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UK songstress Ruth Blake embraces her fierce side on her newsingle, ‘Not Your Angel’ .

UK indie pop artist Ruth Blake presents her new single ‘Not Your Angel’, rejecting the idea that our beauty lies only in our capacity to be angelic, beautiful and sweet. An antidote for that toxic ideology, Blake invites women to embrace their own fierceness.

This single marks a departure from Blake’s folkier sound and is the first time she has gone completely electronic with a track. Inspired by Joan as Policewoman, glitchy electronica and dirty bass lines, this creatively refreshing sound honours another facet of her artistry and the human experience – one that is fierce and strong.

Originally from the Midlands, Blake now resides in the mists and vales of Somerset, where she creates multi-faceted indie pop and folk music that stirs the soul and is rich with symbol and storytelling.

On this track, Ruth collaborated with London-based producer James Yuill, who has worked with such artists as Erasure, M83, Mint Royale and Au Revoir Simone, in addition to having music featured on Grey’s Anatomy, Pretty Little Liars, Scrubs, Love Island, The Inbetweeners and Dead Pixels.

“I wrote this song after a sudden and unexpected break up, which I was trying to make sense of. My ex made a comment about how shocked he’d been to see my angry side, as if it made me lesser in his eyes somehow, and I felt completely betrayed, not to mention dumbstruck that he couldn’t understand that my rage was indicative of how much pain I was in. I felt as though my rage was something to be ashamed of and that just made me more angry,” says Ruth Blake.

“The song became a way for me to really honour and embrace my rage, while shaking off outdated shackles of the ‘good girl’ and over-sanitised notions of femininity I’ve been conditioned with. I wanted to reclaim it as a sacred, vital force and say a massive ‘fuck you’ to anyone who would judge me for it. As women, we have become so terrified of our anger, but having lived through a great deal of manipulation and abuse in my time, reconnecting with my anger has been fundamental on my journey towards learning where my boundaries are and how to defend them.”

Having received an unusual musical education from pioneering composer, pianist and multi-instrumentalist Edward Chilvers, Blake crowdfunded her debut album ‘Lullabies for Grown-Ups’ (2015), followed by ‘Creation’ in 2018. Lyrically profound and musically sophisticated, Ruth’s music is born out of her own passion for self-knowledge and the deeper truths of existence.

Her career has led to her recording at Real World Studios with James Frost and also to involvement in Manchester-based collective Caulbearers, as well as the Music as Medicine collective and Brightsky Community. Her latest solo work prior to this new single is the uplifting ‘Brave Ships’.

‘Not Your Angel’ will be released on April 4 and available across digital platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp.

CREDITS

Written by Ruth Blake

Recorded by Ruth Blake and James Yuill

Produced, mixed & mastered by James Yuill / Online Recording Studio

Watch the new video

After 9-year hiatus, Edinburgh’s WITHERED HAND releases new ‘How To Love’ LP.

UK folk-rock troubadour Withered Hand presents his long-awaited ‘How To Love’ LP, his first new music in nine years. With nine tracks on offer, this record (released April 28) will be available on vinyl, CD and digitally via Reveal Records.

Withered Hand is the nom de plume of Edinburgh-based singer-songwriter Dan Willson, who originally hails from London. On this album, Withered Hand continues to live up to his reputation as one of Scotland’s most gifted songwriters. He has garnered worldwide support and heavy airplay on tastemaker stations including BBC 6 Music and Amazing Radio.

Produced, recorded and mixed by renowned producer Tony Doogan (Mogwai, David Byrne, Teenage Fanclub, The Twilight Sad, Belle & Sebastian, The Delgados) at Castle of Doom Studios in Glasgow, the new album features guest appearances by King Creosote and Mercury-nominated English songwriter Kathryn Williams.

The final single before the album release is ‘Feelings’ (out April 21^st), having earlier shared ‘Crippled Love’, along with an exclusive live acoustic version, and lead track ‘Waking Up’, the radio edit for which involved a producer Mark Freegard (The Breeders, Del Amitri, New Model Army, Lush, Pale Saints),

“This cry-for-help of a song sums up years of trying to medicate uncomfortable feelings with whatever I could get my hands on. If the album opens with this car crash, then the rest of the songs on ‘How To Love’ are imbued with my attempts to keep stumbling away from living like that,” says Dan Willson.

“My own mental health struggles in the past meant life got really dark before I was willing to surrender three years ago and become willing to learn to live sober. It’s a healthy catharsis rocking out with the band on this song though, repaying a debt to some of the harder music I grew up with in the 90s.”

“Don’t stop, tell me that I earned this one

Cos one is one too many, too many’s not enoughI

swallowed my pride, I just want the harder stuff

My appetite anaesthetises love”

Withered Hand’s acclaimed ‘New Gods’ LP (2014) was released on vinyl via Slumberland Records, featuring Scottish luminaries from Belle & Sebastian, Frightened Rabbit and The Vaselines, as well as Pam Berry of seminal 90’s US noisepop band Black Tambourine, propelling the album straight into the charts.

Willson began writing songs and singing in his thirties following the birth of his first child and the death of a close friend. With a wayward tenor and unaffected charm onstage, he has come to be celebrated as a songwriter and lyricist of rare wit and remarkable honesty. With songs picked up by MTV and cult series ‘Skins’, he’s gained a legion of fans including Jarvis Cocker and Rolling Stone USA, who deemed him an Artist to Watch.

As of April 28, the ‘How To Love’ album is available everywhere digitally, including Apple Music and Spotify, and in all format (vinyl, CD and digitally) via Bandcamp. Withered Hand has been playing a handful of release shows, including in Edinburgh (April 28th) and on BBC Scotland’s Quay Sessions (May 3rd) on the back of performances in London, Cardiff, Manchester and for Marc Riley’s BBC 6 Music show.

Album Track List

1. Feelings 03:55

2. Crippled Love 06:52

3. Waking Up 03:56

4. How To Love 06:46

5. Serenity Prayer 06:16

6. Misery & Company 04:13

7. Give Myself Away 04:49

8. Still Quiet Voice 04:48

9. Comedown 04:34

Album Credits

Dan Willson – Vocals, Acoustic Guitar

Malcolm Benzie – Electric Guitar, Backing Vocals

Fraser Hughes – Bass, Backing Vocals

Owen Curtis Williams – Drums, Percussion, Backing Vocals

Peter Liddle – Keyboards

Richard Merchant – Trumpet

Ross McCrae – Trombone

Lynsey Payne – Saxophone

Eva Willson – Backing Vocals

Eugene Willson – Backing Vocals

Produced, recorded and mixed by Tony Doogan at Castle of Doom Studios, Glasgow

Watch the videos for ‘Waking Up’ and ‘Crippled Love’

http://witheredhand.com/ https://www.facebook.com/witheredhand

https://twitter.com/withere d hand https://www.instagram.com/witheredhand/

Israeli Symphonic Metallers StormbounD Insist “The Show Must Go On” With Queen Cover Video

New Album “December” Out Now!

Following on from the release of their debut album ‘December’ in August 2022, Israeli symphonic metallers StormbounD have returned with a video cover of the Queen’s classic track “The Show Must Go On”, which was released on April 7^th, 2023!

Speaking about why they chose to go with this track, the band stated:

“First of all, most of us are Queen fans. One day we were just fooling around with this song’s intro at rehearsal, and it felt like something that could fit our sound and style, so we learned the entire song and played it at the next show. Ever since then, we can’t do a show without it so we figured out that if everyone enjoys it, we might as well record the thing. It felt really good to take such an iconic song and give it a little energy boost while keeping the original version’s harmonies, and we hope we’ve done it justice.”

The video can be seen and heard for “The Show Must Go On” here.

Digital – https://orcd.co/stormshow

Symphonic metal act StormbounD is an astonishing combination of well-crafted instrumentalism and the breathtaking vocals of the lead singer Yael Horwitz. The band is the musical theatre that will carry you everywhere from the angelic to the diabolic, from joyous harmony to sheer loneliness, and from the beauty to the beast.

The band was formed in 2017 in Tel Aviv, Israel by bassist Pavel Kleiman and guitarist and vocalist Ofer Friedman. Next to join were Ofer’s wife Shani Friedman on guitar, Yuval Partush on drums, Rotem Sadia on the keyboard, and Yael Horwitz as lead singer. All members of the band are well-established professional musicians.

Shortly after its formation the group began writing and performing and made a unique mark in the local heavy music scene. The band took part in all major metal events and festivals in Israel, opened for Epica at their concert in Tel Aviv, and its shows were sold out. The band has released four videos so far for the songs “Desert’s Roar“, “Altar of Innocence“, “Child’s Play” and “Flying High“.

During the summer of 2022, the band released its debut album ‘December’, and it has been garnering great compliments from countless metal magazines along with a lot of airplay on various radios and playlists all over the world.

The album was produced by StormbounD and Ian Post, it was mixed and mastered by Alex Zvulun at A.G Studio and the album artwork was done by Gogo Melone ART. The band says they are currently working on their second album, so fans can expect a lot more from the StormbounD camp in the near future!

Diverse and harmonic, with hints of darkness while staying heavy, StormbounD is accessible for both metal veterans and those new to the scene. They are recommended for fans of Delain, Amaranthe, and Nightwish.

“December” was released on August 5, 2022, and is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp.

Album and Live Band Line Up:
Yael Horwitz – Vocals
Ofer Friedman – Guitar & Vocals
Shani Friedman – Guitar
Rotem Sadia – Keyboard
Pavel Kleiman – Bass
Yuval Partush – Drums

For more info:
Stormboundband.com
Facebook.com/StormBoundBand
Instagram.com/stormbound.band

“If you’re a fan of the genre, there’s a lot to be excited about here” – Metal Hammer UK

“There are plenty of Symphonic Metal bands out there who are still churning out the same old Nightwish-influenced stuff that has been done to death, but StormbounD bring something different to the party, a vibrancy and freshness that makes them very hard to ignore” – Ave Noctum Magazine

“It all conspires to transfer the listener to another, magical dimension… Such is the immersive nature of this album that the hour running time passes in the blink of an eye, and its addictive quality will have you pressing repeat” – Devolution Magazine

“If bands such as Nightwish, Epica, Within Temptation, Delain, Evanescense and others float your boat, “December” is next on your shopping list” – Powerplay Magazine

“Move aside Nightwish. Move aside Within Temptation. There’s a new symphonic metal titan in town. In all seriousness, this was fantastic. I have a very up and down relationship with the sub-genre but this was a ridiculous high for me. Everyone is insanely skilled and very good songwriters, and created a well put together album as a result. I cannot wait to hear more and hopefully see them live soon!” – Overtone Magazine

“December is a compelling debut album that offers as much for the metal fan (that riff in the title track) as well as the symphonic, unafraid to experiment with various styles Stormbound offers music that is exciting, and emotional at times exceptionally heavy. An excellent display of passion and energy.” – Metal Roos

US Progressive Metallers Source Announce New Single

“Vesica (The Path In)” Released On April 7th 2023

US progressive metallers Source have returned with their latest single, “Vesica (The Path In)”. Taken from their upcoming fourth album, the band released the single on April 7th, 2023.

Talking about the single, vocalist/guitarist Benjamin Gleason stated:

“This song is about how early prenatal experiences can shape our psyche and have a large impact on us throughout our lives. ‘Vesica’ is a reference to one of the most important shapes in sacred geometry called the ‘Vesica Piscis’. The shape can be used as a lens to view the earliest experiences our consciousness has with ‘other’. Ultimately this song is about forging connection and resonance despite the seductive pull of the safety in solitude.”

The video for “Vesica (The Path In)” can be found here.

“Vesica (The Path In)” is the second single off Source’s upcoming 4th studio album ‘Emergence’. The album is slated to be released in September 2023 and is the first album in a concept that will continue through at least one more album.

Source is a progressive metal band from Colorado. Formed in 2013, Gleason, Justin Mirarck and Pascal Faurie create consciousness-based music through the exploration of flotation tanks, philosophy, meditation, yoga and other embodiment and mindfulness practices. Their music is an expression of the profoundness of the human experience and the beauty of all that is. Their past records have received international acclaim, with Prog Magazine saying Source are “clearly ones to watch in their field” and Angry Metal Guy claiming, “we could be witnessing the birth of the next great progressive metal band”.

The band are set to hit the road in the US on April 12th. The full dates are:

4/12: Denver CO – Herman’s Hideaway

4/14: Dubuque IA – Smokestack

4/15: Green Bay WI – Lyric Room

4:18: Louisville KY – Mag Bar

4/19: Centerville OH – Hidden Gem Music Club

4/20: Toledo OH – Ottawa Tavern

4/21: Hallam PA – Tourist Inn

4/22: Rochester NY – Flour City Station

4/23: Albany NY – Pauly’s Hotel

4/26: Brooklyn NY – Kingsland

4/27: Akron OH – Rialto Theater

4/28: Cincinnati OH – Stanley’s Pub

4/29: Lafayette IN – Doom Room

4/30: Omaha NE – Dr Jack’s Drinkery

British Metallers Sworn Amongst Announce Return And New Single

“Restitution” Released Today!

British metalcore mob Sworn Amongst have ended their hiatus and returned with their blistering new single “Restitution”, which was released today (March 30th, 2023).

Speaking about the inspiration behind the song, the band stated:

““Restitution” is a conceptual piece born from the German phrase “Man sieht sich immer zweimal im Leben”, the translation being “In life, you always meet twice”. In short, this phrase urges us to be wary of burning bridges with our acquaintances, as there is always a chance you may meet later in life.

The lyrics explore the theoretical actions of somebody who has been spurned and are a criticism of those who fail to heed such a warning. Those people who all too eagerly burn those bridges, and the consequences of those actions. The title “Restitution” born from the fact that if we refrain from burning our bridges, new life may be given to relationships further down the line.”

The video for the track can be found here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNm_rWY-fqk

The band went on to explain what led them to ending their hiatus and what’s on the horizon for them in 2023:

“During the 2020 pandemic we made a collective decision to put Sworn Amongst on Hiatus, reason for this was genuinely down to commitment within the band. We’ve now brought Sworn back to life with original members as we all feel that spark again, to write music and tour together. We will be playing two hometown shows in Hull & Derby, as well as two full length tours towards the end of Q3 and some festival appearances which we can’t name yet.

Our new E.P is an honourable mention to the album where it all started, during 2020 it would’ve been ten years since our album Severance was release which through that we were able to experience things we’d only dreamed of. This new venture is a mixture of that and a modern twist, something for old and new fans to enjoy and relate to. We feel it’s our best material yet.”

A well renowned name throughout the UK and Europe, both in the press and on the live circuit, Sworn Amongst’s relentless touring and pummelling live performances have seen them grace stages all over Europe and beyond. Sworn Amongst have previously toured with numerous acts including playing main support to Canadian speed metal legends Annihilator as well as Gama Bomb, Our Hollow, Our Home, Lotus Eater, Bonded By Blood, Susperia, Breed 77, Man Must Die, Evile, and The Rotted.

They’ve also shared stages with the likes of Cannibal Corpse, Napalm Death, The Faceless, Anthrax, Sepultura, Chimaira, Skindred, Meshuggah, Bleed From Within, While She Sleeps, Dark Tranquillity, Asking Alexandria, and Sylosis. They have appeared at a variety of prestigious festivals including Download Festival, Bloodstock, Metal Heads Mission, Wurzburg Metal Fest, and Metal Invasion to name but a few.

British Pop Punks So Long, Space Girl Debut New Video!

‘Like A Bomb’ Released Ahead Of New Album “Your Heroes Are All Dead”

British pop punks So Long, Space Girl have released a video for their latest single ‘Like A Bomb’, taken from their brand-new album “Your Heroes Are All Dead” which was released on February 27th, 2023!

Speaking about the song, frontman AJ Willis has said:

“’Like A Bomb’ is a blunt metaphor for my own mental state in my darkest moments. It’s about your negative emotions taking over and swallowing you up, forcing you to watch helplessly from behind your eyes as you blow up everything around you, leaving pain and devastation in your wake. An unstable isotope of the best version of yourself.”

AJ further expanded upon this by discussing the themes of the video:

“The concept of the video is the age old “band playing in a room” with some cool artistic choices thrown in. The room is supposed to resemble a bomb shelter. There are two dolls in the room. One of the dolls is sat looking pristine and smiling, yet there’s something deeply unsettling about it.

The other doll is hanging by the neck from the ceiling, dirty and desecrated with the face smashed and one eye gouged out. These dolls represent the outer facade and the inner turmoil. Most people associate nuclear radiation with the colour green, so we had the idea to make everything green with each chorus to represent the room becoming more and more radioactive.”

The video can be found @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xq4tZ2t-4Uk&feature=youtu.be&themeRefresh=1

Formed by bassist Paul Coppock and drummer Anina Barrett in 2019. SLSG saw Willis join a short while later, as the band beavered away on a host of demos, refined their line up, and played a handful of gigs.

Stuck at home due to the pandemic, they knuckled down and focused their efforts on their debut album. “Stranded”, which was produced, mixed, and mastered by the rather talented John Mitchell at Outhouse Studios (Reading, UK), was released to favourable reviews in July 2021.

Following some favourable coverage, including pieces in Nightshift Magazine and some airtime on BBC Radio Oxford, the band decided to push things forward and recruit another guitarist to enhance their sound and live performances. This saw guitarist Rob Mauro join SLSG in early 2022.

The band then decamped back to Reading to re-enter the studio with John Mitchell to record their follow-up to “Stranded”. “Your Heroes Are All Dead” was released on February 27th, 2023, and see’s the band further refine their sound. Drawing on a heavier sound, the weightier production doesn’t take away from their upbeat sound, but instead adds further gravitas

FRENCHY AND THE PUNK cast their invitation to the Siouxsie-inspired ‘Temple of Sleep’

NYC-based postpunk duo Frenchy and the Punkpresent ‘Temple of Sleep’, a slow, dark, atmospheric track from their new ‘Zen Ghost’album. Pitting emotional angst against sleep, the song squirms with the uneasy yet seductive pull of altered states of rest. The video, shot entirely in upstate New York, captures the autumnal feel and mood of the song.

Frenchy and the Punk is vocalist, percussionist and lyricist Samantha Stephenson and guitarist-composer Scott Helland, who co-founded Outpatients and Deep Wound (with Dinosaur Jr.‘s J Mascis and Lou Barlow). The duo profess a vivid blend of post-punk and dark folk music.

Not long ago, the duo revealed‘If The World Doesn’t End First’, a love song wrapped in an impending apocalyptic scenario inspired by current events, past fears and the knowledge that, in the end, the things that don’t matter pass and the one thing that does remains.

Earlier, they released the high energy singles ‘Mon Souvenir’ and Siouxsie-esque ‘Come In and Play’, their shadowy sound taking an even darker turn towards the pair’s previously unexplored personal planes and interpretations of the insanity of our increasingly tumultuous age. Dark times make for dark songs.

“When I wrote the lyrics to ‘Temple of Sleep’, I was literally having trouble sleeping. Sleep used to come easily to me, except perhaps as a teenager when I was afraid to succumb to it because of recurring nightmares and sleep paralysis. But during these last few years, sleep has often evaded me. I also think about what it must be like to be in your early 20s at this time, trying to make plans and dreaming of the future and how it is probably so different than when I was that age. There is a dystopian cloud that seems to hover over everything these days. The everyday of life can be poisonous and make restful sleep hard to attain, which is so instrumental to a healthy life,” says Samantha Stephenson.

“I have always found that the return to nature for nurture and the calming of the waters of the heart and mind are essential to well being; an anecdote. I find the allure of the dream state to be very seductive and a welcome escape. The theme of sleep felt like the perfect subject for Scott’s beautifully lugubrious riff progression on this tune.”

Tapped as one of the Top 25 duos in the US by Yahoo! Music, the freewheeling pair has released numerous recordings, including the acclaimed albums ‘Happy Madness’ (2010), ‘Hey Hey Cabaret’ (2012), ‘Elephant Uproar’ (2013), ‘Cartwheels’ (2014), ‘Bonjour Batfrog’ (2014) and ‘Hooray Beret’ (2019).

French-born, but raised in the UK and USA, Stephenson’s study of piano and dance ignited her eventual rejection of corporate conformity and fueled a quest to lead a truly autonomous life through art and music. A son of jazz-loving teachers, Helland grew up in Western Massachusetts and was a vital player on the region’s fertile early hardcore punk scene.

Helland and Stephenson met in NYC in 1998, when Stephenson spontaneously jumped on stage to accompany Helland during his solo guitar performance. The artistic union was immediate, powerful and undeniable. The two began to tour with fevered zeal, turning heads with their striking aesthetic, steadily building fervent fans on the mystical-folk/steampunk festival, coffeehouse, convention, and club circuits with their boisterous, revival-like live shows.

Over the years, they’ve performed live with Dead Can Dance’s Peter Ulrich and Dresden Dolls’ Brian Viglione, and opened for Thomas Dolby, Dinosaur Jr., The World Inferno Friendship Society, Rasputina, Cruxshadows, Hurray For The Riff Raff and The Young Dubliners.

The ‘Zen Ghost’ LP is out now via EA Recordings and can be found across fine digital outlets, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. It is also available on CD via the band’s website.

ELK CITY offer the challenge of ‘Don’t You Wanna Try’

New Jersey Art pop band Elk Cityoffers their latest audio-visual delight ‘Don’t You Wanna Try’, an anti-anthem for anyone living outside of societal norms. This is a stunning slice of what is on offer on their recently released ‘Above The Water’ album, out now via Magic Door Record Label. This follows ‘Floating Above The Water’, these two videos filmed by H. Robert Escurel during the band’s life performance at Union Pool in Brooklyn.

Drummer-producer Ray Ketchem and vocalist-artist Renée LoBue have helmed Elk City since 2000, opening new chapters into their sound across 5 albums and 3 EPs. But with their 2022 LP, Above the Water, they’ve abandoned the script altogether, and that has everything to do with the group’s current lineup, which features guitarists Sean Eden (Luna), Chris Robertson (Psychedelic Furs side project Feed) and bassist Richard Baluyut (Versus).

“Putting music first was never a question for me, yet some around me questioned my choices. As years went on, the same people would tell me how I’ve inspired them for sticking to my creative guns. I’ve always known there is no blueprint for what a woman should want out of life. We are not all the same. The meat of the lyrics appear at the song’s end, “In another way I can be a light – for all those who doubt,” says Renée LoBue.

Ray Ketchem adds, “We were harnessing real anger and conversely finding strength. The song is about believing that you can be whatever you want in this world by discounting judgement of people who don’t understand you. The distorted sludge of the fuzz bass blossoms and reveals inner beauty as Renee exclaims “I can be a light for all those who doubt!”.

It’s always nighttime in Elk City – the same nighttime where Big Star liked to see the people. The same nighttime where that ol’ killing moon often comes too soon. The ‘Above the Water’ LP is that particular stripe of evocative post-everything rock ‘n’ roll, exalted and earthy at once, revelling in the joy of experience. Because that’s exactly how these songs got written in the first place – the band jammed until they existed.

Earlier, the band released the Suzanne Vega-esque confessional single ‘Apology Song’, upbeat introspective lead track ‘That Someone’ and the laid-back and philosophical ‘Your Time Doesn’t Exist’.

A new chapter in the Montclair, NJ band’s evolution, the new album is vibrant, raw-edged and bold, showcasing a new guitar-rich lineup. Released via the newly-launched Magic Door Record Label, founded by Guided by Voices drummer Kevin March with Ketchem and LoBue with a simple mission to release music created by the rich community of artists who surround them, this album reveals the band’s North Jersey roots and lineage with The Feelies, Yo La Tengo (with whom they share a former label, Bar/None) and Luna (with whom they share a guitarist).

‘Above the Water’ was recorded, mixed and mastered at Ketchem’s Magic Door Recording, opened in 2017 as an acoustically lush refuge for musical expression and experimentation. Ketchem, whose production credits include Guided By Voices, Luna and Gramercy Arms, partnered with legendary studio designer George Augspurger to transform a cavernous warehouse into a freeform studio where vintage microphones, modern studio gear, and bespoke sound tuning elevate and inspire.

The ‘Above The Water’ LP is out now, available across fine digital outlets, including Apple Music, Tidal, Qobuz and Spotify, as well as Bandcamp. On March 4, Elk City presents a night of female-fronted bands with friends Girls on Grass and Creek and Kills at the intimate Windjammer in Ridgewood, Queens (552 Grandview Ave, Queens, NY).

The Pull of Autumn invites you to enter the ‘Funhouse’

Art rock collective The Pull of Autumn have teamed up with Luke ‘Skyscraper’ James of I.R.S. recording artist FASHION on ‘Funhouse’, the latest offering from the collective’s fourth album ‘Beautiful Broken World’, an ambitious 15-track undertaking that began in early 2020. James is a key player in The Pull of Autumn, having contributed to every album released to date.

Earlier, the band released ‘Outlaw Empire’featuring The Pop Group legend Mark Stewart and bassist Doug Wimbish (Living Colour, Tackhead, The Rolling Stones, Sugarhill Gang), which was remixed by legendary producer Adrian Sherwood. That was followed by ‘Live Today’ with Tokyo dreamgazers Once Grace Forever.

This record involves a number of iconic artists, including Philip Parfitt of The Perfect Disaster, Stuart Moxham of Rough Trade postpunk band Young Marble Giants and John Neff, who has contributed to multiple David Lynch filmsand is also a member of David Lynch’s Blubob.

The Pull of Autumn is a ‘super group’ of sorts, with songs orbiting around Rhode Island artist Daniel Darrow of Johanna’s House of Glamour and involving numerous emerging and notable musicians from the local music scene and further abroad. The band’s debut 2018 eponymous album was followed by ‘Afterglow’ in 2019 and ‘Small Colors’ in 2020.

“This song is about how people in rural communities used to have to wait a year for the circus/ carnival to come to town. Then it would be gone. As opposed to the oceans of distraction and “entertainment” that the human race currently wallows around in,” says Luke ‘Skyscraper’ James.

Daniel Darrow adds, “For ‘Funhouse’, I wanted to add an inner-ear sound that would give the track an otherworldly sound. Luke is a fabulous writer and easily grasps many different sounds in sound design. We’ve been friends since 2018 and I’m glad we have a wonderful friendship as well as shared interest in all types of music.”

‘Beautiful Broken World’ is out now, available across online stores and streaming platforms like Apple Musicand Spotify, as well as Bandcamp, where it can be obtained directly from the artist.

British Pop Punks So Long, Space Girl Announce New Album

“Your Heroes Are All Dead” Set For Release On February 23rd 2023

British pop punks So Long, Space Girl are set to release their brand-new album “Your Heroes Are All Dead” on February 23rd 2023!

The tracklisting for the album is:

1. Your Heroes Are All Dead

2. Spineless

3. Peaches And Cream

4. I Hate You But I Hate Myself More

5. Reasons

6. Turn It Off

7. Like A Bomb

8. Rust

9. Tonight

10. Pull The Trigger

11. The Great Undying

12. A Long Way To Run, A Longer Way To Climb

Formed by bassist Paul Coppock and drummer Anina Barrett in 2019. Joined by frontman/guitarist AJ Willis, they beavered away on a host of demos, refined their line up, and played a handful of gigs.

Stuck at home due to the pandemic, they knuckled down and focused their efforts on their debut album. “Stranded”, which was produced, mixed and mastered by the rather talented John Mitchell at Outhouse Studios (Reading, UK), was released to favourable reviews in July 2021.

The band then decamped back to Reading to re-enter the studio with John Mitchell to record their follow-up to “Stranded”. “Your Heroes Are All Dead” is set for a February 23rd 2023 release date, and see’s the band further refine their sound. Drawing on a heavier sound, the weightier production doesn’t take away from their upbeat sound, but instead adds further gravitas.

Norwegian Metallers I The Betrayer Enter The “Slaughterhouse” On New Single

Frontman Chris Wiborg Breaks Down The Band’s Latest Outing

Norwegian quintet I The Betrayer released their new single “Slaughterhouse” on October 31st, taken from their upcoming album “Storm Vik” which is set for release in 2023.

Vocalist Chris Wiborg had this to say about the upcoming album:

“This will be the first of a two-part concept album based on a Lovecraftian tale that follows the protagonist, Storm Vik, and his journey into madness. The story takes place in post WW2 Norway, in a town called Rjukan, deep in a valley surrounded by mountains.

Storm Vik, the son of a Special Operation Executive responsible for sabotaging the heavy water plant for the Nazis, follows in the footsteps of his father as chief police constable of Rjukan. The looming threat of the cold war initiates a top secret project to dig deep into the mountain to build a passageway to a mountain top, Gaustatoppen, as a radio relaying station. But they dug too deep…”

The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/TmLbik6QTmk

I the Betrayer is made up of five guys from altogether different musical backgrounds brought together by their love of metal, and random chance, to create music which encompasses every part of their collective vision.

Influenced by all kinds of styles, from blues and progressive rock to death metal, they have managed to carve their own identity within the genre. Among the heavy metal chugging and pounding drums, you can expect to hear soaring vocal melodies leading to guttural lows, progressive inspired leads on top of driving metal progressions and contemplative clean passages exploding into a forceful and commanding song.

Their first release “7”, gained critical attention from publications like Metal Hammer and Norway Rock, along with their cover of Avenged Sevenfold’s “Shepherd of Fire”. Having recently released their single “Guise of the Infectious” after the pandemic, the guys are now deep in the production of their new album which is set for a 2023 release.

Starry Skies unveil solidarity-based ‘Light In Your Soul’ single from the Glasgow band’s ‘Small Wonders’ LP

Scotland’s Starry Skies present the single ‘Light In Your Soul’, a firm favourite among fans of one of Glasgow’s most beloved folk-rock band and a positive, heartfelt and gorgeous reminder to remember the light and strength inside themselves regardless of the challenges they face.

Lifted from their fourth studio album ‘Small Wonders’, it starts with acapella vocals and finger clicks, and soon transforms into a full-on production with hammond organ, jangly guitars and beautiful vocal harmonies.

Shaped by personal encounters with music icons Nina Simone, Iggy Pop and Chuck Berry, Warren McIntyre (aka Warren Starry Sky) founded the band in 2014 to encourage the proliferation of positive, hopeful music. Today, he is joined by Jenny Lunan, Heather Phillips, Sophie Pragnell, Johnny Rooney and Adam Scott, having supported Snow Patrol, Belle and Sebastian, The Vaselines and Teenage Fanclub over the years.

Dubbed a “masterpiece” and their strongest work yet, ‘Small Wonders’ is a hearty crowdfunded 10-track collection with a brilliant blend of indie rock and folk pop. These shimmering delights celebrate the small wonders that are all around us. These songs were written in 2021, when we were all really grateful for small things like being able to go for a walk with a friend.

“‘Light in Your Soul’ started off as a tribute to New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. She has been getting a lot of criticism in the press and this got me thinking about female leaders.I wanted to write a message of support to Jacinda to let her know that, even in far away Scotland, there are people who admire her and the kind inclusive approach she takes to leading her country. Her public show of empathy for the Muslim survivors of the Christchurch shooting was admirable and showed the strength of connection,” says Warren McIntyre.

“The verse lines “Hey there sister…..I don’t believe in these leaders – but I’d follow you to the end” and the chorus reminder that no matter how dark it gets it is important to remember the light were little messages in this song as a personal thank you to Jacinda”

Packed full of inspired and catchy songs with thoughtful lyrics, ‘Small Wonders’ was recorded and produced at Maybank Studios by Matt Harvey, perhaps best known for his work with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Scottish Opera, and mastered at Abbey Road Studios by legendary mastering engineer Frank Arkwright (The Smiths, New Order, Coldplay, Oasis, Primal Scream, Blur, Bryan Ferry).

As of October 7, ‘Light In Your Soul’ is available across digital platforms, including Spotify. The full ‘Small Wonders’ album can be ordered on Bandcamp or on CD and sky-blue vinyl via Last Night From Glasgow.

CREDITS

Written by Warren McIntyre

Recorded and produced by Matt Harvey at Maybank Studios, Glasgow

Mastered by Frank Arkwright at Abbey Road Studios, London

Album artwork by GND Design, back cover photo by Didier

Released by Fox Star Records

TRACK LIST

01. Smile Through The Dark

02. Spitfire Susie

03. Highwater Eagle

04. Light In Your Soul

05. Kindhearted People

06. Natural Way

07. I Don’t Wanna Be That Kinda Guy

08. Iris In The Underground

09. I Was Lost

10. On The Beach

Manchester art-rock stalwarts THE SPEED OF SOUND present haunting ‘Charlotte 12″ version’ from new double A-side single

Manchester indie rock outfit The Speed Of Sound presents their new video for ‘Charlotte 12″ Version’, which is the second track included in the new ‘Virtual Reality 123 / Charlotte 12″ Version’ single released via Big Stir Records. Just like a classic 12” single, each track clocks in at over 6 minutes.

Playing on the anxious menace of ‘Charlotte’, this extended version adds a ghostly and delicately layered ephemeral depth of neo-gothic proportions, enhancing the dread within the runaway choruses, leaving no need for flickering candles; true terror is within the mind.

Frontman John Armstrong. explains: “This song is based on actual events from the 1850’s; the first time we played Charlotte live was in Elizabeth Gaskell’s house within the actual room where Charlotte Bronte hid behind a curtain to avoid meeting an unexpected visitor while she was staying in her fellow novelist’s home. That gig was just two weeks before Charlotte’s 200th birthday. It was easy to imagine her still there and hiding from us too. Anxiety is the natural state of the modern world, but it has been around much longer. The part of Charlotte on the introduction is performed by Janet Armstrong”.

Hailing from Manchester, The Speed of Sound is made up of father and son John Armstrong (guitars and vocals) and Henry Armstrong (keyboards), Ann-Marie Crowley (vocals and guitar), Kevin Roache (bass guitar) and John Broadhurst (drums). In 2021, they released their critically acclaimed album ‘Museum Of Tomorrow’.

Formed in 1989 with a pre-history dating back to the day Andy Warhol died in 1987, The Speed of Sound lies deep below the ‘music industry radar’, allowing for the evolution of their own distinctive sound and live act. Their music is optimistic, but with lyrical bite, a punk-inspired DIY ethos and lust for experimentation rooted in psychedelia.

Throughout their 33-year history, The Speed Of Sound have always been idiosyncratic, counter-intuitive and perpetually looking for something new. These two fresh extended pieces take advantage of space that is not afforded when limited by the physical time constraints of vinyl. The result is effectively two new pieces that are epic in different and unexpected ways. Is this Progressive Pop? There is only one way to find out.

Regarding the second track of this single, ‘Virtual Reality 123’ is a dramatic and desolate soundscape, unfurling within the atmospheric pairing of grand piano and guitar feedback with the human voice. Joyous and steely resolute in its determination to create and inhabit a personal parallel universe, it constructs a separate realm for the purpose of keeping the work/life spheres completely separate. A possibility powered by enabling and running an ‘alternative-life’ programme alongside the daily grind, it steps from one to the other, closing the door between them. Replacing the drudgeries of the physical analogue personal life with a digital perfection, the virtual world becomes a refuge from actual existence and the place when life exists in a state of perpetual euphoria.

‘Virtual Reality 123 / Charlotte (12″ Version)’ is out now, available via Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. The band’s original ‘Museum of Tomorrow’ album is also available on vinyl and CD from Big Stir Records and record stores.

CREDITS

John Armstrong – songwriting, guitars and vocals

Ann-Marie Crowley – vocals and guitars

Kevin Roache – bass guitar

John Broadhurst – drums

Henry Armstrong – keyboards

Engineer, mixing & mastering by Adam Crossley & Chris Guest

The Pull of Autumn unveils a ‘Beautiful Broken World’, a new album featuring Mark Stewart, Adrian Sherwood, Doug Wimbish, Philip Parfitt, Luke “Skyscraper” James and others…

Art rock collective The Pull of Autumn present their fourth album ‘Beautiful Broken World’, an ambitious 15-track undertaking that began in early 2020.

This record involves a number of iconic artists, including Philip Parfitt of The Perfect Disaster, Stuart Moxham of Rough Trade postpunk band Young Marble Giants, Luke Skyscraper James of I.R.S. recording artist FASHION and John Neff, who has contributed to multiple David Lynch films and is also a member of David Lynch’s Blubob.

Earlier, the band released ‘Outlaw Empire’ featuring The Pop Group legend Mark Stewart and bassist Doug Wimbish (Living Colour, Tackhead, The Rolling Stones, Sugarhill Gang), which was remixed by legendary producer Adrian Sherwood. That was followed by ‘Live Today’ with Tokyo dreamgazers Once Grace Forever and its kaleidoscopic video, created by Rosie Varela (of shoegaze band EEP)

The Pull of Autumn is a ‘super group’ of sorts, with songs orbiting around Rhode Island artist Daniel Darrow of Johanna’s House of Glamour and involving numerous emerging and notable musicians from the local music scene and further abroad. The band’s debut 2018 eponymous album was followed by ‘Afterglow’ in 2019 and ‘Small Colors’ in 2020.

“For this new Pull of Autumn album, I wanted to place greater emphasis on the production of the music as to develop a signature sound that is heard throughout the entire recording. Also lyrically, the tunes speak to the changing and sometimes chaotic times we’ve all been through. I’ve grown more confident in the process of using purely acoustic elements with electronic sound design to create a new interesting sound,” says Daniel Darrow.

“Once again, it was a lot of fun having musicians from many different backgrounds come together to create a group of songs that ultimately make the entire album come together as one united voice. It’s been a lot of fun working with artists from all over the world and experiencing their completely different methods of creating art, even if it reaches a few ears. I find much joy in that!”.

As of December 9, ‘Beautiful Broken World’ will be available across online stores and streaming platforms like Apple Music and Spotify, as well as Bandcamp, where it can be obtained directly from the artist.

CREDITS

Album produced by Daniel Darrow

Mastered by Bruce Macleod

Album cover art by Joyce Raskin White

‘Live Today’ video created by Rosie Varela of EEP

‘Outlaw Empire’ video by Rick Humphrey of That Twisted Wreckage

TRACK LIST

01. Beautiful Broken World (with Daniel Darrow)

02. She Writes The Words (with Leigh Gregory)

03. Come Winter (with Stuart Moxham)

04. Moonbeams (with Family Band)

05. Lost Guitar (with Luke “Skyscraper” James)

06. John Clare (with Philip Parffitt)

07. Outlaw Empire (with Mark Stewart, Doug Wimbish & Adrian Stewart)

08. Little Hands (with Bruce Macleod)

09. Never Swayed (with Julius Manning)

10. Moukie (with Mina Norouzi)

11. Images of Light (with Matthew Darrow)

12. Funhouse (with Luke “Skyscraper” James)

13. You Will Live Again (with Julius Manning)

14. Live Today (with Once Grace Forever)

15. In Silence (with Ricky Humphrey)

ROME March Towards The Light On New Album

“Hegemonikon-A Journey To The End Of Light” Set For Release On November 25th

Luxembourg musician Jerome Reuter is set to release his new album “Hegemonikon-A Journey To The End Of Light” with his band ROME on November 25th, 2022 via Trisol Music Group. ROMEs 17th album and holds a few daring surprises: On this new album, the influences of electronica and new wave have shaped ROME’s trademark guitar-based dark folk into a new beast by adding a subtle touch of post-punk synth-rock to the mix.

The tracklist reads like this:

1. A Slaughter Of Crows

2. No Second Troy

3. Icarus Rex

4. Surely Ash

5. On The Slopes Of Mount Malamatiyah

6. Walking The Atlal

7. Hearts Mend

8. The Ripping Of The Veil

9. Solar Caesar

10. Stone Of Light-Mer De Glace

11. New Flags

ROME can be experienced live on the following dates:

November 24th 2022 / Stuttgart, Germany // Club Cann

November 25th 2022 / Nuremberg, Germany // Club Stereo

November 26th 2022 / Zwickau, Germany // Mithras Garden Festival

November 27th 2022 / Leipzig, Germany // Moritzbastei

November 29th 2022 / Berlin, Germany // Quasimodo

November 30th 2022 / Poznan, Poland // U Bazyla

December 1st 2022 / Warsaw, Poland // Hydrozagadka

December 2nd 2022 / Krakow, Poland // Hype Park

December 4th 2022 / Budapest, Hungary // Dürer Kert

December 6th 2022 / Fiorano Modenese, Italy / Teatro Astoria

December 7th 2022 / Turin, Italy // Ziggy Club

December 8th 2022 / Aargau, Switzerland // Musigburg

December 10th 2022 / Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg / / Kulturfabrik

February 15th 2023 / Lviv, Ukraine / TBA

February 18th 2023 / Kyiv, Ukraine / TBA

Ever since the band’s inception by Luxembourg-born mastermind and multi-instrumentalist Jerome Reuter in 2005, ROME has displayed a resilience and constitution found only in Olympic athletes when it comes to releasing hard-hitting, bullet-proof albums every single year.

Chanson noir, post-industrial, avant-pop, new folk, singer-songwriter… it takes a whole lot of neologisms to try and describe the band’s musical style. In 2022, ROME demonstrates yet again how to chameleon yourself into a fresh new form by introducing electronic musical elements by way of analogue synthesizers, without losing the strength of its true and strong self.

ROME thrives on the concept of the free-space, an anarchic area of experimentation dedicated to the dark yet joyous celebration of life. ROME is the beast of the under-current, dominated by an affection for that which cannot be pressed into a form, for wild growth, for the willingly chaotic urge to go out into the open and the aversion to confinement. ROME sets its sails to new horizons, to the frontier. In short: to life!

The album delivers iconic, synth-driven hymns like ‘No Second Troy’, ‘Solar Caesar’ and ‘Hearts Mend’, by which ROME enhances its already vast sonic universe.’ Hegemonikon’ is steeped in high drama, each track spilling into the next like a dystopian opera. From the sampled poetic snippets of the opening ‘A Slaughter of Crows’, to the ethereal words of ‘Stone of Light’, voices play an integral role in the album’s theatrical aura.

With its themes of defiance, the holy and the vertical, this masterpiece is a new landmark for the band. What keeps ROME relevant is its constant dealings with matters of the European soul in an ever-changing modern world. What separates their wheat from the chaff of their peers is the deeply poetic nature of its lyrics and music.

‘Hegemonikon’ is a bold musical statement and demonstrates that ROME, in its 17th year of existence, is not content to coast on the coattails of their back catalogue but is able to surprise its vast audience with another hard-hitting album made of anthemic songs.

To life!

Swedish Metallers Norrskold Revel In Silence In New Video!

“Only Silence” Releases Following New Album ‘Prima Aeternus’!

Swedish metallers Norrskold have released their latest video for the song “Only Silence”, taken from their latest album ‘Prisma Aeternus’, which released on November 7th, 2022!

Speaking about the track, mainman Henrik Bodin-Skold has said:

“”Only Silence” is one of the darkest and heaviest songs ever written by the band. Lyrically “Only Silence” describes a future scenario where planet Earth is totally freed from mankind, with the relief of being able to reset itself without the plague that we humans have caused.”

Deriving from the cold forests of Sweden, Norrsköld began as a studio project in 2013 by Henrik Bodin-Skold, blending atmospheric black metal with melodic death/folk metal and picking up comparisons to Dissection, early In Flames and Emperor. Norrskold have gone on to tour across Europe, including in support of Nightrage and Amon Amarth.

Norrskold’s debut EP ‘Blessing Of Winter’ came out in 2013, and its core lyrical themes touched upon Scandinavian folklore with tracks like “Night Crystals” and “Dreamless”, both depicting historical supernatural events recorded in the world of past generations. The EP, generally recognized as pagan black metal, was warmly received by critics.

Following up their debut EP, Norrsköld’s first full-length album ‘Reflections Of The Night Sky’ was released in 2014 and saw them opting for a more optimistic world view. The album contains more intricate, epic folk metal compositions. Lyrically, the theme of folklore was accomplished by the depictions of a life in the harsh Swedish climates. The debut album was reviewed broadly in the international metal media as well as in one of Sweden’s biggest metal magazines, Sweden Rock Magazine.

Norrsköld’s second EP ‘Ridden’, released in 2015, contains two instrumentals and two lyric based songs. The title track “Ridden” became one of the band’s most beloved songs among their growing fanbase. Their second full length album ‘Withering Virtue’ came out in 2017 and is their most ambitious album so far, with live classical orchestral musicians joining the record. A 12-song album of piercing melodic black/folk metal, reviewers emphasized the fact that Norrsköld continues to spread a uniquely catchy yet brutal melodic metal sound.

Norrsköld’s third album ‘Prisma Aeternus’ released on November 7th, 2022 and leans towards an explosive melodic black/death metal vibe, with artwork made by virtuoso Niklas Sundin (ex-Dark Tranquillity). The album shows a new dimension of the band as the songs have transcended into an even more melodic state while also providing some of the heaviest compositions the band has ever written. Being a concept album, the lyrics cover a dystopian observation of the rise and fall of mankind in relation to the evolution and destruction of Earth.

Norwegian Metallers I The Betrayer Enter The “Slaughterhouse” On New Single

Frontman Chris Wiborg Breaks Down The Band’s Latest Outing

Norwegian quintet I The Betrayer are set to release their new single “Slaughterhouse” on October 31st, and Devolution are happy to announce the exclusive stream of the track, taken from their upcoming album “Storm Vik” which is set for release in 2023.

Vocalist Chris Wiborg had this to say about the upcoming album:

“This will be the first of a two-part concept album based on a Lovecraftian tale that follows the protagonist, Storm Vik, and his journey into madness.The story takes place in post WW2 Norway, in a town called Rjukan, deep in a valley surrounded by mountains.

Lincoln Rockers LaVire Release New Video

Timewaster Released Ahead Of New EP “No Truth To Tell Part 1”

Lincoln rockers LaVire have released a new video for the track ‘Timewaster’ ahead of the release of their brand-new EP “No Truth To Tell Part 1” on November 10^th 2022!

Speaking about the themes behind the song, the band have said:

“The track reflects on a breakdown of a previous relationship – its drive is the realisation of self-worth, love, self-respect and rebirth. The response sent last week lent towards being more generic as our view has always been that music should be subjective and that audiences should find their own meaning behind the song.”

The tracklisting for “No Truth To Tell Part 1” is:

Welcome To The Freakshow
The Wall
Timewaster
North Star
We Play God

LaVire (pron. La-Ve-er) is a 4-piece heavy rock band from Lincoln, UK. Drawing influence from major arena artists of the last few decades, and with an emphasis on composition and song-craft, they bear comparison to the likes of Halestorm, Biffy Clyro and Muse, to name a few.

Always putting the song first and striving to engage the listener, they bring colour, melody, harmony, and depth to traditional rock songwriting. Never afraid to experiment or bring new flavours to the mix, while still drawing from their influences with pride.

LaVire have honed their sound with huge bass tones and rhythmic drums; each song layered with chunky guitar riffs, shimmering reverbs and echoing delays becoming a canvas for vocalist Chloe’s lyrics and storytelling. On their upcoming EP, “No Truth To Tell Part 1” tracks such as ‘North Star’ and ‘The Wall’ showcase their modern, anthemic rock sound whilst the epic ‘We Play God’ demonstrates a deep rooted emotion in their music.

LaVire’s’ first round of recorded material is available now on all major streaming services, incl. previous single ‘The Wall’ which was featured on BBC Introducing. Their next single ‘Timewaster’ will be released on October 6th ahead of their debut 5-track EP which will be released on November 10th.

A second 5-track EP will be released in early 2023.

With gigs booked around the UK throughout the remainder of 2022 and into 2023, the band is ready to take the scene by storm.