and baby blue suede shoes, we diverted further into the foliage and set up camp across the sky line of central London, eventually leaving to allow our feet to gain vitality and allow blood back into our fingers.

With singles like The Love Routine, Keep off the Grass and Bees Don’t Sleep, and regular appearances of his dog, Dorian is a unique talent undeniably set to achieve greatness in a more contemporary music industry. If his outrageous afro or unique London style isn’t to your liking, his voice is sure to change your mind.

Words: Megan McDowell

Photographs: Nedim Nazerali and Imran Nazerali

Director: Elliott Power

Stylist: Kyle De'Volle