Tag: album

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ESO

ESO
‘Nothing Left To Lose’ESO_album_review_Nothing_Left_To_Lose

Born from the ashes of old band esOterica, ESO‘s debut ‘Nothing Left To Lose’ is a bold revival that depicts the struggles of a band attempting to make their desired mark on an impossible industry.

The production of the record is beautiful, so it comes as no surprise to find that producer Matt Hyde (Slipknot, Fightstar) was the master behind the tracks. The overall vibe of ‘Nothing Left To Lose’ is that of an epic theatrical performance, it seems that’s esOterica touring experiences with Marilyn Manson and HIM have influenced ESO’s work on this album for the better.

The record’s stand out track comes quite early on; appearing at number three, ‘The Divide (feat.Wizard)’ sees the band perfect electronic rock, with subtly remixed elements and powerful vocals, its a song that could easily dominate a radio playlist, a club or gig. Just as Pendulum did with tracks such as ‘Propane Nightmares’, ESO have accomplished full crossover appeal with ‘The Divide’.

Unfortunately, ‘The Divide’ really is the only stand out track, with the twelve others becoming much of a muchness. Although the album runs smoothly each track needs to have more differentiation to turn this from a solid debut to an awesome album, perhaps 13 songs was a little overambitious and ‘Nothing Left To Lose’ would have been better constrained to 10 more varied songs for ESO to show off their talent.

Words: Emma Wallace

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Deaf Havana

Deaf Havana
‘Fools And Worthless Liars – Deluxe Edition’

I have to admit, when I first heard Deaf Havana‘s material after the departure of unclean vocalist Ryan Mellor, I couldn’t help but feel a bit disheartened. It really lacked the punk bite that their early work was full of. But eventually 2011’s ‘Fools And Worthless Liars‘ began to grow on me, and I’d happily put it up there as one of the most solid rock albums to come from the UK that year.

Via a short documentary put out in summer 2012, the band announced they would be re-releasing the album later this autumn. Rather than just doing some fancier album artwork and a couple of bonus tracks, Deaf Havana went the extra mile and re-recorded the whole thing. Ever the pessimist and never fully content, front man James Veck-Gilodi admitted he didn’t feel the album completely reflected his taste in music where as this re-release does.

All of the songs have been reworked, some slightly, others completely, making the album a totally different listen to the record that appeared first time around. Tracks that were previously acoustic are now performed as a full band and rockier numbers are now toned-down gems. Its beautiful. Lets pick a few stand out tracks to discuss…

Opener ‘The Past Six Years’ feels like its heavily influenced by Irish Rock (think Flogging Molly), and despite being a million miles away from DH records such as ‘It’s Called The Easy Life’ it gets this album off to an optimistic and quite literally stomping start. Piano and vocal track ‘Anemophobia’ is absolutely stunning. Broken down to structurally core elements, James Veck-Gilodi sounds vulnerable and desperate against the lonely notes. Its a heart wrenching performance that could connect with even the emptiest of souls. During ‘Hunstanton Pier’ the guitar tone adds nostalgia and brings the lyrical content to life, but its ‘I’m A Bore Mostly’ that epitomises why this album is a must have.

The recording process of using multiple microphones placed around an old warehouse is slightly bizarre but the effect it has on the track puts it into a different dimension. As the music reverberates through your speakers it feels as if you are there with James as he passionately performs. Even the sound of him slamming the door as he leaves the ‘studio’ is included on the track, a unique element that adds a personal touch to the piece, emphasising the emotion.

Again it has to be said, this isn’t Deaf Havana of old, but thats not a criticism. Its not their early punk/hardcore style, its not their most recent mainstream rock vibe, it’s something else. It is a showcase of the band’s (and in particular their dynamic front man’s) extraordinary talent. It is a touching album which has re-worked a commendable original into something worth treasuring.

Words: Emma Wallace

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Album Reviews Buzz Chart Music

Streetfight Silence

Streetfight Silence
‘Cutting Strings’
[Angry Badger Records]

On first listen Streetfight Silence’s debut seems slightly average, not exactly an album to shout about. But in fact this record is one of those that slowly but surely reels you in with the catchiest of choruses and hook laden tracks.

‘Low’, ‘Find Me’ and ‘White Flags’ are textbook pop-punk. Think back to early You Me At Six and Fall Out Boy, back when their music had grittier riffs yet still a strong ear for melody. Streetfight Silence have their own melodic genius in Russ Merry whose vocals are exquisite. Merry hosts a range that even idols Josh Franceschi and Patrick Stump would be proud of.

Surprisingly the stand out track from ‘Cutting Strings‘ is ‘6th November’ which showcases the bands emotional integrity through beautiful acoustic guitar work and heart felt lyrics. A song that will certainly appeal to many a City & Colour fan. ‘Pieces’ closes the album in a dramatic style culminating a successful first record for the young band.

A greater punch in the production department would make ‘Cutting Stings‘ a true force to be reckoned with. Hearing these tracks in a live environment is sure to give them the extra beef they deserve and inspire many a sing-along.

Words: Emma Wallace

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Music Music News

Sex Pistols ‘Holidays in the Sun’ video – unseen footage


Its only been 35 years in the waiting but today marks the release of a promo video for Sex Pistols’s classic ‘Holidays in the Sun’. Unlike the Sex Pistols other single’s from the infamous ‘Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols’ (‘Anarchy in the UK’, ‘God Save The Queen’ and ‘Pretty Vacant’) no promo video for ‘Holidays in the Sun’ was ever filmed.

The newly released promo video was edited by longtime Sex Pistols collaborator Julien Temple and has been compiled from previously unreleased footage especially for use on the limited edition super deluxe box set ‘Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols’.

Temple comments on the vibrant video saying:

“The live performance was shot using one camera and shows the extraordinary captivating quality of the band at the time. There was shock in the room, it was hypnotising, contagious, and unfolded right in front of you. It was filmed in Penzance in September 1977, the Pistols arrived unannounced and the audience couldn’t believe what they were getting”

Limited edition super deluxe box set ‘Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols’ is due to be released September 24th through Universal Music UK.

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Giants

GIANTS
These Are The Days

This isn’t the first time Giants have graced our buzz chart, earlier this summer they launched into the top spot with lead single ‘Snakes’. Now with a mini-album to add to their arsenal, Giants are again dominating the Crossfire stereo.

The band seem to display what a lot of hardcore and punk bands are lacking at the moment, it’s something that is impossible to put your finger on, but this band just get it right. Basically, their style is gnarly as fuck without the guys taking themselves too seriously.

‘These Are The Days’ races through as an adrenaline fueled assault. ‘When It Comes Down To It’, ‘Bottled Up’ and ‘Snakes’ are barely over a minute each, but why drag out the length of a song when you’re already nailing the point in a nutshell?

The bass and guitar tone of the mini-album gives the overall impression of an old school skate punk record, whilst the occasional ‘two-step’ pace and constant aggressive vocals propels ‘These Are The Days’ straight back into the realms of present day hardcore. This is a little corker that needs to be blasted out at full volume.

Words: Emma Wallace

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Album Reviews Buzz Chart Music Preview Reviews

Proxies

Proxies_Lost_Tapes_Volume_II_Dead WeightProxies
Lost Tapes, Volume II: Deadwieght

A little while back we bought you an introducing interview with a band we find very exciting. That band is Proxies. Their latest release, ‘Lost Tapes, Volume II: Dead-Weight’ explains why we see such potential in this young band.

Opening up with ‘Deadweight, Veritas’ vocals seductively dance around a repetitive, slow-tempo clean guitar riff whilst electronic atmospherics are absorbed into your ears making for a sensual yet eerie start to the EP.

Another clean guitar lick invites the listener into an already established fan favourite ‘Trojan (Inside Your Chest)’. Here Proxies really begin to shine. A pounding kick drums ups the tempo just before a ridiculously catchy bridge and chorus take hold. Again with ‘Masquerade’ the band nail ‘catchy’ with perfect song structure. The track reflects a similar style to early, Panic! At The Disco (think ‘Time To Dance’ taken from ‘A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out’). In fact, it could be said Proxies are one of the first bands to display the same amount of ingenious pop/rock and electronica crossover appeal since Panic!.

Proxies have begun to refine a sound that is as accessible as a mainstream version of Enter Shikari, late Pendulum and something undeniably unique. They’ve even managed to capture a bit of radio friendly dub-step in there which is oh so fashionable at the moment. With a bit more beef put into the riffs and production, Proxies will have it spot. This band will take over the hearts of teenagers everywhere.

Words: Emma Wallace

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Album Reviews Buzz Chart Music Reviews

Title Fight

Title Fight Floral Green Album Artwork Cover
Title Fight
Floral Green
[Side One Dummy]

Title Fight are back with their second album, ‘Floral Green’, via label Side One Dummy, and it’s nothing short of amazing.

‘Floral Green‘ is one of those albums where right from the first track you know in your bones that its going to special. The album is a master class in post-hardcore punk, and it’s all rounded off with the perfect hint of melody.

The first three tracks have so much energy that they rattle out at you, like bullets fired from a machine gun. Yet they aren’t the only stars, on ‘Floral Green‘ every track is a gem. From the uplifting, high-tempo rawness of ‘Leaf’, to the slow waltzing, dissonance of ‘Head In The Ceiling Fan’ you can’t fault the band or the record.

If you like your punk in the post-hardcore vein, and for good measure you like energy broken up by a few slowed down melodies then you’ll love this album. If you hadn’t previously heard of Title Fight but you’re a fan of Crime In Stereo, The Wonder Years or Man Overboard, this one’s for you.

If you’re already part of the passionate Title Fight fan base then you’ll eagerly be wanting to buy this album anyway.

Words: JJ Nattrass

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Features Music

Gallows album release show photo gallery


On Sunday 9th September Gallows played the tiny Fighting Cocks venue in Kingston to celebrate the launch of their third and self-titled studio album. Of course the show was completely sold out and a great success. If you missed out on the gig we’ve got a treat for you. Whack on ‘Last June’ (embedded below) and absorb into up and coming photographer Joe Brady‘s photo gallery and it’s like you’re almost there. In the words of Joe, “Gallows tore the Fighting Cocks a new one.” Enjoy.

WATCH VIDEO FOOTAGE FROM THIS ELECTRIC SHOW COURTESY OF JAMES SHERRY’S MAN CAM

Words: Emma Wallace
Photos: Joe Brady

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Music Music News

Stream New Basement Track Here


Much loved emo/post-hardcore group Basement have announced details of their forthcoming -and final- album as well as publishing a track for streaming.

Lead single ‘Spoiled‘ -which can be heard below- is taken from their sophomore full length ‘Colourmeinkindness’, due out 22nd October 2012 via Run For Cover Records.

The band are due for an indefinite hiatus after the album release and two final sold-out shows (November 16th at The Well, Leeds
and November 17th London Underworld). The young band quickly developed a cult following and will surely be missed. Expect a full review of ‘Colourmeinkindness’ to follow soon…

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Album Reviews Buzz Chart Music New Releases

As I Lay Dying


As I Lay Dying
‘Awakened’
[Metal Blade]

As far as metalcore is concerned, few have made the impact that As I Lay Dying have achieved. Arguably pioneers of the movement, and still its leaders, ‘Awakened’ is As I Lay Dying‘s 6th studio album. Expectations for the record are high.

As a whole it doesn’t disappoint; laden with meaty riffs and a tried and tested scream and clean vocal pattern, ‘Awakened‘ is quintessentially an As I Lay Dying record. Blasting in with ‘Cauterize‘ (which was offered as a free download in advance), the band’s intent is made clear from the the first note.

Tracks like ‘Resilience‘ show why the band have stayed close to so many hearts over the years; delicious shredding, tight drums, intoxicating melody and powerful vocals. Tim Lambesis is ever the dominant front man, with a scream second to none, his vocals resound over the music full of strength delivered at high intensity.

Despite ‘Awakened‘ having numerous positives, its hard not to compare it to previous full length, ‘The Powerless Rise’ and unfortunately it doesn’t quite match up. However, this isn’t a real criticism as it is hard to compete with the perfection displayed on their 2010 release. Nonetheless, ‘Awakened‘ will go down as one of this years best metal albums.

Words: Emma Wallace