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Tilly and the Wall

TILLY AND THE WALL
‘Heavy Mood’
(Team Love)

When you’ve documented the joys and pains of youth as much as Tilly And The Wall did on their first two (fabulous) records, how best to grow up? Three of the Omaha quintet are now parents, and with evenings of drunken hi-jinks (as recounted on early classic ‘Nights Of The Living Dead’) surely growing distant in their rear view mirrors, you’d be forgiven for fearing that the feisty Tilly spark has dimmed over the last few years.

Not a bit of it. Having started to shy away from their swoonsome folk-pop sound on their previous self-titled record, they’re getting feistier and noisier with age. The title track is the closest they’ve come so far to an out-and-out dance number, whilst ‘All Kinds Of Guns’ (replete with girl-group melody) and ‘Thicker Than Thieves’ (typical Tilly riotousness) are among several fine additions to their bulging armory of ‘us against the world’ anthems.

It’s when they finally slow things down that the band run into trouble; ‘I Believe In You’ and ‘Hey Rainbow’ just drift languidly by without making much of an impression, in contrast to genuinely affecting past efforts like ‘Let It Rain’.

A chorus of kids accompanies the closing ‘Defenders’ – an appropriate finale, as on the evidence of ‘Heavy Mood’, Tilly And The Wall are still very much in touch with their collective inner child.

Alex Gosman

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Bring Me The Horizon & Draper

BRING ME THE HORIZON & DRAPER
‘The Chill Out Sessions’

With their third studio album ‘There Is a Hell, Believe Me, I’ve Seen It. There Is a Heaven, Let’s Keep It A Secret’, Bring Me The Horizon began to experiment with the atmospherics of their sound. Now collaborating with producer/chillstep artist Draper, the Sheffield based metallers have embraced this element and dropped an exquisite EP, ‘The Chill Out Sessions’.

As the name and artwork suggests this EP is a beautiful sound scape, the perfect backing track to relaxation yet it maintains elements of Bring Me’s emotional charged music.

Although Bring Me The Horizon will always remain attached to the metal scene, the direction of this EP isn’t a surprise as vocalist Oli Sykes is publicly fixated on post-rock band Worship, likewise guitarist Jona Weinhofen equally adores Scandinavian experimentalists immanu el. With immanu el reported to feature on Bring Me The Horizon’s next full length ‘Sempiternal’, the band’s development will be an exciting prospect to witness.

Download ‘The Chill Out Sessions’ for free here.

Words: Emma Wallace

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Deftones


DEFTONES
‘Koi No Yokan’
Warner Bros. Records

‘Koi No Yokan’ was already tipped as one of this year’s hottest albums, but when ‘Leathers’ and ‘Tempest’ were dropped early as a prelude, anticipation for this record became sky-high.

The hype was justified as in just over 50minutes, Deftones manage to portray beauty in the heaviest fashion whilst maintaing a tender sense of vulnerability.

As always Deftones have offered a record packed full of individual miniature gems, whether it is the storming ‘Swerve City’ or chugging ‘Gauze’. However on first listen ‘Koi No Yokan’ is lacking a masterpiece… Diamond Eyes featured ‘Sex Tape’ and White Pony hosted ‘Change (In the House of Flies)’ yet this record doesn’t have that one heart-wrenching, standout track on its debut play. But give ‘Koi No Yokan’ patience and it starts to shine, it’s a grower and firmly reconfirms Deftones as the championed king of the alt-metal throne. This record in a live environment will be astounding.

Words: Emma Wallace

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Punk Goes Pop 5

Punk Goes Pop 5Various Artists
‘Punk Goes Pop Volume 5’
[Fearless Records]

Now in its 5th edition, through Fearless Records, our favourite bands that come in all different (melodic) shapes and (dynamic) sizes have again transformed cringe worthy songs into a gigantic hamster wheel of fun, all in the name of punk.

Forever The Sickest Kids didn’t have many lyrics to remember with ‘We Found Love’, but what they did do brilliantly was add their extremely contagious pop punk remedy. Almost unrecognisable is ‘Girls Just Want To Have Fun’ re-worked by The Maine who undoubtedly do an excellent job, shaking the truly pop track into something so much more. From the intense intro straight through to Frontman John O’Callaghan’s bold vocals in the chorus that sees him showing off a melody nothing short of charismatic. Then there’s the guitar riff injected with astounding effects once found in much heavier music. The Maine’s rendition has an electrifying momentum, exactly that this track needed.

An unexpected yet very much impressive piece comes from Upon This Dawning who take on ‘Call Me Maybe’ and see it through with a storm of metalcore dual vocals including hugely destructive screams, as well as a drum beat that is very much alive. Who ever thought they’d find themselves fist punching the air and getting ready to start a circle pit to this song?

Attacking the boy band trend, We Came As Romans give The Wanted a run for their money as they cover ‘Glad You Came’. The group chants matched with Dave Stephens and Kyle Pavone vocals ablaze with a frankly radiant vibe, let’s hope they add this to their set list next time they’re in the UK.

Chiodos’ Craig Owen has carved a name for himself from day one and only he would ever dare to reinvent ‘Paradise’. Craig takes the number one hit like a bull by the horns, but unlike the rest of the compilation which never ceases to make chart toppers 1000x heavier, this one is head turning due to leaving affectionate leaving goose bumps over your skin. Anyone with their hearing still intact will appreciate this creation.

What do you get when you put together pop punk princes Mayday Parade, rising star Vic Fuentes from Pierce The Veil and a radio signature song in the form of ‘Somebody That I Used To Know’? …The biggest stand out track to ever feature on such compilation of course! It seems, not only are Mayday Parade great at their own songs but they can cover a critically acclaimed established song with ease.

Memphis May Fire set their goals high by choosing to reincarnate Bruno Mars’s ‘Grenade’ – previously nominated for Record of the Year at the Grammy’s. An unpredictable choice yet the band that blew us away last month with their support slot to Of Mice & Men, went away and tore apart this ballad; exchanging a soulful heartbreak/love song for a furiously brutal anthem laden with scorching power.

The final track deserves the status of being an absolute belter. ‘Ass Back Home’ is reconstructed by Secrets who should leave Gym Class Heroes sat on the edge of their seats. We’re definitely not favouring any genre but it’s a fact to say some of these original tracks needed a serious make over and they got just that.

Full track list:
1. Memphis May Fire “Grenade” (Bruno Mars)
2. Upon This Dawning “Call Me Maybe (Carly Rae Jepsen)
3. Mayday Parade ft Vic Fuentes “Somebody That I Used To Know” (Gotye)
4. We Came As Romans “Glad You Came” (The Wanted)
5. Like Moths To Flames “Some Nights” (fun)
6. Breathe Carolina “Billie Jean” (Michael Jackson)
7. Forever The Sickest Kids “We Found Love” (Rihanna)
8. Issues “Boyfriend” (Justin Bieber)
9. The Maine “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” (Cyndi Lauper)
10. Craig Owens “Paradise” (Coldplay)
11. Crown The Empire “Payphone” (Maroon 5)
12. The Word Alive “Mercy” (Kanye West)
13. Secrets “Ass Back Home” (Gym Class Heroes)

Words: Jenny Chu

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Under The Influence

UNDER THE INFLUENCE
“Kings & Cretins”
[Self-released]

Think “political”, “anthem” and “underground”, Under The Influence are that with an additional fighting spirit and a sound completely relevant to 2012.

Taking influence from the mighty Enter Shikari and The King Blues with efforts from producer Romesh Dodangoda (Lostprophets, Funeral For A Friend) this seven track mini album is an utter underdog that’s ready to impress.

A raw street-style atmosphere from five fresh faces that are evidently not short of talent, 4th track ‘S.O.P.A’ unleashes a unique blend of a strong rhythm coupled with delicate piano keys for the outro. The recognisable teen-angst and rebellion gives ‘Kings & Cretins’ an edge. Under The Influence’s sound is big and they are fully charged with enough power to make anyone stop and not only hear, but listen and take note of exactly what they’re proposing.

Experimental, metal-meets-rap, gang vocals and electronic samples with synths gives the five piece a confident streak. ‘Vs The World’ is exciting and full of guts. Title track ‘Kings & Cretins’ is stomping and crashes through the underground ready to take over what and who may be above them.

Closing the door with final track ‘Someone For A Day (No One For A Life Time)’ takes elements of Architects and Bring Me The Horizon in the bridge, where melody that screams pain and a feeling of desperate loss through slowed down instrumentation. The end result? A seemingly underrated band with huge amounts of potential.

It’s impressive. An album to be expected from experimental veterans rather than a new bunch who’ve hardly even got a place on the map. If there is any justice they’re going to get a seal of approval sooner rather than later.

Words: Jenny Chu

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We Are Lost Boys

WE ARE LOST BOYS
‘Life’
[Wolf At Your Door Records]

There is always something great about having lyrics describing everyday battles delivered to you in a matter of fact fashion, and that’s what We Are Lost Boys do so well with their latest EP ‘Life’. This is gritty British pop-punk laid bare for all to see with lead single ‘T.W.O.T.W’ epitomising the style they are aiming for.

But the issue with We Are Lost Boys is their lack of individuality; they couldn’t sound any more like Lower Than Atlantis if they tried. The transparent nature of their lyrics would come across as beautifully honest if it wasn’t for the blatant comparison to the work of their peers.

It’d be harsh to criticise this EP completely just because it’s not particularly unique… ‘Life’ is a great attempt, We Are Lost Boys just need to focus on carving their own way otherwise they will always be in the shadows of more established artists.

Words: Emma Wallace

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Isis

ISIS_logoIsis have sat on a video for the track ‘Pliable Foe‘ for a few years, until now. It’s been over two and a half years since the band split up officially in May 2010, but the full production for the track that is lifted from the “Temporal” album was posted online last night.

Watch it here and hope they reform at some point.

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Blitz Kids

Blitz Kids - Never DieBLITZ KIDS
‘Never Die’
[Hassle Records]

For a young band Blitz Kids sound mature beyond their years with latest mini-album ‘Never Die’. Opening track ‘You’re Dead To Me’ shows great intent to carve their own space in the new wave of British rock acts taking the world by storm. And with emotional vocals and uplifting guitar tone during ‘Strangers With Memories’ an overall feel of anthemic rock slots Blitz Kids neatly alongside their peers We Are The Ocean, Lostprophets and Deaf Havana.

The band recorded the 6 track album at Stakeout Studios with Jason Wilcock which appears to be an intelligent choice as the slick production refines the sound to a polished finished product. With stand out track ‘Never Die’ available for a FREE download from the band’s website and with an extensive UK tour coming up (including a support slot with the awesome Mallory Knox) it’s worth checking out Blitz Kids now as they prepare to fully make their make in 2013.

Words: Emma Wallace

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Tweak Bird

Tweak Bird
‘Undercover Crops’
Mini album / Volcom Entertainment
www.tweakbird.com

tweak bird undercover cropsBack in 2010, the Crossfire office was buzzing on the debut Tweak Bird album. The crunching riffs of doom layered with catchy vocals played openly on this stereo here for months, but where the fuck have this band been since?

As we live in a society where the earth seems to spin at a million miles an hour faster than back in the 90’s due to this stupid thing that was invented called the interweb, we expect far too much from bands these days, but with Tweak Bird, they probably stuck up their middle fingers and said, “fuck it, we will drop our shit when we are ready”. And here it is, seven new tracks that will rip your ears a new beat with a plethora of new, filthy riffs and a cool arse vibe only associated with the Brother’s Bird.

Testing the psyche with a drug induced, robotic chant of ‘EVERYONE IS PARANOID’, Tweak Bird launch Undercover Crops with every stoner’s nightmare. A bong-full of repetitive words that you will never probably forget followed by what they are known best for, driving beats, crunching riffs and sing-a-long vocals that make up the track ‘People’, available for free download on this page.

Next track Phychorain will be engrained in your conscience for years once you hear it. They take this dream scape with aplomb, spreading imaginary rainbows across and underlay of haunting samples and baritone guitar riffs that would appease any Sabbath fan. The Weight only furthers the storm with an extension to Psychorain. These could easily be played back to back live and may have even been written in the same session. Who knows, but a breather is offered for the laid back vibes of Pigeons which sees the brothers come down a level, in a similar way to how Janes Addiction do so well. Once they’ve managed to completely pull back from dense riffs, Bunch O’ Brains brings the new material to a boil once again with slamming, repetitive slabs of stoner bliss and catchy vocal melodies. Seriously amazing stuff.

The mini-album ends on familiar riffs with Know It All and paves way for next year’s UK tour and full album that is said to be in the works. Overall, this 17 minute drug-fueled aural delight is yet another splendid offering from the two stoners that know best. Get Tweaking.

FREE DOWNLOAD:

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Parkway Drive

PARKWAY DRIVE
‘Atlas’
[Epitaph]

After creating an exceptional album with ‘Deep Blue’ expectations are high for Parkway Drive‘s November 2012 full length release ‘Atlas‘. Having such a large and passionate fan-base, Parkway Drive could put out a duff record and it still be widely adored, but there is no need for concern as the Australian quintet have yet again composed an astounding record.

Despite moving away from the completely conceptual approach of ‘Deep Blue’, Parkway Drive stick to the same format as other releases and open with an instrumental piece that slowly builds expectation when dark lyrics capture attention. Anticipation is intensely hanging in the air as ‘Old Ghosts / New Regrets’ roars into action with a driven speed that demands a mosh-pit to open.

Noting the success of the anthemic ‘Home Is For The Heartless’ from their last album, Parkway Drive have offered a few more dramatic and powerful moments which will surely cause unity at a live show. ‘The River’ and ‘Wild Eyes’ could easily fill a stadium whilst title-track ‘Atlas’ includes some exciting moments that reflect Bleeding Through’s orchestral approach.

If old-school, meaty Parkway Drive riffs are what you are crave there are still several tracks that cater for those hungry needs including ‘Sleigh of Hand’ which hosts licks similar to ‘Idols And Anchors’. And for those after a fast-paced assault on the ears, look no further than one of the closing tracks ‘Snake Oil And Holy Water’ which is sure to rip a new one into any venue.

As a whole ‘Atlas’ encompasses the true essence of what every fan loves about Parkway Drive. It could be seen as a more polished version of ‘Killing With A Smile’ whilst embracing the mature moments of ‘Deep Blue’.

Parkway Drive aren’t doing anything unconventional, they aren’t re-writing metalcore; they are continuing to define it. Each album the band produce develops over time as a milestone in the genre, in a few years time ‘Atlas’ will be reflected upon in the same inspiring light as all of their other works. Ultimately, Parkway Drive continue to set the standard in metalcore, a marker in musical excellence that very few others will reach.

Words: Emma Wallace