Little bit of a catch up on the owl life :3

Hey guys, Hope we’ve all been well?

 

It’s been quite a while since I’ve been here, oh wow it was back in January, and I always say I’m gonna post more and be keep coming back, but lets me realistic about it. While I love posting things on this I really don’t have the time for it. Now don’t get me wrong, and those of you who actually read these have no reason to fret, I will continue to post, and probably at the same frequency as I do right now, especially when a music thing I’m excited about comes out.. I loveys my reviews:D. Tonight’s post shall probably just be a look back at the college year, which ended with an exam last week, and the trials and tribulations which came with it. In general just an ol’ update on the life (this may prove to be the title of this… I like that line:)

 

Anyway, as anyone who has actually read many of these posts will know, In September I started a course in Journalism, a one year course In Limerick College of Further Education. Now if I’m being completely honest the course itself, in terms of educational value, probably wasn’t the best. Learned a lot about media law but then again I also learned a lot about how to use Microsoft word… yay useless relearning of things. On a good side thought he college had a radio studio which we got to use occasionally. That was at least until the live Radio station went out, this launch, which was really cool for the college, messed up a lot of our time in the studio as the studio was controlled by the level 6’s (the follow on course from the one I Did). So ya in short, educational wise the course wasn’t the best and due to the studio restrictions for us, assignment and stuff were usually rushed… then again that may be just because I’m damn lazy as hell :L Anyway.. That’s enough about the actual learning side… but BTW if anyone wants to know about more about the radio course (level 6 mentioned above) ye can go and read my friend Kiara’s blog:D it’s also a really interesting read in general and she has the most awesome music taste…so ya here yas go (http://kiaragannon.wordpress.com/)

 

Mentioning Kiara, leads me in to another awesome point, the best bit about the college year, all the awesome people I’d met, Kiara, I’d known for ages before going to college due to our shared love of Green Day and meeting up with her gave me a load of excitement about starting:) Despite this however it took us ages to actually talk but know that we have I count her as one of my best friends, even though she’s going to Dublin next yearL for this reason she has to come out on Thursday! Please send her things on her blog and twitter to tell her this … Please come out though!

 

Aside from Kiara, I also met my wonderful Emily, met her on the very first day of college, went for coffee within 3 weeks and since then, for the past few months she’s become the most important person in my life, sharing all the awesome days in college and also the most awesome days of my life… and ya this seems like a really needy boyfriend paragraph but ah well that’s what I do. Thanks to her I’m now also a complete alcoholic. NOTE: ANYONE WHO HEADS TO COLLEGE… BE PREPARED TO DRINK… A LOT.

 

So, ya the past 7 months of that have been awesome, and now much like last June I find myself facing into the unknown again, do I try again for my Level 8 Law degree or Do I attempt to go for the Level 6 which I have an interview for in 2 weeks?.. Grr decisions… This summer though, shall be all the perfect, music wise I have Blink and Red Hot Chili Peppers in June, the almighty Springsteen in June and then All Time Low in August. This is all followed by London with another college buddy Andre to celebrate his birthday; damn old man is turning damn 24…

 

This post has been kind of rambley… but It had been a while since I posted I hope ye enjoyed reading anyway As I’m sure ye saw this summer is gonna be busy and I’ll therefore have a load to post about..

 

Talk to ye again soon guys:)

Ben

*REVIEW* Enter Shikari – A Flash Flood of Colour *REVIEW*

British Electro post hard-core nu-metal band Enter Shikari made their much anticipated return last week with their new album ‘A Flash Flood of Colour’.

Following 2009’s Common Dreads, Enter Shikari had a big challenge, they had to not only beat it but also make a statement which would appeal to their dedicated fan base. For many bands this would mean playing it safe and sticking to what you know. For Enter Shikari this meant packing up all you have and moving to Thailand to begin recording where they experimented with their sound and were free to say whatever they wanted.

From the opening song of ‘A Flash Flood of Colour’ cleverly entitled ‘System…’ the political element of the band are evident. The lyrics being a criticism of governments and countries, with a backing of strings and screaming vocals is followed immediately without break by ‘…meltdown’ where your ears are bombarded by a scream of “This is gonna change everything”. The heaviness of this track, mixed beautifully with Electro and the political shouts are everything Enter Shikari have become known for and for the most part of the album this simple arrangement is followed.
However on the sixth track ‘Stalemate’ and the albums closer ‘Constellations’ a softer side to Enter Shikari, unseen before is shown, while the twinge of dissatisfaction at the world today is kept, the heavy guitar and electro beats are replaced with Rou Reynolds singing softly with his acoustic guitar. A contrast to all other Shikari tracks, a welcome contrast for the hearing of those listening.

‘A Flash Flood of Colour’ is a triumph from Enter Shikari, an album that is sure to take them to higher places, and maybe finally break mainstream America which just eluded them on their last offering. The album sees their hard-core-dub-rave mash-up flirt with stadium rock wonderfully and from start to end is a truly exhilarating ride for old and new fans alike. The political side of the album is worded perfectly on a call to bankers in ‘Arguing with Thermometers’ with the line “Back to the drawing-board boys/Accept nothing more than complete reversal!” The closer of the Album, which describes a pretty bleak world, shows us that despite how bad things are there is Hope. Hope is something which Enter Shikari have tried to create more than anything with the lines “if we stand for nothing we will fall for anything” and “don’t tell us a small group of friends can’t change the world,” resonating in two songs respectively. Basically ya things are bad, but stick with what you believe and all will be okay. With Enter Shikari poised to lead our generation musically, yes we’ll be slightly deafened, but if ‘A Flash Flood’ is anything to go by, all shall work out alright
****

Guys, this was a review I had to do for college, but i also wanted to share it here and get opinions hope ye enjoyed it. Comments please..
Ben

2011.. it’s been interesting..

Heyho guys Ben here again.

Just a short little post this time to have a look back on the year that’s been. 2011, for the most part, was absolutely amazing. Granted it contained the leaving cert which was a little bit bleh-full:/ but I ended up meeting some absolutely amazing people, and made some friends who I to keep for life, be these through social media or in real life.

Music wise, I went to oxegen, saw MCR and TBO, discovered so many new bands and made some musical advances myself:) (btw in relation to music big announcement to come this week).

Ya sure 2011 had a few down bits, and some times where I wondered was all of it worth continuing, but in hindsight, there’s not a thing I would change. We’re defined by the things that we do in life, what we attempt whether these be failures or accomplishments is irrelevant and I’m sure 2012 will be just as eventful, particularly as I’m seeing Bruce Springsteen later this year( so so excited).

Love ye all and I Would like to which all who read this a happy new year and I’ll be back posting soon I promise

Ben

Top 5′s of 2011 :D and my big look out for 2012 :)

Hey guys and gals

so it’s that time of year, Christmas  is almost upon is and 2011′s almost at its end:) people who follow my blog/my twitter will know that music is a pretty large point of my life so I’m gonna follow the generic music blogger thing at this time of year and give my top 5 best songs and albums of 2011. At the end I will also include the band who I think are gonna be massive in 2012. Just to clarify, this is all my opinion so feel free to disagree and slag me and call me retarded all you please: D

Just gonna roll straight into it and start off with songs (singles which have been released in 2011)

 

5.  Forget About It – All Time Low.

A good ol’ jumpy party song by ATL with just a twinge of bitchy lyrics. A real step up from the previous single off Dirty Work ‘I feel like Dancing’ and shows ATL at they’re rocking pop-punky best

4. Iridescent – Linkin Park

Coming from 2010’s simply atrocious album A Thousand Suns, ‘Iridescent’ was released as with the Transformers Dark Side Of Moon soundtrack. The song is simply mesmerising and beautiful in every way. The best track on the album by a country mile and fits in perfectly with the movie. One of my all-time favourite songs

3. Anthem for the Unwanted – New Found Glory

The second single of NFG’s comeback album Radiosurgery is a traditional Pop- Punk song dealing with the trials and tribulations f heartbreak and unrequited love. Not getting the airplay that it deserves but still a fantastic song

2. Bulletproof Heart – My Chemical Romance.

One of my favourite bands, and one of my all- time favourite songs. Storming single with amazing lyrics and a guitar rhythm which has been hard to beat by many this past year

And Finally:

1. Wish You Were Here – Avril Lavigne

I’m gonna get a lot of stick for this one, I can see it already.. However as a song it’s fantastic! Avril back at her lyrical best, singing lyrics which all of us who’ve had heartbreak can relate to. One of my favourite songs by Avril ever, and my definite favourite song of the past year, just ADORE it :3

 

 

 

Now to move on to my top five albums of 2011:

5. Closer to You – The Coronas

The Coronas comeback album was always going to be difficult after the heights reached by ‘Tony has an ex-con’ but my oh my did Closer To You do incredibly well. Mixing both folk and rock with beautiful rhythm throughout the album it’s an absolute success and is an album that any band would be proud of. For the Coronas It was a complete and utter triumph that’s gonna be very hard to follow.

4. Noel Gallagher and the High Flying Birds

The self-titled album from the second Oasis break-up band, showed how Noel really didn’t need Liam. This carries all the hallmarks of an Oasis album, and is a must for any rock fans. Not anything amazing but still quite a good album.

3. Neighbourhoods – Blink-182

Another comeback album, but this time of an all too different kind. ‘ Neighbourhoods’ was the album all rock fans across the world had been waiting for. To see my full opinion you can read the review I posted earlier this year. It showed a different mature side to Blink, which in many stages yes to worked, however the length of the album is a massive let down and you are just left feeling that it could have been so much more. However for the simply excitement which was behind it, and how delighted I was to own it, for that reason I feel it deserves its place in this list.

2. The Singles Collection – Paramore

Paramore’s Collection of songs, recorded after the departure of the Farro Brothers. Now yes this is more of an EP but it was studio recorded and produced by Rob Cavallo so for me that’s enough to be counted as an album. Featuring three songs, including the massive hit of ‘Monster’         it showed how Paramore didn’t need the Farro brothers and were still as amazing without them.

AND FINALLY.. MY NUMBER ONE ALBUM OF THE YEAR….. >DRUM-ROLL<

1. Sinners Never Sleep – You Me At Six

The third album from these guys. Coming after ‘Hold me Down’ it showed a darker, more sinister side to the boys, a side which, in my opinion was badly needed.  Using the deaths of parents and tensions within the band to influence the lyrics and also the sound of the album, they created not only an album which ‘the sixers’ could be proud of, but an album which should gain them an entirely new and bigger fan base. SNS was a coming of age album to rival any of the past year, if not of the past 5 years SNS is an album which showed the full potential of YM@6. A fantastic Album that I listen to at every opportunity I get. Just fantastic in Every way.

 

 

 

My Big Act to watch out for in 2012 

We are The in Crowd:

My favourite new American band, led by the shy Tay Jardine and inspiring all the Pop-Rock Ideals that make a great band, and with a strong EP and album behind them I think 2012 is the year they’ll finally make a big break into Europe and England. Paramore watch out WATIC are just as good if not better and Tay has the voice of a super-star. Gonna be in for big things soon! Just wait

Review: The Blackout, Revoker & Jody Has a Hitlist

Hey guys, how’ve we been? I know I haven’t posted in a while but I genuinely haven’t had much reason… This is until now my dear friends! For you see on Saturday I made the long 3 hour trip to Dublin. Why did I make this trip I hear you ask? To go and see no other than the wonderfully fantastic Welsh outfit which are The Blackout on the second date of their Hope Christmas tour. Support for this gig came from Dublin’s local Jody Has A Hitlist and also up and coming Welsh metal band Revoker.

After 2 hours of standing in the freezing cold of Abbey Street, finally the doors of the academy were opened; the crowd flowed in and waited as patiently as is possible in a basic sauna, for 5:20 when Jody Has a Hitlist took to the stage. Having seen these lads many times before, I was quite expectant for their set; however they seemed to be overwhelmed by the occasion, especially in comparison to some of their other shows. Despite the best efforts of the front men, Pod and of Kelan, the crowd simply refused to get involved. This left Jody to leave with little more than a whimper; however we at least all knew their name as they’d repeated it at least 5 times throughout their short 20 minute set.

While Jody made their way to the balcony above the crowd, the sat up for the next act began, namely Revoker. Honestly, I must admit, I’d never heard of them before this show however know I can’t get ‘Psychoville’ out of my head. For a relatively unknown band they had the crowd in the palms of their hands. Reminiscent of both Bullet and Metallica, their influences seem quite obvious in their music. However Revoker put on a show string enough to rival either of the greats I’ve mentioned above. Causing me many belts and bruises I for one cannot wait for their return to Ireland. Also having met them after the show they are genuinely some of the nicest lads you could meet who have a kick ass album. Take it from me Revoker are a band who you’ll be hearing a lot about in the coming years. Blew me away.

Finally at about 7 o’clock, a pounding drum beat and a flash of blonde hair signalled the arrival of The Blackout. ‘This Is Our Time’ opening their set, Sean Smith’s screams getting everyone on the small room of their feet and had me in raptures. The set itself was a monster, featuring everything from the oldies of ‘I’m a Riot, You’re a Fucking Riot’ to the new ‘The Last Goodbye’ the set had something to suit every fan and every music lover. For me personally the height of the night came from ‘It’s High Tide Baby’ and oldie which puts voices to the test and has a rapturous guitar chord running through. The Blackout have recently gained a rep of being an outstanding live band, and on tonight’s evidence that was highly deserved. The banter between Sean, Gavin and every member of the crowd makes everyone feel involved, the sheer domination they have over their audience is something to behold. This was the second time I’d seen these guys live and they just keep getting better. Any chance you get to see them, take it and just run with it.

Rating:

Jody: 5/10

Revoker: 8/10(just as I love crowd interaction and it was a little lacking in comparison to TBO)

The Blackout 10/10

why I’m posting this.. I don’t even know.. to vent/explain/expose myself i guess. From my Tumblr!

This is a post from my tumblr from last summer.. but I feel it belongs here too..

Tonight, my dash has been filled with suicide related posts, some stories and a few posts giving reasons not to do it. The second post, the once which give off reasons of why not to kill yourself, while being incredibly moving, seem to look over the main point, if you’re about to kill yourself, or in a suicidal mind, peoples reaction si the last thing which your’re going to think of, However, i personally am an example that suicidal tenancies and depression are comeback-able from. You will escape the black hole

This post I feel I shall share my own experiences, really because I never have properly before, recently they’ve been stronger than ever, and I need a place I can rant and hopefully not be attacked for it.

I, for years of school was treated as the outcast, in primary, yes friends were on hand massively, however the second the move to secondary took place the friendship circle evaporated. I became the fat emo kid, the weird green day obsessed freak, the person who noone would talk to as it would destroy their own social standing. Due to this, I not only delved deeper into my music, I sank deeper into depression. this included 3 suicide attempts ranging from tablets to hanging<please understand how hard this is to write>, two of which ended in hospitalisation. and yes while I’m sure these effeted those around me, all I could think of was the need to kill myself, the need to no longer live and to be done.

This feeling, it stayed with me until 5th year, when i made some new friends who truly understood me and accepted me for who I was, who I am still friends with now and who tried their best to help. To it’s credit, the school also found out around this time, even though it told me “If i kill myself it looks bad on the school rep”. Throughout leaving cysle I was happy and content, building strong relationships both normally and romantically and I was truly happy until just recently.

The past few weeks, as those of ye who have followed my tumblr will have noticed, ahve not been good for me, one of my strongest relationships imploded massively and sent me into a spiralling depression, with again the suicidal tendencies returning. My heart was broken, the friendship was destroyed and I wanted to destroy myself, began to purge, and stopped eating properly, however many of my friends rallied around me and have picked me up again and am currently going to a doctor .

I shall end this on a happy note,and say again I am happy, my amazing friends such as Bonnie and Ciara, my twitter buddies, the amazing Stephanie(who i promise i will come see again soon <3), I love ye all, have all helped to pick me up agian, and I never want to lose any of ye. never.

If anyone actually reads this, take this as a story of hope. No matter how low you are, there is ways back, take me as an example. <3

Blink-182 Neighbourhoods REVIEW

Neighbourhoods cover

Hey guys:)

How are we all?

This, as I’m sure ye’ve gathered from the title shall be a review of Blink-182′s new album, ‘Neighbourhoods’. The first album from the trio in 8 years and my my my did it build itself up. Personally, I must admit, I have never been a massive fan of Blink’s, I felt they were always a little bit too immature for the music they were making and the genre they were inserted in. This album, however, following the break and the release of the singles ‘up All Night’ and ‘After Midnight’ seemed to show a welcome change in their style.

I suppose the time has come to delve into the album itself…

1. The album itself, opens with a stormer Ghost On The Dance floor a song which opens with “I’ll never let you down boy, I’ll never let you go” a seeming message to the fans that Blink are back and going nowhere!

2. This is followed by ‘Natives’ one fop the strongest songs on the album, traditional blink in sound with killer drums, bass lines and guitar but which crucially has some of the strongest and most powerful lyrics I’ve heard in a long, long time.

Tracks 3, 4 and 5 After Midnight, Up All Night and Hearts All Gone are tracks us fan have all heard before. Tracks which both laid down a marker for what was to come and continued the fantastic theme of the album.

6. Wishing Well’, is one of my favourite blink songs, and a song which in June of 2012 will be amazing live due to its happy jump chorus, a good ol’ fashioned pop-punk song that I believe everyone would and will enjoy, just a simply fantastic song! One of the best on the album!

7. Kaleidoscope A song, which in my opinions is a massive “Fuck You” from the and to those who wanted this album to be rushed and released quickly. It details their feeling while recording and the pressures with that, but in the end it shows that they’re truly happy with the happy, which is the real most important thing for a music lover, that the band are happy. The song itself is also bloody damned amazing!

8.  This is Home… ah, ok honestly, I think this is one of the weakest songs in the album, it just seems a little bit mangled and rushed… But I suppose considering the strength and nature of rest of the album, the mangle is needed, just when comparing to the previous 7 tracks, it falls below par and shows remnants of the sex obsessed ‘old-Blink’…

9. MH 4.18.2011. A song previously discussed by Mark Hoppus titled as ‘Hold On’, is a return to the earlier tracks of the album, happy feel yet with hauntingly strong lyrics, for any band especially Blink. Adore this song and the message of it, to hold on despite what might be wrong, that things will get better… just stop ‘living in the shadow of a helicopter”

10. Love is Dangerous, the albums closer, shows a soft side to Blink, not seen previously on the album in such large doses. The song in itself is a triumph, showing the pitfalls and high points of a relationship.

In conclusion, the return of Blink-182 in Neighbourhoods is an absolute triumph, and one of the greatest albums they’ve made. In my research for this album, I’ve read comments from fans which say that “the album is too different” and “Blink have changed, it ain’t the same anymore.” Seriously, what in god’s name did some people expect?? To anyone reading this, if you are a fan of damn good guitar riffs and fantabulous drum lines then but this album! Yes, it’s on the short side at just 36 minutes, but following such a long break, I’m grateful of something from Blink, something that is magnificent, and I’m personally delighted!

Rating: 8/10, just as it’s a little bit short

give me a long kiss goodnight and everything will be all right, 7 years have gone so fast

Hey guys,

Sorry about the long wait, this week as been a little bit hectic both good and bad! In Good news I properly started my journalism/media course in Limerick College of Further Education, which I absolutely adore, it’s perfect and the class I’m in are so so nice, even me, who’s a shy mess has found people to talk to!! But with every good thing.. Of course comes the bad, on Saturday, me and my girlfriend of the last 8 months decided to go our separate ways. And before any of ye ask am I okay I’m fine now, first few days were a little though, but what can you do only move on. I will say here, the same as I’ve told people on tumbr, we split, I wasn’t entirely happy about it, I’m not saying any more about it as I don’t think that would be fair as we remain friends.

Now, on to the main point of today’s posty, today marks the seventh anniversary of ‘American Idiot’ the studio album my Green Day. Usually, this wouldn’t be something I would make a post about, only, as anyone who knows me well will already know, Green Day mean the absolute world to me. They’re more than my favourite band, they’ve become a significant driving force in my life, something I turn to, something who’s always there for me.

And what’s the significance of AI in all this? In forth class, American Idiot was the first CD I properly bought my self, the first CD I ever took any real notice of, and to this day, it still is the CD which defines my current years. The Album itself, is, like many albums recently, a straight up concept album which delivers a great big FUCK YOU to the George Bush administration, told thorough the narrative of a character growing up in a shitty town post 9/11. But he (the Jesus of Suburbia) also has to deal with unrequited love throughout the story. All coming together to make what is an absolutely amazing album.

Only a short post today, I’ll admit, but what the album created and spawned is something incredible, it reignited the punk scene, it showed how bands no longer had to be afraid to speak the truth, it sparked a somewhat new teenage revolution, but most importantly, at least to me, the album spoke to millions of people and teenagers around the world. Allowed us not to be afraid to express ourselves.

Thank you Green Day, thank you fellow Idiots <3

Ben x

REVIEW: Red Hot Chili Peppers – I’m With You

Hey guys, Sorry it’s taken so long for a new post… but the results of the leaving came out and I ahd a debs to attend.. So I’ve been incredibly busy

This post is gonna be my first ever review. (Yes yes I can feel your excitement already). The object in question, the hotly anticipated ‘I’m With You’ from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I’m With You being their first new album since 2006′s ‘Stadium Arcadium’ (the tenth in total) is the first to feature new guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, following the departure of John Frusciante. This change, while not being immediately evident, becomes very prominent later in the album.

The album itself features 14 new songs (Including the recent single ‘The Adventure of Rain Dance Maggie) and on first listen it is this song which marks a turning point in the record, a turning point from playing it safe and traditional, to a different more crowd friendly Chilis.

In saying this, the albums opening half is an absolute powerhouse in funk-rock music for which RHCP have become so loved. The Albums opener ‘ Monarchy of Roses’ which features a mention of Ireland has a feel of an intimate sound check recording, until the chorus, which just screams ‘WE’RE BACK’!, The following track ‘Factory of Faith’ feature Keidis’ voice at the best with rhyming lyrics and a pounding bass line from the ever sturdy Flea.

Anyone going to see the Chili’s in November be on the listen for ‘Ethiopia ‘with its repetition  of  “E I O I E I A”(how it’s written in the lyrics) and also’ Happiness Loves Company’  with its amazingly catchy parade-esque beat and a chorus of ‘”Start Jumping ’cause we’ve got something to say. Two songs which have me insanely jealous to not be going

The albums undoubted star, Flea, is as strong and refined as ever, and once again makes sounds out of  bass us normal humans could only ever dream of making, his use of piano, while small, adds a whole new dimension to proceedings.

Flea success, combined with the always strong vocals of Kledis and drumming of Smith, does overshadow the arrival of Klinghoffer, who, in my opinion, doesn’t add much to the album, as the few solo’s he attempts are copy cats of each-other.

For any RHCP, this album is an essential and for anyone who is a fan of rock music this is definite to have. From start to finish, the albums themes of life and death ring through. The vocals combined with the bass are spot on. The formation of the album is done perfectly. The only real down-side I can find, moving the background guitar to one side, is that, probably as they’ve used the same producer for all their albums, the album is nothing vastly different old RHCP, which is in noway a bad thing!

 

Total: 8/10

Ben

Music and what it means

Hello again, wow I think this is a new record. Two posts in two days. Oh wow what’s happening me!

After a day that can only be described as awesome as I got to see Fifi and got new headphones<yes I’m very easily pleased> I came home and saw ‘School of Rock’ on RTE. While watching it made me think of just how much effect music can have on life. In the movie rock music is introduced to a class in a private school and it helps to improve the class, the students and the general environment.  That is to put the film simply. This made me look at my own life where music has played such a large part in all aspects. I am, and not afraid to admit it, quite a large fan of rock music, bands such as Green Day and My Chemical Romance being among my favourite. As addressed in a previous post some of these bands fans are the subject to a large amount of stereotyping and what not, however the influence of them in my life, and those of other fans cannot be dismissed.

These bands have made me come out of my shell quite a lot, have provided me with some of the happiest days of my life, and have most importantly introduced me to many of my best friends. Even the aforementioned Fifi was met due to our shared love of music.

So again, as per usual I’m interested to hear your views, to hear what influences you have had in your life, and how you’d rate mine.

Thanks guys

Ben