planningtorock - 'jam'

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Here's an artist who really needs to be more prolific in her output.

planningtorock - 'misogyny drop dead'

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Taken from the EP with the same name this is a tune with a clear and angry agenda - and by that I mean that the lyrics and singing almost through gritted teeth make clear - if the very obvious song titles don't - what it is that irks Janine Rostron and I've got to say that I'm with her 100% of the way. I've railed before about sexism in the music industry but clearly the glass ceiling exists most aspects of life.  

new planningtorock track

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I am very excited to have come across this on Soundcloud. It's a little less dark than the songs on the debut album a few years ago and sounds ripe for a few excellent edits and remixes as there are lots of big hooks and beats throughout the whole song.

http://soundcloud.com/humanlevel/patriarchy-over-out-planningtorock

when saints go machine - 'mannequin'

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This is a bit of a double treat here. Firstly, the official video to the first single from the new album followed by Planningtorock's remix. 

planningtorock - 'living it out'

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new planningtorock tune

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Living It Out (Billy Lock Remix)

planningtorock

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Those pesky Swedes have done it again. I succumbed to Fever Ray's album, I adored JJ's album, Air France's album has been worn thin with the number of times I've played it, Little Dragon's albums are a constant delight and now I've fallen head over heels in love with PlanningToRock's new album 'W'.

I have described it (alliteratively) as a mad, mean and moody power rock album to a dance beat. It's like no other album I've heard since perhaps Zola Jesus or more definitely Fever Ray's album last year.  The connection is deliberate and perhaps not surprising. Fever Ray is of course a part of Swedish rock/dance/indie band 'The Knife' and PlanningToRock has also been involved with the band. I have heard different reports of the level of involvement so until I know for sure I'll leave it that Janine Rostron (aka PTR) is a collaborator.

The album works really well with the very careful playlist order building the set towards a magnificent finish. The 1980s is well represented here with shades of all the best bits of a Steinman song with a bit of Gothic drumming and a voice that sounds (to me) like a pre-menstrual and absolutely livid Joan Armatrading. It's nothing like Armatrading would sing but there's something about the voice...I can't quite describe it, sorry!

To add to the pomp of the album there is Rock Opera aplenty here too and when added together it leaves me feeling that I really want (no - make that 'need') to see this performed live. This is the kind of sound that Lykke Li is moving towards with her last album too. It's definitely a 'girl' thing. More power to their elbows (and spare ribs). Lyrically, there is a lot that is eminently quotable for instance "Don’t be surprised, I’m ripping out my eyes… We break too easily" which sounds like some sort of line from a Robert E Howard novel. (edit - I've been re-reading this and other reviews and notice that the review on the BBC website also picks up on this couplet. Their review is also better than mine - damn them!).

In fact the only criticism I have is that the sleeve notes are unreadable being a blue font on a black background. I can't recommend this album enough, it really is the bee's knees and deserves a place in your record collection now. The stand out track for me is 'Milky Blau'. Really, it doesn't get better than this.