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New music blog dedicated to bringing you quality music reviews of everything from unsigned bands to major label stars! Artist and Tune of the day, + more!!
Showing posts with label Rock. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rock. Show all posts

Monday, 12 November 2012

[ArtistOTD] Hullabaloo

Artist: Hullabaloo
Genre: New Soul
Location: Cardiff, Wales, UK.
Websitehttp://hullabalooband.bandcamp.com
Twitterhttp://twitter.com/hullabaloouk
Facebookhttp://www.facebook.com/HullabalooBand




Today’s artist from our very own South Wales roots come causing a right ruckus, in the form of rock ‘n’ roll band, Hullabaloo. This 6-piece outfit produce a wonderful sound placing them at the very heart of an indie-pop-rock-soul-funk Venn diagram. Their refreshing clatter of noise is created through a funky fusion of a vast array of instruments. The lively musical numbers created by this sprightly bunch include pianos and brass as well as the usual guitars, bass and drums.

To date, the gang have fashioned one EP released in the summer earlier this year on July 16th. This release highlights an impressive introduction to the music industry for Hullabaloo who formed just last year in October 2011. The EP titled ‘Landslide’ is a five-track offering, available to purchase now for just £3 on their bandcamp site.

There is an abundance of energy portrayed throughout the EP which kicks off in style with ‘Found A New Way’, and in particular it’s effective use of brass and organs. This is followed by the sure-fire future signal ‘All Shapes and Sizes’, which incorporates one fine sounding piano solo polishing off the funky clamour on a solid rock base. This is a fun, poppy tune, ticking all the boxes of a radio-friendly banger with its fabulous production and sheer catchiness. This is certainly the band’s champagne track but should not detract away from any of the other four tracks on the record. In particular, the brass-filled ‘Landslide’ and the punk-rock-infused riffs on ‘DoYou Think I’m Crazy Enough?’. This is a continued theme moving onto the final track on the record, ‘Leave This Town’. There is a more ska-punk feel to this than the more indie and poppy introduction to the EP. A switch up in tempo applied for the chorus is a welcome surprise proving to be a more than adequate rounding off to a generally fun-filled, vibrant and spirited debut EP.

Finally, for both your listening and viewing pleasure, here is the creative video for the EP title-track, ‘Landslide’:








Wednesday, 31 October 2012

[TuneOTD] 24 Robbers - HALLOWEEN HITLIST

Artist: 24 Robbers
Genre: Melodic/Punk/Rock
Location: Norwich, Norfolk, UK
Label Type: Unsigned
Websitehttp://24robbers.bandcamp.com/
Twitterhttp://twitter.com/24robbers
Facebookhttp://www.facebook.com/24Robbersofficial




In celebration of Halloween we have provided you guys with a right treat with today’s ‘Tune Of The Day’. The song is called ‘Halloween Hitlist’ by melodic punk rockers, 24 Robbers.

From what starts out at the local pub necking beers and sinking shots with mates, dressed as beaten up emos and superheroes, ends up meeting a girl who has a 5-year-old son and a psycho ex-boyfriend - who inevitably kills you. This is what will undoubtedly happen to you this Halloween night if you plan to party with these four guys from Norfolk.

From reading the paragraph above you can get the general gist of what this track is all about. Musically, it is the Halloween alternative to Reuben’s ‘Christmas Is Awesome’. There is a massacre of heavy beats, driving guitars and crashing drums. The vocals are full of energy and anger with a clear punk influence, doing well to power over the extravaganza of background noise on the chorus with cries of “Halloween Hitlist!”.

24 Robbers have set the bar for all Halloween-themed efforts this year. The single is available on free download as of today from the band’s bandcamp site here. You can also check out the video below: 




Tuesday, 30 October 2012

[TuneOTD] Limp Bizkit - LIGHTZ


Artist: Limp Bizkit
Genre: Alternative/Rap Metal
Location: Jacksonville, Florida, US
Label TypeMajor
Record LabelCash Money Records




The internet has proved once again how powerful it can be with the recent leakage of Limp Bizkit track ‘Lightz’. This premature exposure has prompted the US-based rap metal veterans to reveal that they had no intention for this to be their first video and single off the forthcoming album, ‘Stampede of the Disco Elephants’ set for release in 2013.

On the basis of this track, it is clear to see why the album has included the word ‘disco’ with this effort a far cry for the rock-infused classics which took the world by storm in the early 2000s. ‘Lightz’ has a more modern day pop feel to it, with an unquestionable influence from new label boss Lil Wayne. The hip-hop rapper now president of Cash Money Records signed up Fred Durst and the gang back in February, earlier this year. Like so many songs these days, auto-tuning plays a significant role on this track, and once again this inclusion has come in for widespread criticism from rock purists.

The track is far more skewed toward a pop-edged hip-hop power balled than a nu-metal classic you would normally associate with Limp Bizkit. There has always been a rap element to LB but the hip-hop influence is abundantly clear, and has resulted in a loss of that synonymous rock/metal energy and passion. The melody is aimed to instil feel good vibes, but in truth it isn't at all dynamic and simply lacks any real depth. A cry of ‘Lightz’ threatens to erupt into something special, but turns out to be just that – a threat. Nothing comes of this but a Wes Borland guitar solo offers a hint of hope with the only real attempt to reach out to the rock fanatics. Lyrically, it’s pretty poor with rhymes forced and syllables stretched, culminating in an unoriginal meaning and message. It seems as if they have decided to go down a similar route taken by Linkin Park following their similar success in the early naughties.

If this is a sign of things to come for the impending album, then it will prove to be nothing short of a disappointment. Although the track is unofficially titled as 'Lightz' it has also been labelled as 'Pain', 'City of Angels' and 'Beautiful'. For now you can check out the leaked video for what we're referring to as ‘Lightz’, below: 





Monday, 29 October 2012

[AlbumOTD] Laundry For The Apocalypse - LAUNDRY FOR THE APOCALYPSE


Artist: Laundry For The Apocalypse
Genre: Rock
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas, US
Label Type: Indie
Record Label: Mostar Records



It is now coming to the end of 2012 meaning that the end of the world is nigh, and I’m sure you want to go out in your best dressed. Sooo, who you gunna call? That’s right, Laundry For The Apocalypse! This unique five-piece (starring four magnificent beards and a clean-shaven bassist) are the latest sensation to come out of the ever-evolving UK indie label, Mostar Records. Hailing from Little Rock, Arkansas they come complete with their debut eponymous album destined to send shockwaves through the East Coast and beyond.

The band describes their genre as ‘not metal’, putting straight to bed the idea as presumably suggested by their name. Other self-proclaimed sub-genres also include zydekill and gulch rock…I’ll leave you make your own mind up on what that entails. On the basis of their 10-track debut record  they would generally be bracketed into the indie rock genre.

The record is a unique and wonderfully eclectic mix of all instruments old and new, demonstrated on the opening track ‘Hellven’ as well as ‘Fam’ among others with both tracks incorporating both brass and wind instruments. ‘Hellven’ also shares similarities with another track appearing later in the album, ‘No Despair’ in that they both start off with a sense of anticipation before erupting into a hard rock extravaganza.

The keys are a refreshing feature on stand-out track, ‘Sad Today’ which has a surprisingly upbeat, jolly feel to it not in line with the lyrics, almost coming across as a display of apathy. Musically though it is stupendous! It’s more infectious than the common cold combining spectacular exploits of both brass and the aforementioned keys.  

Another highlight is the magnificently named ‘Rob Zombie’s Halloween 2’, which not only is appropriate as we await the fast-approaching holiday season, but also resulted in lead singer, Aaron Sarlo interviewing the American rock superstar whom the song was named after. However the track sounds more influenced by Andrew W.K. than anything else.

Each of the band members brings their own flavour into this melting pot of ingredients,  from Sarlo’s majestic frontman skills, to the pulsating drumming of Drew Wilkerson, fluid bass of Matt Rice, extraordinary exhibition of brass and wind provided by John David Hilliard, and the dynamic percussion of Adrian Brigman. This is evident none more so than on instrumental track, ‘Ka Blinka’. Along with the penultimate track on the album, ‘Carnal’, this song in particular highlights the quality which oozes out of this creative and talented bunch.

Overall, the record brings rock music back to the good old days exhibiting hints of certain Oasis vocal traits (whiny parts aside), particularly on ‘No Despair’, ‘Mt’ and ‘S. Palindrone’. I like to think this is their attempt to help culture those across the Atlantic Ocean with the influence of the best in British indie rock.

The album is just a month into its release, so instead of heading down your nearest laundrette, kill two birds with one stone by popping down to Laundry For The Apocalypse. Get your clobber cleaned and pick up a copy of this banger of a debut album. You can purchase and check out samples of the album here.




Monday, 22 October 2012

[ArtistOTD] Lord Nelson


Artist: Lord Nelson
Genre: Hip-Hop/Rock
Location: Columbia, South Carolina, US
Label Type: Indie
Record LabelM & O Music




Welcome to Lord Nelson Nation! Today’s artist, from Columbia, US is talented rapper and songwriter Lord Nelson. A lover of all genres, he has found himself revolving in the hip-hop and rock circles. Since 2006 he has taken over full-time vocal duties of American rap metal band, Stuck Mojo after being originally headhunted by friend and former frontman, Bonz, to help record a few guest vocals on the 'Southern Born Killers' album. Bonz was later axed by the band two years after their reformation in 2005 following a 5-year absence, which subsequently resulted in Lord Nelson taking the reins and taking over the frontman duties. This is a no mean feat with Stuck Mojo considered as being one of the pioneers of the rap metal genre which proved so popular in filling all our Tony Hawks Pro Skater playlists.

It was through touring with Stuck Mojo that Nelson found French band, Lies who were supporting them at the time. A friendship brewed from this, ultimately culminating in a hip-metal album titled ‘Fight: My struggle between heaven and hell’ released earlier this year in late-February on the independent rock metal label M & O Music. This is essentially a solo album of Lord Nelson but featuring Lies on each of the 14-tracks on the record.

Just like with Stuck Mojo, this explosive record exhibits a crushing blend of rock and hip-hop. There are some real heavy thrash riffs provided by the Frenchies, which are more than adequately back up by Nelson’s gutsy heartfelt vocals. It’s a return to the nu-metal era essentially but with a more modernised feel. On the hip-hop side of things it portrays positive nods toward Run DMC and Public enemy.

Whether it is with Stuck Mojo or his solo career featuring Lies,  it is evident that Lord Nelson has realised that his role as a hip-hop artist possesses an undeniable chemistry with the metal genre forcing the genre of nu-metal to be awoken from the relative wilderness with significant gusto. A sample of his work is shown below in the video for ‘Until I Die’ off the aforementioned solo album featuring Lies:





Sunday, 14 October 2012

[AlbumOTD] Sonic Boom Six - SONIC BOOM SIX

Artist: Sonic Boom Six
GenreElectronica/Punk/Rock/Hip-Hop
Location: Manchester, UK.
Label Type: Indie
Record Label: Xtra Mile Recordings




Sonic Boom Six’s eagerly awaited eponymous fourth studio album hits the shops tomorrow (Monday 15th October), when it is released on their new label Xtra Mile Recordings. As ever with the Boom it features an eclectic mix full of passion and high-energy, but this particular record has a little something extra. Even whilst keeping very much in touch with the ethos and principles of SB6, it combines heavy beats to produce more fun, party tunes than any of the previous albums. Not one to be tied down to any specific scene or genre by the strings of the music culture, the Boom are one band who have come out the other end of a politically-infused ska-punk scene which has seen many others fall by the wayside. The self-titled album goes further than they have ever gone before, where instead of preaching to the converted they aim to appeal to the masses, challenging perceptions and attempting to change minds and viewpoints.

This is the Manchester-based quintet’s first studio album since the departure of co-writer Ben Childs in 2009 which saw the release of their last album ‘City of Thieves’. Child’s departure coincided with a marked increase in the use of electronica, synths and drum & bass with the band not limiting themselves to any parameters. Furthermore, it sparked a reshuffle with the introduction of Jimmy T. Boom allowing Barney Boom to prosper as co-vocalist with his raps complementing the squeaks of frontwoman Laila K perfectly in a new era for SB6. In line with keeping the essence of the band, brass continues to feature on the new record, specifically on ‘The High Cost of Living’, ‘S.O.S. (State of Shock)’, and prominently on ‘Karma is a Lady’. The beginning of the former also showcases a splash of dubstep highlighting a combination which portrays exactly what this album is about. It retains the previous ideals of the band whilst incorporating new, fresh sounds.  

Obvious highlights include the previously released ‘For the Kids of the Multiculture’ and ‘Virus’. The latter comprises the use of a vecoder over Laila’s vocals in an attempt to resemble that of a computer virus in keeping with the title of the song. Lyrically, it focuses more on looking at the brighter side of life in times of selfish politicians, poverty and the torrid state of the current economic climate. The political theme is one which runs right the way throughout the 10-track offering, and has done right throughout the career of Sonic Boom Six with this album tailored more toward current issues. They focus particularly on the failure of the government to notice and appreciate the man on the street, and in the case of the truly powerful ‘Gary’s Got a Gun’, questioning the need of sending out our troops to war. Further lyrical content concentrates on the multicultural British society, and ‘The High Cost of Living’ speaks for itself, putting in to perspective the true origins of the stuff we buy. ‘Karma is a Bitch’ is sure to be a fan favourite, putting an emphasis on how karma can bite you in the ass. However, the final track, ‘Karma is a Lady’ looks at Karma from the opposite angle, in that it can be a good thing if treated properly, and abided by correctly. ‘S.O.S. (State Of Shock)’ is another song which is bound to reach wider audiences, already receiving radio airplay, possibly due to the fact that it features Kerrang! Radio DJ Matt Stocks as an emergency radio broadcaster. Another to feature on the album is Jim Sorrow with his masterstroke inclusion on ‘Who Will Survive (and What Will be Left of Them?)'. However, possibly the best track on the album is ‘Keep On Believing’, a real party rock anthem integrating gang vocals, which are also made use of on ‘Flatline’.

Huge vocal hooks and crushing rock riffs still remain on the album but overall it will undoubtedly divide opinion among SB6 purists. Nevertheless, it will also increase exposure and see the Boom pick up many new fans, which they hope to do on their full UK tour next month starting on November 2nd. Below you can catch a glimpse of the video for ‘Virus’, directed by the magnificent Jesse Davey. 






Tuesday, 20 September 2011

[AlbumOTD] Feud - WATERDOG


Artist: Feud
Genre: Rock/Grunge
Location: High Wycombe, Buckinhamshire, UK
Label Type: Unsigned




It has taken 6 long years, but finally alternative rockers Feud have a debut album to boast about following the release of EP Out From The Inside back in 2007. The album is a 12-track offering and is titled ‘Waterdog’.

This album most definitely takes you back 15/20 years or so; this is not a criticism, merely an observation. In fact, it is good to hear a good old fashioned grunge album again in a musical age dominated by computer effects. Feud seem to take the safety-first option with most of the songs though, as they follow the rigid rock song structure. Nevertheless, there is no faulting their passion or energy.

Throughout the album there are some decent riffs and catchy hooks, but the guitar solo in ‘Breathe’ sums the album up for me, it does it's job, but isn't particularly ground-breaking. The album as a whole though certainly possesses some positive nods to Nirvana and Foo Fighters with that punk-edged grungy progressive style.

Waterdog begins in a blistering blaze of glory knocking out the first two tracks in under four-and-a-half minutes, as ‘Dying To Meat You  kicks off the album at a sonic pace with some real  driving guitars and crashing drums, followed by 'Don't Cry' and it's deep lyrics .

The main thing that stood out for me though was the track ‘Sick and Tired, it sounds as if this is where Feud feel most at home, it gives off the vibe that this is the type of sound that they truly want to create and be associated with. It’s catchy and a little more creative than others on the record with subtle tempo variations. Furthermore, the word on the grapevine is that there is to be a video shot for this song sometime in the near future.

The vocals are reminiscent of Kurt Cobain with that raspy, whiney almost croaky style. This becomes particularly evident in the song ‘Don’t Care’ with the screams of “hey, hey” which sound like a cut and paste from ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’, and an opening guitar riff more than resembling the one from ‘In Bloom’. Despite this borderline plagiarism, the song is actually a highlight of the album as the record picks up pace and the heaviness half way through after dragging through the early part. This forms the spine of the album along with Blame Me’ which incorporates some innovative stochastic guitar riffs, and the aforementioned ‘Sick and Tired’.

From tracks 8-10, a more unique sound becomes more evident and it sounds a lot more impressive with some proper hard rock on show on the songs 'Alkaline', 'Caroline' and 'Tear Away'. Then the familiar Nirvana sound returns again on the final two songs, ‘Get Out’ and ‘The Desolate Man’ with the latter clearly reminiscent of ‘About A Girl’.

Hopefully the future will see Feud offer a touch more diversity away from rigid structures and create a more distinctive style as the foundations are clearly there. The album is so Nirvana it’s quite unbelievable, but I guess if you’re going to take such strong influences from someone,  you may as well take them from the best. A more than adequate attempt for a debut album nonetheless, good luck Feud boys!




Monday, 19 September 2011

[TuneOTD] Enter Shikari - SSSNAKEPIT


Artist: Enter Shikari
Genre: Hardcore/Progressive/Rock
Location: St. Albans, Hertfordshire, UK
Label Type: Indie
Record Label: Ambush Reality



Today shall forever be known as International Sssnakepit Day, for it today sees the release ‘Sssnakepit’, the latest track from one the best UK acts around right now, in Enter Shikari. It’s the follow up to 'Quelle Surprise' and 'Destabilise', and is a royal treat for the loyal lions. 

These 3 minutes of mayhem begin with an air of tension before gliding into some underground drum & bass and some wobbles with Rou acting as the lyrical MC. This is abruptly halted by the most eargasmic guitar riff and a build up to another bout of tension until a cry of ‘ah come on, just open the door’. Then BANG! It does exactly that, opens the door to a world of pure ecstasy developing into an eclectic noise of driving guitars and drums that even the screams of Rou can’t overpower. The sonic tempo is continued until the chorus subtly blends in followed by the return of that superb guitar riff. Then as if things couldn't get any heavier, the track suffers a hard drop to a heavy bass and the line, “yeah, yeah we’re nice guys…” followed by subsequent growls of “until we’re not!”. This brutal breakdown lasts until the switch-up to the chorus accompanied by an impressive hook and the ensuing switch-down to incorporate the group vocals, until climaxing just as it begun with some teasing drum and bass.

This is the first spoonful of the metaphorical trifle that is, the as of yet unnamed upcoming third studio album due for release in early 2012 via Hopeless Records. Full lyrics can be found here, and the official video below. Enjoy!







Monday, 12 September 2011

[TuneOTD] LickSpittle - SUPERHERO

Artist: LickSpittle
Genre: Indie/Rock
Location: London, UK
Label Type: Indie
Record Label: Mostar Records


Today sees the release of the new single from LickSpittle on Mostar Records. 'Superhero' is the third single from London-based duo, comprising of Jimmy Suds and Kid Kudos. It’s the follow up to the highly popular ‘Steve McQueen’ and ‘Lush Hound’. 

Superhero’ begins with a deep funky bass and low-slung finger clicks. This erupts into an eclectic chorus based on the foundations of hard-hitting drums and exquisite guitars. The exit from the chorus is just as smooth and subtle as the entrance, maintaining cool unfazed vocals and bass. As per usual with LickSpittle, the lyrics are different and experimental, littered with clever alliterations and rhymes. Furthermore, they deliver these wise words with ease as they simply roll off the tongue for this multi-talented duo.

The chorus contains a sound not too dissimilar to that of The White Stripes with the inclusion of the distorted vocals and crashing drums. A successful step forward in direction for Suds and Kudos, highlighting their diversity to adapt their musical sounds drawn from a vast array of influences.

Lyrically speaking, the meaning behind this tune is a description of a dark area in the verses flowing into the chorus crying out of that superhero to come to the rescue and save the day.

Overall, the tune is different yet simple, and the catchiness of the song clearly makes LickSpittle’s presence felt. Hats off to the boys on this one!




Friday, 9 September 2011

[TuneOTD] Blink-182 - AFTER MIDNIGHT

Artist: Blink-182
Genre: Punk/Rock/Progressive
Location: San Diego, CA.
Label Type: Major/Indie
Record Label: Geffen/Interscope Records
 



Blink-182 are back having recently released their third single since their much publicised comeback into the music industry. Their new single, ‘After Midnight’ follows recent releases ‘Up All Night’ and ‘Heart’s All Gone’. The latter of the three, (and possibly the pick of the three) will only be on the 13-track expanded edition of the eagerly anticipated new album, ‘Neighborhoods’, whereas the other two will make an appearance along with 8 others on the standard edition scheduled for release on September 27th. It will be the first alubm since the self-titled album in 2003. Furthermore, the track-listing has already been pencilled in for the band’s sixth full-length studio album, which you can see here. The album was originally expected to be released in the summer of 2010 but they failed to meet the deadlines in order for this to happen, which subsequently resulted in a postponement of the 2011 European Tour. In fact it was revealed by Mark Hoppus that this postponement was what sparked the inspiration for writing today’s ‘Tune of the Day’.


So, on to the single itself. Well, on ‘After Midnight’ you can clearly identify the influences that each member has taken from previous bands Angels & Airwaves, +44 and Box Car Racer. The song is a far cry away from the fast-paced ferocious punk rock that one would associate with the name, Blink-182. Rather it is slower, more mellow, and in all honesty, a bit bland. Perhaps age is catching up with the trio, or maybe this is signs of maturity. It is now more an exhibition of progressive rock incorporating traits of an anthemic tune, one not too dissimilar to the likes of 2004’s ‘Always’. The track integrates the romantic verses of Tom DeLonge and the carefree chorus of Mark Hoppus, whilst Travis Barker is faultless on the drums as ever. However, with the chorus being so carefree it spills over into being lazy and lackadaisical at times, resulting in quite a weak effort. 


The meaning behind the track is difficult to distinguish given the timing of the writing of the track and the lyrics for it. However, one thing you can conclude is that there has been no passion lost in their song-writing over the last 8 years. With each song they release, they illustrate alternate angles and different versions of each of their lives, as well as an additional perspective of their lives as a single unit. 

In terms of distribution for this track, the band have decided to make a game of it offering a free download of the song as a reward for completion of the mini-game. This is a nice creative touch of innovation which you can see for yourself here.


Below is the official video for the song. Enjoy!





Thursday, 11 August 2011

[TuneOTD] Everybody Looks Famous - SPOTLIGHTS

Artist: Everybody Looks Famous
Genre: Powerpop/Rock
Location: Birmingham, Midlands, UK
Label Type: Major
Record Label: Go Faster Music Management



Today’s tune is from a young band we’ve featured before here on Twitter Tunez, called Everybody Looks Famous. Their new single ‘Spotlights’ follows the trend set by earlier tracks in that it again offers something a little different, building on from their previous efforts.

The song is instigated by a fine display of synths which continue throughout supporting the infectious and penetrative drums and driving guitars. The angelic vocals of Lexi Pretorius are a breath of fresh air and are not to dissimilar in fashion to one Ellie Goulding! As far as the chorus goes, these vocals very much hold their own over the wave of guitars, bass and hammered cymbals. The track also includes a short, steady guitar riff in the build-up to the coda and subsequent crescendo.

All in all, a top-notch effort in which the beat provided by the synths stand-out as a successful piece of innovation, culminating in possibly the bands greatest track to date. 

I'll let the band introduce the song themselves: