Jamie T

It's great to have you back, Jamie. Not many artists could disappear of the face of the earth for a few years and return quite like this. 'Carry on the Grudge', his third album, was another exceptional release from the south London pioneer capped off with two sold out nights at Alexandra Palace.

Now, as the dust begins to settle and fans begin trying to rank the three albums (save yourself some time and don't try - it's impossible) a new EP from Jamie T has landed. If you're after a continuation of 'Carry on the Grudge', you can stop reading now. Aside from opener 'Don't You Find' - which also appears on the album - these songs are yet another diverse, unique and enthralling set from one of the most talented musicians this country has to offer.He's done it before, you know. Some of his best and most underrated songs have appeared on EPs, as b-sides and as unreleased gems. 'Atlantic City' (from the 'Emily's Heart' single release), 'Rawhide' featuring a certain Lily Allen (from the 'Sheila' single release) and the staggering 'St Christopher and The Dance of the Young Professionals' (taken from the 'Sticks 'n' Stones' EP) are all essential Jamie T listening.

The first thing to say about 'Magnolia Melancholia' is that it is classic Jamie T. It's raw, it's rough and completely irresistible. Opening with comeback single 'Don't You Find', the mood is set and the 5 songs that follow (two covers) showcase Jamie T's softer side as well as the energy and power that we have come to expect. 'Riverbed' is an obvious highlight as it builds and builds into a genuine epic, and sits nicely next to title track 'Magnolia Melancholia' which really is Jamie T at his best.

Continue reading: Jamie T - Magnolia Melancholia EP Review

While the majority of the time support acts at gigs are merely background music, sometimes there can be pleasant surprises. Tonight at Rock City it is one such occasion as there is an interesting prospect supporting Jamie T.

Slaves are an up and coming noise band that you wouldn't usually associate with Jamie T. They are two cheeky fellas from London, who came on stage with the biggest band logo signs that you can actually fit into Rock City. When the duo kicked into action, you noticed two things: the noise, and the fact that there are only two of them making all that noise.

Although it was great to see these guys on stage, there was an initial sense of what have these guys got different to other bands like them? Royal Blood have already burst onto the scene to much acclaim, so Slaves need that something extra - and they certainly deliver. Live, Slaves are full of high energy and have a bit of comedy value about them both in the songs and in between songs. 'Girls Fight' was a great short witty number; so short, in fact, that the band's introduction of the song was actually longer than the song itself. Highlights of Slaves' set list have to be 'Debbie Where's Your Car? ' and 'Cheer Up London'. Certainly a band to keep an eye out for.

Continue reading: Jamie T - Rock City, Nottingham, November 2014 Live Review

'Carry On The Grudge' is the long awaited third studio album from Jamie T and marks a more downbeat sound for the 28-year-old, who seems to have written the album from where he was at that point of his life. Giving you tracks such as single 'Don't You Find' with its very downbeat, melodic sound which can only be described as beautiful; you can imagine Jamie T in a smoke filled room, a glass of whiskey just spilling out his soul, a side of this young man that we have not yet seen until now. Now that we have, it does send shivers down your spine, especially when the backing singers kick in. The track is truly what the doctor ordered on his return as the first single to promote the album.

Do not worry, though, if you are a hardened fan that loved the 'earlier stuff' - there are still glimpses of this here and there. The second single 'Zombie' is ironically upbeat; singing about zombies shouldn't work as a rule, but, as with all Jamie T songs, it does, and the music video to go with it is wicked. Two big thumbs up for both singles, the return of Mr T (Jamie T) is looking like it will be a successful one.

Sometimes the best ideas are the simplistic ones. 'Turn On The Lights' is plain and simple, with Jamie T's spiralling, clever lyrics accompanied by a repetitive beat and a nice guitar hook to finish the job. Keeping on the theme of simplicity, 'The Prophet' feels like Jamie has picked up a guitar and has had a bit of a rant in a jamming session; a bad thing this is not, 'Columbia' from Oasis' 'Definitely Maybe' was created the same way and that is an awesome tune.

Continue reading: Jamie T - Carry On The Grudge Album Review