Review of Speaking In Shadows - The Anchor - Released 19th October 2015

The spookily named Speaking in Shadows are an alt rock 5 piece from Nuneaton. The band is formed of Adam Smith (Vocals), Ali Carvell (Guitar), Lewis Sketchley (Guitar) Sam Powell (Bass) and Grant Sketchley (Drums)

At 6 songs long it is more of a mini album than an EP and up first is "Capsized" a beast of track with Adam's vocals commanding the listeners attention backed with crunchy riffs and thudding drums. Musically the band don't break new ground but they do the post hardcore formula to perfection.

The band show their more melodic side on "Scatter" and "Figure of Eighty" which will inevitably invoke comparisons to Funeral For A Friend.

Highlights of the album include the sub three minute fast paced "Bite" and the brilliant "And Grit" which starts with stomping beat, palm muted guitars and silky smooth vocals reminiscent of Harry Radford(Yashin); Exactly 30 seconds into "And Grit" the band unleash the beefiest guitar riff with an amazing tone that any guitarist would crave.

The album ends on "Easy For You" which is a straight down the middle track with some good guitar work which keeps it interesting. A must for fans of Funeral for a Friend, Deaf Havana and Mallory Knox.

The EP is released today go grab yourself a copy Here

Review of Fenrir - The Rise (EP) - Released on the 21st September 2015

The cryptically named Fenrir are an alt rock 5 piece from Ipswich a town not well known for bands.
The band is formed of Ben Slater (Vocals), Mike Cockayne (Guitar/Vocals), Krishan Alwis (Guitar),Lewis Rudkin (Bass) and Ben Brennan (Drums)

The Rise(EP) is kicked off with wonderfully titled "Tell my wife I said "Hello"" and it is obvious that the band know how to find a hook and work it the song is positively anthemic. Musically its fat riffage interspersed with weaving melodic guitar parts and prominent bass line. The band continue the formula with “Bones” a short but sweet song; “Hurt Hands” has a more indie feel to it and an interesting chanted lyrics.

The EP takes a break for the interlude titled "Einn" just over a minutes worth of pure acoustic guitar bliss. After the break the band are on it again with "Smoke Signals" which has the feel of a Lower Than Atlantis track.

The album ends on "Victory Rose II" which starts slowly as an acoustic ballad before exploding in a wall of noise for the chorus. This is a diverse and mature release from the band who are clearly crafting their take on the British Alt Rock sound. A must for fans of You Me At Six, Lower Than Atlantis and Mallory Knox.

Review of Future Talk - The Path That Sadness Paved - Released 24th August 2015

On the 24^th of August 2015 Gloucester based Post Hardcore band Future Talk released their debut EP "The Path That Sadness Paved". The band consists of Alex Taylor (Vocals), Jay McQuilkin (Guitar), Jack Cadenhead (Guitar) and Max Elderfield (Drums).

The first track is "Sleeping Pills" with swirling guitars and an under current of throbbing bass and drums, topped off by lead singer Alex’s lush vocals are reminiscent FFAF at their most melodic.

“Shadow Poet” starts with a simple guitar line before more chugging guitars kick in; the whole track has a delicious tension building up to the release of the chorus. The band build a fair amount of complexity in to their atmospheric sound building layers and peeling them back to showcase some powerful riffs. The “The Cliffs As A Reminder” has an early Taking Back Sunday feel and is a rewarding slowburner of a track.

The EP ends of the “Fear Life” a dynamic song which switches from delicate delay laden guitar to pounding full band crescendo on a knife edge.  This is clearly just a teaser of a talented band who are shaping up to be a superb live proposition.

This EP is recommended for fans of The Used, Blitz Kids, Underoath and Mallory Knox. Check the guys out on Facebook here.

Review of "Where I Belong" Ep by Elasea released 3rd August 2015

On the 3rd of August Berkshire based alternative rock quartet Elasea release their debut EP "Where I Belong". The band consists of  Andy Bradford  (rhythm guitar & vocals), Olivia Jones (bass guitar), Calum Radmore (lead guitar) and Jevon Smith (drums).

The EP kicks off with "Glass Heart" with lead singer Andy leading the track front and centre backed by chunky fuzzed guitar riffs reminiscent of  Mallory Knox track. The EP keeps up the pace with "Where I Belong" which has a darker guitar tone and a Fall Out Boy / New Found Glory punk pop feel with a soaring chorus and abundant energy.

The band have a pleasing sound that is engaging and somehow familiar as if you have heard the songs before (and you want to hear them again). Songs like the slow burn "Lost In The Dark" and the rousing "Time is Against Us" are sure to be live favorites showing the band can shift dynamics to keep the listener interested.

The EP ends of the chilled out acoustic ballad "On The Line" a beautiful track featuring complimentary male and female vocals before the distorted guitars kick in providing a perfect ending to a solid EP. 

This EP is recommended for fans of Mallory Knox,You Me At Six, Lower Than Atlantis and We Are Ocean. 

Go visit their facebook page is here

Review of "The Calm, The Storm" by The Sun Explodes

The Sun Explodes are a Progressive Metal band from Carlisle formed of Dave Maclachlan(Vocals), Jamie Harris (Drums), Alex Adamson (Guitar), Mike Walker (Bass) and Alex Harris (Guitar).

The first track “The Calm” starts with a haunting delay ladened guitar work before lead singer Dave Maclachan's smooth vocals kick in, the track explodes with stabbing guitar riffs contrasting with the calm of the opening; the opener morphs into “The Unatural” which continues the light and dark formula coasting on a wave of floating vocals before the band steps on the gas with guitar led mayhem.

The band are consistently engaging whether it be the QOTSA stomp of “The Grand Design” or the straight ahead rocker “I Walk Alone” which features the catchiest hook of the records.

The EP ends on “Storm of Light” with Dave’s vocals gliding over a piano led atmospheric landscape before the song peaks with full on driving riffage before ending on the serene piano and vocals. The album is veritable banquet of riffs, interesting vocals, harmonies and different sonic texture.

This EP would appeal to fans of Queens Of The Stone Age, Thrice, The Mars Volta, Queens of The Stone Age and Tool.

Interested check out their facebook site here

The Calm, The Storm is available on Itunes here

or purchase physically here

Annisokay - The Hub, Plymouth - 6th May 2015

Annisokay are 5 piece post hardcore band from Halle, Germany who were the main support for Fearless Vampire Killers on their tour of England. After a quite trippy drum and bass style intro the band hit the stage with their first song “Monstercrazy”.

The first thing noticeable about the band is the immense presence that is singer Dave Grunewald (pictured left) who towers like a monolith over the audience barking out shouted vocals like he is possessed. Although hailing from Germany the band perform songs in fluent English although you would not know they were not native English speakers.

Musically the band pumped out big chugging riffs weaving round intricate melodies with pounding drums like a well-oiled machine. What provided the heart to the performance was Christoph Wieczorek's (pictured right) silky smooth clean vocals providing the perfect counterpoint to Dave’s powerful guttural barks.

The heaviest track of the set was “Fame” which was hypnotic and reminiscent of something by Slipknot. Further highlights were the extremely catchy anthemic “Day to Day Tragedy” and “Wasted & Useful” which had the audience at full sway.The set ended with “Sky” which had incredibly hook leaving the audience wanting more.

Annisokay put on an exciting energetic performance which warmed the audience up for the main act showing that Germany have more to contribute to the hard rock scene than Rammstein and Scorpions. This band is must for fans of Bury Tomorrow, We Came As Romans and Atreyu.

Find out more about the band on their Facebook page here
Buy their music on iTunes here

Check out their video below

Review of "Darkness of an Age (Deluxe Edition)" by Exist Immortal Available now

On 25th April 2014 we wrote about Exist Immortal's album "Darkness of an Age "

"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 the full review here 

The band have now revisited the album and released a Deluxe Edition including 4 new tracks, we believe that it should be listed as the "Complete Edition" as the tracks expand the album rather than the usual b-sides tacked on the end, such as normally the case.

The first of the new tracks "Delirium" should be released as a single alone with soaring vocals which float over a bed of pummeling riffs in sync with machine gun drumming;"The Void" is a heavy affair with vocals alternating between full bore roar and melodic singing keeping the listener on their toes. This is perfect song for a rock crowd to get moshing; "Fractured" turns everything up further notch with glitchy riffs and an awesome bassline.

The album ends on "Insanity Project Pt 2" an almost Tool-esque piece showcasing lead singers, Myyricks melodic vocals, a fitting ending to a great album.

Review of "Heritage(EP)" by Kill The Ideal Released 30th March 2015

Kill The Ideal are an Alternative rock band from Boston, Lincolnshire consisting of Ash (Guitar/Lead Vocals), Ross (Guitar/Backing Vocals), Luke (Bass Guitar/Backing Vocals) and Jordan (Drums/Backing Vocals).

The EP kicks off with the lead track "Heritage" with a wall of fuzzed out guitar noise before the ocean sized riff kicks in followed by Ash's soulful crooning.

Up next is"Higher" which starts with Ash's massive vocals accompanied by a single higher register riff before the pounding drums and main riff kick the song into overdrive;the track is very reminiscent of We Are The Ocean; "The Fire" is a more laid back track but does not sacrifice a soaring chorus.

The band take their foot off the gas for "My Friends" a track that whilst not as immediate as the preceding three tracks is no less enjoyable showing that they can maintain the quality.

This is a must for those who enjoy big choruses, catchy riffs and constantly shifting dynamics . For fans of Decade, Lower Than Atlantis and We are the Ocean.


Check them out on Facebook here : Check out their video for "Higher" below

Demons of Old Metal, Tiki Bar, Plymouth 25th February 2015

Demons of Old Metal hail from Torbay and were forged from the fires of hell in 2010 the band consists of Tombstone Cowboy (vocals, guitar), Babyface Stephens (bass), Psycho Wing (guitar), Dr Doom (Drum) and Digital Death(back up vocals, actions and loops), Although we have our doubts that the band were born with these names.

When the band hit the stage, it was apparent the band were aiming for a horror-show/ Halloween aesthetic in a similar vein as Rob Zombie. After a spooky introduction the band fired up their aural assault of their opener "No I am Not Insane", they combine the riffs of Pantera, the pounding drums of Machine Head and the swagger of Hell Yeah to form an intoxicating sound which is both influenced by old school metal and more modern bands.

The band kept the interaction with the crowd throughout the performance making sure everyone was enjoying the set. Highlights were "100 Year Crime Spree" a Metallica inspired anthem with a pounding beat and the Machine Head inspired "Psycho Wing" which was the heaviest song they played this night.

The band ended on the insanely catchy "Murdercycle" which had actions for the crowd to perform during the chorus . A song so catchy that you will find yourself chanting the chorus days after the gig.

The band proved a perfect antidote to the po-faced metalcore bands who take themselves way to seriously that they even believe their inept screaming and generic riffs are art. They effortlessly combined catchy songs with some big riffs and including some amazing guitar technique especially the two handed tapping solos. Definitely a great band to see if you want to hear good music and have a fun night out.

The band are set to appear at the The Junction, Mutley, Plymouth on Friday 13th March 2015.

Embers Of Eden, Tiki Bar, Plymouth 25th February 2015

It was brave move by Alex Dumbiotis (vocals, rhythm guitar) and Oli White (lead guitar) leaving local twin guitar blues band, Six Shooter to form Embers of Eden; which with its downtuned guitars and metal sensibilities is on a whole different musical spectrum to their previous band. Completed by talented bassist Matt Avery and drummer Chris Harding the band are a force to be reckoned with.

This has already been a big year for Embers of Eden with the release of their new EP and an album on the way, their performance tonight contributes further to their reputation as one of the most talented and ambition female fronted rock band in the UK.

One major thing sets apart this band from other bands in the genre is catchy hooks without comprising the raw heaviness and musicianship. The band were versatile enough to make the best out of the raw gritty surroundings of the Tiki Bar ;a venue so authentic it lives and breathes rock, the kind of venue you would find underground in Seattle in the 90s. Because of the mix, lead singer, Alex's vocal occasionally got buried under the dual guitar attack but she came out fighting, singing every word with passion despite barely being able to hear herself think let alone sing.

The band showcased tracks from their new EP including "Decay", "Let Us Burn" and their catchiest track "Pull Me Under", they also played one new track "Survival" which had a Flyleaf kind of feel to it before ending with an epic breakdown.

Lead guitarist, Oli (pictured left), was his usual shy retiring self showboating his amazing guitar playing skills while standing above the crowd; bassist Matt (pictured below), showed that he can contribute to the melody line as well as providing the ground shaking low end.






The set ended on "Rise" a heavy track which got the crowd amped up for the rest of the evening ahead.

Hopefully we will be seeing more headlining gigs from the Plymouth four piece and the success they deserve.

Check out their Facebook page here

Review of "Eyes For The Blind (EP)" by North Seasons Released 21st January 2015

North Seasons are a 5 piece melodic hardcore band from Newcastle whose aim with  "Eyes For The Blind "(EP), is to bring heavy music back into the heart of the mainstream without compromise. 

The video for their lead single, “Silhouettes” has been tearing up Scuzz TV after its release via Kerrang.com a few months back. The EP was released on the 21st January 2015 therefore is available right now for your delectation.

The EP start off with an ominous broody atmospheric introduction before seguing into “Silhouettes” with its bouncy metal riffs, mixing brutal shouted vocals and catchy clean sung chorus. The production is quite sparse giving the instruments room to breathe, although you would never guess the album was recorded in a bedroom and not a studio.

The EP continue in a similar vein with the brutally heavy “New World Order” ; an odd excursion with “Bitter” with its almost spoken word poetic introduction and wall of guitars.

The band takes their foot of the gas for the melodic “Good News” which is reminiscent of We Are The Ocean (circa Cutting Our Teeth) or Deaf Havana and provides a nice break from the pummeling riffs. If they release this as a single they may just complete their lofty ambition.

The EP closes on the title track which has 36 Crazyfists kinda vibe with heavy multi layered vocals and searing guitars separated with lighter instrumental interludes between verses. The song gets heavier until we are in doom or sludge metal territory at the very end.

Eyes For The Blind strikes the right balance between all out aggressive metalcore and hooky melodic hardcore and no component part has been compromised. 

Check out their facebook page for more details:- 
https://www.facebook.com/northseasonsuk/timeline

Review of "Renaissance (EP)" by Antoinette Released 24th November 2014

Antoinette are a South West metalcore band formed of Benjamin Jones(Vocals), Joe Duxberry (Guitar & Vocals), Andrew Wilson (Guitar), Sam Sara (Bass) and Thomas Shrimpton (Drums).  This is review of their second EP Renaissance.

The EP start with a comic telephone message on track "0.0.0.0" before "Machines (ft Justin Hill)" grabs the listener by the throat with sledgehammer metal riffs, cookie monster vocals and a clean sung hook that ties the song together. "Machines" features the vocals of the extremely talented Justin Hill of Sixth which adds another dimension to the song.


Up next is "Conform/Control" which has a guitar tone that could blister paintwork and features the strongest chorus on the album; The band take their foot slightly off the throttle for "Misanthropist" which whilst still being heavy has a more relaxed pace showcasing the guitar work.

The band have built on the foundations of their first EP showing tighter song craft and catchier hooks.The album ends on "Avalanche" which keeps up the relentless heaviness of the EP right to the end leaving listener wanting more.  This EP is a must for those who like Devils Wear Prada, Bury Tomorrow and Alexisonfire.

Review of "Journeys" by Lancaster Released 17th November 2014

Lancaster are an alternative rock band from Spain and consist of Anth Alonso (Vocals), Rubén Gómez (Guitar), Nacho Larraza (Guitar), Adru García (Bass) and Miguel Vera (Drums) . This is a review of their album Journeys.

Journeys kicks off with "Die Young" with a swirling guitar riff before a wall of fuzzed guitars and Anth's vocals kick in. Anth (who sings in English) has a distinctive phrasing style and singing voice which really works soaring over the top of the layers of guitar work.

Songs like "Bridges" with its catchy chorus and the short but dance-able "Deadly Sins" solidify this as a consistently enjoyable record. The album takes a breather for the beautiful poignant acoustic guitar instrumental interlude "Hallelujah".

The second half the album is more relaxed with songs like electronic backed "The Beast In Me"  and the orchestral flourished "Thorns" showing the band understand dynamics and keep the album interesting engaging listen.

The band reach full power of the overdriven "Young Blood(Take Me Higher)" with its massive bass line and rock and roll guitars. The album ends on "Love Is A War We Have Lost" an echo drenched song with simple but effective guitars; the track is reminiscent of Incubus at their most melodic.

This is a captivating, often exhilarating puzzle of an album with big powerful guitars, great atmospheric instrumentation and lead singers Anth brilliant vocals. Recommended for fans of Incubus, Thrice, 30 Seconds To Mars and Mallory Knox.

The album is release on 17th November 2014

Review of "Tex-Mexiconomy (EP)" by We Are Carnivores Released 10th November 2014

We Are Carnivores are a Post-Hardcore band from Hull consisting of Harry Christopher (Vocals, Guitar), James Pickersgill (Guitar, Vocals), Beu Smith (Drums) and Alex Gower (Bass, Vocals). This is a review of their quirky titled EP Tex-Mexiconomy. The band is currently touring and played The Underground, Plymouth on Sunday 19th.

The EP kicks off with "Checkout Girl" with its sneering vocals, indie meets punk flavoured guitars. "Quick Questions Can't Stay Long" show the band are not afraid of dissonant chords to create a  jarring feeling in the intro. The album has its own energy which keeps the listener guessing what will come next.

The highlight of the album is the catchy "T.O.W.I.C.S" with its straightforward pop punk vibe with lyrics referencing selfies, Made in Chelsea, hashtag and Jordie Shore. Lead singer Harry spits his lyrics with rapid fire venom and distaste for the subject matter combined by the relentless pace of the track mean this is sure to be a live favourite.

"Iron Me" is a heartfelt disconcerting acoustic which explodes into a wall of guitar noise and feedback at the climax. The EP ends on politically charged "Are We Allowed To Just Live?" which which uses contrasting melodic phrases with discordant nirvana-esque breaks to great effect.

The EP is veritable banquet of politically charged lyrics, quirky humour,half sung / spoken / shouted vocals, quick fire riffs, big hooks, punk attitude and a keen sense of melody. For fans of Don Broco, The JCQ, Reuben, Mallory Knox and Lower Than Atlantis.

Review of "The Hunter, The Gatherer" by Arizona Released 20th October 2014

Arizona are a metalcore band from Essex formed in 2011 consisting of Jacob Scroggs-Parris (Vocals), George Southernwood (Drums), Brad Laurence (Guitar), Benjamin Wyckes(Guitar) and Jordan Swan (Bass). The band release "The Hunter, The Gatherer" on 20th October 2014.

It is clear from the very second of "Black Hart" that it is going to be a heavy affair, with downtuned chugging riffage, rapid drums and lead singers Jacob's vocals reminiscent of the lead singer of Spineshank.  "The Hunted" and the notch heavier "The Gathering" are structurally and sonically similar; clearly the two tracks are meant to be companion pieces, reflective of each other.

The EP ends on the strongest track "Preacher" which starts with a slow creepy halloween-esque intro before stabbing guitar riffs and a catchy repeating lead riff kick in, topped off with Jacob spitting his lyrics like his life depends on it. If this track does not get your head banging you are possibly dead.

The Hunted is a take no prisoners romp through a riff strewn landscape, complete with machine gun drumming, thumping bass and half screamed/ half shouted vocals. The EP would appeal to fans of Bury Tomorrow, early Spineshank, Hatebreed and Chimaira.

Review of "Faultlines" by Road To Horizon Released 20th October 2014

Road To Horizon are a five piece post hardcore band hailing from the depths of Yorkshire consisting of Ben Flockton(Vocal), Chris McIntosh (Guitar/Vocals), Benji Wilson (Guitars), Oli Parkinson (Bass) and Sie Gordon(Drums).

The album artwork for "Faultlines" has a passing resemblance to Bury Tomorrow's latest album "Runes" and from the start of the title track the similarities continue; the band play a similar post hardcore blend of crunchy guitars, blastbeat drumming with mix of unclean and clean vocals. What sets the band apart from the more metalcore Bury Tomorrow is their keen sense of melody which runs through their songs.

Up next is "Tonight Is Our Night" which has a Yashin feel to the track, Ben's vocals leaning further towards melodic singing and a catchy soaring guitar lead;"Victimised" is as heavy as sledgehammer from start to finish, reminiscent of ADTR's heavier efforts with dual attack vocals.

Faultlines ends on the track "Sirens" which keeps up the frantic pace of the EP having a sense of urgency that pulls the listener through.The track features a more Godsmack-esque riff and lyrics that you will be singing long after the songs ends.

This EP is full of vibrant songs packed with big riffs, memorable hooks and strong vocals to keep even the most jaded post hardcore / metalcore fan happy. Recommended for fans of Yashin, Funeral For A Friend, A Day To Remember and Bury Tomorrow.

The is release on the 20th October 2014 and is available here

Review of "Confessions" by Ocasan Released 22nd September 2014

Ocasan have been together for over a decade relentlessly touring spreading their own brand of pop rock. The band consists of Nick Burns (vocals), Luke Mcdonnell (Drums) and Nathan Naidoo (Bass). "Confessions" marks the end of a trilogy of EPs forming an album titled "Elixir".

The EP kicks off with title track "Confessions" which lyrically is told from the point of view of a wealthy woman has been seduced by the caretaker of her home (bit weird); Musically its Mallory Knox-esque pop rock with chugging riffs, melodic vocals with driving drums and a big bass-line.

The second tracks is "Dark Cloud" a multi-layered track with heavier riffing in verses which relents for a soaring chorus. Nick's vocals shine through the dense mix making this track the standout track on the EP. "Invincible" builds on the formula of the album but packs in more riffs, more drums and a tighter bass line.

The EP ends on "Parasite" with its You Me At Six rock stomp and cabaret style backing vocals. The hooky guitar work adds to the fun of the track and Nick's vocals take on an almost punky edge.

This short but sweet EP is packed full of big hooks, catchy quirky songs, which may appeal to fans of Mallory Knox, Fall Out Boy and Panic! At the Disco.

"Confessions" is released on 21st September 2014 and will be available here where you can also buy the bands two previous EPs

Embers of Eden - The Hub , Plymouth 17th August 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).

The set kicked off with "Let Us Burn", lead singer, Alex's voice sounding stronger than ever with Oli's intricate guitar work served over a beefy bass line provide by Matt. The band have a unique style which borrows from bands such as Sevendust, Halestorm, Bullet for My Valentine and Avenged Sevenfold to create a sound of their own.

For the second song of the set "Pull Me Under", Alex had picked up her guitar providing a bed of heavy chugging riffs to counterpoint Oli's complex guitar parts.The song featured the catchiest chorus of the set; "If my time runs out don't you be the one to pull me under." which is guaranteed to go round your head for days.

The award for most complex guitar work goes to "Bleed" with Oli's crazy mesmerising fret hopping antics leading to an epic breakdown before settling in to a groove with all band members locked in together. Special mention goes to drummer Chris for some quick fire machine gun drumming propelling the song.

The set ended on "Decay" starting with a slow atmospheric introduction before seguing into a full on aural assault, the band bludgeoning the listener with pounding drums and massive riffs right to the end. The shouts of "one more song" rang out, only to be denied by a less than rock and roll punctuality obsessed sound man. Embers of Eden came, played and conquered the Hub.

Review of "Trial Period" by 5/5.8 (single)

5/5.8 are a hard rock band from Eastbourne / London and Trial Period (8.5/10) is the first single off a forthcoming EP (and hopefully album). Having heard the band live we singled out “Trial Period “ as a highlight of their short set and here it is in studio recorded form (well almost - released on the 26^th June 2014).

The track kicks off with a wall of metalcore-esque riffing before being joined by lead singers, Luke’s melodic grunge tinged vocals making for a heavy but accessible listen. The song has everything crunchy metallic guitars, insistent drumming, gang backing vocals, catchy lyrics (yeah this one is going to be stuck in your head for a while) and even a short breakdown. 

It is clear that a lot of work has gone in to this track and it feature superb production.This single is a very good omen for a forthcoming release and if the young band can keep the same quality for 4/5 tracks this upcoming release will strong contender for debut EP of the year.  

(now guys make a video so this can be on permanent repeat on Scuzz/Kerrang TV)

Trial Period is released for FREE on 26th June 2014 from  5/5.8's Facebook page 

Natives w/ support from Cousin Buzz and Last One Out - White Rabbit, Plymouth - 3rd June 2014

Liskeard based Cousin Buzz(7/10) launched straight in to a Red Hot Chili Pepper inspired number "Travan-core Cochin" which featured interesting guitar work, Kiedis-esque vocals and funky slap bass. As the set progressed the sound of the band morphed in to more grunge inspired songs but retained the funky basslines. The majority of the songs played were off their new EP which is released on the 12th June 2014. The band ended on the curiously named "Nigel Playton" with the song threatening to descend in to chaos before being reined in to original groove. Definitely an interesting and entertaining band to catch live.

Up next were Plymouth locals, Last One Out (7/10) who had taken the support slot the very same day. The band play post hardcore rock similar to Funeral For A Friend circa 2005 with chugging guitars, clean sung vocals and some technical guitar work. They played mainly songs from their new EP "Ten Years Too Late" which was actually recorded in the White Rabbit. The highlight of the set was "There's Always One" with a memorable melodic verse, gang vocals, shredding guitars and tight drumming.The set was enjoyable but sometimes the vocals got lost in a wall of guitars noise, but that was not the bands fault. The band had a great sense of humour suggesting that the audience could purchase their album even if was just to burn it. The set ended on the new EP's title track showcasing the bands solid song wirting skills and technical profficiency. Overall if you long for fresh new music in a similar vein as Story Of The Year or Funeral For A Friend then pick up their EP "Ten Years Too Late"or see them live.

Even before the band started playing the first thing that was noticeable about Natives (9/10) was they did not use any physical amps as their instruments were directly inputted to the PA system and the band used in-ear monitors leading to the quietest sound check. 

The band kick off their set with "Big Plans" and it was clear the band had the sound balance perfect with the crowd being able clearly hear every instrument and Jim Thomas' outstanding vocals. The band play indie rock /punk pop tunes with bright shiny guitar work, bouncy funk infused bass lines, interesting percussion and silky smooth vocals. The second song of the evening was the stand out single "Can't Say No" which had a Paramore feel to it with a dance-able beat, repeated string bending lead riff and another epic chorus. 

The highlight of the set was a rousing rendition of "Stand For Something" which incidentally was the only song not off their current album. The song's chorus of "I'm gonna let the light in, I wanna stand for something, it feels good, when you know why you're alive." is one of the most catchy and uplifting choruses ever committed to records.

The band consistently shined with songs like the soaring "Going In Alone"; the echo laden "Let Go" and the highly polished "The Island" showing the band can write consistent big hooks and huge choruses.The final song of the set was "For Everything" which is also last song on their album featuring heavier guitar work and lyrically more reflective themes. The band ended on an drum session with most band members taking to percussion. 

In a live setting the bands perfectly blended indie / punk pop was heavier than on record which hopefully will find it way on to later albums. This is a band that you need to see live before everyone catches on how good they are. Pop punk, indie and rock fans of Plymouth you missed an amazing young band who played and sang flawlessly.

Natives album "Indoor War" is availiable now from Itunes https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/indoor-war/id822589884

Last One Out's EP "Ten Years Too Late is availiable here -http://lastoneoutuk.bigcartel.com/product/tenyearstoolate-ep