Maypine – In The Back Of My Mind

Aug2

Providing a rather strong introduction to themselves, British pop-punks Maypine release their debut EP this month. In The Back Of My Mind offers five tracks of infectious melodic punk bursting with potential and an already revealing potent craft in songwriting and enterprise. It is not jaw dropping or particularly unique but certainly commands eager attention with ease, success in anyone’s book.

Formed around the middle of last year and rising from the ever vibrant Brighton music scene, Maypine soon showed their strengths and lures on the local live scene, continuing to draw support and acclaim thereon in leading up to the imminent release of their first EP. Recorded with producer Ian Sadler (ROAM/Homebound), it opens up with recent single A Little Sooner which soon has ears cupped in a weave of melodic guitars speared by striking rhythms. From their midst, a strolling gait loaded with instinctive catchiness breaks, vocalist Jason Payne backed by the equally alluring tones of rhythm guitarist Dan Jarvis, magnetic at the fore. It is hard not to be swept up in the song’s infectious nature and exploits, lead guitarist Becky East weaving a captivating web of melodic and enterprise to seal the deal.

The great start is keenly backed by new video/single North South Divide which too needs little time to have ears lured and bodies bouncing. The swinging beats of drummer James Holdsworth make a great driving impetus to its exploits, the heavier tone of Tommy Roberts’ bass bringing a fine tempering to the fiery flames of guitar which again firmly hold ears and appetite as vocals share the song’s emotive heart. Calmer moments only add to its strength, revealing bolder aspects in the band’s imagination before Inside Out jumps in with its just as keen energy and tenacity. Though it lacks some of the more unpredictable twists of its predecessors, the track is a contagious proposal leaving enjoyment full and giving plenty of clues to the band’s success as a live proposition.

Never Far Apart calms things down with its acoustic croon, guitar and voice sharing real magnetism before things eventually boil up with the rest of the band adding their flames to the increasingly volatile smoulder. A slow burner in some ways compared to other tracks, it rises to be a compelling part of the impressing release.

Closing track Day After Day brings things to a strong conclusion though it too misses out on making the more striking impression of other tracks on the EP. Nevertheless tapping feet and pleasured ears endorses its catchy potency and its part in ensuring In The Back Of My Mind leaves a strong appetite for more of the Maypine sound.

With numerous essences which should appeal to those with a liking for bands such as ROAM, Blink-182, and You Me At Six, the EP suggests Maypine is a rather promising new addition to British pop punk.

In The Back Of My Mind is released August 4^ththrough Disconnect Records.

MAYPINE August tour:

Friday 04 – Hope & Ruin, Brighton

Saturday 05 – Mulberry Tavern, Sheffield

Sunday 06 – Creepy Wee Pub, Dunfermline (Acoustic/afternoon set)

Sunday 06 – The Attic/The Garage, Glasgow***

Tuesday 08 – Retro Bar, Manchester***

Thursday 10 – The Shed, Leicester**

Friday 11 – The Thunderbolt, Bristol**

Saturday 12 – The Attic, Torquay**

Sunday 13 – The Joiners, Southampton**

Monday 14 – The Black Heart, Camden**

Tuesday 15 – The Attic, Ashford**

Wednesday 16th – TJ’s, Eastbourne

**w/ Better Than Never | *** w/ Coast To Coast

http://facebook.com/maypineuk http://twitter.com/maypineuk http://instagram.com/maypineuk

Pete RingMaster 02/08/2017

Yorkshire Rats – Self Titled EP

Jun21

It is fair to say that since returning from an extended hiatus, UK punks Yorkshire Rats have blossomed into one persistently rousing and creatively tenacious proposition. It is not as if their early years were barren from success and plaudits let alone ear exciting sounds but as their new self-titled EP shows, maturity and a new creative drive has seen them become one of the essential melodic punk encounters on the British if not global scene.

Formed in Pontefract by vocalist/guitarist Don Mercy (ex-Abrasive Wheels, ex-Billy No Mates) in 2004, Yorkshire Rats released a well received 7” and EP in their two years capped by supporting Rancid in 2006. Then the band took that hiatus before returning around a decade after first stepping forward and subsequently released their swiftly acclaimed debut album, Sea of Souls in 2015 via Indelirium Records. It was a release embracing the band’s earlier sound whilst welcoming a broader punk canvas and that new energy, all subsequently pushed again by the Trouble City EP last year and now their new four track offering.

Again the new release sees the band drawing on the seeds of punk rock across the decades and from both sides of the North Atlantic, infusing all into their own individual hook strapped, melody shaped songs. The EP opens up with the irresistible Alone Together, a track “all about the strains of relationships whether that be romantic or political.” It opens up with a delicious old school hook, raw bait surely nurtured from a Ramones/Stiff Little Fingers like inspiration. Soon rhythms are jabbing at the persistent lure, in turn the potent vocals of Mercy flirting with ears and matching the infectious strength of the sounds around him. The melodic boisterousness and craft of lead guitarist Matt Lee only adds richer colour to a song already gripping the imagination and body with its chopping riffs and rousing rhythms.

The following Where Do I Sign? brings a more US styled stroll to ears; its lively body and melodic enterprise akin to Green Day though soon developing its own unique character as the firm beats of drummer Chris Furness and the dark swing of Josh Clarke’s bass unite with the fiery veins infused by Lee. Though slightly more restrained in energy compared to its predecessor it is an equal in catchiness and uncaging lusty hooks as too next up No Way Out. There is more of a Social Distortion spicing to the third track, it again a bold and flirtatious proposal with an addictive chorus impossible to resist. With a bassline to drool over and an enslaving sing-a-long vocal temptation further in, the song hits the spot dead centre.

Final track, Better Days Will Come, is an energetic croon with a Joe Jackson like riff and Elvis Costello scented melodic suggestiveness, all wrapped up in Yorkshire Rats creative theatre. It is a fine end to an outstanding release with Mercy a vocal magnet even as hooks and melodies intensify their weight and temptation.

The EP is the most rounded and relentlessly contagious offering from Yorkshire Rats yet, its songs relishing the inevitable increase in as suggested songwriting maturity and individual let alone united craft. A must have for melodic punk fans? We think so!

The Yorkshire Rats EP is out now on Northern Ruff Records @ http://yorkshirerats.com/store/ and other online stores.

http://yorkshirerats.com/ https://www.facebook.com/yorkshirerats https://twitter.com/yorkshire_rats

Pete RingMaster 21/06/2017

Authority Zero – Broadcasting To The Nations

Jun1

June sees the release of the sixth album from US melodic punks Authority Zero and a riot for the spirit which shows the genre’s young bucks just how it is done. After twenty plus years, you could be forgiven for expecting the band’s obvious maturity in sound and craft to come with an aged controlled fire but Broadcasting To The Nations quickly sets the records straight. There is an excitement and energy to its body and heart which you would more expect from a band just starting out as well as a freshness and urgency bred in a newcomer’s hunger to make their first mark. Add that to the long established invention and infectious prowess of the Mesa in Arizona hailing outfit and you quite simply have one of the most rousing and seriously enjoyable punk offerings of the past few years.

Once again Broadcasting To The Nations is a proposition brought alive with the distinctive Authority Zero mixing of SoCal punk with reggae and ska and as ever delivered with a host of swinging hooks and anthemic dexterity which has lured persistent acclaim the way of their music and releases. Within the new album though, it all seems to have found a new appetite and imagination; like the quartet has reaped the best elements from previous successes and honed them into their keenest most rapaciously rebellious but fun adventure yet.

It launches with First One in the Pit, a baying eager crowd luring out the band and a stomp of brooding bass and swinging rhythms aligned with senses clashing riffs and rich vocal enticement. Within seconds ears are hooked on the vigorous anthem of sound and spirit, its vocal declaration matched in tone by the contagion of aggressive punk ‘n’ roll sound.

The galvanic start is quickly reinforced by the bold holler of Reconciliation where again the beats of drummer Chris Dalley splinter bone as they land and the heavy grumble of Mike Spero’s bass grips an already awoken appetite. Their predacious edge though is skilfully tempered by the melodic roar of frontman Jason DeVore and the spicy hooks and melodies thrown into the commandingly catchy affair by guitarist Dan Aid. As exceptional as it and its predecessor are though, both are still eclipsed by the stirring charge of the Bad Religion scented Destiny and Demise. Within moments it has its spiky attitude and bold tenacity into hooked into limbs and emotion, stoking the instincts with its raucous enterprise and bullish energy. Submission and involvement is quick and lusty, the track simply punk at its best.

The album’s title track is just as mercilessly compelling, its ska infested shuffle an infestation of body and heart leading the listener into a breath stealing bounce of air punching unity. Spero’s bass uncages a groove which devours the passions, Aid offering hooks which are more puppeteer than suggestion, whilst Dalley’s beats just bite; all together the band spawning an infectiousness which borders on rabid as DeVore anthemically roars.

Summer Sickness allows things to calm down a touch though its reggae nurtured grooves and hip teasing bait is swiftly in control and directing reactions alongside the magnetic presence of DeVore. Highlights have flowed since the first second of Broadcasting to the Nations, this another stunning pinnacle springing in Latin brass flames and a punchy catchiness to get lustful over.

The band dives back into their more direct punk dexterity with Bayside next, the song giving an additional contagious coating its heavy bustle. It is the kind of goodness Green Day delivered back in their prime but with the devilment and heart of Authority Zero which has never wavered and now seems hungrier than ever as supported by the Clash meets Random hand like Revolution Riot, an inescapable stonking romping incitement, and Sevens with its melodic blaze of reflection and defiance.

There is a whiff of Strummer and co to next up La Diabla too, its festival of melodic sound and creative diversity a smouldering fire with more inventive flickers and magnetic exploits than most ferocious pyres of sound and energy. The track is sheer captivation with, as no doubt now you might expect, the listener’s physical participation at its finger tips.

The brassy stroll of Creepers has claws just as vigorously in feet and imagination straight after; its lyrical and musically feisty rock ‘n’ roll something akin to Russian punks Biting Elbows and an instinctive arousal of attitude and anthemic coupling while When We Rule the World simply hits the spot with its stylishly infectious canter. Certainly, like its successor, it is missing that little imaginative extra which set ears and album ablaze earlier but leaves pleasure rich and a greed for more slavering.

One Way Track Kid mixes all its shades of rock in its cry; hard, melodic, and punk rock as boisterous as the other in its dynamic bellow before No Guts No Glory brings things to a fine close with a punk assault as old school, raw, and incendiary as it is fresh, melodic, and galvanic. With a sniff of Flogging Molly to its glory, the song is a heady conclusion to an anthemically intoxicating release.

There is no escaping that as a band Authority Zero are growing physically old but equally it is more than obvious their music whilst impressively mature is lost in the rapture of youth; all the evidence in one of the essential punk roars of recent times.

Broadcasting To The Nations is released June 2^nd via Bird Attack Records across most online stores and @ https://birdattackrecords.bandcamp.com/album/broadcasting-to-the-nations

http://authorityzero.com/ https://www.facebook.com/AuthorityZero/ https://twitter.com/Authority_Zero

Pete RingMaster 01/06/2017

Juno – Speed Won’t Cut It

Mar10

Juno_RingMasterReview

Speed Won’t Cut It is a mighty roar to get you to your feet, incite a closed fisted punch of the air, and arouse the spirit to stand defiant and proud. It is also the new irresistible punk incitement from UK punks Juno, a band just bubbling under finding major attention for a while now but now giving it an almighty nudge with their latest four-track EP.

Formed in 2008, the Leeds band sparked keen interest with their debut release We are Juno. A trio initially, they expanded attention and their line-up by the time of second EP Set Sail in 2009. A short break followed before a new head of stream saw the band return with the acclaimed Counting Backwards Causes Explosions EP. It was six tracks of boisterous rock ‘n’ roll which with its 2012 unleashing, drew a host of new fans and led to the band signing with The Animal Farm and the release of its successor Answers a year later, a proposition which eclipsed its predecessor in sound, persuasion, and success. Aligned to a potent live presence and craft which has seen Juno share stages with the likes of Summerlin, ACiD DROP, The Roughneck Riot, Twenty Twenty, Blitz Kids, Forgotten Roots, Adelaide, The Afterparty, Page 44, Failsafe, The Headstart and many more, the foursome of lead vocalist/guitarist Rob Kirk, lead guitarist/vocalist James Duncan, bassist/vocalist Ben Rowe, and drummer Matt Grum are now ready to pounce on full nationwide recognition without stopping at those boundaries and it all starts with the highly tempting Speed Won’t Cut It.

speed_wont_cut_it_RingMasterReview Merciless hooks and swinging melodies have always been a part of the band’s punk ‘n’ roll offerings but alongside the band’s energy, all have gone up the gears within the new EP. It opens up with new single/video Last Dance, a track which ensures its invitation is quickly taken by feet. It is pure contagious punk rock with a flavoursome touch of AFI to it, though it quickly enforces its own lively character upon ears and imagination. With busy rhythmic bait and fiery guitar enterprise backing up Rob’s anthemically leading vocals, it is gripping stuff and just the start of the voracious revelry to follow.

Will I Be Free steps up next, immediately offering attitude in its riffs and jabbing beats. That continues into the quickly established canvas of jagged guitar tempting and band harmonies, Rob’s voice the ringleader as Ben’s bass prowls deceptive calms before one incendiary chorus. As with the first track, you cannot claim that Juno are re-inventing punk rock but few songs and indeed bands have set ears and emotions alight as effortlessly and rousingly recently as Juno in their first two songs on the EP alone.

Across the tracks the luring of physical participation from voice and body is inevitable and continues with the swinging stroll of Sirens. An arguably less imposing encounter but no weak link in stirring up spirit and thick enjoyment, the song bounds along throwing hooks into a gripping sonic resourcefulness to, like the Pied Piper, tantalise and seduce ears and spirit.

Speed Won’t Cut It ends on its biggest high and the mighty call to arms of Face Our Demons. Like a melodic punk version of Stiff Little Fingers, the track makes thick nudges on thoughts and emotions as its web of guitar tenacity and rhythmic pugnacity aids the song’s inescapable rebel rousing. The track is glorious; an inflammatory slice of intense punk ‘n’ roll which by its unstoppable and virulent finale, is sure to have the listener standing tall and yelling enough is enough to those and things which have taken advantage and more. It certainly did here.

Juno songs have a social and emotionally political aspect to their words which seems to further fire up the sounds around them and in turn the listener. It is a balanced weave though, which makes Juno easily stand out from similarly intense propositions whilst providing a hell of a great time, as proven by the must have Speed Won’t Cut It.

The Speed Won’t Cut It EP is out now across most online stores

http://www.wearejuno.com/ https://www.facebook.com/junoleeds https://twitter.com/wearejuno

Pete RingMaster 10/03/2016

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This City Limits – Here’s To Hoping

Nov13

This City Limits Promo Shot_RingMaster Review

Much as recent single Too Scared To Swim took its time to seduce and fully tempt, so too does the new EP from UK melodic punks This City Limits. As that first teaser for its release, Here’s To Hoping ultimately succeeds in awakening a very healthy appetite for and strong enjoyment of its vibrant clutch of songs. This City Limits has a sound which maybe is unlikely to blow ears away first time around, but it rouses attention, tempts further investigation, and as found at The RR, becomes a lingering enticement; a success any band would embrace with eagerness.

Formed in 2014, the Leeds band consists of brothers Will (vocals, guitar) and George Turner (guitar), alongside Rob Burns (bass) and Josh Peters (drums). Their debut EP Brittle Brass & Broken Bone raised potent attention which was further inflamed by the singles, Amputate, Colourblind, and most of all, the aforementioned Too Scared To Swim. Each has lured fan and media attention, good radio play too which is sure to continue as Here’s To Hoping works its charms. Produced by James Hill, the EP is an accomplished slice of pop ‘n’ roll with attitude and steely endeavour its fuel.

This City Limits Cover Artwork_RingMaster Review It begins with Thief and an immediate tempting of melodic guitar amid an emotive wash of sound. That parts as the enjoyable vocals of Will bring harmonic warm and emotional reflection to the emerging hug of gentle sound, though both aspects soon brew up into a fiery nature and flame brightly against the darker hues of bass. It is a magnetic affair luring ears and imagination with ease, even if maybe not exploding fiercely enough in its angst lined expulsions of passion. Growing with every passing minute in potency and impressiveness, the track seizes an appetite for its enterprise before allowing the infectious rousing of Too Scared To Swim to stir things up even more. With understated but strong hooks lining the melodic and harmonic walls of the certain crowd pleaser, the song canters along with a feel good factor in its heart and feisty nature to its energy, resulting in a stroll of pop punk to get fully involved in.

The calmer emotive croon of Runaway follows; its air intense and melodies inflamed whilst passion runs through it. Without setting a major fire, ears and emotions find themselves coaxed and drawn into the heart of the song, more often than not, vocal chords adding plaintive tones to those of the band as the track makes a smouldering and infectious persuasion. Equally there is no escaping the individual skills of band members; from vocals to guitar, bass to drums, each texture and imaginative twist is built for seduction as shown again by the final pair of tracks.

Neither song ignite personal tastes as fully as those before them yet with its provocative vocal and sonic hues aligned to robust rhythms, Saltwater fascinates and fully pleases whilst the melancholic serenade of So This Is Home, from a string blessed initial sigh, grows into a tenaciously dramatic and dynamic outpouring of craft and sound. It is fair to say that both songs only leave satisfaction full and enjoyment gripped, a success now expected as a minimum from any This City Limits endeavour.

Each listen to Here’s To Hoping leaves it impressing more but still there is feeling that they are in the midst of their journey to uniqueness and the realisation of all their potential. Theirs is a sound looking towards coming of age at some point, a potential and possibility ensuring each upcoming encounter will be keenly anticipated by a great many. Right now though, if bands like Mallory Knox, Lower Than Atlantis, and We Are The Ocean appeal than This City Limits’ EP is very worthy of attention.

The Here’s To Hoping EP is released November 13^th through all stores.

http://www.thiscitylimits.com https://www.facebook.com/thiscitylimits https://twitter.com/ThisCityLimits

Pete RingMaster 13/11/2015

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

This City Limits – Too Scared To Swim

Jul27

This City Limits Promo Shot_RingMaster Review

It is quite rewarding when a song does not initially make a big impact but leaves something behind, a lingering and persistent nudge saying ‘hold up, you might be missing out on something here’. So it was with Too Scared To Swim, the single from UK melodic punks This City Limits. It was certainly an enjoyable first meeting or two, but something continued to nag from it, elements repeating in the mind when away from its presence to lure attention back. It still does not compete as one of our very favourite songs uncaged this summer, but it ensures, whilst constantly pleasing ears, that the band’s upcoming second EP will be under close scrutiny.

Formed last year, the Leeds hailing quartet of brothers Will (vocals, guitar) and George Turner (guitar), Rob Burns (bass) and Josh Peters (drums) quickly made a potent statement with their debut EP Brittle Brass & Broken Bone. It easily lured the appetite of a growing number of fans with its potency, backed by the single Amputate which in turn stirred up greater media attention across national press and radio. Now it is the turn of James Hill produced Too Scared To Swim, as mentioned ahead of a new EP later this year, to rouse up national awareness with the support of a summer of shows and festival spots.

Vocals and guitars instantly descend on ears as the song opens up, both cast with emotion and open craft. Bass and drums are quickly there too, stirring up air and appetite with their feistier endeavour and attitudes as the melodic acidity and lure of the song blossoms a provocative and potent proposal. There are few big surprises in the song yet its contentment in switching its intensity and attack around is enjoyable and seamless. It has all the hallmarks of accomplished songwriting and skilled interpretation, two traits increasingly open in This City Limits.

Exploring a creative avenue reminding of bands such as Mallory Knox and We Are The Ocean at times, Too Scared To Swim suggests that This City Limits is still on the journey to find a standout sound distinct to them but they have found a presence and creativity which is not that far away. Maybe the new EP will unleash that next step, but if it is as likeable as Too Scared To Swim there will be few complaints anyway.

Too Scared To Swim is available from July 27^th with accompanying video.

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

RingMaster 27/07/2015

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

Montrose – Monster Under The Bed

Jun18

Montrose Promo 1_Reputation Radio/RingMaster Review

Though their debut EP, If Only You Knew, was enjoyable and was run on a fuel of great potential, it did not really remove UK melodic punks Montrose from the heavy crowd of similar sounding bands. It was an aspect which seemingly the band also realised and strived to do something about, resulting in a far more powerful and unique offering in its successor Monster Under The Bed. There is still plenty of familiarity to the new EP, but with a grittier, more robust presence and structure to their pop punk bred enterprise, the Bath quartet are well on the way to becoming a distinct and, on the evidence of their fine release, an even more exciting proposition.

Monster Under The Bed opens with the outstanding Underperformer, a song instantly gripping ears and attention with its initial collusion of spidery grooves, punchy beats, and feisty riffs. It is a thumping coaxing which even when the song relaxes into a more restrained embrace for the entrance of Jason Bishop’s vocals continues to incite and lead a rousing flirtation through a similarly evolving guise. The dramatic swings of drummer Jake Matthews just stirs up air and song as guitarist Sam Chard expels some of the juiciest hooks and grooves you are likely to hear in a punk romp. The track is a blistering start and temptation to the EP, the kind of opening to get the blood rushing through veins and appetite greedily hungry.

The following song offers a more expected proposal of muscular pop punk, The End Game an equally accomplished offering but not quite having the bolder imagination and invention of its predecessor. Nevertheless with impassioned vocals and another brooding bassline from Ben Curd, the song has ears wholly content before Walking Contradiction takes the release back towards its opening plateau. Tenacious rhythms spear a muggier sonic air from the start but with smart moments of clarity to temper the sweltering climate, the track reveals a well thought out tapestry of melodic and sonic imagination aligned to its emotionally and physically tempestuous landscape.

Artwork - Montrose MUTB_Reputation Radio/RingMaster Review The final three tracks of Monster Under The Bed steal the show, Montrose opening up Blush next with a tendril of spicy tempting from Chard around again pungent rhythms. It is a fiery coaxing which continues to lure as Bishop opens up his strong tones, a mellow caress of keys and warm ambience eventually sweeping over song and the senses. The rigorous and emotive stroll is soon back though, Montrose subsequently merging both in an intoxicating atmosphere whilst exploring a thrilling new terrain of spiky hooks and unpredictable adventure. The song is glorious, getting bolder and better with every passing minute and more compelling with every listen.

The same applies to Good Old Days, a treat clutching attention right away with a Hagfish like incitement before brewing an evocative wind of thick melodies within a slightly agitated atmosphere. It does not have the same startling ingenuity of the previous song, but stirs the senses and appetite impressively before the closing Fit For A King gets to work on the passions. Matthews casts a web of rhythmic addictiveness right away, his lone bait soon enticing a spiralling lure of guitar and a growling, bordering on grouchy bassline. Keys only add to the theatre and thick enticement smothering ears as they join the vocals in the increasingly broadening presence of the galvanic roar of a song. The track is a climatic end to a thoroughly invigorating release, one as exhilarating as it is exhausting on the senses

Bishop has said of Montrose, “We want to make sure we don’t get lost in the crowd,” and fair to say that Monster Under The Bed is definitely a big move to fulfilling that wish. It may not quite tear them far enough away from others yet but with another similar step on evolution ahead, there should be no mistaking or losing Montrose amongst a host of others in the punk field.

Monster Under The Bed is available now digitally at http://montroseofficial.bandcamp.com and physically @ http://montroseofficial.bigcartel.com/product/montrose-monster-under-the-bed-ep

https://www.facebook.com/MontroseOfficial http://twitter.com/MontroseBand

RingMaster 18/06/2015