Delivering anthemic stadium-filling rock, ‘Like a River’ is the latest release from iconic 90s Rock band Sundogs Wilder Seasons. After making their long-anticipated comeback, Sundogs Wilder Seasons teamed up with former Led Zeppelin producer Leif Mases who guided them through this record. ‘Like a River’ started as a three-chord progression from Scott Bush, with the rest of the band joining in simultaneously and the song organically taking shape. Inspired by unending love, ‘Like a River’ was written to convey feelings of true passion. Formed in Florida in 1994, Sundogs Wilder Seasons have made a big name for themselves, having had three singles in the Top 100 Powercuts and several other charts without major label backing.
Drenched in anthemic might ‘Like a River’ is a passionate tune from Sundogs Wilder Seasons. The band build the track superbly, the song broods atop steamy guitar lines, groove infested bass and punchy drums creating a powerful wall of sound while the rasped vocals and shredding guitar solo drive the track to epic heights. Smooth on the ears with a classic rock edge ‘Like a River’ is a compelling new single from Sundogs Wilder Seasons.
‘Always Around’ is the brand new single from Portuguese alternative band Dog Bone. First formed in the 90s and after launching several other side and personal projects, founding members Pedro and Paulo have reunited to write new Dog Bone tunes, and revisit the old ones. Their lyrics are characterised by a candid brashness, with both musicians unafraid to express their true thoughts and feelings.
‘Always Around’ blends ballad rock with passionate lyrics to create a moving new single from Dog Bone. A warm acoustic guitar encases a smooth melody while rasped vocals and subtle soundscapes surge with passion. The song builds gently as it moves from a heartfelt gem to a lavish power rock anthem for the crescendo. Filled with strident guitars and a punchy rhythm, Dog Bone have created a dynamic classic rock anthem full of emotion.
BAD TOUCH / NORFOLK / Shot by Rob Blackham / www.blackhamimages.com
We caught up with Stevie Westwood frontman from classic rock band Bad Touch to talk about the bands fourth album ‘Kiss The Sky’ which was released this year, their writing process and recording in Rockfield Studios
You released your fourth album ‘Kiss The Sky’ this year. It is a powerful, swagger soaked collection of bangers. How do you guys keep your sound fresh four albums in?
We’ve always been and will always be Bad Touch. We play feel-good rock n roll for the soul. Our never ending mission to give you the night you’ll never forget; a break away from the monotony and tyranny of life, and to leave anybody who is awesome enough to come to a gig smiling from ear to ear. That’s our mantra. This album is 110% just that, this is a dancing round your bedroom, annoying your neighbours album; that we hope people will love any bit as much as we do.
Was your music writing process for this album different to the previous albums?
Not much has changed since the early days, we still write and rehearse in the same space we have since day one. We just write about emotions and situations we all feel and have experienced, in a hope that someone else feels the same way and can connect to our music. Our attitude towards writing remains true as well, we’re a melting pot of influences and ideas from every member, not bound by role. Quite often George (drums) will have a vocal line or guitar riff, just as often as I’ll have an idea for a drum beat… it keeps things fresh.
The tracks in the album are full of feel good powerful tunes with shredding guitars, pummeling drums and oodles of soul. Talk us through how you chose the songs for the album?
We took a lot more time, effort, sweat and tears when it came to this album from the get-go. Our attitude to songwriting was a lot more critical. If a song wasn’t cutting-the-mustard, we either changed it until it did, or chucked it in the bin and moved on. No compromises.
Your songs boast some pretty slick riffage. How do you guys come up with these gritty riffs?
When you have two riff-meisters like Rob and Seeks it just comes naturally haha
It’s a swagger drenched album laced in classic rock. I especially like ‘Strut’ it really does fill you with that prancing confidence. Tell us how you wrote and crafted that track?
‘Strut’ was one of the first songs we wrote for ‘Kiss The Sky.’ Seeks (guitar) had that biting riff, and George (drums) had the vocal melody for the chorus, so we took it from there. We always write together and everyone chips in, it’s a real fun way to write.
Do you have a track on the album that you are particularly proud of or enjoyed writing?
Speaking personally, I can hand-on-heart say that I am proud and love every track on ‘Kiss The Sky.’ This album has been the hardest one to write so far, for all the right reasons. We’ve put so much into this as individuals and collectively as a unit, and we’re super proud with the end result. It’s fun, it’s loud, it’s in-your-face, it’s everything that Bad Touch have always been, plus so much more.
You guys got to record the album in Rockfield Studios in Monmouth, It’s where Oasis created their masterpieces, where Bohemian Rhapsody came to life and where Coldplay’s journey into the musical stratosphere took off. A place with such history can do one of two things: fill you with awe and make you strive to bring out the best in your tunes or fill you with shattering expectations and pressure. Did you get an instant shot of inspiration or fear within the studio’s walls?
It was completely jaw-dropping-ly awe-inspiring. We are so privileged as a group of friends to have recorded in a place with such musical gravitas. It really did kick us up a notch as musicians, and just felt so right. Plus I got to sit at Freddie’s piano, the one he wrote ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ on, it doesn’t get much cooler than that.
Is it difficult to get the raw energy you guys bring to your live shows into the recording?
For that we owe a special mention to our producer, (who later became our friend), Nick “Brino” Brine… He deserves a serious pat on the back. Through many tireless hours, he’s managed to capture and refine that raw energy that we’ve always had, but always struggled to get down on recordings up until “Kiss The Sky,” so to him we owe tremendous thanks.
You have announced your March/April 2021 UK tour.The 14-date tour includes Norwich, Manchester, London, Cardiff and Glasgow. What have you got planned for the shows?
With the year that 2020 has been, we owe it to our fans and to ourselves to make this the most explosive and fun tour yet, and we plan to do just that. We can’t wait to reconnect with the Bad Touch Family and hopefully make some new friends along the way. (badtouchrocks.co.uk for full tour details)
You guys are known for your energetic and raw live shows. Are you missing the live show energy at the moment?
What a question! It’s like we’ve lost the best part of ourselves, to say we are missing it is a huge understatement. We cannot wait to be back on stage doing what we were born to do, but we won’t until it is safe to do so, for the sake of everyone. Stay safe everybody.
You’ve been doing Facebook videos called “The Isolation Sessions” to stay connected with your fans while everyone is at home.Have you felt pressure to make each one better than the last?
I like to think that some of the beauty of The Isolation Sessions was that it was just me and my guitar playing into my mobile phone. That’s it. It wasn’t about the production or the effects, it’s just me having a go at some songs that have influenced me as a singer. I did one a day for around fifty days, they’re on hiatus at the minute, but who knows, I may dust off the guitar soon!
Have you found time to write and relax during the lull in touring?
We’re still promoting ‘Kiss The Sky’ at the moment, but we’re always writing and looking to the future.
Do you have any advice for someone who wants to start a band?
Just do it, and don’t give up. If you’ve got a band you love, playing music you love, you can make it work, and everything else will fall in place around it. Trust me.
What have Bad Touch got planned for the rest of the year?
Sadly this year seems to be all but written off, nobody knows what’s around the corner at the minute, but know that we’ll be here to rock your socks off when we come out the other side. Stay safe you beautiful people.
Hard-rock outfit Soundrage have just released their debut single ‘Thereafter’. Founded in 2018, the band have a unique mixture of energetic rock and acoustic-driven material. Recorded and produced with Yoad Nevo (Bryan Adams, Sia, Moby),’Thereafter’ is inspired by multiple people in chief-songwriter Peter Zembery’s life suffering from strokes in recent times.
‘Thereafter’ is a rock-infused ballad brimming with passion and fist pump might. With punchy drums keeping a steady foundation Soundrage flesh out their emotive musicianship and rich guitar work. From warm balmy jingles to crashing outbursts the guitars flood the track with vivid rich qualities and vibrant intricacies. Mery Diaz has an interesting tone to her voice as she creates depth through the verses while her falsetto for the chorus has a Kate Bush tonality. ‘Thereafter’ is a powerful heavy hitting number brimming with passion.
Classic rock outfit Chiefgroover & Co have released their debut album ‘Sunset’. This is their 2nd release of the year, preceded by the single ‘Shooting Star’, released in June. Written between 2012-2019, ‘Each song tells a story, from a poignant chapter in Chiefgroover’s life.
‘Sunset’ is a powerful classic rock album laced with passion, air guitar worthy moments and raw shredding musicianship. It’s easy to get carried away with this collection of tracks. The first half of the album from ‘Free’, ‘Oh Wild One’ right through to ‘Her Master Plan’ showcases the emotive melodies and wonderful songwriting of Chiefgroover & Co. With punchy drums, slick guitars and that straight up raw rock ‘n’ roll wall of sound it’s a feel good collection of tracks sure to give you a spring in your step and make you ready for whatever the day will bring. ‘Where Are You Now’ takes the brooding ballad stance on the album. With delicate vocals, twinkling guitar and steady beat the track lulls it’s lamenting way into your mind with a soothing sombre yet comforting tone. ‘Sunshine’ is exactly as it’s title says , sunny and filled with a vibrant fun atmosphere. Blistering guitar injections split the sweltering rock soundscape with finesse and sharp stings while the warm sing-along melody keeps the track replaying in your head. ‘The Survivor’ is a more gritty track on the album. With an 80’s power anthem vibe Chiefgroover & Co create a wild and demanding tune brimming with harsh jagged riffs and raw Def Leppard -esque influence. The vocals throughout the album are powerful, emotive and filled with intense earnestness while creating velvety tones and raspy hues. The tender ‘Anna’s Song’ and steamy instrumental ‘How Life Goes In’ bring the album to a close. Both tracks surge with Chiefgroover & Co’s passionate musicianship and intricate guitar work, especially in ‘How Life Goes In’. Amidst lamenting vaporous guitar pines and shrills it’s a dramatic and breathtaking close to the album.
‘Sunset’ is a heartfelt weighty collection of tracks as Chiefgroover & Co weave wonderful instrumental intricacies into the tunes to create an 80’s rock-infused album with wholesome passion and rich musicianship.
Thurles band Jester have released their new single ‘Summertime’. Jester are Colly Dempsey, Mark O’ Dwyer, Tomas Maher, Niall O’ Shaughnessy and David Fitzpatrick. In 2018 they signed a publishing deal with UK based independent record label Velvet Moron Records, the brainchild of Dave White (Biffy Clyro, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Kasabian, etc.). Their debut album ‘’Shadows Need A Light’’ was released in March 2019 on the label. The release coincided with an Irish tour culminating in a sold out show in their home town of Thurles at the Source Arts Centre in mid-March.The band formed over ten years ago in county Tipperary, Ireland and have had a lot of success over the years playing festivals and club gigs the length and breadth of the country and beyond, sharing the stage with some of the biggest acts in the country and beyond including The Fun Lovin Criminals, The Blizzards and Paul Weller amongst others.
‘Summertime’ drifts in on balmy guitar twangs and a sway- like tempo as Jester venture into their sweet sentimental side. Wrapped in romantic tones this delicate number floats on acoustic guitar and radiant hazy electric guitar pines. The track builds and unfolds beautifully into a classic rock crescendo as the guitars develop becoming more sharp and expressive while the drum kicks in. There is a sublime instrumental break which will have live audiences punching the air in dramatic passion as they lilt that shredding lamenting guitar solo with oodles of gusto. It’s a compelling track filled with cosy Bon Jovi – esque tones as the band take their catchy rock sound and strip it back into a snug charming number.
The band are currently back rehearsing their set list for a string of dates around the country over the coming months in support of their upcoming single ‘’Summertime’’.
You can catch Jester Live at:
De Barra’a Clonakilty . Cork July 27th
Feile Beag, Thurles Aug 4th
Tipp Classical , Semple Stadium, Thurles September 21st
London-based singer/songwriter, Charlie Freeman, better known as FREEMAN, has released his new single, ‘London Nights’ ahead of his sophomore album, ‘Love’, due out this summer. ‘London Nights’ was written during a writing session with Freeman’s Producer and band mate Jamie Brown.
‘London Nights’ is a nostalgic light number which twinkles with a bitter sweetness that is utterly infectious. Warm tones on guitar glimmer through Freeman’s smooth raspy vocals and punchy beat. This classic rock track swoons, glides and drifts along a desert vibe and Bon Jovi – esque atmosphere.With heartfelt lyrics and a cosy melody this vibrant track is an instant pick me up and glorious shot of passion filled adrenaline. Freeman has a knack for knocking you for six with his emotional velvety vocals and ‘London Nights’ is no different – his vocals grab your attention while the sublime melody and polished instrumentation hooks you in. Another one for the sentimental hearts, ‘London Nights’ boasts Freemans moving, relatable and comforting musicianship.
About the track Freeman says “The opening riff for London Nights flew in from the ether and for weeks after we couldn’t stop singing it. Soon after that riff had arrived, Jamie had jumped on the stand-up piano in his living room and I was throwing out a verse idea which immediately stuck. Lyrically, I wanted to capture the irony of the big city, a metropolis literally packed full of people, that can nevertheless remain one of loneliest places in the world. Meeting someone special in amongst the madness and the crowds can be tough. We’re all looking for that special connection. This song is about loneliness being replaced by joy; about a bad, mad world becoming much more forgiving upon making a special connection. A true friend. A true love. A song about overcoming fear and letting in the love.”
BaYat have released their new single ‘Adrenaline’. The song which was produced in Positive Studios is a classic rock song inspired by the social issues that many of us face everyday. Money, power, greed and drug abuse all form part of the themes represented in this song, each of which resonate in some way to the listener. BaYat wanted to use the song to portray the message that you do not need to abuse yourself in order to feel good.
‘Adrenaline’ is a gritty classic rock banger that displays BaYat’s dynamic powerful musicianship. Crashing guitars soar and shred over punchy drums creating an anthemic wall of sound that surges through you with fist pumping might and kinetic energy. It’s catchy, vibrant and filled with meaty brawn and vitality. Jagged riffs saw their way through the track as the guitars shrill and ripple through the beefy rhythmic foundation while the raspy vocals bellow out the infectious melody. It’s straight cut, burly rock filled with high powered goodness.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Bad Hombres
Glasgow classic rock band Bad Hombres have released their new single ‘Manuel!’. Bad Hombres formed in April 2017 and consist of Jack Conlon, Paul Duff and Innes McGarry. The band mix a blend of Oasis, Arctic Monkeys and Franz Ferdinand, and are firm favourites for fans of Kasabian and The Libertines. Having made their debut at the world-famous King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut in August, 2017 proved to be a great introductory year for the band with the release of their first demo ‘Icarus’ being received greatly.
‘Manuel!’ is an exhilarating darkly smeared punchy track which displays that though Bad Hombres are a fresh young band they can flesh out a mature, confident sound with a chunky foundation. From angst riddled vocals to sharp strident guitars and a rooted relentless bass it’s a searing smack in the mouth of smog smothered classic rock. This track is swagger soaked and crisp, without being too slick, retaining enough of a raw edge to keep its classic rock n’ roll spirit intact. The stomping bridge shift is sublime and is a thrilling chant-able crowd ready feature that is sure to be epic live. Keep an eye out for these guys. I’m looking forward to what these guys do next.
Santa Cruz based five-piece, The Coffis Brothers & the Mountain Men have released their new single ‘You Ain’t Got the Heart’. The single is off the band’s upcoming EP, due for release later this year. The Coffis Brothers have been writing rootsy Americana songs and gigging around the Bay Area since 2010. They have opened for both Jackie Greene and the Brothers Comatose. They are back with a rootsy rock n roll track that exudes swagger and fiery attitude. ‘You Ain’t Got the Heart’ is a strutting prance and flaunty stride of rock and roll that is infectious and sleek. Bouncy drums and slick sharp guitars scream attitude and panache. The glistening zesty guitar solo will have you on your knees doing air guitar while vocal screams and catchy melody oozes flamboyance and swanky style. It’s a sweat and leather sun soaked classic rock track that shreds everything in its path.
Stream ‘You Ain’t Got the Heart’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
