Category Archives: Rock and Roll

Alt Rock, EP Review, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock and Roll, Surf Rock

The Strypes ‘Almost True’ EP

Cavan rock and roll band The Strypes have released a new EP ‘Almost True’ to ease the withdrawal symptoms of those eager fans craving some more music from the four piece. ‘Almost True’ follows the rooted rock and roll sound of their outstanding album ‘Spitting Image’ which was released in the summer. ‘How Could I Forget’ propels the EP into motion with it’s sun kissed laid back hazy vibes, glorious guitars and snappy punchy drums. Catchy and vibrant it’s dance around the room in your PJs bliss. The song is sweetly nostalgic and easy-going, romantic yet sombre but still hard-driving. It’s the kind of track that hits your bloodstream with the urgency of one’s first kiss and one’s first heartbreak all at once.‘Heavenly Soul’ is a banger. That gritty darkly hued T-REX- esque riff to start followed by a foot tapping beat sets the track up for big things. With shaky percussion building tension and an infectiously catchy chorus, it’s a triumphant blast of euphoric adrenaline. With blistering guitars, rumble on drums and a sharp harmonica injection smothered in dark tones it’s chilling yet fiery. Intricately layered and tightly bound it’s one for the sticky mosh pits. ‘Freckle And Burn’ brings us the four piece’s swagger drenched shimmy ready 60’s tinged rock and roll. Trying not to wiggle and dance to this song is impossible. It’s so infectious and groovy and that bassline, elastic, sensual and slick. The track builds to a mammoth crescendo of screaming vocals and frenzied instrumentation it’s so cool and sleek. The guitars stride and jab with a feverish charisma creating  a strut worthy swanky prance of summery delight. The final track on the EP is a live cover of ‘Summertime Blues’. This feisty accelerated version showcases some shredding guitar work, neck snapping drumming and attitude driven panache. Razor sharp and laced in distortion these guys have whacked out a smashing cover. I’m a fan of the original Eddie Cochran version but who can resist a rough and tumble pumped up rock and roll cover.

Stream ‘Almost True’ below


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

The Bridport Dagger ‘Wolves’

The Bridport Dagger have released their new single ‘Wolves’ which was recorded at Brixton Hill Studio. Band members Chaz Foster (Bass and Guitars), Lawrence Rice (Guitars), Neil Walsh  (Viola), Jason Idnani-Powdrill (Vocals, Guitars) and Arran Goodchild (Drumming, Keys, Percussion) have created a track so stirring and hair raising it will  leave you on the edge of your seat, constantly looking around for something to jump out of the shadows and get you. ​

‘Wolves’ enters with palpitating guitars quivering over rumbling drums as frontman Jason Idnani-Powdrill’s vocals shudder with an eerie theatrical tremble. It’s cinematic and dramatic as scurrying guitars build tension while the lyrics deliver an ominous narration. The music paints a picture like your watching a pistols at dawn western between dark mysterious characters. The blood curdling suspense tells you this story won’t end well. It’s a chilling goosebump inducing rush of adrenaline. Smothered in delectably enticing drama and a thrilling apprehension of this harrowing dooms day, it’s a captivating tale depicting the breathtaking cusp of demise. These guys contain an intense surge of anxiety and urgency in this four minute track relentlessly bombarding you with a slick swaggered rush of panic and terror. It’s well crafted, dark yet seductive and blood thirsty but sounds like it was made for a Tarantino movie. A riveting listen.

The band will soon be heading back to the studio in November to record songs for their debut album and judging from this track it’s going to be heart stopping and amazing.

Stream ‘Wolves’ below


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

The Skullers ‘Meet Me In Memphis’

The Skullers are a rock and roll trio from New Jersey. Band members Jack Skuller (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Gabriel Scholis-Fernandez (drums) and Luigi Sardi (bass) play their blues-soaked brand of modern rock and roll with a down-to-the-bone rockabilly soul.They have released their debut EP ‘Meet The Skullers’ which features the infectious lead track ‘Meet Me In Memphis’. This swagger soaked catchy ditty is the kind of energetic bluesy rock that would have even the most timid person busting a move. It’s oh so slick, effortlessly cool and strut ready. With sharp crashing guitars and punchy drums it’s an adrenaline rush to the head of panache drenched rock. Shimmy ready, sleek and oozing that swoon worthy rock and roll of the 60’s greats these young lads have knocked it out of the park. That harmonica solo shrill and high-powered energy teamed with smooth croony vocals add a fiery hot smoulder to their modern rock and roll. Another mesmerising track from The Skullers, they have a bright future ahead.

Stream ‘‘Meet Me In Memphis’ below


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

Fick As Fieves ‘English Weather’

Aldeburgh’s energetic Indie-rock trio Fick As Fieves have released their new single ‘English Weather’. Comprised with members Archie Arthur (Guitar + Bass/Vocals), Harry Campbell ( Guitar + Bass/Vocals) and Richard Aries (Drums) the band have been championed by BBC Introducing in Suffolk, and currently being featured on Spotify’s “HOT NEW BANDS” playlist, they play an upbeat style of indie rock with riff driven ear worms and tight catchy hooks which their growing audience widely recognises as their ‘own’ sound. 2017 has seen the trio release a series of singles which have generated hundreds of thousands of views and streams across many platforms, as well as playing across the UK in many well respected venues and festivals. They have supported the likes of Redfaces and have also appeared on the same bill as Slaves, Madness and Seasick Steve.

‘English Weather’ is an exuberant bouncy ball of slick indie rock. These guys have produced a snappy infectious groovy track that exudes swagger and strut- like flamboyance. Zesty shredding guitars shrill, pierce and lick while punchy peppy drums and elastic bass add a meaty yet flexible texture to the springy track. Each verse brings a new fresh dimension and layer to the sound as they showcase their ductile and proficiently intricate guitar work and musicianship. It’s finger clicking good and catchy as hell while remaining laid back and cool. ‘English Weather’ glides in on a wave of foot shuffling slicked back panache induced rock and roll. It’s a pretty impressive track that blast these guys into the ones to watch list.

Watch the video for ‘English Weather’ below


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Novatines

Five piece alternative rock outfit Novatines have released their debut single ‘Medicine’. Released through Dirty 38 Records, ahead of a UK tour in November, ‘Medicine’ which was recorded live and produced by the band encapsulates the band’s’ spirit, verve and intensity in its every fine detail. This debut is a statement piece as bold and honest as any. Manifested in the city of Bath, the group are heavily steeped in the pure essence of rock & roll, following the footsteps of giants and knowingly steering off the beaten track, reforming the sound in their own image.

‘Medicine’ is a red hot blast of rock & roll. Shredding guitars crash and blast against pummeling drums while sneering vocals bellow. It’s anthemic with fiery energy and fist pump middle finger aggression consumed in a mini explosion. Sing along ready and ridiculously catchy it’s a foot stomping fury fueled torpedo. Gritty attitude driven and exuding sweat and leather swagger, this track is on fire. It is mosh ready with a fantastic running bassline, it pumps adrenaline into your veins causing an impulsive desire to scream out the lyrics. I can imagine this track is epic live.

Stream ‘Medicine’ below


Album Review, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Rock and Roll

Queens of the Stone Age ‘Villains’

Rock dare devils Queens of the Stone Age have released their new much anticipated album ‘Villains’. Eager fans have awaited the album nervously. Finger nails have been chewed to a measly stump as they hoped the Mark Ronson produced album wouldn’t disappoint. Mixing the funky pop production we know Ronson for, with the gritty heavy rock that we are used to from Homme &Co, it could have gone either way. But these guys pulled it out of the bag. They shame us for our doubt with the slickest tightest most thrilling album, arguably their best to date

‘Feet Don’t Fail Me’ keeps the suspense with nearly two minutes of a moody dark eerie intro before blasting into a vivid riff that bounces, rebounding off the swagger soaked hair raising sound these guys do so well. It’s slick well-oiled with razor sharp guitar and a tight rhythm that snaps with instant vibrancy and elastic effect. It’s just too cool. Shredding guitar solo blisters leaving burn marks behind. Homme’s vocals coo and wail with sizzling vigour. It’s the perfect start to the album. The strutting hip shaking danceable ‘The Way You Used to Do’ follows. Finger clicking and soaked in a slick bluesy guitar riff it’s insanely catchy and shimmy worthy. This track alone will have you dancing embarrassingly around the room with its ear worm melody and infectious foot tapping beat. ‘Domesticated Animals’ is a punchy dark throbbing track with a nice little clap feature. Its sultry guitar licks and pulsing rhythm create an eerie gliding dramatic atmosphere. With Bowie hints in places and spooky dark tones all wrapped in a cinematic striking soundscape, it’s a scorching dazzler.‘Fortress’ slows the pace becoming sombre and shadowy while still packing QOTSA’s gritty shaded punch. The rock and roll flamboyant swagger stained track ‘Head Like a Haunted House’ follows with a rush of gyrating hip causing grooves. With 60’s surf-like guitar glides punchy drums and Elvis-like vocals this track makes a delightful shift in the album. That running bass is just sublime. The spacey wails give a unique twist while whistles add a cheeky chappy charm to the song. Still remaining heavy, it’s fantastically obscure and diverse. ‘Un-Reborn Again’ follows the rock and roll laced style however with elegant string feature and sharp guitar stings. The track glides with feminine grace while still maintaining a razor-sharp edge. ‘Hideaway’ slinks in, sultry and stealthily with a hush hush manner. It’s scorching guitar blisters with steamy humidity while Homme’s vocals smoothly and enigmatically caress the lyrics. ‘The Evil Has Landed’ is a spray of bluesy groovy rock. It’s a flexing of their rock, psychedelic muscles between crunchy riffs and pulsing beats. Sinister with hints of sweetness Homme stays mostly in his falsetto range as the track builds to an electrifying crescendo. It shifts becoming heavier and mightier and mosh frantic. ‘Villains of Circumstance’ brings us to the end of our journey with the ‘Villains’ album. Delicate and gentle with sweet guitar jingles and breezy soundscapes the song starts tender yet eerie. Building into an almost anthemic bright chorus, they manage to pack so much into this track. With echo brooding passion-filled vocals its moving yet positive. The chorus is very hopeful and vibrant with sonic twinkles throughout and dramatic instrumentation it definitely leaves you wanting more.

Sweet luscious melodies instant danceable grooves and enough heaviness to make a room shake and shimmy at the same time ‘Villains’ hasn’t let us down. Queens of the Stone Age have been shifting  slightly since the ‘Rated R’ days but not negatively. ‘Villains’ is sophisticated refined and fun while still packing some gritty punches.

 

Stream ‘Villains’ below

 


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

Neon Dolls ‘Black’ EP

Leeds rock five-piece Neon Dolls have announced the release of their new ‘Black’ EP with the release of the new single ‘Creep Inside’ set for release Friday 8th September. Since forming three years ago, Neon Dolls have been busy perfecting their hybrid of muscular Alt-Rock whilst blowing away audiences on the buzzing UK music scene. Formed from the ashes of defunct bands on the scene, the boys quickly developed a sonic formula influenced by guitar greats Oasis, Foo Fighters, Green Day and Led Zeppelin, as well as more recent grunge and rock bands from the USA. With a growing fanbase affectionately dubbed the Neon Army behind them, tracks from their debut album Imperial (released 2015) and 2nd Album When It Strikes (released 2016) were playlisted on BBC Introducing and their sold out live shows led to Fred Perry Subculture hailing them as one of the best new bands in the country.

‘Black’ is an EP brimming with raw ruckus causing rough and tumble rock and roll. The guys slap up a plate of frantic gritty no nonsense rock to sink our teeth in to, and boy it is good. The shrilling oh so thrilling new single ‘Creep Inside’ kicks off the EP. Slick razor sharp riffs pierce throughout while elastic bass bounces against punchy drums creating a hair raising coarse wall of sound. Sneering raspy coated vocals add an aggressive compelling swagger while irresistible seizure inducing guitar licks cause a rush of blood to the head. It’s a bitter bite but satisfying start to the EP.  ‘Invincible’ follows just as raw and bloody but perhaps with a little more sweat and leather. Gravelly vocals scream while slick steamy guitars crash and stride throughout the track leaving burn marks behind. It’s a punchy aggressive beast, rugged and fuzzed but exuding fire and brimstone strut quality and swagger. ‘Nasty Habits’ brings us to a groovy end to the EP. With Kasabian hints and anthemic chorus, this one is sure to go down well at a live show. It’s jagged and bristly soaked in attitude and brawn with nimble silky slick guitar and infectious groove, its sensual, punchy and a little pouty.

Neon Dolls ‘Black’ EP is a rough rugged blow of sharp bruising rock and roll. They know what they are doing and these tunes are staggeringly electrifying.

Neon Dolls will embark on a UK tour this Autumn – for more dates and info head to http://www.neondolls.co.uk/

Stream the new single ‘Creep Inside’ below


Alt Rock, Blues Rock, EP Review, indie rock, New Music, Rock and Roll

Maker ‘Girl Quit Your Crying’ EP

Maker are a rock n’roll band with a psychedelic bluesy punch, stirred with a fist full of soul. Hailing from Kent, they are made up of members Alessandro Marinelli (Vocals), Andrew Donaldson (Guitar), Gavin Donaldson (Drums) & John Austin (Bass). Renowned for their electrifying live performances, Maker deliver fresh sonic swagger defined by their own bluesy, boozy guitar riffs.The band have headlined many of the UK’s most prestigious venues, including 100 Club London as part of ‘Best of British Blues Explosion’ 2017, and have supported some of the UKs finest artists, Ocean Colour Scene, Dodgy, Wilko Johnson, The Slydigs as well as shared festival bills with The Cribs, Dizee Rascal, Mark Ronson, and Supergrass to name a few. Maker can even count one of the worlds most acclaimed guitarists Rich Robinson (The Black Crowes / Magpie Salute) as a fan of the band, as well as two of Soho Radio’s finest, Simone Marie (Primal Scream) and Virgil Howe (Little Barrie). Their new five track EP ‘Girl Quit Your Crying’ which was recorded at world famous Rockfield Studios and produced by the band and Nick Brine, will be released 11 August via Kidda Records.
‘Girl Quit Your Crying’ is a swagger soaked gritty slick rock n’ roll EP oozing strutting flamboyance with just the right amount of whiskey soaked brawn. Title track ‘Girl Quit Your Crying’ kicks off the EP, It is bluesy and soulful with a sensual sway -like tempo and steamy guitar licks. Raspy vocals add a warm texture to the track while piano elements add a classy jazzy quality. It builds to a mighty crescendo with punchy drums and expressive vocals. It’s sultry and sensually smooth while maintaining a raw edge. ‘So Serene’ is a Led Zeppelin – esque riff driven track. With a strutting striding pace, catchy melody and slick guitar exuding panache, it’s true red blooded rock n’ roll. ‘Are You Watching Me?’ rushes through with blusterous rapid blurry instrumentation which cools and separates out into a funky groove for the chorus. A little frenzied and manic the track becomes more heavy and psychedelic with strong bass strides and sharp guitar licks. It takes a trance-like hallucinogenic form with just the pounding beat becoming the constant as spiralling guitars create chaos. ‘Lose It On The Second Turn’ re introduces a jazzy Jerry Lee Lewis piano feature and distorted riff. With a clap along feature it’s a shimmy and shake blended with mosh elements. A thrilling guitar solo shrills with sublime sharpness it’s air guitar worthy and superb. ‘Stop My Heart Dead’ finishes the album with Makers golden rock and roll swagger filled sound. With a stomping beat and body grooving rhythm teamed with slick nimble guitar and infectious melody. These guys do cool and soul with powerful punk punches well, mix that with booze soaked riffs and bluesy elements ‘Girl Quit Your Crying’ is another knock out EP from Maker.

Watch the teaser video for the EP on their facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/Makeruk/videos/10155755309187240/

 


indie rock, New Music, Rock and Roll

The Rocking Horse Club ‘Straight White Man’

Brighton’s basement rockers The Rocking Horse Club have released their latest single ‘Straight White Man’. The track was recorded in January 2017 with the producer of Demob Happy’s album Christoph Skirl, alongside six other yet to be released tracks.
‘Straight White Man’ is a kick in the nards to gender, sexual and racial imbalance with a catchy rock & roll backdrop. It’s slick and effortlessly cool with a shrilling sharp guitar solo, scuffling punchy drums and jazzy elements. The band shed light on how ridiculous society is. Delivered with tongue in cheek honest black humour its a kick ass brutal Kung Fu attack on the senses. Put all controversy aside it’s good old rock & roll that’s catchy as hell.

Watch the role reversing comic video for ‘Straight White Man’ below


Alt Rock, Hard Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Rock and Roll, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From AT THE SUN

AT THE SUN are a heavy rock five piece from London. Harry (Vocals), Alex (Bass), Kieron (Guitar),Chet (Guitar) and Craig (Drums) blend their love of blues, metal and classic rock to create a powerful sound of big riffs, soulful vocals and ripping solos. We have chosen their single ‘Breathe’ the title track off their new EP as our worth a listen track this week.
‘Breathe’ is a rip roaring blast of straight up rock & roll with slick meaty riffs slapped against adrenaline pumping drums and lusty basslines. Its neck snapping frenzy smothered in sleek anthemic swagger. Robust and heavy while maintaining a shrilling blast of snappy elasticity its instantly likeable. With a shredding air guitar worthy solo and mosh ready brawny heaviness its a catchy exuberantly zingy gutsy track.
AT THE SUN are playing at Shindignation, Bow London, United Kingdom on Aug 5 at The Beehive so make sure to head down and check them out.

Watch the Official Lyric Video for ‘Breathe’ below