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Skindred - "Kill The Power" Album Review

30/1/2014

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On paper, a musical blend of metal, reggae, rock and dub sounds mouth-watering. The creative possibilities at disposal are that much broader than your average rock band, so, Newport’s SKINDRED really should of taken full advantage of this and established themselves as one of the biggest bands of their generation. Then, why aren’t they? Albums, that’s why. Since the first album “Babylon” (which was released not once, but THREE times), Skindred have never REALLY delivered in the studio, gaining more critical acclaim from their live shows instead. 2014 sees them try to change all of this with the brand new 5th album; “Kill The Power”

The opening title track has a slight HOUSE OF PAIN - “Jump Around” sound to it, before the nu-metal style riffs kick in. It shifts between reggae-hop and heaviness every so often not really allowing the track to take-off, however it’s not a bad start. “Ruling Force” follows up with more focus on guitars this time round, building up to what potentially seems like a huge sounding rock track, but it quickly switches to a PRODIGY style electronic piece. Everything swaps so freely from verse to chorus, multiple genre shifts make it an interesting listen but, it lacks fluidity as a song.

“Playing With The Devil” begins with this really mellow, ambient reggae feel, some brief interludes of dub-step fueling the songs chorus but it’s generally one of the albums more laid back numbers. “Worlds On Fire” has a similar approach, just more up-beat and the dub-step has been replaced by guitars and a rockier vibe, it’s grittier and one of the albums better tracks. “The Kids Are Right Now” is another highlight, a quality melodic rock track, nothing over complicated here, while “Open Eyed” features some fresh sounding guest vocals from the multi-talented JENNA G, before “Saturday” then throws in some American punk-pop influences to the already eclectic mix.

Essentially, Benji Webbe and co have again, written and recorded a decent album, but still haven’t managed to capture the spark they have on the live stage. It goes to show really that Skindred are, for all intents and purposes, a real band. Playing to a live crowd with no safety net, no 2nd takes or restarts is where these guys excel, and that’s rock ‘n’ roll. It’s raw and it’s real. Buy yourself a copy of “Kill The Power”, learn the words, then book a ticket for their next tour. THAT is where you’re going to fully appreciate what Skindred are all about. [6.5]

Download: “The Kids Are Right Now”, "Open Eyed"
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/kill-the-power/id689237260
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skindredofficial

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Amberline - "The Art Of Reinvention" EP Review

29/1/2014

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Since the release of their debut EP, “Soundtrack Of Your Life”, this Guildford based pop-punk 5-piece have steadily established themselves as one of the UK’s most energetic and promising up-and-coming bands. With a knack for writing big radio friendly anthems, and through labeling themselves as an “easycore” band, listening to Amberline is like the musical equivalent of eating a full bowl of popping candy. Each song a short, sharp sugar rush meant for pure enjoyment.

The new EP, “The Art Of Reinvention”, despite it’s name, doesn't differ a great deal from the debut, other than being more polished in production, but, pop-punk is one of those things that is best left alone. The formula is simple, colorful, lively, catchy-as-hell songs written solely for fun. You know the old saying right? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!

Opening track “I’m A Grower, Not A Show-Er” starts things off with a personal message from front man Mark Steggall. Apparently influenced by past professional relationships with music promoters in the early stages of the bands development. It sounds like it owes a lot to bands such as NEW FOUND GLORY and it’s easy to imagine the chorus encouraging a mass sing-along during live shows.

“The Lost And Hopeless” is a brilliant track, starting off nice and gently before guitarists Nick and Rob assert their presence. Vocals are clean and the song is big on hooks, potentially a huge single in waiting. “Here Comes The Colonel” includes a couple of breakdowns here and there but stands firm in it’s pop-rock foundations, before closing track “Fingers Crossed” rounds things off nicely, leaving the listener with that “happily ever after” kind of feeling.

“The Art Of Reinvention” may not be reinventing the wheel, or pop-rock for that matter, but it reminds us what a fine band Amberline truly are. The UK is bustling with fresh talented young bands right now, Amberline being one of them…and if they keep this up, expect big things form these guys in the future. [7]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmberlineUK


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Charli XCX - "True Romance" Review (Re-Post)

29/1/2014

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Charlotte Emma Aitchison, or, Charli XCX to you and me, was born in Hertfordshire in 1992 and has been writing songs since she was just 14 years old. With influences said to range from anything between The Spice Girls and Lil' Wayne, this electro-pop songstress has finally released her debut full-length album, and at just 21 years old, "True Romance" is quite the effort!
First track, "Nuclear Seasons" is a stripped back synth driven affair, it's got a slightly dark, DEPECHE MODE feel to it, drawing you in with it's undeniably catchy simplicity. "You (Ha Ha Ha)" has more of a light hip-hop vibe, while "Take My Hand" dives right back into the kind of electronic pop you'd pluck straight out of a CYNDI LAUPER album.
"So Far Away" could potentially be described as a ballad with street cred, on one hand, quiet, soft and ambient, on the other hand defiant, middle finger proudly pointing skyward. "What I Like" starts off with the impression that it's going to be some crazy trance number, when it suddenly dies down into another urban style soft rap number, a bit of a let down if I'm honest, but "Black Roses" makes up for it with it's dirty 80's sounding synthesizers and big chorus.
"True Romance" as an album, is quite hard to pin down, it's core sound more of a mash-up of experimental styles, but Charli XCX has given an often over-done retro sound a fresh and modern perspective. Her enthusiasm for creating music from real experiences and the diversity in which it's delivered is a sign of a truly inspired artist, and at such a young age, all she can do is continue to learn and develop, not only as a writer but as a performer too. Already having collaborated with the likes of MARINA AND THE DIAMONDS and having a chart topping single with Icona Pop, things are looking highly promising indeed. With a little more experience under her belt, Charli XCX could very easily fly the flag for British female recording artists in the future. There is nothing wrong with pop music, as long as it's real. Charli XCX is real, and her music deserves to be heard. [7]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlixcxmusic

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Deaf Havana - "Old Souls" Review

28/1/2014

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Since 2005, Norfolk's DEAF HAVANA have slowly but surely gained themselves a reputation as being one of the UK's most exciting up-and-coming bands. After a handful of lineup changes, and several well received releases already under their belt, here we see the newest album "Old Souls". Will this catapult Deaf Havana into the big league? Having broken into the Top 10 UK albums charts, their heading in the right direction.
Opening up with "Boston Square", a big, bold number, I challenge anybody to NOT want to clap and sing along to this one, it's simply bursting with a sense of happiness and sets the general tone for the album right from the very start.
"Everybody's Dancing And I Want To Die", despite it's name, is another fantastically catchy song. It's seemingly very nostalgic and even though lyrically it feels sad, it's sung with such defiant positivism, front man James Veck-Gilodi can't help but make you smile. Not only is he a top vocalist, but a brilliant story teller too. The trumpet/brass solo alone is worth listening for!
"Subterranean Bullshit Blues" has this massive soulful feel to it, powerful vocals backed by a guest appearance from Grace Barrett, the chorus bringing in this huge gospel style performance.
First official single "Mildred (Lost A Friend)" is a slab of melodic rock at it's very finest, while "Kings Road Ghosts" is ripe with the influences of artists such as Bruce Springsteen, quality song writing on display here.
The band have an equally good soft touch too, as proven in tracks like "Lights", "Night Drives" and "Saved", all beautifully written. Gilodi's story telling ever more prominent within in his brutally honest vocals, before final track "Caro Padre", featuring the London Youthful Gospel Choir wraps things up perfectly.
This isn't just a new album. Such is the level of emotion and honesty on display here within these 12 songs, you could easily assume that this was therapeutic, the end result of a band finding the right ways to release all of their thoughts and feelings that, words alone couldn't justify. It might sound cliche but, this album MEANS something, and the contents are THAT much better for it. They may have gotten a top 10 album...but this is just the start of a very bright future. Expect to hear A LOT more from Deaf Havana in the coming months. [9]

Deaf Havana On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deafhavana

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Counterhold - "All Of Them Slain" Album Review

26/1/2014

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Formed in 2008, Cwmbran based metaller's Counterhold have spent the past couple of years putting together the final pieces of the jigsaw puzzle that's seen them evolve into one of the UK's most respectable, and professional unsigned bands. Welsh International Battle Of The Bands winners, Highway To Hell / TBFM Factor finalists, plus, having played shows supporting the likes of Sepultura and Diamond Head, there is a lot of positive energy surrounding Counterhold right now, so what better time to unleash their debut album; "All Of Them Slain".
First track "Disease" is the sound of a band bursting at the seams with a hunger to play hard and heavy, bearing all in the form of crunching guitars and drums, before front man Steve Jenkins' clear yet gruff vocals carry the song through a bold narrative. It's a solid start and makes for a promising listen.
"Time To Die" is a riff heavy beast reminiscent of early Megadeth and such, with it's blunt delivery and classic sound, where as "Out For Dead" turns to a more melodic approach. A really well written track, an almost punk-rock sing-along chorus and some superb guitar work. An album highlight.
"Hellsgates" is a sharp burst of intensity, the albums shortest track, thrash metal in places and quite in-your-face, a deeply personal creative influence fueling the track, resulting in not only a passionate but brutally honest performance from Jenkins'...which is a stark contrast to the eight minute monster that is "Walk On Water". It's beautifully played acoustic intro and soft vocals are an unexpected change of direction but showing there is more to Counterhold than meets the eye. Epic stuff, building in intensity until the very end.
The rest of the album, despite being an enjoyable listen, almost lives in the shadow of that one track...some top head bang-inducing moments such as "Victim Of A Parasite" but they don't quite live up to the grand scale of "Walk...", however closing track "Inner Scream" revisits the bands tender side to wrap things up nicely.
Counterhold are undoubtedly lovers of metal and that shows throughout this album, they play with pride in the knowledge that this album is the result of a LOT of patience and hard work, their DIY ethic paying off, and have every right to feel proud of this album. It will be interesting to see what the future has in store for this lot, until then, regardless of your genre preference, give this a listen. [7]



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Octavians - "From One Minute To Another" EP Review

25/1/2014

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It has to be said, that Wales produces a vast array of diverse and interesting bands and artists at a near continuous, consistent rate. It doesn't matter where you go in this country, there’s always a great up and coming band right around the corner, be it the likes of Reaper In Sicily,Recluse, Counterhold or My Favourite Runner Up…no matter what your taste in music, you will find something you like. One of the newest on the scene are Cardiff’s own Octavians. 2013 saw this group of young rockers record and release their debut EP, “From One Minute To Another” independently, produced by Jon Constantine at Op:ec studios. Let’s take a minute to check it out.
A self-described alternative rock band, inspired by artists such as LOWER THAN ATLANTIS and TWIN ATLANTIC , Octavians play a kind of off-kilter indie prog-rock, blended with dashes of melody in a style seemingly older than their teenage years. At just 16/17 years of age, Sam Baker (vocals, rhythm guitar) Ieuan Lewis (lead guitar), Zac Read (bass) and Alex Tabero (drums) are definitely ambitious creatively. Opening track “Among Others” is a prime example of this, coming at you in small bursts musically, the occasional guitar or bass lick, before a more, free flowing chorus section. Ieuan displaying some promising, skilful playing towards the end of the song. 
“Against The Wall” is a shorter track at just under 3 minutes long, more straight forward sounding with a more basic rock feel to it, some nice blues style undertones and some almost jazz infused bass playing, it’s all rather slick. “In Circles” is a bold indie number, emphasis on a big chorus and an even bigger dramatic climax, before final track “Take Me Away From Here” strips everything back completely. The solitary acoustic guitar alongside Sam’s vocals creating a come-down effect, slight similarities to Jeff Buckley in places, with the addition of meatier segments giving the track a more dynamic appeal.
All in all, for a debut, it’s a decent effort. Granted, no matter who you are, your first release is going to point out one or two areas that need ironing out here and there, but that’s music, it’s all a learning and developing process. In the case of Octavians I will be honest and say the main issue is the strength of the vocals. In some places they can seem slightly strained and/or fragile, but as I said earlier the guys are still only young and there is plenty of time to develop and grow. They already have the confidence and instrumental skill, give them time. Anything can happen from one minute to another… [6]

Find the lads on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weareoctavians

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Driven - "A Breakdown Of Character" EP Review

24/1/2014

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Formed in London in 2010, DRIVEN (consisting of vocalist Adam, guitarists Dave and Bunnypig, bassist Fazz and drummer Hov*) are an honest, hardworking, straight-up metal band. Having already played shows with the likes of Mortad, and not to mention being chosen to play HAMMERFEST, things are definitely on the rise for the 5-piece, and it’s all been helped by the band’s debut EP; “A Breakdown Of Character”, a fantastic first step on the way to bigger and better things.
Opening track “The Fool” is a fine blend of classic metal and southern style groove, an ample amount of brutality in all the right places, balanced nicely with the more melodic parts of the song, there is some fine guitar playing here, solid, commanding drums driving the track behind some equally strong vocal displays. A great introduction indeed. “Silver Lining” gives you next to no time to prepare yourself for its sudden impact, Adam screaming assertively, it’s frantic and fast paced, and then as quickly as it kicks in it relents, ever so briefly, before coming back for round two. It’s a real rollercoaster of a track. “Ghosts” shows the bands tender side, or at least as tender as 5 metal-heads can be, it still has plenty of weight behind it, but isn’t as intense as previous tracks have shown they can be.
“Vacant Throne” returns to the riff heavy groove metal the band seems to pull out of the bag so effortlessly, before final track “Uproar” finishes things off perfectly. Driven have kept the best tracks until the end of the EP and it makes for a really enjoyable listening experience. Phil Kinman has done a brilliant job mixing and producing the EP at MTR Studios and the whole thing has come together very well.
For a first recording, Driven have given us signs that British metal is in safe hands indeed, and also given us further proof (if ever there was any needed) that the current state of heavy music is not only thriving, but has a promising future too. The band plan on releasing their first full album in March of 2014, keep an eye out for it. If this EP is anything to go by, it’s going to be one of those “under the radar” albums that you’ll be gutted you missed. [7]

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/drivenuk

Twitter: @drivenband .

*Drummer Hov has since been replaced by Sean, but he gets credit for his contribution to the EP

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Follow You Home - "If It Kills Me" Review

23/1/2014

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Derby's FOLLOW YOU HOME have spent a lot of time over the course of the Summer writing, recording and putting the finishing touches to their début full length album. Aided by the hugely popular "Pledge Music" web site campaign, it has allowed fans to directly assist the band with the funding of the record by pledging money up front, basically, an album for the fans, by the fans in a way. The question is, were they right to invest?
Opening track "What's To Say You're Not Alone?" was chosen for a music video, and is a great introduction to the album. Some nice guitar work by Mikey Davis and Nick Ayre, the perfect balance between attitude and being easy-on-the-ear, before vocalist Kayley Busby chimes in with her more often than not, acute observational lyrics on life; personal and general, the front woman never afraid to wear her heart on her sleeve and speak her mind, often resulting in very raw yet confident performances.
"Long Way" starts of slowly but soon turns into a really up-beat alt./punk number, in places reminiscent of the likes of TSUNAMI BOMB. It's simple yet catchy chorus sure to be a crowd favorite at live shows. "Even If It Kills Me" takes things down a notch but is no less gritty, Busby allowed to flex her vocal chords a little, hitting some nice notes, before "Low" and "Perfect" pick things back up again, some intense screaming from bassist Richard Davis in the former giving the track that extra bit of bite.
"Anywhere But Home" and "Void" venture into ballad territory, each tracks message in full focus with Busby showing a real talent for song writing, her words demanding your attention. The rest of the album consists of re-visited tracks from the bands previous EP, "Save Yourself".
If we dismiss the older tracks for a moment and focus on the new material on offer, FYH have done a very good job, and have released a quality debut album. The 5-piece are continuously growing as a band and the song writing already speaks for itself. This is an album that really should follow you home, so, go and buy it now, you won't be disappointed.

[7]

Follow You Home on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followyouhomeband

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4th Street Traffic - "Claim To Fame" Review

22/1/2014

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Despite it's size, Wales is home to a thriving and vibrant array of talented bands, from the Manic Street Preachers and Stereophonics, to more recent success stories such as Bullet For My Valentine andThe Blackout. There has always been a steady stream of artists ready to emerge from the hills and valleys capable of being world beaters. 4th Street Traffic are one of those bands right now.
First track "Long Way Round" starts off ripe with hooks and a crowd-bouncing dose of pop-rock energy capable of getting any party going. It's simple and melodic approach allowing for total enjoyment. Big sing-along sections and some brilliant guitar playing from Darryl Robertson.
"Bitter Sweet" and first single "Golden Girl" keep things up beat with big choruses and powerful vocals from front man Alastair Britton, the Gelligaer born singer pumping his heart and soul into each and every word.
"Innocence (Don't Walk Away)" and "We Are The Ones" up the ante with some serious rock'n'roll swagger, the latter is by far the grittiest track on this new album, one of it's main highlights and a strong shout for a future single. Aside from the fact we know the band are capable of penning a top rock tune, they are also unashamed of the fact they can get pretty soppy from time to time too, "Drifting" is the kind of softer, smoother round the edges number that Bon Jovi would be proud to write. Having said that it's actually better than most of the tracks from Bon Jovi's last album. "Fear Of Falling" finishes the album off with a similar kind of vibe, a stadium ballad by a band used to being confined to clubs and bars.
All in all, 4th Street Traffic are a band that are itching to break out into the wider world, you can sense the ambition from within every song on "Claim To Fame"...which I guess is the perfect choice for the albums title. This Bargoed based band are making the leap of faith to be recognized and acknowledged alongside the bigger and more established artists in the UK, and in the evidence of this album, it would be an insult to ignore them. This IS their claim to fame and believe me when I point out that fame is the very least they deserve. [8]

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Blitz Kids - "The Good Youth" Review

20/1/2014

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In 2008, four lads from Nantwich started a band called BLITZ KIDS, and, after a couple of well received EP’s such as 2009’s début “Decisions”, leading up to 2012’s breakthrough mini album “Never Die”, the band have blitzed their way through an already crowded alt./rock scene, gaining promising reviews from fans and critics alike. Now, with the brand new album “The Good Youth” unleashed, let’s see what the kids have been up to.

Opening track “All I Want Is Everything” is a pretty bold sounding statement, a tad greedy even, but it becomes clear that this is a quality, radio friendly pop-rock tune. Despite being released in January, this song shines like a Summers day. They can want everything and more when they offer us songs like this in return.

The albums two lead singles follow on from here back to back. “Run For Cover” is a more up tempo indie rock number, huge gang-vocal assisted chorus and bursting with a real feel good factor, while “On My Own”, despite maintaining the candy coated vocals of front-man Joe James, contains some meatier guitar work throughout the track, exposing Blitz Kids’ rockier side.

“Keep Swinging” finds itself smack bang in the middle of sounding like what a collaboration, between COLDPLAY and THE KILLERS would result in, should that ever happen, before “Long Road” eases off into a soft rock ballad, a lovely song indeed.

“Perfect” and “Regret” are big bold numbers that no doubt get people moving during live shows, especially the latter, before “I Don’t Mind” ends things on a deeper, more sombre tone, but far from miserably.

To suggest that this is one of the albums of the year so early into 2014, would be a confident claim to make at the very least, but Blitz Kids have released a real gem here. Big, big things in the future for this lot. Good Youth. Good Job. [9]

Download: “Run For Cover”, “Perfect”

"The Good Youth" is available for download here; https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/the-good-youth-deluxe-edition/id763696405


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Anavae - "Dimensions" Review

19/1/2014

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Formed in London in 2011 by core members Jamie Finch (guitar), and Rebecca Need-Menear (vocals), Anavae perfectly blend light alternative rock with huge pop melodies to create an enjoyable and mesmerizing sound. Their 8-track mini album; “Dimensions”, is the first record to be released through LAB Records, and what a stunning label debut it is.
Opening track “Anti-Faith” starts off with a touch of electronica before it hits you with a wave of melodic , youthful energy. Rebecca’s vocals; powerful and soaring, but not overwhelming.
Main single “Storm Chaser” has a slight hint of Paramore to it, but these days it’s hard for any female fronted alternative band to escape such comparisons, despite not necessarily being a bad thing, Paramore are huge. It retains enough genuine quality however for all of that to remain irrelevant. A fantastic track. “The Wanderer” keeps things ticking along nicely, more hooks than a fisherman’s kit box and another vocal display stamped with authority from Rebecca, it balances itself between being a top draw edgy pop song and a heartfelt rock ballad really well.
“Hang Man” initially takes things up a gear with it’s squirming guitar driven intro. The vocals haven’t differed a great deal but there is more of a bite to this one, there’s more attitude, while both “Aeon” and “Dream Catcher” keep piling on the charm, before an acoustic rendition of “Anti-Faith” wraps the album up nicely. The song loses none of it’s character and shows Anavae don’t intend to completely pigeonhole themselves within a style of sound.
Whilst it could be argued that “Dimensions” is a safe album, that it’s not challenging creatively, it cannot be denied that the 8 tracks on offer here are of very high quality. Describing songs as “catchy” can sound half-hearted on times, palming off any depth the track may have and not giving the artist in question the credit they deserve, but these tracks really are damn catchy and a genuine pleasure to listen to. The only Dimensions you should worry about are the amount of kb’s of free space you have on your iPod/MP3 player, as this is essential listening. [8]

Download; “Storm Chaser”, “The Wanderer” 

"Dimensions" is available through iTunes for just £4.49! https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/dimensions/id714289501?affId=1930871

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Reaper In Sicily - "Islands" Review

19/1/2014

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Aberdare based up-starts unleash their début album, all guns blazing.

In the few years REAPER IN SICILY have been together, they have slowly but surely cemented themselves as one of the best rising talents to emerge from Wales since the likes of THE BLACKOUT. With EP's such as "Chapters" and "Eden" they have proven their ability to perfectly blend rough and ready guitar's with pop-infused melodies to great effect. Developing their own sound within a very crowded and very competitive scene.
Vocalist Rhys John Bernardo is immediately recognizable with one of rocks great unique vocal ranges. His voice stands out in the same way that Brian Molko of PLACEBO does, and that adds to the bands appeal. They aren't a carbon copy of any other post-hardcore unit which is very refreshing.
Coming to the new album itself, "Islands", what we have is a continuation of the bands desire to hone their craft and find the ideal balance between the heavy and the harmonious. To help them achieve this, the band entrusted the more than capable hands of producer Romesh Dodangoda, who has worked with the likes of FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND and KIDS IN GLASS HOUSES. Together, they have provided us with 10 tracks of energetic, up beat rock which is simply a joy to listen to. Opening track "The Prisoner" which was used as the first lyric video to promote the album sets the pace with instantly likeable catchy hooks and a sing-along chorus.
First official single "Horizons" saw the band broaden their, well, horizons (sorry) even further, with it's video being played on Kerrang! TV and the song being aired on Kerrang! Radio. It's a brilliant heavy pop song, easy on the ears but maintains the grit and swag you'd come to expect from the Welsh quintet.
Title track "Islands" is a beautifully written number, as close to a ballad as things get without taking the foot too far off the gas, while tracks such as "Sunny Dale Sucks" and "The Catalina Wine Mixer" show the boys are prepared to not take themselves overly seriously by incorporating themes from films and TV shows they enjoy, clearly having fun in the making of this album. The final track on the album, "Chuck Norris Got A Chainsaw" speaks for itself.
All in all, "Islands" is a superb début from the valleys 5-piece, and after already having earned support slots with the likes of ESCAPE THE FATE and HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS, and with song writing skills such as they have, this band is going places. Watch this space. [8]


"Islands" is available now: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/islands/id655789816

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Mary Kelly - "Modus Operandi" Review

18/1/2014

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As a self-confessed “Grunge-core Trash band”; Basingstoke’s MARY KELLY, describe their style as bluntly as their style sounds. Their raw and unfiltered blend of heavy post-punk will excite fans of artists such as SEND MORE PARAMEDICS and early AFI. You’ll probably need a paramedic after listening to debut album “Modus Operandi”.
Opening track “Bagpussy” is primarily an instrumental piece, the vocals are minimal at best. It’s more of an intro as oppose to an actual album track, brimming with a classic middle-fingers up, punk attitude, before “Through The Announce Table” takes things down a peg or two. It’s darker and heavier, with vocalist Simon Gibbins giving 110% behind every lyric screamed, in places sounding like Frank Carter era GALLOWS.
The brilliantly titled “I Don’t Dig Chicks (I Dig Graves)” is another short dose of vicious punk rock, followed by first single “I’m Not A Buddhist (I’m Just Weak)”, which, after a calm, near silent start soon turns into this, snarling, rabid animal of a song. 
“Penny Dreadful” is probably as accessible as MARY KELLY get, a great rhythm to this one, guitarists Matt Spencer and Breeze have a real feel for the genre, with bassist Sean Gisby and drummer Martin Sylvester holding everything together nicely. The drums being all the more prominent in “Stained Glass Weirdo”, very much at the forefront here, before “Treadwell Timothy” ends proceedings. At over ten minutes long, it becomes apparent that there’s a hidden track in the mix somewhere, revealing itself at around the six minute mark, but it’s generally recorded spoken word poetry and noise.
Mary Kelly are an acquired taste, it’s far from easy listening, but having cited lyrical influences that primarily come from subjects such as Jack The Ripper, (even their name is one of the Rippers’ victims) it’s hardly surprising. “Modus Operandi” is a fine full length debut, and fans of alternative heavy music should give this a chance. [6.5]

Download: "I Don't Dig Chicks..." and "Penny Dreadful"

Visit http://www.marykellyband.com/ for links to purchase the album via Amazon and iTunes.

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    Gavin J Griffiths, a.k.a GavTheGothicChav, lover of new music and supporter of bands. Inspired by a mixture of horror and comedy, and fueled by a blend of alcohol and sarcasm...if you're a singer / in a band and would like a review written up, please do get in touch via the email address at the top of the page and I'll get back to you ASAP. Much love x

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