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BAND – KISS

VENUE – MANCHESTER, AO ARENA

DATE – 7th July 2023

To fully explain my love for Kiss I need to take you back to the Seventies. My friend Terry had introduced me to Black Sabbath and sent me on the Metal path at the age of thirteen. On a visit to his house (with an AC-DC album in tow) I perused the record collection of his two brothers, Ian and Kevin. Wide-eyed, I stumbled across the double gatefold albums for Kiss Alive and Kiss Alive II and a lifelong love affair was born.

To read the full review click the photo

Motley Crue - Live - Glasgow Green

Motley Crue is a heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed all the way back in 1981, the band itself has sold over 100 million albums worldwide and has been certified as a platinum or multi-platinum award-winning band.


The Boys are American glam-tastic rock n rollers with their classic sound and outrageous antics on & off the stage.

Def Leppard - Live @ Glasgow Green

Def Leppard is a decade-spanning rock band from Sheffield that formed in 1977. The boys had substantial commercial success in the early 80s & '90s. They became stadium-filling rock stars that were entered into the Guinness Book Of World Records when they played 3 gigs in one day.

Mammoth WVH - Live -Glasgow Green

It's a cold wet Thursday as I head to Glasgow Green to see Mammoth WVH, yes he is the son of legendary 6-string slinger Eddie Van Halen as the band are opening acts for the Def Leppard / Motley Crue world tour which stops off in Glasgow on the last night of the European / British tour.

Loverocks VI, Ferndown, Dorset 1 - 3 June 2023 – Day

We’re back in the arena for the third and final day of this great little festival and it’s big congratulations to Simon, Jim and the team as they’ve scored the hatrick: the third consecutive banger of a band to open up the day, this time coming in the form of Electric Black who like The Karma Effect and Black Water Redemption the previous two days, take advantage of their opening slot and grab the festival by the scruff of the neck.

Amigo The Devil - Live - Classic Grand - redsandpr


Danny Kiranos aka Amigo The Devil is a singer/songwriter/guitarist/banjo player from Miami, Florida, his music is influenced by American folk, country, rock & heavy metal, that incorporates death & other dark subject matter.


Amigo has given us albums Volume 1 May 2018, Everything Is Fine October 2018, Born Against April 2021, EP's Manimals 2010, Diggers 2013, Decompositions 2015, Cover, Demos & Lives & B-Sides 2020. Tonight Amigo brings his infectious brand of murder folk / dark Americana to Glasgow as he stops off @ The Classic Grand to thrill this sold-out audience and then some, please sit back as I take us through this sold-out show from a true Americana musician. We feel the anticipation build as we await the arrival of this larger-than-life musician to kick us 

BAND – GEOFF TATE VENUE – BLACKPOOL WATERLOO BAR DATE – 21st June 2023

When you're sat in your favourite pub in the wee small hours the conversation invariably turns to the question, “What’s the greatest album of all time?”. Sometimes things will be switched up to, “Name an album that doesn’t contain a single bad track and is all killer and no filler”.




 For me the answer to both questions is the same. Its Operation: Mindcrime, the concept album released by Queensryche in 1988. From start to finish it is utter perfection and the fact that Geoff Tate was about to take the stage to perform the album in its entirety meant that I was beyond excited prior to this gig.




I’ve seen Geoff on numerous occasions over the years and for me the big question was all about how his voice would sound thirty five years on, particularly after his recent health scare.s.

Goo Goo Dolls - Live @ O2 Academy mercenarypublicity

From the moment lead vocalist Johnny Rzeznik stepped onto the stage, it was clear that the Goo Goo Dolls were there to deliver a show that would leave a lasting impression. Opening with their classic hit Yeah I Like You, the band captivated the audience with their raw energy and unwavering stage presence.

Those Damn Crows - Live - O2 Academy

 Tonight the boys bring their sizzling brand of rock n roll to Glasgow's O2, please settle in as I take us through this short but blistering set

The place is packed to the rafters with gig-goers of all ages and the place has a real air of excitement about it, the house lights dim and the boys bounce onto the stage to a hero's welcome as Shane bellows out Alright Glasgow which draws a huge cheer from this killer crowd, 


Loverocks VI, Ferndown, Dorset 1 - 3 June 2023 – Day One

we’re back in Dorset for our second experience of Loverocks and undoubtedly, it’s a festival, now in its sixth year, which continues to grow and increase in popularity.




It’s Thursday night and we’re here for what might previously have been referred to as the pre-festival warm up which last year featured Amongst Liars sandwiched between stripped-back sets from Rebecca Downes and Troy Redfern. As if to demonstrate the growth of this festival, tonight’s warm-up, if you can still call it that, features no less than five bands, concluding with a full ninety-minute set on the main stage from multi-award-winning Blues Americana artist, Elles Bailey.

Call Of The Wild Lincoln Showground, Lincoln 26th – 28th May, 2023

Things were looking good with a great weather forecast so it was with excitement that I made my way into the arena where Mercia were already banging out their melodic metal to an ever-growing crowd. Tracks like ‘Poison’, ‘Stand By My Side’ and ‘Fire In The Sky’ were well received. Next to grace the stage was The Reinforcements from Edinburgh formerly known as Richy Neill and the Reinforcements they gave us some wonderful heavy rock n roll which was at times dirty and sleazy at others more alt-rock and at others classic rock. 

Joe Bonamassa – Bournemouth BIC  Tuesday 9th May 2023

One word: Stunning. 


However, being contractually obliged to add some substance to the above and a day after his 46th birthday Joseph Leonard Bonamassa took to the stage at 8 pm precisely within Bournemouth's International Centre, a 4,000 plus capacity seating 1980's red brick and glass concrete box overlooking the south coast. This was the first of five dates in the UK sandwiched between a European spring & a near-global summer world tour and his first live outing outside the Capital in five years making tonight a moment to savour.

ERIC BIBB in The Queens Hall, Edinburgh 16th May 2023

Eric Bibb is a renowned American blues singer-songwriter and guitarist who has made significant contributions to the world of music. Born in New York City in 1951, Bibb grew up in a musical family and was exposed to various genres of music from an early age. His father, Leon Bibb, was a folk singer, and his uncle, John Lewis, was a jazz pianist. These influences helped shape Bibb's musical style, which is a unique blend of blues, folk, and gospel.



Sari Schorr - Live - The Classic Grand shockcityproductions - manhatonrecords

Sari Beth Schorr is a blues/rock singer-songwriter from New York, New York who was born to a father who was a pilot in the US Air Force & a mother who was a fashion model. Sari began her journey into music with classical training at both high school & college and was advised to pursue a career in opera, because of her 5 - octave range and the strength of her singing. 

Kenny Wayne Shapherd - Live The Queen's Hall - mascotlabel

Kenny Wayne Brobst aka Kenny Wayne Shepherd is a guitarist/singer/songwriter from Shreveport, Louisiana who is completely self-taught and who doesn't read music. Kenny began playing the guitar in earnest aged 7, six months after meeting and being pretty mesmerised by Stevie Ray Vaughan. Kenny has given us 9 studio records and is relaunching his 1997 album Trouble Is to coincide with his headline April tour, tonight Kenny stops off in Edinburgh @ The Queen's Hall to bring us an earth-shaking two-hour show that will showcase this 25-year-old classic album in its entirety but will be shuffled to give the crowd a real listening experience like never before

When Rivers Meet - Play My Game - Single Review - noblepr

When Rivers Meet - Play My Game - Single Review - noblepr


Review By Darren McIntyre




When Rivers Meet are husband & wife duo Grace & Aaron Bond who have been thrilling audiences up and down the country with their infectious blues/rock shows that really catch our attention. The duo from Essex, England first came to our attention in 2016 when they got together whilst performing in separate bands, they formed and began touring the UK in their VW Camper van until Covid 19 put the brakes on all touring duties, the duo then came up with the idea of a live stream which brought them 1/2 a million views from over 100 countries. The band gave us We Fly Free in 2020, and Saving Grace in 2021 and in late summer they will deliver their new offering Aces Are High and from that comes their killer new single Play My Game which I will be reviewing for you today.




Play My Game - We get a rasping gritty guitar groove that combines with full-on snare drum punches that really let this rocking beast break free. The soulful melodic towering vocals really bring this foot-stomping groover to our attention as the funk-laden beat kicks in the door and lets this infectious piece do its thing, we have a fantastic guitar riff that wanders effortlessly through this punchy full-on arrangement that lets us know that Grace & Aaron are back and firing on all cylinders with this powering soulful rock blues piece that grabs your attention as this fantastic duo really deliver a punchy melodic track that has us stamping our feet to this gritty soulful track that tells us we are in for something special when their new offering drops in late summer.




When Rivers Meet  -


                                Grace Bond  -  Vocals / Mandolin / Violin


                                Aaron Bond  -  Vocals / Guitar




Track Listing  -


                       Play My Game



Luke Elliot - What It Is - Single Review - mercenarypublicity

Luke Elliot - What It Is - Single Review - mercenarypublicity


Review By Darren McIntyre




Luke Elliot is a singer/songwriter/musician from Princeton, New Jersey who now resides in Europe. Luke has a style that has been described as having a dark crooning style with traditional melancholic tones, he has garnered favourable comparisons to roots, folk & rock icons such as 


Hank Williams, Big Joe Turner, P J Harvey & Nick Cave. Luke has brought us albums Provisions in 2014, Dressed For The Occasion in 2016, and The Big Wind in 2020 and he follows that with his stunning new album Let Em All Talk due to drop on May 19th, before that Luke gives us his new single What It Is which I will be reviewing for you today.




What It Is - This enchanting ballad begins with great piano tones that work so well with a cool rhythm section that gives us solid snare drum punches that take this spellbinding track and elevates it somewhat. The pulsing basslines are wrapping themselves around this dark, haunting track that lets Luke's soulful melancholic vocals really captivate us as this foot-tapping soulful track brings in a fantastic stringed section that just stops us in our tracks. The haunting blues-style vocals build this fabulous arrangement to a real high point as we feel the energy & emotion pour from every musician on this spellbinding track. The whole arrangement is just delicious as we flow effortlessly through the midsection which just takes our breath away.




Luke Elliot  -


                   Luke Elliot  -  Vocals




Track Listing  -


                       What It Is



Teiger - Come & Find Me - Single Review - savagegringo

Review By Darren McIntyre



Teiger(pronounced Tiger) are a 3 piece power outfit from London, England that mixes quiet metal & bright acoustic rock that creates a rich and melancholic atmosphere. The band have a creative spark that won't be held back or labelled and want to take the listener on a journey, the band bring us 2nd single Come & Find Me which I will be reviewing for you today.



Come & Find Me - There is a calmness that pours from the intro as sweet melodic soulful vocals let this dark moody track expose itself and really let us get under the skin of this power trio. The smooth rhythm section comes for us with cymbal snaps that bring in the bass kicks that lead onto snare drum punches that let the arrangement mould itself around these delicious moody lyrics that are presenting us with a real haunting feel that just transports us to a dark club that has the band on stage and really delivering a pulsing groove that just elevates the composition to the next level. The deep funking basslines are wrapping themselves around this absolute banger of a piece that draws you in and won't let you go, the haunting vocals are just ,mesmerising as they take us to another place and feel the warmth ooze from this colossal groove laden beast that is laid bare for all to hear.



Teiger  -

            Talia Rose Eigeland  -  Vocals / Guitar

            Philip Eldridge - Smith  -  Bass

            Jon Steel  -  Drums



Track Listing  -

                      Come & Find Me

Fixation - Ignore The Disarray - Single Review - duffpress

Review By Darren McIntyre



Fixation is a metalcore outfit from Norway who are challenging genres combining elements from metalcore, stadium rock & post-metal that brings electronic elements and dynamic melodious synthesizers. The band gave us its debut EP Global Suicide in the fall of 2020 and released singles Stay Awake, Claustrophobic & More Alive, all of which brought these boys high praise and led to a support slot of Devin Townsend. Today the boys drop infectious new single Ignore The Disarray which I will be reviewing for you today.



Ignore The Disarray - Awesome haunting backing vocals flow effortlessly through the intro as soulful vocals let this sizzling beast come to life. The rhythm section is coming at us with pounding snare drum beats that are wrapped in a bass kick that really let this track breathe. The synth tones are littered throughout this melodic monster that really lets the boys express themselves as we feel the groove build with every note that comes bursting through the track. The sampler tones are evident as they build and build as sweet cool synth tones linger in the background and just give this track depth and direction as the whole composition really pops, we are roaring off into the distance and then get pulled back in with the infectious tones that are surrounding us.



Fixation  -

               Jonas Hansen  -  Vocals

               Martin Selen  -  Guitar

               Tobias Osterdal  -  Guitar

               Martin Gravdal  -  Bass

               Ola Donnem  -  Drums



Track Listing  -

                      Ignore The Disarray

Deadwax - Northern Behaviour - Single Review - oneillpr

Review By Darren McIntyre



Deadwax is a genre-bending force of nature 4 piece grime rock outfit that brings us a passion for heavy music that has been nurtured in the sweatbox clubs of Northern Uk. These boys are an up-and-coming fierce outfit that has gained a reputation for explosive engaging live shows that are packed with furious energy, and provoking lyrics which are instantly relatable, the boys bring us new single Northern Behaviour which I will be reviewing for you today.



Northern Behaviour - A cool grungy grime-laden intro brings us a snare drum-pounding groove that is steeped in a full-on bassline that really gets the groove on. Spoken almost gritty lyrics are pouring from the track as a foot-stomping beat works its way through the beat and lets this explosive thundering piece really leave its mark. We get a shredding power-driven riff that is layered in a grime, funk tone that really gets the juices flowing as the 4 piece outfit builds the tempo with sick driven power shredding licks that are wrapped in a thundering rhythm section that instantly gets us moving with the awesome funk-laden groove that is oozing from this powerful driven beast that is planted firmly into our brain as a track that will be with us for ages. The vocal tones are just driving this monster groove onwards as we feel the energy kicking in the doors and letting these boys really express themselves.



Deadwax  -  

                 Jake Millburn  -  Vocals

                 Henry Skinner  -  Guitar

                 Solomon Price  -  Bass

                 Ben Millington  -  Drums



Track Listing  -

                      Northern Behaviour

The Answer Sundowners Golden Robot Records

Plenty of Bright Spots on The Answer’s ‘Sundowners’


The Answer is a Northern Irish rock band which has been turning out albums since 2006, earning acclaim from having toured the world in support of AC/DC.


Musically, the band has been on a journey. Their first two albums were heavy rockers and subsequent releases were increasingly laced with blues and folk. They went on a break after 2016’s Solas, which marked a departure from the earlier, signature hard rock sound. I could go on and on about their discography – which I did in 2020 when I interviewed singer Cormac Neeson – and Sundowners marks the quartet’s return and they have stayed the course, highlighted by a more groove-based, blues rock.

Blackwater Conspiracy - These Wicked Rivers  Live @ The Cathouse

It's Friday 10th September and as I walk down Union St in Glasgow I am heading for my first show @ The Cathouse to run the rule over Northern Ireland's Blackwater Conspiracy @ Derby's own These Wicked Rivers. I have been an avid supporter of These Wicked Rivers and was really looking forward to their set, Blackwater Conspiracy are a new on eon me but was eager to check them out as I also had an interview with the boys to chat all things music. I was a guest of promoters Peter & Gordon from the awesome Shock City and as always the boys did not disappoint as I was very well looked after, please join me as I take us through this fantastic double header of live original music on a Friday night. First up are These Wicked Rivers who took to the stage that was lit up like your own living room lounge as the lights were dimmed and the rugs were rolled out to give us a real homely feel.

ASHLEY SHERLOCK DEBUT ALBUM – “JUST A NAME” RELEASED 16 JUNE 2023 

All roads lead to Manchester. Northern Britain’s cultural powerhouse spits out a great band every ten years or so. Get ready for guitarist and singer-songwriter, Ashley Sherlock’s highly anticipated debut album “Just A Name.”  The album will be released by Ruf Records on Friday 16 June

Chantel McGregor - live at The Half Moon Putney, 29 March 2023

We’re back at the Half Moon in Putney tonight for the second of four visits planned here over the Spring period. The main attraction this evening is that wonderful Yorkshire songstress, Chantel McGregor. however before Chantel takes to the stage, there’s another band to hear who’s been given a generous forty-five-minute support slot. I hadn’t realised it at the time we were asked to cover this show however I’m pleasantly surprised when I see that that support slot has been given by promoter Stephen Stanley from Solid Entertainments to a band we saw and enjoyed last summer at The Ealing Blues Festival. I’m not sure where the name of the band originated from however given the venue for tonight’s show, they are the very appropriately named, Half Moon Panic.

Joe Bonamassa - Tales Of Time - Live Album Review noblepr

Joe Bonamassa is a 3-time GRAMMY Nominated blues guitarist/singer/songwriter & 25 x Billboard chart topper who releases his new live album Tales Of Time which features material from his No 1 studio album Time Clocks. This fantastic album was also filmed at the breathtaking Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado in August 2022, please join me as I walk us through this stunning body of work from arguably one of the best blues-related guitarists of our generation. Joe is not only a well-respected musician but he also runs Keeping The Blues Alive Foundation, a non-profit that promotes music education & blues music by funding scholarships & providing music education resources to schools in need. Joe also created with Roy Weisman Keeping The Blues Alive records that have released albums by many of the world's leading blues musicians, please sit back as I take us through this blues journey that will surely blow our minds.

Elles Bailey - The Caves, Edinburgh 16 March 2023

When I first saw Elles Bailey here in Edinburgh, nearly six years ago, I reckoned she was a promising young artist. Nowadays though – blimey, when she and her band come onstage and get cracking with ‘The Game’, it’s clear that that promise has absolutely been fulfilled. The song is a gutsy belter, the band are cooking, and Bailey is a commanding presence, a vibrant performer both vocally and visually.

REVISITED: An Interview with HEADLESS  Bassist Martin Helmantel

In September 2021 I had the pleasure of reviewing Square One, the new album by HEADLESS, a prog-rock band founded in Italy. Even before I heard the music – which I wound up genuinely digging (listen to “Misdirection,” and you will, too) – the drawing factor for me was the band’s new bassist, Martin Helmantel. I knew Martin from his work in the exceptional Dutch power-prog-metal band, Elegy, whose last album was released in 2002.

SAXON ALBUM TITLE – MORE INSPIRATIONS

I’ve been a fan of Saxon since the days of the  ‘Wheels Of Steel’ album, having bought every record they’ve ever released and seeing them live more times than I can remember. This includes the legendary Donnington 1980 show when the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal was at its peak (yes, I’m that old). Time and illness have changed Biff Byford’s voice compared to how it sounded all those


years ago, but that’s not to say he sounds worse, it’s just different and in the live arena, he still belts it out with the best of them.  I compared him a while ago to a mentholated Lemmy, the link no clearer than the cover version of ‘Bomber’ that appeared on the original ‘Inspirations’ album.

Black Star Riders - Wrong Side Of Paradise Album Review - duffpress

Black Star Riders are a hard rock band formed in 2012 by the remaining members of Thin Lizzy who wanted to release new material but under a new name. Like most outfits, the boys have gone through some personnel changes but have kept the focus on the hard-rocking element that they have come to be known for. The boys have a new edition with Sam Wood joining the fold who will bring his sizzling brand of guitar wizardry to the band, they have given us 4 studio albums, All Hell Breaks Loose 2013, The Killer Instinct 2015, Heavy Fire 2017, Another State Of Grace 2019 and on the 20th Jan they deliver Wrong Side Of Paradise which I will be reviewing for you today.#, please settle in as I walk us through this killer new record.

SWORD Brandishes A Killer Metal Comeback


JACE MEDIA TALKS ALL THINGS MUSIC

WITH CHERIE CURRIE


John Diva and The Rockets Of Love Take

‘The Big Easy’ To The Road



 Omen by Extort Release 17/3/23

Review by Mike Kirsanow 

Omen by Extort Release 17/3/23


Extort Single Review


Extort – Omen


Written by current band members the single Omen Tells the tale of The omen of death, the Bean Nighe - pronounced ‘ben-nee-yeh’ - a female spirit in Scottish Folklore. 


 The sight of the Bean Nighe or “washerwoman” would mean death for the viewer or for their loved ones. There are many different descriptions of the Bean Nighe, depending on the region of Scotland where the specific tale originates from. Omen opens with one of the greatest steamroller groove riffs I have heard in years. The atmosphere feels like you’ve been taken back in time and could almost be about to meet the Bean Nighe herself!

Lead singer Seb opens with a roaring venomous intent, his unique vocal sound adds to the

the atmosphere of the song – I have to say this is one unique sound, I Haven't actually been able to quite compare it to anything I have heard – which is not something I can say very often!


The chorus is sung with a deep growling vocal alongside heavy guitar riffs – it's catchy in a very

heavy way, showing Extorts' unique style and giving the impression of the subject of the song.

Omen is instantly enjoyable, hooking into the brain and digging in deep! I

Omen's official release is March 17th, alongside a Gig at Legends.I would also recommend you see the video for this too – it's fantastic!


Vocals - Seb


Guitar - Alasdair


Guitar - Alina


Bass - Fuzz


Drums  -Caelan

The Bloody Nerve  All Blood, No Treasure

Episode 7 – Hard, Hard, Winter

Review by Phil M.

Together the Nashville-based duo The Bloody Nerve are Stacey Blood and Laurie Ann Layne who have innovatively and episodically been releasing their second album ‘All Blood, No Treasure’ over the last couple of years.  Following their debut album ‘Taste’, the releases of their new concept album so far have comprised the first two acts ‘Retrograde’ and ‘Reckoning’ – each containing three tracks.


The most recent release is part of Act III, titled ‘Ruins’ and comprises the single titled ‘Hard, Hard Winter’ which will be released on 17th March this year, along with an accompanying video with further releases due later to complete the act.

Their first album had a bluesy vibe to it and compares well with the sound that many rock bands from the 70s employed, with piano on many of the tracks.  By contrast, their new work and sound are far more stripped back and a little punky, albeit with adept guitar work.  It brings to mind the work of Weezer, Green Day and Nirvana but not quite as frenetic an approach.

The album commences with ‘A Million Arms’ starting a low synth and scream before the distorted guitar kicks in, the beat is solid and edgy supported by solid drums.  The sound is sparser during the verse but fills


out in the chorus with good lead work over it.  A traditional guitar solo works well and the song rocks along well.

‘What’s It Say? (About You)’ starts with a memorable Weezer-like riff with a slow lead riff over it before the verse, the chorus is a little like Ugly Kid Joe’s ‘I Hate Everything About You’ with solid harmony vocals.  There is more good guitar work in the solo.

Act I concludes with ‘Roads’ with a vocal intro (think Prince’s ‘Let’s Go Crazy’) over drums and bass and has a party-like chorus.  It slows down for the middle eight with the bluesy guitar behind the vocals and again later before the track finishes with a fade out.

The title track for the album is up next with a good rocky guitar intro and a frantic chorus, followed by ‘Down to the Letter’ with a synth beat and guitar riff and nice vocal harmonies during the chorus.  The last track of the act has a more bluesy feel - ‘Doin’ All Day’ opens with acoustic guitar and guitar harmonies akin to CSNY and features great guitar work before a stompy riff and drums enter.  The track has a nice chorus and ascending bass line before fade out and feedback concludes.

The latest release ‘Hard, Hard Winter’ has a slightly different and brooding feel to it, opening with the low rumble of a synth, and as Layne explains “Since Act II, we've been able to acquire some new gear that's allowed us to expand into some synth sounds, which is new territory for us”.  That new gear has also brought a more polished, edge to the music, flanged guitar behind the vocals.  The chorus has strong vocals and riff and leads into bluesy guitar soloing.

We can expect a couple of further releases in due course to complete the album.



Track Listing:


Act I – Retrograde

A Million Arms

What’s It Say? (About You)

Roads


Act II – Reckoning

All Blood, No Treasure

Down To the Letter

Doin’ All Day


Act III – Ruins

Hard, Hard Winter



Personnel:

Laurie Ann Layne – Vocals

Stacey Blood – Guitars/Bass

Bobby Blood – Drums

Ben Hemming  Holy For A Day Single Review 


Review by Glen Parkes


Ben Hemming

 

Ben Hemming a London-based singer-songwriter a new single out on the 10th of March called ’Holy For A Day. My music has a strong Blues Rock influence and he has been fortunate enough to enjoy no little critical success: The Blues Magazine called me 'A unique musical identity’; Blues Blast Magazine described his songs as being 'of bleak beauty' and Americana U.K. hailed my work as 'A new blues’.

 

 

 

We start with a slick acoustic guitar sound before the sound of the gravely voice that is Ben Hemming's trade mark. The smooth blues acoustic guitar grows through the song and by the end of the song gives us a rocky sound  With the lyrics tell us the story of living in today's society and how we see ourselves and how others see us and what we all want from life. all in all a stunning bit of blues rock that shows Ben's talents off to their best check out the Video on youtube at the link below 


Lord of the Lost – Absolute Attitude – Video Release

Review by Phil M.

Since the success of Lordi’s ‘Hard Rock Hallelujah’ at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2006 there has been a trend of rockier songs entering the contest, which surely can be no bad thing.  The latest to join this trend is German ‘genre fusing visionaries’ – Lord of the Lost with the title track of their ‘Blood and Glitter’ album which has been nominated for the German preliminaries of the contest.  The album itself debuted at number one in the German charts, but Lord of the Lost are no newcomers, having been formed back in 2007 and their sound remains similar to that which they started out with - synth-based rhythms and distorted guitars pushing their songs through.  Their production though, in line with what you may expect from Eurovision contenders is now more polished.


‘Absolute Attitude’ has a thumping synth and distorted guitar driving the beat along with a catchy singalong chorus aimed at a mass market.  Influences from heavy metal and glam rock abound and bring a softer side of industrial than Rammstein but with the catchiness of Sabaton and a poppy feel.  Their sound is a bombastic wall of sound with nice contrasting dynamics and an operatic feel to it.  


And the video?  Well, they are clearly making a lot of fun of themselves and having fun doing it.  There are a few laugh-out-loud moments – transforming from regular band members to their alter-egos on the back of some ‘substances’ purchased while recording in Finland.  It’s an amusing watch - check out the guitar riffs section, but if you want to listen to the track without multiple interruptions, it's best to listen to the album.  


Jethro Tull – The Navigators (Single)

Review by Phil M

After a hiatus of nearly two decades Jethro Tull following the release of ‘The Jethro Tull Christmas Album’ released in 2003, returned from releasing the album ‘The Zealot Game’ and hitting the stores in early 2022.  Hot on the heels of that release comes ‘RökFlöte’ translated as ‘Rock Flute’ which will be released this April.  The second single to be released ahead of that album is ‘The Navigators.  Bruce Soord of Pineapple Thief fame mixed the single edit.


In line with the overall Norse god theme of the album the single tells of the god Njord, who was the god of wealth, fertility, the sea and seafaring (a busy gig even by their standards…) watching over sailors, whether they be those Vikings originally looting and plundering or the more modern-day fisherman.


Musically it is like Tull of old, the track opening with Ian Anderson’s trademark flute over keyboards and distorted guitar.  The flute run repeats nicely throughout the song, almost in lieu of a traditional chorus.  The song fairly cracks along, and you can imagine ships cutting their way through rough weather and pounding seas.  The verse leads into keyboard swirls alternating with lead guitar and a great bass sound anchoring (pardon the pun) to the solid drums.  Anderson’s voice is as good as it ever was, and with the freshness of the song you would not guess that Tull has been around for so long.  The production as you would expect is top notch and the accompanying video is well worth a watch.


Personnel:

Ian Anderson - flute, vocals

David Goodier - bass

John O'Hara - Piano, Keyboard, Hammond Organ

Scott Hammond - drums

Joe Parrish-James - guitar, mandolin



Hellz Abyss - Warrior - Single Review - lisaperry

Review By Darren McIntyre



Lisa Perry is a born rocker hailing from Sydney, Australia who combines sultriness with a real rebellious spirit, she brings a real harmonious vibe that rolls into a guttural growl that is delivered in spades as she brings her own style to her music. This lady has a full 6-octave coloratura soprano voice that enables her to shift from irresistible vulnerability to a dominating sense of power with ease, Lisa has a career that spans 20 years with 4 albums under her belt which has allowed her to work with former members of Rob Zombie, Megadeth, Baron Rojo Metalium & Motorhead. Lisa is part rock chick, part vixen, part judge, jury & executioner, Hellz to those who know her is more than a voice for a new generation and she brings us the eagerly awaited new single Warrior which I will be reviewing for you today.



Warrior - We get a crisp, clean guitar riff that is building as this punchy rocker track cuts lose and brings the groove. A solid snare drum punch is coming towards us as this gritty beast erupts and makes itself known to us, we have a cool dark bassline that is dropping meaty grooves that just wrap themselves around this epic new song. Vocals are strong with a really melodic tone that just reaches inside your soul and brings out all the goodness in this fierce lady as she steamrolls through this killer track with ease, a real gritty rasping guitar solo unfolds and drops crisp licks that merge well with this solid punchy track that has a foot-stomping groove that just works so well as the colossal strong vocals flow effortlessly through this pounding monster of a track.



Hellz Abyss  -

                     Lisa  -  Vocals / Guitar

                     Raul  -  Guitar

                     Mick  -  Bass

                     Katie  -  Drums



Track Listing  -

                       Warrior

The Zach Waters Band – Up & Running

Independent Release



Review By Smudge Smith

I know virtually nothing about The Zach Waters Band other than they are a hard rockin’ trio from Sacramento, California. I love a power trio, some of my favourite bands are trio’s – Motorhead, Rush, Venom, 


The Hamsters, Vardis and loads more. There’s no place to hide in a trio so you’ve pretty much got to be on top of your game and boy have these boys got some game.


A driving drumbeat introduces ‘Lookin’ To Play’ before a sleazy riff takes off and we’re away on some sweet rock n roll which is loud, low down and dirty. ‘Shakin’ Hair And Hands’ comes on like some sleazy hair metal then things ease back on to the bluesier ‘Word On The Street’ and ‘Drinkin’ Whiskey’ before ‘Hole In The Road’ slows right down and has some wonderful fills from whoever plays the guitar. ‘I’ve Had Enough’ is a nice big dose of AC/DC heavy rock – you know the stuff – bound to get your head nodding and foot tapping then ‘Right Back At It’ goes kind of Led Zep with a call and response thing before album closer ‘Self Made Man’ leaves you with another ballsy rocker. 

Talk about a power trio, these boys are loud. 


Everything is right up front in the mix, but they don’t fight against each other. Whoever plays the guitar on this knows his way around a fretboard but it's not all about the shred, there’s some feel and touch on some of the solos, plus there’s a fair amount of bludgeon too from the rhythm section. Dirty blues-based heavy rock n roll that just makes you want to thrust your hips and drink a lot of cheap booze. These boys were the ones your mother warned you about! Superb.

Tracklist:


Looking To Play

Shakin’ Hair & Hands

Word On The Street

Drinkin’ Whiskey

Hole In The Road

I’ve Had Enough

Right Back At It 03:39

Self Made Man

INSPECTOR CLUZO HORIZON

RELEASE DATE 27TH JANUARY

Review by

Greyfox Growl


Don’t know about you, but I'm always searching for music that stirs the soul, makes you think, inspires and is quite unique to anything else, and boy does this band/duo do that, it's totally off the wall, it has all the above and more. 


Inspector Cuzo consists of Malcolm Laurent guitarist, vocals and Phil Jordan on drums with a cast of others helping out, however, I can confidently say there are no bass players on this album or any others (to know why you will need to look them up).


Formed in 2007 and from Gascony, the duo have a DIY attitude to music and handle their own production, management, bookings, promotion and label and after all that, they are recognised as one of France’s most hard-touring bands.


So to sum up, these two organic farmers ( oh sorry did I not mention that, yes full-time farmers) have played the Download and Hellfest Festival as well as toured the World playing their, Soulful, Funk, Punk Aggressive, loud and Beautiful Rock to crowds who respect and love them, count me in.


*Act Local Think Globa*l kicks this album into gear, basic rhythm with forceful vocals blowing out throughout the song after Malcome whispers the title of the track at the beginning and the end. The song is about a Global shopping list, referencing Coffee, Avocado and Chinese tea. The vocals are softened by melodic backing vocals and if I'm honest I'm not too sure what it's about, but it has a punky funk feel to the song.


“Wolf At The Door” starts with a grungy guitar sound, the pace of this number is slower than the first track, and when the vocals kick in you get a Lou Reed vibe taking you back to the 70s. The song attacks big industries coming into green areas, polluting local farms, and rivers. It is sung with anger and frustration, however, it has some soft vocals which if sung by Malcolm show his range and his feel for the dynamics.


The pace picks up on “Running A Family Farm Is More Rock Than Playing Rock N Roll”, some great guitar work, it's driven hard and fast by Phil on drums, bringing that punk feel to the song. Running a farm as well as playing Rock music has obviously left an impression on these two unusual, gifted and original duo. 


“Shenanigans” is the fourth song on the album and it has what I call a chugging rhythm to it, again we get the Lou Reed texture to the vocals. It's a journey in the shoes of a bald-headed man named Bill from Tennessee who meets a girl and starts a family, however, he is unable to leave his music behind and now runs his own bar called Shenanigans, where the band hung out while recording in Nashville, there is section of this wonderful song draw you in, and the end is beautifully sung out by a female singer, I think but Malcolm has such an amazing rage it's most likely him.


The slow and moody start to “The Outside” is reminiscent of Neil Young, and as the song build’s you can feel the passion, anger, and frustration in the vocals, it tears at your soul and you can feel the loneliness of being an Outsider. It does have an epic feel and takes you on a journey, Malcolm keeps changing the feel of this song by using different tones of voice, going from narrating to full-blown-out aggression, quite a unique combination, he feels it.


An acoustic guitar starts this beautiful song “Swallows-Where Are Swallows Gonna Build Their Nest. Nature is struggling to find its natural place in the World, and this is no more apparent than in the countryside, the lyrics reference this fact and as farmers, these two songwriters have written a thought-provoking song. 


“Horizon” is the single from the album. Starting with a jingly guitar sound, I really enjoy the hard vocals on this which is accompanied by a soft melodic chorus. There are so many shades to this track. This song was written 15 years ago for the first album but was never finished. Working on a farm together has required the band to experiment with new agroecological techniques to face climate change, this is reflected in this track.


“Rockophobia” is a strange one, and tries to answer the question *what does rock mean today” reverting back to Iggy Pop and his on-stage antics. Aggressive again but with an orchestral playing behind a wild and thrashing guitar. A full-on Rock n Roll feel to this song, but with a pinch of Black Flag mixed with ELO and a bit of Iggy sprinkled in. 


“Armchair Activists” is a full-blooded rock n roll song, it's angry and again subtle in parts. It has a  great piano sound bopping behind a guitar thrashing out front, I can see this being a crowd-pleaser where the fans can sing along, and love the scream at the end.


This band has an incredible approach to songs which this track “9 Billion Solutions” demonstrates. The beginning is orchestrated and sets this atmospheric song on its way, but after a solum and slow vocal, it kicks in with that full throttle powerful voice taking the song to another level, and then it drops back to slow and melodic as we had at the beginning of the track. 


“Saving the Geese” is a protest song criticising the French Government and large cooperations for wanting to kill the band's healthy animals when there was a massive Bird flu pandemic. It's angry and aggressive and hits the mark, it's a full-on no-hold attack on Government laws and big industry, it's confrontational and honest, and sang with passion and concern.


The final song “Swallows Back - When will the swallow return” starts with a haunting guitar which brings a beautiful harmonic vocal which floats above the music, and takes this strongly to the verse which reflects on the swallows returning to the land, and how much they have been missed.




This is one of the most unique and beautiful albums I have listened to for some time. Considering this is a duo, the content of the songs and the constant changes in melody, vocals and moods is something special and needs to be experienced.



   01 ACT LOCAL THINK GLOBAL 3:19 

   02 WOLF AT THE DOOR 3:32 

   03 RUNNING A FAMILY FARM IS MORE ROCK THAN PLAYING ROCK N ROLL 3:35 

   04 SHENANIGANS 4:33 

   05 THE OUTSIDER 7:22 

   06 SWALLOWS - WHERE ARE SWALLOWS GONNA BUILD THEIR NEST 4:17 

   07 HORIZON 3:48 

   08 ROCKOPHOBIA 4:15 

   09 THE ARMCHAIR ACTIVIST 2:39 

   10 9 BILLION SOLUTIONS 4:54 

   11 SAVING THE GEESE 4:48 

   12 SWALLOWS BACK - WHEN WILL THE SWALLOWS RETURN



Seamus Foley – Into The Night EP

Americana  Independent Release

Review by  Smudge Smith


Seamus Foley born to UK/Irish parents in Manchester so not a whole lot of country or Americana in the local area but that hasn’t stopped young Jim from soaking up a plethora of influences which makes this release sound authentic. Opening with the title track you immediately hear that authenticity with Foley’s deft picking and the beautiful pedal steel from CJ Hillman. Foley’s vocals are understated over a steady shuffle from drummer Lee Smith. 


‘Letters To Victoria’ had me remembering Martyn Joseph, with the simple acoustic guitar strum then the band join in, but they don’t crowd Foley who gives a superb vocal performance. ‘Black & White’ shows Foley’s dexterity on the acoustic, and a dual-tracked vocal keeps it interesting before we get a fine piece of Americana on ‘Colorado Skies’ with its beautiful imagery that seems to flow past your eyes and just get those backing vocals on the chorus, this will go down well live and get the crowd singing. ‘Ground’ defies genre, it’s part country, part blues, part pop with a beautiful melancholic melody then the final track ‘Old Rivers Flow’ is just Foley with his guitar picking 


on a song. Foley is a true craftsman. His songs are sweet, and poignant and tell the truth, no matter how hard that may be to hear. He recruited some top-notch musicians to help bring his songs to life especially lap steel guitarist CJ Hillman and keyboard player Tom Collison who both add wonderful textures. Just some great music, play it and rejoice.


   Into The Night (MASTER) 3:46 

   Letters To Victoria (MASTER) 5:24 

   Black _ White (MASTER) 3:36 

   Colorado Skies (MASTER) 3:25 

   Ground (MASTER) 4:06 

   Old Rivers Flow (MASTER)


Uriah Heep – ‘Chaos And Colour’


Silver Lining Music

Release Date – January 27th 2023

Uriah Heep stepped in at the last minute to headline Stone-dead Festival in August 2021 and at that particular time they were in the middle of recording ‘Chaos And Colour’ so it’s been well over a year in the waiting but talk about worth the wait! On that particular night, they played an astounding set of melodic heavy rock. I had never seen them before but that prompted me to want to see them again – and I did – on their 50th Anniversary tour last year. Again they threw out classics and deeper cuts and it all looked so easy for them. 


The lead-off track and first single ‘Save Me Tonight’ gets straight to the point a heavy riff played by Box and Lanzon and bassist Dave Rimmer joining in here and there. The music is urgent but controlled with singer Bernie Shaw proving that he is both powerful and melodic. ‘Silver Sunlight’ breathes through Lanzon’s lovely warm Hammond allowing Box to chop away and oh, those harmony vocals are sublime then we get heavy again on ‘Hail The Sunrise’ which is classic Heep. ‘Age Of Changes’ has Lanzon offering a beautiful line before the band flies away with some more wonderful backing vocals.


 ‘Hurricane’ gets heavy with a huge choppy riff, a solid rhythm and a couple of stunning solos from both Lanzon and Box. Uriah Heep has often been classed as a prog band so ‘One Nation, One Sun’ won’t come as a surprise to any Heep fan. Opening with a soft piano and Shaw’s rich voice, it builds with Rimmer’s bass before it opens up into a summery power ballad through a couple of movements then a mighty climax in a full cacophony of heavy melodic rock. Stabbing keys begin ‘Golden Light’ and then we’re off on another classic Heep rocker – with the huge Hammond and guitar to the fore then ‘You’ll Never Be Alone’ gets dark, and broody before some bright piano has Shaw singing gently before it explodes into a positive chorus and they’re away again on another epic. ‘Fly Like An Eagle’ stays with the dark and a powerful melody then it’s epic time again on ‘Freedom To Be Free’ before ‘Closer To Your Dreams’ ends things with some kick-ass rock n roll.



You know you’re onto a winner when you get goosebumps at the start of the first song. The sounds are full, bright and right up-front thanks to an amazing production from Jay Ruston. Huge riffs and even bigger melodies that you will be humming for days. Uriah Heep has nothing to prove, and this allows them the freedom to just create and enjoy the process. Their last four releases have all been superb and this is another to add to their impressive body of work. Absolutely stunning! Uriah Heep has been in existence for over 50 years now, but they just seem to get better and better.   


           TRACKLIST

1. Save Me Tonight

2. Silver Sunlight

3. Hail the Sunrise

4. Age of Changes

5. Hurricane

6. One Nation, One Sun

7. Golden Light

8. You’ll Never Be Alone

9. Fly Like an Eagle

10. Freedom to Be Free

11. Closer to Your Dreams

12. Save Me Tonight (Demo)

                                                                                                                                                                   

Motive Black - Auburn - Album Review - bjfmedia


Review By Darren McIntyre



Motive Black is a hard rock / alternative metal outfit from Los Angeles, California that came to our attention in 2020. Motive Black peels back the layers to reveal the dark & turbulent emotions that dwell in the heart of vocalist Elana Justin, the band have already brought us singles Broken, Lift Me Up & Fight Alone. The singles lead on well for the release of their new album Auburn which has special meaning to vocalist Elana, please sit back as I walk us through this new offering that also features the talents of Marcos Curiel, Ray Luzier & Carla Harvey. Please settle in as I ready us for this blistering slab of music that is unleashed onto the world on the 10th of February.



Lift Me Up (Ft Carla Harvey) - We have a solid pounding rhythm section bringing the heat with bass drum kicks that combine with snare drum punches that really let this track come to life. Sizzling guitar riffs are pouring into this thundering beast of a track and really set the tone as this cool rock track comes to us, bass chords are handing us deep plundering grooves that just drive this beast forward as the whole arrangement just builds and build as the twin attack of Elana & Carla just elevate this cool rasping composition upwards as we just allow this awesome arrangement the room it deserves to really deliver a rasping power driven beat that is on the money for sure, a cool rocking track that brings in sizzling guitar licks that just work well with a thundering rhythm section that is incredible and is finished off with the sensational tones of Carla Harvey.

Broken - The track erupts with a shredding power chord that lets the track break free before we are gifted a slick synth vibe that really works well. The sensational vocals come at us with a real rasping bite that has the track telling its own story as the full-on bassline drops killer grooves that wrap themselves around this foot-stomping beast as it untangles and just kicks in the doors and let's fly. The rhythm section is coming for us with snare drum punches that are working nicely with bass kicks and cymbal crashes that take this track to another place as we feel the energy, attitude and direction of this full-on powering beast that just keeps building and building for sure.

Let Down - A colossal guitar shred pours into the track as the pounding rhythm section hits us with a killer groove that is just incredible. The whole arrangement is brought together with epic vocals that have a soul and a real mesmerising tone that allows this thundering rocker track to flourish and really tell its own tale. The killer riffs are erupting all over this punchy, soul-searching beast as the stop-start groove really grabs you, we have killer synth tones running freely through the whole composition that just elevates this thundering track to the next level. We are getting cool bass grooves that are wrapping themselves around this punchy mesmerising beat that is really growing on me.

Bloodsport - Soulful melodic vocals pour into the track as the snare drum punches fill the air and let the groove build and take us on the journey which is bubbling nicely. The cool shredding guitar riffs combine well with a fast-paced killer bass that kicks on and pulls away and really delivers a cool groove, we are getting solid full-on snare drum punches that deliver a bass kick that brings killer cymbal crashes that allow the track the room it needs to grow. The tempo changes mid-track and brings us melodic dark vocals that are wrapped around a real shredding guitar groove that is nicely presented with a solid drum beat that is just punching us straight in the face with its energy.

Caged (Ft Ray Luzier) - This is a real groove-laden beast that kicks in the doors and gives us solid snare drum punches that combine with bass drum beats that finish with cymbal crashes that are just incredible. The vocals are bellowing out and really lift this gritty rocking beast as the full-on bass lines drop meaty funk tones all around us, we are twisting and turning as this thundering beast hits us hard with crunching grooves and shredding killer licks that just elevate this fantastic track that is just full on with riffs and killer beats.

Purge - Snare drum punches combine with bass kicks as this gritty rocker track welcomes soulful vocals that are doing their thing and really getting this band on the map. The glittering bass lines are deep with groove and give this track real attitude as it drives this thundering monster in the right direction for sure. Vocals are just incredible as they build with ease and really give this track an edgy feel that mixes well with this sludgy, gritty groove that is just giving us wave after wave of killer licks that are blended together with a powering rhythm section that is handing us solid snare drum kicks that are wrapped in shredding power driven riffs that are quite simply on the edge.

Cellophane (Ft Ray Luzier) - This powering track explodes before us and really hits us for six with a pounding snare drum beat that is fast, furious and full of attitude as we get a punch to the gut with real energy. The vocals are soaring as they drive this colossal track skywards with its intensity and edgy groove that has sizzling guitar licks that really take us to another place with ease. The whole arrangement is a force all its own as it builds and builds with a real thundering groove that shakes us furiously and really lets us know that Motive Black has arrived and is telling their story their way, we are just mesmerised with the musicianship that is pouring out from this incredible track, the drums are insane as they destroy everything in its path for sure.

Bad Decisions - The track comes to life with killer synth tones that are bringing the groove to this sizzling beast as the vocals just tear at our skin and let this awesome track come to life. The whole arrangement is a dark symphonic rock track that has a solid snare drum beat ripping the doors clean off this epic track brings in killer vocals that have depth, energy and real tone as they mix well with a shredding guitar riff that is slicing this track wide open as it just comes at us in waves and waves of delicious riffs that are being helped on their way with killer grooves and colossal vocals that are on top of their game.

Fake ( Ft Ray Luzier) - This explosive track comes for us with a vengeful tone as the shredding guitar riffs break through and bring the solid rhythm section kicking and screaming towards us as this fantastic track emerges. The vocals are just incredible as they bring a real gravelly rasping tone that works well with this solid groove that is hitting us with snare drum punches that allow the bass kicks the room they need to really get this track on the move, bass lines are dropping meaty funk tones that are wrapping themselves around this colossal groove that twists one way then the next as the whole arrangement just sizzles with ease as the tone builds and builds.

Fight Alone ( Ft Ray Luzier) - The track opens with haunting melodic spoken vocals that are accompanied by a pounding rhythm section that brings us thundering snare drum beats that let this track breathe. We have a solid bass kick groove that brings in cymbal snaps that roll into crashes to really let this incredible beast come to life. Vocals bellow out and really drive this shredding power-driven rock track onwards as the whole arrangement is just building with a real intensity that finds us feeling the gritty riffs as they kick in the doors and really let us get to grips with this colossal piece of music. We have plundering bass lines that hand us killer beats that wrap themselves around this epic piece of music, the track is a real sizzling effort that combines killer anthemic vocals that are finished with a polished guitar section that is wrapped in a furious rhythm section that drops solid drum beats with cymbal crashes that just elevate this awesome track.

Auburn(Ft Ray Luzier) - We get a fantastic guitar intro that lets us feel the emotion oozing from this real thought-provoking piece as it unfolds. The strong powering rhythm section hits us with snare drum rolls that are giving this track the respect it deserves as Elana reaches us with her colossal vocals that really tell their own story. The shredding power guitars are incredible as they lead this track down the road the cool bass grooves work well in this pounding beast as we shut our eyes and lose ourselves in this fantastic arrangement that just tells the story of this incredible album that has been laid bare for us all to hear and really take to our hearts. We are witnessing a real shift in musicality as the musicians really dig deep and bring us a real epic slab of rock music that is just left me speechless for sure.



Motive Black  -

                      Elana Justin  -  Vocals

                       KC Jenkins  -  Guitar

                       Joe Perez  -  Guitar

                       Gabe Moska  -  Bass

                       Jeff Dewbray  -  Drums 



Additional Musicians  -

                                   Marcos Curiel  -  Guitars

                                   Ray Luzier  -  Drums

                                   Nick Rowe  -  Guitars / Bass / Songwriting

                                   Carla Harvey  -  Vocals



Track Listing  -

                       Lift Me Up (Ft Carla Harvey)

                       Broken (Ft Ray Luzier / Marcos Curiel)

                       Let Down

                       Bloodsport

                       Caged (Ft Ray Luzier)

                       Purge

                       Cellaphane (Ft Ray Luzier)

                       Bad Decisions

                       Fake (Ft Ray Luzier)

                       Fight Alone (Ft Ray Luzier)

                       Auburn (Ft Ray Luzier)

Richy Neill and the Reinforcements

Review by Mike kirsanow

I have had the chance to catch Richy Neill and the Reinforcements once before in Bannermans, in an unforgettable gig so I was pretty stoked to catch them again tonight.

This is my first review of Richy Neill and the Reinforcements.


Lead Vocalist Richy kicks off with Tear it all down, a fantastic catchy song.


There is some great banter with the crowd too - as at one point Richy is told we only have a certain amount of time onstage.



Vocalist Richy really does express himself in the songs - his facial expressions timed perfectly with the emotive lyrics - and his vocals are powerful and well-controlled.



I felt, as am sure the rest of the audience did, that his objective of rock n roll entertainment tonight has been achieved!



I wasn't expecting Richy to head down into the audience the first time I saw the band, however, I was kind of expecting it today and he didn't disappoint on the track Empty Promises he headed down into the audience interacting perfectly with members of the audience – true showmanship in my opinion - very cool indeed!


Next track Wings saw the bassist Christian come to the fore with his amazing bouncy groove – I watched as Richy bounced enthusiastically - I always love it when singers jump onstage however I did feel a little wary he might hit the ceiling as its quite low!


Luckily all went well as he and indeed the audience ( including myself !! ) all jumped in time to the groove!


Finally, Drummer Tom on his second set onstage received a second (well-earned) round of applause.  Richy Neill and the Reinforcements look to be very busy in 2023 I spoke to bassist Christian briefly afterwards and am happy to reveal they will be releasing various singles over 2023. The first of which comes out at midnight on 31st Dec/1st Jan 23.



You can also catch them at Call of The Wild Festival in May 2023, with further dates to be announced. I would wholeheartedly recommend you go see these guys - I know I will be seeing more of them! 


Set list


Tear it all Down


Opportunist


Wandering


How You See Me


Lights Out


Wings


Empty Promises


Isolation


Wilko Johnson 


Everyone here at Jace Media was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Wilko Johnson earlier this week at the age of 75. Canvey Islander, Wilko, was one of the founding members of Dr Feelgood back in 1971. Wilko’s unique style of playing gave Dr Feelgood their instantly recognisable sound that made them synonymous with the pub rock style of English Rhythm & Blue that they’re so often credited with “inventing” and that has influenced many others since.


In early 2013, Wilko announced that he’d been diagnosed with late stage pancreatic cancer and was given just 10 months to live. At the time he chose not to go through the pains of chemo but instead opted to allow nature to take its natural course as he embarked on what he proclaimed would be his farewell tour. The following year he recorded an album with Roger Daltrey and continued to make the occasional short live appearance. During the course of 2014 it was determined that Wilko’s cancer was not as aggressive and was more treatable than had first been thought and following some radical surgery during which doctors successfully removed a 3kg tumor, much to everyone’s surprise (including his own), in October 2014 he declared himself cancer free and returned to regular live performing just seven months later.


We were fortunate enough to cover Wilko twice this year in headlining festival appearances, (at HRH Blues in April and again at the Ealing Blues Festival in July) during which he looked as happy and as well as we’ve seen him for a long time. Wilko’s passing is a great loss to the English R & B scene however most importantly at this very sad time, our thoughts and sympathies are with his family and friends who have lost so much more than just a musician. 

Robert Jon & The Wreck - "Pain No More

Review by Glen Parkes

The ground-breaking single “Pain No More” was the result of the extraordinary collaboration working with legendary producer Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile, Blackberry Smoke, Rival Sons) whom the Wreck had admired for many years.


 We get the  sound of  the fast paced guitar starting this song off with a bang. Before  Robert Jon distinctive voice  kicks in and just takes you in to the song  Roberts big voice matched with the guitar playing is just superb  the Hammond organ helps  take you on to that blues feel as you go on the journeyin to the song  


 Robert Jon & The Wreck. No More Pain is yet another one for the fans and newcomers alike   the single will make you want more of this  band and Roberts voice  the guys music 


  Just a  magic sound  that just lets you know the boys are back and will be bigger then ever the musicianship is better then ever with this blues rock mix that makes you want to just hear more.The guys will be on tour early next year and will be one to watch 


Robert Jon Burrison (vocals, guitar),

 Henry Schneekluth (guitar), 

Warren Murrel (bass) 

Andrew Espantmen (drums) 


For more information about Robert Jon & The Wreck, visit www.robertjonandthewreck.com 

SKID ROW/THE TREATMENT/ENUFF Z’NUFF


MANCHESTER RITZ 27/10/22

Review by Graeme Wright  



I’ve been to so many gigs this year due to the COVID backlog it can be easy to become a bit blasé about things, but in truth I was a big fan of Skid Row back in the day and couldn’t wait for this one to appear on the calendar. The band were huge back in the 80’s with their first two albums going multi platinum. I saw them at the Royal Court in Liverpool in 1989 with Vain in support and it was a truly great show, but it was clear then that singer Sebastian Bach was a handful, and I vividly remember him throwing his mic stand across the stage in the general direction of his mic technician after the sound failed towards the end of the show.


Bach is now long gone, but the band have now got Erik Gronwall on vocals, the ex singer of H.E.A.T and  one of the best stage artists in the business so it would be interesting to see how the newly rejuvenated band would perform.


First up to bat was Enuff Z’Nuff , another band that were huge back in the day but now only contain one original member, Chip Z’Nuff. I’d read some criticism of the last couple of gigs, with both an over reliance on Beatles songs for a relatively short set and some questionable banter from Chip, but the band were solid tonight and the dialogue was kept to a minimum. The sound was surprisingly good for The Ritz, and they belted out their biggest hits such as Fly High Michelle and New Thing to an appreciative audience.


The Treatment were up next, a band that I’d already seen this year supporting Reckless Love in Liverpool at the Hangar 34 venue, and I was interested to see how they performed in a substantially bigger venue. I needn’t have worried. The band have been around for a while now and have supported such artists as Alice Cooper and Kiss, but for me the addition of Tom Rampton as lead vocalist was the final piece of the jigsaw. They are a straight ahead no frills Hard Rock band, and they may not thank me for saying it but have more than a hint of early AC-DC in both their music and their stage antics. They put on a great show tonight, and had the audience eating out of their hands right from the off, from Lets Get Dirty through to crowd pleasers Shake the Mountain and Rat Race. Great show, great band, can’t wait to see them again.


The sound had been so good for the first two bands, I wasn’t prepared for what happened next. 

Skid Row hit the stage and launched proceedings with Slave to the Grind. The first thing I noticed was that guitarist Dave Sabo was absent and a guy who I didn’t recognise was on lead guitar. It turns out Dave had tested positive for COVID that morning, and the band had spent four hours teaching Casey the guitar tech the entire set. Amazingly, it didn’t matter. Although he looked like he’d just finished a shift at Dominos, he performed admirably, and as the band explained later it was either that or cancel the show.

The big problem was the sound. I realised straight away that you could hardly hear the singer, and the drums were pushed up way too loud, completely distorting the first half of the set and somewhat ruining such great songs as Big Guns and 18 and Life. 


Thankfully things settled down halfway through, and by the time we hit their cover of Psycho Therapy, new song The Gangs All Here and Monkey Business the band had really hit their stride and Erik could be heard above the rhythm section.


The encore of I Remember You, Time Bomb and Youth Gone Wild finished the show in fine style and brought the house down. 


Despite all the problems it was a good gig that the crowd thoroughly enjoyed, but the sound issues stopped it being a great show, at least for me.


SKID ROW SETLIST

1. Slave to the Grind

2. The Threat

3. Big Guns

4. 18 and Life

5. Piece of Me

6. Livin’ on a Chain Gang

7. Psycho Therapy

8. In a Darkened Room

9. Makin’ a Mess

10. The Gangs All Here

11. Riot Act

12. Tear It Down

13. Monkey Business

14. I Remember You

15. Time Bomb

16. Youth Gone Wild


Talking ‘Death’ with Avatarium

Singer Jennie-Ann Smith 

By Justin Smulison


Jennie-Ann Smith is undoubtedly one of the standout voices of doom rock. The singer of Avatarium can deliver delicate, breathy melodies and buried screams over downtuned, classic metal-style riffs and bluesy solos.


Avatarium’s fifth studio LP, Death, Where Is Your Sting, was recently released by AFM Records, marking the Swedish quintet’s debut on the worldwide label. Death also just charted number 35 on the German album charts and is sure to make a broader impact on global doom rock audiences. 

The album title, Death, Where Is Your Sting, was inspired to a degree by the pandemic. It is a reference to the Corinthian letters from the Bible, with the idea that people will certainly relate to the songs on the record. 

"The saying 'Death, where is your sting?', it's like saying 'I survived death this time, but I know I'm on its calendar," Jennie-Ann said. "Many of us have lost people we care about due to the pandemic, we have all lived through it, so the album title is as if to say 'Death, I felt your presence, but I'm not going this time.'" 

Jennie-Ann spoke with Jace Media contributor Justin Smulison to discuss the inspirations for an album that is simultaneously haunting, soothing and hard-rocking.



Song clips:

“Death, Where Is Your Sting” and “God Is Silent”


Avatarium:

Online: https://avatarium.se 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avatariumofficial 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/avatariumofficial

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/avatariumofficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avatariumofficial/

AFM Records: https://www.afm-records.de

 


Dr Feelgood

Damm Right!

RELEASE DATE 4TH NOVEMBER

Review by Greyfox Growl

Formed in 1971 in that bed rock of R&B town Canvey town Essex. Best known for early singles “She Does it Right,” Back In The Night” “Roxette” and “Milk and Alcohol”.

The sound was British R&B based around Wilko Johnsons Choppy guitar and Lee Brilleoux's vocals and harmonica, John B Sparks bass and John Martin drums. 

In late 1973 the band’s driving R&B made them one of the most popular bands of a growing Pub Rock acts. Stupidity Live album reached No1 in the UK Albums chart, they're only chart topper.


Dr Feelgood were part of my misspent youth, they were the bad boys, with attitude and a strut. The live shows were always sweaty, loud and a little bit dangerous in a look way, why you may say.  well, let me explain.

Lee Brilleoux had a look that was menacing, staring out into the crowd and punctuating the songs with a harp as if his life depended on it, jerky movements and feeling every note he played and sang and his white suit, which on the first show of a tour was immaculate but by the last gig covered in sweat and dirt as he refused to clean it, just brilliant. 

Wilko Johnson was a force of nature and still is, with his jerky walking back and forth, and his shotgun-style guitar playing, immaculate and never missing a note, it was a pure joy to behold.

“Don’t Pull Your Punches” starts with a grooving guitar which brings in the vocals, it’s got a real 60’s feel about it. A good solid strutting feel to this song and a small but effective guitar brake. The guitar would not be out of place in a Spaghetti western as strange as that may sound. The vocals are reserved but have a mean feel to them.

“Put the Blame On Me” has a typical Dr Feelgood groove and a great melody which the vocals follow, and for the first time we have the harp kicking this song into action, I love the brake down to bring the song back in.

Starting off with the choppy guitar “Put your Money where your mouth is” has a strutting feel to it the bass and drums bring this song in with a solid back beat, the first two verses are loose and withheld but the full sound comes in halfway through the song, straight and to the point.

“Take a Second Look” is a straight jive with again a 60’s 70’s feel with a clean guitar break midway through the song. The vocals are strong and clear.

Now “Blues Me” is the first song that pulls me in, starts with the harmonica and strong structured rhythm, a lovely guitar break and a harp break, this is how I remember the Feelgoods from the past, great and nostalgic.

The tiled song of the album “Damn Right I do” has a great feel to it and will be a killer live track with the crowd singing along, the guitar sound is spot on with a well-constructed break and a small and effective harmonica brake.

“Keep It Under Cover” has a great feel to it, in particular, a slide guitar which was given a little solo in the middle. I really enjoyed the guitar answering the vocals at the end. My only wish is that the vocals had a bit more attitude.

The song “I need A Doctor” has a really cool R&B feel to it, and a sultry feel to the vocals. The harmonica is used minimally, but it has some soulful harmonies.

“Mary Ann“bounces along with harmonica and vocals, a drum shuffle through the song breaks the structure up and the change of rhythm would make this a great live track, the guitar is set loose at the end of the song, which is a great finish.

“Inside Out” is for me the weakest song on the album, it has some really strong guitar playing but was a little too repetitive for me.

To finish the album “Last Call” has a jazzy big band feel to it, with shout-outs, and both the lead and bass guitar are given a spot in the song to shine. From the ending, the band's laughter may indicate that it was a live recording and a bit of fun.

The album is a great reminder of how good this band was and is. Personally, it lacked a bit of attitude and that dirty and dynamic harmonic sound, which for me is the essence, and backbone of Dr Feelgood. Saying that the band have always been recognised for their full-on sweaty live shows, and a few of these songs will fit in nicely, its comforting to know that this amazing band is still out playing live, recording new material, and keeping British R&B alive, and who better than Dr Feelgood could do that?.


SOGS LIST:


1 DONT PULL YOUR PUNCHES

2 PUT THE BLAME ON ME

3 PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS

4 DAM RIGHT I DO

5 TAKE A SECOND LOOK

6 BLUES ME

7 KEEP IT UNDER COVER

8 I NEED A DOCTOR

9 MARY ANN

10 INSIDE OUT

11 LAST CALL 



Dr Feelgood have put together a full-on European tour in the new year to support the release of the album, however, you can catch them before Christmas at their home town



FRI 4TH NOVEMBER

NARBERTH QUEENS HALL


SAT NOVEMBER 11TH

PONTERDAWE ARTS CENTRE


THUR 10TH NOVEMBER

TWICKENHAM ELL PIE CLUB



FRI-SAT NOV 11TH -12TH

CANVEY ISLAND 

THE OYSTER HOTEL 


13TH NOVEMBER

HALISHAM PAVILLION


17TH NOVEMBER

WAVENDON THE STABLES



FRI 18TH NOVEMBER

WEST YORKSHIRE. THE PICTUREDROME


SUNDAU20TH NOVEMBER

PORTSMOUTH GUILDHALL



SAT NOV 19TH

CHESTER. LIVE ROOMS


THURSDAY 1ST DECEMBER

HOVE OLD MARKET ARTS CENTRE



FRI 2ND DECEMBER

CAMBRIDGE JUNCTION


FOR FURTHER DATES PLEASE GO ON DR FEELGOOD WEB SITE:

www.drfeelgood.org/tour-dates/



JARED JAMES NICHOLS  NEW SINGLE - “DOWN THE DRAIN"



NEW SINGLE - “DOWN THE DRAIN"


LISTEN TO THE SINGLE | WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO



“If you’ve never witnessed Jared James Nichols onstage, let us say right now: you’re missing out, big time. The singer and guitarist practically strangles his instrument into submission (sans pick, of course), unleashing torrents of incendiary riffs and licks and ripping out howling, hotwire solos jam-packed with blazing note bursts, screaming, vocal-like bends and tasty, blues-drenched phrases” - Guitar World


“Jared James Nichols is a blues rock powerhouse and one of the most exciting 


guitarists in the modern blues rock scene” - Blues Rock Review


“Jared James Nichols is a larger-than-life guitar player. When he picks up the electric guitar, there is little chance he's going to tickle the thing. Nichols prefers to keep things primal, with a fingerstyle technique that throttles the instrument.” – MusicRadar


 


On Wednesday October 26th, singer-songwriter, guitarist, and Gibson brand ambassador Jared James Nichols releases his new single “Down The Drain” via Black Hill Records. On the hard-hitting track – produced, engineered, and mixed by Eddie Spear (Zach Bryan, Slash, Rival Sons) – vulnerable vocals snake around melodic guitar in ominous fashion.


Baring its fangs, “Down The Drain” snaps into a chantable chorus punctuated by a wailing lead. Click here to listen to the single, and click here to watch the official music video, directed by Tom Flynn and Mike Watts (Lamb of God, All That Remains).


“If I were to pick just one record to encapsulate my sound it would be ‘Down The Drain,’” shares Nichols. “From a whisper to a scream, this song has it all. Lyrically, it stems from a familiar place that can hit home for all of us, feelings of despair and pain, but constantly searching to find love each day.  Musically, ‘Down The Drain’ cuts like a knife and moves like a freight train. This song hits hard and is brutally honest in all aspects. Turn it up and rock it out!”


 


Nichols, known for his electrifying live performance, teased the release of “Down The Drain” earlier this month in front of a live audience at the Aftershock Festival in Sacramento and again this past Monday night in New York City, where he headlined the Mercury Lounge.


“Down The Drain” follows Nichols’s recent single “Hard Wired.” The hypnotic and hyper-charged song was born from a jam session with Tyler Bryant and Graham Whitford. 


 


Click here to listen to “Hard Wired” and watch the official music video.


With nothing more than a Gibson Les Paul slung over his shoulder, a warm amp turned all the way up, and a hot microphone on and ready, Jared James Nichols churns out the kind of rock that rips, roars, and rolls without filter or apology. The Nashville-based multi-talent, who stands at a staggering 6 foot 5 inches tall, delivers a one-two punch of gritty vocals straight from the gut and incendiary fret fireworks. 


 


Since emerging in 2015, Nichols has racked up millions of streams and acclaim from the likes of American Songwriter, Guitar World, Relix, and many more, and has performed alongside icons such as Slash, Billy Gibbons, Zakk Wylde, Joe Bonamassa, and even the late Leslie West, to name a few.


More from Jared James Nichols coming soon!


 


Jared James Nicholls - Tour Dates



Tickets – https://www.jaredjamesnichols.com

Thursday November 10 – Little Rock, AR @ Stickyz Rock’n’Roll Chicken Shack

Saturday November 12 – Kyle, Texas @ Skunkfest

An Interview with Martin Jepsen Andersen of Meridian 

By Justin Smulison


I’m a fan of Martin Jepsen Andersen’s output. Whether it’s with a powerful hard rock and metal band like Meridian or as a contributor to other groups and projects, the Danish guitarist’s “voice” shines through his playing and songwriting.


Meridian’s new album, The Fourth Dimension, was recently released by From The Vaults Records and the band has select shows coming up in Fall and Winter (see below). I had the pleasure of speaking with Andersen before hitting the road to talk about what’s happening with Meridian, as well as a brief look back on his contributions to Chalice of Sin and David Reece’s Resilient Heart. Andersen also has a new Blindstone album in the works and he contributes to the upcoming Tommy DeCarlo solo album, Dancing in the Moonlight.  


Song clips from Fourth Dimension include “Dreamers” and the title track.



Meridian:


Online: www.meridianband.dk


From The Vaults: https://fromthevaults.dk/


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meridian.metal


Upcoming Meridian shows [All dates with Ghost Avenue (from Norway)]:


Oct 28. Trollhättan (Sweden): Backstage Rock Bar.

Oct. 29. Oslo (Norway): Vaterland.

Nov. 11. Auning (Denmark): Heavy Metal Night, Nørgaard Teknik (+ Metal Cross)

Nov. 12. Horsens (Denmark): Platform K.

http://www.meridianband.dk/en/Tour.aspx



Blindstone:

www.facebook.com/Blindstone.official


Reece – Resilient Heart (2018):

https://targetshop.dk/en/vare/reece-resilient-heart-cd



Tommy DeCarlo (to be released Dec. 9, 2022):

https://orcd.co/decarlo


Chalice of Sin (2021):

https://www.frontiers.shop/new-releases/1183/chalice-of-sin-chalice-of-sin-cd-jewelcase

Billy Idol THE ROADSIDE TOUR 2022 With Special Guests Killing Joke And Toyah

Read the full interview 

The last couple of years have been a strange time for everyone.  How has it been for you? 


It`s been difficult for a lot of people. I wasn`t able to go to my mother`s funeral because of the Coronavirus. That was really, really hard for me. We also were unable to come over and play in the UK but we were able to release ‘The Roadside EP’, my first new music in almost 8-years so something positive came out of those times. We now have ‘The Cage EP’ coming out very soon, so we have a load of new music to play now so that`s really exciting. Now, we really need to play. 


 


Have you been able to play any live shows since the lockdown was lifted? 


Back in late August to November last year we did a few American dates, with the band but also a acoustic with just me and Steve Stevens, so it was good to get out and play again. We just felt as we had new music that it`d be great to be out there playing it. 


 


On 13th October you start your latest UK Tour. Are you looking forward to playing here again? 


I`m so excited. The band is all played in now so all we have to do is learn some of the new stuff and we`re off.  It`s been a while since I was last here so I`m really looking forward to it. I have a big connection with the UK and have missed playing there.  


 


You are playing 6 arena shows on this tour which is probably your most extensive tour for a fair few years.  Is it important to you to get out and play to as many people in as many places as possible? 


Definitely, especially after this break and with new music to play.  The fact that we can play more shows than just Brixton is really exciting for me and to visit further up North is great. We have a really strong bill too with Television and Toyah joining me on the tour. It`s going to be a lot of fun. 


 


Have you had any thoughts as to the setlist yet? 


I should think that we`ll be doing several of the new songs. They`ll be mixed with the Idol classics so you should get it all.  It`ll be a great mixture. 


 


Will there be a Generation X song or two as well? 


We usually play a different Generation X song on each tour. We did “Your Generation” recently so might do that but we are pretty well played in on most Generation X songs so could throw anything in. A lot of people know the ‘Valley Of The Dolls’ album so could do anything from that like “King Rocker”. 


 


You have a catalogue packed with classic crowd pleasers such as “Rebel Yell” and “White Wedding”.  Do you still get a buzz out of playing those after so many years? 


Yeah, I do.  I have a killer band who have been together now for over seven years with Erik Eldenius on drums, Billy Morrison on rhythm and lead, Steve McGrath on bass, Paul Trudeau on keyboards and of course Steve Stevens on lead guitar. We are like a real band, not just a collection of musicians. We are all really played in together and sound really tight. We`re all ready to go and we love to see the reaction of the crowd when we play those songs. 


 


You have just added Toyah to the bill 


Yes, she`s going to be joining me on the tour. I love Toyah, we`ve known each other for years.  She`s great!  


 


Your latest release ‘The Roadside’ came out last year.  Were you pleased with the reaction it received? 


It`s been really fantastic and now with our upcoming ‘The Cage EP’ we`ve taken the songwriting team who did “Bitter Taste”, Tommy English and Joe Janiak, along with me and Steve and have done three more songs with them for the new EP. 


 


In September you`ll release ‘The Cage EP.’ How do you feel ahead of its release? 


Very excited and this is part of the impetus behind us coming to the UK.  Finally, we get to show people what we`ve been doing.  We`ve got some new Idol classics to play for everyone. We`re looking forward to share the excitement.  “Cage” is something of a pandemic anthem.  We`d all lived through the pandemic and had experiences through it and felt that now we could write about that.” I`ve been locked up with my demons for so long that they`ve become my friends. “It` a song that can also be about any time that you feel that society is holding you in and not letting you be who you want to be. We`ve done a great video with Steven Sebring for it too. 


 


That`s two EP`s in the space of a few months.  Did you feel that you wanted to put something out at these points in time rather than wait longer to do a whole album? 


With the EP`s we`ve been able to be more timely with the releases. It`s also a case of being focussed on just doing four songs instead of trying to do 12 or more.  I think when you listen to it, it just makes you want more. The song “The Cage” is 2:50 and there`s something about that, that makes you want to play it again. It`s very contained so I think these small increments aren`t such a bad idea.  


 


Will these be release on vinyl? 


Definitely!  


 


Soundwise, it`s unmistakably Billy Idol with “Cage” and “Rebel Like You” being classic head-down Rockers? When you started writing the songs was it the plan to capture that essence of what everyone thinks a Billy Idol song is like or does it just come out like that when you all get together? 


 


We always did a Doors song like “L.A Woman” where me and Steve traded off each other but we never had our own song like that so “Rebel Like You” is one where I sing then Steve plays this Blues lick so now, we have that song where Steve answers me.  It`s actually a song about my granddaughter Poppy Rebel.   She came to my show in Vegas and was dressed up like me in my “Dancing With Myself” video with pleather trousers, Dr. Martens and spiky hair. She looked just like me so funnily enough “Rebel Like You” is actually about my little granddaughter.  She came to the show to see what her grandad did for a living and she loved it. We gave her a little microphone so now she`s always picking it up and singing into it. That`s a nice song for me as it has a personal meaning but it could be for any fan in the that comes to a gig. 


 


Looking ahead, what do you have planned when you finish your UK shows and what have you lined up for next year? 


Once we finish the UK tour, I have some shows booked in Vegas in November.  We`ll also start work on the next EP so there`s plenty going on. I hope to have an announcement to make very soon about a really exciting project for next year, which I think my fans will love, so watch out for that.  


 


The ‘Roadside EP’ is out now.  ‘The Cage EP’ is due out on 23rd September. 


Billy Idol`s UK Tour with Television and Toyah in support starts in Manchester on 3rd October. 


Billy Idol The Roadside Tour 2022 Dates: 


 


Thursday 13 October Manchester AO Arena 


Monday 17 October Cardiff Motorpoint Arena 


Wednesday 19 October London The SSE Arena, Wembley 


Friday 21 October Glasgow The SSE Hydro 


Sunday 23 October Birmingham Resorts World Arena 


Tuesday 25 October Leeds First Direct Arena 


 


1433 words including strap line and tour dates. 


1480 without strap line and tour dates. 


 


Interview courtesy of Mick Burgess. 


 


 


 


 


Twitter - @BillyIdol 


Facebook – BillyIdol 


Instagram – @billyidol 

Dr Feelgood – Damn Right

Grand Records  4th November 2022


Review By Smudge Smith


DESCRIPTION

The legendary British rhythm'n'blues band Dr Feelgood return with 'Damn Right!', their first album of all original material. Up until now, the group have nearly always mixed covers with self-penned songs but for their latest release guitarist Gordon Russell and singer Robert Kane have come up with eleven new tracks meaning there's not a cover version in sight.


 Damn Right! was recorded in Southend and reunited the group with world renowned bassist Dave Bronze in his other role as producer. He knows the band better than most having been a big part of the Dr Feelgood story in the early 1990s. Drummer Kevin Morris says the album was made in true Dr Feelgood fashion - quickly : € We had two days of rehearsals, then four days in the studio. The studio has a nice big room so we moved everything into there and did the whole thing in the round. 


Gordon was very much the musical director with Dave and the engineer Rees Broomfield getting it all down on tape ready to mix. € The songs themselves had come together with very little fuss too, as Gordon explains : " I put the tunes down and then sent them to Robert to sort the lyrics. It didn't take long for us to have enough songs for the album." Dr Feelgood have always done their own songs but this impressive new album heralds an exciting new era. The Feelgood factor is back - Damn Right it is!



Look in the dictionary for the definition of Rhythm and Blues and you’ll see Dr Feelgood as the real purveyors of R&B – Not any of those sterile soul/pop posers who hit high in the charts, that’s not true R&B. My Association with Dr Feelgood goes back to the mid 80’s when I used to see them in the pubs and clubs of South London. 


They seemed to be permanently on tour and they’re still going strong. Now, joy of joys, we have a new album of all original numbers. Ok, they don’t have any original members left but all the members have put in time with the band. New boy singer Robert Kane has performed over 1,800 gigs with the Feelgoods so far!


Opening with some down n dirty rock n roll ‘Don’t Pull Your Punches’ follows the Feelgood formula, hard hitting, driving R&B. Simple basic and to the point, no frills because the frills are not needed. 


‘Put The Blame On Me’ has a grittier sound and some tasty slide then we get some boogie shuffle on ‘Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is’ before the true Feelgood style on the title track. ‘Take A Second Look’ takes it further and could be an R&B classic from back in the day before we get another blues roller on ‘Blues Me’.


 By crikey ‘Keep It Under Cover’ is a tasty slice of dirty blues with Phil Mitchell’s bass throbbing under some nasty greasy slide from Gordon Russell. Naughty rhythms and sexy hip shaking – just can’t help yourself! We get some easy blues on ‘I Need A Doctor’ before that Feelgood R&B comes back with single ‘Mary Ann’. ‘Inside Out’ rocks hard before the blues jam instrumental ‘Last Call’ ends things nicely. 


A big shout to producer Dave Bronze, who was a Feelgood member for a couple of years as well as playing with Eric Clapton and Andy Fairweather-Low. He has captured the band’s live feel really well. Now, imagine you’re in a spit n sawdust boozer in South London or Essex, with sticky carpets, nicotine-stained walls and ceiling in the back music room where the sound is cranked to eleven and Dr Feelgood are doing what they do best – rockin’ you with the best R&B ever. It’s right here, so what are you waiting for? 


TRACKS

Don't Pull Your Punches

Put The Blame On Me

Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is

Damn Right I Do

Take A Second Look

Blues Me

Keep It Undercover

I Need A Doctor

Mary Ann

Inside Out

Last Call


Star Circus - Seperate Sides - Album Review - stampedepress

Star Circus are a rock / pop outfit from London, England who are set to reveal one of this years most surprising & pleasing releases we will hear. I caught the band a while back in Glasgow and must say I was mightly impressed with how tight and together the band were. For fans of Def Leppard, Queen, Cheap Trick & Thin Lizzy this band bring a fresh and full on rock groove that has already brought us first single Bridges which I  reviewing for you at the start of September. I am pleased to bring you this solid slab of 11 tracks that will open your ears to a whole new groove, please sit back as I walk us through this sizzling new release.



Save Your Life - We begin this electrifying new album with a haunting intro that really captures this rock / pop quartet that instantly hits us with a rocking riff that brings this beast to life.


 A pounding rhythm section comes hurtling towards us with solid snare drum punches that bring bass kicks and cymbal snaps that lets this fantastic opener give this track some attitude. Bass grooves are dropping meaty funk beats that work well with this rasping gritty rock offering, vocals are giving us a real gritty rasping vibe that really wraps itself around this punchy funking groove that has cool backing vocals that let this cool offering really deliver a slick clean solo that has depth and swagger in truckloads. This is a real cool opening track that surely lets us know what is to come from this exciting new band.


Something - The rasping guitar licks are flowing effortlessly through this gritty beast as the pounding snare drum beats get this monster effort off the ground. We get smooth melodic keys that are littered throughout this fantastic rock track that just erupts into life with a deep cool rhythm section that is just on the money. Bass grooves are handing us mellow funk beats that flow freely through the arrangement and work so well with this thundering beat as the guitar licks come for us with a vengeful rasp that just takes this track to the next level as the whole composition just pops as the tempo changes direction and kicks in the doors with it's punchy groove that just takes the track off in another direction and lets us feel the rocking tones that are just awesome.


Just Like In A Movie - We have a funky cool groove with added piano tones that get this little cracker on the move. There are snare drum punches that have bass kicks and cymbal snaps that combine with a plundering bass line that gives this track a sweet edgy feel as the backing vocals run effortlessly through the mid section as the mellow vocals give this track a soulful vibe that then changes tempo as we have saxophone notes littered through out the groove as they get sultry deep bass lines to really bring this track to our attention as a clever slick guitar lick wanders freely through to the end of this punchy little groove laden piece.


Love Is The Enemy - Cowbell lingers through the intro as the rhythm section hits us with solid snare drum punches that let this gritty rocker come for us. The track has real swagger as the arrangement brings a little attitude to this funky rocking beat that slows a little through the mid section as we get cymbal rolls that have bass kicks and deep beats as the vocals ring the changes as they deliver a soulful rasp that fits the composition as the whole piece builds and builds with every chord that graces our presence as this cool rasping track takes us homeward bound.


On Your Side - This track begins with a rasping riff that has plundering bass lines that let this arrangement open and bring us a gritty piece that is full of sass and depth. Vocals are a real soulful vibe that has a melodic feel to it as the rhythm section comes through with pounding grooves that just let this rock ballad spread it's wings as it brings in a funk section that comprises of plundering bass grooves that just wrap themselves around this sultry funk piece that just builds and builds as the tempo changes direction and brings us a guitar riffed section that lets this track bring the beat and soul that let's this track tell us that this band has real depth.


Circles - Cool guitar riffs enter as we get snare drum taps that come with cymbal snaps that get this cool rocking groove track on the move. Vocals bring a real smooth soulful tone to the proceedings as this little rocker track bursts into life as the whole arrangement really pops with a little sass. Bass grooves are handing us deep meaty funk tones that really drive this rock track onwards as the slick guitar licks are erupting through the mid section as we feel the energy rise with the groove tone. The whole arrangement is a sweet funky full on rock effort that shows the diversity of this rock 4 piece as the take us in another direction.


Wall Around Your Heart - A gritty shredding guitar riff flows effortlessly through the intro as acoustic strumming grooves accompany this funk effort as it builds with ease. Snare drum punches are filling the air as we feel the energy build through this cool rocking track as the groove builds as the track brings in cool vocals that have a sweetness that lets us feel the backing vocals drive this effort onwards. Bass grooves are dropping deep sultry tones that combine with this sizzling groove beat as the slick clean guitar licks pour through the mid section as the tempo changes direction as lets the acoustic strumming grooves take this track in another direction. We are really digging the changes in direction and the added backing vocals that let this track deliver a sweet crunching guitar lick that is just awesome.


A Couple More Years - Pounding snare drum beats get this groove laden beast off the ground as the bass kicks combine with cymbal crashes as this funky little track comes at us. The added piano tones are lifting this gritty rock track upwards as it lets this track develop and grow as the whole arrangement just pops with sass and swagger. Bass grooves are with us as they hand out plundering funk tones that work well with these cool rasping vocals that just let the whole composition grow and deliver us a real sweet cool driven pop / rock track that shows us that this band have really grown in stature from what they are bringing us today.


Bridges - The track begins with sweet clean acoustic strumming chords before we roll into a cool snare drum punch that has bass kicks and cymbal snaps to let this track come at us. Soulful vocals are wandering through the intro as this real cool melodic track tells it's own story as the bass grooves wrap themselves around this punchy foot stomping rock track that has slick guitar riffs that really balance out the tempo oozing from this killer tempo.


 The whole arrangement is a well oiled production that brings us cool melodic vocals that are carefully wrapped in a rhythm section that has attitude and depth that lets this slick classy arrangement open with clean crisp guitar licks that really pop as the track changes direction. We are really feeling the groove from this impressive 4 piece as they take us through our paces with a cool rocking groove that has tempo and a little swagger to round off proceedings.


Times Get Tough - A real gritty rasping guitar riff enters the frey as this punchy rocking beast rears it's head and lets this rocking beast come to life. We get rasping vocals that let this track flow and bring the groove as the whole arrangement just builds with rasping tones that allow the band to really express itself with a funky grungy punch that just elevates this rock beast to another level. Guitar licks come at us as this sweet little rocker track changes direction as the pounding funk grooves bring in melodic backing vocals that work well through the piece as we get solid snare drum punches that drive this rocking track onwards as we feel the energy drive us forward for sure.

Before The Song Is Over - Snare drum taps combine with bass kicks as this sweet arrangement comes to life as melodic vocals ease into this punchy track. 


Bass grooves are dropping meaty funk grooves that allow this rock track the room it deserves to really showcase this melodic 4 piece as they take us through our paces. Acoustic strumming chords are wandering freely through this piece as they wrap themselves around this little gem of a track, the addition of the soulful backing vocals just add to the swagger that is attached to this melodic little piece as cool guitar licks pour through the mid section of this classy rocking beast as the track kicks in the doors and delivers a real soulful arrangement that tells us that we are expecting big things from this cool band for sure.



Star Circus  -

                    Dave Winkler  -  Lead Vocals / Guitar

                    Jon Crampton  - Guitar / Backing Vocals

                    Sophie Aurelia Young  -  Bass / Backing Vocals

                    Alex Makarov  -  Drums / Backing Vocals



Track Listing  -

                      Save Your Life

                      Something

                      Just Like In A Movie

                      Love Is The Enemy

                      On Your Side

                      Circles

                      Wall Around Your Heart

                      A Couple More Years

                      Bridges

                      Times Get Tough

                      Before The Song Is Over

JACE MEDIA TALKS TO ZOE INFANTE

 OF

BITTER SWEET HEARTS

Rory Gallagher – Deuce 50th Anniversary  Blues


Review by Smudge Smith


What can you say about Rory Gallagher, the Ballyshannon Blues Meister? He became a master of the blues through sheer hard work. Why didn’t he become as big as Clapton, Page and Beck? Simply because he didn’t trust the big machine management of the time and he wanted complete control of his releases. Shrewd in one way but detrimental in another. Let’s be honest the guy just wanted to play his guitar. Between 1971 and 1990 he produced 14 solo albums from which hundreds have spawned through live bootlegs, 


official live recordings and now this, a 4CD box set of his sophomore effort ‘Deuce’ from 1971. The set includes a remixed and remastered version of the album with the remastering taking place at Abbey Road studio. My criticism is – how many alternate takes of the songs do you want? In some cases, there are four or five. Along with the alternate takes there are two live sessions of the album tracks from the BBC and Radio Bremen. There’s also a 64-page booklet with unseen images taken by the legendary photographer Mick Rock.



CD 1 contains the original album and as stated remixed and remastered which gives the songs a new life. Gallagher and his band kind of keep things basic, raw and honest and all that remains just more up-front. CD’s 2 and 3 are full of alternate takes – when you consider that the actual album is only 10 tracks long both CD’s have 16 tracks each. CD 4 has the first seven numbers live from a Radio Bremen session then the rest of the six tracks are a live BBC In Concert session recorded at the Palace Theatre. 



Gallagher is most renowned for his electric blues and boy does the band have an awesome attack like on the classic ‘Messin’ With The Kid’ but there was so much more to Gallagher like his country picking on ‘I Don’t Know Where I’m Going’ and ‘Pistol Slapper Blues’. I can’t argue that Gallagher is a true master of his art and there’s some fine music to be had here, but I think this set for collectors, completists and rabid fans.

Frost Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Cleopatra Records



I’ve only ever reviewed one other movie soundtrack – Motley Crue’s ‘The Dirt’. I’ve never been a fan of that glam/trash Sunset Strip/Hollywood Boulevard rubbish. This is a different kettle of fish altogether. First the premise of the film stems from a car accident that leaves a father and daughter stranded on an icy mountain wilderness where they have to fight for their survival. The soundtracks main composer is guitarist/producer Fernando Perdomo who produced the recent  Arthur Brown album ‘Monster’s Ball’ and has worked with Carmine Appice plus a load of people I’ve 

never heard of. Helping Senor Perdomo are keyboard wizards Rick Wakeman and Geoff Downes plus violinist extraordinaire L. Shankar and legendary UK singer/guitarist Terry Reid who turned down 

both Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple to lead a life of virtual obscurity. Fifteen tracks the first four of 

which all scene setters that describe the initial accident, the fear and the cold experienced by the 

two victims. The fifth track is a superb slab of goth rock, ‘Orchid Dreaming,’ from Australia’s Big 

Electric Cat – not usually my cup of tea but it’s something else and real departure from all the 

widdly, bleeps and farts made by Wakeman and Downes who were obviously having fun playing with their banks of toys. There is also some classic blues with ‘Hoodoo Man Blues’ by Junior Wells 

featuring Joe Louis Walker. Also helping out with two tracks are Front Line Assembly who bring their  industrial dance noise on ‘The Bonening’ and ‘Intruder’ – which will go down a storm in the clubs (it  probably already has – I’m so behind the times!).  I felt a bit unsure listening to this because I didn’t have the visual to relate it to. I’m not fan of prog  rock, and I found the keyboard passages and other instrumentals a bit self-indulgent, I’m sure that  will change once I see the film and hear the music in context.



1 The Crash 

2 Fading Heartbeat 

3 Helicopter Rescue 

4 First Sign of Impending Snowstorm 

5 Orchid Dreaming 

6 Photo Album 

7 Hoodoo Man Blues 

8 Desperation 

9 The Bonening 

10 Not Alone 

11 Snowy Landscape 

12 Dad Finally Answers the Walkie 

13 Family Tragedy 

14 Frosted Blonde 

15 Intruder


Band of Spice Makes Hard Rock Moves In ‘How We Play The Game’ 

By Justin Smulison



I love a solid hard rock album that teeters on metal. Band of Spice delivers just that with their fifth studio album, How We Play The Game. Comprised of nine straight ahead rock tracks, the Swedish trio picks up where 2021’s “By the Corner of Tomorrow” left off.  


How We Play The Game boasts sharp blistering riffs and rumbling drums; vocals that are both harsh and melodic; songs that will take you to another place and time; and lyrics about the “game of life” that are both honest and twisted.


It was a pleasure to reconnect with Spice – the man, himself – to discuss his approach to recording old-school-sounding hard rock with a modern edge all while tackling a grandiose topic. We also get his perspective on leading a trio and hear a bit about an upcoming release show in Sweden. 


Plug in and rock out!


Band of Spice:


Christian "Spice" Sjöstrand: guitars & vocals

Bob Ruben: drums

Alexander Sekulovski: bass


Singles and album:

“Offside”: https://youtu.be/B3-0xg8sKBo

“Below The Sun”: https://youtu.be/FKNazsOhf3M

How We Play The Game: https://orcd.co/boshowweplaythegame

Scarlet Records: www.ScarletRecords.it

Bandcamp: https://scarletrecords.bandcamp.com/

Band of Spice - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063781922822




Record release show – October 29 | Värnamo, Sweden


THE RUBBER FACTORY GOES LOCAL: BAND OF SPICE + ALPHA BOYS


https://gummifabriken.nu/evenemang/gummifabriken-goes-local-band-of-spice-alpha-boys 

Sons of Liberty live at The Cavern Freehouse 1 September 2022 – by Tim Marcus with photos from Sam Conquest Photography


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Sons of Liberty live at The Cavern Freehouse 1 September 2022 –  by Tim Marcus with photos from Sam Conquest Photography 


It’s been a busy few weeks for the Sons of Liberty. After some summer festival dates (including Loverocks which we covered back in June), they were soon out on the road again supporting the mighty FM on a short national tour. As I write this they are about to do the same once again, this time supporting Grand Slam as they play across the UK. In between those two national tours though they managed to squeeze in two or three headline shows of their own and we were fortunate enough to catch one of them when they made a return visit to one of my local venues at the start of this month.


Unlike their festival appearances and support slots this was a full ninety minute set, or to be more accurate, it was two forty five minute sets. Fred, “Moose”, Mark and Steve are on great form throughout the night and vocalist Rob Walker re-enforces the view that I formed when I saw the band earlier in the summer, that he’s perfectly suited to taken on the front man role following the departure of his predecessor. 


Given that they have to produce a ninety minute show, in addition to all the usual Sons of Liberty favourites, interspersed throughout the two sets are a number of covers, including Black Stone Cherry, Lynyrd Skynyrd and then we even get a bit of David Bowie! It’s been a great night’s entertainment and hopefully it won’t be too long before we get the chance to see these boys again.


Set 1

Dixie Whiskey

Damned If You Do

Texas Hill Country

Hell & High Water

I Come In Peace

Free Man

Hard To Handle

Fire & Gasoline

Ruby Starr

JACE MEDIA TALKS TO SARI SCHORR

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