Fighting Fiction’s debut EP ‘A Lesser Of Two Evils’ is a powerful collision of indie rock guitar riffs, reggae tinged punk and socially aware lyrics. These are songs written with anger and sung with an amazing passion.

The Bristol based foursome evoke an honest and fundamentally English sound that is reminiscent of the brooding reggae guitar hooks of The Clash, the lyrical and vocal delivery of Billy Bragg and more recently the sing-a-long sensibilities of The King Blues. A buoyant energy shines throughout the album and the sheer youthfulness of gang vocal infused choruses and hook lines show the listener these songs are made to be sung back at them.

Released 16th November 2009.

By Sophie Stratford

Sophie Stratford talks to Jon Lawler, front man of Codeine Velvet Club and The Fratelli’s.

Codeine Velvet Club are the sensational new band featuring chief Fratelli Jon Lawler and Glasgow chanteuse Lou Hickey. The musical collaboration celebrates Jon and Lou’s shared love of ’60s girl-boy duets, dramatic orchestral pop, and dark post-war Hollywood romanticism.  Their debut single “Vanity Kills” will be released on the 23rd November and their eponymously titled album will be released on the 28th December.

What are the main things that influenced you for the new single, Vanity Kills?

Just basic elements of my life, it’s nothing new. If you listen to quite a lot of material you pick and choose different aspects. This single follows onto the album and it’s just another part of my record collection.

How could you describe the band’s sound to someone that has never heard of you before?

I just hope it’s exciting enough.

What can we expect from Codeine Velvet Club compared to The Fratelli’s?

To me it’s totally different. We’re somewhat what others will be. Codeine Velvet Club are a bit smarter dressed I suppose, but there’s got to be more than that. The band has definitely taken on a life of its own that I didn’t expect. When we played our first show in Glasgow I got a bit of a shock at how different the live show panned out from what I’d imagined it would be. I can’t think of anyone coming to see us and being underwhelmed, we could see the confusion in people’s faces the first night we played and I guess nobody was sure what to expect. At the end when you see that difference is what makes it all worthwhile.

What’s the best thing about being in a band?

It’s great, you just play guitar with your friends and drink tea all day long. It’s the best job in the world for somebody who thinks about music all the time. There is nothing better, nothing can even come close to this, and it’s not even about the money. You’re just in control of everything.

Has this new band opened up new musical doors for you?

Nope not at all it’s just as I said another part of my record collection. Putting a band together from scratch isn’t always the easiest thing to do, the personalities are really important and I’ve definitely learnt that.

What are you looking forward to most about the tour?

I just can’t wait to get out there and play. Tours are great when you’re releasing a new record because there is normally hype over the radio or press but you don’t really have control over that, but when playing live you do. Playing live is the most important because you’re in control and it’s your part.

What do you want people to gain out of listening to your music?

If people are looking for something that’s not your usual sweaty bunch of guys on the stage playing guitars then that’s us. We’re alternative.

What’s the best thing about being on tour?

It’s just like being a 12 year old. It’s a ridiculous way to live your life, just travelling around on a bus with your friends and all you have to do is a play a show at night. Not a day goes by when I haven’t laughed about it, whether I’m having good days or bad days. At least once a day I just like to stop and think it’s pretty hilarious, especially on tour.

What artists would you love to perform with?

God plenty but I’m really lucky that since The Fratelli’s I’ve had a chance to play with loads of people, even heroes of my dad. I always watch us performing on YouTube it still makes me laugh that we did those things. I remember when we supported The Police, when they did the tour of the States, these things always come up again if you wait around long enough for them.

What can we expect next from Codeine Velvet Club?

If I’m still working and we’re still out there playing for people I know it’s going okay. I don’t even really know what to expect from it. It makes it a bit more exciting.

Interview by Sophie Stratford

Stereophonics are set to release their new album Keep Calm and Carry On, which was written by lead vocalist Kelly Jones. With 11 top 5 singles, 21 top 20′s and five consecutive No. 1 albums Stereophonics have stood the test of time to become one of Britain’s biggest bands.

The title of the album Keep Calm and Carry On, is a message taken from a World War II propaganda poster, and its 12 gems of intelligent, sharply crafted, melodic storytelling, have taken the band in some surprising and extremely enjoyable new directions.

It’s the punchy hooks, dynamic percussion and the voice of Kelly Jones which have put the band on the map, and their new album takes this agitated, upbeat vibe to a new level. The record is full of grunge-infused Summer tracks that are a welcomed vibe. Keep Calm and Carry On takes Stereophonics to new depths, they have introduced new synth to the old sounds of rock and roll and have come out with an album full of passion and individualism.

Released 16th November 2009.

By Sophie Stratford

The Flaming Lips’ strange and compelling journey has entered a new stage with the unveiling of their anticipated new double album Embryonic. The album is the latest in a selection of classic collections from the Grammy winning and Brit nominated Oklahoma band.

The album features eighteen new songs, the sound is immediately recognisable as the Flaming Lips but once more push the boundaries of sound into unchartered new territory. Embryonic also highlights a number of special guest appearances including; The Yeah Yeah Yeah’s Karen O provides additional singing, screaming and noises on a few tracks whilst MGMT contribute additional playing and singing to track Worm Mountain.

Released 12th October 2009.

By Sophie Stratford

In just a few short months 19 year old Tommy Reilly from Torrance near Glasgow has sold out two Scottish headline tours, played Glastonbury and T in the Park and has his debut single Gimmie A Call (which is on the album) in the top 20 of the national singles chart. The albums story is fairly downbeat, his lyrics reflect; rejection by girls, and being let down – which he happily admits is a greater inspiration than striking lucky. It’s that unquestionable optimism perhaps that makes Tommy such an instinctive writer of pop songs.

Tracks such as Grab Me By The Collar, Kick The Covers and Jackets are all stand outs on the album. Like I mentioned before the lyrics are depressing but the tunes always upbeat. There’s no doubt that Tommy Reilly is the hottest new breakthrough artist to come out of Scotland for years.

Out Now.

By Sophie Stratford