Mojophenia

Mind Over Music. You Write The Music, We Post The Content.

RIP Records Proudly Announce ‘Passed Caring’ by Temple Songs. 7″ Vinyl Release On 1st July.

Posted by Andy on June 19th, 2013

“Manchester’s Temple Songs are a 4 piece outfit smashing out brilliantly crafted psychedelic pop tunes. Their official debut release, ‘Passed Caring’ written by Prolific songwriter and front man Jolan Lewis is the kind of track that you might stumble across on a carefully selected LA Nuggets compilation and wonder how they are of the now. Blending sounds of The Beatles and The Stooges with the likes of Pavement and Deerhunter; Temple Songs carve songs that have a unique way of getting into your head and brightening up your life. Temple Songs aim to be touring before and after the release of their debut 7” single ‘Passed Caring’. The single and B-side (Dinosaur Alley) were recorded in the bands own studio where they predominately record to tape”.

Post-Punk progenitors playing host to perfectly distorted Dream-Pop, Temple Songs dive headfirst into an assimilation of sonic exuberance and melodic Shoegaze – It’s a brightly satisfying mindset, the Jolan Lewis led quartet have an iconoclastic appeal. A dazzling debut that builds in tempo, a colossal analogue sound producing one of the most intriguing Psych-Pop guitar riffs you’re ever likely to hear this year.

“Currently writing and recording their debut album, Temple Songs have supported the likes of Temples, Charlie Boyer And The Voyeurs, Milk Maid, Sex Hands, Vision Fortune, METZ, Shinies, Novella, Egyptian Hip Hop, Palma Violets and Childhood throughout 2012. Temple Songs are : Jolan Lewis (guitar vocals) Dave Hardy (bass) Jean Hughes (guitar) Andrew Richardson (drums)”.

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Courtesy Of RIP Records

‘The Outsiders’ – New Album From Liverpool Four Piece The Universal.

Posted by Andy on June 17th, 2013

“As sharp musically as they are in attire, Liverpool quartet The Universal apply timeless values of upbeat melodic British songwriting to a sharp-dressed model. The band are based around singer, guitarist and songwriter Terry Shaughnessy, who brings a deep-seated love of classic vintage guitar music. Growing up in Liverpool, the ambience of the Beatles was a happily accepted ever-present, but with two Uncles playing in bands, another two Uncles being avid record collectors and a Mother an active member of the Small Faces fan club, Shaughnessy’s musical education came steeped in classic values of songs with creativity, individuality and fire in the belly. The Universal are completed with lead guitarist Piet Koehorst, Dave Ormsby on drums and Gary Chambers on Bass”.

A particularly relevant, almost poignant release, gnawing at various pockets of social repression in today’s increasingly shoddy landscape – Although not adversely political, it’s more of a swirling Mod-infused commentary similar to the good old British tradition of grumbling about the weather than revolutionary angst. Lyrical fondness aside, The Universal have unleashed a torrent of classic New Wave standards immersed in circling bass-lines and upfront Modism, Shaughnessy certainly has the right credentials to push his songs well clear of any mere revivalist comparisons, the influences have melded perfectly in context without losing a huge chunk originality. ‘The Outsiders’ is a fitting metaphor for a cautionary musical tale, there’s an open and respectful nod to a resurgent Paul Weller and his near carnival approach to power chord-based guitar Rock – I’d guess Shaughnessy has probably explained the vocal comparisons a million times. There’s a host of gigs up and down the UK listed for the coming summer months and beyond, ‘The Outsiders’ CD is officially released today (June 17th) with iTunes links to follow.

The Universal’s eleven track release produces some of the best Power-Pop melodies not to be slapped on a day-glo coloured vinyl, five or six listens down the line and I’m still not convinced otherwise. Currently one of our top albums in this genre and certainly one to infuriate any of those hard-nosed Mod-Rock historians.

“Choke is the first single to be taken from The Outsiders. Anthemic, driven by the rhythm section and brought into sharp focus by pinpoint guitar riffs. This song speaks of belief. Amongst others, the album also includes ‘Is This England?’, a reaction to the general malaise and mediocrity that seems to be sweeping our nation, the Beatlesque ‘Hanging In Space’ and the scathing ‘The Worshippers’ also play their part”.