Album review: The Crookes HOLD FAST

The Crookes may not be a name that you recognise, in fact you may well be sat there looking blankly at this post as I witter on about the newest up and coming indie meets pop meets 1960’s rock and roll band of the 21^stcentury. But I can almost guarantee that once you’ve popped ‘The Crookes’ into your search bar on YouTube and sampled the mesmerising tones of this four piece band from Sheffield (song recommendations include: Backstreet Lovers, Yes, Yes We’re Magicians and Bloodshot Days,  I could go on..) you will be instantly converted to the sound of The Crookes.

This week marks the release of the bands second studio album Hold Fast and as a huge fan of the boys previous records Dreams of Another Day (EP) and Chasing after Ghosts, (if you haven’t got them, download them) I was curious to see how it would fair.  

Having already been tipped for future success by NME, the talented Sheffield university graduates are a favourite of BBC Radio 6 musical legend Steve Lamacq, offering the boys the kind of exposure and publicity they deserve. HoldFast offers a much more ambitious sound than their previous work with many of the tracks tailored to suite a live environment, perfectly timed to coincide with a summer of festival dates.  If live renditions of American Girls and The Cooler King don’t bring in new fans then nothing will. 

The album opens with the up tempo hit After Glow, the first single to be released from Hold Fast and one which is infused with the typical catchy chorus and indie boy charms.  As the album progresses the band demonstrate their diversity with a mix of fast beat tracks such as Stars and Maybe in the Darkas well as offering old school romantic rock and roll in the form of The I Love You Bridge and Sal Paradise, songs which are reminiscent of a modern day Buddy Holly and The Smiths.  

Who can forget the catchy chorus of my favourite track Sofie which promises to stay in your head for the foreseeable future. There’s nothing better than having the sickeningly cringe worthy lyrics “I’ve never been the one for a cliché but I want to dance with you in the rain” stuck on repeat all day. Nice work lads.

The greatest thing about this album is that it shows The Crookes development as a band. Having not changed their style and sound but instead writing smarter more successful songs, George, Daniel, Russell and Tom are certainly on the right path to success.  If there is one band that deserves to hit the big time it’s The Crookes.

Josh Kumra: The sound of 2012

Remember that voice from last summers smash hit Don’t Go? You might instantly be thinking of Wretch 32, but we are in fact referring to Mr Josh Kumra, the writer and vocal talent behind the number one collaboration and an artist that TMRW predicts big things from in the forthcoming year.

Away from the RnB beats of Don’t Go, the 20-year-old singer- songwriter is better known for his acoustic, soul infused melodies. A self-taught guitarist, Josh grew up listening to the likes of Bob Dylan and Jimmy Hendrix, influences that shine through in his music. Josh’s latest track Call off the Search (available for exclusive download on his official Facebook page) offers an eclectic mix of sultry vocals and passionate lyrics about lust and desire, showcasing his unique song writing abilities.

Other recorded tracks include Stand Your Ground, a song which offers a raw and emotional connection to the Egyptian riots, a tune which Josh pencilled at the age of 15.  Need has the potential to blow music fanatics out of the water, with its soft, relaxing tempo providing a sense of serenity and tranquillity, a definite future hit. On further listen, Josh’s husky voice is reminiscent of a young Ray LaMontagne or Ben Harper and will without doubt send the odd shiver down your spine.

Having recently moved to the capital to focus on his music, the Swindon born star admits that his trusty guitar is the backbone to his musical talents. Spending the majority of his teenage years gigging in the pubs and bars of his hometown in order to earn himself enough some much needed dollar; Josh made a name for himself across the South West, fuelling his love for music and fame.

With a number one single under his belt, Josh has already had a taste of the high life, leaving him even more passionate about his musical future. During the whirlwind summer of 2011, he joined Wretch 32 on his promotional tour of Don’t Go taking to the muddy fields of Glastonbury and V festival and performing on ‘Later with Jools Holland’ and Radio One’s Live Lounge. As we all know; you’re set for success once you’ve appeared on Jools Holland.

Having recently been announced as the finalist for BBC 1Xtras hot 20 artists of 2012, Josh is busy writing his debut album, scheduled for release later this year. After signing to Sony RCA, the driving force behind the likes of Kasabian and Kings of Leon, things look promising for this talented musician. Acoustic based soul with a modern, up tempo twist, a perfect alternative to add to our music collection. Keep your eyes peeled for Josh in the not to distant future, and remember, you heard it here first!

Introducing Ben Howard

It’s pretty difficult to come up with a single word to accurately describe something. But in this instance it couldn’t be any easier. The adjective is AMAZING, and it is used to illustrate the sheer brilliance of Mr Ben Howard, a 23 year old with a big voice, a pretty face and a cracking attitude to music.

Having released his album Every Kingdom in October of last year, Ben entered the UK charts at a very respectable number 7. Considering the country boy from Devon did very little in the way of commercial promotion, he certainly deserves a pat on the back for the albums immediate success.

Having been introduced to the beautiful sounds of Ben in early November, the last 4 months have been a case of Every Kingdom overload, notching up over 40 listens on my iTunes and leaving me constantly humming the sweet tones of my favourite tracks Diamonds and Keep Your Head Up.

Having been on the road for several months, Ben has been entertaining fans at sold out gigs across the UK. A brief stint at the Pyramid Centre in Portsmouth was the perfect opportunity for me to sample the mesmerising sounds of Every Kingdom live, I simply couldn’t resist.

An extremely talented singer- songwriter, Ben certainly didn’t disappoint. The intimate venue allowed fans to get up close and personal with the handsome fella and I for one was blown away by his sheer brilliance. As his eerie folk inspired tones filled the room, Ben made his way through the entire album, charming us with his unique voice and proving that every song was as sentimental to him as the next. Acoustically, this surfer dude is up there with some of the world’s greatest musicians.

Having attended several festivals and gigs over the years and seeing a wide array of big named stars, who knew that one man on a cramped stage with just a stool, microphone and guitar, could blow A- list divas with their expensive pyrotechnics and swarms of backing dancers out of the water? A young star who was genuinely grateful to every single person in the room for their support, Ben Howard is a refreshing addition to the music industry.  

With further tour dates across the UK scheduled for early November, if there’s one artist worth watching this year its got to be this man. Simply AMAZING.

The power of the golden balls

Beckham fever strikes again as Britain’s favourite footballer strips down to his undies and reveals all to the world for his latest fashion campaign with H&M. With his toned torso currently reaching every form of media advertisement, (from TV commercials to window displays and billboards) what is it that makes everyone, including our friends, mothers, grandmas and boyfriends swoon over Mr David Beckham?

The perfect torso? Check. Enough tattoos to fill a small child’s entire body? Check. Millions of pounds in the bank? Check. A family man? Check…I could go on, but I won’t.

As you can probably tell, I’m slightly obsessed with Mr Beckham, an obsession which has reared its ugly head once again since he re-entered my life wearing nothing but his crisp white boxer shorts. David seems to be one of those lucky guys that gets more handsome with age. Looking back at his disastrous hair styles and outfit choices over the years who would have thought that at the tender age of 36 he could become an international sex symbol once again?

David’s success lies in his ability to appeal to an extremely wide audience. Men like him for his long and successful football career and us women love him because he looks beautiful in his underpants. David Beckham/Golden Balls/ Becks/Davey Baby, (whatever you wish to call him) will always remain a household name. I’m definitely no expert, but I believe that it is this close relationship that David has with his UK fans that makes his projects away from the pitch so successful. Many of us feel like we have grown up with the Beckham’s and for this reason alone we feel obliged to check out the couples latest fashion campaigns.

A pair of £7.99 pants and apparently you can have your very own golden balls…you should be so lucky. An example of image lead false advertisement at its very best, but its okay, because its David Beckham and for this reason all shall be forgotten.

A typical Bernard’s watch moment

So the third year countdown has well and truly begun. Coursework deadlines fill my diary and I fear for the day that I turn my One Direction calendar (don’t be jealous) to the 1st July signalling the end of my student days. Hello big, bad, scary world!

University life comes with its ups and downs, and I’ve certainly had my fair share of both. But one thing’s for sure, it teaches you how do be independent, a case of sink or swim, man up or go home! The sudden realisation that you can no longer depend on your parents to do everything makes you wake up and realise that the grown up world is far from simple. Bills, washing, cleaning, cooking, money…it’s tough.

July marks the start of a new chapter in my life and although I don’t want this story to end, I know that nothing lasts forever; after all there’s only so long I can play the ‘student’ card for. Memories last a lifetime and with hundreds of photographs from the last three years, I’m sure I shall never forget the drunken haze of first year or the wonders of Just Dance on the Wii, before a night out.

The last three years have been everything I could have ever hoped for, and I shall be extremely sad to say goodbye to student life. My aim for the next five months is to make every moment matter, allowing me to walk away in July with a smile on my face, confident that I have put everything into my time at university.

Hello Library, it’s time to get my geek on!

A few of my favourite things...

Music is my life. It may sound like a soppy cliché but it’s true,the sheer power of music overwhelms me. Its ability to alter your mood, tell a story, bring back memories and evoke questions…pretty clever eh? Bands of the moment: The Vaccines, (above) Two Door Cinema Club and Noah and the Whale. And not forgetting my all time favourites Mumford and Sons


I love everything about winter. Cosy evenings in front of the fire with a box of chocolates and your favourite film...bliss! Coats, scarves, hats, jumpers, boots...fashion at its best! Long country walks with the family...delightful!



Gossip Girl, TOWIE, The Hills, Made in Chelsea, the list is endless. I am a sucker for car crash TV and i'm not afraid to admit it. There is something about these programmes that are just so enticing. Maybe it's the glamorous lifestyles and pretty dresses that draw me in, who knows. But one things for sure, I am addicted!



Even though I rarely take photos (often because I'm so forgetful) I can always rely on my good friends to save the day and take TOO many pictures on a night out. Memories last a lifetime and I often spend hours looking through old photographs, remembering eventful nights out, family holidays and random day trips. Without photos life would be a dull place, memories would fade away and stories would remain untold. Above is a selection of my favourite pictures.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder

So, I’ve been absent from the blogging scene for almost a year now, pretty shameful it has to be said. And to be quite honest, I can’t fill this post with excuses, because I don’t have any. Quite simply, I am lazy!

As I prepare to return to University in order to complete my final year, the reality has suddenly hit me that this time next year it’s all over. No more fun and games. No longer will I be happily living the student lifestyle, knocking back vodka shots and strolling in at 3am without a care in the world. In less than 12 months it’s time to face reality and enter the big bad world, a thought, which if I am quite honest scares the living daylights out of me!

But until then, I am determined to enjoy my final year of university, putting everything into my studies in order to leave Southampton next July with my head held high and a positive future ahead of me. It’s going to be a struggle but I’m hoping it will be worth it!