 |
FEBRUARY 2009 REVIEWS PAGE 1
Click HERE For Page 2
If you want your material reviewed please send all Press Packs to:
PO BOX 410/MARGATE/KENT/CT9 3RB/ENGLAND/UK
For all other information please email HERE
PLEASE NOTE
This site will be updated throughout February. Please do keep coming back.
REVIEWS
ABIGAIL HOPKINS – The Memoirs Of An Outlaw: I've played this album a couple of times now and really got into what Abigail Hopkins is all about. Experimenting with both the Folk and Jazz genres is a superb idea. Abigail Hopkins is very creative and you can hear that creativity throughout this album and that's what makes this an album to pick up! All fourteen tracks have had plenty of work put into them and could only work for some one like Abigail. When I first heard her on My Space I was impressed and then when I played the album I was 'Wow!'. For me tracks like 'Used Car Salesman', 'Dried Flowers', 'The Last Train' and 'If This Is Love' really did it for me. Both musically and lyrically you can't go wrong with this album. Abigail Hopkins is a breath of fresh air and that shows throughout the whole album. This lady is amazing and with her experience has put together one of the best albums you're likely to hear in 2009. 9/10
Possessed Records
____________________________________
A BROKEHEART PRO – The Kitten Next Door: A Brokeheart Pro is actually Jeannette Kantzacis from the Chubbies and what she's done with this solo album is great. There's eleven tracks in all including two covers one of which is 'Bling' by the Killers. What's so good about this album is Jeannette has taken influences from her favourite genres of music and mixed them all together to bring you something that is a pleasure to the ears. I can safely say there's no fillers on this release though the tracks that stood out for me included 'Charming Fucker', 'Kitten Next Door' and 'Pink Mischief'. It's records like that that keep me interested in independent music and when you hear this album you'll understand why. This comes well produced and packaged too. An album certainly well worth tracking down. 8/10
A Brokeheart Pro
____________________________________
THE ARTERIES – Blood, Sweat And Beers: This five-piece from Wales have put together a really good album here and one that is so deserving of being checked out! And we're not the only ones saying it – Even Kerrang and in on the act and about time too! This album shows why the Arteries are such a great band which incorporates Punk with a bit of Metal thrown in here and there. It's not often I sit down and listen to an album all the way through but I did with this release. When you hears tracks such as 'No Route No Glory', 'Divergence' and 'Remember This' you'll understand why so many people including myself think they're great. The musicianship is spot on and you have to wonder why this band aren't much bigger than they are. Check out this album as it's one of the surprises of 2009. 8.5/10
Household Name Records
____________________________________
COLT – You Hold On To What's Not Real: Colt are a duo made up of Jared Hawkes and Andrea Kerr and between them they write some pretty interesting material. The eight tracks on this release are very diverse with mixing the Rock and Electronic genres creating a very alternative sound. I've never understood why more artists don't get more creative as listening to ' You Hold On To What's Not Real' I can respect an artist more for doing their own thing instead of creating something that is commercially viable. All eight tracks on this release are certainly worth a listen though for many this release might not appeal to them as it's not commercial pop. People who have a musical head on them will certainly get into this and appreciate this CD for what Jared and Andrea are doing. Personally I thought this is worth getting just for Andreas voice alone as it's very striking and works well with the music on here. This also comes well packaged and produced. 8/10
Obvious Records
____________________________________
DIE PRETTY – Bittersweet: All I can say is what a great band? From the opening moments of this ten track CD I was blown away by this NYC Punk/Rock crossover band. The main players of this band are a brother and sister and boy do they rock! This album opens up with 'Girls And Boys' one of the best tunes I've heard in 2009 and then it just gets better. Just listen to tunes such as 'Grin And Bear It', 'Angela', 'Can You Make It' and 'Heart Of Stone'. You'll be blown away by Sarah's vocals and great bass lines. Not forgetting Skips guitar and vocal work either! For a band who've just been going three years they're put together one of the best albums I've heard in years both lyrically and musically. The production is spot on too and this comes well packaged too! 9.5/10
Unconform Records
____________________________________
FAKE PROBLEMS – The Dream Team: I've never heard this band before but if this one track promo is anything to go by I can't wait to hear the full album 'It's Great To Be Alive'. These are one of the catchiest punk bands I've heard come out of America. Fake Problems remind me of Agnostic Front (Riot Riot Album Era) meets early Rancid and that can only a be a good thing. Banging stuff from a band who are going to be America's next big Punk Rock export since Rancid. Look out for this band. You'll love them! 9/10
Side One Dummy
____________________________________
GG ALLIN – Best 6f GG Allin And The Murder Junkies DVD: Only the most open minded people are going to get into this as GG Allin wont be to everyone's taste! No matter what some say about the man you have to give him credit for living the way he did. I'm surprised he wasn't banged up for life for some of his antics but hey no one was forced to go and see the man perform. This DVD captures some of the crazy moments where the man runs around stage naked, has a dump on stage and at various points diving into the audiences naked etc. All this while performing some of his craziest songs such as 'I Wanna Rape You', 'Kill Everything I Fuck', 'Expose Yourself To Kids' and 'Cunt Sucking Cannibal'. If you were a GG Allin fan you'll love this DVD and will sure to have you in tears at some of his antics. This release also comes with an interview with GG's mum. 9/10
MVD Visual
____________________________________
HARD-ONS – Suck And Swallow (25 Years 25 Songs): I love the Hard-Ons and I was so excited when this CD came through the post. This release consists of 25 tracks to cover the 25 years the band have been going. 24 of these tracks have been released before with one new number 'Everyone Seems To Be Out To Get You'. There's been some great Hard-Ons songs over the year and most of my favourites are on here including 'Surfin On My Face', 'Suck N Swallow', 'Made To Love You', 'What Would Stiv Bators Do?' and 'Bottom Feeders'. If you're a fan of the Ramones then you'll love this band who are a tad more HC but with great tunes. The Hard-Ons are a great band and this CD is proof of that. 8.5/10
Boss Tuneage
Release Date: 30th March 2009
____________________________________
IGGY POP – Lust For Life DVD: This DVD was filmed in 1986 when Iggy was enjoying a successful period with a new album 'Blah Blah Blah'. From what I understand this DVD is made by a Dutch company who've put together some really cool stuff including some great live clips and features/interviews with Iggy Pop and Stooges guitarist Ron Asheton. For Iggy Pop fans this DVD is a must to have as this contains much unseen material and gives an insight into why the band split up in the first place. This also shows in places an Iggy Pop showing much humour. Documentaries don't usually appeal to me but this one I watched from start to finish. A DVD that all Iggy Pop/Stooges fans must own. 8/10
MVD Visual
____________________________________
ILIS – Promo: Ilis are one of the best bands to come out of Europe and they really need to be heard. Fronted by the beautiful Virginie Nourry this French band play some excellent power-pop/rock tunes. The musicianship is top notch and one has to wonder why Ilis aren't a much bigger band. Virginie delivers the songs with passion and her voice is amazing. She's more than just a pretty face. The songs maybe in French but that shouldn't stop you getting into songs such as 'Le Marcherai', 'On Se Bat Tous Les Jours' and 'Changer Le Sort'. They are great songs plenty of passion in them and that's why Ilis rock! There's five songs in all and everyone of them are spot on. It's just a shame this wasn't a full album. 9/10
Self Released
____________________________________
INNERPARTYSYSTEM – Don't Stop: Innerpartysystem are making a name from themselves with their own take of blending Dance music with Rock and making it their own scene. This two track single shows a great band these are. 'Don't Stop' is a catchy number taken from their recently released self tilted album. This is sure to get dance floors up and down the UK banging away and raise more awareness for Innerpartysytem who are a class band. The second track 'Redemption' is a great follower and this track on it's own should win a few fans. This release also comes with a video for 'Don't Stop' which compliments the title track. If you've not heard Innerpartysytem before then this is a great place to start. 8.5/10
Island Music
Release Date: 9th February 2009
____________________________________
KASMS – Bone You: Kasms are one of the best bands I've heard this year going on this two track single which blew me away. This band remind me of an early Siouxsie crossed with hard edged Punk/Rocktunes with a modern touch and going on this release this band are going to make a really good name for themselves. If these had been about in the late 70's/early 80's these would be legendary now. There's still time as Kasms have a fresh sound which will appeal to independent music fans right across the board. 'Bone You' is a great single with flip track 'Ode To Millers' not so far behind. If you're looking for something new with a bit of imagination then make sure it's this band. 8.5/10
Self Released
Release Date: 23rd February 2009
____________________________________
MELANIE JEAN – Rollercoaster: Melanie Jean has talent and this single confirms it for me that this lady is one of the best female artists in the UK today. Combining R n B and an Acoustic Pop sound I have to say this single has a real Soul feel to it. 'Rollercoaster' is sure to take Melanie to the next level. This lady's voice is amazing and really does need to be heard. Given the right backing this single would surely be a top 20 hit for Melanie and she deserves it. You can tell by listening to this single just how much passion has gone into it. There's three versions of this song on this single with two versions featuring Darnell Swallow from the Big Brother house. Great songs and a top production. 50% of the sales from this release will go direct to the 'Keep A Child Alive' charity which helps children with AIDS in Africa. A single that needs to be supported for that great cause and just as important this is an introduction to one of the hottest artists in the UK. 9/10
Self Released
____________________________________
THE PEPPER POTS – Shake It! I remember seeing this Spanish band in my home town in 2007. My first memory of this band were how beautiful all three female vocalists were when they hit the stage. I know I wasn't the only! When they started to sing their voices blew me away as they sounded so natural as they sung along to the great tunes the rest of the band were playing. Between them they were brilliant and I was so happy when I found them on My Space two years later and got this review copy. This fourteen track album shows what a class act they are and surely have to be one of the best Ska bands this century. There's some great songs on here including 'Be My Baby', 'My Heart Belongs To You', 'I'll Fly With You' and 'The Garden Of Love'. Both vocally and musically you can't go wrong and that's why you should pick up this album to hear some special moments. What makes this even more enjoyable is that a few of the numbers have guest artists appearing on them including the likes of legendary Ska artists 'The Pioneers'. This album also comes well packaged giving you very good value for money. The Pepper Pots rock and this album proves that! 9/10
Brixton Records
____________________________________
SEETHER – Breakdown: This is the latest offering from South African rock band 'Seether' which was released in time for them to play a few UK dates. This catchy rock single is a sure winner to get folks interested in the band. 'Breakdown' is one of the best tunes you're going to hear in 2009 and for a three-piece you have to give them plenty of respect as most five-piece bands couldn't write something this good. Seether are one of the best modern day rock bands to hit this planet and this single would be a good place to get yourselves introduced to the band. 8/10
Wind Up Records
____________________________________
STUPIDS – Feel The Suck: The Stupids are back and they've come back in style. This three track single features original members Tommy Stupid and Marty Tuff with new member Rossi O'Schmitt and between them they've recorded a classic. What's more they've even got their original producer Andrew Fryer on the production. With all these ingredients it's as if the band never went away! Every track on here is given the same love and attention and when you hear all three tracks on this release you'll understand why I'm raving about this release even if it's serving as a taster for a new album later this year. If you've never come across the Stupids I'd say this release is a good place to start. Boss Tuneage have come up trumps here. 9.5/10
Boss Tuneage
Release Date: 30th March 2009
__________________________________
SUNGLASSES AFTER DARK – S/T: Italy has been producing some decent Rock N Roll bands these past few years and Sunglasses After Dark are no exception. This ten track vinyl album has some really good tunes on it and since the postie delivered it this has been played to death. This three-piece outfit aren't doing nothing new but what they're doing they do well and that's what counts. There's some great songs on this release including 'Love Her All Over', 'Asshole', 'Rock N Roll Nation' and 'Scream For More'. If I was going to compare them to anyone they're a cross between Italian band 'The Valentines' and 'Nashville Pussy'. Yes I like and fans of Garage Rock N Roll will dig this one. 8/10
Self Released
____________________________________
SWITCHBLADE KITTENS – Rebel Princess: This loveable Californian New Wave band are back with a bang with this delightful twelve track release. For those that don't know who the Switchblade Kittens are should be ashamed as this band have been writing some great songs for years and this album is no exception. There's some right catchy songs on here including 'Sneaky Sock Eater', 'Fremeny', 'Size Twelve Is Not Fat', 'All-American Girl' and the wicked 'Goodbye' which sees some sweet vocals from the gorgeous 'Drama'. All this without a guitar in sight – Bass' Rock! If you want an album that is catchy, fun and full of great Pop songs then 'Rebel Princess' has got to be the album to seek out. Not only is this album musically spot on but the production is wicked too! Comes well packaged with plenty of colour thrown in there. This is why the Switchblade Kittens rock and why you really need to check them out! 8.5/10
Self Released
____________________________________
THURSDAY – Common Existence: It’s been ages since I've heard anything by Thursday so this was a welcome release through my door. This Post-Hardcore band have been doing the business for a while now but this album certainly takes them to a new level with tracks such as 'Last Call', 'Beyond The Visible Spectrum', 'Subway Funeral' and the best track on this album 'Friends In The Armed Forces'. Thursday have certainly refused to stay stagnant and this album is proof that they keep moving forward and b4ringing in new ideas. The pounding riffs throughout this release will be enjoyed and the vocal delivery from Geoff Rickly just fits in so well with those riffs. There's eleven tracks in all and one album that any fan of HC will kill for. Great production and packaging too! 9/10
Epitaph
Release Date: 16th February 09
____________________________________
THE TRAINWRECKS – S/T: This is a great Pop-Punk album from the USA. The Trainwrecks aren't a predictable band and play their own brand of Pop-Punk which is highly enjoyable for the listener. It's great to see a band who put the emphasis into playing their instruments well as writing good tunes. The proof of this self titled album being a great listen lies in the fourteen tracks you find on this CD. Kicking off with 'You Say What You Want' the band give it their best through tracks such as 'Burn It Down', 'Rest Easy', 'Talk To Me' and 'You Just Need A Place To Play'. Not only is this a good album music wise the production is on top form and it's well packaged. If you like un-predictable Pop-Punk then you should give this band a listen. 9/10
Self Released
____________________________________
V/A – It's a Misery Business (Anti Love Songs For The Anti Valentines): Ha! It's always good to see some one coming out with an Anti-Valentines album and this is about as good as you're going to get. There's nineteen tracks in all from the likes of Nickelback with 'Something In Your Mouth' to Paramore's 'Misery Business' to Gallows 'Orchestra Of Wolves' to Madina Lake's 'Pandora' to Billy Talent's 'Try Honesty'. Most people will have these tracks on various albums but hey it's always good to have a compilation with all these tracks on. Kerrang and Rhino have put together a decent compilation if modern day rock music is your poison. 8/10
Kerrang / Rhino
15:35
Powered by  | | English | | Albanian | | Arabic | | Bulgarian | | Catalan | | Chinese | | Croatian | | Czech | | Danish | | Dutch | | Estonian | | Filipino | | Finnish | | French | | Galician | | German | | Greek | | Hebrew | | Hindi | | Hungarian | | Indonesian | | Italian | | Japanese | | Korean | | Latvian | | Lithuanian | | Maltese | | Norwegian | | Polish | | Portuguese | | Romanian | | Russian | | Serbian | | Slovak | | Slovenian | | Spanish | | Swedish | | Thai | | Turkish | | Ukrainian | | Vietnamese |
|