Noisettes, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

The UltraViolet November 2007

Noisettes
The sound of Noisettes is not easily categorized – their sound fluctuates between angsty garage rock to jazzy ballads to almost gospel. Singer Shingai Shoniwa’s powerful vocals go from smooth confidence (in songs like “Hierarchy”) to strong and fearless (in songs like “I We”) to fiery and upbeat (in songs like “Scratch Your Name” and “Don’t Give Up”). Not only is her voice incredible, but she also plays bass in the band alongside guitarist Dan Smith and drummer Jamie Morrison. Listen to “Scratch Your Name” with your eyes closed just after you wake up – it’s a religious experience (not to mention a great way to wake up for the test you have first period). If you don’t want to buy the whole CD, “What’s the Time, Mr. Wolf?,” make sure to at least buy “Sister Rosetta (Capture the Spirit),” “Scratch Your Name,” “Don’t Give Up” and “Hierarchy.”

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, or BRMC as they’re most often known, is a band that has been out for a few years, but in their newest album, “Baby 81,” they go back to their roots and deliver gritty and dirty, yet completely pure, rock and roll. Distorted and crunchy guitars, booming drums
, and smoky cool vocals make every rock and roll lover’s dreams come true. From the drawling “Took Out a Loan” to the thunderous beats and insane catchiness of “Berlin,” to the hypnotics of “American X,” this album will captivate you from beginning to end. It’s one of those rare albums that you can play a thousand times and never get sick of. The album’s most popular single, “Weapon of Choice,” might just make you qualify for the Air Guitar National Championships. Make sure to at least buy: “Berlin,” “Weapon of Choice,” “Lein on Your Dreams” and “American X”.
-by Hannah '10