Category Archives: Album Review

Album Review, Alt Rock, New Music

The Kax Self Titled Album

After a ten year hiatus The Kax are back with the long awaited deliverance of their reissued self titled debut album. Drawing influence from the likes of U2 and Gang Of Four, The Kax launch their alt rock revitalisation with 9 diverse and individually enticing tracks. Having previously built a name in and around Los Angeles, The Kax aim to take advantage of all that digital services have to offer, this motive pairs effortlessly with the growing online presence that The Kax have been accumulating over the past ten years. The band already have globally famous venues such as The Troubadour and Viper Room under their belt. Recorded and engineered by the well established and acclaimed producer Scott Gilman (Avenged Sevenfold, Alice Cooper),’The Kax’ bears all the professional make up an album may need in order to gain some headway. Two of the songs featured on this album were co written with Sierra Swan, an interscope artist who has toured with the likes of Ringo Starr and Billy Corgan.

‘The Kax’ album is brimming with powerful blistering sounds wrapped in lush melodies and vibrant soundscapes. The shredding guitar riffs plastered all over ‘So Do We’, ‘Better Then’ and ‘Remember Me’ showcase the punchy raw nature of this album as the guitars scorch throughout every track drenched in reverb and attitude while snappy drums and elastic bass lines keep the rhythmic foundations bouncing along. The whole album is an adrenaline shot of dynamic alternative rock with a driving whack of punk undertones. The fluctuant bass lines are another sublime feature throughout all the tracks, particularly in the U2- esque ‘The Hollows’ and the sun kissed infectious ‘Summertime Daze’  as they weave tightly between the sharp guitar with an infectious hip swinging groove. ‘Hungry Animals’ brings a hazy dreamy vibe into the album as the guitar lines become more light and twinkly for the verse before spasming out. The melody in particular in this song is sublime- very catchy and cool as it’s steeped in dreamy pop hues with laid  back vocals spread on top. ‘The Light’ flickers some distorted swirling psych sprinkled disco on the album with whirring guitars over a punchy drum beat and dragged out vocal notes. It’s pretty trippy but flooding with a 70’s tinged strutting swagger. The album comes to a close with ‘Coming Down’, a sparkling guitar driven number saturated in glorious melodies and passionate vocals.

It’s a compact album with heartfelt golden melodies that warm the heart and soothe the soul while packing in a hefty dose of rock edge and anthemic power.

Stream ‘The Kax’ below

https://soundcloud.com/thekaxmusic/sets/the-kax


Album Review, Folk, Indie Folk, New Music

Bright Shadows ‘Cross the Light’ Album

Bright Shadows have released their debut studio album ‘Cross the Light’ after over 18 months of writing, recording and producing. The album features 11 tracks of upbeat pop-folk and unique vocal harmonies that reflect their popular live performances. Forming back in 2013, Bright Shadows, comprising of Helen Beth and Raji K soon decided to make the leap to go part time in their day jobs in order to put more focus on their passion and their career within music. After releasing their debut EP ‘Diffusion’ back in August 2015, a bright 6-track EP featuring harmonic pop and driving rock, and then experiencing a busy period of festivals, gigs and radio appearances, they made the decision that their next project release should reflect their more acoustic live sound. Jumping back into the studio in early 2017, the duo created ‘Cross the Light’ which encompasses the live sound that they wanted to portray.

‘Cross the Light’ is a rich invigorating collection of blissfully melodious tunes and luscious harmonies. Opener ‘Afraid of Bliss’ displays their peppy motivational sound perfectly. Filled with emotion and divine harmonies upon a hearty folky hued acoustic backdrop it sets the album up to be a bright golden ray of sunshine. The duo throw on some swagger and power with ‘She’s A Ghost’ as Helen’s commanding vocals take the lead. Melodies are the main focal point of the album as theses guys write some catchy endearing tunes that grab your attention with their honey drizzled sweetness or striking haunting quality’s. ‘If You Let Me’ displays their delicate ballad side while ‘Every Word’ takes the roll of a stomp along break up tune. Each track holds a charming little twinkle about it that softens your heart and has the ability to make you smile. Filled with strong hooks and sing along elements Bright Shadows deliver a bright vibrant collection with contrasting themes of loss and sadness throughout to create a wholly consuming album. ‘Automatic’ and ‘The Hunter’ display some swagger and slickness in the duos style as they use their acoustic sound to shake things up and become more dark and mysteriously chilling. Their skill acoustically makes the album riveting as it doesn’t lag in any place keeping you on your toes and satisfied. When they take the tone down to a heartfelt Fleetwood Mac- esque slow burner such as ‘Minute of Silence’ they gradually build it up again pacing each track meticulously making for a comfortable and easy listening experience. The country twangs flickering throughout the album create a warm glow and golden hue over it as the sweet and at times powerful harmonies between Helen and Raji are crisp and pristine and just beautiful to listen to.

‘Cross the Light’ is a passionate collection of tracks that make for a satisfying and enjoyable listen with a glass of wine and a beautiful sunset.

Stream ‘Cross the Light’ below

 

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Album Review, Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Cappellino ‘Ghost Town’ Album

Cappellino has recently released his newest album ‘Ghost Town’, a 10-track album featuring a fusion of indie pop, electro pop and hints of folk. Hailing from Watford, Cappellino has been making music since he can remember. After spending years honing his craft in bands around Watford’s thriving scene, he released his debut EP back in 2015 which lead to performances at Soho’s Ronnie Scott’s and Jamie Oliver’s Big Feastival. The following year was spent writing and recording his debut album ‘Ghost Town’ which has already received support from BBC 6Music for the lead single ‘Love Is All I Want’. The debut album ‘Ghost Town’ was written about a break up and the rediscovery of self outside the confines of a relationship. A journey of realisation and self-therapy for Cappellino himself, ‘Ghost Town’ is lyrically honest and personal, with the musicality reflecting the rawness of emotions.

‘Ghost Town’ is an ornate collection of tracks that are crisp and pristine, exhibiting an instrumental and emotional warmth that makes your heart skip with each and every moment.The R&B flavoured ‘Love Is All I Want’ slinks along with a fun, fresh sound, catchy backing vocal line and skittish dance-able beat. The layering and intricate compositions makes this album a wholly satisfying listen as the electronic pulses teamed with luscious melodies and ethereal instrumentation really hooks you into Cappellino’s unique fascinating world. ‘The Things We Knew Before’, ‘My Hearts In The Wrong Place’ and ‘The Better’ display this perfectly with warm guitars twinkling between sticky beat slaps and passionate vocals. The  rich glittering and humid shimmers of electronics flood the track with a sun kissed warmth and heartfelt sweetness that is infectious. While the slow burners ‘Maps’ and ‘Steps’ flicker and elegantly bounce with gentle keys in the former and supple guitar in the latter teamed with sweet as pie vocals. The guitar work in ‘Steps’ is just sublime especially for the instrumental solo, it glides with a tropical tone and intricate fluctuations that are divine. Each track has a powerful rushing crescendo that is worthy of a swaying crowd sing along and lighters in the air drama. Cappellino writes sublime gripping tracks that consume you in emotion and cosy vibrancy. Title track ‘Ghost Town’ is a golden gem. With its lush and carefully- sculpted dimensions teamed with a beautifully delicate and delightful melody, velvety vocals and sweet backing vocals- it’s harmoniously exquisite. Tender and sombre it brings a tear to your eye while the tapping beat adds a positivity and lift to the song before the fantastic crescendo bursts with juicy electronics and breezy refreshing tones. ‘Teeth & Tongue’ makes its driving rhythm the main focus as it is unique and exotic with shaky percussion blended into the pop sensibilities while ‘Mirror the Verb’ pushes through with airy synths that hover over a peppy melancholic hued melody and strong guitar strums as dance-able soundscapes wisp and rush around this full bodied sound. ‘Best Intentions’ closes the album sweet and melodic as guitar jingles sway through a steady beat and elegant melody, ending the story of this album as richly crafted as it began with zesty guitar injections stinging between the dainty flow of the track.

‘Ghost Town’ is a remarkably complete album, a lavish blooming garden growing out of delightful melty melodies sprinkled with sweet pop hues and exquisitely compact instrumentation. It’s honest and warm making for a delightful listen.

Steam ‘Ghost Town’ below


Album Review, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

FREEMAN ‘Truth’ Album

 

West London based singer-songwriter, FREEMAN is set to release his eagerly awaited debut album ‘Truth’ on Catapult Records tomorrow the 25th of May. ‘Truth’, recorded at Eastcote Studios in Kensal Rise with Jamie Brown and engineer Andy Hughes, features fourteen tracks including the current single ‘Weekend’, the recent ‘Good Times’ and last year’s debut ‘Lay On’ all of which have picked up widespread critical support from the likes of the Huffington Post to plays on BBC Radio London. ‘Lay On’ was accompanied by a video featuring footage from the Oscar winning French short ‘The Red Balloon’ and had 180k views and over 1.5k shares on its first week online.

‘Truth’ is a collection of catchy indie pop tracks sprinkled with sweet Americana to create a sublime tight album that is enjoyable to listen to. ‘All About Love’ kicks off the album with a sensual bassline and punchy beat that will have those feet tapping and body grooving in no time. The melodies in this album are delightful, this particular tune has a sing along ready chorus and melody that is luscious, sweet as taffy and utterly golden. ‘Best Days’ and ‘Rolling Stone’ steamroll in with a stomping beat and rock and roll swagger soaked guitar strides, there is definitely a Bryan Adams country-esque vibe about the former while ‘Weekend’ hops about with a indie pop buoyancy and vitality as jangly guitars drive through free wheeling, sunny soundscapes and upbeat animation. ‘Good Times’ which is my favourite track on the album takes on the role of the sweet slow jam. It is warm glowing and feathery light with delicate tapping percussion wrapped in a luscious sway-able melody and soothing vocals. ‘Indiana Girl’ and ‘Redemption’ follow the emotional slow burner pathway as does ‘Lay On’ which adds a soulful hue to the mix provided by delicate keys and supple guitar injections caressed by soft whispered raspy vocals. This romantic little ditty is soothing, delicate and heartfelt. The Americana and country flavours shine through tracks such as ‘Watchtower’ and ‘Hearts Of America’ as warm guitar (and harmonica twangs in the former) fill the tracks with cosy melancholic tones and rich depths as the ever catchy melty melodies melt upon this beautiful balmy backdrop. There is no shortage of sing along choruses in this album nearly every track has a hook that invades your brain, constantly revolving in your head all day ‘Rolling Stone’ is a prime example of this so is ‘Life’- who doesn’t fall under the trap of a good “la la” lyric especially when it’s surrounded by a sweet delicate melody. Freeman brings the album to a fluid and gentle end with the aching yet glowing positivity of ‘Midnight Wanderer’ followed by the hushed heartbreaking ‘Goodbye My Love’ and finally the tender ethereal ‘Fire’ closes the album on a calm beautiful tone.

‘Truth’ is a heartfelt charming collection of tracks that are warm, cosy and sweet with some swagger and fun thrown in to keep you singing along and bopping between the emotional tears. The album will be released on limited edition vinyl and CD and will be available to download at all the usual major outlets tomorrow.

Watch the video for ‘Lay On’ below


Album Review, indie rock, New Music

Arctic Monkeys ‘Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino’ Album

Photo Credit: Zackery Michael

Arctic Monkeys have released their highly anticipated new album ‘Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino’. It’s an album which will divide and conquer. At the first listen to the crooning smooth fluidity and leisurely pace of the tracks there is a suspense and doubt that grows like a tumour in your brain before you take a step back and see the album as a whole. It’s an experience, a bit different but as a collective piece of work, it’s a bloody fine display of refined meticulous musicianship. Turner has been flexing his lyricist muscles and in this sixth album he’s primed and ready to mind boggle with  encryptions and witty obscurities. This effort sees the guitar rock of ‘AM’ take a back seat as keys become the prime instrument. It’s spacey with a noticeable lack of sing along choruses but what it appears to lack at first disperses between the mysterious hazy synths, 70’s vibes and lush arrangements.

‘The Star Treatment’ sees Turner narrate the lyrics like a  neo-noir crime anthology film reflection through a creamy smooth backdrop of twinkling keys and lush whining backing vocals. It sets a black and white motion picture scene filled with a classy lounge bar drunken contemplation. This vibe carries throughout the album. If ‘The Star Treatment’ has you listening with gritted teeth ‘One Point Perspective’ slowly eases you into the concept of the album as it broods with lavish strings, sweet falsetto vocals and slick bass grooves wrapping you slowly and securely into its luxuriousness- seducing those doubting thoughts until that steamy guitar solo hooks you firmly in its grasp. ‘American Sports’ adds to the intrigue as it grasps the spacey vibe with flighty synths dizzying and flashing between a snappy beat. It’s psychedelic at times as guitars whizz through Turner’s echoed vocals entrapping you into this subtly eccentric spectacle. The title track ‘Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino’ is Bowie-esque and bizarrely endearing as Turner’s vocals sweetly sprawl over glimmering keys and enigmatic guitars while aerial soundscapes thicken the track creating a suffocating, claustrophobic atmosphere that only the twinkling keys and sweet vocals can break through. ‘Golden Trunks’ presents us with the first pop tinged melody on the album as ominous instrumentation creates a dragging goosebump inducing horror movie sequence. ‘Four Out Of Five’ bounces a melty, honey drizzled melody and groovy rhythmic foundation off the lyrical theme of star ratings. It has a nice lush bridge with glistening keys and ethereal backing vocals which adds a feathery lightness to the vocals and to the rebound and buoyancy of the track. ‘The World’s First Ever Monster Truck Front Flip’ reminds me of Mini Mansions. It has that twisted mystifying obscurity that would fit perfectly on their self titled debut album.The dolly-esque keys with organ tones coated in a delicious melody with that dreamy hazy sun kissed vibe makes for an enthralling listen. There is some residue of the ‘Humbug’ album on the tracks  ‘Science Fiction’ and ‘She Looks Like Fun’ the former with its cryptic mystery and psychedelic tinges however the alien pitched whines and creepy format places it firmly within the grasps of the magical world of the ‘Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino’ album. ‘Batphone’ returns to that bar lounge croon and laid back vibe while album closer ‘The Ultracheese’ glides with a 50/ 60’s -esque waltz. Filled with tenderness and delicacy it’s a sublime number that oozes and seeps passion in the most sweet sway- like manner. Romantically poised with a magnificent guitar feature that just sends swoony chills down your spine while trills on piano lifts it to heavenly heights. This sublime track brings the album to a majestic classy end.

‘Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino’ will divide fans but then what good album doesn’t? This collection is a brilliant portrait of the most artistic era of Arctic Monkeys career so far. With a cinematic display that is a little bit uncommercial, stacking soundtrack- like atmospheric soundscapes alongside pop hued melodies, and some bizarre elements between. This collection is more mature and sophisticated. It’s like an aromatized, fortified wine, flavoured with various luscious components- that hits the spot.

 

Stream ‘Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino’ below


Album Review, New Music

The Fierce And The Dead ‘The Euphoric’ Album

The  Fierce  And The  Dead are an internationally acclaimed 4  piece  instrumental  rock  band  from  London  formed  in  2010.  Their  sound  has  constantly  evolved  since  debuting  with  a  19  minute  one  track  EP,  Part  1,  that  combined  epic  post  rock  with  electronica,  krautrock  and  psychedelia.  2011’s  debut  album  ‘If  It  Carries  On  Like  This  We  Are  Moving  To  Morecambe’  added  hardcore  punk,  jazz  and  ambient  influences  into  the  mix.  Over  the  course  of  these  two  releases  and  a  handful  of  live  performances  the  band  began  to  gain  a  cult  following and  critical  acclaim  from  the  underground  and  mainstream  music  press. They will release their third studio album “The Euphoric” on May 18th 2018, when they will play a sold out release show at The Black Heart, London.

‘The Euphoric’ is a nine-track collection of blissfully melodic mind dissolving tunes that burrow their way into you brain filling you with lush mellowness doused in gritty mosh worthy heaviness. Tracks like the jagged frenzy inducing ‘Truck’ and ‘48k’ slap you in the face with some slick rooted bass lines that unearth your inner rock deity while shredding guitars dance all over the punchy crashing drums with such prowess and swagger it leaves you gob smacked. These guys know their instruments and each track is a fluid example of their proficient ability to whack out some genre bending gems. ‘1991’ has a lightness that is one to be admired, this track is so nimble and sparkly yet locked down by a hefty anchored rhythm section. Jangly guitars twinkle and flutter about jittery keys creating a spacey trippy experience that would float away in a mirage of obscurity were it not for that meaty foundation keeping it grounded whereas ‘Dug Town’ bounces a sweet classic rock element off this brawny foundation. The synth start to ‘The Euphoric’ blends wispy trippy soundscapes with heavy grooves as the band layer and layer these, building in intensity then cooling down again to give those live moshers a small breather before beginning the mania again. ‘Dancing Robots’ is one hell of a track, it slithers, grooves and bops with sweet guitar melodies weaving between some skull bashing heavy injections. It’s never too much with these guys they walk the fine line between bulky, meaty rock and beautifully melodic seamlessly creating melodies that have you bobbing along headbanging and just going crazy with some swaying breathers in between. ‘Cadet Opal’ features a glorious keyboard refrain that shimmers and glistens about a steady beat. It’s a short little gem that is a little bit spacey and groovy with flickering scintillation throughout. The band then snap you out of the euphoria and calmness of ‘Cadet Opal’ with the dizzying distortion of ‘Verbose’ with its stinging guitars and vibrant rhythm. ‘Parts 7 & 8’ closes the album cool and smooth with some dazzling heavy interruptions to create a choppy wholly satisfying end to what is a mind boggling thrilling album.

‘The Euphoric’ is a tight album, it’s cool well crafted and one wild ride and is sure to be awesome when performed live.

The Fierce And The Dead  ‘The Euphoric’ album is out on May 18th make sure to check it out.

Watch the video for ‘Truck’ below


Album Review, Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Moon Loves Honey ‘You Drift Away From Me’

Danish  dreamy  alt.  rock/pop  band  Moon Loves Honey have released their highly anticipated  debut album ‘You  Drift  Away  From  Me’. The album takes  the  listener  on  a  colourful  journey  through  uncertainty,  loneliness  and  finally  hope  via  nine  finely  crafted  songs  –  three  of which  have  been  released  as  singles  and  enjoyed  radio  airplay  and  acclaim  from  media  across  the  globe.  Moon Loves Honey functions  as  a  band  in  concert,  but  in  the  studio,  its  Jeppe  Dengsø  as  a  one-man-band.  The album was  in  the  making  for  a  year  and  a  half  and  took  huge  dedication  to  complete  because  of  Jeppe͛s  growing  obsessive  attention  to  detail.  In May  2016  –  shortly  after  the  release  of  the  band’s  debut  EP  ‘Apart’  –  Jeppe  started  recording  songs  in  Aarhus  with  friend  and  mix engineer  William  Brinch.  The initial plan  was  merely  to  record  a  couple  of  single-ideas,  but  the  plan  of  creating  an  entire  album  slowly  manifested  itself.  Over the  next  year,  the  entire  album  was  finished

‘You Drift Away From Me’ displays huge emotional and musical  variety with every song  differing from the next,  while the album  still has a unique  sonic character  throughout. There is a lot of blissful juicy sounds packed into this album yet it doesn’t seem over the top each track cruises along blending together becoming a sweet glorious component of the mellow and euphoric entity that is the ‘You Drift Away From Me’ album. From the electronic and chill wave-tinged  pop of opening track ‘To Be Without You’, Moon Loves Honey completely consume you in a luscious dreamy state of soft delicate melodies wrapped in a fluffy cloud of euphoria. The delicate vocals soothe while subtle flickering soundscapes lure you deeper into a trippy sweet state of psychedelia. The tracks that follow lead you down a glistening path of discovery as delicious melodies snappy soft beats and swirling electronics radiate sun kissed vibes. ‘Lonely Day’ and ‘Before I Crash’ provide images of summer sun, chill vibes and azure blue sky’s. It’s easy going yet brimming with silky intricate instrumentation to provide a satisfying listen. It’s almost like these guys create a little world within this album to loose yourself and just recline into as it soaks away all your problems in soothing tunes. Title track ‘You Drift Away From Me’ adds a perky little bounce and swirling adrenaline to the album while the atmospheric ballad ‘I’m Falling Out Of Love With You Baby’ glides along with a honey drizzled melody and lo fi vocals. ‘Blå’ acts as the wispy electronic intermission before the shoegazey  rock- esque ‘Is It Just A Dream?’ and ‘Should Have Waited’ spiral in a hazy whirl with subtle anthemic bursts over subdued crashing instrumentation. Moon Loves Honey bring us to the end of this glorious album with the twinkling ‘Replaced’. Flickering electronics sparkle glimmers of scintillation through a melty emotional melody while lush vocals coo over the melancholic tones.

‘You Drift Away From Me’ blends sun kissed chilled dream pop with shoegazey rock and atmospheric electronics effortlessly to create a wholly mesmerising dreamy listen that relaxes, soothes and tranquilises while throwing in some groovy bops and sublime textures on top. It’s magnificently crafted and leaves you refreshed and vitalised.

Stream ‘You Drift Away From Me’ below


Album Review, Folk, Folk and Soul, Indie Folk, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Brendan McMahon ‘On This Fine Occasion’

Singer/ songwriter and guitarist Brendan McMahon has released his newest album ‘On This Fine Occasion’. His incisive and insightful song writing combined with his eclectic vibe blends a variety of genres. Ranging from rock, pop, country, celtic, folk and blues he says he is not trying to fit to one particular genre; his new album is a fusion of them all. Hailing from Melbourne, Brendan McMahon discovered his love for music at the early age of ten. With the intentions of starting a band, he released his first album ‘Falling To Earth’ under the moniker ‘Satellite Gods’. Discovering his creative nature and natural flare for recording, a second release immediately followed before completing his recent third album ‘On This Fine Occasion’. With influences like Harry Manx, Richard Thompson, Queensryche and John Mellencamp, his style offers an uplifting blend of rock through to folk. The lyricism of the tracks portray a narrative with inspirations taken from simple objects through to his extensive travel experiences. So far in his career, the Aussie musician has worked with artists such as Bob Spencer (Angels), Peter Maslen (Boom Crash Opera), Wilbur Wilde (Ol’55), Dave Leslie (Baby Animals), Danny Spencer (Jimmy Barnes), Brett Kingman (James Reyne) and more.

 ‘On This Fine Occasion’ is a collection of tracks which blends a variety of multi genres seamlessly to create a sublime absorbing listen. From the anthemic folky tinged tracks like ‘Alive’ with its soaring powerful arena ready choruses and the whistle friendly cheery ‘Hotel Hemmingway’ with its warm vibrant instrumentation to the rock and roll doused darkly hued ‘Doctor’ McMahon keeps each track fresh and enjoyable.The jingly tunes bounce along with a good wholesome feel and a purity which the folk elements provide. ‘Marker 7-58’ is an utterly beautiful track packing oodles of emotion while guitar twangs lament over a sweet delicate melody and subtle percussion.It’s stripped back and tender. The story telling and lyrical development in the album is superb and thought provoking. The tender moments in tracks such as ‘Mother’ are passionate and embracing and the vibrant peppy moments in tracks like ‘Esmeralda’s Eyes‘ are warm motivating and mighty. ‘Gentleman Joe’ is another tender little gem. It’s raw and intimate with spaced out components that make each fragment an emotional moment you feel and experience as the track progresses into a powerful anthem. However it’s ‘Beat’ that really stands out for me. This track marks a shift in the album with a steamy guitar whine and funky groove. It’s  ready for the strutters  with its dance floor swag. The guitar solos shred with a glossy sleekness while funky keys add a jazzy element to this panache soaked track. ‘Home’ is a glorious way to finish the album. Lush backing vocals introduce this elegant number with a choir like soothing quality. When the main vocals kick in this track just calms and soothes the soul with its comforting wholesome melody and light bright instrumentation. A soft beat taps behind zesty sprinkles of guitar and velvety vocals creating the perfect summers evening backdrop. The sharp guitar injections add a sun speckled positivity through the sweet lamenting of the melody. It’s a beautiful cosy end to an album which takes you on a journey of genres in the most charming heartwarming way.

Stream ‘On This Fine Occasion’ below


Album Release, Album Review, Alt Rock, New Music

Paul Dunbar & The Black Winter Band ‘Made My Peace With You’ Album

Liverpool-born, Paul Dunbar is a soul, rock & blues singer-songwriter, playing live across the UK and Europe and has supported the likes of Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, Big Country, James Taylor Quartet & Frank Turner. He has announced the release of his new album ‘Made My Peace With You’ which is set for release in May with a subsequent album launch scheduled for Monday 7th May at Liverpool Philharmonic. Dunbar is recording with the newly formed Black Winter Band, Tom Cowley (Drums,Percussion,Vocals) and Callum Williams (Bass,Keys,Vocals) complete the lineup.

‘Made My Peace With You’ is a healthy dose of soul flavoured classic rock with some folk and country seasoning sprinkled on top. Dunbar straddles multiple styles in a seriously balanced mature manner. The classic rock opener of ‘The Losing Game’ and dynamic funky groove of ‘Made My Peace With You’ feature jangly guitars and heartfelt melodies which flood the track with passion while slick shredding solos create a steamy vaporous texture.The tender power ballads of ‘Ballad of Four Eyes’, ‘Set Free To Emotion’ pull at the heart strings  while  the dark brooding ‘Hands Down’ throws a trudging heftiness and heavy emotion into the mix. Dunbar’s raspy warm vocals exude emotion and soothing tenderness for the sweet tunes and vibrate powerful dynamism for those rock tinged beauties. Soul is definitely his calling as each track oozes, bleeds and seeps soulful passion. Warm glorious melodies caress every track whether it be the infectious heart stopping chorus of ‘Barely Holding On’ with is soothing country elements, mellow guitar and a steady spongy beat, Dunbar provides a cosy yet nostalgic tone to each song. The tracks glide fluidly into each other making for a smooth mellow listen. ‘Friends’ and ‘Earth Sky Or The Raging Sea’ whack out the bluesy meaty side to the album with slick guitar between an elastic slapping bass and attitude soaked vocals. They are  strut ready and vibrant oozing panache and sultry blazing swagger while the stomping rhythm in ‘Earth Sky Or The Raging Sea’ is mighty and staggeringly powerful. The snappy grittier rock and roll tracks like ‘Contort Yourself’ sets the adrenaline a blaze with a danceable rhythm and scorching guitar lines. ‘Whos Gunna Love You’ closes the album with sweet somber tones drenched in luscious country drizzled melodies. It’s an emotional end to the album and evokes images of broken hearts, rain and painful emotion.

‘Made My Peace With You’ is a refined and energized product from Paul Dunbar & The Black Winter Band. It’s a dignified, well-written piece of work that is honest, mature and thought provoking. Housed within are arm-waving choruses, easy-on-the-ear melodies and modern country/ classic rock songs that are powerful and timeless.

Stream ‘Barely Holding On’ below

 


Album Release, Album Review, Blues Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Rock and Roll, Soul

Maker ‘DEA’ Album

Kent four piece Maker will release their twelve track debut long-player, ‘DEA’, on Kidda Records on 6th April 2018. Made up of band members Alessandro Marinelli (vocals), brothers Andrew Donaldson (guitar) and Gavin Donaldson (drums) and John Austin (bass) Maker bring a sound brimming with psychedelic bluesy punch and stirred with a fist full of soul. The band have already picked-up fans in one of the world’s most acclaimed guitarists, Rich Robinson (The Black Crowes/Magpie Salute), as well as Simone Marie (Primal Scream) and Tom Meighan (Kasabian). Their debut album ‘DEA’ was recorded at the legendary Rockfield Studios in Wales where artists such as Oasis, The Stone Roses, Queen, Black Sabbath, Kasabian plus many more have all recorded seminal albums. Produced by Nick Brine (The Stone Roses, Oasis, Teenage Fanclub, Imelda May), the album was recorded over just fourteen days and every track was recorded with the band all together playing in the same room.

‘DEA’ is a timeless swagger filled pure rock album with all the boozy soaked blues, fire loaded soul and leather dressed suave you’d expect from this four piece. From the first shredding riff of ‘Soul’ you know your in for one hell of an album. Its gritty, rough around the edges rock with enough sass and swagger thrown in to create a sleek steamy blazing rock track. With powerful vocals and strut ready atmosphere teamed with passion and soul, it’s an anthemic and fiery start. The debut album’s title, ‘DEA’, comes from the initials of the album track ‘Dead Ends & Avenues’, a track which is about triumph in the face of adversity, making your own luck and succeeding despite life’s hurdles.It’s a foot stomping infectious number that shuffles and prances with a rebellious two finger salute. These guys keep pelting out the sizzling licks brain crashing drums and rugged brawny riffs over infectious melodies and feel good blistering stamina to create an album that is wholly satisfying and invigorating. With shredding guitar solos and oodles of red hot energy this album is locked and loaded and set to scalding temperatures. The Lenny Kravitz– esque ‘Move Your Feet’, bluesy sensual ‘Quick Getaway’ and funky flavoured ‘Curtain Call’ all ooze trade mark shots of their raw, brawny, slick rock and roll. While the sultry ‘Girl Quit Your Crying’ brings a slower tonality with its bluesy and soulful tone and sensual sway -like tempo. Featuring steamy guitar licks and a elegant piano feature before building to a mighty crescendo with punchy drums and expressive vocals this track is passionate and powerfully sharp all while cruising on sultry and sensually smooth swagger. Maker use this album to showcase the versatility in their sound as they whack out the twanging glorious ‘John’s Pharmacy’. With its country- esque twangs and glowing warmth teamed with peppy piano, it’s a joyous little ditty.There is no end to their slick rock and roll, ‘Soaked Up’ floods through reinforcing their golden rock and roll drenched flamboyance that makes you want to dance. Each anthemic track is like an instant shot of confidence and a strut ready soundtrack to boost you with feel good vibes and make you feel like you’re the sh*t. While the smooth tender tracks like ‘Comin In From The Rain’ cools the tone and sets the perfect scene for summer evening chill time. It’s delicate and passionate without becoming sappy. It is tender and emotional in a raspy sweet rock and roll way. ‘She’s On A Replay’ is a sultry dark mysterious track that is worth the wait, slotting in second last on the album it’s a strident laid back swagger laden banger steeped in spine chilling blues that creeps in, all mysterious and eerie before the explosive chorus. The intensity of the verses tease the thrilling chorus to come while slick guitar licks slither around the brawny melody and blistering riffs.The sweet warm twangs of  ‘(Little Bit Of) Soul’ brings us to a calming mellow end to the album. It’s soulful and charming with glimmering guitars behind a melty passionate melody and punchy drums which then builds into a stomping anthem. It’s a euphoric sublime end to an album that packs some mighty beefy punches and swagger soaked kicks.

Maker have already headlined many of the UK’s most prestigious venues (including rocking London’s legendary 100 Club in March 2017 as part of the ‘Best Of British Blues Explosion’), played as special guests to some of the UK’s finest artists (including band hero Wilko Johnson) and shared bills with the likes of The Cribs, Dizzee Rascal and Mark Ronson, to name but a few. The band have a handful of brand new live shows just confirmed (with further dates to be added in the near future).

‘DEA’ is released on Kidda Records on 6th April 2018 for more information head to Makers Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/Makeruk/

 

Stream ‘Soul’ below