The Vox Dolomites: Down For Three / Joan & Frank

    2013 is primed to be a big year for UK punksters The Vox Dolomites as one of the best and musically resourceful bands in British underground rock n roll release their debut album and a film of the Japanese tour they undertook in the closing weeks of last year. Before both of those forthcoming treats though the band has today put up two teasing tracks as a free download on their Bandcamp profile, two more songs ensuring their album will be an irresistible temptation upon its appearance.

The Stockport quartet of guitarists/vocalists Ant Walsh and Will Farley, bassist/vocals Chris O’Donnell, and drummer Simon Dunnington, have placed the songs Down For Three and Joan & Frank as their newest enticements to their accomplished and thrilling sounds. The members are forever mentioned as ex-members of One Man Stand, The Leif Ericsson and Spiteful Way, and we are no different, but now truly they stand as an immense entity as The Vox Dolomites, one with a character, distinction, and presence which overrides all history. Their sound is an uncompromising riot of directness and energy with songs either driven by a punk attitude or a ska swagger, occasionally though whisper it in their presence, both at the same time. Previous releases in their debut demo EP and the Japanese Tour EP left fans and media keen with their acclaim and ardour whilst live performances around the UK and as mentioned in places like Japan, has earned the band the recognition of being one of the most thrilling and hardworking live bands around.

Down For Three immediately grips the ears and thoughts and leads them with eager hands on an energetic stomp. A deep alluring bassline from O’Donnell strolls through the centre of the song whilst the guitars of Walsh and Farley tease, stroke, and reward with precise anthemic riffs and passion igniting craft. Though not exactly a pop punk song, bands from that field could learn so much from The Vox Dolomites, their hooks and melodic infection a pure form of pop latched on to a vibrant and compulsive flame of honest rock n roll. With the added lingering kiss of the keys and great raw vocal harmonies, the song leaves a full and by its end impatient lust for the new album, oh how this band torments.

Second song Joan & Frank is a reworking of a track from the Japanese Tour EP. On the former release the song was an impacting ska joy with a mischief and melodic boast as irresistible as its inventive intent. Here the track has been given a punk make-over and emerges as a completely different presence which equals its earlier guise so that it is impossible to have a preference.  The stark and disturbing tale has a different stance in many ways due to the new approach but neither loses or gains power or greater relevance compared to the earlier song down to the quality of both. If the new version loses out to the first it is only in it is over so quickly, but that is what repetition is for, press and go again and again…

As mentioned with album and film coming, both we will cover here upon their releases, The Vox Dolomites should find a deserved expanse of recognition and even greater success, though the band only cares about giving the best passionate sounds and they have done that with each release to date, something you cannot see ever changing.

Grab your download of the new songs @ http://thevoxdolomites.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/thevoxdolomites

RingMaster 01/03/2013

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Electric Shit: Downtown Blues

    The combination of blues and punk can often make for a dirty slab of pleasure which thrills and energises the appetite whatever the hunger the time. The new single from Mexican trio Electric Shit is certainly evidence to that, a two song attack of raw insatiable rock n roll which whets the taste buds. The release is unrefined and raucous with the kind of honest sound which goes a long way and on this occasion certainly leaves a depth of satisfaction and enjoyment which cannot be dismissed as just another record from just another band.

From Ecatepec, the band consists of Marco aka Thee Preacher (guitar and vocals), José Reza aka Leadbelly (bass), and Eduardo H (drums) and was formed around a year ago.  There is not much else we can share about the band except to express further the promise and pleasure their single provides a declaration for.

The title track is immediately a fiery encounter speared by sonic flames and a pulsating throaty bass groove. Its initial blaze soon settles as the excellent bass groan and crisp beats drive directly through the ear for a stronger compelling enticement whilst the swagger of the expressive accent soaked vocals brings an extra persuasion to the infectiousness of the song. The continual groove is repetitive and in league with mesmeric shadows to bring a firmly gripping captivation from first note to last which allows the skilful craft and acidic spirals of fire from the guitar of Marco to sizzle as it offers its own full temptation. Admittedly the song does not ignite any undiscovered avenues but with a stoner breath to is riled core and a roughen blues surface it catches the imagination with every scuzzy surface it brings.

As strong and appealing as the first song is, second song All My Troubles leaves it in its garage punk wake. Starting with a bass hook to open vats of nostalgia and soon finding an accomplice in the great Richard Hell like vocals in that deed, the song is punk rock at its best aided by another rich pulse of blues rock n roll. The groove and swagger of the song leaves a grin on the face and emotions whilst the drums and bass enlist feet and thoughts to their uncomplicated contagion. Once more the guitar of Marco leaves sparks with his great sonic fire which seamlessly expels from within his constantly enthralling riffs and adding to the instinctive feel of the song.

With debut album Dirty & Heavy due later in the year, Electric Shit has raised an excitement and anticipation for its release with heart and accomplishment. Downtown Blues and especially All My Trouble are the strongest persuasion for an investigation in to the forthcoming release and to keep a steady eye on this impressive band.

Find out how to get your free download of Downtown Blues @ http://www.facebook.com/electricshit

8/10

RingMaster 01/03/2013

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The Longsands: Little Britain

    Little Britain is the third single from The Longsands’ excellent debut album Meet Me In Spanish City and once more it offers the mightiest persuasion as to why the band is so highly rated and passionately followed by their fans. The Northumberland quintet has earned an impressive reputation for their passionate and fiery live performances and a wealth of acclaim for their singles and album. The new release will be no exception, the song a potent and attentive inciting companion for thoughts and emotions.

Emerging from as guitarist Ian Barnes said in our interview with him, “…mucking about with a few tunes in 2006 and it was more of a hobby…”, the band went from winning a national unsigned competition to selling out local venues the following year and touring Greece with a commission from Sony music and Jack Daniels.  With the line-up of Barnes, vocalist Trevor Cox, lead guitarist David Stanyer, bassist Gary Ormston, and drummer Paul Stephenson in place from this point, The Longsands has continued to ignite audiences across the UK, gaining notable fans in the shape of Steve White of The Style Council and Bruce Foxton of The Jam, who the band supported on a tour, and gained support and exposure through the likes of Bob Harris, Dave Stewart, and Simon Fowler of Ocean Colour Scene, who The Longsands have just completed a February tour with.

     Little Britain is a smouldering fire which grows and impresses the more you allow its anthemic and rich defiant fire to burn upon the ear. Emerging from a guitar stroke of the ear which is laced with elements of The Jam even in its brief unaccompanied moment, the song is soon a brewing passion of licking guitar flames and the continually impressive expressive vocals of Cox, Soon a velvety growl of bass from Ormston brings its shadows to bear accompanied by the firm rhythmic frame engineered by the forceful beats of Stephenson. Fully into its stride the track evolves into a heart driven melodic tempest of confrontation and impassioned intensity of emotive elegance and political honesty.

The song is a call to arms for thoughts and emotions in league with an irresistible temptation for the passions to feed lustily on its glorious melodic feast and enrapturing crescendos of power and craft. Whilst reviewing their album we as suggested earlier found the song a slow burner but it soon stood and still stands as a track which ignites the richest emotions inside with each welcome meeting.

Completed by the engaging An Affair In Manchester and an instrumental version of the single, Little Britain inspires a real passion for itself and the band which their album accelerates further. With an accompanying video for the single which features Howard Marks, the release should finally see The Longsands find the deserved break into the widest recognition, they certainly burn brightly on our and a great many others radar already.

www.thelongsands.co.uk

8/10

RingMaster 23/02/2013

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Common Tongues: Solitary Thinker

    Bewitched and enchanted by their 2011 debut single Jumping Ships, UK indie folksters Common Tongues has kept a candle in the passions vibrantly burning as they unveiled more delicious pop folk majesty through songs which continually smoulder and ignite the passions. Their new single is no exception, the song an emotive caress upon thoughts and emotions which first seduces before leading the listener into a sizzling yet tender melodic romp of contagious energy.

The Brighton band was formed in 2010 by childhood friends Tom Anderson and Oli Hinkins, who grew up together in Cambridge. With a line-up completed by Andrew Stuart-Buttle, Dan Somers, and James Drohan, the band released first two track single Jumping Ships via Something Nothing Records to a strong eager response following it up over the past couple of years with impressive appearances at numerous festivals including Bestival, and the Secret Garden Party, as well as support performances alongside the likes of Beth Jeans Houghton, Michelle Stodart, Juan Zelada, The Miserable Rich, and Alice Gold. Citing influences from the artists such as Yann Tiersen, Villagers, Radiohead and Brian Wilson as inspirations, the band creates sounds which tempt and persuade like sunshine whilst evoking and inspiring like her alluring touch.

Taken from their new April released EP, Solitary Thinker is the perfect teaser, a song which triggers a rich appetite for more whilst igniting flames of pleasure to make the short wait for much more bearable. The song emerges from a brewing breath with acoustic guitar and melancholic violin weaving gently across the senses, their stroke tender yet powerfully suggestive. The feeling of loneliness is accentuated as the vocals add their weight and expression though the music equally offers a little dance of light and hope throughout the emotive heart. Mid-way through the track entertains rhythmic teases which raise and incite the temperature and intent of the song into a feisty launch of energy which sparks further rapture as the building crescendo of expertly crafted sounds and anthemic vocals explodes within the heart.

The song walks the perfect line between emotionally intense and light and whimsical, achieving both without unbalancing the passion or fun of the track. Musically too the track merges more forceful sounds which maybe are a rarity in folk pop with traditional majestic beauty in harmonies, melodies, and expression. It is a glorious song which will ensure an even more focused and maybe impatient anticipation for the upcoming EP.

www.commontongues.co.uk

www.facebook.com/commontongues

8.5/10

RingMaster 23/02/2013

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The Procession: Call You

   

    The promo sheet for Call You, the new single from UK indie rock band The Procession, suggests it is a hint of a new direction for the band. Taken from their acclaimed debut You Are Now Leaving The Future, the song certainly is one of the more diverse and enthralling tracks on the album but whether the clue to a new avenue for their already intriguing and imaginative sound to experiment with we will have to wait until their second album due for release later in the year. Featuring the guest vocals of Emma Redhead, the single all the same is a warm and enchanting endeavour which easily leads one to want to further investigate the band.

Formed in 2007 whilst all band members were at university, the Midlands based quartet of vocalist/guitarist James Best, vocalist/guitarist/keyboardist Martin Byrne, bassist Paul Richardson, and drummer Rob Gill, took no time in making a name for themselves on the local live scene. Their continued ascent brought radio and media exposure elevated further when they became the inaugural winners of the BandForTheDay international unsigned band competition. 2011 saw the release of their debut EP Sometimes on Circular Records to strong acclaim surpassed when the October of the following year via the same label, You Are Now Leaving The Future was unleashed. Previous single Cease and Desist was an eagerly pursued invitation for fans into the full length release something which Call You easily repeats for newcomers to the band.

A sultry caress of acoustic and electric guitar washes over the ear initially to bring the senses to focus as the compelling dual vocals entwine around the emotive sound and lyrics. The silky tones of Redhead are a delicious kiss and smouldering temptation alongside the vocals of Best and Byrne in verse and the glorious chorus harmonies. Musically the song entices and entrances with an equally seductive elegance and passion and though the song never explodes into a full fire there is an anthemic breath which shouts loudly at times to complete the fully riveting encounter. Combining reserved flames of folk, pop, and rock into one stirring and inciting emotive flame Call You is a delightfully contagious treat which is unafraid to show its sinews for an even deeper satisfaction.

The single is one of the highlights of You Are Now Leaving The Future  and has not lost any of its rich potency over the months since. In fact it makes thoughts of the next album from The Procession even more excitable.

http://www.theprocession.co.uk/

www.facebook.com/theukprocession

7.5/10

RingMaster 23/02/2013

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Lace & Whiskey: Confuse The Mind

    Lace & Whiskey is one of those band names which instantly offers thoughts of the sounds they produce, in this case the name inspiring expectations of soft melodic rock. As their new single Confuse The Mind shows the UK band are very much inspired by and entrenched in that area of rock n roll but also bring vibrant additives of folk, blues and rock pop to their accomplished sound. Taken from their successful and acclaimed Running Out of Time album, the new track easily gives credence to the enthusiastic responses laid upon the band.

The East London quartet formed in 2008 soon earning a strong reputation live as they played throughout the capital and further afield at renowned venues such as Dublin Castle, Hope & Anchor, The Enterprise, Proud Camden and the Troubadour leading to an appearance at the High Voltage Beer Festival. Fronted by the punky growls of Andy Hodgson, the band line-up is completed by guitarist Melissa Collett, bassist Nick Charleston, and Aaron Smith on drums. 2010 saw the release of their EP Acoustic Shots but arguably 2012 with the release of debut album Running Out of Time, is where the band found a strong light of recognition.

The third single from the album, Confuse The Mind is a welcoming mix of blues and classic with elements of garage and southern rock to its infectious gait. From its initial note the song is a feast of sinewy rhythms, sonic guitar flames with an acidic melodic breath, and feisty anthemic vocals. Its stride prowls rather than charges along but the song is never reluctant to raise the tempo throughout to engage with further contagion. The guitar flames of Collett are especially magnetic whilst vocally Hodgson is passion, mischief, and defiance rolled into one earnest encounter, the whole combination ensuring the listener only looks their way.

Arguably the song does not offer anything new, its heart and presence seeded from well recognised sources but it certainly grabs hold tightly from start to finish for two and a half minutes of undeniable prime satisfaction. For very solid and honest melodic rock n roll you could do a lot worse than checking out Lace & Whiskey and Confuse The Mind, a release which certainly for us leads one happily into their Running Out Of Time album.

www.laceandwhiskey.co.uk

www.facebook.com/laceandwhiskeymusic

7/10

RingMaster 23/02/2013

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Zagar: Space Medusa

   From Budapest, Zagar is a five piece band which has been making great waves with their experimental electronica. There is great anticipation for their forthcoming album Light Leaks, but before then the band is releasing a taster with their first single from the album, Space Medusa via Mole Listening Pearls, a track sure to confirm the thoughts and appetite of fans and media.

The band which creates a sound based on wave rock, electronica and psychedelic soundscapes, began as three-fifths of the Yonderboi Quintet, a unit which found some acclaim and critical success. Moving on to make their own unique sounds keyboardist Balázs Zságer and scratcher Dj Bootsie began exploring and experimenting with their ideas. Recruiting drummer Tibor Lázár, guitarist George Ligeti, and bassist Ákos Zságer-Varga, Zagar stepped forward to evolve into a provocative and significant force on the Eastern European music scene. Their previous album Cannot Walk, Fly Instead won two nominations at the MTV Europe Music Awards as well as winning numerous awards elsewhere. The band is also earning keen attention worldwide through their releases and performances across Europe, including an acclaimed show alongside Depeche Mode on their Budapest leg of their Tour of the Universe. This just adds to the expectations upon their new album but first is the loud whisper from it in the mesmeric shape of Space Medusa.

From its first breath the song is a wash of pulsating deeply driven rhythms and warm expressive keys tiled with electro pokes and seductive persuasion first musically and then expanding into the teasing impassioned and smouldering vocals. It is an immediate soft and engaging temptation which sparkles and soothes across its tantalising expanse.  Musically the sound is as cosmically alluring as the lyrical journey into a dreamy magnetic realm far beyond the real world, its charms enabling thoughts and imagination to drift off into similarly flavoured places and visions. It is an entrancing swirl upon the ear and a release to raise the temperature of the wait for Light Leaks.

Released as a free download @ http://soundcloud.com/zagarmusic, Space Medusa is a treat all fans of artists such as Errol Alkan, Aeroplane, and Kitsune will be fully enamoured by.

www.zagarmusic.com

7/10

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RingMaster 20/02/2013

 

These Reigning Days: Too Late

    UK band These Reigning Days have an album due out later in the year but until its release seem intent to tease and torment by releasing singles which leave the listener over excited and longing for much more. The songs Changes and Living It Up have already more than wetted the appetite with their infectious and melodic powers but now the band has really ignited the touch paper of anticipation with their best single yet, the anthemic giant Too Late.

Formed by former frontman/songwriter of The Quails, Dan Steer, the band has been on a strong charge through their releases to date and live performances which since making their debut alongside Metronomy has found them supporting Echo and The Bunnymen at a festival in Rome and an impressive series of festival appearances waiting for them in 2013, as well as recording a live session on BBC Introducing in Devon.  The trio of Steer, bassist/vocalist Jonny Finnis (Numb), and drummer Joe Samsone (Morph), continue to impress and garner acclaim as well as a bulging fan base to which the new single will only inspire further.

The single opens on a feisty dark bassline which wonderfully prowls with a swagger around seductive guitar strokes which smoulder and flame within the immediately heated atmosphere of the song. Once the fine vocals of Steer open up their lyrical narrative the song opens unveils an electronic ambience to complete a full persuasion before opening up  into a rampant, eager, and wholly contagious chorus where vocals and sounds unite to leave the senses breathless. With pungent rhythms which conspire to ignite even deeper passions in league with the bass and a delicious step into a sultry dance of Latin tempered invention and melodic seduction which leaves one drooling, Too Late is a masterful and completely absorbing treat.

These Reigning Days has once more unleashed a track which knows how to incite and engage the raptures with skill and mischievous imagination. It has also made the wait for their Yoad Nevo (Pet Shop Boys, Duran Duran, Girls Aloud, Goldfrapp) produced album even more agitated and impatient but after a song this good we will forgive them.

Too Late is available as a free download for just one month from today so stop reading and find out how to grab

your own piece of irresistible fun now @ www.thesereigningdays.co.uk or www.facebook.com/thesereigningdays

8/10

RingMaster 14/02/2013

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Degeneración Debraye: Body & Simphony

The unleashing of important talent through US underground label Engraved Ritual shows no sign of letting up as they start the year with the sizzling debut single from Mexican band Degeneración Debraye. A taster of its forth coming album El Mundo Y Sus Demonios, scheduled for an April release, the track is an irresistible slice of viral dancefloor infection with a provocative and incisive breath. It burns the senses with a delicious sonic wash whilst caressing the smouldering wounds with a melodic kiss which pulsates with an enveloping passion.

The Orizaba, Veracruz project is the solo work of Ygrod Droid, an artist who already is causing great stirrings in the industrial/electro underground. Written, produced, and recorded over the latter half of 2012 by the man, with mastering from Stahlblack Productions in The Netherlands in the dying weeks, Body & Simphony is an immediate introduction to an inspiring creativity, a track which skilfully ignites all the enthused energies of dance sounds whilst evoking and inviting a strong response to the darker inciting lyrics.

The track opens with an epic sounding swell of orchestral infused drama, strokes of synth strings swiping the senses as the thumping beats and alarmed surges join the engagement. Soon an electro swagger breaks out with melodies laying a wanton dance over the insurgent heart of the track. The clean vocals of Ygrod Droid as he frees the striking lyrical intent, add shadowed warmth which eventually evolves into a blistering vocal squall, its serpentine menace a brewing storm within the world and the darkest corners of the track. As the song spreads further within thoughts and body it offers infectious melodic symphonies which hold a familiarity, a comfort in the bordering bruising confrontation. The passage of the song is a canvas of impossible to refuse sonic suggestions and melodic teasing which sparks a firm and lingering enlistment to its cause.

Like a mix of Gods Destruction and Celldweller, the single enthrals and intimidates with skilled seduction and persuasive imminence to produce a thrilling and invigorating companion. If this is the flavour of the full meal to come with the debut album from Degeneración Debraye, let us skip the next couple of months right now.

https://www.facebook.com/Degeneracion.Debraye.Oficial

http://www.engravedritual-digital.com/track/body-simphony-single-mix

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RingMaster 28/01/2013

 

By The Rivers: Take Control

   

    Take Control is the new single form the highly rated UK sextet By The Rivers, a band which has already earned eager praise and a loyal following around their home town of Leicester and further afield. The single is a warm and vibrant blend of reggae and ska tinged enterprise which teases and caresses the senses into a warm and satisfied bliss.

Formed in 2010 by friends Nile Barrow (vocals/guitar) and Jordan Birtles(drums/vocals), By The Rivers has certainly been on a steady and rapid rise. Taking their passion for the sound, culture, and style of reggae and its roots, the pair soon recruited Will Todd (saxophone), Leo May (trumpet), Matt Willars (bass), and Sam Read (keyboard/guitar/backing vocals) to the mix. The first year saw the band venture into the live arena to rapturous responses and within their first seven gigs had lined up to support Dawn Kinnard, Neville Staples, Toploader, and Fun Lovin Criminals. The band was in strong demand with venues and promoters with the following year seeing the band support the likes of The Buzzcocks, Maxi Priest, Musical Youth, Dawn Penn, Saxon Sound, Neville Staple, and John Holt & The Specials. Their second EP repeated the success of their first with fans as did their debut single One Word, both earlier EPs receiving a full release as a single package in 2011, the release reaching second spot in the iTunes Reggae Album Charts, behind Bob Marley.

Released on Kompyla Records, second single Take Control shows with ease why the band is hailed as something special. Opening with pulsating bass strokes and gentle yet fiery brass calls the song is an immediate temptation, its heated elegance and sinewy heart an instant magnet for the ear. A musical infection sets in even before the vocals have a place in the scheme of things with the fine tones of Barrow and Birtles elevating the existing satisfaction to greater depths. Limbs are recruited before the willing passions, both without defence to the magnetic melodic wash and inciting passion of the song musically and lyrically. It is a gentle yet formidable coaxing, a persuasive ‘call to arms’ which engages on every level, voice and thoughts willing recruits to the heart and breath of the song. Our knowledge of reggae and its history is sketchy at best but the same emotion and pleasure spawned from the best moments of UB40 and the current enterprise and emotion of Onlyjoe is prevalent throughout the song.

The track is accompanied by a remix by Radio Riddler (Fast & Frank Benibi of Fun Lovin Criminals)of the single and the excellent acoustic version of the song Don’t Stand Alone. The remix is a more than decent engagement which lights different shadows and flames from within the original song whilst the last song is a deeply impressive and pleasing wash of acoustic guitar, melodica, and the again delicious vocals and harmonies of the band founders. A fresh and uncomplicated breeze of emotive energy and mesmeric craft, the track would have made an irresistible single all on its own, the living melodic and harmonic contagion quite delicious.

By The Rivers is on the verge of big things and Take Control the compelling persuasion that it will be sooner rather than later. Just starting a tour of England, this is a band which brings something invigorating musically and emotionally to UK reggae and melodic enterprise.

https://www.facebook.com/bytherivers

RingMaster 22/01/2013

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