Anybody who enjoys earthy-sounding, good old folk music is sure to enjoy this new band from Kent. Although influenced by international folk artists such as The Fleet Foxes, Cocos Lovers have indeed won over their own audiences both nationally and across European borders; they've played their own international gigs; have been hailed “one of Kent's most promising new bands”; have been  the subject of numerous rave reviews – and all this after releasing only two EPs and one album and having only been around since 2008.
Perhaps the harmony that comes from their music is a reflection of the harmonious relationship within this eight piece band. Made up of husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, the sound produced by Cocos Lovers is indeed a family effort!

Each song tells its own story yet each one is linked by a common theme – the way in which the story is told – through softly strummed melodious guitars, harmonious and at times choir-like lyrics, flutes and soft percussion. Changeable beats & melodies throughout which are particularly noticeable in track number three, “Silence of a Moonlit Sky” whose musical arrangement includes violins and a flute. The harmonious and haunting lyrics truly stand out from the ever changing beat, both complimenting each other.

Perhaps the international flavour of Cocos Lovers' music stems from the actuality that is this international album - practically each song was written in, and therefore inspired by, a different European country. And perhaps the life affirming lyrics come from the hearts and minds of people who have truly experienced life - having taken the giant leap into their musical career only to busk their way around Europe - Cocos Lovers seemingly have a lot of experiences to write about!
Whether on tour or on holiday, this musical family never leaves their music behind, taking the time to pen each experience and come up with new tracks.

Cocos Lovers will be performing their latest material throughout 2010 at various locations in the UK, so find them on the web and prepare to be lured in to their world of folk.

Hillbilly Rock. A phrase that sounds so very wrong and yet so freakin’ RIGHT. Hayseed Dixie are back with a new banjo-tastic album, this time a mixture of original songs as well as the covers they are so well known for. Rather than focusing on covering one band like some of their previous releases (AC/DC, Kiss and Mountain Love to name but a few) they have managed to re-interpret a whole host of musical excellence, from Queen, to Black Sabbath and yes, even Mozart. 

It may all sound like a bit of silly fun but while the album provides a very entertaining listen, these guys aren’t just messing around. They are a very talented bunch and take on each massive song they are covering and perform it with believable conviction and gusto. Each track they cover is definitely worth a listen but the true highlight of the album, for myself at least, is their version of The Prodigy’s huge hit ‘Omen’. Their use of quick-paced banjo, sweeping violins and shouty vocals all make for a truly fresh-sounding take on an already great track.

While the cover songs are undoubtedly the best part of the album, the band also offers us up 7 original songs which deserve a little recognition from us. One of the highlights of the album is ‘In The Backyard’, a jaunty, up-beat tune worthy of a good old knees-up (albeit with some dark undertones in the lyrics). Special mention must also go out to ‘Underneath The Bed’ for possibly some of the greatest opening lyrics OF ALL TIME; “Who put that condom in my shoe…?” Who indeed. The album not only offers us a mix of belting cover songs and fun original tracks, the band have also given us a special treat in the form of a bonus DVD. Not only does this include music videos but we are also offered the chance to mess with the audio files and re-mix the tracks…if we are so inclined to do such things. All in all, definitely one to pick up for your next hoe-down.