Avenue61 is a leading indie music site that specialises in album and gig reviews, breaking new bands, publicising events, and exclusive interviews with the leading cutting edge acts in the alternative music scene. Avenue61 covers a wide range of artists – some you would have heard of, some you won’t. Artists the site has reviewed recently include the Fleet Foxes, MGMT, Noisettes and Ladyhawke. The site is updated regularly so come back to catch up the latest news and reviews from the bleeding edge of the alternative music scene.
Ok, so first off I must iterate the fact that this particular run down is in no particular order, nor is it a definitive list of the best British record labels of all time (as if such a breakdown could ever be truly quantified). It is simply a list of some personal favourites within the British...MORE>>
Goldhawks -
There has been a lot of talk about Sheppard’s Bush locals Goldhawk of late. Their debut single “Running Away” is out now, and the band are currently in the studio recording their debut album with producer Gil Norton. But don’t think you will be able to get your hands on it soon, as its set to be completed in the summer. Still, their first single should give us a flavour of what’s to come.
A stonker of an opening riff explodes at the beginning of the track and simmers down into a pretty funky little verse. This is where we get a sense of Goldhawk’s poppier side as they produce a catchy, if not a little childish, synth section. In some ways they share the same kind of catchy alternative sound as such bands as The Bravery: a kind of moody vocal accompanied by some neat guitar work.
The guitars are played in a pretty funky style, and the choking jangles of the trebly axes doesn’t become monotonous
By the time you get to the pre-
The chorus is far rockier with a anthemic feel. Here we are confronted by great vocals and the more alternative sound of the tremolo picking guitars. This is where the song is at its strongest, where we get a sense of the bands individual style and direction, and guess what, they’re heading in the right direction.
One criticism is that the song is pretty short, or at least it feels as if it is. By the time there has been a gradual build up in anticipation it is stopped short. For some reason, I just feel as if it needed something more. Sure the poppy bits are cool, and the rockier chorus mixes it up, but it needs something more amplified, another dimension. Perhaps I’m nitpicking. I am nitpicking.
For me, “Running Away” cleverly bridges the gap between rock and pop. At no point does it sound too generic or manufactured because of the rock twinge which lingers throughout. This is safe music. This is a good music. Lets hope that the album follows suit.
Goldhawks don’t have too many gigs lined up, but the new year is upon us soon and I expect big things for these guys. NME have already tipped them as one of the hottest acts around, but don’t take their word for it, have a listen.
