Bands come and go, trends are set, sounds go out of style and these days, the “in-thing” varies from minute to minute…but what doesn't change, is PAPA ROACH and their ability to not only survive, but thrive. During the nu-metal explosion in the early 00’s that spawned many, many bandwagon riders, Jacoby Shaddix and co were simply on another level with “Infest”, earning Grammy nominations and laying the foundations for a lengthy, successful career, that, over time has seen them establish themselves as one of the biggest bands of their generation.  2015 see’s the Californian quartet release their newest album; “F.E.A.R.”…what’s to be afraid of?

The album opens up with the title track; “Face Everything And Rise” and it becomes clear the band are afraid of nothing, it’s a positive message cloaked in a play on words. It’s about standing proud and tackling life’s hardships head-on, bettering yourself as a person and being strong. Musically it’s a follow on from their 2012 album “The Connection”, with elements of dub-electronica infused with their brand of alternative rock, and it’s a good start.

The tunes just keep coming too, with their ability to churn out incredibly enjoyable tracks one after the other evident yet again, with tracks like “Broken As Me”, “Falling Apart” and “Never Have To Say Goodbye”, the latter being a wonderfully gentle song, and they aren't even the main highlights! “Warriors” which was first released back last year as a teaser single is massive, almost dance rock in style and guaranteed to cause havoc at live shows, whereas by contrast “Gravity” is a beautifully open and honest sounding rap-lead piece of music, Shaddix with heart blatantly on sleeve, aided by guest vocalist Maria Brink of IN THIS MOMENT, it’s slower in tempo but that allows for the emotions to sink in all the more and it’s superb story telling.

Papa Roach may have slightly mellowed over time, there’s nothing here that’ going to stand up to older material like “M-80” or “Dead Cell”, but that’s not important. What’s important is they keep making the music they want to make, because after fifteen years they are yet to make a bad album. Credit to them, let’s hope we never do have to say goodbye anytime soon. [9]


Web: http://www.paparoach.com

After initially forming in 2010, Scunthorpe’s SKARLETT RIOT got off to a blistering start; taking their local scene by surprise and immediately attracted a lot of attention for themselves. With their debut album, 2013’s “Tear Me Down” garnering waves of critical acclaim from big names in the business such as METAL HAMMER and ROCK SOUND, and having already clocked slots at festivals such as BLOODSTOCK and DOWNLOAD they were living the dream…but, from all dreams people must wake up, and, with the essential need to continue in their run of fine form they needed to step-up for this, their newest EP; “We Are The Brave”…let’s see how brave they are…

“Divide Us” gets things underway and it’s got a brilliant build up, everything slowly rising in intensity generating genuine excitement, before we’re greeted with some slick, classic inspired hard rock ‘n’ roll. The riffs are all played with authority and Skarlett’s (real name Chloe) vocals are as powerful as ever. This is an assertive start. “Cascade” keeps the ball rolling with more of the energetic rock swagger this young band have mastered, the chants of “one chance is all we have” towards the end of the track sounding every bit the statement it’s intended to be…you've got one life; live it. “Wake Up” and “Rising” are more of the same in terms of substance, the latter in particular utilizing an absolute killer chorus, leading up to closing track; “Are You Alive”, an absolute scorcher…

Whereas you can say following up from such a strong debut with just a 5 track EP is the exact opposite of brave, you still have absolutely no need to be ungrateful. This may lack in quantity but simply oozes quality, and while it’s the safer option, there’s no need to believe Skarlett Riot couldn't have pulled off another full length album to the same standard. Until next time…[8]

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

Back in 2013, a young twenty-something star in the making was to release her debut album; “True Romance”, a well-produced collection of hip-hop, alt. pop and electronica, and it was to officially put her on the map as “one to watch”. Her name was CHARLI XCX, and ever since she’s gone from strength to strength, not looking back once. Support slots on tours with the likes of PARAMORE and ELLIE GOULDING, chart topping collaborations with ICONA POP; it was the perfect start for the girl from Stevenage. Fast forward to 2015 and we see her release her hotly anticipated second album; “Sucker”…can she keep it up?

The album opens up with the title track and it’s clear she’s retained some elements of her 80’s inspired synth-pop; it’s quite feisty, a lot livelier than her early work, with a perfect blend of youthful innocence and teenage attitude, it’s a good start. “Break The Rules” along with other singles “Boom Clap” and the more recent “Doing It” featuring RITA ORA all sound massive; extremely infectious choruses, big production…they’re simple yet perfect pop songs. Other non-single tracks are on par too however, with the likes of “Breaking Up”, “London Queen” and “Body Of My Own” in particular being incredibly catchy. Having said that, with a 15-track album, you’re going to have some weak moments…“Hanging Around” for example, just lacking that certain spark. Other than that, it’s a fairly solid record.

The question was, could Charli keep it up? Could she ride the huge wave of momentum she’d generated over the past year? The answer is a resounding yes. The tunes are bigger, she’s a more polished artist and more importantly she’s having the time of her life doing it all, which resonates through the music. She’s like a modern day Spice Girl if you will…full of character, full of energy and full of fun. With big tours alongside the likes of KATY PERRY on the horizon, plus nominations for NME and other awards already, this look likes the year of the XCX. If you didn’t believe the hype, then, I guess you’re the sucker. [8]


Visit http://www.charlixcxmusic.com

So we've scratched at the surface of the Australian metal scene…so let’s dig a little deeper. Influenced by artists such as DIMMU BORGIR and IMMORTAL, Melbourne’s HYBRID NIGHTMARES are a blast beat of fresh air that’ll scare the shrimp off of any barbie! 2015 sees them release the 5-track “The First Age” EP that’s been described as “an evolutionary step in black metal”…let’s check it out…

Opening up with “Satya”, it’s easy to think that you may have the wrong band…it’s a somber acoustic instrumental that really wouldn't be out of place on an ANCIENT VVISDOM record. It’s a slow build, a little percussion but definitely not blackened death-metal…are they taking the piss? Oh. Hell. No. As soon as “Illumination” kicks in we’re subject to a barrage of dark riffs and a sound not unlike SATYRICON, before it really gets going with its occasional wailing guitar lick and semi-thrash like nature. Despite its ferocity, especially Loki’s vocals, it still carries with it a hefty melody and is actually a great track.

“Black Heart” kicks in with more of a hard-paced heavy metal vibe with only the extreme vocals wedging a gap between genres, it’s like a collection of ideas from multiple styles have been welded together to create something equally intense and intriguing. “Dead Star Goddess” continues with this pattern, before we finish up with the 7min plus epic that is “Inside”. Whereas you may, stereo-typically at least, associate Australia with sun, sea and sport etc etc, it also produces some quality underground metal. Hybrid Nightmares sound just as good as their Scandinavian counterparts and it goes to show heavy alternative music, in all shapes and forms, thrives in every corner of the world…roll on the second stage! [7]


Hybrid Nightmares On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hybridnightmaresofficial

Australia; a beautiful country that doesn't f**k about… If the animals on land don’t kill you the ones in the sea will…it also produces some of the finest bands ever to grace your ears; INXS, PARKWAY DRIVE, AIRBOURNE…and some little band called AC/DC (you may possibly of heard of them perhaps, no?)…so really, if you’re a new band trying to make it in the land down under, you've got no reason to believe you can’t. One such band stepping up are SKYBOUND. The young trio from Melbourne recently released their debut EP; “Darkfall” through WE ARE TRIUMPHANT Records…let’s check it out.

We open up with a short intro entitled “The Mockery”, a slightly sinister, brief yet brutal taste of things to come, we’re going to need to buckle up for this one. “Liberation” quickly kicks in with some more scorching vocals and a sprinkling of keyboard samples, layered over some purposefully pounded drumming. It’s got a hint of MOTIONLESS IN WHITE to it and that’s never a bad thing, until the clean vocals that is, they just need a little bit of polishing up.

The main single, “Treachery” is another fine dose of hard-hitting metal-core and as far as the genre goes there’s no reason why this can’t be considered a potential anthem in the making, it’s got a big chorus; it’s got the breakdowns and could easily open up the pit at live shows. “Saints Vow” is a fairly straightforward affair, more of the MIW influence, continued then with closing track “Desolate”. As far as debuts go this is a pretty strong start and despite the numerous splattering’s of ferocity, this is really quite an accessible EP outside of its initial genre bracket. If the clean vocals were just that little smoother as mentioned earlier, Skybound are onto a winner. Darkness has fallen. [6]


Checkout SkyBound's official Facebook page; http://www.facebook.com/skyboundband

You see it happen all the time; a band member has a creative vision that doesn't suit the band itself, so embarks on a solo project / side project to take a break from the norm. For instance; Linde from HIM doing DANIEL LIONEYE, or SLIPKNOT’s Corey Taylor also doing STONE SOUR. It allows the room for expression and allows the artist to not feel restricted by any means to a certain style. Cue JAANI PEUHU; the ICONCRASH front man has himself chosen to go solo under his own name, no moniker, and release “Tear Catcher”.  In what way has he veered from the A-HA/NINE INCH NAILS inspired dark-wave of his band?

Opening track “Lifelines” isn't particularly a departure by any means, other than maybe you could say it’s a mellower affair. The ambient electronic tones are still there, Jaani’s vocals are as sweet as ever, like he’s a step away from being Lauri from THE RASMUS, and it’s all thoroughly pleasant. The title track is more of the same, soft, heavily synth driven and generally…nice.

“My Sky” has a bit more going for it, with the subtle 80’s influence of a-Ha shining through, resulting in an album highlight along with “Mercy Kiss” and “Follow Me”. He clearly has a great ear for a pop melody, coupled with his ability to draw emotions from each song despite the cold, synthetic feel of the genre and it’s a win/win situation, before we milk the ending for all it’s worth with the 7+ minute “Desire”.

Essentially what you've got here, is believe it or not, an artist being really rather daring. Not only toning things down to head in a more pop orientated direction from his band, but from Finland’s mainstream culture itself. He’s personally expressed it’s harder for pop acts to succeed with any level of longevity in his native Finland…so frown if you will; this album needs to be applauded. When was the last time pop was rebellious?!?! [6]

For more about Jaani, check out his website; http://www.jaanipeuhu.com

Every recording artist has to make that initial step; releasing their debut album. It’s always a daunting task; will it flop? Will it be a hit? A lot of the time they’re promoted relentlessly, running the risk of being over-hyped come the release and initial reception…other albums simply appear out of nowhere like a breath of fresh air making you sit up and listen. One of those such records, is “Unguarded” by RAE MORRIS, which found The 21 year old songstress from Blackpool recently break into the UK Top 10 album charts…let’s see what’s so special.

Opening up very delicately with “Skin”, we can immediately get a feel for Morris’ soft yet husky vocals. The simple, gentle percussion coupled with the minimalist approach of the piano creates a very hushed, subdued feeling, allowing Morris’ voice to take center stage in what is a genuinely lovely track. “Under The Shadows”, the albums main single, has a more upbeat tempo with more of a beat to it but retains the almost cushioned structure of her writing style. It’s a mildly hypnotic track, very easy on the ears and a pleasure to listen to; an album highlight.

“Closer”, “Cold” and “Love Again” all follow suit with their catchy simplicity, all proving enjoyable listens, while the rest of the album is predominantly ballad filled. “Don’t Go” and the title track for example are beautifully layered love songs emphasizing the soulful tones Morris’ delivers so effortlessly.  What makes Morris’ stand out then? It’s quite simple really…she’s all about the music. Having played piano since the age of 4, and having signed to ATLANTIC RECORDS because they promised to “take it slow” and in her own words, wouldn't blow any smoke up her arse, she’s been allowed to focus on writing quality songs, as oppose to penning cheap pop tunes and being sexualised like other female solo artists. This is just the beginning of what is hopefully a prolific career from the Blackpool-born musician. Fingers crossed she won’t let her guard down too much. [7]


Check Rae Morris' official website for more info; http://www.raemorris.co.uk