Alter Bridge - Fortress Album Review

Oh boy!

As I'm writing I just so happen to be giving Alter Bridge's latest album its first listen. Why I've left it so late I have no clue. What I am listening too, however, is an absolute behemoth of an album.

Alter Bridge are a hard rock act from Orlando, Florida formed out the ashes of the controversial disbandment of arena rock masters Creed. Former Creed bandmates: guitarist Mark Tremonti, Bassist Brian Marshall and drummer Scott Phillips decided to continue making music with a different vocalist of which they chose former member of The Mayfair Four, Myles Kennedy. Myles' journey through the rock world is well documented and the rest is history...

This, their fourth record, followed up the critically acclaimed concept album ABIII. The gap in between said albums was filled up with (deep breath) a Creed reunion, a Mark Tremonti solo album and one colossal collaboration with Slash for Myles.  

First off, Alter Bridge are back with a more polished sound than ever. Which is surprising given just how well ABIII was produced. An acoustic intro to start of the whole album during Cry Of Achilles is very reminiscent of the way Metallica would open a belter of a song back in the 80's. That's what this intro does but in terms of the whole album. What you're going to find is a snarling beast of an album packed with dark, moody and down right virtuoso playing from all members.

Lead single off the album showcases this perfectly. The main riff bursts out of the blocks early Judas Priest style and drums pound away in impeccable timing. The chorus cements the bands trademark of being a seriously heavy band but with the most beautiful swathes of melody. Myles Kennedy's voice always elevated above the downtuned madness of Tremonti's guitar below, he is gaining more recognition by the album but come on, the man should have been a super star years ago. His voice is, to put bluntly, unique and timeless. See for yourself...

  

Unlike previous records, this one is punctuated only twice by ballads, signalling a preferred musical direction the band now opt to take. It seems like these quieter, more focused tracks are implemented purely to showcase Myles' raw emotion and vocal ability, just like his majestic falsetto in Lover. Many tracks also tackle odd and unused keys which as you imagine are masterfully handled in what can only be an amazing writing environment between Kennedy and Tremonti.

There is room here for other subtle experimentation. Whether that be the disjointed, dirty and slightly unsettling breakdown in The Uninvited or Tremonti's vocally fronted track Waters Rising which works an absolute charm. Myles' and Mark's voices interlink at multiple points during the record and compliment each other brilliantly. Mark Tremonti needs to get more kudos himself as his guitar and vocal work are just stellar. His metal influences really do shine in this record and he was damn keen to show it. Also, a decade of writing Creed hits means he's not to shabby delivering stunningly good solos either. A personal favourite from the multitude I could choose from is a solo that dominates final track epic Fortress.

Alter Bridge have far gone past the point of delivering just "solid" records. This is naturally the level at which people of this musical talent will produce. And it wasn't a "playing it safe" album by any stretch. The dark, brooding world Alter Bridge have created will only continue to grow. With more bass. And double-kick pedals. Perfect.

9/10

Seb Wainwright

R.I.P Lou Reed

News has filtered through the rock world today of the passing of influential singer/songwriter Lou Reed. He was 71.

Reed's literary agent said he died of a "liver-related ailment".

While his original band The Velvet Underground did not achieve much commercial success whilst in action, the influence he and the band had on future generations was unparalleled. The Velvet Underground achieved its greatest success with their collaborations with artist Andy Warhol. The band were eventually inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. Their mix up of music and art spurred Lou's career on and in turn inspired many future artists to take music and art in the same career. Misfits? Sex Pistols? Lady Gaga? Most likely all fans I'd say...

After splitting up The Velvet Underground in 1970 he went on to carve an illustrious solo career spanning 20 albums. It was during this time he wrote his most famous songs like Walk On The Wild Side and Perfect Day, all on the David Bowie produced album Transformer. Always up for new slants on his music, his last studio offering was a controversial one featuring Metallica with Lulu in 2012.

A self confessed drug user and binge drinker, he went through a liver transplant this year after previously cancelling tour dates.

He is survived by his second wife, Laurie Anderson.

R.I.P Lewis "Lou" Reed (March 2 1942 – October 27 2013) 

Seb Wainwright

New Upon A Burning Body Music Video!

Texan metallers Upon A Burning Body have released a music video for their awesome single Texas Blood Money taken from 2013's RED.WHITE.GREEN. out now on Sumerian Records.

Filmed at this years Warped Tour at the (you guessed it) Texan dates, this song is a face melter. Not only is it filled with the biggest, thickest guitar riffs but also the types of sing-alongs many bands can even dream of getting the crowd involved in.

This band have something not many bands capture quite as well as they do. A personal recognition of who they are and where they come from. Seldom seen the metal world especially, where everyone supposedly hates their hometown with a passion, right? This San Antonio identity translates perfectly onto record too. El Mariachi is a song on this record that is a genuine, acoustic and brilliantly executed mariachi song. It feels neither out of place or useless. The band set themselves apart by doing just this.

I don't think I've set you up for just how heavy this is...

Check out the music video bellow by clicking on the link. DON'T FUCK WITH TEXAAAASSSSSSS:

                                    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCxcMgt_YQ0  

The Grand Daddy Of Them All

Yesterday I visited UCA in Epsom. They are the university I am using the reviews on this blog to apply for. On the way back from said university, my family and I diverted into a suburb of London called Kingston-Upon-Thames. Now, anyone that has ever visited Kingston before will know where I went. A music fanatic in the middle of Kingston, just add two and two together, right? That's right, I took my first trip to Banquet Records.

Hallowed ground for many fans of up and coming music, it is what was formerly Beggars Banquet Records. Taking care of 80's greats like The Cult and, more recently The Strokes, Beggars Banquet faced bankruptcy in the early 2000's. After an ownership change, they bounced back to the nation leading record store that they are today. With regular in-stores, club nights and hosted gigs, they really are more than your local record shop. Whilst there I managed to get my hands on this...

Just a vinyl of a little band called The Wonder Years. You know them? Of course you do! If you don't, shame on you! A copy of Suburbia: I've Given You All and Now I'm Nothing was my purchase. Perhaps considered their defining moment, the band that started out as a joke then 6 years into their career turn out a sophomore concept album so dense and full of meaning, it rocked the underground music scene. The clever, perceptive and story telling lyrics from Dan "Soupy" Campbell struck a nerve with many who felt like "this generations Morgan Spurlock". Whether that be Morgan the innovative director or Morgan the chronic fast food eater (if you haven't seen Super Size Me, do. Truly eye opening.) was up to them. But that's the beauty of it. You will find a reference you can pick out as your own. The DIY recording sound and attitude to the band itself has earned the respect of fans the world over too. Their brand of emotive and leveled pop-punk truly changed the landscape of the scene. 

Not only was this album a talking point for many people, the way in which it was released was certainly a major talking point too. I collect vinyls as you can see and this was an essential piece to put in my collection. For the simple, this record was in such high demand. The first pressing of around 2500 in various colours have disappeared into the midst of people's collections only to re-emerge on eBay for obscene prices. The second pressing, the clear variation which I now own, only had 30 left in stock in Banquet after 2 weeks of being on sale out of 1500. This record was a big deal. 

                                                    

This explosive trend continued with their latest record The Greatest Generation (my review of The Greatest Generation can be found by clicking here). 

I shall be seeing TWY live for a double header spectacular next month when I see them in Cardiff for a Matinee show and evening show in the same day! Obviously, as you're all such nice people I'll do a lengthily feature on that. I personally can't wait and I hope you'll be smart enough to catch them live sometime in the future. 

                                                            

Seb Wainwright

Architects News!

Architects have been busy holed up in Gothenburg, Sweden recording their sixth album at Studio Fredman. Well, today they announced it is scheduled for release in Spring of 2012 and according to the band is "sounding splendid - ya gonna love it."

But that's not all. They also announced they have put ink to paper on a new deal with none other than legendary punk label Epitaph Records! Simultaneous to this they have also singed with UNFD in Australia and New Damage Records in Canada!

ON TOP OF THAT in the same announcement they revealed a UK/Europe wide tour in support of the new album starting March 7th in Manchester. Who said good things come in small bunches!

Great to see to see the guys in Architects still working their asses off to put music out. expect a monster of a new album. Nothing less.

Architects UK & Ireland Tour Dates are as follows

Fri March 7th 2014 - MANCHESTER Academy 2
Sat March 8th 2014 - GLASGOW O2 ABC
Sun March 9th 2014 - SHEFFIELD Leadmill
​Tue March 11th 2014 - CARDIFF Solus
Wed March 12th 2014 - BIRMINGHAM Institute
Fri March 14th 2014 - LONDON KOKO

Architects Tickets are on sale from 10am on Monday October 21.

Seb Wainwright

The Story So Far Live!

So, I saw The Story So Far at Bristol's The Fleece last night. I got headwalked on and screamed lyrics in my friends face in an intimate venue. What could be better, right?

Openers Save Your Breath are on point more than ever before in their career. Being from South Wales myself like Save Your Breath, I have grown up the last four years watching this band grow themselves. The straight up, no nonsense pop-punk they now effortlessly generate is impossible not to like. Singer Kris Richards is now better at his live performances than ever too. Closer Nothing Worth Having Comes Easy you haven't already heard it is a must listen!

Main support Seahaven bring a wholly different atmosphere but thoroughly appreciated by a vast majority of the audience. The simple grooves and complex overlaying melody compliment each other in a live setting so well. Lead singer Kyle Soto's eerie vocals, sometimes lost in the mix, captivates many a listener, especially second song Black and White. Keeping a close eye on these guys for a new release soon.

Now then, The Story So Far. It seems to be a focal point of TSSF's music to be as effective played live as it is catchy and gritty on record. I tell you what, it works a charm. Right from the first line of opening song Right Here the band had a roomful of 400 people feeding off the palms of their hands. I'm not just talking about the gig I attended either, this happens universally. With the What You Don't See album tour cycle still running on all cylinders, "new" songs are dropped in the set list with a reception from the crowd like they were 5 years old. The band sound as tight as the day they left their garage and there's certainly not going to be a let up soon of that. Drummer Ryan Torf gets a personal kudos for the physical performance he has to put in every night behind that drum kit. Awesome stuff.

The crowd just go nuts at these gigs. Every lyric is sang right back to singer Parker Cannon's face. Crowd favourites like Quicksand and Mt. Diablo, I don't think I heard Parker's voice over the overbearing crowd raucously singing through every song. Stage dives and crowdsurfing left, right and centre, which is a given, you knew that? I wouldn't go as far as to so say that TSSF are a unique live band, there are many like them, but they certainly will be talking point with your friends for many months to come.

I'm not going to rate these, there's no need to. Just given you an insight what what these gigs are like, innit. Hope you liked my first live review, tell me if you did on twitter, yeah?

Next live gig for me is Heart Of A Coward (gulp) but one may pop up in between, I'll let you all know.

COOL! 

Seb Wainwright
Twitter: @Get_WhatYouGive

Single Review: Volumes - Vahle (pre-production demo) Review

Volumes are back!

Loads of you probably already know that, though. Oh well, Volumes return right where they left off with new single Vahle but with an important topic to get off to get off their chest.

Volumes are an LA metalcore-meets-djent outfit that with their 2011 debut VIA turned all of heads their way. This single picks up where VIA left off, a barrage of charged, heavy-but-melodic music that makes you want to headbang... 24/7.

Vahle touches on the tragic circumstances in which they lost a close friend of the band, James Vahle. It's the reason I want to focus on the lyrics first. The lyrics are not metaphoric or clever. They are the blunt, unrelenting truth. Duel frontmen Michael Barr and Gus Farias lay down the lyric multiple times during the song "and I should have pulled you out of that truck". Lyrics don't get more real than that. Musically it's the same beautiful cacophony of sounds: chugging seven-string guitars, soaring electronics and vocals that can pin you down such is the force. Drumming- wise too the effortless double-bass grooves never let the others get too carried away with speed. They even fancy a little complicated breakdown every now and then... I joke, when they drop, they are huge.

Mediaskare like to release pre-production singles (don't really know why) but anyone would be forgiven for thinking this was a mixed album track. If anyone has ever listened to VIA it means you'll excited to see what Volumes producer and their guitarist Diego Farias does to this track to further the track. If anything like VIA, expect a polished, slick and bass-y as hell mix!

Scheduled for release early 2014, Vahle in it's full produced glory will feature on the record. You'd be mad to miss it, seriously.

8/10

Seb Wainwright

GNARWOLVES TOUR!

Seems as though yesterday I was talking very excitedly about my return to the gig routine, I thought I may as well share some I'm looking forward to.

I've mentioned a few I intend to go to before on here but one tour that got announced just last week has got me rather excited. It's Gnarwolves first headline UK tour! This band caught many underground-scene lovies' attention last year with their brilliant debut EP Cru. DIY punk from a bunch of Cornish guys that now live in Brighton, what's not to like? Support slot after support slot, (including landing a huge support slot to Funeral For A Friend) house gig after house gig, they continue to impress and humour us with goofy, energetic live shows. With their release of their third EP Funemployed this summer the Cornwall trio look to expand the Cru, one basement at a time.

Having seen them live myself this is definitely one not to miss. Tickets range from £4-8 and can be found here: http://www.ents24.com/uk/tour-dates/Gnarwolves

Dates below:

Any of you unfamiliar with their music, you're welcome:

Seb Wainwright

LIVE REVIEWS!

Guess what guys... I'm going to a gig on Thursday!

Holy shit it's been so long (5 months to be exact) but I start my hectic gig schedule starts with The Story So Far in Bristol on Thursday. I very much plan on live reviews being a part of this blog and I apologise for not having any gigs to go to since this blog started. When they drop, I hope you enjoy the live reviews!

Okay, so I've said what I needed to say. So, here's a picture of my cat...

Good day!

Don Broco - You Wanna Know

Keeping this one concise, guys. Can't be rambling all the time, can I?

Don Broco are a Bedford four-piece with something up their sleeve that's taking the UK by storm, any US viewers on this blog... LISTEN UP, you need to know these guys! After releasing their highly anticipated debut last year in the form of Priorities, they've captured the hearts of a vary melting pot of music fans. This, their new single You Wanna Know, is released on the cusp of a gigantic UK that involves The Camden Roudhouse, a venue three times the size of their last London show only 6/7 months ago. So, this write up is only really of the single You Wanna Know as the EP is just full of remixes and acoustic stuff.

The song it's self is characteristic of the sound Don Broco have been mastering since their inception in 2009. Power-pop? It may well be. Big, thick slabs of rock riffage over a beat driven rhythm section provides the basis for this whole song. Verses break down into 80's picked guitars and slapped bass, I tell you now heads will be a'bobbing. The lyrics crooned out by the frontman Rob Damiani are literally of the scales cheesy. HOWEVER, used in the context of the song and how it sounds, wholly appropriate. That is the mastery with which Don Broco pull off song after song. So infectious is the groove the OTT dance moves you'll be pulling won't seem out of place or weird at all. This is a band that know exactly what their doing, down to the last note.

I'd highly recommend this band for their sheer enjoyment. Cynicism surrounding all music goes out the window. This will make you smile.

(I haven't done a review on it, but their debut record Priorities is a must listen if you dig this write up!)

Seb Wainwright

A Day To Remember - Common Courtesy Album Review

I'm back again! School hit me like a ton of bricks this year (I'm a wimp) but I return with more reviews and opinions to share with you wonderful people! Thanks for sticking with me...

As I'm writing this I am listening to the much anticipated release from A Day To Remember. Common Courtesy is self-released and is out now on this here website commoncourtesy.adtrstore.com the physical release date is somewhat vague because of the self-funded nature of the album.

Boy, A Day To Remember aren't half good at what they do, aren't they? This their fifth studio album further solidifies their position in an area of music they totally, totally, dominate. After bursting onto the scene with their sophomore album For Those Who Have A Heart they had tapped into a field of music that was refreshing if, however, slightly controversial. The unusual mix of pop-punk and crushing metalcore/hardcore styles resonates with many people who find ADTR a perfect median between the two.

Album opener City Of Ocala is straight up pop-punk. No bullshitting. Full pop-punk songs was an experiment ADTR conducted on their last record What Separates Me From You. While not perfect on the last release even the first song on this album has the nail hit on the head. While not breakdown laden and heavy, the finest New Found Glory-esque pop rock song is the outcome.

Okay, so pop-punk is not an issue, what about ADTR's heavier side? Has that taken a sideline in favour of their poppier, more accessible songwriting?

Hell no...

This album is filled with a very Homesick type array of pummelling, fist-pumping anthems. Lead single Violence (Enough is Enough) is a perfect example of this renewed angular assault. The edge that many said was missing from their somewhat sugar coated previous record is back with a vengeance. Songs like Sometimes You're The Hammer, Sometimes You're The Nail are nothing new in terms of content but it is the execution that sells this and basically the whole album. Alex Shelnutt's drumming is precise and powerful as he double-basses away in perfect unison with the guitar section made up of Neil Westfall, Kevin Skaff and Joshua Woodard. The licks that penetrate the overriding rhythm are very reminiscent of a certain Parkway Drive (which, as a avid Parkway fan, suites me perfectly). Life Lessons Learned The Hard Way involves singer Jeremy McKinnon's layered screaming over jumping, flying guitar riffs and enough breakdowns to make you break your house... down, pun regrettably intended.

Lets take a step back, though. This is a step in either direction for ADTR. The softer, more melodic songs have also had modification and tweaks  made to them. Again, nothing drastically different but more so a band developing their type of music. Right Back At It Again and I'm Already Gone are perfect examples of this. Neither style is hindered by another and on many occations ADTR just do what they do best. Merge the two together.

That's not to say this album doesn't have its faults. The simple fact that the song positions within the album are just not right is a starter. The album flow from one end to the other is sometimes painfully broken up by a misplaced, out-of-place song that, while good as a singular softer song for instance, may not sit well when the song beforehand mad you want to punch walls.

 Then there's the issue of Jeremy's voice harmonies. The natural voice of Jeremy McKinnon is that of an angel don't get me wrong. But sometimes the harmonies laid out over the top of many a chorus sound too superficial to even take seriously. Lyrically, yup, he's still fighting 'cause no one can bring him down...

Common Courtesy is the beautiful, expertly executed mash up of a record we were all hoping to hear from the Floridian quintet. Fat has been re injected to the mix and the result is a masterclass of ADTR doing what they do best. What they do best hasn't changed for the last seven years either. A bad thing?

Hell no...

8/10

Seb Wainwright

Stray From The Path - Anonymous Review

You're going to like this one...

So, Stray From The Path dropped their new record earlier this week! Out now via Sumerian Records and it is an absolute banger...

This is the bands fourth record with singer Andrew "Drew York" Dijorio fronting and seventh overall release. Already there's a lot more than meets the eye with this band. This is a band that have been touring rigorously for around ten years. To say these four very politically charged guys are dedicated would be an understatement. That's what this album brings with it. Dedication to their cause. This Long Island hardcore band has long been projecting their Rage Against The Machine like lyrics and many a time pay direct homage musically to them as well.

The record starts with a statement, shall we say. False Flag is a monstrous melee of oddball riffs and atrociously large grooves. That noise. That sneering, spitting noise Drew York famously uses in almost every single one of there songs is back in full force. BLLLEEEEEEHHHHH!

After a complete RATM track steal Badge & A Bullet (that rules, by the way) there's a song that may as well be a match made in heaven. Two bands that right are causing heads to turn in curiosity merge together. I could only be talking about SFTP and Letlive.'s Jason Aalon Butler. The results produced are big indeed. It's not often you heard two frontmen trading lines with eachother that sound like the same creative wavelength has been achieved seamlessly.

Lyrically, it's kind of miss and miss. There are times where the subject matters spat into your face by Drew York make you at one with the fact there are as pissed off as you. The screaming is berserk at times, literally. Other times, well, it just face plants into dog shit (Counting Sheep being the song in mind).

Stray From The Path are harnessing a song that hails late-90's hardcore but tinges it with a simply perfect mix of metalcore. It is innovative and causes curiosity. Brilliant if you want an expanding fan base. That's exactly what this band will get from this record. In the words of some guy on one of their YouTube videos

"it's like ratm (in a good way) but with a crazy ass white guy screaming his lungs out"

Brilliant.

8/10

Seb Wainwright

Drum Covers!

This may seem like self-advertising but that's what this site is all about! So here are a couple of drum covers I uploaded to YouTube before I moved house this summer. One is of Aussie metallers Northlane (with added footcam) and Cali pop-punkers The Story So Far. My absolute favorite pass time is to play drums. My drums are set up here in my new house now and new covers will ensue don't you worry! . For now, however, so enjoy these first two I have put together and please please please let me know what you think of them! I appreciate it.

IN THE PIPELINE: Stray From The Path new album, TSSF live and the almighty Letlive. live!

You rule.

Seb Wainwright

Single Review: Balance and Composure - Reflection

I was about to do a feature on this record as it comes out today. Unfortunately homework (yawn) has tied me up until now. So here's the deal, I'll write my Reflection single review tonight and then probably next week I'll roll out a full LP review of Balance and Composure's The Things We Think We're Missing. Game? Cool.

Well, what can I say, this has been a long time coming. With 2011's Separation debut album B&C did something few thought could be pulled off credibly. They have masterfully ripped out the 90's grunge/alt sound from its early grave. Not only that but it was mixed a contemporary edge that let the influences mix effortlessly.

Reflection was the first single released from TTWTWM about a month and a half ago. I don't even know where to start. It is quite simply astonishing. Listen to their discography and you will see a steady but mighty rise musically and lyrically. Reflection at this moment in time is the pinnacle of their song writing (but we know they're capable of more). The intro alone contains one of the finest fuzz-laden riffs in their scene. The verse bursts into life and the latter half accompanied by a beautiful guitar picked loop. Vocally and Lyrically Jon Simmons again doesn't fail to impress. Vocal harmonies work a charm and the layering emphasises what a thick slab of edible grunge this is. Soaring chorus lines backed by an almighty bass line give this song a truly expansive feel, one that nods its head in appreciation to the 1990's alt scene. Repeated ideas are not regurgitated but placed just at the right point, sometimes with variation.

B&C are back and you better listen up. New heights can only be reached after a delivery this good. A MUST LISTEN.

9/10

Full album review will be up this weekend/Monday of next week. Enjoy this little snippet though!

Seb Wainwright

Metalcore Monday: Heart Of A Coward - Nauseam

Metalcore Monday may or may not be a thing. I have no idea. It's just a joke really, heavier bands on a monday, why not? Let me know if you like this "feature" and whether you want it to be a regular occurrence in the comments section below! Nice.

So, this afternoon groove metal quintet Heart Of A Coward let loose a new single off their forthcoming record Severance being released by Century Media and scheduled for November 4th before embarking on a UK wide club tour in support of said album.

Now for those of you who are not so familiar with Heart Of A Coward that's fine but you will be soon. They are taking the underground scene by storm. A big bloody, bone crushing storm.

Formed back in 2009 they acquired former Sylosis front man Jamie Graham a couple of years later. It was at this time they felt ready to release a debut full length. The outcome was Hope and Hindrance. It was a pummelling, metallic assault the likes of which the UK metal scene had never really quite experienced before. Their utilisation of Meshuggah like 8-string bludgeoning and soaring melody was what caught the ears of many critics, which attracted rave reviews. After a small line up change and one single earlier this year, they are back...

This song has everything a HOAC fan would know and love about this band. A Karnivool/Architects esque loop leads into the most atrocious syncopated riff. Jamie's voice as always never falters as he roars through each verse. Drumming wise Christopher Mansbridge demonstrates once again his technical brilliance behind the kit. Ghost notes, poly-rhythms, breakdowns, you name it, he did it. The guitar work throughout is just downright nasty... in absolutely the best possible way. They judder and stab at points, punctuating Jamie's commanding vocals. Written with movement in mind, the groove captivates and would make even my Grandma headbang.

What a perfect set up to Severance this is. It is up there in contention with Shade, widely accepted as their best song. Heart Of A Coward have always meant business, it would be stupid to say otherwise. This reaffirms that they are after every one of you. And when they get to you; you won't believe what you hear.

Serious recommendation here - get this album when it drops.

10/10

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcxvrMRymp0&feature=youtu.be (VIDEO IS UNLISTED, FOLLOW LINK)

Seb Wainwright
Twitter: @Get_WhatYouGive

A glimpse into Seb's bedroom...

This blog is music related. My bedroom is basically music related. The two just seamlessly mix and I love it...

I've just realised I have quite an extensive Architects signed collection. Hollow Crown basically changed my musical landscape and I have a lot to thank them for.

My drum kit without which I would be eternally air drumming and annoying the shit out of people. Sometimes, it even doubles up as a table, brilliant!

And now, my holy grail, my Dave Grohl signed photograph. I won it in a charity auction about two months ago and haven't come down from the excitement since. As far as inspirational individuals go, Grohl's the man.

Vinyls, vinyls everywhere! 

So this is the place where I'll be getting to business posting reviews and other such things. As this post shows I'll make sure it's not all reviews, that'd be boring, right? 

Seb Wainwright 

Twitter: @Get_WhatYouGive 

Arctic Monkeys - AM Album Review... Do you still believe the hype?

I'm back!

Today I sank my teeth into the new Arctic Monkeys record. Listening to a new Monkeys record is always an affair you're never quite sure what the outcome might be such is their stylistic ambiguity.

This is not the same band (albeit the same people) that exploded out of packed clubs in the mid-2000's, every comment on their YouTube videos could tell you that. The colossal, almost terrifying speed at which they hurtled to the top gave the band a rabbit-caught-in-headlights look about them for many years. This is the most mature (sorry, cliche) record to date almost because of this image that had hung on them for so long.

 Having every album they put out hit the number 1 spot has not made Alex Turner and co. complacent with the direction or sound they are producing. Each one is uniquely Arctic Monkeys. It is this creativity that drives people to hear what they have in store next...

The album starts out with Do I Wanna Know? which highlights two features for the listener: the first, how chilled and laid back this affair is going to be. Secondly, just how fucking slow the songs move at. Maybe not so much a complaint about this song but will become more apparent later on. The twelve-string riff is catchy and overlaid with a fuzz worthy of a QOTSA song. Accompanied by a very nod worthy bass line this makes a classic opener so seemly easily executed by a band that have spent their whole professional career right at the top of the pack. Also, the first inclusions of drummer Matt Helders soul esque falsetto voice over Alex's reverb laden, nearing crooner-like voice shows that yet again the Monkeys are morphing into another beast. This time a heaving beast packing R'n'B rhythms and a seventies fuzz.

Lead single R U Mine? I'm going to come straight out and say is probably one of Arctic Monkeys best songs to date. With a scuzzy groove big enough to get my 85 year old granddad dancing the contention for best song on the record was always going to be one sided. The drumming is, unlike the rest of the album, somewhat complex and articulated. Lyrically, yes you guessed it Alex has still got it. Lines like "I'm a puppet on a string Tracy Island, time-travelling diamond" will have people smiling like a baby that's popping bubbles.  It is evident that this was a song written in quick succession after 2011's Suck It And See. It certainly contains the energy of a band celebrating another touring cycle well done...

After the notable appearances of songs such as Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High, an almost entirely drum and bass led song with enough swagger to scare Julian Casablancas running, and Arabella a fully fledged tribute to the seventies, there really isn't very much else to report here...

There are album fillers aplenty here. The energy that the guitars carried through the first half of the album all but disappears and with it so too does the drumming because it just gets slower. Momentum is just, gone. By the time I wanna Be Yours ends there is a feeling that that latter half of the album with exceptions just does not live up to the groove juggernaut the the first half unleashes on us. Disappointing really as the likes of R U Mine? and Arabella had signalled a sound that could have easily have been capitalised on.

What we have here is again another mixed bag of concoctions and remedies of their past from a band that are trying to live up to the expectations of, well, the whole world. However as a band with still an ever growing fan base and now, for the first time, the live show to match they will only continue to carve the path their way. A classic? Maybe not but damn it ain't hard to dance your arse off to a good few songs on here.

7/10

Seb Wainwright
Twitter: @Get_WhatYouGive       

Light Years - Parking Lots EP Review

(Sorry the layout is all messed up, I'm posting this from Blogger mobile, it's shit)

What we have is a little known band hailing from Ohio that is doing something I thought didn't work the way they are making it work.

This is an EP consisting of songs off their new record I Won't Hold This Against You released last month through Paper + Plastick Records with an acoustic b-side. The main focus of this review is the single Parking Lots. It sounds pop punk. It is pop punk. So what is so special about it I hear you cry? It all comes down to execution.

See, I was under the impression if you stayed true to the long outdated pop punk script, it was going to be the whole been-there-done-that routine and then said band disappeared. Not here. This song does everything  by the book and it's bloody brilliant.  Power chords followed by high neck riffs are everywhere in this song. Particularly like the sound produced, crunchy and fattened. Vocals are pitch perfect with lyrics being, you guessed it... NOSTALGIC! They're enough to make anyone smile with stories aplenty contained within its punchy tempo. Whatever you expect out of a pop punk song, think New Found Glory and it is in this song. Precisely the reason it is so appealing. This is a perfect example of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" because this song is without doubt the biggest, most pleasant surprise I've come across this summer. Worthy of me writing about it, haw haw....

DEFINATELY a band to watch over the course of the next couple of years. This wonderful little EP is available for only 50 cents (34p) from here: http://paperplastick.limitedrun.com/products/513490

7.5/10

Seb Wainwright 

Twitter: @Get_WhatYouGive

Citizen - Youth review

Released last month, this Citizen's first full-length album. For a band that consists of five 18/19 year old guys, I'd say that's not bad going! What's more impressive is their sound is somewhat unique right now and a trademark for them in their still very early career. I'm not sure about you but that's enough for many people to raise their heads and see what all the fuss is about.

What we find here is not necessarily a young band finding their first steps but more of an extended following of the sound they have already honed over the last couple of years through EP releases. The already well known "Citizen" sound of guitar fuzz and wah  has not gone away and with this production by Will Yip (Title Fight, Balance and Composure) it has never sounded better.

Opener Roam The Room has energy. It bursts and blooms into life just like those flowers there on the album cover (their drawings Seb, shut up). Drums are commanding throughout and the vocals of Mat Kerekes brings just as much of the energy by himself. Vocals turn quickly from a mournful drone to multi-layered yells of pure aggression.

The emotionally charged vocals ripple, caress and most importantly they captivate.

The lead single The Summer is in close contention for my favourite song on the record. It is simply a monstrous wall of fuzz, Nirvana-esque riffing and serious rolling drums. This song will be the one that will staple Citizen as rising stars at this moment in time. Vocals soar over the wall of sound beneath then in the next phrase return into the frenzy with Mat's strained, almost retching words "Why'd you wait/for the summer/to chew and spit me out?". It is a masterful demonstration of the bands individual style.

After the sluggish (what did you expect?) yet enthralling song Sleep and the thought provoking, heartfelt and at the end, brilliantly layered The Night I Drove Alone the rest of the songs no matter how much they try to latch onto you just sound the same. Monotonous I think would be the right word. Given, Your Head Got Misplaced has a wonderful groove and vocal phrases. Closer Drawn Out genuinely is drawn out and lacks that substance that had been so clear at the start of the record, albeit with a very beautiful chorus to top the album off

Until now Citizen had released an EP, Young States. That gave them enough space so that they weren't repetitive. However, we have to keep in mind their age and this is a debut. The potential is here for these guys to be up there, even in years to come to be mentioned alongside the likes of Brand New and Jimmy Eat World. A very solid debut that I would genuinely recommend. To no one in particular. Because it's easy just to press play and listen, right? Things are looking bright for Citizen and being only high school graduates we can expect many more years out of them yet. Good stuff.

8/10

Seb Wainwright
Twitter: @Get_WhatYouGive

NEW VINYL

Got a delivery today of the Citizen /// Turnover 7" split EP. Pretty evident to see it's an absolute beauty! It was also a breakout record for both Citizen and Turnover who as a result of this breakout have both conquered the dreaded nationwide tour of America. I'd quite like to know, given that the record is over a year old now, whether you would like to see me review this record? Leave your answer in the comment box below, COOL.

Seb 

Twitter: @Get_WhatYouGive

The Wonder Years - The Greatest Generation Review

Right, so this has been out a couple of months already but I can't pass up an opportunity to talk about this record...

Too often in the music business do artists get scorned by fans and media alike for the following things: a musical difference from the previous record or a musical similarity to the previous record. In this case, consistency has never looked so damn good.

Having released three albums of a very high calibre, there was a lot of angsty teenager's expectations weighing down on the pop punk Philadelphia sextet. The delivery the band produced was astonishing.

The opener There, There navigates effortlessly between between an indie tinged riff and the singer Dan "Soupy" Campbell emotionally charged strained vocals. The lyrics play a huge role in this record. There, There finishes with the line "I'm awkward and nervous" which strikes a cord on a personal level with I'm sure many listeners and this will happen time and time again throughout the album. Relatable and deeply personal lyrics are an integral part to many pop punk bands but none are more consistent and heart renchingly open then that of Soupy (sometimes called Spicy because of a fan slip up... Hilarious).

Straight after There, There on the second track the gem of the whole album sticks out like a sore thumb. Passing Through A Screen Door is possibly the best song of 2013 in my humble eyes. This song is faultless. Special credit must be given to TWY's drummer Mike Kennedy who's blistering speed turns this song into a rip-roarer. The energy is barely confined to the tempo as every guitarist almost battles with the other to be faster. The lyrical content doesn't half pull at your heart strings either "Jesus Christ/Did I fuck up?". The ability in this album to churn out songs of this standard almost looks too easy as the album progresses, with the pop punk 101 Dismantling Summer and the soaring ballad-esque The Devil In My Bloodstream both affirming The Wonder Years ascension to the top of the pop punk pile. Pop punk pile, I can't say it properly...

After a thought provoking acoustic number Madelyn; the album closer I Just Want To Sell Out My Funeral is a stroke of genius. The Wonder Years borrow their name from a late 80's TV show about an older Fred Savage looking back at his childhood. It is now pretty evident what Soupy's favourite TV box set collection is of. In I Just Want To Sell Out My Funeral there is an individual song and it is very good but it is what happens afterwards that made me smile like a bloody idiot. The song suddenly jumps to an exact copy of There, There, then Screen Door, then Dismantling Summer. By looking back through the songs played on the record what they have done is create nostalgia within the record, not just in your memories of childhood that The Wonder Years bring back to life. That is everything The Wonder Years is about. And it is this ingenuity that will see them only get bigger and bigger.

You need this. Right now.

9/10

Seb Wainwright
Twitter: @Get_WhatYouGive

First Review - Old Again's Broken People EP

First of all, thanks so much for reading this. As an aspiring Music Journalist it is essential I keep updating this blog to build a portfolio and by you reading what I have to say it really means a lot to me. I will hone my writing style in the coming months but here's a first attempt:

Broken People is what most people would call textbook pop-punk. Do not by any means let that deter you, Broken People is an example of a group of lads that understand a scene of music that has pulsated and swollen to levels people would not have dreamed of five years ago. What we find in this EP are five solid tracks that put Old Again in very good stead as a gem in a sometimes saturated scene.

The first track on the EP stamps the bands all important sound and feel for the album. I love the bands rhythmical precision in this song and throughout the EP as it gels the garage sounds of pop-punk with a musical understanding that begs for music making to be their career (stick out the day jobs guys).

The second track Fairweather Friend ft. Chris Koo keeps up the top gear speeed from which this EP doesn't come down from. There is stellar use of Chris Koo's vocals from Alive In Standby that complement Joshua Partridge like they were brothers. However, this song tends to fall stale pretty quickly. The Bob Loblaw Law Blog gives us a nice sprinkling of good old hardcore riffage towards the end of the track that is slightly reminiscent of A Day To Remember and other compatriots. The lead track off the EP Jenna is a piece of pop-punk gold I'm telling you. I'm not sure about you but I just listened to it and smiled; ear to ear... for the whole thing. From the broken chord lead guitar to the commanding drum beat, everything fits. A punk song about a girl, it simply can't get better. Lyrically, the songs are nostalgic and inviting. The mention of Sextape by Deftones is certainly nostalgic for me anyway.

The inclusion of Joel Quartuccio from Being As An Ocean in the last song (deep breath) Alaska Is North Patagonia Is South, But I'm Stuck Here is a masterstroke. The clean, ambient tone of the guitars adorning the bridge sections complement the sort of sound we are accustomed with hearing Joel sing with but in the same song incorporating the pop-punk elements that fuse this EP together, it makes for a truely interesting listen and a potential direction of choice for this band with only two EP's under their belt.

The only I can find would be repition of ideas which is so easy to find in the pop-punk. As a rock all rounder I see it all the time and I'm sure other listeners waived it just as I did.

Now, waiting game for another EP or potential LP awaits and with that comes the expectation too of which I have a lot! A damn solid debubt if you ask me.

8.5/10