BLOG: New Year's Resolutions

I was a little surprised that New Year's Eve came out three weeks early! As I recall, Valentine’s Day came out on the week of Valentine’s Day. But I’m not complaining! With this joyous season before us, a film that reminds us about the upcoming year – which is coming is less than TWO weeks time! – was nice to have to just sit back and relax with a couple of friends at the drive-ins.

The Story

Now, if you’ve seen Valentine’s Day or Love Actually you’ll be no stranger to the intertwining stories of different characters within the film. The main point of the story is: “This is it – it’s the start of a new year and this time I’m going to start the year right.” So, you have all these different stories trying to make the most of starting their New Year’s resolutions just as the ball drops at 12am on the dot. Pregnancies with cash payments if they’re the first one to ‘pop-out’ a baby; people swimming through the crowds to have that magical kiss on the first minute of the year or making up for the last kiss of the past year; people trying to make their dreams come true and finally, people making other people’s dreams come true.

The great thing about this film is that you could follow each story and how they connected, even when you think paths were going to collide, someone turns the corner on you! You feel like you’re in the moment with the characters without losing track of who’s connected to who. It’s also very humorous and sweet – one even the boys won’t mind watching!

The Cast

It was a big cast – talk about name-dropping! – so I’ll just review them as an ensemble. As whole they all played off each other really well. I loved how they all had their own little pairs that eventually broke off into other connections; it was a well-rounded and well thought-out script. But I’m going to have to say KUDOS to Mr Jon Bon Jovi who was my standout performer of the film. Why? Well we all know the majority of these actors all have amazing acting careers, but singers entering the film industry – we all know that’s a real privilege, especially when they have their OWN character and they’re not playing themselves. Another stand out performance for me was, Modern Family’s, Sofia Vergara! She play’s the hilarious sue-chef to Katherine Heigl’s character, who is the very definition of a star-struck fangirl. She made me laugh so many times my stomach hurt so much! But as a whole the cast of eighteen did a fabulous job of never out-shining one another.

Overall

It was an amazing set, beautiful combination of actors and an array of talent to tip your hat to. I recommend it for a mother-daughter night; a night with the girls or simply a date night for all you couples out there. Boys, I swear you can tolerate this, it’s not too cheesy and rather realistic – no guns and stuff, but Ludacris does feature in it!

sL Star Rating: 4 Stars

Next on sL: One Direction's UP ALL NIGHT

NEW UP: A Sleepless Melody - The Last Teenagers

Available from iTunes or ASM’s Merch Store

If you haven’t heard of A Sleepless Melody then you have now. They’re a Melbourne based band with a light-hearted feel to their music. From memory, I think Matt tweeted me to checkout their stuff on Facebook and since that day I haven’t looked back. Without further ado, here are my thoughts on The Last Teenagers.

***

It’s Not Too Late

The first track of this EP is rather cheery regardless of the story told within the lyrics. Singing about a dysfunctional relationship – a heartbreaker of a girl and a down right smitten boy – the song gives a light feel to the contemplations of the singer. It’s a great start to the EP, the melody and accompany reflects the playfulness of the girl as well as the almost naive pursuit of the boy. It’s got a summer vibe and it’s really nice to have playing on your iPod while you’re on the train or just out and about.

Colour In The Covers

There’s a nice shift from the first track into a jazzier vibe for this next track. It’s one of those songs you would expect on Dancing With The Stars or a ballroom dance floor. It’s also got that flavour of the 50s and 60s. There is a freshness to the sound that makes you flashback to that era, a liveliness and an authentic feel of young love – kind of like The Notebook. It’s like two lovers reminiscing one their past where you can almost hear the laughter and the sighs.

Sunnyside

Taking the glass half-full approach to a dreary situation, this song goes through the motions of finding the Sunnyside of things. It’s like that feeling where you’re not having a good day, but you’re going to smile anyway. Acoustic and slower than the first two tracks, it suits the lyrics perfectly. Listening to this song makes me think of storm clouds, umbrellas and long winter coats, but beneath it all there’s a man with a hat on looking up at the sky and smiling, taking it all in as it is.

Heart In Hand

This has a childish feel to it. The chimes and the beat make you want to sway and click along to the song. It’s got a Hawaiian, beach-y feel to it and is really cheery. Talking about a working hard at a relationship, it’s almost like the guy putting 100% just to make things work and there’s no reciprocation on the girl’s end. The end is absolutely beautiful as the accompany pulls back and the vocals overlay one another.

Beautiful Life

The most soulful and emotional track of this album, this final track s definitely my favourite on the EP. Talking about losing someone rings home with personal events of my own. The whole idea of asking God what’s going on and never knowing if prayers will be answered when it comes to life or death, is so strong in this song. It’s a great reminder that life is fleeting and that each moment is beautiful. Though there’s a quietness to this song the build up towards the end with the guitar solo just gives it that contemplative feel – like an inner battle that is raging but is soothed by the peace of the beautiful life that was lead.

Overall

It's worth every cent. I recommend it for this festive season to give to your friends and family. It's light-hearted and the easiness of each track suits the Christmas feel. Get your hands on it from iTunes or their merch store. You won't regret it - I promise!

sL Star Rating: 4.5 Stars

Next on sL: NEW YEAR'S EVE

COVER REVIEW: Molotov Jukebox - Get Ready [Cover]

So do you guys remember this band's name from a couple months ago? If you said, "No," then shame on you! You guys need to press PLAY before you even read the rest of this review. As for those of you who said, "Yes," CONGRATULATIONS - unfortunately I have no prizes, but I'm sure you love this cover anyway :D

Get Ready (Cover) - Molotov Jukebox

Covering the beloved "Get Ready" by the Temptations for their new single, Molotov Jukebox have added their own flavour to the classic song along with a spicy organic video clip. The vocals have a great rasp and solidness to them that makes you wanna sing along. The accompaniment is just brilliant! The combinations of the accordion, guitar, violin, drums, percussion and the trumpet all created this amazing feel that makes you want to move your feet. It's a song that's like a gigantic wall of sound that embraces the listener and takes them by surprise at every turn.

What I really love:

1. How the vocals and the trumpet almost seem to have a conversation within the song.
2. The more earthy tone that still retains the elements of the original song.
3. The video looks like it was a lot of fun to shoot!

Overall it's one you can have it playing while you're driving in your car or just singing along to it in the shower. I loved listening to it - special mention to ELEANOR for getting me to review this single, thanks Elle.

sL Star Rating: 4 Stars

Next on sL: The Last Teenagers by A Sleepless Melody

NEW EP: Daylight Hours - Brand New Tomorrow

If you haven’t heard of Daylight Hours then I suggest heading to their Facebook Page and listen to their stuff, because they’re definitely worth it! I’ve been waiting for this EP since the boys asked me to review it a few months ago. I was a little excited when they asked and was only more than willing to have a listen, and to my surprise I really enjoyed their sound.

***

Me and You

I’ve been playing this track on repeat since it came out a few months ago. Me and You is their first single from the EP and it’s got a great feel to it. Talking about an unlikely encounter that develops into love, the lyrics and their message are enveloped beautifully in the array of their musical accompaniment. The music matches the beach reference and it’s one you want to get up and dance to. Following an instrumental opening to the EP, the strong vocal start was a perfect introduction.

The Bright and the Young

This track is definitely rockier than the first track. What I love this song is the mid-section where Phil and Adam do a call and response where the accompaniment pulls back, leaving just the vocals and the drums with a dash of a guitar riff. Since the lyrics refer to an unstable relationship where there’s a bit of chase between the boy and the girl, the pace of the song suits the story behind the lyrics. It’s one crowds will surely jump up and down to, not mention head-bang to!

Definitely Maybe

Slowing things down a little, but continuing the story of a dysfunctional relationship, Definitely Maybe pulls back and let’s the vocals take over this track. There’s an excellent guitar solo towards the end that makes you want to sway, actually this entire song (though it still has it’s rock elements) leads you into a swaying motion – which is nice after two high-energy songs.

Here In My Arms

Featuring Jake Bosci, this track has a beautiful melody and has a more positive message in regards to love. It goes back to Me and You and talks about being in love with someone. Stripped back even more from the previous song, Here In My Arms is a song that begs couples to slow dance on the dance floor. It’s sweet and delicate, one that I think would be perfect for a movie one day. I have to say this is my favourite song in the EP – not because it’s a romantic song, but because the lyrics and the accompaniment are a great combination.

Closer

The EP closes with a rockier ballad, which is perfect because it’s not too fast or too slow – it’s just right. Listeners are back to the head-banging and the jumping, but can still have a moment to appreciate the words being sung. It’s not a very long song, but it’s long enough to close the EP in a way that leaves you wanting more.

Overall

This EP is one of the best I’ve heard in terms of the arrangement of the songs. Fast to slow to moderate – and it works! I love the fact that you don’t really notice the instrumental tracks, I mean you do, but it sounds as though they’re part of the previous or the following song, which is great – flawless even. The only issue I have with this EP is that it’s an EP and not and album! I seriously wanted more to review! Hahaha! But I do recommend it – it’s worth every dollar you spend.

Get it here: http://itunes.apple.com/album/brand-new-tomorrow/id480079370 or here: http://www.daylighthoursmerch.bigcartel.com/

sL Star Rating: 4 stars

Next on sL: The latest from Molotov Jukebox

FILM: In Time

In a world where time is the currency, it’s all about looking at Darwin’s theory of “natural selection” in a different light. Genetically modified to stop aging at 25 and only having a year left to live afterwards – unless you could earn more time to live a little longer – suddenly the question, “What do you do in your spare time?” means a lot more than saying, “Oh, nothing much.”

For Will Salas (Justin Timberlake) earning his time means having enough to live day-by-day. In a twisted hand of fate, Will finds himself with all the time in the world when a stranger (Matt Bomer) gives him a century to live. With more than enough time to do anything he wants, it’s time to fight for justice; it’s time against those who live forever and allow others to die daily.

The Story

The concept of “time as the currency” is perfect for this day in age. It really questions what you would do if you knew your time was constantly running out. It also takes on the idea of being able to earn more time, that is, being able to earn more hours in a day or loss more hours in your day.

I loved how the retained the reality of the more time you have the more you have in your life. More time to relax, more material things to enjoy, more places you could go or the complete opposite. You have to work more to have more time; you have to do everything faster so you can relax a little later – this film adapts the construct of socioeconomic status within the constraint of time.

Really made me think about what I do with my time and how I “invest” it.

The Cast

Amanda Seyfried just gets better and better with every role she plays. After surprising us all with her vocal abilities in Mama Mia, her dark and mysterious role in In Time shows another side to her. Playing the damsel-in-distress at first, Seyfried portrays the stifled heiress, Sylvia Weis who lives on the empire that her father, Phillipe (Vincent Kartheiser) perfectly. Seyfried’s ability to be both mysterious and daring removes her from the innocent blond we remember from Mean Girls. Her fiery red-hair suits her well and gives her a more matured look that separates her from her previous dumb-blond role – which obviously is a positive thing for her.

Justin Timberlake gets a massive KUDOS from me in his success on the big screen. With The Social Network and Friends With Benefits gracing the big screens in the last eighteen months or so, we’re no stranger to seeing the pop start put away his dancing shoes and entertain us with his acting skills instead. I have to say I thought his performance was brilliant. He was believable as “a man on a mission” and conveyed his emotions really well. He was suave when he need to be and aggressive when he needed to be as well.

Cillian Murphy is the most convincing villain/hero type I have ever witnessed on the big screen. His facial expressions were what won this film over for me. Careful not to dominate Timberlake’s leading role, but at the same time conscious of the dynamics between their characters, Murphy perfectly conveys that no matter what happens time must be measured by the zone. I have to say that the cinematography of constant close ups for Murphy’s character, Raymond Leaon, was excellent since his decisions were written all over his face.

Alex Pettyfer has come a long way from his action debut back in 2006 with Stormbreaker. With I Am Number Four also coming out this year, playing the head gang member of the “Minute-Men” is like a walk in the park for the young actor. Pettyfer’s ability to be arrogant and somewhat “wise” in how Fortis does his “dealings” with other people time is magnificent. Playing the “bad guy” this time around shows a great growth in Pettyfer’s abilities and will take him a long way in this industry. We’ll be seeing him a lot more I presume.

Overall

In Time is perfect for both men and women. There’s not too much romance and there’s not too much action so you can all have a good night out with friends. There’s not that much blood either since death is like a jolt – like a bomb that goes off internally within the human body that tells you that you’re time’s “up”. It’s a modern day Bonny and Clyde that makes you think.

sL Star Rating: 3 stars

Next on sL: Daylight Hours’ New EP: Brand New Tomorrow

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: New Empire - Symmetry Tour

I’m still grinning from the amazing night that I had on Saturday! It was so much fun from start to finish! But before I go on with my review for the night, kudos to Stephanie, Jacqui and Bridget for getting there super early – you girls are really dedicated! Big thank you to Jacqui who handed out the rest of those invites to VOTE FOR NEW EMPIRE for Channel V’s ‘Oz Artist 2011’ (voting ends this Friday!) – I just decided to recruit her on the spot! And big CONGRATULATIONS to those of you won a photo taken by my lovely sister, Andrea.

Without further ado, let’s talk about the night!

***

Jake Nauta

For those of you who read my previous review, you’ll know that it was a bonus to have seen Mr Nauta share the stage with New Empire on Saturday. And guess what?! He stated his set with In Your Eyes! I was pretty much like, “My night can only get better!” From the last time I saw Jake live, I recall him being a really great crowd pleaser and Saturday was no different.

Getting the crowd to join in with the clapping and clicking and every now and then asking, “Do you guys know it?” which was happily answered, “Yes!” by a few of us in the crowd, Nauta set up the mood for the night. Taking the positive energy that was already in the room, he happily spoke to the crowd about his new album (which was available for $15 instead of $20 that night – bonus for Kale!) and his own tour coming up – gaining a new fan, which put the biggest grin on his face mid-way through his set.

A few more of my personal favourites (Here With You and Nothing Left To Lose), an oldie, a cover and a big thank you for supporting independent music later, Jake was packing up and off stage – but promised he was going to stay around for a chat afterwards.

To purchase From These Hands click: http://www.jakenauta.com/

The Jefferson

I’m going to be honest – I have never heard of this band before, but I’m not complaining with what I did hear. Picking up where Jake left off, these guys built on the high energy that came with the anticipation that New Empire were almost coming on.

Through the week, I thought it would only be fair to check out their music to get a feel for what they’d be like on stage; rockish with a dab of techno – sweet! I have tremendous respect for their performativity (yes, this is a word!); their stage presence as a band was well lead by their front man, Geoff, and there sound was not short of a head-banger or a hand in the air from the crowd.

It was lots of fun listening to these guys and it was a nice transition into the night’s special guest, For Our Hero.

To listen to The Jefferson: http://www.facebook.com/thejeffersonband

For Our Hero

Another band I had heard of but not really listen to, but enjoyed watching on Saturday. From start to end, these guys had the biggest grins on their faces, you could tell they were genuinely excited to be in Sydney (which helped for the amazing atmosphere that was already hanging over The Factory Theatre).

Listening to these guys I was thinking: Short Stack + Son of Dork/Busted = For Our Hero. They’ve have the same feel to their music as Short Stack and Son of Dork but Jay’s vocals resonate with that of Busted’s front man, James Bourne. There was a real sense of fun with every song that they played and the crowd loved it! Jumping up and down, waving their hands in the air and “Woohooing” at the end of every song.

To think, the night was still far from over!

For more on For Our Hero: http://www.facebook.com/forourheroband?sk=info

***

With the night still young and excitement in the air, I was surprised no one started a chorus of, “New Em-pire!” As the lights dimed and a roar of voices welcomed the boys as they entered they stage, we all prepared ourselves for what was going to be one of the best shows of 2011.

Starting the set with Across the Oceans, the crowd was entertained by the sound of a metallic bin being banged on by Jeremy along with the enthusiastic array of the electric guitar, bass, drums and percussion that accompanied the foreign instrument. With every song on SYMMETRY well embedded on the lips of every single person in the crowd, the night had only just begun.

Song after song (I was going to say all the songs in order, but then I thought, “Let’s keep it as a surprise for Adelaide!), there was not one mouth in that room that was not singing along. The crowd was only too eager to join Jeremy with every word he was singing. It was such a delight to be part of it; singing along with fellow fans was definitely a highlight!

Eight songs into the show and the lights changed from the blues and purples into floods and yellows to aid the acoustic set. As Hero filled the theatre you could tell that the crowd was nowhere near ready to go home. With Kale joining Jeremy, Pete and Kyle down the front, you could say they were symmetrically prepared to enter the next section of the set list. I have to say that this was my favourite section of the night, and yes it’s because it’s the part of the night where I finally got to hear Long Way Home live. Not only that, but they also did a beautiful cover of The Killers’, Mr Brightside in this section. One of my sister’s favourite songs, I stood their wishing she was beside me instead of studying for the HSC (I recorded it for her, so don’t worry guys, she did get to see it).

With five songs left off the new album and one more from Come With Me Tonight, the crowd was still willing to sing along and “Woooo!” the night away. There was a moment between Take Me Back and the final section of the set where people thought that the night was over, which started a chorus of, “One more song!” But New Empire did the crowd one better by playing TWO more songs rather than one, finishing the night with the beloved, One Heart / Million Voices.

And with that, the night closed with satisfaction in the air. We all knew we had just witnessed something great and were glad to have been part of it – together.

Overall

What can I say? From start to finish I was blessed to have been in a room with so many people who were willing to sing every song loud and proud. There was not one song that the boys played that was more loved than the other – every song had us all singing at the top of our lungs. When one jumped, we all jumped; when one ‘wooohood’, we all backed them up; when one raised their hand; we all raised our hands. After the show I heard a man behind me say, “I really enjoyed that!” which his friend replied with, “Oh, I’m glad you did!” As am I sir! As am I. I have to say, there was a lot of love and appreciation in the room; new and old fans alike were not just happy to share the night with New Empire, but also with each other. Like I told Pete, it’s one of the best shows I’ve been to.

sL Star Rating: 5 Stars

Next on sL: IN TIME

NEW ALBUM: Jake Nauta - From These Hands

I have to say, I was just starting to get into Playjerise and then they announced that they’re doing their FINAL tour in 2010! Although I was there for their opening show at The Metro Theatre, I was a little devastated that I hadn’t appreciated their music before they were ending. But…2011 is a brand new year and Jake Nauta has released his solo album, From These Hands.

From These Hands is a beautiful compilation of acoustic melodies and inspiring lyrics. With traces of favourites form Playjerise, this album still carries those amazing acoustic rhythms and melodic piano compositions. In saying so, this album has really brought out a different sound for Nauta and no one is complaining! I was really excited when I was able to hear some of it live at Big Exo this year, and it was amazing!

Alright, let’s talk about From These Hands…

***

Come Back Home

“From your love I know I’ve fallen. Back to light, I know it’s calling; I’ll come back home.”

I’m not too sure if this is the song Nauta described as “like a horse ride,” but it starts off sounding like a typical country-western theme song. The percussion that accompanies the acoustic guitar lifts the song a little more and adds to the horse-ride feel. What I really enjoy listening to in this song is the mid section where Nauta sings, “To you – ooh – ooh – ooh…” and the backing vocals are singing, “I’ll come back home.” That little section just pulls back from the rhythm to highlight the vocals, which is perfect to really digest the lyrics of the song. I love the ‘Prodigal Son’ theme that runs through the song, makes sense with the rhythm!

Here With You

“I don’t want to fail you, but I know I will. A part of me wonders why you love me still.”

What I love the most about this song is the lyrics. It’s an accurate portrayal of the Christian walk. As believers we want to give it all to our heavenly Father, but a part of us still lingers with doubts because of our sinfulness. The music supports the lyrics with its mellow combination of acoustics and little trickles of the xylophone here and there. Nauta’s voice carries a narrative touch where sadness and bliss intertwine as he sings this song, creating lovely atmosphere as you listen to it.

Lights

“Don’t lose that light, the light in your eyes. Can’t you see the world is changing?”

Softer than the previous two songs, Lights has a vibrant way of simply focusing on the vocals. Stripped back to just the acoustics at first, the lyrics really come to life and the overall message of never loosing hope resonates as you sit and listen. In the build up, your spirit can’t help but be stirred and encourage; you’ll find yourself singing along with the “Ha-ha-ha-ahhhs”.

Nothing Left To Loose

“There’s nothing left to loose. One day I was lost, but now I’m found in you.”

I have to say this is one of my favourite songs. I’ve always loved Jake’s falsettos and this song is packed with them! But I really like the rhythm as the song picks up and as it descends again, it’s like a rollercoaster that reflects the Christian life. It’s that point in life where you look back at your past and you’ve tried to fill your life with instant satisfactions only to find that they’re not enough. Then you find yourself at the point of grace, where you take the leap of faith, because there’s nothing left to loose. There’s a real sense of the search for ‘something more’ in this song with the combination of the lyrics and the accompaniment.

Back In Time

“I wanna go back to the day I loved you like a child. Over and over I would say, ‘Your love is the only way.’”

Another one of my favourites, this song is like a lullaby. It’s got that childish aspect to it, which is perfect with the lyrics of the chorus. The backing vocals’ angelic “Ohs” and “Ahs” give it that dream-like feel. It almost like an adult closing their eyes and imagining a time where they were simply innocent and carefree. Inspired by Mark 10:15 where Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” I would say this song is a great reminder for those of us on the journey to heaven: go back to your first love (Rev 2:4).

In Your Eyes

“You know I see the same thing in your eyes, shining so bright; looking at the same thing in your eyes.”

This is my favourite song on this album. Every since I got a copy of Jake’s Here With You single at Exo, I couldn’t stop listening to this song. I like the melody throughout the song and the guitar tapping in the first chorus. It has a light-hearted feel to it that makes you want to sway from side to side. I love singing along to the crescendo where Jake sings, “We are waiting for something more…more than this life.” It’s kind of like a battle cry of hope – there’s more than this life.

The Outside

“You will always be waiting; on the outside waiting for me”

This is a lovely piano based song that you just want to sit a listen to. Truth rings out with every note and word sung. Nauta’s lyrics cannot be separated from the biblical truths that resound in his heart. This soft ballad just lifts up the spirit to the promise of God waiting for us to come home to Him. This song is soft and slow to reflect God’s patience for those who are still finding their way to Him.

Grandpa Song

“I’m in your hands tonight.”

This song has a calm sit-outside-in-the-sun feel to it. The guitar plucking, claps and clicks resonate with a nice olden-day theme of the song. It’s a laid back song about being secure in the grasp of love. You have to bob your head with the beat and join in the clapping and clicking when you listen to it. You could probably sway to it, but it’s not one that you need your dancing shoes for, but it’s a great song to rhythmically get into.

Are You With Me

“Just how I love you like I do.”

This song is almost like a chase with the percussion playing at a quick pace, yet softly, in the background. It’s as though music is suggesting that the persona is attempting to gain back something he’s lost or let slip by. The “whooo-ooohs” and “ahhhh-ahhhhs” give it a lighter feel, as though there’s a hint of reflection over the decision being made. In contrast to the accompaniment, the lyrics pull the tempo back to hone down the epiphany that’s come into place. It’s a really dynamic piece that plays with temporality and succeeds in the execution.

Now I’ve Found You

“Our love something I can’t forget; It’s still the same and I will no let you slip away from me, now I found you.”

Another piano based song that reflects on the goodness of God. The piano echoes that of classic hymns and has a beautiful way of calming the spirit. It’s perfect for the message it carries of God being the same yesterday, today and tomorrow; that He’s continually changing us for the better, because we’ve found Him and now, He reveals more and more of His love for us daily.

Overall

This album is one you can listen to anywhere. I love the biblical truths that run through it and there realities of what it means to be human that are reflected in the songs. From These Hands is worth purchasing on iTunes or at JB Hi-Fi or Koorong. It's a delight to have on your iPods, cars and homes.

sL Start Rating: 5 Stars

Next on sL: New Empire's Symmetry Tour (Sydney)