Robes Of State – [Double A-Side]

Announced as their new and final offering, the double A-sided single The Bay/Directions is a potent farewell from, if this is to be the end, of British alternative rock band Robes Of State. Linking two vibrant and emotionally fuelled songs, the single provides a striking statement of what has been missed by those new to the band and will be missed ahead by their fans. Neither are songs to turn the UK music scene on its head but both have a craft and passion to songwriting and sound which leaves many others looking a touch bland in comparison.

Formed in 2006 and hailing from Colwyn Bay, Robes Of State consists of vocalist Hev Roberts, guitarist Jezza Bruce, bassist Dave Huds and drummer Perry Batty. Listing influences as the likes of Blink 182, Alexisonfire, Taking Back Sunday, ‘A’, and Feeder, the band’s sound is an atmospheric weave of provocative melodies and immersive intensity as perfectly illustrated by the latest release. From the first infectious hook of The Bay, song and band has ears and attention gripped. With heavy beats and anthemic vocals soon adding their bait, the track is swiftly a raucous yet controlled proposal which only increases its lure as riffs abrase and rhythms stomp with almost angry attitude. Vocally too there is an adventure and energy which challenges and coaxes whilst the song itself whilst lacking the spark to the anarchy it hints at, revels in the restraint and almost teases with its suggestiveness and the increasingly tempting hooks it possesses.

Directions is a gentler caress on ears but no less infused with emotion and evocative textures. The song glides across the senses with moments of increased energy interspersing its warm but melancholic embrace. Those expulsions of intensity bring a climactic presence to the song, giving it an almost emotionally stormy and intriguing character, like an aurally portentous yet unrealised tempestuous sea. It is a song to explore over time, every listen revealing another depth and shade to its heart.

The single also comes with a free bonus track in View Of the City, a song worth the price on its own. A vivacious stomp of sonic enterprise and progressively tinged imagination, it flirts and croons with drama and almost mischievous invention. It is a voracious treat of a song throwing out another reason why the band will be missed if this is to be the end.

It is never too late to discover a great band and the new single from Robes Of State certainly proves that they are just that.

The Robes Of State single is available now via Take Point Records @ http://takepointrecords.bandcamp.com/releases

https://www.facebook.com/robesofstate

RingMaster 06/01/2015

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Fayne – The Queen of Kings

The first release since returning from a hiatus in 2013, Canadian metallers Fayne have unleashed a maelstrom of a fury in The Queen of Kings EP. Bracingly raw yet just as feverishly sculpted the five track metalcore fuelled encounter reasserts the Montreal quintet as a seriously compelling proposition. It is merciless and ravenous examination of the senses and a perpetual spark for the imagination to feed upon. It is probably not an incitement for those liking an easy life with their music but for the rest it is an increasingly rewarding savaging which impresses more with every listen.

Before the break in 2008, Fayne drew strong attention and a potent following through their uncompromising sound, similarly imposing live performances, and the EPs You Took it All Away and Delivering The Final Blow in 2004 and 2006 respectively. Those releases led to numerous tours across Canada as well as the sharing of stages with the likes of Alexisonfire, Underoath, Hopesfall, and Blessed By A Broken Heart. Now the band unleash their new exploit, returning with an even more ferocious and creatively gripping sound but still sparking from inspirations such as Counterparts, Mastodon, and Periphery which have always spiced their invention. Produced by the band’s guitarist Alex Gonzalez with Alan Douches of West West Side Music (Dillinger Escape Plan, Every Time I Die, Between the Buried and Me) joining him for the final mastering, The Queen of Kings is a rabid blaze of sound and enterprise from its first second, never relenting even after ears and emotions are frayed and seduced.

The title track opens up the EP, its initial epic melodic coaxing swiftly turning to a blistering fury driven by the hoarse malevolent roars of Joseph Espinosa. Just as quickly an array of vocal tones join the mix, captivating as strongly as the abrasing riffs and intimidating rhythms alongside them. With no info to the contrary, the varying degrees of raw aggression and clean vocals are all assumingly bred within Espinosa and it is an impressive and unpredictable aspect of him and the band’s attack. Just as ferocious and inventively riveting is the web of intrigue crafted by the guitars of Gonzalez and Nick Fazioli, riffs hellacious and technical prowess in abundance as the pair spin a fascinating and enthralling weave of enterprise and adventure. The track continues to impress, whether a bestial assault or a flavoursome tempest, everything caged within the more directly intensive and predatory rhythmic tenacity of bassist Chris Kasp and drummer Carlo De Iuliis.

As evidenced by the whole release, there is plenty going on and involved in the structure of tracks with repeat listens the only way to discover the heart and depths of each offering. It is a demand which may test some but will reward all as shown by the following Believers which emerges from the tail of its predecessor with blistering grooves, rampaging rhythms, and further vocal diversity. Even more of a predator of the senses than the first track, it has an almost deranged and certainly fiercely agitated attack to its persuasion, everything driven with urgency but also a technical rabidity which almost deceives its quality through hostility. As it unveils more, the song is almost schizophrenic in its enterprise and twists, moving through shades of spite and aggression to explore more melodic pastures and sultry climates, though it is never too far away from savaging the listener.

This song and the fourth, is linked by Isonic Flight, a just short of two minute sonic drift through a haunting atmosphere with dulled rhythmic pulses for company. It is a piece which probably means more to the band and the journey of their release than it will for the listener, especially with it soon being forgotten once the outstanding Concord rises powerfully and contagiously from its tail wind. Riffs and rhythms are instant potent bait, across which raw flames of guitar erupt and a cleaner delivery from Espinosa lures, though he is soon entwining hoarse squalls into his again gripping attack. You would not call the frontman the most skilled vocalist in metal but there are few who are brave and daring enough to test themselves on songs with such a varied and successful arsenal. Arguably less vicious than the early tracks, though not short of malice and rage, the song is a potent fire of melodies and inflamed grooves toying with numerous styles and venturing into alluring experimental pastures.

The release is finished by Nomad’s Land which features Karl Schubach of Misery Signals. A spicy mix of metal flavours combine to encase the hoarse growls of Espinosa as the track sizzles venomously and engagingly from its first breath. Not quite matching the might of its predecessor, certainly until it’s dramatic and rigorously antagonistic final third, the song still provides an engrossing tapestry of interwoven sounds and textures which at times become quite muggy in their union but only provide a proposal which grips and excite ears and thoughts.

Though Fayne is not exactly a new band, they are still relatively a secret outside of their homeland, something The Queen of Kings will go some way to addressing and the unbridled potential within the band will eventually turn into something of the past.

The Queen of Kings is available digitally now via Crystal Math @ https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/the-queen-of-kings-ep/id937274484 and http://faynemusic.bandcamp.com/track/believers

https://www.facebook.com/faynemusic

RingMaster 21/11/2014

Grab the track Believers free below…

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MANUMIT goes ‘Digital & Hostile’, from 1st September‏

Welsh solo artist Manumit is poised to unveil his explosive debut album, Digital & Hostile on 1^st September, through Lost Generation Records, a release which be an anthem for anyone looking for originality.

In an increasingly over saturated market, every fan, record label, radio station, music channel and magazine are screaming for something new. Manumit is certainly that. Spawned in 2012 and coming at you from Bridgend, South Wales (home to the likes of Bullet For My Valentine and Funeral For A Friend), Manumit has strived to bond genres whilst sculpting  genuinely distinctive songs that pull you in from their first breath.  Taking from a plethora of influences, ranging from Alexisonfire and Paramore, to Nine Inch Nails, Pendulum and Nero, whilst drawing from the fundamentals of dubstep, drum n bass, and electro and fusing them with cutting edge rock, metal, and post-hardcore, Manumit has amassed a sound that packs pulsating rock riffs with thoughtful melodic vocal and synth vocal work, all broken up by brutal digital breakdowns. The end result is an original onslaught of contagious, anthemic tracks that are loaded throughout with intricate dynamics.

Mamumit hit the ground running with the release of both his debut EP ‘F**k Genres, Love Music’ and his first music video for the track ‘Walk Away’; people across the world couldn’t help but take note. Turning industry heads, ‘Walk Away’ made it to the Top 10 Fresh New Videos on Scuzz TV, coming in at No. 2 ahead of Bullet For My Valentine, Biffy Clyro and Limp Bizkit, among others. Following this, Manumit went on to release two other singles and videos for ‘Can You Hear Us?’ and ‘Afterglow’, all of which were extremely well-received and also featured on Scuzz TV.

On September 1st 2014, Manumit will nationally unveil his hugely anticipated debut album ‘Digital & Hostile’ through independent imprint ‘Lost Generation Records’. A DVD featuring all music videos, interviews and live performances is also available alongside the album, which consists of ten killer slabs stemming from past singles ‘Walk Away’, ‘Can You Hear Us?’ and Afterglow’, as well as seven new tracks. The album takes you on a breathtaking and formidable journey, and it’s destined to break Manumit into the national sphere.

- MANUMIT RELEASES ‘DIGITAL & HOSTILE’ OUT ON MONDAY 1^st SEPTEMBER THROUGH ALL GOOD STORES -

https://www.facebook.com/manumitofficial    https://www.youtube.com/manumitofficial

Castor Troy – Across The Water

Over the course of this review there will be a wealth of reasons supporting the whole hearted recommendation of Across The Water, the debut album from UK rockers Castor Troy, but with just one reservation which is it lacks the spark to ignite the passions. Certainly there are times where appetite drools eagerly but these are scattered moments within certainly an impressive and enjoyable yet merely simmering landscape. Undoubtedly it is a personal thing which is why we heartily suggest a b-line for the album is taken by fans of heavily boned and rigorously punchy alternative rock. As suggested there is little to throw against the nine track encounter worth a skirting around of its presence, its songs thoughtfully and skilfully composed and delivered with individual craft as vibrant as the passion which drives its heart, but there is just that one niggle that it is missing something.

Consisting of four school friends, Castor Troy began in the middle of 2012 in Newcastle upon Tyne and has taken only a short time to make their presence known and eagerly followed by fans across the North of England. The quartet has drawn comparisons to bands such as Alterbridge, While She Sleeps, and Alexisonfire but for a first plus about the release, it is hard as the album fills thoughts and emotions to really find an equivalent to the band. Though their sound is not so distinct as to be shouting from the rooftops it is a proposition which leaves the band with an individual presence from the pack.

The Sam Grant produced release opens with Chapter One, an atmospheric instrumental which casts a sonic mist over ears before a melodic haze paints an evocative if underwhelming scenery. There are little hues like the vibrant picking of the guitar and erupting sonic flames which spark enough intrigue to have attention keen before welcoming Winter Lights which flows seamlessly from the climate of the opening piece. With bold rhythms and brash riffs courting the ear first, it is an instantly appealing suasion, one enhanced by the great lead vocals of rhythm guitarist Benn Gibson. His voice has a hint of gravel and a full wash of emotive expression which has little problem lighting ears as sounds work away on the imagination. Soaring melodies, heated passion, and a rhythmic tempting engage senses and thoughts from start to finish but epitomising the album as a whole it lacks the fuse to reap the fullest reactions and ardour it probably deserves. It is strange as raging crescendos and earnest expulsions of passion only lift the song to greater heights across its body but certainly for these ears something indefinable is smouldering rather than burning feverishly within the song.

The following Undivided though is a different beast, a major triumph on the release which almost alone reveals the potential and fire that is still to be explored within the band. Riffs from the first second have a snarl and crackle to their voice which immediately grips, a hold soon reinforced by the dark shadows offered by the bass of Joey Dryden and antagonistic rhythms from drummer Chris Gilks. Standing boldly above all of this are the vocals of Gibson whilst beneath him intensity begins to boil as those earlier riffs take on a carnivorous aspect as lead guitarist Michael Fulcher sculpts a web of sharp sonic netting. Despite its predatory intent there is plenty of room for melodic endeavour to also flame and seduce, its presence almost tempering the aggression as it eventually evolves into a rampant stroll of heavy weight rock which again twists and entwines with the many designs of the song. This is another big attribute of Castor Troy, creating songs which defy predictability and keep attention and imagination alive even if emotions have yet to find the same depth of submission.

Nineteen next brings another twist and diverse episode in the album, its semi-acoustic entrance of guitar and vocal a seducing caress where the voice of Gibson really shines. He may not be destined to be put in the list of classic vocalist but he is one of the more interesting and extremely listenable to have emerged in recent years. With floating harmonies and crystalline shards of additional melodic guitar graced by a dark throated bass line, the song from a strong first showing evolves over time into another big highlight of the album, its broad band crowded closing stretch bringing a potent finale before the piano led instrumental Infatuation engages ears. The piece is a melancholic reflection which as the first track, is masterfully crafted and presented but underwhelms a little, though it is hindered by being between its brilliant predecessor and the excellent title track. Like Undivided, the song strides purposefully across the heaviest side of the band’s sound and passion, riffs and rhythms a rapacious treat around which Fulcher colours air and the muscular canvas with evocative flames of sonic invention. For some reason, and it has to be said not for the first time on the album, Castor Troy remind of nineties rock band Skyscraper even though sound wise they are very different. Merging aggression with emotive elegance, the track is an enthralling adventure which again in itself holds all you need to know to feel that the band can be a potent and important protagonist ahead.

Both Jenny 23 and This Is Not…. impress without finding that essence which made the last song leap into ears and passions so effectively. The first is deeply passionate in sound, intensity, and delivery whilst the second is melodically tender which is emulated in the vocals and its emotionally sultry breath as well, and both are beautifully presented but neither find the same formula to excite, though to be fair the album’s penultimate song is another which grows and flourishes given time to become a compelling joy over time.

Closing with the thoroughly enjoyable and rivetingly textured The Condemned, a track which right away found a hunger for it with an opening melodic coaxing which reminded of Julian Cope’s Spacehopper before evolving into a different kind of invigorating incitement, Across The Water is an undeniably captivating and impressive introduction to Castor Troy. There is so much to praise about the album and very little to find issue with but that most important ability to excite us means it is more potential in waiting than realisation, though you can only feel that the band will be succeeding in lighting a fire in our belly at some point as they evolve and grow.

The self-released Across The Water is available now!

www.facebook.com/castortroyuk

8/10

RingMaster 26/05/2014

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CASTOR TROY to sail ‘Across The Water’, on 26th May.

 

ASCENDING NORTHERN ROCK CREW CASTOR TROY RELEASE THEIR DEBUT ALBUM THIS SPRING!

Castor Troy serve up an instantly gratifying explosive fusion of heavy alt-rock complete with delectable hooks and colossal riffs. Already chalking up favourable comparisons to Alterbridge and Alexisonfire, Castor Troy are set for new heights, and are fully armed with their stunning debut album ‘Across The Water’, which drops on Monday 26th May through all stores.

Hailing from Newcastle upon Tyne and born mid 2012, Castor Troy feature four old school friends Benn Gibson (Vocals/Rhythm Guitar), Michael Fulcher (Lead Guitar), Joey Dryden (Bass) and Chris Gilks (Drums) who spew their hearts straight into their music, resulting in a punchy and powerful sound that is stocked with fiery riffage and epic sing-a-long choruses.

Through widespread gigging throughout the North and radio support from BBC and Kerrang! Radio, the rising quartet have acquired a solid following. The band are now set to strike out to the nation in support of their forthcoming album ‘Across The Water’. The astute combo took their time creating the album, ensuring that every facet of their sound was finely tuned. After nearly a year’s worth of work, the band have now fully completed the record, and it hits stores this May.

The album kicks off with the instrumental melodic teasing of ‘Chapter One’, before ‘ Winter Lights’ sparks into life with its ball-busting riffery and killer refrain. The pace continues to build with the impressively crunchy low- swung groove of ‘Undivided’ before the band strips down proceedings with the hauntingly majestic ‘Nineteen’. The four piece up the ante again with the record’s namesake, ‘Across The Water’, and the track certainly makes the grade with its raucous delivery and gigantic chorus. The album then draws to a close with the potent ‘The Condemned’ which swings and sways with gliding ease before beating your senses into submission. Look out for the band as they hit the road this Spring and stay tuned to their Facebook page for updates.

 

== CASTOR TROY RELEASE ‘ACROSS THE WATER’ ON MONDAY 26th MAY THROUGH ALL STORES ==

www.facebook.com/castortroyuk

 

This Devastated Fan – Plot And Debauchery

This week sees the re-release of Plot And Debauchery, the debut album of UK alternative rock band This Devastated Fan. It is a captivating album which certainly deserves another airing before the ears of the nation, its offering of thirteen evocative and passionate songs a compelling brew of invention and melodic persuasion. Nicely varied and impressively sculpted the release takes emotions and thoughts on a magnetic ride through heart bred adventures, and though arguably it fails to ignite the passions enough times to be classed as a classic introduction, it leaves satisfaction and pleasure the overriding emotion within a fuelled hunger towards the stylish songwriting and presentation of the quartet.

Formed in 2006, the current line-up of brothers vocalist/guitarist Robbie and drummer Jamie Cavanagh, guitarist Will Rogers, and bassist Steve Alday has spent the past 18 months hitting the UK and Europe hard with their live shows which has seen them play alongside the likes of Public Image Limited and The Birthday Suit. With a sound which seemingly combines inspirations from the likes of Manchester Orchestra, Alexisonfire, Biffy Clyro, and Idlewild in to something fresh and potent, the album has the richness and promise to exploit the stronger awareness and stature of the band this time around.

From the opener Shoulder The War, band and release grabs attention with ease, the song itself a smouldering persuasion that deals in tender emotions and passionate crescendos rife with incisive guitar work, firm rhythms and the excellent vocals of Robbie Cavanagh. There is a great niggle to the throat of the bass too which tempers and compliments the melodic flames honed by the guitars, it all combining to create a track thick with expression and enterprise. It is a strong start which fluidly evolves into Calvery Cemetery, NYC; another song where gentle coaxing from sound and vocals leads to multiple climaxes of explosive passion and melodic fire. Lyrically the band has a depth and impact which talks thoughts and feelings into creating reflective connections, and certainly this track creates richly hued scenery for their narratives.

Through the more than decent REM like Contingency Plan, the album reaches higher pinnacles with the pair of aural beacons, Sounds Like Sirens and Bambi Woods. The first of the two is a mesmeric beckoning with whispers of Green Day and Brand New to its warm brew of tangoing rhythms, melodic charm, and teasing basslines. Once again the band proves themselves majestic in creating infectious hotspots and choruses within songs, here the brighter burn of melodies and tantalising lures striking and tempting to secure a place in the rapidly growing hunger for the album. Its successor is an excellent blend of hard rock sinew and taunting indie rock feistiness, the result a song that swaggers with a firm prod of confrontation and riveting invention leaving senses and emotions leaping to join its pleasing canter.

The likes of the enflamed An Assembly Of Witches, the closely hugging Carnivore, and the slightly sinister Conversation Killer, wrap the ear and thoughts in weaves of passion and emotional colour, each track and across the whole album to be honest, dripping with incandescent heart and inciting personal observation. Though the songs fail to make the same lingering impact as some of the earlier tracks they all leave a welcome bait in place for a return, the last of the three and the impressive Murder which lies amongst them, creative fascinations that hook you back to the album and ignites the appetite with skilled and instinctive majesty. The same can be said of Barricade, a track which has a feel of Placebo to its steely yet mellow sonic claws and melodic engrossment.

Completed by the final emotive call of the ballad Heathen Rage, the album is a vibrant coaxing which defies any real criticism even if it fails to send the passions into overload as much as it probably should have. Plot And Debauchery is so full of promise and imagination though that you feel it will only be a matter of time before This Devastated Fan creates that undeniable classic. Watch this eager space we say whilst enjoying a rather satisfying album.

http://www.tdfhq.co.uk/

8/10

RingMaster 12/08/2013

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THIS DEVASTATED FAN set to reveal some ‘Plot And Debauchery’, on 12th August.

UK ALT-CREW THIS DEVASTATED FAN REBOOT NEW ALBUM THIS SUMMER!

Taking the artistry of Manchester Orchestra, the emotive drive of Alexisonfire, and the glowing diversity of Coheed and Cambria, This Devastated Fan showcase a sound that pitches impressive dynamic variation with earnest song-writing. The band are now set to plough their way to the upper echelons of the UK music scene with the re-release of their new album ‘Plot And Debauchery’, out Monday 12th August.

Hailing from the North West, alternative foursome This Devastated Fan were originally formed back in 2006, but the current and now permanently stable line-up consists of blood brothers Robbie and Jamie Cavanagh on Vocals/Guitar and Drums, respectively, Will Rogers on Guitar and Steve Alday completing the band on bass. Based at their very own rehearsal space and office in Wigan, endearingly titled ‘TDF HQ’, the band work diligently to perfect their craft and it’s started to reap its rewards. The diligent quartet are making new friends and pathways, and for the past 18 months have launched a savage attack on the UK and Europe, playing shows from the North to the South and chalking up supports with ‘Public Image Limited’ and ‘The Birthday Suit’ along the way.

This Devastated Fan also have a steady recording output and are now poised to reboot their latest album. Recorded at TDFHQ studios, the band’s third release, ‘Plot and Debauchery, encompasses TDF’s live energy whilst maintaining a superior quality complete with a polished sound. From the chugging rhythms and dynamic flavourings of ‘Shoulder The War’ through to the animated angular rock of ‘Bambi Woods’, and to the ambient beauty of ‘Heathen Rage’, the rising alternative crew have put together a record that packs thirteen killer cuts. The band are now braced for nationwide recognition as they tour for the remainder of this year and beyond!

== THIS DEVASTATED FAN RE-RELEASE ‘PLOT AND DEBAUCHERY’ ON MONDAY 12th AUGUST ==

www.facebook.com/thisdevastatedfan