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 JULY 2009 REVIEWS
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 July. Please do keep coming back.
REVIEWSAGAINST ME! - The Original Cowboy: This American Punk Rock band have done well with their major label debut 'New Wave' and fair play to Against Me! for that accomplishment. However on the path to success these guys wrote an album for Fat Wreck called 'As The Eternal Cowboy' which was a wicked album and one that still gets played loads at the Street Voice HQ. Against Me! did the demo's for that album and they've been locked away in a vault until now! These eight tracks are the nuts and I'm surprised they've been kept hidden for so long. The quality is amazing as all eight songs were recorded and mixed in only a couple of hours. That's amazing and shows you don't need all the studio tricks to write a great album. For me songs like 'Mutiny On The Electronic Bay', 'Rice And Bread', 'Unsubstantiated Rumours' and 'Slurring The Rhythms' are great and I would say sound better than the final mixes. Great catchy punk rock songs that should be on everyone's player! The only disappointment was the skimpy packaging as I expected some sleeve notes with this release as that would have made my day. However I'm not going to let that little complaint spoil this treat of a release. 8/10
Fat Wreck
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AMERICAN STEEL - Dear Friends And Gentle Hearts: Oh my god! American Steel are amazing and judging by my reaction you'll know this is the first time I've heard this American outfit. From the opening moments of 'Emergency House Party' you just want to get up and dance you ass off! A friend sitting in my place while listening to this baby also had the same thoughts too! The great guitar and bass work makes this an album that has to be heard and one which leave you with an addiction to play it over and over again. The twelve tracks on here just feed off each other and what I've been hearing this is almost certainly going to be the best punk rock album of 2009. Tracks such as 'Tear The Place Apart', 'From Here To Hell', 'Where You Want To Be' and 'Finally Alone' stood out for me but the others weren't far behind. Maybe you'll have your own favourites as the quality of this release is so high. On top of that the production is spot n and packaging pretty cool. I love this and will be playing this American Steel album for a very long time. Top result from Fat Wreck here! 10/10
Fat Wreck
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ATHENA REICH - Little Girl Dreams: Athena Reich is a very talented lady. Apart from being a cool singer/songwriter she is also an actress, a TV Host and has also taught in many schools/colleges across North America. Having a rich life experience this talented lady has written a really cool album in 'Little Girl Dreams'. What impresses me the most is Athena hasn't stuck with one style of music and therefore had to use her vast vocal range in ways many vocalists could not achieve. This fourteen track album is something that I could listen to everyday and never tire of what I hear. There's some excellent crafted songs on here such as 'Love Is Love', 'Mr. Fly', 'The Great Divide', 'What About Love?' and 'Hey, Little Girl'. It's fair to say that this is one album you wouldn't feel short changed by. Everything you could possibly want in an album is here. Great music, great vocal delivery and just as important there are some fine lyrics written here. Athena Reich is an amazing artist and you can see what all the fuss in this well packaged album. Listening to this album was a sheer pleasure. I love it. 9.5/10
Self Released
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THE BAKESYS - Return To The Planet Of The Bakesys: When you own your own label you have the right to put out your own material and Kev Flowerdew has done just that! The Bakesys were a band out of the 90's who fused elements of Ska, Reggae and Power-pop who's line up included Finny from Pama International. I'm sure Kev will agree they weren't the greatest band in the world but at least they were having fun. This eleven track release captures the Bakesys delivering a decent live show which was enjoyable and with tracks such as 'Liquidator', 'Revolution' and 'Days Gone By' you can't go wrong here. The only complaint would be the vocal mix is too high at times and the music gets drowned out but I guess that goes for most live releases anyway. Do The Dog could have also added a bit more to the packaging like a biography or something else. Small things I know but sometimes it just adds to the enjoyment of a release. 7/10
Do The Dog
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BLOCKADES - Promo: Blockades is a female fronted post-punk band with bags of energy. This three track promo needs to have a fuller sound to create more impact which I would say adding another guitarist might help them along with that. However there's enough on this CDR to show that Blockades aren't your average band and you'll realise that when listening to this promo. Louise really does have a great voice for this genre of music and she's give many vocalists a run for their money. The passion in her voice when delivering her words is spot on. She also plays a tight guitar too! Chris is a great bassist and his lines make up for the lack of guitar and Danny keeps it all together on drums. They've been compared somewhere between Paramore and the Distillers and I'd go along with those comparisons and if given the right opportunities I can see this band being just as famous too! 7.5/10
Self Released
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BUCK BROTHERS - You're So Good Good Good You're Great: What is it with this band and bloody long song titles? Despite the madness of long titles this is another great release from the Buck Brothers. Despite this not being as catchy as the last single they've managed to put out another strong number which shows these guys to be a bloody good Pop-Punk band. I'm surprised no one has released an album by these guys yet as they could become the UK's answer to the likes of the Dickies and The Ramones. Support this band buy purchasing this down load. The Buck Brothers are certainly one band who deserve your support. 7/10
Self Released
Release Date: 13th July 2009
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CASEY DESMOND - Chilly Allston EP: The first thing that captured my attention about this release was the front cover. The beautiful image of the red haired Casey Desmond on a bicycle was nothing short of stunning! When I put the disc into my player I was won over in the few first moments with the catchy title track 'Chilly Allston'. This a is wicked alternative-pop song that has a great beat. The quality remained high with the other three tracks that certainly deserved a place on this release. Out of the four 'Chilly Allston' and 'Any Wonder' really did it for me. In fact I've played 'Any Wonder' to death. It's an amazing song that really captures Casey's voice at her best. If this is anything to go I'm surprised this lady hasn't an album out yet! If you're looking for something with a lot of spirit then this four track EP is worth picking up! 8.5/10
Self Released
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THE CHEMISTS - A Love Like No One Else: This is the latest release from alternative rock band The Chemists. 'A Love Like No One Else' is a bouncy number with some wicked vocal delivery, some great guitar playing and top bass lines. I have to say this is certainly one of the best numbers I've ever from this Bristol based band and is worth picking up. The flip side contains 'For Sooner Or Later' and keeps the quality up with another great guitar number that could have easily been the title track. The 7" single will contain a remix of both numbers by Tom Bellamy which are nothing to shout out about but some Chemists fans might appreciate this freebie. If you've never heard of the Chemists this single will make a great introduction to a band you’ve got to hear. If you have heard of the band then you know what to expect and that's enjoyment from start to finish. 8/10
Distiller Records
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EXOTERIK - Don't Swallow: Exoterik are an alternative Leeds based band who fuse rock and metal. This Anglo-Irish quartet certainly know how to rock judging by this eleven track album sitting in front of me. Muiscally everyone plays their part with some exciting guitar moments and great bass lines throughout. I also like how they've managed to incorporate the keyboards and piano into the sound without compromising anything other instrument. That shows a band has talent when they can pull that off very tastefully. What else excites me about this album is Anneka Latta's vocal delivery. She delivers the words with passion and plenty of style too! It does help having a wide vocal range and with the varying changes of music style Anneka's voice certainly adds charm to this baby. For me there's not one filler on here though I must say tracks such as 'Salvation', 'Are You Alive?', 'Forever Watching' and 'Humanity Inc.' really did it for me. However the other tracks aren't far behind. It's also great to see a British band work on the production which certainly makes 'Don't Swallow' even more listenable. The lyrics are spot on too and they actually make you think. Exoterik are one of the most unpredictable UK bands doing the rounds at the moment and this album is certainly worthy of picking up. 9/10
Self Released
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FLOOD OF RED - A Place Before The End: Flood Of Red are new to me and what I'm hearing on this two track disc is something pretty cool. I thought there would be too much going on with six members in the band but they've proven to be sensible and put quality over quantity. A good move there! Both tracks are solid affairs and I'll be surprised if this release doesn’t take them to the next level as this six-piece are one of the best bands the UK has to offer. The title track 'A Place Before The End' is the stronger of the two numbers but 'Time Is All We.. Have Left' isn't far behind! Flood Of Red will be a name everyone will know in 2010 so why not give them a listen now? 9/10
King Tuts Recordings
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INVEY - Addiction For Comfort: Invey are a female fronted hard rock band with hardcore and metal influences. While there's nothing new here it's fair to say this Midlands based rock quartet are a quality band though. Too many bands who play this style of music are run of the mill but Invey have something good going for them. Tracks such as 'Heaven Sent', 'Diamond', 'Bring It On' and 'What You Give It Tom Me' show that Invey are a quality band. There's some great guitar work from Ed Gridland and Lee Hammond is spot on with the bass. Lee Hammond certainly gives his drums some hammering but what adds to great musicianship are the vocals from Claire Natalie. Her vocal delivery is spot on and with it she spits those words out with venom and for me that's what makes a terrific vocalist. If more bands had the quality Invey have maybe we wouldn't have to rely on American and European rock acts to hit the UK. Invey rock and 'Addiction For Comfort' is certainly worth a blast. 8.5/10
Self Released
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JAMIE LYNN NOON - A Moment To Break EP: Jamie Lynn Noon's beautiful looks first grabbed my attention when flicking through My Space one night and when I heard her music I was in love. Listening to this six track EP just confirms my love for this lady and I'm sure you'll feel the same once you hear her tunes. There's six wonderful songs on this release though the one that melts me is the second track 'Blind'. That is such a damned fine pop song which for me shows what an amazing voice this lady has! However the other numbers aren't far behind with songs like 'A Moment To Break' and 'Waste It On You'. This is such an up lifting release and I for one hope this takes Jamie a much higher level. This EP shows that Jamie Lynn Noon to be one of the best female artists in the world at present and once more people here her she's going t0po have one hell of a successful career. 9/10
Noon's Tunes
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KALUUN - Replay: Kaluun are a Parisian based band who fuse the sounds of Indie, Pop and Rock to bring you something exciting. Fronted by the gorgeous Delphine the band take their influences from the likes of Blondie, Portishead, PJ Harvey and Radiohead while adding their own ideas too! Kaluun are a band that should be much more well known than they are. Songs like 'I Wanna Fuck Myself', 'London', 'Replay' and 'Song For Marianne' justify why Kaluun should be heard. They sing in English so there's no excuse with the language barrier. They entertain and what's more they don't sound like anyone else coming out of Europe at the moment! 8/10
Self Released
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KALUUN - Init: This ten track album from Kaluun was released three years ago and like the above this French band really need to be heard. The vocals from Delphine really do it for me but there's also some great guitar playing on this outing. I haven't a track listing for this release but I can assure you that there aren't fillers on here. If you like music filled with passion then this release I can recommend as 'Init' is very easily listening and more important every track is a pleasure to listen too! Go on and check Kaluun out! 7.5/10
Self Released
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KAMA LINDEN - Better Late Than Never: What can I say about Kama Linden that hasn't been said before? Well nothing really as it's all been said before and all that praise is so deserving as 'Better Late Than Never' is a brilliant pop album. Kama's music is so full of energy and passion that it's hard to ignore her music but yet there is more to this artist than catchy musicianship. Just listen to Kama Linden's voice and boy what a treat. This lady has a wicked voice which is very diverse, passionate and what's more it's very sexy sounding too! I love this album so much and it makes me feel good after a bad day at work and I have many bad days too! It's great to come home and just chill to this exciting artist from NYC. For me songs like the title track 'Better Late Than Never', 'Easier', 'Drink', 'Happy Girl' , 'You've Forgotten Me' and 'Last Call' are so special I love them! Not only do you get a great album with some wicked music and vocal delivery I have to say the production is on top form. I also dig the packaging which gives you a little insight to what Kama Linden is all about! 'Better Late Than Never' is one album you have to listen too! It would be sheer criminal to ignore this album! 10/10
Mohican Records
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KARN8 - Of All The Strange Things Album Sampler: I came across Karn8 on my Space and was sent this four track album sampler to review. This female fronted band has a pretty interesting sound which fuses elements of blues, grunge, punk and hard rock. Incorporating all those sounds has given this band an edge as they don't really sound like anyone else doing the rounds. Bursting with energy this band just let it rip and the four tracks on this sampler show that. For me 'Where The Fires Play' and 'Running Free' really stand out oozing with so much style. However the other two numbers 'As If You Could' and 'Old No.7' aren't far behind and could easily be other people's favourite numbers. If the album is filled with quality tracks like what I'm hearing on this sampler then it is certainly worth checking out! 8/10
Wicked Boy Records
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LAHANNYA - Welcome To The Under"gr"ound EP: Lahannya are a new band to me but their fusion of the gothic, rock and metal genres just has to be heard. They are made of members from both the UK and Germany with vocalist Lahannya being the backbone of the band. It's great this quartet met as this release is one of the best things I've heard this century. Lahannya is an amazing front woman who has so much diversity in her voice and has to be one of the best female vocalists ever to walk this planet. It helps having a great band and she has that in Christopher Milden on guitars and keyboards who plays some terrific tunes on both instruments. Then you have Lutz Demmler on bass who's bass lines compliment the guitar parts. Keeping it all in time is Belle on drums and he hits those skins with confidence. Lyrically the words are very socially aware and add to the enjoyment of this release. As I said there's some great songs on this release and the proof lies with tracks such as 'Beneath The City', 'Welcome To The Under"gr"ound" and 'Bleed For Me'. In fact the whole package is spot on which includes the artwork and production. Lahannya rock and you'd be mad to pass up on this release. 9/10
Kabuki
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METRO STATION - Seventeen Forever: After reading the negative comments regarding Metro Station in this weeks Kerrang I wondered what this single was going to sound like? I reluctantly put it into the player and almost switched it off! I couldn't understand why the original number is in third place on this release as that is the best number out of all four mixes by far. Seventeen Forever is a catchy electronic pop song that is enjoyable and has all the qualities of a great song. I can see why these are making a name for themselves with the original number. However who was the idiot who decided to add instrumentals and poor remixes of the song to the disc? There really was no need and in fairness wont do the band any favours whatsoever. If you pick this disc up then just play track three as the rest are just pointless additions. 6.5/10
Columbia Records
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PINK STEEL - Out At The Devil: Oh fuck! This album is nuts! Pink Steel is a gay heavy metal comedy duo who fit somewhere in between Spinal Tap and Tenacious D!! They really are OTT and that's what makes this the album that it is! There's some classic songs on here like 'Sausage Party', 'I'm Coming Out (All Over You), 'Johnny, Are You Queer?' and 'We Fight For Cock'. This German duo just don't give a fuck and that what really makes Pink Steel the band they are! You couldn't imagine these guys being at all serious and that's just another reason to love them! This certainly made my day though it's fair to say some one is going to be upset with the content on 'Out At The Devil' and that what makes this release even more special. If you like well played fun music then check out Pink Steel! We at Street Voice love 'em! 8/10
Self Released
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REBELATION - The Berlin Session: This is a five track EP which was recorded while the band were on tour in Germany in late 2008. With the addition of Ruby Taylor (Tinroots) as a band member I feel she has added something to the band as they were going a little stale. Bringing in Ruby was a great move bus as a vocalist and lyricist and you can judge the end results for yourselves. From the opening moment of 'You Will Know' you're treated to one great song after the other. You really can't go wrong with songs such as 'Freedom Is A Must' and 'Roots Nature'. It's just a shame this couldn't have seen a few more tracks being recorded but hey it's great to see some new material from Rebelation. 9/10
Do The Dog
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RESOLUTION 242 - S/T: I've been waiting for this album to fall through the letterbox in a while and now it finally has I haven't stopped playing it. Resolution 242 are a Ska/Dub/Punk band and they aren't afraid to experiment either as this release will testify. They manage to mix in full on songs such as 'Britains Nasty Politics' with an acoustic number 'Poets Corner'. For me the release is solid throughout and tracks like 'Bullets In The Ground', 'War Crimes' and 'Gaza Dub' are spot on numbers. The music is wicked throughout but fair play to this young band for writing some great lyrics. It's great to see an album like this doing the rounds simply because in these gloomy times it's band like Resolution 242 that can bring some stability in our lives but only if people listen and act! 9/10
Do The Dog
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SONIC BOOM SIX - City Of Thieves: I really didn't think that Sonic Boom Six could top their 2007 album 'Arcade Perfect' but I was wrong! 'City Of Thieves' is the best thing this Manchester based band have written to date. From the opening moments of 'Welcome To The City Of Thieves' you're treated to twelve blinding tracks that incorporate Hip-Hop, Punk and Ska. Laila and co really do the business here and that's why Sonic Boom Six have become one of the talked about bands doing the rounds in the UK. This album is faultless as everyone who has a part to play and they do it with style with some great tunes I's also great to see a band that write socially aware lyrics and manage to find ways of delivering those words to the masses without sounding predictable. For me every track is a blinder and seriously you wont find a better album released in 2009. The proof of this lies with songs such as 'Welcome To The City Of Thieves', 'Bang, Bang, Bang, Bang!', 'Rum Little Skallywag', 'Through The Eyes Of A Child' and 'Jericho'. If you only buy one album in 2009 make sure it's 'City Of Thieves' as it's not only lyrically/musically spot on but that production and packaging are top notch too! 10/10
Rebel Alliance
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TYRANNOSAURUS ALAN - The Hefty EP: This Ska/Punk/Rap band are a local band to me and live they rock. While this EP doesn't catch the energy they give out live on stage but then again I guess you'd need a top producer to capture that energy. Oh yeah and lots of cash too! However this still isn't a bad release and certainly worth spending some of your heard earned cash on! There's six tracks on this EP and while none come grabbing you by the throat they're all worthy of being on here! 'Cheer Up' and 'Boom' do it for me as the best tracks on this release but the others aren't far behind. If you're looking for a new band to check out then you should give Tyrannosaurus Alan a listen. You certainly could do much worse! 7/10
Self Released
11:10
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