A Must See: Channel 4's 'Run'.

I've been so busy this week enjoying the sunshine and working that I have had literally no time to watch TV, which is so strange for me! But tonight I made the effort to sit down and watch the first episode of a British drama that I've been excited to see for over a week. Run is a compelling 4 part drama documenting modern life and the unseen dramas in Britain. Starring a multitude of famous faces, including Olivia Colman and Jaime Winstone, the drama promises to be gritty and captivating.

Album Review: Tom Odell - Long Way Down.

I've been an avid Tom Odell fan since first discovering him on Radio One at the beginning of the year. Having purchased tickets to see him live in October, the buzz of anticipation around his debut album was immense; I literally could not wait to listen to it!

I've now listened through the album a thousand times (maybe a slight exaggeration, but I have listened to it a lot!), and here I am going to provide a track by track review of Long Way Down. If you don't know much about Tom Odell, first of all, where have you been?! The Brits Critics' Choice winner has already featured on my blog a few months ago; the post includes all the key info you need to know, as well as numerous reasons why you should fall in love with his music! You can read the post here.

Summer Anthems: Is Tropical.

Yes, I understand the weather isn't exactly summery at the minute. But Is Tropical's new album I'm Leaving is so infectiously upbeat you can't help but feeling a bit summery, and they do have a very summery name!

Formed in 2009, I'm really surprised that I haven't heard of the trio until now; they're exactly up my street and have worked with some artists, such as supporting Mystery Jets and Klaxons on their UK and European tours.
Listening to their second album I'm Leaving, which was released in May 2013, I am immediately drawn to the track Dancing Anymore. The female vocals are captivating and reminiscent of The Naked And Famous, with the mellow tones revitalised by a punky edge. The overpowering synthetic percussion in this track gives it a futuristic feel which is perfect for 2013. The unignorable thumping beats clashing with the electro sections make it the most memorable track on the album,  But the band are also really talented at the traditional guitar and heavy drum combo; in Lilith, you're immediately drawn to the multitude of textures in the track created by the different beats working in unison.

The final track on the album is like the final explosion in a film which leaves you in awe for hours after leaving the cinema. Featuring Crystal Fighters' Ellie Fletcher, Yellow Teeth is actually a stunning listen, despite the ugly name!

It is clear that the band have matured and developed since their debut album Native To; the tracks are more refined and sophisticated, and in general, much more worthy of the 'anthem' tag. The band have firmly found their feet in the music industry, promising only better things to come.

You can find I'm Leaving, along with some really cool remixes, on the band's SoundCloud here.