HPR has called it a day. Read about it here:
"ok... never thought id have to write this, but... HPR is over.
We’ve been finding stuff very difficult over the last few months, and it had token its toll on our friendship. and it seemed all the fun had been sucked dry out of us.
We will be playing one last show on the 12th december at the Forum in Tunbridge wells.
we would all like to thank everyone that has suported us since weve started, people that have helped us along the way, came to our shows, carried our equipment when we’ve been to lazy, driven our fat asses to shows, and generally taken the time to speak to us. ment the world to us. im going to really miss busting my grooves. But most importantly, this means that the 4 of us can be better friends again, which is something that is far more important, but it does mean that i have to pull my finger out of my bottom and get a full time job haha.
Big thank you to everyone that enjoyed what we had to offer, best 4 years of my life.
HPR- Jake
Also, (rob here now) we will be carrying on as a 3 piece under a new name soon as Jonny, Josh and myself. We plan to do an album in January if stuff is sorted by then, so if you like HPR, please stay interested as it is not literally a break up. More a change of time and musical difference aswell as friendship.
xxx"
Friday, 28 November 2008
News - HPR Are Over!
News - Phantom Planet Leave The Business
Phantom Planet are on indefinite hiatus. Here’s the blog about it:
"This could be the most difficult piece of news we have ever had to post. Sadly, Phantom Planet will be playing our last show, December 12, at the Troubadour in Los Angeles, the same venue that we played our very first live all ages gig, back in 1994. We have had an amazing time playing together for 15 years, but we have officially decided to go on hiatus, and will not be playing any more live shows or making any new records, indefinitely. There is so much more to write, but at this time, we just want to say thank you, to everyone, for their support, friendship, inspiration, attendance, and love.
-alex, darren, jeff and sam."
News - Don’t Cry For Me...Evita...
Evita from Bristol have signed to Basick Records. The band will release their as yet untitled debut album in Spring 2009.
Wednesday, 26 November 2008
Review - The Black Keys - Brixton Academy - 12th November 2008
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7 out of 10
Just how much of a racket can two men and two instruments really make? Armed only with a guitar, drum kit and their bluesy rock n' roll numbers, The Black Keys transform the bustling insides of London's Brixton Academy to a dusty bar at dawn time, complete with rising sun and die-hard revellers who refuse to stop the party.
With five albums and seven years notched up, the Ohio duo are un-phased by tonight's sold out show as they banish the theatrics and lift the lid on their organic stripped-back sound.
Set You Free, from 2003's Thick Freakness, and Rubber Factory's Girl Is On My Mind sees the 'Keys steam maturely past current and youthful favourites the Followills by a few generations, evoking the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin, with their own take on southern rock, which is more retro than the reminiscent recreations of their contemporaries.
Strange Times, another raucous stomping affair, is driven keenly and ferociously by drummer Patrick Carney, while singer and guitarist Dan Auerbach projects coarse yet rich vocals with equal vigour, and thus setting the focus of tonight's show-the band's recent album, Attack and Release.
There's little in the way of banter or crowd interaction, but it's all there in the music, at times it even appears that the 4000 strong audience are mere observers to a jam session between the pair, but a polished and tight jam session at that.
In a thunderous lengthy wind down with Psychotic Girl and I Got Mine, the revelry winds up as the gig ends, the 'Keys depart and dawn retreats back to night time, leaving many wanting more.
Listen:www.myspace.com/theblackkeys
Tracklist:
News - Introducing Metro Station To The UK...
Metro Station will be on tour of the UK in January and February with Boys like Girls and releasing their single called "Shake It" in March.
News - The Pilgrim Fathers New CD
The Pilgrim Fathers will release their new CD called "Dr Niall Bombast (black) & His Tight Minded Scope Trooper (dog)" through Undergroove on the 26th of January 2009.
Here’s the press release about the package:
"The title track is a three-part 15-minute journey prog odyssey recorded live in the studio that takes the listener on an exhilarating journey.
The CD also features two more tracks: ’Black Sail Pass’ - which is a musical improvisation to accompany a short film made by local film-maker Iain Finlay (also on the CD). Shot in Wales the film features Dan Oliver a performance artist - and a small boat, while the music was recorded live in an old library hall. The third track ’The Unusual Woods’ is an acoustic live stereo recording and also a binaurally recorded track. It was recorded live and partly improvised in Ambergate Woods in Derbyshire with 16 musicians. The CD also features an animation by Lateral Lines, which contains some footage of the recording in the woods."
News - Dir En Grey Added To Kerrang Line Up
Dir En Grey have been added alongside Mindless Self Indulgence, Bring Me The Horizon, Black Tide and In Case Of Fire on the Kerrang! Relentless Energy Drink Tour 2009.
JANUARY 2009
Tuesday 13 Belfast Mandela Hall 0870 243 4455
Wednesday 14 Dublin Academy Ireland
Friday 16 Bristol Academy 0844 477 2000
Saturday 17 Cardiff Great Hall 029 2078 1458
Sunday 18 Southampton Guildhall 023 8063 2601
Tuesday 20 Oxford Academy 0844 477 2000
Wednesday 21 Norwich UEA 01603 508 050
Thursday 22 Nottingham Rock City 0871 3100 000
Friday 23 Manchester Academy 0161 832 1111
Saturday 24 Leeds Academy 0844 477 2000
Monday 26 Liverpool Academy 0844 477 2000
Tuesday 27 Glasgow Barrowlands 0844 4999 990
Wednesday 28 Newcastle Academy 0844 477 2000
Thursday 29 Birmingham Academy 0844 477 2000
Friday 30 London Brixton Academy 0844 477 2000
Tickets are on sale now.
News - South Of Pendulum
Supporting Pendulum on their forthcoming UK tour will be South Central who’s debut album will follow in 2009.
Dates as below:
November
27- Newport - Newport Centre
29 - Swindon - Oasis
30 - Plymouth - Pavillions
December
2 - Leeds - Academy
3 - Birmingham - Academy
4 - London - Brixton Academy
5 - London - Brixton Academy
7 - Manchester - Apollo
8 - Liverpoool - University
9 - Glasgow - Academy
10 - Sheffield - Academy
13 - Llandudno - Venue Cymru
14 - Newcastle - Academy
News - Dashboard Cancel Tour...
The forthcoming Dashboard Confessional UK tour has been cancelled.
Chris (Dashboard) passed this on:
"Hey Everyone, We have some bad news for our UK friends . we’ve had to postpone our December tour. While on our most recent US tour we wrote some more songs which we want to put on our new album. If we don’t record in December, in all likelihood the songs won’t make the record. So, in a nutshell, we are going to finish the album and come back to the UK upon its release. We’re really sorry, but we will be back before you know it. We promise."
News - The Mindless Self Indulgence Family Grows
Submitted: "A message from MINDLESS SELF INDULGENCE:
As some of you may have heard, we are thrilled to announce TWO new additions to the Mindless Self Indulgence family. In addition to MSI’s bassist LynZ and her husband Gerard, MSI’s guitarist Steve and his partner Lucinda have announced that they are each expecting babies late in the spring of 2009. This will be the first child for both Steve and Lucinda, as well as LynZ and Gerard.
It is very important that you hear this from us first and believe nothing to the contrary: While we will ask some of our friends to fill in for LynZ - and at a later date, Steve - so that they can be with their new families, neither member is leaving Mindless Self Indulgence permanently.
No shows will be canceled -- in fact, we will be adding more throughout North America and beyond in the coming weeks."
News - Korpiklaani December UK Tour
Korpiklaani are touring the UK in December:
01.12. UK Wolverhampton - Wulfrun Hall
02.12. UK Glasgow - Cathouse
03.12. UK Manchester - Jilly´s Rock World
04.12. UK London - Carling Academy Islington
05.12. UK Leeds - Rios
06.12. UK Prestatyn Sands, Wales - Hard Rock Hell 2
Tuesday, 25 November 2008
News - And Then There Was A Signing
And Then There Were None have signed to Tooth & Nail Records. The label will release the band’s full-length album called "Who Speaks For Planet Earth" on the 24th of February 2009.
News - The Gaslight Anthem 2009 UK Tour
The Gaslight Anthem have announced UK tour dates for 2009. The full listings are as below:
February:
2nd Portsmouth - Wedgewood Rooms
3rd Birmingham - Academy
4th Manchester - Academy 2
5th Bristol - Academy 2
6th Brighton - Concorde
8th London - Shepherds Bush Empire (NME Awards Show)
March:
2nd Norwich - Waterfront
3rd Nottingham - Rock City
4th Dublin - The Academy
Their single "Old White Lincoln" will be released on the 1st of December 2008. You can see the video for the track here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_bQiIZXC9I
News - Stonecherry Gods Tour
Stone Gods have just been confirmed as main support on the Blackstonecherry shows in December.
The dates are :
5 Dec Manchester Academy
6 Dec Newcastle Academy
7 Dec Glasgow Barrowland
9 Dec Sheffield Academy
10 Dec Birmingham Academy
11 Dec Bristol Academy
13 Dec Oxford Academy
14 Dec Brixton Academy
News - Gym Class Heroes & Estelle Double Team!
Gym Class Heroes release "Guilty As Charged", the second single to be taken from their third album "The Quilt", on December 8th through Decaydance/ Fueled By Ramen Records. The track features guest vocals from Estelle.
News - Bury Your Dead "Santa Slaughter Tour".
Bury Your Dead are doing a European headline tour, with Emmure in support called the "Santa Slaughter Tour".
Full dates are as below:
28.11.08 Belgium Hasselt Muziek-o-droom
29.11.08 Germany Bochum Matrix
30.11.08 Holland Mezz Breda
01.12.08 Germany Hamburg Markthalle
02.12.08 Denmark Copenhagen Loppen w/o DSHS, THC
03.12.08 Germany Berlin Magnet
04.12.08 Germany Gießen MUK
05.12.08 Germany Leipzig Conne Island
06.12.08 Austria Kaindorf bei Hartberg Veranstaltungshalle
07.12.08 Italy Cesena Vidia club
08.12.08 Germany München Feierwerk
09.12.08 Switzerland Aarau Kiff
10.12.08 Germany Trier Exhaus
11.12.08 UK Newport TJs
12.12.08 UK Peterborough The Park
13.12.08 UK Nottingham Rescue Rooms
14.12.08 UK Glasgow Ivory Blacks
15.12.08 UK Leeds Rios
16.12.08 UK Plymouth White Rabbit
17.12.08 UK London Carling Academy Islington
18.12.08 France Paris La Scene De La Bastille
19.12.08 Germany Karlsruhe Substage
20.12.08 Germany Schweinfurt Alter Stattbahnhof
Monday, 24 November 2008
Review - Hayze - Making Plans / Contours (Single)
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6 out of 10
Ipswich based band Hayze have been together since 2001. Over that time, as well as the comings and goings of different members, they have galvanised their sound and live shows to become a "balls out to the wall rock n roll band" and the single Making Plans demonstrates these talents nicely. Making Plans has some lovely big guitars, the same annoying vocal demonstrated by all of the great indie bands and some driving backline. For me though, despite the fact it makes a nice showcase for the band, it does little for me in terms of wanting to hear something new. I mean, it's okay. but that's it. These guys clearly have talent - I want to see something more from them.
Listen: www.myspace.com/hayzeuk
Tracklist:
1. Making Plans
2. Contours
Review - La Dispute - Somewere At The Bottom Of The River Between Vega & Altair
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10 out of 10
The inception of La Dispute can be attributed to the year two thousand and four. Since this time they've released an impressive two EP's and one seven inch. This, their first full length proper, shows the progression and maturation of a band that has more talent than what shows through on the first listen. Vocalist Jordan Dreyer starts the proceedings with a near monologue, setting the lyrical bar high for the strained emotional ride, which you embark upon throughout the rest of the album. Musically this album is a brooding, jagged, discordant mess layered with melody and introspection so deep you're left wondering if the respective band members are actually at one with their instruments rather than just emoting through them.
Throughout the rollercoaster ride that is Somewere At The Bottom Of The River Between Vega & Altair, you're left with a feeling of foreboding, not wondering what will come next and how deep an impact the cathartic howls will leave. From franticly picked guitar lines, to single note ring outs, this album is special in a way that every screamo and emo fan can appreciate, apart from the ones in guyliner and tight black pants. An album of this magnitude would probably be lost on them.
Listen: www.myspace.com/ladispute
Tracklist:
1. Such Small Hands
2. Said The King To The River
3. New Storms For Older Lovers
4. Damaged Goods
5. Fall Down, Never Get Back Up Again
6. Bury Your Flame
7. Last Blues For Bloody Knuckles
8. The Castle Builders
9. Andria
10. Then Again, Maybe You Were Right
11. Sad Prayers For Guilty Bodies
12. The Last Lost Continent
13. Nobody, Not Even The Rain
Review - Severenth - The Age of Paranoia
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8 out of 10
Severenth represent the true aesthetic of modern heavy metal drawing influence from a multitude of sub-genres, the band have developed an uncompromisingly brutal yet hauntingly melodic sound based around a core of tight rhythms and virtuoso musicianship.
'The Age of Paranoia' is a showcase of everything that is good about this band, who hail from the slightly unmetal North-Wales scene. Having already completed support slots with the likes of Ill Nino, 3 Inches of Blood, Panic Cell, Will Haven, Bring Me The Horizon and more, 2009 is set to be a big year for these guys who are now ready to take their brand of metal to the next level.
Listen: www.myspace.com/severenth
Tracklist:
1. It Shatters
2. Twisted
3. Through Fear
4. Open Wide
5. The Regret
6. Age of Paranoia
7. Burnt and Blistered
8. Obscurity
9. Keep in the Clear
10. Snow
11. For Sorrow
Review - Maeven - Maeven
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0 out of 10
Lockjaw Records used to release some awesome emo, punk and post hardcore, but if this is what they think constitutes "punk rock" these days, then considered me retired. I wouldn't wish this listening experience on my worst enemy.
Listen: www.myspace.com/maevenmusic
Tracklist:
1. Queen Of Hearts
2. Russian Roulette
3. Do Or Die
4. Roxy Rose
5. Take To The Skies
6. All The Worlds A Stage
7. One Night In Hollywood
8. Blacklight
9. Forget Me Not
10. Legends
Review - Goldblade - City Of Christmas Ghosts (Single)
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2 out of 10
Christmas singles by and large suck the largest dog eggs imaginable. Goldblade have tried to redeem this and roped in a guest vocalist in the form of former X Ray Spex member Poly Styrene. Not only is her name laughable, her vocal contribution to this record severely spoils what could have otherwise been a middle of the road punk song. This does have some novelty value. Infact it's quite comedic to hear a band such as Goldblade who are normally quite good release something that is as atrocious as this. Hare Krishna chants towards the end of the track too, come on guys, you're not bloody Shelter.
Listen: www.myspace.com/goldblade
Tracklist:
1. City Of Christmas Ghosts
Review - Kong - Leather Penny (Single)
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8 out of 10
Kong take Big Black and Lightning Bolt and suck them to bones. The result is both surreal and masochistic - you are being beaten up by music and yet you want more. The guitar scratches along with the tortured, distorted vocals, while drums and bass boom and thunder. Things seem to become semi-improvised and it looks like yet another good idea running out of steam - and then the final minute attacks. Leather Penny comes together with a mighty punch in that final minute, justifying not just the track but the existence of the whole band. You're left feeling like a cannon made of safety-pins and staples has just shot your head from your shoulders.
Listen: www.myspace.com/kongdom
Tracklist:
1. Leather Penny
Review - Various - The Casino Brawl/Elias Last Day/First Signs Of Frost - Split EP
View The Review
8 out of 10
The Casino Brawl
Rehashed Misery Signals wannabe metalcore by numbers TCB have some solid ideas but don't seem to materialise on them on their respective musician's abilities. You're left with something that sounds like Bring Me The Horizon being asked to play more Gothenburg riffs. No doubt that will stoke the boners of countless "metal" kids up and down the country.
Elias Last Day
Over the course of the past four or so years, this band has gone from good to worse proving that the large majority of the time, getting shows is more about who you know than how talented you are. Breakdowns get boring quickly, especially when they're mixed with middle of the road riffs that The Dillinger Escape Plan binned. They do have one redeeming feature though; they'll be able to fill the void that Eternal Lord has left in the UK "metal" scene.
First Signs Of Frost
These tracks stick out like the proverbial sore thumb on this split. They have more ideas crammed into their songs than the two former bands and by god they actually know how to use them. Melodic, discordant and clean vocals that actually sound well placed for once, this is still metalcore by numbers, but it's thoroughly enjoyable.
Listen: www.myspace.com/thecasinobrawl, www.myspace.com/eliaslastday, www.myspace.com/firstsignsoffrost
Tracklist:
The Casino Brawl
1. Into The Light
2. The Regression
Elias Last Day
3. In The Red
4. Sundown On Twenty Seven
First Signs Of Frost
5. Through The Exterior
6. Sing Sing Aint My Style
Review - Kenan Bell - Good Day
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6 out of 10
Backed by 80s style synths and beats, 'Good Day' is a reasonable rap effort. To be honest though, there are some very surprisingly lazy rhymes contained within the song though such as 'new day' and 'to. day' amongst others. Track 2, 'Celebrity' is a much better tune in terms of The Streets' style guitar riffs and backing vocals. The production values are clearly very high and I can easily imagine this tune will hit the Radio 1 playlist running. It's not groundbreaking though, the Black Eyed Peas have done exactly this before, but it's not offensive. Track 3, 'Enjoy' shows a darker side to Bell, with a tune that would nestle nicely on the 8-mile soundtrack. This is where Bell shines.
Listen: www.myspace.com/theblackkenanbell
Tracklist:
1. Good Day
2. Celebrity
3. Enjoy
Review - I Am Ghost - Bone Garden (Single)
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8 out of 10
Bone Garden is the latest single from Californians I Am Ghost, the peers of Atreyu and Avenged Sevenfold. However, unlike the latter of the aforementioned bands I Am Ghost seemed to have developed and matured over the course of their releases instead of going progressively down the toilet. There are catchy guitar hooks, plenty of sing along moments and there are the token backing screams that sound scarily like that bloke from Bullet For My Valentine. I can see this band becoming a bit of a guilty pleasure of mine.
Listen: www.myspace.com/iamghost
Tracklist:
1. Bone Garden
Review - McFly - Do Ya / Stay With Me (Single)
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3 out of 10
If you think reviews are pretty pointless in general, then reviews of charity records are surely the most pointless of all. But, here goes. McFly are seeding the airwaves with their finest platinum production in aid of unfortunate kiddies throughout the land. I shall wallow in my swamp of sarcasm. Perhaps you'd care to join me?
Squeaky, Nipper, Pebbles and Dave take time out from what must be a gruelling schedule being photographed for the Next catalogue, to play musical Fuzzy Felt for Children In Need. Do Ya has all the right ingredients for a residency on CBBC; clap-along chorus, bouncy melody, shouty bits (but not too bouncy and shouty - please enjoy McFly responsibly). There's even something for the Mums and Dads - in this case, it's an ill-advised stab at being Queen with some strained vocals and even more strained guitar.
The torso'd foursome's Faces cover attempts to warm things up production-wise, with even a Hammond being hastily wheeled in (that's 'Hammond' the organ, of course, not 'Hammond' the Top Gear hamster - although he wouldn't be out of place, here - perhaps on ocarina). Pebbles' impersonation of Rod Stewart is acceptable for someone so recently out of primary school, and it's ironic to hear lines such as "in the morning, don’t say you love me, 'cause you know I’ll only kick you out the door" in a charity record. Perhaps they'll do a version of My Generation for Help The Aged next. I'm forgetting, of course, that you're not supposed to be listening to the words too much when you're rubbing your conscience and screaming your tweeny face off to what is, in the end, a highly-airbrushed Bay City Rollers tribute. Rock on!
Listen: www.myspace.com/mcfly
Tracklist:
1. Do Ya
2. Stay With Me
Review - Kevin Rudolf - Let It Rock (Single)
View The Review
4 out of 10
One day soon, I'm going to meet up with James who runs this site, and before we get down to the niceties of a few cheeky beers and reminiscences of the best tunes of the year, I'm going to have to give him a quick punch square on the nose for making me listen to Kevin Rudolf 'rocking'. (James' Note: You avid reader will no doubt like me now be thinking Gray won't be enjoying this release very much at all, or perhaps you might be thinking that we just have some kinky male relationship whereabouts he praises my decision to send him certain CDs by jabbing me in the face?! I'll let you decide.)
This kind of tune is the polar reverse of nu-metal, whereby metal bands thrashing away at their guitars made the rash decision to rap over their sonic brutality, and sees mediocre rappers attempting to enhance their craft by bunging some generic sounding rock guitars over the top in an effort to widen their audience. It just doesn't work.
Listen: www.myspace.com/kevinrudolfmusic
Tracklist:
1. Let It Rock
News - Under One Sky Album & Tour
Under One Sky (Navigator Records) will release their album "Under One Sky" on the 2nd of February 2009.
UK tour dates begin tomorrow:
25/Nov/2008 Fruitmarket Candleriggs, Glasgow
27/Nov/2008 Aberdeen Music Hall Union St, Aberdeen, Scotland
28/Nov/2008 Perth Concert Hall Mill St, Perth, Scotland
29/Nov/2008 Ironworks 122b Academy St, Inverness, Scotland
01/Dec/2008 Pocklington Arts Centre, Market Place, Pocklington, N. Yorkshire
02/Dec/2008 The Lowry Pier 8, Salford Quays, Manchester
04/Dec/2008 The Sage, St Mary’s Square, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear
05/Dec/2008 The Playhouse Alnwick, Northumberland
06/Dec/2008 Queen Elizabeth Hall South Bank Centre, London
07/Dec/2008 The Albert Hall North Circus St, off Derby Road, Nottingham
08/Dec/2008 The Queens Hall Clerk St, Edinburgh, Scotland
News - One EskimO Debut Single
One EskimO (Polar Records) will release their debut single "Kandi" on the 23rd of February 2009 (featuring sample from Candi Staton’s 1971 hit "He Called Me Baby").
News - Dustin Kensrue Christmas Album
Submitted: "Dustin Kensrue has announcesd his first holiday music release "This Good Night Is Still Everywhere" and it will be released on the 1st of December through Vagrant Records.
The acoustic ten-track set includes 8 covers plus 2 original tracks and will be available at all digital retailers.
Track Listing:
1. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
2. Christmas Blues
3. Blue Christmas
4. Fairytale of New York
5. This Good Night Is Still Everywhere
6. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
7. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
8. God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen
9. O Holy Night
10. This Is War"
News - Filter Remix Album
Submitted: "Filter have released a remix album featuring brand new takes on various tracks from their latest CD, "Anthems For The Damned".
"The Remixes For The Damned" track listing:
01. What’s Next (The Art of Lying to Yourself)
02. The Take (Rumsfeld Torture Party)
03. I Keep the Flowers Around (Love’s Labour’s Lost)
04. What’s Next (Blood and Sand)
05. Soldiers of Misfortune (Justin Eyerly)
06. In Dreams (Chase the White Rabbit into Pakistan)
07. Kill the Day (Drunken Forgive Me)
08. Cold (Desert Sky)
09. Soldiers of Misfortune (10 hits of X in Baghdad)
10. The Take (Declanator)
11. Kill the Day (Gonzo in the Club)
12. Soldiers of Misfortune (Turning Blood into Oil)
13. Kill theDay (Wired Sunrise)
14. Only You (Stripped)
15. Lie After Lie (Stripped)
The album is available online everywhere, you can also download it directly from the bands website at: www.officialfilter.com"
News - Jackie Leven To Perform At Celtic Connections
Submitted: "Jackie Leven has announced that he will be performing at Oran Mor, Glasgow on Saturday 17th January 2009, as part of Celtic Connections. Tickets for the show cost £12.50, subject to a booking fee, and are available now from www.celticconnections.com"
News - The Pigeon Detectives On Tour Now...
The Pigeon Detectives head out on their second major UK Tour of the year from today.
Here are full dates:
24 November - GRIMSBY, Auditorium
25 November - WOLVERHAMPTON, Civic Hall
26 November - WOLVERHAMPTON, Civic Hall
27 November - NEWCASTLE, Carling Academy
28 November - EDINBURGH, Corn Exchange
30 November - GLASGOW, Barrowlands
1 December - GLASGOW, Barrowlands
2 December - NOTTINGHAM, Rock City
3 December - MANCHESTER, Academy
4 December - MANCHESTER, Academy
6 December - LONDON, Alexandra Palace
7 December - READING, Rivermead
8 December - SWINDON, Oasis
9 December - BOURNEMOUTH, Solent Hall
17 December - LEEDS, Carling Academy
18 December - LEEDS, Carling Academy
News - A Keane Sense Of Symmetry
"Perfect Symmetry" is the title-track and third single from Keane. The track will be released on the 29th of December. Check out the video in our multimedia section.
UK tour dates:
23 January 2009 Odyssey Arena Belfast
25 January 2009 The O2 Dublin
27 January 2009 Arena Newcastle
29 January 2009 SECC Glasgow
31 January 2009 MEN Manchester
01 February 2009 Arena Nottingham
03 February 2009 BIC Bournemouth
04 February 2009 Arena Cardiff
06 February 2009 Arena Sheffield
07 February 2009 Echo Arena Liverpool
09 February 2009 Pavilions Plymouth
10 February 2009 Centre Brighton
12 February 2009 O2 Arena London
13 February 2009 O2 Arena London
Sunday, 23 November 2008
News - The Dangerous Summer Blog Update
The Dangerous Summer have written an update on their band in a blog:
"Hey people,
I just wanted to blog a little bit about what is going on, because we aren’t the best at keeping the news with us up to date. Here we are in a big transition period, because we are about to head into the studio in a week or so with Paul Leavitt. We’ve been working on this material for close to a year now, and we are stoked to let you guys hear it. Our sound has grown into something i can only explain as the most honest thing we’ve ever written. We have all been listening to tons of music lately, and have never felt so inspired.
This last year has been real hard on all of us. We’ve all been dealing with our personal responsibilities, and one of the craziest times of our lives. There have been countless albums that we have turned to that have really morphed our sound. First off, Weatherbox really has really forced us to step outside of our box. If you haven’t heard them, you need to stop reading this and go find their music. Also the new Rise Against, new Third Eye Blind, new Copeland, and tons of Saves The Day. I think you guys will be really surprised with how we are going about our sound, in a good way though.
We recorded demos, instrumentally, and I am putting my finishing touches on lyrics as we speak. Paul Leavitt has been working with us very closely, and we are happy to be spending the rest of the year with him. We are also real excited to be hitting the road in January, permanently. We will be hitting all of your cities, we promise. Please just sit back, and keep listening. The full length isn’t titled yet, but we were looking at a spring release. See you guys real soon. Thank you for all of your love and support, it helps me more than you know.
Thank You,
AJ"
News - In The Home
In The Red (featuring Mike Hale of Gunmoll) have signed to Suburban Home Records.
Review - The Wow Signal - Infinity's Lobby (Single)
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7 out of 10
If you're one of those people who needs a song to set them up for the day before leaving the house in the morning to face the boss, the teacher or that miserable bus driver who never has right change, well you can't go wrong with this helping of no nonsense rock n roll from The Wow Signal.
It's like the friendly little head butt of encouragement you need sometimes to help you face the world outside.
Infinity's Lobby is three and a half minutes of fast paced, dissonant, guitar screeching goodness that you'd definitely injure yourself trying to dance to at the local indie disco.
The B-side, Purr Right is a more subdued affair by comparison, more chord driven and melodic incorporating a few tasty riffs and unpredictable key changes to keep you on your toes but more than anything this is a groovy little number that continues to grow on you every time you listen because each time you do you hear something new you hadn't noticed in there before.
Listen: www.myspace.com/thewowsignal7
Tracklist:
1. Infinity's Lobby
2. Purr Right
Review - The Beat Poets - Staring Stars Down (Single)
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5 out of 10
It seems rare these days that I come across a band which who can make me jump out of my seat and say "this is like nothing I've ever heard before!"
Unfortunately I can't claim to have had such a "Eureka!" moment with The Beat Poets.
Staring Stars Down only really served to remind me that it's been a while since I've listened to Appetite for Destruction by Guns n Roses. It's a pretty inoffensive and formulaic pop-rock song, reliant on a few catchy hooks and gratuitous use of FX pedals to keep your ears engaged.
It thuds along nicely enough to keep you from hitting the stop button but then only really leads you to a pretty amateur sounding and disappointingly abrupt ending.
B-side, G.I. has more of an impact but still lacks a certain face melting quality that you long for after being treated to a glimpse of it in the riotous chorus, even if it does seem to leap out from the dusty archives of a tried and tested library of predictable rock-riffs.
In saying that, with the amps turned up to a rib shattering level, I'd imagine that both tracks would be definite crowd pleasers when played live and played loud.
Listen www.myspace.com/beatpoets
Tracklist:
1. Staring Stars Down
2. G.I.
Review - My American Heart - There Are More Frightening Things (Single)
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8 out of 10
This track from American 5 piece, My American Heart has all the angst and attitude that is typical of the hard rock American sound that's been made so popular recently with bands like Paramore and Plain White T's only there's a less 'adolescent' sound to this that in some ways reminds me of early Cooper Temple Clause.
It's an extremely well structured song which oozes confidence and the bass heavy riffs coupled with an impressive vocal ability all add up to a not altogether unfamiliar but nonetheless huge sound and yet it's also subtle in all the appropriate places.
If the rest of their stuff is as solid as this then they're already impressive fan base is set to explode and I wouldn't be at all surprised to see them appearing in respectable line up positions when it comes to next year's summer festivals.
Listen: www.myspace.com/myamericanheart
Tracklist:
1. There Are More Frightening Things
News - Arch Enemy: Tyrants Of The Rising Sun
Arch Enemy’s "Tyrants Of The Rising Sun - Live In Japan" will be released in the UK on the 24th of November as Deluxe DVD+2CD with special packaging, Standard DVD, Standard 2CD and Ltd. 2LP.
A trailer is here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QClc0y2u60k
News - The Ravenous Wolf
Wolf have announced the release date for their new album "Ravenous" as the 23rd of February 2009.
The disk was produced by Roy Z. (Judas Priest, Sebastian Bach, Halford, Helloween, Malmsteen, Bruce Dickinson) at Studio Seven in Örebro.
Thursday, 20 November 2008
Review - The Computers - You Can't Hide From The Computers
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9 out of 10
Since there is an argument to be made for The Bronx gradually mellowing out over the course of their three self-titled albums (to date that is - I reckon they'll reach seven before finally getting tired of the joke), there will be those waiting patiently for a replacement to sail into view from across the Atlantic. Hopefully, people will realise how far the UK scene has come on recently, and consider the home-grown alternative that these Essex boys have provided.
As with any British punk band, we should get the Gallows comparison over with quickly. Yes, there is the same fuck you vibe, but with a more shrieking vocal delivery and some unexpected harmonica appearing in 'Teenage Tourettes Camp' at the 1:30 mark, it shows an individual character and a leaning towards the more rock 'n' roll end of the musical spectrum. A, shall we say, quirky ending, and it's over with in the blink of an eye, before the repeating count-in and drum fill opening of 'Love The Music, Hate The Kids', which is probably more cheeky than anything. As for the title, it's a nice sentiment, but maybe a bit much from a band that gigs in matching white outfits? 'Must Try Harder' is even more danceable than the preceding two tracks, in addition to being even shorter. It pulls up abruptly at the 1:45 mark, when they could have easily tacked on another verse or two without anyone tiring of the tune.
'SOS' pulls everything back to a more sedate place, the basic but insistent rhythm no doubt proving to be an infectious hand clapper (or more likely fist puncher) when played live, augmented by the continuing lyrical self-loathing ("We're just as bored as you", "We are not your friends, we are your enemies").
The chorus guitar line in 'Please Drink Responsibly' is undoubtedly very Bronx-like, prompting me to dig out the 1st self-titled effort to check it wasn't a straight up cover. It's still catchy, but compared to the rest of the CD is unfortunately lacking anything to raise it from good to awesome.
The title of 'Hell Yeah' should have really given me a clue, but I wasn't expecting the rockabilly turn that it took, and the band once again rev back up to warp speed, which contrasts nicely the final menacing crawl of 'City Ghosts'. Think of it as the final howl at the sky of a Friday night reveller, before passing out exhausted in the gutter.
Unfortunately, it's all over far too quickly - the CD is less than twenty minutes, but thankfully you have no problem spending another twenty giving it another spin straight after. And they're a busy bunch, so I doubt we'll have too long to wait before they can record a full album's worth of tunes.
Listen: www.myspace.com/thecomputersfromexeter
Tracklist:
1. Teenage Tourettes Camp
2. Love The Music, Hate The Kids
3. Must Try Harder
4. S.O.S
5. Please Drink Responsibly
6. Hell Yeah
7. City Ghosts
Review - Kong - Leather Penny (Single)
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8 out of 10
Andy Falkous claims that seeing Kong live caused him to instantaneously develop eczema. The mere fact that the Future Of The Left mainman has taken an interest in these Manchester boys should give you an idea of the quality and insanity on offer.
After a minute of bass-heavy riffage, somewhat reminiscent of Baroness or Nottingham's much-missed Legion Of Doom, the near-scat vocals kick in, accompanied by a screeching guitar line, both as deranged, unnecessary and wonderful as each other. It seems we now have local boys able to match anything the Melvins or the Butthole Surfers decide to torment us with. And so it continues for about three minutes, veering between loosening your bowels and your dog's earwax, before going for a big, loud, overdriven finish that will no doubt cave heads in when played live.
And yes, probably give you eczema, too.
Listen: www.myspace.com/kongdom
Tracklist:
1. Leather Penny
Review - Tortuga - Kings Of Albany
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8 out of 10
You may have heard of them already, you may have seen them destroying a venue near you on any of the countless shows and tours they have racked up already, you may know the name by its association with other "name" bands, if not then I reckon it won’t be long before the name Tortuga is more than familiar to anyone with a love for sonic chaos and riffs. Nasty, evil riffs.
Compromising members of the sadly missed (by me anyway) November Coming Fire, Tortuga churn out a intricate yet dense wall of noise that is equal parts discordance, brooding melody and the almighty riff. "The Lachrymose" drops in on sparse guitar notes droning out and hoarse yelling, this sets up "Dance Like..." to pile into you with it's out of control, rolling riff and screamed vocals. Not a million miles away from the dynamic sonic torment of Breather Resist, Harkonen, Coalesce et al. Thick, noisy riffing and falling-down-the-stairs drumming back up hoarse, screamed vocals. "Bury Me...." unveils the first huge, stomping riff that drops midway through the track and contrasts perfectly with the chaos before it. One of the stand out tracks is the discordant melody of "The Landanum Boys Club", bookended by the droning, feedback built spoken word tracks "Somethingness" and "Nothingness". Then it's back to battering your ears.
Tortuga have crafted a fine set of debut songs here, drawing on some nice influences and possessing an almighty sound, of which the only bad point is the production at times. Nothing intrinsically bad, it's just flat at times when it should destroy. Apart from that minor niggle, Tortuga are onto a winner here. Next time they will clean up.
Listen: www.myspace.com/tortugakings
Tracklist:
1. The Lachrymose
2. Dance Like No Ones Watching
3. Bury Me In You (Fatal)
4. Somethingness
5. The Landanum Boys Club
6. Nothingness
7. Winters Widow
8. The Tomb Of John Wortley
9. Hell’s Red Roads
10. Something Blue
11. This Lonely Sailor
Review - Guns N’ Roses - Chinese Democracy (Single)
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7 out of 10
WOW, the first original release from Gn'R for 17 years and I get to review the First Single, title track Chinese Democracy, cool. Well it starts well, with some interesting ambient noises like seagulls and then hundreds of Chinese voices, after nearly a minute the drums build up with some guitar and then it breaks into the main riff, which is meaty and quite cool.
So far so good and choosing Bumblefoot for his lead guitarist was a very wise choice on Axl's part. The vocals then kick in with Axl double tracking with his old high pitched style in the background but with the main vocals being deeper and maybe a sign that he can't do the old style so much any more. It's a good way to cross the 14 year transition from the last Gn'R release.
I'm not entirely sure what Axl is singing about, I think it might be about a relationship? The solo is a scorcher and sounds like a cross between one of Slash's and one by Tom Morrello, which shows Gn'R have moved on whilst retaining their own style. Overall this track is at best average at first listen. It's certainly a grower but I can't help but feel that too much time has been spent on it.
Listen: www.myspace.com/gunsnroses
Tracklist:
1. Chinese Democracy
Review - Fatboy Slim - 'You've Come A Long Way, Baby' 10th Anniversary Edition LP
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9 out of 10
When this album came out, it seemed that Fatboy Slim had come out of nowhere, but he had previously released an amazing and underrated album 'Better Living Through Chemistry'. When his second album 'You've Come A Long Way, Baby' was released, the whole world went Fatboy mad, and rightly so!
Norman Cook's alias became the main person to go to for a remix, but this album made him a Superstar DJ! The album boasted such great singles as 'Praise You', 'Gangster Tripping' and the fantastic 'Right Here, Right Now'.
This new edition of the album comes with an extra disc with the tunes that were never readily available until now. Tracks on this extra cd include songs from his 'Late Night Tales' album, some cover versions, b-sides and some hard to find rarities which need to be heard.
Sometimes listening to a dance album which is 10 years old, the listener can feel that the music sounds out of date. This album still sounds fresh and it shows why it has become a part of most dance music lover's favourite albums.
If you already own this album, it's definitely worth getting it again for the extra cd and the beautiful packaging.
If you don't own this album, why not? Now is your time and turn to get it and find out what you missed the first time around.
I don't say this much - but this is a classic. Get it.
Listen: www.myspace.com/fatboyslim
Tracklist:
Disc 1:
1. Right Here, Right Now
2. The Rockafeller Skank
3. F**king In Heaven
4. Gangster Tripping
5. Build It Up - Tear It Down
6. Kalifornia
7. Soul Surfing
8. You’re Not From Brighton
9. Praise You
10. Love Island
11. Acid 8000
Disc 2:
1. Cowboy
2. Radioactivity
3. Because We Can
4. Always Read The Label
5. Tweakers Delight
6. The World Went Down
7. Jack It Up (DJ Delite)
8. Don’t Forget Your Teeth
9. Praise You (Original Version)
10. Lounge Island
Review - Crazy Girl - Southern Belle From Hell
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6 out of 10
How can something be really well done at the same time as it struggles to hold your attention? How can something have so much work put into it but still come across as thrown together? Well, it can. The audio/visual package by Crazy Girl is just that. A CD and DVD packaged together in DVD casing, the DVD containing visuals to nearly all the songs and some "hilarious" ( PR words, not mine) comedy skits.
Well first off, the audio side of it. Strictly a one-woman band, with some help from additional musicians. Crazy Girl touches base on quite a few different genres. Garage rock, electronica, blues, stadium rock, psychedelia and swamp rock all get thrown into the Crazy Girl musical blender and diffused into different tracks.
But here is the main problem; it jumps around an awful lot. Each track being different enough to the last is no bad thing at all, but it comes across like your listening to a compilation at times. The only constant is Crazy Girl’s husky, smoky vocals. In fact, there probably my favourite part of this whole record.
The DVD adds a bit more meat to the overall sound and package. Giving you a visual side to many of the albums tracks. And this is what changed it for me. It made the audio disc click in my head. Lurid animations full of flashing colours and decapitated limbs, carousel horses and little girls with devil horns. It does really add to the whole package. Making it more than worth a listen and watch.
Listen: www.myspace.com/crazygirl
Tracklist:
1. Rockin And Rollin
2. Regs
3. Hello There
4. Miss USA
5. Devils Plan
6. Scarry News
7. Giddy Up
8. Testine Testing
9. High Tide Hell
10. Lusty Lady
11. Nackwards Schmackwards
12. Devils Beatin His Wife
13. Run Away
14. The Rebel
15. Down South
16. Kick Yo Booty
17. Day After Day
Review - The Ex-Men - The Curator (Single)
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2 out of 10
The press release for this single informed me that I was going to listen to Underworld after six pints of mild, so I was intrigued. I like a bit of Underworld, but being not much of a fan of Mild, I was looking forward to listening to something new and different.
What I got was a load of rubbish. The actual song wasn't anything special, and the vocals were just crap. The song is about a museum curator, and yes it does sound as boring as it should.
The second track on the single is a phone conversation between the singer and a friend. All very bizarre.
With other new music also coming out of Scotland such as the over hyped Glasvegas, thank goodness for old Scottish favourites Primal Scream still keeping their flag flying.
Give this single a miss.
Listen: www.myspace.com/theexmen
Tracklist:
1. The Curator
2. Godot On Call Waiting
Review - A.Skillz - Happiness (Single)
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8 out of 10
A.Skillz is a renowned DJ and Producer, and here is his excellent single 'Happiness'. The single has all the feel of summer and makes me want to get up and then get down!
The single has a fantastic sample all about the title 'Happiness' and just made me smile and want the sun to come and break out from the gloomy winter sky and lift everyone's spirits.
The second song on the single brings the old skool back to the present, using excellent 'cut' samples and making it sound fresh and new, along with the brilliant vocals and beatbox from the UK legend Beardy Man.
Just like the rest of the Fingerlickin' records roster, A.Skillz doesn't disappoint. He is an amazing artist who could bring the breaks genre to the forefront and show how good this song is and what a lot of people are missing.
This song needs to be heard, no, actually it demands to be heard - it's a must.
Listen: www.myspace.com/djaskillz
Tracklist:
1. Happiness (featuring Krafty Kuts)
2. Got The Rhythm (featuring Beardy Man)
3. Beardy Man Bonus
Review - War Of Ages - Arise & Conquer
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9 out of 10
War Of Ages are one of the more well known bands to come from the Facedown Records roster in recent years and like all Facedown bands they possess an unnerving conviction towards the good book. This shouldn't put you off though because Arise & Conquer is an album that is so full of melody and amazing story telling the lyrics themselves could probably earn a Booker Prize nomination. Musically this album is an absolutely massive step up from their last one in terms of musicianship and crystal clear, hard as nails production courtesy of As I Lay Dying frontman Tim Lambesis. The album opens with the battle cry "all consuming fire. BURN" and then launches into a lead heavy, chuggy as a tractor riff. This theme continues throughout the album and is interspersed with some of the best melodic guitar work this side of Killswitch Engage.
Don't let their convictions to the church put you off, as this album is set to surely be one of the best of the year for this genre.
Listen: www.myspace.com/warofages
Tracklist:
1. All Consuming Fire
2. When Faith Turns To Ashes
3. Through The Flames
4. Salvation
5. Sleep Of Prisoners
6. Wages Of Sin
7. Yet Another Fallen Eve
8. Generational Curse
9. The Awakening
10. The Deception Of Strongholds
Review - Simply Red - Simply Red 25: The Greatest Hits
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10 out of 10
How time flies! Simply Red have been around for 25 years! I remember when their first album was released, now I'm feeling old!
This collection is the latest greatest hits from one of the most successful UK bands, spanning such a fantastic career.
Simply Red has always delivered excellent new versions of lost and forgotten songs bringing them to the forefront. Mick Hucknall the main man behind the band and the only songwriter, has produced some of the most beautiful and uplifting soul songs that I have ever heard.
This collection of songs includes early released songs such as 'Money's To Tight To Mention' & 'Holding Back The Years', songs from their biggest album 'Stars' including the title track and the fantastic 'Something's Got Me Started', the extremely beautiful 'For Your Babies' to their one and only number one single 'Fairground'. All four singles from one of their most recent albums 'Home', which brought a new younger generation to tune into the band.
As good as their songs are, Simply Red is also renowned for being a tight live band, and to coincide with this collection and that 2009 is the last year of Simply Red, they are off on a world tour. They arrive back on these shores in March and April for a jaunt around the country.
I would definitely recommend this greatest hits package, but I would also recommend checking out Simply Red live if you can, you won't be disappointed. Unfortunately, I will be, as the tickets for my nearest venue sold out whilst I was away - gutted! In the meantime, enjoy this great collection.
Listen: www.myspace.com/simplyred
Tracklist:
Disc 1:
1. Sunrise
2. Stars
3. A New Flame
4. Holding Back The Years
5. It’s Only Love
6. The Right Thing
7. Your Mirror
8. For Your Babies
9. The Air That I Breathe
10. Night Nurse
11. Ain’t That A Lot Of Love
12. Fake
13. Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye
Disc 2:
1. You’ve Got It
2. Say You Love Me
3. So Not Over You
4. Angel
5. Never Never Love
6. Home
7. You Make Me Feel Brand New
8. Something Got Me Started
9. Money’s Too Tight To Mention
10. Fairground
11. If You Don’t Know Me By Now
12. Go Now
Review - The Lancashire Hotpots - Pot Sounds
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7 out of 10
No one is safe from the scathing satire of The Lancashire Hotpots with their latest album Pot Sounds, Chavs, Kaiser Chiefs, supermarkets, TV channels, Ikea and even themselves get sent up. Mixing folk music styles from both the British Isles and America, borrowing tunes from Rawhide, Bullseye, etc.
To say the least these songs are all very amusing, but some don't half go on. And I wonder if they've only recently discovered computers, because it seems half the songs are about using the internet. Although I haven't heard the first album so it may be that that one had plenty about using computers too.
Overall this is an extremely entertaining listen, with some very cleverly written songs. And their humorous ditties have obviously found the right ears as they are going on tour with Paddy McGuiness, which is a very good match.
Listen: www.myspace.com/thelancashirehotpots
Tracklist:
1. Keys Wallet Phone
2. I Fear Ikea
3. I Heart You Tube
4. Uncle Bernard
5. Deidre
6. Don't make the Polar Bears Cry
7. ESC, ALT, F4
8. Chav
9. Indie Disco
10. BOGOFF
11. The Beer Olympics
12. On The Box
13. The Girl from Bargain Booze
Review - Last House On The Left - Among The Flies
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3 out of 10
US stalwarts Ferret Records teamed up with UK based upstart label Siege Of Amida Records just over eighteen months ago. In that time, they've both been putting out some absolutely blinding metalcore and deathcore releases. Last House On The Left somehow manage to fall into the mediocre, quickly grows stale pile somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic, and a part of me wishes the musical creativity anchor that is keeping them there doesn't move any time soon.
Listen: www.myspace.com/lasthouse
Tracklist:
1. Overture Of The Maleficia
2. Forever Dying
3. Bloodletting The Sun
4. Nights Ardor
5. Some Like To Bleed
6. Blackest Grain
7. Be Still
8. Among Flies
9. Liath Loinneach
10. In The Name Of The Wolf
11. Lupus Occasus
Review - Enya - Trains and Winter Rains (Single)
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7 out of 10
Alright so we have another Enya single here, and she's back in full synth laden orchestral style. Trains and Winter Rains has everything you'd come to expect from an Enya song, big drums - check, breathy middle bit - check, bells - check, slightly convoluted and indiscernible lyrics - check, Eastern European sound - Czech. Only joking about the last one but who wants to mess with a formula like this when it has made Enya one of the best selling solo female artists of all time with over 70 million album sales.
Listen: www.enya.com
Tracklist:
1. Trains and Winter Rains
Review - These Arms Are Snakes - These Arms Are Snakes, Russian Circles & Tropics, Brudenel Social Club, Leeds - 16.11.2008
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7 out of 10
I don't know what it is about the Brudenel in Leeds, but for some reason it always makes me feel a little bit sleepy. Maybe it's 'cos it's always really warm, and when I'm all wrapped up in my winter finery (well, a hoody) it simply exacerbates the problem. I often find this limits my enjoyment of bands. Pleasingly the opening band tonight, Tropics went some way to waking me up. Vaguely reminiscent of mid period Fugazi, with a side helping of what I believe is known as "sass", they played a tight, punchy set with some particularly complex bass twiddling. The three alternating vocalists worked well too.
Sadly their wakening prowess was all but undone by Russian Circles, whom I believe were co-headlining. I'm usually quite a fan of the whole epic post rock / metal thing (I love Pelican and Explosions in the Sky, and a selection of bands in between) but it's a tricky genre to pull off, and if not done right can be spectacularly bad. Russian Circles did have some moments of greatness in what felt like about a four hour set, every now and again threatening to break into a truly epic riff or genuinely touching moment of quiet, but never quite achieving it. Even these moments of greatness were few and far between. Apparently they recently toured with Tool, and there are definite similarities there - but then again Tool do nothing but bore me, so perhaps I just don't get it.
These Arms are Snakes were pretty much the polar opposite of Russian Circles. What they lacked in tightness and epic ambitions they made up for with sheer energy and manic onstage antics. Their crazy Southern rock sound lies somewhere between Blood Brothers and Clutch, with added keyboards and vocal weirdness. On its own not a bad recipe for a show, but coupled with a vocalist reminiscent of a hyperactive young Iggy Pop even the sound problems that plagued the band could not detract from the entertainment factor. Admittedly the crazy Animal from Muppets show began to grate after a while, and the set was probably a bit too long, but not enough to spoil the fun.
Listen: www.myspace.com/thesearmsaresnakes, www.myspace.com/russiancircles, www.myspace.com/tropicsmusic
Tracklist:
News - Flamboyant Bella UK Tour
Flamboyant Bella UK tour dates are as follows:
22-Nov-08 Hitchin Remix
26-Nov-08 Liverpool Academy 2
27-Nov-08 Glasgow King Tuts
28-Nov-08 Dundee Dexters
29-Nov-08 Edinburgh Cabaret Voltaire
30-Nov-08 Newcastle Academy 2
2-Dec-08 York Fibbers
3-Dec-08 Birmingham Bar Academy
4-Dec-08 Manchester Club Academy
5-Dec-08 Stoke Sugarmill
6-Dec-08 Nottingham Rescue Rooms
8-Dec-08 Norwich Arts Centre
10-Dec-08 Cambridge Junction
11-Dec-08 Southampton Joiners
13-Dec-08 Oxford Academy
14-Dec-08 Bristol Thekla
News - God Forbid Album Sampler & Release Date
God Forbid have announced the release date for their new album "Earthsblood" as February the 16th throughout Europe and North America as Ferbruary the 24th.
The group have posted a new audio sampler composed of sections of a few new tracks on their MySpace page.
News - Artcha: Love Music Hate Racism
Submitted: "Artcha will be performing at ’Love Music Hate Racism’ (www.lovemusichateracism.com) on Thursday 27th November. He’s featured on the latest release from The Buizniez, ’Club Freaks Anthem Part 1.’"
News - The Alesha Show
Alesha Dixon will release her new album "The Alesha Show" on this coming Monday, the 24th of November through Asylum Records.
Track Listing:
1. Welcome To The Alesha Show
2. Let's Get Excited
3. Breathe Slow
4. Cinderella Shoe
5. The Boy Does Nothing
6. Chasing Ghosts
7. Play Me
8. Hand It Over
9. Do You Know The Way It Feels
10. Can I Begin
11. Italians Do It Better
12. Ooh Baby I Like It Like That
13. Don't Ever Let Me Go
14. I'm Thru
News - Funeral For A Friend Live Performance Stream - TONIGHT!!!
Submitted: "Funeral For A Friend’s Berlin gig is being streamed live tonight at 19.00 GMT - see embedded player at www.myspace.com/funeralforafriend
This will only be available to watch once, live tonight!
To see an archived gig from the band live at Inverness Ironworks last month, head to http://channelbee.com/move/music/live-archive/ffaf#1235
The band play the following UK dates before Christmas:
9 Dec 2008 De Valence Pavilion TENBY
10 Dec 2008 Sin City SWANSEA
12 Dec 2008 University CARDIFF
13 Dec 2008 Central Station WREXHAM
14 Dec 2008 Arts Centre ABERYSWYTH"
News - Glissando 2009 Tour Dates Update
Submitted: "Glissando have announced plans to tour the UK in the early part of 2009. The usual duo will this time be expanded to a 5 piece to include Paul Elam (The Declining Winter) on guitar and percussion, Sophie Green (The Amber Sleep) on violin and Lauren Smith (The Amber Sleep) on cello.
December
13th LEEDS Holy Trinity Church
20th LONDON Union Chapel (12.15pm)
January
29th YORK City Screen Basement
30th LEEDS Packhorse
31st NORTHAMPTON Labour Club
February
1st NOTTINGHAM Lee Rosy’s
2nd BRIGHTON Freebutt
3rd LONDON Macbeth
4th MANCHESTER Retro Bar
5th LANCASTER Yorkshire House
6th EDINBURGH Wee Red Bar
7th GLASGOW Captain’s Rest"
Wednesday, 19 November 2008
News - Shoes And Socks Off (Former MMISL Singer)
Submitted by BSM Records: "Toby, former vocalist with the much missed Meet Me In St Louis and current bassist with that noisy bunch, Shield Your Eyes, is back again. Shoes And Socks Off is his brilliant solo project and his first album is out in a months time!
’From The Muddy Banks Of Melitzer’ is a 10 track acoustic album recorded whilst sitting on a chest of drawers, in a bedroom, above a motorbike shop in East London one Wednesday afternoon. Not quite the glamorous high-tech studio you might expect, but that’s the beauty of this project. There’s no expectations, there’s no pressure, just lovely little songs and a happy-go-lucky spirit. Take it or leave it, basically. The album will be released on 15th December on limited edition CD and iTunes.
Look out for the second Shoes And Socks Off album, due out in early 2009. This one, ’Hand-Reared Suburban Piglet’, will feature the same 10 tracks but re-recorded with an array of friends adding extra instrumentation, electronics and ideas to give everything a completely new life.
Keep an eye on http://shoesandsocksoff.blogspot.com/ for news and videos, and download 3 tracks from the acoustic album right now from the Friend of The Family website."
News - Big Scary Monsters New Signing...
Submitted: "It’s with upmost delight I can announce that Big Scary Monsters will be releasing the new CDEP from Scotland’s finest, Copy Haho, in February. Entitled ’Bred For Skills & Magic’, it’ll feature the following five tracks:
1. Pulling Push Ups
2. This Retro Decade
3. Cutting Out The Bad
4. Bad Blood
5. The Last Dash"
News - The Dangerous Summer New CD
Submitted: "The Dangerous Summer has entered the studio to record the follow-up to their debut Hopeless Records EP, If You Could Only Keep Me Alive. The band is currently recording at Valencia Studios in Baltimore, MD with producer Paul Leavitt (All Time Low, Circa Survive, Senses Fail)."
Tuesday, 18 November 2008
News - Wiley: See Clear Now
Wiley’s album "See Clear Now" will be released through Asylum Records (part of Atlantic Records) on the 8th of December. It is to be preceded by Mark Ronson-produced single "Ca$h In My Pocket", featuring the vocal talents of Daniel Merriweather which is coming out on the 1st of December.
Track Listing
1. Ryder Intro
2. Wearing My Rolex
3. I Need To Be Me
4. Summertime
5. See Clear Now ft Kano & Scorcher
6. Ca$h In My Pocket
7. 5AM ft Scorcher
8. Step By Step ft Hot Chip
9. Turn It Up
10. Cant Stop Thinking
11. I Am The Sea
Monday, 17 November 2008
Review - Kyte - Two Sparks, Two Stars EP
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8 out of 10
Kyte are a band that hails from Leicestershire. Leicestershire has been producing some great music recently, and Kyte are no exception. Their hushed electronic soundscapes will melt even the toughest heart, and may fill some eyes with tears. 'Eyes Lose Their Fire' certainly bought a few to mine. It's probably best to get this out the way. They sound a lot like Sigur Ros. It's obvious that they're going to get this quite a lot, and 'Eyes Lose Their Fire' won't help, with similar instrumentation, vocal stylings and soundscapes. However, their track 'Bridges in the Sky' is a bit of a departure, with a much more electro feel. The track is based around a neat drum pattern, which is surrounded by synths and soft lulling vocals.
'Lights Outside Here' is ten minutes of building music, that takes the listener on a sort of mini journey, with a mixture of what sounds like live and sampled percussion and neat instrumentation. But the highlight for me is the wonderful cover of 'Solsbury Hill'. Kyte have taken the track and managed to make it wonderfully their own, whilst still retaining a lot of the important elements of the original.
Get ready to accept Kyte in to your lives; they may well become your new best friend.
Listen: www.myspace.com/kyteband
Tracklist:
1. Eyes Lose Their Fire
2. Bridges In The Sky
3. Solsbury Hill
4. Lights Outside Here
Review - The Chemists - Leeds Academy - 07.11.2008
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7 out of 10
This is not my Leeds, or at the very least the Leeds I'm used to for live music. The Leeds I know is small claustrophobic pubs, hidden under railway tracks, or student unions and dance floors masquerading as venues. From this point of view then the Academy is a distinctly different shiny new beast. While the Academy Groups arrival in Leeds is both a blessing and curse depending on which side of the fence you sit, punter or promoter, it provides a bigger sized venue than previously possible in Leeds.
And they certainly aren't afraid of making sure every inch is filled. Arriving rather eagerly from my point of view an hour after the doors opened we were informed that 'stalls' was full and ferried between entrances before eventually finding the way to the balcony. Already a little confused by the whole process and hazy memories of the places previous incarnation, Creation, it's a shock to discover that inside it's really nice. That and the fact that the balcony is essentially rows of cinema type seating, providing an excellent view of the stage.
So for the Chemists first appearance on this tour, you might imagine an element of intimidation in front of a very busy and very big space (as Creation it was a mock church, the place still has its high ceilings but it has been enhanced and the beams make it look something that Creation never was. Good.). It doesn't seem to faze them, whether it is from past experience with the Music or just simply being very aware of their own ability, they take to the stage like a duck to water.
It's also obvious why they've been chosen to do the honours for Feeder, with a big sound and just the right mix of indie, pop and a splash of metal. It would be lazy to compare them to the band that they are opening for but not inaccurate. Helped by fantastic sound, the vocals are clear and the music relentless. When they close with 'Radio Booth' it's a brave statement of intent. Meant as an attack on generic bands, some would leave themselves open for ridicule (for a perfect example see The Rivers and 'Knock Me Down') but The Chemists manage to tread the thin line between being for the lack of a better word, 'landfill' and genuinely interesting.
It makes them an exciting prospect if they can continue to make songs like 'To Die For' or 'Hear Our Song' which positively buzzes. Simply put, The Chemists will be making some more fans by the time the tours done with.
Whilst this review is really meant for The Chemists, I'm sure they won't mind some words on Feeder. With sixteen years down, the band doesn't seem like calling it quits any time soon but it also means you have a near endless supply of material. For a personal complaint, I last saw Feeder four years ago, and with the exception of some fantastic light displays and LED screen they and the set haven't changed. Sure there are the tracks from 'Silent Cry' but it does little to change my view that bar the sparkle, I'm watching more or less the same show that I saw years ago.
'High' gets rolled out again (dedicated to a five year old for his first gig, I'm sure the meaning is lost on him) and it's still the older tracks which finally gets the place to erupt. By the time 'Just A Day' plays out and everyone goes home happy, I still can't help feeling a little short changed by the band. My own feelings aside, it's a solid gig, enhanced by a band supporting who seem ready for any challenge that is thrown at them.
Listen: Feeder: www.feederweb.com, The Chemists: www.myspace.com/thechemistsuk
Tracklist:
Review - Fuzzy Lights - A Distant Voice
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4 out of 10
With a fairly silly name and a front cover wanting to compete with Death Magnetic for 'most semi-vaginal album cover of 2008', things don't look too good for Cambridge's Fuzzy Lights and their debut long-player, A Distant Voice. Far from stunning the audience with lush ambience or tickling the heart to tears, the first few tracks seem to be in search of a late-night documentary on racoons, with stabs at a drony-Dirty 3 here and a Mogwai-lite there. Eastern Winds begins like Zep's In The Evening before taking off for nowhere with Flying Saucer Attack. Reflective Surfaces sounds suspiciously like the band tuning up, before a light seems to go on and things end with a bit of interesting guitar / violin interplay.
Colour of the Sun is the most conventional-souding track, as Fairport Convention, stoned out of their tiny little minds, enter the studio with Arab Strap's Aidan Moffat (it seems). 'Moffat' again moans away on Safe Place and almost spoils what is the best track on the album, with the band somehow pulling their windswept selves together to create something which, while perhaps not mountainous, at least hints at the foothills of something much larger. The album ends, however, with more tuning-up, some indie-folk jingle and Mogwai on cider. I think the 'Lights are going for too broad a musical canvas with this album - a prairie, while beautiful, can seem a bit dull if you look at it for too long.
Listen: www.myspace.com/fuzzylights
Tracklist:
1. Blackout II
2. Capturing Shadows
3. Eastern Winds
4. Reflective Surfaces
5. Colour of the Sun
6. Safe Place
7. Bells Chiming In An Empty House
8. Something To Do With Light
9. (When We Reached The) Mountain Top
Review - Nick Harrison - Something Special (Single)
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8 out of 10
Nick Harrison's second single offering is 3 and a half minutes of pulsating disco ska. The track, from Nick's debut album, released in January 2009, is a rhythmic wonder, which will have people up and dancing in no time. There's some great instrumentation in the track, and some lovely harmonies. Having recently seen Harrison, on his support tour with The Automatic, I reckon he could well be the future of chart music.
Listen: www.myspace.com/nickharrisonsongs
Tracklist:
1. Something Special
Review - Cancer Bats - Lucifer’s Rocking Chair (Single)
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8 out of 10
It's been a fun year for Cancer Bats. Constant touring over here and in Europe have seen their buzz build up and gain them some tasty promotion and interest. Their sophomore release "Hail Destroyer" has been doing the rounds pretty well. Video and radio play has seen them become a name that most people have heard about or know about.
"Lucifer’s Rocking Chair" takes the foot of the gas of their southern fried, metal/punk hybrid. allowing some rather sweet grooves into the Cancer Bats template. Driven along by a thumping riff and Liam Creamers catchy vocal mantra, the sudden stops to let the guitar ring out with the next riff add a little element of drama to the structure before the rumbling octaves of the final section.
If you like Cancer Bats then you will already have this, but otherwise the album and this song are top stuff and well worth digging.
Listen: www.myspace.com/cancerbats
Tracklist:
1. Lucifer’s Rocking Chair
Review - James Blunt - Love Love Love (Single)
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5 out of 10
"Love Love Love" is the new offering from the man who splits the country in half - James Blunt. Let's face it, you either like him, or hate him. He's marmative personified. "Love Love Love" is the first new offering from Blunt since his second long player "All the Lost Souls". The track has all the classic offerings of a Blunt track, a lifting chorus, some nice simple, but effective instrumentation and classic pop structure; however it's certainly not his best offering to date.
Listen: www.myspace.com/jamesblunt
Tracklist:
1. Love Love Love
Review - Andrea McEwan - Candle In A Chatroom
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6 out of 10
'Candle In A Chatroom' is the debut EP from singer songwriter Andrea McEwan. McEwan has an impressive record, after writing with Katie Melua and being picked up by Mike Batt. The track seems to lack some lyrical depth, and basically rotates around the lack of romance in cyber relationships. At least it's current.
'Black Socks in the Wash' works a bit better, with some nice interplay between the vocals and the electric guitar. McEwan does have a nice voice, and it's not too dissimilar from her label-mate Katie Melua.
'Fast Train' is a piano based track, which contains a little more lyrical maturity, and some nice instrumentation.
In the modern age, I think it really takes something special to set one songwriter apart from another, and to constantly improve on the talent that is coming out, but I'm afraid I don't think Andrea McEwan has it.
Listen: www.myspace.com/andreamcewan
Tracklist:
1. Candle In A Chatroom
2. Black Socks In The Wash
3. Fast Train
Review - Farewell Flight - Sound.Color.Motion
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6 out of 10
"We live for this and live to be on the road. It’s seriously all we think about. We’ve played to one person before. We’ve played to several thousand people before. We’ve slept in countless parking lots and on strangers’ floors. And we love it more than ever." - Farewell Flight
Farewell Flight are "an amazing Indie band" from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania who have just released a record titled 'Sound.Color.Motion'. The band formed in September 2005 initially comprising of lead singer and guitarist Luke Foley, drummer Marc Prokopchak, and bassist Robbe Reddinger who were later joined by guitarist Timmy Moslener. The press release compares them to Death Cab for Cutie, Nada Surf, Elliott Smith, and Coldplay and reports that in 3 years they have completed 18 tours of the USA covering 31 different states, all self managed, self financed, self booked, whilst having recorded and released three EPs. 'Sound.Colour.Motion' , their first full length LP, was recorded In 2007, at Sputnik Studios, Nashville, with Grammy-winning producer Mitch Dane and has been available since August ,2008,
The band lay claim to some serious dirt under-the-finger-nails D-I-Y credentials: working a plethora of shitty jobs to pay their bills and finance their tours which last up to 7 months with no tour support, booking, or management. They sleep in parking lots; restring their guitars instead of eating properly, always in anticipation of the next gig, next EP and next floor they will sleep on. Therefore this record is a reputedly an art which the band have quite literally starved for.
The opening track "Lullabye for Insomniacs" starts out as a slow gentle acoustic number, where you can hear fingers moving across the guitar strings as the vocals drift slowly over the top with a sound akin to Death Cab For Cutie, in a slow and melancholy almost folky kind of way, eventually building to glittery guitar riffs and soaring harmonies. "Widower" starts in a more experimental fashion, reminiscent of 'One Hot Minute' era Red Hot Chili Peppers, with vocals periodically being treated with a vocoder, backed by almost Radioheadesque riffs which float around before breaking into a gentle yet upbeat chorus back by picked guitar riffs. As listenable as they are the first two tracks do not really seem to speak of a life on the road, where as "Over" starts with bleepy synthesizers and moody guitar riffs, more akin to Postal Service, with steady drum beat and brooding vocals, sounding more like a journey down a highway shrouded in darkness, with dark feelings moving around unseen in the abyss while painfully high pitched bleeps and ringing notes lead into another rolling chorus. "Indianapolis" starts with a drum machine beat and synth line, before being joined by drums, tight vocal harmonies and picked riffs, sounding once more akin to the Postal Service, though it trips into a sequence of more upbeat breaks reminiscent of The Strokes more sedate numbers. A fair amount of good production goes on throughout the record, although it sometimes puts too much of sheen on things. "Phones" unfortunately sounds like a Coldplay record and not in a good way. "Sailors Mouth" has a nice riff and an inordinate amount of post production, it hits into nice, bouncing arty Pop Rock that could be straight off a Modest Mouse record, featuring really great lyrics, morose violin and vocoded backing vocals that sound like the Bolshevik chorus straight off of Bowie's "Velvet Goldmine", before finally breaking into a drunken sailor's chant. "Begin Again" is more piano driven affair with a driving drum beats and sounds somewhat like "The Killers", more fast paced and potential dance floor fodder.
"America" is another folksy meander albeit with a solid drum beat and jangley riffs, summery lyrics which are at the same time a somewhat ironic political commentary,
"There's a war on,
With our cheque books drawn,
America will surely break your heart"
"Cruel" starts with a solid beat and more moody riffs, verging into the imaginary genre of Dawson's Creekcore. "The Usual Vernacular" starts like a track by Death From Above 1979 with an angry buzzy bass line and hard drum beats before being joined by more Modest Mousesesque riffs, though the energy is somewhat lost by the time the chorus arrives, though some spooky guitar work keeps things interesting. The final track "Slow" ironically starts with quite a fast drum beat before being joined by harmonies and riffs that sound stalled somewhere between Modest Mouse and Coldplay
While Farewell Flight can lay claim to some pretty hardcore credentials it does not necessarily come across like that on record; rather than sounding like an old school DIY Punk group, they sound like, well, what their press release suggests them to sound like, Coldplay and a bunch of other Indie Pop groups. Their music is good and listenable but it is only their lifestyle and dedication that really sets them apart from any of their contemporaries.
Listen: www.myspace.com/farewellflight
Tracklist:
1. Lullabye for Insomniacs
2. Widower
3. Over
4. Indianapolis
5. Phones
6. Sailors Mouth
7. Begin Again
8. America
9. Cruel
10. The Usual Vernacular
11. Slow
Review - Various - On The Bone Compilation Two
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7 out of 10
Leeds based On The Bone have been putting gigs on for a while, and the label grew out of that; to showcase local talent they like. This being the second compilation it's infinitely better than the first, the choice of bands and quality wins over.
So what do you get this time round? Well kicking of with This Et Al doesn’t really do much for me, their weak, Muse-esque garage indie has been boring me for some time. Paul Marshall redeems it with a gentle strum through acoustic pastures. My personal favourites are Pulled Apart By Horses Skronky, angular howl, These Monsters instrumental, saxy, build-up post-rock, Bilge Pump, That Fucking Tank and Dinosaur pile-up all put in stellar turns. Song title award goes to Wintermute and "The Fall of Hans Gruber". Quality.
I could write a list of the bands I don’t like, but that would just be mean, and I am in a good mood so I will say it's a good look at some exciting, interesting bands and there is more than likely something on here for everyone. Good work On The Bone.
Listen: www.myspace.com/onthebone
Tracklist:
1. This Et Al - Special Bear
2. Paul Marshall - Cross Stitched Lips
3. Monty Casino - I Love The Sound Of My Own Voice
4. The Twilight Sad - Watching That Chair painted Yellow
5. Pulled Apart by Horses - High Five, Swan Dive, Nose Dive
6. Napoleon iiird - The Strong Nuclear Force
7. The Lodger - The Conversation
8. Fran Rodgers - The Watchmen
9. Wintermute - The Fall of Hans Gruber
10. Two Minute Noodles - Hit Me
11. These Monsters - The Naked City
12. Bilge Pump - The Rise And Fall of The Alpha Male
13. That Fucking Tank - Stephen Hawkwind
14. I Concur - Lucky Jack
15. Mucky Sailor - Drunken Dancer
16. Dinosaur Pile-up - Winter Warmer
17. Worriedaboutsatan - Shut You off
18. Benjamin Wetherill - The Flower of Magherelly
19. Grammatics - polar Swelling
Review - Far - Pony (Single)
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7 out of 10
Well this crept up on me by complete surprise. Far, reforming? New single? UK Tour? YES! This is exciting news in Oliver’s world. I have nothing but love for Far. As do so many people, and most of them never saw them or listened to them first time round. They made quite an impact over here with club tours alongside Deftones and Incubus back in the 90’s. They released 2 terrific albums and inspired nearly every band that has combined emotive, alternative rock and hardcore. Like all my favourite bands I missed them first time around, so don’t think I am looking down on anyone for not "being" there. I wasn’t either. But I did once harass a stranger in Liverpool because he had a Far hoodie that I pestered him to sell me. I didn’t get it.
Anyhow, so this is the new Far tune. A very cheeky cover of 90’s, R&B turkey Ginuwine’s hit "Pony". And it's not that surprising a choice if you know Far. They convert the main melody into a funky riff that drives Jonah’s emotive croon. It's still very much a straight cover, but played by a band and in a style completely different to the original. Which is why I believe this works so well as a Far tune.
Nothing compared to their back catalogue, but then it's not meant to be. It's a fun tune that just makes you smile and think how good Far really are.
Listen: www.myspace.com/far
Tracklist:
1. Pony
Review - Lemon Bird - Rara Avis
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7 out of 10
Whatever happens, you can be sure that people will always take inspiration from the classics. Some may try and emulate the output; some may be impressed by attitude, arrangements, and composition. Seldom do the bands sound exactly like the ones that inspired them, however there are some exceptions.
Lemon Bird is one of few bands I can think of that have successfully captured the spirit and sound of the ol' Zep. This album, from the outset, stands up close to that sound from the late 60's through to the mid 70's, though it's not spot on. I could deride them for unoriginality, or for relying on a classic formula. I'm not going to; this album is too good to be written of like that. And yes, while the Zep-a-thon does swing throughout, there's still generic heavy rock in here and the odd Asia influence creeping in there. Are those ones just pale generic plodders? No, though they're not the amazingly high toned head and shoulders standouts that you would have expected. I'm not going to go into severe detail here; composition, mixing and arrangement are all pretty solid. Standout Tracks would be 'Stepping outside' for the drum patterns and arrangement, followed by 'Keep On Moving' for its southern inspired blues/country blast.
It's a solid release; just don't expect anything that's new and innovative.
Listen: www.myspace.com/lemonbird
Tracklist:
1. Stepping Outside
2. Looking For My Girl
3. Come On
4. I Need Your Love
5. Keep On Moving
6. Grab A Star
7. Hole In My Soul
8. Ain't Gonna Grieve
9. Climbing
10. Don't Hang Up On Me
11. All His Stories
12. (All The Little) Lemon Birds
News - After The Burial Announce New Vocalist
Submitted: "After The Burial have announced the addition of Anthony Notarmaso on vocals. The band issued this statement ’’After completing the Cleansing The Nation Tour with our long time friend Anthony Notarmaso, it became very clear to us that he is exactly what we have been looking for. We are extremely happy to hit the road with our friends in Born of Osiris this month as our lineup is now complete. Writing new material with Anthony is already underway, and we are very excited for 2009.’’"
News - Science vs Romance Will Go Far...
Science vs Romance will be tour support along with Attack In Black on the upcoming Far UK dates:
24/11 - TJ’s, NEWPORT
25/11 - Barfly, BIRMINGHAM
26/11 - King Tut’s, GLASGOW
27/11 - Club Academy, MANCHESTER
28/11 - ULU, LONDON
News - Bring Me The Horizon Get Restless
Bring Me The Horizon will be part of the KERRANG RELENTLESS TOUR with Mindless Self Indulgence and more in the UK in January on the dates below:
Tue-Jan-13 Belfast Mandela Hall (all ages)
Wed-Jan-14 Dublin Academy (18+)
Fri-Jan-16 Bristol Academy
Sat-Jan-17 Cardiff Great Hall
Sun-Jan-18 Southampton Guildhall
Tue-Jan-20 Oxford Academy
Wed-Jan-21 Norwich University of East Anglia
Thu-Jan-22 Nottingham Rock City
Fri-Jan-23 Manchester Academy
Sat-Jan-24 Leeds University
Sun-Jan-25 Glasgow Barrowlands
Tue-Jan-27 Liverpool Academy
Wed-Jan-28 Newcastle Academy
Thu-Jan-29 Birmingham Academy
Fri-Jan-30 London Brixton Academy
News - The Plight Album Nearly Done
The Plight are putting the finishing touches to their as yet untitled debut album, due for release in late April through Visible Noise.
News - Visible Noise Sign Brides
Brides have signed to Visible Noise.
Here’s the press release from the label:
"A striking and highly dynamic blend of punk, metal, prog, post hardcore and straight up rock, Brides draw as much influence from Hot Water Music and A Wilhelm Scream as they do from Mew or Misery Signals, confidently overlaying styles usually kept separate to create an elaborate yet accessible concoction.
Expect the debut album on 23rd Feb."
News - Outcry Collective Join The Noise!
Outcry Collective have signed to Visible Noise.
Here’s what the label said about the signing:
"We've been on the tracks of the London rockers for a while, and were so impressed at their recent tour with THE PLIGHT that we were left with no choice but to snap them up immediately for an album deal. Expect full album in May 2009."
News - Twin Atlantic’s ’John V Morgan’ Tour
Twin Atlantic’s ’John V Morgan’ Tour begins this week:
UK HEADLINE DATES
20th Nov - Inverness, Ironworks
21st Nov - Forres, The Loft
23rd Nov - Manchester, Roadhouse
24th Nov - Stoke, Sugarmill
25th Nov - Nottingham, Rock City (w/ The Subways - rescheduled from Oct)
27th Nov - Exeter, Cavern
28th Nov - Oxford, Zodiac @ The Academy
29th Nov - Turnbridge Wells, Forum
30th Nov - Bath, Moles
2nd Dec - London, Barfly
3rd Dec - Wolverhampton, Little Civic
4th Dec - Derby, The Royal
5th Dec - Nottingham, Rock City
6th Dec - Glasgow, The Classic Grand
News - ATTACK! ATTACK! Tour Dates
ATTACK! ATTACK! kick of UK tour this week & announce December dates with Funeral For A Friend / The Blackout:
HEADLINE DATES:
Fri 21 November - ABERDEEN Moshulu
Sat 22 November - DUNDEE Doghouse
Sun 23 November - FIFE Greenside Hotel
Mon 24 November - EDINBURGH Caberet Voltaire
Tue 25 November - INVERNESS Ironworks
Wed 26 November - NEWCASTLE Academy 2
Thu 27 November - LEEDS Cockpit
Fri 28 November - NOTTINGHAM Rock City
Sat 29 November - MANCHESTER Roadhouse
Sun 30 November - BIRMINGHAM Bar Academy
Mon 1 December - NORTHAMPTON Roadmender
Tue 2 December - HERTFORD Marquee
Wed 3 December - LONDON Barfly
Thu 4 December - YEOVIL Orange Box
Fri 5 December - BRIGHTON Freebut
Sat 6 December - SOUTHAMPTON Joiners
Sat 20 December - CARDIFF, Clwb Ifor Bach
Supporting FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND:
Tue 9 December - TENBY, De Valance Pavillion
Wed 10 December - SWANSEA, Sin City
Fri 12 December - CARDIFF, University
Sun 14 December - ABERYSWYTH, Arts Centre
Supporting THE BLACKOUT:
Sat 27 December - LEEDS, The Cockpit
Sun 28 December - LIVERPOOL, Academy
Mon 29 December - STOKE, Sugarmill
Tue 30 December - OXFORD, Academy