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Iconcrash - "Inkeroinen" Review

24/9/2014

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When you think of Finland, from a musical perspective at least, you generally tend to name check the heavy hitters; the likes of HIM and NIGHTWISH, and yes, Finland is one of the few countries in the world where rock and metal is predominantly mainstream, but that doesn’t mean it’s all doom and gloom all of the time. Inspired by a mixture of artists including A-HA and NEW ORDER, Helsinki’s ICONCRASH offer up a far softer, electronically driven sound, broadening their appeal outside of the general audience that metal provides with their most recent album; “Inkeroinen”. Let’s give it a spin…

Kicking off with “Zeroes And Ones”, it’s a very upbeat almost 80’s stylised techno-pop track. The soft vocals of Jaani Peuhu are passionately delivered and it’s all sounding very much like SHINY TOY GUNS to some extent, which is a brilliant start. Continuing with the same energetic pop-infused electronica we go straight into “Dangerous”, which really sounds anything but, yet matters not when the track is as catchy as it is. “Doomsday Disco” has elements of early DEPECHE MODE, musically, but as a whole it’s slightly more funk driven at its core, the chorus milking the 80’s style again for all it’s worth, more of a grower this one.

However, tracks such as “Love Like Mercury” do let the album down slightly, if only for how forced Jaani’s vocals sound during the chorus, they sound stretched and frankly, the higher key doesn’t suit him all too well. All of that is cast aside though when we come to “Stockholm”; returning to the jolly dance-along synth-pop style, the album comes back to life with a burst of energy, which can also be said for “Hunters And Lovers”. “Sixty Seconds” is sadly anything but…it is in fact, over seven minutes long and as about as entertaining as a trip to the dentist; a bit much this one. Luckily, we finish on a brighter note, with “We Are The Night” closing the album as it started.

All things considered, having mentioned Finland’s tendency to produce quality rock and metal first and foremost, it’s also worth seeking out artists such as Iconclash. This has all the potential to do very well for its self in more pop orientated markets and should be given the opportunity to do so. [8]

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

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/inkeroinen-special-edition/id712204902


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American Hi-Fi - "Blood & Lemonade" Review

22/9/2014

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It has to be said, 2001 was a great year not just for established artists, but breakthrough bands as well. SUM 41 released “All Killer No Filler”, JIMMY EAT WORLD oh so casually dropped “Bleed American”, Aaron Lewis’ STAIND were absolutely everywhere with “Break The Cycle”…and as much as we try to, we can’t ignore the impact LOSTPROPHETS had on the UK scene when they unleashed “The Fake Sound Of Progress”. All of these would go on to become household names…but some bands just came and went…or so we thought. One of these bands was AMERICAN HI FI, and when they delivered us “Flavour Of The Week” off of their debut album, we didn’t think that’s literally all they would be. Sure, they released a few more albums down the line, but they never truly took off after that initial hit. However, 2014 sees them back with a fresh new album, “Blood & Lemonade”…is this their year?

Starting off with “Armageddon Days”, its evident the band retains their ability to write catchy hooks around seemingly serious undertones. The track is subtle but a real foot tapper, a great, simple yet effective chorus and as a whole, there’s plenty of rock ‘n’ roll swagger here. It’s a good start. “Golden State” sounds more familiar, a pleasant dose of radio friendly rock, the bands signature sound unchanged inducing a welcome nostalgia trip, resulting in an enjoyable listen.

“Wake Up” is a far livelier effort, which is fitting, with its almost punk style guitar driven intro. Front man Stacey Jones’ vocals remain soft and melodic however keeping everything on a more pop based tone, but it’s a highlight track. “Amnesia” takes things up a gear yet again with some great bass driven rock, musically it’s probably as heavy as you’re going to get with the Boston based 4-piece and it’s a welcome change of tempo. “Killing Time” and “Portland” keep the album ticking, before we end on “No Ordinary Life”. The longest track on offer here, it’s a sombre rock ballad of sorts, but it does include some slick 6-string work courtesy of Jamie Arentzen.

“Blood & Lemonade”, despite its charm, will never live up to that song thirteen years ago, we can’t deny that, the band were lucky AND unlucky enough to have such a hit, people always seem to remember the song before the band, but, credit to AHF, they’ve stuck at it through an ever changing landscape in musical trends and they’ve written another simple yet enjoyable album. This may not catapult them into superstardom, to be fair I think they’re past that now, but it’s still very much worth a listen. [7]

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

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/blood-lemonade/id890566287


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Glass Giants - "Cocktails & Bikinis" Review

21/9/2014

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If you’re a supporter of your local scene, it’s always heart-warming to see with your own eyes,  a band develop over time, and back in June, I wrote a piece on a young band by the name of GLASS GIANTS. Having steadily risen in popularity as a reliable live band, as proven by a recent sell-out show at the iconic CLWB IFOR BACH, the Welsh quintet are back with their 2nd EP; “Cocktails & Bikinis”. Aided by the trusty hands of producer Romesh Dodangoda, how far have these Welsh lads come?

Opening track and lead single “D.A.N.C.E.” see’s the boys continue down the path of fun, light hearted pop-rock which they’ve undoubtedly mastered. It’s easy on the ears, catchy and simplistic, drawing you into the EP with its mildly hypnotic tones.  “Seeing Is Believing” and “Once Bitten, Twice Shy” keep things running along smoothly; the production is slick allowing you to take everything in with crystal clear quality. Ross Dixon’s vocals are powerful and melodic whilst also managing not to drown anything out, given the almost laid back, somewhat gentle style of indie inspired rock the band plays.

“Dirty Knees” despite being an EP highlight, an undeniably enjoyable track, with a great chorus, for some reason, seems to come across as just a little bit, too...innocent? A song such as this, about cheap women and such…you’d expect from STEEL PANTHER, and done with no remorse for that matter too…the track’s been done well but it’s all a bit polite if you ask me, before we finish up on “Love.Live.Laugh”. It starts off with some nice solid guitar work, before plodding along with more of the expected clean vocals and radio friendly rock.

Whilst Glass Giants have earned a name for themselves as live performers, and are clearly good song writers, there hasn’t been a great deal of progression since their ironically titled first EP; “Define Progress”. The sound is still great, it’s enjoyable, but, ultimately, it is essentially more of the same, if not just more polished. Once the cocktails have run out and the bikinis are off, there’s only so much you’ll have before you eventually want to go home. A short burst of fun this one. [6]

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

iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/cocktails-bikinis-ep/id897196227


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Motionless In White - "Reincarnate" Review

20/9/2014

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Every now and again a band will come along and just stand out for one reason or another, and one of those bands today is Pennsylvania’s MOTIONLESS IN WHITE. Their blend of gothic inspired, borderline theatrical metalcore has seen them go from new kids on the block to one of the most exciting bands on the scene in the last couple of years, coupled with front man Chris Motionless’ often astute and sometimes outspoken opinions on that same scene around him, wearing his heart on his sleeve with absolutely no fear of consequence over anything he says, they inject a much needed dose of honesty into the often ridiculous world that is the music industry. Their newest album; “Reincarnate” sees them return to a heavier sound than previous release “Infamous”, here’s what they’ve brought back with them…

“Deathmarch” opens proceedings rather accordingly, trudging head strong into the album with a sound settling somewhere in between the likes of THE DEFILED and MARILYN MANSON, its dark, it’s rigid and purposeful with Josh Balz keyboards providing a sinister backdrop, before we dive right into the title track. Heavier on the synthesizers and introducing clean vocals, but still riff-heavy, it’s a great track and brings the album to life. “Puppets 3 (The Grand Finale)” begins with a seemingly SLAYER inspired thrash metal sound, that is until we’re subject to the all too familiar wails of guest vocalist Dani Filth of CRADLE OF FILTH fame. The sound shifts to an electronic metalcore / black metal mash-up and it works really well.

On the subject of guest vocals, Maria Brink of IN THIS MOMENT pops up in “Contemptress”, with her feminine yet equally ferocious vocals more than welcome; she’s a great vocalist with a powerfully emotive delivery that complements Chris perfectly here, however briefly. Elsewhere on the album, tracks such as “Unstoppable”, “Break The Cycle” and the brilliantly titled EDM styled “Dead As Fuck” maintain a level of quality throughout, before we finish up on “Carry The Torch”. It’s a slow builder, but once it gets going its pretty straightforward, but not to the extent that it ends things on a flat note.

It’s safe to say that MIW, on evidence here with “Reincarnate”, remain one of the brightest prospects for the future of alternative music. This album is their strongest to date and it’s almost impossible to think they won’t be around for years to come, regardless of whatever trends may come and go in the increasingly disposable world of music. You need this album, and everyone else needs to step up. [9]

"Reincarnate" is available on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/reincarnate/id897039441


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In Requiem - "In Requiem EP" Review

17/9/2014

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I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again; south Wales has one of the richest deposits of talented and/or passionate musicians in the UK, if not the world. Everywhere you look you’re a stone’s throw away from a gig or an up and coming band, busker or songwriter, and one of the freshest bands on the scene, are Pontypridd’s IN REQUIEM. The alternative rock 4-piece (consisting of vocalist/guitarist Adam, guitarist Owen, bassist Grant and drummer Lee) have literally only been around a couple of months, but they’ve already played a promising debut live show supporting REAPER IN SICILY and also, already have a self-titled  4-track EP under their belt…Too much too soon? Let’s see…

Opening track “Trapeze” softly seeps out of your speakers with a really mellow, almost sleepy tone. It’s gentle indie rock, very hushed in its delivery, aside from its chorus, leaving you with a feeling of “oh…” rather than “ooooh!” but it’s a pleasant start, nothing wrong with the track as such but it’s a timid introduction.

“Animal” seemingly has a little more life to it, crunchier guitars, an almost grunge-like tone and when it kicks off properly it’s a welcome riff driven number, albeit a familiar one…anyone else recognise the slight hint of “Fortune Faded” by RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS as it gets going? Just me? It’s there! Coincidence or not; a solid track none-the-less…

“Into The Night” returns to the delicate, ambient tones of the first track, at over five minutes long it does appear to go on a little bit but it’s got some fairly boisterous segments that’ll wake you up If required, before we finish on “Holy Hands”, which is a classic case of leave the best until last. It’s a good quality, straight up rock song, easy on the ears, and over before you can fully appreciate it, making you want to hit replay. Again, there are subtle similarities to the likes of RHCP, but this time in general style as oppose to any section in particular, it’s got that feel about it and all in all, it rounds the EP off nicely.

In Requiem may have only been around since, well, May, but they are clearly eager to get the ball rolling early on. Obviously there’s a long way to go before they’re a fully polished outfit but more live shows, more hard work and ultimately more patience, I’m sure they’ll be around for some time to come. Until then, enjoy this for what it is, rough and ready, there’s nothing wrong with that at all. [6]



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

You can listen to "Holy Hands" on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/rqmband

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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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