CHECK THESE GUYS OUT!

My blogposts seem to be following a very lengthy format recently, so I thought I would change things up a bit and do a shorter post, *phew!* 

Many of you may or may not know that I love to dance and am currently studying it at A-Level. So of course when a professional dancer came in to do a workshop, and put on the most incredible cover of Justin Bieber's Baby, my inner music critic was itching to put a name to these F L A W L E S S vocals, seamless progressions throughout and that bass guitar, oh my goodness.

Once the class had finished, instead of asking questions related to the dance class or his extensive dance career, I asked him what song he had put on for the warm up.. Thankfully, he was lovely about it and quickly informed me that I had been listening to Dirty Loops 

I'm not going to review them, as that would be a 5,000 word blog post, but I strongly recommend that you go and check them out for yourselves. (You'll thank me later).

My 3 favourites are:

• Baby (Justin Bieber Cover)
• Dirty (Christina Aguilera Cover)
• Cirkus (Britney Spears Cover)

Here's their Website

Facebook page 

And their Twitter..

Justin Timberlake- 'The 20/20 Experience' Tour

As many of you will know by now, I may or may not have a slight obsession/soft spot/crush (call it what you will..) on Mr Timberlake. Despite the fact that I was yet to be born when JT stepped onto the music scene in 1995 as part of American boyband Nsync, I can imagine little 4 year old me prancing around the kitchen as my Mum blasted 'Girlfriend' out on the TV. The reason I involve my Mum in this post is because I actually bought the tickets as a birthday present for her, of course she was thrilled and agreed that I could accompany her, much to my inner fangirl's delight.

So now that I've given you some (probably unwanted) context, my mum and I found our (surprisingly high up) seats and prepared ourselves for what would be one heck of a show! The staging/set design was very unexpected. The backdrop of the stage was tiled in a computerised patchwork of clear hexagons, upon which moving images, of various shapes and screws from the front of the 20/20 experience album artwork, were projected. But more interestingly, there were no screens at the side of the stage so that the people that had higher seats (such as ourselves), could see the highly desired  close up shots of Mr Timberlake. However, this problem was soon abolished when we realised that in the two top corners of the hexagonal backdrop, there were videos and constant close up's of what was going on on stage. (This excited my Mum and I way more than it should have..) And of course his vast array of incredibly talented musicians and backing vocalists could be seen upon sparkling podiums, marked with those famous 'JT' initials.

He started his set with my most recently acquired favourite off of the album, 'Pusher Love Girl' he entered the stage rather dramatically, accompanied by a sharp flash of lights, removal of the curtain and of course a single spotlight, only to be greeted by thousands of screaming women AND MEN may I add, (I have proof, as the gentleman next to me projected a very 'manly' half scream/half hooting sound). However he contrasted this dramatic entrance by singing the first verse completely acapella which was faultless as expected.

The show continued in a seamless fashion, as classics such as Rock Your Body and Like I Love You were accompanied by slick dance moves from the man himself and his dancers. Timberlake continued this run of hits with Lovestoned, My Love and my personal favourite, Señorita. He wasted no time in showing off his vast array of musical talents as he began playing the famous opening keys to the seemingly Spanish sounding hit, behind his piano, as his backing vocalists perfectly harmonised throughout. And of course when it came to the bridge of the song, "manly" reciprocations of "It feels like something's heating up can I leave with you?" were closely followed by high pitched (and well practiced may I add) squeals of, "I don't know what I'm thinking 'bout really leaving with you."

In a cyclical fashion, he returned to some of his newer material from The 20/20 Experience album such as crowd favourite, Suit and Tie in which the brass players in his band really brought the song to life with the ensemble of horns and trumpets. Even from the top of the arena I could see how much the musicians absolutely loved their job's and knew how privileged they were. They could be seen dancing around and laughing and grinning amongst themselves and Justin, the chemistry between everyone on stage was immediately tangible, straight from the off.

Justin floated above the screaming crowd on a moving platform as he livened the show up with tribal hit Let The Groove Get In. Considering the were on a moving stage, Justin and his dancers were fearless with their dance moves, constantly moving back and forth across the stage with the occasional jump, flip or spin (definitely not for the fainthearted!) I am sure Justin was reassured by the fact that if he fell off of the stage, there would be hundreds of screaming fans there to cushion his fall!
Once he had safely transitioned to the small stage towards the back of the floor seats, he slowed the show down and performed his newly released love song, Not A Bad Thing which triggered swooning women and lots of affectionate couples.. He then continued, the small stage set with an absolutely beautiful cover of Micheal Jackson's Human Nature, this lead me to believe that he would continue with the MJ theme and perform the very newly released collaboration Love Never Felt So Good, but much to my dismay, there was no such performance.

However he made his way back to the main stage after he christned the VIP bar with his presence, as he pranced and danced on top of the bar and shook the hands of adoring fans. There was also a very heartwarming moment where Justin, lifted a young boy (dressed like him in his My Love video, with the bowler hat and waistcoat) up on stage with him and took a selfie (that's right I said it) with the young boy's iPhone which we were later informed, was encased in a Justin Timberlake phone case! I think it was safe to say that Justin was flattered with his new found, slightly younger, doppleganger!

He performed hits such as Sexyback and a cover of Bell Biv Davoe's- That Girl Is Posion much to my mum's delight. He closed the show of course, with his most loved song off of his new album, Mirrors. As soon as the first few notes came in, the crowd screamed and sung along with every single word, even as he continued the already 6 minute long song, on for another 2-3 minutes, but I wasn't complaining! We filed out of the O2, surrounded by nothing but positive critique of the phemonemal show that they had just witnessed.

Rating: 5/5

Lawson: Chapman Sqaure II Album Review

So here's the thing, (we started off frien-... just kidding) ever since I was a little girl, I've had a 'thing' for boy bands, be it N-sync (I still adored JT with his blonde spiky highlights), Blazin Squad (who remembers Crossroads?! What an absolute banger) or nowadays One Direction/The Vamps. But when my brother's friend, in the midst of my The Wanted obsession, said he thought I would have "liked that new 'Lawson' band," I obviously had to have a listen.

Comprised of drummer, Adam Pitts, bass guitarist/backing vocalist, Ryan Fletcher, lead guitarist/backing vocalist, Joel Peat and Liverpudlian front man, Andy Brown. Lawson, (formerly known as 'The Groves') label their music as guitar-led, meaningful pop/rock. Die-hard Lawson followers (unashamedly, such as myself) know that their debut album ('Chapman Square') and this second album are named after the place that the band met, so like the Biebs with 'My Worlds, My Worlds 1.0, " " 2.0 etc etc, the boys kept the theme of the bands birthplace to entitle this follow up album.

Now on first impressions, the addition of only 6 new tracks alongside the 12 familiar tracks from their debut album, makes it seem as if this album is just a quick fix to cure the fans' desperate want for new music. But how very wrong you people would be, the first CD is accompanied by a second CD which holds 7 acoustic tracks and the 'Everywhere We Go'- The Chapman Square Tour Film. HOORAH! Now kicking off the new tracks, the first two, Brokenhearted and Juliet are probably now well-known even by those of you don't follow Lawson religiously. Brokenhearted sees a more 'RnB' (ew that was horrible even to type, I feel like a 50 year old music critic) side of Lawson courtesy of the steady drumbeat and seemingly more resilient lyrics which makes a refreshing change from the trademark, heartfelt and raw, Lawson sound that we are used to. The most obvious change from their normal sound is of course, the addition of rapper B.o.B who has featured on tracks such as Jessie J's 'Price Tag' and of course on the massive track 'Airplanes' with Paramore's very own Hayley Williams. He definitely gives this track an added dimension and also helps to attract avid listeners of rap artists such as B.o.B, to give Lawson's tracks a little listen maybe? As I mentioned in my 'Help A Capital Child's Concert review, Juliet definitely has a Police-esque sound which, like Brokenhearted, gives this album a new sound, whilst keeping the catchy guitar melodies and familiar drum beats that trademark this 4-piece their own unique sound. 

Love Locked Out, is my personal favourite of the 4 new tracks that have yet to be properly released (i.e: given a music video). Reverting back to my younger days, I was brought up surrounded by soul/jazz artists such as Luther Vandross, George Benson, Angie Stone to name but a few, so I have always been fond of that genre of music. So as soon as I heard the first 17 seconds of LLO (Love Locked Out for those of you aren't very quick off the mark with abbreviations), I just knew that it was gonna be a firm favourite of mine, with its soulful/jazzy sound (how many times do I want to pair soul and jazz together in this review?!) that never fails to make me move my hips and pretend that I look cool whilst trying to successfully pull off a body ripple... This will definitely continue to be on repeat until the next album is released. 

Now here comes the STRANGEST musical comparison that you will probably ever see. To me, the higher pitched guitar chords in 'Are You Ready?' really reminds me of Girls Aloud's 'Untouchable' (told you it was strange) Is it just me?! Once you read this review go and listen to 'Are You Ready?' and then 'Untouchable' and reassure me that I'm not the only one. Please. AYR is one of those songs that at first listen, is a bit mediocre, but the more I listen to it, the more fond of it I become. The chorus is so catchy and I can often be heard attempting, but failing miserably to hit those high notes on "I can't sleep when you're gone" that Andy Brown hits annoyingly, so god damn effortlessly! They say good things come in two right? Well here's another obscure comparison of mine. Anyone remember Steps? Tragedy, Better The Devil You Know? I hear your exclamations of "Ah yes!" and I can see you retrieving the Tragedy head movements from the dusty corners of your mind. Well, does anyone remember their song 'It's The Way You Make Me Feel'? They all wore extravagant ball gowns and suits in the video and of course there was a little ballroom dance number (what would a Steps video be without a classic dance number?) The very start of that song and of 'Back To Life' are really reminiscent of each other to me?! I think I may be the only person in the world who can see similarities in those to songs.. But I digress! The final song on CD 1 is abstractly named 'Parachute'. This song is all about falling in love with someone as shown by the lyrics "If I had a parachute, I wouldn't fall so hard like I did for you," pretty self explanatory right? This song I'm hoping will grow on me as 'Are You Ready?' did as it is my least favourite song on the album. It just doesn't seem to fit in with the rest of the tracks on the album. Personally the lyrics seem a bit too "typical boy band" and one of the many reasons I like Lawson are because of their more mature and relatable lyrics, which make listening to 'boybands' a lot less shameful for us females, and in my eyes, a lot more relatable and acceptable to men, as they can listen to their music without fear of being called *insert generic male insult here*. 

However please don't hate me Lawson fans, I absolutely adore the acoustic tracks! I think that you can really tell whether an artist is good or not, by their acoustic tracks/performances. Acoustic performances really showcase the artist's voice(s) and you get a really raw sound as there is no digital production behind it or layers of harmonies or vocals. It's just the artist(s) and their instruments. My favourite 3 acoustic tracks are 'Taking Over Me', 'Brokenhearted' and 'Juliet'. 'Taking Over Me' is my favourite Lawson song so I feel that I am being slightly biased as I think that I would love any version of that song. The 'Brokenhearted' acoustic is just such a 'feel-good' (how cliche) track, you can tell that they're having a good time performing it and that definitely comes through when you listen to it. 'Juliet' is a very upbeat and hard-hitting track so it is definitely a welcomed contrast to see the boys strip the song back and slow the tempo down a bit, to show both the song, and the band's versatility.

Rating: 5/5

P.S: Here's links to my obscure comparison songs..

Girls Aloud- Untouchable: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGkpoGZOzpo

Steps- It's The Way You Make Me Feel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9L-0x92vXk

(I do not own the right to those songs, all rights are those of the artists.)

Capital Help A Child Charity Concert (Featuring Lawson and Nina Nesbitt!)

After seeing Lawson at London Roundhouse on the 12th of October 2013, I was beginning to have some serious withdrawal symptoms. So as soon as Adam Pitts (Lawson’s drummer), tweeted about a charity concert that they were headlining with up and coming Scottish sweetheart Nina Nesbitt, I just had to buy tickets.

Hosted by well-known Capital FM presenter Dave Berry, the IndigO2 opened it’s doors on Thursday 13th February, to raise money for Charlton Athletic Community Trust and Help a Capital Child. 

The show began with the winners of a East London singing competition judged by Dave Berry himself, after a few technical hitches all 3 acts performed, one act performed a flawless acoustic rendition of Drunk in Love which received a warm applause and cheers of approval from the crowd. After a few awful jokes and cheeky lines from Mr Berry, he gave way to Edinburgh’s very own, Nina Nesbitt. Personally, I had never listened to any of her music but had heard great things from my friends. Performing hits such as festival feel-good track ‘Brit Summer’, 18 Candles, and ‘The Hardest Part’, a beautiful track which silenced the IndigO2 as she poured her heart out, accompanied solely by her acoustic guitar. She showed her diverse musical talents, playing the bass guitar and keyboard whilst belting out my favourite track, which titles her new EP, ‘Peroxide’. I am certain of Nina’s forthcoming success this year and will be following her, as her fan base and music grows.

The familiar sequence of flashing lights and guitars filled the packed venue alongside continuous chants of “WE WANT LAWSON!” as the lads emerged onto the stage, to be greeted by high pitched squeals and thunderous applause. Kicking off the set with ‘Poilce-esque’ hit ‘Juliet’ accompanied by a sultry red background and united cheers of “SHE KNOWS-OH-OH-EE-OH’S!” Well known tracks such as When She Was Mine and my personal favourite ‘Taking Over Me’ heightened the feel-good atmosphere. With Valentine’s Day occurring the next day, it seemed necessary that Learn To Love Again and new soulful/jazzy track ‘Love Locked Out’ were performed. We were also treated to the first ever live performance of one of the new tracks on the Chapman Square Chapter II album; ‘Back To Life’ which was a great success and was a refreshing moment for regular Lawson concert attenders such as myself! 

It is a Lawson tradition that ‘Standing In The Dark’ is the final song of the set, as the lads describe this to be “the song that sums up Lawson as a band and a genre of music.” It begins with the audience singing back at Andy which then cascades into singing at the boys as they smile and thank everyone for coming and for our continued support. The boys then start the song over and close the set with a bang.

The show was a great success, it opened my eyes to new talent, Nina Nesbitt, and reinforced my ongoing love for Lawson. It was a great feeling that I was able to raise money for 2 worthy charities and watch some great artists perform at the same time.

Check out this video of 'Standing In The Dark' filmed by another audience member! (All rights to the video owner, I do not own this video.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7PcX-3ke5c&feature=youtu.be

Mike Dignam ‘Paint’ EP review

After seeing Mike for the first time at Shepards Bush Empire when he supported Lawson on their 18-date, UK & Ireland sell-out arena tour, I was first in line to purchase his EP ‘Paint’ outside the venue, and have had it on repeat ever since.

Born in Preston, Mike is a singer/songwriter who has been involved in the music industry from a very young age, independently producing his first EP ‘World Of Our Own’ at just 18 years old. He then moved on to release his second EP ‘Paint’ which includes 8 very unique tracks, all united by Mike’s signature chilled acoustic sound. The first track ‘Young’ along with ‘Great Escape’ are Mike’s best known tracks and never fail to get the audience singing along wherever he goes. With their upbeat, acoustic rhythms and catchy lyrics, Mike literally ‘paints’ the perfect picture of youth and freedom. To contrast, the fourth track ‘Lungs’ conveys a more vulnerable side to Mike and his music, the heart-felt lyrics, bring out the raw emotion within the listener as they begin to relate and hang on to Mike’s every word. My personal favourite song on the EP is ‘Keep Up Lady’, with its soulful, funky rhythm and flawless melodies, it is impossible not to sing and dance along!

This album is a must for the summer, perfect for those days when you’re sat in the car with the warmth of the sun on your face or even when you're sat watching the rain trickle down the window as is normally the case in Britain!

Rating: 5/5

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MIKE DIGNAM HERE!



 Mike opening the show.

Meeting Sam, Mike's bass player and buying Mike's Paint EP!

Mike meeting fans outside Shepards Bush Empire.

Paint EP: