The Kills - Blood Pressures: Be still, my beating heart

On first listen Blood Pressures by The Kills was f*cking my mind, man. Good and proper.

With my somewhat limited knowledge of the Atlantic-spanning band that was doing what the Ting Tings do long before they were and that much better, the solid, sexy, raw rockness of Blood Pressures took me a while to wrap my head around. And just as I thought I understood what was happening, along comes The Last Goodbye, straight from a Chicago blues club. Eish, mara wena. It is sultry, it is classy, it is velvety and delicious.

But no, that was not the last surprise. Straight after that comes Damned If She Do - a track that would have been just as comfortable on 2005's No Wow. Having had a brief love affair with The Good Ones – an enthralling single off that album – this was more along the lines of what I was expecting. 

Like any girl that has been thoroughly messed around and left exhausted and confused, I am in love. This time it's for keeps.

The Kills have always been worth a listen, and the rock edge has always been there. It's just that much stronger now than ever before. Their choons are carefully crafted and fit together like Inca brickwork. No gaps here, gazi. Vocalist Alison Mosshart's voice is deep and strong, and is clearly comfortable doing anything. There's a rougher edge to it, a touch of husk, that draws you in. There's something of interest to every song, from a visit to melancholy with Wild Charms, to the aggression of Nail In My Coffin. The album would work just as well accompanying your drive to work as it would during a workout.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to be alone with my album.

For more on The Kills visit www.thekills.tv

Dead Alphabet: Bringing 70s American Punk into the new millennium

Dead Alphabet already has me thinking 'cool' with their name. It is strongly reminiscent of 70s American Punk and I love it. Awesome name ticked, Dead Alphabet's next step is to put together a downright impressive EP, The Kill.

The controlled but aggressive vocals of Adam Edwards remind me strongly of those of Joshua Homme. The accompaniment does not follow the jerky strains of Queens of the Stone Age, however. Dead Alphabet is more melodic, while still being well grungy and in-your-face.

The Kill, the first track on the EP is incredibly sexy, with fantastic guitar riffs that bring in the 70s rock once again. Eat you Alive, is energetic and angry. A fantastic moshy tune. I can't state with certainty that the 70s are an influence in Dead Alphabets life, but this era of raw, sincere and in-your-face rock comes through in Dead Alphabet tunes and I can only respect them for it. Of course their sound has been brought bang into the new century – no loserish throwback tracks for these boys.

I'm afraid that I promised the boys a visit to their gig last night, but missed it due to a rather heavy weekend and a desperate need of full-body hangover relief, but I don't doubt for a second that they are awesome. I didn't want to wait anymore to post this review, because the word must be spread – Dead Alphabet is the shiznizz. I can't wait to catch a gig when I'm not a zombie.

You can follow Dead Alphabet on Twitter for all the latest news (@DeadAlphabet), or join their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/DEADALPHABET?sk=info where you will find a link to the EP, The Kill. Do yourself a favour.

Alan! Let's Move On - We Now Dream In Colour: A fascinating journey of electro rock (?!)

We at BlindBlimp have been keeping an eye on Alan! Let's Move On since they opened for Lucky Fonz III at Tings an Times in August 2010. Impressed by their energy and skill, and tickled by their name, we knew tabs had to be kept.

To be perfectly honest I was fully prepared to be horribly disappointed by the album, as SA bands often fall flat when recorded, no matter how good live.

I am overjoyed to report my trepidation was for nothing. We Now Dream In Colour, released on 2 March, is a fantastic, cohesive album. It flows effortlessly from track to track, drawing along a fascinating journey growing in strength and power as you travel along. Hell, Woods (track no 9) is downright hardcore. The band has a clear perspective and a crisp, finished sound. I absolutely love it.

The vocals of Louis and Daniel Knoetz harmonise beautifully, and their husky buttery voices are wonderfully juxtaposed with the electro pep that brings that extra oomph to the band. The lyrics are interestingly introspective, seeming to seek a little redemption.

Choons to look out for are Witchita (available for free download at http://alanletsmoveon.bandcamp.com/album/we-now-dream-in-colour and a great ambassador of what's to come), Albratross (less electro, more rock, could be quite moshy live), and Letters to Anna (which reminds me of a cleaner version of the Bloodhound Gang).

The only low moment, really, is Hatchett, which gets a little too electric and is stripped of all integrity as a result.

I really can't emphasise how much I digg this album, and how firmly I believe you would too. But hey, you don't have to take my word for it. The whole thing is available for streaming at http://alanletsmoveon.bandcamp.com/album/we-now-dream-in-colour. Give it a listen and decide for yourself.

J Mascis - Several Shades of Why: A Bubble of Contentment

Being South African, you'll be forgiven for not knowing who J. Mascis is. But only by other South Africans, and only if you grew up in Tweebuffelsmeteenskootmorsdoodgeskietfontein.

OK, how about Dinosaur (Jr.)? Caught up now? Fantastic.

Having worked on various projects, including Dinosaur (Jr.), Velvet Monkeys and the Fog, this much-lauded, talented fellow has abandoned (temporarily) the band concept and stands on the verge of releasing a solo album, entitled Several Shades of Why. “Huzzah!” the townsfolk sing.

A gentle acoustic album of thoughtful lyrics and soothing melodies, J. Mascis plays host to various equally lauded talents, such as Ben Bridwell of Band of Horses and Suzanne Thorpe of Wounded Knees. Well, maybe 'solo' is a strong word considering the long line of fantastic collaborations on this deeply moving album.

Several Shades of why is melancholic and heartfelt, and something of a departure from Mascis' previous more, um, ear-bleeding offerings. It's the perfect album to wind down to after a long and hectic week. Listening to it, I can picture myself on the beach sipping something deceptively pink and soaking up the rays (melanoma be damned!). I can only wish everyone in the whole world can feel this happy at some point in their lives.

Oh wait! You can. Just rush out and buy Several Shades of Why! Or, more likely get it from iTunes.

The album is set for release on 15 May, but you can give it a streaing listen here: http://www.spin.com/articles/full-album-stream-dinosaur-jrs-j-mascis

Bushfire 2011 - A celebration of African spirit

The House on Fire is easily one of the most amazing man-built places in Southern Africa. It's basically Swaziland's Owl House, just less depressing. A whimsical mix-match of craft, art, architecture, new Africa and African tradition, House on Fire is a rather odd dream built of cement, ceramic and nzima. And it plays host to the annual Bushfire Festival in Malkerns, Swaziland.

Since it's inception in 2007, Bushfire has grown to a 3-day, 3-stage festival expecting 20 000 visitors for it's 5^th birthday celebrations in 2011. It is one of the most popular International festivals on the African continent and exhibits some of the most amazing, pioneering talent in Africa.

Although this year's acts have yet to be announced, the line-up is bound to be good. Last year saw the likes of Ringo and Freshly Ground from SA and an array of stellar artists from across the continent, including Mozambique, Kenya and Swaziland (of course).

But Bushfire isn't just a musical gathering. It celebrates film, poetry, theatre, dance – if it's an artform, it's there. (OK, there are no mimes. Or clowns. Thank the entire pantheon.) And, most impressively, all the proceeds from the festival go to Orphan sponsorship NGO Young Heroes. 

The 2011 Bushfire Festival runs from 27 – 29 May. Day passes are between R150 – R400 and full festival passes from R400 – R650 pre-booked. You have a choice between regular tickets and a Golden Lounge pass, which gives you access to exclusive seating and a dedicated bar with waiter service. Tickets are available from Computicket.

For more info on House on Fire visit www.house-on-fire.com

For info on Bushfire, visit their website www.bush-fire.com or join the Facebook fan page http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=516102812#!/group.php?gid=18076203888

Check out the Young Heroes organisation at www.youngheroes.org.sz

Sleepy Eyed Fox kick-assedness kick-started

From Nashville, Sleepy Eyed Fox have finally finished recording their folk/rock debut album after two years. However, the band still needs funding for mixing/mastering and duplication and manufacturing. Having come this far and having gathered all the funding for studio time and a producer from fans, it would be a serious waste to let such an amazing band's album fall through the cracks.

Folky awesomeness, as evident in the embedded video, is how they roll. And, your charity will not be in vain, besides providing the world with sweet-ass music, starting at the $15 price point, every donation receives a specially made silk screened t-shirt, designed and made by the band. Rad.

If you're keen to help out go to http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sef/sleepy-eyed-fox-debut-album or if you just wanna hear a good tune click PLAY VIDEO below.

The countdown to STRAB 2011 begins

Hurrah! The warm up to STRAB 2011 is here, and that means jam sessions every Monday night, starting on 31 January 2011 at Cafe Barcelona.

For those of you not quite up to speed, STRAB is an annual festival/beach party situated at Ponta Malongane in Mozambique. More chilled than most SA festivals, and a bit cleaner thanks to the ocean, it's a great one to go to for those who aren't all that keen on bush-style hedonism. Don't get me wrong, there's plenty hedonism. But this is beach-style.

The 2011 festival takes place from 26 – 29 May. Bookings open on 31 January and tickets tend to go fast. Accommodation varies from camping to log cabins, depending on your own level of bundu-affinity.

Each year marks an interesting mix of both known and unknown artists. The good people at STRAB focus heavily on the quality of the choons provided, and seldom disappoint. It's a great opportunity to learn some new things and experience a slightly different vibe. It is a nzima party.

To keep up with developments for the festival or for more details, join their facebook group or check out the new website at http://www.strab.co.za/.

The jam sessions feature SA up-and-comers, shows billed to start at 7, but you know how these things go. Cafe Barcelona is offering food and drinks specials on the nights, so you may as well make an evening of it. Make a point to check out at least some of the gigs, and support local music.

RAMFest 2011 line-up announced

 RAMFest has announced their local lineup and it's looking to be a doozy. We're especially excited about appearances by Desmond and the Tutus, TUMI, Isochronous, Wrestlerish and Haggis & Bong. International acts are still to be confirmed, but at this rate, who needs 'em? We don't need to talk up RAMFest, the line-up speaks for itself. So check it out below.


RAMFest will be at Nekkies Holiday Resort, Worcester from 4 - 6 March; Wavehouse, Durban on 9 March; and Riversands Farm, Fourways on 12 March. Tickets range from R100 - R450, depending on type of admission and location and are available from Ticketweb. For further info visit http://www.ramfest.co.za/#/home or their Facebook page www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2370253548.

Main Stage - Hosted by John Vlismas
Not My Dog
Die Antwoord
Gazelle
Zebra & Giraffe
Van Coke Kartel
Ashtray Electric
The Revelators
TUMi
Isochronous
The Great Apes
Wrestlerish
7th Son
Bittereinder
Blk Jks
Desmond & The Tutus
Mr Cat & The Jackal
Stepdog
The Pretty Blue Guns
Ree - Burth
Dance, You're on Fire
The Sleepers
Lonely Dave Ferguson
Mix N Blend (Live)

Tented stage by Meta4 Africa
Mind Assault
Contrast The Water
Knave
Down on the First
Sabretooth
The Dead Will Tell
Enmity
Moment of Clarity
The Broken Result
Infanteria
Haggis & Bong
Symphonic Schizophrenia
Juggernaught
Theatre Runs Red
A Walk With The Wicked
Axxon

Electronic pyramid by Griet
Tom Deluxx (Fra)
Haezer
B-Team
Double Adapter
Hyphen
SFR
Niskerone
Toby2Shoes
Psydstep
Frequency
Battle Beyond The Stars
Enough Weapons
El Gordo
Liver
Ill Tastic
Haasbroek
Tommy Gun
FunaFuji
Mr Sakitumi
Bruce WIllis
Jam Jar
P.H Fat
Counterstrike
Mr. Bong
Fletcher
Sedge Warbler

Best Christmas song EVER - and a good cause to boot

There are so many reasons to love Johnny Borrell, and this is definitely one of them. He really, REALLY loves Christmas! And so do we!
Apparently he also believes in the development of talented youth a la Burberry Foundation, thus donating his time and talent (and waiving his fee) to create this absolutely brilliant Christmas card. Every time it is forwarded a donation is made to the Burberry Foundation and some grateful youth somewhere is developed. And since BlindBlimp is all about development, of course we feel that this card should be forwarded as much as possible.

As an added bonus your friends will giggle.

Check it out and forward it on: http://holiday.burberry.com/index.html?message=zQuuP%2520oluDgvjfg%2520ruXj%2520ZyDCaZyDjs.%2520zfP%25202011%2520BuDCt%2520lfssP%2520nlXXCg%2520fCa%2520lfssP%2520vDjQg.

For more on the Burberry Foundation: http://www.burberryplc.com/bbry/corpres/burfound/

And with that, dear friends, we sign off for the year. Have an absolutely stellar party season and check back with us on the 1st, when we will be checking back in with you, hungover, happy and ready for 2011!

The National - High Violet: Tingle Central

Released in May 2010, High Violet is The National's fifth studio album, and has since gone silver in the UK. The album drags my mind joyfully back to the 80s (in an awesome Depeche Mode, INXS way; not a tragic Toni Basil, Culture Club way).
The first track, Terrible Love, sets the tone for 47 minutes of bliss. I tingled throughout the 11 tracks. Then I checked all the outlets and made sure I wasn't sitting on my cellphone and listened again - still tingling.
The warm baritone of Matt Berninger is both soothing and interesting and the melodic, cohesive backup supplied by Aaron and Bryce Dessner and Scott and Bryan Devendorf make for an individual yet nostalgic sound that you can easily listen to for hours.
Personally I enjoy them in the background as I lounge about in the pool accompanied by a large cocktail. Nothing says holiday chill like The National.
Although formed in Cincinnati, The National has reached greater success in the UK than the US, with their singles Terrible Love, Anyone's Ghost and, my personal favourite, Bloodbuzz Ohio. Lemonworld and Sorrow are both highlights on the album, with Lemonworld taking the Chris Isaak prize for Most 80s Flashbackness.
The National has received little play on SA radio, although their second album Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers (2003) received a small nod. If High Violet is your introduction to The National, I have little doubt it will inspire a spate of back-buying. It is a band a person can be unashamedly loyal to.

For more on the band visit http://www.americanmary.com/

Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More: Unadulterated genius

I don't know what it is about a good harmony, but man it gets me. Combine that with the warm vocals of Marcus Mumford, the easy cohesion of acoustic guitars and creative banjo use and the result is unadulterated genius.

Mumford and Sons' folk influence is clear, with undertones of blues and jazz; their choons are organic and speak to simple themes of redemption, human suffering and angst. Mumford and Sons is easily my favourite discovery of 2010. I love it when adorable boys get all philosophical.

Singling out tracks from Sigh No More is almost sacrilegious – it flows beautifully from one high point to another. But if I have to, I'd draw attention to Little Lion Man – which is tearing up the International music scene – White Blank Page and Winter Winds. They're enough to make your heart yearn for simpler times. It takes me right back to Dylan, Cash and Simon & Garfunkle.

I've only managed to catch one single, The Cave, on the ever-reliable TUKS FM, but not to worry. I'm sure the SABC will catch on in another 4 or 5 albums. I wouldn't recommend waiting though.

Sigh No More is a blind buy you will not regret. The album is chilled and melodic, with a bit of an edge and the kind of infectious choons that stay with you for days. How can you not love a band that shamelessly incorporates the flugelhorn? 

For more visit www.mumfordandsons.com

Desmond, Tutus & the Japanese

Craig, Nic, Doug and Shane being cool

2008 saw a huge leap in innovation for SA's music industry when Desmond & the Tutus took it upon themselves to release their (self-recorded via Awesomeland Records) debut album Tuck Shop. Their lively, oddball tunes are addictive and can keep an audience bouncing for hours on end (except, of course, when they're doing the German Modern).

Shane, Nic, Doug and Craig epitomise exuberance and fun. They really know how to involve an audience. 

Shane is also one of the (very) few men in the world who can pull off skinny jeans. It's pretty much him, and Johnny Borrell (the bastard who started the trend). And Johnny can't ALSO pull off a My Little Pony T.

The Tutus followed up Tuck Shop in 2009 with the release of an EP, __________ & the _________ and then (it seemed) promptly fell off the map. But no! They only went to the land that loves Karaoke – and that now loves the Tutus as much as we do – Japan.

A brilliant blog of their tour can be found at http://we-are-awesome.com/desmond-are-tokyo/.

Shout out to Mr Scotty

I just have to give a big thank you to Scott Ormerod for the brilliant graphic (left) he designed for us. I love the cutie little guy! (Scotty and the blind blimp). And, I might ad, he did it in about 2 hours from request. Definitely someone you want in your corner.

Wrestlerish - Sleep

The first week of December 2010 saw Wrestlerish - an SA band worth keeping an eye out for in your local dive - taking to the streets and harassing strangers to have their picture taken with pics of the band for the video for their new single Sleep. The single itself is a pretty good listen, but the video is well worth taking a look at. ESPECIALLY BECAUSE WE MADE IT INTO THE VIDEO! YAY US!

Check it out here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0C1G_7ViQY