News // Last names confirmed on Rock In Rio - Lisboa

Earlier this week Rock In Rio organisation confirmed the last names that complete the festival.

Stevie Wonder, Bryan Adams, Joss Stone and The Gift are the confirmations for June 2, to perform on Rock In Rio's main stage Palco Mundo.

(The Gift's recent single: Primavera)

The tickets for this day are now available and the organisation extended the deadline to trade your Christmas kit vouchers until May 7.

Remember this festival is happening between May 25 and 26 and June 1, 2 and 3 and a daily ticket is around 61€.
Keep up the news and information about Rock In Rio here.

May 25:
Metallica; Evanescence; Mastodon; Sepultura + Tambours du Bronx
May 26:
Linkin Park; Limp Bizkit; Smashing Pumpkins; The Offspring

June 1:
Lenny Kravitz; Maroon 5; Ivete Sangalo; Expensive Soul
June 2:
Stevie Wonder; Joss Stone; Bryan Adams; The Gift
June 3:

Bruce Springsteen + The E Street Band; Xutos & Pontapés; James; Kaiser Chiefs

Review: The Gift in Lisbon, CCB

My first gig of 2012 happened at CCB (Centro Cultural de Belém) with the incredible Portuguese band The Gift, where the band gave a sold out double date - February 16th and 17th - I went to the last one.

I’ve never been to CCB before – at least to this beautiful auditorium.
On the show, I was able to realize what Salvador from YCWCB said, on the interview the band gave us, about how much architecture could influence the music performance.

I was able to see the band on a summer performance last year – they were very good, full of energy but it was unfair because most people weren’t really paying attention.
With this show people were there for The Gift and for their music and that made all the difference.

The artists that were part of this amazing gig were: The Gift – Sónia Tavares (vocals), Nuno Gonçalves (vocals, keyboards, programming), John Gonçalves (bass, keyboards) and Miguel Ribeiro (guitars, keyboards) and the guest artists: Mário Barreiros (drums), Paulo Praça (guitars) and Israel Costa Pereira (guitars, keyboards).

The Gift’s show was divided in two parts (if you don’t mind I would prefer to call them acts): The first act was dedicated to Primavera – their most recent work – including La Terraza, Les Tulipes de Mon Jardin and several instrumentals, very well played instrumentals like Variação sobre Primavera I and Variação sobre Primavera III and the second act was about Explode promising more colour, dance and energy contrasting with the calm, serenity and somehow more classic Primavera (at least that was my interpretation).

The first act (it sounds more theatrical, way more beautiful when called act) can be described as acoustic thanks to the intimacy and closeness we could feel from the band.
They also included an “old” song Fácil de Entender where every single person (a sold out CCB auditorium) sang with everything they had and made it very worth it.

After almost an hour, the Primavera act ended with the song that gave name (and inspiration) to their new album presented on this part (released on January 2012 and curiously recorded in ten days on CCB).

After 15 minutes of break – the second act, mostly composed by Explode, was completely different. It was full of colour, beauty and will of sharing happiness and music.

Explode is the perfect soundtrack for life. Full of joy and enthusiasm it was really incredible to see how different their interpretation of Explode changed in a few months (since I saw them last summer) they’ve grown up, they become so much stronger and better!

On this part we were able to listen such amazing songs like Made For You, Race Is Long or The Singles and they didn’t forget other hits like Driving You Slow or the “unknown” In Repeat – showing an electronic/disco side of The Gift.

I’m really fascinated with that song because Nuno Gonçalves used this curious instrument called Theremin (read about it here) and it fits perfectly on this song.

A bit more than an hour before the start of the second act, the show really ended.

The Gift’s show was incredible for so many reasons: how well they fitted both albums and both concepts on the same gig – on Primavera they used sober colours, mostly black, with a background projecting the monochromatic photos of the album’s cover and some studio pics, all very classy with a bit of ceremony and serenity at the same time. On Explode we can see the opposite, we see colour, happy outfits, bright and light. Even their posture changed, they were more relaxed and literally exploded joy, fun, movement, dance and MUSIC.

Each part was thought to the smallest detail and it was really inspiring.

They really try to bond with people, to make them feel at home like we were watching them at our own living room. They are constantly interacting, with each others, telling us small stories about the songs and their lives.
After music and beauty, humour was the word of the night. They spread jokes with the audience and between them, it’s amazing to see how connected they are and the way they show it to people it’s so sweet.
They’re honest and kind people and that reflects in everything they do.

Once I wrote “There’s something magical about The Gift, maybe they just breathe music” - read here - and after this gig I can really say that they must do it for sure, what I saw there, all the potential, all the talent, I’m pretty sure they are closer and closer of a bigger and brighter international career.

I also wrote about Primavera - click on the link - “This is why I am proud of being Portuguese, they make me totally proud of my language and our music” and after that night, I am even more.
I’m overwhelmed by their work, their concepts, their unique sound and their enormous talent.
The Gift – never a name fitted so well a band like they do.
The Gift have a hundred faces and all of them suits so nicely!

After the next booked shows, The Gift are doing a pause due to Sónia’s pregnancy. Let’s hope it won’t take long.

Rating: 5/5

A brief reflexion about SOPA and its effects on music (industry).

I don’t know if you have already heard about SOPA so before anything else I’ll try to resume what it is all about.

SOPA stands for the Stop Online Piracy Act. The general idea is to prevent piracy and copyright infringement but it has been said that it’s going to be done in an overly-aggressive and overprotective way. This act can create a blacklist of censored websites and shut them down.
Websites such as YouTube can be very affected and even shut down if this bill becomes a law.
Basically it’s this, a lot of information is available on the internet about it– you may want to take a look before it disappears.

Let’s start by thinking about the artists’ position on this whole big mess. It's obvious that labels will always say that this measure will help bands/singers selling more albums. But in my opinion artists point of view can be very different.

The number of bands that once in a while release albums for free is growing. For example, in 2007 Radiohead challenged the labels with their In Rainbows available for free – fans were able to pay as much or as little as they wanted. The Gift had the same decision last year for their album – Explode.


A lot of starting artists use websites such as YouTube to promote their talent uploading videos of them doing covers. Many artists have been found due to that strategy. With this new idea such videos won’t be tolerated.

Some people can say that artists that are already rich can live with their albums being heard for free, but the ones that are not, need people to hear their albums on the internet otherwise they won’t get known. There is no one that makes a bet on a band before listening to any material. I think artists, above all things, want their music to be listened. Personally, there is not many bands I would buy their CDs before listening and I think I’m not alone this. Music discovers won't be possible.

On the other hand, money shouldn’t be what move artists - I know everyone needs money to survive - , I think from the moment it’s what move them they better stop.

And… What about those websites that publish the song lyrics? Will they also be removed?

Here are some loose thoughts about this matter.
If you have any opinion – I believe we always have – would you like to share it with us?

We never know.. But can this blog be censured as well?

The Gift, Open Window

As revealed on Ana's post on January 4th, the Portuguese band The Gift released on January 9th their new record Primavera.

Primavera was announced on the band's facebook page on December 30, 2011.

This new record comes after Explode released less than an year ago, being influenced on a song with new arrangements from their 2011 album - Primavera - and was recorded mostly in ten days on Centro Cultural de Belém. We can notice this new work is more ambient, where the Gift decide to give prominence to the piano and the way of vocal representation. Compared with Explode - with an electronic explosion of color, happiness and movement - Primavera is calmer, probably more mature, showing another more side of this band.

This Primavera sounds more like a beautiful soundtrack than a record from a Pop band. For some this may be considered the best album of The Gift.

With 12 songs, this record is going to be part of an Iberian Tour with almost 20 shows between Portugal and Spain being divided in two different parts of both albums, Explode and Primavera.

After the promotion of this record and Explode, the band is going on a pause due to the singer's Sónia Tavares pregnancy.

"Naked trees around

The swimming pool

Old leaves left on the ground

I finally open up this window"

News - The Gift announces new tour

After telling to their fans that they are going to release another album next week, 9th January, the Portuguese band - The Gift - announces a tour that is going to last 2 months.
It will cover Portugal and Spain and will be in the main places.

The show will be divided into 2 different parts: songs from Explode - 2011 album - and Primavera - the one that is going to be released next week.

Tour dates:

January

13 friday | Alcobaça
14 saturday | Alcobaça
18 wednesday | Madrid
19 thrusday | Madrid
20 friday | Barcelona
26 thrusday | Porto
27 friday | Fafe
28 saturday | Aveiro

February

02 thrusday | Santiago de Compostela
03 friday | Arcos de Valdevez
04 saturday | Faro
10 friday | Vila Real
11 saturday | Castelo Branco
16 thrusday | Lisboa
18 saturday | Vila do Conde
23 thrusday | Leiria
24 friday | Coimbra
25 saturday | Braga

Ana'lex - 2011: Music Retrospection

Before reading this post you must know that I haven’t even heard 10% of the music released this year - I'm aware of this fact - but even knowing that I think I've discovered several albums and songs that are worth to give a little time and talk about them. But time is short and I will stick to the most important and the ones in some way influenced my state of mind or way of seeing things.

Following is my TOP of 2011 according to several topics.

Albums released this year:


Within Temptation - The Unforgiving: Besides the excellent vocals and instrumental part that I'm already use to hear form this band what surprised me the most in the album was the concept: it was released simultaneously a comic book written by Steven O'Connell and illustrated by Romano Molenaar (X-Men). The characters and stories are thus portrayed in three ways: by the artists in the comic book, by the band in the music (album), and by the actors in the films.


The story is about people who have done bad things. Not because they are bad, but because they made bad decisions. - Sharon den Adel

Florence and The Machine - Ceremonials: Florence released an album with no much surprises comparing to the last album, I think she stuck to it which is not a bad thing because it was very good. I’m looking forward to see them live next year.

James Blake – James Blake: he made a piece of art. His sound is something I wasn’t used to hear at all. He seems a little boy but in fact he is a great man that did an awesome album!

Adele - 21: she became one of my favourite artists with ‘21’. The melody, the voice, the lyrics it all made a spectacular album from an amazing singer. Unfortunately, the end of the year wasn’t as good as we expected but she is now recovering and in one year she will with no doubts back!

Pj Harvey - Let England Shake: she is a veteran but her 2011 album was the one I’ve ever heard mainly because she was at the top of many magazines and website as the best album of this year. It’s a great album indeed, I recommend it.

Luísa Sobral - The Cherry On My Cake - and Márcia – Dá -, gained this year recognition and some time in the Portuguese radio stations. Their albums are absolutely great. Very calm melodies and simple lyrics. They are definitely artists to follow.

Mafalda Veiga – Zoom: she released this album as a result of the remaking of new and old songs. She also released a new song called “Largar Mais” – it basically speaks about (no) letting that “someone” go.

The Eleanors - Back to lies and tv shows: I’ve told you that they are going to work with the producer of Coldplay’s albums. Their album is very good, unfortunately I wouldn’t ever say it’s a Portuguese band because it’s not every day that we have the opportunity to hear this quality from a Portuguese Band.

The Gift - Explode: has it was reviewed in this blog their album released this year, is nothing but fantastic. Although they are reckoned all over the world they are slowly starting their international career. I like them since their AM-FM album and they are just getting better and better.


Songs released this year:


Besides the music referred above there are some songs released this year that I think are very good. I'm not good at this, I may be forgetting a lot of songs.

Paramore – In the morning: it’s one of 4 songs released by this band this year. It has a sweety melody.

Lady Gaga – The Edge of Glory: “There ain’t no reason” to not like this song. My favorite from her new album – Born this way. There is no particular reason but I think it’s one of those songs where you can see the potential of Gaga.

Train - Hey Soul Sister: I couldn't relate more with this song. And that's enough.

David Guetta ft Usher – Without you: I would give emphasis to this song due to one simple reason: I don’t like Guetta’s and Usher’s type of music. So what do I like about this song? When I don’t like the artist and I like the music it’s very often the same reason: The lyrics. I think they are very good, the team that wrote it were inspired that day. But other reason is the moment I heard it. I was at the disco and I would never think of hearing a music at a club with such inspiring lyrics, well done guys!

Gigs I went and loved:

Skunk Anansie (Coliseu dos Recreios) – Skin’s energy is unforgettable. I TOUCHED HER HAND! :D (at 1:00)

Bon Jovi (Bela Vista) – Well it is Jon and Richie. And it’s all I needed for Bon Jovi’s concert to become one of the best..ever. See you guys next tour!

Paramore (Optimus Alive) – Hayley live is as good as she is on studio. Despite that the band – even if it was just half of it – was really connected and full of energy. I loved it and hope for a soon comeback.

Within Temptation (Coliseu dos Recreios) - Well it's all said here: http://fuckyeahmusicstories.blogspot.com/2011/10/review-within-temptation-in-lisbon.html

Musical Discovery:

Feist: while hearing this song it’s just that feeling you get when you go with the flow. It’s different and great. If the money was enough for everything I would go to their concert next year, in Portugal. But we will see.

Kings of Convenience: the voice of these two guys feet so well together and their lyrics seem a bit intellectual but are at the same time very cool.

Albums That I’m waiting to be released:


Adam Lambert -Trespassing: I’ve known him since he participated on American Idol but his first album didn’t attracted me despite two songs: Aftermath and What ya want from me. I expect this album to see if can see not the pop and commercial Adam Lambert from his first album, but the sentimental, deep and different Adam I discovered on that contest. One thing I know he has a great voice!

Missy Higgins’s: I know her album The Sound Of White very well and I expect another album so easy to hear but at the same time with feelings described that I can relate and think about.

Keane's: there is only one album of them that I don’t like. Their sound may be considered a bit commercial – because it’s so easy to hear the majority of their songs - but they are very good in what they do. Tom’s voice is different from what we are used to heard in this type of bands.

Paramore's: they released 4 songs (Singles Club) this year and in my opinion they are all a bit different from each other. Due to this and because they are one of my favorite bands, I’m expecting their album with relative optimism.

The Gift's: I just read (http://www.facebook.com/The.Gift.Official) that they are going to release a new album next month and I'm really happy to know that. I hope next year I have the opportunity to see them live.

Finally, hopefully, a P!nk’s album for ALL the obvious reasons.

Artists that start to get international recognition in 2011 and I’m waiting to see more in 2012:

Beside the obvious choices such as Adele, James Blake, Márcia, Luísa Sobral and The Eleanors, I want to follow Jessie J. She has an incredible voice. Her first album – Who You are – is very good but according to her live performances I think we can expect much more of her in the next years.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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Pat: 2011 Music Retrospection

This was a very strong year in terms of music for me.

Musically, we were desolated by Amy Winehouse’s death or Adele’s illness but still good music was done and thankfully this was a very special year for me, mainly because we started this project Fuck Yeah Music Stories and consequently made me see Music with very different eyes – more objective, attentive and with way more pleasure than I had before.

This is my TOP of favorites of this year.

I’ve (re)discovered a lot this entire year and this was a very introspective and hard list to make.

Albums released this year:

• Owl City, All Things Bright and Beautiful: There’s something about this artist that I truly loved. Besides everything this album is beautiful and honest. We can get thousand of interpretations of each song. Musically it’s absolutely interesting and we discover a new thing at each play. Kamikaze, Dreams Don’t Turn To Dust or Galaxies are very different songs that compose this record.

• The Gift, Explode: This year was their consummation. They are an extremely talented band and Explode shares a way colorful interpretation of themselves. It’s a discovery, a funny ride through songs like RGB, The Singles or Primavera. I absolutely recommend this record to everyone who honestly loves music. There’s something magical about Explode and The Gift, maybe they just breathe music and that’s what we get.

• My Chemical Romance, Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys: This new record is intense but it sounds a lot like My Chemical Romance. Songs like Sing or Planetary (Go!) are young but also spread their talent and rock/punk way of seeing the world. Their themes are so interesting to discover, and when you do, you change all your thoughts about them! Let’s make a revolution and fight for our ideas.

• Foster The People, Torches: Foster The People are this young band with grown up ideas. This record is solid, strong and with meaning. Torches is absolutely one of the best records of 2011 for me with songs like Pumped Up Kicks or Call It What You Want made this music world way more interesting. They made me believe in contemporary music.

• Coldplay, Mylo Xyloto: Coldplay are Coldplay and this album is the ultimate confirmation of their talent. Paradise or Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall are part of this incredible and strong album. After hearing the album we can’t really find words to describe it. They exceeded themselves once again and I’m not shocked because they know their value and how good they are and this record shows exactly that.

• Luisa Sobral, The Cherry On My Cake: Luisa Sobral is an absolutely amazing artists and this is a brutal album. That jazzy-pop mixed style with a very characteristic voice, makes her one of the Portuguese revelations of 2011 and this album is the consummation of her talent, leaving the certain she also has much more talent and creativity to share.

•   Márcia, Dá: I really love Márcia and her album. Dá is a simple word which is translated as “Give” and she gives so much to music, her simple words followed by beautiful melodies and a stunning voice makes this a must-have album for everyone! Every record should follow a simple guide line – beautiful vocals, stunning instrumental and amazing lyrics. There’s nothing wrong about this album. It’s so personal but at the same time to freaking weird for being so simple. I always say “Simplicity Wins!” and it does!

• Beirut, The Rip Tide: Beirut are my secret passion of this year. Everything they do, they do with pleasure and this album influenced by European music and old-fashioned American Pop is an inspiration. Since the first time I got the album I can’t get tired of it! It’s a constant discovery, a constant travel. This must be a travel soundtrack, if it isn’t I will travel just do it myself. It’s really an inspiration, so calm, full of beauty and reminding me so much of ending days watching sunsets on beaches.

• You Can't Win Charlie Brown, Chromatic: They are part of the revelation bands/artists in the Portuguese scenario. They are incredible, with songs like Over The Sun/Under The Water makes them so curious and interesting to discover. You Can’t Win, Charlie Brown are one of those absolutely worth it bands because after listening their songs we have the feeling they still have so much to give! I suggest their songs to music lovers!

• James Blake, James Blake: James Blake is amazing! He is absolutely talented and his songs are the reflection of the good musician he is. His extraordinary taste in music makes him one of the best artists of 2011! As I said once, he is not easy to like but once you do, he turns to one of your favorite for sure.

• Kaiser Chiefs, The Future Is Medieval: Kaiser Chiefs are crazy and talented. Their innovation on this album was huge, influenced by their hiatus. They made a strong album, similar but also so different from their previous records. They are a reflection of these times and so is this record. They make Indie so proud!

•  The Vaccines, What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?: The Vaccines were discovered by accident but thankfully I did. The band is so interesting, so fresh. A mix of a beautiful indie and funky pop, I’m absolutely curious to follow their work and discover their next albums.

•  Michael Bublé, Christmas: Michael Bublé is one of my favorite singers. Sounding a lot like Mr. Sinatra, he made a special album related with Christmas and covered known songs like White Christmas or Jingle Bells very beautifully with his unique taste. I usually don’t like Christmas songs, but these jazzy versions are absolutely amazing. I totally suggest them!

•  Adele, 21: She is Adele. I shouldn't have much more to say. The album is amazing, full of strong vocals and followed by very well played instruments. 21 is something really special, there’s no one who can’t name a song from Adele. She is a growing artist who sold out Royal Albert Hall and that must mean something. I’ll be waiting for her return and new albums!

• The Doups, Small Town Gossip: The Doups were suggested to me. Their album is something we can’t usually see in Portugal, they are a very nice sound, a cute style and they are a promising band. They have this surely uncommon style and somehow alternative way of doing music. The Doups are different and that’s not something bad, actually they do take advantage of that so gracefully. I’m proud they are Portuguese!

Songs released this year:

There are loads of songs that I honestly loved this year like Maroon 5 - Moves Like Jagger, My Chemical Romance - Planetary (Go!), Lana Del Rey - Blue Jeans, James Blake - Limit To Your Love, Owl City - Kamikaze or even Márcia - Cabra-Cega or Luisa Sobral - Xico. Choosing an unique song is hard, specially when I found amazing Portuguese and international artists this year but I would chose as my favorite song Called Out In The Dark by Snow Patrol, there's some special aura around this song, sounds so positive, so "keep going" especially when he says "This is your life, this is your time"!

Gigs I went and loved:

Roger Waters (The Wall 25^th Anniversary Tour) – Lisboa: Pavilhão Atlântico
Festival Optimus Alive 2011 – Algés: Passeio Marítimo
The Gift – Cascais: Marina
Owl City (All Things Bright And Beautiful Tour) – Lisboa: Campo Pequeno

Musical Discovery:

I mentioned earlier this was a very rich year for me, musically speaking.

There’s a long list I could continue with but if I had to chose only one it would probably be Owl City. His work is amazing and his way of seeing the world is so simple, kind and beautiful.
His music reflects his believing in the purest feelings like true love or nature.

Albums That I’m waiting to be released:

Probably Keane and The Killers are the artists I’m most eager to listen to. They didn’t release anything this year and I’m absolutely curious to know their next work, to see how the sound of their next album is going to be. They make part of my favorite bands and not hearing from them – in terms of releasing music – for an entire year is somehow wired for me. I’m just curious! I’ve been following the news related with Keane’s new album and their sound is turning out so awesome and curious. I can’t wait!

I’m also waiting for Lana Del Rey’s predicted to be released next January and Willy Moon’s which is unknown. They are new talents that I’ve been following and I’m just anxious to discover more of their work.

Artists that began career in 2011 and I’m waiting to see more in 2012:

This is easy.  As I said above, Lana Del Rey and Willy Moon are two of the artists I’m waiting to know more about. They are new artists and I’m amazed by their talent and freshness. Their music is so different and new, so absolutely stunning and full of talent. I’m so curious to hear their albums and new works!


And what about you?
Don't forget to share your opinions with us - specially if they are missing! We want to know your own tops!

I remind you on my list are missing a lot of artists, I tried to resumed and focus on the principal ones and the one I really wanted people to know about.


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Review: The Gift "Explode" (2011)

My first choice for our new column are the portuguese band named The Gift, they are Sónia Tavares, Nuno and John Gonçalves and Miguel Ribeiro, from Alcobaça. In this album they invited additional artists like Paulo Praça - guitar, Nathalie Portela - additional voice on "Mermaid Song", Ken Nelson - additional voice on " Suit Full of Colours", Mário Barreiros - drums and Nuno Ruas - tambourine on "My Sun".

The album "Explode" was released in 2011, firstly on their website where they invited their fans to pay whatever they wanted for the album. After they would released a new song every day for eleven days in a row, the first song was released on February 27 and the name was RGB.

On March 21 it was released the fisical version of the album, this version also has many pictures of the members on Holi celebrations, a Hindu comemoration as shown on the cover. The cover picture as much as the others promo photographs by the amazing Poras Chaudhary.

The band decided to prove their opinion about the media nowadays, their influence in society and how much is truth of what is released and published on the media.
On March 10, they revealed that was already a music on youtube. That video was already playing for two weeks but published that the music was from a new duo Lucas/Lukas, formed by two young actors Lukas Haas and Isabel Lucas, but afterall it was only The Gift's video for a new song "Made for You". This can also be seen has a joke which the american actor and the australian actress accepted to enter in. The video of "Made For You" which can be seen at the end of this post was produced by Carleton Ranney. The Gift mentioned on their last e-mail (when they sent the songs to their fans by e-mail) that they wanted to do what Joaquin Phoenix did on "I Am Still Here", as Bansky with his "Exiy through The Gift Shop" such as Orson Welles did a few decades ago.

The album is composed by 11 songs ( + one on the special edition)

1. Let It Be by Me (5:16) : It's a very hardcore song as a first one. Very electrical, deeply distorted this song is a complete risk that results at the end, it's a good way of starting the end. Catches our attention from the beginning probably thanks to the melodic drums or the synthesizers on the instruments. The voices are a bit changed, in another song I wouldn't probably result but here fits perfectly on the rhythm and electronic violin which sticks amazingly good on the music. After listening the album over and over again, my opinion remains that it's a bit risky mainly because usually it's not their style but a very good song and a different way of beginning an album so good like "Explode".
   

   "It's just a matter of you and I, we try to fly away
   And see what things will calm my soul
   And God knows things
   We're doing wrong"

2. Made For You (4:42) : The surprise song, the one that all the media published has Lucas/Lukas even with the voice of the gorgeous Sónia Tavares. The lyrics are so so gorgeous and damn strong, the instrumental is stunning. Made for You was the chosen song for the Gift's question "How much the world is influenced by the media and how much we can believe in them." It's strong but at the same time it's very beautiful. I enjoyed what they did by publishing on youtube by Lucas/Lukas a few days before the first song release. Two weeks later The Gift revealed what they did and that made me proud, I enjoyed and understood so well what they wanted to share with the fans and general public: We must not believe in everything that we listen/see out there. Be aware!


for the extend version click here

"Trust, I will always be there, waiting for your love Trust in the beauty inside, trust the name Explode Trust the colours of rainbows, even if it's dark Trust in the photos you did and the ones outside Trust in people, religions and all their hopes Trust in the meaning of life, this can only be love Trust the friends that we share, and the ones we don't Trust in me, trust in you Over and over and over

3. RGB (5:35) : Love this song, sticks in your head all day. Probably the most commercial one, but one of my favorites! I feel powerful and wanna yell the world "I am free!". It's like one of those help songs but in this case it helps you to open your eyes and do what you are meant to do. There's a referee to "there's no dance in the dark / let the fireworks start" it's like a reminder that is always going to be a light, even if we don't believe at the time, we need to understand that when we believe things will appear better. RGB is related with the colour model defined by "Red, Green and Blue", which colours are mention on the song.
   
   

   "What made you think that I'm in love with you?
   
   A hundred ways to heal my heart, undo"
   

4. Mermaid Song (3:56) : This is a risky song, the effects on Sónia's voice are too much and I am curious to see how this will result on live gigs. But still is a gorgeous song. Love the instrumental effects, the combination of synthesizers is so good, I love the instrumentals of this song. It's not a very common combination but it is amazing and sounds pretty good. Reminds of under and deep sea - which makes sense because it's related with the title.
   

   "At the end we all want the same
   Eternal Life and throne proclaim
   Exploding Love the Kingdoms come
   This King is just a mermaid son"

5. The Singles (12:22) : Probably the biggest surprise and one of the most emotional and exciting songs of the album! Really enjoy this one. It's a pretty big sound but listen carefully makes many sense. It's those songs that could give you 5 different songs, but all together makes the perfect sense and it's absolutely gorgeous. The instrumental of this song has such variety, such colour, such bright, for me it's impossible to think of people that don't like it! Somehow this song has parts, specially at the very end that really but really sounds like my babies (my fav band Keane) and it is sooo nice! I have a huge fascination for this song. We are never tired. The combination is so well done that we don't have the feeling that we're listening a 12 minute song but several 3 minute ones. This song is a bunch of creativity, a bunch of beauty, a bunch of energy, a bunch of joy. This song has everything! Not any single flaw. Probably my favorite, or at least one of my favorite songs from The Gift. Here they prove everything they are, every single piece of themselves and their genius mind. I love the reference Sónia makes of such amazing and different artists like Talking Heads, Radiohead and Rufus Wainwright.
   

   "It's just a paper cut and my head is now so strong
   I'm not afraid anymore
   If you come back right through that door
   But you are never quick enough to forget
   It's just a paper cut" *
   
   
   "Sunny beauty ballads, trashy crazy words
   Funny rainbow colours and ironic songs" *
   
   
   "I can do whatever I need
   Can find from where I belong
   Can sing as much as I breathe" *
   
   
   "It's time to get it done
   And I know you love enough
   The future is still to come" *
   
   
   "Guilty needs shows everything that you've got
   This pointed gun shouts at your head again
   Still remember what you forgot
   And everything that made you stop
   I don't know what will cross your way
   Maybe the lights of New York" *
   
   
   "Why copy Talking Heads and past the Radiohead?
   Why not discover The Full Sentence of the Pigeonhead
   
   
   Ten voices spring reverb
   Few bars with crazy noise
   But at the end, we're all a shadow of The Beach Boys
   
   
   I miss the elegance
   It's hard, but still exists
   Rufus, you are on the top of my list" *

   (*) Means that is an excerpt of this song. The hole lyrics is amazing, after all is an 12 minute song and it is not full of only instrumental parts. By reading the lyrics we are able to understand (kinda) where which different song ends and begins. 
6. Primavera (3:24) : the only song that is in Portuguese, amazingly good. In my opinion a very risky option, besides the beauty of it, it's strong but it's risky because the hole album is in english and this only song in Portuguese. But still a good music, amazing in my opinion. The instrumental are very changed in a way, the piano distortion is so well done, so gorgeous. This is why I am proud of being portuguese, they make me totally proud of my language and our music.
   

   "Hei-de te amar, ou então hei-de chorar por ti
   Mesmo assim, quero ver te sorrir ...
   E se perder vou tentar esquecer-me de vez, conto até
   Três
   Se quiser ser feliz ..."

7. Aquatica (4:03) : This one fits perfectly on a mood music, for example on a dinner with friends or a good conversation on a cute bar. This song is so calm and relaxed, calms me down. The guitar sounds so good here, I almost bet Paulo Praça is here. It's one of those songs that relaxes and make people enjoy what is going on, it's so fresh and every time I listen to it sounds so new and melodic. Fits so much in this album, because it's all about joy, and moving on and being free this one (for me and my own interpretation!) it's the type of song that keep my feet on the ground and keep all so real. Very good composition by The Gift, and a little bit of highlight to Sónia and her amazing voice that looks so damn good here!
   

   "So carry on
   Your first born son
   They'll write your name
   Starts will light your way
   It will never be the same, oh no!"

8. My Sun (4:31) : The explosion! This music is full of everything good from this album. The background is happy, the instruments are still the same bases as the entire album but here they made it like a War Scream. For me, this song represents so well the album  and all the concept - celebrate live and fight for you! Love it! It's amazing and Sónia Tavares once more has the perfect voice to keep this album such an interesting art piece. The guys have a huge work on this instrumental, love it, love every single note!!
   

   "One day you'll dance this song with me
   One day you'll ask me how I did
   Always remember ..."

9. Suit Full of Colours (4:52) : Somehow this one sounds so much like the old The Gift and their album AM/FM. Soft voice and the beginning very calm and slowly. Kind of a goodbye song, the piano breaks me. Looks so gorgeous, so pure and genuine! The big transformation of this song is around 2:30, becomes a bit more faster but with the same aura of magic and love and mostly calm. I like this The Gift's version. It's totally gorgeous and worth it. Deserves to spend almost 5 minutes of my day listening to this gorgeously amazing song. There's a part that once more sounds like Keane's song but now is "A Bad Dream", the hardcore moving fingers that makes the piano and guitar sound faster.
   

   "White you said yes
   I will give you all my life, oh
   And if you despair
   Just don't ask me to deny our love
   It's easy to understand, try a different view
   See the line outside of you
   You can turn my life around"

10. Race is Long (4:59) : Love the instrumental of this song. I would love to request only the instrumental of this, it's so gorgeous by itself! It has this amazing chorus which gives certain style of a church song which everybody knows, very near to the EPIC song. As the all concept here, the idea is not giving up on yourself, keep fighting and moving on. The lyrics have a LOT of metaphoric words related with common words and somehow related with life which gives a much higher sensation of duality - reality and dreams.
    

    "Few are the ones who keep their dreams about the world
    Don't need to sell your soul"

11. Always Better if You Wait for the Sunrise (8:25) : One of the best ending songs I know. This chorus behind and futuristic and electric background don't disturb the melodic voice upfront which transmits such calm and rebellion at the same time. It's reminds me of another portuguese artist Paulo Gonzo and his song "Fico até adormeceres" the idea is almost the same. Strong and gorgeous lyrics. The idea is questioning you and making you see the bright side of everything, because even on the darkest nights there's always a candle to light up. I might have felt in love with this song, among The Singles and RGB this one is probably one of my favorites!
    

    "Want to tell you once again
    Perhaps the stars are not so bright
    I want to take you back in time
    Want to hold you once again
    I want to show you there's no lies
    I want to have you by my side
    
    Would you mind if I lay you down at night?
    Would you cry if I hold you one more time?
    I want to go but I know there's something wrong"
    

12. The Mother of My Mother ( Special Edition * )
    

Conclusion: Wherever you go, whatever you do, whatever you say even on the darkest moments there's always a light you can rely on. Fight for you, for your life and there's always gonna be something good. Amazing album which I love more and more each day. Probably one of the best 2011 albums without any kind of doubts!


Rating: 5/5

The Gift, RGB

The Gift, an amazing portuguese band, from Alcobaça in 1994, with awesome music not speaking about the genious Nuno Gonçalves, the great voice of Sónia Tavares, pianist/bass John Gonçalves and guitar/bass Miguel Ribeiro.

This guys are a band full of good energy, good music and portuguese proud!
This year they gave the opportunity for their fans to give whatever they want for their new album. A very good idea that i didn't participate on time. Must wait for their album to come out. According to the musics i've already listened to this album is going to be EXPLOSIVE!

Today i am proud of being portuguese!

"It Roocks!"
Try it
P x