Showing posts with label Favourites. Show all posts

Jord Wood Watches

Wednesday, June 01, 2016

JORD make watches for people who don't just have somewhere to be, they have somewhere to go.

___________________________________________

When I was a young boy my hopes and dreams for the future were as follows: I wanted to be a social worker in the mornings, to share my passion for helping, to positively impact other people's lives that needed saving. I wanted to be an architect in the afternoons, the artistic embodiment of buildings and their creative outlet appealed to me. I wanted to be a global popstar at night time, because I really liked S Club 7.

I wanted a mansion with fourteen en-suite bedrooms, plus a holiday home in a tranquil, exotic location for breaks when I required them, because I'd obviously have the financial luxury and security to do so. I imagined living anywhere in the world but Ireland, that I'd be this protagonist who'd occasionally show up in his home town and still be loved by all. I wanted everything, and more. It sounds silly now, but these were attainable goals at the time. I revelled in the idea of the future and all of its possibilities. I was disillusioned, but what eight year old isn't?

Leave a Comment Body Image, Favourites, Opinion, Reviews

Out of Print

Monday, February 08, 2016

Out of Print is a literary apparel and accessory company that recognises how we read and experience literature continually changes. They aim to celebrate stories, so here's mine.

___________________________________________

Growing up, or rather being grown up, in our generation is a bit of a scary proposition. Everything is so different than it was in the past. Between globalization, the internet, and the sheer desire so many have to go against the grain, it can be difficult to figure out how you actually fit in.

Feelings of anxiety or fear can trickle down from the mind to the body and wreak physical havoc from head to toe. The effects can be exhausting. The conflict between the inability to determine factors that are and are not controllable and the feeling of responsibility for total control is what produces apprehension.

“Who in the world am I? Ah, that's the great puzzle.”

4 comments Body Image, Favourites, Lifestyle, Opinion, Reviews

2014 Favourites: The Music (Part Five)

Tuesday, March 03, 2015

2) Broods 'Evergreen'

Brother-sister duo Broods are probably the least known act featured on my list of 2014's album favourites, to an Irish audience at least. I discovered the Kiwi sensation early last year on YouTube when Bridges their debut single went semi-viral. Now, two major record deals and a spectacular full-length album later Caleb and Georgia Nott have managed to create a really good buzz for themselves worldwide.

The record itself is largely electro fuelled and remains alternative indie-pop throughout. Brimming with easy hooks and a pristine production there is a timelessness and maturity from it that you wouldn't expect from two musicians in their early, early twenties.

(Photo via www.undertheradar.co.nz)

Evergreen is full of interesting combinations. Growing up in a largely musical household, each sibling is a distinctive artist in their own right. Without letting this contrast of talent make things messy or confusing both musicians successfully play to their individual strengths. They don't lose that magic that makes them each unique, it's refreshing to see.

There's a real intelligence in their song writing, it's both abstract and literal. One sibling is simplistic, expressive and tells it for what it is while the other writes music somewhat abstract and complex. Together this sort of structured creativity really thrives. The duo's subtle differences really work in their favour and I really enjoyed the variation it brought to the record.

Another striking dynamic evident in this album is its inventive mix of both sadness and positivity. The instrumentation on uptempo tracks like Everytime is infectious, there's heavy, rhythmic beats with energetic synth arrangements. Whereas the lyrics then are dark and melancholic like what you'd typically find on a ballad. There's a sense of irony almost, but it creates this really diverse sound.

(Photo via www.radiobigboy.com)

Georgia sings the majority of the record herself, while Caleb looks after the production. A sparse, shadowy sound noticeable on the second half of Evergreen which really allows Georgia's vocals to take centre stage. Her voice is infatuating, so emotion heavy and haunting. It's one of the many stand-outs of the record. Nonetheless Caleb's vocals aren't to be overlooked, I really like when he pitches in on Pretty Thing it adds a great momentum and builds up to the explosive chorus, the fact that this particular song isn't even included on the LP showcases how superb the material we are given is.

This album really resonated with me. It explores coming of age and reluctant independence. The difficulty of becoming an adult in today's society is a struggle we all go through and it's tough finding your place and own identity.

Tracks like Never Gonna Change and Sober ache with young love and heartache, exposing this vulnerability that's easy to for us the listener to relate to and identify with.

Call me depressing but sometimes it can be soothing to wallow in misery, after all it sounds so beautiful when it's put to music like this. Broods, as their name suggests are quite moody. Evergreen comprises almost solely of sad songs, but to their credit sad songs never sounded so good.

Favourite tracks: Everytime, Coatails, Sleep Baby Sleep, L.A.F, Medicine

(Photo via Directlyrics.com)

Leave a Comment Favourites, Music, Opinion, Reviews

2014 Favourites: The Music (Part Four)

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

3) James Vincent McMorrow 'Post Tropical'

Hozier was the obvious breakout Irish star of 2014, his self-titled debut conquered listeners both sides of the Atlantic, his hit single Take Me To Church soared into the top five worldwide, the singer-songwriter really made his mark and proved to our peers that Ireland has a lot more than Jedward and Crystal Swing to offer the world. But still as superb as his work has been I've always found myself more drawn towards James Vincent McMorrow, in particular Post Tropical his second full-length album.

The Irishman took a risk with this collection, moving away from the folk more mainstream singer-songwriter mark of his debut. He regularly listens to a lot of alternative r&b and that's what has influenced the majority of this record. He's challenging those electronic hip-hop genres he enjoys, managing to push himself further as an artist and content creator. I can't approve of this experimentation and reinvention enough, he's recreated a new sound on an unknown territory.

What I cherish most about McMorrow is the rawness in his work, he writes, produces and performs the entirety of the album himself. Every song feels very private and personal. These moments of intimacy grab you, I got goosebumps. You feel the loneliness, the pain and sorrow he's conveying. It's very real.

This album does take a few listens to really get into but there is something quite refreshing here. The softer instrument arrangements, the gradually unfolding melodies, the unhurried tempos, the overall instrumentation showcase how fantastic this record is. It's a vivid and organic collection.

His voice is like something from a parallel universe, as delicate as a flower. He is actively improving and pushing his falsetto to new heights, so high it's basically sky scraping. He knows how to utilize his talents and bring the best in that pained, confessional tone his fans love about him.

There's so much more depth to McMorrow than I had thought. With his second collection he did the direct opposite of what was expected, in doing so he didn't allow himself get pigeonholed, confirming there's no limitations to what he intends to create. He has and hopefully will continue to keep things interesting. Music is an art, sometimes we forget that.

Favourite Tracks: Gold, Look Out, Glacier

Leave a Comment Favourites, Music, Reviews

2014 Favourites: The Music (Part Three)

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

4) Ella Henderson 'Chapter One'

At first it's almost questionable why I'd place an album deriving from the Simon Cowell domain of music among my annual favourites. The self-preservative music mogul known for following trends instead of actually leading them, the tycoon who markets his acts to a less discerning public down to greed, the man notorious for drowning out any real individuality from his artists rather than defining a new sound. You would be fair to think this record was just another product in the assembly line of pop stars, his talent shows fabricate but I can assure you this time things were different, Chapter One is anything but manufactured rubbish.

Ella Henderson, the eighteen year old musician fronting the record was given all the creative freedom and control she deserved with this collection, with writing credits on every song but Glow on the LP, it has an identity and integrity behind it.

Sampling pop, rhythm and blues into an album filled with beautifully crafted, empowering songs. She's managed to carve out her own niche in a market already dominated by young female vocalists. The gripping choruses, the mid-tempo power ballads, the retro sixties vibe present on particular tracks are each triumphs. But it's the stripped back production of the soft piano ballads I love most that bring out all the emotion and soul within this masterpiece.

Her voice itself is probably her best tool. Spell bounding and soaring vocals that could put the legends to shame. A punchy, soulful vocal power filled with dramatic emotion that will play on your heartstrings whether you like it or not. She's packed plenty of power and energy into these tracks, a workmanship and technique that cannot be faked.

It's a really solid debut, she effortlessly proves sometimes shows like The X Factor can birth a superstar. Considering she's still only eighteen years old demonstrates what true artistry we are dealing with. She's a genuine talent and the most exciting thing of all is I know we still haven't seen the best in her yet.

Favourite Tracks: Empire, The First Time, All Again, Pieces

Leave a Comment Favourites, Music, Reviews

2014 Favourites: The Music (Part Two)

Friday, January 16, 2015

5) La Roux 'Trouble in Paradise'

After the instant success of their eponymous debut album no one could have expected the five year wait that came with their follow up. In this time producer Ben Langmaid spilt from the duo leaving just singer and front woman Elly Jackson to take over the reins.

I watched an interview with Jackson years ago on morning television where she explained that she writes music very differently to your standard musician. Most bands or artists will write forty, fifty songs for a record and then narrow it down from there whereas she will only write the 'x' amount of songs she intends to release. She doesn't work in that pressured let's-hope-for-some-magic approach. This is evident because after a five year delay Trouble in Paradise offers us only nine tracks.

However with this difficult second record comes a strong sense of perfectionism, these nine tracks deliver immense consistency. There isn't a single song on the record that Jackson didn't agonize over or struggle with. This is a body of work with a very defined aesthetic that she knew couldn't be rushed. These are real pop songs that matter to her.

The music still has the familiarity of La Roux which I have always loved, a nervy groove and funk feel that she probably doesn't get enough credit for. Trouble in Paradise isn't as heavily produced or as electro as her debut, her sound has really loosened up feeling friskier, bouncier and warmer. She has always been known as a synth pop artist but there is a more organic eighties vibe present than before. Also, I really enjoy that whilst it's very upbeat the album is disguising a real melancholic mood or theme. Everything still comes across very fun and fresh.

The gap between records really allowed Jackson experience the freedom and time to explore and develop a sound for her that she should be proud of, it remains a firm cohesive track list. The wait might have sacrificed her commercial success in this fickle music industry but she let the music breathe again, which is pretty inspiring.

Favourite Tracks: Sexoteque, Kiss and Not Tell, Paradise Is You.

I could almost write an entire post on her awesome sense of style

Leave a Comment Favourites, Music, Reviews

2014 Favourites: The Music (Part One)

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Fifteen days into the new year and I'm still feeling very retrospective of the last twelve months. Last week's post discussed embracing change so in light of it I've decided to attempt something different. Over the next week or so I plan to share my top five albums of 2014.

Music has so many psychological functions and people listen to it for various reasons. It can be a mood changer, it can help us relax, it's a form of pain management and a huge stress reliever. It can articulate what many cannot express through the spoken word and it is also a means of escape. Music is healing, it soothes the soul so why not celebrate it?

Obviously I'm not an accomplished music reviewer and nothing I write will be done through a hugely critical or adept point of view. It will be bias as I love these albums, they were the soundtrack and recollection to my year. I won't be making any harsh or carping judgements this isn't a fault-finding exercise. At the same time, I have no template of what to assess.

I'll have a look at the artists' overall technique, style and sound but nothing I write will be ground breaking. The next five posts are more so a celebration of the songs I chanted hairbrush-in-hand into the mirror, the ballads I cried to on my bad days and the absolute anthems I lip-synced dramatically to on those cold morning walks into college .

This April, this blog is approaching the two year mark and I want to try something new. Tomorrow I will post the first of my selections, I'd love to hear your favourites in the meantime.