Tag: album

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Live Reviews

Monster Magnet play ‘Spine of God’ live in London

Monster Magnet,
23rd November
Electric Ballroom
Camden, London.

It’s extremely rare these days to discover an album of this magnitude. Monster Magnet‘s ‘Spine of God‘ was, and still is, one of the very best stoner rock records ever made. When this dropped back in 1991, it blew everything else out of the water. This album, made up of the most potent, acid-tinged, psychedelic rock, is so strong, and so deep, that it will forever live in the top 5 albums ever made in my book. No other album released since could push it down the pecking order. Not even QOTSA. You can argue amongst yourselves on this one, but i’m sticking to my guns. This album is fucking blazing and the OG since Sabbath.

davewyndorf_monstermagnet

Tonight, singer/guitarist Dave Wyndorf and his current band mates have traveled to London to drop an atomic bomb on a sold out Electric Ballroom. Now 56 years of age and looking the best he has done for years, he takes to the stage to unleash Monster Magnet’s debut album ‘Spine of God’ in its entirety and tells the crowd that he has come only to give all to the “emotional”. As a result, his worshippers give him everything as the band leap into the awesome, spiralling drum roll of ‘Pill Shovel’, one of the truly great album intro’s of all time.

The riffs that follow make a sea of heads nod as the deep, dark crunch of sludge is served up like a tsunami. This is hotknife material that you are fucking with here. The very best airplane toke you ever rose for. This show is for the microdot you lost under your fridge in 1992, the lump of hash you dropped at a festival that was never found. The first ever line of coke you blew onto the carpet in front of a room full of drug dealing Hells Angels. None of this is fiction. This is reality, and this, is the soundtrack of our lives.

Wyndorf’s voice is spot on. As he delivers the intro to ‘Medicine’ with the lyrics “Place the stones in the circle of twelve” we could feel the pre-empted anxiety from everybody around us, all ready to explode from the atomic pounding that was unleashed from the opening riff of this beast of a tune. His evil screams sent shivers down every spine in the house before the epic crescendo burst its banks and made way for that one and only “whoooooooooooooooooshhhhhhh, ……..” as the head rush from the needle point of ‘Nod Scene’ slowmo’d through veins and crashed gently into a mulch of psychedelic bliss. By this point, minds had gone all over the venue. This is the best fucking experience EVER! “Screw you if you think I care!”.

The evil riffs of ‘Black Mastermind’ bring the zodiac levels up to full capacity once again. Air guitar strings are snapping all over the fucking venue as people lose their minds from an overdose of space rock. After a nine-minute jam of frenzied guitar solo’s, Zodiac Lung sees Wyndorf turn from jamming into the drums to fronting classic lyrics: “When I die, It will be cos of you:. “It’s fuck up’s like you, that never seem to die.” I guess he seems pretty thankful he is still alive at all, after a lifetime of drug fueled touring, breakdowns, prescription drugs overdoses and personal trauma, Wyndorf has lived to tell the tale. At the end of set following ‘Spine Of God’, ‘Snake Dance’, ‘Sin’s a Good man’s Brother’ and ‘Ozium’, he apologises to the audience for not writing a longer album. Just like on record, the only way to get over ending this masterpiece is to press play on the first track again, but sadly, this is not possible live. So once the band have a well earnt breather, they return for an insanely good version of ‘Lord 13’ from ‘Tab’. This is where everything changed.

As ‘Traktor’ delivered its laughing pill, Wyndorf moved away from the mic by 4 feet but the vocals rang out through the PA perfectly. I had to ask my buddy next to me for re-assurance, who to my surprise, saw the exact same thing. We looked at each other with jaws open-mouthed. Is Dave Wyndorf fucking actually singing or what?! Is a tape of his vocals playing throughout the entire show? Is it just some helpful backing track for certain parts he can no longer reach? It turns out that the sound man controls a lot of the reverb on his vocals, so that’s that cleared up.

monstermagnet_electricballroom

I came here to melt, to indulge, to reminisce, to appraise, to be electrified, and thankfully, I was rewarded with all of the above. So thank you Monster Magnet, for delivering the best gig you have played since we saw you at the Windsor Old Trout on the 4th of September back in ’92, and the Underworld show a day later. It’s a Satanic drug thing…..you wouldn’t understand.

Zac

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Music Music News

New Bad Religion Track & Album Details

Punk band Bad Religion have announced they will release their new album ‘True North’ this coming January 21st via Epitaph Records. The album sees Bad Religion going back to their roots with its first single boldly titled “F*ck You” co-songwriter and guitarist Brett Gurewitz comments:

“We went back to our original mission statement of short concise bursts of melody and thought. The intent was to record stripped down punk songs without sacrificing any conceptual density. If any band should have a song with that title it should be us. It just sounds like a perfect Bad Religion song.”

Fans are invited to pre-order the album here

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Album Reviews Buzz Chart Music Reviews

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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Music News

Death Grips rip the piss out of their record label

Death Grips continue to punk their record label Epic Records today by sharing the email sent to the band asking them not to give away their album for free on the internet. This is either a great press stunt for all, or they are legitimately not giving a toss. You decide, but in the meantime read this. The band just posted this saying: “HAHAHAHAHAHAHA NOW FUCK OFF”.

deathgrips

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Album Of The Week Album Reviews Buzz Chart Music Reviews

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

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Live Reviews Music

Hildamay, Album Launch Show – The Garage, London

HILDAMAY
w/ Landscapes, Tu Amore, Black Shapes, Insurgents
The Garage, Islington
22nd October 2012

Hildamay have had a hell of a year already, the quintet from Kent had a busy summer wowing the likes of BBC Radio 1, Reading and Leeds festival as well as preparing the release of their debut album ‘Miles Away’. Now they’re back on the road ahead of that release and everyone here tonight is in for a real treat, plugging an exclusive-listening of the new tracks.

Insurgents picked the shortest straw and are up first. The trio from Watford perform like they have everything relying on it. It’s not until they bring out an additional two drums into the centre of the crowd to form a drum battle which see’s frontman Ant Giannaccini and bassist Bentley Levy bash away to a beat that their show becomes is three dimensional.

‘It’s like a twelve year old school disco,’ frontman Gareth Evans of Black Shapes tells the half empty venue. The result? Gareth resorts to joining the intimate crowd, performing majority of the set off the stage. On the plus side, the fans that are present have more space to hard-core dance and the opportunity to share the frontman’s microphone for numerous choruses. We’d be lying if we said we weren’t looking forward to the release of their new EP ‘In The Mourning Light‘ out later this month.

Tu Amore have a soulful, indie sort of sound to them stirring in drumbeats that bring the show alive. The four members from Peterborough seem to have established a sound that sets them apart with energy of a much heavier band. Up next is Landscapes who have the challenge of getting some kind of crowd engagement. ‘I can’t even see you!’ Complains vocalist Shaun. What welcomes them though are a small group of hard-core kids and the band seem far from impressed. The quartet from Somerset no doubt have the songs to put other British rising rock bands on the edge of their seat. Whether they stick to half-hearted shows such as tonight’s is another story.

Just after 10pm and the half empty venue turns into a tightly squeezed room eager for the headliners. Hildamay strike up ‘We Loved, We Lost’ and ‘This House Became Our Home’ plunging down a route of heavy rock, but what these clever lads have managed to do is put meaning into a genre that is known to be full of mosh-pit mayhem melodies. Their tunes are extremely rough round the edges but you can tell they’re genuinely heart-felt.

The band are truely passionate which shows in tonight’s performance, pushing through songs that are bounded together by fist pumping beats and gritty guitar riffs. Usually it’s the frontman that captures the attention but Hildamay are a band that have so much going for them as a whole. Recent single ‘Changing The Key’ even managed to turn the heads of those at Radio 1’s Rock Show gaining Track Of The Week status. Tonight’s live performance of that track certainly showed it was worthy of that title and what Hildamay are made of as a whole.

Words: Jenny Chu

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Music Music News

New Crowns Video and Album News

Exciting folk/punk prospect Crowns have unveiled a new video for forthcoming single ‘Parting In The Porch’ which is out 29th October 2012. Vocalist / guitarist Bill Jefferson comments on the track:

“It’s a nostalgic letter to my younger self, remembering parties on the beach, chasing the girls. Really it’s about the realisation that you never actually lose that dangerous innocence.”

The single is taken from debut album ‘Stitches In The Flag’ set for release 5th November 2012. The 11 track record was recorded with Tim Goalen (Mark Ronson, Crowns EP) and Richard Woodcraft (The Vaccines, Arctic Monkeys). It’s set to highlight an already promising year for the Cornish band who racked up live performances at Reading & Leeds Festival, Bestival and a support slot with Blink 182 over the summer.

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Album Reviews Buzz Chart Music New Releases

Peace’d Out

Peace’d Out
Peace’d Out
[Siren Records]
www.facebook.com/peacedoutmusic

Vinnie of The Movielife / I Am The Avalanche fame has unveiled his new project with this first self-titled EP. And it’s an altogether more raucous affair than his past endeavours. With Steve Choi (RX Bandits), Casey Deitz (The Velvet Teen) and Roger Camero (No Motiv) completing the line-up, Peace’d Out unravel in cascading riffs and angry vocal outbursts. There’s barely even a hint of pop punk here as this collection of musicians channel the likes of The Dillinger Escape Plan to create a collection of exciting and unpredictable tracks that appear to almost career out of control whilst actually maintaining a carefully judged tightness of musicianship that’s impressive and admirable.

Far from being merely an intensely noisy affair, Peace’d Out have experimented with sounds making this a far more exciting ride than you initially expect.‘White Pyramid’ alternates simple synth interludes with driving riff-fuelled grittiness. The twists and turns are what really make this debut release.

It’s a five track assault on the ears that announces the band’s arrival in the world with no holds barred. Certainly a thrilling introduction and one which leaves us hoping and praying that this isn’t a fleeting experimental outing into the world of the more noise-filled music for Mr Caruana. Who knew he had that scream in him?

Words: Sarah Maynard

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Album Reviews Buzz Chart Music Reviews

The Story So Far

The Story So Far
‘Under Soil And Dirt’
[Pure Noise]

The California bred outfit The Story So Far, play homage to their pure punk rock roots with their debut full length release of ‘Under Soil And Dirt’.

The Story So Far really does remind of the early Four Year Strong and Set Your Goals era. Taking the raw sound of a band straight out of high school and rehearsing in their parents garage, ‘Under Soil And Dirt’ is the epitome of the American punk vibe. While attacking the genre with nail biting, teeth grinding and frankly pretty awesome guitars. There’s a ferocious thirst for destruction and an intense affection in songs ‘Roam’ and ‘Four Years’.

What does come up fighting fit is ‘High Regard’ which advocates a soaring melody that is without a doubt catchy. The quintet must have vision playing this live in front of a herd of troubled hardcore kids’ fist pumping along. ‘Daughters’ will ensure everyone gives this underrated band a head turning reaction. It could be said that many bands in their genre are dumping various random break downs and heartless arrangements, but with the Story So Far it is crystal clear they put in some serious thought as to who they are.

‘Mt. Diablo’ is super eager to break the punk mold, it certainly does depict a poppier aura with contagious hooks and guitar picking that come straight out of summer, showing the underground scene how it’s done. Frontman Parker Cannon projects a primitive tone with a rebel edge that suggests the likes of ‘Rally Cap’ could play the role of a theme tune in a riot.

The 10 tracks on the album takes anyone listening, to the youthful days spent on the beach, using music to express and reveal all their youthful rollercoaster emotions. It’s not brain surgery to write lyrics that capture those early days but Parker and co are not just a bunch of guys in a band, they’re a talented force to be reckoned with.

The Story So Far’s release definitely fascinates and it’s certainly intriguing to see what they will come up with next. They have the potential to be a favourite on the pop-punk/rock menu rivaling even the big dogs in the game.

Words: Jenny Chu

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Sex Pistols

SEX PISTOLS
“Never Mind The Bollocks (Deluxe Edition)
[UNIVERSAL]

To mark 35 years since its original release, a bumper “Bollocks” box-set has been released this month, along with, for the less fanatical, or more cash strapped punter, this ‘deluxe’ double-disc package. Disc One is “Bollocks” in all its glory. A dozen songs that have stood the test of time and all these years later still pack a mighty punch made up of raucous anthems. I hardly ever spin the original album, but I don’t need to, these songs are etched in to my consciousness. Not only is the music still absolutely rocking, and loaded with Jonesy’s beefy riffs, but Johnny’s vocals remain truly volatile, as he goads, threatens, and snarls at an unsuspecting populace. The rhyming of “Birmingham” and “Abortion” in “Bodies” is lyrical genius.

Let’s not forget too, the album was recorded whilst the band were in a state of flux, with original bassist Glen Matlock jettisoned in favour of the uber charismatic, but musically inept, Sid Vicious. So inept, that Steve Jones recorded most of the bass parts as well on these songs, showing he wasn’t exactly the “Lazy Sod” he professed to be.

Tagged on to Disc One are the B-Sides of their 7″s, all great songs in their own right, but there’s no “I Wanna Be Me”. Not sure why. The pisstaking “New York”, with Johnny sniping about those “poor little faggots” in the NY Dolls, who Malcolm McLaren had managed a few years earlier, is surely evidence the internal battle lines were already being drawn. And listening to “EMI”, the irony wasn’t lost on me that their current label (Universal) is in the process of acquiring said label that hastily cut their losses with the ‘Pistols back in the day. What comes around eh…

Disc Two is live recordings from ’77. A bootleg of the Sweden set will have long been housed in completest collections, and to close are 3 rough tracks from Penzance, Cornwall… “Problems/No Fun/Anarchy”… total primal energy… bosh!

So, that’s what you get on this double-deluxe-disc package. I know pretty much everyone who would want a copy of “Bollocks” already has at least one version, but its historic importance cannot be overstated. The music really does still sound that fuckin’ great. It’s an unlimited supply… and you know the reason why!

Words: Pete Craven