LEOPARD RAYS - Need You

After the success of August’s Times A Factor, Kid EP Leopard Rays return with a brand new track titled Need You .

Hartlepool’s Leopard Rays have graced stages at Stockton Calling, and played the inaugural Heelapolooza and Gathering Sounds Festivals. They have also been playlisted on BBC Music Introducing and supported the likes of Pulled Apart By Horses and Estrons and played their own dates in Manchester, London and Newcastle plus sold out shows in their hometown as they continue to grow both musically and in support. Layers of dreamy guitars, lush reverb drenched vocals mixing a pop mentality with a penchant for a crunching riff when the mood takes them.

The alt.rock four-piece take their influences from the likes of Pearl Jam, Oasis and Ride for fans of other local luminaries such as Plaza and The Yada Yada Yadas. Previous singles ‘Daydream’ was four minutes of infectious riffs and twisting melodies while fan favourites ‘Moon’ and ‘I’m Japan’ reflect a more mellifluous and all-out rock direction respectively.

In two words: Must Listen !!

Band Members:

Luke Dawkins (vocals)
Sean McCloskey (guitar)
Tom Pattison (bass)
David Wilcox (drums)

LEOPARD RAYS · Need You

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/LeopardRays/
https://twitter.com/leopard_rays/
https://m.soundcloud.com/user-758980844?locale=en
https://www.instagram.com/leopard_rays/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0jpKPh1gpngGauHKDSDYVb?si=E6zTzCssS_akSGUuS0ehEA

BLACKSHAPE - III + V

BLACKSHAPE is an instrumental, post-mathcore band from Salt Lake City, with "III" being their debut single release (10.9.2020). Recorded and co-produced by the legendary Matt Goldman (The Chariot, Underoath), their forthcoming debut album is a study in maximalism—written and recorded as one continuous loop, the record plunges listeners into a complex journey of heavy, beautiful math. The band plans to steadily release songs leading up to the debut of their self-titled full length in early 2021.

"III" is a barrage of frenetic riffs, shifting time signatures, and carefully constructed textures. It’s chaos and beauty in the best way possible. Full of dynamic shifts and peaks and valleys, "III" creates a sense of relentlessness and tension, so that when riffs land or give way to a moment of beauty, there’s a sense of relief—like the listener just made it through a heavy, beautiful journey.

From its opening snare hit, “V” sets listeners off on a roller coaster of riffs, time changes and meticulous mayhem. It’s chaos in the best way possible. Full of dynamic shifts and peaks and valleys, "V" creates a sense of relentlessness and tension, so that when riffs land or give way to a moment of beauty, there’s a sense of relief—like the listener just made it through a heavy, beautiful journey.

In two words: Must Listen !!

Band Members:
Scott Shepard (Guitar), 

Josh Dunn (Bass), 

Perry Burton (Drums), 

Joseph Woit (Guitar) 

Links:

https://linktr.ee/blackshape
https://www.facebook.com/blackshapemusic
https://blackshapemusic.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/blackshapemusic
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5ioOCIkpBfV9Z8Zm5DP4vH?si=-MkPrkX7Teeloh722jowrg

ARRAYS - No Way Out

Arrays is the solo studio project of JP Carroll - the archetypal one man band. JP writes,performs and arranges the songs, records and produces the tracks, and even handles the mixes by himself. Music is his obsession, from writing a song, to mixing it and releasing it. 

Released on 23 October 2020, their new single ​No Way Out​ presents a visceral, aggressive aspect of Arrays, driven by a palm muted hero riff, before the syncopated, stompingbridge lands.

In two words: Must Listen !!

Links:

https://arraysdotwebsite.wpcomstaging.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ArraysBand/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMByZHuCdjrKlfG7tMQRXYA
https://open.spotify.com/album/0OS6LQXJydWFYtstPJZtCw?si=T5o8Du1XR0qxMiDfZjHHtw  

SPACE ELECTRIC - It Ain't Over

Space Electric is a six-piece rock band located in Oslo, Norway. They have just released their first album ‘The Great Attractor’.

The second single 'It Ain't Over" from the album was out 5th of September 2020. We all have our demons. What are yours? It is a song about pushing your limits too hard and then you realise you have to fix up your life. It is a struggle but "It Ain't Over" before you decide it is over. Andrés Pérez (piano and keys) and Miquel Mestres (percussions) from Angel Sound Studio contribute on this song.

The Great Attractor is the mass of a trillion suns drawing galaxies towards it. The force increases in intensity and pulls the earth towards an unknown fate. Space Electric inhabits this parallel universe with its electromagnetic rock. Do you believe in a multiverse? Do you believe in dark energy? Do you believe in free will? Or do you believe in nothing? The band recently finished recording the album ´The Great Attractor´ in Barcelona, produced, mixed and mastered by Alejandro Ortiz (producer), Andrés Pérez (co-producer) and Miquel Mestres (assistant engineer) of Angel Sound Studio. The electromagnetic sphere just increased in size and density yet again. The singles feature vocalist Bjørnar Mikkelsen’s powerful voice singing of philosophical struggle over apocalyptic guitars, spacey Moog synthesizers, groovy bass riffing and thunderous drums. Space Electric has released several videos to the album and has a major radio promotion on iPlugger.

In one word: Excellent !!!

Band Members:
Bjørnar Mikkelsen (Vocals)
Thomas Yri (Drums)
Chris Cruzin (Guitar)
Åsgeir Knudsen (Keys)
Jonathan Murray (Guitar)
Christian Yri (Bass) 

Links:

http://www.spaceelectric.no/
https://www.facebook.com/spaceelectricband/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4mglVAGzgyausWVuBFdSnZ
https://soundcloud.com/user-915271664-833883709
https://spaceelectric.bandcamp.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe2axrKwKNzBZKCJFPWVfIQ
https://www.instagram.com/spaceelectric/

GENTRY BLUE - What Lies On The Other Side

"What Lies on the Other Side" is the second release from Gentry Blue, a psychedelic hard rock band from Nashville, TN. It features powerful vocals from its frontwoman, Lydia Gentry, who also provides sparse violin throughout the track, powerful guitar, and driving drums and bass, tracked at Stone Age Recording in Nashville, and engineered by Trent Woodman. "What Lies on the Other Side" is about the confusing feeling of forgetting your true purpose in life, sometimes going even as far as forgetting your own identity- matching it lyrically to the huge expanse of space, best described as a ‘monologic slow-burn contemplation of a rock song’. The single is cut from Gentry Blue’s debut EP, releasing in late winter of 2021.

Few bands advertise themselves as a group which takes no prisoners, but that’s exactly what Gentry Blue does-- creating a passionate, raw sound involving hard rock meeting pure classic inspired psychedelic rock. Comprised of four misfits from all over the country who met in Nashville, Tennessee, Gentry Blue stays true to their roots as they seek to reflect the rock and roll aesthetics of this constantly changing world. 

Lydia Gentry and Jo Jeffries, who bring strong female energy to the group, hail from opposite ends of Missouri. Lydia’s powerhouse alto lead vocals slice through the air while her fingers flash on her electric violin, and is the band’s main lyricist. Jo slaps with punk-rock grit on the bass, rounding out the sound. Travis Fairley, from Texas, plays a slick and mean electric guitar with ease, creating a time capsule to the days of Hendrix and Halen, while still staying relevant in today’s world. Brendan DeBonis, from Maryland, keeps time with perfect drum skills, as well as having an intense persona during live shows.

Gentry Blue is more than a rock band-- they are an eclectic group who have chosen to ignore the mainstream standards of the music industry and carve their own path while finding their way in this crazy world, using catchy hooks as well as meaningful and philosophical lyrics.

In two words: Very Good !! 

Links:

https://www.gentryblue.com/
https://facebook.com/gentrybandrocks/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1WDjvAbQXtcuiSJgLQYaOm
https://gentryband.bandcamp.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4utVEsz7jtq2kIe36WYWWw
https://instagram.com/gentryblueband
https://www.songkick.com/artists/10135972-gentry-blue/calendar

JAKE GEORGE - Clear View

An experienced and talented songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Melbourne, Victoria, the tracks coming from Jake George’s debut album are already gaining attention across community and online radio. Blogs, interviews and building plays on Spotify, the debut will showcase the diverse songwriting skills of Jake George for a ‘Clear View’ of what is to come! The album is heavily inspired by psychedelic rock, funk and alternative/shoegaze vibes. If you dig bands such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Stone Roses, Tame Impala and Oasis this debut will be right up your alley!

Recording took place from August 2019 and finished September 2020. The album was written and recorded from Jake George’s home studio, with some mixing and mastering done by Dan Konopka (OK Go) and several tracks on the album feature drums by Bibek Tamang.

‘Investigators’ received a review by Gemma Pike from Triple J on the Triple J Unearthed website. The song was featured on Spotify playlists and gained 45,000+ plays within a few months of release.

‘In The Rain’ received a favourable review by UK blog and station Your Music Experience and received radio airplay on Canberra’s Valley FM. Tracks ‘Reload’, ‘Mystery’ and ‘Red Rainbow’ all gained 10,000+ Spotify plays weeks after their individual releases.

In two words: Must Listen !!

Clear View track listing:

1: Discover
2: Investigators
3: Reload
4: Mystery
5: No Expression
6: A Good Day Will Come Around
7: Clear View
8: The Long Road
9: Goodnight
10: In The Rain
11: Red Rainbow

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/jgeorgemusic
https://twitter.com/jakegeorgemusic?lang=en
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1opZ4Q2D7MTTtCwtQrXccD
https://soundcloud.com/jgeorgemusic
https://jgeorgemusic.bandcamp.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC51wJEemNDiSPXRpszzbMxw
https://www.instagram.com/jakegeorgemusic/

 

SESPOOL - before the fog covers me

SESPOOL is the stage name of San Francisco singer, songwriter, and producer Sean E. After a decade in the Bay Area indie rock scene, most notably as the bassist of alt folk trio Rin Tin Tiger, he released his first solo full length album “(this love is) eternal” independently in July of 2019. The follow up album "before the fog covers me" released on all streaming platforms October 9, 2020.

Sean E’s melancholic lyrics float in and out of synth-drenched soundscapes lead by hard hitting bass-heavy grooves and guitar, influenced by artists like Pink Floyd, Mew, Juice Wrld, and Travis Scott. The sound combines elements of progressive rock, trap, and metal with a smooth gloss of dream pop for an experience that is very modern but rooted in a love for what makes classic albums and songwriting so undeniable.

SESPOOL · before the fog covers me

 

Links:

https://www.seanecomebacktolife.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sespool853
https://www.twitter.com/_sespool
https://soundcloud.com/sespool-1
https://sespool.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sespool853
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2AxqhVGF6EL1ocF91bMq18?si=0FVjhAEYRDOjZ-Z8o_5tMg

ZADAR - Alien Being

Zadar is an one man band, consisting of Antonio Luberto, who does everything, guitar, bass VI, drums and vocals. Zadar formed in early 2020 in Furlong and Ivyland, Pa and his main influences are The Sisters Of Mercy, The Cure, Siouxsie and the Banshees and Interpol.

Alien Being is a track in the music styles of Post-Punk and Gothic Rock and is the first song off his upcoming debut album, The Upstairs Room. It was recorded at his house and it was mixed by SuperiorAudio and all of the artwork was done by Kateniki. The song's lyrics convey feelings of isolation, rejection, and loneliness, feelings most of us experience from time to time.

The band's first song was reviewed on post-punk.com : "Philadelphia Post-Punk Musician Zadar debuts his song “Alien Being”, a song whose tenebrous guitar riff is a spiraling and sinisterdescent into anachronic deathrock, sounding like a track unearthed by music journalist Mick Mercer for a followup to one of his infamous Gothic Rock compilations that pervaded the 90s, preserving the Batcave scene in the amber of nostalgia."

Anyone who feels like an outsider or outcast, anyone who is a loner or feels like they don't fit in anywhere; Zadar is for you.  

In two words: Very Good !

Links:

https://m.facebook.com/zadarmusic/
https://zadars.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/zzzadar/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1T6JwcFrSOgYOJkKguB7So?si=2Tb3yqz-RnejbqRv-T4tOQ 

TENUOUS THREADS - Controlled Landing

Tenuous Threads is set to make 2020 his year as he continues to release captivating music. To wind down the year, the talented artist has released his newest single, “Controlled Landing,” off his debut EP “Crypsis.” The electronic/rock crossover radiates uninhibited energy with ear-catching melodic instrumentation and a groovy, infectious beat. “Controlled Landing” is a musical experience that listeners will not soon forget with its transcending instrumentation and feel-good vibes. The rhythmic, funky bassline paired with the kick flawlessly works together to infuse energy into the listeners as the downtempo instrumentation guides the way. This is the type of track that you would want to hear to make your day better, ten-fold. With a distinctive style, the Australian artist maintains a fully charged arsenal of high octane music that supports the fact that he is set to make a strong impact on the music industry. This release is a testament to the versatility and talent of the artist. “Controlled Landing” is a playlist must-add as it is powerful and mesmerizing. The single is out on all digital stores. 

Tenuous Threads is an emerging alternative/indie-rock artist, singer, producer, and songwriter originating from the east coast of Australia. The talented musician is quickly making waves in the scene with his unparalleled sound and style. Through his energy-filled vocal performances, Tenuous Threads radiates raw emotion through eclectic instrumentation. The quickly rising artist is no coincidence, as his music will have people hooked. Inspired by his life experiences, Tenuous Threads strives to push the envelope with his sound and bridge various elements from different genres to make a well-rounded, dynamic style. With every release, he will have listeners engulfed into the musical world he creates with his no-frills approach and realness. Tenuous Threads is an artist to watch as he is set to cement himself in the music industry for years to come. 

In two words : Very Good ! 

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/Tenuous-Threads-100248941842186
https://soundcloud.com/tenuous-threads
https://www.instagram.com/tenuousthreads/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbEvquP1byB1jy2KCYLAyOQ
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4RQIcr2L4GDt5ZSgZub7Bv?si=bEtLdspqRX62U6cgwiQvwQ

WAIL - Civilization Maximus

Unduly late, today I started listening to Wail's new album, Civilization Maximus, which was released exactly a month ago. What an incredible surprise !  This is without a doubt the best pure heavy metal I have heard this year. The album started with an incredible dynamite, the fantastic 'Down the Mountain', a masterpiece that would surely be envied by both Maiden and Priest, who, of course, are the main influences of the band. Fantastic songs follow, such as 'Endless Repetition', 'No Hesitation', 'You've got Nothing', which will surely move all the fans of pure, classic heavy metal. 

In one word : Excellent !!!

Satire. A word that lost it's weight the day the world became so obscure that yesterday's satirical content became the news of the day. It’s time to step up the game.

Enter Wail

The cultiest of cultist cult bands, a Norwegian heavy metal quintet best known as preachers of the 'apocalypse of the civilized world' as well as being observed claiming responsibility for catastrophes such as global warming, epidemics and commercial radio. They seem to be using their mesmerizing heavy metal music to lure young and old into their cultist organization.

A spokesman of the group has been quoted with the following comment regarding the choice of musical direction:
"I’m intelligent. Some people would say I’m very, very, very intelligent. According to my research, heavy metal is the most commercially available, sexy and danceable genre out there. It was quite obvious really".

 
The band has been nurtured, cultivated and refined to be able to write, perform andseduce on a level that few can assert to. This under close observation of the terrifying and quite flamboyant front man that goes under the name «The Singer».

Wail has been getting recognition as a hard working live band on both festival and club scenes, and the response is usually in the vein of 'International standard' and 'who or what the hell are these people?'. The group prefer not to discuss the latter.
The dust has just settled after their debut album «Resilient» 2018. Produced by Kjartan Hestehaugen and Ronni Le Tekrø(TNT). 

The follow up album, produced by Titan Labs studio/Riccardo Daga «Civilization Maximus» features 9 tracks circulating a theme of manipulation/indoctrination as the band ventures deeper into the antagonistic rabbit hole. 

Get ready to rejoice in salvation, tribalism and an oblique glance at extremism.

You are hereby invited to partake in song, a secret, a promises of eternal life, presented by the masterful crossroad salesmen of Wail whom might not be as glamorous as they make themselves out to be.

Links:

https://wail.no/
https://www.facebook.com/WAIL.official.NO
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0pmwXDz7lf1P744YmhBfOX
https://wailofficial.bandcamp.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjLB9u-kec86ptpH-WFwbeg
https://www.instagram.com/wail_band
 

INFLUX OF INSANITY - Made A Fool

Influx of Insanity play heavy, ambient, progressive music. They've won the Cambridge Band Competition and BurySOUND, and their new single 'Made a Fool' is their strongest work yet, and a studio recorded debut for the duo.

They draw influences from bands like Karnivool, Toska, Arcane Roots and Black Peaks, creating a new sound which is simultaneously familiar and exciting, yetnew, bold and adventurous.

“Made A Fool” is crushingly heavy but also tender and soft with pretty cleans and meaningful lyrics.

Described by local promoter 42 Gigs as an ‘all-conquering duo’ and ‘Ones to watch’ by This is Noise, Influx of Insanity are a promising up and coming band, already carving their place in the progressive music scene.

In two words : Very Good ! 

Band Members:

Dom Howard: guitars, backing vocals, octave pedal bass.
Oli Brown: drums and vocals. 

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/influxofinsanityofficial/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3MRtgnN9XxvppZ9PnF5irH
https://influxofinsanity.bandcamp.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH9UHGyWr4AT5gRCSFWbpXA
https://www.instagram.com/influxofinsanity/?hl=en
https://www.songkick.com/artists/9309579-influx-of-insanity

SHIVA AND THE HAZARDS - Revolution Son

Shiva and the Hazards are excited to announce the release of their new single, Revolution Son.

Produced by the band and mixed by RIDE front-man, Mark Gardener, Revolution Son is the first taste from their debut album, expected in 2021, and their follow up from last year's single, Angkor Wat.

That release coincided with back to back slots supporting British shoegaze legends RIDE and fellow 90s hitmakers CAST, on what was the Melbourne band's first major tour of Australia and New Zealand, playing in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Auckland, as well as two massive homecoming shows at the Corner Hotel and a sold out show at the iconic Forum Theatre.

With Shiva and the Hazards having been previously compared to the likes of The Verve, The Stone Roses and the DMA's, Revolution Son sees the four-piece delve more into their psychedelic rock and roll side, taking cues from the likes of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and The Black Angels.

A track that is fitting for this moment in history, Revolution Son is out Friday 16 October.

In two words: Very Good !

“Shiva & The Hazards are no opening band, but a force to be reckoned with. A poptastic psychedelic force at that.” - LIBEL

“Melbourne psych-rockers Shiva and the Hazards have dropped an acid-laced, space traveller in Angkor Wat.” - HAPPY MAG

“With swirling moments lingering between Verve and The Stone Roses, Shiva And The Hazards have produced a ripping track of Madchester and ‘90s Britpop soaked in psychedelic grooves.” - SCENESTR

“(East India Empress is) a dreamy psych expanse.” - DECLAN BYRNE, TRIPLE J

“(East India Empress is) is ambitious, mesmerising, and full of noise. Bands like The Verve and DMA’s seep through this.” - CLAIRE MOONEY, TRIPLE J UNEARTHED

“(East India Empress is) impressive stuff and a real Brit Pop tinge… a cracking debut single”. - GARY CROWLEY, BBC

Links:

https://www.shivaandthehazards.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ShivaAndTheHazards/
https://twitter.com/shivahazards
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1S73AVQ16Iz3awb7oRmrUg
https://soundcloud.com/shiva-and-the-hazards/revolution-son-1/s-k9cECDwbehm
https://shivaandthehazards.bandcamp.com/
http://instagram.com/ShivaAndTheHazards
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuCTbuR0gRxunovp6QwyYtg

THREE MINUTE HEROES (VARIOUS ARTISTS) - Three Minute Heroes Vol 2

Three Minute Heroes, a mental health & music initiative from Hull based Warren Youth Project, gives young people a voice to express the worries & concerns of their generation through an album of powerful music – written by them & recorded by musicians from Hull & East Yorkshire.

Following on from the successful first album which enjoyed support & coverage from BBC Radio 1 / 6Music, Radio X, MOJO, DIY & RnR Mag plus TV exposure on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, Three Minute Heroes Vol 2 sees the Warren Youth Project working closely with Withernsea High School in East Yorkshire, who’ve taken the bold step of embedding the Three Minute Heroes concept into the school’s curriculum to support struggling children, with a plan for other Hull schools to follow suit in the near future. The album features words written by more than 70 young people, supported by tutors and counsellors, which have been turned into powerful and impactful songs by local artists.

As a hotbed of emerging talent, Hull’s music scene has much to offer - and the album features many different genres within the alternative sphere. First up, the folk influenced Where To Begin by Alice Clayton who plays aBaritone Ukulele no less! Think The Staves meeting the Smoke Fairies at Laura Marlingsplace. Having written her track from the words given to her, Alice says, “it’s clear from what I read that these young people are trying to work out where they fit in the world with so many expectations. Everything’s so saturated and they’re trying to work out how to navigate their way through it all as they grow up”. 

Being Alone by Brosnan follows with its distinctive vocal hooks and a guitar arrangement reminiscent of The Strokes and the Libertines in style and feel.This catchy slice of indie-pop, also described as ‘second-hand pop’, is one of the two tracks on the album that come with a video. The Being Alone video broadly touches on issues that most young people face like loneliness, depression and how Valentines Day can suck! - while also showing they’re not alone in having those feelings. Otherwise the band said of the experience that writing a song, which useswords written by someone still in school, meant they were getting a perspective that most bands including themselves could never authentically capture.

Next up is the post punk Brexit Is A Swimming Pool with its profound imagery and political lyrics by Serial Chiller. Under-pinned by a growling bass, angular guitar hooks are joined by a burst of further edgy guitars in the chorus. With its deadpan vocal delivery, reminiscent of Fontaines D.C.’s vocalist Grian Chatten, this track sees Serial Chiller, who were picked by BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stephens to play Hull’s Radio 1 Big Weekend a few years back and whose previous Three Minute Heroes offering (Bed Mood) featured on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, continue to grow from strength to strength.

Following on is alt -funk outfit Young Jack who this time give us a slower more contemplative mood on their track It’s Scary. With flavours of 70’s funk pioneers Parliament / Funkadelic in the music, the track’s lyric deals with the inevitability of change and accepting things outside of your own control. The guys have actually received a stamp of approval from the Godfather of Funk himself George Clinton no less as well as enjoying major love & support from Craig Charles on his BBC Radio 2House Partyshow.

Then comes the first single from the album Joe Russell-Brown’s, Nausea / Fatigue. Already catching the attention of Radio X’s John Kennedy, who played it on day of release, this slice of lo-fi indie slacker evokes a Bill Ryder-Jones flavour with its mellow guitar and whispery vocal. Again the words are a key part of the track and touch on dealing with overthinking and dealing with other people’s opinion. The video has been cleverly illustrated by the young people from The Warren and filmed by Hull’s AOO Media and is well worth a watch too.

Next up, the wonderful FINNO from Scunthorpe who deliver a slab of post-punk heaven with Sleep. As for the music, it’s straight ahead energy with no let-up.Idles comes to mind but the female vocal gives it something different,recalling elements of Black Honey and Dream Wife into the mix. On the lyrical front there’s a bucket list of life experiences to start with but then goes on to question how you actually get to do them and the fear of failure that can creep upon you!

Moving on we get Peccary with their track Chaperone. Described by the band as ‘great music for your great ears to listen to greatly’, there’s a distinct Delta 5 / C86 indie vibe here with touches of Wolf Alice and The Big Moonin the vocal, to bring it into the modern day.

Then folk blues artist Tom Skelly gives us My Teeth Hurt, an emotive & moving down-tempo piece with touches of Radiohead / Thom Yorke to it. Ghostly vocals reiterate dystopian imagery about a fear of going outside and the hopelessness of family battles. As Tom himself puts it “I hear to write, I paint to draw, I love to live, but we all have our flaws . . .”

Hull based alternative/punk band Spilt Milkcome next with Life As It Is - a post punk offering with echoes of Squid and Shame. in its delivery. Arguably the most positive and optimistic lyric on the album, it emotes ecstatic joy for the sensual side of life and the acceptance of all that is good.

New Meds with their pounding drums, killer riffs and vocals full of angst, give us a fusion of punk, metal & indie vibes in Dear World. A band self-recognised as “somewhere in between the Beastie Boys and Rage Against The Machine, with a splash of Emo’’, BBC Introducing describes them as ‘blowing the roof off everywhere they play at the moment’. Their track Dear World is lyrically about growing up and feeling trapped by ideas from the past. It finishes up, however, with the realization that by looking forward, you have the fellowship of your peers with which to build a better future.

Next up is Modern Mood Swings and My Own Little World. With touches of R.E.M in the guitar and vocal parts mixed up with early 00’s punk and emo, this relaxed indie slacker vibe tells a great story about coming out of yourself and facing the world with confidence in its raw but real self-assured lyric.

Closing the album is Wet Newspaper Wishes, a spoken word piece from Jodie Langford, who recalls Kate Tempest. She lifts the words off the paper with her performance to conjure up some powerful imagery, all underpinned by an ethereal soundscape that takes the listener on another worldly journey. Finally, as the album comes to a close, there’s a remix by Hull based producer/DJ EndOflevelBaddie– a true mash-up of styles that finishes the album in a very dif ferent place to where it all started.

Three Minute Heroes is funded by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Hull City Council & The Joe Strummer Foundation. 

In one word: Excellent !!! 

WarrenRecords · Three Minute Heroes VOL.2

Links:

https://threeminuteheroes.com/
https://www.facebook.com/threeminuteheroes/
https://twitter.com/3minuteheroes
https://warrenrecordsuk.bandcamp.com/album/three-minute-heroes-vol-2
https://www.instagram.com/3minuteheroes/

MUDDIBROOKE - Devil

Hailing from English city, Derby, MuddiBrooke was born when ‘Brooke’ Harriet McDonnell on lead vocals and guitar, bassist and backing vocalist Anna Melidone and drummer Mary Prince aligned their bold enterprise and musical passions. The band stepped forth January 2020, a fresh breath of adventure and intimacy but a proposal equally nurtured by the years of experiences embraced by its members, the playing of many prestigious festivals and alongside the likes of The Beautiful South, Luka Bloom, Dr and The Medics and much more among them.

The trio’s sound is a fusion of alternative rock and grunge but one just as hungry to subsume a host of varied flavours to its impassioned character. It is a striking and enthralling affair, which is unveiled within the band’s debut single ‘Turn To Dust’. Released this May, the track openly bares its heart whilst being an echo for a moment so many can personally relate to.

 

The threesome’s songs also relish an instinctive individuality, from each other and those of others, which will be in evidence over the next ten months as Muddibrooke plan to release two more singles on route to their first album and subsequently a European Tour which will start in the UK.

When honest passion and fertile imagination affiliates with prowess and daring, special moments are woven…
Welcome to MuddiBrooke.

Brand new single, ‘Devil’ is released 31st October 2020 across all music platforms with pre-ordering available from 1st October on iTunes, Amazon and all other music platforms.
 

Now available for Pre-Save on Spotify: https://smarturl.it/MuddiBrooke-DevilPS

In two words: Must Listen !! 

Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MuddiBrookeMusic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MuddiBrooke
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THE SEEING TREE - I Can See The Signs

Former SCORPIONS drummer Herman Rarebell has announced his latest musical collaboration, THE SEEING TREE, a rock art collective committed to using music as a force for connection, awakening and positive change in an uncertain world.

THE SEEING TREE recognizes that the medium is the message, and in a post-truth and divisive world, positive messages and calls for change need to be heard and, most importantly, released by music artists. It's not enough to watch from the sidelines; it's important to state the case for unity and empowering change.

The debut single ‘I Can See The Signs’ is calling out poor leadership and international gaslighting - ‘“I don’t want your freedom, cos I’ll never get out, I don’t want your ego, cos you fill me with doubt” naming no names but you get the picture.

In addition to Rarebell, THE SEEING TREE features Brighton based producer and composer Lee Pepper and performance artist, singer and lyricist Eugenie Arrowsmith — three creatives drawn together with the intention to release music that expresses passion and awareness. Music that confronts the need for global peace, ecological change and calls all good people to stand together globally. Each member of this musical collective brings a different set of skills to the table but they all recognise that we are at a very specific point in human evolution looking headlong at a tipping point.

The official music video for THE SEEING TREE's debut single, ‘I Can See The Signs’, can be seen below. The clip was shot during lockdown in Herman's garden in Germany in Munich and in Pepper and Arrowsmith’s in Sussex.

Rarebell met Pepper at the ‘Drum Legends’ show that he curated at The Brighton Dome in 2019 when Pepper was drafted in to record the show. The pair immediately hit it off and started talking about music and exchanging ideas. In the process, Pepper introduced Herman to Arrowsmith (who had previously been signed to Virgin 10) and they began exchanging backing tracks and ideas. THE SEEING TREE was born out of these creative exchanges.

To make you giggle I thought I’d draw your attention to journalist Patrick Radden Keefe’s Spotify podcast earlier this year about The Scorpions Wind of Change having been written by the CIA - The Guardian’s Miranda Sawyer wrote about it here as did Jon Bilstien’s Rolling Stone and the whole world - so will Herman Rarebell turning up in an eco rock performance art trio formed during lockdown fan the conspiracy theories even further?!

In two words: Must Listen !! 

 

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/theseeingtree/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3pNW6IPO8SRjT3U3EQ322g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5AU0nM6OVM&feature=emb_logo

PAVILION - IN CONTROL

PAVILION release the video for their highly anticipated new single ‘IN CONTROL’ which is out now! 

PAVILION consists of childhood friends Benji Lamb and Stu Berry. PAVILION was born in Brighton 2019 and a year later they are emerging as ‘one to watch’ in the UK, with each release to-date featured by or named as BBC Introducing The South’s ‘Track of the Day’ alongside a feature in Spotify’s ‘Hot New Bands’ playlist.

From an early age singer/songwriter Benji Lamb was fascinated with ‘capturing’ experiences, exploring “the murky bits” through lyrics and striking upon a truth that resonates. It's a stream of consciousness approach to song writing with a propensity to write solid hooks, driven at the time by mental health complications.   “I was diagnosed as Bi-Polar” says Lamb “and had to sit with a lot of darkness, which tends to spur you on; to create and re-imagine something new”.. ‘’This our most honest & authentic work to-date’’.

IN CONTROL further develops the sound of PAVILION as they make their way to the release of their debut EP . IN CONTROL offers a soaring pop opening and driving chorus, with an underlying vulnerability that provides contrast to the previously released UNSETTLED.

Benji Lamb describes the new single as "hard won happiness" about a "desperation and craving to feel something wonderful".

Inspired by the eclectic life in cities this is undoubtably PAVILION’s most ambitious effort yet, with a music video developed in collaboration with Hey Girl Magazine.

Taken from forthcoming EP ’SELF TALK’, produced by Julian Tardo (War On Drugs, Fujiya Miyagi, Insides, Fear of Men), it's the evolving sound of a band with stadium sized ambition. Tardo helped shape the forthcoming EP into a cohesive body of work, a record that truly warrants the growing exposure PAVILION are receiving.

PAVILION will perform at the Alternative Great Escape, May 2021, and have supported the likes of Airways, Lottery Winners and Vegan Leather plus boast a sold out single launch to boot.

‘IN CONTROL’ is out September 11th on Pavilion Records with their EP ‘’SELF TALK’ scheduled for release 13th November 2020. The band promise ‘SELF TALK’ will be a strong statement of intent for 2020.

In two words: Must Listen !!

 

Links:

https://paviliontheband.com/
https://www.facebook.com/paviliontheband/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1l24eBqK4rx75BgbIna4YD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnKeBtQUUow
https://www.instagram.com/pavilionband/

FACTORY - Aiming High

70’s band Factory re-formed back in 2015 bringing new music, well after a great deal of time they are back to bring us brand new music by releasing their brand new album Aiming High on 25th September.

Factory, a rock band originally formed in Hastings, UK, in the ‘70s, return with their second album since they re-formed in 2015, called “Aiming High”.
The band members have been friends since teenagers, and after much success going their separate ways, decided to reunite many years later.

In their early days they were a busy touring band, supporting Fleetwood Mac, Status Quo, The Scorpions, Suzi Quatro, 10cc etc, and were the test band for Roger Daltrey’s home studio, but they never made an album.  

All the original members are still there -
TONY QUNTA (Edgar Winter, Hazel O’Connor) on lead guitar, electric violin & vocals
ANDY QUNTA, (Icehouse, Hazel O’Connor, co-writer of John Farnham’s You’re The Voice) on keyboards, electric 12-string guitar, vocals
LAURIE COOKSEY, on drums & vocals
GEOFF “Jaffa” PECKHAM , on bass & vocals
plus Jaffa’s replacement from ‘74-‘76, bassist
STEVE KINCH (Manfred Mann’s Earth Band) on 6 of the 12 tracks.

In two words: Must Listen !! 

 

Links:

https://www.factory1970.com/
https://www.facebook.com/factory1970

RAMBLER THE BAND - Savages

Rodrigo Gutierrez (All instruments and Voice) is a self taught musician influenced by Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Nirvana.

"Savages" his first EP, crafted in his home studio in Lyon, is self produced and self recorded. He only got some help from Phil Archer for the mixing process.

But what Rodrigo has to say about the songs in the EP ?
"1. Low Light . Is an insturmental track that opens the EP. It came to my mind while I was driving by night on the mountains. I got sort of a scary feeling. 2. Savages. It goes about seeking joy or 'joie de vivre" while living an adult life. 3. Ride. Celebrate life, the highs and lows of our existence. 4. Shadows, It goes about our secrets, things we want to hide. 5. Flying Solo, music experimentation, looking for new and exciting sounds." 

In two words: Very Good !

 

CHAMPION MOTORIST - Slight Return

Champion Motorist is a post-rock band from Melbourne Australia. Andrew McLaughlin plays guitar and Paul Shea plays drums. They go about their business crafting sprawling post-rock infused soundscapes all while working within the confines of a duo - not that it’s overly obvious. It’s a sonic bombardment of textural guitar drones woven between intricate layers of melodic fuzz and pummelling drum grooves. There’s also some old-school rock riffage and floating synth lines thrown in for good measure.

McLaughlin & Shea go back a long way. They met as teenagers living in the outer western suburbs of Melbourne Australia. Both began playing music early on and came to play in several local bands before University degrees and work-life sent them in separate directions. McLaughlin eventually went on to form Radiant City with Brad Marshall while studying at RMIT in 1999 while Shea focused on family, career and moonlighted in various prog-rock outfits in and around Melbourne. 

Radiant City toured Australia extensively for over 10 years until an indefinite hiatus eventually stalled the remainder of their plans. Fortunately both members continued with other projects, one of which was an early incarnation of Champion Motorist. In early 2018 McLaughlin & Shea reconnected, almost 20 years after they last played music together and immediately began writing and recording. It only took two rehearsals to write 5 new songs, three of which appear on their debut Mini-EP.

Divided was self-recorded by the band in their regular rehearsal space and McLaughlin’s home studio. There was no significant planning or overthinking undertaken heading into the session, the band simply set out to document the music they had come upon during the previous weeks of jamming and improvising. Afterwards, to finish things off a little, the mastering duties were handed over to long-time co-conspirator and Melbourne based noiser Nao Anzai. 

Slight Return is Champion Motorist’s second release and is a thematic follow-up to their debut. It was also self-recorded by the band however this time the band relocated to a cavenous orchestra/ensemble room at The Melbourne Conservatorium of Music to experiment and expand their sound - literally! The music began as it always does for Champion Motorist - long improvised jams that are completely deconstructed and rebuilt as complete ‘songs.’ It’s the basic less-is-more/keep it simple approach of guitar + drums and volume, lots of volume. For two short days in December 2019 the band tracked the drums then over the next few months McLaughlin tinkered with the guitar tracks and mixing until it was ready to pass on to Nao Anzai for mastering once again.

“Undeniably powerful, spacious, textural, melodic and laden with understated riffs & rhythms” Slight Return is the next chapter in Champion Motorist’s evolution. There’s plenty more to come with another release scheduled for late 2020/early 2021, three more songs to round out a three track EP trilogy.

Slight Return was released on September 25 2020 on Machines Survive and is available to purchase via Bandcamp and stream from Spotify / Apple Music / Soundcloud...

In one word: Excellent !!! 

Other Links:

http://championmotorist.bandcamp.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/championmotorist/