I’VE MOVED
Posted on: March 17, 2013
I heard all the cool kids use blogspot now so I thought I’d try my hand at it. I’m going to keep this one here for now & see how I get on. Who knows, I may be back within a week!
I would love you forever if you came and followed me over there 
http://writeitoffthewall.blogspot.com
x
Absence
Posted on: March 17, 2013
I have been neglecting this poor blog for way too long now. Since my last post in October 2012 my life has changed quite a bit, hence the lack of posts.
The main reason for my absence is the fact that I finally found myself a full time job (wooo!). I am now a full time Marketing Assistant at WillCreate. I am very much enjoying it but of course this has left me with very little time to concentrate on my first love of music journalism. I feel enough is enough though and it’s time to stop being lazy and making excuses. In between work, my ‘social’ life and writing for various music websites my aim is to update writeitoffthewall at least once a week. I really hope people continue to read and enjoy what I post.
I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend! x
Olly Murs live in Brighton
Posted on: March 17, 2013
Lights up and the 4,500 strong ‘Murs Army’ are already screaming his name and jumping with excitement, homemade banners and cameras at the ready. All of this for the guy who lost out on the X Factor crown four years ago.
However ‘loser’ is not quite the word I would use to describe Olly Murs, as he saunters onto stage wearing a dapper suit and huge grin, towering above his avid fans. The familiar drum beat of ‘Army of Two’ begins, the crowd goes wild once more and the formula for his incredible success is all too clear – the humble Essex lad can write, or perform at least, some near perfect pop. With the energy of a young puppy, his stage presence and danceable hits are undeniably infectious.
Crowd pleasers ‘Heart Skips A Beat’ and ‘Dance With Me Tonight’ keep even boyfriends in the audience happy. His chirpy brass band, equipped with cheesy dance moves, provide a Madness element to the set as the set veered into album favourites such as ‘Right Place Right Time’ and ‘I’m OK’.
With every song that goes by the cheeky hip thrusts and crotch grabs seem to increase two-fold, as energy levels reach an impressive level. Murs barely stands still the entire time, running around the stage for over an hour, even breaking down into the classic Beyonce booty shake at one point. No one can accuse him of not putting on a lively show. There’s even time for an exciting ‘Should I Stay or Should I Go/A Town Called Malice’ mash up, entertaining even the very youngest gig goers.
Amidst the chaos, an acoustic and piano interlude pushes his talents to the forefront. Throwing back to his debut album, he sits with his guitar and performs a beautifully stripped back versions of ‘Busy’ and ‘Heart on My Sleeve’. Warning the audience he is nervous before taking to the ivory, we catch a glimpse into his unassuming and grounded personality. Thankfully he performs ‘One of These Days’ perfectly, with the relief on his face saying it all.
Before returning to the stage for the ‘Troublemaker’ encore, Murs thanks his fans for all their support over the last three and half years. As he waves goodbye one final time, between the blitz of confetti and admiring screams, there’s a feeling that this X Factor success will be entertaining crowds for many more years to come.
Reviewed for Virgin Red Room
Loving McFly is Easy
Posted on: October 31, 2012
After what seems like a lifetime, McFly return to the limelight and it is very welcome. The recent release of the boys’ autobiography Unsaid Things makes it clear that the band are in a great place both personally and musically. New single Love Is Easy is definite proof of this. The song is an instant feel good, happy tune. With lyrics such as ‘today, I’m laughing the clouds away’ and ‘my side of the grass is green’ mixed in with plenty of ‘dos and oos’, it is impossible for your mood not to be lifted. Paired with a catchy, sing a long chorus, its ingredients are a recipe for a hit.
The video is just as cute as the song, with Mcfly donning their best suits and getting up on a theatre stage to act out the lyrics with props, a pink ukulele and people dressed as birds. Throughout, there are clever references to each of their previous albums, ending with a sign which says ‘For the Fans’. A massive clue to the title of their new record perhaps? We will have to wait and see.
Mcfly are back with their sound that we all know and love and it seems fans and band alike could not be happier.
Love Is Easy is released on 11th November 2012 and if you can’t wait for their new album, Memory Lane: The Best of Mcfly is out on 26th Novemeber.
Calvin Harris – 18 Months
Posted on: October 23, 2012
This record is jam packed full of more artist collaborations than you could ever wish for. If there’s one thing Calvin Harris knows how to do, it’s create epic songs with pop royalty that stand the test of time.
The whole album feels like a collection of potential (and past) number ones. It is hard not to feel like it should have been released during the summer, as you can easily imagine every song playing out around festival fields. Not to worry though, as I think in ‘18 months’ time, these songs will still sound fresh and continue blaring out of speakers all over the world.
Five massive hit singles reside on the track listing, including most recent ‘Sweet Nothing’, featuring the powerful voice of Florence Welch. This song is absolutely captivating, with a chorus so uplifting that it instantly hooks you in and then breaks down into one of the most catchy, euphoric rhythms of the year. A huge sing and dance along track, absolutely made for the big crowds which Harris pulls in. Big female vocals continue with singles ‘Bounce’ featuring Kelis and ‘We Found Love’ with Rihanna. If you didn’t hear either of these songs over the summer, where have you been hiding? It would be easy to describe these songs as overplayed but they simply haven’t become boring yet. Catchy riffs like these are hard to get tired of.
‘I Need Your Love’ showcases another pop princess of the moment, Ellie Goulding. Her signature soft voice sings against hard exciting beats for an attention-grabbing contrast.
Of course, this album isn’t all about the girls. It’s questionable whether Ne-Yo and Tinie Tempah have ever been part of a song that isn’t instantly catchy. ‘Let’s Go’ has a big enough chorus that makes you want to try out Ne-Yo’s slick dance moves for yourself. The tempo of ‘Drinking from the Bottle’ is reminiscent of Tinie’s collaboration with Swedish House Mafiaand would fit seamlessly into any club play list. Dizzee Rascal helps bring the grime with ‘Here 2 China’, with his quick witted raps alongside filthy bass lines, it’s like we’ve been joined by the 90s version of himself.
Dizzee isn’t the only one kicking it old school, as Calvin produces a handful of songs which wouldn’t sound out of place on his debut ‘I Created Disco’. With bass guitars, airy synths and noises which sound more at home in a Nintento video game, the 80’s vibe is back with full force and we definitely still have love for it.
This album is so eclectic, there’s a track for every possible mood and taste you’ll ever have. With something new to discover with each listen and such a great mix of vocals and tempos throughout, it will almost certainly stay fresh for a long time.
7/10
Written for Virgin Red Room here
Blink 182 European Tour 2012
Posted on: July 11, 2012
When my childhood heroes Blink 182 announced their reunion and UK tour all those years ago, there was no doubt in my mind that I had to get tickets. I pretty much started my gig countdown the day those tickets for a show at the o2 Arena were purchased, only to be scuppered by the news that the tour would be postponed for another year. At first I was devastated by this news. Though when Neighbourhoods was released, I could understand why they’d chosen to do so. The album is genuinely amazing, a mature step up in the world of Blink 182 and the time and effort taken with each song is obvious. So after this was released, I allowed myself to start the countdown again and get excited. Not only was I seeing them now at the O2, I had just bought tickets for a newly added date in Bournemouth. Excellent news.
8/6/12
Waking up early, I instantly remember what day it is. IT’S BLINK 182 DAY PEOPLE! I quite literally jump out of bed with excitement. Mark and I made it to the Arena about 3 o’clock and made a very good decision to go eat at TGI Friday’s (despite my stomach being in knots). After which, we met Paul, Hayley, Cole and Tan in Slug and Lettuce for a few pre gig drinks. Fabulous. As soon as I bought tickets for a show at the o2 Arena there was no way I even contemplated being close to the front and as we joined the biggest queue ever at 6.30 my assumptions were confirmed. However, for some beautiful reason, when we finally made it into the arena, we found ourselves in sixth row. I had never ever been so PLEASED. Four Year Strong came on to a half empty crowd but it didn’t matter because we enjoyed it. As the night went on, my excitement levels rose further. All American Rejects was an absolute sing-along fest, singing all the old school classics everyone wanted to hear. Pretty sure Tyson was very drunk as well, shouting profanities here there and everywhere.
After that load of fun came the half an hour wait for Blink. When it got to ten past 9 I thought I was going to throw up. I’ve never felt that same level of excitement in my entire life. The lights went out and the whole place erupted in screams and cheers. I didn’t know what to do with myself and then the big black curtain was dropped and there they were. The three people I spent my childhood listening to. The gig I thought would never come. Thinking back on it now I cannot help but grin to myself. The whole night I was completely in awe of what was happening in front of me. My mind just could not quite believe I was really there; Mark, Tom and Travis just a few metres away. Any anger I once had for them making me wait another year for this was quickly diminished. Although they only played four or five songs from the new album, they definitely picked the best ones. But of course the highlight was hearing all the soundtrack to my teenage years played out in front of me. Being with Cole and Tan also, two of the people I used to listen to them with every week on the bus to town or at parties.
A particular highlight for me was ‘Always’, where I found myself getting ridiculously emotional and on the verge of tears. The set list was perfect, though I wished they’d played for longer and added some more songs from Take Off Your Pants and Jacket because it’s my absolute favourite album. Travis’ drum solo was also insane, the whole crowd was intently watching the whole time, quite simply in awe of his ridiculous talent. Mark always had a massive smile on his face whenever we looked into the crowd, almost humbled by the fact they were able to play the O2 Arena after being away for so long. Yes Mark, your fans still love you and we always will.
The encore gave me a few minutes to collect my thoughts and take in what I’d just experienced, only for them to come back on and play ‘Carouse’l and ‘Dammit’, making absolutely everyone go mental for the last time. The perfect end came when they ended on ‘Family Reunion’. There’s something so brilliant about 20,000 people singing a load of swear words.
After the show we only went and got a bloody boat back to Waterloo. Casual. Then we ate at Burger King until we literally couldn’t move (my second burger of the day, I’d like to add. What a great day). The 1am train home definitely wasn’t fun but my god who cares because I’d just had the best night of my life and I was back to do it all again in less than a month.
If you’ve had enough of me gushing for now, read my proper review over at Virgin Red Room.
7/7/12
Round 2 was upon us and not even the disgusting rainy weather was going to get me down! This time I dragged poor Mark to Bournemouth at about midday to have a nosey at the queue situation. We were told to go into the car park (thankfully, inside) and there weren’t that many people so we I (it was definitely all my idea) sat down and started the six hour wait on a cold hard floor with nothing but corner shop food to keep us going. As we got near to doors, the amount of people pushing in got ridiculous and I getting worried that these idiots would hinder my chances of getting to the barrier. Luckily though when they started letting people in I walked as fast as I could without getting told off by a steward and I’m pretty sure I secured one of the last remaining gaps at the barrier. Thank CHRIST. And it just so happened to be in front of my favourite man Mark Hoppus. Shaking with happiness.
Sadly before I could see Blink again I had to stand through The Blackout and All American Rejects (again). Sean Smith was still his laughably arrogant self and just generally hideous. Calling us all ‘southern fairies’ yet sporting a nice pink hair cut. Yep. Enough of that. All American Rejects were disappointing, having changed their set list quite a bit they sang a lot more new songs and just didn’t get the audience as fired up as last time. Never mind though, because soon enough it was once again time for Blink 182. And this time there would be nothing in the way of me and my favourite band except a small metal barrier (probably best, for them).
To be that close to someone you’ve idolised for over half your life is indescribable. Mark spent 90% of his night a metre in front of me. Tom came over for a short time, but in that time turned round and shook his butt. Highlight. During ‘Wishing Well’, Mark came to the side of the stage, looked out and caught my eye. During the ‘da da da das’ he mouthed them as I shouted them at him. He then smiled and walked off. My heart was in my mouth at this point, I still can’t quite comprehend that this actually happened. I spent the rest of the night in some sort of happiness overload, I don’t think a smile left my face until I went to bed that night. The cutest thing was that all of their kids came on tour with them (luckiest children ever?) and as they joined them on stage (during parts without swearing of course) its clear just how much they care about them. It was a heart warming moment when Mark gave his son the thumbs up and asked ‘are you ok?’ during one of their songs. Blink 182, all grown up, who’ddathunkit?
The whole show was incredible once again, they even played ‘Happy Holidays, You Bastard’ in complete darkness, which they didn’t do at the O2. It’s safe to say after these two nights my life is that little bit more complete. Paul even managed to catch a sticker thrown into the crowd at the end, giving me my own sample of Hoppus DNA. All I need now is for Mr Hoppus to realise he’s in love with me and sweep me off my feet…but we’ll save that plan for the next tour.
Lostprophets – Weapons
Posted on: April 18, 2012
Welsh rockers Lostphrophets return with ‘Weapons’, their first record since 2010 – although it feels like they’ve been off the radar for much longer. There’s no time to be eased back in to the world of Lostprophets however as the album’s energetic start lasts throughout. Opening with latest single ‘Well Bring ‘Em’, the familiar sound of Ian Watkins’ distinctive voice over a formula of guitar led verses and big choruses makes your ears feel at home. Is this a recipe that’s been cooked too many times before?
As true as this may be, it’s difficult to stop my inner 15 year old loving certain tracks. ‘Jesus Walks’, one of the longest tracks on the album also feels the most heartfelt. With lyrics such as ‘we’ll never give up the fight, we’ll never stop singing’ it makes for a real sense of togetherness, a song almost like it was made for live shows.
‘Better Off Dead’ was quite rightly Zane Lowe’s Hottest Record in the World’ earlier this year, veering slightly from the norm with almost rap-like verses. Ironically the last track ‘Can’t Get Enough’ is one that’ll be stuck in your head for the longest. There’s no denying that Lostprophets are the kings of ‘hands in the air’, uplifting choruses. Rarely do they make a song which can’t be ‘rocked out’ to.
Aside from the few stand out tracks however, the album does feel a little samey at times. If you listen without concentrating it can become difficult to distinguish between tracks, making you wonder if they used up their entire creative spark back in 2006 with ‘Liberation Transmission’ – the last album of theirs to make a real impression.
If you’re a Lostprophets fan, this album will be an instant hit. If you’re not, it’s still worth a listen for the stand out tracks. Why should they change when this formula that has served them so well? Everyone loves a good pop punk sing along and Lostprophets are still here to deliver them to us when we need it.
The band are set to tour the UK in May, much to the delight of the country’s teenagers…and me.
Reviewed for Virgin here
