Justin Young is in the midst of a massive Vaccines UK tour, which includes an impressive three night stint at Brixton Academy. However, Young put the brakes on for just a moment to review this week's best new music for Gigwise.
The singer, who with The Vaccines made his breakthrough with 'If You Wanna' in 2011, is doing the tour in support of his huge new album English Graffiti but kindly found the time to chose the new music that you should be listening to.
He casts his opinion on Adele’s ‘When We Were Young’ which is taken from her new album 25 and is one she co-wrote with the remarkable Tobias Jesso Jr. He also says why Julia Holter’s new album ‘Have You In My Wilderness is a contender for album of the year. Meanwhile, Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s nocturnal jam, Warm Brains’ feral punk and School of Seven Bells’ dream pop also go under the microscope.
Julia Holter - ‘Silhouette’. This is taken from Have You In My Wilderness, which I think contains the best Julia Holter songs of her career. It’s also one of my contenders for album of the year. This is an exceptional piece of songwriting. It sort of sounds to me like Karen Dalton singing a Carole King song, but the incredible writing, insane arrangement and considered production from Cole MGN (who we also worked with on our last record) creates something wonderfully weird and unique that feels as equally calming as it does frenetic. Amazing.
Warm Brains - 'Languid Tarmac'. This is great. To me, it feels like some sort of sweaty, awkward and discordant rat race of a song, and the video pays testament to that notion to. I think Rory Atwell might be one of the busiest men in indie rock. He’s worked with and played a part in carving the identities of countless artists. Even we have worked with him, as have our support band tonight, Palma Violets and it’s a testament to his talent and work ethic. It’s a really nice feeling to hear new warm brains songs and know that, with time, he’s increasingly carving out an identity of his own too. I love it.
School Of Seven Bells - 'Open Your Eyes'. This is taken from what will be School of Seven Bells’ final album and it’s incredible. For an album thats story started so tragically with the death of founding member Benjamin Curtis, this is a song that genuinely feels hopeful and optimistic. Made up, in part, by some of the last recordings he made before his death, it sounds like a musical act of defiance, which feels even more fitting in the context of this week’s events. It’s haunting, beautiful and uplifting. An amazing song.
Adele - 'When We Were Young'. I love Adele. She’s a modern day icon. And I love this Tobias Jesso Jr co-write too. It’s classic Adele. Big grand and sweeping. There’s always something inherently touching and personal in the way she delivers such a universal message regarding matters of the heart. I’ve seen some people bemoaning the fact that this album didn’t contain enough curveballs, but Ii think they’re missing the point. Adele’s simplicity and directness is, to me, what makes her music so relatable and unique. Everything she does is laid bare, and its inherent to who she is and what she does.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra - 'Necessary Evil'. I’ve been a fan of UMO for a long time and ii was one of my favourite records of 2013. I often find myself philosophising about the difficulties certain artists face when defining a sound or short period of time and how they’re supposed to overcome that. And I definitely think UMO have weathered the storm on Multi-Love. I suppose an obvious shift is the use of less guitars and more keys on this record. I’ve always thought that Ruban Neilson is an incredible guitarist and melodist, but I think ‘Necessary Evil’ really showcases how intrinsic and important the rhythm section are to the band. This song has an amazing groove. Super sexy. It’s intimate and delicate too. Great late night/early morning jam.
Meanwhile, tickets for The Vaccines' UK are on sale now. For tickets and more information, click here.
Check out The Vaccines' full English Graffiti Gigwise takeover below
INTERVIEW: 'No one ever says The Vaccines are important, I think we've achieved that now' - watch
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READING LIST: Bassist Arni Arnasson the books he was reading while making English Graffiti
