'Pawws' debut single is out now...

Today marks the beginning of a brand new section on EncoreNI.com ~ 'Encore Introducing'.
Here we take a look at young (predominately local) talent breaking through the music industry and tell you why we feel they have something a little bit special. Today Encore's been taking a look at "Pawws", one of the ever growing atmospheric-synth pop acts that have emerged since the "vinyl revival" kicked off in late 2011 as the current generation take inspiration  from years gone by to rebel against the rave culture's assault on the charts. Based in London, the young singer/songwriter has just released her latest single "Slow Love" as well as "Time To Say Goodbye". Taylor Johnson gave his verdict...

Rhythmic synths and delicate soundscapes are on offer as you dive into the nostalgic bubble of Lucy Taylor, known by her stage name as 'Pawws'. New single 'Slow Love' begins with a pulsating electronic drum beat, which works in synergy with a delicate backing vocal and winding bass line, which when brought together gives this track it's melodic edge. Vocally, Pawws delivers a wonderfully strong performance, powerful, yet delicate, matching the laid back style of the track without ever growing complacent. There's certainly elements of Scottish electro-pop act 'Chvrches' unique delivery and tone, but the most striking comparison is with Régine Chassagne, the female vocalist in Canadian alternative-rock band "Arcade Fire". You can easily imagine Pawws covering the likes of 'Sprawl ii (Mountains Beyond Mountains)", a song inspired from the 80's vibes that Pawws seems to encapsulate.

If 'Slow Love' is the upbeat single, 'Time To Say Goodbye' is a slower alternative. More relaxed and easy listening, Pawws seems to have given herself a greater opportunity to stretch herself vocally, as the song builds into the kind of vivacious chorus that many artists spend years trying to successfully acquire. The overlapping vocals after the first chorus also adds to the songs delicate nature, while highlighting her higher range and ability.

Pawws also proves that her upbeat,bright sound carries a darker emotional element at times, with potent lyrics such as; "It seems so long ago we used to feel alive, now we're both empty" flowing through the gentle synth riffs. It shows that her work retains the sort of emotional depth the pop-charts left behind long ago.
In all, an exciting and colorful debut. You can expect to hear a lot more from Pawws in the future.

~ Taylor Johnson

If you like; Chvrches, Blondie, Régine Chassagne ~ You'll like Pawws

Check out the new single from Pawws here ~ You can like her on Facebook here & follow her on Twitter @PawwsLucy

'31 Years' is out now...

This week Encore NI took a look at a band beginning to capture the attention of audiences across both sides of the Irish sea, Strabanes own "White Male Actors" who have just released their latest single "31 Years". Taylor Johnson had a listen...

As '31 Years' drifts into life, a haunting guitar riff sets a melancholy mood, immediately balanced by a soulful piano melody. The immediacy of the dark ambient, nature of the track sets the lasting tone. The drum beat throughout which leads up to the chorus adopts the same slow-down technique utilized all too often by bands wanting to highlight their musicality, without adding much to the direction of the music. Having said that, as the chorus comes around the song begins to really move forward. At it's best, it has the right balance between blusterous guitars and an atmospheric feel that wouldn't look out of place on a Muse setlist. You can almost hear the non-existent choir joining in to provide big hitting backing vocals. Great aspects for a single.

From then on in the song begins to find it's rhythm. The drum beat begins to compliment the now pulsating guitar work and frontman David McGaughey's vocals grow more assured, you get the sense he really believes in what he's singing. Which brings me to the lyricism. '31 Years' is an open, dedication of adoration and love to American rock act REM after their split in 2011. With lines like "No one wants to see you go, I would just like you to know, No one wants to see you go", the influence is clear.

Although not everyone was devastated by REM's break up, the meaning that can be derived from it remains the same. The songs strengths lie in it's honesty, as it can be interpreted to fit any situation. The loss of a loved one, a failed relationship or indeed the break up of an American band who had been together for (wait for it) 31 years.

As the song runs to it's conclusion, there's a period of acapella vocals, as the chorus is repeated. It provides a break in the music that seems slightly unnecessary, slowing down what could potentially have been a fast paced explosive climax, although it does lead to a fine piece of solo piano which adds a delicate touch to proceedings.

All in all '31 Years' is a strong song, that has been produced very well. It may lack the required punch required to push into the mainstream, but having already been contacted by none other than a certain retired American band with positive feedback, I have a feeling that White Male Actors may not be all that bothered.

~Review by Taylor Johnson.

If You Like; Interpol, R.E.M, Muse ~ You'll like White Male Actors

Find them on Facebook here
Listen to '31 Years' here

Hi folks,

            Last night I had the pleasure of making my second appearance on Northern Ireland's favorite musical based radio program "Across The Line" reviewing Belfast rockers More Than Conquerors & their melodic Indie-Pop support band Hurdles. I've already reviewed the gig for the website (which you can read below), but for anyone who missed the live show you can hear my comments on the BBC I-Player! (fancy indeed)

You can check out the whole show here, with my review kicking in at 1:48:30 (prime time baby!).

& You can also hear my exclusive interview with both bands over on the Encore NI official Youtube channel  ~ Click here for More Than Conquerors & here for Hurdles.

Both bands were a great laugh and incredibly fun to interview - I predict big things for both!

Don't forget you can catch them both live this weekend at the final ever Glasgowbury, on the main stage supporting The Answer. It's gonna get emotional and very, very loud.

If you want to hear more from both groups you can check them out on Facebook here;

https://www.facebook.com/hurdlesofficial?fref=ts = Hurdles

https://www.facebook.com/mtcofficial?fref=ts = More Than Conquerors

Cheers ~ See you up the mountain!

~Taylor

After their sets at the Cellar Bar in Draperstown, in preparation for Glasgowbury, the lads from Hurdles & More Than Conquerors sat down to chat to Taylor Johnson about the local music scene, upcoming albums and EP's and life after the legendary local festival as Glasgowbury prepares for it's last ever sets. The release date for More Than Conquerors debut album is also revealed - an Encore NI exclusive!

They were all incredibly friendly and a great laugh, hopefully that comes across on both interviews!

To hear my interview with More Than Conquerors click here & here for Hurdles.

More news & Reviews to come...

Cheers,
~Taylor

I had the chance to chat to Gary Lightbody & Paul Noonan from the brilliant Bell X1 after their live acoustic session last week at the Oh Yeah Centre, Belfast ~ I sat right beside him as he played piano for "Starlings Over Brighton Pier" from the new album "Chop Chop" (which is marvelous by the way).

The Snow Patrol & Tired Pony frontman chatted to me about his new album, "Ghost of the Mountain", as well as Encore's work and our plans for the future. He was incredibly encouraging and couldn't have been nicer. A great advocate for the website and an effortlessly cool guy aswell - Great stuff!

Gary wa really encouraging about Encore's work!

This picture was taken on a camera from the 1920's.

More Than Conqueror's had the audience won over from the opening riff...

This week I headed down to the Cellar Bar in Draperstown, which as you can imagine is buzzing at the minute with Glasgowbury just around the corner. This was essentially a warm up for that prestigious festival, (which has pioneered some incredible local acts such as A Plastic Rose and Two Door Cinema Club) with two bands who will be playing the main stage, More than Conquerors & Hurdles. Can I start by saying just how good a venue the Cellar Bar is? For anyone who's never had the chance to watch a gig there, it's literally an underground venue with a real grungy feeling to it, almost Cavern Club-esc.  Small enough to put on intimate gigs, but big enough to retain that electric atmosphere thats became a regular aspect of local gigs in recent years.



As things got underway More Than Conquerors were as strong as you'd imagine, incredibly loud, in your face rock - and they had the audience going crazy from the off.

They played alot of tunes from their upcoming debut album, which we're all excited about - they seemed quite raw, a bit heavier and darker than the self titled debut and even the Boots & Bones EP's - which has all new material on it aswell. 

The stand out tune of the night, and I don't wanna be stereotypical, had to be Go On, Go On, Get Out ~ it's got a lot of radio play, you can see why as it immediately sparked the audience into a frenzy. 'When The Well Runs Dry' also went down well.

The gig ended in this explosion of madness aswell, which saw Kris put the mic in the audience as Glen Kennedy from Glasgow based band 'Owls In The Antarctic' stepped up and started screaming with them on stage ~ A crazy end to a magnificent night. 

With both of these bands set to play the main stage this week, Glasgowbury looks set for two fantastic acts.


Review by Taylor Johnson.

Check out More Than Conquerors here; https://www.facebook.com/mtcofficial
& Hurdles here; https://www.facebook.com/hurdlesofficial?fref=ts

Hurdles performing their unique blend of indie-pop

Hi folks,

            This week Encore NI had the unbelievable privilege to have a chat with our favorite alternative rock hero, Gerry Norman of A Plastic Rose! After a few audacious emails and a hilarious phonecall, I managed to arrange a meeting with the front man in his new home on foreign soil (see what we did there?) in Nottingham -  during which we discussed the local music scene, how the group have been adjusting to their new surroundings and the latest twists and turns in the constantly evolving saga of the Belfast rockers.

The interview went fantastically well and I think it's fair to say that Gerry's reputation as one of the nicest guys in rock is well and truly justified - we took a magical mystery tour all around the midlands in the A Plastic Rose tour van, stopping for an impromptu game of keepy uppy's in a car park, followed by an intense penalty kick competition down the side of the Field Mill stadium, home of League 1 side Mansfield FC. (Arsenal vs Aston Villa incase you're interested - Which I somehow managed to win!)

Click here to listen to the interview in full

It was an unforgettable experience and one of the best interviews (certainly the most memorable!!) I have ever given - Hopefully that comes across in what is a fascinating and enjoyable look into the mind of a local music legend.

More reviews and news are to come - Hope you enjoy listening to the interview!

~Taylor