Hadouken! EVERY WEEKEND. Surface Noise

Hadouken! Is a British band and was formed in London in 2006 by singer, writer and producer James Smith, alongside his girlfriend,synth player Alice Spooner, with guitarist Daniel “Pilau” Rice, bassist Christopher Purcell and drummer Nick Rice. The band name is taken from the name of a special attack in the Street Fighter video game series. It was in Leeds, that Hadouken! began their own record label, Surface Noise Records.

‘The Vortex’ opens the album with threatening, closing electronic sounds before that dreaded bass rhythm invades and conquers. Studio trickery dicates opens this track but when the rap vocal arrives alongside a rocky undertone the deal is done and one can easily see why this band is much loved by teen dance crazy crowds. Strangely enough, lyrics for such a song aren’t bad at all and while they don’t rank in the top echelon for this genre there a bit of an eye-opener. Biting rhythm and Hammond introduce ‘Levitate’ which includes a heavy dose of pop sensability and could well be the song that breaks Radio 1. ‘Bliss Out’ is a much more adventurous track and the most radio-friendly on the album with its stuttered rhythm, prime vocal and hook-laden choruses. ‘As One’ sustains the pop momentum with a love song and lyrics which indicate the this band is not just a flash in the pan: “I kissed resistance goodbye/I got lost in your eyes/No I won’t let you down…”

‘Parasite’ is a much darker song that reminds me very much of arguably the best band in this dance/rock genre. There’s a welcome diversity of sounds, moods and pace including an epic ‘Bad Signal’ using a very effective ‘can’t Keep You Hangin’ On’ sample. ‘Stop Time’ with its pounding beat and multi-layered vocals is one of several highlights.

3.5/5

Background

Band Members: James Smith, Alice Spooner, Daniel “Pilau” Rice, Christopher Purcell, Nick Rice.

Hadouken! released their third album EVERY WEEKEND on their own imprint Surface Noise Recordings on the 25 march 2013.

Hadouken! at the forefront of UK Bass, the most exciting and dominant sound of the era, but they’re also an excellent live act who can get a hall packed with teenagers moshing and raving – often at the same time. ‘Every Weekend’ is the band’s most accomplished and convincing musical statement yet. Recorded in various locations, it features production contributions from the most cutting edge and successful names in modern Bass music, including Noisia, Loadstar, Aeph, Blokhead and Drumsound & Bassline Smith.

The album is accompanied by the new single ‘Levitate’, released on March 11 and produced by Ram Records act Loadstar.  ‘Levitate’ is featured in their ‘People Are Awesome 2013’ viral video that has so far been watched by 27million people around the world. As a result, the track entered dance charts in countries Hadouken! have never even played before and 50,000 singles have been bought in the last two weeks.

‘Levitate’ is released on March 11th and accompanied with remixes by Swindle, Alex Light, and Koven.

See Hadouken! on their April UK tour.

April 17 - Norwich Waterfront
April 18 - Leeds The Cockpit
April 19 - Glasgow Arches
April 20 - Newcastle Academy
April 22 - Sheffield Leadmill
April 23 - Birmingham HMV Institute
April 24 - Manchester Academy 2
April 25 - London Electric Ballroom
April 26 - Brighton Concorde 2
April 27 - Bristol Fleece

Album Tracks

1. Vortex - Blokhead (Hospital Records)
2. Levitate - Loadstar (Ram Records) & Noisia
3. Bliss Out - Noisia
4. As One - Loadstar
5. Parasite - Loadstar
6. Bad Signal - Aeph
7. Stop Time - Stop Time
8. Spill Your Guts - Aeph
9. Comedown - Loadstar
10. Daylight - Drumsound & Bassline Smith
 
Bonus tracks (Physical and I-Tunes exclusive only):

11. Mecha Love - Loadstar
12. Oxygen - Loadstar

www.hadouken.com