There is no way that I'm going to start becoming a website for the great no-hopers of this world in the form of anyone who's recorded a CD demo, ep or album, whose mum, family and close friends say that they're going to be the next big thing, while at the same time behind their backs saying "crap but we've got to encourage him/her/them".
So.......the bottom line is this - if you're a band/artist/project/other and you think you're as good as or better than the bands and artists on the Scottish unsigned music scene, then by all means send your CD/CDR (no mp3's or e mails as I can't cope with being swamped with those) to the Dead Earnest address (see home page). Those that I don't rate at all will be ditched, never to be seen again, while those that are genuinely worthy of attention will be reviewed - you can't say fairer than that! Well, actually, you can - but I'm not going to.
Incidentally, for the days of old when I used to review anything that moved, demo-wise, if you want at least a bit of fun reading about them, go here to view some unsigned bands that, in most cases, never made it.
So, with all that in mind, let's see what's out there.......
UNSIGNED CD OF THE MONTH 04-09
THE MOSAICS – Illuminate CD-EP
The title track kicks things off – first you hear this ringing guitar that's an absolute delight against strummed acoustic as the warm-sounding, yearning vocal enters, slowly impinging on your consciousness. Then the pace accelerates just a little as the drums kick in, the vocal become slightly more urgent, the guitar rings out and then – ohhhhhhhhhhh yessssssssssss!!!!!!!!!! - out of nowhere this fantastic multi-tracked vocal chorus just takes off and the effect is wondrous. The song then returns to the verse structure and another solid slice of emotional singing ensues before we're lifting the roof off the world with another sheer joy of a chorus. It's simply one sensational song – so simple but so effective and the sort of thing you just want to play over and over and over again. “Landslide” is not the Fleetwood Mac track of the same name, but the song itself is another warm-hearted, highly emotive gem of a song that mixes “Rumours”-era Fleetwood Mac with the best Coldplay had to offer – the vocals are rich and carry all the hallmarks of emotion and dynamics of the Coldplay guy while the electric and acoustic guitars are right out of the Mac stable and the rhythm work not far behind – it's short, simple, full-sounding and brilliant. “One Thing After Another” just ditches everything else and goes right for the Coldplay aproach, yet instead of leaving you wanting to go out and top yourself – so befitting of so much Coldplay material – this leaves you all warm, fuzzy, tender and optimistic – the vocal rolls slowly forward with a vocalist that's just heavenly as he pours his heart out over the slowly unfolding delicacy of acoustic guitar, quiet percussion, deep bass and sparing electric guitar, on a semi-ballad that oozes beauty and strength from every pore. “April, June, July” is every bit as good as the incredible consistency of writing, singing, playing and arranging continues – this time the Coldplay influence still pretty strong, as the Fleetwood Mac-esque rhythms stroll on and the crisp sounding acoustic guitars further the dual-band comparison, the singer so much like a happier version of the Coldplay guy, only with much more warmth and emotion, altogether more endearing and drawing you into every facet of the song, as it all billows out like sails under a cloudless sky. Electric guitar wind propels the ship along and the whole thing is just spectacular, on a song that's solid, gorgeous and so repeat playable, it's hard to believe just how good something like this could be. Finally, it's “Where Do We Go From Here” and this one's more like a cross between Coldplay and Radiohead, or to be more obscure but more accurate, a cross between Glasgow band Hamper and Coldplay, with the Coldplay element winning out. But there's another gorgeously great chorus, solid mid-paced rhythm work with lead and multi-tracked vocals providing surging strength and hi-register tenderness throughout the song. An electric guitar break that's pure Hamper comes bursting out as the song continues, the choruses melt your heart and the whole thing becomes the musical eighth wonder of the world – in short, simply amazing.
There's no other way of putting it – this is sheer genius at work. It's got everything you could want out of five consistently played, wondrously sung, well-written songs and, OK, so it's strongly hinting at Coldplay, but, to be fair, it's way better than them and the time is right for this band to take over.
Bands whose CD's were a gnat's whiska away from the CD of the Month were Black Fox, Shadow Army, Skinbat Scramble, Supernought and Ten Percenter - so you can access their reviews right here
UNSIGNED CD OF THE MONTH 03-09
WILD MESSIAH – Nothing To Lose CD-EP
Before I tell you about the music, a word goes out to the band – guys – if yer gonna send out CD's to be considered, first put the names of the tracks on something that accompanies the CD and, second, redo the promo blurb as reading all about two tracks not featured on the CD and nothing about what is on the CD seems a mite bewildering.
That said, what we have here are three strong tracks from a new band from North East England. The emphasis here is on cohesion and consistency, as a sterling rock-indie band flexes its muscles. The opening, and title track, veritably flows as the rhythm section fly along merrily, over which a deep, solid and thickly set sea of guitar riffs, make their presence felt on a song delivered with passion from a slightly gravelly voiced vocalist, mixed with harmonies on the hook that give the song extra texture as a slice of solid indie rock is punctuated by a sizzling guitar break mid-song to give it that extra rock feel. “Brand New Start” is similar, with the whole thing revolving around a strong slice of indie rock where the story-telling, observational lyrics are everything amid an arrangement which shows that the band are composing with thought and structure. Again, the guitars dominate the mid-paced but strong flow of the song while the rhythm section lurches and crunches as another impassioned vocal is let loose, full of tension, angst and meaning. The extra presence of acoustic guitar gives it an added delicate touch as the emotion wells up, the song takes off and the hooks come and go. There's a decided sense of sing-along and you only really need a couple of listens before it impinges itself on your subconscious. Finally is “We Stand Alive” opening with gently strummed acoustic guitar before the more winsome vocal enters on top, then the band crashes in as a big, beefy, deep, down and dirty guitar riff takes centre stage, the rhythm section rolls onwards and a more hi-flying vocal, all combine to give the song power and passion, here without an obvious hook or chorus, but its descending and ascending structure give the impression of such, to excellent degree. Overall, as a definite hybrid of indie and rock, it works a treat, with a thoroughly excellent vocalist and the songs and arrangements to back that up.
UNSIGNED CD OF THE MONTH 02-09
IN2ITION - In2ition CD
Merseyside trio featuring Laura McGuigan on vocals, Steve Mason on acoustic guitar and both of them plus a guy named Lauder sharing percussion duties. Track one starts things off with “World Is In Reverse” and immediately lets you know that you're in for an acoustic treat as massed acoustic guitars provide strummed backing and lead instrumental hook with mid-paced, solid, but not obtrusive, drums propelling it along, while the gorgeously flowing mid-high register vocal completes the picture. The song itself flows effortlessly along, but its layers belie the fact that it's acoustic, sounding amazingly full for such a band, superbly sung, played and arranged, the repeating guitar hook capturing you while the wonderful vocal takes you over as you're immediately drawn into the substantial musical world of such a deceptively fragile band, the sort of song you just want to play and play and play. “How Can I Save You” opens with faster strummed latin-esque acoustic guitar as a decidedly mediterranean feel is added by the percussion and the vocal positively soars along with great feeling and the presence of extra electric guitar and distant mellotron-like depth, all add layers and textures to an undeniably brilliant slice of solid folk-pop with an insistency that captures your heart, a beat that defies you not to dance and a seriousness that gives it the strength and repeat play enjoyment you'd never think possible for such a band, another high-flying voval performance so memorable on a song that is one sumptuous commercial treat. “When Love Makes You Bleed” is more balladic, with whispered percussion, rolling guitar and strong yet hushed vocal starting things off, before the drums start a mid-paced rhythm, the guitars accelerate, the gorgeous vocal lifts off, then just as you think it's all gonna fly, they drop back down and the song continues to unfold, as before, a lyrical treat as you remain absolutely mesmerised to a gem of a song that revolves around this beautiful and strong female vocal, the crystalline acoustic guitar hooks and tasteful percussion, as another song steers its way to your head and heart. “Fixed” opens with gentle guitars, the sound of the sea and a mix of goregously emotive lead and Judie Tzuke-styled multi-part harmony vocals as the sonorous guitars and gentle percussion provide a deceptively deep instrumental backing. Then, further percussion and drums enter, the pace quickens a little, the harmony vocals and lead vocals soar skywards and the song becomes a thing of beauty and admiration, again, very mediterranean in feel, openness and full of rich textures and layers that slide, glide and flow over one another to simply gorgeous effect. “Pencil Me In” increases the pace, adds a solid foundation on the drums, provides extra depth with cascading synths and a slightly phased vocal is added as it all stomps along to give the impression of a truly addictive and absolutely unique slice of electro-acoustic house music infused with latin-esque flavours, hi-flying multi-part vocal harmonies, wondrous lead vocals, an ever intensifying, fast chugging instrumental backdrop and a track that is every bit as addictive as it is commercial as it is repeat playable, quite unique and a simply awesome track superbly played, produced and arranged. By contrast, “Where Did You Go” is more reflective, opening with just acoustic guitar and soaring hi-flying lead vocal as the song proves yet again to be another example of quality and consistency, its magic unfolding as it glides gently by, adding different, subtle textures as it goes and maintaining its air of simplicity to excellent effect throughout. “Modern Man” is a right little chugger of a song as the backing drives forward with choppy guitars, stumbling drums and “girly” lead vocal and vocal harmonies, giving the track a decided country-fied acoustic Americana feel, and while it just misses its intention of being commercially unforgettable as the best singles are, as an album track, it works a treat, providing an extra lightness of touch to what's gone down so far. “Song For Mary” provides a complete contrast as a male vocal provides a neat change of feel over rippling guitar, gently chugging drums and deep sounding undercurrents, a surprisingly gorgeous track that's not at all out of place with what's preceded it, in terms of the female vocal-led tracks to date, and a quite graceful, substantial gem of a song. “Blood And Tears” is a slowly building folk-pop mix of ballad, serenity, latin-esque rhythmic foundation and hi-flying gorgeousness, the lead female vocal injecting a thought-provoking song with passion, emotion and rich-sounding depth as the instrumentation chugs along, the vocal weaving up and down as the song develops, to wondrous effect. Finally, “Pity With Wings” ends the album with another male vocal-led track as a seaside anthem of a track drives forward on latin-esque percussion, strummed guitar and a lyrically rich storytelling track worthy of a UK answer to Gordon Lightfoot. Initially, a strange choice to end the album, but the more yo listen to what the song's got to say and how it says it, the more you understand what and why they've done it this way.
Overall, this is one of the finest acoustic albums around today providing simplicity and elegance with strength, depth, superb vocals, excellent song-writing and not a second wasted on the entire album – a triumph!! (“Blood & Tears” with “Where Did You Go” have also been released as a 2-track CD single).
UNSIGNED CD OF THE MONTH 01-09
ARTESIAN WELL - Eternity's End CD-EP
Now it's a rare enough thing to get a CD from an unsigned band who play Maiden/Priest-influenced Classic Rock, even rarer to get something that just blows you away every time you hear it, but this is the one that does, and what an amazing band!!
The 4-tracker starts with “Carry On” as roaring, emotive, well sung, strong vocals just tear along in classic early Maiden fashion, while the band unleash a powerhouse of riffing and rhythms which tear the roof off. If all this wasn't enough, the lead guitar cuts in with a couple of incendiary solos as the chorus-as-hook cements itself into your head with cohesion and captivation, the whole near four minute track setting the scene to perfection. Then along comes “Wrong Inside” with more expansive riffing, explosive rhythms and searing heat guitars as the Classic Rock vocals just tear through a song that has all the hallmarks of a rousing slice of heavy metal thunder rooted in the traditions of the greats of seventies and early eighties UK metal, just under three minutes of absolutely addictive and exciting metal strength. “The Jungle” simply carries on from there with another powerful eruption of a song as the rolling drums, thundering bass and twin lead and rhythm guitars go supernova on a song that's a wild ride into the realms of heavy metal hallmark, another searing guitar break leaving you jaw-dropped with delight as the band pour out a potion of Classic Heavy Metal of complete quality to adrenaline-rousing effect. The title track ends the EP on a solid wave of blazing electric guitar riffing and headbanging excellence as a fantastic slice of Priest-laden metal erupts and burns on tidal waves of guitars, blistering bass and crunching drums, the ultra strong vocals turning in a stunning, emotive and impassioned performance that oozes class in every sense of the Classic Rock ways of things. There's not a wasted second on here – it's all way more than excellent and this is one utterly astonishing band who make the world of Classic Heavy Metal, a place you want to be – and then some!!
UNSIGNED CD OF THE MONTH 08-08
BRAND NEW ANALOGUES - Let's Start Again CD-EP
A new name in the field of Classic Rock & Metal, the band came all the way up from the North East of England for a gig at Dundee's Hustlers where, completely unknown, the trio just blew away the crowd and got immediately invited back for another gig by the venue owner. I got handed a copy of their debut EP....and got equally blown away!!
Featuring 5 tracks it opens with “Masquerade” as the sound of classic riffing metal guitars underpinned by rock solid bass and thunderous drums provide the intro to the song as the vocalist flies in with a sung throaty holler that's just perfect for the headlong rock rush of the track, a multi-tracked vocal chorus adding to the effect as the piece veritably flies along, the depth of sound and the wondrously chunky nature of the incendiary guitar work, all providing the meat to a song that, while nearly commercial in a metal vein, sticks around in your head and the sort of good-time metal anthem, you just want to play over and over. Without any intro, “Circus Close To Home” erupts into life as the band leap into action on a driving, powerful song built around a metal riffing machine that burns and shines as the booze-soaked vocals roar into life and the song twists and turns its way to a high-flying bluesy metal guitar lead break, almost AC/DC-ish in places, the song then dropping back to reveal this powerful vocal as the band then powers up and this almighty thunder of hard metal takes the song to a final blast, in many ways now highly reminiscent of Dundee band Core, as it blasts to a close. “Everybody Knows” is a wonderful chunky blast of lurching riffs, ringing lead guitar, solid rhythms, a jaw-dropping vocal performance as the song goes furnace heat into its chorus, the track alternating between the lurching attack with its snarling vocal and the driving thunder that is its other half. That, on top of all of this you get a memorable hook, a blast of metal guitar magic and another Core-like headlong rush into the adrenaline-rising slice of immense sounding metal that is their finale to a truly stunning slice of rock action, is testament to just how amazing this band is. “Hot Water”, again, just erupts into life with no intro as the song steams ahead with blazing rock guitar riffs at the driving seat, the rhythmic engines powering it all up as the strong and streaming rock vocal gives the song even more life, energy and intensity. That they then turn up the heat to boiling point with a mighty blast of expansive rock riffing and chorus that could stop armies in their tracks is then balanced by a brief drop into slower territory for just a few seconds, and this serves to highlight the nuclear bomb blast that is the moletn metallic finale to this song, something that truly will just blow you away. Finally, “Let's Start Again” blasts into life as the title track makes it 5 out of 5 in terms of quality metal magic, another mighty roar of a classic rock song with driving hardcore overtones and every bit as explosive as Dundee's Core, with a combination of riffs, guitar leads, driving rhythms and thunderous attack, even room for a bass break in there too, as the whole thing takes off like a rocket and this trailing fire of metal attack leaves you awestruck at its fiery power and rock magic. With not a less then explosive and memorable second on the EP, this is essential listening for any fan of classic rock and metal.
UNSIGNED CD OF THE MONTH 02-08
CASINO DRIVE - SPIN THE TRUTH CD-EP
You can have no idea how many CD's I receive from bands south of the border, contantly looking for bands that can rival or better what's hapening on the Dundee Scene - and, equally, how many I reject. So, it's with great plaeasure that I introduce you to one of the best English indie-rock bands that I've heard in ages - welcome to the world of Casino Drive.
OK, so what they're doing isn't actually breaking any new ground, musically, but what they ARE doing is, on this evidence, writing solid, cohesive memorable songs, arranged with thought, played with enthusiasm, sung with inspiration and driven down the highway in a huge cloud of dust.Across, three songs, the quartet featuring two guys on electric guitars and vocals, plus rhythm section, provide us with something that combines hooks, depth, firepower, anthem and adrenaline in one immesne sounding package that simply can't fail to light up your life.
Oh my god!!! - The more you play this, the better it gets and the more you want to play it. In a way - and don't take this too literally - there's a fair smattering of classic modern Foo Fighters in here - in fact the songs are every bit as good as most of what comes out of the Foos vcamp and THAT'S not something I say lightly. The production playing, singing, and overall execution are just stunning.
The CD opens with three and half minute of "Beautiful Lies", an initial chiming guitar lead developing swiftly into this surging sea of rhythmic thunder as the guitars roar underneath and the lead vocal is delivered with emotion that immediately captures your heart, the song spectacularly leaping into its hook with ease and enjoyment, as we go back and forth from addictive verses to passionate choruses on a wave of storming pop-punk-rock that is simply irressistible. The vocal harmonies, the dynamics of the arrangements and the sheer invention that ties depth and strength to high-flying indie heaven, is a joy to behold as the song twists and turns but never lets go. However, if you thought that was good, the second track, "Smile Again", starts at an accelerated pace and captures all the qualities of the first track, only here the huge-sounding hooks of the song are delivered with even more strength and memorability, as you can't help but be sawept along in the giant wave of infectious indie surge, the song itself a pure gem and the delivery with purpose and conviction - absolutely superb!!
The final track, "Hands Tied", is the best of three gems - shot through right from the start with a riff so hot and driving that you could cross America on it, it drops down to the verse before exploding once again as the main body of the song erupts and the whole thing scythes through the airwaves with all the effectiveness, power, dyanamics and intricacy as anything that an indie version of the Foo Fighters could throw at you. It's a song that5 will have the adrenaline coursing through your body as you find the urge to leap around the room proves utterly irresistible, while, at the same time, the listening experience proves to be utterly compulsive as the immensity of the song explodes into your life, somethig you'l not forget and want to experience, for a long time to come.
In short, this band is superb - one of the best talents to come out of the English scene for a long long time - here's hoping they make it up to Dundee one day - if they do, be sure to catch them!
SIGNED CD OF THE MONTH 11-07
DOLLARSENT - STILL WATER CD-EP
From Brighton comes one of the best English metal bands around today. They've just been signed bya label with a view to releasing a new album in February. For now, they've been "allowed" to release a three-tracker of new material that precedes the forthcoming album and gives the public some idea of what they can expect. All I can say is that, any self-respecting metal fan who hears this CD, will be placing an advance order for the album immediately after - it really is THAT hot.
The 3-track EP is a mighty killer of biker metal that will blast you out of your seat. Opening with the title track it surges into life with solid, fast-paced drumming, a few seconds later joined by this blitz of a guitar riff and immense sounding bass as a Lemmy-esque vocal delivers the song. From verse to chorus it moves like a typhoon and with similar results as this titan of metal destruction roars out at you to perfection. It's a bit Motorhead but with the punk elements removed a sense of more "classic metal" injected in its place. BUt it has all the power and addiction of that aforementioned band, as the whole thing rages and powers its way forward on a fiery chorus and blazing metal foundations to a degree that will make you want to play it over and over and over again - this is the stuff from which rock dreams are made.
But, it gets even better - "Zuvembie" fires up with a red hot sea of massive guitar sound, now even grungier and dirtier than before, the drums crunching and the bass hammering as the song is delivered with more of a throaty holler than before. The dynamics are more in evidence as the crushing power of the song is given a sense of light and shade between verse and chorus before finally going supernova into an electric guitar solo that will have you doing air guitar well into the night. The whole immense sounding song is guaranteed to have you leaping around the room in a hurricane of metal riffing.
"Holy War" is a sort of mix of Metallica, Monster Magnet and Nirvana, as this huge, expansive slice of grungy metal just roars into its mid-paced, fiery existence with all the effect of a wrecking ball and leaving nothing standing in its path. More throaty hollered, but always "sung" and in tune, vocals, deliver the verse and irresistible hook, while the lead guitar swirls and winds its catchy way through this dense foundation of molten metal riffing and rhythm section power, all making for the final act in a triom of tracks that breathes new life into metal and can't fail to satisfy. Truly ind-blowing, you have to catch this band live and you have to get the album when it comes - for now, this will do just fine!
UNSIGNED CD OF THE MONTH 12-07
UNITING THE ELEMENTS - Re-Creations CD-EP
Only one word for this - awesome!!! Four tracks that are perfectly played and produced, four tracks that will blow you away and four tracks that you'll be playing from now till the end of time. A trio featuring a leather-coated he-man of a goth warrior on guitars and keys, a red-headed foxy goth-queen on vocals and this silph-like, long-haired female powerhouse of a drummer with the wonderful name of Violet The Cannibal. Now THIS is a band to be seen - and heard! Musically, they're from a stable that includes metal, pop, industrial, goth and rap all wrapped up in a hurricane of musical proportions. The opener, "God Won't Be Coming Around" sets the scene immediately with this swirling riff of guitar-drenched roar as the rhythm section and guitar have you hooked from the off. As it all surges forward, the female vocals enter, initially broodingly powerful and phased, but then erupting into this forceful chorus that bites your face off with a pop sensibility on top of a vesuvius of a backing as the guitars, thunderous drums and pounding bass provide the jet-fighter industri-pop metallising as the song's hook swirls inexorably around your head, Dawn's vocals on fire and sung superbly.
"Body Groove" takes metal rap and gives it power and destruction then mixes it with a pop hook, all the while, the musical arrangement veering from the lurching force that back the rap section to the blazing potency of power that backs the choruses, guitars attacking and rhythm section on fire. "Thank You" is ushered in ona giant wave of guitars, synths and rhythms before decelerating to a slow-paced ballad of atmopsheric and epic proportions, the vocals soaring out, before the massed guitars erupt once more and the vocal lead an harmonies simply fly to the heavens before falling earthwards once more as it all begins to build once again. The drums are suprmely dynamic, one minute mid-paced and solid, the next, crunching and cataclysmic, as the whole thing rises up and stretched from horizon to horizon on an addictive song and chorus that proves utterly irresistible to repeat playing. Finally, "It's Over" provides a song that starts as a surging monster of a track with arrangements switching back and forth from storm-force industrial rock to diving and soaring metal and chiming metalli-pop, the forceful sounding vocal from Dawn possessing attack and venom not to mention an anthemic intensity as the verses and choruses soar to the heavens with passion, emotion and power, simply amazing and one stunner of a track that ends one stunner of an EP. This is a band that should be absolutely massive in commercial terms and it surely can't be long before someone realises this fact and provides them with the coverage that they so richly deserve. Playing at a town near you soon - just don't miss them live - you could regret it for the rest of your life!
UNSIGNED CD OF THE MONTH 10-07
LONG TIME DEAD - SCARS CD Single
From the town of Bournemouth comes a CD that stopped me in my tracks, for they feature an 18 year old lead female vocalist named Emma Baldry who has a similar senseof smoudering passion and an almost similar styled vocal approach to Zara from Dundee band Isis, with a touch of Janis Joplin in there to provide a bit of an extra bluesy holler. The lead track, "Scars", is a surging, flowing slice of blues-rock that starts out a bit Isis-like and ends way more Janis Joplin-esque. In between we get the strength of the vocals delivering a song with amazing intensity and grace, while the band itself provide the slowly flowing backing, the chiming guitar breaking into an electrifying solo at intervals, but overall, a soaring slice of bluesy rock songwriting that has a whisky-soaked flavour and an adrenaline-rousing take-off. The second track immediately identifies itself as a muscular slice of surging rock-metal, this time the vocals a mix of blues surge and to-the-skies holler, as the song powers its way through. The band are tight and rockin' with the production absolutely first rate, as on the opener, while brief guitar solos light things up even more. This time the adrenaline rush is felt even more sharply, harmonies adding extra depth to the proceedings as the track climbs higher and higher on a tidal wave of hard-rockin', bluesy proportions. Simply stunning, wholly original, magical songs, tight arrangements and great playing from a band who are surely destined for far greater things.
THE REST OF...............2007
AGE OF REASON - ICU CD Single
Brighton-based band with a sludgy rock approach as thickly dripping riffs vie with bass thunder and deliberate sounding slowly juggernaut drums to provide this lumbering mammoth of a track where the vocals kind of snarl and sneer, the whole mighty wedge leading into this soaring guitar break over the still rumbling rhythm section, as the song then returns to its insistent hook and scant verse structure. As a slice of pseudo-stoner rock, it's strong and powerful but lacks dynamics, even for stoner rock, but what it lacks there, it makes up for elsewhere. The second track is altogether faster with upfront vocals,a more surging rock-based guitar figure, while the song itself twists and turns through a liter side of raging rock.
AS WE MOVE ON...............2006
A DAY CALLED DESIRE: A Day Called Desire CD-EP
Brummy punks with an attitude and a knack of turning out songs that stick in your head despite the fact that most of them don't have memorable hooks. What they do have, however, is a sense of fun combined with a serious teeth-clenching, hand-wringing angst, as each of the 5 tracks and 18 minutes of music on here serves to testify. Amid a a quite raging sea of guitars and rhythm section, the lead vocalist comes out with a high-flying delivery that's right upfront but not intrusive, lyrically aware and coherent, and soaring like an eagle above the musical maelstrom down below. There's more than a touch of bands such as Sum 41, Blink 182 and AFI in the brew, as each heady track speeds along, each telling their story and each on fire in the night sky. The production is top notch as every facet of the songs is heard with ease, but nothing taken away from the sheer glorious power of it all.
TURISMO: Loz In The Water CD-EP
Band from Hull - EP from heaven (groannnn!!!). "Loz In The Water" and "How You've Changed" here are really strong examples of a kind of ska-infused pop-punk as the 2 songs just surge ahead on waves of rhythm guitar, staccato horns, rolling rhythms, soaring harmony vocals, heartfelt and powerful lead vocals, lead guitar runs and as catchy a slice of song-writing as they come, really infectious and taking you along for the ride. In between, there's a seriously strong song, "Picture Of You", that features twanging and shimmering guitar work, rumbling bass and crashing drums, as this mix of anthem, pop and punk takes off in a fashion that's almost - and I don't use this lightly - a mix of Oasis and Beatles for a nu-millennium generation, only it doesn't sound copyist, the arrangements infused with their own potent brew and coming out seriously strong as the well-sung strength of the song, takes hold, play after play. The final track, "Page 3 Stunner", is a 2 minute acoustic piece that is lyrically entertaining with just acoustic guitar and lead vocal telling a suitably engaging tale. Overall, this showcases the band across three directions and every one of them works - but for sheer constant pleasure the ska-punk commerciality of the aforementioned tracks are where this band will succeed the most.
ULTRAS Shine EP
The more I play this, the more I like the opening title track. Powerful stuff, it more rolls along than roars but it's still so strong. A four minute song that opens with a rock solid rhythm section, choppy but powerful guitar chords as the mood makes way for a mellower feel with yearning vocals above chiming guitars, as it all starts to build with the vocalist sounding perfect for the song style as band and singer start to spiral up on a song that is so dynamic with its twists and turns. Not only that but, even though it doesn't possess a hook - although there's as close to dammit a chorus, the song is so strong that you're taken along for the ride. Complete with swirling electric guitar work, storming but sensibly paced rhythms and those high-flying vocals, this is one sort of more appealing, more urgent emo brew that really lifts off and just improves with every play. Next up is 'Set The Night On Fire" which initially brings you a bit more down to earth and, on top of choppy rolling rhythms and streaming guitars, the upfront vocal bits on the lyrics as it all flows well enough, slightly more mellow than before and not quite, ironically, setting you on fire, but still a strong track for all that. The EP ends on a real ballad that flows and builds, drops back and builds once more, featuring electric and acoustic guitars, sung with feeling, a decent enough song and played with passion. So, I guess that this showcases the broad spectrum and class song-writing that this band can do, but that first track is really where it's at, so more of that quality or better, would take this band a long way - for now, a strong beginning.
SHOUTING AT STRANGERS: Special Move EP:
Blimey!! You mean this lot are unsigned? I had to check I wasn't reviewing one of my PR company CD albums by accident 'coz this sounds so darned………professional! Not only that, but you know you've got something seriously special when the first track makes you throw your hands in the air and roar "ohhhh yessssssssss" the moment it starts. So, what is it? Everything, actually. It's got the power of nu-metal, the passion of emo, the fury and rage of hardcore and the nuclear core that makes it just good, solid rock - no, forget good - make that great! Even better than that, the vocalist sounds rather similar to classic early Eddie Vedder at times when he's singing rather than raging, in fact you listen to the title track and the opening part of 'Agent Orange' and tell me that's not a Vedder tip going there. They come across as a mix of Pearl Jam and early Funeral For A Friend, and they demolish everything that stands in their way. So, the vocalist can sing and roar - ooo, 'Raise The Day' even has a bit of a John Lydon quality to it - the band can most certainly play as this storm of guitars and wickedly driving rhythms testifies, but so can many other bands in this arena - ah, but which other bands write songs that are the sky-high quality of the five you have in front of you here - not many, I can tell you - Brigade, for sure, but now you're seeing that we're dealing with the top of the nu-millennium rock tree. Look - every song is stunning, delivered with passion, power and intensity as the band and singer fire up and go for it. Outside of the Dundee Scene, the second best unsigned band I know - this lot should be signed by some rock label that knows what it's talking about - and I mean NOW!!!
BROKEN JACK: Escape From All Your Fears
I'm a lot older than this band - which make me think that I'm going to see this altogether differently from them. But take the near 6 minute "Escapism", on this ten minute CD - pure Wishbone Ash! That lilting wah-wah guitar sound, those lone lead vocals that sound so harmonious, the chiming electric rhythm guitar, strong yet slow rhythms - all of it wouldn't sound out of place as an "Argus" outtake. It's a quite gorgeous track that flows neatly along in solid ballad-like fashion with the feel of the seventies never far away - which worries me as the band have probably never heard a Wishbone Ash album in their lives!
By contrast - sort of - the lead track, "Rumours Of Our Success", starts with 40 seconds of silently melodic lead guitar, before the main riff begins, the band fire up then this voice comes out of nowhere, sounding for all the world like a gruff Peter Gabriel, but the construction of the song at this point is causing me problems - because it's right out of something way more famous that I can't for the life of me remember. In fact as the song goes on, its similarity with something else becomes so close, it's driving me to distraction as I just cannot remember what that is. But, my problems aside, lets' say that this is a strong, gutsy track with some sizzling lead guitar and a very emotional charge to it all - almost "progressive emo" if such a category was possible. As the vocal soars high above the mix in impassioned fashion, the band lay down a dynamic arrangement that alternates between soft and strong, like waves upon the shore, as the guitar leads swirl around the mix and delicate chiming guitar leads provide the melody, all very inventive and highly engaging. Then the song starts to fire up and build, eventually the vocal flying to an end as the band is left to see things out with a cauldron of lead guitar blaze and driving rhythms, very much in classic "emo" vein. Overall, then it's a strange juxtaposition of styles that works a treat, one that I imagine would sound a good deal more powerful in a live setting, but one that, on this showing, is good enough to get the band noticed.
