Category Archives: EP Review

EP Review, Glam Rock, Indie, New Music, Punk Rock, Rock

Creeper

Creeper are a Punk Rock band from Southampton, Dan Bratton (Drums), Oliver Burdett (Guitar),Ian Miles (Guitar) ,Will Gould (Vocals), Sean Scott (Bass), Hannah Greenwood (Keys) released their EP The Stranger in February with ‘Black Mass’ as the lead single from this EP.
‘Black Mass’ is a fast passed punk rock song with robust guitars, punchy drums and fantastic strong vocals. This song is so versatile as they break from their full bodied hardcore sound into a surprising waltz-like breather which adds a theatrical feel and a Meatloaf vibe.
With songs on the EP like ‘ The Secret Society’ with a melancholy guitar introduction that jumps into a pounding Rock sound and strong vocals and a crowd engaging whoa – oh. Followed by “Valentine” featuring a full rock sound and contrasting “Misery” a sentimental song full of raw naked emotion. While “Astral Projection” concludes their EP on a classic punk rock style with again a bridge that slows down the tempo to give you a chance to catch your breath before the big mosh at the end.
Creepers are an extremely vibrant band with songs that make you jump up and down to their classic punk rock sound and theatrical dark glamour style. ‘The Stranger’ is a EP that puts Creeper on the map
Watch ‘Black Mass’ below

Alt Rock, EP Review, Indie, New Music

Beautiful Corruption

Beautiful Corruption are a four piece alt-rock band based in Kilkenny, Ireland. The band consists of Oisin Wolfe on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, James Brown on lead guitar and back-up vocals, Simon Cooke on drums and Rory Cooper on bass.
Their début EP was released on the 14th of February 2015 and is a strong collection of tracks that show the bands growing talents and potential. The EP starts strong with ‘Leather’ a fast passed solid rock song with catchy riff on bass and strong vocals. Followed by ‘ Snakes and Ladders’ again another strong riff based song with punchy drums and full sound. ‘ The Wait’ shows us more guitar skill throughout the song with a shredding guitar solo which is just kick ass.’The Hench’ has a slow intro until the drum kicks in bringing the tempo up again. The final track on the EP is ‘Dilate’ with an infectious guitar hook, again guitar is definitely a strong feature in this band as they slide into a cool slick guitar solo to the end.
I had the pleasure of seeing this band live in Cyprus Avenue in Cork the other day and my thoughts of this talented band were confirmed as they performed with such confidence and swagger while maintaining a tight sound and without compromising on the vocals. ‘Beautiful Corruption’ are a band that you have to see live to really appreciate their talent. Their high energy show had the whole venue forming a mosh pit just as the band came off stage into the crowd and began playing and jumping amongst them.

Stream ‘Snakes and Ladders’ below

EP Review, Feel Good Music, Indie, New Music

Public Access T.V.

 

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The band getting everyone excited about the future of guitar music is Public Access T.V. John Eatherly (lead vocals, guitar), Xan Aird (lead guitar, vocals), Max Peebles (bass, vocals) and Pete Star (drums, vocals) are an American band formed in New York City in 2014.

So far they have released an EP and a  few infectious singles that will have you singing along and attempting air guitar when no one is looking. With a rock, punk style with 70s influences they have a large range of slick guitar riffs, fantastic hooks and catchy chorus’ that are just simply infectious.
I found them first on soundcloud and became completely swallowed up by the smooth easy rhythm and sunny vibes of “In The Mirror” The cheeky quick wit of the lyrics and vocal melody had me hooked in seconds and introduced me to their pop punk 70s feel good sound
‘Patti Peru’ released in 2015 has a gritty sound and atmosphere with the open line ” I was Ready to Die” giving an image of a desperate person. This is conveyed to us by John Eatherlys shouty/growl style of singing and screechy guitars while still maintaining their pop punk bouncy style. This song is full of swagger and oozes confidence.
“On Location” is a summer high energy middle finger to the world anthem. Where John tell us to ” do what you want to do” The whole song seems to build both in energy and tone with loud guitars and drums while still holding a sunny Californian vibe up to its climax as Johns vocals progress to a gritty end.
This band ooze confidence with songs about having fun, being rebellious with catchy anthems, quick witted lyrics, punchy drums and remarkable guitar hooks.

Their 5 track EP ‘Public Access T.V.’ was released this year and is full of hazy sunshine tunes. ‘Metropolis’ Is a old school rock song that is not as fast paced and punchy as their previous songs.It’s got a cooler vibe with a more polished sound. However the bridge change and guitar solo towards the end livens up the track giving it their garage rock stamp. The lyrics “I don’t wanna live in California / I’d take New York any day” shows us their rebellion towards the mainstream.
‘All We Want’ gives us that lazy sunny afternoon drive song and is my favourite track on the EP The guitar is a strong feature in this track with light accompaniment of drums, soft vocals and harmonies.It’s a very smooth easy going track, almost romantic, which is very different from what we are used to listening to from Public Access T.V. but its shows us how versatile they are.
‘Loose Ends’ follows again with a groovy vibe , smooth sound and upbeat rhythm and positive lyrics with the addition of a piano which freshens up the song and again shows off their compositional talent.’ Honey ‘ goes back to their 70s sound with a free spirit feel.The final track on their EP is ‘Tracy’, again a smooth song with light instrumental and a Beatles ‘Sergeant Peppers’ feel.

This band have a promising future and I will look forward to hearing more from them.
Stream  ” Patti Peru” and ” Metropolis ” below

 

 

 

EP Review, Indie, Indie - Surfer, New Music

Palmas

 

Palmas are from Philadelphia, New York City, United States with an indie – surfer sound and killer vocals. Band members Eric Camarota ( guitarist) , Matthew Young (guitarist) , Adam Cantiello ( guitarist), Pat Degan (drummer), Kurt Cain (vocalist), have created the perfect summer sound with catchy tunes and sweet melodic riffs. One listen and you will be transported back to the sunny idealistic 60s with a modern twist.
My first introduction to Palmas was through their song ” You Were My Girl” a lovely smooth waltz- like song  with a Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons feel with tight harmonies . This song definitely gives the romantic summer night slow dance feel.The melancholy lyrics relates to everyone at some point in their lives and gives a nostalgic ambiance. Their track “Stay Away ” gives a darker mysterious tone to their sound, with strong guitar and more prominent drum beat bringing in a more rock influence with catchy lyrics. Another favourite of mine is ” Ride The Wave” its 50s rock and roll sound with a Chuck Berry ” Johnny Be Good” feel is ridiculously infectious and can brighten up any day.
On the first track from their debut EP ” To The Valley”, “I Want To Know (Your Love).” Palmas show off their surf – rock sound with vocals that parallel with the percussion and guitar riffs seamlessly intertwined with a catchy melody and remarkable chorus. Each song follows its predecessor with ease, finishing with “San Francisco Bay” this is a sweet track that will have you singing along in no time and wishing you could go on holidays right now. This 6 track EP is a must listen, perfect for those summer vibes. I personally find it extremely difficult to pick a favourite song as I love them all and can listen to them all day.

Stream ” I wanna Know” ” Stay away” and ” Ride The Wave” below.

EP Review, Indie, New Music, New Whop

The Fontaines

 

The Fontaines, consisting of brother-sister duo, Charlotte and Hank Fontaine, from Los Angeles have created a sweet timeless ‘New Whop’ sound. With swinging bopping 50s references
Their debut EP ‘The Fontaines’ which was released in 2015, consists of 5 tracks some of which are cleverly named after 1950s and 1960s icons, the first being ‘Paul Newman’ which is a fun swinging track with all the traits of a 50s song with clever lyrics that keep you smiling and singing along throughout. Charlotte sings this track particularly sweetly and yet confidently giving a candy floss sound with some sass.
“Dusty Springfield,” named after the English pop singer of the same era is again a lovely track with a swoony melody, swing like beats and an insanely catchy chorus.” Charlotte Fontaine” follows in a rhythm and blues style with a steady beat and smooth vocal harmony as backing vocals sing the word “ahh” while Charlotte sings the chorus in a lower tone than we hear her sing in the other tracks. This contrast is very effective here and gives a sombre tone to the song.
The classic American Actor, “Dustin Hoffman,” follows next, this song shows us another side to The Fontaines with a fuller band and surf rock sound making good use of the drums and guitars. With humorous clever lyrics and catchy melody sung with a strong vocal Charlotte shows off the control she has over her voice as she varies from a soft vocal to more powerful with even a slight grit in her voice at times.
“Cate Blanchett’ named after the actress,is the final track on the EP. This song has perhaps the most variety instrumentally and vocally as it begins very stripped back with soft vocals and light simple accompaniment and builds into more prominent guitar and drums throughout the song. Its perfect to finish off their EP as it leaves you wanting more.
These tracks are easy to listen to, light, fluffy, cleverly written and composed songs with a dreamy swoon feel and a hint of sass I can’t wait to hear more from ‘The Fontaines’
Stream ” Dusty Springfield” and ” Paul Newman” below