Confusion « The RingMaster Review

The Retrospectives_RingMaster Review

If you needed any evidence that UK rock duo The Retrospectives were raised on 60’s and 70’s rock, punk, and wave, then you only have to check out the pair’s new single Confusion. Like a mix of Tom Petty and Ryan Adams with a spicier feel of Television to it, the song is a sultry flight of guitar pop ‘n’ roll which without quite setting the passions ablaze provides ears and pleasure a very flavoursome four minutes.

Hailing from Sheffield, The Retrospectives consists of guitarist Tom Galton and bassist Will Stocks. Emerging in 2004 with an infectious vintage guitar sound inspired by artists such as Elvis Costello, The Rolling Stones, and indeed Tom Petty and Ryan Adams, the band quickly courted a strong and loyal fan base through their hunger to play live and their subsequent singles. 2014 saw the pair play over 60 UK gigs just between March and July whilst over time they have shared stages with the likes of The Boomtown Rats, The Buzzcocks, Bruce Foxton’s From The Jam, Paper Aeroplanes, and My First Tooth, as well as sell out Liverpool’s famed Cavern Club themselves. Fresh from Brighton’s The Great Escape and with a headlining tour this summer in its support, the band’s new single is ready to add its charm to upcoming hot days and sultry nights.

Confusion instantly cups ears in a caress of guitar jangle and expressive vocals, crisp beats kissing their introduction at the same time. A spicy guitar groove adds its brief lure as the song slowly spreads its charm, eventually offering a rich and lively sigh of rawer rock ‘n roll before relaxing back into its initial hot smoulder. Familiar and wantonly catchy at times, the song blends nostalgia with a fresh imagination to entice from start to finish with resourceful enterprise.

Confusion is not a song to incite swinging from the rooftops in lust but it will keep luring anyone with an appetite for vintage and modern rock with a swig of Americana back for more and more; a strong success in anyone’s book.

Confusion is available June 29^th through https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/confusion-single/id1013127552

https://www.facebook.com/TheRetrospectives

RingMaster 29/06/2015

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The new EP UK indie band Candidate23 graces the ear like a breath of fresh air, its masterful weave of striking melodies, expressive vocals, and heart borne invention instantly making one stand up and take a focused attentive look which many other releases fail to achieve. All bands deserve and get from music lovers a respectful attention but some demand a little bit more by offering something extra. Upon their Stay Awake EP the quartet do just that to take one on a fulfilling emotional ride from first note to last, the vibrant experience a complete and joyful pleasure.

Hailing from North West England the band formed in 2010 and have already made a noticeable mark through sharing stages with the likes of Funeral for a Friend, Young Guns and The King Blues as well as with debut single One For You in the November of their formation year and its successor Confusion, both riding high in the iTunes Rock Chart in 2011. Their sound is tagged as indie pop but there is a height and depth to it that goes much further in sound and within the listener.

The release starts off with Mona (I’m not leaving) and an immediate engagement with the ear is achieved through its persistent yet unobtrusive guitar welcome and keys that soar with style around the ear. As vocalist Will Hayes adds his impressive tones the song takes a deep breath before swelling with a purring bassline from Ryan Dennett alongside firm beats from Jono Tringham and the expressive guitar play of Alex McIntyre and Andy Perrin. With a flavour that reminds a little of Mind Museum and Post Adolescence the song leaves the emotions pumped and eager for more.

The title track steps up next with a less boisterous flow from the first but with just as satisfying results. Vocalist Hayes within two songs shows what a fine talent he is, his vocals strongly expressive and with a depth that is controlled and easily impressive. The song does not grab as firmly as the opener or as those that follow but more than provides the evidence of the songwriting skills of the band and the realisation of their well rounded and imaginative ideas.

10 Minutes Of Fame is an emotive song which caresses the ear with a textured drama and weight that pulls one deep within its captivating heart. The song opens up the band to nothing but praise, the song though less instant as maybe the others taking the senses on an impactful stroll through the artistry and passion of Candidate23.

The best song on the release closes things up beautifully. Karma is majestic, its glowing soundscape a warm and vibrant field of sound to share feelings and thoughts with. The picky guitars play the senses like a harp whilst the rhythms and bass add a bubbling vein to the song, and the orchestral sounding expanse that washes over at times adding to the wonder and magic of the song.

Candidate23 at times remind of other bands but one can never truly pinpoint who or how but there are moments on Stay Awake when thoughts of bands like Placebo, The Verve, and Doves flit through. Their sound has a friendliness which seems familiar but has a distinction which is fully their own. We will hear a lot more of Candidate23 as they make what is surely a rapid rise and an eager anticipation is in full flight after this release.

http://www.candidate23.com

RingMaster 29/03/2012