Miles Kane - Colour Of The Trap. Album Review

Who ever said Rock N' Roll was dead? Thank god for Miles Kane. The music industry has been screaming out for an artist like this. Someone who keeps it simple, plays top quality gigs, and records straight down the line rock n' roll records. Miles hasn't had the best luck in the world in a career that boasts three bands (The Little Flames, The Rascals, and The Last Shadow Puppets), all of which have ceased to exist for one reason or another. Although Kane has never ruled out a return for the Puppets, his attention has been firmly placed on his debut album.

On the brilliant opener 'Come Closer', you immediately understand what has been missing in the charts since the turn of the century. Filled with catchy riffs and a simple song structure, 'Come Closer' leaks filth and dry "wooooah"'s and "ahhhhh"'s. This is definitely rock n' roll in it's finest, purest form.



The theme runs continuously through the record which features many guests. We hear backing vocals from Fleur Delacour from Harry Potter in 'Happenstance' and some indulgent harmonies from Mr Noel Gallagher in 'My Fantasy'. Although Miles is now a solo act, he cannot claim he did it all by himself. He has support with backing vocals from Gruff Rhys all the way through the record, most notably on "Rearrange". This song again is a simple, heart-skip rock n' roll tune that just makes you want to dance.



Alex Turner is introduced on 'Telepathy', one of the best tracks on the record in my opinion. Only appearing in the liner notes as a co-writer, he doesn't actually feature in the song but his influence is truly heard. The song highlights, (if it needs to be) the '50's, '60's rock n' roll genre that has been missed like a baby misses their mum.



This is certainly one of the most exciting albums of the year. Being full of wit, charisma and charm, 'Colour Of The Trap' has delivered something spectacular. There was no hype surrounding the release of this album, and maybe that's why it has been so successful. With rid of any pressure, Kane has been able to express his musical genius in a way he hasn't been able to do in the past. The record has revived Rock N' Roll and Miles has emerged from the shadows. Finally, we can appreciate the man's talent and provide him with the recognition he deserves.

9/10

Ed Sheeran Album Review

The positive comments that have come from the general public about Ed Sheeran after his number one single "The A Team", are astounding. The man can do no wrong in the eyes of music fans. Or can he?
His slight urban style is mixed together with a weak hip-hop rhythm and a vocal pattern that varies from half arsed rapping to depressing love ballads. Mr Sheeran has been accused of being too cynical about the music industry yet he does carry a strong message. In his song "You Need Me, I Don't Need You", a beat-boxing manifesto, he arguably tries too hard to convince us about where he's coming from. However, being my personal favourite track on the album, the song does highlight long lasting issues that lie deep within the music industry. What a relief that someone like Ed has emerged into the charts at number one and gets regular radio play. Thank God he isn't mainstream.



If you haven't seen him in concert, you wouldn't have anything against his debut album. But this record is miles apart from his own voice, one guitar and loop pedal that made him different in the first place. The album features weird, off beat drum patterns, violins, pianos and a bass guitar. This is not what Sheeran fans would've expected. This is shown through the lame and horribly corny "Kiss Me". It sounds dated which is such a shame coming from someone who has an obvious drive to succeed.



However, it is an album that grows on you. If you forget about all the little things that annoy you about the album, good tracks start to emerge. For example, on first listen to "Grade 8" you wonder if Ed had smoked something before recording the track but it grows on you. You notice this as you find yourself bobbing along to it, singing virtually every word.



It is not a great debut album. And fans that have followed Ed since he first started making a name for himself, notably in the "Nando's Skank" are felt to be let down by what can be interpreted as "selling out". But there are tracks on that album that emerge. From no where. They grasp their acoustic strings, beautiful voice, and melodramatic lyrics and entice you. Ed Sheeran is not a corperal sell out and who are we to judge him on the music he makes. Every song has a message behind it and he tells poetic stories. Not everyone in the charts can do this. Yet, after seeing him live, I feel let down by the record as I expected much more from the ginger singer/songwriter.

Rating 6/10