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secret fireworks

a music blog with a northern irish twist

 

the jane bradfords (free album of the week)




Well, it’s not so much an album, but more of a sampler. In the next few days I’ll have my first interview with the wonderful Jane Bradfords, and in honour of that I’m choosing the lads for this week’s free download.

I first saw The Jane Bradfords as the support act to The National in Mandela Hall, and I was pleasantly surprised- a fresh, talented band that combine electro and a little rock into a neat little package.



The highlight of their set was “The Evening Angels Gather Here”: the closest to an anthem we’ll probably get from the JBs. The song gets a bit of time to get going but when it does, it’s great- be it the simple, wonderful guitar instrumental or the unique vocals of Declan Gallen, it’s a hit. “Starlight, starbright, the evening angels gather here” is one of the more memorable lines from local music in the past few years.

The next track, About Our Love, is a bit of a departure from the typical Bradfords song but the essential qualities remain- there’s a lovely repetitive guitar part, the occasional synth and Deci’s vocals, possibly paying homage to Matt Berninger from the National? Make up your own mind on that. I love the acoustic sessions because sometimes the lyrics are difficult to hear or understand, a terrible shame considering the lyrics are more perceptive and memorable than your typical band.

The track Ninety Nine is the more well known track by the lads- it would slot seamlessly into any indie disco. With a strong electro beat pulsating constantly and a harsher sound it’s a great track. I love the whole electro movement in Northern Ireland (such as Kowalski and Two Door Cinema Club) and Deci and the lads have got a great talent for a catchy hook and a decent melody. It’s wonderful live as well.

Finally, the last track is October Eleven from the eponymous debut album. It’s by far my favourite track from it: great guitar parts, some wonderful hooks and those memorable lyrics once again from the Jane Bradfords. “So beautiful I’d break a million hearts to be with you” is just one of many excellent lyrics within this song.

The Jane Bradfords are stalwarts of the local scene, and long may it continue. Their unique sound has gained support from Queen's Radio to, well, Qatar, and if their recent Valentine's Day session is anything to go by we're in for a great 2009. Check out the lovely video for The Evening Angels Gather Here below.

Keep reading in the next few days to read the interview along with another couple of nice surprises....

About Our Love (right click, save as)

The Evening Angels Gather Here (right click, save as)

Ninety Nine (right click, save as)

October Eleven (right click, save as)

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Blogger gwanyagoodting Says: 25 March 2009 at 18:20  

The JBs = THE JBs

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_J.B.%27s

Don't you forget it.










Oh and love the blog.

 

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