Thursday 7 July 2016

Zakk Wylde To Support Guns N' Roses in Phoenix



Guitar icon ZAKK WYLDE today has announced that he will support none other than GUNS N' ROSES in Glendale, AZ on August 15th at the University of Phoenix Stadium.

The support announcement comes just one day before he embarks on a batch of U.S. and Canadian tour dates in continued support of his new LP, Book Of Shadows II. Wylde will hit over 40 cities spread out across the U.S. and Canada this summer including a performance at Heavy MTL Festival in Montreal on August 7th, a first for him as a solo artist. Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown and Jared James Nichols will serve as support.

Wylde, as always, has been on the road nonstop. He wrapped up a buzzworthy stint on Steve Vai's GENERATION AXE TOUR just yesterday in Red Bank, NJ and prior to that served as a marquee artist on THE HENDRIX EXPERIENCE TOUR with the likes of Billy Cox and Buddy Guy. This is the first time Zakk has toured as a headliner in the U.S. and Canada since last year's Unblackened tour.

Zakk Wylde is also releasing a video with SiriusXM's Octane channel today of his special acoustic performance he did. Wylde plays acoustic versions of "Sleeping Dogs," and BLACK SABBATH's classic track "N.I.B."

7/8: Dallas, TX @ Gas Monkey Live 7/9: Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom 7/10: Austin, TX @ Emo’s 7/12: Houston, TX @ House of Blues 7/13: New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues 7/15: Orlando, FL @ The Plaza Live 7/16: Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade 7/18: Millvale, PA @ Mr.Smalls Theatre 7/19: New York, NY @ Webster Hall 7/20: Norfolk, VA @ The NorVa 7/22: Charlotte, NC @ Amos’ Southend 7/23: Louisville, KY @ Mercury Ballroom 7/24: Chicago, IL @ Concord Music Hall 7/26: Minneapolis, MN @ Skyway Theatre 7/28: Detroit, MI @ The Majestic Theatre 7/29: Cleveland, OH @ The Agora Theatre 7/30: Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre Of Living Arts 7/31: Boston, MA @ Royale 8/2: Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live 8/4: Uncasville, CT @ Wolf Den at Mohegan Sun Casino *no support 8/7: Montreal, QC @ HEAVY MTL 8/8: Toronto, ON @ Phoenix Concert Theatre 8/10: Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave 8/11: Lincoln, NE @ Bourbon Theatre 8/13: Sturgis, SD @ Full Throttle Saloon *no support 8/15: Glendale, AZ @ The University of Phoenix Stadium **w/ GUNS N' ROSES** 8/16: Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot 8/18: Missoula, MT @The Wilma 8/19: Calgary, AB @Flames Central 8/20: Saskatoon, SK @ O’Brian’s Event Centre 8/21: Winnipeg, MB @ The Garrick Centre 8/23: Edmonton, AB @ The Ranch Roadhouse 8/25: Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom 8/26: Seattle, WA @ Showbox SODO 8/27: Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory Concert House 8/28: Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater 8/30: San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom 9/1: Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues 9/3: Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda Theatre

Review: Malaya Blue - 'Heartsick', Released 8 April 2016 via MBM Music



Malaya Blue - 'Heartsick'
eleased 8 April 2016 via MBM Music


Guess what? I have found the perfect movie sound track for this summer. Malaya Blue is the name of the creator of the perfect Pop, Blues, Rock and a touch of Country cocktail, composing an exciting and fresh moment of soul joy delivered on an album called Heartsick.

But let me tell you straight that this is more than just entertainment. The ballads, Rock tempos, Jazz hints and an excellent production coupled with Malayas superb and assured vocals will immerse you in Malayas musical world - a world where the songs are not overly demonstrative but are very meticulously crafted. Each note and arrangement has been thought thru - this is a rich album in terms of genre, musicality and musicianship.

Personally I was attracted by the title Color Blind Master with its gentle intro. I don’t see colors either (but I see things :) ) and I can see a bright future for Malaya so much that her voice on this particular title is genuinely carrying the song, allowing her support musicians to show their talents with no pressure. Actually her voice is center stage to all the titles and it is obvious that she is more than willing to take part in a dialogue with the guitar that sometimes is reminiscent of the Pop side of Robert Cray.

As an artist - what can be a better endorsement than having Paul Jones making a guest appearance. All the songs are very good but Soul Come Back is for me the title which with its minimalist piano and subtle and beautiful arrangements reminds me at times of a restrained version of Kate Bush intensity. Heartsick, the song that gives the album its title, is a mid-rock tempo track which is highly enjoyable with its guitar soli and show case a more aggressive Rock tone in Malayas voice. The whole being supported by drums who definitely seem to want to have the last word on this song.

Modern, fresh, light and undeniably talented - this album is BIG stepping stone towards building a fan base beyond the traditional circuit this type of music would traditionally target.

It maybe not be sick, but if your heart is black'n'blue, let Malayas music take care of you.

Review by Pascal Derrien



Overall: I really like it
If you Pick 3 Only: Color Blind, Soul Come Back, Heartsick
Live Test: Judge by yourself


'Heartsick' track listing

01. Heartsick
02. Hunny Little Day Dream
03. Colourblind
04. Let's Reinvent (Love)
05. Acceptance
06. To Remain the Same
07. I Have Arrived
08. Strand of Gold
09. Share the Love
10. Hope
11. Soul Come Back

Get the album here: malayablue.com/shop

THE MISSION announce Peter Murphy and The 69 Eyes as special guest for UK shows



The Mission announce Peter Murphy and The 69 Eyes as their special guests for their 30th Anniversary UK shows. To celebrate their 30th anniversary The Mission set out on their most extensive and ambitious tour since they reformed in 2011 and to coincide with the tour they will release a brand new studio album.

The 30th Anniversary European leg of the tour starts in Dublin on October 1st and includes the Whitby Goth Weekend on November 5th with Pete Murphy playing the October UK shows and The 69 Eyes the November dates. Wayne Hussey exclaims “It’s with absolute honour and delight that I am able to tell you that Peter Murphy has agreed to play these 30th anniversary UK shows as very special guest of The Mission in October. Peter’s appearance will help make these shows the special events that we always wanted and hoped they'd be. And it’ll be great to reacquaint myself with an old friend...

Following The Mission’s invitation to play with them, Peter Murphy said “I’m not only delighted but gearing up for a unique event all around. Look out!”.

While The 69 Eyes’ singer Jyrki 69 says “I remember the first time seeing the “Wasteland” video on TV. It hit me hard, I even got the issue of Smash Hits with Wayne on the cover. “God’s Own Medicine” is still one of my favourite albums and without no doubt The 69 Eyes wouldn’t sound like we do without The Mission. Can’t wait to get back to play in the UK.”

With the original members Wayne Hussey, Craig Adams and Simon Hinkler being joined by new drummer Mike Kelly in 2011 and armed by one of the most rabid fan bases in the world The Mission have continued to excite the legions with a slew of successful shows and tours. The Mission has sold in excess of 4 million albums and singles. They have garnered headlines in the worlds music press and not always for the quality and strength of their music. However, with a new studio album set to be released later this year and this extensive tour The Mission enter their 4th decade in the rudest of health.

The Mission UK and Ireland Tour dates

October

Sat 1st Dublin Academy
Sun 2nd Belfast Limelight
Mon 3rd Glasgow O2 ABC w/ Peter Murphy
Wed 5th Manchester O2 Ritz w/ Peter Murphy
Thu 6th Nottingham Rock City w/ Peter Murphy
Fri 7th Bristol O2 Academy w/ Peter Murphy
Sat 8th London O2 Shepherds Bush Empire w/ Peter Murphy


November

Thu 3rd Leeds O2 Academy w/ The 69 Eyes
Fri 4th London O2 Forum Kentish Town w/ The 69 Eyes
Sat 5th Whitby Goth Weekend
Sun 6 Birmingham O2 Institute w/ The 69 Eyes

Tuesday 5 July 2016

SKYE & ROSS (feat. 2/3 of Morcheeba) Announce Album



Skye Edwards and Ross Godfrey launch their brand new project SKYE & ROSS with an eponymously titled album due for release September 2, 2016 on Fly Agaric Records / Cooking Vinyl Records. The band has announced a run of tour dates throughout North America, including DC's 9:30 Club, The Afropunk Festival in Brooklyn, Seattle's Showbox and The Fonda in Los Angeles (tour dates below).

The first single from the album, "Light Of Gold", is now available as an instant grat when you pre-order the album and for purchase/to stream on digital outlets. The track can be streamed here:



It is an album that pursues its own musical path while returning to the roots of the sound that made Morcheeba a household name back in the late 1990s. It is, Ross explains, “what Skye and I do naturally when we make music together, and yet not necessarily a continuation of what we’d been doing with Morcheeba. It therefore felt only right to give it a new identity.”

It’s not the first time either of them has stepped outside of the safety of their familiar, long-term musical environment. Last year, Skye released her fourth solo album, In A Low Light, a beautifully subdued collection of luminous, electronic soul, while Ross stepped out with Little Mountain, a Laurel Canyon-flavoured trio that also features his wife, Amanda Zamolo.

Most of the record was recorded at their homes, an environment which allowed their creative flow to flourish without time constraints. They very much kept the record a family affair, as the only other musicians to play on the album is Skye’s husband, Steve (Bass), Skye’s 19-year-old son Jaega (drums), Ross’ wife Amanda (backing vocals) and Richard Milner, Morcheeba’s keyboard player for the last five years.

What emerged recalls the essence of Morcheeba’s international, platinum-selling Big Calm, while boasting a revived spirit and the mature experience that comes with two decades of making music.

Ultimately, SKYE & ROSS doesn’t signify the end of Morcheeba, but rather a purge of sorts. It was an opportunity for the two musicians who have very much represented the public face of their band to get together and see where their imagination took them.

Skye explains, “It was all very organic, and I was able to push myself vocally. Everything Ross sent inspired a melody and lyric almost immediately, whether it was a heavy fuzz guitar riff or intricate finger picking on an acoustic. I’ve always got a real buzz from Ross's playing: it's an absolute joy performing live, so it was great to be able to capture that energy on record.”



TRACKLISTING

1. Repay The Saviour 2. Light Of Gold 3. All My Days 4. How To Fly 5. Clear My Mind 6. Hold On 7. Medicine 8. Feet First 9. Head Home 10. The Point of No Return


NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES: Aug 23 - Toronto - Danforth Music hall Aug 25 - Washington, DC- 9:30 Club Aug 27 - Boston, MA- Paradise Rock Club Aug 28 - Brooklyn, NY- Afropunk Festival Aug 30 - Vancouver, BC - Fortune Sound Club Aug 31 - Seattle, WA - The Showbox Sept 2 - San Francisco, CA- Regency Ballroom Sept 3 - Solana Beach, CA - Belly Up Sept 4 - Los Angeles, CA - The Fonda

Review: DELAIN - 'Lunar Prelude', Released 9 February 2016 via Napalm Records


DELAIN - 'Lunar Prelude'
Released 9 February 2016 via Napalm Records

Funnily enough I thought I was about to review an album when I realised it was what I called a 'High Powered EP'. 8 titles altogether, including 4 live tracks, and a new version of a title called 'Don’t let go'.

The band is described as a Dutch symphonic metal band. I am a simple guy so I am taking a short cut and kind of think Nightwish for that purpose. This is not a new band (formed in 2002) and there is an album coming in August so consider this EP as an 'amuse bouche'.

Let’s tick the box first: brilliant vocals... always nice to hear a lady that can really sing (especially compared to other combos on this label), neat and clear production. Overall the whole thing sounds very sleek and professional. The new version of Don’t Let Go with its dance sound alike intro is OK but I would not blame you if you thought you had reached a Metal version of the Eurovision. The song does function but does not stick.

The live titles are good. The vocals are strong, the guitars are clear, but the crowd does not go wild and I am not mad too about the epic songs.

'Suckerpunch' on the other hand, one of the studio titles, is pleasant with obviously some cross over keyboards that have an eye on the mainstream market. There is a Pop flavour to the two other titles too but listen, Delain is not the Abba of Metal. The songs are solid but I would not really remember them if I am super honest. I think the big choruses are probably attractive to some and there is obviously a market for this type of music so it is a bit like those B-movies: they are honest efforts, well intended, they entertain you on the spot but are hardly memorable unless they become a GUILTY PLEASURE.
Review by Pascal Derrien



Overall: Honest Effort for those who are not overly fan of that genre
If you pick 2 only: Sukerpunch and Don’t let Go
Live Test: Solid delivery

'Lunar Prelude' track listing:

01. Suckerpunch
02. Turn the Lights Out
03. Don't Let Go (New Version)
04. Lullaby (Live 2015)
05. Stardust (Live 2015)
06. Here Come The Vultures (Live 2015)
07. Army Of Dolls (Live 2015)
08. Suckerpunch Orchestra

Monday 4 July 2016

Civil Twilight debut ethereal rendition of Billy Idol's "Dancing With Myself"



The now Nashville based Civil Twilight are living proof of what happens when you stop worrying about being the chosen one and make music built on both the roots that grew you and the love that keeps you thriving every day.

Civil Twilight’s songs embrace every corner of human emotion, balancing delicate, poetic lyrics with sweeping arrangements that touch all the senses: a phrase to make you think; a rolling drumbeat you can feel in your bones; a guitar vamp as illustrative as a picture; a shimmer of keys whose light can nearly be seen and heard.

The same goes for their most recent release - a gorgeous, goose-bump giving rendition of Billy Idol's "Dancing With Myself," that premiered on Consequence of Sound. Re-worked into a softly-spoken, sprawling ballad, Consequence of Sound noted that the band had done Idol justice, with the "sparse, understated cover... that transforms the song into a proper ballad."

"I was sitting down with a friend of mine listening to that song one day,” recalls frontman Steven McKellar. “He read me the lyrics while the song was playing and I just thought they were so beautiful. They struck me in a way that they never had before. I thought, ‘This song would make such a beautiful ballad.’ So we decided to record it that way, really sparse and sensitive.”

The song will be available as a bonus track on the special acoustic re-release of their album, "Story of an Immigrant" which will be available July 15 via Wind-up Records. The record will also feature two more bonus tracks, "Letters from the Sky" and "Save Yourself". Following appearances at Bonnaroo and Firefly this Summer, the band will continue across the country on a headlining tour this July, plus a handful of shows with Andrew McMahon and the Wilderness.



UPCOMING TOUR DATES:
* with Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness ​​
7/02 Club Cafe - Pittsburgh PA
7/03 National Cherry Festival - Traverse City MI
7/05 Adado Riverfront Park - Lansing MI
7/07 The Intersection - Grand Rapids MI *
7/08 Blissfest Roots Music Festival - Petoskey MI
7/14 New Daisy Theatre - Memphis TN *
7/19 The Old Rock House - St Louis MO
7/20 Schubas Tavern - Chicago IL
7/21 Wooly's - Des Moines IA *
7/22 The Blue Note - Columbia MO *

ROYAL REPUBLIC reveal DINOSAUR PILE-UP as support on upcoming UK tour



Royal Republic, fresh from a main-stage appearance at Download 2016, will return to the UK for a run of headline shows in October; Special Guests on the tour will be Dinosaur Pile-Up, the alternative hard rock and grunge three-piece, originally from Leeds.

Prior to this year’s Download, Royal Republic – who first joined forces in Malmo Rock City in 2007 – appeared over here with Theory Of A Deadman; now the Swedish party-starters (vocalist / guitarist Adam Grahn, guitarist Hannes Irengård, bassist Jonas Almén & drummer Per Andreasson) are back to play shows of their own, continuing to fly the flag for third studio album, ‘Weekend Man’, released earlier this year via Spinefarm Records.

Comments Grahn: “A wise group once said, ‘being in a band is like being in a relationship, and concerts are like sex’. The return to Download Festival was nothing short of orgasmic on our part, and by the time Royal Republic hit the shores of the UK again in October, the nymphomania will know no limits!"

‘Weekend Man’, crafted in Berlin’s Fuzz Factory Studios by producers Christian Neander & Michael Tibes, sees the dapper Republic-ans delivering their customary rock thrills with even greater gusto – a bold statement of wild-eyed intent founded on big hooks, mountainous melodies and a signature sense of fun. Generally speaking, the aim is to put smiles on faces, but now an’ then a deeper, darker side peeps through, as displayed on the band’s latest video – an “epic tale of love, death & desperation” shot in support of new album track ‘Any Given Sunday’ and featuring legendary Swedish soap star Gunnar Mosen.

Watch the official video for ‘Any Given Sunday’ here:



ROYAL REPUBLIC: HEADLINE UK TOUR, OCTOBER 2016:

THU 06 - BRISTOL, THEKLA
FRI 07 - LONDON, GARAGE
SAT 08 - NOTTINGHAM, RESCUE ROOMS
SUN 09 - GLASGOW, CLASSIC GRAND *
TUE 11 - MANCHESTER, ACADEMY 3
WED 12 - WOLVERHAMPTON, SLADE ROOMS


*upgraded from King Tuts due to high demand.

DINOSAUR PILE-UP - 'ELEVEN ELEVEN' album coming in August.