Tag Archives: Album Review

Album Review, Alt Rock, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Cornerstone ‘Reflections’ Album

Austria’s rock band Cornerstone have released their new album ‘Reflections’. The band composed of Alina Peter (Vocals, Guitars), Michael Wachelhofer (Bass, Keyboard, Vocals), Steve Wachelhofer (Guitar, Vocals) and Christoph Karas (Drums, Percussion), was signed by the US- label ATOM Records and is successfully representing Melodic-Rock: a US-tour, eight tours in the UK, a number of concerts at famous European festivals, airplay, TV-appearances on stations like BBC and much more. Additionally, they took part in the soundtrack of the film Little Alien, and in the beginning of 2012 their song “Right or Wrong” was awarded by the British ROCK REALMS Magazine as “Ballad of the Year 2011”. In 2013 the band released their version of the eighties-hit “Smalltown Boy” (by Bronski Beat), that appeared in the charts. All of the revenues from this success were donated to the “Room to Breathe”-campaign and to the charity organisation for the research and treatment of the immunodeficiency disease cystic fibrosis at the Nottingham City Hospital. In 2016, the bands third studio-album ‘Reflections’ was produced in Canada in cooperation with producer Harry Hess (Billy Talent, Muse, Harem Scare).
‘Reflection’ is an album with an interesting mix of sounds from the rock anthem tinged ‘Nothing To Loose’ with shredding riffs punchy drums and massive chorus to the slightly more pop-like nostalgic sweet melody of ‘Last Night’ which has a horn feature and ABBA influence. Big chorus’ seem to be a theme with these guys. ‘Heart On Fire’ gives an 80’s classic rock anthem vibe with brawny strides on guitar and melancholic sharp licks. Alina Peter’s vocals soar with a powerful emotion- filled range. These tracks are packed with dramatic explosions and slick guitar solos that are air guitar worthy and fist pump ready. ‘Whatever’ takes the croony ballad, it’s soft and wispy with an elegant piano feature and delicate beat. The funky bass driven ‘True Confessions’ gives us a Disco Stu vibe with glittering guitars – it’s disco balls and flashy dance floors oozing swanky swagger. The album continues the seamless blend of alternative rock with 80’s rock and pop creating a 10 track accumulation of classic anthems. Featuring some really intricate guitar work weaving in and out adding a nice refreshing zest and vibrancy to the album. ‘Believe In Me’ screams out a jazzy piano feature and perfect 80’s pop melody- you almost forget it’s a modern track.
‘Reflection’ takes you on a time travel journey with bitter sweet nostalgia while Cornorstone put their own spin slightly warping classic 80’s rock. Each track sounds familiar yet takes a unique turn as they take these genres and make them their own.

Stream ‘Reflection’ below


Album Review

The Strypes ‘Spitting Image’ Album

The Strypes have released their third album ‘Spitting Image’. It was written and rehearsed in the local Town Hall in the bands hometown Cavan, and recorded in legendary Rockfield in Wales. The explosive four piece comprised of members Ross Farrelly (Lead Vocals/Harmonica),Josh McClorey (Lead Guitar/Vocals), Pete O’Hanlon (Bass Guitar/Harmonica) and Evan Walsh (Drums/Drums), kick started their career with a well-received performance on the Late Late Toy Show in the winter of 2010, the indie foursome released their debut EP in April of 2012 before following it up with two critically-acclaimed albums ‘Snapshot’ and ‘Little Victories’ in 2013 and 2015, respectively. The band who all grew up within a few miles of each other, all the same age have toured relentlessly together for over 5 years. Now they return with their highly anticipated new album ‘Spitting Image’ which sees the band take a step further with their sound.
‘Spitting Image’ is a thirteen track collection of tight, slick surf rock blended with their signature R&B, with new wave flows and ridiculously catchy pop smacks. ‘Behind Closed Doors’ kicks off this beachy upbeat vibe. It’s snappy bright and oozing feel good sunshine. With a melody that is The Beach Boys – esque and luscious, it becomes clear they have tightened up their sound becoming more sophisticated while still holding a fun care free vibe.It’s playful, energetic and exuberant as it bounces with an infectious beat with sharp zealous guitars that stride and sparkle with vibrant enthusiastic luminosity. ‘Consequence’ has a gleaming guitar feature that adds a sting to the hazy track while passionate vocals give a raspy grit. Rich percussion and well crafted, it follows its predecessor blazing with intensity and a golden radiance. The jaunty ‘(I Need A Break From) Holidays’ is up next with dazzling guitars and a punky vibe while ‘Grin and Bear It’ bring us mellow nostalgic tones with a melty sweet melody and zesty golden guitar flickers. The riff based infectious ‘Easy Riding’ glides in with a strutting tempo and swagger infused charm. The infectious explosive chorus will have you dancing around the room like a fool. It’s a confidence building little gem, play this song in the morning and you will be set for the day nothing will get you down. With a shredding harmonica feature it’s got all the quirky components you need. It’s the lion tamer of the album. ‘Great Expectations’ introduces itself with a beautiful warm instrumental. This track bounces with a peppy fun rebound. Another melodic delight with blissful guitar – it’s sublime. ‘Garden of Eden’ begins with a steamy sultry guitar feature and sizzling distortion with gently luring vocals it’s the scorching hot temptress of the album. Sticky muggy tones and sensual sway add an enticing bewitching almost psychedelic effect while the harmonica stings break up the hazy delusion with refreshing sharp bursts. ‘A Different Kind of Tension’ brings us back to the animated sprightly sound and ‘Get Over It Quickly’ returns us to the sun soaked breezy shimmy summer fun sound. ‘Turn My Back’ is vibrant with a neck snapping beat and rapid tempo that will have you bopping along uncontrollably. ‘Blue Shades Over Red Eyes’ is a smooth glide of positivity. It’s a shades on and prance like a boss kind of track. ‘Mama Give Me Order’ takes the role of the tender gripping heartfelt track.It’s simple with just acoustic accompaniment yet quite powerful. The rhythmically rich ‘Oh Cruel World’ brings us to the end of the album with a warm twang and African beat. It’s hard not to clap along to this insanely catchy track. It sums up the album well, irresistible melody tight production and extremely danceable. This track will make you want to listen to the entire album again and again.
The Strypes have created an album rich with great tunes. Their knack for an irresistible melty melody is undeniable and their slick refined musicianship for this album is incredible. They really have grown immensely creating an album that is a treasure trove of opulent sounds.

Stream ‘Spitting Image’ below


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

Golden Curtain ‘Underwater Gospels’ Album

Golden Curtain is the collaborative relationship between an indie rock band from New Zealand and a California poet. The band consists of members Andrew Mckenzie (vocals, guitar), Andrew Gladstone (vocals, drums), Brad Gamble (bass).After striking up a friendship with Hawkes Bay’s Golden Curtain around the time their debut album came out in 2011, Alex Green and Golden Curtain front man Andrew Mckenzie started collaborating via Skype on a truly transpacific musical endeavour. The result is the release of the ‘Underwater Gospels’ album
‘Underwater Gospels’ is ten tracks of laid back indie pop. From the twinkling soundscapes coated in edgy guitar strides of ‘Heart Attack Summer’ to the almost country warmth and bounce of ‘Etc Etc’,Golden Curtain give an album that is light and cosy while also displaying a knack for sublime melody and rich rhythm. ‘ I Changed My Mind For You’ has a beachy reverb laden, catch a wave vibe. It’s relaxed with echoing backing vocals and a bouncy rhythm. ‘Amen’ blasts with soulful handclaps lushly textured rhythm and nautical basslines. With a catchy percussion section that draws you into its groove and sweet passionate melody, it’s hot summers evening fireside bliss. ‘So Easy’ is sun soaked nostalgia smooth with a day dream melody and bright guitar feature that flickers and glows lifting the track into a hazy vibe. Soft beat, velvety raspy vocals and warm tones it verges into country territory without actually crossing that line.’The Captain’ is your tender slow jam while ‘The Pier’ closes the album with a doo wop vibe mixed with subtle swirling guitars and bouncy drums. The “bop shoo be doo wop” lyrics add a quirky catchy element that will have you singing along in no time.
‘Underwater Gospels’ is a display of Golden Curtain’s intricate attention to detail as they create an album easy to listen to and relaxed while maintaining rich luscious soundscapes.

Stream ‘Underwater Gospels’ below


Album Review, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Sive ‘The Roaring Girl’ Album

Songwriter, singer and multi-instrumentalist Sive first began to delve into songwriting when she was 15. She released her first album of original material, ‘We Are Moving’, to critical acclaim in 2012.She has toured extensively in Ireland, The UK, Europe and New Zealand, sharing stages with the likes of Kila, John Spillane and Gemma Hayes. She was voted viewer’s choice to appear on RTE’s Other Voices in 2014 and has also performed on TG4’s Róisín, TV3’s Ireland AM, ARTE’s Metropolis (Germany/France) and ETV’s Terevisioon (Estonia). Sive has now released her second studio album ‘The Roaring Girl’.
‘The Roaring Girl’ is a stunning unique venture, rich with complex subtle instrumentation and warm melodies mixed with conflicting explosive emotions that create an album to get lost in. From the warm deep melancholic string intro of ‘Turn Down The Silence’ you are instantly made aware of the intensity and depth of the album. The track lightens becoming a little more peppy and bouncy yet underneath this is the menacing strings niggling like a lingering worry. Sive pulls in theatrical elements in all the tracks which makes each track more meaningful and important. ‘Swallow Me’ has a jazzy piano and brighter atmosphere with a bubbly rippling warm guitar feature which playfully flickers in and out of the jittery percussion and jazz like piano.The track leads you down a dreamy path as the music subtly wanders into a hazy state.‘Wingless Bird’ hooks with lush sweet backing vocals as Sive’s main vocals soothe with charming warmth and luxurious texture. The track is a simple little gem with tropical African-fused pop rhythm and blissful honeyed melody, it’s perfect, rich and delightful. ‘If I Had A Home To Go To’ has an eerie waltz-like sway and glide. Full of grandeur and elegant string accompaniment with haunting backing vocals. Its a hair-raising yet sombre drizzled fairy tale. ‘Maude’ glimpses at Sive’s folk tinged style while ‘Humans’ takes a dainty simple approach. Sive’s sweet powerful vocals shine, packed with passion and emotion. Slowly building into a mightier crescendo with darker bewitching tones and rumbling beats teamed with luscious tantalising backing vocals this track again is chilling and goosebump inducing. It’s perfectly breezy and eerie with easy gently sway-like glides that build into an enchanting wind swept flow. ‘Hoverfly’ brings us to the end of our beautiful musical journey with gentle tones, warm acoustic guitar and stunning vocals.
‘The Roaring Girl’ showcases Sive’s ability to gracefully pirouette between genres, effortlessly blending jazz with hints of indie and funk elements wrapped in cloaks of classical whims while creating cinematic images and striking emotions within the listener. The album is mature well crafted and deeply moving.A solid body of work. Refined elegance oozes from every track while you witness the turmoil and emotions flooding through the album without becoming overwhelmed, its satisfying and soul fulfilling. A sublime album from Sive.
Stream ‘The Roaring Girl’ below


Album Release, Album Review, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Blues, Indie Soul, New Music

Aja Volkman ‘Sandy’ Album Review

Aja Volkman, the former female front for the LA rock-trio Nico Vega, has announced her long awaited solo debut with the release of her debut album ‘Sandy’. Featuring the lead single ‘My Man’, the album will be available to download on all major media providers from May 19th. Born and raised in Oregon, Aja Volkman began her musical career at a young age and it quickly progressed into a prodigious talent. Volkman’s musical career opened up after she joined forces with War Paint front woman Emily Kohal and for the first time in the public sphere, she unleashed a provocative vocal that would soon define her career. Her foray into the music world continued in 2004 when she forged the successful LA rock trio Nico Vega. After teaming up with Linda Perry (Gwen Stefani, Pink, Christina Aguilera), Nico Vega released their first full-length album in 2009, which received critical acclaim. In 2015 Nico Vega continued to gain popularity after landing an opening slot for Imagine Dragons and now after a short hiatus, Aja Volkman announces her return to music with her debut solo album ‘Sandy’.
‘Sandy’ is a cosy intimate album immersed in beautiful heartfelt delicate tones with country twangs drizzled on top to add a speckle of fun and vibrancy to the album. Dripping in vintage bluesy soul the album displays a sophisticated sound with rich depth and satisfying textures. ‘My Man’ kicks off the album setting a 50’s or 60’s romantic sway-like scene. Elegant and graceful it glides like a fairy tale waltz. The soft instrumentation and sweet lulling backing “sha la la” vocals create a dreamy swoony affectionate flow and glide to this beautiful track. Volkman’s honey soaked vocals coo the luscious melody creating the perfect soothing fanciful scene to blissfully loose yourself  in. This track is irresistibly smooth and velvety as it oozes and seeps idyllic romance. Volkman follows this with track after track featuring  sweet gentle lusciously rich textures. ‘Bother Me’ brings warm country twangs to the candied delicious sound. While ‘Nobody’ adds a bounce and vibrancy with a sassy attitude. The album is speckled with jazzy piano elements in tracks such as ‘Deep Love’ and mysterious steamy tones in ‘Skeletons’ all while maintaining an exquisite knack for ear worm melodies. ‘Sandy’ winds down to a graceful, tender almost peaceful end with ‘Cracked’. Volkman has created a collection of heartfelt eloquent tracks that display her classy elegant and affluent musicianship.
Aja Volkman recorded the album with singer-songwriter Joshua James in Utah and it has taken over a year to put together. ‘Sandy’ is out May 19th and you can get her brand new single ‘My Man’ as an instant download when you pre-order the album from April 28th.
Stream ‘My Man’ below


Album Release, Album Review, New Music

Amaru Tribe Album

Amaru Tribe have released their debut self titled LP. Emerging from their trans-oceanic journeys the six piece gathered by the laws of creative gravity in the city of Melbourne to resonate with a new sound vision. In the Quechua language of the Andes, Amaru means “a serpent which connects the spiritual and the subterranean world”. The album is produced by Oscar Jimenez aka Chibcha (Watussi, Madre Monte, Miss Colombia) and Amaru Tribe. Its unique energy showcases collaborations with artists from all around the world including Tonolec (Argentina), QVLN (USA), Stuart Fergie from OKA (Australia) and more. Their strong musical heritage imbues their compositions, which explore electronics fused with tribal instrumentation, uniting South America and Oceania into one musical vibration. Amaru Tribe calls this style Oceanic Cumbia or in spanish: Cumbia Oceanica, which gives the name to their first track in the album and introduction to their sound.
Rich in textures and overflowing with delicious spicy flavours blending with Amazonic drums, vibrating charangos and powerful vocal harmonies. Amaru Tribe have created a sound that is opulent and almost soul fulfilling. Heavenly melodies and dance along rhythms keep the party flowing throughout the album while radiating sunny vibes. With warm mellow tones on guitar and body moving grooves this album is perfect for BBQS in the sun. With songs connected to topics of social change, ancestral wisdom, love and life, its affluent and full of substance. The album’s bilingual nature allows the listener to discover connections between Australia’s diverse cultural backgrounds and it consolidates its place in a new global identity while also being fun to dance to.
Stream the Amaru Tribe LP below


Album Release, Album Review, Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock

The Raise ‘Chasing Time’ Album

The Raise are a three piece British rock band who are set to release their newest album ‘Chasing Time’ on the 22nd of April. Comprised of band members Rob Elton (guitars and lead vocals), Nick Gunn (bass guitar, guitar and backing vocals), and Nige Masters (drums, percussion and backing vocals). For a small band of only three members, ‘The Raise’ certainly create a big sound. The album features melodic songs, lush vocal harmonies, and massive  guitar riffs. ‘Chasing Time’ was written, performed, recorded, engineered and produced by the band themselves and throughout the recording process their aim was to keep the tracks as close to the live version as possible.

From the hefty riff driven start of ‘Inside’ The Raise display their slick beefy and sultry smooth rock. Featuring punchy drums and nimble shredding wailing guitar solos teamed with brawny flexible bass these guys create catchy tunes that pack a mighty punch. Each track flows effortlessly into the next from slower tempo ‘Live The Dream’ to steamy ‘Reel To Reel’. Packed with catchy chorus’ and trippy flashes of distortion glimmering in and out between mighty rhythm and sensual riffs The Raise add hints of diversity amongst their catalog. Loaded with proficient guitar work each track boasts their skills of refined riff and lick creations. The swagger infused ‘Rock Her World’ displays their funky side soaked in anthemic might while holding a sensual groove. ‘The Game’ takes the roll of the slow jam, emotional and soft yet backed by a mighty raw chorus and bright jingle on guitar. ‘Take Me If You Dare’ closes the album with headbang worthy might that’s mosh pit ready.  The Raise have created a solid album with hints of fluctuating musical hues that are compelling.

When asked about the album the band said:

“The album was influenced by the concept of our constant search for more time and freedom to do the things we really love to do. “The Raise is a project that allows us to play the music we love and say what we want to say about this crazy world we live in.”

‘Chasing Time’  is set to be released on 22nd April 2017 and will be available via all major media providers. More information about The Raise can be found via their social media pages or official website here http://www.theraise.co.uk/

 

 

 


Album Release, Album Review, Electronic, New Music

Second Hand Spaceman ‘Blast Off’ Album

 

Electronic Producer Second Hand Spaceman is set to release  his debut album ‘Blast Off’ on 28th April with 100% of Pre-Order sales being donated to the World Land Trust to help them with their vital rainforest conservation work and to help to spread a positive, educational message about saving the environment. This is the first project embarked upon by Second Hand Spaceman. The album itself has been a work in progress for the past 18 months and was self-written, recorded and produced.
‘Blast Off’ is a viscid flex of electronic grooves mixed with orchestral and ambient flavours splashed against a host of synthesisers with a hint of hip hop thrown in. Right from the first track on the album, ‘Nice Planet’ Second Hand Spaceman sucks you into his spacey eerie vibe with spooky alien-like soundscapes and sticky beats. Its a wobbly electronic phenomenon. ‘Blast Off’ brings us a big band bouncy feel, vibrant and bright with brass-like sounds and triumphant vibes. Throughout the album Second Hand Spaceman shows off his skill to create a cinematic visual for the listeners to experience from jubilant hearty sounds to delicate twinkling in tracks such as ‘Uncharted’ and ‘Discovery’. A sense of magical elegance is created with sparkling light keys against an edgy sonic background. Its definitely an album for adventures as it opens the mind to all possibilities where there is no limits not even musically.

You can pre order the album here https://www.secondhandspaceman.com/

Album Review, Alt Rock, Blues Rock, Funk, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Amazing Planes ‘Lost In Translation’ album

UK Garage rock duo Amazing Planes have released their new album ‘Lost In Translation’. Hailing from Mansfield, Nottinghamshire the band consists of rock duo Mark Nelson and Daniel Hard. Amazing Planes pull in elements of Rock, Blues and Indie to create their multi-faceted album ‘Lost In Translation’.
First up is ‘Saving The World’ with a gritty fuzzed bass riff its down and dirty raw kick ass attitude driven brawn. Slick and smooth this track charms with steamy attitude and a mighty punch. Slight country twangs shake up the track while heavy instrumentation pummels with smooth moshing frenzy. ‘Only When You Call’ displays the duo’s funky groovy side with bouncy instrumentation and sing along “ba baaa” feature. This track has a Blur feel in the verse which breaks away for the catchy chorus. Strong bass pulses through the track while vocal harmonies coast through with cruising charisma. Slick sharp guitar drives the track weaving in and out playfully while the soft drums and elastic bass keep the funky tempo.Title track ‘Lost In Translation’ continues this groovy shimmy and 60’s vibe, its flower power fun with brass elements warming up the flowing free track. The song breaks into a raw instrumental bridge with rattly guitar and rapid rumble on drums before leading into the massive chorus. ‘Coming Back To Me’ slows the tone down taking a more emotional tender persona. Soft soulful instrumentation accompanies the vocals while strong sharp interjections on guitar freshens up the otherwise delicate track. The album continues with Amazing Planes’ funky blends fizzling with rock and gritty elements. Shredding guitar licks and big chorus’ become the duos signature moves while they swoon in with cool tones and swagger soaked vocals. The stomp worthy ‘Good Thing’ is empowering and will definitely have you busting all the moves from shimmying to bopping and even pulling out the disco stew move with pride just before you air guitar to that thrilling solo. ‘Loves Gone’ closes the album, bass heavy and smooth its cool and polished raw and steamy. Punchy rumbling drums teamed with a blistering guitar riff and sensual sway-like verse, its a temptress to the ears.

A solid album from Amazing Planes ‘Lost In Translation’ is a fizzing can of delicious indie rock that will leave you thirsty for more.
Stream  ‘Lost In Translation’  below

Album Review, Indie, Indie Electro, indie rock, New Music

Tribe Society ‘We Sell Drugs’

New York four-piece Tribe Society have released their 10 track mixtape ‘We Sell Drugs’ today. Tribe Society pull in a mixture of genres from indie rock, alternative to hip-hop and electronic to create a sound that is original and signature to them.
‘We Sell Drugs’ is packed with ten bass -driven millennial anthems that will have you cruising grooving and swaying all to snappy beats and slick fluid melodies. Opening track ‘Nu Vibe’ sets the tone of this velvety mixtape. Its creamy smooth and rhythmically rich smudged in R&b soul. Its effortlessly chilled with sweet toned vocals, snappy goopy beat, sparkling synths and warm acoustic guitar feature. Heart stopping rippling beats teamed with lush vocals follow in tracks such as ‘Lonely People’, spoken vocals also feature adding firmness and earnest to the track. ‘Smoke Out The Window’ is drizzled in darker foggy electronics that have a wispy flow while the bright melody and keys create a catchy ear worm chorus. ‘Garden Of God’ gives an intense sticky eerie tone. With haunting electronic and raspy vocals however there is a brighter almost whistle- like melody featuring after the chorus that lifts the muggy gooey dark feel of the track. This track brings a rock feel while still maintaining that electronic flex beat. The tracks that follow bring a blend of hip hop soaked with fierce attitude softened by the soft synths and entangled in wandering electronics. Title track ‘We Sell Drugs’ is an infectious peppy warm song with a chorus you wont be able to prise from your brain. Its a laid back hazy track, perfect for lazy sunny days. ‘Faded Circle’ is the final track featuring distorted vocals and a sombre tone winding down a mixtape that displays Tribe Society’s masterful instrumentation which is tightly layered and rich in textures while also possessing thought-provoking lyrics.’We Sell Drugs’ is a wholly unique venture delicate and stunning while also packing a mighty electronic punch and hip hop fusions.
Stream ‘We Sell Drugs’ below