Fertile Reptile – EP

Life’s trials and tribulations can be said to be character building and certainly it is easy to feel that about the Fertile Reptile sound. An acoustic parade of craft, passion, and energy, it is a rousing affair with a definite emotive edge as eagerly shown by the trio’s new EP, cryptically named, EP.

The band is based in Co Cavan Ireland, a place already tattooed on our eager senses through another threesome, The Radioactive Grandma. Large in space, small in populace, the county has a music heart which cannot be ignored, for us that band and now Fertile Reptile stand right at the centre. Both bands have an acoustic rock bred sound and there is no escaping thinking of the sadly demised Radioactive Grandma when listening to the Fertile Reptile EP, that band’s Johno Leader indeed mixed and mastered the quartet of tracks, but it swiftly and firmly proved the latter has its own distinct sound. It is a proposition which also teased with essences sparking thoughts of The Wonderstuff and The Woodentops in varying degrees which equally only added to its rich captivation.

As mentioned the band’s journey to date has not been plain sailing. Formed early 2009, the trio of vocalist/guitarist Peter Denton, bassist Jamie Byrne, and drummer Dwayne Kiernan leapt into the local live scene taking punk, metal, and ska influences into their intimately themed songs. “Due to mental and physical health difficulties” though the outfit disbanded towards the close of the following year but their friendship endured and saw them coming together to jam from time to time and work on other projects. In 2015, Kiernan underwent surgery for a rare spinal disorder but complications left him with brain injury and mobility issues leading him to have to give up playing drums. Music will have its day though and he turned to the bodhrán and in 2018 the three came together with a couple of acoustic tracks in Denton’s pocket and emerged as Fertile Reptile; his electric guitar swapped for an acoustic incitement to join the electric enticement of bass and that, as within their first EP, quickly addictive intimately manipulative bodhrán.

To be honest everything about the band’s EP got under the skin and quickly, its first track, Can’t Feel Anything, invading with a swing no hip or foot could ignore. Denton’s guitar is a smiling enticement, the darker hues of Byrne’s bass the perfect companion as Kiernan’s rhythm on goatskin, or whatever his bodhrán wears, dances. Denton’s vocals equally had ears and thoughts keenly involved as the song eagerly strolled all the time inviting and receiving enthused participation.

Virulently infectious it is a tremendous start to the release and quickly matched in catchiness and enterprise by Forget About It. It was with this magnet of a song that The wonder Stuff spicing more firmly revealed itself and similarly there is a tint of XTC to its gleeful canter. Like a spirited embrace of summer around reflective words, enlivened even more by the violin of Christophe Capewell, the track had body and appetite bouncing before making way for the equally irresistible Abusement Park. The rawer rock heart of the band’s sound fuels and shapes the character and imagination of the song, its emotive dispute and physical boisterousness together rather than at odds in its galvanic shuffle; Kiernan’s zestful backing vocals another alluring texture in the contagion.

There is a calmer pose to closing track, Tubby Lad, though there is no avoiding its instinctive catchiness and inherent spirit. Again lyrics tap into intimate thoughts as melody and harmonies caressed an already greedy appetite for the band’s sound, the song a powerhouse of incitement and vibrancy even in its reposeful gait.

We have had the pleasure to check out some truly enjoyable and thrilling treats this past year and the Fertile Reptile EP stands tall among them.

The EP is out now; available @ https://fertilereptile.bandcamp.com/album/ep

 

https://www.facebook.com/fertilereptile/    https://twitter.com/ReptileFertile    https://www.instagram.com/fertilereptile/

Pete RingMaster 07/11/2019

Copyright RingMaster: MyFreeCopyright

Tess Of The Circle – Face the Changes

Fast on the acclaimed heels of Love Is The Drug That You Crave, the first single from their upcoming second album Amplify, British rockers Tess Of The Circle unveil new track Face the Changes to make already intrigued and keen anticipation for their new full-length just that little more impatient. The new single is nothing less than an infection of guitar enterprise and vocal expression which lights up ears and indeed feet.

   As its predecessor produced by Gavin Monaghan, Face the Changes gives a slightly different glimpse to the new album and its hinted varied adventure whilst basking in the enterprise which marked out Love Is The Drug That You Crave as an equally rousing proposition bred on the band’s inspiration of 70’s electric rock armed with enterprising acoustic guitar riffs around biographically spawned lyrics. Fresh from 6 triumphant shows at this year’s Glastonbury Festival and strong attention and radio play for the last single, the Oxford hailing collective led by and bringing to life the songs and music of singer/songwriter/guitarist Tess Jones, share another inescapable temptation with Face The Changes.

Guitars and bass have body and imagination engaged straight away with their initial shuffle, that potent lure kept going as firm beats and the expressive tones of Jones add their own enticing to the vibrant mix. There is a kind of Michael Stipe essence to Jones’ voice, his magnetic lilt supported by further R.E.M. like melodies and the emerging dramatic air of the song. It is a much more resourceful character than that though, its bluesy textures through the guitars of Jones and Lee Clifton and a general infectiousness led by the rhythms of bassist Ben Drummond and drummer Paul Stone slightly recalling the John Butler Trio, but overall its body and buoyant enterprise creates a rousing time amidst a contagiously provocative roar which is all Tess Of The Circle.

Acclaimed debut album Thorns whipped up a wave of attention and greedy appetites previously and on the evidence of both Love Is The Drug That You Crave and now the richly enjoyable Face the Changes, the forthcoming Amplify will be doing the same.

Face the Changes is out now through most online stores.

Pete RingMaster 03/09/2015

Copyright RingMaster: MyFreeCopyright

For more exploration of the independent check out http://www.zykotika.com/

Following Foxes – Self Titled EP

When an artist or band has a background which involves in part the Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford, there is always an intrigue to learn more, partly because the town is a part of our musical heritage too and mostly because of some of the talent which has been nurtured at the ACM. From one of the UK’s most potent and impressive place of musical education, the likes of Newton Faulkner, Guy Davis who was part of the UK’s finest alternative rock antagonists Reuben, Joe Butterworth of Talanas, and Alexis Demetriou who formed the criminally unrecognised rockers Lost In Wonderland, have made varying impacting but potent marks on the British music scene. It is a long list also including members of Lawson and some bloke named Ed Sheeran, successes to which you can now add home town boys Following Foxes.

With its members all meeting at ACM, Following Foxes formed in 2013 and having a strong past year on the live scene now release their self-titled debut EP to nudge a broader attention to their presence. The five track release is a captivating introduction to the quartet, a handful of songs bred in a melodic caress of folk and indie/acoustic rock which energetically and skilfully bring a summery and creatively tenacious proposition to the senses. Drawing in inspirations from bands such as Biffy Clyro, Mumford & Sons, City and Colour, and Pink Floyd, Following Foxes shows themselves to be a thoroughly magnetic proposal and their EP more than likely to pick up wider media attention to back up already eager play on local radio stations across the South East of the UK.

The band’s new single, Almost Lost It is first up and right away with punchy bass lures from Mike Chapman and a great shuffle of beats within a caress of guitar, has ears and imagination paying close attention. The song relaxes soon after to welcome the strong vocals of Gid Sedgwick, his tones as warm and alluring as the melodic venture already shown by his and Alex Hill’s guitars. Subsequently with ears transfixed, another bait of thick beats from Steve Price adds fresh adventure before the song settles into a vibrant stroll loaded with a folkish revelry and melodic

Artwork by Harry Murr @ Roberts Clothing

swagger. There is still plenty of variety to gait and sound across the song though, sometimes more subtle than in others but a great unpredictable essence which grips the appetite and certain enjoyment.

The following I Saw, You Saw Me Back makes a less dramatic entrance though Sedgwick immediately holds court with his melodic croon and lyrical intimacy. It is still a strongly appealing first touch though which expands into a feisty but composed dance of voice and rhythms within a melodic seduction. As its predecessor, the track soon worms under the skin and into the psyche, a Lennon and McCartney whisper spicing part of the song whilst others times it romps along like a mix of Knots, Common Tongues, and The Radioactive Grandma.

Waiting for Someone, like those before it, simultaneously manages to be a warm reflective hug and a fiery little rocker, the great vocals across the band and occasionally a rigorously driving rhythmic thrust respectively igniting another memorable and increasingly enjoyable offering. It does not quite match up to the first pair such their might, but leaves satisfaction full before making way for Mother Brother. Though you cannot describe any of the songs as aggressive, there is a definite edge to the song when it steps up its energy around harmonically and melodically seductive embraces. It is a compelling end to a fine release; well not exactly an end as there is the brief melodic Outro to come but the party has ended by this point, its atmospheric haunting that drifting away of guests and excitement like after any slice of major fun.

Following Foxes has made a very impressive first step with a release which could straight away set them on a potent journey towards sparking the country’s attention. If not now it is impossible not to think or expect it will happen eventually but seems silly to wait, so go check out this highly pleasing release.

The Following Foxes EP is available now @ https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/following-foxes-ep1-ep/id964894157

https://www.facebook.com/FollowingFoxes     http://followingfoxes.com/

RingMaster 02/03/2015

Copyright RingMaster: MyFreeCopyright

Listen to the best independent music and artists on The RingMaster Review Radio Show and The Bone Orchard on Reputation Radio @ http://reputationradio.yooco.org/

 

 

 

 

The Undercover Hippy – Boyfriend

We all like a flirtation or two right? Even more when it is being received rather than offered and that is exactly what Boyfriend presents and is themed by. The new single from The Undercover Hippy, the song is a mischievous tease looking at similar romantic occurrences and wrongly interpreted signals. It is also a captivating romp of acoustic revelry aligned to roots reggae and embraced in, a new term to us but one which sums up the song perfectly, folk-hop.

The Undercover Hippy is Bristol bred singer songwriter/ producer Billy Rowan, an artist who after 7 years spent DJ’ing and MC’ing on the Drum & Bass circuit took his guitar and pushed forward with a solo presence and his own music from 2007. Though still to be found performing on his own, The Undercover Hippy has grown into a full band with Andreas Millns (keys), Theo Grimshaw (drums), Zak Ranyard (bass), Matthew Pharaoh (percussion/congas), and Jessica Langton (backing vocals) alongside Rowan. Recent years has seen the band light up the festival scene with acclaimed performances at the likes of Glastonbury, The Big Chill, Green Man, The Secret Garden Party, and Jersey Live amidst many more memorable moments, whilst musically they have drawn comparisons to Jack Johnson, The John Butler Trio, Gomez and Xavier Rudd among others. Lyrically, Rowan has a knack of sparking smiles and attention with a craftily sculpted and descriptive narrative which often explores either worldly or personal politics. Boyfriend is a song which simply ignites those embarrassing moments all our youthful endeavours have floundered upon, bringing knowing smiles to the surface as it has body and emotions in a magnetic dance.

The song itself actually brings reminders of, for those old enough to remember, The Piranhas’ track also called Boyfriend. Its premise was very similar but over a more ska seeded devilry and in a small way it is nice to just imagine that that band and song might have been a distant spice to this new slice of tantalising joy. The Undercover Hippy instantly has ears hooked as thick resonating bass lures meet up with spicy swipes of guitar and joyful rhythms, providing a swinging soundtrack to the just as quickly coming and pleasing tones of Rowan. The compelling verse saunters along, kissing the imagination with every flick of a beat and caress of guitar under a sultry breath of keys, before opening up into an infected loaded chorus. Brass and harmonica add to the elevated dance of the song, their colours irresistible alongside the flaming tones of Langton behind the lead of Rowan.

The track just gets juicier and more addictive with every passing second; in certain moments playing like a mix of Disraeli and The Small Gods and Glenn Hodge Banned but distinctly unique from start to finish. Taken from the Monkey Suit album which was released last September, Boyfriend is a song for an early summer and a boisterous year. The single package also comes with a couple of edits of the song plus a trio of remixes from The Future Dub Project, Hiphoppapotamus, and Raithism, so a meaty offering from what is destined to be one of 2015’s most captivating singles.

Boyfriend is available now

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

RingMaster 02/03/2015

Copyright RingMaster: MyFreeCopyright

Listen to the best independent music and artists on The RingMaster Review Radio Show and The Bone Orchard on Reputation Radio @ http://reputationradio.yooco.org/

 

 

Cris Pinzauti – Black

If like us the name Cris Pinzauti is a mystery then we suggest you change that as soon as possible by checking out his debut solo album Black. Consisting of eight songs which all captivate ears and attention, and at times explodes into one of the most thrilling and essential acoustic rock propositions you are likely to find anywhere, the release just leaves you wanting more. It is not an encounter which always hit the sweet spot of personal tastes but when it did boy the pleasure was thick and irresistible and at those other times satisfaction was still a done deal.

The background to Pinzauti sees him born in in Florence, Italy in 1971 and from a young age writing songs before self-teaching himself the guitar at 16. From here on, Pinzauti was part of numerous musical projects, creative collaborations, and played thousands of concerts throughout Italy and Europe, many with SUZY Q the band he and his brother Marzio founded and hard rock band Devil’s Mojito over recent times. Equally as a solo artist Pinzauti has strapped on his guitar and clicked on his loop station to light up audiences for over a decade in local venues with his creative style of acoustic rock. Now Black is poised to take the singer songwriter’s sounds to broader spotlights and appetites. Recorded exclusively with acoustic guitars, acoustic bass, and additional acoustic guitars used in percussion mode, and with guest appearances on certain tracks from Marco Di Maggio (Di Maggio Connection), Jack Meille (Tygers Of Pan Tang), Francesco Bottai (Articolo 31 and Irene Grandi Band), and brother Marzio, the album is a wake-up call for us all still unaware of this captivating talent.

Themed by “the BLACK or dark side of our lives, that which society labels as “dark”, but in reality is not” and contemplating the shadows behind forbidden love, sex, loneliness, soul searching, cynicism, inner demons, and rock and roll, the album opens with The Devil in the Closet. A breaking storm heralds in the song and its narrative, a stranger walking into a vaudeville bar room springing from an imagination sparked into action by the encounter before the potent tones of Pinzauti unveil more of the expressive scene in the company of his creative fingers on guitar strings. There is a mix of delivery styles to his voice; his offering equally a theatre of characters in the brief but intriguing folk bred opener.

It is a magnetic start but not as potent as the excellent My Black Is Back which follows. The song is instantly popping with melodies against vivacious beats, the infectious coaxing soon enhanced by a gentle strum of guitar. Again Pinzauti mixes up his tones, a gruff offering turning into a much stronger and compelling clean delivery which as the elevated melodies which hug it, gives the song a new energy and pungent contagion. The string plucks equally add a fascinating fun and creativity to the outstanding encounter to match that of the adventurous vocals, which once more never settle with one line of persuasion and only add weight to the enthralling temptation.

The country lined folk croon of Wasted Years comes next and has ears and thoughts hooked with its warm melodies and reflective vocals. The song does not give expectations a hard time but has enjoyment full before the brilliant Down brings its own transfixing beauty to bear on the senses. The resonating bassline is an instant hook whilst the guitars almost flirt as they sculpt a weave of melodic enterprise. Vocally too, and as now expected, Pinzauti only impresses as he increases the infectious tenacity and persuasion of the song’s gentle yet lively stroll.

The Vampire’s Lullaby is one of those moments which still has yet to fully convince. It is again a drama, a music play for today in some ways set in two parts. Let Me In is a spellbinding instrumental narrative, the fingers of Pinzauti bewitching across the strings of his guitar as he sculpts an imagination firing suggestiveness of a gothic tale. The storm of the first track again cracks and shares its intensity as Hush comes in and Pinzauti finds his dustiest Tom Waits like tones to bleed into the dreams of the song’s recipient. The track is a skilled and fascinating offering but one which misses sparking the same reaction as other tracks despite the exceptional vintage wine like melodies he pours across the song. Primarily it is the raw vocals which do not quite do it for us, just a personal thing and for others will work a treat, just like the rest of the compelling track.

The blues flavouring of Forever Yin Forever Yang is a vibrant collusion with a funkier endeavour sure to bring the listener to their feet whilst Hellbound Train explores that country breeding again with a southern rock balladry. Both tracks are short and potent temptations continuing the impressive nature of the album, but soon surpassed by Zombie Attack. The closer is easily the pinnacle of Black, its initial sandy croon the lead into virulent revelry blending melodic rock and pop into one quite sensational triumph. Addictive and ridiculously infectious yet intricately sculpted without taking any short cuts in seducing the listener, the song slips under the skin and into the psyche with sublime craft. Experience also knows that once infected the song never goes away, not that you will wish it to of course.

Black does not quite steal the passions for the whole of its body for us yet there is never a moment you wish to pass over and when it hits its heights, Cris Pinzauti simply has us in the palms of his creative hands. The bottom-line is that this is a must check out rock ‘n’ roll album and as the last line of Zombie Attack says “If Rock is dead, we are a Zombie Attack!” and that about sums up the attitude of this album and rock ‘n’ roll period.

Black is available now via Red Cat Records @ http://www.redcatpromotion.com/ita_store.html

http://www.crispinzauti.com/

RingMaster 27/02/2015

Copyright RingMaster: MyFreeCopyright

Listen to the best independent music and artists on The RingMaster Review Radio Show and The Bone Orchard on Reputation Radio @ http://reputationradio.yooco.org/

Red Rose Empire – The Ballad of Blondie

The Ballad of Blondie is a fascinating single, a song which gently spins through flavours and emotions whilst creating one thoroughly rousing and thrilling proposition. Bred by the inventive craft of UK acoustic rock band Red Rose Empire, and taken from their recently released album You’ve got Red on you, the single grips ears and imagination with cinematic vivacity and emotional intimacy to provide an intensely provocative persuasion.

Hailing from London, the trio of vocalist/acoustic guitarist Paul Claxton, bassist Rick Keating, and drummer Paul Rowland has drawn strong attention and praise through You’ve got Red on you and it is easy to see why if it matches the potent incitement of The Ballad of Blondie. The song opens with a swing of folkish revelry, guitar and bass uniting for a smiling intro framed by firm rhythms. The lively opening then relaxes into a gentle caress with Claxton providing an emotive croon, vocally and with strings, which is aligned to the hazy charm of the bass and shuffling beats. There is a drama to the change though, especially in the vocals, which ebbs and flows before erupting in the blaze of the chorus. Chords twang and vocals soar as a sultry climate bursts over the narrative before the song returns to its more peaceful suasion, though again it is just the coaxing prelude to another fiery breath of sound and passion.

The song continues to drift and roar as the landscape of its evocative theme continues providing a riveting adventure. Warm yet haunted, the song is a masterful and thrilling proposition which not only seduces for itself but sparks the want to check out the album it comes from. If Ballad of Blondie epitomises the potential and invention of Red Rose Empire then they have a very healthy and successful horizon ahead of them.

Ballad of Blondie is available now @ http://redroseempire.bandcamp.com/track/the-ballad-of-blondie

https://www.facebook.com/redroseempire

9/10

RingMaster 02/09/2014

Copyright RingMaster: MyFreeCopyright

Listen to the best independent music and artists on The RingMaster Review Radio Show and The Bone Orchard from

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Kung Fu Jesus – Wolf

The music world has been blessed with a torrent of thrilling and exceptional introductions from artists of all styles this year so far but there are few which have instantly recruited a willing ardour from the passions as the debut single from Kung Fu Jesus. Released via Gargleblast Records, Wolf is an irresistibly captivating and anthemic blend of acoustic and alternative rock with a healthy folk intimacy. The label’s press release calls the single “astounding” and it is hard to come up with many better adjectives for the riveting proposition.

Kung-Fu Jesus is a musician/writer bred in a Lanarkshire village who took to a global adventure to ‘escape’ the claustrophobic embrace of the place. His journey took in the sights and experiences of places such as South American and Taiwan, whilst emotionally love and its opposite also dramatically coloured the time. Returning home with a wealth of songs in tow Kung-Fu Jesus linked up with long-time friend/producer Andy Miller (De Rosa, Life Without Buildings, Foxface) to work on his compositions and music, resulting in the excellent Wolf whose release comes ahead of debut album Celestial Gold later this year.

Wolf opens up with a percussive shuffle over minimalistic keys. It is an unimposing entrance which barely scratches the surface of ears yet still nudges attention awake before the distinctive tones of Kung Fu Jesus joins a neat web of melodies to spark up greater appetite. Potently catchy and mesmeric, the song soon elevates its enticing with a burst of urgency lined with magnetic hooks and an infectious swagger. There is a feel of Lloyd Cole to the song but equally in its atmospheric keys seeded atmosphere Thomas Dolby. Predominantly though it is a unique flight of thought inspiring and evocative creative colour which sparks feet and emotions to move with eager revelry.

The song is a compelling lure alone but the single package is pushed to greater strength and ingenuity by the accompanying Wander. Again there is a mellow opening to the song which with keys and melodies making a coaxing bed for the vocals to paint with their expression, leads to an energetic dance of imaginative temptation. Impossibly contagious once into its provocative stride, the track swells and seduces with a celestial elegance aligned to a fiery rock flame of guitar and energy. Thoughts of Matt Johnson make hints as the song continues to excite and inflame the imagination but again by its conclusion the highly addictive Wander shows Kung Fu Jesus as a fresh and individual protagonist to cast a new breath to the British music scene.

With the second track stealing the show and both songs providing an extraordinary introduction, Wolf is an inspiring flame leading to the anticipation of a major fire ahead from Kung Fu Jesus, hopefully that will be Celestial Gold.

Wolf is available digitally now via Gargleblast Records @ www.gargleblastrecords.com

https://www.facebook.com/kungfujesusuk

9/10

RingMaster 26/08/2014

Copyright RingMaster: MyFreeCopyright

Listen to the best independent music and artists on The RingMaster Review Radio Show and The Bone Orchard from

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