Category Archives: Album Review

Album Review, Alt Rock, New Music

Maxwell-Thomas ‘Daisuki Baby’ Album

‘Daisuki Baby’ is the brand new 10-track album from Chicago based alternative rocker Maxwell-Thomas. Featuring the new single ‘Gaslighter’, this album sees Maxwell-Thomas teaming up with drummer James Mozina.

‘Daisuki Baby’ is a melodic collection of alternative rock that displays Maxwell-Thomas’ emotive and vibrant musicianship. This lush album is drenched in sun-soaked tones with bright guitars and buoyant rhythmic sections making each song a joy to the ears. The album is balanced superbly to create a collection that is stunning and musically rich. It’s clear ‘Daisuki Baby’ is designed to be enjoyed as a whole body of work as each song flows beautifully into the next. Blending dynamic alternative rock soundscapes with lush pop melodies and driving percussion, ‘Black’, ‘Gaslighter’ and ‘Collateral’ showcases Maxwell-Thomas’ tight and refined sound.

The phenomenal drumming of James Mozina holds the tracks together. He creates that brawn and power through the songs forming that sturdy lean mean backbone that is sure to ignite a live audience as well as cushioning the more tender moments within songs like ‘Closer. Here the steady drums contain the tender emotion and subtly lift the song to create an anthemic power rock ballad.

‘Daisuki Baby’ exudes energy throughout as Maxwell-Thomas fuses hook-filled sentiments of pop music with punk rock elements throughout the fiery ‘Hollywood’ while ‘Scattered’ ventures into a more grunge style. With dreamy melodies and smooth expressive vocals, Maxwell-Thomas creates a satisfying listening experience with ‘Daisuki Baby’.

Even the brooding ballads create a cinematic chill of goosebumps. The smoky melancholic ‘Goodbye, Goodnight’ is perhaps the most captivating example of this. Maxwell-Thomas builds the somber melody and lamenting backdrop of pining guitars and punchy drums to create an emotional tune that intensifies to a teary-eyed movie scene crescendo filled with oodles of emotion.

‘Daisuki Baby’ is a beautifully crafted album that showcases the deft songwriting and diverse musicianship of Maxwell-Thomas.

Stream ‘Daisuki Baby’ below 

https://open.spotify.com/album/2QglJNfaD4YHm7FbALwoXN?si=UQCqfE6mT_aRkFSK4yqVuA


Author : Danu

Album Review, New Music

Bluenose B ‘Harrowby Road’ Album

A semi-autobiographical depiction of his youth, ‘Harrowby Road’ is the debut album from Liverpool singer-songwriter Stephen Lawson, artistically known as Bluenose B. Written after his mother’s terminal illness diagnosis, ‘Harrowby Road’ sees Bluenose B making a return to his happy family home, looking out over Crosby Beach and Antony Gormley’s art installation. 

‘Harrowby Road’ is a warm and wholesome collection of indie rock tracks with electronic elements and country tones glimmering throughout. Lawson fills the songs with uplifting tones as he meanders between funky guitar refrains and light, nimble solos to create an upbeat listening experience. The album is well balanced with infectious bangers evenly spread between the soft lamenting ballads such as ‘Dark Inside’ where Lawson gives us a glimpse into his pain and anguish “the reason that I love myself because I know there’s no one else”. 

Throughout the album, Lawson expresses his pain through country-rock tunes accompanied by icy piano elements and deft clean production. From the sweet guitar pines and lonely tones in ‘Rodeo Clown’ to the infectious electronic hued disco stomp of ‘Where The Rubbish Collects’, the album is laced in dynamic and expressive tunes that discuss the themes of loss, love, and mental health. 

However, the sultry ‘Freak’ marks a shift in the album’s tone. A shadowy enticing guitar line glimmers between intricate rhythms and wild, darker soundscapes, allowing Lawson to explore a mysterious and wilder side to his sound.

‘Harrowby Road’ is a refined collection of tracks that displays Lawson’s earnest and powerfully emotive songwriting.

Stream ‘Harrowby Road’ below


Author : Danu

Album Review, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Peter Nemeth ‘Believe’ Album

Written to inspire and motivate others, ‘Believe’ is the debut album from Australian country rocker Peter Nemeth. Following a divorce and family separation, Peter Nemeth recorded these songs as a way of communicating with his children. 

Exuding heartfelt songwriting ‘Believe’ is a sweet and emotional collection of tracks from Peter Nemeth. From the vibrant bounce and country warmth of opener and title track ‘Believe’ to the motivating power rock of ‘You Can Be Anything You Want To Be’, Nemeth’s wholesome musicianship shines brightly through delicate tones, buoyant drums, and tender guitar. His soothing velvety vocals coo over the sweet uplifting tracks such as ‘Hey You’ while exuding swagger and emotion for others – the jaunty rock n roll sass of ‘Hiding Places’ is a fine example of this. With a twanging country guitar embellishment tying the songs together between moving refrains or powerful zesty stings on guitar, Hemeth balances the upbeat bops and moving ballads with ease. Consumed in catchy choruses and a tight blend of country/pop-rock, the album is brimming with cosy warmth and rich instrumentation.

  Within ‘Believe’ Peter Nemeth creates a passionate and uplifting collection of country rock tracks. These intimate tunes are beautiful and soothing, making for a satisfying listening experience.

Stream ‘Believe’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Gallaher’s Green ‘Lucky 13’

Manchester-based Rock band Gallaher’s Green, are set to release their debut album ‘Lucky 13’ on 12th February. Showcasing warm ballads, fiery anthems, and oodles of swagger within each track ‘Lucky 13’ takes the passionate and dynamic rock n roll sound of Gallaher’s Green to new heights.

Boasting sweltering guitars, powerful drums, and bass ‘Black Beast’ introduces the album with vigor. Oozing panache from every note it sets the album up magnificently while a shredding solo and fiery crescendo teases and keeps the listener wanting to hear more. Gallaher’s Green express the energy of their live shows superbly throughout the album through the use of steamy guitar moments and razor-sharp rock n roll bravado. From the anthemic ‘Cut Right In To Me’ to the spirited ‘Ballad Of The One Eyed Bastard,’ the band evoke images of a live audience swaying and singing back the lyrics. 

The multi genre-blending within ‘Lucky 13’ is compelling. The band mix county tones into their infectious rock to create jaunty heartfelt bops in ‘Feel So Real’ (who can resist that ‘do do do’ lyric) and foot-tapping ‘To Be With You’ to make a full rounded and hearty sound.   

‘Lucky 13’ is also a majestic display of the band’s melodic prowess. Gallaher’s Green douse each song in sweet, catchy, and easy on the ears melodies that weave and blend beautifully between the blistering and brooding instrumentation. This is particularly evident in the delicate warm ballads ‘Prodigal Son’ and ‘Light Inside Of Me’, which feature beautiful guest vocals from Courtney Duncan.

Throughout the album, the sweet and powerful undertones of each track are magnificently balanced – delicate songs such as ‘Until I See You Again’ are followed by fiery rock tracks like ‘Satellite’ which is perhaps my favourite on the album. Exuding blazing jabs on guitar which soar between raw bass grooves and galloping drums, ‘Satellite’ is another fantastic expression of Gallaher’s Green’s animated wall of sound.

There is something mesmerising about this band’s sound that wrestles your ears into submission. The fun, energy, and rich musicianship within creates an album ready for repeat listens. ‘Lucky 13’ is a tight, well-crafted, and thoroughly enjoyable debut album from Gallaher’s Green.

‘Lucky 13’ is set for release on 12th February. For more, check out Gallaher’s Green on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/GallahersGreen


Author : Danu

Album Review, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

A.J. Croce ‘By Request’ Album

American songwriting legend A.J. Croce is releasing his new album ‘By Request’ via Compass Records. ‘By Request’ is the first album Croce has released since losing his wife of 24 years, Marlo Croce, after a sudden heart ailment. It’s also the first album by Croce to feature his full touring band: Gary Mallaber on drums (Van Morrison, Steve Miller band), GRAMMY®-winning bassist David Barard (Allen Toussaint, Dr. John), and up-and-coming guitarist Garrett Stoner. Over the past three decades, A.J. Croce has established his reputation as a piano player and serious vocal stylist who pulls from a host of musical traditions and anti-heroes — part New Orleans, part juke joint, part soul. While his last album, ‘Just Like Medicine, paired him with soul legend Dan Penn and an all-star cast of players, his new album was born of memories — of favorite artists and shows, but mostly, of late-night gatherings with groups of friends, many of them fellow musicians, with Croce at the piano taking requests.

Croce revisits these musical memories on ‘By Request’, 12 personally curated covers that traverse decades and genres. With Croce’s animated jazz-infused piano at the helm, the album comes to life with blues tracks such as Allen Toussaint’s ‘Brickyard Blues’,  and rock n’ roll bangers like Randy Newman’s ‘Have You Seen My Baby’. His loose and fun style floods the songs in swagger, aptly capturing the essence and energy of the late-night gatherings that inspired the album. 

With the jaunty funky rendition of Billy Preston’s ‘Nothing from Nothing’ and a full band sound, each track is brimming with character, charm and warmth. Within ‘By Request’ there are many hidden musical gems to delight and tantalize listeners’ ears. One such gem which perhaps shines most brightly is Croce’s musical genius on piano. Croce puts his spin on songs by Neil Young, The Beach Boys, Sam Cooke, The Faces and more, with his unique piano-driven arrangements to create an engaging album brimming with passion and feel-good fun. Love it.

About the album Croce says : “BY Request’ is my way of inviting you over for a private gathering at my place. We listen to great music, laugh, make great food and after a few drinks and maybe a few more we end up in my music room and I start taking requests of every genre and era. The music is always fun and completely diverse. We’ll play and sing all kinds of music. Some of my friends are professional musicians, some do it for fun and many friends are just serious music fans. So you’ll fit right in. There’s no way that I could record the thousands of songs I’ve performed at home over the years, nevertheless every song on this album has been requested by close friends who have hung out at my place many times for many years. “Welcome to my home, by request, you’re hereby invited to join the party.”

Stream ‘By Request’ Below


Author : Danu

Album Review, New Music

Lavender Hill Self Titled Album

Bringing us a fresh and innovative sound, 3-piece Surrey band Lavender Hill have released their debut album release, ‘Lavender Hill’. The tracks reflect the band’s broad musical influences gathered in a collection ranging from pop to hard(ish!) rock.  Lavender Hill began life as a few friends jamming together on acoustic guitars with a beer or two, gradually growing the line-up to include bass and drums.  Like all good rock and roll stories the band went through multiple line-up changes before crystallising into a trio composed of original members Razz Betts (Drums), Silver (Lead Guitar and Vocals): and Rob Gwynn (Bass) who joined them 3 years ago.

‘Lavender Hill’ is an energetic album brimming with Lavender Hill’s engaging musicianship. The tracks flow on powerful classic rock soundscapes filled with sweeping rhythms and punchy melodies. Oozing sharp riffs through ‘The FIre; and rock n roll bravado of ‘Picture’ the band create a dynamic and edgy sound softened by melodious tones and rich textures, while the country twang of ‘Chainsaw’ shows a more swagger element to the band’s sound.

The band surge their own brand of quirky rock into the tracks creating a sultry dark soundscape while songs such as ‘Temptation’ exude jazz elements on piano which glide through the tunes luring backdrop and rooted bass. The lyrics are as diverse as the music, addressing emotions as far apart as love and anger with a little humour thrown in. 

‘Lavender Hill’ is a strong collection of tracks which display the fun genre-blending and songwriting of Lavender Hill. 

Stream ‘Lavender Hill’ below 


Author : Danu

Album Review, Alt Rock, New Music

Гибкий Чаплинъ ‘Paris – Kavkaz’

‘Paris – Kavkaz’ is the new album to come from genre-blending Гибкий Чаплинъ. This is the band’s sixth studio album. Гибкий Чаплинъ also known as Gibkiy, are an independent band from Ukraine, Chaplin that formed in 2015. Over the past five years, they have released five studio albums, including one on vinyl, and have amassed an impressive following over social media. Creators of eclectic musical styles, their sound ranges from alternative, art-rock, jazz-rock, and rock, to poetry, neoclassical music, indie, experimental, and instrumental compositions.

‘Paris – Kavkaz’ is a rich collection of tracks tightly weaved together through various genre blends of alternative, rock, and ethnic folk. Deep guitar refrains, punchy drum, and bass combinations create catchy hooks and hypnotic elements within the tracks which tease and entice the listener further into the intriguing sound of Гибкий Чаплинъ. Heavier tracks like ‘mop’ balance the lighter, more melodious tunes such as ‘Kavkaz,’ which exudes a soothing backdrop filled with twinkling guitar and soft rhythms.

Within each track, resonant vocals ooze charisma and passion while also creating suspense and drama for the darker, more cinematic tunes. Using both Russian and English to express poetic lyrics, ‘Paris – Kavkaz’ is an acquired taste. However with moments of ethnic folk warming the album between dark gnarly elements, ‘Paris – Kavkaz’ is an engaging and immersive listening experience.

Stream ‘Paris – Kavkaz’ below 


Author : Danu

Album Review, Alt Rock, Hard Rock, New Music

Day. Is. Near ‘After the End. Desert Train’ Album

Hardcore band Day. Is. Near have released their new album ‘After the End. Desert Train’. Recorded in three different studios over a period of 15 months, this album has touched the walls of the notable Rebel’s Lair Studio in Maidstone, Mustache Ministry in Warsaw and Tall Pine Studios in Gdansk with mastering achieved by Andy Baldwin at Metropolis Studios in London. Day. Is. Near. is completely self-founded and consists of various individuals based between London and Warsaw. 

‘After the End. Desert Train’ is a raw and dark collection of tracks from Day. Is. Near. Not for the faint hearted, the album is shrouded in ominous soundscapes while growling vocals create a chilling sinister atmosphere. The band flicker moments of lightness through the thick muggy backdrop with sweet guitar refrains in tracks ‘Horizon Is My Home’ and ‘Just Another Journey’. These lamenting guitar melodies slice through the eerie backdrop adding moments of relief between the thumping beat and haunting backing vocals while also displaying another aspect of the band’s hardcore rock sound. Through the bloodthirsty powerful backdrop Day. Is. Near layer their songs in jabbing riffage and vocal screams which creates a harrowing wall of death effect that is sure to be epic in a mosh pit. Boasting a hardcore rock stance mangled beneath manic outbursts and a relentless rhythmic battering ‘After the End. Desert Train’ is a bewitching thrill ride. 

Stream ‘After the End. Desert Train’ below 


Author : Danu

Album Review, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Siimon ‘Cuts & Bruises’ Album

Former Coldplay tribute singer Siimon is finding his own voice with his debut album ‘Cuts & Bruises’. Using the time spent in lockdown to write and record, ‘Cuts and Bruises’ evolved from demos of songs written at various song writing workshops over the years.

‘Cuts & Bruises’ is an enjoyable collection of easy listening rock as Siimon uses his passionate songwriting to create emotive anthemic tunes. His warm vocals caress the delicate sweet melodies radiating tenderness and affection in tracks such as ‘Cuts & Bruises’. This track is a surging display of affection and emotive songwriting filled with elegant keys and ethereal soundscapes. Siimon’s gripping mellow rock encompasses ‘Misread’, ‘Ordinary’ and ‘Last Stop On The Line’; biting guitars flurry across an uplifting and bittersweet wall of sound as soft beats build between icy keys and moving melodies to create a satisfying listening experience. Siimon injects wonderful sparkle into ‘Break Together’. Subtle eruptions on keys flourish through a swirling soundscape of buoyant beats allowing the emotion and sweetness of the melody make your heart skip a beat. Showcasing clean production and rich instrumentation ‘Cuts & Bruises’ is a sublime album from Siimon. 

 “‘Cuts and Bruises’ became the perfect title for the album as it seemed to encompass many of the unhealed scars, unseen wounds, memories, thoughts, feelings and emotions emanating from the other tracks.” explains Siimon who enlisted Paddy Byrne (Paloma Faith, Tom Grennan, Olly Murs) to produce this project.

Stream ‘Cuts & Bruises’ below


Author : Danu

Album Review, Funk, Funk and Soul, Indie, New Music, Soul

Danny G & the Major 7ths ‘The Lookout’

Photo Credit : Kristy Hal

Dublin based neo-soul group Danny G & the Major 7ths have released their second album ‘The Lookout’. The album features 16 talented musicians and was mixed by Ken McCabe (Wolfhound Sound) as well as mastered for both vinyl & digital by Fergal Davis. The artwork used is from ‘Cityscrape 1’ by Irish artist Conor Gallagher. 

Danny G & the Major 7ths’ ‘The Lookout’ is a smooth dose of retro soul, drizzled in R&B hues and lush pop tones. Exuding velvety vocals bathed in silken musicianship, each song is a wonderful easy listening experience to indulge in. Within the album the music is uncluttered and drifts on a light euphoric vibe, with soft embellishments on guitars and keys injecting sass and funk-fuelled moments to keep the album bouncing along.

Oozing strutting guitar lines, foot tapping rhythms and soul drenched vocals ‘Believing ft. Grainne McCarthy’ showcases the band’s ability to surge swagger and sass into their music. The song is about the renewed optimism and almost spiritual belief in love, life and humanity that a new relationship can bring. With a surprising flute solo adorning the track Danny G & the Major 7ths display their fearless, rich and mature musicianship.

Filled with 70’s hues and R&B influences ‘The Lookout’ boasts a broader musical palette than the band’s debut ‘Love Joints’ and showcases an expansive wall of sound that is ethereal, laid back as well as groove infested. From South American percussive elements and jazz hues on trumpet and saxophone in ‘When It All Runs Out’  to the mood changer ‘Good Things Interlude’ the album is a luscious treat on the ears.

‘Good Things’ is an immaculately blended pop smoothie; sweet and creamy with zesty fruity elements on guitars keeping the track edgy while soft brass and keys melt into the honeyed melody. The track induces within the listener a state of dream-like bliss that is simply wonderful and difficult to shake off. Thick, juicy beats are full of hand clapping energy while the luscious harmonies and falsetto embellishments are the cherry on top of this delightful track – simply divine.

Like an opiate of lush melodies, tracks such as ‘Call Me’ cushions the listener’s ears in mellow supple retro-soul while ‘Little Rose’ skips and bounces with flutters of romance on keys. There is enough diversity on the album to keep you hanging from one song to the next.

One aspect of Danny G & the Major 7ths songcraft which is most intriguing is the deepening groove within each track as strutting rhythms, funky bass and guitar lines mangle beneath earthy flutes and emotive vocals. ‘Time The Healer ft. Fehdah & Zaska’ is a prime example of this and displays the band’s rich music and meticulous attention to detail – with a sun-kissed shredding solo and radiant vibes the track is a soothing yet energising gem. 

‘The Lookout’ is an excellent demonstration of Danny G & the Major 7ths’ musical prowess. The album features a diverse range of genre’s which are blended into a tantalising collection of melodic mastery. The many musical nuances and exotic elements keep the listener engaged from start to finish and entice you to press the replay button again and again.

Stream ‘The Lookout’ below 


Author: Danu