Walking With Spiders- Varsity - 13th April 2014

Walking With Spiders are a Plymouth based female fronted hard rock band formed of Sharly Penney (Lead Vocals), Richard Ducky (Guitar, Backing Vocals), Pat Dunford (Bass, Backing Vocals) and Kat Rutlidge (Drums)

The band kicked off the set with their song “Panic” and the first thing noticeable is lead singer, Sharly’s amazing voice which is comparable to Jenna McDougall from Tonight Alive. The highlights of the set were “The Passing” with its powerful beat and driving guitars and "Stand Up" with a extremely catchy chorus 

The band played a cover of “E.T” by Katy Perry which in its original composition is unlistenable, but with amped up guitars and superior vocals it was a pleasant surprise. The band played a slower paced number "Fight Love Take Back" showcasing Sharly's superb vocals before ending on the high octane "Escape" showing that they can rock hard.

Musically they combine powerful bass lines, with fast paced chugging riffs and Sharly’s sultry swaggering vocals. The band has a fluidity and natural ease in which they play, drawing the listener in to their well-crafted and enjoyable songs

Review of "Darkness Of An Age" by Exist Immortal

Exist Immortal are a Metalcore band from West London and their debut album, Darkness Of An Age(8/10) is released on the 12th May 2014.

After a short intro of "Insanity Project" a spidery guitar riff starts up before the listener gets bludgeoned by heavy shouted vocals and a chugging wall of guitars. Seconds later the clean vocals kick in and it becomes clear that lead singer, Meyrick de la Fuente, can actually sing, unlike some of his peers in the same genre.

The highlight of the album is "Legion" a perfectly balanced mix of heavy vocals, staccato down-tuned guitars and clean melodic chorus that will get lodged in your head for days.

The album has sufficient diversity including the multi-layered guitars of "In Parallax", the more accessible single "Edge of Infinity", the group vocal led "Imperator" or the doom laden "Desolace".

The core of melody which runs the length of the record stops the behemoth of guitars and shouted vocals collapsing upon itself. There is sufficient brutality to keep the metalcore legions happy and enough diversity to appeal to hard rock fans in general.

The album closes on "The Omen Machine" a 7 minute plus sledgehammer of a track which ends in a piano outro giving the listening a rest from being pummeled by riffs.

The band have fused technical metal riffs, driving rhythms, epic solos with vocals that go from all out aggression to melodic clean singing. This album is recommended for fans of Bring Me The Horizon, Memphis May Fire, Fear Factory, Machine Head and Killswitch Engage.

See below for their video for "Edge of Infinity"

Review of "Fearsome Fables of Sunday Afternoons" by Propeller

Propeller are a South West based band consisting of Tom Keith (Vocals / Rhythm Guitar) , Lewis Gerry (Lead Guitar / Backing Vocals), Gareth Thomasson (Bass / Backing Vocals) and Adam Drewery (Drums). Fearsome Fables of Sunday Afternoons (7/10) is their first EP release.

The EP kicks off with "No Matter Where" which features fast paced verses,a laid back catchy chorus, overdriven guitars, foot stomping bass and drums. Special mention goes to Lewis's high backing vocals which suit the song and his amazing solo towards the end of the song; a great start to the EP.

"Shine a Light" is the highlight of the EP, a very catchy tune with intricate guitar work, massive riffs, attitude and lead singers Tom Keith's smooth vocals leading the way.

The EP is consistently fun with the ska infused "Do or Die" (which hints at the heavier nature of their live performance); the Clash era brit punk of "Dance With Me"and the dirty funky baseline of meandering "Astronauts".

Production wise the EP is a little rough round the edges (which adds to it overall charm) and it would nice to hear some more of the harder edge the band bring to their excellent live performances.

This is a great summer EP, packed full of charm, bright guitars, abundant energy and catchy songs which will appeal to fans of Artic Monkeys, The Strokes, Biffy Clyro and The Libertines.

Download it here on Itunes https://t.co/FaewjGYrw4

Embers of Eden - Varsity - 13th April 2014

Embers of Eden are a Plymouth based female fronted hard rock band formed by two ex-members of Carnival of Crows:- Alex Dumbiotis (Vocals ,Guitar) and Oli White (Guitar); they are joined by Matt Avery (bass) and Chris Harding(drums). Whereas Carnival Crows' influences were blues related, Embers of Eden influences are definitely metal.

The oEsterjam gig is the first gig as a band and if they were nervous it did not show as they played flawlessly. The set kicked off with the incendiary "Call To Arms (Revolution)" which is both brutal and beautiful in equal parts and is so memorable it should be recorded and released as a single.

Musically they combine big metal riffs, powerful drums, throbbing bass with intricate guitar work topped off with Alex's smooth singing voice cutting cleanly through the intense soundscape. They have clearly been influence by early Metallica as well as modern bands such as Sevendust, Bullet for My Valentine, Avenged Sevenfold and Halestorm.

The set was consistently solid with tracks from the instantly catchy "Hate Me" to the heavier frenetic "Pull Me Under", and softer edged "Bleed". The changes of pace kept the set vibrant and exciting all the way through.

The band threw in a cheeky cover of Skid Row's "Slave to the Grind", which with female lead vocals was more enjoyable than the original.

The band have obviously put a lot of time and effort working on the new songs, which feature very incredibly complex guitar work.The songs are very catchy and despite being heavy are accessible even to those who are not fans of the bands influences.

If you get a chance to see the band in and around Plymouth's venues, take it, as it won't be long till someone recognises the talent on display and they will be playing much larger venues.

Review of "Heartless Machine" by Flatcat

Flatcat are a punk pop band from Bruges, Belgium (yes they sing in English) consisting of Dieter Meyns (vocals/guitar), Alexander Jonckheere (Bass / Backing Vocals), Wim Luyckx (Drums) and Dirk Luyckx (Guitar).

Heartless Machine (7.5/10) kicks off with high octane but politically incorrect "Butterface" a song which sounds like it was penned by Fat Mike from NOFX. The song features a punk attitude and a stuttering chorus.

When "Loose Tongue" starts the familiarity is comforting, three chord-ed punk pop with epically catchy chorus. The title track has a more grungy sound like Sugarcult, with more down-tuned chugging guitars than the rest of the album.

The quality of the album is consistent whether it be the old school punk stomp of "What To Say"; the heavier coming of age song "The Maladjusted" or the Taking Back Sunday-esque catchy "Take Shelter".

The album slows down for the semi-acoustic, "The Great Escape" which sounds like The Get up Kids and features a more atmospheric soundscape. Ending on the contemplative "All Anchors" a song about despair and accepting your own fate the album never fails to maintain the listeners interest.

The album is chocked full of shiny guitars, chugging riffs, solid drums, dark lyrics and a sense of fun which permeates the whole record. Flatcat are treading a well-worn path with "Heartless Machine", but their meticulously crafted take on American punk rock is enjoyable, entertaining and memorable. Fans of bands such as Blink 182, The Get Kids, Green Day and Bad Religion will enjoy this album lots..

Purchase you copy here http://flatcat.bandcamp.com/releases

Review of "Revolt" by Amaryllis released 12th May 2014

 

 

Amaryllis is a female fronted five pieces from London consisting of Sante Moonie (Vocals), Alex Whiteford (Guitar), Daniel Harris (Guitar), Alex Osborne (Bass) and Michael Mann ( Drums) the band have toured with Elliot Minor and The Dirty Youth.

Revolt (8) kicks off with “Kings” and the squeal of feedback launching into a high register riff, followed by an undertow of chugging guitars, later joined by lead singer, Sante’s melodic voice.

Sante vocal attack changes for “Stand Down”, half chanting, half singing the politically charged lyrics with passion. The song has a feel of slower paced female fronted Rise Against, building up to its thunderous ending.

“Prophecies” is harder edged track with bouncy guitars which complement Sante’s call & response verses and catchy “woah” chorus. “Goodbye”starts with a beautiful guitar solo before, Sante’s multi tracked, laid back vocals are set perfectly to the swirling guitars.

The EP ends on the beautiful semi acoustic "Strangers in August", a song reminiscent of “High and Dry” by Radiohead. Amaryllis have proven with this release, that they can produce a set of lyrically intelligent songs with stunning guitar work, interesting musical passages and unique vocals. This band is a must for fans of Funeral For A Friend, Tonight Alive, Deftones, Biffy Clyro and You Me At Six.

Revolt will be released on the 12^th May 2014.

Review of "You'll Find A Way" by Out For Tomorrow - released 5th May 2014

Out For Tomorrow are a 5 piece alternative band from Bristol who have previously toured with Lower Than Atlantis and Deaf Havana. You’ll Find A Way (9/10) is their first full length album after a previously releasing a well received EP.

The album kicks off with "White Noise" and the sound of a ticking clock and slowly building guitars, before the epic bassline and pounding drums kick in. A barrage of guitars starts before the dual layered vocal attack commences propelling the track to a singalong soaring chorus.

The album has everything from the rock and roll dance-able swagger of the lead single "Give Me A Reason"; the straightforward punk tinged "Your Shining Star" to the chugging post hardcore thump of "Strike A Match".

Musically the band sways between melodic punk pop to post hardcore; think a more melodic Funeral For A Friend or a harder edged Jimmy Eat World. The ever present throbbing bass provided by Lee Mcgarel is a joy to listen to acting as a driving force of the album. (check out "Give Me A Reason" and "If I Have You" when the track falls away to uncover a succulent bassline)

The album takes a breather for “You Belong to Me” a tightly crafted interlude showcasing lead singer, Ben Lumber's amazing voice to a sparse musical accompaniment.

The band uses vocal harmonies frequently on various tracks, which gives the album a depth and sense of passion.

The album ends on the beautiful "Take My Place" a slower paced song with echo ladened guitar and vocals; lyrically the song is about moving on from a long term relationship. 

The album is crammed full of bright shiny guitars, melodic vocals, intelligent lyrics and thumping basslines. This is a must for fans of Funeral For A Friend, Taking Back Sunday, Jimmy Eat World and Natives.  You’ll Find A Way is released on the 5th May 2014 and is available for pre-order here:- http://outfortomorrow.bigcartel.com/product/you-ll-find-a-way-pre-order

oEstro Jam Charity Gig , Varsity Plymouth Embers of Eden Headlining.

Varsity will be hosting a charity gig on the 13th April 2014 in aid of Breast Cancer Awareness.

Embers of Eden will be headlining the gig with support from Say It Like It Is, Run Against The Crowd, Walking With Spiders and Seeking Yesterday.

All of which are female fronted rock bands so if you are a fan of Lacuna Coil, The Dirty Youth, Paramore, Tonight Alive and Halestorm you will be well catered for. Even if you have never heard of any of the bands listed come down as it will be a great night.

Last month we covered Embers of Eden and Say It Like It Is in our Plymouth Rocks features - check it out here http://plymouthrockscene.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/plymouths-rock-scene-part-4-say-it-like.html

then get yourself down to Varsity to not only see great live music but support a worthy charity. The music starts from 7pm......

Review of "Last One Standing" - I Divide released 14th April 2014.

I Divide are a five piece, South West, hard rock band consisting of Tom Kavanagh, Henry Selley, Josh Wreford, Kristen Hughes  and Dave Mooney.

Last One Standing (9.5) kicks off with the single, "Follow Me", and lead singer, Tom singing to an electronic backing before the rest of band kick in. The song serves as a statement of intent, crunchy guitar, screaming lead guitar and a chorus so catchy it will take days to leave your head. The song edges towards an epic crescendo, which if played too loud could cause irreversible damage to speaker equipment.

The second single, “I’m Not Leaving” showcases Tom’s amazing vocal range and passion which he instills in to every word. The heaviest track on the album is “Monster In Me” with it's potent downtuned guitars which could peal paint off walls and thundering drums. Tom's voice is comparable to the lead singer of Trapt with a glass like smoothness which cuts perfectly through the mix of heavy guitars.

The album slows down for the semi acoustic intro of “Cold At The Bottom” before the song switches gear and showcases some amazing harmonies and fleet fingered guitar work. “Living In A Hurricane” features a strong pounding beat and guitars which run away with the song before they are reined in for another epically memorable hook and throbbing bassline.

One hidden gem is “27 Down” featuring lead singer of Anavae, Rebecca Need-Menear, which surely should be the next single.The album has an urgency which pulls the listener through each song and on to the next.

The album ends on the brooding “Look At Me Now” which lyrically, is response to all the bands critics and a great way to end a superb 11 tracks.  Production wise the album is immaculate and every track is well thought out and engaging; a true tour-de-force.

Buy this if you are looking for a solid hard rock album full of memorable songs, electronic flourishes, crushing guitars, stomping drums, silky smooth vocals and a unique personality. A must for fans of Funeral For a Friend, Trapt, Sevendust and Chevelle.

Last One Standing is released on the 14th April 2014.

You can pre-order the album from http://dstryevrythng.com/store