Maven – Am I Awake?

Dec6

Maven is a band which since emerging back in 2012 has earned an increasingly potent reputation for their alternative rock sound loaded with big rousing choruses, captivating melody, and emotive intensity. Increasingly individuality has also been a growing aspect in its persuasive character and all are in full roar within new EP, Am I Awake?

London hailing, Maven has endured a host of personnel changes over the years but with a stable line-up now established, the quintet has built their way towards the encroaching of major spotlights. Their previous well-received EP, Closed Doors, Open Minds, ignited a strong underground following and support and it is easy to see its successor nudging the band towards even greater success and exposure.

Embracing inspirations from the likes of Don Broco, Mallory Knox, Breaking Benjamin, and Story of The Year in their sound, Maven offer up a proposition which is still to find uniqueness but openly comes with individual imagination and bold enterprise as proven by the first and title track of Am I Awake? alone. The song initially wraps ears with a melodic caress, its voice evocative and melancholic as similarly respectful beats court its solemnity. An eruption of guitar and intensity then breaks before another calm reflection of keys as the potent tones of vocalist Dan Nash share their hearts; this in turn leading to another impassioned roar of sound and emotion from which an infectious stroll ripe with tempestuousness breaks. Barely half way and already band and song reveal an unpredictable and fascinating landscape of imagination reflected in sound and enterprise, the guitars of Joe Marshall and Rob Barlow weaving a striking mix of melodic drama and sonic turbulence around the rhythmic agility of bassist Sam Tindal and drummer Josh Stillwell.

The following Stronger Than You is cast in the same theatre of thought and prowess, turning calm reflection into aggressive declaration and rousing intensity into melodic intimation with craft and ear grabbing instincts. Though it just misses rivalling the heights of its predecessor, the song is an inferno of anthemic passion and drama within an infectious landscape of successful sonic persuasion while its successor Heart Time, prowling a similar trail to those before it, strikes out with its own agitated and arousing emotions and contagious melodic rock fertility. As with the previous track, it too lacks the rich unpredictability of the first but only provides a compelling invitation and adventure within a volatile body.

Am I Alive? brings the EP to a close, deep thought and reflection soaking its heart and words as the maturity of the band’s earnest sound and songwriting erupts with poignant intent and sonic power. As the EP started, it ends with a striking and stirring proposal while across its compelling length it increasingly suggests that Maven are heading the right way to sparking eager recognition.

Am I Awake? is released December 6^th

http://www.mavenband.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/MavenBandUk/ https://twitter.com/MavenbandUK

Pete RingMaster 05/12/2019

DMS – Imposter Syndrome

Nov29

Borne on a sound embracing everything from alternative rock to soulful pop honed into something individual, Imposter Syndrome is the new EP from DMS, a release revelling in all the aspects which has drawn keen attention and praise the way of the Scottish outfit.

Formed in Edinburgh in 2015 by vocalist John Keenan, guitarist/vocalist Mikey Robertson, and drummer Callum Saint, DMS (Deaf Mute Society) has consistently picked up new fans and plaudits. With its line-up completed by bassist Euan Mushet and keyboardist Jen Bain, the band closes a successful year on the live front, playing a host of festivals such as March Into Pitlochry, Oban Live, Kelburn Garden Party, and Party At The Palace, with the release of Imposter Syndrome. Providing four tracks as eclectic in their presence as they are united in their enterprise, the EP has already sparked keen attention through its first single, Howl.

It is Tight Jeans which opens up the EP, its instantly infectious presence shaped by the dark breath of bass and the flirtatious shuffle of keys and guitar. In its midst as Saint’s beats egg on the song’s controlled but eager boisterousness, Keenan’s vocals swing adding further catchiness to the track’s stroll. Across its thick contagion, a host of flavours unite; classic rock wires escaping the guitar as electro pop instincts line its earthy rock ‘n’ roll.

It is a great start to the release which is matched in creative kind by Dirt. Springing a tapestry of funk, pop, and dance-floor nurtured endeavour around its rock instincts, the song canters through ears with its own infectious agility and charm. As with its predecessor, there is at times certainly something familiar to its escapade but equally it is only freshly imaginative to DMS, a description which again applies to the outstanding Howl. Easily our favourite moment within Imposter Syndrome, the track effortlessly got under the skin with the Visage-esque air to its keys and the unapologetically contagiousness of its rock ‘n’ roll where classic rock hues are as eager as poppier strains of sound.

Vain brings the release to its conclusion, the track rising on the progressive intimation of keys to swing through ears as Keenan explores the more rap like side to his ever engaging delivery. Richer synth pop and alt rock invention unite as the track continues another inescapably inviting stroll, enterprise and craft at the heart of its temptation.

Imposter Syndrome is a potent and memorable proper introduction to DMs, a release which just gets more compelling by the listen and one sure to lure greater focus upon the band’s rise up the UK rock scene.

Imposter Syndrome is released November 29^th.

https://deafmutesociety.com/ https://www.facebook.com/dmsscotland/ https://twitter.com/dmstweetz https://dmsscotland.bandcamp.com/

Pete RingMaster 28/11/2019

Elizabeth The Second – Two Margaritas at the Fifty Five

Nov28

photo by Filippo Galvanelli

A handful or so weeks back Italy based outfit, Elizabeth The Second, unveiled their debut single ahead of their first EP. It was a rousing introduction to the trio and a flirty teaser for Two Margaritas at the Fifty Five, which now here equally suggests this is a band to keep a close eye and eager ear upon.

Consisting of Ben Moro (guitar and vocals), Michele Venturini (bass guitar) and Luca Gallato (drums), Padova hailing Elizabeth The Second spring a sound upon ears which is part garage rock, part punk, and an infectious amount of dirtily edged pop rock. Inspirations come through the likes of by The Clash, Blur, The Libertines, Artic Monkeys, Nirvana, and The Stone Roses; all hues which certainly flavour the band’s sound as too the breath of seventies nurtured power pop and nineties Brit pop. For all that though, the band’s music escapes speakers with open individuality casting a great mix of familiarity and undisguised freshness.

Two Margaritas at the Fifty Five opens with that previous single and fair to say that No One Cares instantly grabbed ears with its first lure of guitar, its melodic clang equipped with a swing which is soon equally embraced by rhythms and vocals as the track hits its catchy stride. The fuzzy grumble of Venturini’s bass in turn takes over the virulence, its lone coaxing delicious before Moro’s guitar returns with its own shade of the contagion as Gallato’s beats bounce. The song is an irresistible slice of garage pop ‘n roll, its repeated cycle all the more addictive, and itself as a whole as potent as when it graced ears alone to provide a great start to the release.

Its persuasive traits are keenly embraced and built upon across the following tracks too, Mickey weaving its own infectious blend of pop and rock in a boisterous proposition blessed with lively rhythms and a spicy hook. With its body woven from an array of flavours and Moro’s vocals further great persuasion the song effortlessly hit the spot before Yesterday I Was 20 stepped forward with matching prowess. A sixties hue teases from its melodic grace as that power pop essence fuels its shuffle, the song in some ways reminding of bands such as Purple Hearts and The Chords and though it did not quite raise the passions as those around it, there was only pleasure and an appetite to indulge again in its infection.

As its companions the following Soho revels in its catchiness and playful enterprise, melodies and enticing hooks as manipulative as the roar in Moro’s voice and the dexterity of the rhythms driving the song, let alone the imagination gluing it all together. Again an array of styles make up its character and voice before it leaves the just as potent Gimme One Euro to bring the EP to a spirited close with its own recipe of just as varied ingredients and flavours. As with every song on the EP, pop, punk, and rock essences meld perfectly with the classic rock wiring which escapes Moro’s guitar especially in his spice rich solos and in all tracks there is nothing which allows attention to be cast elsewhere.

One superb single and one addictive EP, there could be a rather rosy reign for Elizabeth The Second ahead.

Two Margaritas at the Fifty Five is available now digitally and on CD @ https://elizabeththesecond.bandcamp.com/album/two-margaritas-at-the-fifty-five

https://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.the.second.band https://twitter.com/Elizabethe2nd

Pete RingMaster 28/11/2019

Mr Ted – El Dirty Sex

Nov19

Amongst the mischievous and devilry loaded protagonists which help make rock ‘n’ roll so fun there is one certain rascal which is beginning to stand out more than most and that is UK outfit Mr Ted. We had a hint of their devilish manner, intent, and enterprise through a split release with Bisch Nader earlier this year on Society Of Losers and it is in full rebellious mood with debut album El Dirty Sex, again unleashed by the Liverpool label.

Consisting of Merseyside bred Peter Williamson, Mark Hughes, Phillie Collier, and Mark Charles Manning, Mr Ted create a sound embracing the best diablerie of punk and noise rock and the similarly roguish hues of grunge, alt rock, and other rapacious flavours. It emerges within El Dirty Sex as one captivatingly disobedient incitement as ridiculous in its antics as it is irresistible in its character and exploits with unbridled fun fuelling all.

Though hard to pin down with comparisons there is definitely something akin to Aussie band I Am Duckeye to the Mr Ted sound but as the album shows it develops new aspects in noise and misconduct song to song. The album opens up with Rage Quittin’, and immediately gets its bounce going as rhythms jump about with funk instincts. In no time riffs and hooks are adding their enticement with vocals matching their boisterousness yet all the while a darker, heavier edge infests the lining of the song; its doomier hue bringing thicker body to the instinctive predation of the quickly compelling encounter and its Houdini meets the previously mentioned Australians natured stomp.

It is an outstanding start to the album quickly matched by the alt rock shenanigans of The Bean Song with its animated moves and virulent hookery. Darkly hued rhythms incite and entice from the first second, guitars and vocals casting a web of temptation which effortlessly worms itself into ears and body with the inevitable involvement achieved by its monkey tricks including exploiting the equally infectious lure of The Kinks with a big grin.

The outstanding Shame is next up and similarly thrusts its inescapable hooks forward from the first breath; grooves which swing with knowing relish of their subsequent success in getting hips and lust to do their bidding. As crispy favourites fall as part of its lyrical observation, the song buried itself deep in the passions and psyche adding layers of voracious rock ‘n’ roll by each irresistible minute to seal such slavery before Sea Of Platelets shares an indie pop breeding and psyche rock shaping with matching eagerness; a touch of Television Personalities only aiding its thick persuasion.

Originally their part in that earlier mentions split release, Muscle Milk steps up next. Its lean but easily coaxing beginnings lead ears into the awaiting thick mass of dextrous sound; again grooves and rhythms inherently tempting in its rapacious but mercurial doom/sludge mixed body of contagious trespass. Still as irresistible as it was earlier this year, the track epitomises the core of a Mr Ted song and all the mischief and creative perversity found.

Through the punk ‘n’ roll ferocity of One 2 Panda, a predominantly instrumental track just as devious in its intrigue wired suggestiveness as it is predatory in its noise punk menace, and the feral contagion of the Happy Song, the album’s claws just dug deeper while Sexy Legs displayed its own funk and pop rock enterprise to take body and imagination on another energetic ride with unpredictability and misbehaviour for company.

El Dirty Sex goes out on the magnetic antics of firstly Andrew WK Party In Ireland, its title unsurprisingly giving clue to the major spice in its punk rock riot which also has a bit of Stiff Little Fingers to it with a Flogging Molly spicing breaking upon the folkish hues that emerge in the fun. Pickled Eggs and Snakes concludes the release, providing eight minutes of inimitable temptation taking essences of The Beatles, The Scaffold, Mischief Brew, and Half Man Half Biscuit in its increasingly volatile shanty. As everywhere though, it soon spreads its own unique voice and character of sound to leave us so hungry for much more.

Released in September we are a little late to the party but El Dirty Sexy has an open invitation which will never go out of date and should definitely be accepted.

El Dirty Sexy is out now via Society Of Losers Records; available @ https://mr-ted.bandcamp.com/album/el-dirty-sexy

https://www.facebook.com/MrTedLives/ https://www.instagram.com/mrtedlives/ https://twitter.com/mrtedlives

Pete RingMaster 19/11/2019

Jack & Sally – Who We Become

Oct9

Formed in the winter of 2018, British alt rockers, Jack & Sally, are poised to badger eager attention with their debut EP, Who We Become. With a sound embracing the snarl of punk and contagion of pop to its rousing rock roar, the London based trio have already teased ears with a pair of well-received singles and it is easy to suspect they will find escalating praise with the unveiling of their next offering.

Who We Become is a concept record based around a character named Macy, an undefined figure who could be “anyone in this world” who becomes a major protagonist in “Nevernia”; a land that reflects the worst aspects of modern society. The release opens up with Superstar, a song instantly drawing ears with its singular but potent guitar melody. Vocalist Ben Felix enriches that initial coaxing with his brooding bassline before adding his equally alluring vocals to the mix. Subsequently the gentle beginning ignites; guitarist Joshua Jacobs’s riffs and hooks casting an enticing fiery web within which the punchy beats of Pravir Ramasundaram pounce. By now metal and classic rock threads are colluding with punk and pop rock dynamics, the track merging the familiar with the adventurous and unpredictable.

It is a strong and stirring start soon eclipsed by Nevernia, a track baring its pop punk instincts and heart from its first spirited breath. Swinging rhythms and riffs burst from the speakers, the earthier tones of Felix as animated as the sounds providing the galvanic incitement around them. Again imagination and great twists add to the character and temptation of the song, moments of almost new wave like enterprise only adding to its stature and persuasion before Tomorrow’s Revolution steps forth with a more classic metal lined proposal but still with a pop infused punk ‘n’ roll breath to its rock holler.

Both tracks revel in the multi-flavoured breeding of the band’s sound, the fresh and familiar once more making a highly appealing proposition and riven by a strong vein of imagination as proven again by Long Way Home. The band’s new single, it is a more even paced encounter lit by keys and a melodic sway in music and voice, emotive flames lighting its invigorated balladry.

The EP closes with Macy, a song also coloured by emotion seeded keys, a piano bringing it into intriguing view before the song breaks into another lively slice of pop rock drama. There is something familiar about the track but an essence we have yet to define and one which only added to its contagious presence.

Who We Become easily gripped ears and attention from its first lungful of sound and endeavour; providing a great full introduction to a band which could be looking at rather rewarding horizons as they build on and evolve the release’s thoroughly enjoyable adventure.

The Who We Become EP is released November 8^th through Engineer Records with new single, Long Way Home out October 11th.

https://www.jackandsally.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/jackandsallyuk https://twitter.com/jackandsallyuk

Pete RingMaster 08/10/2019

InAir – Dreamful

Sep24

There are many aspects to the sound and songs of British trio InAir but the ones which impress most is the almost nagging quality which effortlessly entices swift returns and then the increasing temptation which rewards every listen. The evidence is most ripe within new EP Dreamful, a handful of tracks which immediately made a strong case for continued attention but truly blossomed in ears and appetite with that incessant curiosity.

Hailing from Reading, InAir introduced themselves with a praise gathering debut EP in 2017, A Different Light revealing the rich flavouring to their alternative/electro rock nurtured sound. Equally live the threesome of lead vocalist/bassist Joe Conneely, guitarist/vocalist Aaron Iley, and drummer/vocalist Connor Shortt has drawn potent acclaim, sharing stages with the likes of Arcane Roots, Defences, Chasing Cadence, Junior, Veridian, From Inside and Death Remains. It is easy to expect the band to again entice eager support for Dreamful such its contagious enterprise. Whether it is their breakthrough moment time will tell but it is hard to deny that point is on the cards at some moment in time.

Control kicks things off, its calm melodic invitation soon engulfed in a fiery eruption. As swiftly though it relaxes into a reserved but catchy stroll as Conneely’s tones proceed to share the song’s heart. All the while that volatile edge still simmers, boiling up with rhythms a tenacious enticement throughout as guitar sparked flames ignite the drama of the encounter. It is an absorbing mix of sound and imagination, fresh and familiar flavours woven into one powerful body.

The following Chemicals is similarly bred, electronic enterprise colluding with rock and metal inspired hues to create a dramatic proposition further enhanced by the emotive strength of vocals. Each though carries an infectious lining which increasingly got under the skin, the dynamics of rhythms adding to this tempting as intimacy fuels the narrative and melodic breath of the song. Eclipsing the opener, it too is maybe just a tad outshone by its successor, Talk To You. It is only slight if it is as together the outstanding pair provides the pinnacle of the EP, the latter an impassioned and lively slice of melancholy draped contagion with potent crescendos and searing eruptions.

The release is completed by firstly Regress, an equally combustible slab of electronic and melodic intensity as anthemic as it is thickly emotive, and finally Life Finds A Way. The closer like those before it simply grew in persuasion and stature by the listen, its unassuming yet enticing beginning breeding some of the EP’s most riveting and rousing flumes of sound and contagion to erupt.

Dreamful is a release which commands attention once given the opportunity, whether it demands it enough will determine if now or in the future InAir really make their mark on the UK rock scene but it is easy to feel they will.

The Dreamful EP is out now.

https://www.inairband.com/ https://www.facebook.com/inairband https://twitter.com/InAirUK

Pete RingMaster 20/09/2019

Rat Face Lewey – The Fall Of Man

Sep6

Their new album might just declare The Fall Of Man but with eight slices of inventively rousing rock ‘n’ roll it also announces the rise of Rat Face Lewey.

The London based alt-rockers have certainly felt praise and support since emerging nine years back but with their latest offering it is easy to suggest that the British trio could now spark major attention. East Midlands hailing, Rat Face Lewey was formed by brothers, vocalist/guitarist Jonny and bassist Mav with Gregg on drums. Their sound rose on the inspirations of bands such as Nirvana, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, and The Manic Street Preachers and in 2013 formed a well-received debut album in the shape of Wonder Before Mess, a number of its tracks finding a place and longevity on playlists throughout the globe. A couple of Matthew Hyde produced singles in Dead in the Ground and Digital Prison two years later only enhanced the band’s reputation and rise up the ranks of the British rock scene, a position under the threat of far loftier heights through the ear gripping holler of The Fall Of Man.

The album opens up with Tell Your Friends About Me and a combined vocal introduction which had ears on keen alert before earthy riffs and punchy rhythms took a firm hold. Swiftly a hard rock scented amble breaks free as vocals continue to impress, eager catchiness soaking every wire from the guitar and each controlled yet boisterous rhythm. Imagination equally is at potent play as the song twists and turns with magnetic enterprise revealing that the band’s sound has moved far away from those early influences to find its own predominate identity though at times there is a great Terrorvision like whiff to it.

As strong and stirring as it is, the first track is quickly eclipsed by its successor. Comfortable entices with an engaging guitar beckoning which soon sparks a bouncing punk ‘n’ roll stroll with a Green Day-esque hue to its infection. Contagious in every essence, the track incited mutual spirit and bounce before The Pirate Song washed up on the shores of temptation, a guitar shimmer springing a shapely melody which in turn ignites a rapacious hook equipped rock canter. Continued animation in that hookery combined with anthemic vocal calls singular and united shape our favourite moment within the album, its shanty like swing the froth to its creative ale.

Replaced is next up, another calm but resourceful thread of guitar ensuring close attention confirmed by Jonny’s voice before being surrounded by a larger web of stirring sound. Mav’s bass again provides a delicious gnarly tone to its throaty lines whilst all the while the song shares unpredictable twists and tenacious turns to prove a rival for that best moment choice as too does its successor, Fight My Noose, thanks to the best opening to a track on the album. Straight away it nagged at the senses, guitar and bass stirring instincts with their united persistence. As the song continued to expand there is no lessening of its potency and manipulation, a punk breeding firing up song and passions alike.

The album’s title track follows, prowling with feral breath even as harmonies and melodies wrap its untamed heart. Defiance and angst soak its every note and syllable, its enraged roars as gripping as its melodic and sonic adventure.

The final pair of This Turtle and Belong to Yourself equally reveals additional shades to the band’s sound. The first is a contagious slab of punk ‘n’ roll bordering on pop virulent but hungrily muscular with the second a fire of melodic and infectious energy as composed as it is impassioned and imaginatively crafted. While maybe not as commanding as those before it, it makes for a fine end to a richly enjoyable and accomplished release which should put Rat Face Lewey firmly on the map.

The Fall of Man is released Sept 6^th.