Monday 10 February 2014

Katy B - 'Little Red' Album Review


Katy B returns with her highly anticipated sophomore album 'Little Red '.

Following the success of her debut album, On A Mission, Little Red strives to show just how talented the BRIT School graduate truly is. While her debut was piped full of drops & dancefloor thumpers, the follow up shows a more mature side, yet stays true to her roots.

Lead single 5 AM  is pure electro, hands-in-the-air, trademark Katy B layered with smooth vocals. But she is not a one trick pony. The second single from the album, Crying For No Reason, shows off Katy's range while also showing a vulnerable side which is rarely seen. The album is full of luxurious beats, catchy melodies & even features UK hit girl Jessie Ware on the addictive Aaliyah.

While the album is not perfect, with a few incoherent tracks added in, it is impossible to deny that Little Red is a treat for the ears. Loyal fans & new listeners alike will find something to indulge themselves within the 17 numbers.

Top Tracks: Sapphire Blue, Aaliyah, Next Thing, Emotions.

Little Red is available now on iTunes

Tuesday 4 February 2014

Looking Needs To Look A Bit Harder.

HBO's latest drama, Looking, had garnered so much hype before it premiered that people had high expectations. However, those expectations have been met with a lackluster performance.

Now comfortably underway, Looking aired it's third episode over the weekend titled, 'Looking at your Browser History'. Having seen the promo prior to the show, I was very excited to welcome Russell Tovey to the fold as I had loved him in the UK version of Being Human. So far, three episodes in, he is the only character who actually seems to have a personality. Main protagonist Patrick is one of the most annoying I have come across. It's hard to feel anything towards him when he comes across so whiny at times.

Unofficially dubbed the gay version of GIRLS, that is about where the comparisons die. Lena Dunham's creation is smart, emotional & witty from the get-go. It is also relatable to everybody regardless of sexual orientation. The high & lows of a 20 something year old are universal. Looking on the other hand, is just dull. The most action, excuse the pun, happened in the very first scene of the very first episode, where protagonist Patrick cruises in a park & ends up getting with a guy in a bush. Seems wild I know.

I was just hoping  for more. I know the creators want to depict a realistic image of gay life but Christ is my life going to be that boring? It's so far been all about work, work, work. Patrick working hard as a level designer, Agustín failing as an artist & Dom the waiter forevermore. Where are the night clubs & bars? This is The Castro after all! A revolutionary place for the gays. I want to see them go on a night out, pop some Molly and end up in an orgy in the basement of a decrepit apartment block. I want to see Dom serving some wealthy businessman & getting off with him in the loo. I want Agustín to paint his fella like one of his French girls.

Of course, I'll continue to watch. After all it's one of the only, if not the only, shows on TV centered around an all gay cast. I just want it to get more exciting. I cry at thinking that's all I have to look forward to in 8 years time. A dull life, living alone & centered around work.