Inappropriate Places for a Listening Party - Vol. 4

This week has been rather stressful for me. After announcing that we were expecting our seventeenth child, my wife made two huge decisions. 1. We need a television and 2. I really ought to have "the op" to prevent this from happening again. And, as I have a very low pain threshold, I insisted that I'd only do it if I was under some sort of anaesthetic. So, with the music being piped through the speakers, I decided to review this week's new music from the operating theatre at Wakefield's General Hospital.

The Petal Falls "Someday"

The Petal Falls "Someday"

In the ever-evolving soundscape of indie, The Petal Falls return with their latest sonic offering, "Someday," a track that emerges as the herald of their highly acclaimed fourth album, 'The Rhythm Train.' Released exclusively on CD in October 2023, this single carries the torch of The Petal Falls' signature style—a blend of sharp, edgy verses, a powerful and infectious chorus, and production that's nothing short of exquisite.

As the opening chords unfurl, the listener is instantly enveloped in the magnetic pull of "Someday." The lyrical canvas paints a vivid picture, with the poignant declaration, "I'm nailed to the cross of the lost and needy." This stark introspection lays the groundwork for a journey through the thematic landscape that The Petal Falls have expertly cultivated.

The verses, like a well-honed blade, cut through the air with precision and depth. Each word carries the weight of experience, while the chorus rises like a powerful anthem—a declaration that lingers in the mind long after the final note has played. It's a testament to The Petal Falls' ability to seamlessly blend sharp lyrical storytelling with irresistibly catchy melodies.

Production becomes a silent maestro in "Someday," orchestrating a symphony that accentuates every nuance of the track. The tapestry is woven with a finesse that reflects the maturity of a band deeply immersed in their craft. From the first beat to the last, the song is a sonic journey that transcends the boundaries of traditional indie, beckoning the listener to hop aboard 'The Rhythm Train' and explore the musical landscapes that await.

Meanwhile, waiting for me was the surgeon who was about to perform my "procedure". At this point, he looked at me and smiled, and in an attempt to calm my nerves, he smiled and said "Don't worry Steven, this kind of surgery is carried out every day." I pointed out that my name isn't Steven. Turns out, he was talking to himself. This didn't fill me with confidence.

Defined By "God's No Help"

Defined By "God's No Help"

Defined By, the torchbearers of classic British guitar-driven tracks with a real working-class vibe, unleash their second studio release, "God's No Help." Following the trail of their debut, 'Live for The Weekend,' this track is a sonic journey crafted under the skilled hands of Sugar House Music, known for their work with 'The Lilacs,' 'Venus Girls,' 'Corella,' 'The Ks,' and 'Viola Beach.' Masterfully mastered by Pete Maher (David Bowie, Sam Fender, Liam Gallagher), "God's No Help" is a dark and compelling anthem.

The opening chords set the tone, drawing listeners into a concrete trench where an old man shares the tales he's witnessed. The habitual traits in council estates, raising their ugly heads, become headlines that echo in the gritty reality Defined By paints. The lyrics become a vivid brushstroke on the canvas of working-class experiences, capturing the essence of life in the concrete jungle.

A driving drumbeat becomes the heartbeat of the song, propelling it through the pre-chorus and laying the foundations for a chorus that looms large. The opening line of the chorus, "We go dancing with the devil coz God’s no help," crashes in, encapsulating the track's real and relatable feel. It's an anthem of rebellion, a rebellion against the challenges and struggles faced in the concrete trenches of life.

The driving rhythms, strong descriptive lyrics, and ear-catching melodies are wrapped in a British working-class vibe that permeates every note. "God's No Help" becomes a rallying cry, a musical testament to resilience and a refusal to succumb to the trials of life.

On the subject of life, my "procedure" was getting off to a rather shaky start. Steven, wielding a rusty scalpel and with a sinister look in his eyes seemed to have developed a very shaky hand and proceeded to take a sneaky drink from his hip flask. The rest of the theatre staff seemed uninterested, with one of the nurses filing her nails in the corner and another applying her lipstick and dancing around the room with the anaesthetist, clearly finding the sound of Defined By's latest song something of an aphrodisiac. I'm not sure that was the intention when the song was written.

Suspect The Birds "Fall From Grace"

Suspect The Birds "Fall From Grace"

Hailing from the vibrant musical landscape of London, Suspect The Birds takes flight with their latest release, "Fall From Grace." A five-piece band with influences spanning alternative rock, funk, and Britpop, Suspect The Birds are known for infusing their performances with an infectious energy that captivates both hardcore and casual fans alike.

In 2023, the band made waves with releases like "Rosie Red" and "TWENTY NINETEEN," accompanied by a music video for the former. Their musical journey took them across iconic London venues, including the O2 Academy Islington and Camden Assembly, sharing the stage with renowned bands like Republica. This momentum has solidified their presence in the London music scene, building relationships with various promoters across the city.

As 2024 unfolds, Suspect The Birds propels itself into the spotlight with "Fall From Grace," released on January 12th. This track sets the stage for a breakout year, a prelude to the eagerly anticipated Growing Pains EP featuring fan-favourite tracks "Convict" and "Cold," scheduled for release on March 1st. The band's commitment to delivering crowd-engaging performances and unapologetic bangers is evident, setting the stage for another release in late May alongside the festival season.

Suspect The Birds doesn't approach bangers half-heartedly; they dive headfirst into musical landscapes that push boundaries and ignite a fervour within their audience. "Fall From Grace" becomes a testament to their musical prowess, a harbinger of the excitement and creativity that defines their sound. With each note, Suspect The Birds takes flight, promising an exhilarating journey through their unique blend of genres and a breakout year that marks their ascent in the musical realms.

I suspect that my surgeon may not have been as experienced as he implied. He was, at this point, Googling how to perform my procedure and one of the nurses was pointing out the general location of where he would be operating. He seemed a little surprised and rather embarrassed. I felt that it was probably wise for me to call off the operation and perhaps look at alternative methods of birth control. Still, at least I have a new television on the way.

It was at this point that the anaesthetic took hold and I found myself drifting off into a deep sleep. When I awoke, one of the nurses assured me that everything had gone well and I'd soon be able to go home. I'm glad that the whole episode has been brought to a conclusion. Although, I'm still a little unsure how having my tonsils removed will help with birth control? Still, that's why they're the medics and I'm just a music reviewer.