Features Single Reviews With Kids In Glass Houses

You know what they say - people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. We like going against the grain, though - we’ve given Kids In Glass Houses’ Iain Mahanty a whole heap of half bricks to throw at this month’s singles. Hard-Fi, start running now.

Grouplove - ‘Itchin’ On A Photograph’
I’d hoped the hand claps that book end this song sum up their ethos, and it seems as the chorus belts in they do. There’s a 90s american in- die feel; it seems like they’re having fun. Reminds me of a more poppy Bear Hands. Good flow to the song, builds and drops really nicely. I’m really into the guitar solo at the end. 6/10

Twin Atlantic - ‘Time For You To Stand Up’
Twin have been kicking around for a while now and it’s good to see that their sound has progressed. It’s refreshing to see bands in the UK not afraid to play rock music with their guitars. The chorus is pretty soaring and I hope it’s the year they get the recognition they’ve been working for all this time. 6/10

Washed Out - ‘Eyes Be Closed’
Synth pop of an 80s ilk with a vocal from the early 90s in a poppier Primal Scream kind of way. The band name sums up the song, in that the vocals are drenched in reverb. There’s a little twist that you can’t quite put your finger on. I’d be re- ally interested to hear the rest of the record, as I really like this tune. 7/10

Anna Calvi - ‘Desire’
There’s an Arcade Fire feel, in that it’s a really interesting, theatrical song. I’m sure there are Kate Bush references to every talented, female vocalist / songwriter, and I get Nick Cave from the delivery and to a certain extent lyrics as well. That’s a compliment by the way. The build that pulls you out of the middle 8 is epic, really takes you somewhere. 8/10

Hard Fi - ‘Good For Nothing’
Sounds like Happy Mondays covering Jay-Z, maybe Perry Farrell has turned up for a little sing song too. The over processed feel has killed all the swagger. By no means is this a bad song, it just feels like the potential has remained potential. I think lyrically a lot of people will be able to relate, which is maybe what has always drawn people to Hard Fi? 5/10

The History Of Apple Pie - ‘You’re So Cool’
The late 80s early 90s revival thing, I’m into it. It ticks all the right boxes of Dinosaur Jr, MBV, Sonic Youth etc. The History Of Apple Pie have a great lo-fi feel, pop sensibilities and a hint of noise. With bands from the UK like Yuck doing really well for themselves you can see this, hopefully, following suit. 7/10

Taken from the Summer 2011 issue of DIY, available now. For more details click here.