Album: Mt. Desolation – Mt. Desolation

20 October 2010

Mt. Desolation were always going to be successful. They could have made ugly-sounding avant-garde music and dressed themselves in clown outfits, and their tendency for success still would not have faltered. Despite that, the debut album from this remarkable collective doesn’t suffer the complacency would one arguably say it’s entitled to. Instead, members of Keane, Mumford & Sons, Noah And The Whale and The Long Winters come together to create an intense, epic and beautiful album that is accessible to both the average radio listener and yet will undoubtedly still be respected by more seasoned music appreciators. From the opening alt-country raptures of ‘Departure’ to the folk rock balladry of lead single ‘State of Our Affairs’, this album is utter brilliance, demonstrating exceptional songwriting, fearless instrumental experimentation and a tangible passion for the music being made. Catchy, quirky, gorgeous and adept, Mt. Desolation’s self-titled debut is amazing, and the band will be entirely deserving of the recognition they are destined to receive. 9/10

Mt. Desolation – Departure (video):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sifr7xXSXOY

Bands to watch: Kitty The Lion

By: Lauren

12 October 2010

In: News & Leaks

6 comments

Kitty The Lion are an exceptional band. I say this for various, well-founded, complimentary reasons, but the primary one is the fact that the band is product of a Glaswegian singer-songwriter. And in my experience, Glaswegian singer-songwriters have a tendency to be pretty shit, or even worse, painfully average. Not Kitty The Lion, though, oh no; I’d go so far as to say that this band are one of the most interesting products to come out of Glasgow’s music scene in a good few years.

Combining gorgeous folk-pop melodies with a unique aptitude for songwriting, Kitty The Lion set a new standard for singer-songwriters-turned-folk-bands everywhere. The music is good fun – from the intelligent and affable lyrics to the charming persona of the Scottish quintet. Think Emmy The Great with a Scottish accent and a slightly more optimistic outlook. If that doesn’t sound like your sort of thing, think of something that is your sort of thing, then listen to Kitty anyway.

Kitty The Lion release their latest single ‘Gutted / Split Ends’ via Dead Hip Records today. It’s a double A-side and available for the extremely affordable price of £1.58 for both tracks. Come on, that’s less than a pint. Hell, that’s less than a diet coke with lemon and ice. Click here to buy the single.

Additional track ‘Birdflu’ is available for free download by clicking here, or if you’re a smarty-pants, by using the SoundCloud player below.

Kitty The Lion – Birdflu by laurenrazavi

Mt. Desolation – State Of Our Affairs

By: Lauren

11 October 2010

In: News & Leaks

0 comments

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcrSc93APa4

Mt. Desolation have unveiled a gorgeous music video for new track ‘State Of Our Affairs’, which precedes their debut album release through Island Records next Monday. The album features collaborations with members of The Killers, Noah & The Whale, Mumford & Sons, The Long Winter and more, not to mention the fact that Mt. Desolation itself is the side-project of Keane‘s Tim Oxley and Jesse Quin.

If you’ve not yet had the privilege of hearing the band’s wonderful alt/country/folk/rock tunes, I suggest you make a point of opening your ears to them right now.

MT DESOLATION MYSPACE