Muse – ‘Drones’ [Review]

Muse have done it all. They’ve stuck together for over two decades, released seven albums, toured the world, dominated festivals and stadiums, sold some 17m long-playing units – you name it, they’ve done it. Now, their latest effort is out there exploring now-familiar themes (global conspiracies, alienation, disconnection, etc) from the perspective of an individual who becomes indoctrinated into (and eventually rebels against) the modern Western military system.

Undeniably proggy (a good thing here at TMMP), expansive, and entertaining, Drones mainly wins during Read more…

Posted on 10 June 2015

O.R.k. – ‘Inflamed Rides’ [Review]

If you’re looking for something unique, you’ve come to the right place. O.R.k. could be described using the often-derided term “supergroup” (its members hailing from bands as diverse as Obake, King Crimson, Porcupine Tree, and Marta Sui Tubi), but its music will appeal to anyone with a taste for diverse and differentiated rock. This is not so much a novelty project as one with the potential to go any distance under its own steam.

Inflamed Rides takes in everything from Tool-esque textures (opener Jellyfish) to Rage Against Read more…

Posted on 31 May 2015

Outside The Coma – ‘Flavour Of The Weak’ [Review]

What do you get if you mix hectic metal, frantic screaming, a few poppy na-na-nas, visuals inspired by Japanese TV, anxious electronic elements, and lyrical lines set on shredding lame talent shows and celebrity culture?

Answer: Read more…

Posted on 25 May 2015

Joe Satriani – ‘On Peregrine Wings’ [Review]

Joe Satriani is widely acknowledged as one of a kind. The instrumental guitar maestro’s magnum opus Surfing With The Alien kicked instrumental rock guitar into the stratosphere way back in 1987 – and Satch is still keeping his creative momentum going almost 30 years later. Satriani’s new album Shockwave Supernova features TMMP regular Marco Minnemann on drums alongside Read more…

Posted on 23 May 2015

Delta Sleep – ‘Twin Galaxies’ [Review]

This album should come with a warning: If you try to air-guitar along to it, your fingers will wind up in knots. Imagine turning up in A&E with twisted knot-hands and trying to explain it to the triage nurse. Exactly. Stay safe, yeah?

Since 2010, Delta Sleep have specialised in a brand of math-rock that is, frankly, mad as a lorry. Their world is one within which Radiohead harmonies co-exist warily with difficult-to-decode-let-alone-digest rhythmic patterns and Read more…

Posted on 20 May 2015