Gigslutz Tracks Of The Week 18.10.13

In a modern take on ‘70s troubadour John Denver’s ‘Prisoners’, Dinosaur Jr frontman, J Mascis, joins forces with the dulcet tones of singer-songwriter Sharon Van Etten. With Mascis’ wailing lead vocals accompanied by Van Etten’s beautifully haunting harmonies, this cover certainly does Denver’s original justice; whilst penetrating, electric guitars replace the floaty acoustics of the original, it loses none of the style or emotion that was intended for the song. The result is something sweet yet sombre that would make Denver proud. Now accompanied by a witty video starring Aimee Mann, ‘Prisoners’ comes from a tribute compilation to the late folk singer-songwriter, ‘The Music Is You’, that includes covers from the likes of My Morning Jacket and Josh Ritter, amongst others.

http://youtu.be/tnkgUqsXH0I

Fitting nicely into the current popular revival of indie rock, London-based newcomers Ziegler Company have burst onto the scene with the upcoming release of EP ‘Ziegler Company’. Taken from the EP, new track ‘Old Friend’ contains a deep drawl reminiscent of recent ‘Track Of The Week’ titleholders, Filthy Boy, and upbeat, rocking melodies and effective vocal harmonies that see a nod towards the likes of Liverpudlian indiesters, The Coral. With its steady, marching beat consistently keeping time alongside heartfelt melodies, ‘Old Friend’ is a catchily charming ditty that will appeal to your nostalgic longing for the golden age of indie rock, way back when in the early noughties.

If you, too, are excited about what more these rocking Londoners have to offer, you can catch them at a number of venues across the city in the next week:

Surya – 22nd October
New Cross Inn – 29th October
George Tavern, Shadwell -30th October

https://soundcloud.com/zieglerco/sets/web-page

Following the success of previous singles, ‘Homesick’ and ‘Rango’, my favourite Welsh indie-rockers Catfish And The Bottlemen are soon to release another stomper of a song, ‘Pacifier’. Lyrically inspired by a friend’s experience of losing her mother at a young age, ‘Pacifier’ retains the immediacy and buoyancy of previous tracks, but with a heartfelt, emotive edge.

Reminiscent of early Kings Of Leon material, The Bottlemen’s latest offering is filled with slick licks, pounding percussion, twinkly melodies and McCann’s alluring, sharp vocals: the result, a compelling indie anthem that it would be a shame not to let your ears feast on. ‘Pacifier’ is out 9th December on Communion Records, but if you can’t wait until then to hear more, Catfish and co. are playing a number of live dates across the country in the near future:

22 October BIRMINGHAM Hare & Hounds
24 October COLCHESTER Essex University Student Union
27 October NOTTINGHAM Bodega
28 October BRISTOL Louisiana
29 October EXETER Cavern
30 October BRIGHTON Prince Albert

At just sixteen years of age, rhythm and blues quartet The 45s deliver raucous rock n roll with endearing charisma and vigour, and new single ‘It Ain’t Over’ is no exception. Inspired by vintage legends such as Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry and Canvey Island’s finest – Wilko Johnson – these four Carlisle lads are certainly not your average teenage band. With immaculately executed guitar riffs, skillful bluesy harmonica, husky vocals and an impressive rhythm section, ‘It Aint Over’ is an explosive blast of retro rock, a slice of real, honest music that is refreshing to come across in the current synth-obsessed phase that modern music seems to be going through.

Oozing bundles of youthful energy as well as heaps of talent, The 45s are definitely a must hear for all lovers of good music. And if the aptitude and dedication (and haircuts) that the boys clearly possess is anything to go by, I have a feeling we may be in for a revived wave of Beatles-esque mania…