The Metal Hearts’ second album Socialize has a steady, brooding urgency that makes for a not entirely comfortable listen, but it is compelling all the same. The stark, simple sound of Anar Badalov’s and Flora Wolpert-Checknoff’s guitars is clearly influenced by Cat Power, and is always underpinned by their reliable drum-machine. Occasionally things build up to create a denser, more enveloping sound, recalling the weightier moments of Mogwai’s Rock Action LP (check out Mountain Song on the band’s myspace page and see what I mean). Flora’s voice seems to be more prominent than Anar’s, though they mostly sing in unison. This adds warmth to arrangements that might sometimes feel a little structurally exposed.

Amidst all this bleakness, the title track stands out for its major key melody (at least in the chorus) and soothing, delicate vocals. It’s a great introduction to the The Metal Hearts, and you can download it right here…

The Metal Hearts – Socialize

Buy Socialize LP

metalheartsmusic.com / Myspace

Hamish.

P.s. Please let us know what you think of the music we recommend – leave us a comment by clicking the link below. After all, the reason we write on The Blue Walrus is because we want to talk about the music we love, so it would be great to know if people agree or disagree, with us or with each other, about what we say about bands!

Larrikin Love are just not getting enough airplay over here in the UK in my opinion, so I guess they are getting nearly none other than satellite radio in the US. The indie radio shows and stations have had them in rotation for a while, but with their debut album being released soon I’m hoping they might break into the mainstream along with the Fratellis who also release an album soon.

Larrikin Love

Here is a band from London, UK that has a completely different sound to the normaly London crowd (Babyshambles, Dirty Pretty Things, etc…). The sound has a little bit of irish folk to my ears, as well as a little bit of punk. My favourite track, Happy as Annie, is being released on Monday so I thought I shouldn’t post that one ;). The album is out pretty soon as well, and is an absolute cracker. They might dress like gypsies, but their live show is full of energy and they have some fanatical fans.
Larrikin Love / MySpace
[Buy] Larrikin Love – Freedom Spark (pre-order)

Larrikin Love – Forever Untitled / 2

The Fratellis

Being as the Fratellis are releasing their album, Costello Music, next week I thought I would post a new track from them too to get you all drooling in anticipation in what I think will be one of the albums of the year.
The Fratellis / MySpace
[Buy] The Fratellis – Costello Music (pre-order)

The Fratellis – Got Ma Nuts From a Hippy / 2

-Tim

Is Fionn Regan just another Damien Rice? (please keep reading…) No! The two are analogous up to a point – same nationality, both singer-songwriters, a similar raspy, honest voice, but pleasingy Fionn is miles apart in every other way. His voice has an engaging innocence and his compositions avoid the cloying sentimentality that Rice trades in, whilst still managing to pull gently at the heart strings. The music is folksy yet innovative, with twists and idiosyncrasies that frequently make your ears prick up. This eccentricity courses through his lyrics as well, the charming meander of ‘Put A Penny In The Slot’ a case in point.

Fionn’s new album ‘The End Of History’ was released in August on Bella Union records, and you can buy it at Amazon, well worth the bargain eight quids they’re selling it for!

Fionn Regan – Blackwater Child

Fionn Regan / Myspace