Do you have tunes? Want them on the TV?
Basik Products produce a series called ‘MTV Mono‘ that’s about to go into production for it’s 5th series. Mono is a series of 10 x 3 minute spots that are interstitial in the MTV programming schedule (sits in-between half-hour shows instead of adverts). It has a pan-European broadcast & is syndicated worldwide (except the States, which isn’t such a bad thing really).
The content of the show is predominantly skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing & bmx, but pretty much anything goes in as long as it’s good enough. For this series the guys are going on the road filming in the French Alps for a rookie snow-park tour, Egypt / Israel & Greece for a skate tour that will end up at the bowl-riders final in Italy + then they are off to Switzerland for a Ski / reggae event organized by Candide Thovex. Other footage also getting hold of the original footage of Danny Way’s ‘Wall Of China’ jump + the Kelly Slater Invitational surf event. The series has no presenters & no sync (talking heads) meaning it’s jam packed with tricks & goodness from beginning to end. The main narrative that drives the show is the music…
So, Basik are looking for some original tracks to use in the series. In the past they have used producers such as Quantic, TM Duke, Ed Solo & numerous other masters of the trade to lend their talents to the series… But they need more, which is where you come in.
Basically – this is a call to arms for all unsigned producers & bands that have got a stockpile of tracks just waiting to be put to good use. The music can be from whatever genre you like & can be as fast or slow as you like – but it has to be good!
The show will be sponsored by a pretty big & reputable sports company this year (can’t tell you who yet), so there will be a handsome reward in it for you if your track gets picked… Also, you / your band will receive a credit at the end of the relevant show. Sounds good right? Well, wait up – there are some broadcast & legal stipulations:
– The track has to be edited to 2’42 exactly (the titles / bumpers are 18′ seconds long), anything longer or shorter will not be taken into consideration for the series.
– The track has to be produced / mixed to a good level & delivered on CD as an AIFF file.
– You give up all rights of the track to MTV / Basik Products, unfortunately this mean’s that you will not be able to release the track in question AT ALL in the future. This is a way of simplifying any legal issues for us in the future & to save you from having to have any legal dealings with a big corporate company… But hopefully the financial reward will help you deal with your strict socialist morals. If not, look at it as damn good exposure.
If they choose your track, you will be asked to sign a contract agreeing to the all of the above which will be non-retractable & nonnegotiable.
Listen to the corporate monster roar! Anyway, better you know what your getting yourselves into now right?
So then, interested? If so, e-mail your track’s as compressed mp3’s (no huge files please) to: ritchie@basikproducts.com
If you want more information on us or Mono, check the site at www.basikproducts.com
The opening band of such a mighty touring package as this evening’s may appear almost irrelevant in the eyes of many – particularly those squeezing themselves into this modestly spaced venue shortly before 7pm. Clearly no one has bothered to tell this to Philadelphia trio Stinking Lizaveta, who with a hyperactive blend of electric style blues and good old fashioned rock and roll quickly win over the rapidly growing audience.
However, it’s obvious that veteran rock heroes Corrosion of Conformity are the real stars on display tonight. Having been away from UK shores for almost a decade, the air is thick with anticipation right up until the moment the quartet stride onstage in unexpected silence. “We’re Corrosion of Conformity from North Carolina, and this is what we fucking do!” announces main man Pepper Keenan before launching into the opening riff of the explosive Paranoid Opioid. From here on in, Keenan and co produce an hour of flawless and near untouchable hard rocking delights. Treasured classics Clean My Woundsand Thirteen Angels are wheeled out to the ecstasy of all in attendance as beers are raised and horns are thrown from band and crowd alike; and with In the Arms of Godproviding a touching tribute to the tragically departed Dimebag Darrell, almost five hundred people are left safe in the knowledge that they have witnessed the return of one of metal’s true class acts.
Australia is not really that famous for it’s rock and roll, well i guess The Saints are probably up there in my own personal opinion but they were more of a punk band anyway. But, now Wolfmother have taken Australia by storm and they are growing in your territory as i type this review. On a recent surf trip, i met a few Aussies (always my favourite squeezes) and they mentioned how much this band have blown up in Oz with expectations being high. 
Lifted from their sublime new album ‘Mr Beast‘, ‘Friend Of The Night‘ is a beautifully emotive slice of post rock genius that starts fragile and still and builds and builds until the swirling guitars and stabbing piano patterns explode in a crescendo of noise. The centre piece of the whole album, this single release perfectly showcases where Mogwai are at in 2006.
When DJ Vadim and Yarah Bravo took to the stage, with the aptly named Bongo Pete, the Jazz Café wasn’t even half full. This was a shame because, despite the lack of Blu Rum 13, the opening act were really very good. Vadim has always been able to bring out a multitude of different beats and tonight was no different, going from soulful smoothness to big band bounce.
Up next was the show stealer, Mike Relm. I’d seen the diminutive DJ supporting another Quannam group, Lifesavas, 2 years ago and he took my breath away. But if he was good then, he was absolutely incredible now. Setting himself up with a video screen to the side of the stage and numerous turntables, he started the party off with various mash ups, which brought the noise levels increasingly higher.
Much the crowd’s delight, it turned out that Mike Relm was on the decks for Lyrics Born’s set too, and as LB came bounding down the stairs, hand raised in the air asking for noise, Relm dropped the first beat and the headline set was underway.
The opening bands were The Avalanche and Match. I didn’t get to see them, but they were highly praised by both headliners. I will be sure to keep an ear to the ground and check them out for next time!
The Starting Line mainlined with MxPx. This tour not only celebrated their new 2005 album, Based on a True Story, but they also recently parted ways with Geffen Records and signed with Virgin. This means that their albums will be easier to get hold for you and me! Rad! The 4-piece is often compared to MxPx, but I would say more influenced by MxPx, and sound more like 100 Reasons.
However, that was then, and this is now. A new year with new and exciting musical prospects awaits us, and already it’s looking to be a corker courtesy of our very own speed metal merchants Dragonforce and their stunning new album Inhuman Rampage. Having spent the past 3 years mesmerising audiences up and down the country – as well as several jaunts through Europe and a US debut at the legendary CBGB’s – the time has come for the London sextet to make their mark the world over. Boasting staggering dual guitars, swirling keyboard and larger than life vocal harmonies; they’re simply the type of band that comes along once in a decade. Grab your swords and prepare for battle.
Waving the flag further for our fare isles are Scotland’s Mendeed and their brutal Rising Records debut This War Will Last Forever. Don’t let the appearance fool you. These cheeky chappies may look like the type of young man Zac would love to take home to mummy, but armed with such sonic tongue lashings as The Black Death, the Glaswegians may prove to be one of the biggest success stories of the coming months. Pick up your copy from February 6th at all fine retail establishments.
Rarely equalled and almost never outdone, the coming weeks are shaping up to be equally electrifying courtesy of our friends from the great north Children of Bodom, accompanied by fresh offering ‘Are You Dead Yet?‘. The thrash-rock quintet may be regular chart toppers in their native Finland, but with fist-pumping stompers like current single ‘In Your Face‘ there can be no doubt that this is a band unaffected by such mainstream statistics. Dynamic, blistering and as heavy as your daddy’s ball sack; Children of Bodom are here to change your life. 
Following the somewhat lacking Reroute To Remain and the steaming pile of nu-metal crap that was Soundtrack To Your Escape, In Flames fans the world over had been praying that with the impending Come Clarity the Swedish five-piece would at last return to their death metal routes; placing themselves firmly at the top of the continents ever impressive pile once more. Unfortunately for those teenage angst-bags, this is not the case, but the result is never the less a mature and expertly prepared piece of contemporary music. With such ambitious efforts as the female-led (OMG11!!!one!1) Dead End there can be little doubt that the golden boys of Gothenburg are firmly back on track. Catch them on tour throughout the UK with thrash legends Sepultura in the coming months.
Before a certain Mr. Robb Flynn decided to permanently alter the face of 90’s metal with popular beat combo Machine Head, he spent his time in hi-top sneakers and scandalously tight trousers thrashing his way through the Bay Area scene with the legendary Vio-Lence. Focussing more on beating the living shit out of their instruments than the technical proficiency of their peers, the fruits of their labour undoubtedly came into fruition with 1989’s cult classic Eternal Nightmare. Featuring a bonus disc containing a full live set from the band’s 2001 L.A. re-union, it’s a purchase irrefutably worth a few of those hard earned pennies.
As we often do in these here parts, the best has most certainly been left for last, as we present to you the brilliant new album from the Devin Townsend Band in the form of Synchestra. While many will recognise the terrifying front man as the dark and sinister force behind shit-kicking maniacs Strapping Young Lad, the DTB sees Canada’s resident lunatic engaging more in creating classic, unpredictable prog-rock masterpieces than devastating cyber-metal soundscapes. A stunning and beautifully crafted piece of music – featuring guest spots from none other than guitar overlord Steve Vai – there are unlikely to be many contenders for Album of the Year even at this early stage. Quite simply; you need this album in your life. Prepare to be born again as of January 30th.
Ryan Adam’s latest offering harks back to his whiskey town roots. It’s a welcome return to his bluesy guitars, drawling vocals and alt country vibe which made 2000’sHeartbreaker so acclaimed. Produced by Ethan Jones tracks meander from the distressing overwrought love songs (The Sadness), to simple guitars (Starlite Diner) to the almost upbeat (Blue Sky Blue). Adams seems in touch with his own mortality and this poignant, emotional charged album from a talented songwriter.
Straddling the line between indie and pop punk California based We Are Scientistsare keeping it real with their debut EP. Singer Keith Murray has a seductively great voice, and coupled with intense guitars seemingly bursting out of every track, and sing-along chorus lines, they give it there all in every track ( Can’t Lose stands out) – and whilst this isn’t the greatest album ever recorded – it shows a hell of a lot of promise.
Don’t let the unbelievably twee name put you off. Somewhat deranged – sometimes slurred sometimes energetic – vocals courtesy of enigmatic frontman Alan Ounsworth are churned up with bouncing drums, jagged guitars and a retro pop vibe not unlike the Artic Monkeys. Pointless instrumentals are forgotten as the Brooklyn five piece toss and turn, shimmying through Self recorded and self released – it’s a scrappy album that is anything but forgettable.
TEAM’s second album comes blasting out at the listener with unabashed ferocity. Bass heavy, thumping beats recreate their powerful live act, and there’s more a little nod to 80’s/90’s hair metal – which is probably why this album is so intoxicating – it’s four guys really going for it. The Guilty Language Of Gossip stands out, and whilst the album’s not some high brow statement – it’s refreshing to have a band do away with the bullshit and just rock out.
The much anticipated second album from irish singer/songwriter Hayes is a somewhat more commercial offering than her Mercury nominated debut. The same melancholic undertones are mixed in with almost toe tapping beats, multi track guitars layered into beautiful melodies. Stand out tracks Happy Sad and Helen show Hayes, who struggled with writer’s block with this album, has much more to give.
Hailing from Tokyo, the legendary Guitar Wolf formed in the late 80’s, and ever since then the trio have played loud, fast, dirty punk rock n’ roll like it oughta be. With a terrifically raw production that many of today’s
2006 looks set to be the Year of the Dragonforce, as the multi-national, London-based quintet return with arguably their best effort to date. The band’s usual trademarks are present and correct: soaring vocals,
All you eyeliner-wearing, riff-plagiarising metalcore types can start quaking in your boots, because here comes the debut Some Girls album to put you all to shame. Featuring members of bands like Give Up The Ghost and The Locust, ‘Heaven’t Pregnant Teens’ was never gonna be easy listening; thirteen beautifully chaotic, frazzled blasts of hardcore noise that at first seem almost unlistenable, but will soon grow on you in their own sinister way.
Roll up a fat one, because it’s time for a dose of prime Scandinavian stoner rock. Yep, Dozer clearly love their Sabbath and Kyuss records, and aren’t afraid to let these influences show on their fourth album. Whiskey-soaked vocals, gigantic riffs and thunderous grooves are here in abundance – and as if that wasn’t enough, Troy Sanders of the almighty Mastodon pops up to lend vocals on ‘Until Man Exists No More’. Be sure to turn this one up loud.
The Wildhearts frontman finally returns after a troubled 2005, with his most personal and varied record to date. Taking in nineteen tracks over two CDs, the quality control occasionally dips, but anthemic efforts such as ‘Mother City’ and ‘The Man Who Cheated Death’ are amongst the best songs the flame-haired one has ever recorded. The ‘Ginger and the Sonic Circus’ live show also comes highly recommended.
A fairly new 2 piece that is slowly taking the world by storm. Their albums are always sold out, at gigs, Amazon, and most stores. So if you see one grab it! They have a BIG sound for 2 people. A voice as smooth as honey masks the dark, pretty fucked up lyrics. A heavy Rock-a-Billy base-line feel meets electro punk. Their truly bizarre stage presence exudes through this album. A purely addictive album, from an equally addictive band you will wish you could mainline.
A feel good album for those chilled or, hung-over days. An emo album, that separates itself from the rest by its clean sound. Another successful side project by Jonah, a vital voice in laying the brick work for the emo movement as a whole. The right amount of layered sound to give it depth, without over-complicating and washing out the sound completely!-which I find a common error for most emo bands. The lyrics are about day-to-day life, getting by and moving on. Positive enough for you not to want to slit your wrists after the first 5 tracks!~which is always a bonus. A balanced mix of fast and slow tempo songs. This album will easily hold your attention for the full generous 12 tracks.
Retro-rock from Sweden, donned by a few out-of-the-ordinary sounds. Strong guitar, strong baseline, keyboard under currents and …tambourines? Great harmonising. Good balance of female and male vocals. Love at first listen. Lyrics to melt your heart and, rhythm to get those feet moving without you realising. This band might not be the most popular, they may be new, but they have a formed unique sound. With only a few singles paving the way to this full length, they have done a splendid job. No track is the same, they are all different. A pure gem! 
Strangely enough this is one of their few albums which was not released by Nitro. Screaming haunting lyrics, with a raw energetic voice this album will stay with you long after you hear it. It is poetic, melodic and passionate. This band is deeply talented and this is one of their best albums. It is a cult classic that is pivotal in any collection. You can always go back to it, listen to it and love every moment. Every time I play this album, I’m 150% stoked I have it in my collection. If you had to choose 1 A.F.I album to take onto a desert island, then you can’t go wrong with this one. Also worth a mention are the bonus tracks you get on the UK edition! 
One hell of an album to make a comeback on! More rock than electro pop this time round. Depeche Mode have a trademark sound, which gets rustled up by fog horns and sirens. The album has a monochrome quality. Some tracks come across a little dancy, or industrial which they pull off without selling out. While some bands would sound disastrous trying to pull it off, Depeche Mode encompass it into their new sound flawlessly. Refreshingly different without losing the appeal we love them for. Their tour in April is bound to be a winner!
There’s somewhat of an unwritten rule in today’s heavy metal society: that rule being that unless you are in the presence of royalty (Slayer, basically) you simply do not attend a gig whilst adorning any form of merchandise related to one of the evening’s performing acts. The fact that London’s Astoria is tonight packed to the rafters with eager gig-goers sporting Children of Bodom t-shirts is therefore a grave statement of just where the Finnish quintet now stand in modern day metal’s elite rankings. 
As the lights go down and the extravagant car-shaped lighting rig that occupies the stage begins to rev up in preparation, it’s immediately clear as to why Children of Bodom are fast becoming one of metal’s leading lights. Greeting the hysterical crowd with a cluster of classic cuts including a pummelling rendition of Sixpounder and a jubilantly received Silent Night, Bodom Nightthe set is anchored and never sinks. Ten feet tall letters displaying the band’s familiar alias ‘COB’ flash at blinding levels, keyboardist Janne Warman casually sips a cold beer whilst his fingers glide effortlessly over the keys, and front man Alexi Laiho stands victoriously atop the neon bonnet before the familiar speed-metal antics of Needled 24/7 bring down the curtain on an evening of unforgettable and simply stunning theatrics.