When your band has got seven members, the possibilities for creative input are huge; but sometimes, an idea won’t match a bands vision or its creative direction, so more often or not this is how side projects start…but it’s rare you’ll find a side project form from within the same band. In the case of JESS AND THE ANCIENT ONES, (an alternative psychedelic rock outfit from Kuopio, Finland) that’s exactly what happened when guitarist Thomas Corpse decided to start THE EXPLODING EYES ORCHESTRA, borrowing five of the seven existing members…a band within a band...that’s some Inception type shit right there! 2015 saw them release the first installment of their already planned saga, aptly titled “I”…let’s see what they’re all about…

We get underway with a track called “The Smoke” and It’s clear they've retained the psych elements of the band, it’s just been toned down a touch in terms its rockier aspects. The bass has some prominent groove fueling the track and it’s got a slight retro feel to it as a whole, if you can imagine THE DEVIL’S BLOOD and GHOST, you’d be on the right track, it’s a strong start. “Crazy Heart” slows things right down into a deep, despairing ballad of sorts, it’s bluesy but the addition of the piano gives it a subtle romantic touch, and despite its somber nature, it’s a lovely song and an album highlight.

Tracks such as “Drawing Down The West” and “Black Hound” keep things stripped back and mellow, the latter having a slight stoner-rock vibe, a lot of spoken-word content and quotes among the blues-inspired jazz tones of the track, sounding like it came straight from the darkest corners of Louisiana, while “Two-Zero 13” is a much harder guitar driven track, providing an album highlight of contrasting nature, ensuring that really there’s something for everyone here, for the most part at least. Essentially, all that’s happened is …The Ancient Ones have shed two members and toned down their material. The album however is a pleasant one, the tracks are a tad lengthy overall but that won’t bother too many people and there’s really nothing explosive here at all…with the second installment planned for release next year we’ll just have to see how or if they’ll evolve further. [6]

So there’s this formula, and for the most part, that formula goes a little like this; you have a group of like-minded friends, you pick up your instruments, you write, practice and play songs, you book a small gig at a local bar or club and IF successful, you grow from there. Bigger venues, maybe tours, you know, the traditional means of starting a band…sometimes people do it differently. I don’t mean the cheap-shot at fame on a talent show…I mean a really different way. Let me introduce you to SHOSHIN…formed in Manchester in 2009, the trio (consisting of guitarist/vocalist Pete Haley, bassist Joe Stuart and drummer Sophie Labrey) decided the best way to a garner a large audience, would be street shows. Literally hijacking crowds everywhere they went (and they've been everywhere) they've managed to sell thousands of bootleg CD’s in which they themselves have made on the road all around Europe…and now that they have a labels backing, the world is their oyster. They've just dropped “Epiphanies And Wastelands” via 7HZ records…let’s get stuck in…

The album starts off with “Same To Me” and it’s an unexpected combination of political, rap-inspired lyrics and alt. rock, which when coupled with “All For U.S.” with its light touch of reggae entwined through the songs structure too, musically finds the band somewhere between the likes of P.O.D and THE POLICE to certain extent, and it makes for a pleasant listen. The theme, or style, is a strong focus point for Shoshin who utilize it to great effect over tracks such as “Glass, Brick & Stone” and “Mud In Your Eye”, perfectly mixing solid groove with loose, free-flowing rhythm, it’s a very laid back sound and works for them very well.

Edgier tracks such as album highlight “Janine”, with its classic punk feel and “Linoleum” give the album a dose of energy, maintaining the listeners level of interest before we then eventually finish up on “Face It”, which returns to that Police inspired sound with the inclusion of some deeper, indie tones, ending the album on a real strong note. It’s easy to see why Shoshin have been successful in their own right, mainstream backing makes not a good band, a good band does and after all they've worked for (they've endured a lot) it’s good to see their efforts rewarded. The music industry might be a bit of a wasteland itself, but it’s artists such as this Shoshin that inspire hope for any struggling acts around the UK…let’s cherish them. [7]

The last time we heard from RIVAL STATE, the London/New Zealand based rockers had dropped their debut EP; “Youth Tax”, which sounded full of promise and potential with its slick yet simultaneously gritty rock ‘n’ roll based sound. In those six tracks they showed they could more than pen a tune, opening many ears on the UK live circuit…so it’s with much excitement we receive their newest EP; “Gutter Mouth” with open arms…can the five-piece rival their debut, or, are they musically in a bit of a state? Let’s take a listen…

We open with the title track, which, after an initially slow start becomes a solid, guitar driven, chugging, post-grunge type affair…not as up-beat as previous material, the band have seemed to have opted for a deeper, harder approach whilst retaining elements of their core sound, and it’s interesting to see the guys tweaking, testing and trying new ideas as a unit. “Keepsake” follows with a little more rhythm to it, it’s one of those tracks you’d happily clap along to at live shows, there’s a simplicity here but leading into the chorus, we return to that slightly harder sound the band seem to be dabbling in, much like “Modern Living”, more meaty guitars than melody here…it’s slow but steady.

“Graves” finds itself being the obligatory gentle offering of the EP, and edgy chorus aside it’s really laid-back, however it lacks the catchy appeal of its earlier counterpart from the first EP, “Fall From The Sky”, it just doesn't have that hook to it, before we finish up on “Rat Race”, and here they've saved the best until last. Granted it’s not a patch on their old stuff but it is the catchiest offering here, it’s got great rhythm, it’s got the cheeky swagger we've became accustomed to associating the band with and it ends the EP on a real high note. As a whole, it’s obvious the band are broadening their appeal, there’s more weight behind their writing, and while a new approach can be appreciated, the heavier style detracts from what made the debut so damn good. It’s not to say this belongs in the gutter, not at all, but it could have been better. [6]

Hype can be a dangerous thing, especially when it comes to bands on the verge of making it, bands looking to keep momentum going without dropping the ball at that crucial stage in their career. Many disappointingly breakthrough, only to fade away soon afterwards, unable to capitalize on quick success, but occasionally, it all falls into place and with regards to YOUNG GUNS that couldn't be truer. With their last album, “Bones”, the British quintet were catapulted to stardom with Billboard chart success, bigger tours and even finding themselves picked as official artists for WWE’s 29th annual WRESTLEMANIA…it was all going perfectly, but the pressure was on…did they have it in them to keep this going? That question can be answered in 2015, as they've just released the much anticipated follow up; “Ones And Zeros”. Was it a lucky shot? Let’s find out…

The album somewhat appropriately kicks off with “Rising Up”; a hugely melodic synth-driven track of the catchiest nature…it’s got Young Guns written all over it. It’s mildly hypnotic yet makes a bold statement, sticking a middle finger up at any and all critics. They do things their way and they will succeed; a great start. “I Want Out” follows immediately and in typical YG style it’s an absolute banger. It’s got a huge chorus; gang vocals, massive hooks, it’s a brand new anthem and assured to be a hit at live shows, which can also be said for several of the tracks on offer here. “Daylight”, “Speaking In Tongues” and in particular “Colour Blind”, each of which sounding simply epic, so many potential hits here, it’s impressive!

Elsewhere tracks such as “Die On Time” and “Lullaby” prove Gustav Wood and co are to be taken seriously as the song writers they are, just as capable of evoking feelings as easily as they churn out floor-fillers and the album sounds all the better for it; they've got the balance just right here and the tracks flow smoothly from the moment you hit play, right up until you finish on the title track, which does the perfect job of really not being enough. You want more out of it, resulting in you finding yourself hitting the play button again. The question was basically, were Young Guns going to follow “Bones” with blanks…but they reloaded and hit the target with every round here. Ones and zeros better equate to album sales, and I mean plenty of zeroes because this album is big and success is more than deserved. [9]

In case you were unaware, as well as this here blog, I also contribute reviews and such to FIREBRAND ROCK & METAL EXPRESS. It's a monthly online magazine, covering a wide range of rock and it's numerous sub-genres and the real deal clincher, is that it's absolutely free to read online!

Issue 4 contains my own reviews on ZEBRAHEAD, GOTHIC FATE and CAPTAIN HORIZON, plus, my interview with Chibi from THE BIRTHDAY MASSACRE at their recent gig in Bristol.

Elsewhere, there are live reviews of EUROPE and UFO, album reviews ranging from SEASICK STEVE, NASHVILLE PUSSY to NORDIC GIANTS, plus an extensive gig listings section to keep up to date with who's on tour.

Wrestling fans are covered too courtesy of an interview with TARYN TERRELL from TNA in our "Ringside Roulette" feature, plus much more!

All of this is available to read online for FREE! Simply follow the link below.

If you cast your mind back a few months or so, you may remember I posted a series of reviews for AREASONICA Records, showcasing the Italian up-and-coming alternative music scene, with bands such as THE BORDERLINES and ARTEMIXIA COR offering up a cultural diversity you wouldn't necessarily be aware of…well…as it happens, they've been in touch again, forwarding a band by the name of PINK ADDICTION. Hailing from a town called Novafeltria, in the region of Romagna, this grunge-inspired 5-piece have recently released their debut self-titled album…is the future fuchsia? Let’s see what’s so addictive…

The album kicks off with “White Lands” which paces itself very well as a sort of casual introduction; it’s got a great blues-rock sound at its core with Marco Pellegrini’s bold vocals prominent but not overpowering. In a sense it’s not too unlike ALTER BRIDGE at their mellowest, providing a song you can simply sway along to, it’s a decent start. Tracks such as “The Temple Of The Golden Spiders” and “Inside My Pain” highlight the bands stoner-rock influences, while the classic hard rock inspired “Until The Sun Goes Down” and “Sleeping With A Gun” keep the album flowing with their edgier appeal.

For those of you that can speak Italian, “Schiavo Libero” provides a slick yet solid rock ‘n’ roll track performed in their native lingo and it’s actually one of the albums highlights, there’s a great sound to this, before then finally we finish up on…”Pretty Big Titty”…I’m not even joking. OK for all intents and purposes, it’s a catchy piece of rock with a great rhythm, but in all seriousness, it’s out of place here, it really is. Creatively it simply doesn't add up and to some extent damages a certain degree of credibility the record rightfully has…a strange decision this one. As a whole, the album is a strong one; it’s got some great hooks, ample harmony and generally plays very well. The artwork and that closing track would have served better as a stand-alone single, but, we can’t have it all ways. There’s nothing truly addictive here, but it’s still worth a listen. [6]