CD Reviews - Emma Rugg - When I Looked at You (single) By Steve Rudd

Still riding high on the uber-successful crest of her astounding debut album Isolated Impression, Emma's first glimmer of new work comes in the form of this exceptional song. On the back of her album, Emma ventured Stateside to record a couple of songs with Michigan songwriter Henry Doss. Henry had previously written and recorded I've Been Thinking and Lonely Child on his debut album Remnants of A Conversation, but he re-recorded both songs when Emma went across and she certainly left her mark on such songs courtesy of her beautifully soaring vocals.

I've Been Thinking, as a tune, in particular was quite rocky in nature and it sounds as though Emma is pretty keen to experiment with her songwriting style and explore different avenues of music. Her tune When I Looked At You is definitely far rockier than any of the magically emotion-drenched, aching-and-longing songs that graced Isolated Impression - and this tune was, coincidentally, recorded in just two hours in Copemish, Michigan when Emma was out there in 2003 with Henry and his band.

Though her crisp acoustic guitar is still in the fray, the addition of electric guitar, bass guitar and drums to When I Looked At You (even if such elements did exist on some of her album tracks) coolly creates a moody soundscape of music that's quite grungy in nature - and it takes a whole 75 seconds before her sultry voice encroaches and stills the heart with its soul.

Unlike most of her material that's gone before, the music seems to lead the way in this tune too, with extended musical interludes between verses, but the music itself is fantastic and simply makes you anticipate her vocal intrusions all the more. Hull-residing Emma has worked undeniably hard over the past few years to get to where she is now. And Where is she now?, you might wonder. Well, she sounds to be on the cusp of becoming one of the most sought-after and respected song-writing artistes in the country, what with widespread glowing reviews of her music the country over and a high profile TV appearance on Fame Academy Next Generation.

If she so desires to become something of a rock chick in the process - as When I Looked At You suggests she might - then so be it.. and the likes of Nelly Furtado better watch out! Whether the music is tenderly acoustic-rooted or anthemically rocked-up isn't really an issue. So long as Emma continues to sing her heart out, she shouldn't be able to do any wrong, admitting even in this song - I've been saving up these feelings. www.emmarugg.com www.indreamsrecords.com www.henrydoss.com

Album Reviews - Cracktown - Songs in the Key of Fuck Off (Pure West) By Steve Rudd - With the Knighthood Video!
	This gloriously outspoken Hull-based outfit revolves around the musical and lyrical talents of, err.. Silver Fox and King Rat?!?!!!!! Mmm - so says the CD cover! I don't honestly know why the two guys who shield their identities under the murky guise of Cracktown don't want their Read more...

Album Reviews - Ricky - The Summer Sun Still Echoes By Nick Quantrill
	Why exactly is there a review of a band from Portsmouth on a website about Hull you're probably thinking? I could talk about the similarities between the two cities as a reason, well, the naval traditions of them. I think I still feel deprived that my only school trip whilst at Hull Trinity House was a rather tedious Read more...

Album Reviews - The Uncle Devil Show - A Terrible Beauty (P3 Music) By Steve Rudd
	The Uncle Devil Show is actually a trio of very experienced and hugely respected musicians, all three of them Scottish. Just like ex-Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker has recently emerged from the dark with an identity crisis on his part to play in the Cocker-disguised Relaxed Muscle incarnation, ex-Del Amitri frontman Justin Currie is one of the prime components of this new band (who's now ominously known as Jason Barr), who's Read more...

Album Reviews - Todd Rundgren - Liars (Sanctuary Records) By Steve Rudd
	All of these songs are about a paucity of truth. At first they may seem to be about other things, but that is just a reflection of how much dishonesty we have accepted in our daily lives. We are raised from birth to believe things that cannot be proven or that are plainly not true. People will often brag of their honesty, when there is so much they have simply chosen to ignore or leave Read more...

Music Reviews-The Obsession, Psychedelic Breakfast, The Landau's - Under the Influence At the Adelphi, Hull
	Saturday 27th March 04 by Cilla There was an air of expectancy this evening. The Landau’s, about to release their debut single were playing, their appearance backed by an enthusiastic and supportive following of fans and family. This made for a really good atmosphere. And it turned out to be a night and a half. Read more...

Music Previews - Salako at the Welly Club - Saturday 3rd April
	Salako are among the cream of the crop in the Hull live music scene. Now a four piece once again, Salako have confirmed that they are set to release a new album, The Story Of Our Life So Far in April 2004 on the Tablature label. They have also scheduled some live dates and radio sessions to support the release. One be at The Yo-Yo indie nights LiveLab Read more...

Music Reviews - Inner Terrestrials, Die For, Flatline (with Greg) Adelphi, Hull 21st March 2004 By Dick Spring
	Well, indeed, what an eventful evening! With Mark (Flatline's singer) unavailable due to work commitment, it was left up to Greg, from Freaks Union to join his friends for an impromptu run through a couple of songs. On the face of it, this seemed like a bit of fun, though it would appear that certain people saw it differently Read more...

Music Reviews-The Ordinary Boys,Mower,The Applewhites, The Hideaways at Adelphi, Hull 10 March By Dick Spring
	Well this is the second Under the Influence night I've experienced and it has left me impressed. It would appear there is another visionary Promoter in the city (alongside Nigel, of the legendary Smash it Up Punk Nights) that quite frankly leaves all the other rank amateurs standing. Speaking to Dean Shakespeare (for that is he) it was clear that here is a Read more...

Music Reviews - A Night at the Asylum - Hull Uni - 9th March 04 By Michelle Dee
	The Asylum beckoned for three excited girls on a cold Tuesday night. They were not mad, just crazy about Cracktown who were playing that night at the newly refurbished Asylum venue at Hull University. Coming out of the Old Grey Mare we spotted our heroes, King Rat and The Silver Fox striding down Cottingham Road. Overjoyed to be in the Read more...