So... as you know... I'm not a huge fan of posting without an MP3. It's just... I dunno... it's an mp3 blog?!?!? Right? (Maybe I should rethink this, flesh out the site, and make it more than that... yeah? Maybe... someone want to be a contributor? Perhaps someone who actually LIVES in England lol?)... But every once and a while there comes something that deserves mention even if I can't get you the content RIGHT then.
My feeling about this is that if we "the listeners" are patient we will be rewarded by the labels in the long run. Obviously, they decided that the "blogosphere" is here to help and not to hurt, and since they are willing to extend an olive branch I'm willing to play ball as well.
Is that selling out? Nah, because if I don't like the song, or anything about the band, I'm gonna let you know right off the bat lol... there have been PLENTY, I mean PLENTY, bands that have NEVER hit this page because regardless of how free, or "cleared", the content maybe I'm not here to advertise for record companies. I think I've maybe made $18 dollars off this blog the whole time I've been doing it... trust me, no one is lining my pockets lol... in fact I'm so poor I can't afford to think right now lol...
SO ANY DAMN WAY... I posted something about Lowline a few weeks back mentioning they had a release in the near future... and the future is coming up on us quickly now.
They first started to pique my interest when Nick McCabe of The Verve played with the guys and gave them his blessing... I mean we all fucking love The Verve so his opinion means something. I mean, whenever like Adam Ficek from Babyshambles recommends something I listen... anytime anyone I admire recommends something that isn't JUST commercially based, my ears perk up...
So I did a little post about that... and now I guess I'm basically reviewing their track "Monitors" in hopes that I can get some goodies for you guys once the record gets released. Here we go... first you have a listen, then I'll tell you what I think...
"Monitors" strikes me as being a nice piece of the type guitar rock that I really miss. There aren't bands like this anymore that don't have some stupid agenda behind their music... everyone is trying to turn their stuff "new rave", or they are still aping The Libertines, or they are trying to break ground to the degree where they are doing the exact opposite. Lowline have managed to write an upbeat guitar song that isn't overly complicated... they aren't trying to be Interpol (although a little bit of that Manchester Joy Division seems to have seeped in there somehow lol), and they aren't trying to ensure they will be on the soundtrack of "Grey's Anatomy", they are just having fun and rocking out like bands from a more peaceful era. Basically "Monitors" strikes me as having been written in a "pre-911" era, totally devoid of extremely depressing angst (despite there being a bit of that in the song), and full of energy. Best comparison I can make is think Editors+Sunshine Underground+We Are Scientists-whining&pretentiousness= "Monitors". It reminds me of the the late Nineties, which, is something I sorely miss. It's not Coldplay, it's not Travis, it's not U2, and it's not The Verve lol... it's something that you will play repeatedly because despite being just under 4 minutes, it feels like it's only two. The chorus is super infectious and Owen Morris' production is superb. They may not have re-invented rock'n'roll but that's what I really like about this song... it just fucking rocks without overthinking things... and the world needs some of that right now (without being toss-away garbage)... if this is the single I bet the album will be a total fucking gem...
Here's the press on it...
LOWLINE – MONITORS (1-2-3-4 Records)
RELEASE DATE: MONDAY 17th MARCH 2008
In search for a prophecy of 2008’s new order of rock and roll, British music need look no further than LOWLINE, as they begin their assault on the UK.
“More Manchester greats” - NME
“The best new band in the country" - Tom Clarke, The Enemy
“Lowline make timeless music like no one can at the moment. music with balls” Nick McCabe, The Verve
Monday 17th March 2008 sees the debut release from Lowline, arguably the most exciting new band to have emerged from Manchester in recent times. Monitors is a timeless indie anthem, the first yield from Lowline’s own youthful and uplifting brand of rock and roll. It combines addictive melodies, compulsive rhythms and an unforgettable chorus to create what some are already regarding as one of 2008’s most significant releases. The B side is Last Chance, a relentless and driving powerhouse of a track, which goes further to show the intensity, depth and urgency of Lowline’s sound.
Owen Morris (Oasis, New Order, The Verve) fell in love with the band, and was so convinced by them that he paid to take them into the studio to produce this; a remarkable, razor sharp record that brims with energy and promise. We see flashes of Manchester alongside notable references to Joy Division and My Bloody Valentine, but it is the bands ability to create a sound that is genuinely new that makes them so thoroughly exciting.
They have honed their craft playing a rift of raucous live shows and impromptu warehouse parties across the UK and release this single amidst a continuous touring schedule which has seen them develop an ardent and dedicated fan base.
This single is to be released amidst a massive level of radio and press interest, with major support already emerging from NME and XFM.
The word is out and Lowline are quickly becoming one of the UK’s most exciting new prospects, and in 2008 Mike, Andy, Sam and Robbie are intent on carving their own unique place in rock and roll.
Check out their Myspace
‘Monitors’ 7” is available for pre-order. Digital version will be available from itunes on March 17th from HMV.
And here's the bio for those of you who missed it last time. AS I said hopefully next time I will have a nice b-side or a live track... but I think these guys are gonna be huge... the single comes out the day before my birthday so maybe we'll have something rad for you by then! TO CELEBRATE lol...
LOWLINE BIOGRAPHY
“Lowline make timeless music like no one can at the moment. music with balls” Nick McCabe The Verve
“More Manchester greats” NME
“The best new band in the country" Tom Clarke, The Enemy
"One of Manchester’s new hopes! Explosive & energetic live, combining Oasis, Primal Scream, Joy Division & a touch of Kasabian at times. you need to see these boys live to fully understand the Lowline vibe; driving guitars and bass lines with amazing drums & electric vocals & a touch of synth capturing the dark underbelly of the city" Kav, Happy Mondays
"History in the making" Owen Morris, producer – Oasis / Verve / New Order
BIOGRAPHY
Manchester is a funny place. Few places are so full of musical heritage, and with that comes expectation; something which has been unfulfilled in recent times. Enter the cities newest heroes: Lowline.
Lowline are intense and sinister yet totally up lifting. A group of mates in their early twenties who formed in the spring of 2007, they spent the rest of that year writing, locked away in a warehouse in Manchester’s less-than-glamorous Ancoats district. There are flashes of inspiration from cult legends The Jesus and Mary Chain and My Bloody Valentine, but they strike a rare balance between razor sharp rock and roll, and epic shoegaze. Lowline’s intense guitar sound is underpinned by tribal house tinged drums and fuzzed up bass lines, all combine to make something with energy, atmosphere and spirit.
Their sound embodies the atmosphere of their City, whilst remaining distinctive and innovative, a combination that sets them apart and shows that this is the start of something special. Their sound impressed renowned Oasis and the Verve producer Owen Morris so much, that he immediately took the band into the studio and recorded some tracks over many late nights. The first yield from this session is their debut single ‘Monitors’, a timeless indie anthem which harbours Morris’s distinct style. It is set to be released on March 17th on 1-2-3-4 Records (Whitey, The Bishops) with the reverse side being taken up by the driving and relentless ‘Last Chance’. This massive debut has already begun to grab the eye of DJ’s, journalists and audiences alike, with NME and XFM showing great support for the band from the outset.
Live, the band are immense. They have crafted a rip-roaring show and brim with energy and confidence, which combined with their dance sensibility that has seen them demanding attention at shows across the country. Tours with The Enemy and Happy Mondays have seen Lowline continue to cultivate an ardent fan base, and as tales still spread about their recent warehouse party in Manchester (which guested close friend Nick McCabe - The Verve, on guitar) many more have sat up and taken notice. They now embark upon a vigorous touring schedule throughout the next few months as well as returning to the studio with Morris to continue to work on their debut LP.
DEBUT SINGLE - MONITORS - OUT MARCH 17 2008 - 1-2-3-4! RECORDS
GIGS
27 February Manchester Academy3 w/ Dragons and Exit Calm
7 March Glasgow ABC with Inspiral Carpets
8 March Oxford Academy with Inspiral Carpets
9 March Sheffield Leadmill with Inspiral Carpets
10 March Northampton Roadmenders with Inspiral Carpets
Ok kids... I have an inbox BRIMMING with new shit so you know I'm hustling trying to get it to you... make sure to check back, and leave some comments to let me know what you thought!
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