The Peasants - Champagne Lifestyle On A Lemonade Budget (Our True Records) By Steve Rudd

Whatever you do, don't you dare judge this CD by its cover, that shows the two young guys who make up this musically gifted duo - Jody McKenna and Dave Saxby. They both look like mean-spirited rockers, and both were brought up on the biggest council estate in Britain - Hull's Bransholme estate. Yet, the style of music that these two make together is in fact sweet harmony. They are an acoustic duo, and a duo that deserves to become renowned for the heartfelt songs they have to offer.

It's the last type of music that I'd expect to hear from two young guys who were brought up on Bransholme, but I'm so glad that these two do what they do... because it is truly superb. They met a few years ago while working in a meat-packing factory. This album is proof beyond any doubt that they're both wasted doing mundane jobs.

Their true vocations clearly lie in the music business, with the opening tune in He, Who? offering up some haunting atmospherics and sublime vocal stylings from Jody. Both he and Dave play guitars, but Jody is the singer. And what an incredible singer he is. All I Need Is Time is tender and fragile and is magically imbued with Flaming Lips-esque whimsicality that counters the reality of the thematic situation, as Jody croons I feel like I've lost myself somewhere down the line.

These songs are honest through and through, and these two guys clearly aren't afraid of showing their emotions.

Inside Your Own Soul is an outstanding number, and through it you can just tell that Jody has been hugely inspired by the music of Bob Dylan (apparently Bob's Freewheelin' album had a massive impact on him), with Jody showing that he's emotionally mature beyond his years. God, Hope and Control is another amazing song that pits his beautifully resonant and touching voice with strong guitar melodies, before their New Beginning tune deftly faces up to depression... something that both Jody and Dave have experienced first hand in recent years.

There is so much going on in these subtly executed songs that you have to listen close, especially at the complex guitar finger-picking and strumming that graciously propels The Only Way, prior to the bewitching Hold On that closes this album: an album that's literally packed with hearty surprises. Throughout, there is an overwhelming sensitivity in both the melodic music and thoughtful lyrics, with these guys potentially being spokesmen for all men who find it difficult to express their innermost thoughts and feelings.

Self-expression needn't be embarrassing. It certainly isn't when presented in this format, and both Jody and Dave should justifiably feel proud of their uniquely sophisticated songwriting style. The music is unique, and The Peasants sound like no other band... not even Turin Brakes. So much so that the fact that they are currently 'unknown and unsigned' will hopefully not be the case for much longer. For more information, visit www.wearethepeasants.co.uk or e-mail thepeasants@msn.com.

Album Reviews - Paparazzi Whore - I'd Rather Be Infamous Than Famous (DV8 Productions) Reviewed By Steve Rudd
	There aren't many bands around that allow their sound to be dominated by a bass-driven whirlwind of noise. Paparazzi Whore are something of a unique band, in that there is no lead guitar melody in the mix, but just bass guitar and rhythm guitar... both played by Chris Oaten, who is one of the four talented band members. Fronted by the feisty Micci Oaten (who also plays Read more...

Album Reviews - Four Square - Industry At Home (Bad Taste) By Steve Rudd
	A truly magnificent album from start to finish, first impressions don't last as the beautifully chilled-out 'Intro' (that combines piano, vocals and a lilting string arrangement to subtly rousing effect) couldn't be any more different from the brand of rock that swiftly follows with a bang. Ah yes. Please Don't Go immediately hears the band Read more...

Single Reviews - The Waking Eyes - Watch Your Money (Coalition) Reviewed by Steve Rudd
	Wise words indeed from this thrilling Canadian band; a band that has bust out of Winnipeg with one hell of a mission - and that mission is to rock hard! And loud!! A ball-breaking rock 'n' roll riff dominates this smile-inducing anthem, as this quartet indulges in a similar upbeat exuberance to bands like The Black Velvets and Jet, lightly stained by the wicked fun of The Hives. Watch Your Money might Read more...

Album/CD Reviews - March - Turn (Fortunate Son Records) Reviewed By Nick Quantrill
	Out of print until now, this low-profile side project from Jeff Caudill and Michael Baines was originally released in 1995. Conceived as a temporary respite for Caudill from the pop-punk of his band Gameface, this record allowed him to create a roots record that signposted the way forward for his future endeavours. Following the eventual demise of Gameface in 2003 Read more...

Album Reviews - Torso Horse - The Creation Part 1 (DVD) By Steve Rudd
	With four classic Goth-Metal music videos at this DVD release's core, The Creation features the full-blooded intensity of the Torso Horse swan-songs in In Your Head, Dragging Me Down, The Angel You'll Never Be and Let It Out - the latter video having been shot in an exhilarating live setting, showing off the extent to which 'Horse fans get riled up at their hot Read more...

Music, Band Biog - Introducing The Straightmen
	The Straightmen are a gathering of four good musicians who make a very nice sound and everyone seems to enjoy their music. The band consists of Nick on guitar and vocals, Raz on bass, Vinnie on keyboard and Mark on drums. All have been on the scene for a while, but know that what they have now is different and exciting. The Straightmen have been described as many Read more...

Music, Band News - Unless; The Story So Far By Michelle Dee
	If you have been listening to some of the John Peel tribute programming you may have heard this band from Grimsby being played a number of times. He was quietly making positive noises about them before he sadly passed away. They are a punk-rock four piece that have been together for a number of years and are in the process of recording their third Read more...

Album/CD Reviews - Little Brother - The Minstrel Show By www.emcee-battle.com
	Every so often, an album comes along that makes you step back and take a deep breath ... that makes you marvel at just how amazing the piece of work is. This is one of them! The Minstrel Show combines everything you can possibly look for in an album and then sprinkles it all with an extra little bit of ill. They put it best themselves, with the 100% true bar Read more...

Single Reviews - Stephen Fretwell - New York (Fiction) by Steve Rudd
	Fresh from sets at a multitude of summer festivals including Glastonbury and V2005, Stephen Fretwell is all set to hit the charts again with his stunning latest single, New York. Fans of previous releases such as Emily won't be disappointed, as the short-but-sweet excellence of New York immediately entrances the innocent listener, being as it is Read more...

Music News - Opportunity For The Best Hull Bands
	Influential Recordings will be releasing a 12 track album featuring Hull's best bands. The CD will be distributed nationally and will have national press reviews - The Guardian, NME, The Times etc. If your band is interested in having one of your songs on the CD please make sure that: 1. The track is recorded to professional level. 2. The Song must have not been released on any Read more...

Album/CD Reviews - One Be Lo - s.o.n.o.g.r.a.m. By www.emcee-battle.com
	I don't know why its taken me so long to review this album, because it's the kind that deserves the attention of everybody. Being his first solo-effort, I didn't know what to expect. When a lot of kats break away from their group to do a solo effort, it's normally a shaky attempt at making themselves be known as the illest. And in a lot of cases, it shines through that they're Read more...

Single Reviews - The Kaiser Chiefs - Modern Way (B-Unique) by Steve Rudd
	The rise and rise and rise of the Kaiser Chiefs has enraptured the music industry at large during 2005. Only a year ago they were slogging their guts out around many of the country's toilet-venues, but even then you could tell that they were teetering on the verge of success. As soon as I Predict A Riot stormed the charts - and set excited tongues wagging Read more...

Album/CD Reviews - The Hussys - Tiger EP (Fat Cheerleader Records) Reviewed By Nick Quantrill
	Formed less than a year ago, The Hussys is the new project from ex-Supernaturals front man James McColl. Too quirky to become fixtures in the charts but never quite credible enough to be taken seriously by the music press, The Supernaturals are best remembered for the ubiquitous Smile. McColl's pedigree sets a high standard for his new band but they appear Read more...

Music News - The Lazyswede Strikes Again!
	Glenn Williams (aka Lazyswede) recently sent a pre-recorded music show to WDYN, a radio station in New York. They liked the show so much that they have asked him to do more for them. WDYN is broadcast all over the USA via FM radio but is also listened to in 55 countries via the internet. Glenn talked to the boss of the station who told him that people had asked for the show to be Read more...