Tag Archives: mod revival

The Chessmen ‘Gonzo’

The Chessmen are a 60’s inspired garage rock n roll band from Leeds. The band consists of Luke Holdsworth (Lead Guitar/Vocals ), Ryan Walker (Bass Guitar ) and Scott Parker (Drums). They formed in early 2016 and are already making their mark in the underground unsigned music scene landing themselves an endorsement from Hofner guitars. They are stamping out their authority on the touring circuit with dates booked across the UK.
Their new track ‘Gonzo’ is a modern yet retro track packed with 60s swagger. It takes you back in time to enjoy a much loved genre of music in a fresh way. With crunchy beat-stops which reference the mod generation combined with psychedelic guitars give a playful British Austin Powers vibe while showing some serious skilful musicianship. The vocals exude confidence and give a strut quality to the track. The song is a massive musical rush and frenzy throughout as the verses build to a rapid catchy chorus and end on a vocal howl leaving the listener exhausted from this energetic storm, however willing to press replay and listen to it again.
‘Gonzo’ is a fantastic burst of mania and frenzy and an absolute must listen!
You Can catch The Chessmen live at
Fri, Jun 10 Percy’s Coffee & Curios, Watergate Street, Shropshire
Fri, Jun 17 The Victoria, 48 John Bright Street, Birmingham
Sat, Jun 18 Salford Arms, Chapel Street, Manchester
Sat, Jun 25 Apollo Festival – Rick Witter’s Premier Stage, York
Sat, Jul 2 @ 8:00 PM Belgrave Music Hall, Cross Belgrave Street, Leeds

Stream ‘Gonzo’ below

Sisteray

Sisteray are a British four-piece rock band from London, UK. Formed in 2014, the band consists of Niall Rowan (lead vocals/rhythm guitar), Michael Hanrahan (bass/vocals), Daniel Connolly (lead guitar/vocals) and Marco Biagini (drums/vocals).
On first hearing Sisterays songs I realised they are a band with strong opinions and a Rock and roll, punk rock, mod revival, attitude to life which is refreshing as they say and do everything we want to do with a rebellious ‘I don’t give a damn attitude’. They have previously worked with producer Rory Attwell (The Vaccines/Palma Violets) and have created a cult-following in the UK due to high energy live performances and upbeat melodies and catchy clever lyrics about Britain in the 21st Century.
My attention was grabbed when they released ‘Back to Yours’ and ‘A Wise Man Said’ – as part of their new Double A Side Single. Both songs are very catchy ‘ A Wise Man Said’ is a fast pased tune with a gnarly sound full of raw british punk rock attitude. While ‘Back To Yours’ is a slower pase with Nialls voice adding a bit of grit to the vocal with a London twang
We will be hearing a lot more from these guys as word is beginning to spread about their energetic live performances. Definitely a band with a bright future ahead
Stream ‘ Back To Yours’ and ‘A wise Man Said’ here