I started writing this review on Saturday, the day after the albums release, and it is only today (Monday) that I feel I can actually write something meaningful and in depth. Music is inevitably created as an art form that makes you feel, and this album definitely does make you feel. Since listening, I have felt incredibly attached, and I have felt emotion beyond believe. I don't really know whether this is because of the love I have for Nick and the personal connection this album creates or because of the cavernous nature of the album. All I really know is that I have had an incredibly tough time finding the words to write this post, to the point were tears have been falling on my keyboard.


I honestly thought that no Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds album could ever top 'A Boatman's Call' but since the release of 'Skeleton Tree' on September 9th my mind is in a different world entirely. I couldn't quite pin point what it is about this album that brings so much life especially in light of such grievance, but then I realised that through the darkness, the mourning and the despair, Nick is still living; he is living in his family, and in his band. His whole word has changed, his music has changed, and I can't help but think that this album will catch us changing with him.

Sometimes, an albums personal meaning can be so intense that it throws the listeners field of vision right out of sync - Skeleton Tree is that album. The Bad Seed’s 16^th studio album comes shortly after the death of Nick’s son, who tragically died last summer, and is simply a masterpiece of love and destruction. Powerful, energetic, emotional, harrowing yet beautifully steady, each track is so fragile and sombre that they continue to remain extremely difficult to listen to, but even harder to turn off. 


"Let us go now, my darling companion/ set out for the distant sky's/ see the sun, see it rising/ see it rising, rising in your eyes" - Distant Sky

Unsurprisingly, we are introduced to a very dark album which allows us to delve into Cave's feelings, and connect with him personally through his journey into a new world, a world of loss and never forgetting. And for those who were lucky enough to watch the albums feature film 'One More Time With Feeling', it is evident that this is the connection Cave wants to develop with his audience as he documents his bereavement.

It is just one week before many of us take to the cinema to sit and watch director Andrew Dominik's feature film 'One More Time With Feeling'. Documenting the production of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds up and coming album 'Skeleton Tree', it is said to be 'a true testament to an artist trying to find his way through the darkness'.


Since Caves son tragically passed away in November 2015, the film is said to have evolved and Dominik is believed to have created something much more substantial and significant than just introducing the album. Having explored the emotion and pain behind the writing and recording of the album the film paints a much darker backdrop.

The feature film is to be aired for one night only, giving fans the chance to hear and delve into 'Skeleton Tree' before its release. Following their latest album 'Push The Sky Away' released in 2013, 'Skeleton Tree' is set for release on 9th September 2016.

Ahead of the screenings, we are invited in early as footage from the film is released. The video for the new track 'Jesus Alone' has been shared across all social media channels giving us the first glance of what will be a truly breath taking album.

Filmed in black and white, it is a great teaser of what is to come, with many describing the track as a 'beautiful masterpiece' and others claiming it to be the 'sound of grieve'. Cave's voice accompanied by the string orchestra screams power and gives you the ability to feel alive; even through the dark times. The lyrics are unusual and ghostly, with the instrumental complimenting every word leaving you mesmerized. Much like beautiful poetry, the emotion is static, leaving you with goosebumps. It is everything you would expect and want from a Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds track.





Skeleton Tree consists of the following track titles:

1. Jesus Alone
2. Rings of Saturn
3. Girl in Amber
4. Magneto
5. Anthrocene
6. I Need You
7. Distant Sky
8. Skeleton Tree

1. 
   

Yesterday, we were all crazed to hear that Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds are about to return, bringing with them not only a new album but also a new feature film to accompany it. 'Skeleton Tree', the album, is out for release on the 9th September, with the feature film 'One More Time With Feeling' being shown at cinemas nationwide for one night only on the 8th September.

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

The news of the bands return has been lingering for a while now, with many fans anticipating what to expect. I was among the unsure fans, as I felt that due to recent events this could take a very, very emotional turn. But, it's Nick Cave, and he uses his memories, happy or sad, and he turns them into music, not just plain music, but actual music that breaks your heart one minute, then mends it the next. He's a lyrical genius. His creative way with words somehow connects with you on a mental and emotional level, almost as if he knows your entire life story, as if you have sat with him and told him all of your feelings.

And right now, upon reflection of the massive life changing experience Nick has just been through, we feel his pain and his sorrow; which will undoubtedly be visible throughout the feature film and heard throughout the album.




The trailer was released last night (2nd August 2016) and for the first time since the death of his eldest son, who died after falling from a cliff in Brighton last July, we are introduced to Nick and his feelings. Somber, but emotionally engaging it is expected to be an exploration of the frontmans grief. And if there is one thing I do know it is that his speech certainly left us all knowing that this is going to be an extremely fragile experience for us all.

If you haven't heard about this already, prepare to get jealous. I know I would be if i was you, and believe me stood in the queue that night I thought I would be getting sent home the jealous one; but I only fucking went and witnessed The Libertines absolutely blow The Boogaloo pub apart. 

The Boogaloo pub - High Gate

ALL FOR ONE, described by most as the "anthem of the summer" instantly became that song that you can never turn off. However, that was not the case for some who felt it didn't live up to the real Roses  sound. But I ask, isn't that the point? After all it has been 21 years since their last release, it's time for change.

To me, All For One, is refreshing. Its engaging, authentic and a bloody masterpiece. It commences a fresh chapter in the bands history. To the people bombing it for its not so interesting lyrics, I agree they are hardly Sally Cinnamon but the grinding riffs and Squires dangerous solo introduce that anthemic appeal that is such a catch you sort of don't mind the lack of lyrical genius. Plus these lyrics are very much in vein of the classic roses songs anyway.

Lets be honest this is one made for those fields this summer. To be played loud, and to a crowd. People will want to dance and I think that's exactly what it is going to let them do.



My only let down, the song length. The song finishes too early for me, and it seems Ian could have added another verse to hook us a little longer. But hey! this is their opening single so if that is anything to go by after 21 years I can only imagine that the rest of the album is going to be ace!


That sunny day when I saw the flight cases, and days later when I eventually got to meet Ian and Mani sparked a social media flare in light of new material. Ian told me that we would be hearing lots of new material at Etihad in June, which suggests more than the one song.

With only one month to go until the Etihad gigs, will we be hearing anymore of the new album before then? Who knows, keep your ears open because I'm sure another hit is bound to drop any time soon.

With Glastonbury riding in on us without much notice, today I wanted to give all you like minded mud lovers my take on the festival. I first attend Glastonbury in 2008, and at the young age of 15, I instantly knew this was my favourite place in the world.


Unable to get tickets this year, I am secretly hoping NME send me to get some cracking stories behind the scenes (a girl can dream). But I have to somehow come to terms with the fact that this post isn't for me, it's for you, and if this is the first time you're visiting Glastonbury, believe me, it's the best discovery you'll find! Whether it be the magical comfort of Strummerville that ticks it for you, or the surreal, secretive and very rude rabbit hole, there is something for everyone and actually, you'll be surprised by how much your opinions of different area's changes throughout the week/end.

I have made a list of my top 3 areas of Glastonbury, that's if you can have a top 3, I mean this was very difficult for me to make a decision on because even I love the huge unicorn playground in the kidzfield...but here it goes. My top 3.


1. Strummerville

Nestled into some beautiful Greenland overlooking the whole site, The Joe Strummer Foundation have set up camp (literally) in the most idyllic area of Glastonbury. Perfect for those summer days lounging around, drinking beer, listening to some ace music and remembering Joe, of course!

A charity that is extremely close to my heart, I visit Strummerville every single day of the festival. Whether that be to relax after partying too hard or to just get the party started. Sometimes I just go up there purely for the view, which is breath-taking. So if you get the chance, in fact, no, please make this your priority to go check out this year - there is nothing not to like.



(You can find out more about The Joe Strummer Foundation here)


2. Shangri-la

This area is born out of originality, creativity, truth, and lies. A magical and mystical other-world pops up every year and summons in all the campers that are fascinated by alternative ideologies. Never been before? well, get ready for the new movement!


An empowerment through art, music and unity, we are being educated in the understand that people have lost their voice amongst the deceit and distractions of the mainstream media. People want the revolution, people want freedom and in Shangri-La the people's voices are being heard louder than ever before.

I've decided to purposely not write much about Shangri-La's best kept secrets because those secrets are best witnessed live.

3. Pyramid Stage

I think this area is pretty self-explanatory. You could say this is the most famous stage in the world having homed huge artists from David Bowie to Beyonce. Going in 2016? Get ready to watch Adele, Coldplay, and Muse amongst many other artists take to the pyramid. And don't forget to get there early for the Sunday Legends slot.



 4. The Rabbit Hole


Oops, I accidently added a fourth area, purely because the rabbit hole is the most amazing find. Every festival should have a rabbit hole, a secret dreamscape where you can let your imaginations run wild. Make it your must to find the psychedelic tunnel that welcomes you to live music and Dj's. Grab a delicious tipple from the bar and be prepared because from here there's no going back... who know's you might even bump into Alice in wonderland on the way.



*All photos were taken by Stevie. 

This bromance is one not to be missed - as duo Alex Turner and Miles Kane take to the studio again to create a sensation for our ears. 'Everything that you've come to expect' is the lads 2nd album and to me this Cali inspired confection proves not only that Miles and Alex are both geniuses but sexy geniuses as their voices bless us with a beautiful soft whisper making them sound even sexier than ever before.



8 years on from 'The Age Of The Understatement', with 5 AM albums behind him Alex is now noticeably known for being one of the biggest rock stars in the world. Up there with Mick Jagger and Ronnie Wood I think I can confirm that the Arctic Monkeys are the Rolling Stone's of my generation. Miles on the other hand has being killing it solo whilst quite obviously supporting his rock and roll best friend at the 2 day AM Finsbury Park extravaganza. 8 years on and these once shaggy haired 22 year old's have descended into a rock and roll atmosphere with nail biting guitar riffs and infectiously charming lyrics.





Once walking through an eerie lit street playing guitar and portraying a mysterious image, Alex and Miles have now grown not only into men but into a definition of cool and electrifying. presenting themselves as seductive gods of rock. And I for one am not complaining. Confidently presenting us with their first track off the album, single 'Bad Habits' went down a storm, creating a hurricane of excitement for TLSP fans who took to social media to express how "fucking awesome" it is. Not only the track but the video is everything and more. Subtle use of colours such as red and blue help enhance the creepy romance story behind the song. Kane is lead, whilst Turner pleases us with his impressive hip movements looking too slick to be true.

Upon album release, unsure of what to expect, I soon realised that this was it, this is my album of the year. No doubt. Tunes such as everything that you've come to expect and Aviation are obvious favorites however recently I find myself hitting repeat when listening to Sweet Dreams, TN and Miracle Aligner.


An album for everyone's ear, indulge yourselves in a magical masterpiece... you won't want to turn it off, I promise!