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Dita Dimoné

Pop Levi

 

Judging by his latest release, Jonathan Pop Levi seems to have mastered the craft of ridiculously catchy glam-tunes that drill their way into your brain. The hand-clap beats and the funky synth bassline hook your attention immediately. The guitar riffs are so retro they seem new, fresh and exciting. After forcing you to sit up and listen, the harmonised synthesised vocals kick in with lyrics like, “I drive my mustang/ It’s a ’98 blue thing” and make you wonder what the hell you’re listening to. But you like it. It’s stomping, sexy and sleazy. ‘Dita Dimoné’ is something that you unexpectedly love. Exactly how does he create such a brilliant piece of dirty electro-groove pop? Ask yourself after pressing “repeat”.

Released 23rd June.

 

Twisted Wheel, 17th April 2008

Hotly tipped Oldham three-piece Twisted Wheel seem to have risen from relative anonymity to a swelling flurry of interest and buzz, but the standard “have I missed something?” reaction and initial cynicism is soon quelled when you see these boys live. Storming their way into their set with “Big Issue”, a scathing criticism of “a bitter smile on a homeless face”, the band set the tone for the evening; rowdy, young, Mancunian music with ska-influenced guitars and gritty yet poetic lyricism.

 

The energy with which this package is delivered is what makes people really listen; and the set packs a powerful second punch with the fast-paced “Smash It Up,” which sees the divide between casual gig-goers and fired-up fans emerge as the latter fling themselves around in front of the stage to the rolling drumbeat and repeating bass line, reminiscent of Johnny Cash.

 

New single “She’s a weapon,” reveals Twisted Wheel’s dirtier northern sound as singer Johnny snarls into the mic, but then we catch a glimpse of a less aggressive musicality in ‘Strife’; the same bleak snapshot lyrics with a brighter melody that lurches along with punk guitar riffs, drawing comparisons to the Arctic’s Mardy Bum.

 

However closing number “You Stole The Sun,” is the final blow- a frenzied cut of Twisted Wheel’s frenetic style which works the crowd into a gleeful bunch hurling beer with reckless abandon. You’re left with the feeling something genuinely great is brewing.