The Best Of The UK Music Scene: Punk

Friday, 14 June 2013

Savages bring back classic punk with a bang

Admittedly, the punk scene isn't really my forte, but recently the UK has been putting out too many rock and punk bands to not get sucked in. The most recent punk love, Savages.

This all girl punk band is exactly what punk should be. They can play (but don't get too complex), the vocal styling is a little out there (which makes it all the more memorable) and they have the attitude that all punk bands must showcase.

What makes Savages really interesting is that the band is 100% female (not something you normally find in punk, or rock for that matter), and that the band has a style so reminiscent of classic punk that you will often find yourself transported back in time.

Jenny Beth, Gemma Thompson, Ayse Hassan and Fay Milton make up this incredible group. Jenny Beth's vocals have often been compared to Siouxsie (from Siouxsie and the Banshees), and it's easy to see why. However, Jenny doesn't just have a voice that is similar to Siouxsie's, she also knows how to command a stage like her too. With all four girls collaborating to write the lyrics, this band is truly more than just a fantastic lead singer.

Whether you're a punk lover or not, it is always a welcomed surprise to hear a band that brings you back in time. The classic sound that Savages has is perfect for now. When so much of the music we hear today is manufactured, it's exhilarating to hear a band that is so real, and raw.

Watch Jenny Beth, Gemma Thompson, Ayse Hassan and Fay Milton wow the audience at Live on Later with Jools Holland.

Friday, 22 February 2013

London's Punk Scene Explodes Again

It's fair to say that the UK Punk scene has been pretty quiet lately. Of course there are bands still playing gigs but it hasn't been very popular (not like in the '70s and '80s). This isn't surprising, music always seems to go in spurts. But, maybe with the emergence of the Palma Violets, the UK Punk scene is on the rise again.

Formed in 2011 (yes, they are that new) the Palma Violets are already blowing crowds away. They have the true Punk Rock attitude (although, a little more 21st century). The music matters, just maybe not as much as it does with other genres. During an interview with Jian Ghomeshi in Studio Q the boys admitted that they aren't that good at playing their instruments (and don't care). They are more interested with the imperfections- that add soul to the sound- than making something sound perfect.

When listening to the Palma Violets it is hard to not sometimes think of bands like The Clash. Love them or hate them The Clash made something amazing and the Palma Violets are definitely picking up on that trend. This new UK band is growing fast; already selling out shows while having a song (Best of Friends) labeled the song of the year by NME.

And, really, it is time for Punk to rise again.

Who am I?

I am a lover of music. I am slightly obsessed with the UK. Nothing makes me feel better than listen to my favourite songs (well, maybe my dog does). I'm Kayla, and I'd love to tell you about all of the incredible bands coming out of the UK that you may not know about.

My passion for music started when I was very little. My father used to blast the Eagles, Three Dog Night, Journey, Bryan Adams, Tom Petty (really I grew up listening to the best of the '70s and '80s). There was nothing I enjoyed more than sitting in the car with my father, listening to those songs and singing along. That's where I learned to love music.

As I grew up I continued to love music. I sang as part of my school's choir, took vocal lessons (in school and out of school), sang solos at after hour school events and assemblies. I also started writing lyrics. That love of lyrics is what you will see in most of the bands I recommend. Some people love the music, I love the lyrics. Don't get me wrong, the music matters, but I look at it more as a way to carry the important message of the song.

So, now that you know why I'm writing this blog, here's the boring information that people sometimes care about. I have a BA (Hons.) in Political Science with a minor in Canadian Studies from Western University, as well as a Certificate in Public Relations from Niagara College. Other than music I love to read about politics and history, hike, watch movies, do anything with animals and volunteer.

That's who I am and why you should listen to me. Hopefully I was convincing enough. If you have any suggestions or critiques email me at kwalterc@gmail.com.