Articles
Fra_Jones has written the following articles:
Johnny Boy - Johnny Boy
Usurped by expectation, Johnny Boy could never have delivered an album as consistently brilliant as their ‘You Are The Generation…’ single. That they’ve even come close is cause enough for celebration...»
The Pigeon Detectives - I'm Not Sorry
On the basis of ‘I‘m Not Sorry‘, The Pigeon Detectives offer little by which we might distinguish them from indie’s grey flock. This is formulaic stuff, X & Y equals mediocrity squared; the guitars are determinedly post-punk, the rhythm section jumps and jitters and the vocalist bleats like a sheep that‘s just been accosted by a randy farmer...»
yourcodenameis:milo at Belfast Auntie Annie's, Wed 25 Apr
Though the majority of the set is, inevitably, drawn from current album They Came From The Sun, there is more than enough from the back catalogue to sate the considerable, ‘loved ‘em from the beginning’ contingent...»
Field Music - She Can Do What She Likes / Sit Tighter
Field Music are one of those bands you cannot help but enthuse about. This double A-side pays testament to their splendidly realised, intelligent pop music...»
Cajun Dance Party - The Next Untouchable
On debut single ‘The Next Untouchable’ Cajun Dance Party sound frantic, frustrated and more than a little Libertines-esque...»
Bloc Party - I Still Remember
Within the context of an album documenting the desensitising nature of life in Britain today – of the weekday grind and solace sought in weekend oblivion – ‘I Still Remember’ provided a rare moment of sincere and tender reflection...»
The Dykeenies - New Ideas
A size-zero trim tune, ‘New Ideas’ gallops gazelle-like towards its brash call-and-response finale. A seductively sweet knock-out...»
Electric Eel Shock at Belfast Auntie Annie's, Mon 12 Mar
Summoned by the beat of Black Sabbath’s ‘Iron Man’, the rock ‘n’ roll tsunami that is Electric Eel Shock take to the cramped stage of Auntie Annie’s. Cue the faithful salute with the sign of the two-horned beasty, whilst bassist Kazuto Maekawa clenches his fist and drummer Gian beats his head with drumsticks...»
Oppenheimer - Oppenheimer
‘This Is Not A Call’, the opening track on Oppenheimer’s debut, gives a pretty accurate idea of what this band’s headspace looks like...»
Tilly and the Wall at Queens University Students Union (inc. SpeakEasy club), Belfast, Thu 31 Aug
Love them or loathe them, for those present Tilly and the Wall are no longer merely the band with the tap-dancer. Beyond the novelty and naivety they’ve proven themselves an act of substance...»
Tennants Vital Festival at Belfast Botanic Gardens & Palm House, Wed 23 Aug
Tom Smith is a terrible old ham. Flapping and gurning his way for the duration of Editors' set, the tortured artiste schtick is just too much. Certainly it’s interesting to watch, guitar flailing as he throws himself into his pirouettes of pain on 'Fingers In The Factories', but it just doesn’t ring true...»