Broadway comes to Cardiff - American Idiot

You will find it hard to find someone who hasn't heard Green Day's American Idiot. In fact, it was so huge, they decided to write a musical based on the album. I know it's a few weeks late, but it's been a busy time, so I do apologise... In Cardiff on October 20th, I went to see it in the Millennium Centre, met the cast and had a hell of a time!

The musical is perfectly cast, with an amazing set of singers who actually sound like Billie Joe, and some with very individual voices. The staging was certainly interesting, with loads of TV sets and staircases-come-bus (yes, it's as complicated as it sounds), and the show was beautifully written about three friends who plan to move away to a new city life, one who ends up having to stay home, one leaving for the army and one rebel.

The music was from a variety of Green Day's CDs, and what has to be praised was the end song. All the cast got out their acoustics and sang Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life), which was beautiful. If there is any Green Day fan out there, you need to see this musical at some point, because it really is a special experience.

The 2nd Law of Muse

I don't think I've come across anyone who hasn't heard at least one song by Muse. Matt's distinct voice is hard not to recognise. Known very well from the alternative genre in the music scene, Muse have written music for the Twilight saga (Neutron Star Collision) and have had Super Massive Black Hole used in them as well. However, what is their new album like?

In all honesty, I had no idea what I was expecting when I heard that Muse had a new album out. I didn't know whether I would like it after hearing 'Survival' played on the radio a while back. I liked the song, but I wasn't sure whether a whole CD of it would be great. I'd never been a huge Muse fan (of course I liked them, but they weren't my first choice to listen to), but I thought I'd give it a go and give you lovely people my feedback.

Well, I was pleasantly surprised. After listening to The 2nd Law, I must admit I fell in love with it! It is completely different to some other stuff they've written, with a lot more electronics used and some dubstep influence. The difference between two tracks was shocking as well. When the track moves on from 'Survival' to 'Follow Me', I wasn't sure what had happened!

I was also surprised when it came to track 2 on the album, 'Madness'. I wasn't expecting all the electronics, but I have to admit they work really well! Track 11, 'Liquid State', is another contrast. This is easily my favourite song on the album, the riffs are awesome, and the chorus is so dramatic with string accompaniment!

So, for me not being a massive Muse fan before, this CD has made me fall in love with them. Granted, it is completely different to some of their other stuff, but sometimes a change is good, right?

¡UNO! ¿Bueno?

25 years after forming, Green Day have released yet another album for the world of punk to worship. However, is it any good you ask?

It's certainly a bit different. Opening track 'Nuclear Family' makes you believe that the CD is going to be another classic punk album with repetition of chords and songs. However, by the time you reach 'Kill The DJ', you realise you're wrong. The sound Green Day have here completely contrasts with the rest! The beginning sounds like they've gone pop, and who the hell wants that?!

Guess what? Wrong again. No where near pop (phew!). The punk style returns with a twist to, I feel, convey the meaning of the song. Cleaver? I think so!

UNO also brings angst. (Yes, welcome back Green Day! Vengeance is awesome!) 'Let Yourself Go' is the classic example. Happy tune, angry lyrics. Beautifully done!

It must be said, though, closing track 'Oh Love' is my favourite. (Thank God it's the single!!) I love Billie Joe's voice in it, I love the riffs, I love the chords, I love the words, I love the tone, I love the sound. Flawless!!

So yes, Green Day have done it again. However, you can't help but feel like the old Green Day is missing from this one... Of course, the album is awesome, but nothing will ever compare to Dookie or the multi award-winning American Idiot. But still, my love for this band is still strong and won't die out any time soon. With such a huge influence on my life, I can't say they have an album I don't like. Billie Joe, thank you, you have done it again!

Going back to the School Of Seven Bells

If it's something a little different you're looking for, here it is. School Of Seven Bells released their new album, Ghostory, back in February, and is yet again brilliant! With their electronic sounds combined with rock, as demonstrated with opening track 'The Night', who could turn down the band's unique style?

Each of the songs on this album is discreetly different, namely the haunting 'Reappear'. This one definitely stands out from the rest with the lack of percussion. It really breaks the album up and contrasts beautifully!

Another track worth checking out is closing track 'When You Sing'. Slow starting with what seems to be a quiet tune soon kicks into the regular electro-rock sound with Alejandra's sweet yet ghostly voice, which works perfectly with the band's sound.

So, for the guys who like AIR with a rock twist, School Of Seven Bells is the obvious choice for you, check them out!

New album Now, Now, anyone?

If you're into Stadium Rock and Art Rock, this is definitely worth checking out! (Honestly, it's the first I've ever heard of these guys.) Now, Now released a new album a few months ago, Threads.

Perfect for the people who love chilled rock, you listen to this album and feel relaxed. Cacie and Jess' voices create an atmosphere unlike anyone else's I can think of. They're almost haunting, but chilling. Plus, not one of the tracks on this CD has a floor. It's all similar, but not boring! 'Dead Oaks' and 'Wolf' are the tracks that are definitely worth listening to, along with 'Oh. Hi.'

These guys I could describe as Paramore crossed with Warpaint - American rock band with the chilled feel. Sounds like it shouldn't work, but it definitely does!

Awakening

Hey there! Thought I'd just announce that this is the beginning of something new for me, seeing as I want to actually get somewhere in life. This could be a decent place to start, especially looking into the media.

My passion from a young age has been music. It's had a huge influence on my life, and am always keen to find new stuff and keep up to date. However, me being me, I'm fussy, and don't always find what I'm looking for. (Rarely, shall we say...)

Well, now I have found exactly what I need. Thanks to Artrocker magazine, I discovered Deezer. It's a website that you can listen to music for free, and you only need to sign in with your Facebook account. Convenient? I think so!

I'll make sure I blog again soon, hopefully with some new music or whatnot that you guys will be interested in. Bye bye for now!