Manic Street Preachers Artist Biography

With eleven albums over twenty four years, Manic Street Preachers are one of the most prominent bands ever to emerge from the alternative rock genre. Forming in Blackwood, a small town in South Wales in 1989, their impact both musically and culturally has been huge: inspiring a generation to engage themselves into the political and social scene around them, as well as rebelling against society’s expectations. Manic Street Preachers arrival into the music scene was at a time where grunge and house music was dominating the airwaves, but their unique and overwhelming presence enabled them to be successful and gain an almost cult-like following.

Described by music journalist John Doran as "antagonising nearly everyone they came across with their fiercely anti-fashion stance", it’s no secret that the Manic Street Preachers aren't the most approachable band in the world. However, their truthful and blunt lyrics have reached out to generations of music fans. The lyrical context of one of their most popular songs, ‘If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next’, is about the Spanish Civil War; hardly something that you’d expect to become number one in 1998. Their unpredictability and raw passion are some of Manic Street Preacher’s most unique factors and due to this it would be almost impossible to compare them to another band.

Wherever rock music is concerned there’s always controversy: something that the Manic Street Preachers aren’t shy of. The angst-filled Welsh rockers have no problem addressing their strong and sometimes almost offensive opinions on anything from pop music to world politics. Described by NME as ‘generation terrorists’, Manic Street Preachers were able to cause uproar for the BBC in 1994 by getting a staggering 26,435 complaints about lead singer James wearing an IRA-style balaclava on Top of the Pops, which was also repeated at Glastonbury the same year. It also goes without saying that Richey Edward’s disappearance in 1995 is something which to this day still mystifies both fans and music lovers around the world.

Despite the controversial issues surrounding them, Manic Street Preachers have a loyal and dedicated fan base, so much so that they have just announced an eleven date UK tour for 2014. Even though they aren't gaining the media coverage that they used to in the nineties, Manic Street Preachers will continue to sell-out arenas and headline festivals until they disband and their contribution to the rock music scene will never be forgotten.

Sky Ferreira ‘Night Time, My Time’ Album Review

If the saying ‘there’s no such thing as bad press’ is true, then Sky Ferreira could easily write a book about her life filled with scandals, despite only being twenty-one. Forming only part of that history is her recent run-in with the law alongside her boyfriend for drug possession. So does synth-pop’s new wild-child actually have any time to record music alongside her rock-and-roll lifestyle? The answer is yes, which has resulted in ‘Night Time, My Time’.

Opening with a track that sounds reminiscent of something a scene-kid would have as their Myspace song, ‘Boys’ gives you a clear insight into what Sky Ferreira is all about: heavy synth-based songs fused with ambient vocals. The sickly-sweet vibe of the album is enough to make any metal-head gag, but what can you expect from someone who has been referred to as ‘Britney-meets-teen Lolita’?

Sky’s music could be seen as self-reflective: “I blame myself for my reputation,” proves that she knows exactly what she’s doing to gain media attention: good or bad.

When translated into English, ‘Omanko’ means vagina. Yes, she has sang a song about Japan and vaginas. The less said about that, the better.

Final track ‘Night Time, My Time’ demonstrates the album’s slow descent into insanity; there is no happy-go-lucky vibe here, just overwhelming and intensifying noises full of disparity.

Whether she’s just a young blonde girl desperately seeking fame or an artistic mastermind for our generation, one thing is for sure: Sky Ferreira isn't one to keep quiet about what’s running through her mind.

We Are Fiction 'One For Sorrow' Album Review

(Update: At the time of writing this review We Are Fiction were still together. This review was posted on a website I was writing for which has since closed down, but I really enjoyed the album so I thought I would share this on my blog.)

We Are Fiction are one of the hardest working bands in the UK music scene at the moment. The Peterborough-based quintet’s constant tour schedule has enabled them to play with a huge array of different bands and perform at festivals such as Takedown and Vans Warped Tour. After the 2009 release of their self-titled EP and various single releases, they have finally decided to release an album, entitled ‘One For Sorrow’. Was it worth the wait? Of course it was.

Opening track ‘Mansion Vibe’ instantly proves why We Are Fiction are seen as the latest rock break-through band: their catchy yet musically talented songs make you want to hear more. The technical guitar work is especially impressive in this song as despite its frequent change of pace, it still manages to work well without sounding jumbled or disorientated.

The melodic lead and backing vocals in ‘Bright Lights’ work well and prove that We Are Fiction aren't your typical rock band – they are able to use different styles and techniques throughout all of their songs and fuse different genres together.

Slower song ‘My Dreams Are Haunted’ shows exactly how meaningful We Are Fiction’s lyrics can be: “The trouble with your heart and your head is that they don't always say the same/They pull apart at the seams/Tearing up everything I ever dreamed.” The slow riffs and screaming vocals contrast perfectly, creating a melodic yet heavy rock song which will pull at your heartstrings.

‘Old Wounds’ is catchy and filled with harsh screams and fast-paced riffs. Phil Barker shows great talent and truly proves how versatile his vocals are. The vibe of this song feels like a crowd-pleaser due to the easy crowd participation with the backing vocals.

‘Sail On’ is definitely the album highlight: the lyrics are easily relatable, the melodic

vibe is calming yet the harsh screaming vocals allow fans from all across the rock spectrum to enjoy it. The breakdown is impressive and there isn't a single fault musically or lyrically. If there’s only one song that you chose to listen to by We Are Fiction it should definitely be ‘Sail On’ – I guarantee that it will turn you into a fan by the end of the track.

‘A Thousand Places To Sleep’ has a hard-hitting bass line and heavy drumming, making it almost impossible to listen to without wanting to move and dance around. The spoken-word part here makes the track stand out and further demonstrates how We Are Fiction aren't afraid to be different.

‘Tilt’ has a heavy rock feel to it - the disjointed and fragmented guitaring and rough vocals mix together well, whilst still sounding exciting and different. Another unique factor here is that it features rapper Xidus Pain, and far from sounding out of place, it actually works extremely well. The experimental vibe allows the listener to feel hope for the future of the rock genre: We Are Fiction are bringing something fresh to the table.

In contrast, ‘The Worst Of It’ is bouncy, upbeat and light-hearted with an almost pop-punk vibe while the slow and mellow vibe of ‘Wladyslaw’ provides a new side to We Are Fiction again – the guitar lines are melodic and beautiful, matched well with the relaxed and soulful vocals. ‘Earth Medicine’ is another slower-paced song, full of both striking harmonies and strong shouting vocals. The constant change in guitar riff style allows the song to stay both exciting and unique.

Final track ‘Forget About Me’ is a great closer due to its unhurried and harmonious pace – it’s as if you never want the album to end. However, during the end of the song the heavy and harsh vocals return, showing that We Are Fiction can never totally abandon the heavy side of rock music.

‘One For Sorrow’ proves that there are still many hard-working and impressive rock bands in England, sometimes you just have to look closer to home.

Check out We Are Fiction here: https://www.facebook.com/wearefiction 

Western Sand ‘Western Sand’ EP Review

Western Sand are a four-piece hard rock revival group from the South of England. Forming in 2008, they have since supported bands such as Nazareth, Reckless Love and Heaven’s Basement. 

Opening track ‘A Place I Call Home’ instantly tells you exactly what Western Sand are all about: bringing the old-school Southern rock style of the late 1970s to the present. The overpowering drum beat and occasional random blues-style guitar solos almost make you feel like you’re in an American bar swigging back whisky whilst wearing a cowboy hat. It’s rare that the first song from an EP gives you such a clear indication of what a band is like, but it’s even rarer that a band manages to transport you somewhere far away with just their sound.

Unique and hard-hitting guitar riffs are very prominent in second song ‘Take It Away’. Tyler Hains’ smooth and resonating vocals capture the old-school rock vibe perfectly, yet he still manages to add his own unique style to enable Western Sand’s music to sound fresh and full of life.

‘Broken Bones’ has a much slower pace than the previous songs on the EP, yet it is the one which seems to stand out to the listener the most. The opening acoustic guitar riff is not only beautiful, it sounds like it’s full of emotion and passion. The ever-changing pace of the song works well, especially with the almost melancholy-sounding vocals and tone. The chorus is both memorable and catchy, allowing it to stay stuck into the listeners’ head for hours. ‘Broken Bones’ is possibly the best song on the EP, and the impressive guitar solos really give the song the edge needed to make Western Sands stand out in a scene full of bands trying to make a name for themselves.

Final song ‘Welcome To The Badlands’ is a great way to end the EP: it’s full of strong and exciting riffs and a wide range of vocal styles. The almost anthem-like nature of the song makes it upbeat and hard-hitting, just like the presence Western Sand have portrayed on this EP.

For a band that are so young, Western Sand are extremely talented and they definitely deserve more recognition for their unique twist on the old-school rock genre.  A must-listen for those who love the Southern rock and roll sound but are bored of listening to the same artists again and again.

Check out Western Sand here: https://www.facebook.com/westernsand/

Stray From The Path 'Anonymous' Album Review

Formed in 2001, Stray From The Path are an alternative hardcore band from Long Island in New York. Well-known for their frequent touring schedule and angry lyrics, Stray From The Path have a huge and loyal fan base. ‘Anonymous’ is their latest album and it was released on the 17^th of September.

It’s not very often that the first track of an album will leave you wanting to listen to more, but Stray From The Path have managed just that. ‘False Flag’ is an angst-filled hardcore anthem filled with catchy riffs and harsh vocals. The lyrics portray the negative attitude many have towards America: “Red white and blue won’t look out for you… Land of the free? Where is our liberty?”

After such a positive start to the album, it’s good to hear that the next song is just as impressive. ‘Badge & A Bullet’ opens with an impressive technical guitar riff, which continues throughout the whole song. The chorus is very catchy and it’s obvious just from listening to the recording that it would be an incredible song to hear performed live.

Drew York’s vocals are very impressive in the third track ‘Radio’. His ferocious and almost aggressive sounding vocals work well with the intense guitaring and fast-paced drumming. Despite the title ‘Radio’, it’s probably not a song that you’d hear on the mainstream radio stations, but it’s an amazing hardcore song.

“We were the best of friends, but you don’t need me in the end. You fooled me once, that won’t be happening again.” ‘Scissor Hands’ is a track which sounds like an angrier version of the old-style Your Demise mixed with Glassjaw. Drew’s vocals have an arrogance to them which works extremely well with aggressive and angry lyrics and he’s an impressive alternative hardcore vocalist. The repetitive nature of the song is far from annoying; it makes the song get stuck in your head very quickly and it is a definite stand-out track from ‘Anonymous’.

‘Black Friday’ opens with an almost eerie-sounding guitar riff, making it one of the most unique songs on the album. This song almost has a Rage Against The Machine vibe to it, so it’s easy to see where Stray From The Path get some of their influences from.

‘Counting Sheep’ is a fantastic fusion of hardcore and metal music, appealing to many different music fans. The guitar riff is catchy and impressive to listen to, proving that all of the members of Stray From The Path are talented musicians.

The next song, ‘Slice Of Life’ is both brutal and very heavy. The breakdowns in this song are possibly the best on the whole album and enable Stray From The Path to prove that they’ve mastered the main features of the hardcore genre. Despite going for many years, their music still sounds fresh and innovative.

 ‘Tell Them I’m Not Home’ has a different opening to the other songs on ‘Anonymous’ as it begins with a strong drumbeat and catchy bass line. The guitar solo is well-constructed and leads into a heavy breakdown.

Distorted and creepy sounds open the track ‘Landmines’, which then leads into yet another strong guitar riff. The harsh vocals and expressive lyrics merge well together, forming an impressive alternative hardcore track. The song features a clip from President John F. Kennedy’s speech which he gave at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in 1961 about secret societies, further demonstrating Stray From The Path’s interest both in history and the world around them.

‘Anonymous’ is the last song on the album, and it is certainly as impressive as all of the tracks before it. From the first track to the last, Stray From Your Path manage to create an interesting and unique sound which manages to keep you engaged in the album until the last second of the last song.

One thing that is definitely apparent in this album is that the lyrics are well-thought out and reflect some interesting views on both government and society in general. Stray From The Path aren't just a band who say what people want to hear, it’s clear that they speak from the heart, which creates some incredible hardcore music. 

Check out Stray From The Path here: https://www.facebook.com/strayfromthepath 

Out For Tomorrow 'World On Your Side' EP Review

‘World On Your Side’ is the latest EP released by Bristol rockers Out For Tomorrow, and it’s definitely both well-recorded and catchy. Despite only being together for three years, the band has managed to create an EP that is easy to listen to and will appeal to music fans across the spectrum.

Title track ‘World On Your Side’ sets the EP off to a great start; the mellow opening guitar riff matches Ben Lumbers’ smooth and almost soothing vocals well. Although many rock fans may not become excited about
the thought of another slow-paced and relaxed band on the scene, especially with Bristol having such a thriving music scene, there’s something unique about Out For Tomorrow which shines through not only this track, but the whole EP. The comforting sound of the calm breakdown combined with the wistful and regret-filled lyrics enables the listener to feel at-ease and almost like they understand where Out For Tomorrow are coming from, strengthening the band’s connection to their fans.

Further continuing the mellow theme is the second song, titled ‘Breathe’. This is possibly the best track on the album due to the interesting guitar melodies portrayed and the heart-felt lyrics. It’s quickly apparent whilst listening to this EP and reading more about them that Out For Tomorrow are heavily lyrically influenced by the bands that they have previously played alongside, such as Deaf Havana and Lower Than Atlantis. The guitar solo in ‘Breathe’ isn't the most technical or impressive that you’ll ever hear, but it matches the reminiscent tone of the song perfectly and proves that the band work hard at making their sound match the lyrics well.

‘When The Novelty Wears Off’ follows the theme of losing faith and friendship, expressed by not only the lyrical content, but also by the post-rock guitar riffs and slow-paced drumming. The guitar riffs are both prominent and very catchy, making the song not only enjoyable to listen to on the EP, but it also sounds like
it would be a great song to hear in their live set.

Mallory Knox fans will either absolutely love or detest the fourth track on the EP as the beginning riff sounds like the opening riff to their hit ‘Wake Up’. Despite the similarity, ‘Green Eyed (Nous Tous Savions)’ is the only fast-paced song present here, which possibly makes it stand out the most. This track is the easiest to imagine on a rock music channel or the radio, which would be a great advancement in the hard-working band’s career. Lumber proves in this song that he isn't only just a strong singer on ballads, but that his voice is more versatile than first demonstrated.

The acoustic version of ‘World On Your Side’ is the penultimate track on the EP. However, as the original song is slow-paced and mellow, there isn’t a huge difference between versions. Lumber’s vocals sound rawer while a piano and violin element is added to the song, but that’s about it really. It’s a nice addition to the EP and it stands out against other break-through bands, but it seems mainly just for show.

The final song is the Jeriqo Remix of ‘Young & Foolish’. The dance element is interesting to hear in this song as it’s a contrast to Out For Tomorrow’s usual mellow style, but in all honesty it doesn't work too well. It sounds jumbled and almost forced into a dance/dubstep song, especially the bass drop which makes it sound artificial and fake. There are slower elements of the song which work well, but as a whole, it doesn't flow as well as the rest of the EP.

‘World On Your Side’ is a good start for Out For Tomorrow, but they definitely need some fine-tuning to the alternative versions of their songs.

Check out Out For Tomorrow here: https://www.facebook.com/outfortomorrow 

Our Hollow, Our Home, In Hearts Wake, Landscapes and The Amity Affliction at The Cellar Southampton 8/9/13

Southampton-based band Our Hollow, Our Home opened up the first night of this metalcore-filled tour in the United Kingdom. It’s rare that the first band on at a concert get a good reception, however, the local group managed to quickly engage the crowd with their catchy riffs and energetic stage presence. Formed in 2012 by some of the former members of Deadlines, Our Hollow, Our Home’s melodic songs make them both memorable and enjoyable to watch perform. Their most recent single ‘Rest Assured’ was well-received by the audience. Connor Hallisey’s screaming vocals sounded strong live, and mixed with Tobias Young’s harmonious backing vocals, they were able to create a sound that pleases fans all across the metalcore genre. Despite missing one of their members, guitarist Josh White, they were able to perform an unforgettable set and it’s obvious that they have got a strong Hampshire fan base. They seemed very grateful to be on the stage alongside the huge bands on the line-up and reminded the crowd to support their local scene, making them both humble and a great live band to watch.

Byron Bay in Australia seems like a hot-spot for impressive metal bands recently, as it is home to bands such as Parkway Drive and 50 Lions. Adding to the thriving metal scene there is In Hearts Wake, who formed in 2006. Opening their killer set with ‘The Unknown (Strength)’, their brutal metalcore sound made the crowd instantly descend into mosh pits and throwdown pits. Near the end of the set the spotlight and vocal duties descended onto bassist Kyle Erich for a beautifully slow rendition of ‘Inertia’, which prompted many fans to get their lighters up and sway their arms in the air. The blue stage lights added to the mellow atmosphere and despite it being very different from their usual heavy sound, it was very well-received by the audience and it proved that as musicians they are all very versatile and talented. Ending their seven song set with ‘Departure (Death)’, In Hearts Wake definitely gained many more fans during their impressive performance.

Modern hardcore punk band Landscapes kept the fast-paced vibe going with their rebellious and angst-filled songs. The Somerset-based band were full of energy and it reflected well onto the crowd. The drumming was particularly impressive and it worked extremely well with the bass-filled songs on their short but sweet set. The technical guitaring was another strong point for Landscapes, especially the catchy riffs which kept the crowd wanting more. The crowd was full of people hardcore dancing along to the rhythm of the songs and enjoying themselves listening to the original hardcore punk sound which filled the venue. The heavy vocals merged well with the strong breakdowns and the lyrics were both heart-felt and impressively performed.

Headlining band The Amity Affliction are one of the biggest Australian metalcore bands around at the moment, and their show tonight in Southampton definitely proved why. The crowd anticipation before the Brisbane-based quartet arrived on stage was almost overwhelming and they were definitely worth the wait. Opening their set with their latest single ‘Greens Avenue’, the crowd were instantly engrossed into The Amity Affliction’s stellar performance. Lead singer Joel Birch’s harsh vocals filled The Cellar perfectly. The contrast between his and bassist Ahren Stringer’s clean vocals created a perfect harmony that is only found in metalcore music.  ‘Anchors’ was definitely a crowd favourite and Ahren’s clean vocals were particularly strong during this song. During ‘I Hate Hartly’ a fan climbed on stage and screamed the vocals to the whole of the final verse, proving how much The Amity Affliction respect their fans (it also probably helped that he was really good at screaming). One of the strangest parts of the set was definitely the cover that The Amity Affliction chose to perform: ‘Born To Die’ by Lana Del Ray. Although it seems like an unlikely song for an Australian metal band to cover, surprisingly they were able to perform it with ease and it honestly sounded incredible. Joel screamed the verse and Ahren sang the chorus and it worked well; the crowd definitely loved it. Joel even joked that Lana Del Ray refuses to let them release it as a single. Members of the crowd got up on stage with the band, and unlike most concerts, the band loved it. They complimented how involved the audience were getting with the performance and Joel even let some very persistent fans scream and sing into the microphone during the songs. For their encore they chose to perform possibly one of their most popular songs, ‘Open Letter’. Almost every fan was singing along and when The Amity Affliction left the stage it was easy to see that everyone had an incredible evening. If I had to recommend that you only see one metalcore band this year, it should definitely be The Amity Affliction. 

Check out Our Hollow, Our Home here: https://www.facebook.com/ourhollowourhome/
Check out In Hearts Wake here: https://www.facebook.com/inheartswake/ Check out Landscapes here: https://www.facebook.com/LANDSCAPESUK 
Check out The Amity Affliction here: https://www.facebook.com/theamityafflictionofficial/