Egyptian Hip Hop – Some Reptiles Grew Wings

20 September 2010

Don’t be fooled into thinking that Egyptian Hip Hop are another Madchester revival after the opening synth stabs and melody that open up Moon Crooner, the first track off their Some Reptiles Grew Wings EP, as such a label doesn’t begin to cover what this four-piece have to offer. After various demos which I’ll admit didn’t have me convinced, this EP feels more complete and a fully formed statement of intent with funk aficionado Hudson Mohawke on production duties helping refine their sound.

The notable highlight here for me is Rad Pitt with it’s soft understated melody and falling tomtom rhythm that could soundtrack any blissed out modern romance, but it isn’t that the remainder is weak. No, it is just that the songs don’t flow into each other, and whilst each track has individual drive – the EP doesn’t quite hang together as a whole. Such a criticism may sound a little harsh on such a youthful band who are obviously still experimenting with their sound, but as you can hear on Middle Name Period – they are so close to exceeding the very high bar they have set for themselves with an infectious synthline and skittling drums – but but it doesn’t quite reach the heady height it could. On its own, this EP demonstrates the band’s intent and undeniable ability – and I just hope their debut full length in the future will allow them enough space to fully expose their talent.

Some Reptiles Grew Wings is out now on Moshi Moshi Records

Egyptian Hip Hop – Moon Crooner

Johnny Flynn & Laura Marling release ‘The Water’

By: Lauren

19 September 2010

In: News & Leaks

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Johnny Flynn will release new single ‘The Water’ on November 1st through Transgressive Records. The third single from his critically acclaimed second album ‘Been Listening’ features guest star Laura Marling, and has proven to be a favourite from the new album. We certainly love it here at The Blue Walrus!

Below you can hear a live fan-recorded excerpt of the twosome performing the track in Australia last month.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNaqkc37y5o

Johnny heads out on tour with Mumford & Sons in October and on his own UK headline tour in December. All dates are listed below.

October 2010

1st – Glasgow Academy

2nd – Manchester Apollo

4th – Brighton Dome

5th – Nottingham Rock City

6th – Bristol Academy

8th – London Hammersmith Apollo.

December 2010

SAT 04, BIRMINGHAM Academy 2

SUN 05, MANCHESTER Club Academy

TUE 07, EDINBURGH Liquid Rooms

THU 09, BRISTOL Trinity Center

FRI 10, LONDON Shepherd’s Bush Empire

SAT 11, BRIGHTON St George’s Church

SUN 12, EXETER The Phoenix

Live: Peggy Sue @ Open House Festival

By: Lauren

18 September 2010

In: Reviews

0 comments

I saw Peggy Sue live for the first time at the London Southbank Centre’s sold out Laura Marling & Friends show last August, and then again at last year’s Open House Festival supporting Beth Orton. Each time I’ve seen them, they’ve proven themselves to be interesting, intelligent and talented musicians and songwriters, and this year’s Open House show was no exception. Supporting Seasick Steve, the three-piece – Olly, Rosa and Katy – played to a packed out 2,000 capacity festival tent, and I don’t think there was one person in the audience who weren’t utterly impressed by the raw and beautiful sounds they created.

Playing a range of songs, old and new, the real highlight for me was ‘The Sea, The Sea’, towards the end of their set. This was the first song I ever heard by the band, and it’s great to see them still performing it. The passionate and sometimes chaotic nature of their music was received well by Steve’s older, non gig-goer sort of audience. I look forward to seeing them at a headline show sometime soon…until then, you can read my interview with the band, expected on The Blue Walrus next week.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hghZcNXhpKg