Tuesday, 7 April 2015
Friday, 20 March 2015
'These Walls Hold Nothing But The Death Of All That We Hold Dear' Twin Planets Album Review
Release Date: 6th April 2015
Twin Planets are an alternative rock band from Ormskirk in Lancashire.
The four-piece formed in 2010, and since then they have released a variety of
singles and a self-titled EP. Next month they will be releasing their first
full-length album ‘These Walls Hold Nothing But The Death Of All That We Hold Dear’.
The first song on the album is ‘Centipede’, an ominous
but upbeat instrumental song which instantly demonstrates Twin Planets’ technical guitar skills.
Second track ‘Space’ is full of beautiful vocals
from lead singer James: the harmonies are impressive and enjoyable to listen
to. The cheerful song encourages you to escape from your troubles and into a
happy mind-set.
The harmless and happy-go-lucky vibe is consistent
throughout the entire album, especially in electronic track ‘Divisions’.
James’ vocals are melodic yet passionate, merging well with the powerfully
catchy chorus.
‘Empires’ has a melodic and harrowing opening, which progresses
into a simplistic yet powerful rock song. There is something unique yet
familiar about Twin Planets’ musical
style, making it almost impossible to compare them to another band.
One of the most impressive things about Twin Planets is their song-writing abilities: each song is expertly
written and composed. There are unique elements used in every track on the
album, making them able to explore different themes and styles perfectly.
Final track ‘Sirens’ is a brilliant way to end
such an impressive album due to the magnificent vocals and hard-hitting lyrics.
The easy-listening track allows you to relax and embrace all of the unique
elements that Twin Planets use.
If you are looking for upbeat and easy-going music, then ‘These
Walls Hold Nothing But The Death Of All That We Hold Dear’ is
definitely the album for you.
‘These Walls Hold Nothing But The Death Of All That We Hold Dear’ is
released on the 6th April. The release show is on the 3rd April at
Bumper in Liverpool and tickets are available via See Tickets.
Rating: 8/10
'XXXVII' Deference EP Review
Release Date: 17th March 2015
Bandcamp can be a brilliant way to find new and exciting
bands to listen to, and one of its best features is the ‘name your price’
option, where you can either download music for free or contribute your own
desired amount towards the band. Southampton-based metal band Deference have chosen to release their debut
EP ‘XXXVII’ this way, so there
really is no excuse not to give it a listen!
Opening track ‘I, Creator’ instantly shows exactly
what Deference are all about: brutal
riffs, heavy breakdowns and intense screaming vocals. Despite managing to
completely nail all key elements of the metal genre in a song that is less than
two minutes long there is nothing generic about the Hampshire five piece: their
pure energy and talent shines through perfectly like a breath of fresh air to
an often monotonous music scene.
One of the most impressive songs on the EP is ‘The
Weathering’, a fast-paced and hard-hitting metalcore track. The heavy
riffs blow you away from the first second and the melodic chorus fuses
perfectly. If you had to compare Deference
to any other band then it would definitely have to be Architects due to the
slight similarity in song structure and vocals.
Final song ‘The Tribunal’ is the perfect way to
end such an impressive debut EP: Rob Lea’s vocals are fierce, powerful and
unforgettable. The energetic and hard-hitting drumbeats and technical guitar
riffs prove that all five members of Deference
are extremely talented. If you are one of those people who complain that
the UK metal scene is boring then you definitely have not checked out ‘XXXVII’.
Rating: 8.5/10
Our Hollow, Our Home Interview
I spoke to local metalcore band Our Hollow, Our Home before
their set at Takedown Festival about the Hampshire metal scene, Facebook fans and
the reaction to their latest EP.
How does it feel to be back at Takedown Festival?
Josh: Amazing! We love this festival, since it is our hometown… Apart from Tim,
Pompey, wahey! Yeah, it is great! So many sick bands, shout out to Advanced Promotions for
putting it on every year.
It is the best day out and the start of summer!
What has changed since you played Takedown last year?
Tim: We are more unfit!
Toby: We have released a CD! That is a little bit more important!
Josh: We have released a CD! We are concentrating on the summer, getting touring and we have a lot of things planned. It is probably just taking it that step up, just being a bit more serious about it.
Tim: We’ve had summer festivals and touring. We have to push the EP a bit, but we have a new video coming out. Yeah, just having fun.
Josh: Amazing! We love this festival, since it is our hometown… Apart from Tim,
Pompey, wahey! Yeah, it is great! So many sick bands, shout out to Advanced Promotions for
putting it on every year. It is the best day out and the start of summer!
What has changed since you played Takedown last year?
Tim: We are more unfit!
Toby: We have released a CD! That is a little bit more important!
Josh: We have released a CD! We are concentrating on the summer, getting touring and we have a lot of things planned. It is probably just taking it that step up, just being a bit more serious about it.
Tim: We’ve had summer festivals and touring. We have to push the EP a bit, but we have a new video coming out. Yeah, just having fun.
What bands are you planning to see today?
Tim: I’m going to see the boys in Create To Inspire, they are good lads. We have already seen Prolong The Agony, they are good mates of ours. I want to go see Moose Blood and Blood Youth. There are so many bands at the moment, there are too many to choose from!
Josh: For me it is Mallory Knox, I don’t really listen to Charlie Simpson but it would be interesting to see him.
Tim?: We are majorly gutted because we clash with Creeper! And they are like the band of the weekend for us and we can’t see them, but hey ho! Come see us, not them! (laughs)
In the time that you have been together you have gained over 10,000 fans on Facebook, how does it feel knowing that you have reached out to so many people?
Tim: It’s amazing! We are used to growing up in bands where you get 2000 fans and you are really excited. You have to take a step back and just be like ‘wow’. We have done nothing to warrant that many people paying an interest in us, so it is pretty special.
Josh: It is awesome! When we struggle, when we are like ‘god we have put so much money into this band’ it makes it all worthwhile, it really does.
Tim: I’m going to see the boys in Create To Inspire, they are good lads. We have already seen Prolong The Agony, they are good mates of ours. I want to go see Moose Blood and Blood Youth. There are so many bands at the moment, there are too many to choose from!
Josh: For me it is Mallory Knox, I don’t really listen to Charlie Simpson but it would be interesting to see him.
Tim?: We are majorly gutted because we clash with Creeper! And they are like the band of the weekend for us and we can’t see them, but hey ho! Come see us, not them! (laughs)
In the time that you have been together you have gained over 10,000 fans on Facebook, how does it feel knowing that you have reached out to so many people?
Tim: It’s amazing! We are used to growing up in bands where you get 2000 fans and you are really excited. You have to take a step back and just be like ‘wow’. We have done nothing to warrant that many people paying an interest in us, so it is pretty special.
Josh: It is awesome! When we struggle, when we are like ‘god we have put so much money into this band’ it makes it all worthwhile, it really does.
What are your views on the Hampshire metal scene?
Josh: At the minute it is going really well, we have got local bands that are killing it! Creeper, Bury Tomorrow. Obviously they are getting places! But then you have got other bands such as Prolong The Agony who are doing really well and it is just really good to see. A few years ago there wasn’t the community in my eyes that there is now.
Tim: It is like the local bands coming through, there was sort of a gap there for a while and now you have got the boys in Gone By Tomorrow and Saint[the]Sinner. We supported their last show and all of them just make the scene a community, instead of just being bands that occasionally play together.
Josh: At the minute it is going really well, we have got local bands that are killing it! Creeper, Bury Tomorrow. Obviously they are getting places! But then you have got other bands such as Prolong The Agony who are doing really well and it is just really good to see. A few years ago there wasn’t the community in my eyes that there is now.
Tim: It is like the local bands coming through, there was sort of a gap there for a while and now you have got the boys in Gone By Tomorrow and Saint[the]Sinner. We supported their last show and all of them just make the scene a community, instead of just being bands that occasionally play together.
What has been the reaction to the //Redefine EP?
Josh: From what I can tell from the reviews that we have been reading it has done really well. It has been a long time coming and it has been painful for us to get that EP out. I cannot stress how hard it has been for us, but it is out! Download it on iTunes, Band Camp, come buy it at a show, illegally download it in some way, shape or form!
Tim: It has been a labour of love to get it out, but it has been worth it just to see people say that they are going to listen to it, people checking it out… It is worth it, all of the way!
Josh: From what I can tell from the reviews that we have been reading it has done really well. It has been a long time coming and it has been painful for us to get that EP out. I cannot stress how hard it has been for us, but it is out! Download it on iTunes, Band Camp, come buy it at a show, illegally download it in some way, shape or form!
Tim: It has been a labour of love to get it out, but it has been worth it just to see people say that they are going to listen to it, people checking it out… It is worth it, all of the way!
How would you describe your music to someone who has not
heard it before?
Both: Cheesy metalcore!
Josh: We don’t think that we are that heavy, but when we play live we are pretty heavy! Catchy heaviness! We could play any stage of this festival! (laughs)
Both: Cheesy metalcore!
Josh: We don’t think that we are that heavy, but when we play live we are pretty heavy! Catchy heaviness! We could play any stage of this festival! (laughs)
What inspires you to keep writing music and performing?
Toby: Well I am the only one who writes anything! I don’t know, I watch a lot of classic films. I get a lot of electronic bars from soundtracks like Gladiator and Lord of the Rings. Things of an epic scale I don’t like can be limited to a single genre. I will take elements from all sorts of things in life and focus and channel it through music.
Toby: Well I am the only one who writes anything! I don’t know, I watch a lot of classic films. I get a lot of electronic bars from soundtracks like Gladiator and Lord of the Rings. Things of an epic scale I don’t like can be limited to a single genre. I will take elements from all sorts of things in life and focus and channel it through music.
What advice would you give to any aspiring musicians?
James: Don’t act like us! (laughs)
Toby: I would say that the best thing to do is to get into a practice room together
and write a good couple of songs, maybe four or five, and when you have got
those five choose one that you think is your strongest song and don’t skimp on
recording. If it means that you save and work a Saturday job or whatever, try
and raise £800 and go to a professional studio because in this day and age the internet is everything, so people will judge you and merit you on your online
presence. So by having a good track online for people to listen to is the best
way I’d say to start anything.
Josh: Just to add onto that any Tom, Dick and Harry can get a MacBook and record something, so the quality of that recording is so important!
Tim: I think that the work never stops as well, you can’t stop pushing yourself and you can’t stop pushing your band name. Just try and get people to listen to it, you can’t just take a break from that or it won’t be worth it.
James: Don’t act like us! (laughs)
Toby: I would say that the best thing to do is to get into a practice room together
and write a good couple of songs, maybe four or five, and when you have got
those five choose one that you think is your strongest song and don’t skimp on
recording. If it means that you save and work a Saturday job or whatever, try
and raise £800 and go to a professional studio because in this day and age the internet is everything, so people will judge you and merit you on your online
presence. So by having a good track online for people to listen to is the best
way I’d say to start anything.Josh: Just to add onto that any Tom, Dick and Harry can get a MacBook and record something, so the quality of that recording is so important!
Tim: I think that the work never stops as well, you can’t stop pushing yourself and you can’t stop pushing your band name. Just try and get people to listen to it, you can’t just take a break from that or it won’t be worth it.
What should people expect from a live show from Our Hollow,
Our Home?
Toby: A bit of a party, I suppose! We play heavy music but we don’t necessarily come across as big bruiser guys who are like ‘YEAH!’
Josh: We like everyone when we play live to have a great time. We played at The Joiners a few weeks ago and it was a party! We don’t take ourselves too seriously.
Toby: You have got to understand that a lot of people forget that when you pay to go and see a show that it is a show. So like you wouldn’t pay to go and see West Side Story just standing there would you, you expect an act. We try and put on a show, that is what we do.
Toby: A bit of a party, I suppose! We play heavy music but we don’t necessarily come across as big bruiser guys who are like ‘YEAH!’
Josh: We like everyone when we play live to have a great time. We played at The Joiners a few weeks ago and it was a party! We don’t take ourselves too seriously.
Toby: You have got to understand that a lot of people forget that when you pay to go and see a show that it is a show. So like you wouldn’t pay to go and see West Side Story just standing there would you, you expect an act. We try and put on a show, that is what we do.
What else do you have planned for the rest of this year?
Josh: We can’t say… Festivals! We have got a couple of things that we can’t say but that makes it exciting. We have got touring, festivals, we want to push the new video as we said earlier. We are going to try and build up what we have done last year and cement ourselves a little bit more.
Toby: Along with continuing write the new release I suppose. We have made some headway with it, but I would like to get a lot more nailed in on the pre-production side so I can expect where to shape the record.
Josh: We can’t say… Festivals! We have got a couple of things that we can’t say but that makes it exciting. We have got touring, festivals, we want to push the new video as we said earlier. We are going to try and build up what we have done last year and cement ourselves a little bit more.
Toby: Along with continuing write the new release I suppose. We have made some headway with it, but I would like to get a lot more nailed in on the pre-production side so I can expect where to shape the record.
www.facebook.com/ourhollowourhome
Photography by Rob Campion
Wednesday, 18 March 2015
Miss Vincent Interview
I spoke to Miss Vincent at Takedown Festival about death,
vomit and their new EP.
How do you feel your set went today?All: Really well!
Alex: We were first on so when we were getting ready to go on there was almost nobody in there, there was a load of people at the front and that was cool but we got our stuff together, turned around to get ready to play and it was rammed!
Lawrie: I was actually really nervous about playing this morning because this was our first time playing Takedown so I was super nervous this morning. But yeah, we were really happy with it.
Do you plan on checking out any of the other bands?
All: Definitely, so many!
Lawrie: Definitely Creeper! We will probably check out Milk Teeth as well, I don’t know what time they are on.
Alex: I think there are loads of good bands on the Obsidian Stage as well, which is where we were. We are actually missing Ugly Love right now which sucks, but we will make it up to them some other way. But there are so many cool bands, there is almost too many to list.
Lawrie: We will definitely be watching Dead because they are on the same stage as us and they are good friends of ours, so we will definitely be watching them as well.
Alex: Ashestoangels, even though they clash with InMe! I will have to split my time between those two. Yeah man, today is going to be amazing!
All: Definitely, so many!
Lawrie: Definitely Creeper! We will probably check out Milk Teeth as well, I don’t know what time they are on.
Alex: I think there are loads of good bands on the Obsidian Stage as well, which is where we were. We are actually missing Ugly Love right now which sucks, but we will make it up to them some other way. But there are so many cool bands, there is almost too many to list.
Lawrie: We will definitely be watching Dead because they are on the same stage as us and they are good friends of ours, so we will definitely be watching them as well.
Alex: Ashestoangels, even though they clash with InMe! I will have to split my time between those two. Yeah man, today is going to be amazing!
How would you describe your music to someone who has not
heard it before?
Lawrie: I guess I would say moody punk rock. We have a new EP coming out in a couple of months’ time and we have gone down a much darker direction with it, so the first EP is a little bit lighter, but it still has its dark parts so I guess I would say moody punk rock.
Alex: Yeah, I mean fast and dark, that is kind of it. It is not like… It’s hard! I don’t want to say we are like a goth band, I want to say we are like a pop punk band but…
Lawrie: I guess I would say moody punk rock. We have a new EP coming out in a couple of months’ time and we have gone down a much darker direction with it, so the first EP is a little bit lighter, but it still has its dark parts so I guess I would say moody punk rock.
Alex: Yeah, I mean fast and dark, that is kind of it. It is not like… It’s hard! I don’t want to say we are like a goth band, I want to say we are like a pop punk band but…
Lawrie: …We kind of are! We are kind of everything, let’s just go with moody
punk rock.
You mentioned the new EP, have you finished that or is there
still work to do on it?
Lawrie: Yeah, it is pretty much there. It is all recorded, we have got artwork, we are just kind of finalising everything with the label that we are working with. Just kind of in the final stages of preparation really just to get it out there basically.
What inspired your band name?
Alex: So I am a massive Alkaline Trio fan and there is a line in one of their songs which references Miss Vincent, so I Googled it thinking that there must be a really cool story behind it. I actually stumbled on a completely separate ‘nothing to do with it’ article about a woman in London who was late thirties/early forties, she had a family…
Lawrie: She wasn’t a recluse or anything.
Alex: No, she was just a normal person and she died watching TV one night, wrapping Christmas presents for her family. And nobody found her for two years. It inspired me to write a song about it first of all…
Lawrie: Very morbid but very interesting and quite sad at the same time, because this was in London. It wasn’t sort of out in the middle of nowhere kind of thing. It was just in a London flat, a middle-aged woman who wasn’t found for two years, which was a long time to be dead and for no one to notice.
Alex: Our first single that we ever released was actually going to be called Miss Vincent before we had a band name, and then we sort of just adopted it for our band name.
Lawrie: We just decided we liked it!
Alex: And that was kind of it!
Lawrie: Yeah, it is pretty much there. It is all recorded, we have got artwork, we are just kind of finalising everything with the label that we are working with. Just kind of in the final stages of preparation really just to get it out there basically.
What inspired your band name?
Alex: So I am a massive Alkaline Trio fan and there is a line in one of their songs which references Miss Vincent, so I Googled it thinking that there must be a really cool story behind it. I actually stumbled on a completely separate ‘nothing to do with it’ article about a woman in London who was late thirties/early forties, she had a family…
Lawrie: She wasn’t a recluse or anything.
Alex: No, she was just a normal person and she died watching TV one night, wrapping Christmas presents for her family. And nobody found her for two years. It inspired me to write a song about it first of all…
Lawrie: Very morbid but very interesting and quite sad at the same time, because this was in London. It wasn’t sort of out in the middle of nowhere kind of thing. It was just in a London flat, a middle-aged woman who wasn’t found for two years, which was a long time to be dead and for no one to notice.
Alex: Our first single that we ever released was actually going to be called Miss Vincent before we had a band name, and then we sort of just adopted it for our band name.
Lawrie: We just decided we liked it!
Alex: And that was kind of it!
Who would you say your major influences are?
Lawrie: Well two of us are wearing Bayside t-shirts right now, so I’m going to
have to say Bayside!
Jack: Definitely Alkaline Trio, obviously. We all love Alkaline Trio! Then it is kind of a mixture after that.
Lawrie: There are a few bands that we all absolutely love, for example Bayside and Alkaline Trio, and then we have all got our separate influences. I absolutely love Brand New!
Alex: He is a massive Brand New fan!
Lawrie: Yeah! Nirvana, and then we all like stuff like Bad Religion and A.F.I.
Alex: Yeah, just mix all those bands up, throw it and then that’s what you get.
Lawrie: If all those bands were sick into a bucket and we drank it…
Jack: But why would you drink it?!
Lawrie: I’m not really sure where I was going with that…
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
Jack: Practice! And don’t give up, just keep trying.
Lawrie: Just work super fucking hard and gig as much as you can. Just really, really try and don’t expect anything for nothing! You have just got to bust your balls and work as hard as you can.
Alex: Also get an instrument, get good at it and then join a band, or just get to a certain level. You need to be able to have confidence in yourself to work with other people, and then once you are in a band practice, practice, practice! And never stop practicing, ever!
Lawrie: I think part of it is just pinpointing what you want to do as a band, because a fair few bands that are around at the moment, no names in particular, but we have played with some bands who go a bit this way with one song and a bit that way and they don’t pinpoint who they really are, so you’re not quite sure what they are about. It is about really pinpointing what you want to do and what you want to sound like and just go straight towards that.
Jack: Definitely Alkaline Trio, obviously. We all love Alkaline Trio! Then it is kind of a mixture after that.
Lawrie: There are a few bands that we all absolutely love, for example Bayside and Alkaline Trio, and then we have all got our separate influences. I absolutely love Brand New!
Alex: He is a massive Brand New fan!
Lawrie: Yeah! Nirvana, and then we all like stuff like Bad Religion and A.F.I.
Alex: Yeah, just mix all those bands up, throw it and then that’s what you get.
Lawrie: If all those bands were sick into a bucket and we drank it…
Jack: But why would you drink it?!
Lawrie: I’m not really sure where I was going with that…
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
Jack: Practice! And don’t give up, just keep trying.
Lawrie: Just work super fucking hard and gig as much as you can. Just really, really try and don’t expect anything for nothing! You have just got to bust your balls and work as hard as you can.
Alex: Also get an instrument, get good at it and then join a band, or just get to a certain level. You need to be able to have confidence in yourself to work with other people, and then once you are in a band practice, practice, practice! And never stop practicing, ever!
Lawrie: I think part of it is just pinpointing what you want to do as a band, because a fair few bands that are around at the moment, no names in particular, but we have played with some bands who go a bit this way with one song and a bit that way and they don’t pinpoint who they really are, so you’re not quite sure what they are about. It is about really pinpointing what you want to do and what you want to sound like and just go straight towards that.
What inspires you to continue to write music?
Alex: Whatever happens around me! I find writing really cathartic so essentially I just can’t stop writing songs, I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t write songs. I write hundreds… Well not hundreds and hundreds, but I think at the moment we have a bank of almost a hundred tracks. Most of which we will never ever use! Most of them are no good at all, but the process of writing really helps me a lot and it is just something that I feel like I need to do all the time. And if I don’t write for a while I get really, really sad and really down about it!
Lawrie: Yeah and for all of us as well this is really our kind of sole creative outlet, like none of us do anything else musically really. I teach, but that is not so much creative. So collectively it is our sole creative outlet.
Alex: So we have to do it, essentially!
What else have you got planned for this year?
Alex: So much! But we can’t talk about any of it yet. New EP, tours and more tours!
Lawrie: New music and gigs. We recorded a new video last weekend which will be out in a months’ time. New everything!
Alex: Whatever happens around me! I find writing really cathartic so essentially I just can’t stop writing songs, I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t write songs. I write hundreds… Well not hundreds and hundreds, but I think at the moment we have a bank of almost a hundred tracks. Most of which we will never ever use! Most of them are no good at all, but the process of writing really helps me a lot and it is just something that I feel like I need to do all the time. And if I don’t write for a while I get really, really sad and really down about it!
Lawrie: Yeah and for all of us as well this is really our kind of sole creative outlet, like none of us do anything else musically really. I teach, but that is not so much creative. So collectively it is our sole creative outlet.
Alex: So we have to do it, essentially!
What else have you got planned for this year?
Alex: So much! But we can’t talk about any of it yet. New EP, tours and more tours!
Lawrie: New music and gigs. We recorded a new video last weekend which will be out in a months’ time. New everything!
Photography by Rob Campion
www.facebook.com/missvincentband
Tuesday, 17 March 2015
'I’m Not the Man I Thought I’d Be' Western Addiction Review
Release Date: 10th March 2015
Label: Fat Wreck Chords
Label: Fat Wreck Chords
Western Addiction
are a punk rock band from San Francisco. One of the key aspects that sets them
apart from other punk rock bands on the scene is their history: Western Addiction were a three piece
band formed of Fat Wreck Chords employees in the early 2000s, now they are back
in 2015 as a four piece. The punk rock veterans are renowned for their
bass-heavy riffs and old school punk mentality, which is displayed perfectly on
their latest 7” release ‘I’m Not the Man
I Thought I’d Be’.
Despite being a demo track ‘Clatter and Hiss’
demands your full attention: the angry lyrics and pure passion in the vocals
are something which most bands leave to be desired. The energetic yet short
song instantly transports your mind to a recording studio, as the unedited
track is full of raw emotions and riffs.
Final song ‘I'm Not the Man That I Thought I'd Be’
is possibly the best song on the record due to its familiar yet unique
structure. The vocals are rough and powerful, and Dara from metal band Serpent
Crown sings the second verse. If you had to define modern punk music in one
song, ‘I’m Not the Man That I Thought I’d Be’ would definitely do the
trick.
8/10
SMILEfest Interview - Laura Snapes
I
spoke to Laura Snapes, features editor of NME, about female musicians, how to
deal with entitled males and how to break into the music journalism world.
You
said in the conference about the Reading and Leeds Festival line up that there
were hundreds of other bands that have more credibility, what were some of that
bands that you were thinking of?
Don’t make me name 100 (laughs)! There is so many! Slater-Kinney, Warpaint, St. Vincent and Wolf Alice.. I mean, maybe they are playing. Paramore! There are many, I am really bad at thinking of things off the top of my head. But the thing in these situations is when the bookers of these festivals are getting defensive, ‘yeah, well who could we book?’ and when people say that then it is evidence to me that they are just not looking very far and trying very hard. They are pretty happy with the way things are because their festival will sell out regardless of who they put on.
Don’t make me name 100 (laughs)! There is so many! Slater-Kinney, Warpaint, St. Vincent and Wolf Alice.. I mean, maybe they are playing. Paramore! There are many, I am really bad at thinking of things off the top of my head. But the thing in these situations is when the bookers of these festivals are getting defensive, ‘yeah, well who could we book?’ and when people say that then it is evidence to me that they are just not looking very far and trying very hard. They are pretty happy with the way things are because their festival will sell out regardless of who they put on.
Do
you believe that as a music journalist that it is harder to get into or do you
believe that there is more equality and that it is based on how well you can
write?
Yeah, I think that it is all about being good basically. I feel lucky in that I have never really come across any, or very few entrenched, chauvinistic editors or anything like that. I mean, to the contrary, I was really lucky when I was nineteen I started writing for The Quietus, which is run by two guys: John and Luke. And John was in his early forties and he was such a champion! If I ever got any bad treatment, I don’t know if you saw the thing in there, but the guy who gave me abuse, he was one of the editors that I meant, and I said ‘John, this guy has just said this to me’ and it was John who emailed around the other editors like ‘never commission this guy again!’. And there was a couple of times where people would be aggressive towards me and people like him are just such champions. It is such a good positive reinforcement to have people like that on your side and I know that not everyone is lucky enough to have it, but those are the kind of people that make it worthwhile. But no, I positively discriminate. Like a man, this dick, emailed me the other day asking for advice on a live review that he had written and I didn’t have time to do it, but he sent me about five more emails and I eventually got to the point where I was like ‘I haven’t got time’ and then he started having a go at me. I was like ‘get your male entitlement out of my inbox’ and he was like ‘Oh, you’re being sexist now are you?’ and I was like ‘what? To be honest with you if you were a woman then I would have read your review so probably I am sexist.’ But I don’t know, I feel more predisposed towards helping people who are not entitled young white boys. And also I think that all of the best young music writers are mostly women. If you made me name them then it would probably be ninety seven per cent women and three per cent blokes!
Yeah, I think that it is all about being good basically. I feel lucky in that I have never really come across any, or very few entrenched, chauvinistic editors or anything like that. I mean, to the contrary, I was really lucky when I was nineteen I started writing for The Quietus, which is run by two guys: John and Luke. And John was in his early forties and he was such a champion! If I ever got any bad treatment, I don’t know if you saw the thing in there, but the guy who gave me abuse, he was one of the editors that I meant, and I said ‘John, this guy has just said this to me’ and it was John who emailed around the other editors like ‘never commission this guy again!’. And there was a couple of times where people would be aggressive towards me and people like him are just such champions. It is such a good positive reinforcement to have people like that on your side and I know that not everyone is lucky enough to have it, but those are the kind of people that make it worthwhile. But no, I positively discriminate. Like a man, this dick, emailed me the other day asking for advice on a live review that he had written and I didn’t have time to do it, but he sent me about five more emails and I eventually got to the point where I was like ‘I haven’t got time’ and then he started having a go at me. I was like ‘get your male entitlement out of my inbox’ and he was like ‘Oh, you’re being sexist now are you?’ and I was like ‘what? To be honest with you if you were a woman then I would have read your review so probably I am sexist.’ But I don’t know, I feel more predisposed towards helping people who are not entitled young white boys. And also I think that all of the best young music writers are mostly women. If you made me name them then it would probably be ninety seven per cent women and three per cent blokes!
What
advice would you give to anyone who wants to break into music journalism or
feature writing?
I would say first of all to make sure that it is something that you are really, really, really dedicated to and passionate about! It is the kind of thing where I go to work, I work in an office and I work 10am to 6pm, but your work never stops because music is a thing that you are into all of the time. I have a friend that works at a financial magazine and she comes home and she is like ‘Oh, I don’t have to think about that shit anymore!’ So yeah, first of all make sure that you are super passionate and dedicated to it and just think about ‘what is it that I want to say about music and why do I want to say it?’ This is such vague but important advice: just work really hard at being the best that you can possibly be. In order to do that read the best music writers that you can. Read new stuff, old stuff in all different formats. Really study it and take it apart, sit and read something that you think is amazing and then think ‘what is it that is making this amazing?’ Pull it apart like you are in a school English lesson and think ‘this is how they are using adverbs’ and ‘this is how they are constructing arguments’. Look at the technical side of it and pull it apart a bit, because if you study that you will come to absorb it a bit as well. So yeah, just read loads and figure out what you think is smart. Do your best to not necessarily emulate it, but there was definitely a period where I emulated what I thought was good and then just off doing that you get into the rhythms of writing and then you can kind of go off and fly! Do it your own way. You just need to have a ferocious appetite for music. If I get to the end of a year and I see music journalists saying that is has been a bad year for music, and you are like ‘really? You just were not looking hard enough’. It has to kind of be everything. I am not saying that you should work all hours by any means, I go home and watch House Of Fools like everybody else does, but it is kind of more than just a job.
I would say first of all to make sure that it is something that you are really, really, really dedicated to and passionate about! It is the kind of thing where I go to work, I work in an office and I work 10am to 6pm, but your work never stops because music is a thing that you are into all of the time. I have a friend that works at a financial magazine and she comes home and she is like ‘Oh, I don’t have to think about that shit anymore!’ So yeah, first of all make sure that you are super passionate and dedicated to it and just think about ‘what is it that I want to say about music and why do I want to say it?’ This is such vague but important advice: just work really hard at being the best that you can possibly be. In order to do that read the best music writers that you can. Read new stuff, old stuff in all different formats. Really study it and take it apart, sit and read something that you think is amazing and then think ‘what is it that is making this amazing?’ Pull it apart like you are in a school English lesson and think ‘this is how they are using adverbs’ and ‘this is how they are constructing arguments’. Look at the technical side of it and pull it apart a bit, because if you study that you will come to absorb it a bit as well. So yeah, just read loads and figure out what you think is smart. Do your best to not necessarily emulate it, but there was definitely a period where I emulated what I thought was good and then just off doing that you get into the rhythms of writing and then you can kind of go off and fly! Do it your own way. You just need to have a ferocious appetite for music. If I get to the end of a year and I see music journalists saying that is has been a bad year for music, and you are like ‘really? You just were not looking hard enough’. It has to kind of be everything. I am not saying that you should work all hours by any means, I go home and watch House Of Fools like everybody else does, but it is kind of more than just a job.
What inspired you to want to become a journalist
and write features?
It was a couple of things. I always loved listening to Radio One and I loved pop music as a kid, and then I would get to hear Jo Wiley and stuff when I was like ten/eleven, and I thought that I would really love to do what she does and interview people. I didn’t even know that the word was journalist or whatever! I was just like I want to interview people, I want to ask people who make music about how they do it and stuff. And then a few years later there was this musician that I was really obsessed with and I was like I want to meet this person, how can I do it in a way that is not just like ‘hi I think you are great’, but like a professional excuse to have a conversation. I was like maybe I could interview her or something? And then I just really liked doing it and it was just a way of like, using careers advice, young people are not given enough as it is and figure out how to make your hobby your job. My little brother is sixteen and there was definitely a time where he wanted to be a footballer, and it is like face facts, you are never going to play for Manchester United, unless something amazing happens! That does not mean that your dream is dead, because if you look at that one footballer and think about how many hundreds of people work in the industry around them. I mean, I only ever wanted to be a music journalist, I never wanted to be a musician or anything, but figuring out how to make your hobby your job, that is a thing that everybody can do pretty much, and I think that is a piece of advice that people are not given enough.
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It was a couple of things. I always loved listening to Radio One and I loved pop music as a kid, and then I would get to hear Jo Wiley and stuff when I was like ten/eleven, and I thought that I would really love to do what she does and interview people. I didn’t even know that the word was journalist or whatever! I was just like I want to interview people, I want to ask people who make music about how they do it and stuff. And then a few years later there was this musician that I was really obsessed with and I was like I want to meet this person, how can I do it in a way that is not just like ‘hi I think you are great’, but like a professional excuse to have a conversation. I was like maybe I could interview her or something? And then I just really liked doing it and it was just a way of like, using careers advice, young people are not given enough as it is and figure out how to make your hobby your job. My little brother is sixteen and there was definitely a time where he wanted to be a footballer, and it is like face facts, you are never going to play for Manchester United, unless something amazing happens! That does not mean that your dream is dead, because if you look at that one footballer and think about how many hundreds of people work in the industry around them. I mean, I only ever wanted to be a music journalist, I never wanted to be a musician or anything, but figuring out how to make your hobby your job, that is a thing that everybody can do pretty much, and I think that is a piece of advice that people are not given enough.
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SMILEfest 2015 - Vinyl Revival
Music industry legends Tony Crean, Anya Strafford and Mike
Smith gathered in JM315 on Wednesday, March 11 for the first SMILEfest
conference of 2015, entitled ‘Digital Witness: The Future of Music?’.
One of the most common similarities between the three guests
was that they have all changed job roles throughout their career, which
indicates that to get into the music industry you need a wide variety of
talents and skills.
Despite the conference being about the future of music, the
main focus was on vinyl records, which could indicate that vinyl is increasing
in popularity.
All three of the panelists shared a love for vinyl records:
Mike Smith believes that vinyl is a ‘wonderful and romantic experience to
share’, Anya believes that vinyl ‘helps to tell the story of an album more than
a CD could’ and Tony believes that there is definitely an ‘emotional
engagement’ involved with vinyl.
As vinyl is becoming increasingly more popular, the three guests
all agreed that there needs to be more vinyl pressing plants in the UK. There
are only two pressing plants in the UK and even major labels can struggle with
an eighteen-week wait for releases.
When asked whether vinyl is more of a gimmick than a
revival, Mike Smith said that he can easily get songs on Spotify, but he can
remember where he was and when he bought every vinyl that he owns, proving that
there is more of a connection with vinyl records.
The hour long session was concluded with the musical guests
all agreeing that the best way to manage artists is to take time to build up
good acts, and that bands need to have connectivity with social media and their
fans.
Record Store Day is fast-approaching, with many bands
releasing exclusive vinyl copies of their records on Saturday, April 18.
SMILEfest 2015 - Music and Misogyny
Last week some of the biggest female names in music took
to the stage to talk about the problems that women face in such a male
dominated industry. NME’s Laura Snapes, Mute Press’ Zoe Miller, BBC Lives’ Mel
Lewis and tour manager Tre Stead joined forces on Wednesday, March 11 for the
second SMILEfest conference of 2015, entitled ‘Blurred Times: Music and
Misogyny’.
One of the big hot topics at the moment is the Reading and
Leeds line-up being only 10% female, and it is safe to say that all four of the
guests were horrified at this statistic. Zoe believes that there are whole
sections of the music industry that have a problem with the number of female
acts, but other genres such as electronic music have many women in a position
of power and strength. Laura believes that many of the males in the music
industry are discriminating and not even realising that they are doing so.
Another shocking fact that was mentioned was that females
who work in the music industry feel the need to dress down to escape their
femininity so that they can be taken more seriously by men. Tre spent years
wearing jeans and no make up to try and look like the rest of her male
colleagues, but now wears what she wants as she feels more comfortable in her
job. Zoe also mentioned when she has worked with female artists and they feel
the need to dress down because of sexism.
All four of the females have experience sexism in the work
place. Mel has been called patronising names, such as ‘babe’ and ‘darling’, Zoe
mentioned that when males come into the office for meetings they direct their
questions straight to the other male members of staff, Laura has been talked
down to due to her gender and when Tre first starting working with bands people
would assume she was a girlfriend or groupie.
Despite many horror stories being shared, one of the most
important lessons to be gained from this conference was that women in the music
industry stick together and that people will be there to help you out when you
are faced with sexism in the work place.
Monday, 16 March 2015
Ashestoangels Interview
I spoke to Crilly
from Ashestoangels at Takedown Festival about damaged knees, internet piracy
and Johnny Cash.
How do you think your
set went today?
Pretty good, nothing broke! I stood on the audience and they seemed to like it! I had a good time, it was really exciting and it is nice to play to a full room during the day.
Pretty good, nothing broke! I stood on the audience and they seemed to like it! I had a good time, it was really exciting and it is nice to play to a full room during the day.
Are you planning on
checking out any of the other bands on today?
Creeper, 5.35pm! I have got the time tattooed on my inner arm like the guy from Les Misérables, except instead of the number from a time that I was in a French prison for stealing bread to feed my family it is just the time to see Creeper! They are going to be good.
Creeper, 5.35pm! I have got the time tattooed on my inner arm like the guy from Les Misérables, except instead of the number from a time that I was in a French prison for stealing bread to feed my family it is just the time to see Creeper! They are going to be good.
How would you
describe your music to someone who has not heard it before?
A goth punk explosion!
A goth punk explosion!
How has the reception
to Horror Cult been?
Pretty good, people seem to like it! They seem to love stealing it from the internet, which I am actually fine with. I would rather people stole it, enjoyed it and came to see us play it. I don’t care about online sales, which is lucky so we gave half of them to Music For Good to put houses somewhere. Somewhere nice, I hope!
What inspired the band name?
David Bowie! Ashes To Ashes is my third favourite David Bowie song, we couldn’t call ourselves Ziggy Stardust or Spiders From Mars, that is a thing!
Pretty good, people seem to like it! They seem to love stealing it from the internet, which I am actually fine with. I would rather people stole it, enjoyed it and came to see us play it. I don’t care about online sales, which is lucky so we gave half of them to Music For Good to put houses somewhere. Somewhere nice, I hope!
What inspired the band name?
David Bowie! Ashes To Ashes is my third favourite David Bowie song, we couldn’t call ourselves Ziggy Stardust or Spiders From Mars, that is a thing!
What made you want to
become a musician?
Well I wanted to be a fighter pilot, but that didn’t work out. So I went for the second best of not killing anybody! Also I started going to local gigs and being like ‘yup, that is what I want! I want to be on that stage!’
Who would you say that your major influences are?
It started out as A.F.I and Aiden, and now… I don’t know, I still love those bands, but I don’t really think about anyone else when I am writing, I just try and write the best songs that I can, the only way I know how… Like Johnny Cash! Three points for the Johnny Cash reference, number three!
Well I wanted to be a fighter pilot, but that didn’t work out. So I went for the second best of not killing anybody! Also I started going to local gigs and being like ‘yup, that is what I want! I want to be on that stage!’
Who would you say that your major influences are?
It started out as A.F.I and Aiden, and now… I don’t know, I still love those bands, but I don’t really think about anyone else when I am writing, I just try and write the best songs that I can, the only way I know how… Like Johnny Cash! Three points for the Johnny Cash reference, number three!
What advice would you
give to anyone that wants to become a musician or a singer?
Look after your knees! I left my knee brace at home, I made this one out of duct tape and it is pretty bad… I am going to pay for this one tomorrow! When I started out first of all I fucking sucked, and that is fine! You don’t have to be good to begin with; in fact it is good to have to improve because it teaches you valuable lessons. But I really wish that I had learnt how to sing a little bit better than I did in the beginning, like I never used to warm up and because of that I get vocal problems. But yeah: warm up, tune up, play and make sure that you practice and you will be alright!
Look after your knees! I left my knee brace at home, I made this one out of duct tape and it is pretty bad… I am going to pay for this one tomorrow! When I started out first of all I fucking sucked, and that is fine! You don’t have to be good to begin with; in fact it is good to have to improve because it teaches you valuable lessons. But I really wish that I had learnt how to sing a little bit better than I did in the beginning, like I never used to warm up and because of that I get vocal problems. But yeah: warm up, tune up, play and make sure that you practice and you will be alright!
What inspires you to
keep playing songs and writing music?
Stuff like today! I think we are the kind of band that people… There are no like casual fans, people don’t just check us out. People either don’t like us, don’t know us or they are really into it and they are the people that like music the way that I like music. I am an old man compared to most of the people in this venue and to see people who have the same passion that I do is just amazing and I hope that they keep it up, because I have and I am still here.
Stuff like today! I think we are the kind of band that people… There are no like casual fans, people don’t just check us out. People either don’t like us, don’t know us or they are really into it and they are the people that like music the way that I like music. I am an old man compared to most of the people in this venue and to see people who have the same passion that I do is just amazing and I hope that they keep it up, because I have and I am still here.
What do you think
that people should expect from a live show?
Well… They are going to get involved! I don’t stand for any of that standing still! And also people have stopped videoing us, there is no video evidence of us playing for the past two years. I don’t take a stand against it, we are not one of those bands who are like ‘fuck your camera!’ or any of that shit, I just think that you are going to have more fun if you are actually involved.
Well… They are going to get involved! I don’t stand for any of that standing still! And also people have stopped videoing us, there is no video evidence of us playing for the past two years. I don’t take a stand against it, we are not one of those bands who are like ‘fuck your camera!’ or any of that shit, I just think that you are going to have more fun if you are actually involved.
What else do you have
planned for 2015?
Got to record another album, because I get bored! We are going to go on tour some more. I really like being on tour and our new van is more reliable so… Cool!
Got to record another album, because I get bored! We are going to go on tour some more. I really like being on tour and our new van is more reliable so… Cool!
Is there anywhere
that you want to play that you haven’t before?
Festivals! I want to start doing the festivals! We are doing D.I.Y tours, and that is fine. We have been doing them forever but now like our last one, half of it is sold out which is fucking crazy! So we are going to keep doing that and building on that. We’d really love to play some festivals! I have such a good time at them!
Festivals! I want to start doing the festivals! We are doing D.I.Y tours, and that is fine. We have been doing them forever but now like our last one, half of it is sold out which is fucking crazy! So we are going to keep doing that and building on that. We’d really love to play some festivals! I have such a good time at them!
Ashestoangels head out on tour again later this month with 48Hours. Catch them at a date near you:
March
26 HARLOW - Square
28 MANCHESTER - Satans Hollow
29 NEWCASTLE - Think Tank
30 BIRMINGHAM - Asylum
31 BRIDGWATER - Tiki Beach
April
01 LONDON - Barfly
Sunday, 8 March 2015
Takedown Festival at Southampton University 7/3/15
Punk rockers Miss Vincent (8/10) were the first
band to grace the Obsidian Stage, and it is safe to say that they managed to warm up the crowd well: “Takedown is a long day and you’re going to
be here until 11pm… It’s important to stretch and warm up for the amazing
bands, and that is our job!” The local four-piece managed to entertain
everyone with their fusion of harmonious vocals and bass-filled riffs, and they
even had more people joining the crowd as they played.
Progressive rock legends InMe (9/10) managed to
appeal to both young and old fans with the performance of their debut 2003
album ‘Overgrown Eden’. Despite being out for over fifteen years, the
Essex trio were able to mesmerise the crowd with their passionate and energetic
performance. Dave McPherson’s vocals were both harmonious and heavy, truly
reflecting the theme of InMe’s
performance style. They were also able to excite fans by announcing the release
of a new triple album in May. For their final song ‘Faster The Chase’ they invited
Mikey Chapman from Mallory Knox to
join them on stage, resulting in mass amounts of mosh pits and beach balls
flying everywhere.
Bristol-based goth punk band Ashestoangels (7.5/10) were
a sure-fire hit on the Obsidian Stage, appealing to fans of bands such as Fearless Vampire Killers and Black Veil Brides. Lead singer Crilly
was no stranger to getting involved with the crowd, constantly jumping into the
mosh pit and engaging with excitable fans.
Local metalcore five-piece Our Hollow, Our Home (9/10) drew
in a huge crowd for their set on the Uprawr Stage, proving exactly how many
fans their hard work and persistence has gained them. They definitely have the
stage presence of a much bigger band, as they were constantly able to encourage
fans to create mosh pits and circle pits. Despite having technical difficulties
at numerous points during their set, their professionalism and talent allowed
them to continue performing one of their best shows to date.
Metal loudmouths The Hell (8/10) managed to insult the
crowd numerous times during their set, but their fans seemed to love it. Their
offensive yet humorous act proved that metal music does not always need to be
serious. With lead singer Nail$ hurling insults left, right and centre, it is
safe to say that if you are easily offended then you should steer well-clear of
the bandana-wearing five-piece: “It is international women’s day tomorrow,
so I want every woman in here to kick a man in the face!” Playing songs
such as ‘Bangers And Mosh’, ‘Deal With It’ and ‘Everybody
Dies’ The Hell managed to
engage with a rowdy yet passionate crowd.
Forming from the ashes of electronic rock band My Passion, British rock trio Fort Hope (8/10) managed to impress Takedown-goers with their beautiful
lyrics and harmony-filled vocals. Sounding much heavier than they do on record,
Fort Hope rocked the crowd with
songs such as ‘Control’, ‘The Rapture’ and ‘Sick’.
Uprawr Stage headliners Heart Of A Coward (10/10) proved
exactly why they were so high up on the bill with their energetic and exciting
performance. The Milton Keynes based metal five-piece rocked the crowd with
their heavy riffs and fast-paced songs. Lead singer Jamie Graham’s vocals were
on top form, filling the arena with harsh screams and angry lyrics. Jamie also
proved that Heart Of A Coward were
all about the music and not violence as he stopped their set due to violent
people in the crowd and refused to continue until they had left. They also
performed a new song for the first time ever, ‘Hollow’, which sounded
even heavier than their previous material. Ending their set with fan favourites
‘Deadweight’
and ‘Around A Girl In 80 Days’, Heart Of A Coward were able to entertain fans from start to finish,
providing a fitting end to an incredible day of live music.
Attila at The Talking Heads, Southampton 5/3/15
Support: Fathoms,
Silent Screams
Brighton-based five-piece Fathoms (8/10) were the
first band to grace the stage, instantly turning The Talking Heads into a sweat-filled
mosh pit. The self-proclaimed
‘hategroove’ band wowed the crowd with their heavy riffs and angst-filled
breakdowns, which were amplified by lead singer Max Campbell’s harsh vocals. Playing
old songs such as ‘Old Bones’ and new songs such as ‘Truant’, fans both new
and old were able to hear their favourites.
“Southampton I want to see the biggest circle pit you’ve got!” Melodic
metal Midlanders Silent Screams (7.5/10) tried to engage the crowd
from the second they bounced onto the stage and it’s safe to say that it
worked. Their pure energy and enthusiasm allowed them to prove exactly how
hardworking they are, and they definitely gained a few more fans tonight. Lead
singer Joel Heywood had no qualms about getting into the crowd, and he managed
to sing perfectly whilst manoeuvring through hundreds of sweaty gig-goers.
“There are no rules at an Attila concert, let’s go fucking crazy!”
Party metal rockers Attila (8/10) often get a criticised online
and in reviews, but there is no denying that they know exactly how to work a
crowd. Their laid-back stage persona and outrageous lyrics allowed fans to
bounce around like they were at a rave rather than a metal gig. Despite being a
‘party’ band, Fronz was able to scream and rap with incredible precision,
proving that Attila are actually
extremely talented musicians. Fronz and guitarist Chris had funny stage banter,
which definitely amused the crowd. With drug, sex and party references, it is
safe to say that Attila would not be
a band that you would take your mother to see, however, if you are a metal fan
that does not take themselves too seriously, then you would definitely have a
lot of fun watching Attila strut
their stuff on stage.
Saturday, 28 February 2015
‘The Imperial Skies’ Chapters Album Review
London-based progressive metal band Chapters began their journey in 2009, and since then they have been
making a name for themselves in the UK metal scene. Their unique blend of heavy
metal and progressive rock has gained them thousands of fans across the world so far,
and their latest album ‘The Imperial Skies’ is
definitely one of the hottest metal albums around.
Opening track ‘I Will Reign Forever’ opens with an
incredible technical guitar solo, which instantly proves how Chapters are not just another metal
band: their musical skills are both impressive and enjoyable to listen to. Lead
vocalist Joseph Nally’s screams are undeniably heavy and brutal, instantly
making an impact on your brain.
The disjointed and fast-paced riffs in ‘March Of The Puritan’ are
full of energy, making you imagine what Chapters
would be like at a live show. Despite constantly changing pace and tempo,
the four-piece band have managed to master the art of technical metal songs,
making them sound effortless and exciting.
Final track ‘Chapters’ is the perfect end to an
exhilarating album: the heavy riffs and vocals merge seamlessly together. Full
of breakdowns and spine-chilling screams, Chapters
have truly managed to create an album which will stand the test of time.
If you are a fan of bands such as Sylosis and Malefice, then
you definitely need to check out Chapters.
Rating: 8/10
Wednesday, 25 February 2015
'Is This Growing Up?' Over Album Review
Release Date: 7th
March 2015
In a music industry mainly dominated by males, it is always
uplifting to find a female-fronted band that does not have to rely on gimmicks
or over-sexualised material to gain fans. Italy-based five-piece Over are one of these bands, and it is
safe to say that their latest release ‘Is This Growing Up?’ is full of
melodic punk rock anthems that will change your views on females in the rock
industry.
The album begins with ‘Growing Up’, an instrumental track
which is both dramatic and mysterious, which instantly peaks your interest.
This leads seamlessly into ‘Wrong For You’, an angst-filled
melodic song which is both catchy and exciting. Lead singer Linda Battilani’s
vocals are simple yet effective: her range is impressive and she sounds both
unique and familiar at the same time.
‘The Promise’ is the first single to have been released from ‘Is
This Growing Up?’ and it is safe to say that Over picked one of the best songs on the album to peak people’s
interest. Linda’s harmonious vocals merge perfectly with Nick Bagnoli’s harsh
screams. The guitar riffs are a fantastic fusion of heavy rock and pop punk,
appealing to rock and punk fans across the spectrum.
Melody-filled track ‘Like Ashes Underground’ is filled
with stunning harmonies and exciting guitar riffs. One of the best parts of
this track is the breakdown, which is well-placed and features heavy screaming
vocals. The pop-punk anthem is both addictive and completely different to
anything that you have ever heard before.
Two of the most appealing things about Over are their passionate lyrics and melodic vocals. Despite not
being the most technical band in the world, they are able to create songs that
sound both fresh and exciting. Their music is harmless and fun-filled, so if
you are looking for a band that will lift your mood and make you sing along no
matter where you are, then you should definitely check out Over.
Rating: 8/10
Saturday, 21 February 2015
'Dreamers' Bounds Of Modesty EP Review
There are many different things associated with Amsterdam, such as canals, museums and of course the infamous coffee shops, but pop punk isn’t usually one of them. However, Bounds Of Modesty, a four-piece band that formed in 2009, are on a mission to change this with their latest EP ‘Dreamers’.
‘Dreamers’ is the soundtrack to Bounds Of Modesty’s latest feature film, which promises to tell the story of the friends chasing their dreams and the obstacles that they encounter on the way. Also, each of the five songs on ‘Dreamers’ claims to have its own signature instrument, such as banjos, harmoniums and ukuleles. Opening track ‘The Heart Wants’ is upbeat and fast-paced, which instantly catches your attention. Callum Stamp’s vocals are harmonic and striking, allowing you to really focus on the stories being told in the lyrics. The beautiful fusion of acoustic riffs and harrowing vocals pull at your heartstrings and leaves you desperate to hear more.
‘Superheroes’ is one of the slowest-paced songs on the album, however, the emotion-filled lyrics and stunning vocals are more than enough to keep you entertained.
Final track ‘Awake’ is not only just a great ending to ‘Dreamers’, it also proves that every song on the EP is enjoyable to listen to. Although the orchestra-like composition of the song sounds nothing like pop-punk, they prove that they are multi-talented and unique.
Although Bounds Of Modesty are relatively unknown, many bands could learn a thing or two about multimedia from them. Every song is full of emotion and harmonies, proving that they are not just another pop punk band on the circuit: they are hard-working and talented musicians who deserve to have a much bigger fanbase.
Rating: 9/10
www.facebook.com/BoundsOfModesty
'As I Walk With Fire' Opheon EP Review
Release Date: 4th April 2015
There are thousands of teenage metal bands across the world, so it is safe to say that just being young musician is not enough to cut it anymore. However, the members of Opheon have an average age of nineteen and they have already received praise from Robb Flynn and Corey Beaulieu, so it is safe to say that they are definitely doing something right. ‘As I Walk With Fire’ is the latest release from the Birmingham-based four-piece and it is definitely an EP to watch out for.
Opening track ‘As I Walk With Fire’ gives an instant glimpse into what Opheon are about: heavy riffs, harsh vocals and hard-hitting lyrics. The fusion of fast-paced guitar solos and melodic vocals prove that despite being young, Opheon really know how to create a professional-sounding metal anthem.
If you have never listened to Opheon before then ‘The Distance’ would definitely be a great place to start: the melodic yet heavy song is not only catchy, but it is also one of the most impressive metal songs of this year so far. Liam and Josh’s vocals merge beautifully, and combined with unique riffs and thoughtful lyrics, it is almost impossible to ignore Opheon’s talent.
Final song ‘Lost In Undertow’ is full of energy and pure passion, making it the perfect end to such a hard-hitting EP. The crushing guitar riffs and heavy vocals leave you constantly wanting to hear more from the Birmingham youngsters and you will find yourself having this song stuck in your head, whether you like it or not.
‘As I Walk With Fire’ will be released on Saturday 4th April. The official album release show will be on Thursday 9th April at The Flapper in Birmingham, with support from The Final Chapter, Vexxen and This Memory.
Rating: 8/10
Sunday, 15 February 2015
Our Hollow, Our Home at The Joiners, Southampton
Support: Gone By Tomorrow,
Deference, Tonight We Fall
11/02/15
11/02/15
Andover-based youngsters Tonight We
Fall (7/10) were the first band to grace the
stage, and it is safe to say that they warmed the crowd up well.
Despite being ill, vocalist Sam Culverwell was able to impress the
crowd with his heavy vocals and energetic stage performance.
Although they are teenagers, Tonight We Fall are talented
musicians who seem to improve with every performance that they do.
Their confidence and ambition is almost infectious and it is clear
that they already have a strong fan-base in the Hampshire area.
Deference (8/10),
a Southampton-based metal band were next on the stage, and it is safe
to say that they opened with a bang. Rob Lea's heavy vocals were
incredible and merged well with the fast-paced guitar riffs. Once of
the easiest bands to compare them to would be Architects as their
musical style is very similar, which was demonstrated during their
more melodic songs. Despite not having any released material yet they
certainly knew how to entertain a crowd and left everyone wanting
more.
The final support act was Gone By Tomorrow (6/10), a five-piece metalcore band from Southampton. With similarities to bands such as Yashin, Asking Alexandria and With One Last Breath they definitely appealed more to the younger fans in the audience. Despite being energetic and entertaining their set was much more slower-paced and gentle compared to the heavier bands on the line-up, which made some of the crowd disengage with their performance. Their mixture of screaming vocals and harmonies worked well, however, there was definitely something missing from their set.
The final support act was Gone By Tomorrow (6/10), a five-piece metalcore band from Southampton. With similarities to bands such as Yashin, Asking Alexandria and With One Last Breath they definitely appealed more to the younger fans in the audience. Despite being energetic and entertaining their set was much more slower-paced and gentle compared to the heavier bands on the line-up, which made some of the crowd disengage with their performance. Their mixture of screaming vocals and harmonies worked well, however, there was definitely something missing from their set.
After recently releasing their EP
'//Redefine', local
metalcore heroes Our Hollow, Our Home (9/10)
returned to Southampton for their home show. With a crowd full of
family, fans and friends, it was easy to see how popular the
five-piece have become since their formation in 2013. Known locally
as energetic and hard-working musicians, it is exciting to see their
career progress further and their talent become recognised by record
labels and publications around the world. One of the most
well-received songs was 'If Those Were Guns, Reggie Be Dead',
which was played twice during their set: once as a band, and once as
an acoustic song for the encore. Every song that was played sounded
unique and fresh, and Connor Hallisey's harsh vocals were on top
form, merging well with Tobias Young's clean singing. Our Hollow,
Our Home engaged well with the crowd and they even brought an
inflatable boat with them (called 'H.M.S Heisenberg') for fans to
crowdsurf in. It is safe to say that Our Hollow, Our Home are
one of the best bands to come out of Southampton, and if you haven't
listened to them yet then you are definitely missing out.
Saturday, 7 February 2015
'Black Hearse Serenade' I.N.C Album Review
I.N.C
‘Black Hearse Serenade’
Label: Ferocious Records
Release Date: 24th October 2014
‘Black Hearse Serenade’
Label: Ferocious Records
Release Date: 24th October 2014
I.N.C, also known as Indestructible Noise Command, are a five-piece band from Bridgeport. Described as everything from trash metal, to power metal, to heavy metal, they formed in 1985 after Erik Barath and Dennis Gergely decided that they were frustrated by the ‘cookie-cutter bands plastering videos on the sole cable station’. Despite having a previously complicated history, I.N.C are back for good, and ‘Black Hearse Serenade’ is their latest offering to the metal community.
Opening track ‘Stirring The Flock’ begins with ominous chanting, leading into a ferocious guitar riff. The thrash-orientated guitar playing merges well with Dennis’ angst-filled vocals. The four minute track is filled with groove metal guitar riffs, angry lyrics and a surprisingly catchy chorus.
‘Cyanide & Whiskey’ is heavy, hard-hitting and harrowing: everything that an impressive metal song should be. The strong riffs and heavy vocals are almost reminiscent of Pantera, but with a modern day twist.
Despite being a metal vocalist, Dennis is able to display the true extent of his vocal talent on songs such as ‘Organ Grinder’. From harmonic vocals to screaming, he is able to make songs sound exciting and different.
‘No Turning Back’ is one of the most impressive songs on the entire album, mainly due to the blend of heavy yet technical guitar riffs. Dennis is able to manipulate his vocals into many different styles, making his voice sound unlike anything that you have ever heard before. It is easily apparent that the members of I.N.C are using their previous experience in the music business to good use and they are able to create something exciting for metal music fans across the spectrum. The dramatic chanting also makes the song feel as though it has theatrical elements incorporated into it too, keeping listeners hooked.
Final song ‘Love Like Napalm’ is unlike anything else on ‘Black Horse Serenade’: the slow and passionate melodies sound and feel almost like the final number at a theatre show. The guitar riffs are not only technical, but they are also perfectly matched with the lyrics and hard-hitting vocals.
It is becoming increasingly common for bands to state that their albums have concepts when they certainly do not, however, it is clear from listening to ‘Black Hearse Serenade’ that I.N.C have mastered the art of story-telling through their music. The lyrical content is both interesting and exciting, with emotive vocals to match. Although this album may not appeal to everyone, if you are interested in listening to metal music that is the perfect fusion of modern and classic, then I.N.C may be exactly what you are looking for.
7/10
Neck Deep at the Electric Ballroom, Camden (06/02/2015)
Neck Deep
Support: Trophy Eyes, Seaway, Knuckle Puck
06/02/2015
06/02/2015
Themed tours are not something that often work well, but ‘The Intercontinental Championships Tour’ worked perfectly. Four pop-punk bands from four different countries, plus hundreds of foam hands and cheesy intro music lead to a ten-date UK tour filled with happy fans and energetic musicians.
Opening the tour for the last time were Trophy Eyes (7/10), a five-piece Australian punk band. One of the most notable aspects of their performance was their pure energy and passion: it was easy to see how excited they were to be playing on a sold-out stage at the Electric Ballroom. The venue was packed out to the brim and vocalist John knew exactly how to engage with the crowd. Their catchy riffs and hard-hitting vocals made it almost impossible to stand still during their set and they left the stage with fans eagerly awaiting more.
Canadian pop-punk five-piece Seaway (8/10) proved their brilliance before they even arrived onto stage due to their opening song ‘Blame Canada’ from comedy television show South Park. Lead singer Ryan Locke spoke about how humbled they were to play in the UK for the first time and he genuinely seemed astounded at how many people were singing his lyrics back at him. One of the songs that the crowd seemed to engage with the most was ‘Alberta’, a slow paced pop-punk song which was full of angst and well-written lyrics. they informed the audience that they were filming a music video during their set, which seemed to increase the already-full energy levels of the crowd.
Chicago-based punk-rock five piece Knuckle Puck (7/10) were next on the bill, walking onto stage to Van Halen’s classic hit ‘Jump’. Vocalist John Siorek was full of energy as constantly jumping around the stage and encouraging fans to move along with him. Playing songs such as ‘Your Back Porch’, ‘Stuck' and ‘No Good’, they were able to keep the crowd momentum high. The mixture of screaming and melodic backing vocals worked as well live as it does on their records, creating beautiful harmonies that worked well alongside their emotion-filled lyrical style.
“We thought we would do a wrestling tour because it would be funny!” Wrexham-based pop-punk heroes Neck Deep (9/10) graced the stage for the final time of this tour, and it is safe to say that they left it with a bang. Opening with ‘Losing Teeth’ they instantly made the crowd putty in their hands: there were mosh pits taking over most of the venue. Ben Barlow’s vocals were on top form and sounded even more powerful live. The happy-go-lucky band impressed crowds with songs such as ‘Damsel In Distress’, ‘Crushing Grief (No Remedy)' and ‘Sweet Nothings’. It is easy to see just how far that Neck Deep have come in just a year: “A year ago we were playing to two hundred people at The Barfly, today we are playing to 1000 people!” Their popularity has not only been increased by social networking websites, but also the hard-work and dedication that they put into each and every live show. One of the most memorable moments of the evening was their acoustic rendition of ballad ‘A Part Of Me’, with Laura Whiteside joining Ben on stage to create a beautiful and harmony-filled performance. Despite the curfew being at 9.45pm, Neck Deep managed to play an impressive seventeen songs and left the crowd feeling satisfied and impressed by such raw and passionate music. They may call themselves generic pop-punk, but their performance was anything but ordinary.
www.facebook.com/neckdeepuk / www.twitter.com/NeckDeepUK
www.facebook.com/KnucklePuckIL / www.twitter.com/KnucklePuckIL
www.facebook.com/seawayoakville / www.twitter.com/seawayband
www.facebook.com/KnucklePuckIL / www.twitter.com/KnucklePuckIL
www.facebook.com/seawayoakville / www.twitter.com/seawayband
'Matter As Regent' Wells Valley Album Review
Wells Valley
‘Matter As Regent’
Release Date: 7th February 2015
Label: Bleak Recordings
Release Date: 7th February 2015
Label: Bleak Recordings
It is not very often that you hear about Portuguese metal bands on websites, let alone Portuguese post-metal/sludge bands, so it is highly unlikely that you have heard of Wells Valley before. The trio consists of Filipe Correia from Concealment, Pedro Lopes and Pedro Mau from Kneel. They formed in late 2011, however, they have only recently signed to Bleak Recordings. ’Matter As Regent’ is their debut album, which consists of six tracks.
Opening song ‘Ghost Of You’ instantly transports the listener into an eerie place filled with twisted guitar riffs and hard-hitting drum beats. It takes around a minute and a half for the vocals to kick in, which makes Wells Valley’s almost progressive. Lead singer Filipe’s voice has a harrowing sound to it; his whispers and shouts make the song sound like it should be a part of a horror film soundtrack. There is something unsettling about the breakdown, which is most likely the fear of the unknown: once you are so engaged in the music it is impossible to tell which way the song will end up next. However, this is not a bad thing, it makes the album not only unique, but extremely exciting to listen to.
‘Hands Are Void’ incorporates a mixture of screaming and technical guitar riffs, which appeals to both sludge and post-metal fans. Although it is hard to hear the lyrics clearly it almost adds to the haunting nature of the song. It is almost as if the songs were made with the intent for listeners to create their own ideas of what the music is about.
One of the bands that Wells Valley have recently been compared to is Gojira. Although their songs are composed in a similar way, it is hard to hear any other similarities in their music. The one exception to this is ’Sacred Mountain’, in which the heavier vocals and guitar riffs used could be seen as having a vague similarity to the sort of style that Gojira uses.
‘Kingdom Of Salvation’ is possibly one of the best songs on the album. With heavy metal guitar riffs and fast-paced drumming, it is almost impossible not to hit the ‘replay’ button on your music player. Filipe uses a wide range of vocal techniques, including hard-hitting and aggressive, slow and melodic and haunting screaming vocals. The pace of the song constantly changes, allowing the listener to stay entertained and impressed, despite the fact that it is the last song one the album.
There is certainly nothing generic about Wells Valley. The trio are obviously extremely talented musicians, but they also know exactly how to create an album that brings something new to the post-metal/sludge scene. Each songs sounds different, with hints of progressive, technical and death metal incorporated into their music in unique ways.
7/10
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