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HOT NEW REVIEWS
The vocals are perfect
and the sound is exactly what you want to hear if you ever make it to New
Orleans, USA! I am talking about the band THE PROVEN ONES and their 2nd album
You ain't done. This band consists of Brian Templeton (vocals, harmonica), Kid
Ramos (guitar), Anthony Geraci (keyboards), Willie J. Campbell (bass) and Jimi
Bott (drums). They are all well-seasoned musicians whom played with countless
bands and artists the past 40 years (JOHN LEE HOOKER, FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS,
SUGAR RAY, BO DIDLY, CHUCK BERRY, etc. etc.), so these are real veterans and
they know exactly how to play the game. 12 songs are on their new album, which
was produced by MIKE ZITO. Opener Get love is a very strong Soulful midtempo
Bluesy Rocker, with a nice instrumental backup of guitars, hammond and a
trumpet. Following Gone to stay is a sensational uptempo rocker with a certain
melody that reminds me a lot of classic THE ROLLING STONES. The titletrack
continues this same old school Soulful Rock/Blues sound, which also reminds me
just a little bit of HUEY LEWIS somehow. I guess this is where Heart & Soul
really come together and still rock out! The album is loaded with a lot more
songs that mix Soul, Blues, Southern Rock, Americana and Rootsy Rock and Roll
just perfectly, with as other highlights, the semi-Southern Rockballad Whom my
soul loves (LOUSIANA'S LE ROUX meets LYNYRD SKYNRD), the midtempo slightly
Westcoast ish Milinda, the lovely Nothing left to go (with it's relaxing vibe
and guitarsolo, a perfect cross between Westcoast, Bluesy Rock and Blue Eyed
Soul), the THE ROLLING STONES ish rootsy rocker Favorite dress and the groovy
rocker Fallen. The album went to number 3 on the Billboard Blues Charts a few
months ago, which is not so strange, because it as good as the other albums in
that top 5 chart at the time (TESKEY BROTHERS, MARCUS KING and ROBERT CRAY). Concluded,
a highly recommended album to check out for yourself at: https://www.theprovenones.com/
(Points:
8.6 out of 10)
TIGER
MOTH TALES 'STILL ALIVE' (WHITE KNIGHT RECORDS/NINETEEN 73 PROMOTION/UK IMPORT)
Still alive is the 5th
album of the British band TIGER MOTH TALES, a band or project formed around
Notthinghamshire based musician and songwriter PETER JONES. He is involved with
a few other acts as well (CAMEL, RED BAZAR), but TIGER MOTH TALES is his real
baby and this new album is definitely another highlight in his career. It's
also a unique album because it was recorded during the lockdown corona period
and is more or less also saying that Peter is still alive! Anyway, the album
consists of a mini-CD and a DVD, with in total 5 new songs. Opener and
titletrack Still alive starts calm and emotional, a melodic progressive
rockballad (if that actually exists a ballad in the progworld!), with superb
vocals in the style of PETER GABRIEL. Following track The mighty fallen is a
fantastic instrumental 80s influenced Symphonic Rocker that starts sorta
uptempo and enthousiastic before diving into a beautiful calmer part with an
amazing melodic guitarsolo that even has a bit of GARY MOORE crossed with DAVID
GILMOUR, while it ends uptempo rocking in quite a heavy Progrockstyle. Golden
is secretly an 80s influenced keyboard-led pop ballad with once again superb
melodic clean vocals and it also has a slight proggy touch to avoid pure kitschness.
Up next is the short somewhat experimental calmer dark psych-prog song Lean
into the madness, while the band goes for an unexpected instrumental 80s Games
tune (MARIO BROS!) in the song Whistle along, which is actually quite a funny
tune. Closing the mini-album is the reprise of the opening titletrack Still
alive. Nice new album of Peter, a very busy guy who is now mainly active in the
studio, but is keen on going alive again, so this Still alive is a nice wake-up
call for the people waiting to see him live on stage again. More info at: https://www.tigermothtales.com
(Points:
8.5 out of 10)
PANZERBALLETT
'PLANET Z' (GENTLE ARTS OF MUSIC/NINETEEN 73 PROMOTION/UK IMPORT)
The band PANZERBALLETT
from Munich, Germany has already made quite an impact with their previous
releases and their 7th album Planet Z will definitely also appeal to the fans
of experimental music. They are led by guitarist, composer and arranger Jan
Zehrfeld, who is joined by Heiko Jung - Bass guitar, Sebastian Lanser - Drums,
Joe Doblhofer - Rhythm guitars and Alexander von Hagke - Saxophone. The music
of PANZERBALLET is is very complicated experimental Progrock meets Jazz, guitar
vs trumpet is what you get most of the time here and then it's either you get
crazy or you absolutely love this high quality musicianship. Definitely worth
checking out if you're in for instrumental madness as if FRANK ZAPPA and DREAM
THEATER started a Jazzy Rockband! Women stay away I would say (LOL), becuse it's
it's a full album with improvised creativity of musicians whom never seem to
get tires of endless freaking on their instruments, but it definitely works and
sounds like a real band in the end. JazzMetal is the band's description and well
you could also call it Progressive Jazz with Metal riffs! Check out this insane
band at: http://www.panzerballett.de/
(Points:
8.0 out of 10)
Out of Brooklyn, New
York born GABRIEL GARZON-MONATO, who has French and Columbian roots and he is a
very talented Singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who already has bult
up a career with the 3 previous albums. Aquita is his 4th album, which starts
quite calm, dark and experimental with opener Tombs, a song reminding me a bit
of JOHN GRANT, but then with high falsetto vocals like PRINCE. Next song With a
smile dives straight into the PRINCE territory, a short song with a very slight
Latin touch as well, and basically a radio-ready modern popsong. Muneca is the
first real let-down, because this is the computerized commercial latin pop like
we hear it on radiostations such as RADIO 538. A completely different world is
the following Fields, a very calm minimalistic experimental, almost Dark Wave
song. Next song Mira my look is sadly a Rapsong, while PRINCE comes around when
listening to Moonless. The following Someone might be the best song on the
album, as here Gabriel really starts to sing and the song itself is modern
R&B pop of a decent level and also the beautiful relaxing acoustic tingled
singer/songwriter ish Bloom, they both show once again a different style. A
pity that the following track Anquita is back to the computer latin pop again,
but closing track Blue dot is then again a very calmer singer/songwriter tune
at start while developing into a JOHN GRANT modern synth pop direction. You
really have to take the time to understand this album, but I think the mixture
of PRINCE, JOHN GRANT and commercial modern day Latin R&B/Pop with some
rapping, this comes close to Aguita. Very diverse actually and perhaps an
artist with the ambition of becoming a megastar in the future. More at:
https://gabrielgarzonmontano.bandcamp.com/album/ag-ita
(Points:
8.0 out of 10)
DEATH
BELLS 'NEW SIGNS OF LIFE' (DAIS RECORDS/KONKURRENT)
Now here we have a
sensational album from an Australian band called DEATH BELLS. They are settled
in Los Angeles, California and released their debut album Standing at the edge
of the world in 2017. 3 years later follow-up New signs of life is released and
this is definitely a very impressive record, although I have to say it is not
really original musically speaking and the 9 songs are very short (around 3
minutes at longest!), but on the other hand, DEATH BELLS are doing it all at an
incredible high level. They perfectly mix the classic 80s British New Wave,
Post-Punk, 80s Pop/Rock and current new retro Indie Poprocksound of all those
bands from the British Islands that were popular in the 1980s and 2010s/2020s. All
the songs are uptempo (except for the final song), so they have almost no tempo
changes, which is not a pity at all, because DEATH BELLS is keeping up the positive
uptempo high level from start to finish. Opener Heavenly Bodies is a mix of THE
EDITORS and ECHO AND THE BUNNYMEN, while the following Two Thousand and Twenty
goes into pure classic 1980s Post-Punk a la KILLING JOKE and titletrack New
Signs of Life is back to the sound of THE EDITORS and SLOW READERS CLUB,
although it is clear that this band should also appeal to fans of INHALER,
LIFE, THE MURDER CAPITAL, FONTAINES D.C.
A little more 80s
commercial New Wave influenced is the catchy synth driven uptempo Web of Love,
with it's PSEUDO ECHO meets THE CURE similarities. The Sun
That Shines Forever rocks more and is classic early 1980s Post-Punk in the
KILLING JOKE style, while A Different Kind of Happy is a bit more commercial
and lighter, sorta THE SMITHS ish, with even a cool 80s Saxsolo. Alison is going
even more into the classic 80s pop/rock direction, with similarities to bands
like ABC, A FLOCK OF SEAGULLS, ULTRAVOX, CHINA CRISIS, HEAVEN 17... Sacred is back to Post-Punk again, very close
to FONTAINES D.C. meets THE EDITORS, only less synths then. Closing track Shot
down (Falling) is perhaps the shortest song, lasting only 2:19 minutes and is
also the least interesting track. Concluded, this is a highly recommended album
to fans of the classic British Post-Punk/Wave sound of all those mentioned
bands, although at 27 minutes I would almost call it a mini-CD. Thankfully the
incredible high level is making it a must-have for a lot of people, because it
is one of the better releases in the genre in 2020! More info at: https://deathbellsband.bandcamp.com/album/new-signs-of-life
(Points:
8.7 out of 10)
PETER
BRODERICK 'BLACKBERRY' (ERASED TAPE RECORDS/KONKURRENT)
The American
singer/songwriter PETER BRODERICK has already released a quite a lot of records
and is married to the praised singer/songwriter BRIGID MAE POWER. His new
record is titled Blackberry and although the first couple of songs are not
making such an impact, later on the album we can definitely find some beautiful
songs. The album starts very calm with the acoustic singer/songwriter piece
Stop and listen, but following But is more midtempo with drums and overall a
richer sound, although the music remains in the singer/songwriter direction,
with clearly a Humorous Touch, and this continues during the rest of the album.
It has a kinda RANDY NEWMAN approach musically speaking, yet vocally completely
different. Peter is sometimes speaking and then suddenly sing in an old kinda
50s crooner way (What happened to your heart). It's actually hard to describe
this album, but Peter is definitely a talented musician/singer, because when he
does for a more serious direction during the second part of the album, we can
hear some beautiful songs, such as the melodic sorta Middle-Eastern tingled
Singer/Songwriter Pop song The niece or the Classical Music influenced Ode to
Blackberry, where he actually sounds quite sensational. Let it go is even one
of the most beautiful singer/songwriter pop songs I have heard in a long time,
sorta like a cross between JIM GROCE and FATHER JOHN MISTY, and back in the
1970s this would have become a major hit for sure! I think we have here an
interesting album here that will be praised in especially the Singer/Songwriter
circuit, although it really takes a while before you understand the beauty of
it. More info at: https://www.peterbroderick.net/
(Points:
8.2 out of 10)
GALYA
BISENGALIEVA 'ARALKUM' (ONE LITTLE INDEPENDENT RECORDS/KONKURRENT)
GALYA BISENGALIEVA is an award winning
Kazakh/British violinist who has collaborated with composers such as Steve
Reich, Laurie Spiegel, Suzanne Ciani, Terry Riley, Pauline Oliveros as well as
commissioning and performing new works by Hildur Guðnadóttir, Sarah Davachi,
Ipek Gorgun and Mica Levi. Her latest album Aralkum is a beautiful instrumental
journey through dark calm sounds that are quite atmospheric and feel as
background to a movie or documentary. I think even the open minded progfans
might find something of interest here, because it is done quite well. Check for
yourself at: https://galyabisengalieva.bandcamp.com/
(Points:
8.1 out of 10)
DEATH
VALLEY GIRLS 'UNDER THE SPELL OF JOY' /SUICDE SQUEEZE RECORDS/KONKURRENT)
The L.A. based DEATH VALLEY GIRLS was
formed in 2012 and Under the spell of joy is already their 5th album. The band
consists of singer and multi-instrumentalist Bonnie Bloomgarden, guitarist
Larry Schemel, bassist Pickle (Nicole Smith) and drummer Rikki Styxx, while
there are interesting guest appearances from sax player Gabe Flores and
organ/keyboardist Gregg Foreman. 11 songs are on the alvum and while Hypnagogia
starts calm, hypnotical and almost CLANNAD ish, following song Hold my hand is uptempo
1960s influenced Garage Rock, which sounds very strong actually. And the rock
continues most of the rest of the album, with many great tunes, such as the
midtempo slightly experimental titletrack Under the spell of joy, the lovely
melodic DUM DUM GIRLS ish radio-friendly 60s influenced Garage Rocker Bliss
out, the catchy Little things (a la THE BANGLES) and the mean dirty rocker 10
day miracles challenge, which sounds like a cross between THE RUNAWAYS and
PATTI SMITH in her early years. Diverse, sometimes rawer, aggressive and
experimental, while at other times radiofriendly and very catchy, that is what
this band is all about. More info at: https://deathvalleygirls.bandcamp.com/album/under-the-spell-of-joy
(Points:
8.2 out of 10)
BANANAGUN
'THE TRUE STORY OF BANANAGUN' (FULL TIME HOBBY/KONKURRENT)
Although the start of the official debut album
of the Australian band BANANAGUN is quite Indie Pop based with Bang go the
bongos, the band drift more into a very cool 1970s driven psychedelic pop/rock
adventure on the following songs, of which the sensational People talk too much
is a step back in time to the mid 1970s or something like that. The band was
started as a solo project by multi-instrumentalist NICK VAN BAKEL, but
developed into a full band through the following years. The other members in
the band are Jimi Gregg (drums), Jack Crook (guitar), Charlotte Tobin
(djembe/percussion) and Joshua Dans (bass), and together with Jim they recorded
this fun summer-friendly album that balances between Indie Pop, Classic 60s
clean Pop, jungle sounds and 1970s groovier funk/rock. It's a pleasure to listen
to the album and there are a couple of songs that are perfect to become huge
hits, such as the wonderful Out of reach. Australia is at this moment a very
interesting country to look for new talented acts with a slightly different
approach than the standard musicstyles. Check out this band at: https://www.bananagunoz.com/
(Points:
8.4 out of 10)
BOB
MOULD 'BLUE HEARTS' (MERGE RECORDS/KONKURRENT)
American
guitarist/singer/songwriter BOB MOULD is best known as member of the legendary
band HUSKER DU, a band which was influential for many bands that would emerge
from the 1980s/1990s Alternative Rockscene. Eventually Bob quit the band and
went solo, recording a lot of albums the past 32 years, of which Blue hearts is
the latest one. It starts calm, short and sweet with Heart on my sleeve, but
what follows are mostly razor sharp hard-hitting uptempo raw punky rockers that
last around the 2:30 minutes on average. Here and there is gets a little calmer
and midtempo pop/rock based (Forecast of rain and The ocean), but overall Bob
is rocking in the uptempo mood, yet always with a melodic touch (Baby needs a
cookie being my personally favorite), actually not far removed from FOO
FIGHTERS, with whom he recorded Dear Rosemary. This is definitely a strong
album that will probably be appreciated a lot by Bob's long-time fans! More
info at: https://bobmould.com/
(Points:
8.4 out of 10)
CULTS 'HOST'
(SINDERLYN/KONKURRENT)
CULTS is a New York
based band where 2 multi-instrumentalists/singers come together and create a
beautiful relaxing melodic dreampop meets indiepop meets shoegazesound.
MADELINE FOLLIN and BRIAN OBLIVION are the 2 geniuses behind the duo CULTS and
together they recorded a strong and impressive 4th album. The album was mixed
by John Congleton (ANGEL OLSON, FUTURE ISLANDS), mastered by Heba Kadry (BJORK)
and additional drum arrangements were done by Shane Humphrey (FLORENCE AND THE
MACHINE, GUARDS...). Actually each of the 12 songs has the possibility of
becoming a huge hit, because they sound quite catchy somehow, although the
overall sound still has an underground cult kinda feeling due to the groovy
funky rhythm and laid-back dreampop vocals. If I have to pick favorite songs, I
would mention Trials, Spit you out (slight 1990s touch) and Working it over,
all featuring superb melodies sung by Madeline. Recommended to fans of BEST
COAST, BEACH HOUSE, WARPAINT, TENNIS and especially TAME IMPALE (with female
vocals of course). More info at: https://cults.bandcamp.com/album/host
(Points:
8.3 out of 10)
WAX
CHATTELS 'CLOT' (CAPTURED TRACKS/KONKURRENT)
When hearing the album
Clot of the New Zealand based band WAX CHATTELS, you would not expect this band
has no guitarist in their line-up, but this is a guitarless guitar music band.
They make a sort of cross between Post-Punk and Noise-Rock, sounding quite
heavy, aggressive and experimental (with even a proggy touch), but this is all
done with a synthesizer, organ, bass, female/male vocals and drums. The
resulting 2nd album Clot of the 3-piece band is an interesting record with 11
hard-hitting experimental songs that feel like SONIC YOUTH or SMASHING
PUMPKINS, but then with an own identity. They are doing it very well and could
easily breakthrough with this new album and especially songs like Glue,
Efficiency and No ties. The biggest surprise of the album is the song Less is
more, which is dangerously close to last year's THE MURDER CAPITAL song More is
less, which could be a coincidence. Anyway, they do have musically a lot in
common with that Irish band and also LIFE similarities are possible, but then
without the guitars! WAX CHATTELS step away from the mainstream and standards
and come up with an interesting record that should be heard by anyone with an
open-minded view on rockmusic. More at: https://waxchattels.bandcamp.com/album/wax-chattels
(Points:
8.2 out of 10)
PENNY
RIMBAUD 'HOW?' (ONE LITTLE INDEPENDENT RECORDS/KONKURRENT)
I remember records by
JELLO BIAFRA of DEAD KENNEDYS that were spoken word and quite the contrast of
his Punk years. Also former CRASS drumer/writer PENNY RIMBAUD has taken a step
into that direction on How?, where he speaks and is backed by cello player KATE
SHORT on 4 storytelling tracks. I think it's best for you to check it out for
yourself if this is something that could be interesting for you at: https://pennyrimbaud.bandcamp.com/album/how
(Points:
-)
UNIFORM
'SHAME' (SACRED BONES RECORDS/KONKURRENT)
Shame is the 4th album
of the New York based trio UNIFORM. They were formed in 2013 and their line-up
features Michael Berdan (vocals), Ben Greenberg (guitar, production), and Mike
Sharp (drums). The music of SHAME is quite noisy and aggressive, sorta a mix
between Thrash, Industrial and Hardcore. I would say songs like Life in
remission (slow tempo) and All we've ever (uptempo) are not bad at all and so
is the whole album, which is definitely in this genre a quality record, but
UNIFORN is really only interesting for the people who appreciate their rock to
sound underground, noisy and agressive. Better check it out for yourself at: https://unifuckingform.bandcamp.com/album/shame
(Points:
-)
BLACK
KNIGHT 'ROAD TO VICTORY' (PURE STEEL RECORDS/GERMAN IMPORT)
The bandname BLACK
KNIGHT has been used several times in the past by various Metalbands, including
a superb Canadian band with their Master of disaster release fro 1985, which
was re-pressed onto vinyl sometime ago. However, we also have a Dutch band with
the BLACK NIGHT name and musically this is also classic 1980s True Heavy Metal.
The band was originally formed in 1981, released several demos in the following
10 years, but had to wait until 1999 before an official debut album titled
Tales from the darkside was released. In 2007 a follow-up titled The beast
inside was released, but then it becamwe quiet around the Amsterdam based band
until 2020. The band's comeback brings a whole new dimension, because actually
only drummer RUDO PLOOY is left from the original line-up. The other members
joined the band at a later stage, guitarist GERT JAN VIS (3RD MACHINE) during
the 1990s, bassplayer RON HEIKENS (PROFOUND) a number of years ago and in 2017
the vocalist DAVID MARCELIS (LORD VOLTURE, THORIUM) and guitarist RUBEN
RAADSCHELDERS completed today's line-up of BLACK KNIGHT. Their sound is clearly
classic 1980s Melodic Metal, with twin-guitars, high-pitched vocals and a
sing-a-long choruses, done at a very high level and reminding of the times when
IRON MAIDEN, PICTURE, JUDAS PRIEST, LOUDNESS, EXCITER, HIGHWAY CHILE, ANVIL and
such were ruling the Dutch Metal Airwaves. Headbang Metal which nowadays seems
to have an underground following among youngsters. BLACK KNIGHT bring back the
glorious 80s uptempo Melodic Metal sound on the 8 included songs, of which the
highlights are Road to victory, My beautiful daughters, Primal power (PRIEST
meets PRIMAL FEAR) and the album's finest song, which is the reworked old 80s
written tune The one's to blame (quite catchy and very melodic chorus, a bit
like ASKA). Definitely a highly recommended album to the fans of classic 80s
melodic metal of the old IRON MAIDEN school! More info at: https://www.facebook.com/BlackKnightNL/
(Points:
8.4 out of 10)
KENZINER
'PHOENIX' (PURE STEEL RECORDS/GERMAN IMPORT)
In the early to mid
1990s KENZINER were among the first bands I got to review after receiving their
debut album as promo CD. 25 years later I am proud to review their 4th album,
which is the follow-up to 2014's The last horizon. The Finnish band was among
the first ones to play Neo-Classical Melodic Power Metal in the mid 1990s,
along with STRATOVARIUS and SONATA ARCTICA, also both hailing from Finland.
Phoenix brings a few changes compared to their past, because they have a new
singer called PETER "ZINNY" ZALESKY, who has got a pure Metal voice,
including the high pitched screams you need to actually be one! 10 songs are on
their new album, which sounds really sensational. Highlights are the fantastic
Shadow of the moon (PRETTY MAIDS meets MOB RULES meets STRATOVARIUS), Tears of
destiny (lovely song, superb catchy chorus in the style of MALMSTEEN circa
1986!), the midtempo Osiris rising, the terrific pure 1980s Neo-Classical
Melodic Rocker (PRETTY MAIDS meets DOKKEN meets MALMSTEEN) and the SONATA
ARCTICA/STRATOVARIUS ish faster The mirror. The band slows things down during
the closing track The miracle, which is a very nice semi-ballad. Highly
recommended band to anyone who misses the Neo-Classical Melodic Power/Prog
Metal sound of the 1990s, which was so popular in especially Japan back then!
Check them out at: https://www.facebook.com/kenzinerofficial/
(Points:
8.6 out of 10)
SATANICA
'RESURRECTION OF DEVIL'S SPIRIT' (PURE STEEL RECORDS/GERMAN IMPORT)
Founded in 2002, the
Japanese band SATANICA already released 3 albums before Resurrection of devil's
spirit. It is however 10 years ago since their previous album We are Satan's
preacher was released, so we welcome them back with this new album. Although
they look like a Black Metal band, SATANICA's sound is mostly faster melodic
metal/power metal in the style of the legendary Japanese bands of SABER TIGER,
ANTHEM, LOUDNESS, BOW WOW, CONCERTO MOON, etc. The vocals are usuallly the
weakest point of Japanese bands, because instrumentally speaking everything
sounds picture perfect and this is also here the case. Especially during the
faster songs, lead singer RITTI DANGER's voice sounds quite average I am afraid,
but during the somewhat slower songs, he sounds quite acceptable actually.
Ritti is by the way also the drummer of SATANICA! Anyway, the best songs are
the more melodic hardrock orientated pieces, such as Liar, Dark star (with
superb SCORPIONS ish guitarwork) and the instrumental Kamikaze. Closing track
Deal with the devil is the only song where the vocals are saved by a strong
melodic harmonyvocals driven chorus, but despite it is quite a good album, the
struggling with the vocals is sometimes making it hard. Nevertheless, fans of
the classic Japanese Melodic Metalsound will love this band for sure! More info
at: https://www.facebook.com/pg/SatanicaOfficial
(Points:
7.9 out of 10)
MOSH-PIT
JUSTICE 'THE FIFTH OF DOOM' (PURE STEEL RECORDS/GERMAN IMPORT)
The fifth of doom is
the new album of the Bulgarian band MOSH-PIT JUSTICE, a Thrash Metal band that
has nothing to do with Doom, despite this being mentioned in the title of their
5th album. There were guest appearances of musicians whom played in TESTAMENT
and JEFF SCOTT SOTO band on their previous album, but this band is a pure
Thrash Metal band with some very aggressive moments. It's done well and Thrash
Metal fans might want to check them out at: https://mosh-pitjustice.bandcamp.com/
(Points:
-)
MADHOUSE
'BRAINDEAD' (PURE STEEL RECORDS/GERMAN IMPORT)
The German band
MADHOUSE has a long history which goes back to the 1980s, because they were
founded in 1987 and managed to release several demo tapes during the following
years. Although they played gigs as support for established acts like DARXON,
ZED YAGO and CHROMING ROSE, they split up in 1991. However, in 2014 they
reunited and several years later released their debut album Metal or die!,
which is now followed by Braindead. The band's line up in 2020 consists of Didi
Schulz/vocals, carsten Krekow/guitar, Thomas Gamlien/guitar, Lars Rothbart/bass
and Paul Slabiak/drums and their music is basically Teutonic Heavy Metal at
it's finest. They have a real shouter who can easily compete with the
well-known shouters of this genre. Imagine a mix between GRAVE DIGGER, RUNNING
WILD, ACCEPT and SINNER, then you're very close to MADHOUSE. After going full
speed ahead on the first 4 songs, they take a slight step back to a more
midtempo sound on the titletrack, which is a very strong tune! However, they
are their best during the faster uptempo pieces and despite the fact that
MADHOUSE might not be
innovative, they are definitely a high quality band with a superb classic
Melodic Teutonic Heavy Metal sound that brings out the best in this genre on
their new album Braindead, which is a must-have for fans of the mentioned
classic German bands! Check them out at: https://www.facebook.com/hellbangershamburg/
(Points:
8.5 out of 10)
BLAZING
RUST 'LINE OF DANGER' (PURE STEEL RECORDS/GERMAN IMPORT)
Line of danger is the 2nd album of BLAZING
RUST, a band from St. Petersburg/Russia with a pure 1980s sound that is more
melodic than most of the other releases on PURE STEEL RECORDS. In fact, they
are sounding dangerously close to the mid 1980s sound of bands like MAD MAX,
PRETTY MAIDS, early EUROPE and even DOKKEN. The band's line up consists of Igor
Arbuzov - Vocals, Roman Dovzhenko - Guitar, Serg Ivanov- Guitar and Dmitry
Dovzhenko - Drums. 8 songs are on their new CD, of which opener Let it slide is
faster uptempo melodic heavy rocker like a mix between MAD MAX and PRETTY
MAIDS, while following Line of danger is a fantastic uptempo melodic rocker
that brings memories of the first 2 EUROPE albums and DOKKEN! They are doing it
really well and everything just sounds perfect, including the soaring guitarsolo
and catchy memorable chorus. The vocals are also very decent, so it is an
enjoyable journey through the 80s melodic rock and melodic metal sounds with
those big classic guitar riffs from the MALMSTEEN, RATT, DOKKEN school when
hearing the beginning of Amidst the furious waves that is also reminding me a
bit of EUROPE's Seven doors hotel. Race with reality speeds up the tempo,
because this is a faster uptempo piece that even reveals classic NWOBHM
influences, but like in each and every song BLAZING RUST is all about melodies
that stick in your head, and MAD MAX meets PRETTY MAIDS is also here a good
description. The remaining 4 songs continue the mixture of aforementioned
bands, with as absolute highlights the superb catchy chorus of Only to burn and
the hookladen Crawling blind. Although the album only has a playing time of 38
minutes, the high quality of the included material is definitely impressive and
fans of the aforementioned bands will absolutely love this sensational band! Check
out this excellent Russian band at: https://blazingrust.bandcamp.com/
(Points:
8.7 out of 10)
ANGBAND
'IV' (PURE STEEL RECORDS/GERMAN IMPORT)
ANGBAND is a very special band, because
they are coming out of Tehran, Iran! They are the very first Iranian Metalband
with an international record deal and they already deliver their 4th album with
this new album IV on PURE STEEL RECORDS. The band was formed back in 2004 and
their current line-up consists of Tim Aymar - Vocals, Mahyar Dean - Guitars and
Ramin Rahimi - Drums and percussions. The band's music is typical western
melodic metal, with elements of prog and power metal, with here and there a
tiny touch of their own Persian folk music, such as can be heard during the start
of Visions in my head and a couple of times during the 9 included tracks.
However, most of the time they play the typical Melodic (Power) Metal like we
know it from bands such as PRIMAL FEAR, ASKA, IRON MAIDEN, etc., including
shredding guitarwork and high pitched screams, with as highlights Fighters,
Insane and Cyrus the great. Concluded, ANGBAND is a very decent band playing
your typical headbanging Melodic Metal, but most interesting fact here is that
they are coming out of Iran! More info at: https://angbandmetal.weebly.com/
(Points:
8.0 out of 10)
KAT 'THE
LAST CONVOY' (PURE STEEL RECORDS/GERMAN IMPORT)
The new album The last convoy of the
legendary Polish band KAT is a mix of originals and covers. KAT was formed all
the way back in 1979 and they have released a lot of albums throughout the
years and even toured with METALLICA in Poland during the 1980s. Anyway, fast
forward to 2020, the band's line up consists of Qbek Weigel– vocals, Piotr
Luczyk – guitar, Mariusz Prętkiewicz – drums and Adam "Harris"
Jasiński - bass and this new album features a special guest called TIM
"RIPPER" OWENS (ICED EARTH/PRIEST/ROCK STAR). The only album I ever
heard of this band was a 1987 LP I have somewhere in my collection, but I can't
remember, although I think I am gonna search for it, because this new record
sounds very good. KAT is clearly focused on bringing classic Melodic (Power)
Metal in the 80s style of bands like IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST and PRIMAL FEAR,
although they also remind me a lot of GRAVE DIGGER, RUNNING WILD and such 80s
Teutonic German Metal. 9 songs are included, and as already mentioned, besides
the original songs of the band, we can also hear covers of such classics like
Blackout (SCORPIONS), You shook me all night long (AC/DC) and Highway star
(DEEP PURPLE). Most interesting song however is the calmer acoustic Dark hole -
The habitat of Gods, a beautiful song with lovely lead- and harmonyvocals,
showing a completely different melodic side of KAT. KAT is definitely a
legendary band and like so many other bands from the eastern of Europe sadly
only popular in their area (just like DIVLJE JAGODE, TURBO and such), because
they have definitely delivered the goods in 40 years of metal history! Check
out their new album and more info at: https://kat-band.com/
(Points:
8.2 out of 10)
STARBLIND
'BLACK BUBBLING OOZE' (PURE STEEL RECORDS/GERMAN IMPORT)
STARBLIND from Sweden
is clearly influenced by IRON MAIDEN, which can be heard on their 4th album
Black bubbling ooze. From the start until the finish, this is pure Melodic
Metal in the classic MAIDEN style, with even a singer (Marcus Sannefjord
Olkerud) sounding a lot like BRUCE DICKINSON. It's a rather short album, 35
minutes in length and only 8 tracks in total. Not really a big issue, because
STARBLIND are playing their MAIDEN ish Metal at full speed and at a very high
level. Don't expect surprises here, but on the other hand, the fans of real Melodic
Metal with high pitched vocals and shredding twin-guitars will absolutely love
to sing-a-long with an anthem like the superb Here I am! STARBLIND might not be
original, they are thankfully doing it really well and therefore they are
highly recommended! Check them out at: https://www.starblind.se/
(Points:
8.4 out of 10)
ATTAXE
'20 YEARS THE HARD WAY' (PURE STEEL RECORDS/GERMAN IMPORT)
Now this is cult
underground stuff that should have been much bigger back in the day! ATTAXE
were one of many US bands with demo tape releases only during the glorious
1980s. Eventually they quit without a single album release, but in 2006 a
compilation album was released independently and now in 2020, that CD 20 years
the hard way is re-released by PURE STEEL RECORDS. Not to be confused with the
same named Californian Thrash Metal band, this ATTAXE from Cleveland, Ohio
featured an incredible high-pitched singer (JUAN RICARDO from RITUAL) of the
GEOFF TATE/BRUCE DICKINSON school, while the music is classic 80s US Melodic
Metal in the style of bands like RUFFIANS, HEIR APPARENT, SAVAGE GRACE, VICIOUS
RUMORS, HELSTAR, AGENT STEEL, FIFTH ANGEL... The band also featured members of
LIZZY BORDEN, BORN RUDE, PURGATORY and ANTITHESIS, so despite ATTAXE never made
it big, the members ended up in other more successfull bands. 15 songs can be
found on this compilation CD, which is a must-have for fans of aforementioned
bands. Songs like Blood on the moon, Pedal to the Metal, Jealousy, Suicide or
any of the included songs are a dream come true for the fans of this genre. The
songs are taken from the demos the band recorded between 1985 and 1990, but
thankfully the sound quality is perfect and making it sound very fresh
actually. It's funny to hear the band changing soundwise a bit between the
first demo from 1986 and their last demo from 1990, because when hearing Out of
the storm from 1986, they are clearly less high-pitched in the vocal
department, but with Are you ready from 1990, it's completely outta control and
sounding like PRIEST meets AGENT STEEL. Anyway, it's all good what they did and
this can now be checked at: ATTAXE at: https://puresteelrecords.bandcamp.com/album/20-years-the-hard-way
(Points:
8.7 out of 10)
BETTE
SMITH 'THE GOOD THE BAD AND THE BETTE' (RUF RECORDS/GERMAN IMPORT)
The good, the bad and
the bette is the 2nd album of Brooklyn, New York based BETTE SMITH. She has all
the ingredients to become the next Soul diva and she surely knows how to rock
quite hard as well on this new album. Bette gets help from a lengthy list of
musicians, such as Bassist and producer Matt Patton, Guitarists Craig Pratt,
Curtis J. Brewer, Jody Nelson, John McLeod, Luther Dickinson and Bronson Tew
(also co-producer), Guitarist/Organplayer Jimbo Mathus, Horn/Organplayer Henry
Westmoreland, Pianist Eric Carlton and Jamison Hollister on strings. The most
interesting thing here is the diversity in music, because Bette has a fantastic
voice that suits a perfect Soulful Bluesy rockstyle and is a combination of
YOLA and TINA TURNER vocally speaking. However, the music is not only in the
Soul/Blues direction, because as already mentioned, it surely rocks here and
there, with a few songs that even touch the Southern Rockstyle like a BLACK
CROWES meets LYNYRD SKYNYRD, but then of course with the lovely vocals of
Bette. Songs like the uptempo Southern rockers I'm a sinner, I felt it too and
the midtempo Everybody needs love are all great real rough Rock and Roll songs.
Fistful of dollars, Human and Pine belt blues are YOLA/TINA TURNER ish groovier
and funkier bluesrocksongs with a lot of Soul, while she also delivers calmer
Soul ballads like Whistle stop, Signs and wonders, Song for a friend and Don't
skip out on me, where she sings and sounds like the classic Soul/R&B
singers from the past. Concluded, this is a highly recommended album that cuth
both ways, because both the rockers and romantic sentimental people among us
will find something of interest here. BETTE SMITH is a must-have for fans of
YOLA CARTER, but even BLACK CROWES/LYNYRD SKYNYRD fans will find something of
interest here! More info at: http://www.bettesmith.com
(Points:
8.5 out of 10)
THE
RAGTIME RUMOURS 'ABANDON SHIP' (RUF RECORDS/GERMAN IMPORT)
We reviewed the debut
album of the Dutch band THE RAGTIME RUMOURS not so long ago, but they are now
about to release their new album Abandon ship. The band's line-up consists of
Tom Janssen (Vocals, Banjo, Guitar), Thimo Gijezen (Guitar, Piano, Accordion,
Bass, Vocals), Niki v.d. Schuren (Bass, Sax, Flute, Vocals) and Sjaak Korsten
(Drums, Washboard, Kazoo, Vocals) and Abandon ship is their 2nd album so far.
They play a mix of Bluegrass, old time 50s Rock & Roll/Rockabilly, Blues
and Gypsyjazz, and 12 songs are included on this very strong new album. They
have already won a few Awards and with this new album, they will definitely
become even more popular, despite they can't perform much nowadays. However,
the incredible high level of Abandon ship should gain them new fans I think. It
is a very diverse album, because there's uptempo Bluegrass (Abandon ship, 5h
left), 50s Jazzy RANDY NEWMAN ish singer/songwriter (A romantic story between
Minne and Dave), bluesy rock (Pinocchio), early 50s rock and roll a la THE
COASTERS (Undressing me), calmer Blues (Valley of the Gods) and even a Latin
jazzy ish song with strong female vocals (Yes, my darling daughter). There are
a lot of various directions from past music genres to be found on this album
and it's all done just perfectly. Go check them out at: https://theragtimerumours.com/ and
hopefully soon they will be able to perform live again!
(Points:
8.5 out of 10)
JEREMY
D'ANTONIO 'SPINNIN' WHEELS VINYL RECORD' (8 TRACK RECORDS/XO PUBLICITY/USA
IMPORT)
Although we do not
review Country Music so much, in the USA there has always been a huge scene
filled with new acts playing this genre. Singer/songwriter/guitarist JEREMY
D'ANTONIO from Richmond, California was kind enough to sent me his 5 tracks
counting debut Vinyl Record Spinnin' wheels. He recorded this album with
musicians from the former bands of MERLE HAGGARD and BUCK OWENS and it was
mixed by MALCOLM BURN (EMMYLOU HARRIS, BOB DYLAN, NEVILLE BROTHERS. CHRIS
WHITLEY...), so basically there are a lot of professional people involved in
the making of Jeremy's first album. The result is a strong traditional Country
album like it was made in the 1970s by countless artists. Jeremy sings and
writes most of the songs on his own and he also plays the acoustic guitar. The
only song he didn't write is the JOHN PRINE cover Speed of the sound of
lonliness. Sad and blue starts very calm and like a real classic country
crooner ballad, while following Speed of the sound of lonliness is a bit more
uptempo, but also pure Country-Rock. The overall sound of Jeremy is very
melancholic and slightly depressing in it's approach, but that makes it also
very fragile. He has got a great pure country voice, so I can imagine fans of
classic country will absolutely love this record, but also outside the country
world this should definitely be given a chance! Turning over to Side-B we can
find the titletrack, which is another strong Country ballad in the classic
style of the genre. Following track Heaven knows is a bit more uptempo again,
with this time a slight JOHNNY CASH touch. Closing this fine vinyl record is
Crawlin' out of my skin, which is as close to pure County you can get! I even
think fans of DANNY VERA will like this album, so the conclusion is that this
is a highly recommended mini-EP to all country fans out there! More info at: https://www.jeremydantonio.com/music/
(Points:
8.3 out of 10)
KIRK
FLETCHER 'MY BLUES PATHWAY' (CLEOPATRA BLUES/USA IMPORT)
Former guitarist with THE FABULOUS
THUNDERBIRDS, KIRK FLETCHER returns with his 6th album My blues pathway, which
is more or less a tribute to his influences from the past. The new album
consists not only of covers, but also originals of Kirk, so there is a nice
mixture going on here. Besides Kirk on guitar and vocals, other involved
musicians are Bassplayer Travis Carlton, Drummers Lemar Carter and David Kida,
Keyboardplayer Jeff Babko, Saxophoneplayer Joe Sublett, Trumpetplayer Mark
Pender and Harmonicaplayer Charlie Musselwhite. The result is a very good album
with strong vocals and guitarplaying from Kirk. He has a very deep and low
soulful vibrato in his voice, while his guitarplaying is of the old blues
school (BB KING, MUDDY WATERS) and the music has a relaxing vibe, so a great
combination that works on the 10 songs of this album. Sometimes it reminds me a
bit of ROBERT CRAY, especially during the rockier songs such as Ain't no cure
for the downhearted, Struggle for Grace, I'd rather fight than switch and Place
in this world. Kirk is also able to go for smoother calmer balladry, which can
be heard during songs like Love is more than a word and Heart so heavy. The Old
school Blues influences can best be heardduring Fattening frogs for snakes,
which is a cover of SONNY BOY WILLIAMSON, and also closing track Life gave me a
dirty deal, a JUKE BOY BONNER cover. Nice new album of KIRK FLETCHER,
recommended to the fans of calmer blues rock. More info at: http://kirkfletcherband.com/
(Points:
8.3 out of 10)
WILLIAM
SHATNER 'THE BLUES' (CLEOPATRA RECORDS/USA IMPORT)
Never in my life I
would have honestly thought that I would be reviewing a music related album of
WILLIAM SHATNER! Anyway, The blues is his album as a singer instead of a
presenter of such a legendary show like RESCUE 911 or a sci-fi show like STAR
TREK. He recorded an album with an impressive list of musicians and sings
himself, but I am afraid his vocal adventure should not be continued with
another record. it's the same situation as CHRISTOPHER LEE, the famous Horror
movie actor who recorded a Metal album with well-known musicians from RHAPSODY
and MANOWAR. William did the same and recorded with people like BRAD PASIELY,
TYLER BRYANT, RITCHIE BLACKMORE (!), ALBERT LEE, CANNED HEAT, SONNY LANDRETH
and many others an album full of pure Blues. These are mostly covers of classic
Blues tunes such as I can't quit you baby, Sunshine of your love, Mannish boy,
I put a spell on you, etc. I think it's best for him to stick to presenting,
because now this album is just his music legacy to the world and yes I am aware
he recorded more albums in the past, but this feels like a Spoken Word Blues
album and really only of interest for a small amount of people...
(Points:
-)
STARBENDERS
'STARBENDERS EP/JAPANESE ROOMS EP/LOVE POTIONS FULL ALBUM - VINYL RECORDS + CDs'
(B.I.J. RECORDS/JAPANESE IMPORT)
Formed in 2014 in
Atlanta, Georgia, USA, the band STARBENDERS have already released a lot ot
music and I was pleasantly surprised to receive all their work on both CD and
VINYL. Their albums have only been released in Japan so far, so it is quite
hard to get abroad. They signed with the Japanese label B.I.J. RECORDS a few
years ago and over there the band is slowly becoming quite popular, with even a
Japanese tour in 2019. Corona got in the way when they were about to release
their full-length album Love potions earlier this year, but nevertheless the
future still looks bright. I can inform you that we are dealing here with a
sensational band that could easily become the next big thing when hearing their
fantastic album releases. I can even add here that STARBENDERS could become as
huge as for example PARAMORE or HALESTORM, because they have something to offer
here which is irresistible. First of all the lovely Japanese pressings of the 3
albums they released, because they all look beautifully and thankfully all the
albums are loaded with superb music that is in general speaking pure Rock and
Roll the way it should sound! The band's line-up consists of Kimi Shelter -
lead vocals/guitars, Aaron Lecesne - bass, Emily Moon - drums and Kriss Tokaji-
guitars/vocals, and their brand of rock and roll should appeal to a lot of
people I think, because it covers many decades of rock influences.
Their same titled EP
from 2018 consists of 6 tracks on the vinyl version and 2 additional tracks on
CD. Side-A features the superb catchy
full-blown uptempo rockers While I was sleeping (BLONDIE in her best days),
Zero (awesome killer chorus and super tight guitarsolo, classic early 1980s PAT
BENATAR ish, with sensational rawer STEVIE NICKS ish vocals during the 2nd part
of the song) and Downtown (TORONTO meets modern day Rock and Roll, with once
again sensational guitarwork). Side-B opens with the beautiful and very melodic
Julian, a somewhat quirky rocker with a very nice radio-ready chorus. Paper
beats rock goes almost for a pure 1970s Glamrock approach, kinda like T-REX in
a catfight with classic JOAN JETT and THE RUNAWAYS, which is very well done
indeed! U like me now is another uptempo rocker, this time edgier and punkier,
with a very raw sound, and it closes the EP Vinyl record of the band's same
titled debut album.
Death by amplifier
opens their Japanese rooms EP from 2019, and this first song is big time
uptempo raw Garage Glam/Punk Sleazy rock like even THE RUNAWAYS didn't produce
during their heydays, but perhaps it also sounds a bit like THE DONNAS or THE
RIPLETS. Touch is quite laid-back, still rocking through, but more radio-ready
rock and roll. Closing track of Side-A is Downtown (also on their debut EP), a nice
quirky poprocker with an early 80s touch like SHANDI or LAURIE LEE AND THE
SIGHS if anyone can remember them! Side-B opens with a very synth driven modern
touch, so clearly a different side of STARBENDERS this midtempo Synthpop
orientated Never lie 2 me. Next track Far from heaven is then again classic
uptempo rock and roll with a high pitched vocal chorus that is radio-ready and
this song also features a killer classic rock guitarsolo. 21st Century Orphan
is back to their bubblegum Garage/Sleazy rocking debut EP again, meaning this
is a big Glamrock anthem like T-REX meets JOAN JETT/THE RUNAWAYS.
Love potions is their
new album and the first full-length album available on CD, with 15 tracks in
total. The sound is massive and it seems they have come up with their best
effort so far, with a strong focus on catchy hooks and memorable choruses, so
quite 80s inspired, but still with a modern rock vibe as well. Here and there
the music goes almost in a Dreampop direction vocally speaking (Push), but
overall it still rocks from start to finish! The highlights here are Hangin' on
tonight (big time classic rock anthem), Can't cheat time (vert catchy hookladen
poprock tune), Cover me (pure 1980s melodic poprock anthem), Bitches be witches
(superb 80s AOR/Poprock, with a deadly catchy chorus that would make STEVIE
NICKS, FIONA and THE MOTELS very jealous!), London (incredible chorus, if THE
BANGLES would be mixed with THE PRETENDERS and DIVINYLS), Down & out (yet
another marvelous catchy chorus, like THE MOTELS (Take the L song) and the
Japanese bonus track True love (lovely catchy uptempo melodic punkpoprocker
like BLONDIE would have loved to do in the late 1970s!).
STARBENDERS sound
fresh, rock quite hard and are still very melodic, but they also have a modern
and retro rockin' vibe edge. Concluded, this band combines it all and is
destined to become huge! It's unbelievable that STARBENDERS have not had their big
breakthrough yet! STARBENDERS are a unique band for sure! Check them out a.s.a.p.
at: https://www.starbenders.com/
(Points:
9.0 out of 10)
CIRAXIS
'VARIOUS RECORDINGS' (INDEPENDENT/USA IMPORT)
Although there are cookiemonster/death
growls to be heard in the songs of the Illinois, USA based band CIRAXIS, they
proudly sent me 3 CDs they released so far and most of the material is
nevertheless impressive Melodic epic Metal with actually an own direction.
SAVATAGE, QUEENSRYCHE, SYRIS, EVERGREY, PSYCHOTIC WALTZ, FATES WARNING and such
Melodic 80s epic Prog/US Melodic Metal is the name of the game here, but as
already mentioned, within this sub-genre CIRAXIS has somehow created an own
style. Formed in 2017, this 3-piece band released their debut album Atrocities
back in 2018 and their CD-singles Bound to flesh and Judgment: Condemned in
2020. Kyle Bissell - Bass/Vocals, Darek Mix - Guitar and Taylor Mix - Drums are
together CIRAXIS and they are doing things at a very high level here. The album
covers are drawn by Kyle, who does an excellent job! Musically speaking, the highlights
in their discography are Being, Pink cloud (lovely guitarwork) and the MAIDEN
ish Order of no quarter from their debut album Atrocities. The new songs follow
the same route and despite the growling is not disturbing, it might put off
some fans of classic 80s melodic prog/epic metal, but on the other hand a band
like OPETH got away with it, so why not try CIRAXIS, because they are good to
be avoided. In fact, they have the potential to sign with a German Metal label
someday in the future! More info at: https://ciraxis.com
and https://ciraxis.bandcamp.com/music
(Points:
8.0 out of 10)
SIGUE
SIGUE SPUTNIK ELECTRONIC 'DNA 2049 VINYL RECORD' (B.I.J. RECORDS/JAPANESE
IMPORT)
In the UK the New Wave
band SIGUE SIGUE SPUTNIK has a real cult following in the Punk, Techno and New
Wave scene, because they combined these genres to an exciting new level since
their formation in 1982. Especially in the 1980s they were more or less quite
popular in the underground and with the song Love missile F1-11 they even
scored a hit movie themesong for the 80s classic movie Ferris Bueller's Day
Off. Anyway, most of the members went different directions throughout the
years, playing with several other bands and now in 2020 a sort of spin-off
called SIGUE SIGUE SPUTNIK ELECTRONIC is still active and raising the flag for
this classic 80s New Wave band. It's actually a duo consisting of original
singer Martin Degville accompanied by Johann Weidemann on keyboards. Together they
released several albums the past few years actually, but it is the Japanese
label B.I.J. RECORDS that takes it a bit further with the offficial releases of
the band's material. The 2013 album DNA 2049 is available now on both CD and
VINYL and the included music is is sounding very futuristic and quite original
when opener DNA - Electronic DNA passes by, although when listening to the
uptempo Cyberpunk uptempo rocker Neon cruise, it's like I am listening to a
cross between CHEAP TRICK, SHOTGUN MESSIAH and ROGUE MALE, with a distorted
Hardcore House drumbeat speeding things up to a Club/Disco tempo. On the other
hand, you also have a calmer Sci-Fi wave ballad like Tastes like chocolade,
with its 80s ish power ballad guitarsolo, and Side-A of the vinyl record closes
nicely with the catchy uptempo Where Have All The Rock Stars Gone? that in the
hands of BILLY IDOL would have been huge 30+ years ago! Side-B continues with
more or less a same kinda mixture of Cyberpunk, Techno beats and quirky 80s
Punkpoprock choruses, such as during uptempo catchy rockers like I Don't Wanna
Live In Reality and 1000 Tears, while also there is a smooth guitarsolo of the
CC DEVILLE kind in a Wave Ballad like
Ain't Somethin' Good Gonna Happen Tonite and how about dark Synthwave during
the strong catchy closing track Terror Bytes. Together with an extravagent
look, this band was back in the day already been set apart from the rest and
also in 2020 this new version of SIGUE SIGUE SPUTNIK continues to shock like
bands such as THE TUBES and CHEAP TRICK did back in the 1970s. Check them out
at: https://ssselectronic.bandcamp.com/
(Points:
8.1 out of 10)
SOAP
GIRLS 'SOCIETYS REJECTS' (B.I.J. RECORDS/JAPANESE IMPORT)
If you ever thought THE RUNAWAYS were
shocking with their visual performance live on stage and explicit lyrics, then
I guess you never heard of SOAP GIRLS. This sister-duo act from South African
is based around the French born sisters Camille Debray (vocals, bass) and
Noemie Debray (vocals, guitar). Together with a few session drummers they
recorded 4 albums the past 10 years, of which their debut Xperience made it to
number 1 in the charts of South Africa, and it was also released on major label
UNIVERSAL MUSIC. Eventually SOAP GIRLS went independent throughout the 2010s
and they released 3 more albums this way, of which their 2017 release Society's
rejects is released officially on CD by the Japanese label B.I.J. RECORDS. The
included music is very strong catchy chorus driven uptempo punky melodic heavy
rock and roll that might not sound really original, as this has been done by
countless others in the past, but SOAP GIRLS are nevertheless bringing us a
bunch of really catchy tunes on this album at a high level. Some more variety
wouldn't hurt of course, but on the other hand uptempo rockers like Society's
reject, Johnny Rotten, Air, Bad bitch, One way street (Japanese bonustrack),
Rather B dead, Bury me and Play with fire are deadly catchy tunes you will be
singing along to for sure! If you like THE DONNAS, THE RUNAWAYS, THE RIPLETS,
ENVY, POISON DOLLYS and such bands, then you will love SOAP GIRLS and if you
don't, then this Japanese CD release will wet your appetite nevertheless,
because they are both beautiful looking girls who can also sing, play and write
a decent tune! More info at: https://thesoapgirls.bandcamp.com
and http://thesoapgirls.band/
(Points:
8.4 out of 10)
ISOLATED
YOUTH 'WARFARE EP CD + IRIS VINYL RECORD' (B.I.J. RECORDS/JAPANESE IMPORT)
Out of Stockholm, Sweden comes ISOLATED
YOUTH, a band formed in March 2017 by brothers William (guitar) & Axel
Mårdberg (vocals, guitar, synths) along with Egon Westberg Larsson (bass) and
Andreas Geidemark (drums). They already released 2 albums since their
formation, both EP's, of which Warfare is only available on CD, but the new
album Iris is out on both CD and VINYL. The music of ISOLATED YOUTH is clearly
1980s influenced British New Wave/Post-Punk in the style of ECHO AND THE
BUNNYMEN, but the high pitched vocals is making it sound just a little bit
different. Axel has a voice which sounds quite unique for a male, because he
has the incredible high falsetto like we also know it from JIMMY SOMMERVILLE
for example. In combination with the Post-Punk-Wave, it gives ISOLATED YOUTH an
own identity. It really takes some time to get used to the vocals, because it
makes the band sound like a combination of THE CRANBERRIES, ERASURE and ECHO
AND THE BUNNYMEN, with especially on their debut Warfare a more 80s Alternative
Gothic Rock approach, which is quite interesting! The new album Iris is more
New Wave orientated and apart from the somewhat extraordinary lead vocals, the music
is definitely pure Post-Punk/Wave orientated overall, but I really think it's
best you check them out for yourself at: https://isolatedyouth.bandcamp.com
and http://isolatedyouth.jp and http://www.isolatedyouth.com
(Points:
7.5 out of 10)
VANT 'CONCEIVED
IN THE SKY VINYL RECORD + CD ' (B.I.J. RECORDS/JAPANESE IMPORT)
And here we have an
interesting one man's band from London, UK. It's called VANT and the man behind
this band or project is MATTIE VANT, who sings, writes, produces, records,
plays guitar, bass, keys, drums and does basically everything on the 2nd album
Conceived in the sky. He was only assisted by SAM MILLER, who mixed and
mastered the album. There are 13 tracks included, but a few are short
interludes, so they should not be counted actually. Opener Mary don't mind
starts the album in a very sensational positive uptempo direction, basically
pure British New Wave/Post-Indierock like we know it from bands like THE SLOW
READERS CLUB, THE EDITORS, ECHO AND THE BUNNYMEN and countless more. Be aware
that not the whole album goes in this direction, because there are quite a few
songs that have a sound that could be described as modern hi-tech dancepop with
somewhat programmed drums and vocals, such as Lie to myself, Best friends and
Exoskeleton. Such songs would do really well on radio I think, because they are
very catchy and couldn't sound more modern pop! In fact, such songs do have the
potential to make MATTIE VAT a superstar like BRUNO MARS, JAMES BAY or ED
SHEERAN. It gives the album a very commercial approach, which is a pity,
because VANT can do so much better like heard on that first song Mary don't
mind. Nevertheless, later on the album we can hear a few more Britwavepop ish
songs, such as Propaganda machine and the experimental Atlas falling, but after
repeated spins it really is a modern popalbum in general and actually a really
good one if you like the mentioned popular artists. Check out all on VANT at: www.wearevant.com and https://www.facebook.com/wearevant
(Points:
8.0 out of 10)
ATTICK
DEMONS 'DAYTIME STORIES... NIGHTMARE TALES' (ROCK OF ANGELS RECORDS/GERMANY IMPORT)
Daytime stories... nightmare tales is the
3rd album of the Portuguese band ATTICK DEMONS. They were formed all the way
back in 1996 and have meanwhile built up quite a reputation. Their debut
Atlantis was released in 2011 and follow-up Let's raise hell in 2016. The
line-up consists of Artur Almeida/Vocals, Joao Clemente/Bass, Dário
Antunes/Guitars, Nuno Martins/Guitars and Ricardo Oliveira/Drums, and their
music is pure Melodic Metal in the traditional 80s direction, sounding like a
cross between IRON MAIDEN and EDGUY, especially their lead singer Artur reminds
me a lot of BRUCE DICKINSON. 9 songs are included and at first it sounds pretty
good, but after a while it seems like the band's sound is a bit too much
sounding like IRON MAIDEN and the vocals are not as good as Bruce I'm afraid.
Not saying the band is bad or anything like that, but there is not so much
diversity going on to keep up the interest until the end. Nevertheless,
die-hard Metalfans will probably still like this album. Check out more info at:
http://www.attickdemons.com/
(Points:
7.1 out of 10)
KHUSUGTUN
'JANGAR' (ROUTES NOMADES/BUDA MUSIQUE/XANGO MUSIC)
Out of Mongolia comes
KHUSUGTUN, a unique sounding band that has delivered a World Music masterpiece
with their new album Jangar. It is also probably the first band from Mongolia I
ever get to hear and review, and the most interesting thing here is that they
actually make pure traditional Mongolian music, but give it a modern approach. The
band uses traditional Mongolian instruments and perform a modern and polyphonic
exploration of the traditional overtone singing from Mongolia. The sextet
consists of Adiyadorj Gombosuren (Khöömii, limbe flute, djembe), Amarbayasgalan
Chovjoo (Yatga zither, choir), Ariunbold Dashdorj (Khöömii, Ikh khuur, guitar), Batzorig
Vaanchig (Khöömii, morin khuur),
Chuluunbaatar Oyungerel (Khöömii, morin
khuur) and Ulambayar Khurelbaatar
(Khöömii, dombra lute, cello). It's especially the singing which makes
this such an outstanding album, because the deep low, almost baritone way of
throat singing is typical Mongolian, but if you listen to a song like Naadmyn
magtaal or Temee, they actually sound like very melodic catchy uptempo Medieaval
acoustic Metal-Folk tunes like we also know it from bands like THE HU, KORPIKLAANI,
WARDRUNA... but of course then without the electric guitars and pounding
bass/drums section!. Anyway, I will not mention further songtitles, because
it's all in the Mongolian language, so that makes it quite hard to understand
and follow, but thankfully the extensive liner notes in the booklet are in
English, so they provide a lot of background info on each and every song. KHUSUGTUN
really surprised me as sounding different than any other band in the world. I
can only imagine that live on stage this band will make a huge impact with
their way of performing and singing, and as already mentioned, they also sound
really melodic and catchy somehow, especially during the mentioned songs, which
feature harmonyvocals driven chorus to sing-a-long to. Here and there they
really go for the traditional Mongolian sound, but overall they give it this
modern touch to keep it interesting for everyone. Please make sure not to miss
this highly recommended release at: https://www.facebook.com/khusugtunband
(Points:
8.7 out of 10)
OUTSIDE
IN 'KARMATRAIN' (ALLGOOD ABSOLUTE ALTERNATIVE MUSIC/TRIPLE A RECORDS/NEW
ZEALAND IMPORT)
All the way from Auckland, New Zealand we
finally get to review a band from that part of the world. In fact, I can only
imagine that there are a lot of undiscovered bands from Australia and New
Zealand out there and OUTSIDE IN is definitely one of them! As soon as I heard
the first couple of songs of their album Karmatrain, which are the beautiful
calmer melodic progrockers Let me go and Blue dragon, I knew that this was
going to be a sensational adventure through the fields of progrock. It's all
about the songs here, with lovely vocals, precise guitarwork and memorable
melodies, like we know it from bands such as ENCHANT, PORCUPINE TREE, AIRBAG,
FOR ABSENT FRIENDS, RIVERSIDE, CAMEL, PINK FLOYD and such. OUTSIDE IN was
formed in 2011 and I believe Karmatrain is their debut full-length album. The
band's line up consists of Mikey Brown: Vocals / Lyrics / Synth / Keys /
Guitar, Jonnie Barnard: Guitar, Adam Tobeck: Drums, Elliott Seung Il Park: Bass
and Joe Park: Guitar and after those first couple of songs, the band keeps up
the incredible high level of melodic calmer progrock based around beautiful
melodies instead of long complex instrumental passages. Echoes and stepping
stones for example is such a lovely song, with beautiful haunting melodies and
towards the end it becomes a bit rockier, with a sorta RADIOHEAD ish 90s
alternative rock touch. However, OUTSIDE IN is a pure progrockband, yet one
with a focus on melodic songs and they are doing it very well, with a
sensational melodic clean singer and after repeated listens I can even say that
they have developed an own style within the prog genre. Each and every song of
this album is a winner, with so many highlights, Pass on the flag and Om for
example should also be mentioned, truly wonderful songs! If you care for
melodic song orientated prog and liked the AIRBAG album, then this OUTSIDE IN
is definitely up your alley as well! Check them out at: https://outsideinnz.bandcamp.com/album/karmatrain
(Points: 8.8 out of 10)
MANDOKI
SOULMATES 'VARIOUS ALBUMS' (RED ROCK PRODUCTION/SONY MUSIC/GERMANY IMPORT)
Somewhere else we
reviewed the sensational new album of MANDOKI SOULMATES, but as already
mentioned, the leader of this band or should I say immense project, the
Hungarian LESLIE MANDOKI has released a lot of albums in the past. He was kind
enough to sent me all his MANDOKI albums and I have to say it is a joy to
listen to this man's work, because each and every album of the 8 that were sent
to me, they are all wonderful and combine the best of Jazz, Westcoast, Fusion,
AOR/Pop and Classic Rock. I will not get into detail, but if you like music
that recalls the 1970s and 1980s when bands like TOTO and STEELY DAN were huge,
then this MANDOKI SOULMATES is yours for sure. There are so many great songs to
be heard on all those albums, it is impossible to mention them all, but Highest
hopes and darkest fears, I dance through my dreams, On and on, Hold on to your
dreams, Nothing or everything, I lost my heart in China and Last night are just
a few examples of this wonderful mixture of relaxing AOR/Westcoast, Jazz/Fusion
and Pop/Rock. The list of guest musicians is endless, but BOBBY KIMBALL takes
part as singer on a lot of songs, while other musicians appearing on the
MANDOKI albums are IAN ANDERSON, JACK BRUCE, NIK KERSHAW, AL DI MEOLA, CHAKA
KHAN, STEVE LUKATHER, JOSHUA KADISON, PETER MAFFAY... From my deepest and most
honest heart I can highly recommend this incredible project/band! The
AOR/Westcoast fans might want to check out the album Aquarelle first, as this
happens to be a real strong AOR/Westcoast-Poprock affair that is dangerously
close to TOTO during songs like Cruel wide world, Legend and After the flood.
More info can be found at: https://mandoki-soulmates.com/
(Points:
8.5 out of 10)
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