Category Archives: Rock and Roll

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

 

 


Album Review, Alt Rock, Funk, indie rock, New Music, Punk Rock, Rock and Roll

Public Access T.V. ‘Street Safari’ Album

Public Access T.V. are back to provide some infectious tunes to wrap your ears around with their highly anticipated sophomore album ‘Street Safari’. It’s an album that hones in on their sound, refines it, uncoils all the intricate details and arranges them in a neat matured compact production of finesse.

‘Safari (In My Head)’ brings on their chilled disco shift and introduces the album with a little touch of chicness. With its strut ready shuffle inducing rhythm and jungle like injection mixed with sharp jagged guitars subtly wailing and stinging behind the most mellow soundscapes this track introduces ‘Street Safari’ with class. Melodies are the secret ingredient in Public Access T.V.’s delicious brew and ‘Shell No. 2’ displays this perfectly. Luscious backing vocals coo the last word of each line while a catchy melody drifts upon vibrant guitars and an infectious buoyant rhythm. A fluttering keyboard feature hops along its merry way making this track instantly likeable and fun. With an intro that grabs you by the ears, fastens itself securely in your mind and entraps you, ‘Your God and Mine’ is the creme de le creme of the album. The intro alone has the aroma of Depeche Mode, New Order or INXS with a nice slap of Prince sass on top and that melty melody is just sublime. Their ability to surge swagger into a track without coming across over done is magnificent and they back this panache up with a healthy dose of slick laid back instrumentation which takes its time and glides with an unhurried sense of space. This album fleshes out the different groovy facets to this four piece. The funkadelic bravado of ‘MetroTech’, with its running elastic sensual bassline and rich jittery rhythm contrasts sharply to the brooding R&B- esque slow burner ‘Told You Too Much’ and displays the bands fine musicianship and rich musical depth.

From smooth melodies sliding and gliding on top of slicked back flaunty flamboyance to the exhilarating intensity and punchiness of ‘Rough Boy’, Public Access T.V. keep the album interesting. ‘Lost in the Game’ will lure you to the dancefloor for sure with its flaunty melody and buoyant rhythm. This shimmy ready number hits all the right spots. How can you refuse that funky guitar hook in ‘Wait it Out’? Each track whacks out another infectious melody, bass line or guitar hook for you to blissfully indulge in. ‘Meltdown’ has an 80’s power anthem feel to it while flooding you with youthful exuberance. With its thrilling driving bass line, breath-taking synth feature and golden guitar moments this is a powerful little gem. The band choose the dizzying electronic ‘The Quicksands’ which blinds with its hypnotic, revolving groove and spacy soundscapes to bring us to the end of the album and leave you craving more.

‘Street Safari’ is another smashing album from the four piece. The tracks are clearer, more crisp and confident. Public Access T.V. have defined their sound, its precise and is the soundtrack you need for strutting down the street.

Stream ‘Street Safari’ below

 

We had a chat with John Eatherly and Max Peebles about the ‘Street Safari’ album check out what they had to say below 

 


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

We Three Kings ‘Fire’ EP

We Three Kings are a three piece blues-rock band based in Manchester UK, made up of Rich on vocals and guitar, Paul on bass and Pete on drums. Describing their sound as an original blend of rock, blues, fuzz and noise, they have been compared to bands including Rival Sons, Royal Blood and The Black Keys, with a riff-driven guitar-heavy sound reminiscent of Deap Vally, Wolfmother and The White Stripes. An experienced and high-energy live act with a massive sound. The trio have recently released their second five-track EP of new and original work titled ‘FIRE’.

‘Fire’ is a blazing five track EP asphyxiated in gritty meaty riffs and pummelling drums. Each track is a shamelessly melodic rock monster locked and loaded with enough angst, fury and infectious grooves to have you moshing and dancing in no time. ‘Sound Of The Radio’ kicks off the rough and tumble EP as their slick heavy sound stampedes in with frenzy inducing mania.‘The Barrel’ and ‘Bright Lights Of The City’ blast out heavy riffs which are laced in sensual grooves which hit through like a nail gun to the eardrum while ruthless drums savagely batter you around the head at neck snapping speeds. It’s a bloodthirsty assault and an invigorating listen. Swagger soaked vocals exude attitude into the tracks while the infectious choruses make sure these tunes aren’t leaving your head anytime soon. This trio don’t give you time to rest they whack out adrenaline surging energy track after track. ‘Uncontrollable Squeal’ continues this frenzy – bluesy and steamy with kick ass riffs that are sure to have a live audience in a dizzying moshing mess. It’s slick and cool with a bass line that holds a brawny yet elastic foundation for the hefty guitar to rebound off. ‘Invisible Man’ brings us to the end of the EP leaving you thirsty for more. It’s pumped, powerful yet extremely buoyant. The snappy rhythm is guaranteed to raise your blood pressure while a shredding guitar solo will have you on your knees doing air guitar.

‘Fire’ is a bold intensely sharp and rowdy EP from We Three Kings. It’s a speed shot of riff driven rock that is sure to be epic live.

Stream ‘Fire’ below


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Vaccines

The Vaccines have released their new single ‘I Can’t Quit’ from their upcoming album ‘Combat Sports’ which is their fourth record to date and is set for release March 30th. The album follows on from ‘What Did You Expect from the Vaccines?’ (2011), ‘Come of Age’ (2012) and ‘English Graffiti’ (2015).

‘I Can’t Quit’ is a morphine shot of the raw passionate youth-filled rock and roll that the Vaccines do so well. It’s a punchy blitz and relentless onslaught of luscious melodic adrenaline,driven by jagged rough and ready guitar riffs and an oh so catchy pop smacked melody. Hayward-Young’s raw dynamic vocals slap you in the face with firm lyrics that are sing along ready. It’s one to be played loud while you jump around brutishly bellowing out the lyrics. Though razor sharp and electrifying the five piece showcase their refined, ruggedly boisterous sound with snappy drums piercing guitars and a melody that grabs you by the ears, tackles you to the ground like a rock and roll immersed bear until you’re singing it in your sleep. They are back and if ‘I Can’t Quit’ is anything to go by its going to be one heck of an album.

Listen to ‘I Can’t Quit’ below


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

Factory ‘Violet Lips’

Merseyside’s Factory have released their new single ‘Violet Lips’. Factory have been shaking up venues all over the country supporting bands like SPACE, as well as selling out headline gigs in Manchester and Liverpool. In 2016 they were chosen by Alan McGee to open up for Primal Scream at Victoria Warehouse in Manchester and 2017 saw the band kick things off with the sold-out release of single and music video for ‘Step a Little Closer’ which received radio play from Dave Monks at BBC Radio Merseyside. Factory also completed their first UK tour, with dates at Sound City ‘Suburbia’, TRAMLINES, Dot 2 Dot and even their first gig in the capital.

‘Violet Lips’ continues their quest for world domination. Its more shrilling fierce and savage than its predecessor. With funky guitar injected between slick basslines and punchy drums it’s a swagger soaked demand for attention. This track seeps chic rooted grooves from its very core, with a bass line so elastic beefy and slick it steam rolls through with relentless tyrant stamina. With steamy guitar wails and a refined shimmy ready rhythm these guys have what it takes. It’s a solid rough and tumble track, yet sensually smooth to make you dance effortlessly. With a raspy vocal adding raw rock and roll muscle teamed with a catchy melody and sweat and leather adrenaline pumping instrumentation, this track is a force to be reckoned with. Keep an eye out for Factory these dark horses have some serious talent and they have burst onto the music scene gung-ho and are ready to rock.

Stream ‘Violet Lips’ below


Garage Blues, Garage Rock, Garage Soul, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Rock and Roll

Michael Jablonka ‘I Found You’

Michael Jablonka has released his follow-up to his single ‘Peacefully’ the addictive new garage anthem ‘I Found You’. 27-year-old Jablonka has been gigging since the tender age of 14 as an in-demand guitarist for hire. Those to have enjoyed his dextrous services include Charlie Brown, Stooshe, Shakka and Delta Maid and fellow North Londoner and Brit-soul sensation Michael Kiwanuka. In addition to performing as Michael Kiwanuka’s chosen guitarist – a role that has found him touring arenas and festivals worldwide this summer – Jablonka has been fine-tuning his own powerful 21st-century take on bluesy alt-funk and soulful indie-rock.

‘I Found You’ is a breath-taking masterful display from Jablonka. That riff grips you and ignites your soul with a fiery fuzzed thrilling sound. It’s rootsy garage rock at its best with punchy drums pounding a surge of adrenaline through your body. Joblonka writes tunes that make you feel every emotion while the music melody and rhythm flood through you with an upsurge of elation.  A shredding guitar solo gushes kinetic energy while Joblonka’s raspy passionate vocals exude swagger. His falsetto stops your heart in suspense while the hair raising instrumentation spirals around with a relentless stamina. This track blisters and scorches with tempo changes seamlessly creating lush textures. It’s irresistible honey to the ears and a first rate display from Joblonka. One of my favorite finds this year.

‘I Found You’ was one of the first tunes the Londoner wrote as a solo artist, though it took a while to manifest. When asked about the track Joblonka said:  “I had writer’s block, and a chorus with nothing much else. I imagined the verses to be a constant build up and wanted the chorus to be that break-free moment.”

Stream ‘I Found You’ below

https://soundcloud.com/jablonka-music/i-found-you-1

 


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Wulfman Fury

Sheffield five-piece Wulfman Fury burst on to the scene with their debut single ‘Nightsweats’ this October, and have swiftly followed the release with another stellar new track ‘Draw The Line’ which was produced and mixed by George Moran, frontman of Wulfman Fury and an accomplished session player having toured extensively with Miles Kane and shared stages with Alex Turner and Paul Weller. ‘Draw The Line’ whizzes along at a breath-taking pace with a rush of intensity and an instant buzz of excitement. Where to start, this track exudes effortless confidence and swagger with all the component parts of a hit track. Dazzling sharp guitars whirl around an infectious vibrant melody lifting each chorus to soaring adrenaline rushing heights. Lush passionate vocals thrill with an energising stamina and power while punchy drums keep a flexible foundation for the instrumentation to rebound dynamically off. Just when you think this track can’t get any better they pelt you with a satisfying riveting riff before the swirling psychedelic tinged bridge. These guys know how to craft a relentless enthralling track to leave you craving for more. Its utterly absorbing with a crisp biting chorus and fresh breezy sound, it’s a mighty anthem. Wulfman Fury are a band to watch out for their sound is spellbinding and wholly captivating. These guys are a band to get excited about.

Watch the video for ‘Draw The Line’ below

 


Album Review, Alt- Pop, EP Review, Glam Rock, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Rock and Roll

Dan Rico ‘Flesh & Bone’

Chicago Singer Songwriter Dan Rico has released his new 7″ called ‘Flesh & Bone’. Its three tracks back in time to all things glam rock, vintage pop and beautiful. It’s a timeless collection that rewinds all the hustle and bustle and brings you swagger and slickness suave at its best. ‘Flesh & Bone’ resurrects Mark Bolan in all his glam rock strutting fineness. Its gritty riff driven and smooth as hell. Snappy and thrilling with lush backing vocals teamed with Rico’s oh so smooth vocal croons its like it could be a T-REX track. With steamy guitar licks and a shimmy ready flamboyance its sure to get those hips shaking and feet tapping.  ‘Gold Volvo’ is just beautiful. Sweet vocals and luscious melody glide immaculately together while jangly guitar blasts bright rays of sunshine into this hazy dreamy track. Gentle and soothing its a sun kissed heart felt sublime tune that oozes nostalgia. ‘Anyway You Want Me’ continues this timeless laid back sentimentality. With a delicious pop melody smothered on a rock and roll slow jam this track cruises and glides with charm and charisma. It is so mellow and easy-going with a clap along rhythm and danceable chorus, Rico knows how to write some infectious tunes. Perfect for hazy lazy days in the sun.

Stream ‘Flesh & Bone’ below


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Jacks

Southern Californian four-piece The Jacks have released their new single ‘She’s A Mystery’. Comprised of members Jonny Stanback (Vocals & Rhythm Guitar), Tom Hunter (Lead Guitar), Scott Stone (Bass) and Josh Roossin (Drums & Percussion), the band have developed their brand of 60’s / 70’s flavoured rock n’ roll. ‘She’s A Mystery’ is a swagger drenched dash of slick swanky smooth rock n’ roll. Doused in sultry guitars, groovy basslines and a shimmy ready rhythm it’s sleek, red hot and instantly likable. The luring strut worthy melody and sharp jabbing guitars teamed with the hazy sun kissed vibes create a biting bold infectious sound that is just sublime. With bluesy hints, musical twists and layers it’s a breezy melodic jab that is sure to grab attention. The zesty guitar lines insert a rush of tantalizing adrenaline into the track while velvety vocals keep a mellow easy-going vibe. It’s effortlessly cool and smooth with an edgy spurt adding a refreshing bit of grit and rough and tumble to their panache soaked sound. It is laid back cool and oh so groovy, definitely worth a listen. Keep an eye out for The Jacks.

Watch the video for ‘She’s A Mystery’ below

 

 


Live Music, Live Music Review, New Music, Rock, Rock and Roll

Queens of the Stone Age at the 3Arena Dublin with support from BRONCHO

Sultans of Rock Queens of the Stone Age returned to Dublin last Friday night at the 3Arena to a sold-out show of elated fans. It is the last night of the European tour and some of the fans have been queuing in the bitter cold since the morning to get to the safety and immaculate view of the front barrier.

Oklahoma four-piece BRONCHO began the thawing of the crowd with their chunky, fuzzy garage rock smothered in deliciously infectious pop. They coolly walk on stage and blast straight into ‘Try Me Out Sometime’. Ryan Lindsey the immensely energetic frontman, yelps and wiggles throughout the tracks. His floppy coat adding flight and a floatability to his jumps. From the instantly singable ‘Class Historian’ to the slick shaky ‘Señora Borealis’ these guys put on a swagger drenched flamboyant show that oozes suave and swagger. It’s difficult not to wiggle and bop to these tunes and BRONCHO let the music do all the talking with little to no banter between tracks except for the chanting of “Queens of the Stone Age” which the crowd were only too happy to join in. Their tunes are power pop smacks of delight, their sound is fresh and invigorating, ideal for hazy summer days and just what those early bird queuers needed to defrost.

A translucent black curtain falls between the crowd and the stage creating a shaded filter to the goings on on stage as AC/DC blast from the speakers to entertain the fans. The audience erupt as Queens of the Stone Age take to the stage. Their presence undeniably larger than life. ‘If I Had A Tail ‘ kicks off their set to screaming fans. Homme is in a particularly good mood smiling and dancing with gyrating hips and wiggles. The anecdotes are plenty and the atmosphere is electric. The villains of anarchy have arrived, and boy do they put on a show. There is no massive screens or fancy distractions, it’s the five piece and the crowd and it is extraordinary. The charisma, swagger and just plain godliness has the crowd in awe. There is so much happening on stage as each member exudes fiery stamina. Like a tag team they keep everyone on their toes with their explosive vigour. ‘Monster in your Parasol’ ’My God Is The Sun’ three songs in and it’s total turmoil in the mosh pit. Limbs flailing everywhere, hair flicking into strangers faces and necks whipping while the five-piece stride back and forth on stage jumping and kicking. ‘Feet Don’t Fail Me’ whacks the crowd into another frenzy. This is the thing with a band like Queens of the Stone Age they have so many cracking tracks a live show is a constant thrilling battering to your body. Michael Shuman strides about the stage with a fierce, intense, sultry stage presence belting out lusty mammoth bass lines and haunting backing vocals. While Troy Van Leeuwen suave and dobonair as always skips about the stage in a red suit. “We came to dance, drink and hopefully get everyone laid.. let’s get loose” Homme declares before introducing ‘The Way You Used To Do’ as Dean Fertita ventures from behind the keys to add some brawn on guitar. Members of the audience are already being lifted out of the pit all kerfuffled and distressed from the mania. It’s all crowd surfing, shoes in the face craziness. With so many guitarists on stage the band members at times crash into the free-standing strips of light while wandering and spinning around the stage. ‘No One Knows’ evokes screams as the crowd bellow out the riff and lyrics along with the band once again causing total anarchy among the crowd. Jon Theodore showcases his slick pummelling drumming skills for first of two drum solos while Homme lights up a cigarette and watches the crowd’s reaction smiling. The crowd erupt shouting “Olé, Olé, Olé” “that’s exactly why we are here…that, right there, that’s the f**king moment…  tonight, it’s our night, your f**king night, our f**king night” Homme responds before the finale of ‘No One Knows’. Usually a drum solo is a brave move but it’s Jon Theodore for god sake it was legendary! Homme is effortlessly cool with his slicked back swagger and sensual guitar licks his presence commands the attention of the arena. We all subdue to his every wish. ‘I Sat By The Ocean’ ‘Smooth Sailing’ every track bashing out relentless stamina and maintaining the frenzy of the crowd. ‘Make It Wit Chu’ and ‘Villains Of Circumstance’ act as the breathers on the set list giving something to sway and sing along to while also allowing the body feel the pain of the moshing and battering from the previous tracks.

After ‘Sick Sick Sick’ the band leave the stage as the crowd howl for “one more tune” impatient they scream for “Burn The Witch” and Queens of The Stone Age oblige with an encore of ‘Misfit Love’, ‘Head Like A Haunted House’ which comes with a anecdote about a cheeseburger incident when they were last in Dublin where a guy sneaked into their van and was eating a cheeseburger when they found him. Homme calls him “the fastest drunk person I’ve ever seen in my life…..if he’s here tonight f*ck you man …no,  if he’s here tonight…I’ll suck your dick” Homme laughs. They leave ‘Burn The Witch’ to last and the crowd go nuts.

Queens of the Stone Age are just too cool and induce a state of riotous lawless anarchy among the crowd. They are the divinity of rock, the stage their temple and the crowd their loyal adoring worshipers. And a show like this is the reason why nothing can beat them, they hold all the trump cards. The crème de la crème of rock music.