For some reason, the UK has a bit of a soft spot for indie/alternative duos. Whether it’s THE TING TINGS, GOLDFRAPP or more recently, DRENGE, two seems to be the magic number; so really, it comes as no surprise that Brighton’s fresh faced rockers ROYAL BLOOD are on the verge of making huge breakthrough’s in the current music scene. The pair, comprising of Michael Kerr (bass and vocals) and Ben Thatcher (drums) have just released their debut self-titled album which has already been praised by well-respected voices such as Radio 1’s Zane Lowe and are on the verge of chart success…let’s see what all the fuss is about.

Starting off with “Out Of The Black”, a slightly disjointed, off-kilter intro leads into a sullen indie-rock number, generally plodding along but it does have a chorus with a bit of bite, it’s a little dark with a slightly ballsy attitude, it’s a grower this one. “Come On Over” carries with it more rock ‘n’ roll swagger, the bass driving the song forward with some great rhythm, while “Figure It Out” has qualities not too dissimilar to artists such as THE WHITE STRIPES, pleasant stuff here.

“Blood Hands” is a slower, deeper display from the duo, quite bluesy, raw and emotive; it’s one of the albums highlights, that notion continued with “Little Monster”; a simple track, easy on the ears, again, utilizing the catchy chorus. “Loose Change” and “Ten Tonne Skeleton” keep the album rumbling along then, before we finish up on “Better Strangers”. It’s a bit of a slow burner this one, but draws everything to a close on what is essentially a nicely rounded album.

Royal Blood have released a quality album here, proving that passion and dedication will allow even the most minimalistic means of expression to sound bold and prosperous. Add this to an already acclaimed live performance, recently confirmed by a well talked about set at Reading & Leeds Festival, these boys from Brighton are flying the flag for British indie artists and musicians, and they fly it high. [8]


You can find Royal Blood on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoyalBloodUK
The album, "Royal Blood" is available on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/royal-blood/id891695026

Having only been together little over a year, Cardiff based post-hard core pop-punk 5-piece, LED BY LIONS, aim to tackle the current music scene head on, by jumping in at the deep end with the debut EP; “A Long Time Coming”. Inspired by the likes of FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND and NEW FOUND GLORY, they've delivered us five original tracks…let’s see if they were worth the wait…

For starters, naming your opening track “So What Do We Do Now?” isn't particularly encouraging…have they taken on too much too soon? Apparently not, bluff very well called indeed. It’s an instrumental intro but the infectious guitar playing draws you in once it’s allowed to build up over its brief length, before first track proper, “Just Close Your Eyes And Think Of MacGyver” kicks in with some hefty vocals. It’s in your face, tearing stuff…that is until lead vocalist Scott settles things down with some simple melodic singing. As a whole it’s an enjoyable song with some nice harmonies, good start.

“Song For A Hero” and “Fall Of A Giant” both utilise strong pop-infused melodies in the form of their catchy, up-beat guitar driven punk, especially the latter, probably the stand-out track of the EP. The inclusion of some brief breakdowns and some more of the heavy vocals ensure things don’t get completely lost within a soft, pop-rock niche, giving the tracks an ample amount of bite, before we finish up on “So Far Away”. The chorus here alone is worth owning the EP for, definitely one that’ll get stuck in your head and is assured to incite great reactions at live shows.

For a first foray into original recording, so early on for a new band, Led By Lions have certainly not disappointed or let anyone down. For anyone thinking this was instead going to be a wild goose chase in the quest for promised quality, they’d be wrong. This is certainly a capable band, with so much ahead of them; let’s just hope they’re not led astray. [6]


The EP, "A Long Time Coming" is available on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/a-long-time-coming-ep/id905316545

Regardless of your opinion of the man, BAM MARGERA does a lot for bands. Be it his massive endorsement of the band HIM, their fellow Finn’s THE 69 EYES, or be it lesser known bands such as THE MOXY and LACRIMAS PROFUNDERE, he’s always promoted artists through whatever he’s done, whether that’s a compilation CD or the soundtrack to a TV show or a DVD, and, more often than not, they’re awesome too! So when Bam personally recommends a band to you, you check them out. Back when I interviewed him in July, he suggested I check out a band called THE FAINT, who just so happen to have a new album out called “Doom Abuse”. Here’s what I discovered…

Opening up with “Help In The Head” it’s apparent we’ll be dealing with a variety of influences from the word go. Vocalist Todd Fink carries similar tones to the likes of indie artists such as KASABIAN, while musically it’s slightly grungy, a little punky and very alternative; interesting stuff. “Mental Radio” introduces more of a synthesized electronic sound, but it’s quite straightforward, generally consistent throughout, plodding along enjoyably enough before “Evil Voices” unleashes some quality up-beat indie rock. It’s got a brilliantly catchy chorus and is easily an album highlight.

“Salt My Doom” is an altogether different kettle of fish, far brasher, more intense and as far as this album extends, it’s heavier too, delivering a short burst of energy, while “Animal Needs” on the other hand is fairly monotonous in a KRAFTWERK sort of way, albeit rockier. “Loss Of Head”, “Your Stranger” and “Lesson From The Darkness” keep everything flowing smoothly, before we eventually finish up on “Damage Control”; a relatively slow, sullen anti-climax.

It’s a shame really that, these four guys from Nebraska have been at it since the mid-nineties…yet they’re relatively unknown within the UK. Hopefully “Doom Abuse” can change that, it’s well worth checking out, whoever you prefer to trust, me OR Bam. [7]


The album "Doom Abuse" is available on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/doom-abuse/id827930963 
The Faint on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefaint

Formed in Nottingham in 2012, ENORMITY FALLS are, despite their lack of experience in years, one of the most promising alternative heavy metal acts to emerge from the UK unsigned scene. Influenced by well-respected heavy hitters such as TRIVIUM and KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, and with an interestingly set up tri-vocal onslaught, EF are looking to make a name for themselves outside of their local live scene where already they are garnering praise. With their début EP; “Voices” they aim to do just that…but should be listen?

The initial answer is yes, with regards to opening track “See The Noise”. It’s a brilliantly melodic guitar driven intro and draws you in immediately, the recording is great quality, thanks to work at Philbraham Audio Studios, and it’s actually really catchy metal. Having three vocalists adds a certain dynamic to the band too, with the different ranges and levels of ferocity giving the song extra depth, with the heaviest vocals being in control here.

“Legacy” is another slab of finely played melodic riffery, no more, no less, before EP highlight “Z Is For Xenomorph” gets down and dirty, focussing more on the rough vocals. The Trivium influence of Matt Heafy is clear as day for the most part mid-verse and it’s a great piece of metal, before we finish up on “This Is All I Have”. It’s got a slow intro but picks up over the course of the track; we’d be fools to assume we’d end on a dull note…well done indeed.

For a two year old unsigned band, writing and recording music of this quality shows natural talent and clear passion for what they do; there are no half measures here. Having three lead vocalists is an interesting aspect when you consider how they must perform on the live stage. As a band they must be tight which is even more promising as it’s on stage where this kind of music counts. The songs on this EP must sound incredible live, and as the band grows I genuinely hope to hear more and more people from outside of their Nottingham scene talking about them. [7]


The EP "Voices" is available on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/voices-ep/id895062658 

Enormity Falls on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EnormityFalls

If you’re a fan of THE 69 EYES, or ever have been during the bands gothic-era, you’ll no doubt know of front man Jyrki 69 (real name Jyrki Linnankivi) and his love of all things blues and ELVIS style rock ‘n’ roll. The influence has been growing over time, and is unmistakable on the track “Borderline” taken from the most recent album “X”, with the tracks video even being filmed in Louisiana, the home of the blues, so really then it comes as no surprise that Jyrki would eventually put his efforts into a side project where he could focus purely on his musical love affair with this southern style of rockabilly groove, and he has. Meet, THE 69 CATS. Featuring members of THE CRAMPS and BLONDIE, this super-group of sorts have just released their début album; “Transylvanian Tapes”…let’s see what this Helsinki vampire’s sunk his teeth into…

Kicking off with a cover of THE DOORS classic “People Are Strange”, here he pays homage to the late Jim Morrison with a fresh take on a timeless song, a great album opener, before next up we’re treated to a reworked edition of “Sunglasses After Dark” by The Cramps, the rockabilly style really suiting this track and it’s a fun, energetic number.

Next up we've got another unmistakable classic, “Runaway”, by DEL SHANNON, originally released in 1961 but covered numerous times over the years; it’s still a great song to this day and always a pleasure to hear, which can also be said for “Edge Of Reality”, a brilliant piece by Elvis taken from his movie “Live A Little, Love A Little” in 1968. A few more covers in the form of “Werewolves Of London” by WARREN ZEVON and the surprise inclusion of “Girls On Film” by DURAN DURAN keep the album ticking on, some nice smooth instrumental sections like “Necromance For Guitar” and “69 Guitars”, before we finish up on “Bela Lugosi’s Dead”, a shortened down but absolutely brilliant cover of the BAUHAUS track from 1982, keeping his gothic roots in plain sight; superb.

As much as we long to see the next instalment from The 69 Eyes, seeing the effort and passion that’s gone into The 69 Cats it’s literally impossible to complain about the Finnish goth’s absence. This may be cover-heavy in content, but they’re quality covers. “Transylvanian Tapes” is well worth a listen for any neutral fan of rock ’n’ roll, and let’s just hope tapes means plural, and we’ll one day see another instalment. Cats have nine lives after all…or should I say 69? [8]


The album "Transylvanian Tapes" is available on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/transylvanian-tapes/id895515231

Classic rock or metal aren't just genres, like pop-punk or nu-metal, it’s called classic for a reason, the songs and artists have stood the test of time, foundations were laid, benchmarks were set and legends were born. Even now in 2014, you will see bands forming around the world that cite their influences as say, METALLICA or IRON MAIDEN, for example, hoping to emulate their heroes or, “defend the faith” as popular monthly metal magazine METAL HAMMER would say…and one of these such bands comes from Dorset, England. That band is called ETERNAL ENDEAVOUR and they’re about to drop their début EP; “Out Of Ashes”.

The 4-track EP kicks off with “Fallen Angel” and straight away we’re greeted by the galloping bass-driven influence of Iron Maiden, there’s some decent riff-work on offer here from the fresh faced metallers, and given that it’s all been recorded in drummer Chris Ewan’s home studio, it’s quite respectable, however for an opening track, it does go on a bit.

The title track starts off relatively hushed, a well worked build up, leading on to some slick guitar work, there’s a great vibe about the track as a whole, musically, with that classic style they aimed for easily recognisable, flowing through your speakers, while “Give It All” is a relatively slow burner and plods along harmlessly, before we finish up on “Road To Nowhere”. This sounds like we’re going to end up on a high note. There’s a sense of intensity and hunger, and it’s one of the more traditionally heavy sounding tracks on offer here with this EP, a solid ending.

Musically, or to the point instrumentally, the EP is a decent effort, you can hear the influence, the style is clear, the tracks are well played, but, when you think of all the big classic rock and metal bands, what stands out? Vocalists...name them; Bruce Dickinson, Rob Halford, Dio…all of them in a league of their own, each of them making their band THAT much better. Sadly, for Eternal Endeavour, Jon Belfield is not of that calibre…and while he gives it his all, credit to him, you can hear in places his voice just isn't powerful enough for this kind of music, based on these recordings at least anyway. For now though, I say give benefit of the doubt, allow them time to grow, maybe record with an established producer, and see where they can take it. The key word here is endeavour, after all. [5]


Eternal Endeavour on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EternalEndeavour 
Eternal Endeavour on Twitter: https://twitter.com/EEndeavour

The line-up is complete, the stage is set, Cyfarthfa Park is ready to host the return of MERTHYR ROCK! With the stage times now announced, who will you be seeing this Sunday? Which of the three stages appeals to you more, and who do you think will step up and deliver? Leave your thoughts in the comments!
Please visit http://merthyrrock.com/ for tickets.

MAIN STAGE
21:00: Taking Back Sunday
19:35: Reel Big Fish
18:10: Anti-Flag
17:00: Blitz Kids
16:00: Save Your Breath
15:00: Clear The Auditorium

SECOND STAGE
20:25: The Blackout
19:00: Feed The Rhino
17:40: LostAlone
16:30: The One Hundred
                                                                   15:30: Colt 45


                                                                   YOUNG PROMOTERS NETWORK STAGE
                                                                   19:55: En Garde
                                                                   19:00: Continents
                                                                   18:05: When We Were Wolves
                                                                   17:10: Falling With Style
                                                                   16:15: Reaper In Sicily
                                                                   15:15: Breathe In The Silence

Since their inception in 1999, and given their initial tongue-in-cheek approach, to some extent it’s quite surprising that today, in 2014, FOZZY are not only still around releasing albums, but actually thriving with a continuously growing fan base. Having WWE Superstar / multi-titled world wrestling champion CHRIS JERICHO for a front-man no doubt brings the band fame and attention, but it takes a proper band to maintain that attention, and that’s exactly what Fozzy are. From their beginnings as a cover band, playing the likes of TWISTED SISTER, JUDAS PRIEST and MOTLEY CRUE, to their more recent signing to CENTURY MEDIA records, not only do they have credibility, but now an aura of expectation surrounding them with each and every new album.  This year sees them release “Do You Wanna Start A War”…the question is, are they ready to fight?

Kicking off with the album’s title track, its already annoying that there’s no question mark anywhere to be seen, given that, at the end of the day, it’s a question right? Illiteracy aside, it’s not bad. It appears there’s been a slight toning down since 2012’s “Sin And Bones”; it’s a bit more polished in production and not as raw sounding, however the track itself is a bit repetitive. Lead single “Lights Go Out” is the first clear stand-out track on offer here, it’s very mechanic in tone but falls short of being anything industrial sounding, it plods along, but has such a simple, great quality chorus; catchy stuff.

“Died With You” is another stand out track, touching rock-ballad territory on this one, it’s got a real sentimental feel to it beyond being just a set of touching lyrics, to some extent, playing to Jericho’s strengths as a vocalist, he’s a genuinely good singer. Tracks such as “Unstoppable” and “Scarecrow” keep the album ticking along nicely, the theme of the album seeming to be penning really ear-pleasing choruses, which no one can complain about really…before we come across “SOS”…another cover…from ABBA…what’s more, it actually works too! Fozzy yet again showing their versatility, and willingness to tread new ground…

Chris Jericho maybe a legend in the squared circle, a future WWE Hall Of Famer, however, it’s his band and passion for rock and metal that are the reasons we hear his name more often in recent times, and slowly but surely, he’s becoming the legit rock star he’s dreamed of being, with respectable band behind him to boot. Do you wanna’ start a war? Only if you promise not to use the Walls Of Jericho… [7]


The album, "Do You Wanna Start A War" is available on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/do-you-wanna-start-a-war/id879555041

The “Road To Merthyr” kicked off in The Red House, Merthyr Tydfil on Saturday, August 2nd, to officially start the countdown to MERTHYR ROCK 2014. For the next couple of weeks, a variety of bands will play a host of venues in the build up to the returning South Wales festival, and what better way to get things under way than an intimate gig with one of Wales finest exports; KIDS IN GLASS HOUSES. I caught up with SHAY and IAIN for a quick chat before they went on stage.

GAV: Thank you both for stopping to talk…

SHAY: That’s quite alright

GAV: Right, you’re playing Merthyr Town Hall tonight, the first of four intimate dates which officially kick starts the road to Merthyr, which is for Merthyr Rock festival, tell us how all of this came to be and how you got involved in the whole thing..

SHAY: Well basically, our farewell tour, the Cardiff date of that tour sold out quite fast. We were thinking of adding an extra date for anyone who missed out, but we didn’t really want to like, y’know, we thought against doing that because we wanted to keep that Cardiff date special, and unique, so the promoters approached us and asked if we wanted to do a run of shows, and, we’re not here to do the actual festival itself, so y’know, there are people now who couldn’t get Cardiff tickets who get a chance to see us for one last time.

GAV: Regarding Merthyr Rock, the last time it was put on was two years ago, you headlined the Sunday…

SHAY: Yeah that was class!

GAV: …with the “Road To Merthyr” this year, the whole concept is based around building up momentum for the festival itself, it’s supporting a lot of up and coming bands and local venues, how does it feel to be a part of it all?

IAIN: It’s good yeah, y’know we've always prided ourselves on being part of the community, the music community of Wales, and y’know we've taken bands from Wales out on our tours to try and help them out, and we've always got a keen eye to see what’s going on, so yeah it’s a shame like, we are gutted to not be a part OF Merthyr Rock this year, but, y’know these things happen, but it’s nice to be involved in some way, and like you said, supporting local venues at the moment, it’s really good…

GAV: There are venues that are struggling at the moment, it’s a shame really…

IAIN: It’s really sad to see, but I guess It’s just the nature of the way things move I guess, hopefully a lot of venues will survive and when things start moving up again it’ll all be fine

GAV: With supporting music in mind, South Wales in particular churns out a lot of great talent, what are your thoughts on the current scene now and the current crop of up and coming bands?

SHAY: It’s looking pretty good, really healthy, it’s always been extremely strong, like, when we were coming through we had LOSTPROPHETS breaking, we had FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND, then we had BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, it’s always nice to have bands that you can aspire to that are from around here that get to that point we’re they’re successful, and it gives you a lot of confidence that you can go out there and do it yourself y’know?

IAIN: It’s good as well because at the moment, y’know, I think when we were coming through there seemed to be a niche of bands that were coming through but at the moment there’s a lot more variety and there are a lot more genres and styles that people are breaking into, which is awesome to see people not just trying to do the same as each other

GAV: There’s an eclectic choice of styles, people aren't afraid to experiment…

IAIN: Yeah it’s good to see like, especially seeing not just rock music, there’s dance acts breaking out too and stuff and it’s good to see

GAV: On the subject of up and coming talent, next week in the same venue you’re playing tonight, there's the Battle Of The Bands, which is great to see not only the Youth Promotion Network but the venues too allowing these bands opportunities to play festivals like Merthyr Rock, have you had chance to check out any of the bands lined up?

IAIN: I haven’t myself no…

SHAY: I've seen the flyer, I'm familiar with a couple of them…

GAV: I know CLEAR THE AUDITORIUM are playing, I've seen them before, great live band

SHAY: I've never seen them live, I’d like to see them live, but uh, yeah it’s brilliant. It’s exciting to see these young bands get given the chance to play these venues and get given the chance to play a festival such as Merthyr Rock

GAV: It’s encouragement at the end of the day and it’s very promising, with regards to new bands, you mentioned Lostprophets earlier, I wasn't going to mention anything to do with them but as we've brought them up, what do you make of the whole thing? I know the guys recently started up NO DEVOTION…

IAIN: I'm not going to say anything about that…

SHAY: No Devotion are great

IAIN: It’s awesome to see that they can pick themselves up and do that, y’know they were fucking incredible in Cardiff the other day, it’s good to see friends doing well

SHAY: They've written some really good songs and, it’s only a matter of time now before they get to where they were I think…

 GAV: With No Devotion coming out after the breakup of Lostprophets, you mentioned earlier on your own farewell tour, it’s always sad to see bands call it a day and split up, for whatever reasons, what reasons did you have to call time on Kids In Glass Houses?

SHAY: We’re sick of each other! [laughs] No it just feels like, the right time for us, we've had a good run, it’s been fun, the best part of a decade, we just think we've done all we can as a band. I don’t think bands should last forever, y’know, we were never going to be doing this in our 50’s

GAV: You’re not the ROLLING STONES then? [laughs]

SHAY: We've had a hell of a good run, had some great times…been around the world a couple of times, we just feel like, we don’t’ have another album in us…I think we’ll  just call it time there and have an excellent last tour while we’re all still friends

IAIN: We’d rather go out on a high rather than getting it to a point where we do actually end up hating each other and you get remembered for the wrong things…we've written four class albums, we just want to go out on a high y’know?

GAV: With the farewell tour in mind, a lot of dates are sold out already, the fan base is still there, they’re prepared to support you

SHAY: Yeah it’s been incredible, we've been blown away with the response to that tour, shows have sold out like you said, or shows have been upgraded, it’s a long tour as well, it’s like 25 dates or something, it’s the biggest tour we've ever done, it’s going to be a hell of a way to finish the band.

GAV: Even though it’s a sad note, people are there all the way with you..,

IAIN: Exactly, that’s the other reason, we didn't want it to be like, it ends because it HAS to end, it can’t go on y’know, it’s more like, it’s our decision, we’re in control of it, the fact that’s true means that we can enjoy it with the people coming to watch us, rather than them coming to watch something that’s forced or fake, you know what I mean?

SHAY: It’s definitely the best thing we've ever done, it has to be in a way…

GAV: Will these four intimate shows be a sort of testing ground for what set list you’re going to put together for the tour?

IAIN: We’re doing a few songs that we haven’t played for a while to see how people feel about them, but I think with these shows it’s gonna' be cool to have a bit more fun with the set list, do some songs we wouldn't normally play at bigger shows, and some fan favourites y’know. Music is subjective anyway, y’know there’s no, “perfect set”, we try and do our best to incorporate older stuff with newer stuff…I guess we try and please ourselves more than anything…

GAV: Yeah that’s true as, at the end of the day you've got to enjoy what you’re playing on stage, it’s no good just going through the motions and being predictable…with songs in mind, are there any plans for a greatest hits or maybe a swan song single to accompany this farewell tour?

SHAY: Noooo…

IAIN: We've toyed with both ideas and we've shot them both down really, I think like, we did say after this album we’d see how we felt and if we didn't want to continue we’d just knock it on the head, so, to do something else we’d be cheating ourselves a little bit, it kind of cheapens the way In which we’re trying to go out

SHAY: You've got to try and draw a line in the sand haven’t you, just, call it a day. When that final show in Cardiff happens, that is it, you can’t be like, 2 weeks later saying “oh we’re playing Clwb Ifor Bach” or “We’re supporting these guys on tour…”.

GAV: That’s respectable, it’s cool…on a final note, before I go, back to Merthyr Rock, obviously you’re not playing this year, but will any of you be there and what are your recommendations for the day?

SHAY: We’re actually in Japan…

GAV: LITTLE bit more fancy than Cyfarthfa Park! [laughs]

SHAY: Yeah we’re playing in Japan, trip down to Australia, that’s why we can’t play this year but there’s some great bands playing, obviously THE BLACKOUT, home town show, let me think…

GAV: We have…ANTI-FLAG, TAKING BACK SUNDAY, BLITZ KIDS…

SHAY: There’s a band called EN GARDE, they are pretty good, friends of mine…

IAIN: You’re IN the band! [laughs]

SHAY: But I'm not playing! They’ll be better without me as well [laughs] It’s just going to be a great event.

GAV: Well guys, thanks for chatting, and good luck with the shows and the tour.

Tickets for Merthyr Rock 2014 are on sale now: http://www.seetickets.com/event/merthyr-rock-2014/cyfarthfa-castle/785622

Tickets for Kids In Glass Houses are subject to availability: http://www.ents24.com/uk/tour-dates/kids-in-glass-houses