It was announced this weekend that Alexisonfire will be officially parting their ways. Sure, I know that bands split up all the time, many just to get back together, but this was a truly sad day for me. Alexisonfire have been pretty much my favourite band for the last 8 years or so, since my early teens. And though they were never going to achieve mainstream success with their style of music, they still had millions of fans around the world and had a huge influence on many bands today.
I remember the first song I heard of theirs was 44 Caliber Love Letter, the combination of the simple, yet inducing, guitar riffs, the passion of George's screams and the sheer amount of energy that they brought to their songs. You could truly become involved in their songs, sing your heart out to Dallas' soaring lyrics and then instantly band your head to the screams and riffs. A friend then gave me their first two albums on a CD, and as I began to really understand what Alexisonfire were about, I discovered that this was the band for me.
Whilst you could see and hear the roots of what was to come from the band in their debut self-titled album, it was their second, Watch Out! where the band really came into their own. Dallas had really begin to find his voice and I just couldn't get enough of the contrast between him and George, they had perfected the twin front man show. This was a collection of soaring and powerful emo anthems, and for me and many other teenagers, it was just want you needed. Alexis were my go to band. When I felt stressed, frustrated or angry, the default emotions for a teen, Alexis were there. I'd crank them up and just let myself get lost in the power and emotion of their songs.
At the grand age of 22, when my music taste is much more varied and diverse than my teen years, I can really see how important and how much of an impact Alexisonfire had on my music taste. Whilst I listen to just as much Kanye West, as I do Bon Iver, as I do Bonobo, as I do Nero, Alexisonfire are still holding their old in my iTunes play count. It was their third album, Crisis, where the band peaked, fully realising their potential. With tracks like This Could Be Anywhere In The World, Boiled Frogs and Rough Hands, Alexis showed the diversity of their songwriting ability and became much tighter as a band.
And although no one knew it at the time, Young Crows/Old Cardinals was to be their last album. Perhaps the writing was on the wall as the album starts with a barrage of shouts "we are not the kids we used to be". Though perhaps not as strong as Crisis, YCOC was still a really solid album and was perhaps as mainstream as the band were ever going to get. It provided listeners with a much more mature sound, yet showing that the boys could still rock like the good old days.
It wasn't until I was 18 that I first got to see Alexisonfire, and I've only seen them once again since. But I was seriously impressed. All too often, screamo and emo rock bands sound seriously dodgy live, Alexisonfire were tight yet energetic, George and Dallas' voices bouncing off each other was a wondering thing to watch.
So needless Alexisonfire has had a profound impact on my life and music taste, and been a massive influence on bands such as Gallows, Bring Me The Horizon, You Me At Six, the list continues. Throughout all their albums the carried the same power, energy and passion, with the beautiful voice of Dallas set against the ferociousness of George's screams, Dallas and Wade's riffs backed by Steeley's consistently awesome drumming. This band will also live on in the form of the side-projects that eventually caused the end of the band, City and Colour, Cunter and other projects on the horizon, but it will never be the same. The only good thing is when a band splits, you still have a living memory in the form of their albums and videos. Alexis will always be on fire.
Showing posts with label alexisonfire. Show all posts
Showing posts with label alexisonfire. Show all posts
Tuesday, 9 August 2011
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
City And Colour: Royal Albert Hall
Just over a year ago I journeyed to London town, Kentish Forum to be precise, and witnessed one of the best gigs I had ever been to in the form of City and Colour. I expected it to be good, I knew the man had talent and had seen him perform with Alexisonfire, but I did not expect the performance I got that night. The power and emotion in his voice surprised me and ran shivers through my spine. A year later, I traveled back to London, but this time to an even more illustrious venue, The Royal Albert Hall, to see the man Dallas Green again. And the night more than matched the night in Kentish Forum. I was expecting his incredible voice this time, and I expect more magic, and that is what I got.
It was slightly weird as the venue filled with tattoos, piercings, fringes and skinny jeans, a crowd very much juxtaposed to the venue. This is not a place for Alexisonfire and City And Colour fans. Just being sat down as opposed to being jostled around in a sweaty moshpit, in such a venue, seemed a little surreal and even uncomfortable for most. This is the job of support, to warm up the crowd and get them ready for the main act. That night the support was provided my a new favourite of mine, James Vincent McMorrow, much more suitable than Sharks who had supported the previous year, and he more than stepped upto the mark. It may have been daunting warming up a crowd of Dallas and Alexisonfire adorers especially when he's very much in the same singer-songwriter category, but it did not show. James' voice was just as powerful and emotional as the one that would follow, you could feel the songs and lyrics. Boy did good.
Then it was time for Dallas Green as City and Colour. As he walked onto the stage with his band, the noise level went up with cries of adoration and admiration from the crowd. It was soon clear that Dallas only gets better. I hate to repeat the words powerful and emotional, but those really are the words that can't be avoided when you hear Dallas live. The set followed a familiar format, with band, by himself and then rejoined by his band of hometown friends. It is when he holds the stage alone that you get sucked into the performance, it's memorizing and intense. His performance of Like Knives (video I filmed below) was one of the highlights for me, he told us that it was one of the first songs he wrote and played it to his mother for her approval.
Between songs Dallas spoke to the crowd with his usual shyness and humanity (saying "it's not me up here and you down there, we're all here together"), yet he proved he has wit and humor to match many. (As he asked for the house lights to be turned on to see the venue and crowd someone yelled "I've got an erection!", only for Dallas to reply "Well it's taken 9 songs to find the funny guy in the audience".) There was one stage, just before Body In A Box, where he asked the crowd to put away their phones and cameras, just for one song. Not because he had a problem with people filming or taking pictures, but because he felt that everyone tries so hard to make memories on an event, they forget to enjoy the event as it happens. Very true. He then apologised for sounding like a Dad. His setlist was a perfect mix of some of his earliest songs to tracks of his new album, out in June. Although one of the surprises of the night was his cover of Adele's Hometown Glory (below). Covers are often overused, and just seem like they are performed for the sake of it. However this cover seemed perfect, Dallas even said he wish he had written the song himself, not just in terms of a match of incredible voices but you could feel Dallas sing the lyrics, though it not his own song.
The gig could have gone on and no one would have minded apart from the Albert Hall staff, though there are worse ways to be earn a living than watch Dallas, but it had to end at some point. Even in the encore Dallas surprised the crowd with his song choices. He turned the end of Comin' Home into James Blake's Wilhelm Scream, a nice touch. And he then sat down at a piano for the first time that evening and performed a "sort of cover", Happiness By The Kilowatt, by his other band Alexisonfire (below). It was a special moment to see him draw on a song he helped write so many years ago, for a band so different to his solo performance, to end a special night. It's hard not to love Dallas Green, he's talented, emotional, funny, shy and humble and puts on a wonderful night on a consistent basis it would seem. I simple can't wait for him to come back this autumn.
It was slightly weird as the venue filled with tattoos, piercings, fringes and skinny jeans, a crowd very much juxtaposed to the venue. This is not a place for Alexisonfire and City And Colour fans. Just being sat down as opposed to being jostled around in a sweaty moshpit, in such a venue, seemed a little surreal and even uncomfortable for most. This is the job of support, to warm up the crowd and get them ready for the main act. That night the support was provided my a new favourite of mine, James Vincent McMorrow, much more suitable than Sharks who had supported the previous year, and he more than stepped upto the mark. It may have been daunting warming up a crowd of Dallas and Alexisonfire adorers especially when he's very much in the same singer-songwriter category, but it did not show. James' voice was just as powerful and emotional as the one that would follow, you could feel the songs and lyrics. Boy did good.
Then it was time for Dallas Green as City and Colour. As he walked onto the stage with his band, the noise level went up with cries of adoration and admiration from the crowd. It was soon clear that Dallas only gets better. I hate to repeat the words powerful and emotional, but those really are the words that can't be avoided when you hear Dallas live. The set followed a familiar format, with band, by himself and then rejoined by his band of hometown friends. It is when he holds the stage alone that you get sucked into the performance, it's memorizing and intense. His performance of Like Knives (video I filmed below) was one of the highlights for me, he told us that it was one of the first songs he wrote and played it to his mother for her approval.
Between songs Dallas spoke to the crowd with his usual shyness and humanity (saying "it's not me up here and you down there, we're all here together"), yet he proved he has wit and humor to match many. (As he asked for the house lights to be turned on to see the venue and crowd someone yelled "I've got an erection!", only for Dallas to reply "Well it's taken 9 songs to find the funny guy in the audience".) There was one stage, just before Body In A Box, where he asked the crowd to put away their phones and cameras, just for one song. Not because he had a problem with people filming or taking pictures, but because he felt that everyone tries so hard to make memories on an event, they forget to enjoy the event as it happens. Very true. He then apologised for sounding like a Dad. His setlist was a perfect mix of some of his earliest songs to tracks of his new album, out in June. Although one of the surprises of the night was his cover of Adele's Hometown Glory (below). Covers are often overused, and just seem like they are performed for the sake of it. However this cover seemed perfect, Dallas even said he wish he had written the song himself, not just in terms of a match of incredible voices but you could feel Dallas sing the lyrics, though it not his own song.
The gig could have gone on and no one would have minded apart from the Albert Hall staff, though there are worse ways to be earn a living than watch Dallas, but it had to end at some point. Even in the encore Dallas surprised the crowd with his song choices. He turned the end of Comin' Home into James Blake's Wilhelm Scream, a nice touch. And he then sat down at a piano for the first time that evening and performed a "sort of cover", Happiness By The Kilowatt, by his other band Alexisonfire (below). It was a special moment to see him draw on a song he helped write so many years ago, for a band so different to his solo performance, to end a special night. It's hard not to love Dallas Green, he's talented, emotional, funny, shy and humble and puts on a wonderful night on a consistent basis it would seem. I simple can't wait for him to come back this autumn.
Tuesday, 12 October 2010
Music Tuesday 23.
A day late as I didn't get back from a weekend of surfing until yesterday afternoon and it was fair to say every inch of my body had been destroyed by the waves.
Kanye West Ft Bon Iver - Lost In The World
The first pairing of these two was on Monster, although it could be fair to say that Bon Iver got slightly lost beneath the orgy of artists on that track. However now it's just the two of them. It's brave, for the both of them. Although it works. Kanye of course, decided to use Bon Iver's only auto-tuned track, Woods and added his own influence to the track. Give it a chance.
Alexisonfire - Dog's Blood
After completely rinsing their back catalogue and newest album, Young Cardinals, over the past few months it is nice to have something new from the Canadians. This is the title track from their forthcoming EP, and I like it, a lot. There's only live versions at the moment, so a recorded version will need to be given a chance too. From the first few listens it sounds like they're going back a stage to their slightly more post-hardcore roots, but using continuing brilliance of Dallas' voice to full effect. Very, very nice.
Kid Cudi Ft Cage - Maniac
Hopefully this video stays up. This is my favourite track that I have heard from MOTM2. You get Cudi's familiar stoned, yet articulate ramblings over a lovely, steady beat, accompanied by a female voice.
Kings Of Leon - Pyro
Another gorgeous track from the new album. And yes the style is going backwards, only a good thing.
Kanye West Ft Bon Iver - Lost In The World
The first pairing of these two was on Monster, although it could be fair to say that Bon Iver got slightly lost beneath the orgy of artists on that track. However now it's just the two of them. It's brave, for the both of them. Although it works. Kanye of course, decided to use Bon Iver's only auto-tuned track, Woods and added his own influence to the track. Give it a chance.
Alexisonfire - Dog's Blood
After completely rinsing their back catalogue and newest album, Young Cardinals, over the past few months it is nice to have something new from the Canadians. This is the title track from their forthcoming EP, and I like it, a lot. There's only live versions at the moment, so a recorded version will need to be given a chance too. From the first few listens it sounds like they're going back a stage to their slightly more post-hardcore roots, but using continuing brilliance of Dallas' voice to full effect. Very, very nice.
Kid Cudi Ft Cage - Maniac
Hopefully this video stays up. This is my favourite track that I have heard from MOTM2. You get Cudi's familiar stoned, yet articulate ramblings over a lovely, steady beat, accompanied by a female voice.
Kings Of Leon - Pyro
Another gorgeous track from the new album. And yes the style is going backwards, only a good thing.
Tuesday, 29 December 2009
Albums of 2009
Yes, I know, albums of the year, sorry. There is a million of these coming out at this time of year, and by no way is mine meant to compete with them, but I thought that I would just share it.
In no particular order:
Alexisonfire - Young cardinals/Old crows
For me, this was probably my most highly anticipated album of the year. And yes I know I should have grown out of this screaming shit, but I havn't and I don't care. One of my favourite bands ever and having seem them recently live for the first time, my affections towards the Canadians continue. Like any great band, the album is a clear progression from the old but with Alexisonfire still scribbled all over it. Starting the album screaming "We are not the kids we used to be" they burst into what they do best, ever so slightly maturing this time. I never want this band to stop.
Jay-Z - The Blueprint 3
Probably one of the most anticipated albums of the year full stop. And with anticipation comes hype and expectation. And yes of course Jay-Z lives upto it. I'm not claiming I love every single song on here, but others more than make up for it. Empire State of Mind has dominated the latter part of 2009, with Run This Town also having huge success. Many of the songs have collaborations, some big names, Kayne, Rihanna and Alicia, some are new on the scene; Drake and J Cole. But you know if Jay Z has picked them, they are some thing special. Something to watch out for. Blueprint 3 sees the Jigga Man boasts his albums success slamming Elvis and The Stones, some may see this as arrogance and disrespectful, but boy can he back up his claims.
Bombay Bicycle Club - I Had The Blue But Shook Them Loose
BBC fully exploded onto the scene in 2009, mainly due to a big helping shove from BBC R1 introducing. Having only just left school, these guys produced an unbelievable album of clever riffs and equally lyrics. Songs such as Magnet and Always Like This will never grow tired to me. There surely has to be even greater things to come from this band, and going on this album, that is very exciting.
Miike Snow - Animal
As soon as I heard 'Animal' it had something special and different about it. There was a lot of mystery surrounding the two-eyed Miike Snow initally, however their credentials soon appeared. The Swedish pair have produced songs for Madonna, Kylie and even Britney's Toxic. However do not let this put you off. The indie/electro/pop group pack in a mixture of tunes, giving a good variety, not something that you get from most albums. It produces some huge tunes such as Animal and Black & Blue.
Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More
Again when I first heard the single of this stunning album, "Little Lion Man" I instantly wanted to hear more. Accompied by the autumn months, this acoustic folk produced some of the most beautiful music I have heard this year. The array of instruments offered something different from the other indie and acoustics acts around, and in this case different was definitely better. Beautiful playing matched with an amazing rusty voice is perfection.
Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus
This insanely happy French electro indie pop act are going to be big very soon. Already featured in big advertising campaigns, this catchy album is simply a pleasure to listen. It will make you smile, nod your head and ears happy.
Florence and The Machine - Two Lungs
Like many of the artists here, Florence and The Machine suddenly burst onto the scene and possibly Florence more than any other, dominating 2009. With fiery red hair, an amazing voice and individual style, Florence and her Machine produced an amazing debut album. Many of the songs have been played to death on radio and TV, forcing me to tire of the album. But listening to it just the other day reminded me of just how damn good it is.
Passion Pit - Manners
After hearing the song "Sleephead", that has turned out to be one of my singles of year, I quickly got my hands on Chunk of Change. This EP was written for the lead singer's girlfriend for Valentine's Day. Soon followed was the album, Manners. The electro pop act is something pretty new and fresh to me. With a strangely good voice, and family of synths this is a very, very good album.
The Maccabees - Wall of Arms
There a so many great, great songs on this album, No Kind Words, Love You Better and Can You Give It? to name but a few. This is a fantastic piece of mature indie pop, with great riffs and uniquely beautiful voice, it all comes together very nicely.
Biffy Clyro - Only Revolutions
I will be the first to admit that I jumped on the Biffy bandwagon along with everyone else this year. I've got friends that liked them when I was in year 9, but I shamefully did not give them a listen until this year. Puzzle is a fantastic album, I loved every single song. Is Only Revolutions better? No, not in my opinion. But its very close. There are some massive songs on there, Bubbles, Captain and of course, Golden Rule. Puzzle set a very high standard for me and Only Revolutions is almost up there, which is no way a bad thing.
So there you are. My top 10 albums. I think. Its difficult to remember albums from the first half of the year, and I strongly relied on my Last.fm. I don't claim this is a definitive list or a fantastic review, but I'd like to hear what you think. If you havn't heard any of these albums, I obviously strongly suggest you do, and if there's any you think I've missed, I'd love to know.
In no particular order:
Alexisonfire - Young cardinals/Old crows
For me, this was probably my most highly anticipated album of the year. And yes I know I should have grown out of this screaming shit, but I havn't and I don't care. One of my favourite bands ever and having seem them recently live for the first time, my affections towards the Canadians continue. Like any great band, the album is a clear progression from the old but with Alexisonfire still scribbled all over it. Starting the album screaming "We are not the kids we used to be" they burst into what they do best, ever so slightly maturing this time. I never want this band to stop.
Jay-Z - The Blueprint 3
Probably one of the most anticipated albums of the year full stop. And with anticipation comes hype and expectation. And yes of course Jay-Z lives upto it. I'm not claiming I love every single song on here, but others more than make up for it. Empire State of Mind has dominated the latter part of 2009, with Run This Town also having huge success. Many of the songs have collaborations, some big names, Kayne, Rihanna and Alicia, some are new on the scene; Drake and J Cole. But you know if Jay Z has picked them, they are some thing special. Something to watch out for. Blueprint 3 sees the Jigga Man boasts his albums success slamming Elvis and The Stones, some may see this as arrogance and disrespectful, but boy can he back up his claims.
Bombay Bicycle Club - I Had The Blue But Shook Them Loose
BBC fully exploded onto the scene in 2009, mainly due to a big helping shove from BBC R1 introducing. Having only just left school, these guys produced an unbelievable album of clever riffs and equally lyrics. Songs such as Magnet and Always Like This will never grow tired to me. There surely has to be even greater things to come from this band, and going on this album, that is very exciting.
Miike Snow - Animal
As soon as I heard 'Animal' it had something special and different about it. There was a lot of mystery surrounding the two-eyed Miike Snow initally, however their credentials soon appeared. The Swedish pair have produced songs for Madonna, Kylie and even Britney's Toxic. However do not let this put you off. The indie/electro/pop group pack in a mixture of tunes, giving a good variety, not something that you get from most albums. It produces some huge tunes such as Animal and Black & Blue.
Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More
Again when I first heard the single of this stunning album, "Little Lion Man" I instantly wanted to hear more. Accompied by the autumn months, this acoustic folk produced some of the most beautiful music I have heard this year. The array of instruments offered something different from the other indie and acoustics acts around, and in this case different was definitely better. Beautiful playing matched with an amazing rusty voice is perfection.
Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus
This insanely happy French electro indie pop act are going to be big very soon. Already featured in big advertising campaigns, this catchy album is simply a pleasure to listen. It will make you smile, nod your head and ears happy.
Florence and The Machine - Two Lungs
Like many of the artists here, Florence and The Machine suddenly burst onto the scene and possibly Florence more than any other, dominating 2009. With fiery red hair, an amazing voice and individual style, Florence and her Machine produced an amazing debut album. Many of the songs have been played to death on radio and TV, forcing me to tire of the album. But listening to it just the other day reminded me of just how damn good it is.
Passion Pit - Manners
After hearing the song "Sleephead", that has turned out to be one of my singles of year, I quickly got my hands on Chunk of Change. This EP was written for the lead singer's girlfriend for Valentine's Day. Soon followed was the album, Manners. The electro pop act is something pretty new and fresh to me. With a strangely good voice, and family of synths this is a very, very good album.
The Maccabees - Wall of Arms
There a so many great, great songs on this album, No Kind Words, Love You Better and Can You Give It? to name but a few. This is a fantastic piece of mature indie pop, with great riffs and uniquely beautiful voice, it all comes together very nicely.
Biffy Clyro - Only Revolutions
I will be the first to admit that I jumped on the Biffy bandwagon along with everyone else this year. I've got friends that liked them when I was in year 9, but I shamefully did not give them a listen until this year. Puzzle is a fantastic album, I loved every single song. Is Only Revolutions better? No, not in my opinion. But its very close. There are some massive songs on there, Bubbles, Captain and of course, Golden Rule. Puzzle set a very high standard for me and Only Revolutions is almost up there, which is no way a bad thing.
So there you are. My top 10 albums. I think. Its difficult to remember albums from the first half of the year, and I strongly relied on my Last.fm. I don't claim this is a definitive list or a fantastic review, but I'd like to hear what you think. If you havn't heard any of these albums, I obviously strongly suggest you do, and if there's any you think I've missed, I'd love to know.
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