Ben Howard-Keep Your Head Up

It feels like a lifetime since Ben Howard emerged as a singer-songwriter, but the singer has only just grabbed awards at the start of the year at this year's BRIT Awards after picking up two awards. His single Keep Your Head Up is out this week and gives Howard more of a rock sound, if you can call it that, compared to his usual work. It has a fast tempo; great vocals behind it; and if you can't wait until the summer, is a fantastic song to get you in the mood. It seems a little copycat of other folk artists such as Florence + The Machine and Mumford and Sons, but everyone sounds like someone these days. Decent effort from the Devon lad.

Rating: 7/10

Do you believe Ben Howard deserved his BRITs? What did you think of his debut album "Every Kingdom"? Have your say by commenting below.

Listen to "Ben Howard-Keep Your Head Up" here http://www.acousticmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Ben-Howard-300x300_2.jpg

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @ML0g

The Killers-Flesh and Bone

Las Vegas band The Killers have been pretty low-key since the release of their last album Battle Born with no real buzz about the band and they have fallen from the limelight. However, they continue to release singles humbly and the new single Flesh and Bone doesn't disappoint. This is one of the highlights of the album with its scratchy riffs and raw sound. It sounds at home with the rest of the album, yet detects hints of previous Killers hits like Human and For Reasons Unknown. The synth keyboard is a great addition to a typical Killers' song and the usual vocals from Brandon Flowers ensure it is unique. He shouts "And I'm running out of tiimee" in one of The Killers' most anthemic songs. This is definitely one to watch live and the quartet know that.

Rating: 8/10

What is your favourite Killers' album? Do you think The Killers have matured with their new songs? Have your say by commenting below.

Listen to "The Killers-Flesh and Bone" here  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPW0t3ysrGc

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @ML0g

Biffy Clyro-Biblical

When Simon Neil isn't pushing people in swimming pools, kicking over water fountains and punching car windows, he fronts Scottish band Biffy Clyro and from their double album Opposites is their new single Biblical. It has a proper rock sound to it, but yet doesn't sound rough or hard to listen to. This is no Jesus-loving song, but it has an element of wonder and awe to it. The verses are cooled-down and like many songs on this album are stripped back to minimal instruments. A guitar riff is only supported by a drum beat and Neil's vocals, sounding as great as ever: "Baby if you could would you go back to the start?". The chorus is big and manic, completely opposite (no pun intended) from the verses. The track finishes with a huge choir and then like the start (again no pun) it's tranquil and fades out, leaving the listeners surely as amazed as I am. One of the best off of the album.

Rating: 8/10

What is your favourite Biffy Clyro album? Do you think the double album worked? Have your say by commenting below.

Listen to "Biffy Clyro-Biblical" here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrbMNBNMksk

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @ML0g

Haim-Falling

If you are sitting in your house in desperate need of some Sunday relaxation, sister trio Haim should be able to sort you out. They have already wowed music journalists with their pop/R'n'B sound from previous singles like Don't Save Me and Forever, but a couple of songs does not determine the quality of a band. So Este, Danielle and Alana have released their third single Falling which is the ultimate chilled song. The echo of the three shouting "Now I'm falling" over the sedated vocals of Este Haim. The bass is low and slow and the music as usual, is really enjoyable. So, not only is everyone really excited about their debut album (which still doesn't have a release date, annoyingly), but this shows just how capable they are of having an incredible album and to show people they won't be one hit wonders of the indie scene.

Rating: 7/10

What is your most highly-anticipated album of the year? Is Haim the new Fleetwood Mac? Have your say by commenting below.

Listen to "Haim-Falling" here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIjVpRAXK18

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @ML0g

Tyler, the Creator-Domo 23

It's exciting to think that the eccentric, dark and hilarious rapper Tyler, the Creator has a new album out this week. He has already gave us a sneak preview of his upcoming album Wolf with his single Domo 23 which is released this week. This may not have anything on Yonkers as its chorus (if you have call it that) is a loop saying "Fuck that, golf wang" and has no emotional message, however it's fun and humorous. Tyler names fellow Odd Future members Jasper Dolphin and Taco as well as David Beckham and dissing One Direction. Some of his lyrics are quite close to the bone "Shit's going down like Rodney King's swimming lessons" whilst some he brags about being productive compared to those he grew up with "While y'all rolling doobies/I be in my bedroom scoring movies". But overall, Tyler spits through this record and takes hits at people who call him homophobic as he hits the sensitive areas as well. Not his best work, but is definitely creditable and fun.

Rating: 7/10

Do you think people are too sensitive towards certain issues these days? What is your favourite Tyler, the Creator song?

Listen to "Tyler, the Creator-Domo 23" here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4OD3IHs5jU

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @Ml0g

Charlie Boyer and the Voyeurs-Things We Be

Nothing better to round off a Sunday night with some some chilled rock. Largely underrated Charlie Boyer and the Voyeurs are setting some cool hooks with a touch of TOY in their new single Things We Be. Easygoing indie seems to work well with this band and Things We Be proves that. It sounds like The Kooks with some scuzzy riffs and frankly, a much more awesome band playing. They suit you innocent little indie kids, but are also good fun for fans of the likes of Miles Kane. If you're looking for a fun, happy song for the old iPod, Charlie Boyer and the Voyeurs are the way forward.

Rating: 8/10

Who is your favourite newly discovered band? What is your favourite single of the week? Have your say by commenting below.

Listen to "Charlie Boyer and the Voyeurs-Things We Be" here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUbeV4q4G_Q

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @ML0g

Chrvches-Recover

This is pretty amazing. Glasgow rarely pulls a great talent from its city, as most don't make it very far in music. However, Chvrches show why they are in that minority that make them universally likable. The electropop group - formed in 2011 and made waves in 2012 - have rapidly grown and should be even better off after their new single Recover. Singer Lauren Mayberry sweetly serenades through the track "And if I recover/will you be my comfort" in her strong Glasgow twang. The synths are as perfect as the vocals, which sums up this pretty consistent song. Listen to Chvrches, it won't do you any harm.

Rating: 9/10

Who are your favourite Glaswegian band? Is electropop "in" again? Have your say by commenting below.

Listen to "Chvrches-Recover" here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyqemIbjcfg

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @ML0g

Kendrick Lamar-Swimming Pools (Drank)

Off the back of his album Good Kid, m.A.A.d. City, hip-hop newbie Kendrick Lamar releases his new single Swimming Pools (Drank) this week. With his album receiving huge praise, the pressure of delivering great singles is an issue. However, Lamar is not phased by this. Swimming Pools is dark and artful and is some of Lamar's best work to date.The chorus is cool, the overall song is popular for a reason and Lamar is showing why he will be part of the new wave of hip-hop.

Rating: 8/10

What's your favourite Kendrick Lamar track? Is "Swimming Pools" worth the 35m views on YouTube? Have your say by commenting below.

Listen to "Kendrick Lamar-Swimming Pools (Drank)" here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-ejyHzz3XE

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @ML0g

Peace-Follow Baby

The most exciting thing to come out of Birmingham in the 21st century finally released their debut album In Love last week and along with this they released their new single Follow Baby. So, with their pysch-rock wowing critics, Peace will be aiming to impress with their new single, as well as their new album. Follow Baby keeps the pop side of Peace, but also escapes to a grungy-sounding, guitar-screeching world which sounds like a trippy Cage the Elephant. It may not be the highlight of In Love, but it certainly shows why it deserved to be on one of the best albums of the year so far.

Rating: 8/10

How do you compare "Follow Baby" with the likes of "Bloodshake" or "Wraith"? Who's your favourite new band to come out of B-Town? Have your say by commenting below.

Listen to "Peace-Follow Baby" here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkUJXSvWiYE

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @ML0g

Sky Ferreira-Everything Is Embarrassing

Her tale of being co-operate and failing before ditching her bigwig major-label and becoming an indie popstar is remarkable. However, at the end of the day, just because you change, it does not mean that you are guaranteed success. Thankfully for pop sensation Sky Ferreira, she has managed to sound better than she did in her early electropop years. Her new single Everything Is Embarrassing possesses an eighties beat and is warped with moody vocals. You may think that this doesn't sound appealing, but it's cool. It's emotional. It's unique. She already has Tumblr and hipster bloggers drooling over her, will she do the same on the likes of YouTube or Spotify? If she keeps this up, then there's no doubt she'll be successful.

Rating: 8/10

Who is your favourite artist that has changed their musical direction? Do you think Sky Ferreira can win back critics with this regenerated sound? Have your say by commenting below.

Listen to "Sky Ferreira-Everything Is Embarrassing" here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jtTeMgWNhA

For updates, follow me on Twitter: @ML0g