The Bite Magazine - Summer 2012 - Issue 5

BEN HOWARD - EVERY KINGDOM T he first album from this singer/ songwriter from Devon is an absolute must for anybody looking for a chilled- out and relaxing sound. He has a unique style, which is slightly folksy, but this individual twist makes him somehow different to other singer/songwriters on the scene right now. The stunningly beautiful combination of the delicate guitar sound and Howard’s haunting vocals is instantly entrancing and draws you in. After being captivated by ‘The Fear’ on the radio, I immediately wanted to hear more music from this talented young man. The tracks are stunningly melodic and you’re hooked from the first song. ‘Old Pine,’ which is so wonderfully soothing, it reminds me of a lazy summer afternoon. Every Kingdom is a universally appealing album and it would be a challenge to find many people who fail to be seduced by Ben Howard’s combination of diverse vocals, jazzily picked guitar lines, and superb grasp of rhythm. This album is good when it hits full-throttle, but the moments that shine are found in the flashes of quiet. With a great deal of support and influence from the surf community, Howard’s distinct sound captures this in the first few chords of the opener, ‘Old Pine.’ Accompanied by his raw vocals, it sets the sound of the album as a harmonious, personal record. It also captures the rawness and intimacy of Howard’s live performances. For me, there are many standout tracks on the album aside from ‘Old Pine.’ ‘TheWolves,’ ‘The Fear’ and ‘Promise’ are among my favourites. It’s just a beautiful album to listen to, and I can’t seem to stop playing it. http://www.benhowardmusic.co.uk/ TRIBES - BABY T his is a brilliant debut album from London group, Tribes. It has a great mixture of styles coupled with simple but dazzling performances and instantly likeable sing- along anthems. The group are fantastic live and certainly doing great things for British music at the moment. From the first track, the four-piece Camden collective stamp their identity all over the album.  The opener, ‘Whenever,’ resembles the group, Feeder, at times, but it keeps a foot firmly in the 90s with its guitar feel of grimy reverbs and a fist-punching chorus that Britpop was so famous for.The second track,‘WeWere Children,’ is an excellent debut single and Tribes have managed to prove they are more than a one-hit wonder. Front man, Johnny Lloyd, draws inspiration from Black Francis of the Pixies, but the real strength vocally on this album, and indeed of the band, is their collective voice.They have the energy to carry through their big sound and the catchy chorus is something you get to love about Tribes very early on in this record. Ultimately, Baby  draws comparisons to 90s bands and has Britpop-like chord progressions with a simple melody and punch-the-air choruses and sentimental bits reminiscent of the songs that made that era of music famous.This album with its brilliant riffs, huge choruses, grunge-inspired guitar playing and brutally honest lyrics, is a fine debut and one that leaves you extremely eager for more from the Camden four. I loved ‘WeWere Children,’ ‘Sappho’ and ‘Himalaya.’ http://tribesband.com/