Whats this?

Old Hardcore Kids get proper stressful jobs? better move to the seaside together and write some bitchin tunes then eh? 

The Entire 80s are back???

Well, the entire spectrum of 80s guitar rock seems to be enjoying a Renaissance this year, and I must admit, Sub Pop seems to be getting in there with the two key sounds.

Groups like Foals, Vampire Weekend et al have released excellent albums this year, with production informed by some really mainstream production styles of that era. 'Antidotes' by Foals really reminds me of one of the mid-period New Order records, or Sumners' Electronic album. It has real 80's sheen, an almost campness about it, with the off beat, jumpy brass, almost ska guitar, yet what Dave Sitek has achieved is a sense of real modernist 'muscle' behind this. I think its got something to do with the excellent drum recording, which is thumping and more aggressive than anything I've seen the band pull off live. Its a nod to Sitek's own TV On The Radio i reckon, and no bad thing, as its really using contextual influences with new ideas.

Vampire Weekend, too have pulled something that could have come from of course, everyones favourite lazy comparison of the month, Graceland, but when i play this record, it reminds me of being driven around by my dad, pumping Little Creatures by Talking Heads. The result of transferring this bands sense of middle class, college boy art rock to digital format is just excellent. Again, totally fresh, yet steeped in its history. 

Next up is Sup Pop's 20th anniversary slap on the back session that is Pissed Jeans, No Wave, and next up Oxford Collapse. Post Hardcore at its most natural and very best. These bands are what happens to HC kids when they REALLY grow up, and not just get a taste for NME or Kerrang! limelight and jump ship. I don't want to talk too much about what's happening right now in Post Hardcore, but its warming my heart, thats for sure. Its giving me new confidence in the choices I am making Post November Coming Fire as to where Jealous Again should be going. The next year is going to be intersting!