Matt Adams Seal Of Approval Vol 2: This Is England
In this edition of The Matt Adams Seal of Approval we’re going to look at 3 great bands that hail from the country of England. I’ve never been there, but hope to make a trip in the near future. For those of us who haven’t been able to watch a football match live or share in a good story at the local pub, here’s some music you can live vicariously through.
Dave House Intersections
Dave House is a solo artist that hails from Kingston Upon Thames, he plays bass in a band called The Steal, but his solo work is what has gained him some followers. His new record Intersections was just released on June 1st and I recommend this record to anyone who carries a flag for Winnipeg’s own The Weakerthans. House’s style comes very close to that of John Samson of The Weakerthans, they both bring charm to their music and have the capability to write lyrics that strangely may resemble your situation in life. I got lost in this record before the last chord was even played on the first track entitled Lungs, a song that could become the anthem for pub dwellers looking for some answers at the bottom of their glasses. House isn’t some natural gifted singer, but his melody, hooks and story telling through song ability over look this set back. Others who have used this formula for success include Craig Finn of The Hold Steady and Frank Turner.
Recommended Tracks: Lungs, Follow Me, Born Steady
Frank Turner Love Ire & Song
Speaking of Frank Turner his record Love Ire & Song has become a must play when I’m on the road. Turner use to be in the punk band Million Dead, but has since become a solo artist who just recently signed a US deal with Epitaph Records. Geez, that label has been making all the right moves as of late with the additions of Thursday, New Found Glory, Ste Your Goals and now Frank Turner this might just be my favorite label. On Love Ire & Song Turner reaches out to those who plan on giving up because of their age or are afraid of what society might think of them. Turner admits in the song Photosynthesis that he doesn’t understand the lingo the kids are using these days and that he may have out grown out of his punk ideals, but he doesn’t plan on just sitting out on life. I discovered Turner’s music at a needed point in my life, I don’t understand half of these up and coming bands who are 16 or 17 singing about alcoholic parties and sleeping around. Feels good to know there’s a guy out there singing about how he doesn’t get it either.
Recommended Tracks: Reasons Not To Be An Idiot, Photosynthesis, Love Ire & Song, Jet Lag
Gallows Grey Britain
Another band that was once signed to Epitaph, but have recently made the jump to Warner Brothers. I have not seen them live yet sadly, but have watched many youtube videos and I’m really impressed at the energy that these dudes bring to the table. Gallows first release Orchestra of Wolves was a huge hit and Grey Britain is a top contender for making it into my top 5 albums of the year list. Hardcore/Punk/Metal fans will definitely take a liking to these guys who mix thrashing guitars with take no prisoners attitudes. Their vocalist Frank Carter grabs listeners by the front of their shirts and simply explains that they’ll have to listen to every word that he has to say and by simply explains I mean in a voice of man making his last 911 call. I’ve heard this band described as brutal or insane, but those words might be too modest for these dudes.
Recommended Tracks: London is The Reason, Graves, I Dread The Night
Gallows on Myspace
Film to see
This Is England
The title of this blog post comes from the film This Is England in which a viewing of is highly recommended. You can see it as a netflix instant watch and I recommend that you do this now, or whenever you’ve got the free time. The last shot at the end of the film is still burned into my brain.
