When I saw Kyshera support LA alt-rock legends Boy Hits Car in Camden, I was blown away by their relentlessly aggressive, self-consciousness-free energy. That same energy forces itself unstoppably through headphones and screen on this track and its accompanying video. Read more…
Bands with their heads screwed on make TMMP’s world go round. I’ve met many people who think of reggae, ska, and dub as tired and behind the times – but fortunately albums like this form an ideal rebuttal. Funded via none-more-modern crowdfunders Pledge Music and filled with upbeat vibes, incredible tunes and inventive musicianship, Actions & Reactions serves as a pitch-perfect pick-me-up and a spot made of soundwaves where youthful energy meets mature themes culled from struggles punctuated with moments of relief. Read more…
Since I reviewed Marco Minnemann’s latest album EEPS, I’ve become more and more intrigued by the world of drumming and rhythm. Lush harmonies, hooky melodies, and touching lyricism are all great things – but a great groove makes you want to move, and gets your body as well as your mind engaged. Traditional songwriting usually appeals to the intellect, but it’s rhythm that really connects with the heart – aka the body’s rhythmic centre. Read more…
Drummers get an unfair amount of stick. Even the most talented skin-beaters can only dream of escaping the stream of endless drummer jokes, such as:
Q: How do you know when a drummer’s at your door?
A: The knocking speeds up.
Q: What’s the last thing a drummer says before getting fired?
A: “Hey guys – why don’t we try one of my songs?”
Q: What do you say to a drummer in a suit?
A: “Will the defendant please rise?” Read more…
Wearing your influences on your sleeve can be a risky business. It’s a precarious tightrope walk between sound-alike copycat crap (let’s be honest – if you sound exactly like a famous band with a big discography, all you’re going to do is make your listeners head toward that band and forget you in the process), and diluted and directionless wishy-washiness. Few bands manage to keep their balance.
The Kut, however, do. Read more…
Old-school vibes with extra nostalgia and a contemporary twist? Sounds like the perfect end-of-summer soundtrack to me. Uni was a long time ago, but Peace Of Mind takes me straight back to all the best bits. Read more…
Some bands have it all. Flawless production, epic songwriting, whip-cracking performances, a wickedly slick video, and a cheeky Back To The Future reference for a title. If you don’t think that’s enough, there’s something wrong with you. Read more…
In an age of imagination-free and creatively void copycats, bands like Heel stand head and shoulders above the rest. Read more…
Writing with ears full of hardcore this…well…hardcore isn’t exactly conducive to lucid, flowing prose. There’s so much going on that it’s a miracle I managed to even breathe while listening to this split release – so here are the words that made it through the soundwaves and best summed up the experience: Read more…
Although current events are calling much attention to The Boileroom’s soundproofing, personally I’m starting to think they should allow at least a little noise to escape. Sitting in the beer garden running through emails, I almost forgot there was a gig on and could easily have missed: Read more…