The Dear Hunter – ‘Act IV: Rebirth In Reprise’ [Review]

The Dear Hunter

Before you press play on this album, you’d better brace yourself. This is for three reasons:

1) The Dear Hunter have been going for five studio albums and a series of nine EPs now, so it’s safe to say this band is a bit of a Big Deal;

2) The Dear Hunter’s main project is a six (or rather VI)-act story, in the process of being presented over the course of six/VI albums. Act III: Life And Death was released back in 2009 – and so this album, Act IV, has been six years in the making, and fan anticipation (fanticipation? …maybe not) has been at fever pitch for a long time now;

3) Act IV: Rebirth In Reprise is beyond epic.

This is an absolute rollercoaster of an album, launching into ultra-rich Biffy-Clyro-crossed-with-Queen harmonies which soon give way to forest-party-falling-down-the-stairs folk and an inquisitive orchestral section. As opening statements go, Rebirth is pretty damn unique – a very rare statement in today’s musical climate. Then we get pitched into Read more…

Posted on 04 September 2015

Stiff Bizkit / Spotlight Cannibal / Darko / Flesh Trench [Live Review – The Star, Guildford, 14/3/15]

stiff bizkit starI normally hate tribute acts. I’ve seen a fair few in my time, and they never fail to bring out a borderline-allergic reaction in me. After witnessing a Rage Against The Machine tribute whose guitarist looked like Alastair Campbell, I secretly swore that Read more…

Posted on 15 March 2015

Martin Harley Band / Andy Ruddy [Live Review – The Boileroom, Guildford, 27/2/2015]

martin harleyI love seeing musicians progress in leaps and bounds – and Andy Ruddy has done exactly that. The last time I saw him live, Andy Ruddy seemed reserved and nervous – but both qualities have now been completely eliminated, replaced by a confident and strong yet still warm and approachable presence. With a strong stage show, great songs in the singer-songwriter vein, and an album on the way, 2015 is looking very good indeed for Andy Ruddy.

Martin Harley is a local legend, and it’s almost criminal that Read more…

Posted on 02 March 2015

Benjamin Longman – ‘The Ghost Months Vol. 1’ [Review]

ben longman ghost monthsOpening with a grand, anxiety-ridden statement and segueing into warm swathes of fingerpicked acoustic guitar and sorrowful slide work, the first minute of Ghost Months opener Grass is a brilliant demonstration of Benjamin Longman’s compositional capabilities. As the thickest instrumental layers fall away, Read more…

Posted on 25 February 2015

Romani Beau [Interview]

Screen shot 2015-01-21 at 18.44.57Romani Beau’s upcoming EP Molly and the Boys has been a long time coming, but it will be worth the wait for fans of lilting, breezy folk. Although Romani is currently living an underground existence, to say that he has the potential to break out of obscurity is a real understatement. This guy is the Surrey folk scene’s best-kept secret – but only for now. With great songs, a hugely talented team backing him up, warmth and charisma seeping from every pore, and a hilariously self-deprecating sense of humour, Romani shows all the signs of a star in the making.

TMMP caught up with the man himself to chat about the past, present, and future, memories and happiness and more… Read more…

Posted on 22 February 2015

Andrew Combs – ‘All These Dreams’ [Review]

AllTheseDreams-FrontCover-finalCountry music is a rarity on TMMP – but this album is so exceptional that I had to write something about it. Eleven tales of ruin, regret, and redemption told through deep-roasted vocals and Read more…

Posted on 16 February 2015

Billy Momo – ‘Drunktalk’ [Review]

billy momoBilly Momo know what it’s like to stand up to your chin in shit and watch as a wave starts to swell on the horizon. Throughout this long and winding album, themes of darkness and despair dance alongside Read more…

Posted on 09 February 2015

Jamie Lenman [Interview]

jamie lenman press shot

UPDATE: TMMP has been reborn! This video has the full story:

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Of all the shows I caught during Independent Venue Week, Jamie Lenman’s Saturday night acoustic set at the Boileroom in Guildford most effectively captured the community spirit celebrated by IVW. Intimate, emotional, and packed with Lenman fans old and new, it was a genuine experience made truly special by Read more…

Posted on 03 February 2015

Jamie Lenman / Lindsay West / Lee Martin [Live Review – The Boileroom, Guildford, 31/1/15]

jamie lenman press shotAfter the previous evening’s You Me At Six-centric pop-rock extravaganza, Guildford was in need of something a little more low-key this past Saturday night. Fortunately the Boileroom’s booking team had it covered, offering acoustic vibes from two underground talents and one certain legend; a perfect contrast to the full-on mainstream rock angle taken just 24 hours before.

Lee Martin got things off to a quirky and passionate start with Read more…

Posted on 02 February 2015

Romani Beau – ‘Molly And The Boys EP’ [Review]

Screen shot 2015-01-21 at 18.55.26Romani is one of the Surrey folk scene’s best-kept secrets – for now. Opting for a country-flavoured approach that marks him out from Read more…

Posted on 25 January 2015

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