Inappropriate Places For A Listening Party Vol.2

In the hallowed halls of our corporate fortress, where flowcharts conquer and PowerPoints reign supreme, another board meeting has unfurled its banner of monotony. As the clock ticks to the rhythm of executive jargon and pie charts, I find solace in the clandestine haven of my earphones. In the midst of mission statements and strategic goals, a rebellion brews—my own symphony of defiance. Today's listening party unfolds in the epicentre of bureaucracy, where power suits wield pens instead of guitars, and flowery language replaces lyrical finesse. Strap in, dear readers, for we're about to inject a dose of indie rebellion into the heart of corporate conformity.

Dirty Power "Said And Done"

Dirty Power

In the midst of the corporate tempest, the international rock-trio Dirty Power unleashes the whirlwind "Said and Done," the second instalment of their three-part arc within the forthcoming EP 'Gravitas.' Following the trailblazing 'I Did My Time,' this track emerges as a stripped-back revelation—a roots-driven, unplugged testament to their 'industri-coustic' prowess.

As the first chords resonate, it becomes evident that Dirty Power's musical alchemy is not merely a fleeting moment but a deliberate journey unfolding across the EP. "Said and Done" carries the torch of their unique approach, a blend inspired by Rodrigo y Gabriela's guitar rhythms and Rammstein's 'Los,' but with a Dirty Power twist—a concoction that defies expectations and transcends genre boundaries.

We were somewhat distracted at this point as some junior member of the marketing team decided that this was the ideal time to demonstrate their PowerPoint skills and proceeded to launch into a presentation that went into some of the most in depth statistics you might have ever imagined. I'm pretty sure Susan from Accounts fell asleep during the bit about giving 110% and that we need to think outside the box. I think I her heard her bottom snore several times. Not even Dirty Power could rescue her from that situation.

Foxglove "Tell Me A Story"

Foxglove

In the aftermath of the boardroom bacchanal, we find ourselves embracing the forthcoming launch of Foxglove's infectious single, "Tell Me A Story." This musical gem is a cocktail infused with dream pop, garage vibes, and a generous dash of nostalgia — a harmonious blend that promises to be Foxglove's most infectious offering to date.

Singer Abi, the lyrical sorceress behind the band, pens a poignant narrative that resonates with the struggles of burnout in one's early twenties—the labyrinthine journey of not knowing which path to tread. "Tell Me A Story" becomes the lyrical diary of this turbulent moment, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in Abi's world, where the weight of uncertainty is woven into every note.

As the dreamy melodies of dream pop and the gritty echoes of garage intertwine, "Tell Me A Story" becomes a musical time machine. Abi's emotive vocals guide us through the corridors of nostalgia, drawing inspiration from the dance classics and 90s bands that served as the soundtrack to their formative years.

The single, much like a musical confidant, throws us into the heart of Abi's musings. The lyrics, akin to pages torn from a personal diary, narrate the raw emotions of the present moment. The band's homage to their parents' eclectic musical taste becomes evident, shaping not only their sound but also their distinctive style of storytelling.

In what some might describe as an exciting coincidence, the meeting was sprinkled with relative hilarity as we were each invited to deliver a monologue about our personal lives. It was intended to be an ice breaker where we could let each other know a little about ourselves. We were certainly not prepared to hear about Benny's clandestine affair with Gloria in the typing pool. If that wasn't bad enough, we had to listen to all the gory details of Rob's rash, and how it has stopped responding to treatment. Rob has never understood the concept of "too much information."

Defined By "Live For The Weekend"

Defined By

In the tapestry of indie sounds, Defined By emerges as a solo maestro, and at the helm is the talented Lee Egerton. His brainchild, "Live for The Weekend," is a dynamic and versatile journey through the nuances of indie, capturing raw emotion and real-life themes that resonate like pages torn from a personal diary.

Lee's musical canvas takes shape with a sound that's both heartfelt and diverse. "Live for The Weekend" serves as a poignant testament to the trials of real life, each note carrying the weight of experience and emotion. The track doesn't just play; it unfolds—a musical narrative where authenticity is the guiding star.

As the single "Live for The Weekend" unravels, we find ourselves drawn into the genesis of the song— a moment sparked from a clash with a former boss. The mundane clash of a sales job transformed into the vibrant lyrics of Defined By, encapsulating the struggle, the celebration, and the quintessential desire to break free from the shackles of the workweek.

As Lee plans his next recording ventures and the Defined By live sound evolves with the formation of a band, "Live for The Weekend" becomes more than a single. It's a rallying cry, a musical anthem that echoes the sentiments of those who yearn for liberation from the daily grind. With applications sent to major UK festivals, Defined By is on the cusp of not just defining their sound but etching their mark on the indie landscape.

To be honest, we completely understand how Lee feels, as I found myself in a clash with my own boss. He had been asking me a question for a smidge over three minutes but as I was listening to the track I heard nothing of the codswallop he was spouting. Something to do with blue sky thinking. Neil, the IT fella, had tried to warn me, to be fair, by kicking me several times under the desk.

Unfortunately for Neil, I mistook his subtle kicks as a sign of aggression and I, still a little dazed by the barrage of questioning from the boss, flicked a paper ball at Neil and it hit him in the eye. It was rather a fortuitous shot which I found quite amusing. Neil, on the other hand, didn't find it as funny as I did and he had to be restrained by the head of HR.

Board meetings, hey?