Where The Skeletons Play – Serotonin Blueprints

Last year saw a debut EP from a UK band which had the potential to take emotive and atmospheric enterprise into a new depth of inciting invention. Generation Wars from Where The Skeletons Play was a dramatic and absorbing immersion into thick ambiences and enveloping passion drenched provocation, a release which made a striking imprint on the psyche and opened up a promise which held excitement in its hands. The duo of Stitch (vocals and all vocal effect) and Bones (all instrumentation) return with new release Serotonin Blueprints, an EP which made what came before seem like a mere appetizer. The six track emotive confrontation is a scintillating fire of imagination and invention, a compelling flame which musically and lyrically either burns brightly and vigorously or slowly with a far reaching smoulder, but always with an engrossing searing of thoughts and emotions.

Forming in 2011 as solely a studio project, the band reaped the essences of the likes of Pelican, Deftones Nine Inch Nails, and Tool, seeding them into their own potent form of rock. It is a sound which despite obvious references which can be placed alongside it, especially the Deftones one, evolves a unique breath and presence. Unpredictable and as diverse as any release, it is a sound as evidenced by Serotonin Blueprints which shares its heart and ingenuity not only with the ear, but the thoughts, imagination, and passion of the listener.

As a ‘creaking yawn’ creases the opening ambience of Perspex Queen, there is an instant sense of an impending and possibly intimidating atmosphere brewing. The first song on the EP gently opens its arms as emerging firm rhythms and an equally stoic breath of intensity fill the ear, it all eventually exploding into clear focus. Expressive angst drawn vocals sway and writhe within the now sinewy grip of rhythms and sonic temptation, their hold resisting full muscle but still intimidating within the mutually intrusive and inciting ambience. At times the track feels like it wants to declare its heart and shadows but when it does it comes with a spite and reluctance which overspills in attitude. It is a riveting soundscape of emotion and shadowed beauty, a personal expulsion unbridled in passion and framed by the outstanding bass lure and guitar sculpting.

The following Punctuate The Sky finds its fuel in the same emotive shadows as its predecessor but pushes it through sturdier metallic veins and energy, spearing it with a stoner/blues lilted groove and niggling bass pokes alongside acidic sonic scythes of intensity. Whereas first song had that Deftones/NIN there is a richer Kyuss/QOTSA flame to the second with a Placebo/Mind Museum spice, certainly vocally and melodically.

The outstanding If We Just Pretend…. is a thrilling evocation of mind and emotion, a song which teases and gently coaxes full engagement then expels tension fuelled shafts of sonic provocation and melodic persuasion honed into a lingering and cathartic fire. There is a familiarity about it at times, though there is nothing recognisable, which makes it soundtrack personal doubts and disappointments perfectly, its instinctive understanding wrapping every note and texture.

Your Innocence Exists is an acoustic led haunting, its vocals and lonely ambience casting their voices from a distant realm, a sheltered isolated stance offering whispered anguish. It is a fascinating and mesmeric temptation bringing further diversity to the EP and making a striking counter to the snarling title track. Serotonin Blueprints immediately growls and claws at the ear with resonating hunger but then reins it in with another atmosphere of unreserved impassioned utterances, their touch moving from reserved earnest persuasion to feverish potency, framed and coloured with an equally intense kaleidoscope of sonic imagination and melodic paint. As in every song the dark depths of the rhythms and bass hold everything tightly and set down amongst the blackest expression, and though at times, though not on this particular song, their contribution is a quieter prowl their heavy shadows shape the whole emotive alchemy.

Closing on the provocative piano led Serendipity, a piece of music as powerful and descriptive as anything on the release with its indistinct whispers and heart sourced despair, Serotonin Blueprints is a sensational release which not only feeds that promise we talked of fully but sets up even more staggering possibilities for Where The Skeletons Play, the thought that there is still much more within the pair exciting. This is a must check out release for all emotively bred appetites

www.facebook.com/WhereTheSkeletonsPlay

9/10

RingMaster 24/05/2013

Copyright RingMaster: MyFreeCopyright

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Candidate23 – Recurring Dreams EP

Having strongly impressed with their previous EP Stay Awake, UK indie band Candidate23 has just unleashed their new offering to again show how exciting a band they are whilst bringing a vibrant evolution in their already thrilling creativity. As with their other releases the quintet from the North West of the country have sculpted a sound of undefined familiarity but one which employs it in an encounter which leaves the passions gasping and imagination fiery through open originality and carefully honed craft.

Formed in 2010, the Liverpool based Candidate23 have only made good impressions, their allure and temptation growing more potent with each release and live performance which has seen the band alongside the likes of Funeral for a Friend, Young Guns and The King Blues. There breakthrough to the widest national awareness is overdue and deserved but still biding its time, teasing us and them but with Recurring Dreams that lock just might and should have the right key finally. With references to the likes of The Wombats and Foals upon them, to which we would add Placebo, Mind Museum, and in some ways Doves, and sewn within their own distinct sound anticipation of a big year for the band from this EP alone is unavoidable.

The title track is a brief brewing ambient beckoning to introduce the release and draw one into the following mighty temptress of a song in Float Away. The track is a sparkling explosion of melodic colour and winding expressive atmospheres veined by rolling rhythms which cage the ear for the vocals of Will Hayes to gentle stroke forth the lyrical heart of the song. The singer instantly impresses, as he has on previous releases, his words and delivery seductively dancing across the vibrant mingling of tantalising enterprise from guitarists Alex McIntyre and Andy Perrin and those still energetic rhythms of drummer Jono Tringham side by side with the rumbling basslines of Ryan Dennett. The emotive lure of the song is never far away or lost in the energy and steps forward most potently for the closing breath of the track as it passes over to next up Until It’s Cold.

From a gentle wash of emotional keys and the soaring tones of Hayes the song rises to its feet with again the beats of Tringham framing the warmth with rich firm persuasion which invites limbs into the affair as much as the emotions. Though the song does not explode with the same intensity as its predecessor it packs a colourful punch in its superbly crafted melodies and equally compelling harmonies to leave extra hunger in the keen appetite already encouraged by the EP.

I’ve Been Here Before is a slow burning delight, a song which took time to make its full declaration before the senses but emerged as one of the most powerful and lingering gems on Recurring Dreams. A smouldering lullaby for the heart with a rising intensity to its breath and enveloping heat, the track offers familiarity in a brand new guise which covers the senses like an old friend which will never lack a welcome but equally intrigues with an undiscovered emotional depth. As with the whole EP, there is nothing not to love about the song as the band show they are as adept and imaginative in slowly crooning the passions as they are igniting them with an infectious anthemic fuse.

The final pair of songs confirms an already done deal between release and ardour, the outstanding I Want You a stirring almost riotous slice of aural contagion, the virulent call of the chorus the perfect climax to the magnetic verse and the call of vocals and sound which rage with invention and lush beauty. The closing First Steps matches what came before with elegant sonic caresses within its enthralling fascination of energy and rhythmic keenness. Though arguably not the most dynamically capturing song on the release it makes a final declaration of just how impressive and thoroughly pleasing Recurring Dreams is.

Available as a free download by a band generous in sound and invention, their new EP has all the weaponry and class to be the trigger for national domination before taking on the world. Candidate23 has provided the mighty tools for all to enjoy and spread the word.

http://candidate23.bandcamp.com/

http://www.candidate23.com

9/10

RingMaster 07/05/2013

 

Copyright RingMaster: MyFreeCopyright

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Rayne: The New Enlightenment

Sixteen years is a fair time to wait for a debut album from a band to say the least but when it sounds as good as The New Enlightenment from British alternative rockers Rayne, the wait for fans will have been more than worth it. It is a release which just pulsates with quality and craft, making one wonder how it has taken so long for us, like so many others, to have come across the great sounds of the band. The album has been out a few months as you read this but is worthy of a look for all those yet to discover the melodic and imaginative presence of the Sunderland trio.

Since forming all those years ago whilst at school, vocalist and bassist Ben Potts, guitarist and keyboardist Adam Dagg, and drummer Steven Naisbet, have certainly made their mark on the UK underground scene. Four times they have been Battle of the Bands winners at a national level, come runner up at the 02 Live & Unsigned final out of 10,000 bands, and been awarded an ‘outstanding contribution to music’ award from a national music organisation after a public vote. Rayne has also raised approaching £20,000 for numerous charities across the years and with their impressive album and the luck all bands need, one feels a wider recognition is coming soon for the band.

The band is constantly compared to the likes of Muse, U2, and Coldplay, and it is hard to disagreed, but they offer other essences which point at the likes of Mind Museum, Doves, and Incubus, though they are all breezes in the original melodic wind of Rayne. The songs are nicely varied but come with an epic air, whether brooding or ignited for a full expansive breath, which wraps warmly around the ear and offers an infectious involvement for the senses.

The expressive grace of the title track opens up the album, its building energy and lively contact a notable introduction and entrance into the album. The following Raise The Alarm then steps forward with fiery riffs and firm rhythms to grab attention before resting slightly for the golden weaves of the keys which drove the first track to return and glow within the skies of the song alongside the strong impressive vocals of Potts. It is a potent brew of rich melodies and emotive heart vocally and musically which captures the imagination.

The excellent mix of sinewy riffs and teasing harmonies of The Ground Floor raises levels next, its inventive blend of incendiary guitars and smouldering harmonies against effected vocals and stirring rhythms an impacting brisk encounter to lick the lips over. It has a rawer more intense presence which marks the beginning of an unveiling of diversity to band and songwriting, soon emphasized by the emotive My Final Plea with its impassioned expression and tender keys. The song holds its shadows close whilst lighting its path with slivers of melodic caresses and heated charm, evolving into a blaze of fervid guitar play at its climax.

Consisting of fifteen inventive and superbly crafted songs the album is a constant pleasure with its greatest heights coming in the irresistible Twisted Flame, the heaviest song on the release with its forceful riffs and prowling energy even in the mellower melodic moments, the equally compelling track The Impossible Story, and My Desperation. The second of the three has a classic rock gait to its excellent body of inventive sounds whilst the last is another passional feast of heart and what feels like personal relevance to the band such the potent delivery and expression.

The classic rock seeded sounds return in Hero Soldier and the closing Springsteen like Against The Natural Order for satisfying and enjoyable results though neither song manages to match some of the other tracks mentioned but again they show the accomplished variety of the album. They are certainly despite their strengths found wanting up against the best track on the album, Compel To Be Pure.  Starting with sound bites discussing mental illness over an impacting emotional piano, the track erupts into a punchy slice of rock with fervent guitars and thumping rhythms. It moves into an exquisite mix of the still inciting piano, acute lyrics, and challenging vocals before thrilling further with feistier rhythms and sizzling guitars combining to offer an anthemic treat in exchange for a defined ardour its way.

The New Enlightenment is a tremendous album which all rock fans should take the opportunity to explore and immerse within, its triumphant sounds and large textures an inspiring joy. One can only hope it does not take Rayne so long to follow it up.

www.officialrayne.co.uk

RingMaster 27/11/2012

Copyright RingMaster: MyFreeCopyright

Evanstar: I Won’t Regret

   I Won’t Regret is the stunning debut release from UK alternative rock band Evanstar, a single which despite the band being together barely long enough to raise a whisper let alone the riot of compulsive sound within their first introduction, is a strikingly impressive and enthralling feast of creative pleasure.

Only formed in September of this year, the Leicester based quartet of vocalist and rhythms guitarist Stuart James, lead guitarist Gary Yeates, bassist Mikey Yeates, and drummer Dan Farnell, instantly captivate thoughts and musical appetite with their rich and vibrant sounds. It is music which evokes emotions and passion, the band showing a refined craft to their blending of passion driven and boisterous energies with emotive and tender melodic imagination. Their influences are cited as the likes of Young Guns, You Me At Six, Deaf Havana, Foo Fighters, Alter Bridge, Stone Sour and more, that eclectic mix certainly offering a flavour of the sound the band bring but it is merely an expanse of spices which  the quartet merge into their own unique recipe.

I Won’t Regret announces itself with a glowing electronic sun, its crystalline radiance soaking the ear from the warm dazzling keys. As it soaks the senses the guitars begin to shape the song with scythes of riffs and sonic caresses. The initial gentle touch evolves into a stirring incitement as the beats become a forceful confrontation and the bass of Mikey brings a snarl to proceedings. Into the thick of its intensity the impressive vocals of Gary are expressive as the strong and passionate lyrics find a voice to share their heart. The thumping rhythms of Dan hold the senses tightly with their hypnotic strength whilst the guitars fire up the heart with a passion which is as unmistakable and invigorating as the energy and lyrical core of the song. As the track unleashes more of its smouldering emotive grandeur the track offers a mix of the inciting invention of Manic Street Preachers and the melodic washes of My Passion with the intense emotive depth of Mind Museum. It is a masterful and fiery experience which leaves one glowing in satisfaction and pleasure.

The single is completed by Living Nightmares, a song which shows Evan star can be just as mightily aggressive and direct as they were masterful in weaving skilful and impressive melodic sensations in the first track. Not that the track is lacking in provocative and heightened colourful harmonies and enflaming melodies, the song as heated and explosive in instinctive emotive force as in its predecessor, but here the raw and charged intensity with enslaves the appetite is a muscular and impacting show of the diversity within the band. It may only be two songs but already you feel Evanstar has much yet inside to unleash and great heights to rise to from an opening base which is immense and irresistible.

With I Won’t Regret, Evanstar has brought one of the most stunning debuts and introductions to ignite 2012, and for us their next release cannot come quick enough.

https://www.facebook.com/evanstaruk

RingMaster 09/11/2012

Copyright RingMaster: MyFreeCopyright

A Tale Of Two Cities: New Horizons EP

Afire with passion and rife with emotive atmospheres the new EP from UK alternative rock band A Tale Of Two Cities is a powerful and impressive release which grabs hold from beginning to end. The New Horizons EP is a release which could and should elevate the band to the frontline of British rock and another step in their firm rise.

Formed in 2008, the Bristol quintet has built a formidable fan base not only locally but further afield with the new release set to widen their recognition nationwide. Live they have shared stages with bands such as Deaf Havana, Yashin, Sonic Boom Six, and Attack! Attack!, again to the enhancement of their reputation with the name A Tale Of Two Cities one of the loudest whispers on the lips of the underground scene. Produced by Kevin Peters at Anemic Studios, New Horizons should be the spark to take them further and deeper in to the musical heart of the country, its four tracks attention grabbing and the providers of great satisfaction.

The release opens with the lead single Four Words, a song whose video has already caught the imagination receiving almost 10,000 hits on Blank TV and forthcoming inclusion to Scuzz and Kerrang! TV. The song smacks against the ear in its first seconds with heated guitar play and jabbing rhythms. It is instantly aflame with sonic sparks from guitarists Nicholas Coombes and Joe Marsh which scorch the senses whilst mesmerising them with skilled melodic invention. The vocals of Karl Ficarotta ride and stretch the song to greater emotive heights backed by the harsher tones of Marsh. Ficarotta has a voice which drips heart and expression, his voice painting feelings with the lyrics within the mind of the listener. It is a thumping song which is unafraid to step back into a restraint of impactful elegance, and offers a blend which reminds of Funeral For A Friend and fellow Bristol band Mind Museum, another group on the verge of big things.

From a great start the band raise the temperature and quality with Familiar Traits, a song which wraps itself tightly around the ear and envelops the senses with striking sounds and unbridled passionate energy. The drums of Steve Elvin pound a forceful route for the song and again the guitars sizzle with craft and sonic effect. It is the skilled structure of the song and vocals which really fire up the adoration for its presence and the excellent bass of Paul Taylor-Clinch which seals it as a permanent deal, his outstanding sound surly and hungry, no predatory. The track seizes control of the moment, ensuring nothing else is relevant during its time in the ear such its might and inciteful effect.

Third song Fire Burning Through Our Wings is another exercise in great songwriting and its interpretation through impressive individual skill. The bass and vocals again lead its crusade to the heart and as with the all the songs on the release, offers a big sound with infection flooding its veins. Of the four songs this one is the least striking though only positive things can be laid at its door but it just does not ignite the same fires as elsewhere despite its obvious qualities.

The release closes with Machine, a post hardcore veined track complete with venomous beats and defiant vocals scowls alongside squalls of backing screaming. It has an abrasive texture not as obvious on previous songs and shows the width of invention and sound within the band.  It completes the EP perfectly, leaving a bruising breath but the same depth of emotion as fuels the whole of New Horizons.

A Tale Of Two Cities is a band one can expect to hear big things from and for in the future and on the evidence of their new EP, it will be on the near rather than far horizon.

https://www.facebook.com/ataleoftwocitiesband

RingMaster 14/10/2012

Copyright RingMaster: MyFreeCopyright

Cold Summer : Wake EP

The Wake EP is the latest release from yet another emerging British post hardcore band, a genre becoming quite plump in the amount of new aspiring contributors. The band is Cold Summer and though their five track release is not flawless it is impossible not to be excited about the future of the band. There feels an untapped depth to them, a further expanse to their already inventive presence still to explore which only offers immense promise and an anticipated great future ahead.

Formed in 2010, the Wakefield quartet of Dan Feast (Vocals), Chris Harrison (Guitar), Chris Hepworth (Bass), and Justin Eastwood (Drums), the band was soon lighting up stages as well as triggering intrigue with their three track demo Committed To Tape. An unexpected line-up change then left the band looking for a new vocalist but also giving them time to work on new material simultaneously. Eventually they found and enlisted vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Feast which allowed them to further evolve their heavy and melodic sound. They spent the latter part of 2011 working on the five songs which went on to be the Wake EP. This year first saw the band unveil a two track acoustic release called Transitions featuring two songs which appear in their full might on Wake, and since live shows supporting the likes of End Of A Year, Margate, Make Your Mark, and Aficionado.

The new EP is the next big step from the band whose evolved presence is sure to grab even stronger attention. It is hard to stand out from the crowd in the post hardcore genre right now but Cold Summer feel destined to be one band which will even if with this release it is not yet by any wide distance.

The release stirs up enthusiasm with opener Waiting, a track as muscular as it is melodically adventurous. From a sonic lance of a start with the first excellent presence from the bass of Hepworth, the song offers hungry chunky riffs and rapping beats spiked with strong multiple compulsive scything of acidic sound. The vocals of Feast begin as a clean and strong presence, changing to and alternating with abrasive shouts and squalls of expression. The track is soon an eventful and forceful pleasure though it never explodes as one expects or the song itself suggests it may. Though it is not offering anything groundbreaking the track is a powerful start and the first to show Cold Summer as a band with much potential.

The brief title track follows next and to be honest fails to ignite any sparks. It lasts for barely fifty seconds and is a rubbing insurgence which actually annoys far more than it pleases making one wonder its intent overall. The EP soon is firing again though with the best song A Is For Arson. It is a well crafted and intriguing track which is as melodically heated as it is emotively intense. From a lively start and keen energetic provocation from vocals and riffs, the song expands into a heavier oppressive proposition revealing imaginative songwriting and the ability of the band to stretch its boundaries. It has a mix of Placebo and Mind Museum to its initial engagement with eventual elements of And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead and Rise Against bringing a confronting muscle to its climax. Once again the bass is outstanding, the snarling predatory air it menaces with one of the biggest highlights of song and release.

Car Crash (In Progress) and Mistakes close up Wake, the first a vibrant and unpredictable slice of inventive sound and structure with a great blues tone to the excellent play of Harrison, the second a slow melodic piece of passion brought with care and tenderness from music and the fine vocals of Feast. He is a vocalist who fuses harsh and clean deliveries well but it has to be said the clean generally outshines the other extreme, his squealing throat grazing shouts sometimes too caustic on the ear.

The Wake EP is an enjoyable collection of varied and inventive songs which only leaves satisfaction behind and despite a few to be solved issues marks them as a band on the way to finding a unique sound and impressive stature in its future.

Get the Wake EP as a name your price download at coldsummer.bandcamp.com

https://www.facebook.com/ColdSummeruk

RingMaster 21/09/2012

Copyright RingMaster: MyFreeCopyright

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Mind Museum: Lie To Me

If you have already been impressed by UK alternative rock band Mind Museum and their previous single Rat Race and the following The Power Of Three EP of last year, than new single Lie To Me is going to blow you away. If the Bristol trio are still new to you than the single simply is the perfect way to introduce yourselves to one of the best emerging bands in British rock over the past couple of years.

Comprising of Justin E Percival (vocals/bass), Will Slater (guitar) and Chas Bacon (drums), Mind Museum has been on a steady and determined rise since its formation in 2010. They have impressively shared stages with the likes of Young Guns, Twin Atlantic, The King Blues and The Royal Republic to go alongside their well received and acclaimed releases, as well as picking up strong airplay from the likes of Total Rock, BBC Introducing, and The Reputation Radio Show and having their videos hitting great viewing figures and exposure through the likes of Kerrang TV.

Lie To Me is another step forward for the band in sound, songwriting, and stature as there have not been others to unleashing a song as potent and emotively dramatic over recent months to rival Mind Museum. Within a couple of notes the song grips tight and whispers with emotion before raging with passion though, they master the aggression and intensity and turn it into a potent energy rather than an angry assault, the impressive trade mark of the band. The guitar invention of Slater is mesmeric within the song, his incendiary play a smouldering burn on the senses whilst the vocals of Percival are the most emotive and deeply reaching to date to bring the reflective heart of the song to passionate life. His pulsating basslines are as rich as ever alongside the impressive rhythms of Bacon, and taking the song as a whole it has to be said the band has found their own unique breath to leave their rivals behind.

A band which layers their songs with passion and shadows as powerfully as they do sounds and imagination, Mind Museum have evolved into the great band they always promised, the hard work starts here as they build even greater heights for themselves.

www.mindmuseum.co.uk

Check out Mind Museum on The Bone Orchard podcast from The Reputation Radio Show

RingMaster 04/09/2012

Copyright RingMaster: MyFreeCopyright

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The Horror Vacui – Scissor Crystal Eyes

Established in their home state of Tennessee, alternative rock band The Horror Vacui seem ready to take the next step into a wider recognition and spotlight. That is certainly the impression one gets from their new EP Scissor Crystal Eyes. Following up their well received debut album, the new release is an impressive and expressive collection of songs which shows a band accomplished in sound and songwriting.

The Nashville quartet of Kyle Kelly (vocals, guitars, synth, percussion), Ted Fox (guitars, piano, percussion), Rico Whitfield (bass, synth, vocals), and Jonathan Parrish (drums), from the EP alone seem a quartet with firm sights and intent on their direction musically and as a band. The impression one gets from the four songs on show here is that the band is still evolving into their own distinct sound but possess already craft and invention to create striking and fully enjoyable songs.

Formed in 2010 with their first album coming the same year, the band immediately after the release of their debut won the Ditto Music Live Battle of the Bands, a prestigious event which saw them beat 42 other established acts in Nashville. A flow of live shows and first single Melete Thanatou followed, all gathering more and more acclaim which with the release of Scissor Crystal Eyes which was recorded with Lloyd Aur Norman and Jonathan Paul Parrish at Villain Place, should only grow and grow.

The Horror Vacui, pronounced vac-u-eye, open up the release with the best song Futile Arrangements. With an immediate hypnotic hook and pulsating bass the track brings an instant heated presence before the ear. The vocals of Kelly have an expressive emotive tone and combined with the electrified atmosphere brought by the synths and guitars there is a Placebo/At The Drive In feel to the track as well as flavouring which reminds of the likes of Post Adolescence and Mind Museum. The song has an almost bristling intensity throughout which ruffles the senses whilst exposing them to excellent melodic caresses and sonic invention. As it makes its journey the song opens its slightly discordant charms to even greater effect and emerges as certainly one of the most infectious but fully rounded songs this year.

The following Million Gunshots enters on a more restrained though no less passionate swagger. Another great riff and sound from the bass fuels the song alongside incisive guitar play and firm and punchy rhythms. It has a more fluid flow than the opener though maybe lacks the jabbing intensity, but is an equally impressive piece of songwriting and realisation. It almost stalks the ear with an intimidating energy whilst distracting it with excellent melodic and sparking invention, and continues the excellent start to the release.

All In My Mind and Time To Die show a variation in the release and sound of the band. The first is an emotive ballad which coaxes the ear with crystalline melodies and crooning guitar designs. From personal preference it lacks the power and thrill of the previous song but there is no denying the beauty and passion which lights up the air within the song. The second is a similar heart borne track which tugs on the emotions with a needy plea and outstanding grace. It is rare for a ballad to have an anthemic feel but the song certainly gathers up ones thoughts and emotions to bring them into play through its ambient and feistier moments. It is a glorious song which grows and grows on the heart through each visit and finds a definite place in ones affections.

The EP closes with Ink Spills, a song which with its almost grouchy bass sounds adds further variety to the release. It has a strong and full atmosphere with again a heart spawn passion and instinctive energy. The heaviest and most intense of the songs power wise it is an excellent slice of rock which only lacks a lingering presence after its departure to truly ignite fires.

Scissor Crystal Eyes will be an introduction for a great many people to The Horror Vacui and it could not be a finer welcome to their natural and striking sounds. The band are well on the way to finding and exploring the markets further afield they seek with this excellent EP, now it is up to you to welcome them.

http://www.thehorrorvacui.com

Ringmaster 30/07/2012

Copyright RingMaster: MyFreeCopyright

 

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Fly This For Me: Making Shadows EP

Bringing a much needed muscular invention to the genre of pop punk /melodic punk, UK band Fly This For Me unleash their debut Making Shadows EP to excite and enthuse the ear. Well crafted the four track release is brought with a punk hunger driven by an expansive rock energy and intelligence to incite not only an immediate strong impression but also formidable promise for the future.

Guildford based, Fly This For Me officially formed in the closing blinks of 2011, with members which have their seeds across the UK. Already with a sound on the evidence of the EP which is fresh and evolved beyond just infectious easy to swallow hooks and unbridled keen riffs, the quintet has persistently lit up stages shared with the likes of Blitz Kids, Feed the Rhino, Lost Boys, Marines, Eager Teeth, fiN, and POLAR. It has been a constant garnering of positive responses which with the national release of the EP on July 16^th can only accelerate to greater heights and recognition. The release has already been preceded by the video/single Making Shadows taken from the EP released in April, the sparks of acclaim it inspired ready to burst into full flame with the unleashing of these four impressive songs.

The release leaps into view with the sparkling She Said, its entrance more subdued than rushed to make a warm invitation which is lined with stirring riffs and provocative melodic beckoning. Vocalist Tim Cowen instantly marks himself as an expressive and powerful aspect of the sound, his emotive lyrical delivery as appealing as the magnetic sounds around him. The guitars of Sean Kelly and George Rockett light the air with skill and invention to bring a full mesmeric body and incendiary atmosphere to the track. Standing somewhere between the likes of Alexisonfire, Mind Museum and a Foo Fighters/Hundred Reasons like combination, the song is a strong trigger to set the senses up for what emerges as even more satisfying pieces of songwriting.

We All Fall Down takes no time in winding the ear around its hard rock veins of power, the drums of Joe Balchin taking charge from the off whilst the bass of Hannah Greenwood ripples with an intensity which though not always as clearly heard as one would wish adds the depth to make the songs impactful and rounded. The song teases and badgers, twisting with further melodic manipulations from the guitars to fire up the emotions whilst the vocals are as earnest as their delivered content.

Title track comes next and amongst the other unmistakably great songs stands as the best. With a discovered urgency to its breath Making Shadows is a controlled riot with the raw and anthemic edge the best punk inspired songs always have. Fully contagious though again without offering the easy infection of simple hooks and easy to consume melodic candy, the track is a feast of energy, invention, and unreserved heart pleasing rock.

The closing Rock Bottom is equally striking with the band returning to a fuller rock body beneath the hungry air of the song. The track evolves within its wall to be as unpredictable as it is siren like, that infectiousness previously mentioned in full reign here though one more without resorting to the easy pick up lines of other less able bands and songs.

Making Shadows EP is a real pleasure which from its initial impressive introduction grows into a real gem the more one engages their time with it. The release also marks Fly This For Me as a band offering not only a bright and promising future for themselves but for UK rock music too.

www.facebook.com/FlyThisForMeUK

RingMaster 06/07/2012

Copyright RingMaster: MyFreeCopyright

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Candidate23: Stay Awake EP

Photo @ copyright Jeb Smith

The new EP UK indie band Candidate23 graces the ear like a breath of fresh air, its masterful weave of striking melodies, expressive vocals, and heart borne invention instantly making one stand up and take a focused attentive look which many other releases fail to achieve. All bands deserve and get from music lovers a respectful attention but some demand a little bit more by offering something extra. Upon their Stay Awake EP  the quartet do just that to take one on a fulfilling emotional ride from first note to last, the vibrant experience a complete and joyful pleasure.

Hailing from North West England the band formed in 2010 and have already made a noticeable mark through sharing stages with the likes of Funeral for a Friend, Young Guns and The King Blues as well as with debut single One For You in the November of their formation year and its successor Confusion, both riding high in the iTunes Rock Chart in 2011. Their sound is tagged as indie pop but there is a height and depth to it that goes much further in sound and within the listener.

The release starts off with Mona (I’m not leaving) and an immediate engagement with the ear is achieved through its persistent yet unobtrusive guitar welcome and keys that soar with style around the ear. As vocalist Will Hayes adds his impressive tones the song takes a deep breath before swelling with a purring bassline from Ryan Dennett alongside firm beats from Jono Tringham and the expressive guitar play of Alex McIntyre and Andy Perrin. With a flavour that reminds a little of Mind Museum and Post Adolescence the song leaves the emotions pumped and eager for more.

The title track steps up next with a less boisterous flow from the first but with just as satisfying results. Vocalist Hayes within two songs shows what a fine talent he is, his vocals strongly expressive and with a depth that is controlled and easily impressive. The song does not grab as firmly as the opener or as those that follow but more than provides the evidence of the songwriting skills of the band and the realisation of their well rounded and imaginative ideas.

10 Minutes Of Fame is an emotive song which caresses the ear with a textured drama and weight that pulls one deep within its captivating heart. The song opens up the band to nothing but praise, the song though less instant as maybe the others taking the senses on an impactful stroll through the artistry and passion of Candidate23.

The best song on the release closes things up beautifully. Karma is majestic, its glowing soundscape a warm and vibrant field of sound to share feelings and thoughts with. The picky guitars play the senses like a harp whilst the rhythms and bass add a bubbling vein to the song, and the orchestral sounding expanse that washes over at times adding to the wonder and magic of the song.

Candidate23 at times remind of other bands but one can never truly pinpoint who or how but there are moments on Stay Awake when thoughts of bands like Placebo, The Verve, and Doves flit through. Their sound has a friendliness which seems familiar but has a distinction which is fully their own. We will hear a lot more of Candidate23 as they make what is surely a rapid rise and an eager anticipation is in full flight after this release.

http://www.candidate23.com

RingMaster 29/03/2012

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