MAY 2009 PAGE 1 REVIEWS
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REVIEWS
BIRDEATSBABY - Here She Comes-A-Tumblin': This is one of those releases that you'll either love or hate. There's no inbetweens. My partner hated it! I enjoyed it! What you get for your money is a refreshing twelve track album which sees this five-piece breaking away from the norm and doing something that is very cool. Birdeatsbaby blend Classical with Riot Grrrl influenced Punk Rock giving you the listener a real musical experience. For me too many British bands have played it safe for years but not these folks. Gone are the traditional guitar which is replaced by a number of instruments including the cello, piano and violin. Fusing all those instruments together has paid off and they sit well with the three vocalists who's voices compilment their instruments. The proof of this can be heard throughout this album and tracks to really listen out for include 'Seventeen', 'I Always Hang Myself With The Same Rope', 'Jim' and 'China Doll'. If you're looking for something original and cool with it then Birdeatsbaby might be the band for you! 8/10
Self Released
Release Date: 1st June 2009
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CAMILLE DAVILA - Hi-C: The first thing you notice about Camille Davila is her naturally beautiful face and amazing figure and then when you think it just can't get any better you're treated to an album that is just sheer brilliant! This lady is amazing and Hi-C is certainly one of the best albums I'm going to hear in 2009. It's very hard to tie down a genre that would fit Camille but I'd go for electronic fused 60's style indie pop. The proof of how great this album is can be heard in tracks such as 'Wireless World', 'Cortez', 'One Of Many' and 'Blinding'. Once you hear this album you'll be addicted and on the basis of this I have to question why this cool lady isn't famous? I can see why she's managed to share the same stages with the likes of the Wombats and Zutons. As I said this is sheer class from start to finish and filled with awesome ideas. I love it! 9.5/10
Poly Records
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CHICKS WITH GUNS - On Your Mind EP: For those curious to wonder if this is an all-female band I'll put you out your misery and confirm there isn't a female in sight. However this Swedish Glam/Rock 4-piece are certainly worth a listen though and you can hear why when you pick up a copy of this four track EP. While none of the tracks really stand out I have to say the standard of musicianship is pretty high and they're consistent at what they do. However they need a couple of numbers that really blow you away and sadly they aren't on this release and that's what the direction of the band should be heading in. Still they're worth checking out as I have a gut feeling these guys are going to write something really cool for their next release. 7/10
Self Released
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CHRISTOPHER CROSS - The Cafe Carlyle Sessions: Christopher Cross maybe a 5 time Grammy and Oscar award winning artist but releasing his greatest hits acoustically will be a 'Fans Only' release. I think Chris' biggest mistake was the Jazz influences that can be heard throughout this album and that is what this guy is not about. If Chris wanted to do a Jazz album he should have written a Jazz album. I for one would have liked to have had this collection featuring the songs in their original state. There's fifteen tracks in all including some of his best known tracks such as 'Sailing', 'Arthur’s Theme' and 'Ride Like The Wind'. Not for me and I doubt he'll win any more fans over with this release. A fans only release I'm afraid. 5/10
Edel Records
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COURTESY MURDER Life In A Red State: This is the first time I've heard Courtesy Murder and while it's fair to say they aren't the best band in the world they do have some good tunes floating about here and there. Most of this release is just full of run of the mill tracks which sadly include the title track. Still there's some good numbers on here such as 'Family Man', 'Casanova', 'Dispatch Your Problems' and 'This Isn't Vietnam'. I think also due to the poor production didn't help and because of it you get the misconception of what the band are about! I guess for most part the lyrics were lost on me due to the not so hot quality production wise! I guess this is still worth picking up just to see how much they developed on their second release 'Population Control'. 6/10
Rocket Ripper
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COURTESY MURDER - Population Control: I wasn't really looking forward to hearing this after 'Life In a Red State' but I'm glad I did so because this is a much better album. The music is tighter and the ska tunes thrown in were a nice touch. Also there's more thought gone into it, the lyrics which are much better written and the vocalist delivers the words with much more conviction. At times you can also hear a touch of Jello Biafra in the vocalist’s voice too! 'Population Control' shows what can be accomplished when a little effort is put into something and the proof likes in songs such as 'Population Control', 'Captain America', 'Mr Walker' and 'Too Many People'. This is a decent enough album and one that I recommend well worth picking up! 8/10
Stick Man Records
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DEVILISH PRESLEY - Flesh Ride: What you get for your money is a decent 15 track Rock N Roll album that is best played loud! Baring in mind there are only two members with a drum machine I have to say Jacqui Vixen and Johnny Navarre have written something that is solid throughout. There's some spot on numbers like 'Billy Fury Is Dead', 'The Patron Saint Of Hate', 'Devil Station' and 'Halloween Queen'. Even the acoustic numbers that include 'Viva Lost Vagrants' and 'Lonesome No More' are really good as well as adding to the diversity of this album. It's also good that both members take part in vocal duties too. That certainly adds to the albums charm. Devilish Presley have done a good job here and I now know why all the fuss has been made about this band. If you love raw Rock N Roll then this is a good album to check out. 8.5/10
November 10th Records
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ELLIE LAWSON - Lost Songs: Most people get put off when you mention the music genre 'Folk' but this is one lady that should be checked out. Ellie's street style sees her fuse Pop and Folk to give you something very different. 'Lost Songs' contains eighteen beautifully crafted songs that will just blow you away and leave you wanting to hear more! Musically this is very good with some catchy tunes throughout and when you hear Ellie Lawson's vocal delivery you're instantly hooked. When you hear an album where the music is of high quality and a vocalist with her an amazing voice you know you've got something special. And this album is special. Ellie Lawson is just a natural at this and the proof of this lies with songs such as 'Bring It Back', 'Strong', 'Love Is the New Hate', 'Lost Without You' and 'Become Of You'. 'Lost Songs' really does need to be heard so you too can appreciate this piece of art. 9.5/10
Create Your Own Reality
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THE EMOS - Quicker Than Khan: I guess this is the 21st century at an attempt of creating a joke S/E band. However the joke wore thin ages back and the only band who were really good at it were Crucial Youth. Musically if you like basic early American HC then you might get into this but to be honest this was lost on me. They've got some wicked song titles but it's a shame they couldn't convert that humour into the lyrics otherwise this might have been an OK release. Not my thing at all. 4/10
TNS Records
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THE GHOST OF A THOUSAND - Bright Lights: It's been like forever since I've heard anything by this modern day British HC band and this single was a pleasant surprise when it arrived this morning. 'Bright Lights' is a typical modern HC song with screamo vocals but what makes it stand out is the tight and powerful musicianship throughout the song. This single is being released to help promote the forthcoming album 'New Hopes, New Demonstrations' and a good move in my eyes especially if the album lives up to what I'm hearing on this release. The Ghost Of A Thousand have been around a while now and with quality releases like Bright Lights the future is going to be good for the UKHC scene. 8/10
Epitaph
Release Date 18th May 09
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HOVERCRAFT PIRATES - Mixtape: On hearing this album for the first time I put it to one side as I wasn't too keen on what I heard. Now on this sunny Sunday morning I placed this album back into my player and now I'm left wondering why I didn't get into this first time around. There's many different influences throughout ranging from the Dropkick Murphys' to Hot Water Music to Pennywise. Then when you add the band's own ideas you're left with a cool twelve track album. It must be good because at this moment in time one of the neighbours are banging on the wall. I presume they want me to turn it up! Some of the best numbers on here include opening track 'Rica', 'We're Not Heroes', 'Bring Your Guns' and 'Rock'. These guys give it all they've got throughout and I for one would love to see what they can do live. 8.5/10
True Blue Records
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IN CASE OF FIRE - Enemies: Enemies is the 3rd single from this catchy rock band and has all the ingredients of to be considered a great song. After listening to all three singles from In Case Of Fire I really can see what the fuss is all about and I for one can't wait to hear their debut album 'Align The Planets'. Enemies is the kind of song which is why they're winning young fans all over the place. In Case Of Fire are a band to look out for and the best place to start is with this single. 8/10
Search And Destroy
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INNERPARTYSYSTEM - Heart On Fire EP: The Sun once said these words 'Innerpartysystem are the perfect dance music for the rock generation' and for once I actually agree with what they say. The tilte track 'Heart Of Fire' is taken from the recently released self tilted album. It's one of the best tracks from the album and proves why Innerpartysytem are so hot. The energy in the music is spot on and fans of both Dance and Rock will love this number. There's also five other tracks some of which have never been released. My fave tunes from those are 'Heart That Heals' and 'Lover's Dancing'. Wicked Dance/Rock tunes intheir own right too! There's not too many bands putting out quality music like this American outfit so do yourselves favour and make sure this release is on your shopping list. 9/10
Island Records
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THE LOOSE SKREWS - Born To Lose: From the moment that you hear the opening track you're treated to seventeen tracks of American Street Punk with a slight UK Oi! influence. While most bands in this genre end up sounding like a poor HC band the same can't be said of the Loose Skrews. Their tight musicianship with decent tunes to boot will win a few people over and quite rightfully so. The tunes on this release are really powerful and are decently produced too! There's some great tracks on here such 'The Best Times', 'Come Street Cirrhosts', 'Rude, Crude And Lewd', 'Drink Up You Bastards', 'Gonna Get Drunk' and 'Boozed Up And Burned Out', If you like raw street punk with great lyrics then check out the Loose Skrews. 8.5/10
OTF Records
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NOFX - Coaster: I was feeling like death warmed up when I got this album fell through the mail box and once I put it on the player things started to look cool again. NOFX really have done the business with this album in all areas. Musically this album is great as are the lyrics and the production is spot on too! Fat Mike always writes about such diverse and random things and this album is no different. There's lyrics which cover alcoholism, politics, drug abuse and of course Lesbians!! Just check out tracks such as 'The Quitter', 'Creeping Out Sara', 'Eddie, Bruce And Paul', "The Agony Of Victory' and 'One Million Coasters'. What 'Coaster' shows is the band has lost none of that passion that has kept them together as a band for 25 years. In fact you'd be hard pressed to find a band to write an album of this quality once they'd reached double figures. 'Coaster' is the band's 11th album and it's fucking great! 9.5/10
Fat Wreck
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PLACEBO - For What It's Worth: It's been a while since I've heard Placebo and I had been getting press releases regards this single and was wondering if it could live up to the hype? Once this single was in my hands I eagerly played it and what I heard I enjoyed. Placebo have had a few hits and a few misses but 'For What It's Worth' sees the band back on form. They're the band that really stood out for me as most alternative bands at the time were putting out material which left you feeling depressed. Placebo on the other hand seemed to put out music that was catchy and very pleasurable to listen too. This is the first single to be released for the forthcoming album 'Battle For The Sun' and if this is anything to go by then this album will be spot on. 8.5/10
Placebo World
Release Date 1st June 09
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SCREAMING MIMI - Leap Into My Fervent Arms: After recently hearing their 'Electric Thighs' single I have been waiting for this album to come out for a while now. Once it fell through the door I quickly put this into the player. As soon as the opening track 'Dorothy Milette' kicked into life I knew this was the start of something cool and I wasn't let down either! This thirteen track album really has blown me away with tracks such as 'Who Is Louise?', 'Electric Thighs', 'Just Because It's Done For Love...' and 'Dirtypillowslip'. This Sheffield based five-piece fuse elements indie, punk and surf with plenty of ideas of their own to bring you something very cool and original. Every band member plays their part and they play it well. Some might be put off because of the female vocals but don't be. Loretta Chantry is certainly up there with the likes of Joan Jett, Debby Harry and Chrissy Hynde. Her voice is perfect for this style of music. It's fair to say this band really do deserve to be huge with what I've been hearing on this album. This is certainly one of the best things you're going to hear in 2009. Not only that but the production and packaging equals the quality of the music. I love it. 10/10
Phantom Power Records
Release Date 11th May 09
Album Of The Month
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SMOKE FAIRIES - Living With Ghosts: The Smoke Fairies came into my life when I came across them one morning on My Space. What I heard I liked and the band kindly sent in this two track 7" for review. What I have sitting here in front of me is one very cool release. Jessica Davies & Katherine Blamire have taken their love of Folk, Blues and Country and mixed it up with an alternative sound bringing you something very cool. The title track 'Living With Ghosts' is the strongest track on here and one which is very dark and moody. 'Troubles' on the flip side isn't far behind and deserves it's place on here. Probably not one for the lover of commercial music but for people who are more open minded and love new experiences will relish this single. 8/10
Self Released
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THE SHADOWCOPS - A Big Pot Of Hot: This Manchester based outfit are certainly a band worth checking out and their fusion of rock and punk certainly is going down well in this household. Taking their inspiration from the likes of the Wildhearts, Therapy, Dead Kennedys and Hot Water Music these guys have gone on to write a decent album. This twelve track release is as powerful from the moment it opens to the moment it closes. There's just no let up and what's more the music is tight and the vocals delivered well. It's good to see a band mixing things up a bit and when you hear tracks such as 'Vaulted Sky', 'Mana', 'The Age of Common sense' and 'Putsch' I'm sure you'll agree with me. Great packaging and production too! An album worth looking out for! 7.5/10
TNS Records
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STAND OUT RIOT Carnival Militia: Hailing from Manchester this band are influenced by the likes of Sonic Boom Six but at the same time add plenty of their own ideas to bring you an eight track kick ass album. From the moment 'Carnival Militia' opens up with 'Depth Charge' there's just no let up with tracks such as 'Playing With Hammers', 'The British Nazi Parade' and 'The Oxbridge Mafia'. Stand Out Riot are certainly politically aware and what's more these songs aren't watered down either. They're highly energetic Ska-Punk numbers with loads of vocals, plenty of guitar and bass and a wicked horn section that adds to this band's charm. When I first heard this album I played it over and over and 5 weeks down the line I'm still enjoying what I'm hearing. Comes well produced and well packaged too! Manchester should be proud of these guys and gals for keeping up the high standard of music that comes out that city. 9/10
TNS Records
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UNDEROATH - Too Bright To See, Too Loud Too Hear': This is the latest release from the Florida-bases sextet and boy what a release. The energy from their live set has been captured on this recording and from this song I can see why these guys have developed such a huge fan base. What really blew me away was the guitar and bass as they are so energetic on here. I love it. 'Too Bright To See, Too Loud Too Hear' may have been lifted from their 2008 album 'Lost In The Sound Of Separation' but this is worth picking up as a single too! 8/10
EMI
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CAPTAIN BLACK NO STARS VS RASTA4EYES - Boss Sounds Of Bass: Two new bands on the reggae circuit that are new to me. What do I think? Well out of the two bands I much prefer the fuller sound of Rasta4eyes and boy have they got something going. Their fusion of Dub and the 2 Tone really is infectious - I was hooked halfway through their first song 'Oscar And Arthur'. Their other numbers 'Good Old Rock N Roll', 'The Herb' and 'Never Will I Pay' are top songs and I for the life of me wonder why Kev didn't give this 6-piece a full album release!! A mystery! The other tracks on this release are from Captain No Black Stars from Kings Lynn and while I can see what they are trying to do I'm not convinced. The production in their songs isn't very strong and there's none of that catchiness that can be heard in Rasta4eyes offerings. With elements of Reggae, Ska and Punk I was hoping to hear something ballsy but alas it was not to be. I didn't really like the vocalist either. This is worth buying just for Rasta4eyes tracks. 7/10
Do The Dog