Pendulum - In Silico

Although I am not opposed to a bit of electronic tunes, especially a bit of drum n Bass, it is very unusual for this genre to find it way into my CD collection. However Pendulum have produced and album that I can't stop playing in the car or pumping on the MP3 player. From the first listen it is obvious the inspiration for this album has come not from dance music but from the energy derived from classic live rock tunes. It is this rock energy that is provides an ever present underbelly to every song on this album. The single 'Propane Nightmares' builds from its chilled opening to a sudden cracking beat so infectious that I dare you to try keep your head from nodding along in approval. I think for me what set this drum n bass album from others in the genre is the human feel on every track, this is real electronic music made by a passionate group of musicians who clearly grew up listening to great rock groups.
If you are like me a massive guitar rock fan and tend to shy away from the electronic genre then this is an album you need to buy, not only will it impress your raver mates, but you get the satisfaction of claiming how its so good cause deep down its really a rock album !!

Best Songs: 'Propane Nightmares', 'Granite'
Favourite Song: 'Other Side' (great dark lyrics)
Album Rating: 4/5
Where to Listen: MP3 player, In your car, Before leaving for a night out.

Check them out: http://www.myspace.com/pendulum

Kings of Leon - Only By the Night

Kings of Leon 2007 album 'Because of the Times' was one of my favourite releases last year. It was one of those albums that although every song might not have been a classic there were enough massive songs that made it an album that everyone I knew had it in their collections. Its definitely tough to follow up an album that is so widely received and almost impossible to not only improve but in my opinion to blow that past effort out of the water !!
On hearing the first single 'Sex on Fire' I was totally absorbed, whereas 'On Call' was haunting and atmospheric with a classic chorus that in-beds in your brain, the new single sounded like a totally different beast. The whole song oozes sex appeal, the guitars sound seductively dirty, Caleb's voice cracks and soars perfectly. It sounds like the way you would feel after drinking bourbon in a dark dingy bar for hours with your mates, when a gorgeous girl walks in looks you in the eye and everyone there knows she is yours for the taking.
The whole album has the classic King of Leon southern rock sound, just this time there is something more assured more arrogant and more intoxicating about it.
Opening tack 'Closer' eases you in but 2nd track 'Crawl' sucks you deep into this dingy world.
And its a world you will be happy to stay in.

Best Songs: 'Crawl', 'Sex on Fire', 'Be Somebody'
Favourite Song: 'I Want You'
Album Rating: 5/5
Where to Listen: When at poker table, In your car, When drinking, In the Bedroom !