Ralph's video of choice this week is Sharpshooter by Dublin based rockers Not Monsters. They are self-proclaimed "fans of highbrow, complex social satire" and the video is their version of how the controversial US Election would have played out if it was contested by a fight to the death on Dollymount Beach on the north coast of Dublin Bay, however Not Monsters didn't quite get the outcome right! Not Monsters are Noel Duplaa, Des Hickey, Dave Newell and Jakub Was. The video was directed by wannabe Jack Russell Terrier Penny Merelle-Grey.
This week on ralphslife.co.ukthe Video Of The Week is PERTH by Avec Sans. Avec Sans are Alice Fox and Jack St James from Manchester and Trinidad respectively, now living in London and making their brand of sleek, aesthetic, electronic music. Avec Sans’ single releases have achieved national radio play and media acclaim (press below). They’ve had tracks featured in U.S. TV series and in-store in retail outlets across America and the UK. They have also been taken into the hearts of many in the fashion industry having designed a shoe for London fashion brand Swear.
Now you know Ralph's a fan of unsigned Indie and that's mainly all he writes about. However he does indulge himself now and again when a truly classic piece of songwriting finds it's way into the kennel.
Sheffield's The Clear and their latest single America which is fresh, yet nostalgic and beautifully channels classic West Coast Pop is just such an example. America is a slice of classic songwriting, harking back to that golden age of perfectly-crafted pop songs which Ralph's playing on Radio KC next Sunday
The debut single was released a while back and DJs Gary Crowley, Tom Robinson, Janice Long and top tastemaker Simon Raymonde rushed to play it on this shows. Gary went as far as naming Sunlightone of his “favourite songs of the summer.”
Since Sunlightthe band have been signed by the inimitable Lance Freed to Rondor Music and Americais the new single to be released this summer by The Clear as part of the build up towards their debut album. Personally, I can't wait!
Bucking the trend for raucous Indie thrashings Ralph's been playing the Lumin Bells track 'Somehow The Same' with reasonable regularity on his Radio KC Sunday Show these last few weeks. It's a gentle, reflective tune with hints of the early Moody Blues (I'm trying to avoid the obvious Nick Drake comparisons) or the subtle vocalisations of America and it's been received with no small amount of favourable feedback. None more so than by Janice Long on BBC Radio 2 after they took the 'Ones To Watch' category at the Liverpool Music Awards at the weekend. Liverpool six-piece Lumin Bells are - Nico Hercules, Mick Dolan, Danny Poole, Austin Murphy, Nick Henman and Colin Lamont. The band formed after Nico found a creative collaborator in Mick Dolan through an advert placed in the music press. The duo immediately bonded over a mutual love of artists such as Brian Wilson, Nick Drake, Neil Young, Simon & Garfunkel, and The Byrds. Their first release 'Hold You Inside' immediately found critical acclaim both by music bloggers and the likes of Tom Robinson. It's a sensitive, wistful and soothing track with immaculate musicality and vocals. Many bands strive for years to grasp what Lumin Bells have crafted on their debut. They're currently in Track Studios with Steve Powell putting the finishing touches to their debut album 'The Hidden Room', scheduled for release later in the year. They're playing a gig with Red Sails and This Morning Call at LEAF in Liverpool's Bold Street on the 13th September and Ralph's been invited along by Tilt Shift Music and will bring you a live review.
Ralph's video of choice this week is Sharpshooter by Dublin based rockers Not Monsters. 
