Download Festival Part 3

The weather on Saturday was horrid! It rained all morning so none of us could really bothered to leave the comfort of our slightly leaky gazebo. However, I've managed to miss seeing FFAF repeatedly so I dragged poor Rob out into the rain with me and we caught the very end of Heart Of A Coward.


After such a long wait to see Funeral For A Friend, I was left disappointed. I think Matt must have had a bad throat or something as his vocals were really ropey. Good little flash back to when I was first getting into proper music, though.


We stuck around for Mallory Knox since we missed them at Takedown, but we scooted off back to camp afterwards to try to warm up and get a little drier! Which meant missing Apocalyptica which was a shame, but no regrets. I was feeling pretty miserable! But we did catch a bit of Rise Against when we got back.


Then a band I was really looking forward to...A Day To Remember! They're quickly becoming one of my favourites.


I really want to see them again! Preferably somewhere dry. The rain definitely kept my mood dampened.


We discovered a cocktail van called Beetle-Juice during Faith No More (who sounded good for a bunch of old dudes). I had a few Beetle-Juices (lychee,raspberry, & gin) whereas Rob was favouring Dark & Stormy (lime, ginger beer, & rum). We had to hang around outside for Andew W.K. as the tent was too packed, but it was still kinda fun. Rob was amazed that there are so many songs about partying that all sound pretty much the same.


Then there was Muse! With big bouncy balls!


As usual they played really well, but the setlist was a mixed bag. Mostly new stuff off of Drones which I only got to listen to once before going.


Microcuts and Citizen Erased though! Even though they were supposedly not playing Origin of Symmetry tracks again...bullllll.

Probably should have been closer for Muse to get more hype, but watching the crowd was quite a sight in itself!

MUSE 30-10-12

On Tuesday I went to see Muse again!

The journey was really stressful. Dad picked us up an hour late, then we got stuck trying to get out of Bath for an hour, and it ended up taking over 3 hours in total to get to Birmingham. We got to our seats just as Joy Formidable were finishing, which is a shame as I know they're really good (I saw them at Reading last year).

I was a little worried that Muse wouldn't be so good due to over-reliance on showy sets and the like, and was definitely feeling a little miffed about paying for 2 £55 tickets when we only ended up seeing one band. But I can safely say they were totally worth the money!



The set was flashy with lots of moving screens and lasers and Matt's sunglasses showed the lyric video for Madness when they played it, but none of this overshadowed their performance! I think this was the best show I've seen of them, but that's probably more because I wasn't a huge fan the first time and I couldn't see a damn thing the second (although the setlist was better that time). And while our view wasn't as good as dad's (he had VIP tickets and was right next to the stage) we still had a good view of all the glowy instruments and stuff.



They played a good mix of the new songs (which, as predicted, have really grown on me a lot) and older stuff. At one point there was a roulette to choose between New Born and Stockholm Syndrome, which landed on the latter song. A lot of disappointed people, but idgaf because I prefer that one eheheh.



The worst thing about the show was the crowd. The standing crowd looked reasonably enthusiastic with a few circle pits breaking out and an acceptable amount of jumping and arm waving, but in the seated bits PEOPLE STAYED SEATED. What the heck is wrong with you people? The people next to us seemed annoyed at people standing. It was a shame as I felt really exposed stood up and surrounded by grumpy old farts, so I couldn't jump around as much as I'd liked (but obviously I'm too short for standing tickets!). The other bad thing being how old my camera is now; I hadn't realise how good newer ones were until I saw the photos the guy in front was getting!



This was the set list. I was so glad they played Liquid State as it's my favourite off the album (controversial! lol).


And I guess sorry for not posting for almost a month, been so busy with uni work and shitty personal shit has been afoot. Please forgive me xP And now to go eat lunch and then try to write an essay in an afternoon!

The 2nd Law

Sorry for all the music posts recently! But I regret nothing.

Tonight Muse' new album 'The 2nd Law' was made available to stream online here, before its release on October the 1st. I just listened to it for the first time, and it seems like a very mixed bag.


On the first listen, I'm not liking the track 'Panic Station'. Started getting into the album at 'Follow Me' because it's dancy but awesome. 'Save Me' sounds a bit Coldplay-y, but Chris Wolstenholme's vocals on 'Liquid State' are delightfully Alkaline Trio-esque (in fact, I'd argue it could easily be an Alkaline Trio song). And while the two closing songs are dubsteppy, I definitely like them. I was appalled by 'Unsustainable' at first, but it did give me a science boner and grew on me really quickly!


My main criticism is that it doesn't have many classical-style sections (or at least they were not overly evident on first listen), unlike 'The Resistance' which obviously has 'Exogenesis' as its 3-part closer (well, not really a criticism, I just like that stuff and was hoping for more!). While the orchestrated parts in this album are epic, most of it is talked or wubwub-ed over, and that's a shame. I personally think Muse should do a whole album with full orchestra, as a side-project or something. A lot of people hate their 'classical' stuff and say it isn't musically brilliant though, which I think is arse. And I love how so much Rachmaninov is incorporated into some of their songs, most notably 'Space Dementia' as it's my favourite song of theirs.

Overall I'm not blown away, but then Muse has always been one of those bands that requires time. For me, anyway. I never used to like them at all, and it took me a good few listens of The Resistance before I really got into it. So I'd say it has potential, definitely! It's just a shame that it doesn't seem to flow too well as there are many different influences evident throughout.


I know there will be a ton of people who complain that it's too different, that they're trying to hard. But if they'd put out a record exactly like their old stuff, those same people would complain that it was the same old stuff, that they'd lost their spark. Because as artists, they push themselves to GROW. That's the whole point. And it's not exactly worlds away from their old work ('Explorers' is essentially a softer version of 'Guiding Light' to my ears), so stfu guys. If you don't like it that's fine, good for you, but don't take it out on the band because they obviously like what they're doing!

I look forward to listening to this album more, and I really hope I end up loving it after spending £130 on tickets to see them next month (and haven't even thought about travel costs yet, ugh). That said, I haven't actually pre-ordered it myself, but my dad is getting the super-special-awesome boxset! So I can just steal that as soon as it arrives, eheheheh.

A great week for music!

I AM SO EXCITE I AM OVERFLOW.

Ahahaha so those of you that watched the opening ceremony will have seen FRANK FUCKING TURNER play. I'd heard rumours, but it was still amazing that he got to play in front of such a huge international audience. If you missed it:


Also since the Olympics have kicked off I keep hearing Muse's Survive everywhere and the song has grown on me a lot now! So I'm starting to look forward to The Second Law, since even if I hate it on the first listen it's likely to grow on me the same way that The Resistance did.

Next news, Stingin' Belle (a new Biffy Clyro track) will be played tonight on Zane Lowe's show some time after 7.30, and then the music video will be up for 24 hours for Team Biffy members from 9 (Source).


And lastly, I saw earlier on Tumblr that a new Frank Turner song will be unveiled Friday, which I thought was cool. Upon listening to the interview first hand (here) it became clear that it will actually be a song from his name-yet-to-be-revealed hardcore side-project. OH MY GODDDDD I hit excitement overload at that point and did a little jig and freaked out a bit.


And of course, there's the fabulousness to look forward to the rest of the year. In August I see Frank Turner and go to the Reading festival, and my vinyl copy of Emily Barker featuring Frank Turner Fields of June will be dispatched. September brings the new Muse album. In October I see Muse live. In November Emily Barker plays locally, although I haven't bought a ticket yet as I don't know if anyone will come with me. December I see Frank Turner again. And somewhere in there a double Biffy Clyro album will probably be released, and then a new Frank Turner album in 2013. Aaaand the mysterious side project will be releasing stuff and touring (apparently this Summer?!! But very hush-hush) and as soon as I find out more about it I'll be getting in on that action too \(^u^)/


Update:// Soooo Stingin' Belle is a pretty cool track as far as I can tell from one listen (BAGPIPES). I was a little disappointed with the video, Simon's moustache creeps me out haha. Double-album Opposites not out until January, but pre-order opens the same day the single is released, 17th September (the same day The Second Law comes out!).

Recent merch buys!

I thought I'd share a few recent 'normal' clothing buys that I'm happy with!

I've been really getting back into music again recently, and so I have started buying band tees again with mixed success.

A while back I bought a ton of Frank Turner merch. This was a Wembley set I bought which included...


a tee,


a scarf,


a poster, and a book.


I also bought this badge set.

Annoyingly despite buying the smallest tee size, it's massive and is essentially useless for girls because it's a total man shape. Haven't decided whether to alter it or sell it yet.



These two tees were from ebay and I love them both!




I already own a plethora of Muse tees, but this is my first hoodie (appears to be a Knights of Cydonia one). Sadly it also suffers from chronic hugeness and man shape. It almost comes down to my knees and my hands don't even reach the cuffs...but it's really snug and warm! However, Muse has somewhat fallen out of my favour recently. I just spent £130-ish on two tickets to see them later in the year, but the album teaser was crap and the Olympics song is crap too. Damnit!



My Jimmy Eat World tees! I wasn't too sure about ordering them at first as the website had no sizing chart and no contact emails or anything, plus shipping from America (plus customs and Royal Mail handling fee) was expensive. But they're one of my favourite bands, and the lilac tee is so my style anyway! I got the blue one too as it was only a few dollars and the shipping fee was flat anyway. Thankfully they fit me perfectly despite the fact that I had to completely chance it.

As for band merch I want...I still want the Frank Turner zip-up hoodie as I wear my pullover one an awful lot. I would like a Million Dead tee although obviously they're few and far between since the band split it 2005 and so seem to be either crap condition or overpriced. I'd also like a Biffy Clyro tee as they're one of my favourites at the moment!


And I couldn't resist this Avengers tee from Qwertee.

Vinyl Collection is go!

Once again I am reminded of how useless at saving money I am. I'm just not content unless I'm spending money! Lately my pony collection hasn't been so fulfilling as I seem to have all the ones that have been released locally. With nothing to look for, it makes collecting pretty dull. So I have decided to start a new collection!

I immediately regret this decision.


Here's the first vinyl that I've ever bought! I'm loving Million Dead right now, and these things seem pretty uncommon, so it was the obvious thing to get first ♥


This was my first ever vinyl though. Even though I'm not really a fan of Bullet For My Valentine anymore I'll always keep it as one of my dear friends from school gave it to me for my 15th birthday. It was such a surprising gift! I love all the etching.

I am mentally kicking myself for not buying the England Keep My Bones vinyl set when it came out, but I couldn't have justified buying both the vinyl and CD at the same time! Now it'll be a struggle to find and looks like I'll have to buy it from America (and obviously I won't get the tee with it or anything).

I suppose a good thing about this collection is that I will only buy ones of songs and bands I really love. I definitely want to try to get all the Frank Turner ones, and I'd like to get as many Muse ones as possible. And unlike my G4 pony collection, they'll take a lot of my time searching which should keep me busy and my wallet relatively safe once my starter purchases are over!


Here is my collection so far! Quite a few were random buys I got for cheap shipped with others, but I think I'll just focus on my goal purchases now, once I've made a list! I have a few more on the way too! You can view my collection on Flickr.

Will probably venture to HMV later to see if they still sell them...the last time I saw them there was years ago though! I did order two Frank Turner LPs from their website, but that was over a week ago and the stock still hasn't been allocated so I'm not optimistic =/

Now I just have to hope my dad still owns a record player!

More Music

Second installment of awesome songs!


Frank Turner's 'I Am Disappeared'. This is my favourite song at the moment, and when he played it live I may have gotten a little over-emotional...but it just gives me goosebumps!


HIM's 'Funeral of Hearts'. This was my favourite song for a while, back when I first discovered HIM! Back when I was 12 and found Ville attractive. I really don't see it anymore though ^_^' The video is pretty though, and DAT KEY CHANGE.


Muse's 'Space Dementia'. Muse are currently my favourite band, and this song gives me chills. I thought I'd give the live from Leeds version since BBC couldn't be arsed to televise this song (how did that person get such a good recording? During Muse at Reading I was having a hard time staying stood up...).


Jindou's 'Kaisei Joshou Hallelujah'. Such a short song, but it's so fun! I always rap along xP


Buono!'s 'Gachinko de Ikou!'. I feel I should put some Buono! in here as I really like them! I don't have a favourite song of theirs in particular, but I love to dance along to this one (I know all the moves...like a boss!). It's thanks to Buono! I got really into J-fashion too =3

And so there we go! Who knows, there may be another installment in the future (although I must say, I am running low on songs haha).

Band Tees

Sorry I haven't written in a while, I've been doing absolutely nothing and so I didn't really have anything to write about! Sadly I start work soon, so I doubt I'll have much to write about then either.

Finally all the merchandise I bought following Reading has arrived! When not wearing lolita, I often wear jeans or shorts with a band tee or hoodie...it's just the comfiest thing to wear, while letting people around me know what I'm all about ;]

Anywho, onto the new arrivals!



First up, my Reading tee itself. I like the simple design of it, although I realise now it's pretty pointless for me to have the line-up on the back as my hair completely covers it! It's a lovely navy colour.



This was probably my favourite package...it came in a box for one thing, which is always a bonus - my Frank Turner tee and hoodie! I've been living in these ever since they arrived xP The hoodie looks ridiculous on me though, as its widest part is where I'm the smallest. I guess I don't have the same proportions as a man!




And finally, my Muse tees. I was only going to buy the Origin Of Symmetry one, but then I saw that the stadium tour one was on sale. Since I didn't pick up a tee at the time I figured I'd buy it. Sadly the former doesn't have the festival dates on the back and the latter looks like it will be too small. Damn! But now I have a grand total of 6 Muse tees ^_^'

I love how band merchandise has come along though...I remember when women's sizes were rare (so I had to drown in a men's small which would generally come down almost to my knees...and when they did exist the material would wear out and fade really quickly) and the colour choice was black, black or black. I got rid of most of my old ones because of these faults, but all this stuff I will keep until it no longer fits.

Also my gifts for Rob just arrived!


I wasn't expecting one of them to arrive so quickly, so now I have to decide which should be a birthday gift and which an anniversary gift. I got him Pokémon gym badges (lazercut and really awesome looking, even if they are a pointless and nerdy gift) and a Vivienne Westwood shirt (I really hope it fits, I don't understand man sizes at all!).

Reading Festival, 2011

(I wrote a lot. Feel free to ignore my writing and just look at the pictures, that's what I often do with blogs!)

I can't believe it's all over!

I'm soooooo glad I went as I was really starting to wuss out before going. Attending a festival for the first time with a bunch of people you don't know is a pretty daunting prospect afterall. But as soon as I arrived, I knew I'd made the right decision!

I arrived on the Wednesday afternoon and found Camp Loner pretty easily. I was half-dead upon arrival as my bags were so ridiculously heavy (had to carry clothes, food, drink, tent, camping chair, sleeping bag, sleeping mat). My tent ended up wonky, but I'm still pretty proud of it! It's the one with the yellow Minnie Mouse on (I added it so I could tell which tent was mine).


I didn't take my camera as the battery is too rubbish, so I just had the camera on the Viewty phone I borrowed from my cousin. It was useless when lights were shining on it so everything came out blurry, so I won't share many band photos. I did have fun which the glitchy panorama function though! And I still managed to add too many photos to this post and ramble too much, sorry!

The weather was very mixed, switching from raining very hard to being warm and sunny. I got so muddy on the first few days and so I was smelly and dirty all weekend!

Had great fun getting to know people and getting a little tipsy on the first two nights, although I spent much of the festival alone as I didn't want to go in the pit and my music taste differed a little. After the music stopped I just went straight to bed despite it being too noisy to sleep...it was just warmer and I had no intention of drinking.

On the Friday, during the second band, my glasses got knocked off. And jumped on. I was lucky to be able to retrieve them as they were instantly smothered in mud. I cleaned them off on the Saturday morning, but they were pretty much unwearable.


And I can't see a damn thing without them. So that kinda put a dampener on the whole weekend as I couldn't see! It was a struggle to even find the toilets, despite the massive signs =[ I could wear them a little when I was at the middle barrier as I couldn't get knocked about too much, so I had to hook the remaining arm in my hair and balance them on my nose, but any sweat or rain and they'd just slide off. Only wore them for a few bands.

On the FRIDAY I saw Architects, The Blackout, New Found Glory, part of Bring Me The Horizon, Rise Against, Deftones, The Offspring, Thirty Seconds To Mars and My Chemical Romance.

The Offspring were SO GOOD! I haven't really listened to them much before but I'll make a point to now.

MCR have definitely improved as a live act since I last saw them (about 6 years ago now, I think), although I didn't enjoy it as much as before. I felt like a fossil really, everyone was singing along and I was just stood there not knowing the words as I haven't heard the new album. Someone behind me said they liked 'old MCR stuff more'...referring to the song 'Teenagers'. Which was off 'Black Parade'. Which is FREAKING NEW. My gen of MCR was '...Bullets...' and 'Three Cheers...'. They played 2 songs off 'Three Cheers...' and nothing off '...Bullets...' D= They were still good though, but yeah I just felt old. It's the band's 10th anniversary this year, and I've been with them for at least 7 of those years which is just kinda scary to me!

On SATURDAY I saw The Joy Formidable, Seasick Steve (missed most of the set, but no great loss as it was pretty boring), Two Door Cinema Club, Madness, Jimmy Eat World, The National, Pulp and The Strokes. I only stayed for The Strokes as I couldn't escape the crowds after Pulp! I wore my glasses for Jimmy Eat World and Pulp as I knew I love both bands.

Jim Adkins still has the same dorky hairstyle he's always had, but the wind blew his fringe to the side for most of the set *me gusta*. They were brilliant as ever (this was my third time seeing them live), and they played a good mix of new and old songs. Still miffed they don't play 'Kill' live as I love that song.


As for Pulp, I swear Jarvis Cocker hasn't aged at all. I have a fondness for the band as the song 'Disco 2000' was on the only 'Now!' album I ever owned...on cassette tape! They put on a really good show too, if you get a chance to see them, do it.


SUNDAY was more hectic as it was the only day I went from stage to stage. I saw We Are The Ocean, Taking Back Sunday (Adam Lazzara is so irritating I wanted to punch him), Frank Turner, Jarred Christmas, Tim Minchin, Panic! At The Disco, Face To Face, Frank Turner and Muse.

So many clashes on this day which was sad, had to miss Flogging Molly for Muse and only caught the last few seconds of Elbow (who are epic live) because I went to see Frank Turner's second set instead.

It was well worth it to see Frank twice though, as his music is my absolute favourite right now and his performance was just incredible! And he's a tad gorgeous *bit of a bonus*. I got so overemotional when he started playing 'I Am Disappeared' as it is my favourite song ever. Both sets were very different experiences, the first being on Main Stage where I was far away and surrounded by thousands of people and the second in the Lock Up tent where I was really close and squished in the pit.




Muse was the reason I went in the first place, and they didn't disappoint (although I couldn't wear my glasses as the woman next to me was too bionic - she elbowed me in the eye ffs - so I couldn't see at all). Hearing Origin Of Symmetry in full was a unique opportunity and 'Space Dementia' is one of my favourite Muse songs so I loved singing along to it! Kinda got second-hand stoned during their set too so I may have danced like a total weirdo ¬_¬ but it was fun! I just have total resentment for everyone who has decent eye sight. I even had a relatively clear view, which is surpising as most people were around a foot taller than me (seriously I have no idea where all these tall people came from or why they usually feel the need to stand in front of me...even with my hands stretched straight up I couldn't reach over people's heads).



See what I mean about the lights messing with the camera? xP

Now for some glitchy panoramic photos! A beautiful rainbow over the Main Stage, and my Camp Loner brethren.





I had a great time, though I was glad to get back to wash and rest and eat and drink tea! I also now have 15 cans I salvaged from the wreck that was the abandoned Camp Loner, although my arms almost fell off carrying them and the rest of my stuff back! I will pack much less next time, and I really hope I can go again. If the line-up is good next year then I'll definitely go again and camp with the loners again.