Album Review: Mt Desolation - Mt Desolation

In the vein of supergroups we have recently been treated to Them Crooked Vultures as a major highlight, and following suit we now have Mt Desolation who are boasting members of Mumford & Sons and The Killers. However, at the crux of the band are two members of Keane, and not the one that did cocaine that everyone knows. Thus the foundation of the band is not really the coolest or most credible of characters, so not expecting the most exciting of albums. Predictably the album has gone down the very popular folk movement that seems to be everywhere at the moment. No originality, just jumping on the bandwagon. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean they have done a band job of it, the songs are enjoyable and perfect examples of the genre, but the album lacks the drive and the unique element that the listener is calling out for. Essentially this is an album that you wouldn’t choose to put on and listen to.

2 out of 5

Album Review: Chiddy Bang - The Preview

Chiddy Bang first came to our attention with their mash up of MGMT’s awesome song ‘Kids’ named ‘Opposite of Adults’ - what they seemed to think was an original title… The track was different, but totally weak and poor in comparison to the original. And sadly their preliminary album follows suit. Filled with lifeless, obvious party tracks, there is no substance or stand out track. Even production from Pharell Williams can not save them. The idea that this is a placeholder until the full LP ‘The Swelly Life’ is released in 2011 does not bode well for what we can expect. Let’s hope by that time the additional songs will be considerably better.

1 out of 5

Mumford & Sons @ Rock City October 5 2010

Mumford & Sons have had a phenomenal year where they have gone from practically nobodies to who is on everybody’s lips. After setting the festivals alight this summer with their sing along anthems, they are currently on the road selling out venues across the country.

At Nottingham’s Rock City, the crowd is mainly middle aged men and women and it is clear that the band has a universal appeal, albeit feeling sceptical about my first encounter with this band after becoming so mainstream. The band stroll on with an assertive confidence grown from their recent success, although, playing their banjos they still seem rather humble. In between songs the banter between the band and audience is on top form - this is a band that actually has charisma! Of course it is their singles and fan favourites ‘Little Lion Man’, ‘Winter Winds’ and ‘The Cave’ that are best received, and the crowd erupts singing along. But also previewing some new tracks, it seems that Mumford & Sons can look forward to more success with their flawless formula of a slow starting song, picking up speed and volume. Mumford & Sons are very tight knit and together, and certainly a band that people should see live.