[TuneOTD] 24 Robbers - HALLOWEEN HITLIST

Artist: 24 Robbers
Genre: Melodic/Punk/Rock
Location: Norwich, Norfolk, UK
Label Type: Unsigned
Website: http://24robbers.bandcamp.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/24robbers
Facebook: http://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: 

Matthew Evans

[TuneOTD] Limp Bizkit - LIGHTZ

Artist: Limp Bizkit

Genre: Alternative/Rap Metal

Location: Jacksonville, Florida, US

Label Type: Major

Record Label: Cash Money Records

Website: http://limpbizkit.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/limpbizkit

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

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: 

Matthew Evans

[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

Website: http://www.laundryfortheapocalypse.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/LfortheA

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

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.

Matthew Evans

[TuneOTD] No Such Noise! - REST IN PEACE (ft. Rob Crews)

Artist: No Such Noise!

Genre: Pop-Punk/Ska

Location: Sicklerville, New Jersey, US

Label Type: Unsigned

Website: http://nosuchnoise.bandcamp.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/NoSuchNoise

Facebook: http://facebook.com/nosuchnoise

Today’s tune comes from across the pond in the form of ‘Rest in Peace’ by New Jersey’s Ska-pop rockers No Such Noise! The track features Rob Crews who also featured on the opening track on the band’s sophomore EP ‘Life Goes On’ as a guest vocalist on the track ‘Two Years and 25 Cents’. The EP in question was released in the summer earlier this year, and was the follow up to 2010’s debut EP ‘Worst Birthday Ever’.  

This track portrays all the brass and stochastic traits you want in a ska-infused pop-punk song such as this, demonstrating clear positive nods to New Found Glory, Less Than Jake and the like. This is immediately clear, ordering an instant head-bopping without realisation. It’s a great introduction sampling a sign of things to come followed by a subsequent calm before the storm before erupting into an explosion when the ska horns of Alex Dart’s sax and Ben Schroeder’s trombone re-enter the fray, accompanied by the crashing drums of Tom Crone. Furthermore, the energy that has gone into the vocals show a real display of passion for the subject matter, more than capably backed up by the edgy, powerful backline of the whole ensemble, from the bass of Joe Fuscia to the guitars of Mike Campanelli and lead vocalist Mitch Guedon. In a nutshell this is an eclectic demonstration of pop-punk with horns. The closest thing you will get to UK’s Kids Can’t Fly.

The single was released a week ago on October 17^th, and is available on a name-your-price basis, so download the track off their bandcamp site here, and donate generously! To let you know what you’re going to be purchasing you can check out ‘Rest in Peace’ below:

Matthew Evans

[TuneOTD] Netsky - WE CAN ONLY LIVE TODAY (PUPPY) (ft. Billie)

Artist: Netsky

Genre: Drum & Bass/Dance

Location: Edegem, Belguim

Label Type: Indie

Record Label: Hospital Records

Website: http://netskymusic.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Netskymusic

Facebook: http://facebook.com/Netskymusic

Those of you lucky enough to have purchased the sophomore album of 23 year-old Belgian drum and bass superstar, Netsky may already be familiar with today’s tune of the day. Takeaway the vocals of ‘We Can Only Live Today’ and you will get the single ‘Puppy’ which appeared on the aforementioned album, titled ‘Netsky 2’.

Layered on top of ‘Puppy’ are the soulful vocals of Belgium’s very own Billie, and as good as they are, it can be argued that they have done nothing to enhance the already splendid original. The polished vocal hook is simple in nature, but effective in making it a more commercial and radio-friendly - if that was the objective. This tactic of female vocals collaborating with drum and bass producers is something we see so much of on the circuit these days, previously employed by the likes of Nero, and Netsky’s Hospital Records label-mates Camo & Krooked, and more recently by Fred V & Grafix.

The release date for ‘We Can Only Live Today (Puppy)’ is set for November 5^th making it the perfect complement for those annual firework displays. With Netsky’s second album reaching the summit at number one spot in his home country; this single coupled with vocals of another Belgian is sure to cause a few rumblings in the higher echelons of the singles chart too. As with plenty of his work there is a liquid funk twinge to the drum and bass platform, demonstrated by the enriching synth sounds.

Netsky has made his name in the drum and bass scene with vocal-led dancefloor anthems, and with or without the added vocals, this is no different. It is to be released digitally only, with three further remixes of the track provided by Camo & Krooked, Lemaitre and Modek. Check out an extended teaser for the track below:

Matthew Evans

[ArtistOTD] Lord Nelson

Artist: Lord Nelson

Genre: Hip-Hop/Rock

Location: Columbia, South Carolina, US

Label Type: Indie

Record Label: M & O Music

Website: http://www.lordnelsonfeatlies.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/LordNNation

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

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:

Matthew Evans

[TuneOTD] Chase & Status - BIG MAN (ft. Liam Bailey)

Artist: Chase & Status

Genre: Drum & Bass/Dubstep/Breakbeat

Location: London, UK

Label Type: Major 

Record Label: Mercury Records / Universal Music

Website: http://www.chaseandstatus.co.uk/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/chaseandstatus

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

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/chaseandstatus

Following on from their highly successful single, ‘Blind Faith’, drum and bass heavyweights Chase and Status have once again collaborated with Liam Bailey to bring us ‘Big Man’. However, the auto-tuning on Bailey’s voice makes his inclusion completely unrecognisable to that on ‘Blind Faith’. Some may see it as a waste of his talent, taking away the passion and integrity, but on the other hand it could be seen as simply exploring another dimension of the musical resources in order to provide an alternative sound.

This effort is certainly more rock influenced than the sound Chase & Status have become synonymous with since the release of ‘No More Idols’ in 2011. This is evident in the guitars and drums, coinciding with less emphasis on the bass triggering the question of its genre. It suggests a slight switch of direction from good old fashioned D&B to a more drumstep approach. The heavy drum beats enable it to remain anarchistic in nature; a song that you can head-bang, mosh out and release energy to. In terms of the mood and atmosphere generated by the lyrics and meaning it reveals a darker sound, a trait which is rumoured to be more of a fixture on the upcoming third album. The general consensus however will undoubtedly look to issues surrounding the inclusion of the autotune on Liam Bailey’s vocals, possibly sparking a move away from clean vocals in the near future for the duo.

The song is now available for free download on the Chase & Status website. Below is the ‘Smack My Bitch Up’-esque video for the new single ‘Big Man’ (ft. Liam Bailey): 

Matthew Evans

[AlbumOTD] Sonic Boom Six - SONIC BOOM SIX

Artist: Sonic Boom Six

Genre: Electronica/Punk/Rock/Hip-Hop
Location: Manchester, UK.
Label Type: Indie
Record Label: Xtra Mile Recordings

Website: http://www.sonicboomsix.co.uk 

Twitter: http://twitter.com/sonicboomsix

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/sonicboomsix 

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

Sonic Boom Six’s eagerly awaited eponymous fourth studio album hits the shops tomorrow (Monday 15^th 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 2^nd. Below you can catch a glimpse of the video for ‘Virus’, directed by the magnificent Jesse Davey. 

Matthew Evans

[ArtistOTD] Mask Of Virtue

Artist: Mask Of Virtue

Genre: Electronica/Metal
Location: Rotherham, UK
Label Type: Indie

Record Label: Rising Records 
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MaskOfVirtue
Facebook: http://facebook.com/themaskofvirtue

MySpace: http://myspace.com/maskofvirtue

Straight outta Rotherham come Mask Of Virtue fresh from their summer UK tour with trance-metal heavyweights and label-mates Silent Descent. Consisting of Joe Rosser, Danny Blackett, Seb Crookes, Tom Lee and Ash Spencer, MOV have been all around the country showcasing their debut album 'In This World' released earlier this year. They have unearthed their own unique brand of electro-metal capturing aspects from two sides of the music spectrum. Their attempts to combine the two genres could not have been executed any better, however, the main hurdle to overcome is finding a niche audience who enjoy both aspects. Some metal fans are unwilling to incorporate electronics as evident by the marmite nature of Skrillex. Similarly, many electro fans are uneasy with the introduction of metal. Nevertheless,  those open-minded enough to embrace the fusion are in for absolute treat when listening to the sound of MOV.  

Since late 2009 the Yorkshire lads have been working hard and gigging across the country, culminating in the aforementioned debut album. It is energetic, fast-moving ,pulsating and generally faultless! The number of key elements this record possess highlight the versatility and adaptability of the band. Vocally it switches back and forth between harmonious melodies and frustrated screams, remaining passionate and heartfelt throughout, none more so than on 'It's Here To Stay'. The vocals complement the melodic guitars beautifully, setting the desired mood and atmosphere exquisitely. Drumming is magnificent throughout, never more so than the double-kick drumming at the beginning of 'Blood For Free'. They keys and synths also play a massive role in the make up and sound of MOV as they more than stand up to the onslaught of the driving guitar riffs, screaming vocals and crashing drums.If you're left in any doubt about their influence, check out their inclusion in the bands cover of Lady Gaga's 'Bad Romance'. They also offer a trance-like feel as evident on 'The Bridges Will Burn'. However, to pick out any highlights on the album would prove an injustice to all others on the record as there are simply no fillers on the 13-track offering.

All too many reviews these days are positive with overuse of superlatives just for the sake of it, but with this band it is truly deserved. One of the best debut albums of its kind, and what's more, new material is on the way so keep an ear out and 'Get Your MOV On!'.

Here is a teaser to get you started, with a one-minute preview of the debut album:

Matthew Evans