Julian Cope For Beginners

Julian Cope’s genre-defying discography has become a seminal part of the underground music scene, with many young people taking inspiration from him and his former bands. Over a career spanning nearly 40 years, Cope has produced “bold, gleamingly futuristic pop songs that briefly captured the zeitgeist” as The Telegraph said. In this playlist, we have attempted to pick our top 10 Julian Cope tracks, suitable for those that are new to Cope as well as those that are already fans. Enjoy

                                                                                                                                                                   

Introducing: Quinn

If you're looking for feelgood vibes and a nostalgia trip back to the summers of the past, then look no further than Quinn. Based in Birmingham as the brainchild of Sam Lambeth, Quinn are only just getting started. Here's what Sam had to say when I caught up with him.

It's The Big Joyous Celebration, Let's Stir The Honeypot - Teen Suicide Album Review

Teen Suicide are back with more soul destroying lo-fi noise pop in what is rumoured to be their last album. At 26 songs long, I prepared myself for this to be an arduous slog, but I was mistaken as most of the songs are around 2 minutes long and are so interestingly put together that it’s impossible to be bored by this album.

Everything You've Come To Expect - The Last Shadow Puppets Album Review

Everything You've Come To Expect is The Last Shadow Puppets' second album, and follows eight years after their debut. But, after all this time, have a rebranded Alex Turner and Miles Kane managed to live up to the expectations set by the energetic music they wrote at 22 that wouldn't have seemed out of place in a Bond soundtrack, or have they fallen tragically short?

Dollhouse @ The Fiddler's Elbow

Having walked through seemingly never ending rain from Camden Town, The Fiddler’s Elbow offered sweet relief from London’s icy winds. This night was to host Dollhouse on the final date of their mini-tour, along with a chance to hear from a couple of other bands - the first of whom didn’t turn up. Having acquired a rather comfortable sofa, we settled in for what we expected to be a night of incredible music.

Sadly, this was not to be, as the first act of the night were Roses and Pirates: a band forged in mediocrity and banality, like a sickening mix of Ben Howard and Mumford and Sons. In using the same strumming patterns, harmonies and melodies in every song, it was hard to tell one menial attempt at acoustic prevail from another. Their nerves were infectious and unsettling for onlookers (of which there were only a few) and their lack of any stage presence made them a difficult band to watch, regardless of their lacklustre music.

After this painfully perpetual set, Dollhouse took to the stage in a burst of Krautrock vibes and insanity. This was certainly a step up from Roses and Pirates, with each member bringing an elaborate persona to the stage: be it a moody, unnerving stance or a beguiling smile. This said, whether or not their outlandish frontman Zak’s seemingly manic persona was due to true showmanship or his large alcohol consumption will forever remain a mystery, but we can assume it to be the former. Dollhouse effortlessly powered through song after song, sucking you deeper into their whirlpool of vagary and esotericism, as well as performing each one with every fibre of their being: clearly they love what they’re doing.

Overall, the night sprang from one extreme to another, thankfully replacing the prosaic with a more avant garde and interesting sound. Dollhouse are definitely a band to keep your eye on - watch this space.

Written by Hannah Lee

Dollhouse: Interview

Imagine waking up one morning to a new Joy Division song, but it's a collaboration with the likes of Neu! and Can, along with The Cramps - meet Dollhouse, a teenage, Stroud based, 4 piece, overflowing with hypnotic guitar wails and idiosyncratic vocals along with a mesmeric powerhouse of a rhythm section to fully complete their distinctive sound. I caught up with Dollhouse to see just what's in store for this excitingly esoteric band.

The Red Fuze: Interview

Swedish duo The Red Fuze combine Garage Rock and Blues in a seamless mix of 60s/70s influences and modernity. Their sound is raw and gravelly with an overall feel comparative to that of Jack White. Having agreed to an interview, here’s what they have to say about the band’s current position and what’s to come from this exciting new band. If you’re looking for intensity and power, look no further than The Red Fuze.

Kula Shaker @ The Roundhouse

The last of 4 UK dates for Kula Shaker after a 6 year hiatus, was a flurry of incense, kaleidoscopic visuals and overpoweringly psychedelic sounds. As per usual with 90s bands and London venues, The Roundhouse pooled together a wide variety of fans, all eagerly anticipating the long awaited return of the funkiest leaders of the psych revival.