Freelance Whales

Due out in April on Frenchkiss Records, this is a band to watch this year. The Freelance Whales compose truly blissful music with, five-part harmonies, all from the heart. The group, formed in Brooklyn, after only been playing together for about a year and a half, but they've already completed an astonishing album debut, called Weathervanes.

Panda Bear - Heaven

Pivotal member of Animal Collective, and one man band Panda Bear aka Noah Lennox became adored by the critics upon the release of his 2007 album Person Pitch. Last year A/C continued their success with the release of their astonishing Merriweather Post Pavilion LP. In a high demand for collaborations, Deerhunter's byline Atlas Sound saw Noah feature on one of my favourite tracks (Walkabout) on the album Logos.

London's Heaven was Panda's only UK show, as part of a short european tour. On the bill saw a rich mix of psychedelia and beats such as the likes of Kurt Vile and Kode9. That latter of the two i'd expect to see at a Brainfeeder night rather than an evening of psych. I didn't feel it set the tone for Panda who as succeeding.

Panda announced his apologies when dedicating time to tuning up. Donning an electric guitar and standing behind a whole host of electronic goodies, Panda leapt into an explosive drown of acid trip psych, a set dominated by new tracks.

There were moments I enjoyed the new material, but they were short lived, there was rarely a melody his voice wasn't sharp or flat. I'm not sure if it was familiarity but the only track I loved was "Comfy in Nautica," which reminded me of the sheer brilliance he is capable of, serenading the audience with a voice similar to Brian Wilson.

On the whole, it was not the best advert his new record. But no doubt, like a duck to water i'll rush to the record store and buy the new LP on the day of release and love it!

The Digital Economy Bill heads for the House of Commons

Having been signed by members in the House or Lords, The Digital Economy Bill has now been sent to the House of Commons for its first reading.

Largely supported by the Government, the integrity of the Lib Dems section 120A still remains in tact, where the proposed amendment to clause 17 which aimed at "further proofing" the Bill attacking non-peer to peer piracy.

Additional proposals saw by the Lib Dems, included courts deciding on who should cough up in legal proceedings, as apposed to internet service providers automatically being requested to do so. And also site owners to be informed when an injunction was to be implemented or applied for. Though at this moment members were unable to cast a vote.

Lib Dems think that 120A is an improvement on clause 17 but are disappointed that further further measures to tighten up the amendment were not able to be pushed through.

BPI CEO Geoff Taylor said: “It is vital for the future of the UK's creative sector that the Digital Economy Bill is adopted. We are pleased that it has passed through detailed scrutiny in the Lords and will continue to work closely with all parties as it progresses.”

The Lib Dems were also unsuccessful in getting their Live Music Bill debated on Friday, but the spokeswoman adds it is not the end for that with the Bill’s sponsor Lord Clement-Jones committed to re-introducing the Bill in the next parliament if it is unable to get more debating time in April.

Wild Beasts

Live Review - 60 Million Postcards Bournemouth

Leeds band Wild Beasts graced Bournemouth’s stage last night with a glorious self-defining showcase of sonic eccentricity.

Hotly tipped by critics for their album Two Dancers, it was no wonder the show was a sell-out. I managed to catch up with Benny [guitar] and Tom [bass & tenor] sharing their thoughts on touring, new material, merch, favourite artists and the demise of BBC 6 Music:

Wild Beasts Interview Part1 by Rupert Hellings

Wild Beasts Interview Part2 by Rupert Hellings

The playful wordplay, captivating the sexuality of human nature in many of the lyrics adds to their charm. Coupled with the haunting guitar work form Benny and the spider-like patterns of percussion from Bert left the audience immersed in the music, leaving a prolonged sense still dancing in their ears.

The band were able to relay live (with great conviction) what has been recorded in the studio, reinforcing the talent within the group. A strikingly prominent feature of the band is [front man] Hayden’s howling falsetto voice. Provoking a sense of 19th century duke revelling in romanticism, it is soon brought down to earth, and complimented by the harmonics of the other band members. Wild Beasts are iconically British.

Present at the show was wildlife photographer and presenter Chris Packham (who in despair, managed to buy a spare ticket from a fan) commented: “I think they are fantastic, absolutely fantastic, and not cos of the name, [laughs]. Amazing at the beginning, levelled out, and picked up at the end.”