Tuesday 7 November 2017

Naked Six - The Temperance Movement UK Tour 2017



Naked Six are an exciting new two-piece band based in York that bring a unique blend of alternative rock, grunge, schizoid blues, fused together with a post punk attitude. Delivering high octane, contemporary edged rock, Naked Six's electrifying live performances to date have seen the band making a name for themselves and firing up audiences with their powerful songs and compelling lyrics.

Currently touring with The Temperance Movement on their sold out UK tour this November, Naked Six are carving a deep groove and earning their stripes as new torchbearers of the British modern rock scene. The duo's latest single, 'Broken Fairytale', is now available to stream and buy.

Seb Byford (vocals/guitars) and Tom Witts (drums) say, “This is our first tour, and we couldn’t be happier with the way things are going at the moment. The Temperance Movement are a class band to be on the road with, and we'll be relishing sharing the stage with them every night. "

“'Broken Fairytale' is about how I feel", explains Seb, "a lot of guys these days are afraid to show or let loose their emotions and how there’s a lack of care for the people and things going on around us. It’s a beautiful world we live in but a very cruel one too. We didn’t expect much when releasing it at first but it’s had a great response so far and we’re over the moon at how it's resonating with music fans.”

Naked Six's latest single 'Broken Fairytale's is available to stream/download now.

Naked Six live with The Temperance Movement: 6th Nov - Chester, Live Rooms (sold out) 7th Nov - York, Crescent (sold out) 8th Nov - Hull, Fruit (sold out) 9th Nov - Stoke, Sugarmill (sold out) 11th Nov - Leicester, Dryden Street Social (sold out) 12th Nov - Wolverhampton, Nac (sold out) 14th Nov - Cardiff, Clwb Ifor Bach (sold out) 15th Nov - Plymouth, The Hub (sold out) 16th Nov - Brighton, The Haunt (sold out) 17th Nov - Colchester, Arts Centre (sold out) 19th Nov - Milton Keynes, Craufurd Arms (sold out) 20th Nov - London, Borderline (sold out) 21st Nov - Dover, Booking Hall (sold out)

Naked Six live: 25th Nov - Leeds, Kazoopa Festival 26th Nov - York, Fulford Arms 8th Dec - London, The Lock Tavern 16th Dec - Manchester, The Castle Hotel

Sunday 15 October 2017

NIKKI SIXX announces 10th anniversary editions of THE HEROIN DIARIES - re-visited and re-imagined



LOS ANGELES CA, – This year marks the 10th anniversary of the release of Nikki Sixx’s drug-soaked NY Times bestselling memoir, THE HEROIN DIARIES and SiXX:A.M.’s The Heroin Diaries Soundtrack. To commemorate more than a decade of sobriety and life lessons learned, Nikki Sixx and SIXX:A.M. revisit the seminal work; announcing Tenth Anniversary Editions of the book and album in multiple formats including: digital LP, CD, CD / DVD, and Special Edition Vinyl, and Graphic Novel. Fans can get a jump start TODAY by pre-ordering these and more exclusively at PledgeMusic.

Nikki Sixx got sober sixteen years ago. A decade ago he shared this story with the world. And yet with the modern opioid crisis looming larger than ever; Sixx’s journey to sobriety and the words and music it inspired remains poignantly relevant. Chronicling the year of decadence and depravity that almost cost Sixx his life during the recording and tour for Mötley Crüe’s seminal 1987 album GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS, the book not only became a worldwide bestseller but also spawned the band SIXX:A.M., and Sixx’s nationally syndicated daily iHeart Media rock radio show “Sixx Sense with Nikki Sixx.”

Says Sixx: “Over the last ten years I’ve met so many people who have thanked me for The Heroin Diariesand say that it saved their lives,” explains Nikki. “But the truth is, writing The Heroin Diaries saved my life too.”

Journey back again into this mega–New York Times bestselling survivor’s story in one of the most “harrowing” (Rolling Stone) and “heartbreaking” (The New York Times) memoirs of addiction ever published and the soundtrack it inspired. The once-shattered rock star shares raw and mesmerizing journal entries from the year he plunged to rock bottom—and his courageous decision to pick himself up and start living again. In never-before-seen photos and exclusive new chapters, Nikki reflects on his decade of sobriety in this expanded 10th anniversary edition of the book.

SIXX:A.M. also celebrates its 10-year anniversary with the re-release of The Heroin Diaries Soundtrack: 10th Anniversary Edition. Comprised of James Michael (vocalist, producer, songwriter), Dj Ashba (guitarist, songwriter) Nikki Sixx (bassist, songwriter), the group initially came together to write, record, and co-produce The Heroin Diaries Soundtrack, which sold over 300,000 copies, and includes the #1 hit single, “Life Is Beautiful,” which became radio’s most played rock song of 2008. Over the past decade SIXX:A.M. has become a full-fledged global rock powerhouse, releasing four additional albums, multiple Top 5 hits and playing the biggest festivals and arenas around the world.

THE HEROIN DIARIES: Ten Year Anniversary Edition by Nikki Sixx is out October 24th via Gallery Books / Simon & Schuster featuring a new cover, never-before-seen photos and exclusive brand new chapters.

THE HEROIN DIARIES: 10th Anniversary Edition Soundtrack by SIXX:A.M. will be released October 27th via Eleven Seven Music as a digital album, CD, and CD/DVD. A limited edition vinyl package will also come later this year. All music configurations feature new artwork, personal notes from the band and include 3 newly re-imagined tracks: “Life Is Beautiful 2017”, “Accidents Can Happen 2017”, and Girl With Golden Eyes 2017”.

Also on pre-sale is The Heroin Diaries graphic novel, a collaboration that Nikki Sixx and HEAVY METAL recently announced at ComicCon San Diego. The Graphic Novel presents the Heroin Diaries from a different angle and gives both insight and understanding to the deadly trap and temptation of addiction adapted by Rantz Hoseley, illustrated by Danijel Zezelj, and Keiron Dwyer, an with exclusive cover art by David Mack.

In addition, Sixx will debut his first-ever photography exhibit in partnership with Leica Camera at the Leica Gallery Los Angeles beginning October 4 (announcement forthcoming). The collection features Sixx’s most precious moments and interactions from the past decade, in images including homelessness and drug addiction amongst other topics which Sixx was all too familiar with before photography helped change his life post-sobriety. WATCH: “Life Is Beautiful 2017” Lyric Video by Rantz Hoseley:

Saturday 7 October 2017

Third Eye Blind at The Academy 1st October 2017 - GIG REVIEW



The Californian band managed to get a full house at the Academy on a windy October evening in the Irish capital. It's been a long time coming, 1st ever date in Ireland for Third Eye Blind (3EB). It was also their last European tour date and a special day for Kryz Reid, their Irish guitarist. That said it took a while for the venue to fill up, funny to note that the balcony had been booked for Kryz’s family and relatives.

A few Americans accents overheard there and then in the crowd would suffice to remind you that 3EB enjoy a much bigger status and reputation in their home country than Europe.

After a relative boring support act (albeit talented but) not suited to support an indie band, Jenkins and his crew finally showed up and all the signs indicated that they were in great form and ready to rock the house down.

Square, powerful and professional from the get go they were. We got a few songs from the last album Dopamine spread among a set heavy based on tracks from the self titled and acclaimed "Third Eye Blind" album. The album was released twenty years ago, but gosh, every tune was received enthusiastically by fans who knew all the hits.

That said it took a while for the crowd to warm up to Stephens who appeared to be somewhat distant in the first place but once the ice got broken fans were not shy in accompanying him and his superb vocals.

I was not too sure what to expect to be honest, partially because I am a big fan of the group and biased but also because the last time I saw them on stage was 20 years ago in Paris. They were a very different outfit back then with only Brad (drums) and Jenkins having managed to remain as original members of what is often considered as the golden era from 3EB.

Overall great guitars (and soli), superb backing vocals, positive energy and amazing lights made sure that everybody had a great time. Alternating acoustic intros, ferocious riffs or funky based rhythm there were no weak moment in a show that gradually gained in intensity when the crowd overtook the backing vocals on most songs 20mns before the end of the show.

Overall: Jenkins lyrics are as efficient live as listened in the intimacy of your headset, the band he has surrounded him is excellent and frankly I think they were as good as the last time I saw them if not better.

Now I hope I won’t have to wait 20 years to see them again.

Photo and review by Pascal Derrien

The Virginmarys - "Sitting Ducks" EP - Self Released 22 September 2017 - REVIEW


The Virginmarys - "Sitting Ducks" EP
Self Released 22 September 2017


Lucky me, the atheist in me has been picked to listen and review the Virginmary’s new EP "Sitting Ducks". Now I have no faith in Christian music and on top of that I also have to tell you that I don’t like ducks. Well that’s not exactly true, I like robber ducks. And by the way if you want great robber ducks with out of this world characters I know a great shop in Florence in Italy but I think I digress... I can see Dani frowning at me with her "Will you get on with it" stare so let me come back to the matter at hand. 😊

4 tracks from the three piece English band The Virginmarys. I am not mad about the first one "Sleep" I must say but things get serious with "Sitting Ducks", the title, an energetic track with a great chorus, jumping guitars and possessed lead vocals from Ally Dickaty.

With a few albums and EPs behind them, the three guys are not exactly neophytes when it comes to recording, having worked previously with Gil Norton. Being positioned as alternative rock, punk or power indie, the band is versatile and talented and it does not matter what label you want to stick them with.

With a British stamp clearly overlooking their music it is difficult not to think about the Artic Monkeys at times in "Through The Skys" but "Sweet Loretta" is in my opinion the little gem on this EP. I like the backing vocals and how the track is built around a strong tempo. Matt Rose (bass) and Danny Dolan (Drums) are doing a superb job at bringing an infectious groove in this song that you would wish to never end.

Guys you may not believe in me - but you got to believe in the VirginMarys.

Amen.
Pascal Derrien


Thursday 28 September 2017

V1 - ARMAGEDDON End of The Beginning



Ex-IRON MAIDEN frontman and guitarist return with power rock magnum opus! V1 is a band that you need to know. With an impressive pedigree involving a shared history with a certain band named Iron Maiden, V1 is a rock ‘n’ roll supernova coupling an incendiary hard-rock sound with rabble-rousing showmanship. Formed by former Iron Maiden men Dennis Willcock (vocals/frontman) and Terry Wapram (guitars) in 1978, V1 is the only band to date able to claim it poached a singer from Iron Maiden!

V1 now re-emerges with a blazing new line-up, rolling back the years with a veritable blitzkrieg of hard rocking buzz bombs. From call-to-arms opener ‘V1 Rocket’ to the bombastic and progressive finale ‘Armageddon’, the legendary V1 catalogue has finally been recorded and mixed to album quality. Their objective, to get the music out to the fans around the world longing to hear it: “We want to take the band where it should have got to first time round. The songs deserve to be heard - each one has a real story attached. We stay true to the origins but of course bring them into the now. It is a real pleasure to revisit the songs from 1978 and fully develop and record with all the experience gained in the intervening years.” Terry Wapram, Guitarist

‘Armageddon: End of The Beginning’ is an album of melodic hard rock and killer riffs,70s/80s metal and epic song structures. A crystal clear mix and contemporary production give these modern recordings a razor edge. It is a certainty that there will always be interest in V1 due to their NWOBHM heritage, particularly their place in the Iron Maiden family tree. But listen to this album and you are sure to agree ‘Armagedon….’ proves V1 to be a killer band in its own right.

Dennis Willcock (lead vocals): Frontman and chief rabble-rouser Dennis started his singing career way back in 1963 and his first fully functional band went by the name Bearded Lady. By 1974 Dennis had joined the respected London rockers Smiler alongside a young Steve Harris, and it was at this point in time that things really got going. A short stint with supersonic turbo-rockers Nitro followed, before Dennis committed to the nascent Iron Maiden, fronting the band through the mid/late 1970s as they built up a solid following and developed their repertoire. Leaving Iron Maiden to work with Terry Wapram in V1, Dennis was a main player in the London rock scene during the late 1970s and the turn of the 1980s, as his bands V1 and Gibraltar ruled the Ruskin Arms and beyond. A true showman and solid gold entertainer, his every performance is characterized with energy and conviction.

Terry Wapram (guitars): founder member of V1, and a gifted and versatile guitarist with the ability to switch effortlessly and with great velocity between understated rhythm playing and blistering lead guitar. Terry can sound like two or three different guitarists within the same song and his guitar pyrotechnics are an important ingredient in the dynamic V1 sound. Scouted by Dennis whilst playing London’s famed Marquee Club in the mid-1970s, as guitarist with the sleazily named Hooker, Terry was an obvious choice as axe-man for Iron Maiden during their formative ‘1 guitar + keyboards’ phase as they experimented away from the twin guitar sound. After ‘Maiden, Terry quickly assembled V1, the only band in the history of rock that can claim they were good enough to lure away a lead singer from Iron Maiden! In recent years Terry has played in a number of bands including Space Chickens with former ‘Maiden drummer Ron Rebel, and more recently with Buffalo Fish alongside V1 bass player Dwight Wharton. A highly respected guitarist, Terry Wapram always delivers.

Dwight Wharton (bass guitars) hails from Virginia in the USA, bringing an international dimension to the new-look V1. A true musician, Dwight began the long road to mastering his craft at the age of 11. A few years at university were formative to his development and it was not long until he became an in-demand session musician on the US East Coast, before setting sights on the British music scene. More session work followed but it was upon meeting Terry Wapram and forming Buffalo Fish that Dwight believed his own style was truly noted. Finding frequencies lower than a rattlesnake’s belly, Dwight was the obvious choice to provide the bass in the revamped V1 and take the music forward into the 21st century.

Gareth Dylan Smith (drums & percussion) cut his hard rocking teeth playing loud and fast with some of the best amongst London’s dark underbelly, touring extensively and recording several critically acclaimed albums along the way. Having often had the sense that he was born 30 years late for the music he was destined to play, when the opportunity presented itself to drum in V1, Gareth jumped at the chance to work with such an explosive and influential band.

A distinctive and hard-hitting drummer, Gareth can play like a hurricane and often does, but dig beneath the surface and you’ll find capabilities above and beyond the usual ‘animal from the muppets’ hard-rock drummer cliché: Gareth is a classically trained musician, a versatile team player with song-writing flair, belting backing-vocals……and a PhD in the Sociology of Music and Music Education. He’s even authored an authoritative book about drummers, and as a writer has also contributed to music encyclopedias, and to magazines such as Rolling Stone and Rhythm. The renaissance man of drumming, Gareth’s thunderous beats, freight train tempos, are guaranteed to ‘rock your house down’! Gareth’s ambitions with V1 are to “bring to life the awesome demos that were recorded in 1978. I wasn’t there for the original demo recordings, so I want to be true to those ideas while bringing whatever contemporary thing I have to the table as well. Honestly, V1 is the perfect band for me - I love the music, the attitude and the guys. It’s a proper rock band playing proper rock music and making no apologies for it. Rock on.”

Tuesday 26 September 2017

Barrett Martin releases debut book 'The Singing Earth' featuring bonus CD of rare and unreleased music including MAD SEASON



Barrett Martin proudly releases his first book titled, ‘The Singing Earth’, in the UK through Sunyata Books and Proper Distribution. Watch the trailer here for The Singing Earth:



The Singing Earth is a collection of musical adventure stories from musician and writer Barrett Martin. The book chronicles Martin's musical work in 14 musical regions, across 6 continents, over the course of 30 years. It starts with his involvement in the 1990s Seattle music scene, and then explores: Song lines and sea trails in Australia and New Zealand; trance drumming in Central America; Griot music in West Africa; musical diplomacy in Cuba; touring with a Brazilian rock band; recording shamanic music in the Peruvian Amazon; playing the blues in the Mississippi Delta; recording in the Palestinian West Bank; the power of American resistance music; and the ancient influence of Asia in music and culture. There is also initially a companion CD soundtrack that comes with the book, which contains rare, unreleased songs from Martin’s various bands, as well as field recordings from the incredible musical environments he has visited. Those who read and listen to the musical journey that Martin recounts will find themselves transported through exotic global landscapes where they learn about the links between ecology, community, and the music that connects us to our greater humanity.

The next edition of the book won’t have a CD but will instead have an expanded 44 song soundtrack that comes as a digital download from the website featuring an astonishing 44 songs and natural soundscapes from around the world.

BARRETT MARTIN BIO: Barrett Martin is a drummer, composer, producer, and award-winning writer best known for his work with several prominent Seattle bands including, The Barrett Martin Group, Walking Papers, Mad Season, Screaming Trees, Tuatara, Skin Yard, and the Levee Walkers. He has played on over 100 albums and film soundtracks to date, and when he is not on tour, he produces albums that range from indigenous music, to jazz, blues, and rock & roll. Martin holds a masters degree in Ethnology and Linguistics and is a professor of Music at Antioch University Seattle. He writes a music and culture blog for the Huffington Post, and in 2014 he was awarded the ASCAP Deems Taylor/Virgil Thompson Award for excellence in writing.

Thursday 21 September 2017

PETER MURPHY Invites DAVID J For The Bauhaus Portion of His Residency at SF's The Chapel



San Francisco, CA – Wednesday, September 20th – PETER MURPHY, (((folkYEAH!))) Presents and The Chapel are proud to announce that Bauhaus founding bassist, David John Haskins – better known as David J – will be joining Peter Murphy for three nights of Bauhaus classics during Murphy’s month-long career retrospective at The Chapel in San Francisco.

The Chapel has also added a third night of Bauhaus classics (the “Mr. Moonlight” shows) after the second night quickly sold out. All three nights of Mr. Moonlight will have a VIP upgrade option that includes a meet and greet, soundcheck experience, commemorative t-shirt and priority entrance to the shows where applicable.

“It’s with great feeling of gladness to announce that for the three Mr Moonlight Bauhaus shows on February 14th, 15th and 16th that David J has accepted my invitation to join me in performing and play his, what must be said, excellent original bass parts,” said Murphy. “During the 35 years of Bauhaus Mr. Moonlight tour of 2013, Emilio DiZefalo-China (my bass player and violin player) noted how unique David’s bass parts are – now we have David in person to play. It is obviously going to be a great pleasure personally to have David to my right in these shows. See you there, ‘let them know you’re coming!’”

“I’m very pleased to have received Peter's gracious invitation to take part in these upcoming festivities,” said David J. “Looking forward to rekindling the flickering flame.”

This news comes on the heels of this month long residency being postponed to late January and early February due to a serious issue to Murphy’s vocal cords. Murphy also released a new video for his fans surrounding his recovery, stating that “the nodules they removed have been transferred to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to be framed.”

January 23rd, 2018 – “Should The World Fail to Fall Apart” January 24th, 2018 – “Should The World Fail to Fall Apart” January 26th, 2018 – “Love Hysteria” January 27th, 2018 – “Love Hysteria” January 28th, 2018 – “Love Hysteria” January 31st, 2018 – “Deep” February 2nd, 2018 – “Deep” February 3rd, 2018 – “Deep” February 4th, 2018 – “Holy Smoke” February 7th, 2018 – “Cascade” February 9th, 2018 – “Dust” February 10th, 2018 – “Ninth” February 11th, 2018 – “Stripped” February 14th, 2018 – Mr. Moonlight (Bauhaus set) feat. David J (original Bauhaus member) February 15th, 2018 – Mr. Moonlight (Bauhaus set) feat. David J (original Bauhaus member) February 16th, 2018 – Mr. Moonlight (Bauhaus set) feat. David J (original Bauhaus member)

The Chapel is so happy that Peter is back and stronger than ever, and cannot wait to host this extra special, one-of-a-kind residency with him,” said Fred Barnes, General Manager of The Chapel. “Now with the announcement of David’s involvement for three shows of legendary Bauhaus material, we simply could not be more thrilled than to add this very special extra element to an already unique and incredible career spanning residency of one of England’s greatest and most singular musical exports, Peter Murphy.”

Tuesday 19 September 2017

BUTCHER BABIES Release Video for "Lilith"



With the release of their third studio album "Lilith", set for release on 10 November via Century Media Records, BUTCHER BABIES have premiered the music video for the album's title track exclusively with Loudwire.

The new video is heavily influenced by the story of Lady Bathory, and tells the tale of what lengths some women will go to maintain their youth and beauty. Directed by Strati Hovartos, the video serves as a keen encapsulation of the violence and sensuality that runs deep throughout the band's upcoming record.

Monday 18 September 2017

THE PICTUREBOOKS Reveal New Video and Limited Edition Picture Disc Version of "Home Is a Heartache"



Primal blues-rock duo THE PICTUREBOOKS have revealed a new video for the song ‘Zero F * * * s Given’, taken from their ‘Home Is A Heartache’ album. Check it out here:



A special edition Picture Disc LP version of the album is out today to coincide with their "Home Is A Heartache" Tour 2017, which will see the two-piece perform 17 shows in the UK and Ireland next month.

"We are so excited about our own headlining tour this year. It's always fun supporting other bands like Monster Truck, Kadavar, The Answer, Les Butcherettes etc., but going out and headlining ourselves makes it so much more exciting. We can't wait to meet the many friends we made along the way and to make new ones as we go!" says Flynn Claus Grabke, singer and guitarist of THE PICTUREBOOKS.

The German duo, also featuring Philipp Mirtschink on drums, performs enticing blues-saturated heavy rock, with Fynn playing on obscure vintage guitars he bought from thrift shops around the world while Philipp beats a drum set that consists of the largest possible drums that he hits with heavy duty felt beaters. The set has no cymbals whatsoever - instead, it includes a self-made percussion instruments with huge chains, bells, and more.

"Home Is a Heartache" serves as the band's sophomore release and Another Century label-debut. The 14-track album was recorded in the band's garage, where they regularly refurbish and repair motorcycles and choppers. The album captures a raw, rich, and real energy evoking the rooms natural reverb, industrial aura, and spiritual spark.

THE PICTUREBOOKS - Home Is a Heartache Tour 2017: 04.10 UK Southampton - Joiners 05.10 UK Birmingham - The Flapper 06.10 UK Manchester - Satans Hollow 07.10 UK Dublin - Whelans 08.10 UK Belfast - Voodoo 09.10 UK Glasgow - King Tuts 11.10 UK Newcastle - Jumpin' Jacks 12.10 UK Liverpool - Studio 2 13.10 UK Grimsby - Yardbirds 14.10 UK Leeds - The Key Club 15.10 UK Sheffield - Corporation 16.10 UK London - The Lexington 17.10 UK St Albans - The Horn 19.10 UK Bournemouth - The Anvil 20.10 UK Plymouth - The Junction 21.10 UK Brighton - The Hope & Ruin 22.10 UK Tunbridge Wells - The Forum

Thursday 14 September 2017

THE LIGHTHOUSE AND THE WHALER Announce EP Paths, Out October 6


Photo Credit - Jordan Harrison

THE LIGHTHOUSE AND THE WHALER have announced the release of their EP Paths, out October 6. Their first single off the EP, entitled “Paths”, is out now. The EP is the bands highly anticipated follow up to their 2015 album Mont Royal, which received glowing support from the likes of Rolling Stone, Paste Magazine, and NPR.

"I always believed art was about understanding,” says Lead singer-songwriter Michael LoPresti. “The songs on ‘Paths’ came during a period where I was struggling with some of the truths I had prescribed to in my life. Things like family, spirituality, and where I fit into the world. I think ‘Paths’ is my way of understanding some of that, or at least the first step on the journey. We’re all on a path, I’m just trying to find mine. I hope the songs we’ve made help people in whatever place in life they find themselves in, like I said before art is, in my estimation, about understanding and maybe together we can find what we need."

In addition to the Paths EP announcement, The Lighthouse and the Whaler will be supporting the release in major cities across the US on a 12-date tour. The dates kick off at the Grog Shop in their hometown of Cleveland, OH, with stops in Nashville’s The End, New York’s Mercury Lounge, and many more. Full dates listed below.

The band will be participating in the Sofar Sounds' Give A Home event, a partnership with Amnesty International and VICE to help raise awareness for the world's refugees.

The Lighthouse and The Whaler is Michael LoPresti, Matthew LoPresti, Mark Porostosky Jr., and Ryan Walker

Wednesday 13 September 2017

CASSIA REVEAL THE VIDEO FOR THEIR LATEST SINGLE 'SINK'



Cassia have revealed their new video for ‘Sink’. The song will form part of the band’s debut EP ‘Movers & Shapers’ which is due out later this year. Already making a name for themselves with their continent-spanning influences and razor-sharp musicality, the 3-piece band have become known for their unique brand of upbeat, calypso-flavoured rock. The band are devoted to feel-good music and positive vibes. Their philosophy is that people should dance to their music - not just mosh.

The Macclesfield trio take their inspiration from an impressive and broad range of sources, from sunny Caribbean melodies to African-inspired rhythms. Their sound is a deft balance between quintessentially British, and unequivocally exotic. They are a rare breed of act from the Manchester scene; forward thinking, progressive and inclusive. Their extensive touring and unique sound has already earned them a legion of fans, clocking up an impressive 20,000 followers on Facebook with very little promotion.

On ‘Sink’, the band say: “Sink is a feel good festival tune. A getting away with your mates and having a BBQ on a beach tune. We want people to escape the bad stuff and just have a bop to it”. The band recently played on the BBC Introducing stage at Reading & Leeds Festival this year. They are currently completing an extensive set of tour dates around the UK and Europe, some of which have already sold out, two months ahead of the shows! Earlier this year the band appeared at The Great Escape, Truck and Y Not festivals this year, plus all three dates of Dot Dot Dot.

Cassia are: Rob Ellis (Lead vocals, Guitar); Lou Cotterill (Bass, Vocals); Jacob Leff (Drums, Vocals). The band record and produce their music at their own studio, Bluedoor Studios. The EP was co-produced by Mark Winterburn (Plan B, Don Broco, The Script, Nine Black Alps, 5 Seconds of Summer). ‘Sink’ follows the release of the Radio 1 playlisted ‘100 Times Over’, plus ‘Weekender’ (which will also feature on the EP). The track is available to buy/stream now from all digital outlets.

Upcoming UK live dates: 14 September - Head for the Hills Festival, Ramsbottom 12 October - The Shed Vault, Leicester (SOLD OUT) 18 October - Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen, London 19 October - Komedia, Brighton 21 October - Surf Café, Newcastle (SOLD OUT) 24 October - Exchange, Bristol 26 October - Broadcast, Glasgow 28 October - The Deaf Institute, Manchester (SOLD OUT)

Tuesday 12 September 2017

Vixen Vocalist Janet Gardner launches “Rat Hole” video



Ever since fans got a taste of Janet Gardner’s debut solo album, self-titled “Janet Gardner,” from a YouTube teaser put out by Janet Gardner and Justin James, excitement has been building over the new album. The album is out now and available worldwide. Fans can pick up the album digitally on iTunes and Amazon. For those who want a hard copy, the album is at stores everywhere and can also be ordered from Pavement Entertainment. Check out the video for “Rat Hole” here:



“Janet Gardner” is sure to rock both longtime Vixen fans and new fans. Billboard states, “The ‘Janet Gardner’ album has plenty of Vixenesque hard rock but allows the singer to stretch out in other directions, including the industrial, well, grind of ‘The Grind,’ the gently melodic ‘Best Friend’ and topical fare such as ‘Let It Be Over,’ a rhythmically dynamic anti-war song, and ‘Rat Hole,’ inspired by Gardner's frustration with health care insurance companies.”

Wednesday 6 September 2017

Sweet Crisis announce London show



Sweet Crisis announce intimate London show on September 25th preceding the release of their debut live album Live At The Junction on September 29th.

Sweet Crisis promise “lots of energy, dancing, singing rocking and rolling and extreme fun! We run live video visuals at our shows to which always adds an extra dimension. The Black Heart is the fist London show in a while, so we are expecting it to go off!! Camden has always been kind to us, and we are really looking forward to this one!“

The band epitomises guitar driven rock’n’roll, an incendiary mix of great beats and riffs, their distinctive brand of melodious bombast is captured perfectly on this live album. Live At The Junction is packed with classy and original rock ‘n’ roll that will grip the listener from the very first hearing and simply refuses to let go, somehow blurring the line between sincerity and audacity. Indulge now in the video for Ways Of Your Love from Live At The Junction.



Awakening introduces the show, before Ways Of Your Love grabs your attention with the its mighty riff and heavy vocals. The groove of Rapture follows, before dropping down for Shadows, the album continues to hold the listeners attention and includes a stellar version of the band’s debut single Fight For Nothing. The album concludes with a cover Last Night A DJ Saved My Life and the band’s second single Last Man On Earth provides the perfect finish for this classy live album. The atmosphere throughout is one of intense camaraderie and finds the band in ebullient mood.

If scorching vocals, rampaging riffs and swaggering anthems are your poison Sweet Crisis are for you. To celebrate the release, Sweet Crisis will performing a series of shows and promise “An explosive and energetic music experience with ripping guitar riffs, gorgeous vocal melodies and pumping drums and live video visuals to boot.”

Live At The Junction is the perfect introduction to this fine trio. Sweet Crisis are going to save rock & roll with hard luck stories, gritty tales and pitch-perfect riffage. Sweet Crisis are currently recording their first studio album set to be released in early 2018.

September Live Shows: 23rd Subterranean Festival Cambridge 25th The Black Heart London

Live At The Junction album track listing: Awakening. Ways Of You Love. Rapture. Shadows. Take Control. Fight For Nothing. Future Seeds. Last Night A DJ Saved My Life. Last Man On Earth.

Label: Headline Music Studios

Tuesday 5 September 2017

MY TICKET HOME ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM unReal



Ohio's My Ticket Home, who have fashioned their own style of music that they've christened "Puke Rock," are pleased to announce the title and release date for their Spinefarm Records debut. unReal will be released on October 6. The record was tracked at the infamous Sonic Ranch Studios and was produced by Fred Archambault.

Ahead of the album's release, My Ticket Home will embark on a series of US headline tour dates, along with dates supporting As Lions and Hell or Highwater. The band will also support Nothing More from September through November. A first single and video will be revealed shortly.

LACUNA COIL announce 20th anniversary show "Nothing Stands In Our Way"



2018 marks the 20th anniversary of LACUNA COIL's debut. To celebrate this special date, LACUNA COIL are announcing a very special show:

119 Productions presents: NOTHING STANDS IN OUR WAY One night only exclusive show 19.01.18 (UK) London - O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire

Tickets are available via the band’s new and redesigned website.

It will be a unique extravaganza and truly exceptional event that is not to be missed. Apart from a career spanning set you will be able to enjoy LACUNA COIL songs never played live before. The show will be filmed and recorded for a release later in 2018.

The band on what you can look forward to: “We are very excited to celebrate our twentieth anniversary with an exclusive live show on January 19th in London! London is a very special city for us – it welcomed us with open arms when we started 20 years ago and we feel it’s the perfect place to invite our fans from all over the world to celebrate with us. As for what will happen…that’s a surprise, you’ll have to come and see for yourselves!”

LACUNA COIL are also working on their first ever book of the same title, “Nothing Stands In Our Way”, which will be published around the world early in 2018.

LACUNA COIL are still touring on their latest album “Delirium”. Fresh, dark and extremely powerful are only a few of the best ways to accurately describe “Delirium”, which encompasses the strength and heavy approach of thrash metal from the 90’s twisted with goth elements into a modern style.

Monday 4 September 2017

Carousel Vertigo - New album ‘Revenge of Rock and Roll’ released September 29th



Rock is dead, long live rock! It’s been said before and will be said again. The truth is that rock music is and always will be here to stay, especially when a band like Carousel Vertigo creates, feels and plays it like it does.

Revenge of Rock and Roll. The title says it all and the second album by Carousel Vertigo released on 29th September, makes a clear musical statement; about a trend-proof musical genre, about its importance, now and always, to the loyal millions who will forever support it – and about how that shit just never grows old, say what you will about it.

Revenge of Rock and Roll finds Paris-based Carousel Vertigo – three native French rockers and an American – doing what this band does best and loves the most, regardless of opinions or passing phases, because hard rock truly is timeless and ever-present.

Carousel Vertigo’s masterful take on it, the band’s innate understanding of the history of rock’s past and a vision of its future, is convincing and current enough to have attracted some stellar accomplices on Revenge of Rock and Roll – not least among them Garry Tallent, long-serving bass player with Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, who happily guested for ‘a bottle of Bourgogne’ on one of the album’s ten tracks.The lyrical reach of those songs ranges from the rallying call of the title track to, on ‘Don’t Take It To Heart’, a hometown point of view on the terrorist attacks in Paris on November 13, 2015. Watch now the video for the first single No More Hesitatin’:



The nucleus of the band, Gibson Guitars-endorsed Parisian Vincent Martinez and New Jersey son Jansen Press, formed Carousel Vertigo purely out of a shared love of the classic rock music they both revelled and could play so well. Although each came from a different culture and country, they were instantly united by the other’s ability to express that music in different but complementary ways – and a dual-lead guitar partnership of virtuosity and instinct was born. Riding above it all, Vincent’s vocal – one moment a pure, hair-raising wail, the next soulful and sweetly emotive honey – establishes Carousel Vertigo as the real deal.

The best band you’ve never heard playing the greatest music you think you already know but don’t. Not yet...Rock and roll is very much alive.

Revenge of Rock and Roll track listing: 01 No More Hesitatin’ 02 Honey Do. 03 Revenge of Rock and Roll. 04 Jackie Run Run. 05 Hideaway. 06 Hard Luck Lover. 07 Get It On. 08 Well, Alright. 09 Don’t take It To Heart. 10 May, I Might.

‘Revenge of Rock and Roll’ will be released by Molano Music on September 29, 2017.

Wednesday 30 August 2017

THE MOMS Resurface with New Album and New Label


PHOTO CREDIT: Pat Moran

New Jersey punk rock trio THE MOMS has resurfaced with a new album, new record label, and a more refined sound. Doing Asbestos We Can is set for an October 13th release via seminal indie label Bar/None Records.

“The meaning behind the album title is two-fold,” explains frontman Joey Nester. “Firstly, we rehearse in our basement where all of the steam pipes are insulated with asbestos. Secondly, in the interim period between albums we’ve been doing our best to juggle playing shows, writing music, and working enough to pay rent.”

Doing Asbestos We Can was recorded at Barbershop Studios in Lake Hopatcong, NJ. It was produced and engineered by Brett Romnes (Brand New, Sorority Noise, Seaway) and Gary Cioni. From a plea to reconnect with someone great that you care about but the timing isn’t right (“When We’re Older”) to being unfaithful and the emotional fallout from such an encounter (“Heartless”) to addressing the people of the earth about temporary nature of their stay which was inspired by Mark Twain’s Letters from the Earth (“Soup Song”) to the up-tempo horn-infused ditty about passing up opportunities and getting back on track (“Fortunate Former”) featuring The Front Bottoms’ Ciaran O’Donnell – The Moms has created a cohesive collection of songs.

Living the D.I.Y. dream since 2011, The Moms is a hard charging trio from Morris Plains, NJ. Not only are they masters of the mosh pit – they also deliver memorable hook-filled songs often below the 2-minute mark. They’ve covered ground in the United States, Canada, and Japan including Skate & Surf Festival and three annual appearances at The Fest.

The Moms is Joey Nester (vocals, guitar), Jon Stolpe (bass), Matty Stolpe (drums). Doing Asbestos We Can will be released on October 13, 2017 via Bar/None Records.

TOUR DATES: SEP 14 Township Chicago, IL SEP 15 Buzzbin Art & Music Shop Canton, OH SEP 16 Founders Brewing Company Grand Rapids, MI SEP 23 The North Jersey Indie Rock Festival @ Cathedral Hall Jersey City, NJ

Tuesday 29 August 2017

THE ROCKET SUMMER Announces 10 Year "Do You Feel" UK Tour



THE ROCKET SUMMER has announced a special U.K. run of shows with his band celebrating the 10 year anniversary of their breakthrough album DO YOU FEEL. This follows a successful full U.S. Do You Feel 10th-anniversary tour that they embarked on this summer. The run of shows begins 30 October in Bristol at Fleece and concludes 6 November in London at The 02 Islington.

Sometimes, to see how far you’ve come, you have to look back at your beginnings. For multi-instrumentalist, BRYCE AVARY of The Rocket Summer, his evolution into the powerpop/indie rock powerhouse that he is becoming has origins in his dynamic and explosive entrance into the mainstream ten years ago with his breakthrough album DO YOU FEEL. Before he embarks into his evolution forward, Avary will be stepping out of the studio where he is working on new music to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of a special album for TRS fans by performing the album for the first time ever in its entirety.

Celebrating the album which earned them the cover of Alternative Press who hailed him as “merging Cheap Trick’s hard pop hooks with Dashboard Confessional’s earnestness”, Avary will be playing Do You Feel along with an additional set of fan favorites from Hello, Good Friend, Of Men and Angels, Calendar Days, Life Will Write The Words, and Zoetic and spiking it with some brand new material that he's working on.

Check out the dates below and be sure to catch The Rocket Summer’s UK Do You Feel 10 Year Tour when it comes to a city near you!

THE ROCKET SUMMER UK Do You Feel 10 Year Shows: 30.10 Fleece Bristol, UK 31.10 02 Academy2 Birmingham, UK 2.11 Cathouse Glasgow, UK 3.11 Club Academy Manchester, UK 4.11 Key Club Leeds, UK 6.11 02 Academy Islington London, UK

Monday 28 August 2017

DEAD LORD release new album "In Ignorance We Trust"



Swedish hard rockers DEAD LORD celebrate the release of their new album “In Ignorance We Trust”! To celebrate the album release, DEAD LORD will be kicking off their headline European tour on Wednesday 30 August in Hamburg, Germany with fellow countrymen Night as special guests. To warm up for the tour, watch the band's "Kill Them All" video which was filmed on the road earlier this summer:



Thursday 24 August 2017

CRADLE OF FILTH Announce UK/Ireland tour special guests



UK's legendary extreme metal icons Cradle Of Filth are pleased to announce that NWOBHM inspired thrashers Savage Messiah will be accompanying them as special guests on their upcoming UK and Ireland tour dates.

Savage Messiah stated: “We are thrilled to be joining Cradle of Filth on their UK/IRE tour in Oct/Nov! We had a great show together in Portsmouth recently, so we jumped at the chance to do a full run. This promises to be a really great night of metal so make sure you get your tickets early and we look forward to celebrating the UK metal scene with everyone!"

Dani Filth commented on the tour: "We, as a band, are incredibly excited about hitting the UK and Ireland for a full run of dates around All Hallows Eve, as playing the band's home country is always great fun and the audiences here are very receptive. And nuts. The dates will be the first in a long line of shows that will extend throughout the rest of the World throughout 2018. We aim to be very prolific on the live front, delivering a show worthy of our fan’s exalted expectations and more" Tickets are on sale now!

CRADLE OF FILTH ‘CRYPTORIANA WORLD TOUR’ UK & IRELAND w. special guests Savage Messiah: 30.10. Belfast - Limelight 31.10. Dublin - Academy (Halloween Show) 02.11. Manchester - Academy 2 03.11. Glasgow - Garage 04.11. Birmingham - O2 Institute 2 05.11. Leeds – Church 07.11. Oxford - O2 Academy 08.11. Southampton - Engine Rooms 09.11. Norwich - Waterfront 10.11. London - Electric Ballroom 11.11. Bristol – Bierkeller

Cradle Of Filth have also released a brand new video in which singer Dani Filth talks about working with Artūrs Bērziņš on the expressive artwork of their eagerly awaited 12th album, ‘Cryptoriana - The Seductiveness Of Decay’. Watch it here:



Cradle Of Filth only recently announced the first details for ‘Cryptoriana - The Seductiveness Of Decay’, which will be released on September 22nd via Nuclear Blast.

Tuesday 22 August 2017

Post Apocalyptic Americana - TJ Kong & The Atomic Bomb to Release Dancing out the Door - Friday The 13th of Oct.


Photo credit: Neil Santos

"Post Apocalypse Blues – that’s what people began calling our music," explains Dan Bruskewicz, frontman of four-piece garage/blues/punk act TJ KONG & THE ATOMIC BOMB. "This record is an exploration of that idea. Apocalyptic Americana. But besides all that, these songs are a celebration. A celebration of giving up control. A celebration of living in the eternal now. Of this very moment. The only moment."

This October, on the decidedly appropriate Friday the 13th, TJ Kong & The Atomic Bomb will be releasing their third full length record, Dancing out the Door, via Good Behavior Records. The band sees this upcoming release as the third installment in a trilogy that began with their debut record, Idiots. According to Bruskewicz, "Idiots explores folk music, Manufacturing Joy explores garage, delta blues and country, and Dancing out the Door adds horns as well as organ and keys to explore our strange version of New Orleans, the holiest of the holies."

The album begins with the intimate and cinematic intro of “Black Bats” which pushes through into the lunatic party of its chorus. They display a laid-back twang on “Mulholland Drive” before an out-of-this-world quote from Muhammed Ali leads into the animated “California Basement Blues”. “Dancing out the Door” displays its strength as the album’s namesake through its powerful drunken sing-along sensation. The tracks “Heat Heat Heat” and “Long Black Dress” show off TJ Kong’s jazz and garage chops respectively, gearing the album up for it’s Herculean New Orleans finish on “Soul Asylum”.

The band's notoriety in the much-buzzed-about Philly music scene comes on two strengths: Bruskewicz's darkly poetic, catchy narratives and a raucous, high energy live show – the likes of which the band was determined to capture in the studio for their third record. Dancing out the Door was recorded to tape over two days at Kawari Sound Studios, enlisting the talents of producer Bill Moriarty (Dr. Dog, Man Man, Ron Gallo) and mastering engineer Joe Lambert. "We recorded the majority of everything you hear live, including vocals," says Bruskewicz. "It’s a very freeing way to work, knowing that perfection is out of the question. 'Perfect is dead.' James Taylor told me that once on a very strange evening in Philadelphia."

TJ Kong & The Atomic Bomb was born when Drummer Dan Cask and Bruskewicz met while working at a bar in Philadelphia. Cask had grown up playing drums in the Philly punk scene, and ran a DIY music venue out of his home in South Philly. The pair bonded over music and film, finding common ground in Iggy and the Stooges, Tom Waits, Jim Jarmusch, Johnny Cash, Stanley Kubrick, David Lynch, punk music of all kinds and 90's grunge. On one fateful Easter Sunday the two decided to combine their talents on a few original songs, and the synergy left an impression that cemented their status as a band. They took their name from the infamous moment in Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove, "The pawn of fate, Lt. TJ Kong rides the atomic bomb to humanity’s ultimate demise, waving his cowboy hat and laughing uncontrollably. That, in a nutshell, is what we’re going for here. Waving our cowboy hats at fate."

From there, the band took off - making a name for themselves with a storied live show that sends people into a dancing delirium. The band's infectious excitement led USA Today to describe them as "One of the most sought after bands in Philly." Soon they were invited to perform at the POP Montreal festival supporting well-known Canadian two piece, Japandroids. The festival extolled the band's performance saying, "Playing Americana 'slash blues', they sing, wail, lament, and brood over being drunk, hungover, alone, depressed, sweaty, and lost. A simple recount of a whiskey-inspired tradition on guitar and harmonica."

In an effort to capture the explosion of angels and demons that Dancing out the Door cultivates, Bruskewicz offers this: "We’re excited about what we found. A joyful madness. These songs all have a different story to tell, not the lame story of the band or our records, but real stories of strange humans doing beautiful things and being imperfect. Kaboom"

TJ Kong & The Atomic Bomb is Dan Bruskewicz (Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica), Dan Cask (Drums), Joshua "J.A.M" Machiz (Upright Bass), and Josh Olmstead (Guitar). Dancing out the Door will be released Friday the 13th of October, 2017 via Good Behavior Records.

SOFT FANGS - ‘FRACTURES’ OUT SEPTEMBER 1ST VIA DISPOSABLE AMERICA



Soft Fangs is the musical project of Brooklyn-based songwriter, John Lutkevich. Since his first EP (soft fangs | 2014) and subsequent full length (The Light | 2016), Lutkevich has been enticing audiences all over with his purposefully crafted dark pop.

Influences like The Beach Boys, Leonard Cohen and Pavement melt together to form a scuzzy tangle - from which emerges a dreamier sound reminiscent of acts like Sparkle Horse - while literary inspiration comes from the magical realism of author Gabriel Garcia Marquez and avant-garde poet Robert Creeley.

On his latest release ‘Fractures,' Lutkevich says: “The LP is a collection of songs that I wrote over the past year in fragments and then recorded in three days during a snowstorm in Maine. I wanted to take these songs that I’d written leisurely over the span of a year and then record them very quickly. It’s the first album where I've enlisted the help of others to engineer, so I let my good friends Bradford Krieger & Chaimes Parker (Big Nice Studio) handle all of the recording aspects, and I just got to run from instrument to instrument.”

Songs like ‘Honey Colony,’ drip around the ears of the listener, melding the story of a bee with that of a workaholic, while other songs like ‘Elephant Girl’ and ‘We Don’t Live Together Anymore’ take on abstract interpretations of loneliness and alienation.

“The album varying in concept is precisely the concept, hence it’s title. They are fractures from my life and other people’s.”

Monday 21 August 2017

Ash Costello and Piggy D's THE HAXANS release new music video "Lights Out"



THE HAXANS are a brand new power-duo featuring Ash Costello (New Years Day) on vocals and Matt Montgomery (aka Piggy-D, Bassist of Rob Zombie) on vocals and guitar. This unique, Goth Pop infused project are set to release their debut album “Party Monsters” on Friday Oct 13th 2017 via Another Century Records. The brand-new music video for the track “Lights Out” can be seen here:



Costello states: "For years we have felt like mad scientists, secretly working on our music hidden away from everyone else... and we are so excited to finally share our creation with the world! I genuinely love what we have made, and cannot wait for you to hear it! We are two weirdos that hope we can call upon all the rest of the weirdos in the world to join in on our fun."

Montgomery adds: "Finally it's party time! We figure after a few years of building this Frankenstein in the garage, we should let it get out and walk around a little. Maybe someone will try to beat it up, Maybe someone else will fall in love with it, who knows? But it's out there and it's loose, and you never know where it will turn up!"

Wednesday 16 August 2017

STARSAILOR Release New Video ‘ALL THIS LIFE’... New Album Out September 1st



British quartet STARSAILOR have unveiled the video for their latest single "All This Life," the title track from their upcoming album, which is out September 1, 2017 via Cooking Vinyl. Lead singer and guitarist James Walsh explains, “'We are delighted with new video. Robbie Knox and his team did a fantastic job of capturing the essence of the song. The lighter moments of enjoyment with good friends are the fuel that gets us through the more testing or mundane times in life'.

The video is a heartfelt accompaniment to the track’s sentiment. It depicts the monotony of everyday life, pictured in faded grey flashbacks, set against the band and their friends enjoying an evening around a blazing campfire as the late afternoon fades into night. It’s a testament to enjoying moments of love and happiness when the routine of normal life can otherwise seem bleak.

All This Life is the band’s fifth studio album and their first release since 2009. The album finds Starsailor re-energised and on outstanding form. This year Starsailor has played to a packed out Big Top Stage at Isle Of Wight Festival and performed at British Summer Time in London’s Hyde Park supporting Phil Collins and Blondie.



‘ALL THIS LIFE’ TRACK LISTING: 1. Listen To Your Heart 2. All This Life 3. Take A Little Time 4. Caught In The Middle 5. Sunday Best 6. Blood 7. Best Of Me 8. Break The Cycle 9. Fallout 10. FIA (F**k It All) 11. No One Else

Tuesday 15 August 2017

HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD ANNOUNCE RETURN TO UK



HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD have announced their return to the UK. The Los Angeles five piece kick off their tour in Glasgow, Scotland on 24th Jan 2018, before hitting England for shows in Manchester, Birmingham, Norwich and London. Known for atomic live performances, the quintet regularly sells out shows around the world from Massachusetts and Miami to Moscow and Manchester, and are looking forward to their UK return:

"We are so happy to be heading out for a tour in Europe. We love playing there, the crowds are great and we love the culture. Can't wait to see old friends and make new ones. See you soon!" The band recently released the first single/video from their forthcoming album called “California Dreaming”, racking up close to 1.8 million YouTube views in just 3 weeks.

Since the release of their RIAA platinum-certified 2008 debut, Swan Songs. the group’s unmistakable and inebriating distillation of rock, hip-hop, industrial, and electronic has incited the rise of a bona fide cult audience comprised of millions. For the uninitiated, think Trent Reznor producing Enter The Wu-Tang Clan – 36 Chambers in 2020, and you’re halfway there…Quietly infecting the mainstream, their 2011 sophomore effort American Tragedy went gold and bowed at #4 on the Billboard Top 200, while 2013’s Notes From The Underground seized #2. In 2015, Day of the Dead spawned another smash in the form of the title track, which amassed 21.1 million Spotify streams and 17 million YouTube/VEVO views.

Now they gear up to release fifth album ‘V’, out October 27th via BMG.

HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD UK TOUR: 24 January - Glasgow, UK at O2 Academy Glasgow 25 January - Manchester, UK at Manchester Academy 26 January - Birmingham, UK at O2 Academy Birmingham 27 January - Norwich, UK at The LCR 30 January - London, UK at KOKO

Monday 14 August 2017

Midnight Divide - "Dichotomy EP", Released August 8th, 2017 - EP REVIEW


Midnight Divide - "Dichotomy EP"
Released August 8th, 2017

You know that feeling when you think you are nearly reaching the end of the summer and you would like it to last it a little bit longer. Well I am experiencing exactly the same feeling with Dichotomy the 4 track EP from Midnight Divide an intriguing and refreshing alt rock combo from LA.

Their official bio mentions Imagine Dragons and other contemporaries. Well, I have no clue if that’s true as I don’t know much about their influences but I quite like the cocktail of synths, the immaculate hip hop production alongside drums and aerial guitars. Ketamine, the opening track is a song full of pure high octane energy, proving - if it was needed - that one can still produce quality tunes without having to scream and playing with two cords only 😊

Fireline follows and provides a more atmospheric environment that gives Austen, the lead singer, a welcome space to land a voice covering a wide range of notes. I got to warn you guys, this track is a bit of an earworm. The subtle arrangements and backing vocals coupled with some smart guitar riffs are lethal.

Just as you are about to recover from having listened to Fireline 20 times back to back you jump on Animal Eyes, an industrial alternative pop rock indie anthem - if such a thing does exist. Well, you won't have too much time to think about it as you take another massive uppercut of creativity and musicianship with that track. A mid tempo gem.

I find that Talking, the last song, is simply beautiful. An humble track full of sensitivity I was thinking. There was some 80’s indie feeling to it but maybe that is just me. Anyway, those guys can write, produce and play some really great uncomplicated music. If only they could have added another 10 tracks to the EP!!! Wait a second, that would not be an EP then?

Enjoy the summer wherever you are... And don’t forget to listen to Midnight Divide. 😊

Overall: In my top 10 bands to watch!
If I was to pick 3 Only: Fireline, Fireline, Fireline
Live Test: Can you please play in Dublin?

Written by Pascal Derrien

Thursday 10 August 2017

GoT's KRISTIAN NAIRN Ready to Go "BIGGER"



DJ, producer, and actor, KRISTIAN NAIRN will be releasing his third solo single, titled “BIGGER,” on Friday, August 11th via Radikal Records. Renowned locally and internationally in the field of music and performance, Kristian Nairn is a prolific homegrown talent. Widely recognized for his portrayal of the lovable and loyal "Hodor" on HBO’s hit series Game of Thrones, Nairn has been DJing and producing for over a decade, holding down a residency for eleven years at Kremlin, one of Ireland’s most popular and enduring venues. Nairn is looking to build on the success of is past singles, “Up/Beacon (feat. Leanne Robinson)” and “4Love (feat. Salt Ashes)” which received rave reviews from publications like Ministry of Sound, Thump/Vice, and The Verge, with the release of “Bigger.”

Excited to share his new track, “Bigger,” with the world Nairn says: “I’ve been fortunate enough to tour the world over the past few years playing at some of the most amazing venues, with such incredible crowds, and this track really evolved from the sound of my live set. This is a much bigger sound for me than any of my previous releases, hence the name, and I can’t wait to have it out in the world.”

Kristian Nairn is currently traveling the United States, bringing his live DJ set, titled ‘Rave of Thrones,’ to cities including Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Sacramento, Denver, and more. All upcoming tour dates are listed below.

TOUR DATES: August 24 - Brooklyn, NY @ Output (*Rave of Thrones*) August 26 - Philadelphia, PA @ The Foundry (*Rave of Thrones*) August 28 - Norfolk, VA @ Harbor Park September 1 to 3 - Sacramento, CA @ Sacramento Convention Center (Comic Con) September 8 - Denver, CO @ The Church September 9 - Dallas, TX @ Lizard Lounge “Bigger” will be available for digital purchase on Friday, August 11th on all major platforms, including Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, and Bandcamp. The single will also be available to stream on all major streaming platforms, including Apple Music and Spotify.

About Radikal Records: Established in 1990, and based just outside of NYC, Radikal Records is one of the United States’ leading independent record labels. In business for more than 25 years, they are focused on marketing, promoting, and distributing artists – not only to audiences in the USA, but also on a global basis to partners world-wide. Artists included on their roster over the years include: 2 Unlimited, N-Trance, Zombie Nation, ATB, Yello, Scooter, Schiller, Blank & Jones, Cosmic Gate, Sinead O’Connor, Ayah Marar, and many others.

Wednesday 9 August 2017

TOO CLOSE TO TOUCH release new video for "The Art Of Eye Contact"


Photo credit: Lindsay Byrnes

Fresh off performing all summer on the Vans Warped Tour, Too Close To Touch share a new video for “The Art of Eye Contact”. Frontman Keaton Pierce explains: “The Art Of Eye Contact” is a song that’s holds a lot of meaning to us and is about the wide range of emotions you can often feel throughout the course of a relationship with someone you care about, even if they wear you out in the process. We wanted to do something unique and felt the story behind the track could be best told through interpretive dance. We’re thankful to the talented artists and crew who helped bring this to life.” Watch the video for “The Art of Eye Contact” now:



Too Close To Touch’s latest album Haven’t Been Myself was released in late 2016, debuting on the Billboard charts as the #3 Alternative Artist Album, #9 Top New Artist Album, #25 Top Hard Music Album, #28 Current Alternative Album, #35 Top Independent Album, and #133 Billboard Top 200 Current Album. Since the band’s formation in 2013, the band has earned over 3 million+ YouTube views, 7 million+ album streams and countless live shows including the Vans Warped Tour this summer. Additionally, Too Close To Touch are the 2016 winners of the Alternative Press Music Award for Best Underground Band.

Tuesday 8 August 2017

JOSH TODD & THE CONFLICT Launch New Video 'Rain'



JOSH TODD & THE CONFLICT unveil the powerful, new music video for the track, “Rain', taken from their debut album, Year of the Tiger, out September 15th on Century Media Records. Check out 'Rain' here:



The conceptual clip was directed by Billy Jayne (Buckcherry) and shot in downtown Los Angeles. See below to check out the new video and access the pre-order links for their debut album. The band will be touring world-wide throughout 2017/2018. Year of the Tiger was co-produced by guitarist Stevie Dacanay (Buckcherry) and Stone Temple Pilots drummer Eric Kretz. The aforementioned new disc is also now available for pre-order and anyone pre-ordering Year of the Tiger will also automatically receive the instant-grat track of the title song.

Todd states: “The song ‘Rain' I actually wrote a capella with my voice to start. I had all the lyrics and melodies written when I sang it to Stevie (guitars). I told him that I wanted a 'we will rock you' beat with stomps and hand claps with a signature guitar solo. I left the the track with him and shortly thereafter the song basically wrote itself. Stevie accomplished everything musically that I wanted and wrapped it up with some nice dynamics.

"At that time I wanted the lyrics to reflect my thoughts, and my thoughts at that time were my life is mine, beliefs only have power if you believe in them, how can I describe the outlaw inside me, inside everyone, amends/karma, it means nothing. Simply kill or be killed. That’s the way it is in the animal kingdom and humans are no different, we just think we are. I just started writing and it came very easily. That's when I knew we had something. I think ‘Rain’ has that genuine one-time listen impact and those type of songs are hard to come by.

“I wanted the video to be edgy, so naturally I called upon renowned director Billy Jayne, who shot the Buckcherry videos for ‘Gluttony,' 'Bring it on Back' and 'Say Fuck It' and really understands what we are trying to achieve. We wanted it to be like the movies Heat meets to Live and Die In LA with me coming in and out narrating it with the melody.

"The concept is a bunch of gangsters get robbed by some fake DEA agents and throughout the video the gangsters find out who did it, hunt them down and kill them all. We picked some iconic locations in downtown LA to shoot and being a California native it was very cool for me. Wanted it to look like a short film and Billy captured all that and then some. Enjoy!”

JOSH TODD & THE CONFLICT is: Josh Todd - Vocals Stevie D - Guitars/Back-Up Vocals Sean Winchester - Drums Greg Cash - BassJ

Gemini Syndrome Joins Fozzy On "Judas Rising" Tour



Gemini Syndrome has announced that they will be joining Fozzy and The Stir on select dates of "The Judas Rising Tour". The band will be touring in support of their latest album Memento Mori (Century Media) and current radio single "Sorry Not Sorry". The band will first hit the road for a handful of headline shows beginning on September 19th, before meeting up with Fozzy in Fort Wayne, Indiana on September 27th.

"We are excited to announce the first few dates of this fall run including the dates supporting Fozzy. This will be the last conversion of the year before we start working on a new record. Come see us on the road and get prepared for the next chapter." - Aaron Nordstrom

Gemini Syndrome Tour Dates: 09/19 @ Winchester Music Tavern - Lakewood, OH (Headline) 09/21 @ Green Bay Distillery - Ashwaubenon, WI (Headline) 09/22 @ Every Buddy's Bar - Eau Claire, WI (Headline) 09/23 @ The Music Factory - Battle Creek, MI (Black Stone Cherry) 09/24 @ Diesel Concert Lounge - Chesterfield, MI (Headline) 09/27 @ Piere’s – Fort Wayne, IN (Fozzy) 09/28 @ A&R Music Bar - Columbus, OH (Fozzy) 09/30 @ Austin’s Fuel Room - Libertyville, IL (Fozzy) 10/01 @ Zoo Amphitheatre - Oklahoma City, OK (KATTfest) 10/03 @ Rapids Theatre - Niagara Falls, NY (Fozzy) 10/04 @ Wilkes-Barre, PA – Chandelier Lobby (Fozzy) 10/05 @ Worcester, MA – The Palladium-Upstairs (Fozzy) 10/07 @ Wilmington, NC – The Muse (Fozzy) 10/08 @ Winston-Salem, NC – Johnny and June’s (Fozzy)

Monday 7 August 2017

The Virginmarys - "Sitting Ducks" Self Release



Macclesfield rockers The Virginmarys have announced their new EP 'Sitting Ducks' will be released 22nd September 2017. A collection of four new songs including 'Sweet Loretta' (previous Classic Rock Magazine 'Tracks Of the Week' winner + Team Rock featured 'Singles Club'), this self-produced release carries the mantra of 'Peace, Love, Truth, Music'. 'Sitting Ducks' is a cutting and sincere EP that speaks directly to what it is to live, love, and lose.

Available now to pre-order through the band’s website and Pledge Music, The Virginmarys chose to self-release in order to connect directly to their fans. Frontman Ally Dickaty comments “We’ve always been hard to pigeon hole and we thank our fans time and again for letting us be ourselves so we can grow together. We have an army of incredibly dedicated fans and our lives shows have become all the more special for it. In these unpredictable times, we want to be part of the answer and put something true into the world.”

'Sitting Ducks' is a follow up to their critically acclaimed 2016 album 'Divides', which received wide praise from Consequence of Sound, Wall Street Journal, Clash Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, and more. While 'Divides' reflected the fear and darkness of unpredictable times, 'Sitting Ducks' showcases both light and shade. Dickaty explains “we wanted to release some music that that the fans can move to and feel, sonics and words that make them feel empowered, but never lose that heartbreaking quality.”

The Virgimarys exploded onto the rock music scene in 2013 with their album King of Conflict, which debuted #3 on the Billboard New Artist Alternative Chart and #8 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart. With King of Conflict, the Virginmarys were dubbed the buzz band of SXSW, received major support from US Active Rock and Alternative radio, and press acclaim from Rolling Stone, Alternative Press, USA Today, and more. The band followed up with 2016’s Divides which, in addition to major press, was hailed by Apple Music, Spotify, Yahoo! Music, and more. The Virginmarys have brought their highly charged live show to tours throughout the US, Europe, and Japan, supporting artists including Queens of the Stone Age, Shinedown, Buckcherry, Eagles of Deathmetal, Crobot, and hitting huge festivals to include Reading & Leeds, Download Fest, Sonisphere, Isle of Wight Festival, and more.

Pre Order 'Sitting Ducks': www.pledgemusic.com/projects/virginmarys-ep

Wednesday 2 August 2017

7 MINUTES IN HEAVEN release lyric video for "LOTL" - New EP "Symmetry" out 15th September


Photo credit: Jonathan Kemp

Chicago-based alt-rockers 7 MINUTES IN HEAVEN (7MIH) have unleashed a lyric video for “LOTL”, the second single to be taken from their forthcoming EP Symmetry. The band’s lead vocalist/guitarist Timmy Rasmussen expands on the song:

“The action of breaking away from the status quo, forcing you to create your own path and taking action to find a solution. Calling yourself out for not doing the things you've set out to do, and letting go of what’s been holding you back to allow yourself to grow. Self-reflecting that everything works itself out in the end if you believe in yourself and are aware of what’s going on around you.” Check out the video for “LOTL” here:



Prior to “LOTL”, the band released “Symmetry”, the first single off their forthcoming EP which you can view here. Timmy Rasmussen elaborates that the song is about reaching a breaking point and “realizing what once worked before, no longer does.” He continues that it is about “finding what’s right for yourself, taking a step back and reflecting on what needs to change around you and within yourself. Be yourself, what works for someone else usually won’t work for you - know yourself above all.” The band are currently on tour in the US with The Millenium and A Summer High.

TOUR DATES: 8/2 - Nashville, TN - Rocketown 8/3 - Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade 8/5 - Orlando, FL - Uncle Lou's 8/6 - Raleigh, NC - The Pour House 8/7 - Richmond, VA - The Canal Club 8/8 - Baltimore, MD - The Sidebar 8/9 - Philadelphia, PA - Trocadero Balcony 8/10 - Amityville, NY - Amityville Music Hall 8/11 - Easton, PA - One Centre Square 8/15 - Manchester, NH - The Bungalow 8/16 - Cambridge, MA - Out of The Blue 8/17 - Garwood, NJ - Crossroads 8/18 - Lakewood, OH - The Foundry 8/20 - Millvale, PA - Mr. Smalls 8/21 - Columbus, OH - Double Happiness

7 Minutes of Heaven (7MIH) are best known for their 2015 smash, Side Effects, which hit Billboard’s #1 Alternative New Artists chart, #9 Heatseekers chart, and #60 Independent Artist chart and featured singles “I’m Okay” and “Fireworks.” The band, signed to Rude Records, are gearing up for their follow up EP, Symmetry, which is due out September 15th, recorded/produced by Seth Henderson at ABG Studios, and mastered by John Niclario. The EP focuses on finding the positive balance in one’s life despite being surrounded by confusion. Throughout the EP, 7MIH continue to use a wide array of influences to create a unique sound and convey a sonic story-line for the listener, hooking you in with powerful vocals and guitar chords, energizing drums, melodic tones and soft keys. Symmetry is available for pre-order now.

Tuesday 1 August 2017

THE MOMS Unveil Covers EP and Announce Tour Dates


PHOTO CREDIT: Joseph Vulpis

In support of their upcoming stint with Brick + Mortar, New Jersey’s favorite sons THE MOMS revealed their new EP Songs from the Road today. The 4-song EP is a collection of cover songs by bands that have a special meaning to The Moms and is now available worldwide. Bands include The Front Bottoms “La La La (The Power of Supply)”, Trashkanistan “180 Grier on Nursery”, Half Raptor “Sadly, but Surely”, and Cheapshow “What, We Have Car Payments, We’re Just Going to Walk Away From our Financial Obligations?”.

“In 2010, when The Moms were just a twinkle in our eyes, I had reached out to The Front Bottoms trying to book them in my basement,” explains vocalist Joey Nester. “At the time, The Front Bottoms were still a local band that played places like The Meatlocker in Montclair, basements in New Brunswick, and simple street shows at Rutgers to people who were only just passing by. The band responded to my email with a collection of demos that they had recorded. ‘The Power of Supply’ was among my favorites of these songs and I can’t believe that they had never put it on any of their later records – so we recorded it.”

Living the D.I.Y. dream since 2011, The Moms are a hard charging trio from Morris Plains, NJ. Not only are they masters of the mosh pit – they also deliver memorable hook-filled songs often below the 2-minute mark. They’ve covered ground in the United States, Canada, and Japan including Skate & Surf Festival and three annual appearances at The Fest.

The Moms is Joey Nester (vocals, guitar), Jon Stolpe (bass), Matty Stolpe (drums). Their new EP Songs from the Road was released today via Bar/None Records. A new album is currently in the works. Catch them on tour this summer with Brick + Mortar!

TOUR DATES * w/ Brick + Mortar: AUG 16 Gsas Gasa* New Orleans, LA AUG 17 The Masquerade* Atlanta, GA AUG 18 Cat's Cradle* Carrboro, NC AUG 19 DC9* Washington, DC AUG 20 Milkboy* Philadelphia, PA AUG 24 Asbury Park Brewery Asbury Park, NJ AUG 25 Once Ballroom* Somerville, MA AUG 26 Sunnyvale* Brooklyn, NY SEP 23 The North Jersey Indie Rock Festival @ Cathedral Hall Jersey City, NJ