Listening to this album just before a night out, it seemed to be most fitting, with the beats of Armand Van Helden buzzing through my ears. Once the captivating bass lines and tasty tunes begin, it’s hard to stop listening as each brilliant track rolls into another in a never ending spiral of dance goodness.
The sub heading ‘One Year. One Album’ sums this up perfectly. If you’ve been stood in a club this year whilst an amazing dance song is playing and not know what it was, you will more than likely find it in this awesome collection. With all the big names from Deadmau5 to Sub Focus, most being brilliant remixes. Including popular indie tunes by Bloc Party, Calvin Harris and Friendly Fires this album has something to get almost anyone up and dancing.
With 3 CDs full of hits, there is no weak one. The eye catching case and the way it is presented is particularly impressive, to match the music. No two songs are the same, jumping from calm and thought provoking songs like Chicane’s ‘Poppiholla’ to lively r’n’b from Pitball. Dizzee Rascal definitely seems to be a favourite at the Ministry this year, with a song of his on each CD.
The 60 songs are full of the best rhythms, clicks, raps and hits of the year to delight your party senses. If there was ever an album to make you feel like partying the night away, this is certainly it.
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
Thursday, 5 November 2009
Making A Statement
Sat in a cramped room with a lot less seating than needed, a group of cheeky young men stood. The Statement Code are a four-piece pop punk band from Southampton. Not yet rock n roll enough to kick up a fuss, jokes are already being cracked about the situation. As lead singer Vince kindly decides to sort out chairs for everyone, the interview can begin.
As gentlemanly and genuine as the band seem, be careful not to assume their music is as laid back as their personalities. Each song contains powerful lyrics which make you think and melodies catchy enough to rival established bands like All Time Low. When asked about inspirations, an eclectic mix of bands were mentioned. As the band pianist, Stuart says ‘I still get my inspiration from Coldplay and that. I wouldn’t compare our stuff to them though.’ Brand New and Muse were also mentioned, though one band they all agree on is a German Band called 'They’re amazing, you should check them out!’ With my homework noted, I wanted to find out more about how the band formed.
‘1982’ they kid, sending them into barrels of laughter once more. ‘Nah, just the first year of uni wasn’t it?’ Aaron confirmes. They contemplate between themselves for a while on the exact time. Shaun tells me that ‘We got put into a band for our course and sort of changed the line up a little bit.’ Joining in with their banter, I asked whether they kicked out the useless members. Laughing, he said ‘Yeah. We got Aaron yeah, he wasn’t in it originally. We swapped instruments.’ Talented and adaptable? Is there anything these four lads can’t do? It seems not, as their very professional looking debut video for song ‘Tight’ was created solely by them. ‘We just did it all ourselves. It was kind of a last minute thing, we thought lets just f*** around on the top of Ikea. It was on a phone as well!’
As soon as the word ‘gigs’ escaped my mouth, a spiral of excitement encased the boys, making it almost impossible to stop them talking. When asked about their favourite gig so far, they found it hard to pick just one, proving how much they enjoy performing. I decided instead to ask exactly why they enjoy it so much, to which they gave a very clear answer. ‘Playing our songs really, I like playing our songs to people’ pipes Aaron as the rest nod in agreement. Vince adds that ‘onstage I don’t really care what people think.’ Stuart agrees, stating, ‘you might to look back and think, I look like a bit of a tit there but as long as we enjoy it that’s all that matters.’ Wise words from such a young band. If only more bands cared more about how much fun they were having than how cool they look.
As talks with the record production students who will produce their album are in the pipeline, the future seems bright for The Statement Code. Their plan? ‘Getting people to actually want to come and see us.’ Although said light heartedly, to them it feels essential. They add that ‘we’re not really that well known at the moment so the more gigs we do the more people will hear and get to know us.’ With a great reception from their previous gigs, this seems far from impossible. So with an album coming to you soon and more than likely a gig near you too, I think it’s time for you to check this band out. Their music is as infectious as their laughter; you’ve got no choice but to love them.
As gentlemanly and genuine as the band seem, be careful not to assume their music is as laid back as their personalities. Each song contains powerful lyrics which make you think and melodies catchy enough to rival established bands like All Time Low. When asked about inspirations, an eclectic mix of bands were mentioned. As the band pianist, Stuart says ‘I still get my inspiration from Coldplay and that. I wouldn’t compare our stuff to them though.’ Brand New and Muse were also mentioned, though one band they all agree on is a German Band called 'They’re amazing, you should check them out!’ With my homework noted, I wanted to find out more about how the band formed.
‘1982’ they kid, sending them into barrels of laughter once more. ‘Nah, just the first year of uni wasn’t it?’ Aaron confirmes. They contemplate between themselves for a while on the exact time. Shaun tells me that ‘We got put into a band for our course and sort of changed the line up a little bit.’ Joining in with their banter, I asked whether they kicked out the useless members. Laughing, he said ‘Yeah. We got Aaron yeah, he wasn’t in it originally. We swapped instruments.’ Talented and adaptable? Is there anything these four lads can’t do? It seems not, as their very professional looking debut video for song ‘Tight’ was created solely by them. ‘We just did it all ourselves. It was kind of a last minute thing, we thought lets just f*** around on the top of Ikea. It was on a phone as well!’
As soon as the word ‘gigs’ escaped my mouth, a spiral of excitement encased the boys, making it almost impossible to stop them talking. When asked about their favourite gig so far, they found it hard to pick just one, proving how much they enjoy performing. I decided instead to ask exactly why they enjoy it so much, to which they gave a very clear answer. ‘Playing our songs really, I like playing our songs to people’ pipes Aaron as the rest nod in agreement. Vince adds that ‘onstage I don’t really care what people think.’ Stuart agrees, stating, ‘you might to look back and think, I look like a bit of a tit there but as long as we enjoy it that’s all that matters.’ Wise words from such a young band. If only more bands cared more about how much fun they were having than how cool they look.
As talks with the record production students who will produce their album are in the pipeline, the future seems bright for The Statement Code. Their plan? ‘Getting people to actually want to come and see us.’ Although said light heartedly, to them it feels essential. They add that ‘we’re not really that well known at the moment so the more gigs we do the more people will hear and get to know us.’ With a great reception from their previous gigs, this seems far from impossible. So with an album coming to you soon and more than likely a gig near you too, I think it’s time for you to check this band out. Their music is as infectious as their laughter; you’ve got no choice but to love them.
The Second Bridge, Bath. Club Review.
As the familiar creaks of ‘Thriller’ blasted out of the speakers as I arrived, it was clear this was going to be a night full of big tunes. As this was the eve of Halloween, it was pleasantly surprising that the night was not crammed full of cheesy one hit wonders. Instead, the cramped underground club threw out drum and bass like there was no tomorrow as it thumped through the walls into the crowds’ ears.
With amazing dubstep remixes of massive songs like La Roux’s ‘In For The Kill’, Dizzee Rascal’s ‘Bonkers’ and Daft Punk’s ‘One More Time’ the atmosphere was electric. The jumping bodies especially went mad for Sydney Samson’s ‘Riverside’, a definite highlight of the night. With the excitement at it’s highest and the floor vibrating under the pressure, the drum and bass continued to pump until the very end.
With amazing dubstep remixes of massive songs like La Roux’s ‘In For The Kill’, Dizzee Rascal’s ‘Bonkers’ and Daft Punk’s ‘One More Time’ the atmosphere was electric. The jumping bodies especially went mad for Sydney Samson’s ‘Riverside’, a definite highlight of the night. With the excitement at it’s highest and the floor vibrating under the pressure, the drum and bass continued to pump until the very end.
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