Samantha Horwill- Caught in the Light

A great songwriter captures their listeners by drawing them into a private world, that’s both unique and easy to relate to- something Samantha Horwill does perfectly.

The South African born singer-songwriter has released her debut album Caught in the Light, a delightful, ten track CD full of beautifully written melodies and powerful, thought- provoking lyrics dealing with personal beliefs and ideas of fate and self-determination.  I find Samantha’s music to be incredibly catchy without being annoying- particularly the first track Hang Them High, which also introduces us to Samantha’s distinctive voice; warm, delicate and effortlessly skilled. Her vocals are cleverly worked around the piano, acoustic guitar and steady drum beats, making this modern-folk album definitely worth a listen. Ninth track, Do you remember? is the first single to be released from the album- and what an excellent choice. This song is incredibly intimate, written about the solidarity of sibling relationships and that, despite troubled pasts and painful memories; blood is always thicker than water- apologies for the cliché.

This album features Samantha’s song writing partner, Richard Cruden and was recorded using live takes and heaps of dedication that has, without a doubt, paid off.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saaR9_d0nio

http://www.samanthahorwill.com/

 

The Mire- Volume II

Formed in 2009 by members of the underground acts, Centurion and Bossk, The Mire should definitely be described as one of Brighton’s best progressive post-metal bands. They released their EP Volume II on EyeForSound Records in 2010, and is a must-have for all you heavier music lovers.

Beginning with the beautifully atmospheric piano of The Nobleman, we are taken through a journey where every song leads perfectly on from one another, although each is notably different.  From heavy second track Shadows, to the mournful awakening of Curse Variations, number five on the EP, The Mire prove that they aren’t all about double pedals and voice-wrecking vocals.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhjhEEvDh6c

£4.99 from itunes.

The Badje- Taste Music with Your Ear Tongue

Psychedelic, 60s pop and 50s Rock ‘n’ roll- it’s all here in The Badje’s unusually named second album “Taste Music with Your Ear Tongue.” Only one month after forming in 2009, Brighton’s indie four-piece brought out their debut album “Ride Out” and unleashed themselves on to the Brighton music scene.

With influences from The Beatles, and The Pretty Things, “Taste Music with Your Ear Tongue” is a beautifully produced, fourteen-track CD rich with comical skits, clever guitar work and quirky vocals- a treat for anybody’s ears.

The Badje aren’t your normal indie band, full of teenage angst and power chords- the use of brass instruments, soulful backing singers and sound effects make each song distinctively different from the last. In the fifth track “Travel Suite” we meet ladyman Te te Divine, a cabaret singer mourning about her long lost sailor boy- written from personal experience?

Whether you’re local to Brighton or not, these guys are definitely worth a listen, and maybe we should all try tasting music with our ear tongue.

 

Gig Review- Run Young Lovers+ General Fiasco+Little Comets

Another packed gig at the Concorde 2 last night in Brighton, kicking off with Run Young Lovers, a typical four-piece indie band from Brighton- not very well known yet, but the enthusiasm and energy that went into each song makes them definate ones to watch!

Next up were Irish lads, General Fiasco; a unique voice and positive interaction with the crowd was always going to be a winner, which at one point  provoked  a very chilled out, indie style mosh pit that bought some of the bouncers out from their doorways.

Last, but certainty not least, were Little Comets- the boys that are said to play “Kitchen sink indie” music. They had a much more laid-back approach to their audience, clearly at ease which caused them to get lost in their music, not letting any old screaming gig-goer ruin their flow.

As always, Concorde 2 delivered a great night. The only downside being that if you wanted to get away from the  annoying amount of hyper-active teens at the front, squealing at every little movement on stage, then you had to stand at the back where you couldn’t see a darn thing… but at least you’re closer to the bar!

Rating- 7/10

Brighton’s Best Band- Rubylux!

After stumbling across them two years ago, doing an amplified busking session in their home town of Brighton, I’ve been a proud listener to Rubylux’s indie-rock, guitar based melodies and clever synth harmonies.  Described as “Brighton’s answer to Kings of Leon,” the boys entered in the top 20 of the album charts within the first day of release!

I’ve been lucky enough to attend two of their gigs (not including their very popular street gigs,) the first being a packed-out show at the Concorde 2.  Not knowing much about the band, I went along with no expectations and was totally blown away.  From the front-row view, their top quality musicianship along with their constant attentiveness to the audience was enough to deliver a killer gig. After the show they were happy to hang around with their fans, taking photos and signing t-shirts which truly made it a night to remember.

I was so impressed with the first gig, I decided to see them again, and noticed an advertisement for the “Ruby-bus.” After being a success the year before, the Ruby-bus was a very affordable package for Brighton fans to get from Brighton to London and back again by mini-bus- the price of the gig included!  I often see the guys mingling around Brighton, and once even had the pleasure of serving Rob, the lead singer at the restaurant I work at.

These guys are great, and if you haven’t heard them before they are definitely worth a listen. Here is one of my person favourites. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUsXCsKSmfs