In the vast jungle that is the internet, many talented artists go unnoticed. Here at Nu Blood the aim is to push forward the unsigned and get them the little bit more recognition they deserve. The best thing is - you can help too (just click 'submit your artists' above)!
SOTD #10: Alix Perez - Melanie
There is no doubt that “1984” released by Alix Perez in 2009, is one of the best drum and bass albums of the past decade: a stunning collection of mellow, dusk-time tracks, big industrial sounding basslines and a nifty little collaboration with grime act Foreign Beggars.
Prior to the LP, Alix Perez released an EP containing “I’m Free”, a track which eventually featured on the full album and a B-side “Melanie”. Under the distorted image that drum and bass is all about savaging basslines, harsh percussion and nasty, masculine MC-ing - for some - it might be hard to comprehend how beautiful this track really is.
The trademark Alix Perez pad subtly sidechains to make way for the shuffling percussion before rushing into a crescendo of spine-tingling piano work. It’s the simple but clever production that makes this track a cosy addition to the ever-pleasing discography of Mr Perez.
Listen to the song here.
THIS LEGION
Self-acclaiming themselves as ‘Blindie’ (Blues & Indie) isn’t so ludicrous given the sheer funkiness of the bass in this single ‘Bring Me Joy’ which is featured in a free EP that can be downloaded in the link below. Not only are the instrumentals brilliant, but so are the vocals, sounding far too mature for a new-born band.
Here is an acoustic session from the three boys.
*Pieces from the above text are taken from my own review at http://theleedsscenester.co.uk & the free EP can be found here
THE ARTISTS
Hailing from Leeds are ‘The Artists’, through a combination of soaring vocals, catchy riffs and some nifty keys, which separates this band from the masses of indie bands around, this young outfit are definitely on the up and it’s easy to see why in the highlighted single here.
‘Here comes the Storm’ is ferocious and Babyshambles-sounding, before breaking down into a crashing of symbols and twinkling keys - all which contribute to a sound that is somehow melancholic yet uplifting at the same time.
The bands’ talent speaks for itself as they have been nominated to play at the O2 Leeds Academy with a chance to join the line-up at this year’s Leeds/Reading Festival.
We wish ‘The Artists’ the best of luck!
THE GLASS CAVES
First up on the radar is a band from near Leeds, United Kingdom. Yorkshire has produced a high calibre of indie bands, especially in the 00’s where NME magazine dubbed it the era of ‘New Yorkshire’. The conveyor belt is still very much running to continue the legacy of now worldwide famous band Arctic Monkeys and less recognised bands such as The Reverend and the Makers and The Sunshine Underground.
This five-piece can be seen in the video provided busking in the streets of York. Opening with a cover of Stereophonics’ ‘Maybe Tomorrow’ before following onto a superb renditions of ‘Outkast - Hey Ya’ and ‘Kings of Leon - Cornerstone’. And that is before we have even got to their own material, which is equally brilliant. Their second EP (with a release date TBC) is not far off from a release on iTunes, the links below showcase two singles from the EP, which upon preview, looks like it will be a thoroughly enjoyable listen.
Please do check them out!
