Artist: BYOB
Album: Everything In Moderation
Released: 25 October
Reviewed by: Tim Horner
‘Everything In Moderation’ is an apt if somewhat ironic title for BYOB’s debut album. BYOB (aka Ashley Hamilton) has combined some seriously infectious and possible chart disturbing tracks (see Peaches, Young Living and Best Shoes) with a considerable helping of filler. Moderation indeed. Add to the fact that the majority of tracks concern the copious consumption of drugs and alcohol and you can see his sense of humour at work.
At his best, BYOB combines cutting witty lyrics with pulsing electronic beats, taking influence from The Prodigy and The Streets in what could be a crossover classic. In Chillin’ BYOB is Mike Skinner-esque with a dab of social commentary, self-awareness and smart vocal interplay with the samples.
Peaches is a grime hijack of The Stranglers’s 1970 classic. Thankfully it doesn’t rely on the original sample too heavily, instead taking its own route down the beach to take in all the picturesque sights. “There’s nowhere else in the world I would rather be” chants the chorus, an escape from the winter that we all need.
At 21 years old, BYOB sounds like he’s been on the scene for half his life. In Young Living he taps into a youthful energy and confidence that many of our generation either possess or want to “I live my life how I like / Too much fun don’t make me a sinner / And too many drinks don’t make me an alcoholic”. BYOB could soon find himself Public Enemy Number One of the Daily Mail in their constant campaign to keep ‘the youth’ away from consumption of any substance other than chocolate and sweets. While I Like It shows a consciousness lacking from other artists “Why is everything bad so good for me, why is everything good so bad?” which could save him from the grip of middle England’s outrage.
Everything In Moderation is a strong first album from a promising artist who has the best chance of breaking into the mainstream. But ripping the melody from The Bangles’ Walk Like An Egyptian on a track about taking coke and exchanging it for sex is a bizarre combination for even the most hardened listener.
7/10
Artist: A Silent Film
Album: The City That Sleeps
Released: 27th September
Reviewed by: Tim Horner
‘The City That Sleeps’ is a re-release of Oxford quartet A Silent Film’s debut album from last year. Over 10 tracks the piano led foursome produce energetic orchestral tunes that bring to mind the likes of Keane and Coldplay. Unfortunately they’re not Keane or Coldplay.
At times you can hear U2 trying to break through, but once again A Silent Film lack the magic, power or charisma of their established rivals. Their tunes are big, there’s no denying that. They’ve got some serious talent between them. But something is lacking.
Driven By Their Beating Hearts as an opener brings a tempo that is hard to follow up. Somehow they manage to keep the pace but at the same time lose any vested interest. The vocals are irritating in a grating against the brain kind of way. On top of that, there’s little variation. All the songs sound pretty much the same.
You Will Leave A Mark offers a double time drum beat that at least knocks you out of the monotony offered up to that point, while Julie June opts of the offbeat to lull you into a false sense of interest.
A Silent Film must be doing something right as the original release of the album received praise from Steve Lamacq and bagged them a spot on the BBC Introducing stage at Glastonbury. They’ve also spent a bit of time playing in the United States, supporting The Smashing Pumpkins.
If you like Coldplay but find them a bit too interesting, if you like Keane but find their tunes a bit too catchy, A Silent Film could be right up your street. But personally, this album makes me feel like a resident of The City That Sleeps. Asleep: all the way through it.
3/10
See what I mean?
