Music Spotlight: Something New for Uni

I know what you youths are like these days, going around campus, music blaring out at ungodly hours. Cities view September with an overbearing sense of dread, fearful of the forthcoming scourge that will accompany the start of the new academic year. 

Regardless of how you act at uni, chances are you'll be stereotyped as the listless student by all other faucets of society, especially if you're attending a university in a small city, and even more so if you're a bright-eyed fresher. Some say that stereotypes exist for a reason, and if this involuntary image of yourself is going to be attached to you regardless of how you act, then there's no point trying to change it, really. 

So embrace your inner student: Go out on a tenner. Wake up at 3 P.M. Blast out music at potentially unreasonable hours, and turn it up louder on a school night. So while you're at it, here's three new tunes that'll make sure you can look like the biggest music hipster going. You'll either be the life of the party, or ignored completely, but let's face it; there's a good chance of that happening regardless. 

The Assist - Love

If you want to be that guy who's incredibly nostalgic of Britpop, (the one who makes out he's been to Oasis' Maine Road gigs despite the fact that he'd have been about 3 at the time), then look no further than the modern resurrection of Madchester. 

This movement has seen somewhat of a resurgence nowadays, with traditional band formats being loaded with a swarm of psychedelic elements. Just think of all the layers in this tune, I mean, I lost count. 

So anyway, these lads are bringing back the glory days of Madchester with some uncharacteristically tight lyrics, giving the song a bit of welcome pace and punch. It uses just enough effects and post-editing to make it sit on the fence between a 90s club banger and a modern indie hit.  

They're like the Charlatans, only the frontman, Mikey, has funny hair. 

Small Victories - Future

If you're of the belief that two-man bands are the future, well, you might be onto something. With a sound reminiscent of The Joy Formidable, the duo are doing something right indeed, making a massive sound with minimal members, a feat which has led to the success of similarly constructed bands such as Slaves and Royal Blood.

Rather than utilising nostalgic attraction, the two appear to be firmly focused on the future, giving a garage rock style of music which doesn't immediately rely on distorted guitars and spat-out lyrics. Think The Black Keys rather than The Stone Roses for these two. 

The Midnight Barbers -  Hey Master

Last but not least, take a step into something a bit more bizarre. Another duo, The Midnight Barbers seem intent on giving you some very weird dreams; it's fine though, because they want to soundtrack said dreams with good ol' fashioned rock and roll, something which has been direly overlooked in modern music. 

If I was going to make any criticism, the song itself doesn't seem too inspired. Admittedly, the lyrics are just as brash and harsh as necessary, it's just the lacklustre chord arrangement makes it sound like they're trying to rip off of T-Rex. But ah well, there's going to be some overlap with classic rock, I suppose. 

Whereas the other two tunes in this post had the intent of appealing to certain groups, I really don't know what to do with this one. With a video like that, you probably won't be starting any leisurely conversations with slightly tipsy people at the bar. Probably stick to this track if you want to give yourself some space, I reckon. Or take it to an art class and describe how it represents the subconscious, I've not a clue.