Sonic Dice | Jon Sidwell

Jon Sidwell

Jon Sidwell has written 22 posts for Sonic Dice

Single Review: Ebenus

By Jon Sidwell ⋅ June 25, 2008 ⋅ Post a comment

[Single: Afterparty]
[Label: Unsigned]

‘Afterparty’ is the new single from UK R&B funk maestro, Ebenus. He comes from South London and has recently made the jump from producer to artist. He both wrote and produced this track, demonstrating a man who feels he has been in the background for far too long. He cites legendary artists such […]

Single Review: The Maybes?

By Jon Sidwell ⋅ June 15, 2008 ⋅ Post a comment

[Single: Boys]
[Label: Xtra Mile Recordings]

Whenever you hear a new band from Liverpool, you always feel they are under more pressure than their piers; such is the musical history and pedigree of the city. However young upstarts The Maybes? show no signs of feeling any pressure to succeed, and with the recent release of their second […]

Album Review: The Outline

By Jon Sidwell ⋅ June 10, 2008 ⋅ Post a comment

[Album: You Smash It, We’ll Build Around It]
[Label: 30:30 Recordings]

‘You Smash It, We’ll Build Around It’ is without doubt one of the finest debut albums to come out so far this year. It comes courtesy of The Outline, a four-piece from Los Angeles who construct some damn fine experimental rock. Their debut release is so […]

Album Review: My Awesome Compilation

By Jon Sidwell ⋅ June 10, 2008 ⋅ Post a comment

[Album: Frontiers]
[Label: Small Town Records]

The second album syndrome is one of the most challenging aspects of the modern-day music industry. A bands sophomore effort is almost more important than their debut; it really can make or break a band. It therefore must be both an anxious and exciting time for Leicester-based My Awesome Compilation who, […]

Single Review: The Metros

By Jon Sidwell ⋅ May 30, 2008 ⋅ Post a comment

[Single: Last Of The Lookers]
[Label: 1965 Records]

In the space of twelve months, Peckham boys The Metros have risen from practically nothing to selling out headlining tours across the country, as well as being picked to join the roster on the recent MTV Spanking New Music Tour. They are signed to the impressive 1965 Records and […]

Demo Review: Sunflies

By Jon Sidwell ⋅ May 26, 2008 ⋅ Post a comment

[Region: Herts]
[Label: Unsigned]

The Hertfordshire-based band, Sunflies, have come a long way to get to where they are now. In fact in a period of eighteen months they had 17 different bassists, 8 lead guitarists, and an incredible 36 drummers. So it’s safe to say they’ve been through a lot and no doubt become stronger people […]

Demo Review: The Hustle

By Jon Sidwell ⋅ May 23, 2008 ⋅ Post a comment

[Region: Caerphilly]
[Label: Unsigned]

Hailing from Caerphilly, a small commuter town just outside Cardiff in South Wales, The Hustle are a five-piece that are increasingly getting noticed, not just on a local scale but nationally too. With a well received EP, ‘Good Intentions’, and instant playlisting on BBC Wales and XFM Wales, The Hustle are all set […]

Demo Review: Dirt Jake Replicas

By Jon Sidwell ⋅ May 22, 2008 ⋅ Post a comment

[Region: Portland, OR]
[Label: Unsigned]

Based in Portland, Oregon, Dirt Jake Replicas‘ five members were originally a collective distance of 10,188.6 miles apart (as I’m reliably informed by their little biog). This slightly pointless fact does hold some significance however, particularly when casting any eye over the wide array of artists they cite as influences. Modern-day experimentalists […]

Single Review: The Lazarus Plot

By Jon Sidwell ⋅ May 17, 2008 ⋅ Post a comment

[Single: The Sun Shines Down]
[Label: Illuminated Music]

The Lazarus Plot are accurately described as a “crossover band”, as far as this single goes at least. They effortlessly blend basic indie pop chords and vocals, over more offbeat rhythms and beats.
The track begins with a soft guitar intro, which is swiftly joined with acoustic guitar […]

Gig Review: Future Of The Left + Frommars + The Muscle Club

By Jon Sidwell ⋅ April 14, 2008 ⋅ 2 comments

Venue: Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff
Date: 4 April 2008

If like me you’re not Welsh, then you probably won’t know that Cardiff venue Clwb Ifor Bach in English means ‘Little Ivor’s Club’. Not particularly interesting. What is interesting is that this relatively small venue is probably the most well respected and regarded venue in South Wales. Welsh […]