ALBUMs

Album Reviews

26 November 2014

Bristol band (always a good sign) The Jacques unleash their first single Pretty DJ off their same titled debut EP.

Already getting some great reviews and publicity from the likes of BBC Radio 6 Music and the music press, this band seem destined to be playing next year's tents at Reading & Leeds festivals, and following in the footsteps of The Arctic Monkeys.

Aged between 16 and 21, this 4 piece guitar band (2 sets of brothers apparently) peddle a style of pop rock not dissimilar to the aforementioned Monkeys and have a swagger way beyond their years.

It’s a high energy, infectious 4 minute piece of perfect pop that the skinny jean brigade will be lapping up on next years festival circuit, especially when inevitably Radio 1 pick up on them and play them on rotation.

Catch them on tour in tiny venues this winter while you can. The band are on facebook

Keith

7/11

Album Reviews

26 November 2014

It’s a Monday night in November, it's been dark for a few hours, it’s cold and I’m off for a run in a vain attempt to keep fit. I’m about as enthusiastic for this as I was about staying in the office for another couple of hours…

I need inspiration, so on goes the ipod but instead of the usual podcast, I press play on debut ep Rise by new band Metal Moth. No prizes for what style of music Metal Moth produce, but boy they do it well, especially considering they’ve only been together just over 2 years.

Heavy power chord riffing ? Check. Screaming guitar solos ? Check. Thunderous drumming ? Check. Most importantly, there are tunes in these four songs, and no death roars thankfully.

New single Moth to the Flame kicks off the ep, with its intense pace and sing-a-long chorus. One More Time, Meltdown & the fabulous Metal Maniac make up the rest of the debut (apparently there are another 2 EP’s due to release early 2015).

Your Black Country reviewer can’t help making comparisons between Sabbath and Judas Priest, high praise indeed for such a young band, and again no surprise they are from Castle Donnington.

With a quality of sound and musicianship beyond their years, this is a highly encouraging start to their career, and the next 2 releases promise good things, as do their live shows.

Did they help with the run ? You bet they did! Listen on Bandcamp

Keith

8/11

Album Reviews

24 November 2014

This is the third instalment of B-Sides and rarities from Frank Turner, named as such after the American punk band Black Flag's 1983 release 'The First Four Years', who are one of Frank's influences to his punk/folk crossover sound. He has come a long way since touring alone with an acoustic guitar, singing protest songs about Margaret Thatcher, but despite more recent years commercial success (such as playing at the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Olympics), there is still an edge to his now more polished sound. 

This release is the follow up to his 2013 'Tape Deck Heart' which was his biggest to date, seeing Frank and his band - The Sleeping Souls play a huge US and UK arena tour in support of the album. 

The Third Three Years has a much more stripped back sound, as with the two previous B-Sides albums - The First and Second Three Years. Many of the songs are acoustic with a couple of additional instruments in the style of Frank's early work, almost reminiscent of Bob Dylan or Billy Bragg. There is also a mix of full band songs, demos and live songs, with a wide array of covers including Queen, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Paul McCartney, Noel Coward, Townes Van Zandt, The Weakerthans, Tony Sly and Cory Branan.

The album also features a number of guest collaborators (which you can see in the track listing below). It wraps up this era of his career nicely, ending with some alternative versions of new songs such as The Way I Tend to Be, and classics like The Ballad of Me and My Friends for older fans. This is a must have for anyone who wants to get a further insight into Frank Turner, and a nod at some of his influences.  

Toby @tobycampen

8/11

Website

Album Reviews

23 November 2014

Us Amongst The Rest are a 4 piece from York and their debut album; ‘Follow the Truth’ was recorded at their local InnerSounds Studios. Slick musically and well written this is a hard rock themed guitar album that needs to be heard. 

As an introduction this is a band that clearly knows their song craft, and has the sound feel of a heavily label backed album. Heavy guitar riffs and pinpoint vocals are abundant in tunes that run the full rock gamut of emotions - struggles, angst, love and fear.

Rise, Silver & Lead and Bring the Fuel are great tracks that will please any fans of Funeral for a Friend or like minded rockers.

It's not a slow burner, it's instantly a familiar and gloriously riff laden smorgasbord of Yorkshire glory. This band will not be wannabes for long, British rock should be in safe hands for some time to come.

10/11

Iain

@doc swallow      

UATR Facebook

Album Reviews

23 November 2014

You Owe Nothing is the new album release from Kill it Kid, and it's all you need to kick start your Sunday morning with some dirty British Blues over your, morning after, French roast expresso.

From the outset this is a raw hard-hitting pulse of noise. Black it out kicks in with throaty guitar riff and then a straight into a no apologies bluesy roar of Chris Turpin superbly counterpointed by Steph Ward, something that is a theme of the album especially on the excellent Tired of the way You Want to Live. 

This is an album of tunes written in traditional blues angst, love & sex style given a heavy British interpretation. Rarely slowing to less than a full band flat out wall of sound experience, it is eminently likeable, catchy and memorable, every tune quickly feels like a aged favourite with not a single track feeling out of place on a late night rock show. 

For me I'll Be First is surprisingly the first single, (and free download), as it feels like the simplest and dare I say weakest of all. I would have thought the stronger Cheap Revival or love lament that is Caroline would have been fantastic singles and complete shoe-in's for ensuring that any right minded rock fan will follow up and buy the album. 

Destined to become a great rock album, it’s a strong buy for me.

10/11 

Iain

@docswallow

Single - I'll Be First - Free Download - from Killitkid.com

Album Reviews

19 November 2014

"The King has come to join the band", later on in 'Speak to the Wild' we get, "The King has come to leave the band". A passing glance at a decades spanning stint in one of the world's great bands Sonic Youth or, as this album drips in the tone, rhythm and depth of a Sonic Youth album, the start of the road to redemption or at least a reunion tour? 

To be honest unlike some, I have been really impressed and enjoyed Thurston Moore's post Sonic Youth output and 'The Best Day' is his strongest yet. A new band in tow that includes Sonic Youth's  drummer Steve Shelley, My Bloody Valentine bassist Debbie Googe, and guitarist James Sedwards of UK trio Nought, this an excellent debut for this particular four piece.

The aforementioned 'Speak to the Wild' kicks off the album and features the fiery edged spirit of Thurston's trademark guitar and the eleven plus minutes of the second track, 'Forevermore' is pure aggressive grunge.

The album changes pace and style via 'Tape' and expands in the heart of the record to fully immerse the listener into their own sonic world. The instrumental 'Grace Lake' would charm any Mogwai LP and the album winds up on the eighth track as it starts; in full electric flow with 'Gems Burn'.

The band have already been on the road this autumn, let's hope there's more to come in 2015 which must be a pretty sure bet because none of the members of Sonic Youth have yet to take a sabbatical since the band went on hiatus!

Pete
10/11

WEBSITE

1. Speak to the Wild
2. Forevermore
3. Tape
4. The Best Day
5. Detonation
6. Vocabularies
7. Grace Lake
8. Germs Burn 

Album Reviews

11 November 2014

A gutsy and gritty guitar driven album sees Stiv Cantarelli return in fine form with his 'Silent Strangers'.

This bluesy rock gravelled record came out of recordings in Hackney Wick of all places on 'The Banks of the River Lea' hence the title. The band's last LP 'Black Music/White Music' was recorded in an abandoned church in the Romagna Hills of Italy, so this time around, they came down onto the outskirkts of the City. Not that you would guess that from the wild landscapes that the guitars evoke.

The record was recorded at Gizzard studio by the band of, former 'Satellite Inn' members, Fabrizio Gramellini (bass) and Antonio Perugini (drums) along with new member Roberto Villa on guitar and sax. The band were also joined by Dave Dulake, landlord of Southend rock’n’roll boozer The Railway Hotel on piano. All of which sounds one hell of a get together.

The record has all the fire of a Rory Gallagher LP on guitar and even some Alex Turner lyrical style in places, but most of all, it's just a great rock n' bluesy roll record.

Pete
9/11

Bandcamp

Album Reviews

11 November 2014

Spanish alt rockers Lancaster, have a healthy following in their homeland and are looking to expand their reach and appeal. It has to be said that in a competitive genre dominated by Brits and American bands it's a bold move, but it's a genuine contender with some fun and very punchy tracks.

Billed as pitching to fans of Young Guns and Mallory Knox you can feel the ambition.

It's a complete 10 track album, though one is a retro "interlude" which is a little indulgent for a new band. That said the rest of the tracks are great, and play for the majority of an hour. It's a pleasing guitar led loud and proud tilt at the UK's taste buds which was intriguing enough to tempt me to a second play and by the third it felt like a radio friendly favourite.

Young Blood, Runaway & Thorns are the solid spine of a quite accomplished set which should play very well live. Give it a go and decide for yourself, but Spain might be about to make a rockier impact here than usual.

‘Journeys’ is self-released worldwide on 17th November 2014. More details via facebook

7/10
Iain @docswallow   

Album Reviews

05 November 2014

Anglo-Australian-Finnish trio Turrentine Jones release new single Moonlight Is On Yer Side from debut album Our Days. The Manchester based band, currently touring on the back of the album, take many influences for the single from blues and soul to Rolling Stones style guitar riffs, but still manage to keep that Manchester sound. I can even hear some early Charlatans in the sound, especially from the swirling keyboards.

With this many influences, it’s a difficult song to pigeonhole, which may be part of its charm, but whatever it is, it’s as catchy as hell. I’ve no idea what the theme of the song is, or even what the lyrics mean, but who cares, just take it for what it is and go along for the ride.

For a debut effort, its very polished and comfortable, and understandable why they are getting much attention. Look forward to hearing their sound develop further.

8/11

Keith

WEBSITE

Album Reviews

03 November 2014

A free melodic offering from London alt-rock quartet The Survival Code which has been released to coincide with a couple of local gigs for them in Islington and Camden.

Being free it's always worth a listen, but the truth is, this is a really good taster track. Well written and delivered, its slow melodic flow builds to a gig friendly chant that's not going to leave anyone who respects talented musicians disappointed.

Should inspire a few of the Shoreditch Beards brigade to leave Hoxton to check them out live.

9/11

Iain 

@docswallow

Live dates

14/11 O2 Academy

26/11 Barfly

Living a Lie is available as a free download HERE & The Band are on facebook

Album Reviews

30 October 2014

The Hillary Reynolds Band are a quintet and their third album is a gem of country influenced Americana. On the rise from coffeehouse darlings over recent years to sharing stages with Norah Jones and performing at festivals the band's exposure level is growing.

As a whole, the band fuses a wide spectrum of music and  the album is full of variety and twist and turns. Apparently songwriting in the HRB is a lively creative dialogue between Hillary and the guys with all hands sharing in the creative process.

The band is Hillary Reynolds - piano/vocals/mandolin ' Trevor Jarvis - cello/vocals'  Connor Reese - guitars/pedal steel/vocals , Jeff Hale - drums/percussion/ukulele and Chris Mewhinney - electric and upright bass.

Hillary has a sweet voice that conveys all fourteen songs on the record with real feeling. So from Americana, country, souk Jazz and a touch of Rock this is a record for all tastes. Let’s hope the band find their way over to this side of the pond sooner rather than later.

Pete

8/11

Website

Bandcamp

Track Listing:

Took Me A While

Pretending I’m In Love

Honey, Come Home

Can’t Let You Go

I Surrender (Feat. Forrest O’Connor)

Braver Than We Think

What It Is

Balloon & Kite

Crossing The Line

This Love Is Ours

How

I Didn’t Know Who Else To Call

Looking For A Way Back

Keep On Driving

Album Reviews

27 October 2014

A new 4 track offering from emerging Leeds 5 piece Road to Horizon.

This impressive self-penned collection is a great indicator that the metal world has a new kid on the block. All four tracks are powehouse singles in their own right, all of which will punch above their weight on Kerrang or Scuzz playlists. The complimenting Faultlines video is a deep hard hitting comment on the darker side of society and its inhabitants, not an easy watch but thats the point.

All the more impressive as it was written directed and produced by the band themselves. As for the EP top UK producer Lee Batiuk (Deaf Havana & While She sleeps) has run his rule over it to produce a crisp edgy sound that plays well. Faultlines is the lead track and will rightly generate a ton of airtime, although Victimised is the stand out for me.

For fans of Nu Metal and bands like StoneSour this is an easy buy which will easily sit with your Asking Alexandria and Bring Me The Horizon collections. For anyone intrigued by the genre it’s a good band to start with to broaden your horizons. The only fault is it's not a full album, as four tracks really is not enough.

8/10 Iain
@docswallow
 

Tracks:

Faultlines
Tonight Is Our Night
Victimised
Sirens