hump-whack thump-whack thump-whack! Just the one song here, a slice of bouncy rollicking no-nonsense Brit-rock, enlivened with Glitter Band “Hey!”s. All the cliches in the book follow - the odd good line, a guitar solo, a big finish. Original? Not in the slightest. Remarkable? Er, no. Fun? Er... yes. A guilty pleasure. (MS)
Cardboard Cowboy
Carboard Cowboy describe themselves as "living in a flat above the Velvet Underground's poppiest moments, across the street from The Monkees". This surprisingly self aware description may be all you need to know. Carboard Cowboy's songs are definitely pop,but this should not be interpreted in a derogatory way - they sound like they really could be popular, but not as a result of appealing to the lowest common denominator. The four songs on this demo have tunes, but they're not unintelligent. They manage to combine a traditional formula with sounding quite current, especially on the impressive final track If It Don't Feel Like Rock And Roll. Though they may hate the comparison, they are vaguely reminiscent of the better aspects of The Thrills (but without any hint of irritating lyrics about America or the self indulgent traumas of reaching early adulthood threatening to overshadow perfectly decent pop music). There seems to be quite a bit of interest in them at the moment, and the demo strongly suggests they'd be worth the price of a live ticket. (LJH)
http://www.mp3.com/cardboardcowboy
Captain Wilberforce - Dreams of Educated Fleas
I never thought I’d hear a song that would include the lyric Algebra, for that you have my utmost respect. This demo shows a talented group performing, as I would expect they would perform live, it includes some great tracks my favourite probably being Born Again Brand New Man, which has a vibrant overall sound quality and wicked guitar sound effect that blends perfectly into a catchy chorus. With this demo you can definitely hear some strong 60s influences. The only problem is that there isn’t a lot of difference between the tracks, and the vocal is a little low in the mix, so you do get a bit bored (unintentionally.) when listening to it. It is good though and I would like to see you guys perform live, as I expect there will be quite a lot of energy portrayed on stage that will keep the listener occupied, that energy just doesn’t seem to be captured in this demo. (CW)
The Cut
More funky rock here, and funky rock that takes itself rather seriously at that. There’s the occasional dance music influence (well, track 2’s got a drum machine anyway), reggae-styled guitars on one song, a bit of a rap on another, all tight as a crab’s arse, but somehow a tad underwhelming. It has to be said that musically, The Cut are excellent - polished and proficient, but tasteful and spacey with it. What they really need is a deranged-yet-inspired songwriter/auteur to make use of all this wasted skill... a Mark E Smith collaboration would really be something. Maybe. (MS)
Last Night's TV
This latest collection from Spencer Bayles and co is really more like a finished release than a demo. It’s a collection of gentle acoustic songs backed by tastefully strummed guitars, the odd keyboard, female backing vocals - there’s nothing clever, no gimmicks, and a stubborn absence of anything theatrical or weird (or, um, fast). Detractors would say this is boring, but I reckon it’s quietly excellent. Somehow, the lack of fuss, melodrama, overdone raw pain or look-at-me-ness actually makes you listen when it ought to consign the music to background fodder. The meolodies are gentle but solid, while the extra touches (a lovely vocal harmony here, gentle strings there) are masterful and never overbearing, perfectly complimenting the moving, literate lyrics. (MS)
No Tomorrow's Party - Sound Of The Trees
Wow, this is chilled! This demo is a montage of thought provoking, ambient, minimal soundscapes that could calm a raging bull. This is a very well thought out demo and is a welcome break from the norm, with inspiring chilled guitar chords that host a platform for subtle underlying tracks that really kept my ear listening for more. The level of production of this demo is very good, the levels and balance can’t be faulted and this entire demo would make a great soundtrack for an arty film. This demo does stick out from the rest (which is what you want!) because it is also host to an enhanced CD-ROM which includes 2-tracks that aren’t on the audio CD, a video of one of the tracks, some images, links and a biography; who could ask for anything more? (CW)
Pop B@astard
Pop B@stard: A bizarre name but I suppose it is apt as this demo contains some bizarre music. First things first don’t EVER submit a demo with one track 39:14mins long, because it is a pain in the rectum fast forwarding through the tracks I didn’t like. The worst track I have ever heard kicks off this demo, Eminem lyrics over a brew of some homemade beats, which pop every time it loops and a signal-to-noise ratio that sounds like the track is being played through a 1980’s Alba walkman when the batteries are running down, with Concorde flying over in the background. However you do get to some better sounding tracks towards the middle e.g. Blending Missie Elliot with DJ Shadow’s Organ Blower (best track on the demo). A demo is supposed to enlighten the listener to your level, and help them understand what you are trying to achieve. I am confused; a blend of illegal samples all sandwiched together with samples from here there and everywhere, anyone with a computer or a sampler could reproduce what Pop B@stard have done. (CW)
Seven Hours
This is more amateurishly recorded than the average demo that rolls into Sandman Towers these days, which in a way is a good thing - it’s easier to tell if something’s any good when it’s not hiding behind an expensive studio sheen, and anyway it’s refreshing hear a demo that ‘sounds’ like a demo. So, is it any good? Not especially. The most obvious reference point is Reef, with a pretty convincing Gary Stringer soundalike behind the mic. The writing and playing’s fairly compentent in funky rock sort of a way, but there’s really nothing here that’s in any way out of the ordinary. Ho hum. (MS)
Threshold Shift - '65' EP
Fairly standard punky stuff from Leeds / Bradford band Threshold Shift. All six songs on this EP are played at the same speed and use the same chords in slightly different combinations, but are just about distinguished by distinctive guitar hooks and bass lines.. While the music and lyrics are fairly uninspired, the overall effect is pretty lighthearted. Track two, 'Insane', even starts off with a warbled Blueberry Hill but this is soon replaced by the standard thrashing guitars. On the whole pretty run of the mill punk rock which doesnt take itself too seriously. (AG)
Yellow Stripe 9 - 'Look Sharp' EP