Clockwork Radio

The Vinyl District:
The excellent CLOCKWORK RADIO have a 360 interactive video for ‘Please You’, the first completely independent band in the world to do so.
Head over to their site when you are at your computer.
Click “Play” and then pause it while until it loads a little, then click on the video and move around, zoom in, zoom out, play around with it!
European tour dates between April 21st and May 4th will be announced in the next few days.
Please share the video around!
Viva Esperanza!
A little while ago, I wrote this article on the great EP ‘The soul harmonic’ by Clockwork Radio. However, there innovations have not stopped since the new year and they continue with surprise a-plenty.
They have done something which will not be on MTV, you will have to go here to see this little piece of video magic. I cannot think of a single example of something similar, other than the new fad in panoramic photography. But what is it I here you say?
This is an interactive video of their track ‘Please you’. What does it do? Well because of all the trickery involved there is a full 360 degree spin of the studio as well as being able to zoom in and out, look at the floor and ceiling and other bits of fun. It is rare to find a promotional video which captures the joy and enthusiasm of the record, but I think this video just about does that. It is nothing more sophisticated than a group of people standing about, but that is not the point. The point is about the music, something I will say though, the music still has the same addictiveness as before with all the joy brimming at the top.
Oh So Fresh! Music
I did a post on these guys awhile ago, but Clockwork Radio is worth a follow up. The band from the UK recently finished and debuted a new video for the song "Please You." The track is a new single that will be available to purchase come March 21st. Until then, they provided us with a video.

Now this video is pretty unique and different from what most bands do with their music videos. While it is the band just playing in a room, there is some interactivity that the viewer can do. Clockwork Radio is the first independent band to create a 360 interactive video. It is pretty cool, all you have to do is hit play then pause for a few seconds. Once it loads up a bit you can resume play and with the controls move where you like! You can also zoom in and out.

I do not have the embed code to post it below, but if you click the link it will take you right to the video.

Fresh?
Bearded Magazine:
'Please You' is where MGMT last left off from Oracular Spectaculor, a panoramic landscape of astral fondness whilst staring down on the blue glow of earth as Vampire Weekend provide their experimental jungle beats from the cosmic ether, before landing safely back to earth in a spice rack of Eastern flavoured Stadium Arcadium era RHCP sizzlers ('Desire') and the Frusciante/Hendrix-esque earth smashing, comet rush of 'Soul Harmonic'.

'Solitaire' reminds us that we’re never still rooted to the earth as it begins to transmit its signal in pure Muse Absolution style, gentle apocolyptia as Rich Williams perpetually ponders: “and I know in the back of my mind, I don’t feel like I’m still in time.” The charm here is, whilst their ambitions are blatantly huge, they orbit away from any pre-tense, aloof from the planetary weight that MGMT failed to carry on their shoulders.

They’re running like clockwork.
Bowlegs
Clockwork Radio appear to be a band on the fringe. A band on the edges of breaking big, but in need of that final push to stamp their sound into the wider musical consciousness. The band, formed of Richard Williams (vocals, guitar), Iwan Jones (vocals, guitar), Nadim Mirshak (bass), Dan Wiebe (drums) and Sam Quinn (keys, samples, guitar), are based in Manchester but herald from north Wales and Egypt. In the last 18 months they’ve received national airplay and have appeared on the same bill as acts like The Prodigy, The Hives, Supergrass, Blood Red Shoes and a load more. That’s the kind of exposure most unsigned acts can only dream of. Will they remain on the fringes for much longer? Have a listen to their EP and judge for yourself.
TripleW
This Manchester based quintet (which includes members from North Wales and Egypt) has released two EP’s in the last year – with their latest being The Soul Harmonic. The group has attained a level of popularity in their scene, thanks to positive reviews and a string of live shows.
The group plays a specific kind of alternative rock which fuses various elements ranging from progressive rock to indie rock – but does so in a very subtle and atmospheric manner that blends all the different influences together.
The Soul Harmonic EP contains four songs, starting with “Desire” - a groovy tune with an even groovier guitar solo. Followed by “Please You” a more experimental track, with electronic undertones – but it still flows with the same groove of the first track. Then we have “Solitaire”, the shortest track on the EP – which is less catchy than the previous tracks, but shows a different side to the band. The closing and title track, “Soul Harmonic” stays true to its name by adding a soulful and ethereal dimension.
Clockwork Radio are a talented bunch, as evident by this offering – they make music which is thoughtful and refreshing at the same time and we can’t wait to hear more!
Night in Los Angeles:
One of my favorite free EPs of the last couple of months – Clockwork Radio’s ‘The Soul Harmonic’ – this is post modern pop-math electronica at its most dense – there simply is so much going on in these songs that it demands headphones – or at the very least audiophile quality speakers. Considering most pop music is now written with the limitations of the mp3 in mind (Timbaland often waxes poetic about the issue of creating beats in the age of the mp3 single) it is great to see a band releasing their EP on the highest fidelity they can afford (in this instance FLAC and 320 kbps mp3s (Clockwork Radio will release the ‘Soul Harmonic’ on good old fashioned CD February 7th).
Clockwork Radio is from Manchester which completely makes sense once you get to the Mad-chester influenced ‘Desire’. Yet with members spanning the globe there is a good amount of American Post Rock and Egyptian pop as well which blends into what a strange Post Jammy stew that is very easy on the ears. Worth a listen.
Glasswerk
Trevor Baylis is the inventor of the original wind up radio, so people with no access to electricity or batteries could share in this form of communication. Good inventions take after great ones and it is no surprise to see this Manchester-based set of 5 troubadours who originate from various corners of the northern hemisphere come together and collaborate in this musical adventure which not even Baylis could have dreamt up.

However, their journey is not one which will take them on around the M60 and back a long East Lancs Road (yes, The Doves used this as their swan song – if tarmac can be used for that). The journey is not a rocket fuelled flash across from planet to planet, but more of a spacewalk across the heavens, treading softly across fluffy clouds supported by the thick bass. Combining elements of the sound of Jane’s Addiction to that of dubstep which signals their intent to be something of their time, but whilst retaining something a little unknown to be unique.

“I was born to please you anyway/Like I was born to meet you halfway” is the hook of Please You. This is certainly pleasing with its joyful chiming and near Christmas spirit. The kind of power contained in this record is the kind of power you will find in Alistair Cooke’s bat, beating the opposition away with not even the respectful doting of a cap. Whilst the other tracks on the EP are worthy of standing on their own two feet, Please You is clearly standing and proudly head and shoulders above the rest.

Oasis claimed to be the kings of Manchester, others claim to be Mancstars and the rest somehow go between. Clockwork Radio takes the spirit of Manchester wholly and truthfully. They will make you weep tears of joy for a place often treasured, but never missed.
Music-Dash:
Last year’s demo (Feb 2009) was impressive and it looks as though Clockwork Radio have taken their time in developing their sound and style. “Desire” seems like something of a departure from their previous material, as they explore an imaginary collision between the Bob Marley and Pink Floyd. These initial strands of melodic, reggae influenced catchiness are transformed into bouts of semi-prog, on a number that soon hits the six minute mark without ever losing the listener. There’s yet more on this EP too, where further styles are fused and Rich Williams’ vocals continue to fly freely. I’ll be listening to this for some time to come, as well as kicking myself for not seeing this Manchester outfit live in 2010.

MMMM ½
Please Don’t Stare:
Wow. I got halfway through the first single Please You and had to hook up my soundsystem so I could fully appreciate what was going on. I love when someone emails me something that just messes my head up. Who the fuck is Clockwork Radio? Other than one of my new favorite groups?
Oh So Fresh! Music
Clockwork Radio is a Manchester based band, with members coming from North Wales and Egypt. Already releasing one free EP, the guys have recently released their second, The Soul Harmonic EP. The last couple of months have been good for the band, getting airplay on some nation stations for the single "Please You" and performing with bands such as: The Hives, Supergrass, The Holloways, and a few others.

Clockwork Radio combines indie and rock into their own unique twist, making sure they have quality songs on their hands. Although there are plenty of bands similar in nature, Clockwork Radio is making sure they keep their music interesting. Stream the new EP below and you can download for free here.

Fresh?
Mystery Tricycle:
Setting up shop in the comfortable niche between independent rock and ambient electronica, Clockwork Radio is an up and coming band whose core competency lies in their ability to create a vivid, immersive soundscape.
Originating from Manchester, members of this diverse group hail from North Wales and Egypt, and the multiculturalism is evident in their style. Richard William’s voice is lofty, reaching for wailing rock registers in the likes of Justin Hawkins, although exhibiting a little more restraint and subtlety. Congruent with the style, a discretionary amount of reverb effects gives the vocal parts a sort of ethereal quality that pushes the listener towards an ambient trance.
Stereophonics are dense, and a good pair of headphones is required to really hear what Clockwork Radio is saying. Musicianship is a central pillar to the band’s discography, with delicately featured guitar work speckling almost every song. The bands new EP, The Soul Harmonic, houses a lot of impressive guitar melodies, especially present on the title track.
Clockwork Radio has already released two EP’s recorded and produced by the band in 2010, and as a newcomer to the indie rock scene, they are graciously offering free downloads of their material.
Here is my favorite track off of the new EP, Please You. It’s very prototypical of their style, with sweeping trance-like melodies, dense use of digital effects and some thoughtful song-writing. Give it a listen.
Shakenstir:
This week I have once again been reminded of the ‘Dire’ state of UK media with R1/R2/6 being shite and the music magazines publishing their ‘year best’ with me again seeing the image of ‘Q’ magazine with Cheryl F****n’ cole on the cover and it’s editor’s statement of ‘There’s a lack of great music to feature in Q!’ Un-Be-F****n-Le-Vable!
Then today I get an e-mail with details and a link to a band and it simply blows me away, So much in fact that I want to play the whole of their EP on my Radio Slot and feature them here on ’shake’ Four songs of high calibre and a vibe that is akin to the first time I got an EP from a band called Coldplay… Given mor of the right exposure this band could be just as big, sell out major venues and be onthe front cover of major magazines within’ a year… They may not get that, but that won’t stop me from trying… Jj 2010
- Various

Last year’s demo (Feb 2009) was impressive and it looks as though Clockwork Radio have taken their time in developing their sound and style. “Desire” seems like something of a departure from their previous material, as they explore an imaginary collision between the Bob Marley and Pink Floyd. These initial strands of melodic, reggae influenced catchiness are transformed into bouts of semi-prog, on a number that soon hits the six minute mark without ever losing the listener. There’s yet more on this EP too, where further styles are fused and Rich Williams’ vocals continue to fly freely. I’ll be listening to this for some time to come, as well as kicking myself for not seeing this Manchester outfit live in 2010.

MMMM ½ - Music-Dash

Trevor Baylis is the inventor of the original wind up radio, so people with no access to electricity or batteries could share in this form of communication. Good inventions take after great ones and it is no surprise to see this Manchester-based set of 5 troubadours who originate from various corners of the northern hemisphere come together and collaborate in this musical adventure which not even Baylis could have dreamt up.

However, their journey is not one which will take them on around the M60 and back a long East Lancs Road (yes, The Doves used this as their swan song – if tarmac can be used for that). The journey is not a rocket fuelled flash across from planet to planet, but more of a spacewalk across the heavens, treading softly across fluffy clouds supported by the thick bass. Combining elements of the sound of Jane’s Addiction to that of dubstep which signals their intent to be something of their time, but whilst retaining something a little unknown to be unique.

“I was born to please you anyway/Like I was born to meet you halfway” is the hook of Please You. This is certainly pleasing with its joyful chiming and near Christmas spirit. The kind of power contained in this record is the kind of power you will find in Alistair Cooke’s bat, beating the opposition away with not even the respectful doting of a cap. Whilst the other tracks on the EP are worthy of standing on their own two feet, Please You is clearly standing and proudly head and shoulders above the rest.

Oasis claimed to be the kings of Manchester, others claim to be Mancstars and the rest somehow go between. Clockwork Radio takes the spirit of Manchester wholly and truthfully. They will make you weep tears of joy for a place often treasured, but never missed.
For more information you can visit: http://clockworkradio.co.uk/web/ - Glasswerk

Self-released by the band, this re-recording of the Lost demo is a sometimes spacey, sometime joyful indie rock four tracker.

The title track offers a post-rock-ish guitar intro as it builds to a point, thereupon into a four minute tour of multi-layered vocals, a winsome hookline and pseudo-ambience.

Second track State Of Mind has gypsy-esque flourishes that recalls The Coral. It's not the strongest opener, but displays a real melodic ability on the chorus.

Say is a little more pedestrian in tempo and vision. It does the indie-pop thing competently with nice ba-ba-ba-backing vocals, but it's closer Zeppy that's possibly the best track here.

Whirling organ sounds spin like The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown's Fire while drums are trashed in the background. It's an instrumental fairground ride and great fun.

Words: James McLaren
- BBC.co.uk

....ahhhh, so my daily perusal brings me to profile of the Clockwork Radio chaps, who have been hassling me in the nicest of ways for a couple of days now to give their 'on-line single' Lost, a spin...

I read, the other day, some explanatory notes on the thoughts and feelings behind the lyrics - a touching story of missing those loved ones that have passed away...

...emotive stuff.

So, it was with more than just a little trepidation that i clicked the link - fearing i may just about to be sonicly assailed by something just a little TOO personal...

How wrong could i be...?

Atmosphericly starting with a touch of very expertly handled volume guitar work... something most refreshing in these days of endless turgid three chord tricks of the like peddled by the derivative 'pop-punx' that are apparantly bolted together in a bloody great factory somewhere in Nene valley...

...my ears, to say the least, were intrigued.

Where was this gonna lead...?

We don't have to wait very long - as the song proper swells like some beautiful leviathan from beneath the waves, cresting and splashing back into the depths with a majestic frothy glory...

Theres a lot of dance 'ethics' applyed here - from that ambient intro leading into an uplifting chorus - denoting, to me at least, a firm grasp of commercial sensibilities, and the rolling cannon of backing vocals reminded me somewhat of the spiritual, lyrical magic of Jon Anderson of Yes.

It's very anthemic this track, and in no way at all self-indulgent... the production work is top-notch and displays aspirations of the very highest level... some great reverse synth strings build into the first verse, with understated guitars soring heavenward at the edges of the stereo image...

There is a hint of sadness in the lyrics, but nothing maudlin... an affirmation of lessons learnt perhaps...

...and as the final refrain of the chorus/outro swells again the massive programmed drums, stratospheric guitars and swooping synths combine to conjour that leviathan, once again, crashing down into the waves of the ocean, throwing up sparkling showers that catch the streaming sunlight and make tiny rainbows again and again...

...and before you know it - it's gone...

i listened to this track a good 10 times on the trot - and still hadn't had enough of it... an excellent combination of stylistic elements, with great attention to detail applied to the constuction and orchestration... very impressive work indeed.

Suffice it to say that i really liked Lost....

...but i think you might have guessed that, eh?

Clockwork Radio - be very, very proud of this.

View Profile:Clockwork Radio

Review by:InfamousT - UKbands.net