Louder Now

'When in Rome' from This Years Winner Is...

2012-07-12T13:19:00.000+01:00

Pop-punk is usually pretty high on the music agenda at this time of year with excited festival goers getting ready for the likes of Reading and Leeds festival. But this year there is a particularly high level of talent in the genre with This Years Winner Is being one of the best.

It’s not often that the small and remote Isle of Man delivers musical genius to the world. The Island did give the blues and folk world Davy Knowles of Back Door Slam and Harry Manx. Lets not forget The Bee Gees as well.

Now the Isle of Man is being firmly placed on the pop-punk map as This Years Winner Is blend the early sounds of You Me At Six and the breakdowns of Four Year Strong. Their single ‘When In Rome’ is certainly something for fans of the genre to get excited about.

This single is catchy as hell and promises great things for the bands upcoming EP currently being recorded in Aberdeen.

The lyrics are typically optimistic with an increasingly addictive chorus backed up by those almost famous breakdowns. Get this band in your life.

www.facebook.com/thisyearswinneris

www.twitter.com/tywi_

Louder Now Meets The Milk!

2012-06-13T21:27:00.002+01:00

Somewhere in between shooting a sterling video, appearing on Soccer AM, releasing exceptional singles and perfecting their upcoming album, The Milk somehow managed to fit in some UK tours. Luckily, Louder Now managed to grab a spot at their Leicester show at Lock 42 to catch a few words from the stars of 2012.

If you haven’t heard of The Milk yet then you have been missing out. As the future of working class hero pop-music they are relentless in their determination. They have been touring the country unremittingly as well as making appearances at Ibiza and Mallorca Rocks with Ed Sheeran to name just two of their many achievements.

Having met whilst they were at school (apart from brothers Mitch, drums/vox/keys, and Luke Ayling, bass guitar) the four Essex lads all have strong connections that go way back.

“We’re all from the same town in Essex, Wickford” says bassist Luke, “Nothing much goes on and there are only two senior schools and we all went to the same one.”

As humdrum as the boys might find their hometown, that doesn’t make them love it any less. Lead Guitarist and Vocalist, Dan Le Gresley says that it’s “just like every county. There are parts which are nice and there are parts which aren’t. But it’s home.”

The Milk are also happy to admit that their Essex roots have influenced their music with Mitch stating that “in the end, it should be about time and place. Our songs sound like four lads growing up in Essex. Our album is called ‘Tales from the Thames Delta’ so it’s all very regional.

“If you pretend to be something you aren’t then you will get found out one day. I think it was the Arctic Monkeys that famously said “you’re not from New York City you’re from Rotherham.”

Luke also said: “You’ve got to write about what you know and you have to write about where you come from, and that is pretty much what we do.”

Credit where credits due, but it’s the rest of the country that have made up The Milks recent astounding tours. The boys acknowledge York, Sheffield and Leeds as great cities to gig in but they generally think that “a lot of the big towns are wicked.”

But what about the city Louder Now had the pleasure to meet The Milk in? “We’ve actually played Leicester a few times, in The Shed, when we were a punk thing a few years back” remembered Mitch, “ We had a thing going on with the Punk scene that we were trying to get involved in at the time and there were a few people who would come to support us in Leicester back then!”

Hold up and rewind for a second. A punk thing? It’s hard to imagine that a band who have honed their skills in a soul/rock ‘n’ roll strand were previously a punk outfit. How did that happen? “Ah, it’s very easy. We didn’t like Punk” explains Mitch.

“We suddenly realised that we weren’t listening to Punk records” says Dan.

“We were in a Punk band because it was just easy to play, we didn’t have to have much skill to do it” says Luke.

So after kicking the Punk scene and dedicating themselves to the music they really loved (which, by the way, includes Belinda Carlisle, Bobby Brown and Michael Bolton) The Milk were formed and the world couldn’t be more grateful. With an impressive past, an electrifying present and a spine-tingling future The Milk can expect some great things to come their way.

Mitch said: “we’re constantly getting surprised by these big moments that happen to us so you just sort of move on to the next one. We headlined the Scala in London and thought, how could we top that? Then we played Ibiza and Mallorca Rocks in front of 3,000 people. How could we beat that? Then our manager calls and says well we’ve booked you to headline the Shepherds Bush Empire at the end of November.”

“As a band I think you’re never happy” says Dan “As soon as you’ve done one thing you want another and it’s a constant struggle.”

Luke goes on to say that “in some ways, it can be annoying because you don’t spend very much time basking in something that you have achieved because as soon as you’ve done it you’re just thinking okay, what’s next?

“I think we could aim for three Brit awards, a couple of Grammys, to headline the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury and an Arena Tour.”

After seeing exactly what The Milk has to offer live it’s likely that these achievements will be just the start for a band that are redefining the genres that they love and doing it in sheer style. Keep your eye on them because the future of music undoubtedly belongs to them.
http://www.thisisthemilk.com//
http://www.facebook.com/thisisthemilk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLQqOpILDcI&ob=av2e

Our Verdict: River City Ransom 'River City Ransom'

2012-06-04T15:46:00.001+01:00

River City Ransom, hailing from York, have been creating their very own genre since early 2011. At the beginning of 2012 they unleashed their creation on their world in the form of their self-titled EP. Boy is it magnificent.

Opening track ‘This Day and Age’ eradicated all doubt surrounding what River City Ransom are aiming for. There is no better way to start this EP then with Adam Oliver’s fierce and unruly barking screams that shape this EP into the brilliant work that it is. But he is not doing it single handed.

The high energy of second track ‘Attack Attack!’ is owed in no small part to the high drumming skill of George Hird who adds the urgency to this track that makes it exceptional.

Throughout ‘River City Ransom’ Oliver’s screams are accompanied by the honed vocals of Zak Ford. Ford brings yet another aspect to this bands identity which secures this band from never becoming just another hardcore band in a sea of hardcore bands.

Third track ‘Strength from the Sun’ sees Elliot Sawyer leading the band with his outstanding command of the bass which adds yet another dimension to River City Ransom and makes it hard to imagine that there are any boundaries for this band. They are truly capable of some amazing musical feats.

Almost everything about this band screams new generation. Everything, that is apart from the intricate guitar lines, from Niall O'Reilly that are somewhat nostalgic, mirroring an older age of rock that has needed reviving for far too long. This is best exhibited in ‘Strength from the Sun’ and an incomparable solo in fourth track ‘Fear and Loathe.’

Every facet of ‘Fear and Loathe’ is highly addictive and should probably come with a warning attached. The bass is highlighted, the guitars are evocative, the drums are perfectly dominating and both screaming and vocals are on top form.

Closing song ‘Lost Cause’ is the best way to close a work of this calibre. The vocals from Zak Ford are handled so carefully that they almost sound like they are being uttered in a different, more elegant, language.

The song, and the EP, is closed on a gleaming scream sequence from Adam Oliver accompanied only by another helping of relentless and exciting drums from George Hird.

Exceptional work, masterfully crafted. Keep your eyes on River City Ransom because they are going to be re-defining and leading music for many years to come.

Our Verdict: Sincerity 'Monuments'

2012-06-03T15:58:00.002+01:00

Formed in 2011, it’s hard to pin point what melodic-metal quintet Sincerity should be most proud of in their short time as a band.

It could be Touring with Demoraliser. But then again it could be supporting the likes of Hundredth, Liferuiner and Heights. When you think about it though it’s probably their flawless video. Actually, our money is on their EP ‘Monuments’.

Released on April 23^rd 2012, it really is impressive work for a band that was only formed about a year beforehand.

‘Monuments’ has metal written all over it and doesn’t fail to deliver the brutal tracks that anybody would expect from this band.

But there is another level to Sincerity which is melodically intriguing which makes them vastly more interesting than other, more generic, bands in this genre.

Opening track ‘Valour’ is an insanely brutal track that successfully introduces what Sincerity are. It’s heavy as hell and the screaming delivered by Jamie is perfectly dirty. Said vocals are given even more substance in this track with impeccable gang-vocals, which is always a nice treat.

‘Destiny’ follows and is a bit more reliant on the wicked guitar technique of JJ and Nathan. It’s easy to identify here that this band have a god-like command over their instruments. If ‘Valour’ didn’t convince you that you might be in for a rough ride at a Sincerity show, this one will do it.

The melodic nature of this band is really showcased in third track ‘The Unbreakable’ with a really rather beautiful opening but a typically relentless beast of a track attached. It’s refreshing to hear a metal band that doesn’t have the attitude where it doesn’t matter what they’re producing, as long as it’s loud.

With the EP’s name sake ‘Monuments’ it becomes very clear that Sincerity have a great idea what they want to become and how they want to do it. Their sense of identity is flawless and will hopefully withstand anything that comes Sincerity’s way.

‘Monuments’ also sees the band surrendering their reliance on screaming and pulling out some marginally softer vocals. It’s a brave risk for a metal band but Sincerity manage it, highlighting their melodic technical side and retaining their metal roots as always.

To close on an aggressive note track ‘Ascendant’ is delicious steel. The song leads into a beat down that would be terrifying live but surprisingly turns into something quite beautiful. That is, after all, the epitome of Sincerity.

The closing line for this track, and the EP, is delivered almost a capella and is a touching way to close this masterful piece of work.

'MONUMENTS' OUT NOW! http://sincerityuk.bigcartel.com/

http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/monuments-ep/id520110558

Our Verdict: These City Lights EP 'Where We Stand'

2012-05-30T21:39:00.000+01:00

On April 1^st These City Lights unleashed their debut EP ‘Where We Stand’ on the world and successfully established their place in the London Rock scene.

Unfortunately These City Lights have been forced to back out of a couple of shows recently due to Rob Butcher (drums) not being in the best of health. However, they are now preparing for their June tour alongside Kids Can’t Fly and it’s only sensible that we take a close look at “Where We Stand” and reacquaint ourselves with the brilliant work.

As opening tracks go ‘Through Their Eyes’ is exceptional. The pacing guitar lines are exciting. The viscious and dominating drum tracks are aggressive. Together this track is full-on creating an incomparable belligerence that underlines everything this band is about.

There is a two second breather halfway through this opening belter but it doesn’t last long and any live crowd will be plunged back into the heavy head-thrashing that will inevitably ensue.

It is near impossible to hear that opening track and not take notice because These City Lights make it incredibly palpable that something exhilarating is about to blast through the speakers.

Vocals, delivered by Aaron Paxton, are a more honed version of those associated with The Used’s Bert McCracken. Paxton’s range is truly impressive stretching from wildly fierce to whisperingly sexy in a second.

If you haven’t already seen These City Lights live then the opening to second track ‘Breathe’ should give you some idea of what you’ll be raring to do the second that you get the chance to. Another helping of ferocious drums imitates an adoring crowd smashing their hands together.

Once the adrenaline of the drums begins to subside Paxton’s vocals electrify again by pleading “I need you now.”

Throughout the EP Tommy Earl and Charlie Lunn (guitars) work unbelievably well together to really frame the utter rage that is simmering within “Where We Stand.” If anything this skill is not exhibited enough.

‘Breathe’ finishes on a quieter note that third track ‘Labelled Liar’ picks up from. But don’t worry, it ploughs right back into the fast paced destructive nature that, by now, These City Lights have made the audience need.

Penultimate track ‘Torn Apart’ pulls the same trick off, starting on a slower tempo where the vocals are decelerated to a talking pace. It’s not too long before the track is dragged right back into the gritty anger that this whole EP has been gearing towards.

With final track ‘Counting Your Sins’ it is safe to say that someone has royally hacked off These City Lights and to that person we say thank you! Without you there would be a ‘Where We Stand’ shaped hole in the world. This last track is a slight change of pace but still perfectly hits the mark. There is a much more sombre middle which includes a stunning a capella moment.

‘Where We Stand’ is available for download (for a price of your choice) from thesecitylights.bandcamp.com. If you want it for free just enter 0.00 when asked.

Our Verdict: Tsars EP 'Whispers'

2012-05-30T18:00:00.003+01:00

Progressive Indie four-piece, Tsars, are heading up North this weekend to begin recording some new tracks. In honour of the occasion Louder Now are looking back at their August 2011 E.P ‘Whispers’.

Tsars began their journey early in 2011 and by August they released their debut EP ‘Whispers’. The six-track release was recorded at Stakeout Studios, Middlesex, by Chris Coulter and is almost hypnotic.

The progressive indie style of Tsars consists of a slow, chilled, energy that picks up when necessary and an echoed effect that creates a melancholy theme throughout.

The appropriately named track ‘Whispers’ is a pretty tune of dejection which has all of the trademark aspects of Tsars.

The emotions of the track can be felt immediately but those feelings are relatively subjective. On one hand the echoed effect and generally slow tempo makes this suitable listening for the downhearted. But, if you wanted a summer chill-out soundtrack ‘Whispers’ will work for that too.

As every other part of this EP seems pretty experimental the vocals come across as the most mainstream aspect of ‘Whispers’ and are unblemished. Unfortunately the vocals are used sparingly throughout ‘Whispers’ but that’s recompensed by the enormously sharp and endearing guitar lines.

Third track ‘Hard Times Ahead’ really sets the theme of this EP, and by extension the band, in stone. It’s as refined and exquisite as a day dream but not just because of those soon-to-be famous guitar lines but also because of the soft and intricate drumming that supplies such an elegant back bone to every track.

The track named ‘Interlude’ is the closest ‘Whispers’ gets to typical youth angst with the delivery of the line “it takes one to know one.” It leads into the most energetic track of the EP, ‘Reflections’ where the drums become a bit more prominent and a knot of angry tension is created halfway through.

It seems that ‘Whispers’ has taken a new tactic to dealing with anger and negativity. Instead of getting loud and rebellious Tsars got a bit quieter, calmed everyone down and created something magical instead.

Listen to ‘Whispers’ at Tsars Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/Tsarsband

From Embers EP - Our Verdict

2012-05-19T20:56:00.000+01:00

Born in the heart of Manchester, From Embers are one of the city’s up-and-coming post-hardcore outfits, on the verge of releasing their new 4-track self-titled EP.

On May 9^th Louder Now announced that the bands EP would be released on May 25^th. Now we have a copy of From Embers melodic post-hardcore stylings and can confirm that it is set to enthral all fans of metalcore, hardcore, pop-punk and more.

Opening track, ‘Crash and Burn’ is even grittier then previous samples could have illustrated. It’s a dark anthem with a positive ‘get angry and carry on’ attitude. Girls, take advice from this EP. Don’t screw with any of the boys from From Embers. Move over Adele, you’re not the only one who can write a world class selection of songs about a break-up.

David Ramsdens (lead vocals) extreme screaming talent flashes throughout this EP but perhaps nowhere more then this first track. His controlled but aggressive vocal skill brings something to this band that so many others have tried but often miss the mark.

But the real beauty of this band comes from not one input but the collection of talents on show. The best example of this is in second track ‘I’ve Never Been Better’. Continuing the heartbroken theme that is threaded through this EP, ‘I’ve Never Been Better’ also gives Michael Byron-Hehir (vocals and guitars) a real chance to show how his vocals combined with that of Ramsdens can create something almost unrivalled.

This track also shows From Embers talent to not just be loud for the hell of it. The quartet’s ability to be an indisputably heavy band who knows how to create a softer gem knows no bounds.

Just when you think that From Embers have shown the height of their hybrid talents they top it. Third track from this EP, ‘Silence’, shows a flawless collaboration between the beautifully voiced Jenna Clare (Leopards) whose progressive style combines with the vocals of Ramsden and Byron-Hehir spectacularly.

‘Silence’ is an epic at 7 minutes long, but there is no better way to show the amalgam of styles that From Embers have made possible. The vocal crosses are just the start of this. Melodic and almost soothing guitar lines fuse with heavy classic-metal drum beats to finalise a sound that will shoot From Embers through the roof.

Final track, ‘Sorry, No Returns (Now Get Back On Your Knees)’, closes the EP perfectly by exhibiting what it will lead on to. Parts of this track have clearly been sculpted for live performances that will get crowds up and down the country screaming and yelling if they get the chance to breathe.

There is no doubt that this EP is a masterful combination of a whole host of skills that individually are clever but together are completely and utterly perfect.

June tour for Essex Quartet The Milk

2012-05-15T12:11:00.002+01:00

Essex soul quartet The Milk have announced that their new, ‘irresistibly infectious’ single, ‘Every Time We Fight’, will be released on June 24th.

Hot on the heels of a 27-date UK tour, which climaxed with a sold-out show at The Scala, The Milk have announced details of a brand new single for the summer.

The soaring ‘Every Time We Fight’ will see a release on June 24^th on Sign of the Times and is receiving huge support from the likes of Zane Lowe, Huw Stephens, Mistajam,Huey Morgan and XFM.

With the band’s debut album expected later this summer, The Milk will first play another extensive run of dates, cementing their reputation as one of the hottest live acts in the UK.

These include festival spots at Great Escape, Camden Crawl, Ibiza Rocks (where they’ve been invited to support Ed Sheeran), Beachbreak and Isle of Wight.

‘Every Time We Fight’ is a personal and impassioned turn from The Milk, mixing classic soul melodies with a modern dance sensibility.

Driven by a memorable chorus, soaring horns and intricate rhythms, this is the sound of a bang digging deeper than the hip-hop groove of fan-favourite ‘B-Roads’, or the gutsy guitar-rock of first single ‘Broke Up The Family’.

Seemingly penned in response to a rocky but resilient relationship, the track was in fact recorded amidst the summer riots; which added an extra gravitas to the domestic turbulence within the lyrics.

In typically brazen fashion, the band explains that “Every Time We Fight is a way cry to anyone who feels cheated out of a brighter future.”

The track is also the first real insight into The Milk’s debut album, ‘Tales From The Thames Delta’ – which, belying the traditional period of incubation and co-writes, was completed just a month after singing a deal.

Raised and refined in Wickford, Essex, the record emerged in earnest following two make-or-break decisions. Whilst still at school, the boys spent two years as a Punk outfit, which suited their youthful character and then-musical-abilities down to the ground.

Yet the prospect of university and day-jobs entered the horizon, so The Milk split p, and went to work.

The turning point came when their mutual mate (and now manager) opened a club-night in Southend’s Pink Toothbrush, specialising in soul and funk. Here, The Milk had a creative breakthrough: they had to get the band back together.

And so The Milk gave up their formative jobs in November 2010 went on the dole, and moved back in with their parents.

“We really had to go for it,” describes singer Rick, “Fuck work, fuck everything else.”

‘Every Time We Fight’ in particular reflects this period of uncertainty, with its mixture of anxiety and hopefulness.

Holed up in the shed at the bottom of their garden – were they still write and record demos – all new songs and sounds were experimented with; penned in response to the band’s small-town frustrations.

The boys formed a crucial creative partnership with Brad Baloo (of celebrated hip-hop masters The Nextmen), who turbo-injected their understanding of the lineage of black music, and the fluid, assimilative genius of hip-hop.

As The Milk’s live reputation began to build them an impassioned following, others started to take notice too.

A climatic headline show at London’s Jazz Cafe some eight months later finally clinched them a record deal.

With an expansive following and a stellar record under their belt, not to mention another hefty set of tour dates across the summer, the real work for the Milk starts here.

Twin Atlantic hitting the UK this Autumn!!

2012-05-15T00:26:00.000+01:00

Twin Atlantic have announced a 10 date jaunt around the UK this Autumn to follow their June tour alongside legends Blink-182 and a four-week run on the US Van’s Warped Tour.

Currently receiving massive support on the BBC Radio 1 airwaves with their anthemic single “Make a Beast of Myself” – Scottish rockers Twin Atlantic have announced a 10 date UK Tour for this autumn.

The band, formed in February 2007 comprises of Sam McTrusty (lead vocals & guitar), Ross McNae (bass, piano & vocals) and Barry McKenna (guitar, cello & vocals.)

All members previously played in other small, local bands but have gone on to build up a strong alternative rock reputation across the country supporting the likes of My Chemical Romance, Smashing Pumpkins and Limp Bizkit.

Twin Atlantic will also be appearing alongside The All-American Rejects to support punk rock legends Blink-182 on their long awaited June UK tour.

The band, hailing from Glasgow, is also thrilled to be performing at this years T In The Park and Reading and Leeds Festivals.

Their 2011 album ‘Free’ is also currently climbing the US alternative rock charts and this week is at number 33 – the highest placed British artist behind Coldplay, Florence and the Machine.

This past week also saw the band celebrate the year anniversary of their album release in the UK and it was also their biggest album sales week since release, catapulting the band back into the iTunes top 10 and number 1 on the rock chart!

Full dates for their headline Autumn tour are as follows:

October:

27th    Glasgow, Barrowland (0844 499 990)
29th    Aberdeen, Music Hall (0844 499 990)
30th    Edinburgh, HMV Picturehouse (0844 499 990)

November:

1st       Newcastle, o2 Academy (0844 477 2000)
2nd      Manchester Academy (0161 832 111)
3rd      Birmingham o2 Academy (0844 477 2000)
5th      Norwich, UEA (01603 508 050)
6th      Bristol, o2 Academy (0844 477 2000)
7th      Southampton Guildhall (023 8063 2601)
8th      London, o2 Shepherds Bush Empire (0844 477 2000)

Buy tickets online at www.gigsandtours.com and www.seetickets.com. 24 HR CC Hotline: 0844 811 0051

The dates Twin Atlantic will be joining blink-182 (which also includes All American Rejects) are:

JUNE

9th          London The O2 Arena
15th       Manchester Arena
16th       Birmingham LG Arena
17th       Sheffield Motorpoint Arena
19th       Newcastle Metro Radio Arena
20th       Glasgow SECC

July

8th           T In the Park Festival (BBC Radio 1 / NME Stage)

August

25th      Reading Festival (BBC Radio 1 / NME Stage)
26th      Leeds Festival (BBC Radio 1 / NME Stage)

The Pirate Bay - R.I.P

2012-05-09T00:09:00.002+01:00

The High Court has made another movement towards the protection of copyright laws by ruling that UK Internet Service Providers must make concerted efforts to block the popular file-sharing site, The Pirate Bay.

The site, launched in Sweden in 2003, allows users to search for and illegal download copyrighted content such as music, films and TV shows.

It has over five million registered users worldwide and hosts over four million torrents.

Since its launch it has been considered one of the most visible infringements of copyright laws to date as users are able to easily download illegal music and film files for free.

It has been facing legal action since November 2011 when the internet service providers refused to restrict access to it when asked to do so by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).

BPI’s chief executive, Geoff Taylor, said of the site: “Its operators line their pockets by commercially exploiting music and other creative works without paying a penny to the people who created them.”

On 30 April 2012 the High Court officially ruled that Sky, Everything Everywhere, TalkTalk, O2 and Virgin Media must block all access to the site, which was ranked the 71^st most visited website in the world according to Alexa Internet.

BT has asked the court for time to consider their decision on the matter.

Now, when trying to visit the site, users of these ISPs will find a message stating that their provider has “received an order from the Courts requiring us to prevent access to this site in order to help protect against copyright infringement.”

Virgin Media told the BBC: “As a responsible ISP, Virgin Media complies with court orders addressed to the company but strongly believes that changing consumer behaviour to tackle copyright infringement also needs compelling legal alternatives, such as our agreement with Spotify, to give consumers access to great content at the right price.”

Some people have criticized the courts decision and believe that those who make a profit from privacy are already aware of how to get round the blocks put in place.

A reader on the BBC website said: “They’ll never stop it. As one site gets blocked, another three appear. There are millions of copies of millions of films/songs on millions of computers, spread out in almost every country in the world. As long as the software exists to share these files, it will continue to happen.”

Despite these arguments Mark Little, principal analyst at Ovum said: “I know it’s fashionable to say ‘on, it just won’t work’, but we should keep trying.

“The biggest culprits of this, really, are the younger demographic who just haven’t been convinced that doing this is somehow morally uncomfortable.”

Executive director of the Open Rights Group, Jim Killock, addressed the rising issue of internet censorship and said: “It will fuel calls for further, wider and even more drastic calls for internet censorship of many kinds, from pornography to extremism. Internet censorship is growing in scope and becoming easier. Yet it never has the effect desired. It simply turns criminals into heroes.”

When Feargal Sharkey, lead singer of The Undertones and CEO of UK Music, visited De Montfort University during Cultural Exchanges Week 2011, he addressed the issue of illegal internet downloads and said: “I genuinely think the Internet is an extraordinary thing. My industry has a 120 year history of disruption. For me this is just another disruption.”

Tenacious D - Rize of the Fenix

2012-05-07T23:39:00.001+01:00

Columbia Records announced the May 14^th release of Tenacious D’s widely-anticipated Rize of the Fenix, the band’s first studio album in over six years.

Rize of the Fenix is the third album from the group and is the follow-up to 2006’s gold The Pick of Destiny and 2001’s platinum debut album Tenacious D.

Produced by the brilliant John Kimborough, Rize of The Fenix was recorded in the garage behind his LA home and features Jack Black and Kyle Gass (Tenacious D’s core duo), performing with Dave Grohl (drums), John Spiker (bass, piano, organ) and John Konesky (electric guitar).

The album was engineered and mixed by John Spiker who has been touring with the band for years.

From their concentrated effort emerged thirteen profoundly evocative tracks, the making of which the band describes as a “journey similar to that of Gandolph in The Lord of the Rings.”

As ever Black and Gass have proved to be kings of the gab, as this album does not quite live up to their slightly arrogant claims. But then it was always going to be difficult to create something to follow the 2002 comedy/rock gold, Tribute.

In fact, it seems that the musical endeavours on this album are mere fillers for the more hysterical and somewhat traditional dialogue tracks that Black and Gass have to offer.

That being said, the confusing rock-loser charm that oozes from Jack Black does seep through every track. It can’t be denied that Tenacious D have always given 110% to bringing a bit of light to an otherwise black genre. The only question is, was this ever really needed?

Rize of the Fenix was recorded over the past six years as Tenacious D went back to their roots. “We recorded down and dirty in a friend’s garage with a shoestring budget of 600 dollars, much like Nirvana’s first album “Bleach” of the Beatles first album “Help”. Rough and yet a masterpiece.”

When the ill received Pick of Destiny movie failed to strike box office gold, it virtually stripped away the duos rock god stature overnight. “There were no more bouncers waving us through the velvet ropes, we were persona non gratta” said singer Jack Black.

Kyle Gass added: “there we were-just Gandolph the grey, down in the muck, but we never gave up. We defeated our own personal demons and began chipping away, slowly climbing back to the land of the living – when we emerged we were no longer the old Tenacious D, we were Gandolph the white, with new powers and wisdom and bravery skills.”

Tenacious D will embark on their initial tour which includes a Memorial Day performance in Washington at the Sasquath festival.

Rize of the Fenix will be available everywhere May 14^th 2012.

Bastille Comes to Haunt the UK

2012-04-02T15:11:00.007+01:00

The ‘hauntingly cinematic and darkly uplifting’ musical genius of Bastille is hitting the UK by force this spring with a packed out tour and the release of their debut single ‘Overjoyed’.

Bastille started to build a word of mouth following online after singer/songwriter, Dan Smith, uploaded a makeshift D.I.Y video for the track ‘Flaws’ which pieced together footage from Terence Malick’s 1973 classic ‘Badlands’. It had over 300,000 views and struck a chord with You Tube viewers from all over the world who posted cover versions of the track.

The band became a firm favourite with online bloggers proclaiming them as the creators of the perfect modern day pop song.

On 30^th April 2012 the band will follow up their previous activity with the release of ‘Overjoyed’ on Virgin Records. If ‘the soundtrack to an imaginary movie’ Smith recently uploaded online is anything to go by, this track will by another milestone in the progression of pop music for this decade.

Last summer the band supported Foster the People and Fenech-Soler as well as sold out their own shows at London’s Barfly, 93 Feet East and Underbelly. These shows were full of songs with danceable rhythms and beautiful soaring vocals encased in harmonies and bleeps.

The unique and spine tingling live performances of Bastille are really something to see. As their recently announced shows at Hoxton Hall sold out in just twenty minutes, you better hurry up and get your tickets to avoid disappointment.

APRIL

Weds18th – Hoxton Hall SOLD OUT

Thurs 19th – Hoxton Hall SOLD OUT

Tues 24th - Sheffield (Harley)

Weds 25th - Birmingham (Rainbow)

Thurs 26th - Oxford (Jericho)

Fri 27th - Southampton (Joiners)

MAY

Fri 4th - Suffolk Festival

Sat 5th - Live @ Leeds AND Camden Crawl

Sun 6th - Camden Crawl

Fri 11th - Camden Crawl DUBLIN Castle

Sat 12th - Oxford (St. Hugh's college ball)

JUNE

Sat 2nd - Dot to Dot Bristol

Sun 3rd – Dot to Dot Notts

Mon 4th – Dot to Dot Manchester

Fri 8th/9th/10th - Rockness

Thurs 14th – London Scala Show

Fri 29th - Blissfields (Hampshire)

You Me At Six - Sinners Never Sleep

2012-03-27T11:31:00.000+01:00

It was hard to imagine that the Surrey lads would be able to grab the hat trick, but third album, Sinners Never Sleep, did that and then some.

Formed in 2004 in Weybridge, Surrey, You Me At Six have made leaps and bounds for the British music scene. 2008 saw the rampant success of album Take Off Your Colours, and fans weren’t disappointed with it’s follow up, Hold Me Down, in 2010.

Over the past couple of the years there have been so many reasons to be proud to be British. Our small country is showing its true might in so many ways it’s almost hard to keep up with it. But here is something you can, and should, follow.

The British rock music scene has always been something to be proud of but perhaps never more so then now. Bands like The Blackout, Kids In Glass Houses and Bring Me The Horizon have been flooring fans for years and growing and developing all the time. You Me At Six have been heading this scene for eight years, and those boys next door have done it with style.

Sinners Never Sleep hit the shelves on October 3^rd 2011. It dramatically showcases the heavy aspect to this formally soft band whilst also throwing in some mellow gems for balance.

Prime single, Loverboy, is the perfect way to open this album. Opening with an almost menacing chant that excites to the core, this song is moulded perfectly for the upcoming live shows. It’s a perfect example of the angry arrogance that this band typically oozes. It’s normally a trait worthy of criticism but front man, Josh Franchesci, well and truly gets away with it. How? By showing every nice guy that’s finished last that in this somewhat depressed country you can still be whoever you want to be.

And there is plenty of finishing last in this album. This Is The First Thing and No One Does It Better are flawless paradigms of love gone wrong. They highlight every feeling and every thought of a rough break up that leaves you feeling empty. Ironically, this is how You Me At Six are winning the race to capture the hearts of Britain’s youth.

One thing You Me At Six have always been spectacular at using is cameo appearances. Josh is no stranger to lending his voice to a track or two (see The Blackout, This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things, you won’t regret it.) Indeed, there were a crazy amount of rumours before the albums release about who would appear. Hayley Williams perhaps? Adele even! Well, both would have been fantastic but, unfortunately, neither appeared. One rumour that did come to fruition was Bring Me The Horizons Oli Sykes. Boy, did he do a good job. Track Bite My Tongue is another anger fuelled stormer with a horror themed video to match.

Second appearance was from Parkways Drive’s Winston McCall whose borrowed vocals on Time Is Money gives this album a double whammy of screaming gold.

But don’t be deceived! Just when you think this album is the heaviest yet some happy bouncing comes into play with track Reckless. If you haven’t seen this song played live then you are probably unaware of what real gig bruises look like. Never before has this band had a tune to make a whole academy jump in unison quite like this. This song is a massive ‘screw you’ to every boyfriend or girlfriend that as royally messed up, in a rather impressive way, and regretted it. A prime example of how You Me At Six really do try their best “to always be in your mind.”

Play.com announced in August 2011 that pre-orders for Sinners Never Sleep was the fastest the site had ever seen. That’s no surprise. This album is completely flawless and if you haven’t heard it yet then you are well and truly missing out. Get it. Go and see them. Love it.

Decade release self-titled E.P - 13th February

2012-01-31T11:58:00.001Z

After a wildly successful 2011 it was almost unthinkable that Bath-based 5 piece, Decade, could make 2012 any more exciting! But never fear because February 13^th will see the release of their new, self-titled, E.P and it is a belter.

Decade’s debut single ‘The Doctor Called (Turns Out I’m Sick As Fuck)’ (Slam Dunk Records) took everyone by storm last year and provided a solid back bone to their sets at Sonisphere, Slam Dunk and their full UK tours with D.R.U.G.S, Forever The Sickest Kids and Set Your Goals.

Any fans worried that the new E.P wouldn’t live up to this legendary status can rest assured because it certainly does. It is even more aggressive, lively and exceptionally exciting for a booming UK music scene which Decade are leading like pros.

Second track ‘Won For Sorrow’ is a perfect example of an optimistic, and long overdue, recovery from the depressing ‘Emo’ phase. Indeed Decade ARE alive and are surprisingly better then then have ever been before. Get your pop-punk dancing shoes on for this one because it will soon become the anthem to your days.

Pop-punk has typically been the voice of it’s generation, giving an outlet for angst. ‘Home Alone’ is no exception. So bored you could die. Staring at the phone. Just please, let me sleep. What teenager doesn’t feel like this at the moment? The irony is of course that Decade is the perfect answer. Who can be bored, staring at their phone and wanting to sleep when at a beautifully pop-punktastic gig of explosive proportions? Nobody.

Time and time again British pop-punk seems to have been defined by its number of beat downs. “Stick a gang vocal in there. I know it doesn’t make much sense or add anything to the meaning of the song but…you know…it’s pop-punk.” Not this E.P. It’s British pop-punk and it’s absolute, original, fantastic best and that is why this band is set for stardom.

With that in mind all ears and eyes are on lead track ‘Never Enough’ which is set for video release, also on February 13^th.

Mark down February 13^th as a very, very important date. And while you’re at it find the tour date closest to you and mark that down too. Guarantee, you won’t want to miss this tour. You’ll be kicking yourself when these boys are headlining the big-boy venues and you can’t get a ticket for love nor money.

10th Feb – Meze Lounge – Newport
11th Feb – Thekla – Bristol
12th Feb – 12 Bar – Swindon
13th Feb – The Barfly – Camden
15th Feb – The Flapper – Birmingham
16th Feb – Dry Bar – Manchester
17th Feb – The Picket – Liverpool
18th Feb – The Cockpit – Leeds
19th Feb – Liberties – Middlesbrough
20th Feb – The Riverside - Newcastle

The Doctor Called (I'm Sick As Fuck) - Official Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMW1UROJdQs&feature=player_embedded
It's Good To Be A Vampire - Official Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrhFGCfSIZo&feature=player_embedded

Online Plot for Nirvana Top Spot - SHAME

2011-12-25T19:52:00.002Z

In 2009 the UK was shown the true force of the Internet when Rage Against the Machine fans showed Simon Cowell where to stick it by beating Joe McElderry to the number one spot at Christmas.

When 2011 rolled around it was only to be expected that X Factor winners, Little Mix, would be up against some stiff competition, and crazed rocker nerds came up with a fool proof plan!! Smells Like Teen Spirit was released in 1991. Cobain himself said "I was trying to write the ultimate pop song." Surely there was no better song to follow up the 2009 Rage success?

Little Mix came in at Number 5. Huzzah! Eat that Simon!!

So where were our legendary grunge rockers in this success??!

Number two? Well, no. That one actually went to Lou Monte's 'Dominick the Donkey'. Not heard of it? That's because it's 51 years old.

So obviously the rocking heroes were number three! Again, not quite. Third spot went to Coldplay's 'Paradise' (even after Chris Martin confessed that his band 'are a sh*t Radiohead.')

Logic prevails, then, that Nirvana purely scrapped a fantastic success in at number 4 just narrowly laughing in the X Factor's pretentious face! Unfortunately, that logic is wrong again. Flo Rida took fourth with his track 'Good Feeling'.

Heart radio announced on Christmas Day that the well deserved top spot was achieved by The Military Wives Choir (all the proceeds go to the Royal British Legion and the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association, so go and download it RIGHT now.)

The sad truth is that Nirvana's legendary 90's grunge track, that has spoken to generations, ranked in at number 32 on Christmas Day 2011.

Just not quite the same is it? Especially when Olly Murs grabbed number 6 AND number 22, One Direction grabbed number 21 and Labrinth picked up number 12 (the only artist signed to Simon Cowell's record label that didn't sprout from a talent competition.)

So do Nirvana fans not care anymore?! Is that blasphemy?! What is the world coming to?! Do we need to just admit defeat to the music monopoly man?

No one can deny the well deserved victory of The Military Wive's. But it's also safe to say that rockers everywhere should probably hang their heads in shame.

http://www.bigtop40.com/

An Alternative Royal Variety Performance

2011-12-18T19:44:00.000Z

The Royal Variety Performance is a cornerstone of the British calendar. But after 81 performances does nobody think it’s got a bit predictable? It’s not exactly Eurovision is it?

Some boringly sentimental signers, a number of supposed legends we haven’t seen in a while and then a sprinkling of comedians recycling material from their Christmas DVD’s. Well Huzzah.

Begs the question – are the organisers not tempted to spice things up a bit? The royals are people too! They just might enjoy this alternative list of acts that should definitely appear in the 2012 performance.

5) The Coventry Market Musical

Now, let’s not lie to ourselves, this is the catchiest thing to appear in the news for a long time! And if it doesn’t show the variety of Britain then nothing does! People of Coventry be proud!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QI9RCzN6oN0

4) TOWIE VS Made In Chelsea Compete

Admit it or don’t – you’ve watched one of these shows and you’ve argued about which is better. Well there’s only one way to find out!! There could be assault courses, tests, experiments...Mark Wright and Hugo Taylor battling it out for ‘scumbag of the year’. Ollie Lock and Harry Derbidge can have their tans measured on a scale of one to completely tangoed. Dare we say it, a vajazzle battle? The possibilities are truly endless.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNebtyxuh84

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BO5GqmeyIPs

3) Russell Howard Gets a Second Chance

If you didn’t happen to be tuned in when Good ‘ol Russell made a complete twerp of himself on ‘Good News’ then you missed out a treat. But not to worry, it’s on You Tube, of course, and it’s boasting nearly 20,000 views! But let’s not just recycle old comedy (as golden as it was). Let’s make it bigger and better! A full blown stunt scene where Russell can either prove his mighty fight skills or just fail all over the place. (The latter is, of course, more likely.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IskRqa_Fql8

2) Embarrassing Bodies Live

There’s just something about seeing the most disgusting parts of people that entices us. Why not bring it to the stage? It seems to be logical really. “Oh I’m just too embarrassed to go and see the GP that has treated me for years and years! What? Live on National TV in front of millions of people? I guess that would be okay!”. Get them on the stage, in front of royalty, and show them what REAL embarrassment is!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdJtox4a54A

1) Black Mirror Live

Black Mirror has sparked some pretty unique questions about the world that we live in today and in the future. None less of course then: would Cameron do questionable things to a pig to save Kate Middleton?! Probably not. What would that do to his popularity ratings anyway?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=midBr3d3MUg

Marmozets - Passive Aggressive - EP Review

2011-11-02T22:16:00.004Z

Do not be fooled. Nothing about Marmozets is ‘passive’. This band is sheer aggression, and you know what? It’s spectacular and that hasn’t gone unnoticed. Get this band in your life. It might just be essential.

Marmozets have received quite a reaction with their EP, Passive Aggressive. It’s not surprising. Who wouldn’t be excited about getting five tracks of sheer musical genius for absolutely free? It won’t be long until fans everywhere are yelling “Marmozets gave away a CD for free?! I’m so jealous!”

Opening track, Collisions, gives a perfect intro. It’s a faultless showcase of their instrumental ability and instantly gets the head banging. Thanks for that adrenaline impulse can be sent to Josh Macintyre whose extreme drumming talent is one of the instantly noticeable aspects of the EP. A word of warning, listen with caution because that head banging won’t stop until you break yourself away from this EP, and that will take a very long time.

That drumming is given nice character with intricate, clever and unique guitar tracks which may well become the Marmozets trademark.

Just when you think that there isn’t possibly anything more that this band could pull out of the bag, it happens. There is only one word to describe the vocals on Passive Aggressive and that word is, sublime. Becca Macintyre’s raspy and raw tones give well crafted lyrics something that is very different to other female fronted bands. She adds to the increasingly growing group of women who are proving that they are serious contenders in the world of rock.

Back to Blackout, is an absolute gem of a track with another world class intro brilliantly sculpted for the stage. It conjures up the images of screaming crowds and vicious fist thumping which can make the best live show.

If this is what Marmozets are producing now then it’s hard to imagine what they will come out with next. It’s a superbly made EP that may be hard to follow, but there’s no doubt that Marmozets are up to that challenge.

http://www.facebook.com/marmozets

http://www.marmozets.co.uk/

Kings & Rogues - The 100 Club - 5th August 2011 - Review

2011-09-15T16:25:00.003+01:00

The 100 Club is legendary for hosting legendary shows before anyone believed that they were legendary. The Sex Pistols, The Clash and The White Stripes are just a few names that appeared at London’s premier music venue before they went down in music history. The 5^th August 2011 is another date to add to the impressive list as Kings and Rogues take to the 100 Club stage.

Kings and Rogues are the gathered remains of previous projects and it’s easy to see that the three-piece have used all their experience, style and talent to create a new masterpiece. Nick Drew (Vocals & Guitar), Gary Summers (Bass & Backing Vocals) and Wayne Summers (Drums) have an impressive command over their instruments and together have created something that rivals the likes of Biffy Clyro and Queens of the Stone Age.

For a relatively new band the aggression and energy that Kings and Rogues display is exceptional. They capture the crowd with intricate riffs and dominant drum tracks (which are particularly impressive). It may be impossible to not be stunned by the sheer skill of this band, which is a bold statement to make, but a fair one. A nostalgic grunge back bone brings this raw talent together and creates the sound that could fill a stadium very soon.

As they own this historic and legendary stage the word that comes to mind is beautiful. It’s passion and it’s anger and it’s very, very clever. Good things are coming for this band and it won’t be too long until every single person in The 100 Club crowd is bragging about being there on August 5^th 2011. Nick, Gary and Wayne are genuinely lovely and hard working guys and they deserve every moment of success coming to them.

Keep your eye’s peeled for Kings and Rogues because their future looks pretty damn fantastic.

http://www.facebook.com/KingsandRogues

Next Stop Atlanta - EP Review

2011-03-25T18:19:00.004Z

Next Stop Atlanta sure have made an impression here at Louder Now, and it’s no surprise. This band are exceptional and are set to take true leaps and bounds in 2011 with their debut, self titled EP, which has been played non stop at Louder Now HQ since we got our grubby paws on it.

The EP, produced by Matt O’Grady (You Me At Six, The Blackout, Don Broco) is four tracks of pure pop-punk without compromise, brought together by a sheer determination, passion and brilliance. Opening track, ‘I’ll Catch Fire (The Gift)’ was featured on Hang Tight Records compilation album, ‘Sing Your Heart Out Loud’ earlier this year and it absolutely sparkles. A perfectly executed gang shout and ridiculously catchy guitar riff made for a shiny first video, shot and edited by Mark Forrer. This was closely followed by a second for track “Fourteennineeightyseven”, which will give you goose bumps with its gang shout of the word ‘forever’.

Lyrics throughout this EP are brought alive by Georgia Peters’ absolutely entrancing voice. She manages to keep things fast paced and fun, just as pop-punk should be, but can still slow it down, for the stunning acoustic track “When Perfection is Key”, without missing a trick. But Next Stop Atlanta are, by no means, a one woman show as the vocals compliment well structured and bouncy guitar riffs and aggressive drum beats.

We were lucky enough to have a chat with Peters about the bands busy year ahead: “We really just try to play as many shows as physically possible, whether it be big, small, as part of a tour or just a one off! If we can play a show we'll just grab at the chance!” It’s that determination which is going to get this band to some amazing places, and by the likes of the shows they have lined up it will happen sooner rather than later.

The videos and recordings are exceptional but word on the street is that they don’t do justice to what these guys bring to the stage. Though that’s easy to imagine, there’s no reason why you can’t find out for yourself. The band has got a busy year ahead of them and Louder Now are very proud to be working alongside Next Stop Atlanta to bring the Louder Now Launch Night Showcase to Leicester’s Firebug on April 7^th 2011. You all need to get down to this show and join Next Stop Atlanta as they look forward “to strip back from the bigger venues and play something a little more intimate!”

Tickets are priced at £4 and can be reserved by contacting our Facebook loudernow@hotmail.co.uk NOW!

Feargal Sharkey Speaks at DMU

2011-03-04T20:24:00.001Z

Feargal Sharkey, most famous for his role in the seventies punk rock band The Undertones, has done more for the UK’s music industry than most. After being a member of the Radio Authority for the full term of five years and earning numerous awards for his contribution to the live music industry, Sharkey is now CEO of UK Music, which protects the UK’s commercial music industry. Louder Now were lucky enough to join Sharkey as he looked back at his time within the music industry and talked about the future of live music.

Growing up in Derry, Northern Ireland, during the sixties and seventies proved to be a challenging experience that shaped Sharkey into the brilliant man he is today. Looking back at the early years he remembers “walking down the road carrying what I now know to be an anarchist flag” but maintains: “I am desperately grateful for the world I grew up in.”

It’s a bold claim to make for a man who, whilst playing a show with The Undertones in Nottingham, was told that his mother and sister were being held hostage by members of the IRA. “They had gone to visit a close family friend” says Sharkey “but the door was opened by a guy in a balaclava who said they had better come in.” The house had been taken over for use in an IRA mission and Sharkey’s mother and sister were held there until his mother found a way out by faking a heart attack. “I think at that point they thought, oh shit this is Feargal Sharkey’s mother and they called an ambulance which took them both from the house.”

His mother and father’s politically influenced lives alongside the fame and success, which allowed him to be one of the only people in Derry to own a home at the age of twenty, gave Sharkey the chance to make huge change in the industry. “The voice still works,” says Sharkey, “I still do it occasionally on a Sunday morning to annoy the kids saying, look you un-grateful kids, people use to pay for this shit!”

On why he traded the lights and glamour of showbiz for the business side of the industry he said: “Well who in the hell else was going to give me a job?!” But on his journey Sharkey has found documents and legislation that have encouraged him to make some very important changes. Not least of which are The Licensing Act 2003, which affects the ability of music venues to provide regulated entertainment as well as alcohol, and Form 696, a risk assessment form compulsory to promoters and licensees in certain boroughs of London.

As a result of the Licensing Act 2003, a venue cannot legally host a live music event without a license that clearly states it has permission to do so. Sharkey highlights the impact it has on struggling young artists who are trying to get people to take notice of them, something which is very close to Louder Now’s heart. “If I picked up a guitar now and sung a song, someone would be facing a £20,000 fine and/or a 6 months prison sentence, now would that stop a pub landlord putting a kid on stage one night? I think it might.” Despite the security and profit that can be brought to venues who hold a licence Sharkey remains adamant that the process is un-fair and damaging: “I don’t think it is healthy that someone who wants to do something as harmless as sing a song in the back of a pub has to ask permission from a local council.”

One of the most pressing issues facing the music industry today is that of illegal internet downloads which, with the closure of Limewire in late 2010, seems to have fierce action being taken against it, especially in the US. Sharkey says: “I genuinely think the Internet is an extraordinary thing. My industry has a 120 year history of disruption. For me this is just another disruption.” Memories of days when radio shows were recorded on to tapes and passed on to friends and family, and an acknowledgement that the music industry is still booming leads to a conclusion that this disruption is a fleeting one. “I think now is an extraordinary time to be a music fan. You can buy Liam Gallagher’s new album off Amazon for £3.99. £3.99? Bloody hell I can barely buy a pint of beer for £3.99!”

Feargal Sharkey is a remarkable character and with his experience, morals and sheer determination the myths and rumours of the music industries demise will remain just that, myths and rumours.

Clear Shot Presents: Limit The Dead & Guests - Wycombe Academy - Review

2011-02-28T01:21:00.001Z

Darkness falls on a freezing night in High Wycombe but it’s just about to start getting hotter in Wycombe Academy of Music and Arts as the scene gets set for some severely heavy metal. A loyal crowd are pumped for some ear piercing guitar riffs, dirty screaming and brutal mosh pits, and that’s exactly what they’re getting.

Opening up for the night is High Wycombe’s own, Honour In Ashes, who set the bar high for the night. Their first song gets a pretty impressive mosh pit started, that later bands struggle to achieve, and it’s obvious that this band already have a good following. High pitched guitar riffs and impressive vocals are pulled together by aggressive drum beats and that holds this crowd perfectly. The crowd are instructed to explode on the count of three, and it begs the question, do they really need instruction? They’re already going insane and the chanting just goes to show how much of an impact this band is already having. There is a very promising future for Honour In Ashes. With a bit of progression they can achieve amazing things.

One questionable cover of System of a Down’s Chop Suey later and Kieland Ridge present the crowd with a calmer set then the night is use to. The understated, much slower, aggression of this band conjures up nostalgic memories of a grunge period, supposedly lost decades ago, but this band may well bring it back.

For two bands this show marks the end of a mini tour across the UK. Decodes and The Art of Reason show more potential than most tonight and this tour may well be the start of something much bigger for both acts.
The Art of Reason’s increasingly perfect mix of rap and synth made for a fitting cover of Limp Bizkit’s Break Stuff, which shaped up to be the best cover of the night. This band are definitely on to something and it’s quite obvious that soon their going to hit that mark.
Decodes’ track, Nurturers and Murderers is a first-class progressive track which is entrancing live. A line-up reshuffle might have been just the thing this band needed to get them in the right direction and their upcoming EP is sure to be a masterpiece.

The most impressive vocals of the night are clearly displayed by Cascades whose lead singer is left breathless on more than one occasion, and no one is blaming him. Their change in musical direction since their line-up and name change has proved to be nothing less than a musical master stroke. Expect great things from this band.

Headliners, Limit The Dead, play no games in showing exactly who they are and what they’re here to do. Warnings of strobe lighting get the crowd buzzing for the long awaited climax of the night, and they did not disappoint their audience who are captivated from the word go. This melodic, heavy metal is the best way to wake up a crowd after an exhaustive night of head banging and the strobe lighting just helps that along!

Limit The Dead
http://www.myspace.com/limitthedead
Cascades
http://www.myspace.com/cascadesuk
Decodes
http://www.myspace.com/decodesuk
The Art of Reason
http://www.myspace.com/theartofreason
Kieland Ridge
http://www.myspace.com/kielandridge
Honour In Ashes
http://www.myspace.com/honourinashes93
Clear Shot
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001670915455

Feargal Sharkey at De Montfort University

2011-02-23T15:53:00.002Z

Feargal Sharkey will be gracing De Montfort University with his presence during their tenth annual Cultural Exchanges Festival with a talk based around the singer’s vibrant career.

The Undertones vocalist shot to fame in 1978 with their single “Teenage Kicks” and since then his career has gone through several makeovers. After appearing in other bands, such as The Assembly with Vince Clarke of Depeche Mode, and a successful solo career sprinkled with collaboration gems, Sharkey now heads up UK Music making a real impact to the state of live music in the UK.

“Cultural Exchanges is an exciting annual festival.” states Director of Cultural Exchanges, Tony Graves. “It started in 2000 and is organised by our third year students on the BA (Hons) Arts and Festival Management course. We proudly welcome Feargal Sharkey who has become a leading figure in the music industry.”

Sharkey’s career has been highlighted with various awards including the Scott Piering Award in 2004, The Bottle Award for outstanding contribution to the live music industry in 2006 and an Honorary Doctor of Arts from the University of Hertfordshire for an outstanding achievement in the field of music.

Chris Maughan, principal lecturer for arts and festivals management at DMU, will discuss the issues Feargal has primarily been concerned with over his career. The Licensing Act 2003, which affects the ability of music venues to provide regulated entertainment as well as alcohol, and Form 696, a risk assessment form compulsory to promoters and licensees, are expected to be top of the agenda.

UK Music have said that “topics for discussion will include careers in the music industry, policy issues and looking at how the British music industry needs to develop if it is to sustain its contribution to Britain’s cultural and economic life”

Sharkey will be at DMU’s Clephen Building, room 2.13, between 6-7pm . Tickets cost just £3 and are available from https://store.dmu.ac.uk

Sing Your Heart Out Loud - Hang Tight Records - Compilation Review

2011-02-21T16:38:00.002Z

‘Sing Your Heart Out Loud’, Hang Tight Records (February 21st 2011), is a big step towards proving that British pop-punk is horrifically underrated. Bands from across the country have come together to create a compilation album stamped with the trademark epic beat downs and explosive gang shouts that rival those of stateside pop-punk bands.

Hang Tight Records formed in December of last year to release Me vs Hero's full length ‘Days That Shape Our Lives’ on vinyl. Since then the label has found more and more bands that represent the thriving scene of pop-punk in Britain.

“I really started working with the bands on the compilation from December,” Says Joe Hurst of Hang Tight Records, “but it took about a month to collate and to get the band total up to twenty. There is so much talent in the UK that gets over looked by promoters and other labels. I want to show people that us boys and girls in the UK can do as good as the guys in the states can!”

The album is dowsed in influence from the likes of Four Year Strong, Deaf Havana and Hit The Lights, with the same lively energy shining through on every track. It’s not surprising considering that most of these bands have supported the big guns of pop-punk in recent months.

Leicester’s own, We’re Not Worthy, sit midway in the compilation with ‘Make Mine a Double’, a song which has such a catchy chorus that it is near impossible to not get hooked, jump around and scream along (three things the crowd will definitely be doing at Lock 42 when the band support The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus on March 17th).

Dublin’s Storyboard (who have signed to Hang Tight records since the compilations release) and Young Wolves, stand up for the Irish in their contributions which blow others out of the water. Both have managed to keep the upbeat happiness that makes pop-punk what it is whilst including a depth, meaning and emotion to their lyrics which helps them to stand out. Together on this album they prove that Ireland’s pop-punk scene is growing into a beat down fuelled monster. Watch that space.

Next Stop Atlanta’s Georgia Peters is a breath of fresh air in a vastly male dominated genre. ‘I’ll Catch Fire’ is one of the most attention grabbing tracks of the album with a guitar riff that you really will not get out of your head and a gang shout to be proud of. It’s bands like this, Paramore, Mimi Soya and We Are The In Crowd that are campaigning for the ladies, and they’re doing a remarkable job of it.

British pop-punk is a force to be reckoned with, and it’s only getting bigger by the second. Hurst hopes that “the kids listening to the compilation will find their new favourite band, maybe they will buy a shirt, EP or go to a show,” and your life will be brighter for it! Pop-punk is not dead!

‘Sing Your Heart Out Loud’ is available to download for just £1 from http://hangtightrecords.bandcamp.com NOW!

Limewire - R.I.P

2011-02-09T01:28:00.001Z

Free peer-to-peer file sharing client Limewire has been forced to shut down its service after a four-year legal battle with the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)...

Click picture to enlarge :)