Friday 21 October 2016

WHORES. DEBUT "MENTAL ILLNESS AS MATING RITUAL"



Atlanta power trio WHORES. have debuted an all new single titled "Mental Illness As Mating Ritual". It is the third track we've heard from the band off their forthcoming debut LP.

“’Mental Illness As Mating Ritual’ is a super personal song," says frontman and guitarist Christian Lembach. "It's sort of about four different things: parallel universes, health care, circuses and laundry. Everyone experiences suffering at some point, and some people hurt so much and for so long that a healthy and fulfilling life can feel like it's make-believe."

"Mental Illness As Mating Ritual" is available for streaming and as an iTunes Instant Gratification download, meaning that fans who preorder the record will receive the song instantly.

WHORES. will release GOLD. on October 28th, 2016 via Entertainment One (eOne), the first for their new label home. GOLD. will be available overseas via SPV. The debut LP was recorded at Parhelion Studios with producer Ryan Boesch (Helmet, Fu Manchu, Melvins) The band is also revealing the artwork for GOLD. done by Patrick Copeland.

GOLD. is the follow up to the highly buzzed about EP Clean (2013), which was widely cheered by critics. Also recorded by Boesch, the record sold out within a month, prompting the band to quickly release a second pressing. Clean is now on its fourth pressing.

The band will join TORCHE in supporting RED FANG later this fall. Dates will kick off on November 18th at Slim's in San Francisco, spanning coast to coast before wrapping up at the Wonder Ballroom in Portland on December 17th. "Red Fang and Torche are both huge inspirations, and we're flattered to be a part of this amazing tour," says Lembach. "Imminent tacos to follow."

The band has also announced its plans to participate in the 2016 AFTERSHOCK FESTIVAL this October, playing alongside the likes of SLAYER, TOOL, PRIMUS, BARONESS and DEAFHEAVEN. The band will also set out on headlining dates surrounding their appearance at AFTERSHOCK FESTIVAL.

Thursday 20 October 2016

Crowbar Debut Title Track from New LP



October 20, 2016 - Riff lords Crowbar have debuted the self-titled track "The Serpent Only Lies" today, the third track from the NOLA legends' forthcoming LP. " In my opinion, this song is the epitome of the Crowbar sound," says frontman Kirk Windstein. "It starts out fast and heavy and breaks into a wall of melodic doom before switching gears again. Play it loud!"

The "The Serpent Only Lies" single is available for streaming and as an iTunes Instant Gratification download, meaning fans who preorder the record will receive the song instantly.

Crowbar will release The Serpent Only Lies, on October 28, 2016 via Entertainment One (eOne) in North America and via SPV overseas. "We are so excited about our 11th studio record! The Serpent Only Lies is a powerful follow up," adds Windstein. "Eliran Kantor did a brilliant job with the artwork!" The Serpent Only Lies will be the follow up to the highly buzzed about Symmetry in Black. That album sold over 4,000 copies in its first week of release in 2014, the highest of any LPs in the band’s 27 year career, beating out its predecessor, 2011's Sever the Wicked Hand.



1. Falling While Rising 2. Plasmic And Pure 3. I Am The Storm 4. Surviving The Abyss 5. The Serpent Only Lies 6. The Enemy Beside You 7. Embrace The Light 8. On Holy Ground 9. Song Of The Dunes 10. As I Heal

For nearly three decades, the name Crowbar has been synonymous with HEAVY. Since rising ominously from the swamplands of New Orleans in 1990, they’ve been hailed internationally as one of the world’s foremost purveyors of crushing, melodic sludge. The Serpent Only Lies, is both an affirmation of the band’s staying power and a nod to their legacy. “To me, it’s a fresh-sounding version of old-school Crowbar,” says Windstein.

“I intentionally went back and listened to a lot of old Crowbar stuff, like the self-titled and Broken Glass albums, to get a feel for what my mindset was 20-plus years ago. I also went back and listened to the bands that influenced Crowbar in the beginning, like Trouble, Saint Vitus, Melvins, and the first Type O Negative record. So it was kinda me doing my homework.”

The result is an album that stands toe-to-toe with those early Crowbar classics while maintaining the lumbering hooks of mid-period standouts like 1998’s Odd Fellows Rest and 2000’s Equilibrium. “Even lyrically, the approach was a little more old-school,” Windstein offers. “Some of the songs have less lyrics to let the riffs breathe a little more, which I had kind of gotten away from over the years. It was a conscious thing to go back to that.”

The tour cycle for The Serpent Only Lies marks the return of original Crowbar bassist Todd “Sexy T” Strange, who left the band back in 1999 but now joins Windstein, drummer Tommy Buckley and guitarist Matt Brunson in forging Crowbar’s future. “Todd helped start the band, so having him back is important to me and, I think, the fans,” Windstein offers. “It’s a great feeling to be standing onstage next to him. It’s a breath of fresh air for the band and makes us stronger.”

“Having this be our eleventh record, we’re very fortunate because so many bands don’t last this long,” Windstein adds. “My whole outlook on music as a career is the Motörhead outlook, which is that slow and steady wins the race. If you continue to put out killer records, continue to kick ass onstage every night and continue to treat your fans with respect, that’s the stuff people will remember.”

Rejjie Snow debuts new track "Pink Beetle"



Rejjie Snow just released his new track, Pink Beetle which was hand selected by BBC Radio 1's Annie Mac as her 'Hottest Record in the World.' The track was produced by Rahki (Kendrick Lamar), who is currently working with Snow on his debut album, which will be available via 300 Entertainment (Fetty Wap, Young Thug). The track is his second on the label, following the release of D.R.U.G.S, which received hype from the likes of Billboard, XXL Mag, FADER, Dazed, i-D and was added into rotation on Beats 1 by Zane Lowe as a Breaking Record.

Rejjie Snow has been rhyming since he was a kid in north Dublin. Moving to Georgia, USA aged 17 on a soccer scholarship, before switching from sports to the mic full time to drop his first mixtape, Rejovich in 2013. The five track set introduced the world to his surreal style and villainous eloquence, and has amassed over six million plays. In June 2015, Snow released his debut single proper, All Around the World, produced by Cam O’bi (Chance the Rapper, Vic Mensa), quickly followed by Blakkst Skn, produced by Kaytranada and featuring Rae Morris, in November.

BRETT NEWSKI Chicken-Scratches Sharp Lyrics to Raw Pop Tunes Wherever He Is



There’s something unorthodox about the indie-pop songs of singer/songwriter and full-time nomad BRETT NEWSKI. Yet, underneath the 3-minute songs, 4-note melodies and odd ball lyrics lie eyes that have seen things – from asking “Would you like fries with that” to touring tirelessly across Europe in a car called (unironically) “Chuck Ragan the Car”, to dodging komodo dragons while trying to write his latest independently released album LAND, AIR, SEA, GARAGE (release date: November 1, 2016). And to kick off the release of this record, he’s hitting the road, including a handful of dates joining Violent Femmes on the West Coast. (dates below)

Instead of charging at the music industry through the front door with a label deal (or with a bulldozer on a reality competition show), he toughed it out, avoiding the “American Dream” at all costs. Sans label, instrument endorsements, or even a heavy-hitting manager who could hook him up with dream collaborations, like McCartney or Dylan, Newski instead took to the road with a couple of bucks and became a nomad. He found inspiration (and paid gigs) in Vietnam, South Africa, Germany, and (gasp) Wisconsin to write this album, Land, Air, Sea, Garage – his second. “The album is about diving into the world with no safety net and landing on your feet,” he says.


Kicking off with the power-pop team sing-a-long of “Garage” with its la-la-la’s ringing out like an outtake from an early Matthew Sweet record, Land, Air, Sea, Garage is rife with pop gems that posit themselves deep and fast. From the acoustic twang of “Mind At Large” to the placid ballad “I Won’t Die A Nun” to singalong of “Bending Spoons & Skipping Prayers” to the contemplative closer “While The World Outside Dissolves”, the album showcases Newski’s impeccable ability to “anchor songs with super catchy melodies and melancholy lyrics with subtle wit” (as Guitar World says quite accurately), making common press comparisons to the likes of Frank Turner, Weezer, Jonathan Richman, Elliot Smith and Mountain Goats not too far out of the ordinary.

A creatively prolific artist who dabbles not only in music and touring but in amateur filmmaking as well, Newski and his tour manager “The Danimal” have created a YouTube web series called “Crusty Adventures” which documents the dark underbelly of touring and the strange events that unfold between gigs, including tales of blackmail in Germany, flaming brake rotors down a mountainside in Norway, and soberingly, the terrorism in Brussels during the wake of the Paris attacks.

In addition to filmmaking, he also spent some time in Saigon, writing jingles for television campaigns. These jingles included a massively successful commercial for tampons, which earned him the esteemed title “The Vagina King of Vietnam” by his creative director.

Land, Air, Sea, Garage was recorded at a surf camp in (literally) the Sri Lankan jungle (where it wasn’t uncommon for him to glance out the window of his hut and spot a komodo dragon foraging for its next meal) and at the equally exotic locale of Madison, Wisconsin. It was produced by Brett Newski and The Danimal except “Mind At Large” which was produced by Victor Delorenzo of Violent Femmes and will be released in the U.S. on November 1, 2016.

Land Air Sea Garage - US: 21 Oct Pomona, CA Fox Theater w/ Violent Femmes 23 Oct San Diego, CA Observatory North Park w/ Violent Femmes 24 Oct Ventura, CA Ventura Theatre w/ Violent Femmes 03 Nov Racine, WI George’s Tavern 04 Nov Madison, WI The Frequency 05 Nov Milwaukee, WI Cactus Club 06 Nov Chicago, IL Uncommon Ground 10 Nov Burnsville, MN The Garage 11 Nov Minneapolis, MN The Warming House 12 Nov Rock Island, IL Rozz Tox 13 Nov Des Moines, IA The Basement – Des Moines Social Club 14 Nov Cedar Falls, IA Cedar Valley House Concerts 15 Nov Cedar Rapids, IA Mad Modern 17 Nov Newport, KY Southgate House Revival Room 18 Nov Toledo, OH Fleetwood’s Taproom 19 Nov Pittsburgh, PA Black Forge Coffee House 20 Nov Cleveland, OH Beachland Ballroom 22 Nov Appleton, WI Stone Cellar Brewpub 23 Nov Bloomington, IL Castle Theatre 01 Dec New York, NY Rockwood Music Hall 03 Dec Boston, MA Cafe 939 04 Dec Philadelphia, PA Bourbon & Branch

Wednesday 19 October 2016

DEVILSKIN unveil new video 'Pray' from their forthcoming new album 'Be Like the River' released on November 11th


DEVILSKIN are amped to announce their second studio album, Be Like The River will release on Friday November 11, 2016. To coincide with the release of Be Like The River, the band unveil a new video for the single Pray. Pray is a killer track with a punchy, combative riff and a deep message about friendship, betrayal and hope. Watch now the Pray video directed by Tim Van Dammen here:


The band comment "we are beyond excited to be releasing our new studio album Be Like The River on November 11th. The title comes from a lyric of ours 'Be like the river and cut through the stone', the message is about reaching your goals through perseverance and unwavering determination. It has been an incredible journey so far for Devilskin and we feel this album really encapsulates and represents our evolution as a band, as songwriters and as people.”

Be Like The River will be available as an 11 track album, 13 track deluxe pack and Gatefold LP vinyl edition. Pre-Sales are available now from iTunes. The album was recorded at Modern World Studios, Tetbury in the United Kingdom after Devilskin’s European Tour. After the success of We Rise the band maintained their strong working relationships, continuing the very successful and creative association with Producer Clint Murphy, Murphy produced and mixed the album, and working alongside Ryan Smith from Sterling Sound New York who mastered both albums.

Barny Bewick from Indium Design created the artwork for the album. Devilskin say “we are incredibly proud of these songs and it was crucial to have the right visuals for the album so we again utilised the talents of Barny to create artwork that is as stunning and evocative as the music on the album.” Devilskin’s debut album We Rise released in 2014, went straight to the top of the charts remaining as the Number 1 Album and Number 1 Kiwi Artist Album for 3 weeks and achieving Gold Sales after only 2 weeks. UK and European show followed where the band were met by critical acclaim .

Devilskin have established themselves as a household name in their native New Zealand. Formed in Hamilton in 2010 this four piece rock band are bonded by blood. Paul (bass) and Nic (drums) are father and son, Jennie (vocals) is Nics’ Aunt and Pauls’ sister in law, Nail (guitar) is Pauls evil twin.

Following the release of their second album Be Like The River Devilskin “start 2017 with a massive gig in Christchurch out doors & next to Canterbury Cathedral that was damaged in the earthquakes in 2010, we see the New Year in with our friends HALESTORM before we head to Australia with them for some shows on the East Coast. We definitely want to get back to the UK and Europe early in the new year and we are currently locking in dates. Watch this space! “

THE FAME RIOT ANNOUNCES FALL TOUR RELEASES MUSIC VIDEO FOR "HEART STRAY"



Tacoma, WA’s favorite musical duo THE FAME RIOT has just announced that they’ll be hitting the road next month alongside garage punk label-mates, RADKEY for a fall tour. Kicking off on November 11th in Colorado Springs, CO, the 25-date run will hit most major markets, wrapping up in Chicago, IL on December 13th. A full list of dates can be seen below.

The band explains, “We are extremely excited to commence our national THE FAME RIOT tour, in support of our debut single ‘Heart Stray.’ This is really our first opportunity to get ourselves in front of crowds across the U.S.A., who have not yet been graced in the flesh with our cosmic presence and all it’s glamorous glory! We are honored to be supporting Radkey as they host us on the road. It is officially time to let our FREEK FLAG fly!!” THE FAME RIOT has also released an alternate music video for their single, “Heart Stray” which can be seen here:


The fashionable avant-garde, gender-fluid duo consists of two fabulous, over the top brothers in their early 20s who live and breathe music and fashion. Raised by minister parents, the brothers were introduced to music from a spiritual perspective and being drawn to secular music, which they would listen to in secret, the two made the music that they longed to hear. Influenced by four decades of rock, pop, electronica, disco, and everything in-between, Liz Scarlett and Shazam "Tea Time" Watkins are what you would expect if you bottled up the fun and energy of raging summer parties, and threw in some flippant Hollywood glam.

The group has performed on KEXP, played Bumbershoot, and shared the stage with Chromeo, Grouplove, Mickey Avalon, DJ Shadow, and more. The duo recently performed a stripped down version of their single “Heart Stray” on Revolt TV’s program “Sounds By The Sound,” and were featured on RedBull.com where legendary Seattle DJ Marco Collins is quoted saying The Fame Riot has, “one of the catchiest pop records I’ve heard in years.” As best described by Galo Magazine, “There’s no denying that if the ’80s and ’90s had a love child, it would be this posse of so-called ​'​freeks​,'​ who sport women’s clothing just as well, if not better, than the legendary frontman of Aerosmith, Steven Tyler.”

2016 Tour Dates w/ Radkey: 11/11 - Colorado Springs, CO - The Black Sheep 11/13 - Boise, ID - Neurolux 11/16 - Seattle, WA - High Dive 11/17 - Portland, OR - Hawthorne Theatre 11/18 - Eugene, OR - The Boreal 11/19 - San Jose, CA - The Ritz 11/20 - San Francisco, CA - Neck Of The Woods - Downstairs 11/21 - Los Angeles CA - Resident 11/22 - San Diego, CA - Soda Bar 11/23 - Phoenix, AZ - 191 Toole 11/25 - El Paso, TX -Lowbrow Palace 11/26 - Dallas, TX - Sundown @ Granada Theater 11/27 - Austin, TX - Sidewinder - Insider 11/29 - Memphis, TN - Hi-Tone 11/30 - Birmingham, AL - The Saturn 12/01 - Atlanta, GA - Drunken Unicorn 12/02 - Charlotte, NC - Evening Muse 12/03 - Washington, DC - Comet Ping Pong 12/04 - Philadelphia, PA - Kung Fu Necktie 12/06 - New York, NY - Studio @ Webster Hall 12/07 - Pittsburgh, PA - Brillobo 12/08 - Cleveland, OH - Grog Shop 12/09 - Pontiac, MI - The Pike Room 12/10 - Ft. Wayne, IN - The Brass Rail 12/11 - Grand Rapids, MI - The Stache 12/13 - Chicago, IL - Cobra Lounge

Tuesday 18 October 2016

The Urban Renewal Project premieres new single "Hide" featuring Elmer Demond


"Hide"refreshingly fuses vintage soul and indie rock with jazz and deep funk beats.
Check it out!


The Urban Renewal Project is a 13-piece musical collective that brilliantly explores the boundaries between rock, pop, jazz, & hip-hop. Led by songwriter and multi-instrumentalist R.W. Enoch, Jr., The Urban Renewal Project creates a signature sound using instruments of a bygone era.

The URP’s most ambitious project to date is their new LP entitled 21st Century Ghost. The album features nine prolific guest artists (singers, rappers, soloists) in addition to the 13-piece collective and was produced by Neil Wogensen (Valley Queen). 21st Century Ghost was inspired by the profound isolation of this century, confides Enoch, “most of the songs discuss different side-effects of society's efforts over the last 100 years to build a technology-fueled utopia and the ways in which these efforts, which sought to bring us together, have actually further isolated us.” The LP perfectly combines catchy melodies, a vibrant brass section and upbeat drums, while still conveying subtly profound and contradictory meaning. The LP in it’s own way diffuses the loneliness and isolation we all feel by “offering a little bit of something for every music fan inside—soul, disco, hip-hop, indie rock, funk, jazz and world fusion,” states Enoch.

Leading single “Don’t Ask Y” featuring famed rap duo Camp Lo, refreshingly fuses '90s sounding hip-hop with deep funk beats and powerful brass. “Don’t Ask Y” is reminiscent of early Gorillaz but with the refreshing blast of a live 10-piece horn section. In “Armor Love”, The Urban Renewal Project achieved what can be called a ‘modern disco anthem’ sung by none other than popular indie pop artist Gavin Turek. “Armor Love” deserves to be played loud on the dance floor and at everyone's next house party. The track “Hide” successfully showcases the band’s ability to conjure up vintage soul and jazz sounds and combine them with modern indie rock. “Hide” features warm vocals from Dustin Morgan of chamber-rock ensemble Archer Black and powerful rhymes from Elmer Demond.

In just a couple years, The Urban Renewal Project has become one of the most unique and sought after bands in Los Angeles, playing multiple festivals and well-known venues. The collective has further appeared on Fox NFL twice and performed alongside famed comedian Rob Riggle. With a quickly growing fan-base, The Urban Renewal Project is looking forward to the next chapter in their prolific musical journey.

JANET DEVLIN Releases Highly Anticipated Single "Outernet Song"



Continuing to build on her intensifying buzz, Irish singer-songwriter JANET DEVLIN has followed up the success of her debut album Running With Scissors with the release of her highly anticipated single, entitled "Outernet Song." Featuring Janet’s unique and enchanting vocals (which first caught the public’s eye on Series 8 of The X-Factor UK), and her ukulele, "Outernet Song" boasts one of the catchiest choruses you’ll hear this year. The instantly memorable Alt-Pop ditty has all the makings of an instant pop radio classic. The single perfectly showcases Janet’s always frank and honest lyrics, dealing with our obsession with the Internet and social media and how it affects the us.

In the millennial age of selfies, social media, and WiFi, we are permanently plugged in to a show reel of people’s lives with this ideal of what “perfect” is consistently shoved in our faces on a daily basis. In "Outernet Song," Janet sings about how it is important to “press the pause button on the never-ending scroll and go out and do something other than waiting for texts, tweets, shares, emails, or the like.”

Janet began writing ‘Outernet Song’ when she was just 19 years old. She kept the lyrics written down and found herself adding to them at various points over the last few years, with more verses penned in response to some of the criticism she faced in the comments on her Socials. Janet describes her experience, “I received many negative remarks about my appearance, unkind assessments of my talents, and apparently being over the hill at age 20," Janet explains. "I soon became pretty desensitized to it all and learnt to ignore them; but not before writing down how I felt to help me process my feelings and move on.”

Janet has released a music video for ‘Outernet Song,’ which was filmed by Silvertip Films and directed by Geoff Cockwill.

Heavy Sky - "Dreamer" - Hard Rock from Ankara, Turkey



Heavy Sky is a Turkish hard rock band formed in Ankara by Batu Akdeniz, Çağlar Töngür, and Hakan Kılıç at the end of 2012. After one year of practice the band performed as "Batu Band and Supermoon" and they made the public eye in a short time. At the end of 2013 bassist Mehmet Öztürk joined the band now named "Heavy Sky", and thus the band took its final form. They released their first album '' Dreamer '' on 14.05.16. The band is influenced by all rock ages. They describe their music as "anxious, noisy and reflecting Ankara's state of mind"

Monday 17 October 2016

Astari Nite shares video for “Until the End of the Moon”



Astari Nite is proud to bring to the world the music video to the title track of their second, and latest album, Until the End of the Moon. This is the 3rd music video for the album, following the music video for “Always Like Yesterday” and the live shot production for “Joyful Wish” which was shot at Revolution Live in Ft. Lauderdale while the band opened for She Wants Revenge. The video, directed by Charlie Tonelli for Beach House Productions, is a conceptual video, combining footage of the band setting up and playing live at th Fetish Factory’s Bloodlust party, as well as the adventure of the main character of the short film (performed by journalist Flor Frances), that’s making an effort to witness the band. Charlie  wanted to explore with bursts of saturated color, and make the production reminiscent of Peter Greenaway or JF Julian’s styles.

The overall result is a video of post punk melodies with psychedelic colors and bloodstained musicians. Watch the video here:

Mortiis at Voodoo Lounge Dublin, Ireland - 23 October 2016 - Hosted by Ministry of Agröculture Promotions


Ministry of Agröculture Promotions proudly presents: Industrial metal from Norway...

MORTIIS plus support Sugarplum Suicide (Ireland) and DiscoSwitcH

Sunday 23rd OCTOBER 2016

VooDoo Lounge
39-40 Arran Quay
Dublin, Ireland

Doors: 7.30pm
Tickets : €20 on the door (and/or available plus booking fee on www.tickets.ie)

Shop outlets listed here: ticketsie.com

Mortiis: Norwegian industrial/metal 2-piece, Mortiis, return to Voodoo Lounge Dublin on Sunday October 23rd, showcasing their new album 'The Great Deceiver' and all the classics from the impressive back-catalogue, since their first release in 1993. Formed by Havard Ellefsen (ex-member of black metal band, Emperor) and joined by Levi Gawrock on guitars and Tim VanHorn (Aesthetic Perfection) on live drums for this show! www.mortiis.com

SUGARPLUM SUICIDE: 2-piece goth/industrial band from the wilds of Ireland, Sugarplum Suicide won audiences over at the last 2 appearances at Leitrim's Species Festival and we are stoked to have them for their Dublin debut, supporting Mortiis. For more info: sugarplumsuicide.bandcamp.com

DiscoSwitcH: Dark/tribal/alternative bellydance from Dublin.....switching and witching things up! www.facebook.com/Discoswitch-1606523096248519

Sunday 16 October 2016

Album Reviews: Punk is not Dead: Broken Bones, GBH, Discharge - Classic Punk Rock re-issues on Westworld

Today I am doing a bundle review of a few punk reissues, I had the choice between 5 bands and I picked 3 of them. Now this is a bit of a trip to memory lane and at the risk of giving my age away I actually remember clearly the first issue for most of those albums. Broken Bones, GBH and Discharge were punk bands but they were more than that as they appealed to a large cross over audience thanks mainly to James Hetfield and a few others who were regularly sporting their T-Shirts in the early 80’s.

Discharge and Broken Bones were kind of well established within the HC and tape tradin’ scene while GBH was probably more punk in its approach whether in terms of looks or music, having said that they were and still are well respected and legendary combos in their own rights.


Broken Bones - CD1: Dem Bones / Decapitated, CD2: FOAD / Bonecrusher, CD3: Live at 100 Club
Released 24 June 2016 via Westworld Recordings

Broken Bones: you need to have a great appetite for destruction as indeed the cake is big there with 3 CDs (The third one is live @ 100 Club). Described as hardcore punk, crossover trash or crust punk band, the tribe from Stoke on Trent is led by Anthony "bones" Roberts, a transfuse from Discharge. It is melodic enough and tribal at times with pure punk vocals. Bone Crusher with its Cherokee rhythm or the hypnotic live version of Secret Agent on CD2 will transport you back in time. But my all-time favourite is obviously the iconic Dem Bones followed quickly by the frenetic anthem Kick Down the Doors. A great recap for an erratic and spread out discography for a band who has helped forging and influencing the identity of the first trash metals bands.


GBH -Punk Singles 1981-1984
Released 17 June 2016 via Westworld Recordings

GBH or Charged GBH for the purists, past the City Baby aspect of the titles of their albums or the legendary Iroquois hair style from Lead vocalist Colin... GBH a street punk group that has always impressed me with their ability to craft punk singles under 2 minutes and today’s reissue is a collection of their singles from 1981 to 1984. I hope you will be listening to Dead On Arrival or the fantastic Sick Boy. You may opt for the happy Four Men which shows how mature or musical GBH could be when they wanted to be but I must say it was great to rediscover 2.52 minutes of pure GBH style with Give Me Fire. This one does personify what this great band has been to the 80’s and beyond.


Discharge - Massacre Divine
Released 17 June 2016 via Westworld Recordings

Discharge. At first I did not like that band and it took me a while to appreciate them. They were too hard rock and I did not like the voice which can be irritating at times... But Grave New World was probably more influential and cross over than what any other punk bands had produced at the time. Check out Love Believe or We Dare Speak and you will hear some bridges and recognize some musical constructions that many bands would use later. With an almost Glamour Punk sound this band is definitely cult but the purists would call me an heretic if I was not referring to their utmost influence on Metallica and Sepultura to name a few.

Overall: Punk’s Not Dead
If I was to Pick 3 Only: GBH Sick Boy / Broken Bones Dem Bones/ Discharge We Dare Speak
Live Test: Energy, destruction and…. musicianship would you believe!!!

Pascal Derrien for RockChickenz

Album Review: ALTER BRIDGE - 'The Last Hero', Released October 7th, 2016 via Napalm Records


ALTER BRIDGE - 'The Last Hero'
Released October 7th, 2016 via Napalm Records

At a time when this album has just entered the UK and German charts, it is a clear reminder that the music business has been relying on Alter Bridge for more than the last 10 years to rock the world. Although they are not overly mainstream in the US they are none the less respected by rock critics and music fans alike all over the globe.

The Last Hero is a solid album full of epic gallops and other calls for actions and won't deceive the band’s followers. There is a reflective and introspective mood on certain lyrics such as My Champion, or just a new take on some recurrent American themes for example Losing Patience - which celebrates the service that women and men of the world and other heroes deliver day by day - be it police, fire brigade or soldiers.

Marc Tremonti and Myles Kennedy deliver with conviction and strength an album which will satisfy their loyal fan base. The Side of Fate, a 7 minute track, is ambitious and pushes the band’s epic boundaries, a power ballad which will rejoice the amateurs of the genre.

Island of Fools is my favourite track, a nervous and well-constructed song with a hypnotic riff. It is classic in its conception but very efficient.

The Last Hero concludes the album in a classic manner for a band which can alternate different atmosphere within the same track. Alter Bridge are great architects and they have built another hard rock cathedral. They don’t need preachers, their sermon is well known and well delivered but can be unpredictable at times.

Sisters and brothers, have faith in the Last Hero, go purchase and pray that Alter Bridge may come and play in a parish near you. Amen.

Overall: Solid Delivery!
If I Was to pick 3 only: Island of Fools, the Last Hero, Show Me A Leader
Live Test: you need me to tell you anything on that one?

Review by Pascal Derrien

Album Review: Last Great Dreamers - 'Transmissions From Oblivion', Released September 30th, 2016 via Ray Records


Last Great Dreamers - 'Transmissions From Oblivion'
Released September 30th, 2016 via Ray Records

Recently Dani and I were speaking to Simon Hinkler from the Mission where he shared with us that his first major influences as a guitarist was glam rock from the 70's. Something that with the new wave he almost had to unlearn. However that is the not the case for the Last Great Dreamers and their latest album 'Transmissions From Oblivion'.

Is it a blast from the past - from the mid 90’s maybe. It is, but the boys are not stuck in a time warp and are not keen to overly play on nostalgia and what it could have been back then.

Brit rock dandies don’t do that. They have too much class and know better. Yes, maybe the singer’s voice is not the strongest, yes you may think you have heard those drum intros a thousand times and maybe those riffs are not that original either after all. Well maybe it is all thaat but it does not really matter. This is not what this is about. It is about power pop hooks who just have the ambition to make your head bang and stomp your feet.

You Don’t Work is almost punkish in its execution. Slyder, Marc Valentine (vocals/guitar), Ian Scruffykid (bass) and Denley Slade (drums) have a good time on all tracks. Chasing Heroes is fun to listen to and bring a smile to your face, Misunderstood will engage your spine in a rock 'n' roll massage while Dope School will teach you a thing or two and help you understand how the cat ate your homework.

Production is honest, arrangements are well tailored, good mood and honesty transpire through all the 14 tracks. It’s pure rock 'n' roll and I like it.

Overall: Uncomplicated
If I was to pick 3 only: You Don’t Work , Love To Hate Me, Misunderstood
Live Test: I would say they are fun to watch!!!

Review by Pascal Derrien



Transmissions From Oblivion track listing: 1. Oblivion Kids 2. Love To Hate Me 3. Glitterball Apocalypse 4. The Way We Collide 5. Elegy For Us 6. Alone 7. Dope School 8. White Light (Black Heart) 9. Tommy’s Tears 10. Werewolves 11 You Don’t Work 12 Chasing Heroes 13 Misunderstood 14 Turn It Up