Cougar Microbes

Three years after releasing ‘Superabundance‘, Young Knives came out with their third full-length ‘Ornaments From the Silver Arcade‘ back in March. ‘Vision in Rags’ is the second single from the album.

I saw these guys at Kendal Calling festival in July and their stage presence is awesome. They are light hearted, energetic and tight as you like. This release is a divergence from their typical, frenetic single. The guitar hooks are still there but more laid back than we’re used to. Dreamy melodies and harmonies are layered over a steady groove.

But fear not purist YK fans, a familiar angular breakdown adds extra dynamics to this instantly memorable number and reminds us exactly who we’re listening to.

It’s undoubtedly indie-pop, but I’m definitely into it.

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Post by Kenny

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TRACKS:

Young Knives – Vision In Rags

It has been a long time since I last visited a proper music festival. I have always hated camping. An attachment to home comforts – colour TV, hi-fi stereo, designer sofa, electricity, running water – exposes me for the materialistic 80s brat that I am. So it was with a degree of apprehension that I migrated north to the Lake District for a summer weekend of music.

Many of this year’s festivals have struggled to shift tickets but Kendal Calling had no such worries. The boutique event sold out well in advance and upon arrival it was immediately obvious why. Showcasing acts like Blondie, Chase & Status, The Cribs and Frank Turner against a backdrop of beautiful rolling hills – and the occasional lake – certainly makes for sunny faces.

We pitched our tent with surprising ease and headed for the arena just in time to catch hip hop old-timers House Of Pain break into ‘that’ song. So we jumped around a bit, investigated what the modern music festival has to offer – posh pizzas apparently – and then checked out headliners Chase & Status. We found the Londoners on hot form, whipping up the masses into a Friday night party. Yes.

Easy Star All-Stars set the beaming Saturday mood with dub and reggae renditions of classics from The Beatles, Radiohead and Pink Floyd. It was certainly a very pleasant way to start an afternoon before the festival’s stand-out act, angular rock outfit Young Knives, took to the stage. I am reliably informed it was front man Henry Dartnall’s first ever topless gig. The three-piece didn’t let that phase them as they stomped through favourites from ‘Terra Firma‘ to ‘Weekends & Bleak Days‘ – complete with appropriate sing-along line “hot summer, hot hot summer!”

After a few complimentary shots of Lucozade – thank you sunburnt Lucozade man – we headed over to watch the fittingly energetic punk outfit The Minx bound around stage to rapturous applause. There was just enough time to scoff a gourmet kangaroo (!) burger before seeing Japanese Popstars take over from where Chase & Status left off the previous evening. An incredibly striking aspect of the weekend was the energetic crowds. Though we did our best to keep up we headed for our nylon home some time after one am with the party still in full swing.

Drawing from a distant memory I somehow had the impression that the final day of a festival has the potential to be an anti-climax. Not so at Kendal Calling. After taking in some festival art and expert hula-hoop performances we decided to plonk ourselves at the main stage for Lancashire Hotpots’ northern humour and Frank Turner’s folk punk. Neither disappointed but the top act of the day was Cougar favourite Blondie. Not looking a day over 26 – ok, maybe a day or two over – Debbie Harry belted out hits including ‘Hanging on the Telephone’ and ‘One Way or Another’ to give this charming festival the rousing send-off it deserved.

Cougar Microbes attended Kendal Calling 2011 as part of Lucozade‘s Play Festivals campaign. Make sure to check back as we bring you more events through the summer.

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Post by Kenny.

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TRACKS:

As summer continues to (slowly) flow in, so do fortunately music festivals ! Here is a fun and friendly festival that is worth having a look at !

Leefest is taking place on the beautiful rural location of Higham Hills Farms, Bromley, South East London and is happening on the 12-14th August.

Marked by the medley of artists it welcomes : famous acts such as British Sea Power, Fenech Soler, Young Knives, Foamo, DJ Fresh or The Whip just to name a few, it also gives the chance to young talented local acts to perform in front of an audience of 2000 people. Indeed, Leefest has carefully chosen 13 breakthrough acts out of 200 applicants, bringing you the very best of the next generation.

Leefest is also about more than just music, and offers a wide range of activities such as a graffiti performance, sculptures and installations, a campfire and a healing and massage area, as well as hosting the intriguing ‘Wonderland‘. For just 55 £ the weekend… I say it is definitely worth it.

To add to the fun, LeeFest, which has started six years ago as a back garden festival, is celebrating the growing number of portaloos by launching ‘VIPee‘ which will give guests the chance to bid for four festival tickets with all proceeds going to the Kids Company Charity. The winning bidder will earn the title of ‘VIPee‘ of Leefest 2011 and gain access to their very own red carpeted and treat-filled portaloo for the weekend !

As a non-profit music festival the organisers are dedicated to authenticity and supporting up and coming bands.What should be remembered about Leefest is their strong dedication to ethos and their approach to music. The festival is about the love of music, having fun, and giving opportunities to unsigned bands, and all that in a genuinely good and friendly spirit.

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Post by Olivia

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TRACKS:

Spanish five-some We Are Standard, are adding some anthemic head -wobbling indie pop to their second and self titled album this year. The nine track LP is crammed with post- punk nuggets such as ‘Don’t Give Up’, ‘The First Girl Who Got a Kiss’ and ‘Other Lips’.

Their trademark sound displays startling similarities to the likes of Franz Ferdinand, The Futureheads, Young Knives and, with the production help of Andy Gill, obviously Gang of Four. In an attempt not to be labelled a one trick pony they’ve added an electro- dance pop feel to many of the tracks too.

If you’re looking for rebellious guitar solos, a cutting falsetto vocal, and a whole lot of snare drum, then this album will have you working yourself up into a delightful sweat.

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Post by the rule breaking Ruby
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TRACKS

We Are Standard – Don’t Give Up