RingMasterReview Nibbles

The RingMaster Review takes a swift glance at more great singles and encounters…

New Blazes

Bringing with them fresh flames of virulence, imagination, and bold temptation we have another selection of singles which grabbed our ears and pleasure.

We start with British alternative rock outfit Vain Galen have just uncaged their new single Stickman. It is a track which more than builds on the roar and potential of previous tracks including their attention stoking single, Contemplate the Immortality of the Crab. That previous release made a potent introduction to the London hailing trio, the new track simply confirming them as one to keep a close ear upon.

Formed in 2012, Vain Galen is a three pronged rock ‘n’ roll roar, as proven by Stickman, unafraid to embrace raw and aggressive flavours. From its opening vocal incitement, the track erupts into a rousing trespass; punk, rock, and more metallic essences colluding in its irritable proposal. There is an inherent catchiness to it though which fuels its endeavours, one which still teases when the song slips into a calmer but thickly emotive flame.

That previous track brought something of Therapy? to its presence but Stickman has a far more individual Vain Galen character which might not be unique but is boldly fresh and easy to want more of.

We cannot tell you when their new album is out exactly but we can confidentially say it is going to be one striking proposition if the new single from The Written Years is anything to go by. Superficial Feeling is a riveting seduction of melodic and harmonic caresses upon an emotion bred heart which strolls through ears with an infectious roar spilling enticement and temptation note by syllable.

The Canadian outfit have already ignited keen anticipation for that forthcoming full-length through debut single Lost In You Now, a track with its own infectious character and energy. Co-produced by Ryan Worsley and Written Years, Superficial Feeling quickly reveals its own individuality and contagion, the Vancouver band’s alternative pop once more finding new pastures to explore; a diversity we can only expect to be followed in an array of adventures across the future release.

Synths instantly embrace the senses as Superficial Feeling rises to its flirtatious feet, elegance and melodic suggestion surround the equally captivating tones of vocalist/guitarist Wade Ouellet. Swiftly the ear clipping beats of Kane Enders swing in tandem with the sonic imagination of Ouellet and fellow guitarist Alex Richardson, the bass of Brian Dyck a darker and similarly alluring hue in the song’s sunset. With melancholy and warmth uniting across a vibrant sigh of sound with a eighties kiss in its modern romance; at times teasing with a China Crisis like sigh, the track is pure mesmerism managing to eclipse its predecessor and inject real hunger into the wait for that new album.

Released as May awoke, I Don’t Feel Right is the irrepressible new single from UK rockers Ghosts Of Men. To say that the past two years have been a busy time for the duo of Peter Clegg and Adam Merchant is a bit of an understatement; the band performing at over seventy festival stages as well as playing a tide of UK dates and releasing a well-received EP and album. New track I Don’t Feel Right will surely just be the trigger to a continuing voracious escapade through their powerful sound and its praise.

Swiftly as pure vocal and rhythmic enticement tease, the song is a magnet for ears and attention. Equally soon a Queens Of The Stone Age meets The Sea like glaze washes across song and imagination too, a flavouring only adding to its highly flavoursome presence and character. It continues to taunt and seduce as rhythmic jabs collude with sonic flames and vocal enticement; irrepressibly flirting with the instinctive catchiness already recognised in the band’s sound.

The track is superb, familiar yet unique and the kind of stomp which just gets all to their boisterous feet.

If we learn a band hails from Bristol, one of England’s most potent musical breeding grounds, we just have to pay attention. That inclination has only led us to some new pleasures and indeed lusts and we might just have been introduced to another courtesy of their new single Bone Dry. The band is Three Kings High, a quintet with a sound described as Sleazo-Indie-Rock and Roll but on the evidence of their outstanding new track has a flair for spinning compelling webs of psych spiced, blues lined dark punk ‘n’ roll too.

Released 25th May, Bone Dry is another teaser to an upcoming album which leaves no stone of persuasion and temptation unturned. From its first breath, the track is strolling along with an attitude bred swagger, fiery grooves a lively smoulder and sizzle across the rhythmic compulsion cast. The vocals of Joe Eden are just as compelling, magnetically backed by the band’s throats and their individual and united enterprise.

At times the track is something akin to The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster meets The Ugly Kings, an invasively stirring, body inciting proposal which entangles rock ‘n’ roll across numerous decades into one almost salaciously rousing incitement. That album cannot come fast enough.

Though released a handful of weeks back we could not let the latest single from The Winachi Tribe pass by. Called Transition, the track is a tenacious slice of electro funk infused with the nagging prowess of electro punk; quite simply virulent rock which has you lustfully dancing and salivating for more before it reaches its second chorus.

From Manchester, the British “Sonic Soul Collective” has just returned from their first headline U.S tour across California and release Transition with the acclaim and support for previous singles Time For Love and A Room With A Zoo still a vocal presence. The new track is like a mix of the warm pop of Heaven 17 meets the funk contagion of Massive Attack; a song which bubbles like refreshing soda on the senses and radiates temptation like the summer sun with the vocals of frontman Liam Croker echoing both lures as guitars entangle and rhythms dance with the body.

It is a song which just makes you feel good from a band in The Winachi Tribe which has never failed yet to put a spring in the step and spirit.

Another single released a short time ago is You Stumble, I Fall; one more track which just mesmerises as it gets deep under the skin. The song is the latest offering from The Lazlo Device, a London hailing quartet creating experimental post rock which has already earned keen praise especially through their 2016 debut album Duelism but also a clutch of singles and EPs.

For their new track, the band embraces a web of unique flavours in its seriously compelling tapestry. From desert to psych rock, world and Indian music to jazzier hues, the song feeds off their essences and beauty for its mystical lures and infectious enticement. Alongside the elegance of a sitar, a sax flames with emotion lined intimation while alongside the mania kissed vocals of bassist Dan Murdoch smoulder. The song is pure pleasure, the guitars and keys of Ross Saunders and Mark Litobarski creating a soundscape a little reminiscent of The Mission as Leo Fenn’s rhythms manipulatively stroll.

Finally ahead of a new album later this year, You Stumble, I Fall is just irresistible, one of the most delicious things heard in our ears this year; certainly one of the most succulent.

There is no doubt that post punk has continued to inspire and spice up new bands year by year from its first and most potent days. It is a genre we for one can never lose our appetite for, a hunger being very skilfully fed by British post-punk dark pop outfit Klammer and their new single Modern God. Out a couple of weeks back, the song is an echo of those early days but with a fresh touch and voracity which is firmly in the now.

Formed by producer Steve Whitfield (The Cure, The Mission, Terrorvision, Jane Weaver) in 2014, Klammer has released a pair of well-received albums in Auslane and its self-titled successor. Released via Under Dogz Records as the new single and a third length in You Have Been Processed which is due later this summer, the previous encounters sparked potent attention which has helped see the band regularly play around the UK and share stages with the likes of The Skids, The Undertones, Richie Ramone, Penetration, and The Membranes as well as make reputation accelerating appearances at the likes of Rebellion and The Great British Alternative festivals.

Now they have unveiled Modern God, a song which just crawls under the skin. Its initial hook is inescapable bait, inviting attention into the waiting lair of nagging rhythms and sonic intrigue aligned to vocal and lyrical rapacity. As it swings along with almost sinister charm and portentous suggestion, the song resembles a blend of Artery, Play Dead, and New Model Army. Every second is thick temptation, every breath a contagion fuelled trespass, it all making for a single which makes anticipation and impatience for the forthcoming You Have Been Processed oh so easy.

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

https://www.facebook.com/writtenyears https://twitter.com/writtenyears https://writtenyears.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ghostsofmen/ https://twitter.com/GhostsofMen

http://threekingshigh.com/ https://www.facebook.com/ThreeKingsHigh/ https://twitter.com/threekingshigh

https://www.facebook.com/thewinachitribe https://twitter.com/winachitribe

https://www.thelazlodevice.com/ https://www.facebook.com/thelazlodevice https://twitter.com/THELAZLODEVICE

https://www.klammer.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/klammerband https://twitter.com/klammerband

Pete RingMaster 31/05/2018

Dares and Lures

The release of the outstanding Necronomicon EP virtually a year ago also brought news of an impending new full-length trespass from British cult rockers, THE HANGMEN. It is a devil spawned incantation we are still awaiting but the trio have still gone on to light lustful pleasure with the recent release of new single TRUE HATE NEVER DIES.

The song is another inimitable slice of the trio’s psychobilly/garage punk infestation and a devious little creature. Whereas that previous EP and especially its title track had our bodies and appetite drunk on involvement straight away, True Hate Never Dies made a slower persuasion or so we thought. Before its close though, instinctive movement from feet and hips was in full swing, slipping in under the radar but quickly a lively blur. Similarly the song and its tantalising groove proved itself to be a nagging persistence in thoughts. Quite simply, the song is a rousing contagion loaded stomp; it is just sneaky how it goes about it.

The track immediately winds a tangy, salacious groove around ears, a clash of cymbals and a rhythmic jab adding further drama before it all unites in a rolling canter with that prime groove leading the way. The familiar tones of Loz Firewalker are soon enjoyable antagonism in its midst, his gravel throated delivery as alluring as his strings and the rhythmic swing of his companions.

Things only get more manipulative and rousing from thereon in, the track a bullish, violence encroaching slice of punk infested rockabilly and all the time working away on heart and spirit as well as awaiting nightmares.

Another devilish gem from The Hangmen?…We think so!

As too is the new track from UK rockers INDYA. Every release from the band comes with a healthy sense of intrigue. That is because each has brought a new shade and colour to the band’s rock ‘n’ roll and new single, THA FINAL LINE is no different and no alien to providing another seriously enjoyable moment to eagerly savour.

Formed by Brighton hailing vocalist/songwriter Natalie Indya West, Indya swiftly lured keen attention and praise with the release of debut EP Strip Me Down in 2016. It has been a continuing, escalating temptation which Tha Final Line brings another thrust to.

The song opens with a glam/electro rock shuffle, a sensuous dance flirting with ears and imagination as it welcomes West’s vibrant tones. Infectious but with restraining shadows, it is a magnet lure accentuated by the brewing metal traits of the band’s ever evolving sound. They subsequently escape to bring a rapacious snarl to a track challenging and seducing in equal measure. The song continues to be unpredictable and compelling across its three minutes plus, twisting potent contrasts while revolving with real imagination.

Growing more fascinating and captivating by the listen, simply put Tha Final Line is another inescapable treat from Indya.

If you ever wondered about the quality of the Irish rock scene, there are numerous bands which give a major indication that it is in a pretty great state. The likes of Able Archer are a more recognised example but equally there is an up and coming proposition just as vocal in its positive state and they go by the name of Wolves Of Youth.

From Donegal, the quartet of Garry Doherty (lead vocals/guitar), Stephen Shelly (lead guitar), Ciaran O’Reilly (bass/vocals) and Daniel McGettigan (drums) has previously released some quite striking tracks and do so again with the single START AGAIN. A slice of richly flavoured indie rock, the song initially teases with guitar and voice, both subdued yet with an open liveliness which soon erupts and sparks the band into casting a vibrant and boisterous stroll which ears and feet soon keenly grabbed. Continuing to tempt with a tenaciously nagging bassline, crisp beats, and melodic enterprise as well as electronic spicing around Doherty’s excellent vocals, the track just captivates while proving yes Irish rock/pop is in good condition and in the hands of some rather enjoyable bands.

Finally and released a handful of weeks back but a song no one should miss is TEARDROPS IN MY EYES, the new single from THE VINTAGE CALVINOS. Taken from their acclaimed debut album, An Invitation To Infamy, the track epitomises the Scottish outfit’s tapestry of sound and suggestion and equally its seriously infectious traits.

Created by songwriter/bassist/vocalist David Baird, the Aberdeen based band embraces everything from pop to indie, rock to folk and a host of numerous other spices in their creative weaves with Teardrops in My Eyes a web of numerous flavours in its own right. Openly pop infectious but with a rousing rock ‘n’ roll core carrying just a hint of a snarl, it swiftly infests ears and hips, manipulating the imagination with sorrowful melodies and sinful energy.

Though unique in character and sound you might imagine early Elvis Costello merged with similarly aged Orange Juice to get a whiff of the song’s charm and indeed mischief. Equally, if you need a nudge to go check out The Vintage Calvinos, if you have not already, and their excellent album, Teardrops in My Eyes is one devilish push.

True Hate Never Dies is out now @ https://hangmen666.bandcamp.com/track/true-hate-never-dies-3

https://www.thehangmen.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/thehangmen https://twitter.com/Hangmen666

Tha Final Line is out now though Holier Than Thou Records.

https://www.facebook.com/IndyaOfficial/ https://twitter.com/IndyaOfficial

Wolves Of Youth’s Start Again is available now through ITunes and Spotify.

https://www.facebook.com/wolvesofyouthband https://twitter.com/WolvesOfYouth https://www.instagram.com/wolvesofyouthband/

Teardrops In My Eyes from The Vintage Calvinos is out now through Stereogram Recordings.

http://www.stereogramrecordings.co.uk/the-vintage-calvinos/

https://www.facebook.com/thevintagecalvinos/

Pete RingMaster 11/04/2018

Load and Bounce

Last year we introduced THE DUFFALOES and their sound to you, a potent and individual slice of emotive alternative rock suggesting a band to keep a close ear upon. Now the UK band has just released their new single SINGING THE BLUES, a track which embraces a distinctly different flavouring as the band explores new avenues.

The Duffaloes consists of vocalist/guitarist Lee Duffy and guitarist/bassist Lee Williams, musicians who have been a rich part of the Liverpool music scene through playing in other bands and in other guises over the years. It is fair to say that the pair’s debut single Scars lured strong praise and attention, something the very different Singing The Blues should emulate upon its release.

The song has a much lighter tone to its character and an unashamedly easy infectious swing which grabs the psyche. It also carries a familiar flavouring bred in the pop scene of the band’s home city; it all adding to its swift and sure captivation. Guitars and rhythms immediately share their smile laded stroll, Duffy’s vocals similarly uplifting among brass styled flames. The song’s bounce alone has feet tapping and ears attentive, guitars weaving a melodic lure just as inviting as the catchiness relentlessly works away.

As mentioned the song is very different to the band’s first tracks, that style certainly we wish to hear the band evolving ahead, but Singing The Blues with its easy going nature and Pete Wylie-esque mischief more than leaves the spirit roused.

Recent days has also seen a new single from THE CLOCKWORKS and the most devilishly irresistible moment with the Irish outfit yet.

Through encounters such as Mazda, You Are The Problem, and The World Owes Me A Favour, the band and its sound has teased and grabbed increasing attention to match its growing prowess, a trait now given greater potency by RUMOURS IN THE STOCKROOM. Hailing from Galway, the quartet of James McGregor, Seán Connelly, Damian Greaney, and Tom Freeman had a big 2017 with acclaimed singles accompanied by a praise loaded performance at Electric Picnic Festival and the band reaching the semi-finals of the prestigious Best of the Fest competition. If Rumours in the Stockroom is anything to go by, 2018 will be following suit at the very least.

The new song again is nurtured in the ear grabbing indie infused punk the band is becoming notorious for, but swiftly reveals its own individual mischief and enterprise as a flourish of guitar sparks a firmly bouncy stroll. Rhythms quickly add their jabs infection fuelling it all especially when vocals and bass bring their swagger to the fun.

Like a mix of Max Raptor and Arctic Monkeys, and The Damned the song is simply superb; the band’s lyrical wink and musical boisterousness colluding in rousing devilment.

One half of THE UGLY KINGS their recent two track single, PROMISED LAND has just been given greater stature and temptation by its new video. The film emphasises the simple fact that if you have not checked out the single before, you really need to make amends especially if heavily infectious blues washed heavy rock is your cup of tea.

Ahead of the Australian band’s new album, Darkness Is My Home, due April 13^th, Promised Land makes for the keenest invitation from its first breath. An opening shadowy lure of guitar instantly courts the imagination, soon being strengthened by the darkly hued and striking tones of vocalist Rusty. Drama soaks every subsequent note and syllable, the dusty desolate scenery the song strolls as visible in sound as in its outstanding video. Becoming more tempestuous and heavy by the second and similarly virulently catchy, the track just infests the imagination and appetite like a brooding relation to a fusion of The Doors and Royal Blood.

From bass to guitar, voice to beats, the track is majestic, a dark but fiery temptation echoed by a similarly alluring film.

Bringing a lighter sunset of sound is the new single from British trio TORS. Hailing from Devon but now London based, the band was formed by the Weedon brothers, Matt and Theo. The grandsons of Bert Weedon, a household name guitarist in the fifties/sixties, began writing songs which found a place in the soundtrack of the critically acclaimed Channel 4 drama, Skins. Alongside Tors, Matt also writes music for multiple Japanese and Korean pop bands, and has also written chart hits in Italy and Poland while a song he wrote for Declan J Donovan, Better, is currently being supported by Radio 1.

It is with Tors and their mesmeric folk/pop sound that you sense the threesome will find biggest recognition especially with songs like the bewitching Wilder Days. Harmonies instantly wrap a stroke of guitar, melodies whispering in the midst before the song settles into a plaintive croon with bold but controlled rhythms alongside the keen lure of guitar and voice. Straight away the magnetism was inescapable, the song’s building small but rich crescendos utilised to masterful effect by the strands of sound and the suggestive calms and pauses.

There is a touch of Doves and Dublin trio k.N.O.T.S. to the song but with its harmonic beauty it is all Tors and quite beguiling.

Helping February going into March already seeing like being a major moment in 2018 for singles is the debut track from alternative rock quintet RXPTRS. The British quintet only formed to the rear of last year but already going by BOUND, has nurtured and honed a sound which can be tagged to a style but truly sits amidst an array of genres or rather rests in the blurred lines between their varied rock ‘n roll boundaries.

Drawing on inspirations ranging from Every Time I Die and Beartooth to My Chemical Romance, RXPTRS create a roar which is bold, raw, and uncompromising yet with an imagination and infectiousness which in the case of Bound just gets under the skin. It is a rousing trespass of punk and alternative rock with a hardcore irritancy and rock ‘n’ roll revelry.

A twisted almost torturous love story, it straight away harries the senses with its spicy strokes of guitar. Heavier rhythms soon join their bait as vocalist Simon Roach stands tall in their midst with intimately plaintive tones. Riffs and hooks are quickly uncaged as a great Billy Talent-esque breath washes across a song becoming more volatile by the twist and turn. As drama escapes the guitars of Ian Chadderton and Harley David Watson so contagious incitement springs from the rhythms of bassist Sam Leworthy and drummer Mat Capper; Roach still bellowing away with passion at the centre.

All bands hope to make a real impression with their first release; RXPTRS have done that and then some.

Lastly in this selection of singles we suggest checking out BLOOD ON MY HANDS, the new single/video from UK alternative crew VEINS. An atmospheric almost haunting but eagerly infectious slice of melodic rock, the track has a compelling presence as magnetic as its lively sound.

Consisting of vocalist/guitarist Stephen Rees, bassist Scott Warner, and drummer Dan Appleyard, the Corby hailing threesome list the likes of The Junket, Defenestration and Acoda on their CV. Inspirations come from bands such as Smashing Pumpkins, Deftones, Sigur Ros, The XX, and Swervedriver, a blend of experiences and influences which colours the band’s individual sound. 2017 was good to the band too, from their well-received debut single, Ambi, the outfit shared stages with bands such as Holding Absence, Rival Bones, Koyo, Signals, Press to Meco, and Ohboy and played last year’s Camden Rocks Festival alongside Feeder, Pulled Apart by Horses, The King Blues, The Damned, Carl Barat, The Coral, The Rifles and more.

Blood On My Hands almost seeps from the speakers as keys float across the senses with a suggestive touch. They are quickly joined by the heavier growl of Warner’s bass, its grumble hinting at early Cure in many ways. Both aspects continue to tempt as Rees’ warm vocals and melodies entangle in their drama, the song never settling in one moment but a continual ride through catchy adventure and creative enterprise.

Blood On My Hands is not a song which grabs attention by the neck yet it is so persistent and ultimately memorable.

Singing The Blues is released March 1st.

https://www.facebook.com/TheDuffaloes/

The Clockworks’ Rumours in the Stockroom is out now.

http://www.facebook.com/theclockdoesntwork http://www.twitter.com/daclockworks

Promised Land is available now through Kozmik Artifactz.

https://www.facebook.com/TheUglyKings/ https://twitter.com/theuglykings

Wilder Days from Tors is out now.

https://www.facebook.com/Torsband/ https://twitter.com/thetorsband

Bound is out now @ https://rxptrs.bandcamp.com/releases

https://www.facebook.com/RXPTRS

Blood On My Hands is out now.

https://www.veinsband.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/veinsbanduk https://twitter.com/veinsbanduk

New Escapades

Ahead of their new EP, Flat Earth Theory, UK rockers WHO KILLED NANCY JOHNSON? recently released its lead single DARK HORSE. Not the song the band originally intended as its first teaser but guided by a united opinion among numerous others, the single makes for a lively and infectious lure sure to raise new attention upon the band.

Formed in 2015, Who Killed Nancy Johnson? is a Reading based quartet with members hailing from Berkshire and Oxfordshire. Their debut EP, Cops and Robbers, building on the band’s strong live reputation across the South of England was released in 2017. With inspirations ranging from The Stooges, Ruts, Wire, Magazine, Black Flag, Buzzcocks, and The Rezillos to Fugazi, Ash, Killing Joke, Lit, Rival Schools, The Drills, and 3 Colours Red, Who Killed Nancy Johnson? have a sound placed somewhere between punk, post punk, and alternative rock. It is not necessarily the most unique proposition going by Dark Horse but certainly has a thick magnetism which easily lures ears towards the band.

The song instantly grabs ears with firm beats and a juicy hook, they leading a sound which soon reminds of bands like The Motors and Mind Museum. Choppy riffs continue to tempt as vocalist Stefan Ball earnestly croons, Pete Moulton’s hooks and grooves a spicy surround. With the punchy beats of Mark Wren aligning with the post punk lures of Julien Bruinaud’s bass, it is a tenacious affair you can grab now which needs little time or help to arouse real interest in the band and anticipation for their forthcoming release.

Offering up their own fusion of punk and dirty rock ‘n’ roll in the shape of a new single is British rockers THE BLACK BULLETS. Released via Animal Farm earlier this month, DOLLS is a rowdy slice of devilry, a video single confirming the band as one of the underground’s loudest secrets.

With a host of releases under their belt including the well-received trio of Bullet Through Your Heart (2013), Bulletproof (2015), and Bombshell (2016) as well as tours across Europe and stage sharing with the likes of Anti Nowhere League, UK Subs, Vibrators, Warrior Soul, The Main Grains, and more recently Love / Hate, Lita Ford, LA Guns, and Michael Monroe, The Black Bullets has shown they know how to get the body and spirit rocking, Dolls following in that success.

Maybe not a song with the biggest snarl the band has mustered, Dolls is a mischievous slice of rock ‘n’ roll stomping around like a fusion of Mötley Crüe and The Senton Bombs led by the vocal and harmonica devilry of Billy T. With guitarists Lance Skybaby and Skinn Klick shaping its infectious swing as the beats of drummer Carl D eagerly roll and the bass of Alice. E. Atkinson flirtatiously throbs, the track cannot help be a seriously catchy and roguish rascal easy to eagerly get involved with.

WOLF MACHINE is the title track from an EP of the same name which drew rich acclaim in 2017. It is now the rousing new video single from alternative rockers SAINT APACHE and a potent reminder that the Eastbourne quartet is one seriously striking proposition within the UK rock scene.

Formed in the spring of 2015, the band soon earned a strong reputation locally and further afield for their intense live shows and sound, recognition pushed in fine style by a self-titled debut EP the following year. With rich tinges of metal and hardcore bred punk in their fiery roar, Saint Apache hit a new plateau with the Wolf Machine EP, a powerful growth echoed in the new single.

The song is soaked in drama, spilling intensity loaded temptation instantly as the guitar of Leo unites with the thumping beats of Adam Oarton and the bass grumbling of Luis T. Soon joined by the vocal prowess of Thom Meredith, Wolf Machine prowls and imposes on the senses, all the while entangling them in spicy grooves and galvanic incitement with a hue of Rage Against The Machine to it all.

Anthemic from its first breath, the recently released single has the body and emotions bouncing as its attitude sparking the listener’s. The song has every reason for newcomers to eagerly check out band and that last EP in its armoury, big rewards given in return because, between you and us, the outstanding Wolf Machine is not even the best thing its larger namesake.

Released February 1^st via Society of Losers, SPANISH ANNOUNCE TABLE is the second single from noise grapplers SALT THE SNAIL. It is a raw and furious slice of noise punk fuelled hardcore, a track to use their own description of their creative assaults, “a salty opera for the intellectually challenged.”

Formed in 2016, the Widnes/ Runcorn based trio of Krystian Hudson, Tom Ashley, and Si Grayham played merely two gigs before being grabbed to support the likes of The Membranes, Fucked Up, Johnny Foreigner and many more. Debut single, Coffee, then stirred up broader fan and media attention with its release in 2017, an introduction sure to be outdone by the aural body slam offered by Spanish Announce Table.

As you may have seduced, wrestling is a lusty love for the band, that and horses apparently, and makes a boisterous backdrop to a song which instantly scrubs the senses with sonic causticity as rhythms pound and shuffle. Equally uncompromising yet instinctively rousing vocals add to the concussive incitement, words jabbing as riffs and scarring grooves relentlessly trespass around the low blows of the drums.

With a whiff of The Fat Dukes Of Fuck, early days, to its mania and infectious scourge, Spanish Announce Table is a sonic misdemeanour which will not appeal to all but for those eager to be blindsided then pinfalled by honest noise punk, it is one punishing treat. Liverpool can soon feel the Salt the Snail live ambush at their celebration of the single’s release at SNAILMANIA, a live music extravaganza held at The Jacaranda Club as part of Independent Venue Week on February 2nd.

https://www.wknancyj.com/ https://www.facebook.com/WhoKilledNancyJohnson/ https://twitter.com/WKNancyJ

https://www.facebook.com/TheBlackBulletsUK https://twitter.com/BlackBulletsUK

https://www.facebook.com/saintapache https://www.instagram.com/saintapache https://www.twitter.com/saintapache

https://www.facebook.com/SalttheSnailORIGINAL https://twitter.com/SalttheSnailUK

Pete RingMaster 21/01/2018

Caught by the shirt tails

We have always thought rock music created by bass and drums had something compelling as well as primal to it and when made by imaginations which are as bold as they are irreverent to common thinking can stir the passions like no other. UK trio MODERN DAY DUKES is one such proposition which swing their twin bass attack like manic puppeteers to tempt and tease as drum bred rhythms work away on the body.

Evidence of the Sheffield/Leeds haling outfit’s imaginative sound and creative devilment comes in latest single OKHRANA, a slice of punk infused noise/alternative rock which dances in ears like a slightly surreal and fully animated sonic ninja. Instantly, the effect nurtured and organic throat of both basses collude in a web of intrigue, their espionage a stalking invitation which soon develops into a mischievous stroll. There is a eighties post punk/punk air to the outstanding track, The Three Johns and Zanti Misfitz coming to mind as the song twists and flaunts its dexterous antics aligned to a creative rabidity bred of the now. Increasingly addictive and relentlessly imaginative Okhrana quickly makes a claim as one of the year’s best tracks which all should check out as too the excellent film that accompanies it from Chalkman Video.

Mellower and calmer in energy but just as magnetic in presence is the new single from British duo LIVING DEAD GIRL. Hailing from our old home town of Guildford, the band creates dark electronic pop schooled in the inspirations of artists such as Massive Attack and Portishead; an engaging proposition as evidenced by new single STILL LIFE.

Living Dead Girl consists of Jessica English (lead vocals, synth, piano, and programming) and Jonno Lloyd (guitar, bass, synth, programming, and backing vocals), the latter also guitarist for the equally ear captivating Ventenner. The pair instantly catches the imagination as the darker hues of what sounds like an upright bass court the brighter sighs of keys. Noir lit drama lines every subsequent note offered and the broadening weave of textures blossoming around the elegant crystalline voice of English.

The song is a tale in the brewing, its atmospheric breath and ethereal air grounded by the dark pulse and jazzy suggestiveness of the evolving captivation. The successor to its well-received predecessor Autumn, Still Life is a statement that Living Dead Girl is ready to shine within the British music scene, which its B-side Killing Time, a beguiling gothic lit embrace, is only too ready to concur.

Equally as dreamy in its own distinct way is the new single from Welsh singer songwriter HOULT. Better known to his mum as Sam Fowke, who released the well-received single Red Handed last year under his real name, the Cardiff based musician/producer now makes his debut as Hoult with PHARMACY.

A poetic strum of guitar and elegant sigh of keys makes the first caress on ears, their union breeding a lively stroll with boisterous rhythms. It is a canter with a slight Doves like tinge but one quickly establishing its own character especially once Hoult’s inviting vocal tones and prowess steps forward. Vibrant and warm, the song continues to lure keen attention through its animated guitar jangle and reflective melodies capped by the increasingly beguiling vocals.

A song which tempts from the first breath and only blossoms in persuasion thereon in, Pharmacy is a radiant pick me up from an artist we hope to hear plenty more from.

When a song title and its opening vocal suggestion is MOVE IT, you expect an energy and spirit to back it up. The new video single from UK rockers DIGITAL CRIMINALS more than delivers, grabbing ears and body with its animated stomp.

Welsh bred Digital Criminals emerged in 2014 and have increasingly lured attention though it is fair to say that it has really sparked its reputation through this year’s Women of Rock Tour which saw the quartet play around Britain with a host of female fronted bands.

Move It reveals all the ingredients which has their audiences jumping; pulsating beats, spicy hooks, and group throated incitement around the boisterous and potent tones of vocalist Emily Bates. A slice of alternative rock with a leaning to more metallic essences, the song strolls with a swagger and zeal driven by the tenacious endeavours of bassist James Harwick and Jade Ball. Its electro rock suggestiveness is in turn enterprisingly steered by the adventure of guitarist Dan Fry, it all ridden by the impressive vocal prowess and energy of Bates.

It is not the most unique track but it more than makes up for it with its infectious fire and tenacity; Digital Criminals announcing they are ready for bigger spotlights.

Lastly we offer for your attention a highly flavoursome cover of an old punk classic. It is (JUSTA NOTHER) TEENAGE REBEL, the enduring 1978 gem of Irish band The Outcasts, and comes from Dublin punks HOOLIGAN. The single sees the band link up with vocalist Christy Dignam, the frontman of Irish rockers Aslan; a union which arises from Hooligan vocalist/guitarist Dave Linehan’s love of Aslan and a moment of real encouragement he received from Dignam after an Aslan gig over twenty five years ago.

Though it maybe lacks the magnetic raw touch of the original, Hooligan and Dignam give (Justa Nother) Teenage Rebel the honest heart and touch it deserves. Linehan’s guitar webs ears in a ’77 inspired flush of riffs as the rhythmic grumble of Eoin Page’s bass and the biting beats of Paul Bryce stir spirit and energies alike. It is captivating bait which Dignam’s similarly eager tones escalates resulting in a song which is more than likely to make you want to break out The Outcasts discography and go explore more of Hooligan and indeed Aslan.

Modern Day Dukes single Okhrana is out now.

http://www.moderndaydukes.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/moderndaydukes/

Still Life from Living Dead Girl is available now.

https://www.facebook.com/pg/livingdeadgirlmusic https://twitter.com/ldglive https://www.instagram.com/livingdeadgirlband/

The Hoult single Pharmacy is out now through Phwoar and Peace.

https://www.facebook.com/houltuk https://twitter.com/houltuk

Move It is out now with Digital Criminals supporting with a national tour taking in…

Sat 18th Nov – Leicester – Firebug (Women of Rock Tour)

Thurs 23rd Nov – Cardiff – The Moon Club (Supporting Courtesans)

Tues 28th Nov – Bristol – Basement 45

Sat 2nd Dec – Aberdare – Jac’s (Women of Rock Tour)

Sat 9th Dec – London – Aces & Eights

Fri 15th Dec – Rhondda – The Rhondda Hotel

Sat 16th Dec – Cardiff – Nosda Hostel & Bar (Women of Rock Tour)

http://www.digitalcriminals.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/DigitalCriminalsOfficial/ http://twitter.com/DCriminals http://www.instagram.com/digitalcriminalsofficial/

Hooligan’s take on (Justa Nother) Teenage Rebel is out now on Reekus Records

http://www.facebook.com/hooligan.dublin/ http://www.facebook.com/officialaslan/

Crisp and Crunchy

It is dirty, cantankerous, and infests the system like a tapeworm and in new single HOLY SMOKES proves to be downright compelling. It is the sound of US rockers SLUMLORD RADIO and a track which suggests that the band’s music is getting more irritable but similarly more infectiously virulent, grungier and increasingly magnetic as it matures.

Hailing from Grand Rapids, Slumlord Radio has persistently aroused attention and attitude loaded pleasure since emerging in 2010 over a clutch of EPs of which Tokyo Roadhouse Sonic Sex Castle and No Trick Pony especially stood out, but especially through their two albums in $3 Dollars, A Half Pack of Smokes and Some Other Jive S**t and Too Pretty For Tijuana, both unleashed in 2015. Holy Smokes suggests that over the two years in between now and those previous successes, the quartet’s punk ‘n’ roll has got even hungrier and bolder but without losing its instinctive, dirty heart and if a sign of things to come, it is going to be a deliciously grubby ride ahead.

Straight away riffs tease and taunt as Holy Smokes saunters into view, the bass of Michael Todd swiftly bringing its throb to the party as drummer Matt Claucherty’s sticks land with ill-intent. As David Flynn’s guitar proceeds to weave a web of grooves, vocalist/guitarist Tommy Erickson magnetically growls to complete the persuasion, his gruff rousing tones stirring up ears and the sounds around him to greater salacious endeavour. With unpredictable and imaginative twists in its body and a hook which just infects the passions, Holy Smokes hits the spot full on.

Poised to devour ears and eyes, UK metallers REVEALER uncage their new video single, NOTHING, NO ONE; one beast of a threat which savages and trespasses the senses as it ignites the imagination. Like a fusion of Cryptopsy, Anti-Clone, and Emmure, song and sound is a multi-flavoured fury of metalcore nurtured predation which we have to say has got us rather excited.

Formed in 2014, the East Midlands quartet has become an increasingly followed and acclaimed proposition within the UK metal scene with a well-received debut EP in Losing Sight and a powerful live presence which has seen them share stages with the likes of Oceans Ate Alaska, Loathe, Red Seas Fire, Fathoms, Dock 83, and Continents, only increasing their reputation. Nothing, No One is a bold, commanding step in their ascent, a declaration of their maturing inventive presence hard to see going unnoticed.

The track rises on a sonic strand, looming in closer until steel riffs and concussive rhythms ignite and technical prowess manipulates the senses. Vocalist Alex Griffiths springs a net of enmity and adventure matched by the crawling bass of Jonathan Barker and the spiralling textures springing from Tom Smith’s guitar. With the evolving tapestry of craft and imagination thickening as it beguiles alongside the rousingly resonating beats of George Barnes, Nothing, No One simply incites a lustful response.

Sometimes it only takes one moment to get hooked into a long-term relationship with a band, Nothing, No One looks like being one such trigger.

Less intrusive but a rival in captivation is the new double A-sided single from British garage rockers BLACK PUDDING. Its two tracks bring salacious infestations of sound to ears as bold in their differences as in their distinct sharing of the band’s individual sound and imagination, and each a flirtation hard to shake off.

Coming from Leeds and rising from the ashes of Stilts, Black Pudding consists of vocalist/guitarist Sam Curran, bassist/guitarist Shane Standrill, and drummer Jake Sainty. Together they create a cauldron of sound as much bred on the attributes of noise rock and garage punk as that garage rock tag, a web of suggestion which on the new single quite simply demands attention.

SCI-FI SI is a treat, a mischievous scorching of sound which around its bone rapping beats spins a maze of sonic causticity, infectious devilment, and rousing dynamics. Its body is in perpetual movement, revolving through a kaleidoscope of intensity and invention like a schizo mutation of Houdini, The Pixies, and Thee Oh Sees. It has a control though which accentuates every strand of imagination and tendril of dexterity in songwriting and noise resulting in one glorious incitement.

Whilst TILLAGIO does not quite match its heights, the song in its own rights is a compelling and fiercely enjoyable proposal. Its gentle entrance again has that Pixies-esque feel but with a grungier tone which escalates as the song frees its inhibitions in noise, intensity, and doomy rapacity. It crawls over the senses, fingers the imagination and solely enthrals to complete one addictive duet of enticements.

Admitting they have taken and grown from the experiences and “mistakes” from their creative past, British metallers TELLER announce their arrival in fine style with debut single VICTORIA. It is a raw and hungry but skilfully woven slab of melody rich, antagonistic metal which whets the appetite and ignites the senses with its compelling blaze.

Leeds bred, Teller draw on inspirations from the likes of Neck Deep, Architects, and Issues for a sound which in only their first release suggests an individualism setting the quartet apart. From the outskirts of the senses it rustles up its attributes before being led by the potent grouchy delivery of vocalist Robin Adams straight into top gear. The whipping beats of drummer Jake Fogarty are courted by the steely groan of Cory Young’s bass, their rhythmic tempting aligned by a caustic wash of riffs. Swiftly guitarist Alex Mauric shows his equally striking tenacity in sonic suggestion and melodic dexterity, Adams similarly revealing a broader and strong range of adventure in his voice.

The song continues to impose and tempt in a fluid landscape of enterprise and intensity, every note and turn dipped in potential and seriously accomplished and the thick hint of a potent new force in town.

Finally we have a split single from UK label R*E*P*E*A*T Records going by the name of YOU FLEXI THING VOLUME 3: VENUS ENVY. Featuring a track from THE BABY SEALS and BEVERLEY KILLS, it is a very limited edition orange flexi coursing with Grrl Powered punk rock, and a mightily enjoyable trespass of the imagination.

The Baby Seals is a Cambridge/ Peterborough hailing trio which stepped forth at the beginning of 2016. Poised to go out on The Vibrator Tour around the UK, the band offers the song of the same name to the single. Instantly, flirting riffs and a delicious bass hook make a potent invitation but one with a sense of predation to their lure, swinging beats adding to the beckoning as vocals tease and tempt with their own individual prowess. Like a mix of Kamikaze Girls and Petrol Girls, Vibrator surges through ears with eager infectiousness, its blend of punk and indie rock infesting body and imagination as the band brew their own character of sound and enterprise to further captivate.

It is an irresistible encounter matched by INTIMIDATION from Beverley Kills. The Cambridge foursome has a more even tempered punk sound but one seemingly blossomed from the ’77 strain of the genre with at times essences of bands like Vice Squad and Fatal Microbes emerging within the track’s punk ‘n’ roll. Great harmonies court the song’s raw edge, contrasts skilfully balanced around its spicy hook and lively rhythms and as its companion, track and release shine a potent spotlight on two bands which you really should make your business to know and hear a lot more of.

Holy Smokes is growling now @ https://slumlordradio.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/SlumlordRadioMI/

Nothing, No One is released October 20th.

https://www.facebook.com/revealerUKband/ https://twitter.com/revealeruk

Sci-Fi Si/ Tillagio is out through Loner Noise now @ https://blackpuddingband.bandcamp.com/album/sci-fi-si-tillagio

http://www.facebook.com/blackpuddingband/

Teller’s Victoria is out now.

https://www.facebook.com/thisisteller https://twitter.com/thisisteller

You Flexi Thing Vol 3: Venus Envy is available October 20th through R*E*P*E*A*T Records @ https://repeatfanzine.bandcamp.com/album/venus-envy-you-flexi-thing-vol-3

https://www.thebabyseals.com/ https://www.facebook.com/thebabyseals/

https://www.facebook.com/BeverleyKills/

Feasting on tasty bites…

A quick moan before sharing with you one of the singles of the year… Trying to find a link in able to point you in the direction of IMMORTAL the new single from CAROUSEL is impossible. Not even their PR company has one for its recent release but if you can find one or a social media page for the UK band, just leap upon it.

What we can tell you is that Carousel consists of vocalist Sara Baile, formerly of The Bisons, electronic music producer John Taylor of Punx Soundcheck on keys, and legendary drummer Dave Barbarossa renowned for Adam & The Ants, Bow Wow Wow and more recently Republica, Beats International, Roland Gift, and the mighty Cauldronated. Completing the line-up is old friend of The RR, Andy Duke, a guitarist/bassist who never musically sits still and has lit up the passions in numerous bands notably Top Buzzer, Cauldronated, and The Duel.

Musically the quartet rise from a bed of post punk temptations to create a shadowy web of sound and drama which on the evidence of their first single simply and greedily infests ears and psyche. The rolling dynamics of Barbarossa instantly grips attention and appetite, his distinctive craft aligned to the throbbing dark lures of Duke’s bass as atmospheric theatre chimes. The siren-esque calls of Baile only add to the temptation, her harmonic lures dark enchantment and as haunting as the suggestive enterprise of the guitars.

Musically the song has the feel of Sex Gang Children to its tapestry, an almost sexual adventure and determination which Horror-esque hues and the driving Leitmotive nagging potently complement and enhance perfectly. For all those nostalgic essences though, the track is as fresh and striking as anything you are likely to hear this year, and as suggested, one of the most enjoyable and gripping engagements.

When the body does all the talking to how a song tempts, you know you are onto a winner and so it was with NOT A NOVELTY, the new single from British outfit Addictive pHilosopHy. A pulsating slice of ska punk, it had the hips swinging and feet bouncing in mere seconds, vocal chords pulsating within a handful of seconds more.

Consisting of vocalist/lead guitarist GeZ, vocalist/rhythm guitarist Alina, trumpeter Anna, and Caz on Laptonics with Ed the just as essential sound engineer, Derby hailing Addictive pHilosopHy embrace an array of textures from rocksteady and ska to punk and “full throttle thrash”. Since emerging they have shared stages with a horde of artists including the likes of Goldblade, Asian Dub Foundation, Buzzcocks, Lawnmower Deth, New Town Kings, Stranglers, and UK Subs; each time lighting up audiences with tracks like their previously well-received single Supernatural Race Fiend and now Not a Novelty.

From the throbbing tease of the bass and the rhythmic suggestion of beats to the seductive flames of brass, the song locks in on the instincts to dance. Once in control with a guitar jangle to the fore, the words and tones of GeZ seals the deal, his presence and lyrics pulling no punches in honesty and persuasion and superbly backed by Alina. It is magnetic stuff, the bouncing body proof, that and a swift intrigue to hear more.

Continuing to reveal a new aspect to their songwriting and sound, UK alternative poppers SKELLUMS recently released new single IF YOU HAVE TO LEAVE. Offering two tracks which openly wear the heart felt reflection of love and the world, the release is a composed yet emotive flame of melodic flames and provocative insight which sounds pretty damn good.

If You Have To Leave opens with an acoustic caress and the distinctive tones of Cal Roberts which quickly turns into a forcibly infectious canter with swiping rhythms and teasing melodies. Add flirtatious keys and a bassline which rambles invitingly through ears and you have a slice of romantic aural drama easy for feet and knowing thoughts and experiences to embrace.

Its companion is Cast Of Characters, a mellow acoustic strum courting the world and its wrongs from the potent suggestion of vocals and blossoming melodies. Gaining greater intensity and attitude in its ebb and flow of both, the song makes an inescapable seduction; one maybe not as swift as that made by the lead track but just as captivating.

As their music, Skellums is growing into one of the UK’s most engaging propositions, one with a great unruly edge to it even when charming the senses.

Ahead of their new album Texas based duo, BLACK PISTOL FIRE has ensured thick intrigue with lead single LOST CAUSE. A slice of blues scented rock ‘n’ roll, the song teases and bounces in ears with all the energy of Foo Fighters, the melodic flames of The White Stripes, and the instinctive off-kilter daring of Powersolo resulting in a rousing stomp impossible not to get off on.

The Canada born, Austin hailing pairing of guitarist/vocalist Kevin McKeown and drummer Eric Owen have set up their forthcoming album, Deadbeat Graffiti, perfectly with Lost Cause intensifying anticipation already lying in wait for their fifth full-length and an extensive twenty seven date tour of America, with a venture into Canada, from 29th of September to December 8th to support the album.

The Black Pistol Fire sound embraces inspiration from the likes of Chuck Berry, Nirvana, Buddy Holly, and Muddy Waters as it mingles great strains of garage-rock, hip-hop, R&B, and punk rock into their rock ‘n’ roll. Lost Cause instantly winds attention round its teasing fingers, riffs and rhythms almost predacious as they lure the listener into the song’s waiting web of styles and sound. McKeown’s vocals equally invite increasing involvement in the song’s enterprise and tenacity while its delicious core hook, the writhing flirtatious melodies, and the rousing incitement of rhythms collude with a great unpredictability for one contagious stroll which has the imagination and appetite swiftly enslaved. Reminding a little of the virulent dynamics of The Black Frame Spectacle and the raw intensity of In The Whale not forgetting the rapacious indie adventure of Asylums, Lost Cause is one little treat not living up to its title.

In contrast to the eager almost urgent attack of The Black Pistol Fire single, UK quartet THE BLACKHILL PIONEERS take ears and emotions on a far gentler but no less magnetic flight with their latest track; MILES a mesmeric almost ethereal hug of the senses which tantalises as it intrigues.

The Essex outfit consists of former members of The Trees in singer/guitarist Tony Eke, singer/lead guitarist Simon Dawes, and bassist Ben Frost alongside, formerly of The Bishops, drummer Chris McConville. Neither of those bands were strangers to entangling ears and imagination in their different melodic enterprises but on the evidence of Miles, the foursome have ventured into even richer climates of sound and atmospheric exploration.

From the suggestive caresses of the guitars to the harmonic hug of keys and vocals, the single immerses ears in arresting almost haunting warmth and elegance. Darker rhythmic hues line and court that fascination of sound, never imposing but bringing a livelier undercurrent to the captivation which gets under the skin in swift time to suggest The Blackhill Pioneers are beguiling company set for bigger things.

We close up the roundup with two tracks coming out of the British independent label Supersonic Media. The first is the new single from CAFFEINE, their first release in almost a decade. Back in the early 2000s, Caffeine was touring the world alongside the likes of The Offspring, AFI, Rancid, and Blink 182 to name just four. They also played across the US five times and released two critically acclaimed albums and were declared the UK’s answer to Green Day though quickly they established their own character with their hook loaded, melody strung punk rock.

The time between their successes and now has seen guitarist JJ Browning become a potent part of electro punks Calling All Astronauts and bassist/vocalist Scott McEwan the frontman of The Candle Thieves. With drummer Andy Clarke completing the line-up, Caffeine is back with a new album Empire on the near horizon. Raising anticipation for its release is lead single Dressed To The Nines, a track produced by Andy Hawkins (Flogging Molly, Sugarcult, Agnostic Front) which swiftly nags attention with its harrying bassline and echo wrapped vocal lure. Just as quickly, the track shrugs off its restraints to roam ears with a fiery touch and infection fuelled enterprise and in a few moments more, it is like Caffeine has never been away though soon a new sense of adventure and personality rises in song and sound. There is a feel of Sick Puppies to the track at times which goes down a treat and in other moments an AFI scent rises up but all hues in a fresh and vibrant return which should see their album get plenty of attention.

The second Supersonic Media single is from aforementioned CALLING ALL ASTRONAUTS and another slice of the band’s inescapably compelling electro punk. LIVING THE DREAM is another track taken from the band’s outstanding album, Anti-Social Network. We will admit with so many singles taken from it there was a little sigh of frustration that the single was not something brand new to digest but as soon as Living The Dream springs to life in ears, any negativity is quashed, the rhythmic sortie of the song alone appetite inflaming bait soon backed by the simmering fire of melodies, the contagious rumble of bass, and the distinctive tones of vocalist David Bury.

With the suggestive exploits of JJ Browning’s guitar, Paul “BuzzSaw” McCrudden bass brooding, and the addictive rhythmic patterns around Bury, the track is pure CAA goodness but also one of their most open songs showing the broad and ever broadening landscape of their sound and imagination.

Check Carousel’s Immortal now @ https://soundcloud.com/thedukeyradioshow/carousel-immortal

https://www.facebook.com/dave.barbarossa https://www.facebook.com/LinkUpAndy

Addictive pHilosopHy single Not a Novelty is out now.

http://www.addictivephilosophy.biz/ https://www.facebook.com/AddictivepHilosopHy/ https://twitter.com/addctvphlsphy

If You Have To Leave is out now through most stores.

https://www.facebook.com/skellums https://twitter.com/skellumsmusic https://skellums.bandcamp.com/

Lost Cause from Black Pistol Fire is out now.

https://blackpistolfire.com https://www.facebook.com/blackpistolfire/

The Blackhill Pioneers track Miles is out now.

https://www.facebook.com/BlackhillPioneersUK/

Dressed To The Nines is released September 22^nd via Supersonic Media through most online stores.

https://www.facebook.com/caffeineuk/ https://twitter.com/Caffeine_HQ

Living The Dream is out through Supersonic Media now across most online stores

http://www.callingallastronauts.com/ http://www.facebook.com/callingallastronauts http://www.twitter.com/caa_official

Down ‘n’ Flirty

Whether you call a two track release a single like the old days or an EP as seems often to be the case in current times, it is an irrelevance when faced with the kind of juicy goodness that bands like PLAYBOY MANBABY offer. With their new album Don’t Let It Be still busy inciting fresh attention and acclaim since its release a couple or so months back, the Phoenix hailing sextet of Robbie Pfeffer (vocals), Chris Hudson (bass), TJ Friga (guitar), David Cosme (trumpet), Chad Dennis (drums), and Austin Rickert (sax) have just unleashed two brand new tracks under the ELDFELL EP to get the body bouncing and mischievous instincts playing with their nefariously flavoured, punk infested rock ‘n’ roll.

The first track is the quite glorious Adult, an arousing rhythmically thumping incitement which only inflames its initial instinctive flirtation with warm seductive flames of sax which in turn sparks the bouncy antics of voice and guitar. From there, its defiant anthemic heart has the listener vocally shouting and physically romping, certainly in this office, the song playing like a punk fuelled mix of The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Smash Mouth, and MFC Chicken. It is manna to the ear, a reason to get up in the morning, and an incitement to have fun few bands try let alone achieve.

It is accompanied by the rawer exploits of Weltschmerz, its scuzzy air the glaze to a slice of garage rock reminding of UK outfit The Tuesday Club in some ways and US Legends The Tubes in others yet emerging again as a distinct punk bred riot of Playboy Manbaby. It is a great back-up to the persuasive alchemy of Adult, both tracks a welcome devil in our midst and as a free download stupid to resist.

Just as magnetically energetic and rascal like is the debut single from THE HECK. The Netherlands hailing band is the new garage rock outfit from vocalist/guitarist Henri Keefman, the frontman of de Keefmen and the Miracle Men and one half of Sensational Second Cousins. Alongside Keefman is the rhythmic fever of bassist René Katerbarg and drummer Erik Berends, together a trio who have already stirred up a real appetite for their exhaustingly infectious live shows.

WAITING IN LINE jumps in on a rhythmic romp, Berends swinging with virulent tenacity before the guitar and vocals of Keefman burst into boisterous life. The throbbing stomp of Katerbarg’s bass equally has the body moving while bringing some calm to the boisterous escapade yet equally egging it on with its own instinctive voracity. The track is original punk rock at its sixties core, a roar of fiery melodies and hungry dynamics as raw and insatiable as they are skilfully entangled to bring the listener to their feet.

Backing the track is the just as wilful Why?!, a song even dirtier than its partner with a physical rabidity which alone has the appetite greedier by the second as it brawls and bawls upon the senses while Keefman spills breath and twisted syllables with Lux Interior-esque dexterity.

Through his other outings, Keefman is no stranger to acclaim and fan rapture and will be accepting plenty more if the Dirty Water Records released Waiting In Line is the sign of things to come from The Heck.

Last year saw British rock outfit INDYA make a very persuasive introduction with a pair of singles which suggested British rock had a new emerging queen in the band’s founder, songwriter, and vocalist Natalie Indya West. Now the band has uncaged their latest track, the flirtatious and sexually seductive INSANE LOVE, a track which swerves and writhes around ears like a nimble, hungry temptress.

Both of last year’s songs, Harder Faster and Strip Me Down had attention an eager companion, especially the first with its rebel rousing infectiousness. Insane Love is heading down the same road, the track a boisterous slab of rock ‘n’ roll growing from its initial squirts of dirty guitar with controlled but rapacious grooves and crisp beats around the heated tone and expression of West’s dynamic voice and delivery.

The song as good as crawls over the listener with a siren like intent, its exotic dancing as menacing as it is vampy with the guitars and bass shaping its intent with individual dexterity and enterprise; Insane Love confirming Indya as a real prospect to watch closely.

Virtually a year ago to the day from their new single being unveiled, ASTRAL CLOUD ASHES released debut album Too Close to the Noise Floor, a release which pushed the band’s indie pop infused sound to deserved wider attention. The creation of Antony Walker, a musician songwriter from the beautiful island of Jersey, Astral Cloud Ashes is one of those propositions which manages to have their own unique character and voice, new track MOONPHASE BLOOM another slice of tempting giving evidence to the fact.

Taken from a new album Walker is currently working on, Moonphase Bloom swiftly brings the listener into a lively mix of jumping rhythms and wiry melodies, both crowding around the distinct vocals of Walker backed by a quite delightful female voice and accompanying harmonies. As the song simmers and erupts in energy, the bass shares it’s swinging grooves with persistent relish, allowing the rest of the instruments and outfit to weave a fascinating maze of sound and flavour.

Together it all colludes in a rousing slice of contagion which simply grows more tempting with every outing of its infectious canter whilst simultaneously providing a tasty teaser for that upcoming second album.

Playboy Manbaby’s eldfell is out now as a name your own price download @ https://playboymanbaby.bandcamp.com/releases

https://www.facebook.com/ButterGravyButter https://twitter.com/playboymanbaby http://playboymanbaby.com/

Waiting In Line from The Heck is out now on Dirty Water Records and @ https://theheckgaragerock.bandcamp.com/releases

https://www.facebook.com/TheHeckGaragerock/ http://www.theheck.nl/

Indya’s track Insane Love is available now.

http://www.indya-band-official.rocks/ https://www.facebook.com/Indyaukmusic https://twitter.com/IndyaOfficial

Astral Cloud Ashes has released Moonphase Bloom as a name your own price download @ https://astralcloudashes.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/astralcloudashes https://twitter.com/AstralCloudAsh

Fresh Growls

Another thrust of new singles provides plenty to contemplate and a few to particularly pay attention to.

With their striking and increasingly impressing debut album still a fresh breath in ears and dirtily fuzzy invention a handful of months since its release, British alternative rockers ENAMEL ANIMAL have just uncaged their new single DAMOCLES. Their first track since linking up with Holier Than Thou Records, the song has all the snarling attributes which marked out their self-released first full-length, Unfaith, as an easy to devour and recommend encounter but equally seems to have a new energy come intensity which is seriously appetising.

Damocles finds the perfect balance between sonic predation and evocative melody, raw aggression and seductive harmony. Simply put, the track an eventful mix of the traits found in the likes of Soundgarden, Mastodon, and Foo Fighters entangled in a proposition distinctly Enamel Animal. Its gentle melodic start is a deceit for the ferocity to follow, that tempest in turn a hideaway for the warm hues which fuel an infectious temptation. All aspects collude and unite as the track hustles and roars across the senses, grooves wrapping around ears as vocals coax and bully, often simultaneously just as the sounds clasping them.

Damocles is another marker of one truly exciting prospect and adventure within the UK rock scene.

Keeping busy, Holier Than Thou has also brought the debut single from Polish quartet GLASSPOP to the fore. A vivacious blend of rock and electro pop, the track is a pulsing enticement of robust beats and versatile melodies which wraps occasionally writhes around that potent sturdy spine.

The Poznań hailing outfit appear to draw on eighties synth pop inspirations, I NEED SOMEBODY melodically embracing Depeche Mode/Visage like spicing for their first single’s heart then infusing them into a thicker and at times slightly volatile aggression. At the centre the fine vocals of Marcin Maverick Kujawa entice and roar, his delivery matching the music in varying intensity and appealing tenacity.

I Need Somebody is a fine introduction to a band formed last year and currently working on their first album for release later this year.

Formed in November of 2012, WE ARE THE CATALYST is a proposition well into their ascent up the rock ladder, a rise sure to be accelerated in the coming months if their new single, taken from their last album Elevation, is further built upon by the third album they are currently working on.

ONE MORE DAY is a fiery and imposingly inviting affair bearing the new weight and depth of texture in the band’s sound which initially evolved within the acclaimed Elevation, released last September. No strangers to being compared to the likes of Evanescence and Halestorm, the single on its own show that We Are The Catalyst has honed a sound with its own individual character, yes one which maybe does not leap out but a personality which calmly seduces to become a lingering and memorable proposal.

One More Day surrounds ears with fizzy keys before a couple more breaths brings a surge of energy and sonic enterprise , guitars and rhythms making a formidable yet magnetic tide from within which the alluring tones and presence of vocalist Cat Fey rise. As the music, there is fire in her harmonic voice and emotive delivery nicely contrasted by the calmer shadowy hues of guitarist Kenny Boufadene’s tones.

The track continues to burn on the senses, smouldering and flaming with melodic and sonic prowess as the rhythms of bassist Joni Kaartinen and drummer Håkan Strind add their darker commanding touch. One More Day is a swiftly enticing and potent excuse to check out band and album as well as brew up a keen intrigue as to what they will nurture within their imagination next.

Embracing the dirtier side of things, though it is a rawness bound in spicy grooves and melodic drama, is the sound and new single from Californian trio SHOTGUN SAWYER. Tempting and harrying the listener into attention, YOU GOT TO RUN embraces a fusion of classic, blues, and heavy rock which has seen the band referred to the likes of Led Zeppelin, Cream, Queens Of the Stone Age, The Black Keys, and Wolfmother by an array of people.

Formed as 2015 opened its eyes, Shotgun Sawyer’s You Got to Run was their first experience recording live in studio, indeed their first song, and receiving a debut vinyl pressing by the band. With an EP, debut album Thunderchief, and a split with BandMaster Ruckus called 8 Bangers under their belts, You Got to Run is not the first time the trio of Dylan Jarman (guitar, vocals), Brett Sanders (bass), and David Lee (drums) will find eager words and praise heading their way, but makes for another potent nudge on new fans with its tenaciously lively and compelling proposition.

From its first wiry groove and punchy rhythm, it is easy to hear why some of those earlier comparisons have been offered, the track a mix of the familiar and instinctively individual as it dances provocatively within ears. Like a temptress, it casts a web of enticement, the guitar as flirtatious as it is broiling, rhythms as muscular as they are skilfully controlling.

It makes for a potent mix which as suggested weaves recognisable hues into a highly enjoyable endeavour.

Damocles is out now via Holier Than Thou Records.

https://www.facebook.com/EnamelAnimal/ https://twitter.com/anenamelanimal https://enamelanimal.com/

Check out the video @ https://ringmasterreviewintroduces.wordpress.com/video-selector/

I Need Somebody is out now through Holier Than Thou Records.

https://www.facebook.com/GlasspopBand/

We Are The Catalyst’s video/single One More Day is out now.

http://www.wearethecatalystofficial.com/ https://www.facebook.com/WATCofficial/

https://twitter.com/officialwatc https://www.instagram.com/wearethecatalyst/

You Got to Run from Shotgun Sawyer is released July 26th.

https://www.facebook.com/ShotgunSawyer/ https://shotgunsawyer.bandcamp.com/album/thunderchief

Pete RingMaster 07/07/2017

Snarling inducements….

Instinctive snarls and uncompromising confrontations can come in an arsenal of pleasing ways as shown by a clutch of striking singles which whether with subtlety or all out ferocity make for compelling trespasses.

That more controlled and intricately woven side of incitement is shown by Welsh band MALUM SKY. Formed in 2014 and hailing from Cardiff, the band create technically precise and emotionally inflamed progressive metal; a sound which has certainly caught alight within their new video single EYE ABOVE. Having found potent praise with a self-titled debut EP in 2015, Malum Sky has earned a loyal and eager fan base in South Wales and beyond, with the current line-up of vocalist Ben Honebone, guitarists Jon Evans and Michael Després, bassist Saki Patsiouras, and drummer Joe Wilkes now looking to impact on national attention, their striking new track spearing the way.

The song needs mere seconds to entangle ears in hungry grooves as beats punch and the bass shows a swiftly agreeable irritability in tone and attitude. Honebone just as quickly impresses with his melodic tones, riffs and rhythms with an increasing rapier like strike colluding in strength and enterprise around him. Across its growling body, suggestive and often exotic melodies ignite the imagination, their beauty in contrast to an equally increasing hostility. The blending of both is skilful, the song flowing to and from one climate to another with ease sharing moments when volatile eruptions ensues to further tighten the grip on ears.

From start to finish Eye Above is a captivating encounter hinting at new maturity and adventure in the band’s sound which fans of the likes of Karnivool, TesseracT, and Periphery, inventive progressive metal, should get a kick out of.

Also roaring out of the UK is Midlands based TEMPLE OF LIES with their new single SKIN. It is the second track taken from new album The Serial Killer Suite due for release July 1^st and a fiercely flavoursome lure to the impending release.

Emerging in 2010, Temple Of Lies has also built a potent reputation for sound and live ferocity; working through line-up changes early on before finding a stable line-up and attack which now has found a new forceful level with Skin. It has been an evolution brewing since the release of debut album Monumental, the release of reworked tracks as From Sand on Attic Records last year showing the heavier sound and maturity fuelling the Leicester outfit’s growth and a potent hint of what the new single and no doubt upcoming album offers.

Skin opens with a great bass grumble, a growl with its own enticing swing soon emulated in the grooves of Jon Scranney and Alex Gamble’s lively beats. That instinctive growling is just as natural and magnetic in the delivery of vocalist Si Shaw as the band’s blend of heavy rock and groove metal hits its stride. Prowling and crawling across the senses, the track reveals plenty of reasons alone as to why Temple Of Lies has been drawing fresh acclaim and focus whilst sharing stages recently with the likes of XII Boar, Kyrbgrinder, Stormbringer, and One Machine.

It is a storm of addictive snares and virulent bait seducing ears whilst gnawing on the senses, the bass of Simon Ball particular primal bait within nothing less than thorough ravenous enterprise. The single is not on the far side of unique yet it is fair to say but for rousing incitement and impact it whips so many other tracks heard this year.

Taking its own inescapable bite of the senses is GUNMAN, the new video single from German power metallers ORDEN OGAN. The lead and title track from the Arnsberg hailing band’s new album, Gunman is another which stalks body and imagination to infest the psyche with anthemic energy and cinematic drama.

Winding tendrils of folk and classic metal into its insatiable drive and appetite, the track builds intriguing walls of sound and suggestion before flying head first through ears with vocalist Seeb Levermann leading the surge. Across its tenacious body, the song climbs across a Wild West terrain of heavy rock and melodic calm, its dusty air and sweltering climate a hint upon rather than an enveloping of the imagination but just as effective.

Though it works alone, Gunman is at its most irresistible with its companion film, the Rainer Fränzen directed video uniting with sound for one compelling escapade.

Unleashing a slice of intrusively compelling Brazilian technical death metal is MONSTRATH through their latest track CHILD OF GOD. Their first digital single and an insight to the bands upcoming debut album, Child Of God is an infestation of the senses, descending on them with almost pestilential virulence and hellish intensity. From São Paulo, Monstrath was formed in 2015; vocalist Loi Trejo, guitarist J. Luger, bassist Morales Elmano and drummer Niko Teixeira coming together for the fiercely promising proposition ready to incite attention with their first album.

Child Of God instantly launches on the listener with its full unbridled armoury, riffs and rhythms a carnivorous torrent but wrapped in a just as quickly infectious groove. From there as vocals scowl, the song bullies and harries, seduces and tempts with its collusion of might and craft amidst aggression and sonic enterprise. Luger continues to reveal his inventive skills but never defuses the causticity and torrential lure of his riffs or the hungry spite of the rhythms alongside.

The track is not overly unique yet has a freshness and character locked into its presence and potential which suggests Monstrath is going to make a sizeable impact on the metal scene at some point.

Finally we have another track which has ears feeling like they are being stalked. It comes from Swedish groove death metallers CHUGGER, a single which also has no qualms in preying on the senses. Indeed every essence and moment within GRINDER feels a threat and predator but one only leaving a hungry appetite for plenty more.

A quartet from Gothenburg, Chugger steps forward in 2012 quickly honing their own sound with the inspirations of bands such as Lamb of God, Arch Enemy, Megadeth, and At The Gates helping shape its personality. Though you can sense elements maybe found in those bands, the latest Robert Kukla produced single lures like something akin to a mix of Bloodsimple and Soilwork, snarling and prowling to the uncompromising rhythms of drummer Eric Skjuttorp and the vocal causticity of David Dahl. At certain moments a touch of horror punk seems to rise to the surface, adding to the lure of grooves and riffs spun by guitarists Robert Bjärmyr and Robin Lagerborg in a tapestry equally embracing melodic toxicity. Ultimately though it is ravenous metal and another encounter suggesting a band destined to come under increasing scrutiny and ardour ahead.

Eye Above from Malum Sky is available now @ https://malumsky.bandcamp.com/track/eye-above and you can see its video @

http://www.malumsky.com/ https://www.facebook.com/malumsky https://twitter.com/malumsky

Temple Of Lies’s single Skin is out now through Attic Records @ http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1233451181

Upcoming Temple Of Lies shows:

13th June – Blackheart, Camden with Gurt, Limb

16th June – Pi Bar, Leicester with Mage, Gargangua, The Darkhorse

1st July – Firebug, Leicester, Album launch show

Skin Video produced by Jay Hillier and features Talulah Blue

http://templeoflies.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/templeoflies/ https://twitter.com/lies_of

Gunman is out now through AFM Records and you can pre-order Gunmen, the album @ http://shop.afm-records.de/de/search?sSearch=gunmen&p=1&o=1

http://www.ordenogan.de/ https://www.facebook.com/ORDENOGAN https://twitter.com/ORDENOGAN

The single Child Of God is out now through Downfall Records with its video @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMrmyDsUtiE

https://www.monstrath.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Monstrath/

Chugger’s track Grinder is available now.

http://www.chugger.se/ http://www.facebook.com/chuggerband

Pete RingMaster 07/06/2017

A Catch of Goodness

Mention country music and we are noticeable by our absence but sometimes you just have to admit to being truly tempted by something instincts shy away from and such it is with IDLE MAN, the new single from Irish quintet BUFFALO SUNN.

On their latest song, the Dublin outfit merge a blend of folk rock, pop, and a strain of country which certainly in this case captivates ears. The track is the first taken from a session recording with Grammy award-winning producer Joe Chiccarelli (My Morning Jacket, Beck, Morrissey) at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles in 2016 and takes little time in coaxing attention with its hazy climate and sultry country twanged sighs. A determined catchiness is just as quickly at work, lining verse and gait before finding even greater potency for a chorus which shaped by great harmonies simply beckons listener participation.

Infectious to the core, Idle Man does all the right things to bring a certain smile to the spirit.

In contrast, the dark rapacious rock ‘n’ roll of LITTLE JOHNNY, the latest single from British duo TALLER THAN STORIES, is exactly what personal tastes would order. The London hailing outfit consists of vocalist/guitarist Robert Humphries and bassist Lewis Mutch and since emerging in 2012 or last year depending where you read, has drawn keen underground attention and acclaim, especially with debut EP, Memoirs of the Forgotten.

Their new track crowds the imagination with a dark harrowing tale and a sound lying somewhere between Powersolo, early-The Horrors, The Birthday Party, and Tom Waits. The raw expression and psychotic theatre of Humphries’ vocals alone ensure captivation, the haunting bulging bassline from Mutch primal seduction and add the Sabbath-esque groan of riffs, the chance of a lustful reaction, as with us, is certainly on the cards.

With a treat of an animated video from Unit 15 Productions as company, Little Johnny is one of the year’s most striking creative moments to date.

If the imagination is ignited by Taller Than Stories, the body will be is equally incited by the new ARCHIE AND THE BUNKERS single YOU’RE MY PACEMAKER. Taken from the Ohio duo’s second album due later this year, the track is a tenacious stomp of the band’s familiar organ woven, rhythm sculpted sound complete with a fresh breath of catchy adventure.

Straight away the vintage tone of Cullen’s woozy keys and the jabbing beats of Emmett show mutual mischief and fun to that of the vocal lead and unity of the pair. Like a fusion of The Ramones and 13th Floor Elevators with the garage rock pop rawness of Dune Rats, the song saunters in and infests feet and hips almost before ears, leading them on a flirtatious stroll of simply undemanding and thickly arousing rock ‘n’ roll.

Released on Dirty Water Records, band and label has uncaged another irresistible treat, and talking of the latter keep watching their weekly spotlighting of artists within their prolific back catalogue and releases, of which many are or nearly are out of print and will be offered with many as free downloads through the label’s Bandcamp; the 2008 Thee Vicars single Don’t Try To Tell Me b/w Why Have You Changed and Lyres’ classic debut, Don’t Give It Up Now b/w How Do You Know, the third ever single release by Dirty Water back in 1979 among those already focused upon.

Just as intriguing is a teaser for THE PHANTOM SOUND’S upcoming second album. VOICES is the new sonically haunting single from the project of Los Angeles native and now London based solo artist Marisa Schlussel. Her new full-length sees her once again working with long-term collaborator in producer Ken Stringfellow (The Posies, Big Star, and R.E.M.) and features guest appearances from The Melvins’ Dale Crover and Brian Viglione of The Dresden Dolls and Scarlet Sails.

Laying down a potent temptation for that album, Voices provides a magnetic collusion of united and displaced textures courted by the distinctive tones of Schlussel. Around the lone tendril of a discord kissed guitar melody, a sonic mist descends as the song emerges. Its suggestion and breath is a nagging intrigue of haunted emotion and compelling droning; its tantalising monotone fuzz contrasted by Schlussel’s magnetic vocal presence as the song grows in body and enterprise with every second of its three plus minutes. Punk and indie rock, no-wave, noise and dark rock ‘n’ roll, all entangled in a unique espionage, the track has a touch of Seattle outfit Post Adolescence to its character and drama but a scent woven into something excitingly unique and darkly infectious.

Quickly lost in the Deep Water of a previous single and the Home EP which spawned it back in 2015, we have found CAVEMOUTH one of the truly pleasurable musical adventures in the UK music scene. With each encounter they have just become more fun and magnetic as their invention has grown increasingly eclectic and bold, and nothing has changed with new single PHONE. That earlier encounter was fuelled by a glorious dark rock ‘n’ roll sound where swamp met delta blues in one infectious funk swing. Taken from their recently released new EP, I Don’t Have a Dog, the band’s new track still holds those shadowed hues but plays with the growing funk and avant-garde enterprise which has persistently been growing in their sound.

Phone manages to unite the funk swung revelry of a Pigbag and the post punk antics of their fellow eighties instrumentalists Mouth within its instinctively woozy blues intoxication. Every second is an unpredictable and mischievous moment, vocally and musically a theatre of imagination and devilment which has feet and hips hooked as swiftly and easily as ears and of course that already bred appetite for the Bristol/Exmoor bred band’s captivating sound within us. Quirky and inspiring, off-kilter and just a little loco, Phone is exceptional and after just one play it is fair to say that the EP it is whipping up attention for was to the head of our new hit list of things to devour.

Finally, if you are heading off to the Elements Festival (18th June) and Off Grid Festival (11th August) in Devon over the summer and indeed Winchester’s Boom Town Festival August 13^th, we can only suggest that CaveMouth is a must see.

Idle Man from Buffalo Sunn is out now through Reekus Records.

http://www.facebook.com/Buffalosunn http://twitter.com/BUFFALOSUNN

Taller Than Stories’ self-released single Little Johnny is available now. Check out the video for the track @ https://ringmasterreviewintroduces.wordpress.com/video-selector/

https://www.facebook.com/TallerThanStories/ http://twitter.com/tallertstories https://www.instagram.com/tallerthanstories/

Archie and the Bunkers recently unveiled video/single You’re My Pacemaker through Dirty Water Records.

https://www.archieandthebunkers.com/ https://www.facebook.com/pg/archieandthebunkersofficial https://twitter.com/hifiorganpunk https://dirtywaterrecords.bandcamp.com/

The Phantom Sound’s Voices is out now as a name your price download @ https://thephantomsound.bandcamp.com/

http://thephantomsound.com/ https://www.facebook.com/mschlussel/ https://twitter.com/ThePhantomSound

Phone from CaveMouth is out now.

http://www.cavemouth.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/cavemouth/

Charging the Roar

As equally with bulkier releases, April is appearing a potent time for singles so we take the first of a couple of look at the ones most exciting us. The first was seemingly released at the tail of last year but only recently sent through to us. It is the latest single from Irish rocker/actor JD KELLEHER, a track which we have no problem in saying is his finest roar of punk infused rock ‘n roll to date.

Last year, Kelleher gripped attention and success with his first pair of singles in Love Will Tear Us Apart, a great cover of the Joy Division classic, and Imagery, both making major impacts on the Irish rock charts. Now AVENGE THE MAYBES is destined to match and no doubt surpass their successes with its raw and impassioned blaze.

Initially it takes a gentle walk through ears though there is a portentous edge to the military seeded beats heralding its rise. Its restraint continues as Kelleher unveils his distinctive tones, his presence though the spark to an almost immediate eruption of energy and intensity. There is a Roy Orbison spice to the London based singer’s tones, a twang which gives his voice even greater potency within the tenacious web of fiery sound and emotive reflection enjoyably harassing the senses. It all makes for a rousing encounter which sets a new plateau for Kelleher to creatively holler from next time around.

Brit alternative rockers SUPER73 have been suggested as having something of early Biffy Clyro, Reuben, and Therapy? to their sound in the build up to the release of new single MONKEY SEE, MONKEY DO. We cannot say we see any of those outfits as really fitting the individual character of the Leicester quartet’s music in this instance but one band they do remind of in the song is the sadly demised punk/alt rock band Engerica; in sound and in creative mischief. It is an essence which helps make Monkey See, Monkey Do become one rather captivating and richly enjoyable encounter

Consisting of guitarist/vocalist Mark Whinkless, guitarist/bassist Robert Ellis, keyboardist/vocalist Adam Roussea, and drummer/vocalist Andrew Winfield, Super73 has earned a potent reputation since emerging in 2014, playing with the likes of Everclear, Attack! Attack!, Turbogeist, Sonic Boom Six, and Arcane Roots over time, and in releases such as debut EP Remember.Bulletproof. and the single Bobby Dazzler last year.

Monkey See, Monkey Do is their new slice of flirtation, warming up to its devilment with a first breath of melodic and harmonic coaxing from voice and keys. It is a gentle, tender invitation which gradually picks up its gait and energy, almost teasing with every additional texture and instrument involved until coming to a rock ‘n’ roll head and stomping across the senses with instinctive and forceful revelry. Rhythms jabs as guitars scythe, vocals further stirring up trouble to only encourage the irresistible enticement of hips and imagination; bait and pleasure confirming Super73 as one rousing incitement of rock ‘n’ roll and fun.

Ahead of new album Mindfield, British metallers TOROUS have released its lead single, I AM via Holier Than Thou Records. Emerging in 2014, the Birmingham outfit create a fiery blend of hard and Celtic rock with crossover metal but a sound which, as in evidence within the new track, at times only flirts with those styles as it increasingly forges its own individual character.

Last year’s single Colours was our introduction to the band, an ear pleasing moment which quite honestly is swiftly forgotten against the striking and impressive presence of I Am. Its first moment brings a legion of prowling grumbling bass, antagonistically cutting riffs, and jabbing beats landing with real attitude yet there is still a restraint to it all which is as menacing as the sounds themselves. Once the equally confrontational vocals of guitarist Marc Malone add their spite, the track reveals its full predatory and infectiously virulent nature, the song blossoming into a highly enjoyable provocation carrying hints of bands such as Skindred and Prong.

Creative twists and unpredictable turns, all adding to the dark throb of GMT’s bass and the swinging beats of Tom Fenn, complete easily the most inventive and magnetic thing from Torus yet. After the last single an album from the band would have been interesting, after I Am it is now fiercely anticipated.

The last of this brief look comes from UK band NINE MILES SOUTH. Surprisingly it is a year and a half since they stole their share of attention with their self-titled debut EP. Now the Guildford based trio have a new slice of their country and blues rock infused rock ‘n’ roll in the shape of WHITE LINES to further impress and raise their blossoming reputation.

The single reveals a whole new richness in enterprise and sound, creating a rousing proposition woven from impassioned melodies and emotive flames of voice and sonic endeavour. Led by the vocal prowess and emotional drive of Danish born Seb Mikkelsen, the song physically comes alive in ears, its first touch a controlled smoulder establishing its appeal before boiling up with energy and sonic dexterity lined with blues magnetism. Simultaneously it spins a contagion of feet grabbing, spirit stoking incitement which only relaxes as the song ebbs and flows through varied urgencies and emotional turbulences, never relinquishing its persuasive hold as Nine Miles South also cast their most accomplished and impressive track yet.

Avenge The Maybes from JD Kelleher is out now across most online stores.

https://www.facebook.com/JDKelleher008

Super73’s Monkey See, Monkey Do is out now

https://www.wearesuper73.com/ https://www.facebook.com/wearesuper73 https://twitter.com/wearesuper73

Torous‘ I Am is out now through Holier Than Thou Records.

http://www.Torous.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/Torousishere/ https://twitter.com/Toroustheband https://torous.bandcamp.com/releases

White Lines from Nine Miles South is available now.

http://www.ninemilessouth.com https://www.facebook.com/ninemilessouth https://twitter.com/ninemilessouth

Pete RingMaster 19/04/2017

Harass the Silence: a new dose of sounds

Another handful of high flavour singles have arisen this past month, each standing out with individual qualities and characters commanding attention.

It was two years ago that UK rockers WOLFETONE brought their tenacious blend of heavy rock and melodic enterprise to attention with debut album Silence Is Acquiescence. Now the Northampton and Milton Keynes hailing quartet have new single HOW IT ENDS out, one song which even on its own quickly shows a new roundedness and maturity in the band’s sound.

Rhythms jab as riffs circle while the song gets its bearings, soon settling into a composed stroll but one lined with volatility as Dan Moloney’s vocals share the lyrical heart of the encounter. He and fellow guitarist Andy Simmons bring a melody loaded weave of enterprise to the mix, it laying suggestively over the bolder grumble of Ollie Young’s and Baz Woodsford swinging beats. With harmonies across the band only adding to the emotive Hundred Reasons scented proposal, the song is an impressing and intriguing glimpse at the growth in Wolfetone’s music and songwriting.

It is fair to say that after the mighty exploits and impact of the single Airstrike from UK rockers SEETHING AKIRA, also just short of two years ago, anticipation for a successor of some kind has been increasingly eager and impatient. Thankfully, the quietness of their recording presence has now finally ended with the single BACKLASH, a fresh tempest of their alternative/electro rock ensuring any ‘grievance’ is swiftly forgotten.

A teaser for the Portsmouth quintet’s debut album, Sleepy Skeletor, which is due for release this coming June, Backlash simmers, bubbles, and ignites upon the senses in just its first handful of seconds. From there as the combined swiping vocal tones and harmonies of frontman Kit Cuntrad and keyboardist Charlie Bowes unite, the track simply and menacingly skips and lurches from hook to melody and rhythm to anthemic cries with energy, zeal, and unpredictability.

The rhythms of drummer Stu Mealcliffe and bassist Dick continue to pounce and prowl as Ryan Jarrad-Keen’s guitar feverishly swings in the suggestive throes of Bowes synth and that combined vocal incitement. The result is a distinctive web of creative drama and fierce infectiousness sure to once more ignite the appetites of the band’s fans and for those with a palate for the likes of Enter Shikari, Hadouken!, and Hacktivist. Also featuring the guest contribution of Olly Simmons from The Qemists, Backlash is a mighty return for Seething Akira and excitable enticement for their first eagerly awaited album.

With the release of their album Anti-Social Network almost exactly a year ago, it is fair to say that 2016 was CALLING ALL ASTRONAUTS’ most successful year so far. Subsequent singles have only reinforced its impact and persuasion as now does the band’s tenth single DIVISIVE. The album’s closing offering, the song encapsulates the British trio’s dark electro/goth punk sound; its funk infested electronic virulence and electro punk irritability a collusion of incitement around keyboardist David Bury’s snarling politically charged words.

Equally the scowling riffs and grooves of guitarist JJ Browning reek of social antipathy as the brooding bassline of Paul McCrudden growls with discontent, yet it only aids the contagious stomp of keys and the parade of nagging catchy hooks on offer.

Calling All Astronauts are one of the bands with a truly individual sound and, with the likes of Divisive tempting, the world is waking up to it.

From the echoes of and formed by former members of alt-rockers Marlowe, British band ROJA casts dusty sweltering adventures wrapped in evocative Mariachi El Bronx like sound under Tarantino/Morricone hued Spaghetti Western atmospheres. It is a landscape and captivation no better represented than by the band’s latest single THE EVIL STANDS HIGH. With brass soaring before and within the, low key yet pungently sultry stroll, the single is imagination stroking drama and compelling enterprise in rich collusion.

Like a gunslinger, the track prowls; rhythms at its hips as Rachel Brewster’s strings and the prowess of cellist/keyboardist Claire Swift add to the swift visually stimulating play emerging; Chris Doherty’s brass incitement a shimmer and flame in its suggestive heat. Vocalist Simon Bradshaw is the on looking narrator, his tones descriptive in expression and touch as the rhythmic prowess of bassist Edwin Pink and drummer Aron McGhee strolls.

Featured on the BBC’s UK’s Best Part-Time Band and with a well-received debut album in Promises I Should Have Kept under their belt, Liverpool’s Roja are making new enjoyable and inventive steps forward in sound and reputation with their single leading the way.

Photo credit Jonathan Brady/PA Wire

Finally we have the first new track from JOHN MOUSE since the acclaimed release of The Death of John MOuse in 2015. His new single is TOUGH DAY FOR THE TRAIN, an infectious swing of indie pop which almost acts like a modern day aural Lowry painting as it reflects on the involving life of the rail service and specifically its vehicles, John inspired by his regular use of the train for work over the past year.

The ticket for the song’s journey comes from a wiry melody, an initial step up into the rattling catchiness of a track rolling along on the gentle hypnotic persistence of rhythms. Keys provide an arresting musical landscape, guitars the busy evolution of its views whilst flames of trumpet bring additional scenic beauty and drama to the intimacy of a journey all know.

With guest vocals from John’s children Maggie and Gruffydd, the song is an away day for which return trips are a given.

Wolfetone’s How It Ends is out now

https://www.facebook.com/pg/wolfetoneuk/

Backlash is out now through most major online stores.

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

Divisive from Calling All Astronauts is out now via Supersonic Media.

http://www.callingallastronauts.com https://www.facebook.com/CallingAllAstronauts/ https://twitter.com/CAA_Official

Roja’s single The Evil Stands High is available now.

http://roja.band/ https://www.facebook.com/rojamusica https://twitter.com/rojamusica

John Mouse’s Tough day for the trains is available now through Crocfinger Records

https://www.facebook.com/JohnMOuseMusic https://twitter.com/johnmousemusic

Creative streams of temptation

Already 2017 seems like it could be a year of names and reputations being forged from just singles alone. In the first couple of months there have been a great many which just leap from the thick and busy crowd; a persistent stream still flowing into March through another batch of striking proposals.

One such is FAR TOO WRONG, the new video/single from British rock band MATTER OF MIND. They are a quartet from Stockport who has really begun to grab praise and attention the past couple of years with their Ben Sansom (Lower Than Atlantis) recorded debut EP, A State Of Mind leading the way. Its early 2016 release whipped up support from fans and notable music figures alike. It is a success the band hope to build upon this year with a series of planned live dates to follow the release of Far Too Wrong with its striking video alongside.

Melodies and vocal prowess quickly feature across the song, its melancholic yet charming start soon alive with the potent vocal tones of rhythm guitarist Jordan Lambert enjoyably backed by those of drummer Connor McQue. Around them guitars simmer, almost teasing with their melodic touch before bursting into stronger flame with the suggestive enterprise of lead guitarist Ash Meadowcroft courted by the darker presence of Rob Bramwell’s bass.

The band’s sound has been referenced by the likes of Biffy Clyro and Royal Blood, and in the single there is a touch of Sick Puppies to the track which does it no calm either. If this is a sign of things to come, Matter Of Mind could indeed be looking at a big year.

Another band with a rosy future is THE SNEAKY NIXONS, “An angry, semi-political, semi-religious, part-feminist sloppy activist group who play riotous, steam-train guitar music.” They are also a proposition which single by single, song by song seems to find and unveil a new fresh trait in their creative arsenal. The previous delights of tracks like Having Fun and Sex took fans on varying indie inspired rock ‘n’ roll escapades, adventure just as easy to devour in their latest single RETURNING HOME A FAILURE.

Taken from new album The Barbie Syndrome, the loping gait and lazy sultry climate of Returning Home A Failure quickly seduces the senses and imagination. The first flame of sax serenading ears is joined by the similarly sultry embrace and suggestive strokes of guitar, their glowing smoulder breeding a slow stroll with a swagger that just grips feet and hips. There is no escaping an Arctic Monkeys meets Libertines like wine to the song but one embraced by a mischievous Americana twang and indie pop revelry. It is pure magnetism and sure to create plenty more interest in band and album.

Talking of that kind of captivation, British alternative/indie rockers THE SLUMDOGS have that almost intrusive strength of temptation on show too in the two tracks and EP unveiled since the beginning of the year. The Blackpool quartet recently released the single UNSUITABLE KIND; an irresistible slice of infection taken from the very well-received January released Chasing The Never-Day EP, a track which they have already followed up with a striking video created by Chutzpah TV for new track WETTY.

The first of the two songs is a slice of fevered rock ‘n’ roll with Northern r&b swagger and Brit Pop revelry. It is all guitar jangle, predacious bass, and rhythmic flirtation aligned to expressively engaging vocals; everything coming with an energy and mischief which devours ears and appetite. Again, the scent of those bands mentioned in regard to The Sneaky Nixons song are hints to the sound here but hues in something just as unique and mercilessly irresistible. Wetty is a more punk fuelled stomp, Bobby, Elliot, Will, and Cam littering it with attitude loaded vocals and hooks as rhythms and riffs tenaciously descend on the senses. It is also as infectiously disarming as the band’s recent track, even more so really with its wiry post punk snarl and dirtily contagious Clash hued roar. The pair of treats are proof that The Slumdogs continue to grow bolder and get bigger and subsequently better with every song.

Also continually evolving and honing their sound is British melodic/alternative rock outfit MOUNTAINJAM. Formed as the previous outfit two years ago, the Midlands hailing foursome have continually and increasingly drawn plaudits and new fans since their debut EP in their first year through subsequent singles. It is easy to expect HEAVENLY BLUE will only be adding to that success ahead of the release of the band’s forthcoming debut album.

As last single Waiting, there is a mellow air to the MountainJam sound here compared to when they first stepped forward, calm though with underlying drama and an almost tempestuous essence which gives a strength and fire to melodies and heat to the emotion of the song’s heart. It has real infectiousness too which lines every element of its controlled but eager presence; all textures emulated in the vocals. Not quite the slow burner that its predecessor was, it is a song still just growing in persuasion and impressiveness listen by listen. It draws on the best individual essences of previous offerings to forge its own stature and success while confirming MountainJam as still one of the bands with the potential to take UK rock into new inspiring adventures.

Continuing the theme of uncaging a temptation stirring ears and excitement for an upcoming album is FUZZY LOGIC BABY. The full-length is scheduled for late 2017 giving the British band plenty of time to tease and entice with new single GLOW IN THE DARK taken from their acclaimed EP of the same name. The London outfit create a smoothly revolving kaleidoscope of reggae, ska, grime, and punk lined alternative rock. It conjures a creative drama which is intimate and fun built on a mischievous nature which ensures songs like Glow In The Dark leave expectations and predictability idle spectators.

The song almost idles in, a slim melody luring the instantly captivating vocals and a brooding yet smiling bassline. With a quickly engaged chorus seducing the listener vocally as their bodies swing to the sway of the music, the track continues to unveil a perpetual twist of ingenuity and imagination. Like a mix of The Specials, By The Rivers, G.R.I.M, and The Skints, it proceeds to get more crazed, veering towards bedlam but never losing its skilful control of rabid invention. There are a fair few bands truly exciting ears right now with undoubtedly Fuzzy Logic Baby right there on the frontline.

The UK capital and British electronic imagination has also seen the release of the new EP from the trio of musician/songwriter/producer Matt Brock, vocalist Atashi Tada, and visual artist Rafael Filomeno, better known as dark electro band DICEPEOPLE. It is a four song offering based around the dark synthpop track SYNTHETIC; its presence joined by a trio of re-mixes.

The band’s sound is more a weave of flavours than one specific strain, the threesome drawing on spices from electronica to EBM, darkwave and post-rock to synth pop with more besides within dark electro explorations. Synthetic is a fusion of crystaline vivacity and synth temptation over a darker underbelly of throbbing shadows and dark beats. The vocals of Tada are additional radiance within the warm shimmer, her celestial tones courted by the heavier and equally alluring tones of presumably Brock. There is an eighties feel to the track’s dance too, both Art Of Noise and Propaganda reminded of as also a general essence of the kind of sounds found on early Mute Records releases. It is magnetic seduction from start to finish enjoyably backed by remixes from Ventenner, who recently enjoyed acclaim for their new album Invidia, and Little Death Machine as well as Brock exploring new depths with his Pneumatic mix of his track. All three takes capture ears and imagination with ease, each giving a whole new aspects and shades to the song whilst echoing its core sunspot of pure enticement.

We complete this look at some of the best new singles with the two track release from BAUM JR., vocalist/musician previously with British band High Horses. The Manchester bred songwriter releases his second double A-side single over the first weekend of March, two tracks reinforcing and building on the impressive introduction to him made by its predecessor.

Musically Baum Jr. is an emotively driven fusion of electronic flavours and melodic rock; elements of synthwave, darkwave, 8bit and more adding to the weave and drama woven and making a potent persuasion on the new release. Like his first single containing original song Heroes and a unique cover of Garbage song When I Grow Up, its successor offers the same creative set-up.

THE SUNSET & THE COALPIT is an original song swiftly grabbing ears and attention. Initially a collusion of robustly lively rhythms and ear skirting shadows, the track becomes bolder and richer in its web of sound as seconds pass. Baum’s vocals are just as swift to impress, each note and syllable drenched in passion and emotion like a heart shared fireball in the midst of the calmer but no less dynamic sounds. Even with its fiery light and creative fervour, darkness lines its depths and heart; instinctive melancholy shading that same incendiary core and air.

Alongside the excellent song is the electro re-imagining of FOUNDATIONS, a song originally by London band Apologies, I Have None. A wash of melancholy and melodic reflection, the song glistens with craft and emotion if failing to quite match the compelling depths of Baum’s own track. Together though they make further potent suggestion of an artist with thick potential and already keenly enticing invention.

Far Too Wrong, single and video, from Matter Of Mind is out now.

https://www.facebook.com/Matter-Of-Mind https://twitter.com/MatterOfMindd http://www.matterofmindband.com/

The Sneaky Nixons single Returning Home a Failure and album The Barbie Syndrome are out now through Ocean Waves Productions on iTunes and other stores.

Upcoming Live Dates…Album party Liverpool District 3/3/17 Ditto Festival Liverpool Camp and Furnace 24/3/17 Scotland Glasgow – Weavers Lounge 15/4/17

https://www.facebook.com/pg/TheSneakyNixons

The Slumdogs single Unsuitable Kind and video for Wetty are available now.

https://www.facebook.com/theslumdogs/

Mountainjam’s Heavenly Blue is out now.

https://www.facebook.com/MountainJam2015 https://twitter.com/mountainjam2015

Fuzzy Logic Baby has their Glow In The Dark single and EP available now on iTunes and other stores.

https://www.facebook.com/fuzzylogicbaby https://twitter.com/fuzzylogicbaby

Synthetic from Dicepeople is out now @ https://dicepeople.bandcamp.com/album/synthetic

https://dicepeople.com/ https://www.facebook.com/dicepeople

The two track single from Baum Jr. is available now

https://www.facebook.com/baumjruk/ https://twitter.com/BaumJrUK

Pete RingMaster 07/03/2017

Baring teeth and rousing bodies

Always partial to short brutal and rousing trespasses, a host of bruising singles have got The RR juices flowing these past clutch of days, and no more so than the new offering From Denmark’s GRUMPYNATORS.

grumpynators-the-last-dance-with-me_RingMasterReview We have had a lustful appetite for the band’s motorbilly fuelled rock ‘n’ roll since their self-titled debut EP back in 2011 and have frequently featured the band for selfish pleasure on our podcasts etc. so news of the release of second full-length City Of Sin only drew orgasmic squeals. Ahead of their highly anticipated new album the band has unleashed their video/single TAKE THE LAST DANCE WITH ME. Wondering if the band could still excite with the same thorough efficiency, the track quickly proved itself with a presence welcomingly bred in the band’s expected, hoped for, and particularly individual and hungrily feverish rock ‘n’ roll; part psychobilly, part metal, and part punk infused hard rock and all riotous adventure.

The song, released on Mighty Music as the upcoming album, maybe holds no real new surprises for fans but hits the sweet spot from its first second as the guitars of Christian Nørgaard and Emil Øelund collude with the swiftly joined double bass stomping of Jakob Øelund and Per Fisker’s swinging beats. The Øelund growl is as melodic and gnarly as ever, leading the virulent charge inciting feet, hips, and vocal chords with salacious swiftness. The song is an anthem for body and spirit, a roar for wasted opportunities and secret longings and quite irresistible. Roll on that album was the only thing on our breath at its end for which you can find a review in the coming days on the site.

Another band laying down a flavoursome teaser for an upcoming full-length is Norway’s stoner punks BOKASSA. March 25^th sees the release of debut album DIVIDE & CONQUER on All bokassa_RingMasterReview Good Clean Records and whipping up the appetite for it is the band’s new single WALKER TEXAS DANGER.

With a well-received EP in War On Everything, and a couple of equally successful singles under their belts, the trio of vocalist/guitarist Jørn Kaarstad, bassist Bård Linga, and drummer Olav Dowkes uncage a ferocious blaze of punk and hardcore infused rock ‘n’ roll in their new track. It simply devours and exhausts the senses from start to finish with a bruising trespass as fiercely infectious as it is openly irritable. Guitars are a greedy assault whilst the bass bounds along with a devious swing invading limbs and psyche as beats hit the senses like an axe splitting wood. Amongst it, spicy grooves wind and entangle the treat, alongside a stoner tang sharing its flirtation.

The song has echoes of fellow countrymen Shevils which does it no harm at all and at its end like the Grumpynators track the only urge is to dive into the album it comes from like a kid in, this time, a wonderfully toxic candy store.

tdc_RingMasterReview April sees the unveiling of the debut album from THE DUST CODA and as a teaser the British rockers have just shared a slice in new single ROCK N ROLL. Hailing from London, the quartet certainly sparked attention with debut single The More It Fades last year, its fiery blaze of melody rich heavy rock also featuring on the upcoming Holier Than Thou Records released encounter. Now its successor cements the thought that it will be an offering well worth checking out.

Rock N Roll pulls out no major surprises but certainly lives up to its title with swinging grooves and lively beats soaked in a tangy creative juice with blues and classic rock spices. It wears its influences proudly and as such is not trying to reinvent anything but it has a plentiful of reasons to encourage that closer look at its supplier, a release to be supported by a UK tour and European festival dates.

The past couple of weeks have also seen the release of the new single from Colombian melodic death metallers ESHTADUR. This is another band with an album in cornered-at-the-earth_RingMasterReview MOTHER GRAY on the near horizon and another making a very persuasive case as to why it should be explored on arrival.

Coming from Pereira, the quintet has drawn comparisons to At the Gates, Septicflesh, and early Soilwork. Emerging in 2005 with demo Timo Be Timo, they have gone on to release a pair of EP’s and two well-received albums while successfully venturing and playing across their homeland into Peru and Mexico. With attention further afield already gathering around the band, the release of Mother Gray is backed by the outfit’s first ever US dates and tasted by the excellent single CORNERED AT THE EARTH.

From its first breath, a wave of invasive rhythms and predacious riffs consume ears, in the midst of the tempest melodic toxins and symphonically spiced grooves growing. The guttural growl of Jorg August is as commanding and captivating as the sounds around him, the variety in vocals trespass similarly appealing as guitarists Juan Ortiz and Sebas Patiño cast their individual nets of invasive textures whilst the rhythmic pressure of bassist Victor Valencia and drummer Mauro Marin never relents as the track’s imaginative dark drama unfolds across five compelling minutes which only lead to a desire to embrace Mother Gray.

soldiersofsolacecoldasastone_RingMasterReview Lastly and released a touch earlier than the others but certainly worth checking out is COLD AS A STONE from US heavy rockers SOLDIERS OF SOLACE. Recently signed with the German based label Rock’N’Growl Records, the Hartford, CT hailing quintet is currently in the studio recording their debut album. New track Cold As A Stone is a taster of that future release, a slab of heavy rock and melodic metal which again you could say is not breaking into new avenues of uniqueness but with its grumbling rhythmic tone and fiery melodic tapestry enjoyably burns upon the senses.

Emotionally charged, the song makes a strong first impression but blossoms into a lingering flame of enterprise and persuasion with every listen. Influences on the band are said to include the likes of Shinedown, Alterbridge, Seether, and Guns N Roses among a few, each a good clue to what Soldiers Of Solace offer in their own determined style.

Grumpynators ‘s Take The Last Dance With Me is out now through Mighty Music with the album City Of Sun released March 24^th.

https://www.facebook.com/grumpynators http://www.grumpynators.dk/

Bokassa’s Walker Texas Danger is out now via All Good Clean Records and the album Divide & Conquer on March 25^th.

https://www.facebook.com/BokassaBand/

Rock N Roll from The Dust Coda is out now through Holier Than Thou Records.

http://thedustcoda.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TheDustCoda https://twitter.com/TheDustCoda

Eshtadur’s Cornered at the Earth is out now @ https://eshtadur.bandcamp.com/ with Mother Gray released May 12^th on Bleeding Music Records.

https://www.facebook.com/EshtadurOfficial/

Soldiers Of Solace’s Cold As A Stone can be streamed now available through Rock’N’Growl Records.

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

Circles Of Sound

I guess we all need something to lure us into the heart of the first month of the year as life makes demands but it has certainly been made easier over the past couple of weeks with a handful of ear pleasing singles.

Little Lapin

The magnetic tones of LITTLE LAPIN provides the first hug of ears with her new track ISN’T LIFE FOR LIVING. Devon bred but now Cornwall based, Little Lapin is Lucy Hill, a singer/songwriter who has mesmerized audiences from the UK to New Zealand and New York since emerging round 2012 and a great many more with debut album Remember The Highs of 2015. Taking inspirations from the likes of Regina Spektor, The Cranberries, Florence & The Machine, Laura Marling, PJ Harvey, The Cure, and The Pixies into her own increasingly individual sound and poetic songwriting which Little Lapin reveals she has pushed on again to build on the potency of her last single Californian Sun with Isn’t Life for Living.

The initial gentle caress of guitar is swiftly joined by the harmonic kiss of Little Lapin’s vocals, a radiant union which lures in the potent throb of bass and the crisp skip of rhythms soon after. The distinctive tangy warble in her voice as ever tantalises while adding further expression to the heart of the melody woven encounter. The song also reveals a richer weave of sound and its closeness to the lyrical heart of the songwriting, a fresh quality sparking hopes of another album very soon.

Just as seductive is the new two track single from also Cornwall based outfit THE VELVET HANDS. Formed by Toby Mitchell and Dan Able, the quartet

The Velvet Hands

completed by Louis Willbourne and Sam Hilder have also increasingly honed and grown a sound already gracing a clutch of praised single to make a striking presence in their new proposal I DON’T CARE. It opens with boldly tempting drums, their coaxing joined by a great guitar jangle with a seventies punk scent to it. Indeed the group vocals hint back to the power pop/melodic punk rock treats of the time too, it all delivered with modern day zeal around a great grumbling bassline.

It is an easy to devour proposition for ears and hips and potently backed by THE END, a calmer wash of sound with melancholy in its heart, reflection in its vocals and words, and a Beatles kissed air to its melodic serenade. Together and individually the songs make a compelling persuasion from a band sure to tempt another wave of keen interest through them.

In contrast to the buoyant air of those two tracks, an emotional haunting fuels the profoundly evocative beauty of GOODBYE, the new track from British spoken word artist EQUINOX. Linking up with electronic/post rock weaver DEMENTIO13, the track is a fog of dark ambience which seeps through the pores. The melancholic sounds of Dementio13 wash over ears, imagination, and Equinox’s words, clinging to his mere four lines persistently echoing in the imagination from their first touch and their one time increasingly broken repetition. It is an enthralling track which lingers to draw attention back with into its rare beauty.

st-christopher-medal-wayne-https://www.facebook.com/SoundsofEquinoxmoon-pilot Released in 2015, Sunny Day Machine, the debut album from Scottish outfit ST. CHRISTOPHER MEDAL still and unsurprisingly seems to be drawing new ears and appetites the way of the band’s unique indie Scotpop sound. It was an attention grabbing proposal swiftly intriguing ears and sparking the imagination, much like the band’s new single WAYNE MOON PILOT.

The Perthshire six-piece of brothers Ali (vocals, guitar and songs) and Kenny Mathieson (lead guitar), David Mack (drums & percussion), Andy Jeffries (keys), and Billy Nisbet (bass) explore a new aspect of their imagination with their latest track. Its body is as striking and unexpected as fans of their album will assume; gently strolling Americana spiced indie pop as nostalgic in its air as it is fresh in its character tempting within a celestial atmosphere reminding, if not in sound, of Bowie’s Space Oddity. Its touch has an intimacy as potent as the spatial landscape reflecting the song’s protagonist calling out across the stars.

It is a song which grows by the minute and seduces more and more with every listen while suggesting that St. Christopher Medal itself is moving into another new and individual sphere of creative adventure.

If its caress is a melancholic yet warm persuasion, Warrington/Leeds based funksters THE WINACHI TRIBE put an eager spring in the step with their new offering A ROOM WITH A ZOO.

The Winachi Tribe

The single also has a gentle touch in its presence but it is eagerly lively as the band’s ever inviting sound sways and swings within ears, its seduction inspiring replication in the hips of the listener.

Vocalist Liam Croker almost serenades the senses with his harmonic quality while bubbly rhythms skip around with frivolous invention. With its infectious jangle on top there is a touch of The Tom Tom Club to the track, a highly agreeable essence entangling with more Parliament Funkadelic and Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five like spicing but as already evidenced by previous singles, the sextet weave it into their own virulently infectious enterprise. There is no escaping the effect the song has on body and spirit, and no reason anyone would ever want to while the 10 minute film featuring Tommy Flanagan (Sons Of Anarchy) which accompanies it is another must.

Little Lapin’s Isn’t Life for Living is available now @ bandcamp

http://www.littlelapinmusic.com https://www.facebook.com/littlelapin/

The Velvet Hand’s I Don’t Mind is out now on Easy Action Records @ http://easyaction.co.uk/index.php?route=product%2Fproduct&product_id=477&search=The+Velvet+Hands

http://www.thevelvethands.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/thevelvethands

Goodbye from Equinox is out now.

https://www.facebook.com/SoundsofEquinox https://twitter.com/soundsofequinox https://www.facebook.com/Dementio13/ https://twitter.com/dementio13

The St. Christopher Medal single Wayne Moon Pilot is out now on Stereogram Recordings @ https://stereogramrecordings.bandcamp.com/track/wayne-moon-pilot

http://www.stereogramrecordings.co.uk/artists/st-christopher-medal/

The Winachi Tribe’s A Room With A Zoo is out now @ https://itunes.apple.com/album/id1174915576?ls=1&app=itunes

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

Pete RingMaster 09/02/2017

Rousing jangles and bold choruses

With 2016 turning into its successor and subsequent weeks coming thick and fast, there have been a few singles which have simply demanded attention, three in particular.

mosley-bar_RingMasterReview First is the new track from British rock/pop band MOSLEY BAR. A quartet from the North West of England, Mosley Bar swiftly found itself luring national airplay with debut single Record Sleeve in 2015. Last year the Another Record Sleeve EP pushed the band’s emergence to new heights, a success set to be matched and nudged once again by upcoming single TWO APART.

Released 23rd January, the track is a gentle yet eagerly catchy affair, setting out on an unhurried and swiftly infectious stroll from its first second. Quickly vocalist Ryan Ward lures ears already caressed by the melodic prowess of his and Adam Eccleston’s guitars, their melodies warbling with a Latin scented tempting over the calmly rousing rhythms of bassist Tim Williams and drummer Matthew Wright. Like a mix of The Libertines, Arctic Monkeys, and Two Door Cinema Club, the track is a smouldering persuasion compared to the more instant persuasion of previous tracks but one making a swift attraction which blossoms into a lingering and irresistible romance for ears and imagination.

Just as magnificent is the new single from South London hailing ARTBREAK. Supposedly only being around since June last year, the band has actually evolved from the acclaimed presence of Savage Nomads with four fifths of its line-up coming from their outstanding predecessor. Since emerging Artbreak has been dropping singles every few weeks with POLAROIDS IN PARIS the latest, though there may already be others out there tempting ears as you read this.

The single certainly holds much of the irresistibly infectious and creatively bold sound of its creator’s former guise but honed into a whole new character of imaginative enterprise. With an early Orange Juice like jangle to its tenacious rock ‘n’ roll and the ever enjoyable swagger of Cole Salewicz’s vocals, the song twists and turns with unpredictability. It is funky and boisterous, marrying eighties new wave/indie pop with modern anthemic rock ‘n’ roll, and the spark to the kind of romance theming its heart between band and ears.

akiva-band-pic_RingMasterReview Finally UK’s AKIVA brings their own blues/funk flavouring to ears in the single CHEMICAL EYES, the Bedfordshire based quartet consisting of brothers and school mates with a mutual love for many creativity inspiring things. The single follows the band’s well-received debut album Can’t Buy Revolutions and treats ears to suggestive electronics, swaggering Madchester styled rhythms and funkiness, and blues pop ‘n’ roll. It is a heady mix led by the voice and synth of Dave MacKenzie and shaped by the imaginative enterprise of guitarist Malcolm Carter alongside the rhythmic swing of bassist Rob Mercel and drummer Dave Mercel. Its creative colours border on kaleidoscopic, psych and indie rock among spices adding to the captivating character of the song explaining plenty of reasons why a buzz is brewing up around the outfit.

Mosley Bar’s single Two Apart is out 23rd January

https://www.facebook.com/mosleybar/ https://twitter.com/mosley_bar

Artbreak’s Polaroid in Paris is out now.

https://www.facebook.com/artbreakofficial https://www.twitter.com/artbreakkk https://soundcloud.com/artbreakofficial

Akiva’s Chemical Eyes is digitally out now @ https://akivamusic.bandcamp.com/track/chemical-eyes

https://www.facebook.com/akivamusic https://twitter.com/akivamusic https://soundcloud.com/akivamusic

Pete RingMaster 17/01/2017

New and vintage breeds.

Bringing 2016 to a rousing close is a collection of singles which just demand attention.

hello-casanova-cover_RingMasterReview The first comes from Northern Ireland’s HELLO CASANOVA, a debut single which alone suggests the band has a rosy future ahead of them. Formerly known as Foreign Affairs, the Armagh hailing trio have linked up with London-based Supersonic Media, the home of the outstanding Calling All Astronauts, for their first offering. I’LL BE WAITING is an imposingly infectious slice of anthemically feisty pop punk recorded with producer Rocky O’Reilly (And So I Watch You From A Far, Fighting With Wire).

Opening with a wiry melody reminiscent of the sonic suggestiveness Stuart Adamson (Skids/Big Country) used to conjure, the song is soon strolling confidently through ears with the potent tones of vocalist/rhythm guitarist Matt Irwin leading the way. Swiftly a Celtic flavouring embraces song and imagination, and once in full flight the track a touch of bands like Josef K and The Cuban Heels emerges within the enterprise of lead guitarist Ethan Williamson as the swinging beats of Martin Miller create their own addictive lure. There is a definite eighties feel to the track but equally it offers essences seemingly inspired by the likes of Jimmy Eat World and Living End for two and a half minutes of potential soaked pleasure.

Within the same country borders Belfast based MOJO FURY recently released their new track, the predacious and criminally catchy TRYING TO GET FREE. Released as a free download on mojofury_RingMasterReview their Bandcamp profile, the song is a tenaciously gripping slice of the band’s distinctive and ever off-kilter alternative rock. It feels like a life time between the new song and acclaimed second album THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN but the three years swiftly dissolve as the single consumes ears and a quickly lusty appetite.

Within seconds it is strolling heavily across the senses, guitar and bass riffs predatory and beats forcibly crisp before things settle a touch and guitarist Michael Mormecha springs his expressive vocal prowess. The bass of Ciaran McGreevy brings an earthy growl as beats continue to shake bones, their rhythmic magnetism only matched by the wiry web spun by James Lyttle’s guitar.

The track is glorious, a dark cousin to the similarly deranged invention of Japanese Fighting Fish with a raw pop punch which simply infests body and spirit.

woy_RingMasterReview Moving further south, hailing from Donegal in Ireland is WOLVES OF YOUTH, an indie rock quartet with a sound, on the evidence of latest single SAY SOMETHING, which command attention with ease. Formed in 2014, the foursome of lead vocalist/guitarist Garry Doherty, lead guitarist Stephen Shelly, bassist/vocalist Ciaran O’Reilly, and drummer Daniel McGettigan have become a potent live presence across Ireland drawing increasing acclaim as shows and festival appearances have only increased their reputation.

Linking up with producer Philip Magee recently, Wolves Of Youth emerged from the studio with SAY SOMETHING, a song which quickly has ears and body involved in its tenacious and accomplished blend of keen rhythms and flavoursome melodies around the engagingly earthy tones of Doherty. There is a snap to its beats and an underlying growl to its tempting bassline, textures alone which earns keen interest but with open imagination loaded enterprise colouring the track and the roar of an emotive heart it is one rousingly magnetic proposal where uniqueness may not be ablaze but thick enjoyment is a given.

Without doubt one of our early passions at The RR was THE WOODENTOPS, a UK band we suggest who were more influential than people realised and still maybe do but were the masters of wos160_thewoodentops_whywhywhy_2016reversion_RingMasterReview creating the most infectious and invasively memorable slices of indie pop.

This year saw the thirtieth anniversary of the release of The Woodentops seminal WHY WHY WHY and in celebration UK label Wall Of Sound released a special 12″ containing remixes and a 2016 Reversion of the original. Listening to the latter brings back the adventure of listening to the band first time around in a nostalgic flood; choppy riffs and almost deceptively engaging hooks dancing in ears and a throbbing bassline flirts within the tenacious festival of beats. Physical involvement is inescapable and a given, the song strikingly fresh in its new 2016 guise with matching lyrical insight but still the busy carnival of incitement it was originally and always will be.

https://www.facebook.com/hellocasanovaa https://twitter.com/hello_casanova

https://mojofury.bandcamp.com/track/trying-to-get-free

https://www.facebook.com/mojofuryband http://mojofuryband.tumblr.com/

https://twitter.com/wolvesofyouth?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/wolvesofyouthband/

https://www.facebook.com/WoodentopsOfficial http://woodentopsmusic.com/

Kaleidoscopic webs and charms

Rachel Mason 2 – credit Kerwin Williamson

Taking a glance at some ear exciting new encounters, HEART EXPLODES is the new single from Queens, New York based musician RACHEL MASON and the second track taken from her new album DAS RAM. The successor to acclaimed predecessor TIGERS IN THE DARK, the new single is a magnetic theatre of tone and suggestiveness driven by the entrancing tones of Mason. Surrounded by a musical drama which tempts and guides the imagination layer by layer, second by second, Mason creatively dances in the ears and thoughts

A metaphor for “allowing oneself the freedom to destroy one’s old identity and to find a new paradigm from which to dream”, the track invites a full engagement with the listener and rewards with an adventure which lingers and sparks well beyond its presence.

Another single which incites mind and emotions as much as the body is PLACES LIKE THIS, the new single from BLOODHOUNDS ON MY TRAIL. A fuzzy post punk and psych rock seducing wrapped in shoegaze bred enchantment, the song is a spatial yet intimate enchantment which infests the senses from start to finish.

Taken from the Australian quartet’s new EP HAUNTED ISLES, the single is layered with crystalline textures and rapacious yet reserved shadows which alone

Bloodhounds on my Trail

draws the imagination in as the song slowly swarms over the senses with seductive warmth breaking into more intense flames across its compelling body.

Carrying essences of bands like My Bloody Valentine, Lush, Flyying Colours, and Passenger Peru, PLACES LIKE THIS is a fiery captivation which only leads ears towards THE HAUNTED ISLES EP and into the creative embrace of Bloodhounds On My Trail.

Contrastingly, moodily seductive yet with an underlying catchiness which has hips and spirit swaying, the title and lead track from the FAX MESSAGE BREAKUP EP has all the reasons why RODNEY CROMWELL has drawn waves of praise and attention since the release of debut album AGE OF ANXIETY mid-2015.

rodney-cromwell-fax-message-breakup-cover_RingMasterReview The nom-de-plume of Adam Cresswell, founding member of indie-folktronica band Saloon and one half of acclaimed electronic two piece Arthur & Martha, Rodney Cromwell swiftly captured the imagination with his eighties synth pop inspired sound and an album which danced with ears and emotions. Taken from AGE OF ANXIETY, the entrancing FAX MESSAGE BREAKUP wraps its melodic temptation around the senses like a mix of OMD and B-Movie, fondling them with melancholic emotions and captivating shadows as electronic breezes play. It is impossible not to find feet and body engaged in quick time, the lures of the song, which also features Alice Hubley (Arthur & Martha, Cosines) on additional synth and Richard Salt (Controllers) on guitar, overwhelming and persistent from something as fresh as it is nostalgic.

Accompanying the lead track is four exclusive remixes with Hologram Teen (ex-Stereolab synth-wizardess Morgane Lhote) and AUW offering their individual takes on the single, the first a lighter dance-floor incitement and the latter a darkly celestial flight taking the song into a new expansive climate with a touch of The Cure around their second album to it. The EP also offers up the Chris Frain remix of BABY ROBOT and The Leaf Library’s take on Cassiopeia, two more songs originally found on the aforementioned album. Together they all make for a magnetic adventure for body and imagination and a great doorway into the electronic world of Rodney Cromwell for those yet to indulge in his album.

Finally, ROBERTA is the first of three EPs to be unveiled by circus punk anti-folk band DALTON DESCHAIN & THE TRAVELING SHOW, each focusing on different characters in a larger

DALTON DESCHAIN & THE TRAVELING SHOW – photo-credit-alice-mari

Traveling Show horror-punk epic about demon possession, circuses, and nuclear warfare cast by the band. With each release accompanied by a chapbook featuring a short story about the character complete with lyrics and drawings, it is a creative adventure on the evidence of this first chapter which is destined to trap, enslave, and the imagination.

Each of the trio of songs making up ROBERTA creates a uniquely distinct avenue to explore and be wrapped up in. Opener FREAKSHOW is a groove spun spectacle of circus punk devilry with a skeleton of bold rhythms within a sinister weave of melodic and vocal intrigue. Like a blend of The Bad Things and 12 Stone Toddler, it resourcefully preys on the dark corners of the mind whilst unveiling its own dangers and rapacious shadows led by the bedlam touched delivery of Dalton Deschain backed magnificently by the just as lively charms of fellow vocalist Jo Kroger. With the rhythmic espionage of bassist Michael Kennedy and drummer Phil Harris seducing and imposing throughout as the guitars of Deschain and Craig Kierce weave their suggestive tapestry, the song pure magnetic drama.

Alongside, INTERSTITIAL (DON’T CRY, MEIN LIEBCHEN) similarly entices and enthrals with its own capricious drama and noir clad landscape of carnival-esque horror built on warped atmospherics and outsider cries while DIFFERENT CONSTELLATIONS is a entrancing melodic serenade around the bewitching vocal duet of Deschain and Kroger; melancholy and beauty an inescapable captivation in a song which just seems to flame brighter with every passing eventful minute.

Fair to say that ROBERTA more than whets the appetite for the rest of the band’s emerging tale, a hunger already impatient for the next episode.

Heart Explodes is out now through Los Angeles-based Cleopatra Records and artist-run cassette label Practical Records with Das Ram also now available digitally and on limited edition CD via Cleopatra Records.

https://www.facebook.com/RachelMasonArt https://rachelmason.bandcamp.com/ https://twitter.com/RachelMasonArt http://www.rachelannmason.com/

Places Like This and the Haunted Isles EP are out now through Moon Sounds Records and @ https://bloodhoundsonmytrail.bandcamp.com/album/haunted-isles-ep

https://www.facebook.com/bloodhoundsonmytrail https://bloodhoundsonmytrail.bandcamp.com/track/over-the-wall https://twitter.com/bloodhoundsmelb

The Fax Message Breakup EP is out now via Happy Robots Records @ https://rodneycromwell.bandcamp.com/album/fax-message-breakup-ep

https://twitter.com/robot_rocker https://rodneycromwell.bandcamp.com/ https://www.facebook.com/happyrobotsrecords

Roberta is out now @ http://daltondeschain.bandcamp.com/album/roberta

http://www.daltondeschain.com/ https://www.facebook.com/daltondeschainmusic https://twitter.com/daltondeschain https://daltondeschain.bandcamp.com/

Pete RingMaster 29/11/2016

A Handful of Lures

GOSN_RingMasterReview Following a dark seduction amidst a provocative adventure for their debut single, GHOSTS OF SOCIAL NETWORKS engage in a brighter but no less compelling stroll for second release COMEBACK KID. The British band’s new track is a short and vibrant proposition keeping the summer a lingering moment in time with its warm bubbly character.

The Manchester outfit certainly stirred ears and attention with their first release, the double A-sided of LOVE POTION/MOCKINGBIRDS. Whereas the release saw the band fuse post punk, indie rock, and neo-psychedelia in a pair of magnetic proposals, the threesome of Nathan Till, Ben Dargue, and Jay Cuthill explore a sound more seeded in eighties new wave/pop for the Gavin Monaghan (Editors, Paolo Nutini, JAWS) produced COMEBACK KID. From its first rhythmic tempting swiftly involved with a joyful melody, the song is a smile on the senses with its sunshine character reinforced by a Haircut One Hundred like jangle aligned to a dark throbbing bassline. The vocals are just as potent and enticing, with band harmonies an additional flame of attraction for the easy on the ear, spirit sparking encounter.

Another single raising a flame in the passions as it rouses the spirit is SATELLITE from Anglo-Italian quartet MATINÉE. The East London based band have had a successful and eventful couple Matinee_RingMasterReview of years since the release of their impressive debut album THESE DAYS in 2014, lighting up a host of high profile venues and sharing stages with bands such as Mystery Jets, The Futureheads, and British Sea Power along the way. Earlier this year the foursome released the charming and elegantly catchy song EMPTY, a suggestion that the band’s sound was evolving rather nicely, confirmation and more coming with SATELLITE.

Featuring guest vocalist Pier Ferrantini, from Italian band The Velvet, the latest single shimmers into view with keys drawing again on an eighties spiced inspiration, like a mix of The The and Blue Mondays which the song continues to reference along its captivation. Ferrantini swiftly commands attention with his excellent presence, the band as expected drawing their fair share as keys and guitar collude in creating a web of melodic temptation as infectious as it is suggestive. With bold rhythms and an overall creatively tenacious air, the song leaves a feel good feeling behind impossible to dismiss.

righteous-reprobates_RingMasterReview Also coming out of London with of its feet in Kent, is indie rockers RIGHTEOUS REPROBATES who have just released their new single WHY’D YOU LET ME GO. The successor to their well-received and highly enjoyable track SCARLET SKY, the band’s new outing discovers an even more virulent infectiousness and headstrong boldness in their songwriting and sound.

The quartet’s influences include the likes of Oasis, Arctic Monkeys, Nirvana, The Beatles, and Led Zeppelin, essences more vocal in the new single compared to the last but essences which only colour an already distinctive proposition. From its opening rhythmically addictive stroll with a just as persuasive hook to its swagger, the song has feet and hips as attentive as ears soon locked into its anthemic temptation. There is a touch of Blur to the encounter which does it no harm either as it romps along; the vocals and lures of vocalists/guitarists Rob White and Jack Griffiths a warm buoyant invitation matched by the rhythmic swagger of bassist Jack Collier and drummer Charlie Kenny for another track which demands swift and full involvement.

Adding to the handful of striking and rousing singles we are looking at is a pair released on the excellent Holier Than Thou Records label. First is ROAD KILLING from British outfit THE TRIPDOWN PROJECT. Hailing from the UK’s North East, the trio of guitarist JoJo, drummer Ritch, and bassist Tim have a sound tagged as alternative rock but as ROAD KILLING shows, it has a much bolder character than that. The single strolls along with the boisterous catchiness of seventies power pop and the mischievous character of Supergrass, a tenacious mix which just ignites a physical grin to match that nurtured in the imagination. It is a riveting and ridiculously persuasive offering soon inspiring jumping feet and the contribution of vocal chords to its contagious epidemic of sound.

Torous_RingMasterReview The other offering from the label is the new single by TOROUS; another British three piece coming from Birmingham this time. Formed in 2014, the band’s blend of Celtic folk/hard rock with heavy metal flavouring has seen plaudits coming its way through a live presence which has seen them support the likes of Rival State, Evil Scarecrow, and Diamond Head, and a sound as evidenced by COLOURS which gets under the skin. The single is a blend of familiar textures and an openly stirring individuality which still feels like it is in the honing. From the rousing rhythms of drummer Tom Fenn and the prowling lines of bassist GMT to the spicy grooves of guitarist Marc Malone, the song stalks and entices with the latter’s dusty vocals straddling all with engaging expression and texture.

It is a song which grows and impresses more with every listen, revealing just why locally the band is eagerly followed and the national scene is beginning to pay proper attention.

The Ghosts Of Social Networks single Comeback Kid is out now via Integrity Records.

http://www.ghostsofsocialnetworks.com/ https://www.facebook.com/GhostsOfSocialNetworks https://twitter.com/GOSNmusic

Matinée’s Satellite is out now via Neon Tetra Records. @ https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/satellite-feat.-pier-ferrantini/id1159464305

https://www.facebook.com/thematineeband/

The Righteous Reprobates single Why’d You Let Me Go? is out now

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

Both The TripDown Project and Torous singles are out now through Holier Than Thou Records across most online stores and streaming @ https://holierthanthourecords.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/tripdown http://www.tripdown.co.uk/ https://twitter.com/tripdown

https://www.facebook.com/Torousishere https://twitter.com/Toroustheband

http://www.torous.co.uk/

Carousel of Singles

the-clockworks-mazda-press-picture_RingMasterReview Providing a seriously engaging introduction to themselves through debut single GIRLS LIKE YOU, Galway based trio THE CLOCKWORKS are now poised to conform their potential by unveiling its successor, MAZDA. It is a tenaciously infectious affair taking all the potent aspects of its predecessor and the band’s intriguing sound to a new level of tempting.

Fronted by London born James McGregor who linked up with guitarist Seán Connelly and drummer Damian Greaney early last year, The Clockworks have earned a strong reputation for a live presence which has seen them share stages with the likes of Keywest, Hermitage Green, The Magic Numbers, Fangclub, and Otherkin. Musically, the threesome creates an indie rock based proposal which carries an air of bands such as Arctic Monkeys, The Libertines, and Pulp whilst equally hinting at eighties post punk inspirations. The result is a proposal which grabbed attention on the first single and now leaps at the imagination through Mazda, a song as lyrically sharp in its social observation as it is keen in its uncluttered and tenaciously inventive sound.

With rhythms strolling along in a controlled swagger as the guitar shares a flirtatiously melodic enterprise, the song is a fresh breath of infectious rock. The vocals of McGregor are equally as alluring with an expressive and emotive honesty to their charm, a clean cut of a proposition which is echoed across all aspects of a richly enjoyable song suggesting this is a band going places.

Another track suggesting something special is brewing is the debut single from British project THE NOVACHORDS. An open door policy collective around the constant presence of the-novachords-artworks_RingMasterReview pianist/songwriter/studio engineer Dan Syder, The Novachords emerged within Manchester’s School of Sound Recording, its name inspired by the first synthesizer. It is too early to suggest the exact nature of their sound but debut single NIGHTMARE is a deliciously shadowy slice of gothic blues around hip hop styled beats.

The first of a trilogy and a tale of lost love inspired by Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol, Nightmare opens with the dark yearning of Anna Ryland Jones’ cello and the melancholic keys of Syder. In turn, the scything touch and dramatic expression of Emily Mowbray’s violin courted by the dark beats of Pete Bill and the throbbing resonance of Dan Harries’ bass spark the imagination further aided by the emotive heart of the song shared by the compelling tones of vocalist Dominic Lawson. Syder continues to add emotively simple or thickly melodic hues to the captivating encounter, the backing harmonies of Francesca Britten almost ghostly in the cinematic yet intimate embrace of one excellent song.

vg-art_RingMasterReview A single which has been out a handful of weeks but seriously worth ears paying real attention is CONTEMPLATE THE IMMORTALITY OF THE CRAB from alternative rockers VAIN GALEN. Formed in 2012, the UK band have become a potent live presence on the Home Counties music scene, making successful ventures into the capital with a sound which snarls even when its melodic prowess embraces ears. That striking character of enterprise fuels the heart of Contemplate the Immortality of the Crab. It is a song which reveals there is plenty more to the band’s sound than that alternative rock tag suggests, coaxing ears with a low key lure before leaping upon them with muscular rhythms and in turn a fiery blaze of guitar as vocals roar. A punk hue rises within the song once it has settled, an early Therapy? like growl emerging too as the bass adds its unique groan and the vocals show a variety as strong as the music around them. Instinctively infectious without losing its bite, the song is a captivating encounter unafraid to add unpredictability along the way, he band proving themselves another proposition with great potential and a rousing sound.

Lastly and to be keenly embraced is another slice of ear and imagination rousing antifolk from British singer songwriter GLENN HODGE BANNED. Again image_RingMasterReview released a couple of weeks or so ago, PERFECT GENTLEMAN is more of Hodge’s observational lyrically suggestive punk folk which has already drawn thick acclaim through the Iconoclast EP of 2014 and last year’s exceptional single Family Man. The new track from the London based musician has a dark tone running through its emotion, a melancholy to its intimacy which caresses thoughts even as the warm tones of great female vocals hug the senses alongside Hodge.

With the acoustic prowess of Hodge as inward as the climate of the lives explored, Perfect Gentleman engages thoughts and emotions with ease, strings only adding to the kitchen sink drama feel of the excellent encounter. Hodge is one of Britain’s finest songwriters and sparkers of the imagination, his new single evidence alone to support such a claim.

The Clockworks‘ Mazda is released October 19^th

http://theclockworksband.com/ https://www.facebook.com/theclockdoesntwork/

The Novachords’ Nightmare is out now @ https://soundcloud.com/thenovachords/nightmare

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

Vain Galen’s Contemplate the Immortality of the Crab is out now.

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

Glenn Hodge Banned’s Perfect Gentleman is out now on iTunes and other stores.

https://www.facebook.com/GlennHodgeBanned http://www.glennhodgebanned.com/

Scars and emotion

awb-pic_RingMasterReview Courtesy of Grandad Records, British hardcore quartet ARMED WITH BOOKS recently released the vinyl edition of debut EP HONESTLY, HONESTY. It is a haunting and fiercely emotive offering capturing the imagination across five tracks bred on everything from frustration and loss to despair and rage. Hailing from Norwich, Armed with Books released a demo in 2013 but particularly sparked attention with a split release earlier this year with South Bridge, again on Grandad Records. Honestly, Honesty is sure to inspire greater awareness for the band’s distinct and inventive sound.

From opener Charlatan, a track luring ears in with sensitive melodies until hooked then uncaging its thorny heart with vocalist/guitarist Olly Bradshaw venting exasperation with every syllable and note. The calm and tempest making up the track is a template shaping all tracks in their individual characters, fellow guitarist Ben Nabarro seducing with melodic prowess as the following Fraying also makes a mellow but shadowed start with the rhythms of bassist Dan Older and drummer Joe Woodbury adding their emotive volume. Joint vocal fury from both guitarists is an intimate pull but it is the musical potency and voice of the song which swiftly steals the imagination.

The remaining trio of tracks are as equally imaginative and potent; The Same a nagging irritant and seduction of ears, Plain Sight a compelling fusion of vitriolic release and reflective calm while closer To Betray is an intimate and invasive incitement awash with melancholic melodies and raw intensity. Each adds a fresh aspect to the first proper introduction to Armed With Books, a release suggesting the potential of its creators is one to get excited over.

Another band thick with emotion in their music is British melodic hardcore/metalcore outfit HIGH RISE, who also recently unveiled a rather impressive EP.

Pic marianne-harris

London based the quintet draw on inspirations from the likes of Underoath, The Ghost Inside and A Day to Remember for their robust and viciously infectious sound, flavouring adding rich hues to the five tracks making up the LEFT IT FOR EVERYTHING EP.

Successor to their well-received debut EP Tides Will Take You, the band’s latest roar was recorded with Dan Kerr at Avenue Studios and quickly seizes attention through opener Hands Untied. Quickly the band shows itself adept at forging rousing snarling intensity and aggression with melodic and harmonic imagination, the dual vocal attack echoed in sound in mixing irritable ire bred antagonism and reflective warmth. The first track casts a wall of thumping rhythms and grouchy grooves, twisting both and more with invention and the punkish rage of the band’s hardcore breeding.

It is a powerful start matched by the fiery Piece by Piece, a track punching home its initial sonic coaxing with hefty and swiftly addictive rhythms. Forcibly infectious with a robust and contagious bounce, the song has single all over it but is soon eclipsed by the best track on the EP. Reborn is superb, ears quickly entangled in the winding prowess of snaky grooves and passions lit by the growling riffs and punishing rhythms, all again contrasted by the excellent blend of clean vocals and throat raw aggression. Increasingly virulent and twisted with each passing minute, the guitars alone a bewitching and adventurous enterprise, the track is superb and alone suggests a big future for High Rise.

The concluding pair of L.I.F.E. and Vultures has a tough act to follow but both keep satisfaction full with the first a blaze of volcanic emotion and sonic acidity and the last another particular highlight of the EP with its bitter heart and incendiary metal ‘n’ roll assault. It is an outstanding end to a striking release from a band going places.

Honestly, Honesty is out on vinyl now via Grandad Records in LTD amount of 250.

https://www.facebook.com/ArmedWithBooks http://armedwithbooks.bandcamp.com/

The Left It For Everything EP is out now @ http://highriseukofficial.bandcamp.com/

http://highriseofficial.com/ https://www.facebook.com/highriseukband

Pete RingMaster 03/10/2016

Warm Days and Smouldering Nights

Serenades in a host of persuasive ways have been the order of the day on the 16^th of this month through a handful of singles rounded off by one magnetic EP.

Nuuxs_RingMasterReview Among them is the new single from French born, Hackney bred singer songwriter NUUXS. LOVE ME SLOWER is a soulful and melodic embrace of the senses, a slice of romancing dark pop carrying on the magnetic sounds found her previous release THE CRY EP and before it debut single HOLY MAN, both produced and co-written by Jake Gosling (Ed Sheeran, Shawn Mendes, The Libertines, James Bay, Paloma Faith). Having already been compared to the likes of Lana Del Rey, Gwen Stefani and Adele, Nuuxs firmly sets her own identity of sound and emotion driven voice in the crystalline beauty of Love Me Slower, its tender and minimalistic kiss on ears the perfect cradle for the rich tones of the mesmeric vocalist. Released via Goldun Egg, the single is sure to bring Nuuxs to greater attention.

As will EIGHT TILL TEN, the new single from Scottish electro-pop quartet THE BLET PROJECT. “A light-hearted look at modern working life and the pressures it puts on relationships”, the track is an infectiously swinging encounter drawing on eighties and nineties R&B influenced pop. Its jazzy air brings an additional heated seduction and spicing; the melodic enterprise woven by the bouncing keys of band founder Stephen Dennis and the soulful guitar of Gavin McDiarmid charming companions to the glowing vocals of Maisie Hutt. Driven by the invitingly punchy beats of Colin MacGregor, the song is a trigger for lively feet and eager hips and as suggested full of the potential to put The Blet Project on closer looking radars ahead of the November release of debut album Now Live.

Dazy Records release I CAN SEE YOU (ON FACEBOOK), IndifferentMonKeY’s debut single this day too. A funk infested piece of creative revelry from the Joseph Lowe sparked band with help from long term friend/collaborator Mark Lingard, the first IndifferentMonKeY encounter also has a flavoursome eighties feel to its character, dancing in ears with a freshness which just forces the body to move to the catchy motion of the song. With a line-up completed on its introduction by guitarist Keith Ashcroft , drummer Maxime Lennsens, and vocalist Pearl Rose, IndifferentMonKeY is another band with an impending album in the shape of Human Diamond; a release sure to be eagerly anticipated thanks to songs like I Can See You (on Facebook).

The EP we mentioned comes from British duo THE POTTOS. Consisting of vocalist/rhythm guitarist Colin Clegg and lead guitarist Misto Viscuso, school friends since the age of fifteen, the band creates melody rich indie rock pop with, as evidenced by the WHITE LABEL KAFKA EP, appealing strains of folk and punk. Playing together for many years under numerous guises, they emerged as The Pottos in 2012, releasing debut album Imaginary Monologues. Last year saw the Borrowed Flag released to great responses now sure to be matched by the Joe Foster (Creation Records co-founder) produced White Label Kafka. The release starts with a bang as both opener, (One of Many) Imaginary Monologues 1, and the following Sugar Makes You Happy Now leap into ears. The first has an pottos_RingMasterReview instinctive catchiness to its lively melodic smouldering which its successor takes it all to an even livelier and potent level. Great harmonies and infectious rhythms mark both with the second of the two establishing itself as the EP’s strongest moment before the warm caresses of Your Room show further variety to the pairs sound with its engaging and increasingly volatile croon.

The first half of the EP is probably its strongest but the catchy and feisty A Life in Black and White leaves enjoyment and imagination just as aroused before the closing pair of Boscombe Promenade and Youth lead the listener down a gentler emotive trail with nothing less than satisfaction in their wake. An EP which seems to make a stronger impact with every listen, White Label Kafka is highly recommended for all melodic rock /pop fans to complete a clutch of highly enjoyable encounters.

https://www.facebook.com/nuuxsmusic/ https://twitter.com/Nuuxs

https://www.facebook.com/thebletproject https://twitter.com/thebletproject

https://www.facebook.com/indifferentmonkey https://twitter.com/IndifferentM

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

Pete RingMaster 23/09/2016