Category Archives: Rock and Roll

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Rock and Roll

The Barmines ‘Reliance’

The Barmines are an Indie Rock band from Leeds.The band consists of members Rob Burton (Singer/Guitarist), Liam Lockey (Drums/Backing Vocals), Leam Hayes (Guitarist) and James May (Bassist). The four piece have been causing a buzz across the festival circuit this summer with slots at festivals such as Isle Of Wight and Down To The Woods, Party In The Pines and Blackthorn Festival. They have released a video for their new single ‘Reliance’ and they will be heading out on tour around the UK this year starting off in Leeds for a two date single launch at Headrow House in September.
‘Reliance’ raises the bar with its strong hefty blow to the head explosive sound. The rapid nature of this track causes a frenzy effect for the chorus. The Barmines cleverly hold this back for the verse leaving you in anticipation. The vocals are intense and filled with emotion while the entire character of the track is displayed as dark and eerie. The strident bursts of guitar add energy and vibrancy while the slapping elastic bass adds agility and bounce. The punchy drums maintains a momentum throughout the track giving a solid foundation and muscular power to the song. Another fantastic track from The Barmines.

The Barmines are known for their energetic explosive live shows so make sure you catch them at one of their shows below
9th Sept Headrow House Leeds (SOLDOUT)
10th Sept Headrow House Leeds
16th Sept Hoodoo’s Croydon
17th Sept Pi Bar Leicester
24th Sept O2 Institute Birmingham
7th Oct The Underground Bradford – Live Music Venue Bradford
8th Oct The Rocking Chair Sheffield
14th Oct The Aerodrome Music Club Stockton-on-tees
15th Oct The Fleece INN North Allerton
22nd Oct Dublin Castle, Camden London
29th Oct The Buff Club Glasgow
19th Nov Gullivers NQ Manchester
26th Nov Kazoopa Festival Leeds
Watch the video for ‘Reliance’ below

Album Release, Alt Rock, Blues, Garage Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Rock and Roll

King Harvest & The Weight release debut album Maps in-store and online today

06.KH&TWAlbumCoverHi-Res

King Harvest & The Weight are Ben Adey ( Bassist and main songsmith), Justin Edley (drums) and Olly Smith(guitar/vocals). They have released their debut album ‘Maps’ today which is a collection of upbeat catchy rock tracks bursting with great vibes and embroidered with dynamic bass, mighty drums and spirited guitar. The album flows fluidly with each track bursting with infectious luscious melodies and fantastic musicianship that will attract repeated listens.
If you are in Dublin on the Sunday August 21st head down to Howth and check out King Harvest & The Weight’s next performance for the birthday celebrations of late Thin Lizzy legend Phil Lynott, at the personal request of his mother, Philomena. A third single release and video for When it Stops will accompany the album launch. Trust me your going to want to see these guys live.

Check out the Press release below

Maps, the debut long-player from West Yorkshire three-piece King Harvest & The Weight gets its eagerly anticipated in-store release today, also becoming available to download from all major online music outlets. Greeted with universal praise from publications and peers throughout the industry, the album’s 14-tracks have been hailed for their infectious blend of pop sensibility, garage-rock intent and AOR sophistication –bolstered by a recent whistle-stop tour of the UK and Ireland
Described as “the greatest lost mixtape –a dashboard discovery for a hot summer’s day”, Maps comes hot on the heels of frenetic lead single Unstuck, and the introspective follow-up Bloodsport, which –alongside a video from up-and-coming filmmaker Jordan Greenwood –explores the effects of depression on relationships.
Opening with Howl –a spoken-word intro from Stooges/Minutemen bassist Mike Watt –Maps features contributions from a diverse host of musical luminaries, including Peter Gabriel vocalist Rosie Doonan, and Ren Harvieu keys-man Andy Bruce. Frontman, bassist and main songsmith Ben Adey is joined by Justin Edley (drums) and Olly Smith(guitar/vocals) to complete the band’s core lineup.
Watch ‘Unstuck’ below

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Rock and Roll

The Jackobins ‘Hasty’

 

The Jackobins are a 5-piece alternative rock band from Liverpool. They have taken Liverpool’s and the U.K’s music scene by storm, headlining and selling out prestigious venues such as Liverpool’s O2 Academy, EVAC, Magnet and Camden’s Barfly alongside smaller dates in Leeds, Manchester, Leicester, Sunderland, Stoke and Grimsby. They have also scored themselves support slots with The Enemy, Reverend and The Makers and The Riffles while also appearing on Tramlines, Strawberry Fields, Northbound, X & Y, Party In The Pines, Liverpool Calling, Boondock, Blackthorn, FesEvol and events such as Soccer Six and Football Rocks. We previously featured their track ‘One More Chance’ as our Worth A Listen track earlier this year and they are back with another infectious track ‘Hasty’.
‘Hasty’ is an anthem-like richly textured track with a melody that seeps into your brain and compels you to put on repeat. The track begins with a toe-tappingly good riff and attention grabbing beat. The tease of psychedelic guitars for the verse gives you a taste of whats to come and adds a hypnotic mesmerising texture to the track. Its an upbeat track with dark undertones. The contrast between the bobbing rhythm and dynamic vocals with the intoxicating trance like guitar is effective and shows the diversity of The Jackobins. The vocals exude swagger and emotion and have a strut quality. The bridge softens with a more hypnotic, intense and euphoric vibe with softer vocals and repeated lyrics. The bass is elastic and malleable yet subtle giving a enticing feel that is light but enough to be effective and luring. The track builds again for an energetic and charismatic end.
Another fantastic track from The Jackobins!
The Jackobins are playing a number of festival shows and headline dates this summer you can catch them at:
Jul 22 Tramlines, Sheffield, United Kingdom
Jul 23 Blackthron Festival, Castlehead, United Kingdom
Jul 29 Y Not Festival,Pikehall, United Kingdom
Jul 30 Brudenell Social Club, Leeds, United Kingdom
Aug 06 Sunflower Fest Hillsborough, United Kingdom
Aug 20 Glass Butter Beach, Abersoch, United Kingdom
Sep 02 The Plug, Sheffield, United Kingdom
Nov 26 Kazoopa, Leeds, United Kingdom
Stream ‘Hasty’ below

Alt Rock, Feel Good Music, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Rock and Roll

Public Access T.V. ‘Sudden Emotion’

New York City band Public Access T.V have been banging out major tunes with some awesome EP’s and infectious singles, which we have previously written features on. They have now released ‘Sudden Emotion’ which is glimpse of whats to come from their debut album ‘ Never Enough’ set to release this Autumn.
John Eatherly (lead vocals, guitar), Xan Aird (lead guitar, vocals), Max Peebles (bass, vocals) and Pete Star (drums, vocals) present us with that “oh so sunny” and contagious rock and roll sound that we love in their new single ‘Sudden Emotion’ . From the bright rich guitar intro and punchy drums that soften leaving the zesty guitar to bring a sunny atmosphere and good times . Eatherly’s vocals remain cool and smooth for the verse and become more intense and dynamic for the chorus  as the track progresses. The verses give a smooth carefree vibe while the chorus bursts with energy and emotion. The track is about trying to keep your emotions in check when something affects you as quickly as it does deeply. This is conveyed perfectly as the verses seem to act as the holding back of your emotions as they swirl inside you when eventually and inevitably the chorus brings the explosion of your emotions. Public Access T.V. portray this theme with an infectious melody, strong chords and slick zealous guitars. The repetitive bridge with distant vocals and the soft drum beat slows the track down and gives a fantastic link to the final burst into the energetic chorus.
Another fantastic track from a band who is constantly developing and expanding musically.
Big things ahead for Public Access T.V.

Looking forward to their debut album.
Stream ‘Sudden Emotion’ below

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Rock and Roll

Corner Pilots

Corner Pilots are a no nonsense rock band hailing from Surrey, band members Dan Stafford (Lead Vocals), Joshua Bennet (Guitar), Jake France (Guitar), Ben Mawdsley (Bass) and Reece O’Brien (Drummer) are creating  a stir with their heavy, energetic performances and catchy heavy riff based rock tracks. Their catalogue of tracks on soundcloud are impressive and showcase their talent and great potential as musicians.
‘The Language’ is a blues rock track with slick zealous guitar and punchy drums. The rooted bass give a depth and foundation to the track. This track oozes energy and swagger and has a body moving effect. The guitar particularly excels in this track as it effortlessly pierces through the track and delivers a shredding strident solo. Stafford’s vocals are smooth and exuding confidence, swagger and attitude. With its anthem like energetic chorus that has a fist pump effect its easy to see how this song would be massive performed live.
‘Queen of My Nightmare’ gives us a heavier fuzzed sound with an infectious dirty riff that sticks in your head. Stafford’s vocals are sharper and dynamic., while the guitars are smooth and slick. This track is fiery and sensual while remaining edgy and cool and bursting with attitude. It is delivered in an effective energetic mosh worthy manner with the track building in tempo and intensity as the song progresses.
‘ Jump’ begins with a moody eerie tone and screechy guitars. This shadowy atmosphere continues throughout the track while the instrumentation builds for the chorus. The vigorous guitars play a riff that almost warns of danger while the creeping bass gives you goosebumps and the drums add a mosh effect. The vocals take on a mysterious tone giving this track a thrilling effect.
Corner Pilots show some great talent with these tracks look forward to hearing more from them.
If your around make sure you go see them live at the O2 Academy Islington on July 8th.
Stream ‘The Language’ and ‘Queen of My Nightmare’ below

Alt Rock, Blues, Fuzz Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Rock and Roll, Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen track this week is Stellify’s ‘Shun’

Stellify are an Alternative Rock / Fuzzy Blues band from London. Band members James Howlett (Lead Vocals & Guitar), Richard Costello (Vocals & Lead Guitar), Carlos Dittborn (Bass) and Daniel Perez (Drums) have been steadily and constantly gaining momentum since their formation in 2011.
Their new single ‘Shun’ is a blues filled, fiery rock track, with deep smouldering vocals and seductive, alluring, elastic bass. When teamed with the rapid persuasive drums in the verse they  compel your body to move. The chorus comes alive with a heavier mosh sound and more dynamic vocals which really shakes things up before the song returns again to the intense smooth tease of the verse. The psychedelic trance feel on guitar adds to the bewitching effect of this luring track.
Stellify are playing a number of shows and festivals throughout 2016 where they will be delivering blues filled fuzzy rock and roll.
You can see them at
JUN 23, The Beer Kat, London
JUL 16, Eailing Blues Festival,Walpole Park, Ealing
SEP 13, Time Out Rising Stars, 229 The Venue, London
Stream ‘Shun’ below

A Chat With, Blues, Indie, Interviews, New Music, Rock and Roll

A Chat With : Skunkmello

 

Following the release for their new album ‘ Hot Chicken’ today we decided to have a chat with Skunkmello to see what makes them tick.

When did you form your band?

Early 2012.

How did you decide what style/ Genre of music you wanted to do?
I’ve always been a huge fan of rock and roll and old blues and roots music so I tend to write songs in that vein, and the songs I bring to the band generally dictate the style we ultimately run with. It’s an amorphous vibe that kind of changes a bit from tune to tune, but always grounded in solid rock and roll.
What inspired you to make music?
Everything, really. All the great tunes out there, the grit and grind of everyday existence, high-proof distillations, and the whole galaxy of multi-colored uppers, downers, screamers, laughers…

What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs?
White knuckled chaos, good-timing debauchery, and tenuous survival careening on the edge of almost certain doom. We like Whiskey too.
Could you briefly describe you music-making process?
We don’t have much of a process. I may come up with a song, for whatever reason, and bring it in to the band for some run and gun electric rocket-fire.

What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
We often take a bender a bit too far around the curve, winding up in some precarious situations where fast talk and burnt nerves won’t always walk you back. We don’t overcome as much as we overdo, but once you get into something like this you got to take out to it’s fiery conclusion.

What is your Favourite song to perform live and why?
We dig em all, that’s why we play them, and my favorite tends to shift with my mood. Right now I guess it’s a tune called “Sweet Delight” off of our new record, Hot Chicken, because it’s got that big fiery finish you can really get in to.

So far what are your favourite and least favourite venues that you have played ?
We like them all as long as the crowd is right and the taps are flowing.

What’s the most bizarre thing to happen while you were on stage?
Well, we did a show recently where we had some naked folks dancing around, some spinning from the ceiling and others spinning fire. We thought that was pretty cool.

Who has been your favourite support act so far?
There are a number of local bands we like to play with, including The Silks, Scantron, and Cropdust.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to get around, get into some mountains, get into some waves, or get just vibe off somewhere quiet with a book and a guitar. I also enjoy raucous burner at the pub, depending on my mood.

Any Plans to come to Ireland in the future?
Hopefully soon, I love Ireland and have had many a wild time over there. Good people down for a good time.

What advice do you have for people who want to form their own band?
If you dig it, do it. If you really dig it, do it twice.

Stream ‘ Slaughterhouse Blues’ below

 

Album Review, Alt Rock, Blues, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Rock and Roll, Uncategorized

Skunkmello ‘Hot Chicken’

Brooklyn-based rock and roll band Skunkmello have released their new album ‘Hot Chicken’ today. Matt Bartlett (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Ed Cuervo (guitar, vocals), Jay Holt (bass,vocals) and Jono Ori (drums, vocals) have created their sound which blends the influences of classic rock and blues artists, such as Creedence Clearwater Revival, Towns Van Zandt and The Rolling Stones. The group’s three previous releases, Whiskey & Oatmeal EP (2012), 2013’s Lowlife Dreams EP which were produced by the band and mastered by Grammy Award‐winner Brian Lucey,( The Black Keys’ Brothers and El Camino albums) and 2014’s Stars & Stripes, have all met with critical acclaim and ‘Hot Chicken’ follows with in the same manner.
‘Hot Chicken’ pulls together the best of classic rock and roll with country twangs and refreshing blasts of blues to make a solid smooth album full of swagger. ‘Cardboard Box Disguise’ kicks things off in a true rock and roll style with husky vocals, luscious guitar twangs and a sick drum beat that pulls you to the dance floor. With it’s catchy chorus this fun upbeat track is infectious and starts the album off on a high with added cowboy “woooh” mid guitar solo its full of 50s rock and roll swagger.
‘Ridin’ The River’ follows with a heavier sound to start. The country twang features strongly again while the song takes a swing persona as the harmonica becomes predominate. The bridge is finger clicking and foot tappingly good. Its feel good vibe is infectious and makes this track so easy to listen to.
‘Prime Time Hero’ takes a blues form with a sensual sway/strut effect. The guitar plays a light springy melody to soft bouncy beats. Skunkmello take blues and make it light and fun in this track. The chorus is simple with “wooo yeah” lyrics and trust me you will be singing by the end. This track is full of sass in a smooth seductive style.
‘Rhinestone Shady’ brings us a rock and roll blues with heavier beats and stronger vocals full of attitude. With a crisp slick guitar solo and clever lyrics this song is energetic and yet a true narrative telling a story relative to their lives.
‘Highway 17’ slows the tone down a little with a country almost whiskey drowned ballad. It is beautifully melodic and smooth and gives a driving on a hot summers evening feel. Its full of nostalgia and melancholy tones with lush sweet harmonies in backing vocal, while the main vocals are slightly animated and emotional.
‘ Slaughterhouse Blues’ brings back that “turn it up loud” rock and roll feel while ‘ Alligator Coat’ gives us some distorted sliding guitars and shakes up their sound a little. ‘Cash Flow Blues’ deals with the problem of money or lack of, which we can all relate to. Skunkmello deal with this problem in an upbeat manner full of humour and an almost speaking vocal in the middle. This song is full of clap along beats and definitely is one to get an audience up and dancing.
‘Sweet Delight’ closes the album in a raunchy blues style. The steamy guitars and soft beat gives a longing sway vibe to the track. While the vocals become rough and husky in places. With “ohhh” feature on vocals that begin soft and build to become intense and louder up to the massive guitar solo and an almost shout in vocals and roll on drums. This softens until the guitar plays us out with a kick ass solo and pounding drums to a sudden end. Leaving you wanting more.
Stream ‘Slaughterhouse Blues’ and ‘Highway 17’  below

Alt Rock, Garage Rock, indie rock, Mod Revival, New Whop, Rock and Roll

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

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Whop, Rock, Rock and Roll

Beautiful Corruption ‘Orphic’

 

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. We reviewed their début EP ‘ Snakes & Ladders’ earlier this year which showcased their growing talents and potential. They have released their new single ‘Orphic’ which is a strong follow up.
‘Orphic’ is a competent proficient track full of shredding guitars, pounding drums and dynamic vocals. The intro sets the musical scene with a taste of the explosive sound to come .The verses are presented in a slick manner with a rock and roll vibe light beats and acute guitar that holds a bright infectious luring melody while the bass and drums keep us grounded. The vocals exude swagger while the backing vocals add a lush harmony which is refreshing. The chorus explodes into the mosh worthy frenzy that Beautiful Corruption are known for with thunderous drums , vigorous guitars, forceful bass and charismatic vocals making this song infectious. The mighty lusty guitar solo and instrumental break is effectively brawny and powerful and ends the song on a high leaving you wanting more.
Watch ‘Orphic’ below