Junior have spent two years writing 'Beautiful Life', recording it across three studios, with the simple goal of pushing out the boat both with their own sound, and with the messages they can get out in their songs. They work long and then work hard, and it's safe to say that they've proved they're not just another pop punk band.
Sunsleeper's new album 'You Can Miss Something & Not Want It Back' is a bold statement, both in title and music. They don't shy away from the emo label, readily embracing their influences on the new record. But the fact is, anything could happen on an emo revival album.
Let's not beat about the bush here, The St Pierre Snake Invasion have one of those band names you just don't take seriously, like Chunk! No, Captain Chunk!. The fact is, Chunk and most other bands who have made it anywhere despite having a ridiculous name can back themselves up with good music. With the new record from The St Pierre Snake Invasion, however, the question lies not in the name, but in the music.
It seems these days I write the word 'punk' in practically every piece I write, be that punk of the pop variety, of the hardcore variety, or of the not very good variety. 'Born A Cynic', Weatherstate's first full length, ticks the boxes of the first two.
The Ballet, a queer NYC based indie-pop duo, present to the world their fourth full length, strangely titled 'Matchy Matchy'. This is definitely not something I'd choose to listen to, but here goes.
It's not really debatable at this point that Texas Hippie Coalition have a formula that, nine times out of ten, they stick to. They call it red dirt metal, and it's crunching, chugging, raw riffs, growling vocals and subject matter typically surrounding drinking, women, shooting, or being a cowboy. And somehow, six albums in, it still kinda works, here more so than before.
Kurokuma's new EP 'Sheffield's Best Metal Bands Vol. 1' sounds, from the title, like a compilation of local acts. It is, in fact, a 4 track EP of psychedelic, doom sludge. Whatever that means, I'm just quoting the press packet if I'm being honest.
Hollywood Undead at the Leeds o2 Academy is, thus far, the biggest gig I've reviewed. They're also, as the saying goes, not my cup of tea. However, Avatar aren't my cup of tea. Royal Republic aren't (really) my cup of tea. Five Finger Death Punch definitely aren't my cup of tea. And I enjoyed all of those bands live.
According to other people, Death Blooms are a big thing for the UK hardcore scene, so the release of their new EP 'You Are Filth' is an important point for the band. Having only 4 songs, however, means they have to deliver the goods. And they do, but theres a few bads in there too.
New New Years Day record 'Unbreakable' comes after a dissatisfied band scrapped a tonne of songs and set out to write a new batch, all ready to explode and show both the band's anger and pride. Costello wanted to go somewhere different, and she has.
Sometimes you can judge what a show is going to be like by the crowd. Dream State at the Key Club in Leeds was one of those shows.
Dave Hause’s new record ‘Kick’ is simply ten songs about being strong, understanding that we all struggle and kicking back against the things that kick you when you’re down. But underneath the lyrical meaning, what we actually have here is an album that’s actually very, very good. And I’ll explain why.
Having only gotten into Deaf Havana after their latest record 'Rituals', but certainly liking what I heard, I jumped at the chance to check out their live show with my friend. With two other, very different bands on the bill as well, I knew it'd be an interesting night.
Lotus Eater's new EP 'Social Hazard' is a 7 track fast paced angry extravaganza of biblical proportion. The song lengths are consistently short, which works far better for this metalcore outfit, especially from the point of view of someone who doesn't listen to the genre. And that's not because it's over fast. It's because it actually makes it feel accessible rather than overpowering. After reviewing I expected to find myself in a cold sweat, but in actual fact, I was only slightly too warm.
I got sent this album and, frankly, it isn't my cup of tea. But the thing is, I go and see my dad's aunt a lot, and she puts way too much milk in the tea she makes me. That isn't my cup of tea either, but I swallow it and it hydrates me. That's exactly the feeling this record gives me. I must note, if you're thinking about listening because you like AFI...it isn't even slightly like AFI.
