After almost six years since releasing music and an indefinite hiatus, beloved trio Paramore have returned with their sixth studio album, This Is Why (Atlantic Records). Much like their last two albums, this is another one that is best experienced with no expectations…meaning it is no Riot! Part 2 or even After Laughter – the sequel, and hoping so will set you up for disappointment.
In 2019, Emarosa underwent a brave shift from the harder, alternative scene to a dreamy, pop synth-wave sound with Peach Club. The album garnered lots of attention which led to a sold-out, nationwide tour. Vocalist Bradley Scott and guitarist ER White proved the revamp worked and the duo has returned with a sophomore album to that shift, titled Sting (Out of Line)
Jamie Lenman has been an ongoing stalwart of the alternative rock UK scene since his early days in Reuben. Now with four albums under his belt as a solo act, Lenman has completely reinvented himself and sound to become one of the more eclectic acts England has to offer. After a cover album and a song featuring MC Illaman from Pengshui, where next, could Lenman possibly go? Well, it seems the solo artist has decided to completely disembark his traditional heavier punk rock sound to embrace more indie pop rock avenues with The Atheist (Big Scary Monsters).
We chatted once again with the great Devin Townsend – all about his new album “Lightwork” now releasing on November 4th, 2022 via InsideOut Music! Devy discussed the last few years and releases in his life, his creative process, and then a track-by-track breakdown of the new album with songwriting and lyrical inspirations, and a hint at the next Devy album.
For anyone fooled into thinking this is 2022, Arctic Monkeys deliver a musical message that the 1970s are still going strong, on their new record The Car (Domino Records) the follow up to 2018’s Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino
No Devotion – No Oblivion (Equal Vision)
With an understated class that is a prevalent trait that underpins the second album from No Devotion, a collective featuring Geoff Rickly (Thursday) and Lee Gaze and Stu Richardson (ex-lostprophets), ‘Starlings’ is the gentle breath of life that ushers the album in; lush swathes of synths underpinning an emotive and earnest chorus that could have been taken from the Deftones more reflective moments. Rickly sets a stall out espousing vulnerable confidence and exceptional quality from the outset, before second track ‘No Oblivion’ shows the other side of the bands arsenal with synth motifs dancing around guitars and quasi-industrial beats, and nods to Nine Inch Nails in one of the more abrasive tunes. Continue reading
After the worldwide lockdown began in March 2020, Baltimore indie emo quartet Have Mercy decided to throw in the towel for the band four albums deep into their career. Seeing the world through a fresh lens, frontman Brian Swindle’s life then took a whole new turn. After getting sober and engaged, he started writing songs that would reintroduce the band and their growth through some of the craziest years in recent history. The new self-titled EP via ZODHIAC Records showcases Swindle’s progression with a more upbeat sound.Continue reading
I like a good challenge. Every so often, I fire up my ol’ NES and give Battletoads another go. I don’t think I will ever complete the hoverbike level but I still manage to have a good time. So when my editor suggested I review the new album by Dance Gavin Dance, a band that is far outside my usual fare of extreme metal, I happily accepted the challenge.
I must be a sadist.Continue reading
Musical progression and development has been a constant and key part of the story of Deaf Havana. From their post-hardcore beginnings, through flirtations with pop-punk, Americana and classic rock, more overt pop music, and indie, the other constant anchor has been the quality of the song-writing of James Veck-Gilodi. As time and tides have drifted by, and the bottoms of many a bottle have been pointed to the sky, Havana has become less of a “band” and more of a working name for a close duo.
It seems The Faim sprung out of nowhere back in the middle of the last decade. Playing festivals all over the world, like Reading & Leeds, Lollapalooza, etc with their gleaming bright take on pop-rock anthems. Now, several years on and with their first album already under their belt; the next big step for the band is where to go from there to make their name a household name. Getting in various different producers to cement themselves in the scene, it’s clear they’re taking on this mission in strides. Unfortunately, it’s not a complete success.Continue reading