Phil Allely Reviews

CD Review: The Bad Shepherds - By Hook or by Crook

2012-02-12T08:59:00.000-08:00

CD Review: The Bad Shepherds – By Hook or by Crook
By Phil Allely
Traditional music can be a fun genre to explore, each country, county and even to a degree city will have regular trad music nights where musicians jam together and perform to relatively large (if not niche) crowds on a regular basis, each one proving to be a slightly different take on the style.
The Bad Shepherd may perform using traditional instruments, but their music is influenced by much more than old school traditional history, these are guys who have listened to everything from punk to rock and everything in between. Although there are some mighty fine traditionally arranged tunes, thrown in here for good measures too.
The Bad Shepherds are an interesting collective, lead vocalist Adrian Edmondson is better known as a Rik Mayal’s comedy partner, the star of TV shows Bottom and The Young Ones and is a key member of the Comic Strip troupe, he is also a respected actor and TV star in his own right. His fellow musicians Troy Donockley and Andy Dinan are both well-travelled and experienced artists and together this trio have regularly sold out venues across the UK.
Here on this album we get a nice broad spectrum of music (all in the Shepherd’s own style), where else would you find a folk take on The Sex Pistols Anarchy in the UK, a medley of Ramones hits, tracks by The Smiths and rather superb spin on Motorhead’s classic Ace of Spades.
By Hook or by Crook is on release now and the band are still on tour.
www.badshepherds.com

CD Review: Nashville Pussy - From Hell to Texas (live and loud in Europe)

2012-02-11T18:44:00.000-08:00

CD Review: Nashville Pussy – From Hell To Texas (Live and Loud in Europe)
By Phil Allely
US hard rockers Nashville Pussy are often dubbed one of the hardest working bands in show business and the recorded response to their live shows certainly live up to that accolade. Nashville Pussy offer up a refreshingly kick-ass swagger to the genre and this re-release of 2009’s From Hell to Texas is a damn fine way to introduce yourself to their Grammy nominated sound/style.
From Hell to Texas features a top-to-bottom selection of loud, brash and anthem like modern classics from a band who at the time (2009) had found their musical stride (and continue to do so in this reviewers opinion). Taking a country tinged slant on rock and metal the band have a rather simple approach to their work, that being to play the kind of music they would like to hear and they do just that. The good news is that the ever-growing Nashville Pussy fan base like what the guys have been doing since 1996 and these fans continue to do so. So although this is a re-release and not a brand new product, it does have mass appeal potential and will surely appease fans old and new until some new material gets released.
From Hell to Texas may be a release some of us already possess, but this now remixed and sequenced version makes that version almost obsolete now. The added bonus here too is the inclusion of an impressive 16 track live concert DVD. The footage of which is taken from various European live shows.

NASHVILLE PUSSY
"From Hell To Texas – Live and Loud in Europe"

Release Date Germany: January 20th, 2012
Release Date Europe: January 23rd, 2012
Release Date USA/Canada: March 27th, 2012

www.nashvillepussy.com

CD Review: Mad Max - Another Night of Passion

2012-02-11T16:19:00.000-08:00

CD Review: Mad Max – Another Night of Passion
By Phil Allely
So where do you start when you are reviewing a new album by a band who made a name for themselves in their native Germany during the late 1980s, who seemed to be on the verge of global success, but saw their dreams of US fame shot down due to record label issues beyond their control. Well perhaps the best thing to do is to applaud the Munster collective for not letting bad blood get in the way of things and for turning back the clock 25 years. Here with this latest work they are finally getting the opportunity to follow up on their hit record ‘Night of Passion’.
‘Another Night of Passion’ is a nicely put together album, highlighting the Mad Max’s hard rock pedigree and genre influences. Full of fun, loud and in your face full on tracks this is not a sequel to its forerunner, but more of a natural progression, listened to together you can see the group (which return in their original 1987 form) build on the sound and momentum that release had.
Here’s hoping this time around the guys can achieve their dream of American mainstream success and let their brand of no nonsense ballad free rock make itself heard at long last.
Mad Max – Another Night of Passion will be available as a standard CD Jewel Case release and a CD Digipack. The Digipack will feature a bonus live bootleg CD too.
MAD MAX"Another Night Of Passion"
Release Date Europe: March 26th, 2012
Release Date: Germany: March 23rd, 2012
Release Date USA/Canada: March 2012

A Winter's Night Live - Jon Paul Palombo

2012-02-07T10:50:00.001-08:00

EP Review: Jon Paul Palombo ‘ A Winter’s Night Live’
By Phil Allely
Even before this live EP was made available singer/songwriter JonPaul Palombo was already making waves on the UK music scene. The Glaswegians/Italian born, raised in Bradford musicians had been a mainstay of his school choir and recruited by the acclaimed BBC Philharmonic Choir at a young age too.
Inspired by such legends as Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and Freddie Mercury Palombo’s style is a varied and exciting one. Palombo is said to have used his experiences of urban life on the streets of London and the rich storytelling of such a life as the core of his songs too.
‘A Winter’s Night Live’ offers up a nice insight into just what made Jon Paul’s earlier songs so influential and invoking, here we can see and hear what made him want to perform and learn why the BBC and MTV have been firmly behind this young/enthusiastic performer from the off. Palombo’s works are nicely paced easy listening tracks, they have simple lyrics, well-written music and most of all they are fun to tap in to.
'A Winter's Night Live EP' is out for worldwide download 15th January 2012, distributed by Universal/ Genepool Records.
You can buy the latest releases here:
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/artist/jonpaul-palombo/id467921041

CD Review - UFO: Seven Deadly

2012-02-04T17:08:00.001-08:00

CD Review :UFO - Seven Deadly
By Phil Allely
British rock legends UFO are one of those acts that have done so much in their long and successful career that they could simply rest on their laurels and go through the motions, yet Phil Mogg and Co. are of the ilk who want to prove their worth with each and every release.
Seven Deadly is a remarkable album for a band with such a track record. This is the UFO of old, there are foot-tapping beats, sing-a-long sections and a refreshingly retro sound to each and every track.
This latest studio album is a return to form of such, whilst some veteran acts simply sit back and wait for the royalty cheques others work hard to live the lifestyle they want, these guys are one of them. UFO are currently the darlings of the festival scene and through those hugely popular appearances have a new batch of fans waiting the wings due to this. Seven Deadly will not only please them, but their long-time fans too, this album as a whole already strives to appeal to as many people as possible, just in case it didn’t it will now be available as a Digipack CD, Jewel Case CD and special vinyl LP edition.

Release Date Europe: February 27th, 2012
Release Date: Germany: February 24th, 2012
Release Date USA/Canada: February 28th, 2012
www.spv.de and www.ufo-music.info

©

CD Review - Vengeance : Crystal Eye

2012-02-04T11:56:00.001-08:00

CD Review: Vengeance – Crystal Eye
By Phil Allely

It’s hard to believe that Dutch rockers Vengeance have been around for thirty years. Founding member Leon Goewie has never given up hope on his band and that is a testimony to his enduring faith in the music he makes and the genre he loves so much.

With his distinctive vocals maturing nicely Goewie and Co. are on fine form in this their latest assault on the senses Crystal Eye. Taking a slightly more serious route than previous efforts this is a positive and expressive release by a band that have been plugging away solidly for three decades.

Vengeance are an old school rock act at heart. Their lyrics are catchy, the vocals are gritty and powerful and the guitar hooks bring the songs to life as they rightly should. There are of course sleaze rock influences to Crystal Eye’s tracks and the fact that this well-travelled act can traipse between high octane rock anthems and slower more methodical songs make this a release that will appeal to more people than just die hard Vengeance fans.
Crystal Eye is for this reviewer a very nice introduction to a band who have made their mark on the rock scene and yet remain firmly on the periphery of a large amount of rock fans radar. Here’s hoping this 30 year tie-in makes them the household name they deserve to be.

Vengeance are set to tour Crystal Eye in the Spring of 2012.

www.spv.de
www.vengeanceonline.nl

VENGEANCE"Crystal Eye"
Release Date Europe: February 27th, 2012
Release Date: Germany: February 24th, 2012
Release Date USA/Canada: March 2012

Willie Nelson signs new record deal

2012-02-04T07:23:00.001-08:00

Willie Nelson Signs Historic New Deal With Legacy Recordings
By Phil Allely
American country music legend Willie Nelson has signed a deal to return to Sony Music Entertainment. His agreement with Legacy Records, the catalogue division of the company will see the Red Headed Stranger release a combination of new and personally curated archive material.

This historic deal marks a label homecoming for Nelson, who, from 1975-1993, cut a phenomenal string of top-selling singles and albums for Columbia Records.

Forthcoming Willie Nelson titles under the Legacy imprint will include newly recorded songs and performances as well as archival releases, drawn from all phases of his career including his recordings for RCA Records and others.

As curator of his catalogue, Willie will work with label archivists to select recordings, including previously released and previously unreleased tracks, for release in newly compiled collections and bonus material on new editions of existing titles. The newly curated Willie Nelson titles will provide fresh perspective and context to the artist's profoundly influential and successful career.

Under the new agreement, fans around the world can look forward to five brand-new Willie Nelson albums, the first slated for release in spring 2012.

"I'm really happy to be back home with Sony Music. We have been partners for many years; all the way back to Pamper and Tree Music.We share a great history, and I'm looking forward to many more years together," said Willie Nelson.

"We couldn't be more excited to have the opportunity to work with Willie on this landmark partnership," said Adam Block, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Legacy Recordings.

A seven-time Grammy Award winner, Willie Nelson has received numerous accolades including American Music Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards, Country Music Association Awards and others.

Sheamus Talks Title matches at Mania

2012-02-03T02:18:00.001-08:00

2012 WWE Royal Rumble winner Sheamus spoke with Sky Sports in the UK this week. Sheamus says he will reveal which title he challenges for after the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view. Here are some highlights:

The Royal Rumble is one of the most prestigious events in professional wrestling. How did it feel to throw Chris Jericho over the top rope and win the match?

SHEAMUS: To be honest with you, when Jericho hit the deck I can't really explain how I felt. This is something I've wanted my entire life, it's a dream of mine that I've had ever since I was a kid and it still hasn't really sunk in. There were a lot of emotions running through me.

Everyone wants to know who you'll be facing at WrestleMania. Can you give us a clue?

SHEAMUS: Ha! Not a chance. There's no way I'm letting that one out of the bag. I've got plenty of time between now and WrestleMania to decide which title I want to go after. There's also a huge pay-per-view coming up called the Elimination Chamber and both Daniel Bryan and CM Punk are going to be in there with their titles. They may not be champions by the time WrestleMania rolls around, so I'm going to wait and see. Take it to the wire and keep everyone guessing. That's another thing that will make me happy.

Which belt holds more prestige in your eyes, the World Heavyweight Championship or the WWE Championship?

SHEAMUS: To be honest with you, I think both titles are huge. The World Heavyweight Championship holds the prestige that goes back to the days of people like Ric Flair and the WWE Championship is something special and I've held that twice. To hold either Championship would be a huge honour for me and a huge achievement and, to be honest with you, I've no preference between one and the other. To me there is no second-class championship and both of them are equal. Both have prestige, both have a wealth of legends behind them. I know you're asking me the question to try and get me to tell you which title I'm going after, but I'm not telling you! I'm not giving anything away!

Terminator Star coming to Belfast

2012-02-03T02:13:00.000-08:00

Terminator Star coming to Belfast
By Phil Allely

Award-Winning Actor Michael Biehn (Terminator, Aliens) will attend a special event at Movie House Dublin Road.
The Heroes and Legends Premiere event will be held on Friday, 17th February and will include a screening of The Victim and a q&a session with the actor and his wife Jennifer Blanc Biehn (Bad Ass, Dark Angel) who also stars in the movie.
The event kicks off the Heroes & Legends Convention which includes all aspects of Sci-Fi & Fantasy, from Star Wars, Star Trek and Lord of the Ring to Spiderman, Ghostbusters and Doctor Who.
“Jennifer and I are really looking forward to meeting fans in Belfast. The Heroes & Legends Convention looks set to be a huge event and it’s fantastic that we can get the party started with a screening of our new film.”
The Victim is about good time girls Annie (Jennifer Blanc) and Mary (Danielle Harris) who find themselves in a life and death situation. Annie’s life is put in jeopardy when she is witness to a violent act at the hands of two Sheriff’s Deputies. Fleeing from attackers (Ryan Honey, Denny Kirkwood), she stumbles across Kyle (Michael Biehn), a recluse living in the middle of the woods.
The ruggedly handsome loner stays far from civilization – that is – until a single knock on his door throws his solitary life into chaos. Two worlds collide in this psychological thriller that will make you question your trust in mankind. Who is the victim?
The red carpet will be rolled out at Movie House Dublin Road to welcome Michael and Jennifer to Belfast.
“It’s great to have a bit of Hollywood glamour in Belfast and to hear Michael and Jennifer talk about their movie careers,” said Michael McAdam, Movie House Managing Director.

To find out more about this event go to www.moviehouse.co.uk or www.heroesandlegendscon.com

CD Single Review: Atom Eye - Trilogy 120 Part 1

2012-02-02T04:06:00.001-08:00

CD Single Review: Atom Eye - ‘Trilogy 120 Part 1’
By Phil Allely

London purveyors of quirky noir-ish tunes Phantom have been a bewitching collective to monitor over recent years, fans of their particular brand of music will be pleased to hear that there are some distinct links between their work and this new release.

Atom Eye is a new solo project by Phantom front woman Elsie Martins and it is a remarkable adventure into the realms of experimental music. Genuinely offbeat and out there at times Atom Eye’s first part of their Trilogy offers up a view into Martins’ own musical landscape of sound art style structure.

Trilogy Part 1 is not simply a standalone piece (as it will weave itself into the overall sound of all three pieces when they are released to create a whole musical entity/vision), but it does have its own style and substance (influenced in part by guest percussionist Pete Lockett), the dark and rich elements of experimentation combined with analogue tapes, looping and reel-to-reel systems all work to build up the vision of a musical adventure, that has style and creativity in abundance.

Atom Eye’s works are a great introduction into a musical genre that whilst specialist in its nature, can be a fun one to explore. This offering from Miss Martins may just tick all of the boxes in letting new listeners gain access to the world of experimental music. The fact that these singles will be free to download make it all the more reason to give them a shot.

Part I will be released on La Nausee Records on 6th February 2012. Part II and III of the Trilogy 120 EP will be released on 12th March and 30th April respectively. They will be available as free download singles from Atom Eye’s official website.

CD Review - Nitrogods

2012-02-01T15:30:00.000-08:00

CD Review: Nitrogods – Nitrogods
By Phil Allely
Ever wondered what you do when you have been going through there motions work wise and have that feeling that you are not getting what you want from your chosen profession anymore? Well this trio of veteran German rockers did just that, they took things into their own hands and opted to make the kind of music they enjoy and want to listen to, rather than the sort that felt they had to.
Nitrogods was born from that very notion, the band , members may not be household names across the globe, but they do have the necessary skills and experience to justify such a leap of faith as this self-title CD.
Singer/bassist Oimel Larcher’s growling vocals shine through each track here, from the hard and heavy efforts to tamer middle of the road fare, he never fails to deliver the goods. Band mates Henny Wolter and Klaus Sperling round of the outfit perfectly, each bringing the desired level of commitment and this new and exciting project deserves.
Nitrogods are taking a gamble here with their unrestricted approach to song writing. However the twelve tracks here are a testimony to the way in which this lyrically sound and well-honed unit write, perform and work together.
If you like you music loud, honest, dirty, aggressive and with just a touch of melancholy then this is right up your street.
Nitrogods is released on February 27 2012 in Europe and February 24 2012 in their native Germany, a US/Canada release date is TBC.
Released via Steamhammer/SPV
www.spv.de
www.nitrogods.de

EMI’S ‘NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL MUSIC!’ SERIES OPENS TRADEMARK DISPUTE WITH STEAMPUNK BAND THE MEN THE WILL NOT BE BLAMED FOR NOTHING!

2012-01-30T02:05:00.001-08:00

EMI’S ‘NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL MUSIC!’ SERIES OPENS TRADEMARK DISPUTE WITH STEAMPUNK BAND THE MEN THE WILL NOT BE BLAMED FOR NOTHING!
Friday afternoon saw London steampunks THE MEN THAT WILL NOT BE BLAMED FOR NOTHING accused of trademark infringement by the people behind the ‘Now That’s What I Call Music!’ series of chart compilations.

With disputed debut album ‘Now That’s What I Call Steampunk! Volume 1’ being released back in 2010., trademark owners EMI have been somewhat slow to catch-up to the time-travelling neo-Victorian band‘s antics. Now that they’re on the case however, the disputable arbiters of all things current ‘n’ cutting edge in contemporary music have called on the meddlesome merchants of (18)77 punk rock to take action immediately.

Given just three working days to either change the album’s name or face legal action the band, who are fronted by ‘occult comedian’ seen on the stages of Download, Sonisphere etc Andrew O’Neill, have spent the weekend canvassing their fans for alternative titles. After sifting through suggestions spanning the sublime to ridiculous, they have now picked a winner.

The record formerly known as ‘Now That’s What I Call Steampunk! Volume 1’ will be made available on iTunes et al again later this week, and also go to a second CD pressing, under new title ‘THE STEAMPUNK ALBUM THAT CANNOT BE NAMED FOR LEGAL REASONS’. In the meantime, there are less than 50 copies of the original CD remaining, for fans to snap up while they can!

The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing also due release the follow-up to their debut on March 12th via Leather Apron records. It seems fairly safe to assume that no other great mind could come up with the title; ‘THIS MAY BE THE REASON WHY THE MEN THAT WILL NOT BE BLAMED FOR NOTHING CANNOT BE KILLED BY CONVENTIONAL WEAPONS’.

www.facebook.com/blamedfornothing / www.myspace.com/blamedfornothing

EP Review: Rebels By Nature - Blood & Whiskey

2012-01-24T19:19:00.001-08:00

EP Review: Rebels By Nature – Blood & Whiskey
By Phil Allely
It’s nice sometimes to stumble upon a band you have always wanted to see and hear and yet due to circumstances beyond your control you have missed. For this reviewer Northern Irish rockers Rebels By Nature were one such band until not so long ago.
These guys (and girl) were on my radar (since they hooked up in 2007), but I was never in the right place at the right time to see what everyone else was raving about. Fortunately I resolved that recently and picked up a copy of the band’s debut EP along the way too.
This debut EP Blood & Whiskey (single malt edition) is a very good stab at giving us the listener an insight into a typical short set from this energetic five-piece rock act. The good news a live set will feature these songs and much more in the same vein.
Rebels By Nature are a dirty, raw and adulterated rock act, taking the basic influence of the genre and spinning it in their own fun and inventive direction.
The four evenly balanced tracks on offer her in this release are fun and reasonably well delivered ones (the band recorded, mixed and produced the EP). Each one has a unique feel, tone and style, portraying the bands persona well indeed.
Blood & Whiskey features the trademark raspy rock vocals of lead man Phil, which wouldn’t work as well without the solid guitar backing and formidable rhythm section which this act possesses. This CD shows RBN as a band who can perform fast/hard rock as easy as they can ballad style tunes.
If you are lucky enough to see this collective live you’ll appreciate just why they deserve more credit than they receive at present, hopefully 2012 will be the year RBN push themselves into the fore as much as their fans want to.
4 out of 5
www.rebelsbynature.co.uk

EP Review: Voodoo Dogg - Strictly Business

2012-01-24T17:55:00.000-08:00

EP Review: Voodoo Dogg – Strictly Business
By Phil Allely

Up and coming band Voodoo Dogg are a young quartet of die hard rock fans hailing from Northern Ireland, they obviously enjoy the genre they perform (as evident when seen live), they work hard at honing their craft and they play hard also. This debut EP highlights just how far this regularly gigging collective have progressed since their formation in early 2011.
Strictly Business is a nice introduction to the hard and heavy rock influenced style on offer when you see the Dogg’s play live. The groups’ emphasis on solid drum beats, lead guitar solos, rhythm section and evenly pitched vocals, pigeon holes them nicely as a band that fit into most rock gig bills with ease. This perhaps explains why they are gaining a well-deserved reputation as a go-to live act and have subsequently snared themselves a much wanted slot as part of the support to former Iron Maiden singer and Wolfsbane front man Blaze Bayley for his upcoming gig in Dublin.
The five tracks here on this debut release are on average lengthy affairs (four minutes plus in general) which in their course allow each band member to strut their stuff. There may some slight sound issues here, but overall this is far overshadowed by the talent and enthusiasm on display, and the sound they produce.
Voodoo Dogg will hopefully continue in their pursuit of the rock and roll dream for a considerable length of time and we will soon be seeing an album review here to accompany this EP one.
Watch out for these guys on a gig bill near you and if there are any left why not grab yourself a copy of the Strictly Business EP too.
3 and ½ out of 5
www.voodoodogguk.weebly.com
facebook voodoodogg

CD Review: Inferno - The Lion's Den

2012-01-18T17:12:00.000-08:00

CD Review: Inferno – Welcome to the Lion’s Den
By Phil Allely
One thing I enjoy about freelance reviewing is that I can not only pick and choose who or what I review, but I can also make a trip to a gig and pick up a cd that this fine website (TBFM) will allow myself to review. This is a great way for not only me and potentially our DJs, but you the loyal listener/reader to get to know about the existence of band outside of our usual realms of interest, geographical area or preferred genre.
This past October (whilst hooking up with the TBFM crew) at the Highway to Hell competition I was able to catch my first live set from young welsh rockers Inferno and I was suitably impressed. On this occasion the trio were on fine form and their performance on the night netted them a spot at the 2012 Hammerfest festival.
This CD was very smartly distributed around a few key people during the gig and what a nice PR move that was. There was no hard sell needed, we had all seen the band rock the joint and impress the judges on hand too.
So what can you expect from Welcome to the Lion’s Den? Well this is a god honest collection of no-nonsense rock influenced tracks. There are no hidden agendas here, there guys offer up a series of unadulterated and honest songs, each one taking an honest approach to the rock genre. Lyrically these all work well, sound wise we have no real issues to speak of and the end product disc is a damn fine snapshot of what you’ll get an Inferno Live show.
Opening salvo The Lion’s Den is a great introduction to the band’s sound and this ten track album utilises that starting point as a perfectly placed centrepiece to their style, sound and musical ability. For a young band on the rise this is a great CD for them to shop around and to peddle at live events. Keep an eye on these guys.
4 out of 5
WWW.infernoband.co.uk

CD Review: Vintage Trouble – The Bomb Shelter Sessions (Limited Edition)

2012-01-16T16:35:00.001-08:00

CD Review: Vintage Trouble – The Bomb Shelter Sessions (Limited Edition)
By Phil Allely
Award-winning Los Angeles blues and rock’n’roll inspired band Vintage Trouble have a nice vintage 60s sound that perfectly suits singer Ty Taylor’s vocal range. This first album from the enthusiastic outfit acts as a double edge sword for them though, whilst it perfectly encapsulates his voice, the music, the driven guitar work and rhythm section of the group, it does too highlight the undeniable fact that this is a band best savoured live. That’s not to say the works on offer here are sub-standard, they are far from it and they are enjoyable to listen too.
Lead track ‘Blues Hand Me Down’ is a nice opener sets the pace well for the rest of the disc. Vintage Trouble’s style of songwriting offers up a nice mix of infectious lyrics, gospel-influenced tones and an overall feeling of fun and confidence in their work. Two highlights for this reviewer are the smooth sounding ‘Gracefully’ and the politically charged ‘Not Alright By Me’, both of which make Taylor work hard and they showcase just what this group can achieve if they really want to.
The Bomb Shelter Sessions may not push the genre as far as we know Vintage Trouble could do, it does however offer up ten decent to superb tracks of inspired rock’n’roll tunes.
The bonus disc included in this Limited Edition release highlights exactly what I mean by saying these guys are better live. Of the five unreleased songs features two of them are live recordings and they sound very good indeed when compared to their studio based brethren.
www.vintagetrouble.com
3 and a half out of 5 stars.

Gig Review: Voodoo Dogg, Rebels By Nature, Cross Eyed Mary, Maddie Mew

2012-01-16T14:59:00.000-08:00

Gig Review: Voodoo Dogg, Rebels By Nature, Cross Eyed Mary, Maddie Mew
Saturday January 14th 2012 @ Ma Nelsons, Belfast

By Phil Allely

It can be a gamble to promote gigs post-Christmas, when everyone’s strapped for cash and awaiting that first pay packet of the year. However the promoter of this gig (Chris Shaw) did his homework and put together such a strong line-up for this early (6pm-9pm) show that he pretty much guaranteed himself a healthy mid-January rock crowd.
Ma’s Rock and Sport bar in Belfast is fast-becoming a mecca for up and coming NI rock talent in need of somewhere to showcase their wares. The fact its owners love the genre and appreciate the need to encourage young/new and established bands in equal measures helps of course.
Young singer/songwriter Maddie Mew was up first with an acoustic set, the growing crowd on hand enjoying her performance thoroughly. This is a girl who definitely improves and hones her act with each performance.
Next on stage were the tight as ever unit of Cross Eyed Mary, with frontman Kevin on fine form as always they showcased their laid back fusion of sleaze, metal and blues influenced rock with a blistering set. I for one can’t wait to get my hands on CEM’s eagerly anticipated CD.
Penultimate act Rebels By Nature are an exciting band to witness live. They hit the ground running with their dirty rock sound and the five-piece act strive to outdo everyone else on the bill. Singer Phill even took things off the stage and into the enthused crowd on a few occasions, head banging along with fans mid song. The entire band relished the opportunity to fire off a salvo of hard-hitting tunes including those from their well-received Blood & Whiskey EP.
Headliners Voodoo Dogg (featuring promoter Chris on drums) had a tough act to follow, but pulled it off with ease. Initially formed in early 2011 and gigging hard around Ireland since, Ma’s however is a venue close to this bands heart and one that they obviously enjoy playing in. With recent EP Strictly Business forming the core of their set Voodo Dogg put forth a nice classic rock style set with blues and heavy influences.
Voodoo Dogg plus guests was an energetic and enthusiastic evening of rock, the bands worked well together sound wise and having an acoustic act start proceedings made the build up all the sweeter too.
Voodoo Dogg http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100002476231730
Rebels By Nature http://www.facebook.com/#!/rebelsbynature
Cross Eyed Mary http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=10000199419778
Maddie Mew http://www.facebook.com/#!/PONCES.PANTSS
Ma Nelsons http://www.facebook.com/#!/masrockbar

CD Review: The Decline of Western Civilisation Part II

2012-01-08T10:12:00.001-08:00

CD Review: The Decline of Western Civilisation Part II
By Phil Allely
Director Penelope Spheeris’ documentary about the Los Angeles heavy metal scene during 1986-1988 may not be a very well know one, but it is the chapter of her Decline of Western Civilisation trilogy that rock fans will savour the most.
Whilst the film itself featured concert footage and interviews with the likes of Motorhead, Aerosmith, Kiss, Ozzy Osbourne, Megadeth, Alice Cooper and WASP amongst other leaders of the genre at the time. It is the soundtrack being reviewed here that many will enjoy even more.
Over these ten tracks (featuring a mix of live and studio recordings) we get some damn fine songs. Opening track Under My Wheels features Alice Cooper on lead vocals, which is exciting enough, but when you factor in guest spots by Axl Rose, Slash and Izzy (of Gus N Roses fame) it certainly ups that a tad to a must hear one. Throw in the wonderfully eccentric Lizzy Borden tackling rock classic Born to be Wild and you have something special indeed.
Padding out the soundtrack and making it an essential purchase are Motorhead (Cradle to the Grave), Faster Pussycat (The Bathroom Wall), Armoured Saint (You Can Run But You Can’t Hide), Megadeth (In My Darkest Hour), Queensryche (The Prophecy), Metal Church (The Brave), Rigor Mortis (Foaming at the Mouth) and Seduce (Colleen).
The Decline of Modern Civilisation Part II is a CD that is worth tracking down for various reasons, it offers up a nice highlight reel of the boom period for heavy metal (mid-late 1980s), it also features a number of tracks that you’ll not find on other CD compilations and last but not least it showcases the fact that even twenty plus years down the line heavy metal is still as appealing and important now as it was then.

CD Review: Psycho Kiss - Monkeying Around

2012-01-08T09:45:00.001-08:00

CD Review: Psycho Kiss – Monkeying Around
By Phil Allely
They always say don’t judge a book by its cover, in the music industry that can be adapted to don’t judge a band by its name. Psycho Kiss may sound like an all-out heavy metal style outfit, but when you look at their album cover (and song titles) for Monkeying Around you start to see the underlying humour that this popular South Wales four-piece bring to their music.
Psycho Kiss are a nicely balanced collective, their particular classic rock sound is one that takes in every aspect of the genre. Vocalist Helen has a range that can easily adapt to softer ballad styles and yet seamlessly has the ability to burst into some pretty heavy lyrics. The rest of the band work well together to assist her, bass(Jason ) and lead guitar (Paul) building the songs nicely to allow Helen the space to do her thing. Drummer Penfold is perhaps the key here as he thunders his way through the ten tracks on offer. I’m assured new bassist Marv has settled in well, so don’t fear any sound issues when you see these guys live.
For a debut release Monkeying Around is a good tool to showcase this well-practiced band, they have already garnered plenty of radio airplay and some high profile gigs (including 2011’s Highway to Hell 2). As a front woman Helen ticks all the lead singer/rock chick boxes, she’s energetic, feisty and alluring in her approach, which is a remarkable feat and one that lives shows attest to.
One underlying feature of the Psycho Kiss repertoire is the aforementioned sense of humour they interject into their lyrics and performance. This is a band who are most certainly there to entertain the crowd/listener, but they also haven’t lost the ability to enjoy themselves too (something some bands neglect when they hit the studio/stage). I for one really enjoyed this release and welcomed the way each song told a story, roll on its follow up.
3.5 out of 5

CD Review : Black Stone Cherry - Between the Devil & the Deep Blue Sea

2012-01-05T17:18:00.001-08:00

CD Review: Black Stone Cherry – Between The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea
By Phil Allely
With their chart-bothering hit song White Trash Millionaire rocking venues across the globe, US rockers Black Stone Cherry’s latest album Between The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea is a real treat for those who think of the band as a one-hit wonder.
Hailing from Edmonton, Kentucky this quartet perform at levels that defy their young age. Having witnessed them live this reviewer cannot find fault with the enthusiasm and professionalism these guys possess.
The fact that they are more than happy to pass on their good fortune to support bands and other up and comers also takes acts like this even higher in your estimations. (as an example BSC not only gave Northern Irish rockers Trucker Diablo a high profile spot as their support act during their last UK/Ireland tour, but also a band member decided to plug that very band by sporting a tee shirt at this year’s hard Rock Hell Festival, a few free high profile PR moments I am sure you will agree)
Between the Devil & The Deep Blue Sea is a damn fine release and even though BSC have been together since 2001 this is the album that has finally got them to the big time. This is rock at its best, from the moment opening track White Trash Millionaire kicks off you know that this is a CD that will be rarely off your IPod playlist or CD player.
Watch out for equally as intense and invigorating songs Like I Roll and Blame it on the Boom Boom too. This Roadrunner Records release offers up twelve tracks of top notch US rock, with a gritty edge and well- written lyrics.
4 out of 5
www.blackstonecherry.com

CD Review: Baleful Creed - Buried Beneath

2012-01-04T18:26:00.001-08:00

CD Review: Baleful Creed – Buried Beneath

By Phil Allely

Hailing from Northern Ireland Baleful Creed are a classic rock influenced four-piece that also take a nod at the stoner rock section of the genre.

With a growing number of well-received gigs and guest spots under their belts Baleful Creed are now finding themselves in what is undoubtedly their zone musically.

So to the matter at hand what does Buried Beneath offer us?

This five track release by the hard-working outfit (founded by John Allen & Fin Finlay) acts as a perfect introduction to the boys Southern Rock influenced double guitar –based doom tinged sound. Each track taking a slightly different tack, yet remaining a distinct part of Baleful Creed’s own persona/style.

It’s easy to see why this outfit are rapidly gaining momentum in their career when you listen to each track.
This CD salvo offers up a very reasonable highlight reel of the band at that time (recent offerings have shown them to grow even more as a unit, something for another review I think).
Here we get to see the stoner rock roots, the classic rock influenced guitar hooks and of course there is the fist-punching attitude, which along with those twin guitars, let Baleful Creed strut their collective stuff very well indeed.

Buried Beneath is a great introduction to a band with an awful lot to offer the world of rock. They take their art seriously, adapting and working on their sound as they grow.

I’m sure they’d be a welcome addition to the TBFM playlist somewhere down the line too.

3 & 3/4 out of 5

www.myspace.com/balefulcreed

Live Show Review: Ireland Maiden, Stormzone @ The Limelight, Belfast, December 28th 2011.

2012-01-04T03:46:00.001-08:00

Live Show Review: Ireland Maiden, Stormzone @ The Limelight, Belfast, December 28th 2011.
By Phil Allely

Now I for one love tribute bands and often have found them to be better than the original bands they try to emulate. The reason for this of course is that these acts have honed their performances to be the best as they can at portraying another series of characters and their music style/mannerisms. Whereas the real McCoy often have evolved beyond that era and perhaps even lost some of their live performance lustre.
Whilst it is nice to see our heroes in action, a tribute band is usually the next best thing. They are also somewhat easier on the pocket.
It is not often we reviewers cover shows by such bands, but every so often one comes along that you simply need to put pen to paper about. The support act on offer here also helped with this decision.
So what did a night headlined by an Irish Iron maiden tribute have in store for the lively post-Christmas Northern Irish crowd?
Kicking things off and bookending the live performances were classic rock DJs The Rev and Monk (I’ll not dwell too much on this rocking set or three, as I am The Rev in question and don’t want to sound too one-sided in my review). Suffice to say they kept things moving along in between/after the bands and warmed things up nicely before Stormzone hit the stage to kick things off.
Stormzone are Northern Irish metallers of the highest order, their popularity has seen them take to the stage across the UK and Europe, taking in festivals such as Firefest, Sweden Rock and Lorca Rock amongst others. Not bad for a band formed in 2005 by lead singer John ‘Harv’ Harbinson with only three Albums under their belts.
Harv and his fellow NI natives’ rollercoaster ride through their back catalogue was an intense and fun introduction to one of the country’s finest live bands currently active.
Check out their upcoming latest album ‘Zero to Rage’ (available via SPV/Steamhammer) if you can.
Headliners Ireland Maiden had an awful lot to deliver to best their support act. Fortunately the Irish lads did just that in this their NI debut. Showing great enthusiasm, showmanship and well-rehearsed guitar licks the guys were indeed a nice snapshot of classic maiden of old. Their 90 minute plus set took in every era of ‘The Iron’s’ career to date.
This was a superb debut up North for a band that has been actively gigging their way around the Republic of Ireland and grown in stature and confidence since their 2007/208/08 formation. Surely a UK tour and maybe further afield will be on their horizon in 2012.
Why not visit www.irelandmaiden.com for more information on upcoming gigs etc.

CD Review: Tric - Rock Road

2012-01-02T19:12:00.001-08:00

If there’s one thing you can guarantee in the wide world of rock music it is the fact that someone somewhere will try their best to form a band that they feel emulates a musical hero of theirs. Of course most of these bands never even get to the live performance stage of procedures, often grinding to a halt at the small practice studio or bedroom stage (if not that point where they hear a family member belittle them and they leave their guitar to gather dust for decades, or is that just me?). Fortunately many others do make the grade and end up not only mimicking their rock gods, but proceeding to create their own path in the music world.

One such young band are Belfast based trio Tric. They have a sound that gives you an idea of their musical influences within the first chorus. From the off this six track EP offers forth hints of classic AC/DC, vintage Thin Lizzy and some throwbacks to such classics as Free and Rush.

I for one love the sound of Tric and enjoy their energetic sound, enthusiastic style and uber confidence whilst on stage and off. But the quality of the sound on this EP will hamper this for the casual fan, who has yet to see them in action live. Which is such a shame because if you see them live these guys are as charismatic as anyone else you will see on stage and they also can back that up with talent too.

That (sound issue) is one minor chink in some pretty strong armour though. The Tric boys are certainly a very well-oiled machine. Frontman Dale Hunter (also lead guitar) has a nice stage presence and plays the crowd well, keeping things rattling at a fair old pace throughout each and every tune. This CD features probably Tric’s best songs to date, each one featuring a mix of infectious rock sounds that you’d expect from a group with this background.

Overall the only thing against this release is its sound quality, which when pumped up to eleven (as it should be) does let it down. If you can overcome this then you have a nice little CD on your hands.

On the up and coming bands front his is an act that will grow and grow if given the chance. Maybe we’ll see them progress from NI-based shows to the UK mainland too.

Tric’s ‘Rock Road’ gets a three out of five (if its sound had have been better it was hitting a 3 ½-4

CD Review: Motley Crue - Greatest Hits

2012-01-02T17:51:00.001-08:00

CD Review: Motley Crue Greatest Hits

By Phil Allely

Motley Crue are one of a few elite bands that have rarely if ever gone out of fashion, their music appeals to every breed of rock fan and like their UK counterparts Def Leppard, the Crue boys have done their bit for strip clubs across the globe too (for which we all are very thankful). Crue of course gave us all time classic Girls, Girls, Girls (whilst Shefield’s finest offered up Pour Some Sugar On Me) and as this collective release attests many other timeless rock classics.
This 19 track CD and DVD set is perhaps the best introduction to messr’s Sixx, Neil, Lee and Mars as you will get. Taken from each section of their career, this is a nice way to follow the bands history, you can almost smell the drug/girls laden mayhem and yet you still feel all that the success brought with it also.
The main CD here gives a very broad overview of the boys output since their 1980s debut, taking in such legendary tracks as Smokin’ In the Boys Room, Wild Side, Dr. Feelgood and others alongside some more recent offerings and a few retro classics.
As a bonus this set features a DVD of footage from the very successful Cruefest 1 event held in 2008. This DVD is by far one of the best extras I have seen on a recent mainstream CD release and is a welcome addition to this set. If you have never been fortunate enough to see this band in action this is your chance.
Motley Crue are currently riding high in fans minds (not that they have ever been too far away to be honest), their recent UK tour with Def Leppard and Steel Panther has shown that this is a band with a huge amount to still offer. Live show reviews have been favourable and those rumours of a Crue split seem ill-founded, odds are that the UK and maybe even Ireland will see the boys strut their stuff on these shores very soon indeed.
Until then however, thankfully we have this new CD/DVD set (which is available in other formats too), to savour and indulge our inner rock child with.
4 and a half out of 5
www.motley.com

DVD Review: The Steve Austin Collection

2012-01-01T11:16:00.000-08:00

Pro wrestling legend Steve Austin has made a very impressive mark on the movie/TV industry and has forged himself a nice career in it since he hung up his wrestling boots.
This triple disc boxset is a very good introduction to Austin's movie output and a testament to his acting prowess.
With his recent return to WWE TV and a wonderful performance as host of the wrestling company's Tough Enough TV show it is now highly likely that Austin will work between his acting committments and his big screen ones.

Stone Cold as he is most well known in wrestling circles is one of the few fomer grapplers that has done well for himself outside of the ring. I have even had the priviledge of interviewing him on multiple occasions and found him to be a very nice man indeed.

The films on offer here include Austin's breakthrough hit The Stranger, a bu the numbers action romp, Hunt to Kill (featuring Eric Roberts) which heads down a more rugged ass-kicking route and the feel-good tale Born to Fight, which sees Austin strut his acting chops to the best of his ability.

With huge hit action flick The Expendables under his belt Austin's career is now going to the next level, he can indeed pick and choose his films, he can also jump genres too.

This boxset is a great way to introduce yourself to Steve Austin the actor and you know what you will be very pleasently pleased too.

The Steve Austin Collection is on release now from all good retailers.