Who needs Led Zeppelin when you've got an Airship?

Airship - Spirit Of The Beehive (2008)

I think it's fair to say that live music is infinitely better when you know the material being performed on stage. However, there are exceptions. Airship produced one of these moments for me.

A young collective of four aspiring Mancunian musicians produced music beyond their years while supporting Ra Ra Riot at KCLSU in London. A collection of catchy hooks mix beautifully with the guitar work reminiscent of Modest Mouse and the Pixies  - comparisons which would leave many green with envy. 

This melody heavy content could open the way for mainstream success, after all, mediocre bands continue to dominate NME. It's about time a fresher, more exciting band took the place of the bland, predictable top shop rock on offer at the moment.

The band themselves found out about their support slot less than 24 hours before they were on stage in London - in Sheffield - and it speaks volumes that they produced a composed and technically superb gig at such short notice. 

Remember the name - they could be huge.

Time For A Ra Ra Riot

Ra Ra Riot - The Rhumb Line (2008)

I've always felt violins have been an underused instrument in rock music. Then the Arcade Fire came along and fused them with guitar and bass, vocal and piano. It'd be wrong to think that the Ra Ra Riot haven't been influenced by the Montrealers in this sense. Except the guys from New York state have also brought in a cello. So, where am I going with this? Well, you probably have pictured a quaint band that gracefully play a tempered, measured style of music.

You're wrong. And I apologise for insinuating. Ra Ra Riot provide, as they describe it, a "frothing cauldren of gruel." They are, hopefully, the spearfront of a new genre, a new era in rock music could beckon if they continue to produce this extremely lively and bouncy music. It's happiness tinged with sadness, with catchy lyrics and often rowdy drumming. 

Having recently secured a slot supporting Death Cab for Cutie and previously touring the UK with The Editors, they are making a name for themselves through other bands. It's a method that the Riot can pull off, as they are essentially a live band. They audience doesn't need to provide any energy, they will be drawn in with the tractorbeam-esque nature of their music. It's almost hypnotism.

If there is one criticism of their music, however, it must be the overproduced nature of The Rhumb Line. It doesn't quite portray the true spirit of the band. Still, a magnificent record (even if the singer occasionally sounds like Johnny Borrell) with the highlight being a stunning cover of Suspended In Gaffa. 

Check them out at Kings College Student Union in London on Tuesday 17th February. £8 adv.

Rating: 8/10

Let's all get Dirty on Purpose

Dirty on Purpose - Hallelujah Sirens (2006)

Rarely does an album capture the imagination as much as this one. This mixture of heart-breaking tones and uplifting melodies should have propelled this Brooklyn four piece to stardom. Unfortunately, as I write this, two months have passed since they parted ways.

There's plenty going on, shoegazey riffs, vocals reminiscent of Stuart Murdoch (Belle & Sebastian) and a Shins-esque lo-fi sound. The glorious opener, No Radio, begins with a triumphant horn and guitar intro, presenting the joyous side of the album dramatically. Gliding down a notch with consummate ease, Your Summer Dress kicks off with a more sinister tone before emerging into a fantastic indie song. The lyrics aren't bad either, 'It's raining out, the sky is dark, you're staring at the ground, someday soon, I promise you it'll turn around". Shades of Snow Patrol strike through with the backing vocalist capturing Gary Lightbody's precious sounds gloriously. It builds into a crescendo that drifts to a close in a sublime manner. 

There are a couple of songs on this album which don't do the rest justice, one being Love Effect, but soon we're into the defiantly optimistic 'Light Pollution'. Experimenting is one thing that Dirty on Purpose did superbly - and Monument is a great, er, monument to this. A 4 minute prog-instrumental song focused heavily on sharp riffs and complex guitar work that is usually more attributed to metal bands. 

All in all, a truely exceptional album to spend an afternoon, an evening, or even a morning listening to. It's just a shame it didn't get the commercial success it deserved. More people need to hear this.

Rating: 9/10

MP3: Light Pollution From Hallelujah Sirens