All Union Sound Set News
ABoF: A year in videos!
This year, many bands on a smaller budget took the creative bull by the horns, struck out on their own and produced a plethora of brilliant DIY / independent videos. We're very proud of the video content our bands have produced this year, each reflecting the bands' personality and artistic flavour.We thought we'd round-up some of our roster's best videos and list them for you right here. If you can't see the embedded videos in this newsletter, there are also direct links to the band's YouTube pages.
As always, if you like what you hear and want to know more, please get in touch with us here: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Ex Libras - Underachiever
Underachiever was the second single released from Ex Libras terrific debut album Suite(s). The video was shot and directed by Ex Libras' front man Amit Sharma, at an amateur boxing match featuring his younger brother.
The lights in the background flicker with the steady, fluttering beats whilst the slowed down action of the match itself matches the song's epic intensity.
If you'd like to see more videos by Ex Libras, their YouTube channel is the place to visit. You can watch all their music videos, video diaries, live performances and the fantastic documentary "To Build A Studio".
The first single from Suite(s) - Radar - is available to stream and download below but if you're having problems viewing the Soundcloud waveform you can download it directly from our Soundcloud page.
Radar by abadgeoffriendship
Esperi - Snowman
The track "Snowman" is the b-side of Esperi's (aka Chris Lee-Marr) gorgeous Christmas single Made For Life. The single was released this week (December 6th) via Olive Grove Records and the limited edition physical copies already selling out fast.
The video for "Snowman" is a lovely reflection of the song's intimate beauty and a perfect backdrop to one of winter's most wonderful pleasures - building a snowman in your very own back garden.
Esperi recently released the free MP3 "Dialled". If you can't see the Soundcloud waveform below, you can download it directly from our Soundcloud page.
Esperi - Dialled by abadgeoffriendship
Mimas - Vader in Burgos
Mimas are our favourite Danish indie oddballs! They released their second album Lifejackets this year on Big Scary Monsters and the NME.com quickly picked up on their greatness featuring them on the website.
"Vader in Burgos" is a track from the aforementioned album and it shows the band in their natural state - running around like loonies in animal costumes!
"La Moustache Formidable" and "Application" are available to download from our Soundcloud page or you can listen to them below.
Mimas - Lifejackets by abadgeoffriendship
Moulettes - Devil of Mine
Moulettes released their self-titled debut album on Balling the Jack at the tail-end of the summer. The track "Devil of Mine" was released as a video and it's like watching a eerily gorgeous fairytale unfold into before your very eyes. The album was well received with great reviews online and in print (The Independent sung them praises).
The track "Talisman" was released as a free download. If you can't see it below, you can download it from our Soundcloud page.
Talisman by abadgeoffriendship
Phantom - Voodoo Romantic
Voodoo Romantic was the free single released from Phantom's debut album Smoke & Mirrors - a debut which gained critical acclaim from the likes of TheQuietus.com and Classic Rock Prog amongst others.
The video is very minimal, and focusses on the darker element of the band and their love of artists such as Man Ray. Directed by Dan Donovan, the it's more of an art piece than a traditional music video.
If you can't see the video below, you can view it on Phantom's YouTube channel.
Voodoo Romantic can be downloaded from our Soundcloud page or you can stream and download it below.
Voodoo Romantic by abadgeoffriendship
Tango in the Attic - Sketch by Quentin Blake
Everyone's favourite, sunny indie boys, Tango in the Attic, released their last single this year - Sketch by Quentin Blake. It's the second from their debut long player, Bank Place Locomotive Society which reached the number one spot this summer in the Amazon Indie Download Chart.
If you can't see the video below, you can check it out on the band's YouTube channel.
The Unkindness of Ravens - Prototype
The Unkindness of Ravens are a brilliant amalgamation of electro meets rock meets your new future sound of 2011! Nina and Ben have been working hard releasing singles Dead Air and White Road, culminating in the release of their debut EP I Used To Be So Pretty.
The sexy duo are prolific in their DIY video making and their YouTube channel is updated constantly. Below is the video for "Prototype", a free track which was released from the EP. This is Barbarella meets 2011 with an electro clash n' bang!
"Prototype" is available to download from our Soundcloud page or you can stream and download it below.
The Unkindness of Ravens - Prototype by abadgeoffriendship
Union Sound Set - Cause And Resolve
A change of name, a debut album - Start/Stop - and two singles in the bag, yes, Union Sound Set did exceptionally well during the last half of 2010. BBC Radio 1's Fearne Cotton and the 519 Show picked-up on the band, the rock press were singing them praises and the online community rose to show their support as the band also embarked upon a short UK tour to support the album release.
The video for Cause And Resolve is simply majestic. It definitely sets a place for the band amongst the cream of the indie elite. You can also view the band's other videos on their YouTube channel.
What Would Jesus Drive - Your Awful Kids
What Would Jesus Drive are bringing back good old-fashioned pop punk back to music. Their first video for The Girls Are In Charge was a tongue-in-cheek, quirky animated piece, but it's with Your Awful Kids, where we get a sense of where the band may take us in 2011.
What Would Jesus Drive's band's YouTube channel is the best place to grab all their latest video content.
Your Awful Kids is available to download now via our Soundcloud page or you can stream and download it below.
WWJD - Your Awful Kids by abadgeoffriendship
Union Sound Set Bring The Noise
Union Sound Set is setting the web ablaze with their new single, Cause & Resolve, and we can't say we're surprised - it's a masterpiece! Fresh off the internet press (we imagine Bill Gates keeps it locked in his mansion) is a stonking 9/10 review from Bring The Noise.
"‘Start Stop’ is an album bound for arena stages, and this single is only going to accelerate the process of getting there" - Bring The Noise
Check out the full review HERE.
Cause & Resolve is available via Mighty Atom on iTunes
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Music-News cast their eye over Union Sound Set’s new single, Cause & Resolve
Quite a busy day for Union Sound Set news, as Music-News have reviewed their new single, Cause & Resolve, and awarded it 3/5 stars.
"The indie crowd will go a bundle on this" - Music-News
Check out the full review HERE.
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Union Sound Set single, Cause & Resolve, released today!
Union Sound Set have decided to make today ultra-special by releasing Cause & Resolve, the second single off their critically acclaimed debut album, Start/Stop.
Check out the video for the singles title track over on Contact Music, HERE.
Showing impeccable timing, Bring The Noise, have had some great things to say about the single, awarding it an impressive 9/10.
"'Cause and Resolve’ is a 4 minute epic, engulfing every part of its listener from the outset and refusing to relinquish its grip." - Bring The Noise.
Check out more lovely words from Bring The Noise by clicking HERE.
Cause & Resolve is available via Mighty Atom on iTunes.
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More praise pours in for Union Sound Set
Union Sound Set are once again raking in the love this monday morning, with new single, Cause and Resolve featured on the Best in British Music Show with Tara O. Check it out HERE.
They recently threw a party to celebrate the release of their debut album, Start/Stop, and Subba Cultcha were there, notepads in hand, to review the evening's festivities.
". . .the band rewarded everyone with a string of musical beauties." - Subba Cultcha
Check out the full review HERE.
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Union Sound Set Album Scores 4/5 in God is in the TV!
Union Sound Set's blistering new album, Start/Stop, has continued to receive critical acclaim with a review in God is in the TV scoring the record 4/5!
"In a sea of mediocre British rock bands brave, bold five piece Union Sound Set are punching well above their weight, powerful and affecting and at times quite bloody awe inspiring!" - God is in the TV
The review references the likes of The National, Elbow and Pearl Jam stating the record is, "comparable to the best moments of Pearl Jam's back catalogue...". The record is a triumph and is something that every music fan should give a listen.
If you want to find out what all the fuss is about you can stream and download the tracks "My Current State (Is Your Latest Objection)" and "Hiding Places" from our Soundcloud page for absolutely free!
Union Sound Set will be releasing their latest single "Cause and Resolve" on 29th November.
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This Is Fake DIY review the new album from Union Sound Set
Another day, another cracking review for Start/Stop, the new album from Union Sound Set, this time from This Is Fake DIY.
They’re a genuinely promising British band, with a genuinely promising album. - This Is Fake DIY
To read the full review, click HERE.
The lads have also got a song featured on GlasgowPodcart - their new single, Cause and Resolve, due for release on November 29th. So headphones at the ready and download. . . NOW.
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Union Sound set Track Features on God is in the TV!
The awesome Union Sound Set continue to wow the critics and fans a like after the release of new album Start/Stop! Incredible reviews have been stacking up and the band continue to hit playlists all over the internet.
God is In The TV are the latest to feature the band as they played the track "Hiding Places" on their podcast God Is on The Pod 3!
You can listen to the podcast to see what all the buzz is about HERE.
Stay tuned for a review from the very same website soon...
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Union Sound Set Classic Rock “Track of the Day”!
Union Sound Set have recently been made Classic Rock's "Track of the Day"!
The band have in fact given away two tracks to the magazine in the form of "My Current State (Is Your Latest Objective)" and "Hiding Places" which you can download for absolutely free HERE.
In what has been a successful debut since changing identity from Prego to Union Sound Set, the band has received a number of outstanding reviews from the music press. This looks set to continue with another fantastic write up, this time from Buzzin Music.
"Start/Stop is a brilliant debut album from Union Sound Set that is currently residing in my Top 10 Favourite Albums of 2010." - Buzzin Music
You can read the review in full HERE.
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Union Sound Set’s new album, Start/Stop, reviewed by Geeks.co.uk
Union Sound Set have just received a cracking review of their new album, Start/Stop , from the lovely people at Geeks.co.uk.
"Haunting, vivid in colour and sound, the album uses every trick up the indie sleeve offering a wall of sound and a limitless backdrop that stares down at the unfulfilled potential of 90s shoegazers with pity." - Geeks.co.uk
Read the full review HERE.
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Union Sound Set - “Cause And Resolve” video!
After Rock Sound magazine's exclusive last week on Union Sound Set's video for their next single, Cause and Resolve, the boys have uploaded this onto their YouTube channel today.
The single is gorgeously epic and the video is yet another wonderful masterpiece. Cause and Resolve is out November 29th and is the second single taken from the boys' debut album Start/Stop (out now!).
Watch the video on Union Sound Set's YouTube channel HERE.
Start/Stop is available to buy physically from the Mighty Atom website (very limited copies available) or you can purchase a download copy from iTunes.
For all the latest tour dates and information, keep checking Union Sound Set's official website.
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Union Sound Set Album Scores 7/10 in Subba Cultcha!
Union Sound Set have just released their album Start/Stop to worthy accolades in the music press. Subba Cultcha continue this theme by scoring the band 7/10!
"Start Stop stands out on its own as a credible record of shoe-gazing post-rock at its best." - Subba Cultcha
You can read the review in full HERE.
The band have been touring the album in the UK recently and played a rocking show with the wonderful Mimas and Ex Libras in London last night. They have two more dates of the tour to go in Aldeburgh and Newport so be sure to catch them if you are in the area.
Start/Stop is now available to buy on iTunes.
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New Releases - 4 Great Albums from 4 Great Bands, available NOW
The October weather might be colder than a penguin's bum, but everything's hot, hot, hot in this month's new album releases.
Our favourite boys from Denmark, Mimas, have released Lifejackets, their second album via Big Scary Monsters. After receiving such a positive response from the press, we're very excited to find out what their fans think. Check out album tracks La Moustache Formidable and Application on our Soundcloud page.
Union Sound Set's long awaited debut album, Start/Stop, released on Mighty Atom, hits iTunes today. Get yourself a dose of pumping UK Post Rock to keep the flu at bay this Halloween. Check out the whole album on our Soundcloud page.
Shining stars of aBoF TV, the London based Shield Your Eyes, follow up their impressive debut with Theme From Kindness, via Function Records. You can pick this up on CD or vinyl from our very good friends at Recordstore.co.uk. Check out album track, Too Little Has Been Good For The Soul on our Soundcloud page. Check out album track, The Science of Gambling, on our Soundcloud page.
Last, but by no means least, Moneytree complete their triptych by releasing The Great Indoors Part III via Sotones. Once again, they've managed to capture the magic that makes them such an amazing band to watch live.
All of these albums are available for download via iTunes.
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Union Sound Set Album Scores 9/10 in Contact Music!
Union Sound Set are due to release their album Start/Stop on October 24th and have received a glowing review from Contact Music scoring 9/10!
"Overall Start/Stop is one of the strongest debut albums of the year, once you've pressed play, you won't want it to stop." - Contact Music
You can read the review in full HERE.
The band have just set off on their UK tour to promote the release of the album and you can see them in the following towns:
Check out the full details HERE.
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Union Sound Set Tour Diary Part 1
Union Sound Set have just set off on a tour of the UK to promote their debut album Start/Stop, due for release on 24th October. To immortalise this joyous occasion they've decided to document their on-the-road hijinx with a no holds barred, behind the scenes tour diary.
The tour lasts until the end of October and you can catch them live, from tonight onwards at the following venues up and down the UK:
- 21st - Talking Heads, w/The Last Republic + Soma High - Southampton
- 22nd - Cellars at Eastney, Portsmouth
- 23rd - The Cockpit, Leeds
- 24th - The Captain's Rest, w/Mimas - Glasgow
- 25th -The Harley, w/Mimas - Sheffield
- 26th - The Luminaire, w/Mimas + Ex Libras - London
- 28th - BBC Suffolk Introducing Presents Union Sound Set, The Railway- Aldeburgh
- 29th - Le Pub, w/The Last Republic - Newport
Personally, we can't wait to catch their London show next week at the Luminaire with Mimas and Ex Libras on the 26th October. It's going to be amazing!
Also this week, exclusively on Rock Sound, you can check out the video for Union Sound Set's next single, Cause and Resolve, (due for release at the end of November). You can also listen to the whole album, from start to finish over at The 405's exclusive stream. They'll even let you download two of the tracks, which is nice of them.
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Union Sound Set News Round Up!
Union Sound Set release their debut album Start/Stop via
This week, the buzz continues as The 405 have an exclusive stream of their album and Rock Sound have the exclusive on the video for the band's next single "Cause And Resolve" (which drops end of the November).
Sourmashmusic.com is the latest onliner to review the band's brilliant debut.
"Soaring, powerful and with a sensitive edge that just keeps on giving. ‘Start/Stop’ is a humble but effective album that is jubilant and heavyhearted in equal measures, and one not to be missed." - Sourmashmusic.com
Read the full review HERE.
Union Sound Set are about to embark upon a UK tour to support the release of the album, all the dates are HERE.
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Union Sound Set’s video for Cause and Resolve can be viewed today, exclusively on Rock Sound
Union Sound Set have a brand new video for your perusal, available today exclusively on Rock Sound.
Cause and Resolve, the second single off their album Start/Stop, will be available at the end of November, and they'll be touring the UK from the 21st of October.
If you're in London on the 26th of October we can highly recommend trying to catch their show at the Luminaire in London, where they'll be joined by Mimas and Ex Libras.
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Union Sound Set Album Available to Stream on The 405!
The 405 are streaming Union Sound Set's forthcoming debut album - Start/Stop - exclusively on the website. The album is released October 24th via Mighty Atom and the boys are also gearing up for a UK tour.
Listen to the album exclusively HERE. You can also download two tracks free!
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Union Sound Set Live Review and Video…
With Union Sound Set due to release their album Start/Stop in just a couple of weeks time, we thought we would give you a little more USS love in your life.
First up is a review by The 405 of the recent single launch held at London's Barfly. The gig was packed to the rafters and showcased the bands ability to transfer their wonderful sound into a live setting.
"...it's wonderful to see just how far they've already come. If this is anything to go by, it's obvious that great things are expected for and from Union Sound Set." - The 405
You can read the full review HERE.
To give you a little flavour of the bands undoubted talent, Panic Dots have made the video for the track "Hiding Places" available to watch on their website.
You can watch the video HERE.
Start/Stop will be available to buy from October 24th.
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Union Sound Set are today’s NME “Daily Download”!
The truly awesome Union Sound Set have today featured on the NME's Daily Download section!
The website have made the track "The Longest Calm" available for download and also had some kind words to say about the band too.
You can check out the feature and download the song on the NME website.
The tune is taken from the bands up and coming album release, Start/Stop, which will be available to buy from October 24th.
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Union Sound Set Start Street Team and Announce Single Launch!
Union Sound Set are coming up for a real busy month with the release of single Hiding Places followed swiftly by debut album Start/Stop. With this in mind, the band thought they would seek a little help from YOU to help spread the word about all things Union!
If you love the band and would like to become a member of 'The Set', then read on.
Your mission:
* To help spread the word on social networking sites by sharing news, Union Sound Set's videos, free MP3s and links on Facebook and RT-ing on Twitter.
* Chatting about the band on forums
* Getting as many folk as possible to share ticket links for Union Sound Set gigs by posting their flyers online
* Getting your University paper, Radio or TV station to cover the band* Posting flyers around your Uni campus
* Arranging Uni playback nights around Union Sound Set releases
In return, you'll get guestlist to an exclusive intimate gig at Home House sponsored by Raymond Weil on the 28th September, with the chance to win a Raymond Weil watch. Every Union Sound Set release sent to you first before anyone else, you'll be the first to know about tours and releases and get priority on tickets, receive exclusive recordings of new tracks as they appear, T-shirts, badges, stickers, and "goodie bags" from Union Sound Set's partners and friends.
If you are interested send an email with your Name, Age, Address, Phone No and University (if applicable) to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
In other news, the band have announced a single launch to celebrate the release of the single Hiding Places. The show will take place at the Camden Barfly on 27th September with support coming from the fabulous Ex Libras and Burning Codes.
For more details about this show and to watch the snazzy video for the single check out these little features in God Is In The TV and The 405!
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Union Sound Set ‘Hiding Places’ Video on Extreme Listening Mode!
Union Sound Set have had their sexy new video for up and coming single Hiding Places featured on the website Extreme Listening Mode.
You can watch the video in full HERE.
The single release will mark the beginning of a very busy few months leading up to the release of forthcoming album, Start/Stop which is out on the 24th October. To celebrate the release of the single, the band will playing Camden Barfly on 27th September, the same day the single hits the shelves, with support coming in the form of the excellent Ex Libras and Burning Codes. As a treat, Union Sound Set will be giving away a free MP3 off their forthcoming album Start/Stop with every online ticket purchase.
Get your ticket and free MP3 here!.
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Union Sound Set Single Launch
NME favourites Union Sound Set are set to celebrate the release of their new single Hiding Places at Camden Barfly on the 27th September. Support will come from the similarly excellent Ex Libras (who also have an EP out in September) and Burning Codes, and as if that wasn't already enough to get you to drop everything and go, they're giving away a free MP3 off their forthcoming album Start/Stop with every online ticket purchase.
The band formerly known as the hotly tipped post-rockers Prego, Union Sound Set are set to come back with a refreshed line up, a bigger sound, and above all with style. Not a gig to be missed.
Check out the Facebook event page.
And get your ticket + free MP3 here!
Listen and download Union Sound Set and Ex Libras mp3s on Soundcloud.
Also, check below for the video to Union Sound Set's 'Hiding Places'.
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Introducing Union Sound Set!
Boasting a new line-up, a new sense of purpose and a new album destined to blow the roof off 2010, London’s Union Sound Set rise from the still flaming ashes of hotly-tipped soar-rockers Prego.
Original Prego members, Edd Simpson, Casper Williamson and Simon Britcliffe embarked on a new creative path, and with the inception of Union Sound Set, were given the impetuous to go on and write a stunningly evocative sound that is bound to cause a flutter in the heart of music lovers everywhere. .
Ahead of their free single release Hiding Places (released September 27th 2010), the band are giving away a free MP3 from their forthcoming debut album Start / Stop, the album is out October 24th 2010. The track is called "My Current State (is your latest objective)".
Download the track HERE or HERE.
The guys have also just released the fantastic new video for Hiding Places, which you can view HERE.
Having completed tours with the likes of The Boxer Rebellion, The Stills, Red Light Company, People In Planes and Fightstar last year, the band took on a new guitarist Dan Best and drummer Alex Walker and are about to release their incredible debut album Start / Stop, due for release on October 24th on Mighty Atom and produced by Manics and Spiritualized knob-twiddler Guy Massey.
Finding their line-up bolstered and their epic shimmer rock sound gaining beef and mettle in the vein of Band Of Horses and The National on tracks like “Here’s To You” and “Years Days Months”, the band felt like the release was a new start.
Enter Union Sound Set: new kings of UK post-rock, set to shatter minds and speakers across the globe.
Taken from our latest ABoF newsletter
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New Union Sound Set Website!
One of our new additions, Union Sound Set, have just set up a brand spanking new website for your pleasure!
Why not check it out and if you join the mailing-list you get a free goody!
You can have a look at the website and listen to some tracks HERE.
Union Sound Set are about to release their incredible debut album Start / Stop, due for release on October 24th on Mighty Atom and produced by Manics and Spiritualized knob-twiddler Guy Massey, so stay tuned for updates.
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