The Musgraves – So Sofia – Review

The Musgraves

If there were ever a soundtrack for walking through a park on summer’s day, So Sofia by The Musgraves would surely be a strong contender.

The Savage Nomads – The Magical Eye Review

A nomad by definition is ‘a member of a people who travel from place to place to find fresh pasture for their livestock.’ The Savage Nomads are certainly on a quest to find pastures new in their experimental pop rock sound and are already causing quite a stir amongst their fan base livestock.

BeardyMan’s ‘I done a album’ review

BeardyMan's - I done a album

In these modern days of downloading mp3’s, it’s a rare occasion that I go out and buy a CD. I now reserve that luxury as a treat for albums I am particularly excited about; it’s the modern answer to buying vinyl and it seems so much more satisfying parting with cash in person when it’s as anticipated as BeardyMan’s ‘I done a Album.’

So far undeterred by the fairly graphic picture of a large toilet dwelling golden turd, revealed only when you remove the CD from the case, I’m 30 seconds in and I can tell this album holds promise.

For those fortunate to have tuned into his exclusive album preview show last year, streamed live on the Guardian, you’ll know what I mean. BeardyMan is a somewhat understated artist whose human beat-box skills have been on the radar for some time. This first album comes after his success in 2006-07 when he battled to become UK Beat-box Champion two years running. Since then he has gone on to become a YouTube sensation and has played with the like of Fatboy slim and Groove Armada.

Each track combines seamless beat boxing and digital samples that make it difficult to distinguish between the two. Some tracks are made entirely from the mouth of BeardyMan and I challenge you to tell which ones are and which ones aren’t without looking in the CD sleeve. As an album it’s erratic and eclectic at the same time, showcasing BM’s own original spin on a variety of genres including d‘n’b, dubstep, house and hip hop with each track crammed full of impossible mixes giving glimmers into the inner workings of the spaghetti junction that is BeardyMan’s brain.

As funny as it is genius in places, the mock vocal skits are an interesting link to the chain of tracks and Track 7, entitled ‘If only,’ will undoubtedly gain mass reverence as it encapsulates the hopes and dreams of thousands nationwide with regard to a certain teen superstar, all in only 19 seconds.

Verdict: Inspired, original and excruciatingly clever. For those who aren’t too keen on experimental music, it will be a case of the Marmite motto as in places it can be quite sporadic. Overall, an epic mission of music that’ll make you want to party, laugh and chill all at the same time. 8/10