Friday 14 October 2016

THE QEMISTS RELEASE NEW SINGLE FEATURING HACKTIVIST



Following on from tours with Enter Shikari and Crossfaith, plus a slew of summer festivals across Europe, THE QEMISTS are now set to release Jungle, their third single from this year's Warrior Sound album. The track features none other than the mighty Hacktivist. THE QEMISTS’ Dan Arnold says of the collaboration: “When we started making Warrior Sound, Hacktivist were right up there on our list of people we'd love to collaborate with. Jungle was one of the first tracks to be created for the record and we knew we wanted Ben and J to feature on it.

“Like Run You, we felt that Jungle was a track that really defined Warrior Sound sonically, and the guys got the vibe straight away. They were hyped when they arrived at our studio in Brighton, and their verses connected like a right hook!” The single release is accompanied by an explosive video by Video Ink, the company behind THE QEMISTS' hugely popular Run You video, which has accumulated close to one million views.

“Fired up was the aim of the game when it came to making the video”, says Dan. “We thank the guys for their help on a long and hot day, in an abandoned factory, during a heat wave. It was awesome to hang out with them too, during the few breaks we had in a balls-to-the-wall schedule!” Check it out here:


THE QEMISTS play the Voodoo Rock Halloween Ball at Electrowerkz, Islington on 28th October before heading out for more tour dates in France, Czech Republic and Russia. THE QEMISTS are, in many ways, something of a conundrum. They’re rock kids seduced by the dancefloor, dance kids equally happy playing live instruments or building tracks on the computer, drum & bass aficionados who believe their hurtling breakbeats sound best under big muscular metallic guitar riffs.

Tour dates: 28/10 – Electrowerkz, London, UK 10/11 – La Citrouille, St Briuec, France 12/11 – Fleda, Brno, CZ 13/11 – Roxy, Prague, CZ 17/11 – Universite de Poitiers, France 18/11 – Glazart, Paris, France 19/11 – Les Cuizine, Chelles, France 25/11 – Club Opera, Saint Petersburg, Russia 26/11 – Volta, Moscow, Russia

ALTER BRIDGE - Hit The Charts In The UK & Germany



Congratulations to ALTER BRIDGE and the latest effort The Last Hero! The highly anticipated album has hit the charts in the UK & Germany at the following entries: #1 UK Independent Album Charts #3 UK Official Album Charts #5 German Official Album Charts The Last Hero was produced by longtime friend and collaborator Michael “Elvis” Baskette (Slash, Tremonti, Trivium, etc) and mastered by Grammy award winner Ted Jensen. This brand new release is a monster that builds upon the sound that ALTER BRIDGE has become known for with their uncompromised vocal melodies, untouchable dueling guitar work and pounding rhythm section!

ALTER BRIDGE has already announced its long-anticipated return to Europe. Their biggest headline shows yet, the 24-date tour treks 15 countries and kicks off on November 4. Special guests include Danish rockers VOLBEAT, French progressive metallers GOJIRA and up-and-comers LIKE A STORM.

ALTER BRIDGE EUROPEAN TOUR DATES 2016:

With: Like A Storm 04.11.16 ES - BILBAO / Santana 27 05.11.16 ES - BARCELONA / Razzmatazz 08.11.16 FR - PARIS / Zenith 09.11.16 BE - BRUSSELS / AB 10.11.16 NL - AMSTERDAM / HMH 13.11.16 DE - BERLIN / Columbiahalle 14.11.16 AT - VIENNA / Gasometer 16.11.16 PL - KATOWICE / Spodek 18.11.16 SE - STOCKHOLM / Annexet 20.11.16 NO - OSLO / Sentrum Scene 21.11.16 DK - COPENHAGEN / Vega Main Hall

With: Volbeat, Gojira, Like A Storm 23.11.16 UK - MANCHESTER / Arena 24.11.16 UK - LONDON / O2 Arena 26.11.16 UK - NOTTINGHAM / Motorpoint Aren 27.11.16 UK - BIRMINGHAM / Genting Arena 28.11.16 UK - CARDIFF / Motorpoint Arena 01.12.16 UK - GLASGOW / Hydro 02.12.16 UK - LEEDS / First Direct Arena

With: Gojira, Like A Storm 04.12.16 DE - FRANKFURT / Jahrhunderthalle 05.12.16 DE - COLOGNE / Palladium 06.12.16 DE - HAMBURG / Mehr! Theater 09.12.16 IT - BOLOGNA / Unipol Arena 10.12.16 DE - MUNICH / Zenith 11.12.16 CH - BASEL / Jakobshalle

ALTER BRIDGE burst onto the music scene in 2004 with the release of their gold-selling debut, One Day Remains. In 2007, the band released Blackbird, the album that elevated the band’s profile worldwide. The epic solo in the title track “Blackbird” was voted “Greatest Guitar Solo Of All Time” by Guitarist Magazine. ABIII was released in 2010 and the single “Isolation” gave the band their first #1 single. In 2013, the band reached an elevated creative and critical plateau with Fortress. It bowed at #12 on the Billboard Top 200, moving over 30,000 copies first-week and earning unanimous tastemaker praise. The record garnered perfect scores from Total Guitar and KERRANG! as well as acclaim from Billboard, The Guardian, Loudwire, Ultimate Guitar, and many more. In between sold out tours in Europe and North America, the guys appeared on VH1 and graced the cover of Classic Rock Magazine who labeled Fortress, “The best thing they’ve ever done,” while Eddie Trunk called it, “A top 10 album of the last 10 years.” Alter Bridge has appeared on The Tonight Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live and their music has been used by the WWE, Major League Baseball and NASCAR to name a few.

ALTER BRIDGE Line-up: Myles Kennedy on vocals/guitars Mark Tremonti on guitars/vocals Brian Marshall on bass Scott Phillips on drums

The Wild! Announce "Wild At Heart" LP, New Single



Canadian rock powerhouse THE WILD! have debuted a brand new single today titled "Ready To Roll" exclusively via REVOLVER MAGAZINE. "This is a straight up Wild! song through & through man," says vocalist and lead guitarist Dylan Villain. "To me, it's all about freedom & goin' that extra mile when things need to be done. Whatever it is. Whenever it is. Whether we've been on the road for months playin' shows or you're still on from last night & gotta go to work the next day... Was it worth it? Hell yeah, it was worth it. We're Ready To Roll."

The band is also announcing their all new LP titled Wild At Heart due out February 17, 2017 via Entertainment One (eOne). Villain continues, "This record is a big one for me. All of us, man. I really had to go through some shit to get things right on this one. I can honestly sit here today & tell you that we made the best record we possibly could. I'm proud as hell of it and I can't wait for all of you to hear it. It's everything I wanted it to be." The tracklist and artwork is also available below. Produced by Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Metallica, Airbourne, Aerosmith) at Armoury Studios in Vancouver, Wild At Heart will serve as the follow-up to their debut EP GxDxWxB, which stands for "God Damn Wild Boys," that was released in 2015. Wild At Heart will be their first full-length for Entertainment One (eOne). On vocals/lead guitar, DYLAN VILLAIN embodies all of the reckless abandon and good-natured devilish charm that could only be born in a very small backwoods community. Counterbalancing Villain's snakebite rasp is bassist/vocalist BOOZUS. Beer drinkin’, beard havin’, fly-fishin’ are his favorite past times.

Kickin’ ass & keeping time is drummer REESE LIGHTNING. A beast with beats & everyone’s favorite asshole. You’ll love him! Rounding out THE WILD!'s lineup is “THE KID” on rhythm guitar and backing vocals. Young blood and zero fucks given. What The Kid lacks in age, he makes up in attitude and swagger.

“I feel like for every thousand bands that are out there right now you’ll get maybe ten that believe the things they’re singing about, which is the most important thing to me in any genre,” says VILLAIN. “I don’t give a shit what kind of music you play. If you care about it then really give yourself to that moment. Our fans aren’t stupid and I feel that they’re hungry for things that aren’t so disposable.”

The Wild! are wrapping up their North American tour this week, supporting Airbourne. Watch for The Wild! on the road this fall. On October 28th, thee begin a new North American tour in Seattle opening for Buckcherry, and Sebastian Bach. Full listings will be added to The Wild!’s Website.



1. Ready To Roll 2. Livin' Free 3. White Devil 4. Another Bottle 5. Best In The West 6. Six Hundred Sixty Six 7. Rattlesnake Shake 8. Run Home 9. Down At The Bottom 10. Kansas City Shuffle

Thursday 13 October 2016

SUMO CYCO REVEAL VIDEO FOR BRAND NEW TRACK 'ANTI-ANTHEM' - Tour with ALIEN ANT FARM starts next week



Currently busy in the studio, SUMO CYCO have taken a moment out from working on the follow up to 2014’s ‘Lost In Cyco City’ to share a brand new track from their forthcoming new album, due out next year. Singer SEVER checked in to say: "I'm so excited to release Anti-Anthem and finally roll out some of the creations we've been working on behind closed doors. I hope everyone finds the same power in Anti-Anthem as I do."

"Anti-Anthem lyrically was inspired by the refugee crisis, but as time went on, the lyrics spoke to so many issues happening in the world today.” "Anti-Anthem the music video is setting the tone for the whole next album "OPUS MAR". Opus Mar is a train that runs through Cyco City and all the surrounding areas. The visuals for this record all revolve around this train. So you better get on board!" Check out Anti-Anthem here:


The Canadian punk-metallers have recently announced their return to the UK in October, where they will embark on a mammoth 17 date tour supporting ALIEN ANT FARM. "If someone told me when I was 13 rocking out to Smooth Criminal in my bedroom that I'd be touring with Alien Ant Farm 15 years later in England, Ireland & Scotland, never would've believed them! Life is crazy sometimes!" says SEVER. "We're extremely stoked to be part of this line-up and are over the moon that UK wants us back again. Every time we get back to the UK we're welcomed with more and more cyco fans and we couldn't be more excited!”

Catch them at the following shows with ALIEN ANT FARM and hed(p.e): Oct 18 Wakefield Warehouse 23 Oct 19 Edinburgh La Belle Angele Oct 20 Aberdeen Garage Oct 21 Belfast Empire Oct 22 Dublin Voodoo Lounge Oct 24 Preston 53 Degrees Oct 25 Bristol Marble Factory Oct 26 Chester Live Rooms Oct 27 Leamington Spa Assembly Oct 28 Southampton Engine Rooms Oct 30 Wolverhampton Slade Rooms Oct 31 London O2 Academy Islington Nov 2 Barnstaple Factory Nov 3 Reading Sub 89 Nov 4 Southend Chinnerys Nov 5 Hull The Welly Nov 6 Oxford O2 Academy

She/Her announce Fall tour dates



She/Her is a pedal band all the way from the windy city, Chicago who are announcing their ten-day fall tour with Mildrid. She/Her's run starts on 11/10 and ends on 11/20. Below are the dates:

11/10 Quad Cities // She/Her only 11/11 Bloomington, IN // She/Her only 11/12 Athens, OH // w/ Mildrid 11/13 Richmond, VA // w/ Mildrid 11/14 Silver Springs, MD // w/ Mildrid 11/15 Philadelphia, PA // w/ Mildrid 11/16 Pittsburgh, PA // w/ Mildrid 11/18 Kent, OH // She/Her only 11/19 Grand Rapids, MI // She/Her only 11/20 Chicago, IL // She/Her only

Only starting this year She/Her made their way from basements all the way to SXSW. Continuing what they love they are excited to go on a small fall run hitting the Midwest and some of the East Coast.

About She/Her: She/Her is a pair of plucky trans kids from the Chicago area. Made up of Andrea (She/Her) and Roday (He/Him) make up She/Her. Starting in Andrea’s basement making loud emo music they made it from Chicago all the way to SXSW in March of 2016. Even though they may only be playing basements, they have lots of heart, lots of reverb, lots of feedback and lots of flowers. But the one thing they never forget is that they are always beautiful.

CYBER TRACKS Announce Christmas Show December 16 At Whisky A Go-Go. L.A.



Los Angeles-based record label CYBER TRACKS are excited to announce their second annual Christmas Party at the world famous Whiskey A Go-Go in Los Angeles on December 16th. The line-up for the night includes Unwritten Law, Pulley, Implants, This Legend, and Margate. Cyber Tracks co-owner/NOFX guitarist Aaron "El Hefe" Abeyta will be DJing that evening as well.

"We are honored to be hosting our second Christmas party," exclaims label co-owner, Jen Abeyta. "I'm so proud of this year's lineup. I can't wait to hang out in the audience and watch some of my favorite band's play. It's going to be a great night!"

GA tickets for the show are $20 while VIP (includes access to balcony seating) are $40. Tickets can be purchased HERE.

About Cyber Tracks: Since 2012, Cyber Tracks has been at the forefront of releasing some of the best punk, rock, and reggae music of the decade. Even with a legendary roster of bands, the Cyber Tracks family seeks to remain in partnership with their bands, championing a 'by artists, for artists' mentality. The complete Cyber Tracks roster includes Unwritten Law, Pulley, Implants, This Legend, Fenix TX, Ten Foot Pole, Warner Drive, Margate, and Counterpunch.

Wednesday 12 October 2016

Mercury Prize nominee C DUNCAN Readies Second Album (out Friday)


Photo Credit: Warrick Beyers

Gearing up for the release of his sophomore album The Midnight Sun this Friday, October 14, 2016, Mercury Prize nominee and Twilight Zone aficionado C DUNCAN has teamed up with PopMatters to premiere the new in-studio video for the track “Do I Hear.” Called “deliciously dreamy” by the music tome, they go on to say that the song has “a harmonic complexity and tonal richness that complements the gentle electronics and acoustic elements.” The live video can be seen here: www.popmatters.com.

Framed with a thematic and atmospheric nod to the original The Twilight Zone, The Midnight Sun carries on the brooding, stylized aesthetic of the classic 1960s series. “I knew I wanted the album to have more of a theme/thread throughout it which Architect didn’t have,” he continues. “I wanted to capture the atmosphere and create something that is almost an anthology series styled album, in which all the tracks tie together stylistically without being one big conceptual record.”

His new album, The Midnight Sun carries on that dedication to quality and creativity. Press Play lauds, "An extremely prodigious talent, it’s about time the world took notice of C Duncan. The Midnight Sun might just be the LP to make the leap." The 405 says it "sounds even more magnificent than before. That pulsing synth spine holding the whole thing together, it's even more floaty and time stopping... I think this one is for real worth getting excited about."

Conceptually sound and musically cohesive, The Midnight Sun sees the DIY producer return with a more expansive and experimental second offering, blending electronic elements and sweeping synth sounds with his signature layered vocals and dreamy instrumentation. From the pastoral opening track “Of Nothing More” with C Duncan’s layered vocals leading the listener through a rhythmic pop beat, to the snare shuffle of “The Other Side” to the spacy vastness of “Jupiter,” The Midnight Sun is an expansive tapestry of textures and tones, expertly crafted around his unique and ear-turning songwriting. Like Architect, The Midnight Sun was recorded and produced entirely by C Duncan in his Glasgow flat, using his bedroom studio set-up and gradually adding each layer and each instrument one at a time.

Born and bred in Glasgow, C Duncan has been surrounded by music his whole life. With a childhood foundation in piano and viola and later discovering the more rock standards of guitar, bass and drums, he studied music composition at Royal Conservatoire of Scotland where he produced work that has been performed by various musical ensembles across the UK. Opting for the more contemporary rock lifestyle, he fast-tracked from playing basement venues alone to selling out 900 cap venues within a year, his live show growing by leaps and bounds. Now joined by a three-piece band, they provide the perfect backdrop for his hushed vocals and help execute the plentiful harmonies with mesmerizing precision.

The Midnight Sun was performed, record and produced by C Duncan and will be released by FatCat Records on October 14, 2016.

LILITH AND THE KNIGHT unleash debut EP ‘Insanity’ November 25th. New video out now.



On November 25th Lilith and the Knight release their ferocious debut EP ‘Insanity’ on Red Vixen Records. The Insanity EP is brimming with crisp riffs, taut songwriting and killer choruses. The title track is heavier and darker in tone than Wake Up and closer to the overall picture the band want their music to paint. The heavy sound and macabre atmosphere of Insanity is followed by three further intensely honest songs; the dynamic Formaldehyde is pursued by the fast frenetic and bluesy N.H.S. - No Health Society before the Sabbathesque Matriarch closes the EP.

Dark, provocative and creepy the Insanity video was filmed in an abandoned mental asylum in a deep dark corner of England but the band have been “forbidden from saying more”. Gorge yourself now in the visually intoxicating Insanity video here:



Dynamically fluid; from a whisper to a thunderclap, the music is a dark and seductive full on assault to the senses. Lilith’s mesmerising vocals absolutely soar: from tantalizing melodic phrases to full on venomous screams, Lilith captivates with sincerity. The thunderous rhythm section provided by Francesco and Tom is unwavering, and refreshing unique, while Adam’s guitar is lightning: vicious crunching riffs, supersonic solos and Hendrixian feedback really add a spark to the sound.

Few bands seethe with the hunger to take on the greats. Even fewer have the songs to back it up but Lilith and the Knight do. With the salacious, delicate and fierce Lilith commanding the respect and attention of any audience, no two Lilith and the Knight performances are ever the same. ‘Exciting, Sexy and Loud!’ Lilith and the Knight strikes another ferocious blow for heavy music, with Insanity finding them on unassailable form.

Insanity EP track listing: 01 Insanity. 02 Formaldehyde. 03 N.H.S. - No Health Society. 04 Matriarch.

DOPE - new BLOOD MONEY PT. 1 studio album released October 28th on STEAMHAMMER / SPV



Vital American Industrial Metallers DOPE have lined up the release of their long-awaited sixth studio album, ‘Blood Money Pt. 1’, on Steamhammer / SPV on October 28th and announced their first ever UK headline gig on November 7th, when the classic Dope line up of Edsel Dope, Acey Slade, Virus and Racci Shay are set to play live at London’s 02 Islington Academy.

‘Blood Money Pt. 1’, the follow up to 2009’s highly acclaimed ‘No Regrets’ album, will be available as a DigiPak CD, double gatefold 180 gram transparent red vinyl LP, (with printed inner sleeves + album CD in a cardboard sleeve) and download.

Explaining the lengthy gestation period of ‘Blood Money Part 1’, Edsel Dope states that “We toured virtually non-stop for more than 10 years. It was just time for a little break from the ever present gypsy life. Once I was off of that unrelenting roller coaster for a minute, it became time for me to prioritize some other areas of my life, and to focus on some very important things that I had been neglecting for quite a while. During the down time I continued to write new material and the band continued to play regional dates, but there was definitely a shift from the (pedal to the metal) philosophy that had become the status quo, since the band first hit the scene. Because of this, it seemed to many that the band had gone into hiding, while the truth is, we simply shifted gears for a while.”

“The collection of songs written for ‘Blood Money’, represent a larger chunk of my life than previous albums. It only feels appropriate for me to keep all of these songs under the same title. Now that this process is fully in motion, I anticipate that ‘Blood Money Part 2’ will follow Part 1, relatively quickly… ‘Blood Money’ picks up where our last album ‘No Regrets left off. It is heavy, melodic, and technical, and like all Dope albums, it is very broad in its song selection and sound, while also touching on a variety of topics. Saying all of that, ‘Blood Money’ is also a bit more of a personal album for me, a bit more of a look inward, rather than me looking outward on this album. I went through a lot of growth, on a personal level, over the last few years and some of that is depicted in the new music.”

Edsel Dope’s responsibilities on ‘Blood Money’ include producing, engineering, mixing, programming, art conception, video direction, vocals, & live drums, as well as sharing writing and performance duties on guitar, bass, and more. ‘Blood Money’ features a unique mix of support musicians; Dope mainstay guitarist Virus can be heard on multiple tracks, while new musical partner Nikk Dibs played a large role in guitar / bass / programming and production. Former Chimera guitarist Matt Szlachta and Chicago shredder DJ Nelson were also recruited by Edsel for some of the guitar work and collaborations on ‘Blood Money’.

“I appreciate all of the people that contributed to this album and to Dope, in general throughout the years” says Edsel. “I have a talented support group, and a great team of (go to guys) for touring and recording. Every album has consisted of a different line up, so I have a lot of talented people to choose from at any given time. We are all grown-ups and I have a truly great relationship with all of these guys. Dope has been a bit of a breeding ground for talent; so many of the dudes that came up through the Dope fraternity have gone on to be part of some very successful things”: Device, Static-X, The Murder Dolls, Joan Jett & The Black Hearts, and most recently Marilyn Manson and The Misfits Reunion, to name a few.

The video for the title track ‘Blood Money’ goes above and beyond the modern standards. In a world where hard rock / metal bands are churning out low budget performance videos, or often times simple lyric videos to support their musical works, Dope continue to take their visual elements to a whole other level. “The music videos and the artwork that surround the recordings are every bit as important to me as the music” says Edsel. “The music video for ‘Blood Money’ is one of my proudest works to date. I put a tremendous amount of time and effort into writing and producing the song, as well as in writing and directing the video.” Check it out:



1ST EVER UK HEADLINE GIG @ 02 ISLINGTON ACADEMY 7TH NOVEMBER

TYLER BRYANT & THE SHAKEDOWN EUROPEAN SHOWS WITH THE CADILLAC THREE



Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown, led into action by Texas-born vocalist / guitarist Tyler Bryant, will play a run of European shows as sole support to longstanding friends and fast-rising rockers the Cadillac Three from November 5th - 22nd.

TB&TS – purveyors of electrifying rock ‘n’ roll, with blues and alternative leanings also coming into play – last visited Europe in May / June to guest with rock legends AC/DC, as well as playing selected headline dates of their own. Since that time, 25-year-old Tyler, now based in Nashville, plus band-mates Caleb Crosby (drums), Graham Whitford (guitar) and Noah Denney (bass), have been hard at work touring across the States, hitting stages in support of Black Label Society and Guns n’ Roses (more heavyweight names to add to a list that already includes Jeff Beck, ZZ Top & Aerosmith!).

Now, the band are ready to unleash their high-proof blend of melody, muscle and psychedelic mystique alongside The Cadillac Three, joining forces with the Nashville trio for shows in the UK, Germany & the Netherlands, as well as slotting in headline dates of their own in the UK, France & Belgium.

Says Tyler: “We made so many new friends across Europe earlier this year while touring with AC/DC. I'm excited that we get to return so quickly, say hello, and rock out once again. We've known the Cadillac Three guys for years, and this will be the first time we've ever joined forces on the road. It's going to be wild to say the least!"

The full list of shows is as follows (NOVEMBER w/ The Cadillac Three): 5 – Manchester, O2 Ritz, UK 6 – London, Shepherd’s Bush Empire, UK 7 – Cambridge, Junction, UK 9 – Glasgow, O2 ABC, UK 10 – Birmingham, O2 Academy, UK 11 – Bristol, O2 Academy, UK 12 – Oxford, Academy 2, UK* 13 – Tunbridge Wells, The Forum, UK* 15 – Berlin, Frannz Club, Germany 16 – Cologne, MTC, Germany 17 – Hamburg, Nochtspeicher, Germany 18 – Munich, Backstage, Germany 20 – Amsterdam, Sugar Factory, Holland 21 – Paris, Divan Du Monde, France* 22 – Ostend, Bada Bing, Belgium* | *Headline shows

TB&TS’s latest release, and first for Spinefarm/Varvatos, is six-track EP ‘The Wayside’; produced, recorded & mixed by Vance Powell (Jack White, Seasick Steve), these half-dozen tracks see the musicians showing the full scope and sway of their collective vision – from giant groove rockers such as ‘Stitch It Up’, ‘Mojo Workin’’ and ‘Loaded Dice & Buried Money’ through to the hypnotic swagger of ‘Devil’s Keep’ and the atmospheric plea that is ‘The Wayside’, with Tyler’s background in the blues (he’s a recipient of the Robert Johnson Foundation’s ‘New Generation’ award, and studied under the late, respected Roosevelt Twitty Sr.) ensuring that raw emotion is never far from the surface.

Tuesday 11 October 2016

BEAR HANDS Premiere Music Video For “Boss” On Noisey


Photo Credit - Nina Westervelt

BEAR HANDS have partnered with Noisey to debut their new music video for their track, “Boss." Directed by Ethan Berger and edited by Bear Hands guitarist, Ted Feldman, “Boss” is off the band’s 3rd studio album You’ll Pay For This (released April 2016).

The video features Robert Rexx who has acted in over 150 music videos (Rihanna, Coldplay, Lady Gaga), and follows his character’s, a disillusioned father and husband’s, descent into middle-aged debauchery.

"It's always exciting to get an opportunity to make something with Ted," Berger explains to Noisey. "He's been a close friend and collaborator since college. He's in the band but he also edited the video. I wrote this for Robert. Robert plays a stay at home dad — but not by choice. His home life makes him claustrophobic. He internalizes this until the end of the video — his family's there to clean up. The people who make him feel trapped are the ones to clean up his mess."

In addition to the video, Bear Hands are excited to be on NBC’s Last Call With Carson Daly on Thursday, October 13th. The band’s performance on the show was filmed at Los Angeles’ historic Palladium.

Bear Hands are on tour now with UK’s Foals and will be making a stop at Voodoo Music + Arts Festival later this month. The band will also be headlining dates with some dates including support from Savoire Adore and Relations. Complete tour dates below.

Bear Hands is Dylan Rau, TJ Orscher, Val Loper and Ted Feldman

BEAR HANDS - TOUR DATES @with Foals and Kiev | # Savoir Adore supports | ^ with Foals | *Relations

October 12 – George’s Majestic Lounge – Fayetteville, AR # October 13 – recordBar – Kansas City, MO # October 14 – The Ready Room – St. Louis, MO # October 16 – High Noon Saloon – Madison, WI # October 18 – The Magic Bag – Ferndale, MI # October 19 – A&R Music Bar – Columbus, OH # October 20 – 20th Century Theatre – Cincinnati, OH # October 21 – Mercy Lounge – Nashville, TN # October 23 – 1904 Music Hall – Jacksonville, FL # October 24 - High Dive - Gainesville, FL October 25 – Revolution – Fort Lauderdale, FL @ October 26 – The Ritz Ybor – Tampa, FL @ October 28 – Voodoo Experience – New Orleans, LA October 29 – Park Tavern – Atlanta, GA @ October 31 – Electric Factory – Philadelphia, PA @ November 1 – House of Blues – Boston, MA @ November 3 – Echostage – Washington, DC @ November 4 – United Palace Theatre – New York, NY @ November 5 – College Street Music Hall – New Haven, CT @ November 7 – Sound Academy – Toronto, ON ^ November 9 – Riviera Theatre – Chicago, IL ^ November 10 – Grog Shop – Cleveland, OH* November 11 - Waiting Room - Buffalo, NY*

Sunday 9 October 2016

The Mission - Interview with Simon Hinkler. October 1st, 2016 @ The Academy Dublin





Interviewed by Pascal Derrien for RockChickenz Film/edit Dani Kammler

Album Review: RAGING SPEEDHORN - 'Lost Ritual', Released July 15th, 2016


RAGING SPEEDHORN - 'Lost Ritual'
Released July 15th, 2016

Interesting that Raging Speedhorn is back! Their style has been described as heavy metal, sludge metal or nu metal even. Well I think it is obviously metal with a hint of hardcore influence, especially with vocalist Frank Regan.

This is the first album in 11 years... but before heading into the studios those guys have been tirelessly touring for almost two years and it pays off. Let’s get it out of the way guys: 'Lost Ritual' is a good album - a very good album indeed.

Bring Out Your Dead, the opening track is a killer, Motorhead, the track :), is a turbo train, Evil or Mental Bass line will introduce your head to a trashing up and down festival while your ears will be delighted to handle Comin’ Home. Its sound reminiscent of C.O.C at times.

Well produced by Russ Russell at the Parlour Studios, this album was made possible by the incredible Pledge donations by fans around the world. Strong follow up and peers respect seem to go in pair when it comes to this band, so no wonder why Monster Magnet picked Half Way To Hell for a split 7. If this is not a sign of recognition, what is it then?

Listen peeps, I am not gonna labour the point: this is good music if you like your metal hot, violent and in your face! But be careful: Raging Speedhorn take no prisoners... You have been warned!

Overall: I told you that you are listening to this album at your own risk.
If I was to pick 3 only: Bring Out Your Dead, Comin’ Home, Halfway to Hell
Live Test: Your have been warned. :)

Review by Pascal Derrien

Album Review: YELLOWCARD - 'Yellowcard', Released September 30, 2016 via Hopeless Records


YELLOWCARD - 'Yellowcard'
Released September 30, 2016 via Hopeless Records

The Yellowcard album arrived in my household even before I was asked for a review for Rockchickenz. Yes, I am a fan and I have been following them for more than a decade now. Each album has produced some very personal anthems associated with personal events of my life. I cannot listen to them without being deeply touched.

It is more than likely that I would be biased but in my job you got to be objective. So how would I overcome that obstacle? I had to come up with an innovative process which would provide balance and fairness. I decided to bring two friends with me on a 45 minute or so drive in the Irish country side with Yellowcard as the perfect movie sound track.

Here is the outcome. They love the album from the get go and they like the production from the two Ryans; respectively Mr Key and Mr Mendez. Leave The Light On has particularly resonated with my two friends but they like (and I mean love to death) all the tracks from track 6 up to track 10.

The Hurt Is Gone has been stuck on a replay three times in a row. I love the lyrics and my friends love the music: mid-tempo with some accelerations and great vocals. They love the harder sound of Empty Street; a beautifully constructed track full of energy.

Then came Wrecking Ball. I was told: 'Hey, this is the same song as from - you know who'... I said: 'Yes I know'. Beautiful ballad. Music doesn't lie, even if you are a wrecking ball. Savior’s Robes and Fields and Fences have been voted serious best tunes contenders by my two friends.

Both tell me this is a wicked album and I should write about it. I realize I forgot to introduce my two best friends so here you go: This is Emily Kate 7 (going on 14) and Alex 11, respectively my son and daughter. :)

Yellowcard, your album is awesome, that’s what the experts say!

Overall: A damn good album from Yellowcard (is it really the last one?)
If I was to pick 3 only: The Hurt Is Gone, Wrecking Ball, Empty Street
Live test: Please tell me you are coming to Dublin

Review by Pascal Derrien


THE SOUNDS Announce Tour to Celebrate 10th Anniversary of "Dying To Say This To You"



It has been three long years since Swedish indie rockers THE SOUNDS have toured the US and it’s been ten full years since they released their iconic breakthrough album DYING TO SAY THIS TO YOU (2006). Realizing that this has been far too long in both instances, The Sounds have announced that they are returning Stateside for a fresh new tour in celebration of that album’s anniversary. “We realized earlier this year that it was 10 years ago that we released our album Dying To Say This To You and embarked on a journey that took us on tour around the world for almost two years straight,” said the band in a statement to fans. “This was a magical time in our lives and we shared it with so many of you. Now we like you have gotten a little older, some have gotten married, had children, and it has been many years since we’ve hit the road.”

In celebration of this milestone, the band will be kicking off a North American tour starting on November 15th in Salt Lake City, UT and circling around the continent including stops in Chicago (11/20 @ Metro), New York City (11/22 @ Brooklyn’s Warsaw and 11/23 at Irving Plaza), Austin, TX (12/7 at Emo’s) and two dates in Los Angeles (12/13 & 12/14 at The Belasco Theatre). Zipper Club and My Jerusalem will support. Full dates below.

A fan and critical favorite (music industry tome All Music Guide says the album is “rendered with creativity and panache, and it features hooky songwriting so compelling that it's easy to listen to the mere 35 minutes of material on a continuous loop”), Dying To Say This To You is so packed with memorable and massive singles like “Song with a Mission”, “Tony the Beat” and “Painted by Numbers” that a celebratory tour is not only wanted, but anticipated as well. “We knew that when we did decide to go back out, it had to be for something special,” the band continues. “After the response we have gotten from all of you over this year on how much this album meant to you, we knew it was time... We are delighted to announce that we are going to be playing Dying To Say This To You in its entirety, song by song, along with other favorites from all of our albums, and yes, even some new music.”

Formed in 1998 in Sweden, The Sounds exploded on the alt-rock scene with their wildly-lauded 2002 debut Living in America and its breakthrough singles “Seven Days a Week”, “Rock'n Roll”, and the aptly named title track. Fronted by the striking Maja Ivarsson, The Sounds have continued to remain on the forefront of the music scene, releasing a handful of albums, each spawning single after single like “Tony the Beat”, “Painted By Numbers”, “Song With A Mission”, “No One Sleeps When I'm Awake”, “Beatbox”, “Something to Die For", "Dance with the Devil”, “Shake Shake Shake" and "Weekend".

“We are bringing along some friends Zipper Club and My Jerusalem as well to make this an unforgettable night, everywhere we go,” the band adds. “We’ll see you at the party!”

TOUR DATES: 11.15 Salt Lake City, UT In The Venue 11.16 Denver, CO The Summit Music Hall 11.18 Minneapolis, MN Fine Line 11.19 Milwaukee, WI The Rave 11.20 Chicago, IL Metro 11.22 Brooklyn, NY Warsaw 11.23 New York, NY Irving Plaza 11.25 Philadelphia, PA Union Transfer 11. 26 Montréal, QC Corona Theatre 11. 27 Boston, MA Brighton Music Hall 11. 28 Washington, DC The 9:30 Club 11. 29 Toronto, ON Mod Club 12.1 Asbury Park, NJ The Stone Pony 12.3 Atlanta, GA Masquerade 12.4 New Orleans, LA House of Blues 12.6 Dallas, TX Gas Monkey 12.7 Austin, TX Emo's 12.9 El Paso, TX Tricky Falls 12.10 Tempe, AZ Marquee Theater 12.11 San Diego, CA House of Blues 12.13 Los Angeles, CA Belasco Theatre 12.14 Los Angeles, CA Belasco Theatre 12.15 Santa Ana, CA The Observatory OC 12.16 Las Vegas, NV House of Blues 12.18 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore 12.19 Portland, OR Hawthorne Theatre 12.20 Seattle, WA Showbox