amateur journalism

1) George Michael – Edith & The King Pin

Gorgeous jazz cover of Joni Mitchell’s 1975 ‘The Hissing of Summer Lawns’ album. George has always produced wonderful covers and this is no exception.

2) Anastacia – Left Outside Alone

Killer pop-rock track released eleven years ago (I know, I can’t quite believe it either!) Co-written by Anastacia with hit songwriters Dallas Austin and Glen Ballard, this was a huge pop hit upon release and remains a brilliant song.

3) Anastacia – You’ll Never Be Alone

Lovely, if slightly slushy, pop ballad by Anastacia. She truly is one of the most underrated pop acts in the world. What a voice!

4) Anastacia – Take This Chance

Uplifting and inspiring new track from Anastacia’s Greatest Hits compilation album. She’s still got it! Awesome song.

5) Carly Rae Jepsen – Tell Me

Carly Rae Jepsen’s debut album did not receive much attention upon release. I only came across it this week and fell in love. It’s different to the stuff she’s become well-known but each song is hugely enjoyable. This is a great acoustic-based ballad.

6) Carly Rae Jepsen – Sunshine on my shoulders

Lovely and relaxing cover of the John Denver track.

7) Carly Rae Jepsen – Worldly Matters

Another acoustic based pop track. The entire album is a hugely enjoyable listen – full of sunny & chirpy pop tracks.

8) Coldplay – Everglow

Classic Coldplay ballad but with greater electro elements. This is a promotional track for the band’s upcoming ‘A Head Full of Dreams’ album.

9) The 1975 – The Sound (Live)

MY GOD THIS IS GOOD.

Catchy as hell. I am SO ready for this next album.

10) The 1975 – Somebody Else (Live)

Cartchy 80’s-esque indie-pop track comprised of broken vocal samples, funky bass lines and slamming percussion. The 1975 at their best and a teasing insight into how the new album is going to sound.

The commercial music industry is a competitive market and one which hundreds of bands battle to break into, many in vain. Every now and then, however, a British rock band seemingly appears from nowhere and hits the big time. Armed with the support of BBC Radio 1 and a legion of fans, Nothing But Thieves are the latest band to do just that with their self-titled début album.

Since their formation in 2012, the alternative rock band from Southend-On-Sea (Essex) have been on a steady upward pilgrimage. In addition to their three EPs released sporadically over the past two years, the band’s single ‘Itch’ was featured by Radio 1 as track of the day. They also landed support act slots on tours by the likes of Arcade Fire, George Ezra and Muse. Not bad for three years work.

Eponymous début album ‘Nothing But Thieves’ is undoubtedly one of the best alternative rock albums of recent years. Aided by lead singer Conor Mason’s haunting, ever-endearing vocals and an anthology of durable rock anthems, ‘Nothing But Thieves’ is a delectable album from start to finish.

The album aims to please from the outset but without a hint of desperation. The influences are clear – Jeff Buckley, Radiohead and U2 moments are littered throughout the sixteen track LP but avoid detracting from the band’s idiosyncratic sound. The Jeff Buckley-esque ‘Excuse Me’ is a killer opener to the album, on which haunting verses evolve into an epic chorus with an incredible vocal performance by Mason. Likewise, ‘Ban All The Music’ is abundant with belligerent guitar riffs whilst the riffs used in ‘Wake Up Call’ mimic those in Pink Floyd’s ‘Dogs’. ‘Trip Switch’, the single release which largely propelled the album features an enormous stadium-rock anthem chorus, utilising the trip switch metaphor to signify the end of a relationship. ‘Hostage’ is abundant with wailing guitars and a killer hook whilst the hook in ‘Honey Whiskey’ features almost operatic vocal moments.

Elsewhere, the band convey a softer side on ballads which punctuate the album beautifully. Mason’s falsetto drifts effortlessly over gentle guitar strums on ‘If I Get High’, a ballad reminiscent of Radiohead which builds to an extravagant climax. Likewise, ‘Graveyard Whistling’ conveys a vulnerability rarely found in contemporary music. ‘Lover Please Stay’, one of the album’s highlights, is a gorgeous acoustic ballad on which Mason uncannily resembles Jeff Buckley; his falsetto vocals fluttering gently over lamenting guitars. It’s a track which really showcases his superlative vocals; every note is aching with sincerity.

It’s an album impossible to pick holes in, one on which album fillers and weak material is noticeably absent. Every song from start to finish is exceptionally written and produced, from its profound lyrics to its huge choruses and catchy hooks. Nothing But Thieves have created a masterful stadium-ready album; an outstanding début.

Rating: 5/5.
Highlights: ‘Excuse Me’, ‘Trip Switch’, ‘If I Get High’, ‘Graveyard Whistling’, ‘Hostage’, ‘Lover, Please Stay’, ‘Hostage’.

‘Nothing But Thieves’ is available now on RCA Victor Records.