Medium 21 - Plans Arent Enough
by Olga Sladeckova
published: 17 / 12 / 2001
Label:
Fierce Panda
Format: CDS
intro
Medium 21 are a 4-piece guitar band from London, who have been attracting a lot of attention in the last few months. Formed in 1999, the group, which consists of Craig Grown, John Clough, Drew Kent
Medium 21 are a 4-piece guitar band from London, who have been attracting a lot of attention in the last few months. Formed in 1999, the group, which consists of Craig Grown, John Clough, Drew Kent and Paul Thornton, have been gaining increasing respect from music critics. All this began with their first EP 'In Awe Of Agriculture', which was released at the end of last year by Outafocus( a one-man record label run by Danny Corr). The EP received good air play on the London independent radio station XFM and became a single of the week. Their second EP 'Riots On The Tyres', also an Outafocus release, did even better. While receiving airplay again on XFM, it was also featured on Steve Lamacq's Radio 1 evening session. The band's latest product is a single 'Plans Aren't Enough', which has been released on Fierce Panda records. Just for the interest, Danny designed the artwork. The first song, 'Plans Aren't Enough' , kicks off with guitars on the attack. When John's voice appears, the guitars stand back in the ticklish sound. The musicians play their instruments artistically, but still somehow manage to fiddle around with the tune. The backing vocals, which appear later on, remain unnoticeably modest at first, but eventually further sharpen up the sound. Proving their sensitivity, Medium 21 gently burn the speed down on 'Dodging Flames', the second track. Craig's voice is full of pain over something which only he and some mysterious her can explain. All of a sudden the "Flames" go out, breaking up in a state of melancholic desire. Drums set the tune to the final track 'By My Side' underway, then guitars join in chopping the music so that it literally straps you to its rhythm. There is something beautifully raw about John's voice. It pulls out all your emotions and sounds beautifully vivid. I love that in Hefner and Cinerama as well. This is only a tiny part of the Medium 21 sound. With their impressive music they are predicted to have a great future. Find out what it is like to be a part of it.
Track Listing:-
interviews |
Interview (2002) |
Indie guitar band Medium 21 have just finished their first tour of Britain. Olga Sladeckova chats to them backstage about their career to date, and the agonies of touring. |
live reviews |
100 Club, London, 27/3/2003 |
Recently signed to new major label Temptation records. Indie guitar band Medium 21 have just finished playing a major British tour. Olga Sladeckoba watches them and support band the Capes on its last night both play energetic sets |
features |
Acting Like a Mirror (2003) |
Indie guitar band Medium 21 recently signed to Temptation Records, a new label set up indie label Fierce Panda and major label Universal. Olga Sladeckova examines the band's new EP 'Acting Like a Mirror', which is Temptation's first release |
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