Sunday night I was finding myself getting incredibly irritated by constant posts on various social network websites about the x factor. I hate that TV "talent" show with a passion. The sole purpose of this show seems to be to give the "judges" some exposure while Simon Cowell lines his pockets with more millions. Very few contestants on the show seem to have prolonged careers in the music industry.
You might say "Colin, you incredibly handsome man, why do you watch it if you hate it so much?" I don't watch it but it seems every other person I seem to know does and feels the need to post there judgement on the Internet for my uninterested eyes to see. This is fine, the Internet is a great tool for people to put their own opinion across about anything and everything. I'm sure the majority of readers of this blog will have a different opinion on the points I've already put across.
I really wish people instead of listening to what Simon Cowell and Tulisa decide the public should listen to would go and give something different a chance. There are so many talented hardworking underground bands in the UK. Here are my top 5. Give them a chance, you might like them. If you do, go see them or BUY a CD.
Apologies, I Have None
Hailing from London, Apologies, I Have None are an upbeat punk influenced four piece. Starting off as an acoustic duo they have since added a drummer and bass player to their ranks and have gone from strength to strength and have gained a very credible following. After releasing a string of EPs and Singles they released their debut album this year named London. The album has received extremely positive reviews and I personally haven't stopped listening to it.
Songs to check out: Sat In Vicky Park, Clapton Pond, The 26
Crowns
Crowns are a folk punk band originating from Cornwall. Forming in 2010 they refer to their music as "fish punk" due to being partly inspired by traditional Cornish songs. After seeing them live twice I can tell you they are a great party band. Lots of energy and can really get a crowd moving.
Songs to check out: Full Swing, She Swears Like A Sailor, Kissing Gates
Faintest Idea
Formed in Kings Lynn in 2008 Faintest Idea describe there music as "rudeboy punk." They play a energetic brand of ska and street punk. Mike Davies of the Radio 1 Punk show called it dance punk during a recent interview. However you want to classify Faintest Idea one thing is for certain, they are cracking fun. First time I saw them live the horn players started the set at the back of the crowd and made there way towards the stage playing an intro. I thought this was absolute genius. Despite only being around for a short while and being on a small independent record label (TNS) they have already released 3 albums of fun and political anthems.
Songs to check out: 2 Years Conscription, Bull In A China Shop, Stand Tall
Beans On Toast
Jay McAllister, better known as Beans On Toast is a folk singer from Essex. He mostly sings about love, drugs and politics. So far he has released four full length album. He has a reputation for being completely shambolic live. He is well known for completely messing up his songs by getting the chords wrong or forgetting the lyrics. Amazingly, due to an amazing amount of charm he manages to make the live show work despite those short comings. Check him out soon.
Songs to check out: M.D.M.Amazing, Peter Pans Playground, Can't Take Another Earthquake
Random Hand
Yorkshires Random Hand play a fusion of ska, reggae, punk and metal to create a huge sound. They have released three fantastic albums and played shows with some of the greats such as Reel Big Fish and Big D & the Kids table as well as performing at Reading and Leeds festival and being at the forefront of the current UK underground scene along with the likes of Sonic Boom Six and The Skints. These guys can only get bigger and bigger.
Songs to check out: Play Some Ska, Scum Triumphant, Anger Management
Those are just five are loads of underground bands that get little to no exposure due to shows like x factor. Honourable mentions also go to New Town Kings, Tyrannosaurus Alan, Anti Vigilante, Leagues Apart, Roughneck Riot, Dirty Revolution and The JB Conspiracy. Go check them all out!
BRAP
Song I'm Listening To Now: Answers by Random Hand
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