The Deadline Shakes

Ralph has given The Deadline Shakes a spin on the Radio KC Indie Show a few times now so it's no surprise he was relishing the release of their album Zealots. 

From the lead track, the bright and bouncy Bad Spot In A Bad Year to the closer Boy they've created a beautiful soundscape of sonorific light and shade.

It's like a squidgy mix of Prefab Sprout and Deacon Blue, but with a sometimes quirkier, more contemporary feel as The Deadline Shakes plough their own furrow. 

With thanks to davidbaxendale.com

The Deadline Shakes have released the album on Glasgow's Flowers In The Dustbin Records, the album's full of radio-friendly tracks, some of which have a familiar feel, like an old, favourite jumper. 

Frozen Out; which was released as a single, is a case-in-point with its uplifting chorus which seems to draw on folkier Waterboys-like themes.






The Deadline Shakes take a sharp turn with the jazzier A Little Waiting While and follow up with the funkier, heavier Don't You Be Too Cool which has a more Alt/Pop feel. 

For some, there may be too much going on throughout this album of 13 tracks, but for me each track peaks my interest anew. 

All in all, it's an accomplished blend of folky, poppy, jazzy musicality that demands to be heard.      

Kidsmoke

Whilst sitting in the kennel, patiently waiting for the latest release by Rubberbear and sulking because they've got their first gig on when I'm off on holiday - a tweet took my eye regarding fellow Manchester band Kidsmoke who've just released their debut EP 'Higher'.  So as a Jack Russel and inquisitive by nature I stuck the headphones on and had a listen in.  Lo and behold they've put together four tracks of quite lovely Indie Pop which even they admit is influenced by the usual Manchester suspects.

Kidsmoke are Lance Williams, James Stickels, Tomas Hassall and Chris Trow and despite being long time friends they've only formed as a unit in early 2013.  That being said they've come up with a solid, eminently listenable debut EP.  The lead track 'Higher' kicks off with an almost psychedelic/60's California vocal and guitar which goes into shades of Prefab Sprout  and I'm hooked. 

Second track 'Take Me To The River' seems to have it's foundations in a slightly Americanised version of The Cure or New Order 'a la' Wild Nothing.  It's a bouncier track that I can see becoming a fans favourite.  'Tired City Love' on the other hand is a lighter, poppier sound.  It's catchy and for me, a possible single release.  Final track, the aptly named 'Conclusion' has Pete Hook-esque bass-line with Roddy Frame guitar overlaid and a soft vocal that might just be my favourite track.

Let's hope we hear more from these shiny bright young things soon...Kidsmoke are very much on the right track, take a chance and go see them if you can on 10th September in Manchester's Deaf Institute supporting Cayucas or 19th October in Kraak.