Villains - Self Titled - Album review

Villains are an up and coming Alternative band from Chelmsford who have previously toured with hard rock bands Soil and Fozzy. They were previously known as “Never Means Maybe” until they changed their name in 2012.

Their album Villains(9/10) kicks off with “The Way I Tell Them” starting with a wall of glorious guitar noise then lead singer, Renz’s vocals kick in complimenting the higher pitched lead guitar tone.  The backbone of the track is the chugging guitars, and a bass line reminiscent of Rise Against.

The lead single “The Fall” is combination of chunky riffs, multi tracked vocals and a chorus that will get stuck in your head for days. “Bleed” has a grunge feel to it with amazing passionate vocals and pounding drums. The whole album slows down for “The Light Outshines The Star” a beautiful ballad showcasing Renz’s amazing vocals with a marching drum beat, lush guitars and a soaring chorus.

The vocal interplay between Renz’s lead and the rest of bands backing vocals is reminiscent of Taking Back Sunday's earlier work. This is most evident on “Come Out and Play” an upbeat number with a frenetic pace, catchy chorus leaving the listener breathless. The track somehow combines post hardcore aesthetics, hard rock riffs and indie atmospherics to make an exciting listen.  “Visions” was made for live performances, where I can envisage the band getting the crowd chanting the catchy “theres no coming back” refrain.

What sets Villains from many of their peers is Renz’s vocals which an impressive range from silky smooth croon to full tilt shout, aided by the rest of band providing backing harmonies.

The album ends on “The Hardest Part” which starts with just guitar and vocals and slowly builds up layers of guitars and vocal harmonies before ending on a single guitar phrase. Because of the meticulously crafted layers of guitars, percussion and vocals every listen yields more and more detail.

This album will stay with the listener long after the album has finished.  This is an album for fans of Mallory Knox, Thrice, Jimmy Eat World and Taking Back Sunday. The album is the work of band who have  strived hard and created a truly amazing record.

Villains will be released on the 24th February 2014

Pre-order now you know you need this record:- http://www.villainsuk.bigcartel.com/

Check out our Review of VIllains support slot at Barfly, London

http://plymouthrockscene.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/villains-20th-january-2014-barfly.html

Check out our interview with the band :-

http://plymouthrockscene.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/interview-with-villains-20th-january.html

Blitz Kids - The Good Youth Album Review

Blitz Kids are an Alternative Rock band from Nantwich, Cheshire (and Exeter, Devon) formed in 2006 who have been slowly working their way in to the rock public consciousness. They were last seen supporting Mallory Knox on their last tour of the UK.

The Good Youth (9) kicks off with "All I Want Is Everything" with gang vocal introduction before launching into straightforward pop punk with bright shiny guitars and a chorus consisting of the song title.

Highlights of the album include "Run For Cover" which has an electro beat and vocals reminiscent of Don Broco; "On My Own" which sounds like the Get Up Kids which is no bad thing ; "Sometimes" with its indie reference points and "Sold My Soul" which would not sound out of place on a The Used record. All of which could be singles in their own right with an abundance of catchy choruses and chugging guitar riffs.

The only deviation from the indie/ pop punk template is "Pinnacle" an electro pop song, with autotune treated vocals which sort of works, but doesn't at the same time, a guilty pleasure song.

Lyrically the album is quite dark with references to death and suicide, but this is balanced by the positive message that life is worth living and it is musically upbeat.

The album ends on the plodding "Lost Generation" which is saved by a soaring chorus leaving the listening wanting to listen to the album again.

It is no surprise that this album is produced by John Feldmann who has worked with The Used, D.R.U.G.S, Story of The Year and Panic At Disco .The album has his trademark flourishes including synths, orchestral strings and layered vocals, giving the album that familiar quality.

The album is a highly enjoyable pop punk record with great vocals, impeccable productions and solid workmanship. It is not going to win awards for originality, but the added layers keep the listener coming back for more. This album will appeal to a wide range of people including fans of Mallory Knox, Don Broco,Young Guns, The Used and Panic At the Disco.

 The new album to be released on 20th January 2014

 JANUARY ALBUM RELEASE SHOWS

 19           Kingston, Fighting Cocks

 20           London, Barfly

 25           Carlisle, Brickyard

 26           Manchester, Sound Control

 28           Leeds, Cockpit

Calgary - Fight Fire With Fire EP Review

This is a review of the EP Fight Fire With Fire (7.5) by a new band Calgary which is released on the 2^nd December.

The album kicks off with “Fight Fire With Fire” a breezy sun drenched guitar pop song with a catchy chorus, which will get stuck in your head for days. Lead singer, Jakob has a voice which is silky smooth, complimenting the bouncy guitar work.  The song is sure to feature on many TV programmes and film in due course.

Next up is “In My Arms” which starts off as a straightforward love song. Around the 2 minute mark the songs changes building layers of guitars and haunting backing vocals, giving a sense this song may be about a love lost. This is a very powerful emotive song, which shows another side to the band and is by far the best track on the EP.

“Run, Run” is in a similar mould to title track but is a very listenable track, which again features a ridiculously catchy chorus. The guitar work shows flourishes keeping the listener interested.

The EP ends on the track “Shine”, lead singer, Jakob adopts a rhyming vocal style for the verses and a sung chorus showing his high vocal range. The guitar work is intricate and again the whole track is lyrically upbeat.

It would be nice to see more diversity on future releases, which is hinted at with the standout track “In My Arms”.   The EP is a collection of perfectly crafted pop /rock song, which are upbeat and lyrically intelligent.  

Forever Can Wait - Beauty & Grace EP Review

Forever Can Wait are a Female Fronted Hard Rock / Post Hardcore band from Southampton who burst on the hard rock scene in October 2009. This is a review of their new Ep, Beauty & Grace(8).

The first thing noticeable on the opening track, "Beauty & Grace" is the depth of the guitars before lead singer, Tash’s vocals cut perfectly through the mix. The sound is heavy but not overwhelming; complimenting her higher vocal range. The guitars chug away with crashing drums creating a surreal, dream-like soundscape.

The next track, “P & Q” has a more up-tempo feel; with a humongous driving riff and catchy chorus.  "Rest" showcases a beast of a bass line, with alternating male shouted vocals and female sung vocals providing light and dark to the track.

The whole EP slows down for a minute long piano-based interlude, before returning for the soaring melodies of “Excuses” a track which slowly builds. The EP ends on “Hope & Dreams” a straight-forward hard rock song with addictive funky guitar work, leaving the listener wanting more.

Forever Can Wait have proven with this EP that they can write catchy hooks and memorable riffs, and that they are an exciting new talent.  They are a must listen for any fans of Tonight Alive, Paramore, Anavae and Evarose.

Beauty and Grace is released 27th November 2013.

Catch them now on tour:-

20th - London- Nambucca

21st - Southampton - Unit

22nd - Cardiff - Fuel Rock Club

 

Tonight Alive - The Other Side Review

Tonight Alive are a female fronted punk pop band from Australia fronted by the charismatic Jenna Mcdougal. Their first album was a fun collection of catchy pop punk songs, but lacked the attitude which was bubbling under the surface.

With this latest release, The Other Side (8.5), they have added more crunch to their sound with tracks like "The Ocean", "Lonely Girl" and "The Fire". The riffage adds a welcome dimension to their brilliant sound. Occasionally Jenna sounds like Hayley from Paramore; and sometimes Amy from Evanescence.

The only disappointment is that the album does not contain the single "Breakdown", recorded with Benji Madden of Good Charlotte, maybe due to contractual difficulties.

However, when they do explore their gentler side on the sublime titular track , "Bathwater" and "You Don't Owe Me Anything", the guitars are solidly chugging away, which stops it being too sweet.

This is a solid release and explores a harder edged sound without alienating fans of their earlier releases. The band are poised to take the scene by storm. Expect to hear alot more.

AshesToAngels - With Tape and Needles Review

 

AshesToAngels are a 4 piece synthy punk band hailing from Bristol, led by the effervescent Crilly. This is their second, self-released full length album, cryptically titled "With Tape and Needles" (9.5). The album is produced by William Frances under his solo name William Control.

The album kicks off with the "Highest Choir" which serves as a thirty eight second introduction to the album, with an electronics backdrop Nine Inch Nails would be proud of, gang vocals and Crilly singing "Ashes to Angels".

Dolls Dolls Dolls has a thudding beat, pounding bass and call & response chorus of "We are , We are" which is custom made for audience participation at gigs.

The unmistakeable piano introduction of “Dorian” gives way to Falco's frantic riffing signalling the beginning of catchiest of tunes penned by AshesToAngels. Crilly vocals reminiscent of Davey Havok from AFI. The chorus of "Goodbye Dorian, The Gray sky mourning, You’ll be free" is sure to be lodged in your head for days.

The whole album slows down for “Lumi” with Crilly plaintive singing to a more relaxed soundscape than the high octane initial songs.

“Wintervention” is a bit of theme tune for AshesToAngels, which begins with Crilly singing in front of an electronic intro before the band burst in to life. Crilly then alternates between chanting, singing and screaming along, with an intense mixtures of crunchy guitars, thudding bass/ drums and synths.

Another live favourite is “Elsinore”, with its spikey down picked riffs, machine gun drums and The Cure inspired vocals. The album never outstays its welcome and through the 9 tracks mixes tempos, grooves to keep the listener interested and wanting more. The song has a very catchy eletronic outro, showing the bands clever programming skills.

The album ends on the chugging “Ghost Frequency” with Crilly sounding like early days, Brian Molko fronting a goth punk band. Again the band combines  call and response vocals with half sung / half screamed vocals.

This is a must for anyone who likes Fearless Vampire Killers or AFI. AshesToAngels have managed to create an album that captures a lot of the live magic that makes their live shows unforgettable. To quote the band themselves “we put ourselves into every note”.

Ashes to Angels will be performing at the White Rabbit, Plymouth on Saturday 5th October 2013 for tickets visit http://ashestoangels.bigcartel.com/product/wintervention-tour-september-20th-29th-tickets-vip-passes

Harry Radford - Pressure Makes Diamonds EP Review

 Harry Radford - Pressure Makes Diamonds (8)

Harry Radford is one sixth of the Post Hardcore band Yashin, he provides the clean vocal counterpoint to Kevin Miles unclean vocals. This is his first solo EP.

The album kicks off with “Black and Blue” and the first thing that is noticeable is that there is very little in the way of guitars, this is a more synth and beat affair. “Cherry Lips” adds a more pronounced synth riff and some chugging guitars into the dense mix. The songs are catchy upbeat tunes to get up and dance to. Harry Radford’s vocals are stand out showing he can hold a whole track together.

The whole thing slows down for “Gallery” a slinky piano led ballad with Harry plaintively singing against a backdrop of strings. The EP hits it high point with the insanely catchy “Bite the Bullet” which is a well-crafted modern rock single. The songs start off with Harry singing to a synth beat before exploding with guitars and a chorus that will get lodged in your head for days.  

The tempo is upped on “Hide and Speak” which mixes up element from the previous songs and delivers much more. This is not a pop album but a perfect slice of synthy alt-rock. Hopefully live Harry will introduce a bit more crunch in the way of heavier guitars.

 

Harry Radford is currently touring the UK and appearing at The Cavern, Exeter tonight!!

Hawthorne Heights - Zero Review

Hawthorne Heights - Zero (9)

Hawthorne Heights have never had it easy, first off with the tragic death of their singer Casey Calvert and secondly their problems with their record label Victory Records. After releasing two EP’s which showcased their raw punk spirit they are back with a new guitarist in tow.

Zero is apparently a concept album about a dystopian universe and in our view a perfect slice of post hardcore leaning towards the punk pop spectrum. The lyrics are like most other Hawthorne Heights records quite dark but the production is upbeat which stops the album being depressing. From the moment JT Woodruff vocals on "Memories of Misery" kick off the album proper, he is sounding confident and forceful leading each track. JT Woodruff has always had a unique voice in the upper range which he uses to good effect. “Darkside”, “Spark” and “Zero”, all deserve to be singles with their shiny, bright guitar riffs and sing-along choruses.

The real deviations from this formula are "Hollow Hearts Unite" an acoustic guitar led ballad and "Coalition of Alternative Living Method" which is a spoken word interlude.

The album carries its energy throughout ending with two storming tracks "Lost in the Calm" and "Taken By the Dark". The guitarist show amazing skills combining riffing and the odd solo to provide the perfect backdrop to Woodruff’s vocals.

This could be Hawthorne Heights break out record and is enjoyable from start to finish. This band gets better and better with time and is clearly a solid unit.

Other recent reviews:-
Boysetsfire - While A Nations Sleep
http://plymouthrockscene.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/boy-set-fire-while-nation-sleeps-review.html

Bring Me The Horizon - Sempiternal

Bring Me the Horizon have achieved it on Sempiternal, where many have tried and many have failed, they have embedded electronics and ambient sounds to create a sound greater than the sum of its parts. A cohesive, compelling, special collection of songs. Lead singer, Oli Sykes, has the full range from clean singing, chanting, screaming to full on deathcore shouting, which gives each song a unique sound.

The band mix ambient passages such as in "Sleepwalking" and "Seen it Before" with the anger of Antivist. The building nature of "And The Snakes Start to Sing" showcases the intricate guitar work and reflective vocals which could be described as haunting.  The heavy aspect will appeal to their hardcore faithful and the diversity will bring more mainstream fans that may have been put off by the previous full on assault nature of their early work.

Lyrically the albums main themes are discontentment, anger and self-reflection. The use of the English language could be described as extensive and colourful. Rather interestingly the album is produced by Terry Date who took Deftones from the full on attack of Around the Fir to the epic White Pony. The comparison with Deftones are noticeable on the beautiful closer "Deathbeds" which is the perfect end to this is a very well-crafted album. A must for any hard rock fan (9).