Interview With Peace

I caught up with Peace frontman Harry Koisser ahead of their two night stint at Sheffield's Queen's Social Club. Reclined on a dusty sofa backstage, he gave the lowdown on their tour so far, the new album and other guitar based bands on the music scene. Listen to the interview below:

Peace's second album 'Happy People' is out February 9th.

Introducing - Middle Distance

Today's introduction comes to one of the freshest bands around. Not only this their debut single, but a promising one at that.

'Your Honour' comes off the Buckinghamshire band's debut EP, 'Don't Leave Home', which came out on 15th December. Their fresh sound, lively vibes are fused between darker, grungey tones, heavily influenced by the likes of Modern Baseball, and counter-balanced by the equally moody, but technically beautiful Morrissey-style vocals. The alternative-rock riffs and catchy vocals will be left ringing in a bitter-sweet rhythm around your head.

The band have also released a video to accompany the song through a rare 90s camcorder, check it out below, and grab your free download of the track on the band's soundcloud!

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EP Review - Coquin Migale - F E E L

Coquin Migale are a fairly unknown entity and seem keen to keep it that way with a mysterious yet gripping second EP, that fuses together ends of the musical scale, piece by piece.

The Newcastle quartet seem to thrive off their ability to inter-weave in and out of varying melodies. One minute they're not far off the tight, picky riffs of Foals in 'Gold' and 'Socotra', then the next they verge a nose dive towards the depths of heavy metal. The reverb of the electric guitar is the one constant, which strikes a strong chord throughout the EP, taking minimal breaks in 'Interlude' for a bombardment of hefty drums.

'Gold' throws back similarities to previously released track, 'Icarus', in the way it could integrate three different songs into one. However, 'Paris' is as strange as Coquin Migale go, toying with various speeds and rhythms throughout which could be mistaken for being chaotic. Starting with ghostly vocals and ending with a gentle jam, its brief but erratic guitar shred in the middle sounds like an early Bloc Party and The Editors gathering as they bond over speed.

For all the different influences etched into the EP, final track 'Socotra', brings another into the frame with the rowdy indie-rock chorus fitting in nicely with the more raucous sounds from B-Town bands, Jaws and Peace. The climax of the EP ends in a way that the band have become accustomed to; with a heavy whirlwind of riffs. If there's one thing to be said about Coquin Migale, it would be that it's hard to put your finger on exactly what they're all about. Whatever it is though ought to be burrowing through the obscurities and turning heads their way.

Coquin Migale - F E E L
Out of 10: 7/10

By Josh Shreeve

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Peace Go Overkill In Video For New Track 'I'm A Girl'

Birmingham outfit, Peace, have released the latest track of their forthcoming album, 'Happy People', released next month.

The track, 'Im A Girl', is the fifth track to be taken off the band's second album, which will also feature previously released singles, 'World Pleasure', 'Money', 'Lost On Me' and 'Gen Strange'. The video for 'I'm A Girl' is the band's first interactive video, as viewers can pick between four scenarios revolved around the lyrics; Harrison writing the lyrics on glass, Dom beating around them on his drums, Harrison and Doug taking to the mic in a karaoke style video, and finally, shots of someone instant messaging the lyrics, emoticons and all. It's fair to say that after sitting through those twelve and a half minutes of their new track, if you don't know the lyrics, then you 'ain't a true fan'.

'I'm A Girl' will feature on the band's second studio album, 'Happy People', released on 9th February. Meanwhile, you can watch the video, or all four videos for the track below:

(@JJShreeve)

Introducing - Rat Boy

Rat Boy is teenager Jordan Cardy who's making sounds not heard since early Jamie T mixtapes.

His scatty guitar and mashed up hip-hop vocals are glitched together in what can only be described as sounding like a mix between the judgemental lyrics of Jamie T, 'I'm not being rude but you've already got babies from two different ladies, how do you want to be viewed?', and the happy go lucky kind of indie guitar vibes of Only Real.

His first mixtape is available to download from Soundcloud and for your daily download I've chosen the pick of the bunch, 'Sportswear'; the most enjoyable mashup of the lot.

Download 'Sportswear' and other tracks from his mixtape below:



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By Josh Shreeve (@JJShreeve)

The Ballon d'Or: Ronaldo Regains His Title as Messi Misses Out Again

All football fans focused their attention on Zurich this evening as football's stars of the year took to the red carpet for the 2014 Ballon d'Or. 

Ronaldo's return to the podium was hardly the least surprising event of the evening. His continued dominance on the world stage eclipsed Messi for the second year in a row and other runner-up Manuel Neuer must be pleased with making the top three, although it's a shame we won't be able to call it the 'Ballon Neuer' for the next twelve months.

One German that did win though was national team coach, Joachim Low, who led the country to a storming World Cup in Brazil last summer. He beat Carlo Ancelotti, who having won 'La Decima' with Real Madrid would've felt hard done by, as would Diego Simeone, who managed to lead Atletico Madrid to the La Liga title in what everyone assumed had always assumed was a 'two team league'. Perhaps our managers could take some tips from them. Here's looking at you, Roy.

Whilst coach of the year going to Roy Hodgson would've been a surprise, perhaps an even bigger shock came in the form of some of the players included in the World XI of the year. It threw up some of the most questionable winners since Owen Hargreaves took England Player of 2006 - not as prestigious but equally as puzzling. There were some expected names, with German blockade Neuer still standing in goal and his utilised national team-mate, Philipp Lahm sat in front of him, at left back on this occasion.

David Luiz; the biggest shock to be included in the World XI.

It's important to bare in mind that the World XI was voted for by writers, coaches and most importantly players from around the world, when looking at the majority's decision to pick David Luiz at centre-back, a player who many that voted for him would've weaved in and out of his shambolic defending. On that note Thiago Silva was lucky to be included too, also playing part in the team that shipped seven against Germany on their own turf. Thankfully, Ramos at right back the reclaimed a level of solidity, who despite having a disappointing summer with Spain, has arguably evolved into the most commanding centre back (not right back) in the world. Had he been placed alongside powerhouses Hummels, Kompany or even Godin, then the defence would have looked more convincing. 

In midfield there were two names nailed on; Di Maria and Kroos, who both left and arrived at Real Madrid either side of the summer. Di Maria is the only player within the line-up to currently play in the Premier League, yet the roots of his performances in 2014 lay firmly in Madrid and Brazilian soil where he helped Argentina reach the World Cup Final. Fellow team mate Mascherano could have also been in with a chance as our boy Roy voted for him as his player of the year, but he missed out to Barcelona companion Iniesta in a three man midfield. The ageing Spanish star has undeniably been one of the best players in recent years, but with muted performances last year, when others such as Yaya Toure are tearing teams apart each game, is there any reason why Iniesta still makes the World XI? Perhaps people need to put the memories of 2011 and 2012 Iniesta to one side and focus on more ground-breaking performances like Toure, Pogba and even Muller to contribute to a more up to date team.

Paul Pogba; a player that could make the World XI in the future.

Which leads me onto the front three; a formidable trio. Of course, it would have to be Messi and Ronaldo, but who would accompany the cavalry? Gareth Bale had an outstanding season for Real Madrid, only muted by the likes of Ronaldo playing alongside him, whereas the new Galactico, James Rodriguez, took the World Cup by storm, winning the golden boot in a Colombian shirt, but failing to make a mark just yet in his new Madrid gear. Many will argue that World Cup 2014 poster boy Neymar should've been picked but a few inconsistent performances and injuries have cost him a place. So back to the Premier League, no? Suarez must've been chomping at the bit to get into the line-up, but maybe that was the problem, causing him to be what seems ineligible to vote for. Aguero then surely, or Costa - neither. The most hotly contested place to make the World XI was Arjen Robben, who in my mind was a worthy winner. There are few players I watch who can influence a game like Robben. In a Champions League Final, the European Championships, the World Cup Finals, he can just switch it on, and that's why in my opinion he sits behind Ronaldo and Messi as the most influential footballers today.

Here it is then, the 2014 World XI...                                  

Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer

                                                       

Right back: Sergio Ramos                                                       

Centre back: David Luiz                                                   

Centre back: Thiago Silva                                                          

Left back: Phillip Lahm                                                             

Midfield: Andres Iniesta                                                           

Midfield: Toni Kroos                                                                
Midfield: Angel Di Maria                                                         

Attack: Lionel Messi                                                                 

Attack: Cristiano Ronaldo                                                       

Attack: Arjen Robben             
                                                  

...and what I think it should've been:

Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer

Right back: Philipp Lahm

Centre back: Sergio Ramos

Centre back: Vincent Kompany

Left back: David Alaba

Midfield: Yaya Toure

Midfield: Toni Kroos
Midfield: Angel Di Maria

Attack: Lionel Messi

Attack: Cristiano Ronaldo

Attack: Arjen Robben

So that's what the 2014 World XI probably should've looked like, with what appears to be a gentle bias to a couple more Premier League players, but as a Manchester United fan, it speaks volumes to replace Iniesta with Yaya Toure for his performances last year. As for Kompany over Luiz, there's no argument there. One man who did miss out, James Rodriguez, could at least take home the Puskas awards for best goal, beating female Irish footballer, Stephanie Roche's stunning strike for Peamount United last year. As for the rest of women's football, awards went to Wolfsburg's, Ralf Kellermann, for his coaching of the women's side, as his star player Nadine Kessler walked away with the Women's World Player award.

Nadine Kessler collects her award.

All that to round up a year, and our eyes are already firmly fixed on what's to come in 2015. Early indicators look like Carvajal could be mounting a challenge to Lahm's position of right back and an impressive Chelsea team look like they may have at least one player making the world team by the end of the year. For now it looks like Big Sam and Ronald Koeman could be fighting for a place as best coach, but let's not jump to conclusions, twelve more months to go.

The Cereal Killer Cafe; Is It All It's Cracked Up To Be?

Somewhere along Brick Lane, you'll eventually find the Cereal Killer Cafe. With all the publicity the sweet-tooth sanctuary has gathered over the past month you'd think it'd stand out between the drab buildings in Shoreditch but don't be phased if it does take a couple of trips around the block before you find it.

Nestled between a chocolate shop and trashy boutique, as you open the door to the cafe, you're instantly greeted by the back of the customer in front of you in the ravenous queue ahead. The shoe-box sized room seats little more than ten people including, at this time, a table sat in the corner covered in light bulbs and drill pieces like a long lost DIY SOS project. 

The brief queue of customers does at least mean one thing; you could take your time to ponder over the wall of cereals, stacked up to the ceiling like a poor game of Tetris. By the time you can reach the mass of vibrant cuboids, those working there are hasty in getting you to decide on four things; your size of bowl, type of cereal, type of milk and any desired toppings. I chose to take the plunge into a bowl of cinnamon toast crunch, topped with mini marshmallows and soya milk, which cost 40p extra - a tough price to pay for any lactose-intolerants.

Despite the upstairs being cramped, we made our way down a creaky staircase to a room full of cereal goodies. As I sat down to slurp my £3.70 'medium' sized bowl of cereal I looked up at a set of televisions, one of which displayed an episode of 'Hey Arnold' in black and white. Fair play to the Belfast brothers who made their dreams reality and thought through this whole business. It's not just about the cereal, but it's about the morning TV shows and cartoon memorabilia associated with it. The decor of the place is simplistic but the memorabilia is well thought out, displaying a range of history and humour, from the Honey Monster skateboard to the Kate and William mock-up cereals, there's bits and bobs all around to take in. Mild nostalgia filled me as I tucked into my personally selected bowl, the marshmallows looking like chunks of polystyrene and sizzling with acidity, yet still complementing the cinnamon packages. One bowl was enough, both in price and the sugar rush that proceeded. 

The Cereal Killer Cafe fits in unassumingly with the niche scene of Brick Lane and when you step through its doors it's not overwhelming nor bombarding. It's a great place to pop into but with the prices they set, you won't be making it a regular on your morning commute and when it comes down to the crunch, its shelf life may not be all that long.

Introducing - Real Lies

Debut single, 'World Peace' by London trio Real Lies could not sum up a bands sound more accurately. Straight from the kick off, the border of 80s and 90s pop synth is crossed to create a melody almost too close for comfort to New Order; it's spot on.

Sounding just like the Italia '90 hit, 'World In Motion', Real Lies are instant controllers of their own destiny, slipping in clips of 90s football on a box TV and memorabilia strung across the walls in the video for the dance hit. It's almost a surprise that John Barnes didn't crop up with an irrelevant rap half way through. 

B-side, 'Deeper', is a throwback to Pet Shop Boys as Neil Tennant's mundane vocals echo are near enough present in every nook of the track. The effervescing synth still rings strong into latest EP, 'North Circular', which comprises more toned down and troubling vocals similar to The Streets. 'Dab Housing' on the other hand is dreamy and includes smooth tropical groove without getting too carried away. The track, perfectly suited for those dark and misty club nights is as intriguing as the band members, who choose to refer to themselves by their initials, KK, TW and PK. Don't expect them to remain strangers though, as the indie-dance pioneers bring it back to 2015.

From Anfield to America; A Big Mistake?

You'd think nothing could be worse for reds fans after seeing Steven Gerrard's nightmare slip give up the Premier League title last season. The trauma has only continued this season though with Liverpool barely teetering on a Europa League spot when the hardest blow hit.

A decision that surely required more than just a scratch of the head...

On Friday, halfway into their Premier League campaign, Steven Gerrard decided to call it a day at his home for the past 17 years, Anfield. The only glimmer of hope is that Gerrard can perhaps spur a revival and push Liverpool into the Champions League spots before he leaves in five months but that's being more than generous given the team's current run of form.

Having retired from international football after yet another disastrous campaign with England at the World Cup, his head seemed screwed on to stay at Liverpool for at least two or three more seasons, so why has he so easily been allowed to flee the tattered nest?

To Leave?

The KOP just hasn't roared the same this season as it has in previous, especially last year as Liverpool came within clutching distance of their first title in 24 years, and for good reason too. It's hard not to, but if you forget the Suarez effect and the loss of Sturridge to lengthy injuries, the team just aren't all there, and Gerrard has had to take the brunt of a lot of the abuse; some of it being just. It's clear his legs aren't all there, slipping more often than a sugar filled kid on a slip 'n' slide. Gerrard's deeper position in midfield has led to Henderson appearing the more hungry in games, something you wouldn't have said a year or so ago, but something Gerrard and the Liverpool staff must pay attention to.

Will Gerrard be handing his captaincy over to Jordan Henderson come May?

With players such as Henderson looking to make their mark, it has been noted that the distraction and attention on Gerrard's performances could in turn be having a negative effect on the rest of the team who look to get on with their game. The fan's only hope is that Henderson can turn into even just a tenth of what Gerrard became - a hero.

Along with the Gerrard departure, the club is surely going to get a significant amount of money. Hopefully they can reinvest this in players this time that they can nurture and mould into the squad, rather than the mess that happened with their summer signings. 

Or Not To Leave?

A 'legend', the term which has flown around over the past few days, is true of Gerrard's impact on the club. The passion that man has is hard to come by and when the team's down in the dumps all heads turn towards him. If he is to pitter-patter off the team sheet, keep him on the bench, for that sense of reliability to hold a lead, or the kick up the back side the team needs when they're 1-0 down with ten minutes to go. Failing still, Rodgers ought to get him in his back room staff. Look at Giggs at United. Admittedly he's a few years older but the principles still stand. If there's no Carragher or Gerrard in the dressing room then who are you going to turn to? Not Mignolet, I'd assume.

Money aside, the MLS, Gerrard's port of call, is hardly the most challenging league. A couple of years ago he could've fitted snug into a Madrid midfield but now he'll be finding himself investing time into the Hollywood lifestyle and other American sports he'd never bat an eyelid at. All this can be done after retirement, it's not the same as a couple more years of battling in the Premier League. The will power to keep Steven at the club has thus not been of enough importance and they've foolishly let him slip. 

It looks like Gerrard could fill ex-England pal, David Beckham's, boots left at LA Galaxy.

Most surprisingly perhaps, with Balotelli miss-firing and Sturridge still not fit, Gerrard is the team's top goalscorer this season. Consistency is the key. Especially when a player goes down in the box, nine times out of ten Gerrard will nestle the ball into the net. 

Having just scored a double against AFC Wimbledon in the FA Cup third round, people are commenting, seriously or sarcastically, on why the captain is being allowed to leave at the end of the season. It's probably a thoughtless decision from the club as a whole but hopefully it'll give them room to move forward and you can guarantee Gerrard will be back at Anfield in a few years. One thing's for sure, with the defences he'll face in the MLS, he can be confident he can keep scoring the kind of goals that punished Wimbledon last night.

Interview - Catfish and The Bottlemen

As the year drew to a close I was able to snap up an interview with Van McCann from one of the breakthrough bands of 2014, Catfish and the Bottlemen. We spoke about the success they've had this year, featuring on the latest FIFA game and plans for album number two already firmly in place.

FanCam: Sheffield United v Notts County

At the end of November I headed down to Bramall Lane to watch a tasty game between Sheffield United and Notts County as they both continued to battle at the top of the table. The game ended in a 1-1 draw and I spoke to fans about their thoughts on the match and the future League Cup Quarter Final against Southampton.

Through One Ear and Out the Other; A musical shift from 2014 to 2015

Music is a constant, merely blurred by the boundaries of our calendar. 2015 will provide nothing different on the music scene as old rockers return and new names bubble to the surface, there should be something to savour for music fans this year. Here's some personal tips and moments to look forward to in 2015.

1. Return of the Maccs

On New Years eve Orlando Weeks and co gave us news of a new album and plenty more live shows hitting us in 2015. What the details are exactly we don't know yet but if it's anything like their last album, 'Given To The Wild', then their next instalment could be the record of the year.

2. The Rock 'n' Roll Revival Hits Wembley

In June Foo Fighters will take to Wembley Stadium to play some of their biggest shows to date but what's even more tasty is their support. It comes in the shape of hard-hitting duo Royal Blood who could soon rival Dave Grohl for a headline slot. 2014 was the definitive year for the pair but 2015 ought to firmly establish them as saviours of thick riffs and drums, a lot of drums.

3. Peace is the word

B-Town quartet Peace will bring some more shimmery vibes to your ear waves early on into the year with their second album, 'Happy People', dropping in February. Having spoken to the man behind the mic it seems that it won't end there though as a sea of tour dates and plans for a third album are very much in motion.

4. A Band Called Palace

With the return of the Maccabees already being noted, a band who will be hot on their heels this year is London outfit, 'Palace'. Their alternative tinting of archaic blues brought them a support slot on Jamie T's tour and 2015 will undoubtedly see them rise from their debut EP platform.

5. King Raury

If Outkast's comeback was too 2002 for you then welcome to Raury. The teenager from Atlanta is making rifts across seas and has impressed the likes of BBC to feature him on their Sounds of 2015 list. Over the past year he's released some interesting projects touching upon Andre 3000 and Childish Gambino influences which will carry him confidently through 2015.

6. Male music

Raury's not the only young man who you'll be hearing in 2015. Bipolar Sunshine will be delivering upbeat pop rhythms whereas the more gentle whirrs of Brits critics choice, James Bay, will be prominent and for the more rugged edge, Only Real will be bringing the skatty upbeat guitar playing back. Expect these three to be very much in and around some of the best things you hear this year.

7. Festivals

Hardly a surprise this but yes the dawn of 2015 means we move even closer to festival season. Despite the slightly under-par line up, Glastonbury was a stonker last year so if Eavis manages to book the bigger acts this year, it could be one of the best yet. Elsewhere Reading and Leeds have brought in Metallica, making their Glastonbury performance last year look not so special after all. Smaller festivals to look out for include Bestival - the biggest party of the year, and metropolitan festivals, Live At Leeds and Tramlines.

8. The Brits Bullshit

It appears the only good thing going for the Brits this year is that James Corden has been put out of his misery, his script tossed to one side as Ant and Dec take over the presenting duties. Don't expect any tongue in cheek public speech by Alex Turner this year though. Instead sit back and enjoy a festoon of faces who you'll have been tired of seeing since last February - Sam Smith, Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift will all give 'big performances' on the show - all for the viewing figures eh.

2014; My Point of View

Another year, another clink of champagne glasses and yet another wince towards those soppy summaries of the year which drain social media. It's probably ironic then that I'm writing this, but as I sit here with a stomach rattling like a tumble dryer watching the New Years Premier League fixtures, I thought maybe I should jot down a few memorable things from 2014, for me anyway.

So, where better place to start than football. It's something that follows you every year, for good or for bad. For myself, a Manchester United fan, last year was pretty hard to swallow. I've always been a fan of David Moyes and a firm believer that managers should be given time, but by April the United board had a hard decision to make and gave him the axe. Had he been given another season to settle who knows what could've happened but the fact is that the new man at the helm Van Gaal has boosted a similar squad to perform 7/10 performances and grind out results as opposed to the 3/10 efforts consistently on display last year. Champions League is priority this year, but with more of a grip on transfers hopefully the Dutchman can help the team challenge for the title next season. 

David Moyes; a rabbit in the Old Trafford floodlights.

Elsewhere the league itself last year was one of the best Premier League seasons yet. Unfortunately it was between Manchester City and Liverpool to win the title, with the Reds playing their best football in years. For me, it was hard to watch two teams I don't particularly have savoury comments for compete for the title. City ended up taking it but Liverpool played the best football that season which included fine performances from young Englishmen Sterling and Sturridge. Surely we'd have a chance at the summer's World Cup then? 

The moment it all went downhill for Steven Gerrard in 2014.

Well, it's never easy with England is it. Not that we ever thought we'd go to Brazil and win the most prestigious prize in football, but as the days drew closer and the media produced their usual hype about our team, the pressure got to them and for players of their immense standard they failed to produce the goods. Germany, the old enemy, on the other hand, were marvellous and rightfully won the tournament, thumping Brazil 7-1 in the semi-final on their own turf. As an avid lover of football as a whole, the tournament had it's highlights but was by no means the most entertaining and the Premier League so far this season has mirrored that. It's looking like City and Chelsea to take the title but my eyes are firmly glued on my team still and a 3rd place finish is ideal.

Away from football, there are other things that go on in my life. The passing of my grandmother last Christmas gave me a kick up the backside to become more proactive in everyday life. Anyone who has had a close family member pass away will feel this rather cliche sense to make the most of life as it were. So this year I've been doing stuff... more. It's All Indie has given me a platform to spout my views on music regularly and watch live music free, which is always nice. I've been lucky enough to go to both Live At Leeds Festival and Bestival as well as interviewing indie-giants of the moment, Peace and Catfish And The Bottlemen. Other highlights in music this year include Arctic Monkeys show at Finsbury Park who were supported by breakthrough act of the year, Royal Blood. Their brutal presence was even more noticeable a month later at Glastonbury which I also attended, and it's true what they say, there's no place like Glasto. Bestival also served up a treat of performances through the likes of Foals headline set and Major Lazer's unbeatable live experience. Towards the end of the year I moved up to Sheffield to pursue Journalism and have continued to do what I love best, watching and speaking to bands. A band called, 'Palace' have particularly grabbed my attention this year and one to definitely watch out for in 2015. I spoke to them at a small bar in Sheffield and they seem to be onto big things for anyone remotely into the 'indie' music scene.

The Bestival crowd gets steamy.

Uni has rewarded me with a platform for my nasally voice; my own radio show, 'The View From The Afternoon', again heavily influenced by the music I thrive on. The university's 'Forge TV' has also meant my childhood habits of running around the playground, mic in hand, commentating on football have gone a step further as I've sat in the commentary boxes at Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday. Before all of this though came the best three months of my life, hands down. Glastonbury, Bestival, trips to Italy and Barcelona all came about in summer, with a three week stint around Europe's cities with some chums being the cream of the crop. Unusual instances of breaking into hostels and crossing the Turkish border by foot made 2014 a notable year. 

Most people would end the year on a resolution. For me they're often forgotten about 48 hours later but for now I'm paying attention to the old term, 'to not view your glass as half empty'. It's something I am regularly guilty of, which can be hard to avoid when your teams not playing well or it's raining for the twelfth consecutive day up North, but something nonetheless most of us should bare in mind. So to all my family and friends and the strangers who will stumble across this year via my misleading 'search words', happy 2015!

Happy New 'Beer'...