Category Archives: Rock

Alt Rock, indie rock, Live Music, New Music, Rock

Live Music Review : King Harvest & The Weight and The Sour Seeds

 

The first thing we found out about our trip to The Pine Lodge Cork on Saturday to catch King Harvest & The Weight live was that Myrtleville is the best place to be stranded. We found lovely helpful people that made us feel at home and helped us out after our designated driver crashed into a wall just up the road from the venue, destroying our car but leaving the wall without a mark. A little shook up and bruised we headed to the Pine lodge to organise a way home and of course get to see as much live music as we possibly could before our lift came.

 

The night began with a set from The Sour Seeds an alternative rock band from Dublin. These guys have a slightly unusual set up with the addition of two saxophones. The Sour Seeds are refreshing and talented. Their smooth soulful tunes with added psychedelic and rock influences bring something new to the table, and come on who 20160701_215659_001doesn’t love a saxophone especially when it works well and adds diversity and depth to their tracks. Their witty humour and banter goes down well with the crowd, a brilliant warm up for a great night ahead.
King Harvest & The Weight begin their set with their single ‘Unstuck’ an upbeat catchy rock track bursting with great vibes. This track is brilliant live. It takes a new dimension with a dynamic bass, mighty drums and spirited guitar. This track is a strong opener and is so easy to dance to. It quickly becomes apparent that they are at their best live and to really appreciate their diverse sound you need 20160702_173759to go to one of their gigs .’Dream’ follows with its bright upbeat bubbly sound which I thought had a slight country twang when i listened to the album, however when performed live they give us punchier drums and a fantastic lustrous guitar that is compelling. The edgy bluesy ‘This Town’ give us a rock and roll feel with swagger. The heavy riff is brawny yet flexible and can coax you to dance without you even realising it. Its an energetic track that the crowd reacts well to and seems to sweet talk the crowd to bopping along. They slow down the tone with the melodic smooth ‘Morning Light’ showcasing their lush harmonies. Its a soft track that has a sway almost soft bop effect on the crowd. The set flows smoothly as they glide into the catchy ‘Diana’ which shows us their funky side. Unfortunately we had to leave at this point but not before we got to hear the smooth sensual ‘New York Is Dangerous’ with its slick darker tone.

 

King Harvest & The Weight make performing  look so effortless and easy with the flowing guitar solos, polished bass and punchy drums while they blow us away with a mixture of genres and sounds. There 20160702_173954is no doubt of their talent.
I would highly recommend going to see both these bands live and unfortunately I didn’t get to see The New 52 perform but i will definitely head down to one of their next shows.
Stream The Sour Seeds ‘Can’t Bring Me Down’ and King Harvest & The Weight ‘Unstuck’ below

Alt Rock, Hard Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock

DeepShade ‘Ganzua’

DeepShade are an Alternative Rock /Metal, Grunge, band from Wigan. David Rybka ( Vocal, Guitar), Tom Doherty (Bass), and Paul Barlow (Drums) released their debut album ‘Everything Is Popular Is Wrong’ in 2015 and it propelled DeepShade into the national spotlight. We were particularly impressed with their track ‘Time’ and did a feature on it earlier this year. They have now released ‘Ganzua’ From their next EP which is due out before Christmas this year.
‘Ganzua’ is a beast of a track and a force to be reckoned with. Its heavy intense powerful sound, dark atmosphere and forceful energy demands and deserves respect and recognition. From the start of the track we are met with vigorous guitars and thunderous drums while Rybka’s vocals remain intense and haunting with a slight rasp at times. His vocals echo and howl during the chorus as if waking the dead. The strident and slick guitar riff is infectious while the fierce drums pound through your soul. This track holds a smooth sensual quality while remaining robust and destructive. The lusty shredding guitar solo is brawny yet seductive and leads to a heavy headbanging frenzy instrumental with swirling haunting vocals giving a psychedelic element to the track until it finishes strong and solid.
DeepShade’s currently untitled EP features minimal studio overdubs and focuses on their chemistry as a creative unit. With mixing and mastering duties taken on by long term collaborator John Kettle.

DeepShade will announce the full EP release details in the coming months along with European tour dates.
We cant wait to hear the new EP, if ‘Ganzua’ is anything to go by its going to be massive!
Stream ‘Ganzua’ below

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

Public Access T.V. ‘Sudden Emotion’

New York City band Public Access T.V have been banging out major tunes with some awesome EP’s and infectious singles, which we have previously written features on. They have now released ‘Sudden Emotion’ which is glimpse of whats to come from their debut album ‘ Never Enough’ set to release this Autumn.
John Eatherly (lead vocals, guitar), Xan Aird (lead guitar, vocals), Max Peebles (bass, vocals) and Pete Star (drums, vocals) present us with that “oh so sunny” and contagious rock and roll sound that we love in their new single ‘Sudden Emotion’ . From the bright rich guitar intro and punchy drums that soften leaving the zesty guitar to bring a sunny atmosphere and good times . Eatherly’s vocals remain cool and smooth for the verse and become more intense and dynamic for the chorus  as the track progresses. The verses give a smooth carefree vibe while the chorus bursts with energy and emotion. The track is about trying to keep your emotions in check when something affects you as quickly as it does deeply. This is conveyed perfectly as the verses seem to act as the holding back of your emotions as they swirl inside you when eventually and inevitably the chorus brings the explosion of your emotions. Public Access T.V. portray this theme with an infectious melody, strong chords and slick zealous guitars. The repetitive bridge with distant vocals and the soft drum beat slows the track down and gives a fantastic link to the final burst into the energetic chorus.
Another fantastic track from a band who is constantly developing and expanding musically.
Big things ahead for Public Access T.V.

Looking forward to their debut album.
Stream ‘Sudden Emotion’ below

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

Corner Pilots

Corner Pilots are a no nonsense rock band hailing from Surrey, band members Dan Stafford (Lead Vocals), Joshua Bennet (Guitar), Jake France (Guitar), Ben Mawdsley (Bass) and Reece O’Brien (Drummer) are creating  a stir with their heavy, energetic performances and catchy heavy riff based rock tracks. Their catalogue of tracks on soundcloud are impressive and showcase their talent and great potential as musicians.
‘The Language’ is a blues rock track with slick zealous guitar and punchy drums. The rooted bass give a depth and foundation to the track. This track oozes energy and swagger and has a body moving effect. The guitar particularly excels in this track as it effortlessly pierces through the track and delivers a shredding strident solo. Stafford’s vocals are smooth and exuding confidence, swagger and attitude. With its anthem like energetic chorus that has a fist pump effect its easy to see how this song would be massive performed live.
‘Queen of My Nightmare’ gives us a heavier fuzzed sound with an infectious dirty riff that sticks in your head. Stafford’s vocals are sharper and dynamic., while the guitars are smooth and slick. This track is fiery and sensual while remaining edgy and cool and bursting with attitude. It is delivered in an effective energetic mosh worthy manner with the track building in tempo and intensity as the song progresses.
‘ Jump’ begins with a moody eerie tone and screechy guitars. This shadowy atmosphere continues throughout the track while the instrumentation builds for the chorus. The vigorous guitars play a riff that almost warns of danger while the creeping bass gives you goosebumps and the drums add a mosh effect. The vocals take on a mysterious tone giving this track a thrilling effect.
Corner Pilots show some great talent with these tracks look forward to hearing more from them.
If your around make sure you go see them live at the O2 Academy Islington on July 8th.
Stream ‘The Language’ and ‘Queen of My Nightmare’ below

Alt Rock, Hypnotic, Indie, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Rock, Trance

Ethan & The Reformation ‘Hummingbird’

Ethan & The Reformation are a Psychedelic Rock/Pop band from Manchester. The five piece Ethan Dundavan Davies (frontman/rhythm guitarist ), Mick Mac (lead guitarist), Samuel Parker (keyboard player and vocalist), James Cordeiro (bassist) and Thomas Oliver Gorton (Drumer) have created a retro pop/rock sound, that pays homage to the 1960’s / 1970’s psychedelic era while giving it a modern twist.
They have just released their new single ‘Hummingbird’ which is a smooth sensual track full of 70’s funky swag. The track features fantastic sleek seductive ” wah wah” guitar and an inviting smooth funky bass with a soft irresistible beat that creates a swaying effect and gives this track a seductive quality. With raspy, husky vocals that add grit and some brawn to this instrumentally steamy track, Hummingbird has dark undertones and a melancholy melody which contrasts to the captivating swag of the instrumentation. This track shows how diverse and talented Ethan & The Reformation are as they give us a refreshing luscious sound that is distinctive.
Looking forward to Ethan & The Reformation’s  EP which is set to be released later this year.
You can catch Ethan & The Reformation live at
08 Jul Soup Kitchen Manchester
09 Jul The Dublin Castle Camden
30 Jul Ashtonbury Northampton
19 Aug Glass Butter Beach Abersoch

Stream ‘Hummingbird’ below

90's Grunge, Alt Rock, Indie, New Music, Rock

Love Ghost ‘Friday Afternoon’

Love Ghost  are an alternative rock band from Los Angeles. The band consists of members Ale Sierra (Drums), Ryan Stevens (Bass), Finn Bell (Vocals/ keys, guitar) and Mya Greene(Viola). Despite only being together for little over a year the five-piece teen garage rock group have seen tremendous success, opening for such artists as The Tubes, Berlin, Ozomatli and Buckcherry. They have also played several high profile festivals including Make Music Pasadena and Echo Park Rising. Love Ghost’s musical composition is inspired by a mix of old universal horror films meshed with iconic grunge artists such as Nirvana and Alice in Chains. Their debut single ‘Mystery Box’ taken from their six-song debut self-titled EP was produced by Mark Renk (P.O.D) and they are back with their new single Smashing Pumpkins inspired ‘Friday Afternoon’
 ‘Friday Afternoon’ aims to reflect the importance of standing up for oneself especially during a time of hardship in teenage years. Love Ghost conveys this theme to us through soulful and emotional lyrics, distorted guitar melodies and punchy drums. Their mix of 90’s grunge and alternative rock takes you back to your youth while the addition of the viola is original and effective as it adds a soft nostalgic tone to the track. This track is extremely melodic with vocals that are sombre while the guitar is gentle and melancholy yet sharp keeping a refreshing edge to the track. The drums give us a heavy rock sound adding a slight mosh effect. The lustrous guitar solo is bright and zesty and gives us that classic rock element.
This is a strong track for this fresh young band as they showcase their talent and great potential.
Stream ‘Friday Afternoon’ below

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

Our Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen track this week is Stellify’s ‘Shun’

Stellify are an Alternative Rock / Fuzzy Blues band from London. Band members James Howlett (Lead Vocals & Guitar), Richard Costello (Vocals & Lead Guitar), Carlos Dittborn (Bass) and Daniel Perez (Drums) have been steadily and constantly gaining momentum since their formation in 2011.
Their new single ‘Shun’ is a blues filled, fiery rock track, with deep smouldering vocals and seductive, alluring, elastic bass. When teamed with the rapid persuasive drums in the verse they  compel your body to move. The chorus comes alive with a heavier mosh sound and more dynamic vocals which really shakes things up before the song returns again to the intense smooth tease of the verse. The psychedelic trance feel on guitar adds to the bewitching effect of this luring track.
Stellify are playing a number of shows and festivals throughout 2016 where they will be delivering blues filled fuzzy rock and roll.
You can see them at
JUN 23, The Beer Kat, London
JUL 16, Eailing Blues Festival,Walpole Park, Ealing
SEP 13, Time Out Rising Stars, 229 The Venue, London
Stream ‘Shun’ below

Alt Rock, Blues, Hard Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock

New Valley Wolves ‘Trouble’

New Valley Wolves have just released their new single ‘Trouble’ and its a hefty, mean, bluesy track full of attitude. The duo have built a reputation for themselves as the fiercest live act in Ireland through relentless gigging at home and abroad. With a sound bigger than an A-Bomb and energy that borders on psychotic ‘Trouble’ lives up to this reputation. With its robust dirty bass, thunderous drums and howling vocals this track shakes you to your core and is definitely a track to sink your teeth into. Its big, mean and destructive while the flexible bass keep a cool, smooth steamy vibe. The frenzy created in the manic mosh worthy bridge is insane. Its enough to get a crowd headbanging and going crazy in its high energy body pounding sound. The track returns to it slick bluesy style again to finish leaving you wanting more.
This is a band you don’t want to miss live and ‘Trouble’ is a must listen!

You can see New Valley Wolves live at:
Jun 24 Sea Sessions Donegal
July 30 Crane Lane, Cork
They are also playing at Electric Picnic and Rockathon.
Stream ‘Trouble’ below

A Chat With, Alt Rock, indie rock, Interviews, New Music, Rock

A Chat With : King Harvest & The Weight

 

We caught up with Ben Adey from King Harvest & The Weight ahead of their UK and Ireland tour and the release of their unmissable debut album ‘Maps’.

Can you explain King Harvest & The Weight to anyone who doesn’t know you?
There’s plenty of bands out there who shamelessly ride their influences out to death, But we try not to ape our target too closely for our own good and come across like soulless bandwagon chasers. We love the music we grew up with, which is rooted in seventies good times rock n roll.

How did the name King Harvest & The Weight come about?
I wrote a load around 50 songs, demoed them all on a battered old Yamaha acoustic and then hooked up with Olly (guitar) & Justin (Drums) we recorded the tracks and got our arses in gear and booked some shows.

Your album is full of 70’s classic rock tracks with catchy hooks and well crafted melodies How did you decide on this style of music ?
It’s just what comes out, it isn’t over thought, or planned. It’s every free flowing creative and writing process.

Your music seems to have the ability to transport the listener back to that 70s rock period with such ease, is this a natural effect of your music flow or was it something you had to try hard to achieve?
Dead easy. Play what you like and do what feel is right for you. It’s not about being cool, it’s about doing what you enjoy, with no boundaries.

Your debut album Maps is due for release on June 20 what can we look forward to or expect from ‘Maps’?
Blistering 3 minute tracks, crammed with hooks.

What was your favourite part of making this record?
Recording it and playing music with superb people.

You have some great riffs and guitar solos in your tracks was this something you spent ages on to get right or did they come naturally?
Ideas come in all shapes and sizes. From rehearsal jams to the bare embryos of IPhone recordings.

Which of the songs on your album are you most proud of and why?I’d say, This Town. It was the first track I wrote, which actually spearheaded me into doing the album. It was the track that made me think that I wanted to actually have a go and play live again.

Had it not  arrived, I’d probably be spending my Saturday nights just driving back and forth to Tesco buying White Magnums & Bier d’ore. It saved me from decadence,ha!

Did you come cross any challenges when recording this album?
Yes, trying not to be impatient and rushing things.

You have a number of live shows coming up to promote the album what can people expect at these shows?
Loud noise, riffs and a pop song shower

Which venue are you looking forward to playing the most?
All of them.

What is your Favourite song to perform live and why?
Tough one, not sure yet!
You have three dates in Ireland this July is this your first time playing in Ireland and have you any expectations from the Irish crowd?
It is our first time as a band, yes. And we’re expecting it to be a great time.

What advice do you have for people who want to form their own band?
Pick up whatever is in sight, bang it, beat and have fun. Most importantly fuck what anyone tells you is cool and do what you love X

You can catch King Harvest & The Weight live at
Saturday 25th June – The Glad Cafe, Glasgow
Sunday 26th June – Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh
Friday 1st July – Pine Lodge, Cork
Saturday 2nd July – Roisin Dubh, Galway
Sunday 3rd July – Grand Social, Dublin

We will be definitely heading down to one of the Irish shows to check out their “Loud noise, riffs and a pop song shower” .

Watch  King Harvest & The Weight ‘Unstuck’ below

 

Alt Rock, Grunge, Hard Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Rock

Deepshade ‘Time’

Deepshade are a power house trio from Wigan. Band members David Rybka (Vox/Guitar), Tom Doherty (Bass) and Paul Barlow (Drums) have returned with their raucous fusion of psyched up alternative/grunge rock with the announcement of their new video single release ‘Time’. Their debut album ‘Everything Is Popular Is Wrong’ was released in early 2015 and it propelled Deepshade into the national spotlight with acclamation from UK’s Power Play and Classic Rock Magazine along with receiving support from alternative radio stations worldwide.
‘Time’ blasts  us with its grunged up guitar hooks and pounding hard rock grooves. It is the perfect opening track for ‘Everything Popular Is Wrong’. The track begins in a true rock star manner with an attention grabbing, thrilling scream from Rybka and an infectious riff. The track is bursting with energy and a smooth sensual bass line that lures you in while the thunderous drums give that captivating rock feel. The verses are full of eerie tones with deep vocals that are seductive and alluring. You get the feeling you are being coaxed or enticed into a world of chaos to which you have no control over. The slick shredding guitar solo adds an edge to the track as it builds to a massive heavy crescendo while Rybka’s vocals are intense and commanding.
With new material already to be unearthed later in 2016, Deepshade are gearing up to unveil dates for their UK live shows and first ever tours of Spain and Portugal in November.
Looking  forward to hearing more from Deepshade!
Watch ‘Time’ below