It is the first Bank Holiday weekend of the year and with it comes a handful of noteworthy releases.
Leading the way is rising UK rock trio Press To MECO and their second album, 'Here’s To The Fatigue'. While L.A. anthemic punks Spanish Love Songs deliver the outstanding 'Schmaltz'.
Returns come in the form of Escape The Fate with 'I Am Human' and London hardcore crew TRC who have comeback with an EP titled 'Lifestyle'. While Light The Torch, the band formerly known as Devil You Know, start a new chapter with 'Revival'.
There are also new music from The Republic of Wolves, Screech Bats, Queen of Jeans and Hungover.
Follow us on Spotify for more playlists.
Press To MECO - Here’s To The Fatigue (★★★★.5 Review/Interview)
Spanish Love Songs - Schmaltz (★★★★★ Review)
Escape The Fate - I am Human
TRC - Lifestyle EP
Light The Torch - Revival
The Republic of Wolves - shrine (Stream)
Screech Bats - Wish You Were Her EP ('Under The Radar' Review)
Queen of Jeans - Dig Yourself (Stream)
Hungover - Wilt EP (Stream)
Lifted Bells - Minor Tantrums
Toothless - Red
Tapestry - Ghost of Me EP
What releases are you looking forward to hearing? Let us know in the comments.
Want to see your release appear in a future “Released This Week” round-up post? Submit it here. Additionally if you’d like us to possibly review a forthcoming release, please e-mail us at [email protected].
Next month, Welsh noise merchants GRAVVES return with a new EP called 'Oh, The Joy'. It picks up where last year's debut EP, 'Rattle', left off as the trio deliver a set of snarling, punk-fuelled songs with the occasional hook thrown in here and there.
With its release pencilled in for April 27th, we're premiering the video for 'Oh, The Joy''s latest single - 'Hello Sailor'. The EP's penultimate track is a fuzz-laden stomp with David Thomas' unhinged yelps merely adding to its viciousness. While the DIY video follows Hughes' to get in shape as he prepares to help the skint band, as he enters a fight but it's not what you think…
”’Hello Sailor’ is about getting through a breakup and feeling like it's the worst thing in the world, but eventually picking up and moving on,” explains bassist Adam Hughes. ”We put the video together ourselves, which is mainly about Dave training for a proper important competition. Not giving too much away though - we're hoping people find it as funny as we did to make it."
'Oh, The Joy' EP by GRAVVES is released on 27th April on Loner Noise Records.
GRAVVES links: Website|Facebook|Twitter
Do you have a new video or release you’d like to premier on Already Heard? If so contact Sêan Reid to find out more.
Since coming together last summer, London quartet Twin Jackal haven't wasted any time making waves with their first two singles; 'Humility' and 'Cruel'. With a melting pot consisting of math rock inspired riffs, soulful vocals and emotive harmonies, they're rightly considered as "ones to watch".
Tomorrow they're set to release a third single titled 'Make Me Brave'. However, Already Heard has teamed up with the band to give you an exclusive first listen.
The track sees Twin Jackal take a more considered approach with its piano spine giving way to stabbing post-hardcore guitars, while vocalist Anthony Chapman provides a positive message hope.
"The inspiration behind the song is introspective perseverance," the band told us about the track. "The chorus ‘Play your hand while your hearts still beating’ is a message to anyone who’d felt they’d underachieved and telling them you’re only a limit to your own endeavours. While the verse describes the frustration of trying to get somewhere and just missing out."
'Make Me Brave' by Twin Jackal is released on 30th March.
Defining a band by a certain genre is a horrible, unfortunate trait that, as music fans and writers, we far too often rely on. However, occasionally there are those who you simply can’t define because the band seamlessly show their variation. Press To MECO are one of those bands. Nevertheless, having a wide-ranging sound isn’t a disadvantage for PTM, as they firmly establish themselves amongst Brit Rock’s crop of promising bands.
While ‘All Parts Don’t Make a Whole’ is carried with a subtle intensity as drummer Lewis Williams’ wisely advises “Find solace when nowhere feels like home”. Backed by riveting instrumentation and bouncy group vocals, PTM provide an anthem of worry and comfort.
Over the course of its eleven songs, PTM’s organic growth is clearly evident. Want towering, harmonious choruses? They’ve got those (see ‘Skip the Crawl’). Want intimately and soothing acoustics? Then just listen to the calming tones of ‘A Place It In All’. Want dynamic riffs and stomping percussion? Well, songs such as ‘Howl’ and ‘A Quick Fix’ are sure to fill that void.
On paper, it may seem PTM offer a varied yet incoherent set of songs here, but at their core is a unique and confident band. Sure they’re not entirely original; there are hints of Brit alt-rock’s past and present best throughout, but overall PTM continue to be an exciting prospect. One which won't get lost in the shuffle.
4/5
'Here's To The Fatigue' by Press To MECO is released on 30th March on Marshall Records.
Press To MECO links: Website|Facebook|Twitter|Instagram
Emo has as little right as pop-punk to continue to command popularity. With roots planted decades ago, these scenes lived a heyday that is now but a wistful adolescent memory for those approaching 30. So how have these fuzzy, opinion-polarising genres survived, in the process attracting new generations? Hot Mulligan's fusion of the two illustrates the answer perfectly.
The four-piece from Lansing, North Michigan represent a continuation of designs drawn up by bands such as Boston Manor and Knuckle Puck, with whom they are currently touring North America. Their full-length debut 'Pilot' represents a band with the potential to at least match the successes of their current tour mates.
Insistently up-tempo, 'Deluxe Capacitor' is near-perfect as an album opener, tearing through riffs and setting the record's lyrical tone, at once despairing and nonchalant: "I guess I'll get stoned by myself / as if I have anyone else to run to".
The twiddling guitar of 'I Hate The Gooey Disk' and 'There Was A Semi Fight on I-69' explicitly allude to the likes of American Football, a self-confirmed influence. Such a reference could easily have felt shoe-horned in, but framed within independently well-written songs, it works.
Suitably pretentious, obscure titles abound, a highlight of which is 'How Do You Know It's Not Armadillo Shells?'. Vindicated gimmicks are scarcely gimmicks at all, however, and it turns out to be the best track on the record. Tades Sanville negotiates a mouthful melody amongst supplementary keyboards and addictive processed rhythms.
On first listen, 'Pilot' blends together somewhat, but this is not to its detriment. Any number of its tracks can be interchanged and reshuffled, with the flow left intact. Repeated visits reveal more gems, such as 'Wes Dault Can't Find The Madison Falcon', while first-listen standouts such as 'The Soundtrack To Missing a Slam Dunk' only get better.
Make no mistake; Hot Mulligan look to be the real deal. This is an impressive offering populated by evidence that, once again, the emo/pop-punk crossover is a winning formula that proves the compatibility — and longevity — of each sub-genre.
4.5/5
'Pilot' by Hot Mulligan is out now on No Sleep Records.
Hot Mulligan links: Facebook|Twitter|Instagram|Bandcamp
Turning 30 can be a pivotal moment in anyone's life. You're supposed to be grown up with responsibilities yet you carry a burden of uncertainty on your shoulders. On 'Schmaltz', Dylan Slocum of Spanish Love Songs provides his own, inward take on that moment.
Having spent his twenties in struggling basement bands dealing with mental health issues and a disintegrating marriage, Slocum lays it all in the open. A mournful organ opens the album on 'Nuevo', as Slocum comments on his insecurity and lack of personal change while reminiscing about church hardcore shows. It gives way to the explosive 'Sequels, Remakes, and Adaptations', a track which provides the first of many defiant fist-in-the-air moments. Together, it's a one-two punch of anthemic punk that sets the tone for the remainder of 'Schmaltz'.
From accepting his own unhappiness on 'Bellyache' to being unable to change circumstances ('Buffalo Buffalo') to being stagnant ('The Boy Considers His Haircut'), Slocum wraps his words with an infectious, thriving punk skin. Traits such as catchy choruses, group vocals, Meredith Van Woert's springy keys and Ruben Duarte's textured drums merely adds to the boisterous output that Spanish Love Songs provide. While Slocum's quavering delivery on 'Bellyache', 'The Boy Considers His Haircut' and 'Beer & Nyquil (Hold It Together)' gives an element of raw authenticity.
Over the course of 'Schmaltz', Slocum finds comfort in his self-deprecating manner. The closing three-song arc of 'Beer & Nyquil (Hold It Together)', 'It's Not Interesting' and 'Aloha to No One' epitomises this. On the former, he sings "I want to be the one who knows how to hold it together". While on 'It's Not Interesting', he references learning to love himself yet it's the acoustic finale that sums up the entire record; "you might be fine but you'll never be your best."
If all is right with the world, ‘Schmaltz’ should be seen as the punk record of 2018. It’s an unbelievable heartfelt and addictive album, one that grows with every listen.
5/5
'Schmaltz' by Spanish Love Songs is released on 30th March on Uncle M Music (EU) / A-F Records (US).
Spanish Love Songs links: Website|Facebook|Twitter|Instagram|Bandcamp
Interview: Battling the Fatigue Machine - Press To MECO
"I think our biggest asset is that we sound a little bit different, but it's also our biggest Achilles' heel"
In the music industry, it's a common known fact that you need to play the waiting game; to have the patience for that tour to come along, that breakthrough moment and so on. In the case of Press To MECO, it was waiting to release their second full-length album, 'Here's To The Fatigue'.
Initially recorded in late 2016 in Austin, Texas with renowned producer Machine (Lamb of God, Clutch, Every Time I Die, Four Year Strong), the South London trio would spend much of 2017 finding a label to release the record before deciding to self-release the record. With a November release date pencilled in, the band went through the usual pre-album release run-up traits; the music video, doing press etc. Then two weeks before its release, Marshall Records, one of several labels they had spoken to previously, contacted the band with an offer they couldn't refuse.
“Steve [Tannett - Marshall Records director] called us up and said 'a bunch of stuff has changed. I really think we can work well together and help the band',” explains guitarist Luke Caley. “We met up and we were sceptical because of how things were before. The way the label was set-up back then wasn't really aligned with what we were about and what we felt could benefit the band. We sat down and after an hour or two-hour meeting, we came away feeling it was the right thing to do. This is going to make the album bigger then if we self-released it. It's worth pulling it and rescheduling.”
Despite being together for the best part of eight years, Press To MECO are still considered as an emerging band, touring as much as possible alongside living normal lives. Nevertheless, the prospect of working with a brand as a recognisable as Marshall meant the band's potentially long-term future had stability.
“We needed a deal that would make the band grow, so we needed something that was going to support us,” states bassist Adam Roffey. “A lot of things we were offered before wouldn't have worked. If we saw a future in being an active band, then we needed an offer that was viable and helped us out and Marshall has given us that.” While Caley goes on to say, “I think with Marshall, the infrastructure is there and the scope and potential is there to support us over a few albums.”
With one eye on the future, their immediate outlook is on 'Here's To The Fatigue'. Over the course of eight years, Caley, Roffey and drummer Lewis Williams have moulded a melting pot of sounds around three-part harmonies. On 'Here's To…', the trio have honed in on their best attributes, creating a record that shines with towering choruses, fiery riffs, bold percussion and more. Overall, it is the sound of a band refusing to be pigeonholed to a specific sound or trend, even though it's not deliberate as Luke explains.
“That's not something we've intentionally done. We've naturally found this space that we sit in where 'this is what we do' and this is the music we're passionate about. I think our biggest asset is that we sound a little bit different, but it's also our biggest Achilles' heel because people like to pigeonhole things, so they don't know if they like it or not. I think sometimes we get overlooked because we're a bit in the middle of things.”
"The new album basically feels like the most accomplished version of what we're trying to do"
On 'Here's To The Fatigue', Adam, Luke and Lewis have organically grown their sound with no agenda. While “different” ideas have been presented, by the time they go through what Luke refers to as “the Press To MECO machine”, those ideas end up being in PTM's mould.
“The new album basically feels like the most accomplished version of what we're trying to do,” Luke tells us. “We haven't purposely tried to go anywhere new or to make a statement with a new sound. Where that has happened, it's naturally come into how we're writing. We've been like 'this is cool and a bit different' but we've gone with it. It's whatever feels good.”
Although the band's sound, according to Luke might be “a bit marmite”, it has granted them a plethora of touring opportunities in recent months. Amongst them are tours with “cult tech metal heroes” SikTh, “proggy alternative rock band” Arcane Roots and several other names in the burgeoning UK rock scene.
“I feel quite privileged we can play on so many different kinds of bills. We love seeing so many different kinds of bands. I would get tired if we were a certain genre band and we kept on playing the exact same bills all the time,” says Luke as he hints at the band's need to keep things fresh, a trait that has affected the songs from 'Here's To The Fatigue' in recent months.
Although written in 2016, the factors of a delayed release and not playing a majority of the record live has meant the 11 songs that make up the album still feel new. “We still need to get together and start figuring out how to play the other half of the album,” Luke explains with Adam going on to say “when you're not practising them and you're not listening to them all the time, it's still fresh. There is also the scope for how the new songs are going to work live.”
The element of expansion has always been there for PTM, even if not on purpose, yet both Luke and Adam agree that beyond 'Here's To The Fatigue' they will continue to evolve. “We can just keep going with it and see what comes out,” says Adam with Luke explaining that “new sounds” will be included. “I can't imagine us doing something that is suddenly drastic, like a complete genre change, but the next album will definitely have some new sounds. Otherwise, it's not fun for us.
We've got all these ideas like we'd like to do an almost poppy album, but I think when it comes to writing with something in mind, it feels a bit forced and contrived. With this band, the three of us, it is whatever we're feeling and we go with that. By the time it's a finished song and has gone through all the parts of the machine, it seems to sound like us anyway.”
As the Press To MECO machine expands, both in sound and status, 'Here's To The Fatigue' has awarded the trio with a bright future. With a new label home in Marshall Records, a sold-out London album release show and a summer of festival spots lined up, Press To MECO's patience is paying off as they prepare to step up a gear.
'Here's To The Fatigue' by Press To MECO is released on 30th March on Marshall Records.
Press To MECO links: Website|Facebook|Twitter|Instagram
Every weekend Already Heard gives you a run down of what you have missed in the music world in the past seven days. 'In Case You Missed It' is your go-to source to find out all the latest tour news and music and video releases.
Don't forget to "Like Us" on Facebook for regular news updates.
New Music
Albums/EPs
Hot Mulligan – Pilot
Bobby Mahoney and the Seventh Son - Bobby Mahoney and the Seventh Son
Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube | Deezer
Songs
Panic! At The Disco - (Fuck A) Silver Lining
Thirty Seconds To Mars - One Track Mind ft. A$AP Rocky
Skindred - Big Tings
Kevin Devine - Kuala Lumpu
The Faim - Midland Line
War On Women - Lone Wolves
Awooga - Temporal
Blackberry Smoke - I'll Keep Ramblin' (feat. Robert Randolph)
Seán McGowan - Springhill
Kississippi - Easier To Love
Dissonants - Follow
Oceanator - Inhuman
77 - Where Have They Gone
Ails - Bitter Past
Persefone - In Lak'ech
Bury the Kings - Take Me With You
One Last Daybreak - According to Pleasure, I Was Low on the Food Chain
The Lightness of Being - Cave
New Videos
Panic! At The Disco - Say Amen (Saturday Night)
Marilyn Manson - Tattooed In Reverse
Queens Of The Stone Age - Head Like a Haunted House
Underoath - Rapture
Escape The Fate - Broken Heart
Hawthorne Heights - Just Another Ghost
Behemoth - The Satanist (Live)
Burn The Priest - Inherit the Earth
Make Them Suffer - Save Yourself
Camp Cope - How to Socialise & Make Friends (live)
Hot Mulligan - How Do You Know It's Not Armadillo Shells?
Ducking Punches - I Ruin Everything
Spanish Love Songs - Bellyache
Selfish Things - 8147 Mulholland Terrace
The Homeless Gospel Choir - 1983
Picturesque - Dead Flowers
Coldbones - Lost
Parting Gift - Vein / Rensing
Shields - Black Dog
layover - Slumber
GroundCulture - Confessions
Halo Tora - Earth Exit Bloom
As Sirens Fall - Lily
The Regrettes - Come Through
EMP!RE - My Party, My Rules
Caliban - Ich Blute Für Dich
Sabaton - Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Dawn Won't Come - Farewell
The Dali Thundering Concept - The Myth of Happiness
Valis Ablaze - Frequency (feat. Drewsif)
What We Lost - Chamomile
Dividium - Send Nudes
Neshiima - Believe
Encoded - Our Faith Has Gone
Sins In Vain - The End of Heartache (Killswitch Engage cover)
Doc Rotten - Listen Up!
Captives - House Parties and Black Balloons
Steady Decline - Second Chances
Gold Steps - Firestarter
Second GO! - Party's Over
Sawyer Path - Blind
Reno Divorce - She's In Love With The Avenue
Forgotten Sons - Ragged Sails High
Tour News
Marmozets
October
19th O2 Kentish Town Forum, London
Danzig
August
6th Barrowlands, Glasgow
7th Brixton Academy, London
The Used (original tickets from February's cancelled shows remain valid)
August
27th O2 Academy, Bristol
28th Rock City, Nottingham
30th O2 Ritz, Manchester
31st O2 Shepherds Bush Empire, London
Protest the Hero (performing 'Fortress'), Norma Jean (performing 'Redeemer'), Loathe and Cyclamen
July
6th The Fleece, Bristol
7th Asylum, Birmingham
8th Tech Fest, Newark (PTH & NJ ONLY!)
10th Garage, Glasgow
11th Rebellion, Manchester
12th O2 Islington Academy, London
INK
May
4th The Haunt, Brighton
5th Teddy Rocks Festival, Blandford
6th The Junction, Plymouth
8th The Cavern, Exeter
9th The Exchange, Bristol
11th Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff
12th The Flapper, Birmingham
13th Bodega, Nottingham
14th The Corporation, Sheffield
16th Star & Garter, Manchester
17th Garage Attic, Glasgow
18th The Mash House, Edinburgh
19th Think Tank, Newcastle
21st The Key Club, Leeds
22nd Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton
23rd Camden Assembly, London
24th Forum, Tunbridge Wells
26th Joiners, Southampton
27th Roadmender Underground, Northampton
28th Kasbah, Coventry
29th Craufurd Arms, Milton Keynes
Elessar with Halfway Hope and Samuel Hyde
May
4th Scruffy Murphys, Birmingham
5th Little Buildings, Newcastle
6th Surya, London
11th Key Club, Leeds
12th Zombie Shack, Manchester
13th Frog and Fiddle, Cheltenham
Reigning Days
April
27th Nambucca, London
Persefone
April
1st Garage Highbury, London
2nd The Asylum, Birmingham
3rd Ruby Lounge, Manchester
In The News
The Fever 333 have joined Roadrunner Records. They have also released a debut EP called 'Made An America'.
After 38 years, 7Seconds have broke up, citing medical issues as the reason.
Album/EP Releases
April
6th:
Thirty Seconds To Mars - America
1. Walk On Water
2. Dangerous Night produced by Zedd
3. Rescue Me
4. One Track Mind ft. A$AP Rocky
5. Monolith
6. Love Is Madness ft. Halsey
7. Great Wide Open
8. Hail To The Victor
9. Dawn Will Rise
10. Remedy
11. Live Like A Dream
12. Rider
7th:
One Last Daybreak - A Thousand Thoughts
20th:
Mixtape Saints - Everything We Used To Be (Real Ghost Records)
Side A:
1. Heavy Water* 2. Sleep*
3. Smoke, Mirrors and Misery*
4. Into The Storm*
5. Heartbreak, Radio, Cars and Rain (electric)+
Side B
1. Spare Change~
2. Hold Fast Hold Tight~
3. Heartbreak, Radio, Cars and Rain (acoustic)~
4. No Regrets~
5. Bright Lights/Burned Out~
6. Reckless#
*Heavy Water EP, 2013 / +Single, 2017 / ~Bright Lights/Burned Out, 2016 / #Unreleased & Exclusive Track
May
18th:
Burn The Priest (Lamb of God) - Legion: XX (Nuclear Blast)
1. Inherit The Earth (originally performed by The Accused)
2. Honey Bucket (originally performed by Melvins)
3. Kerosene (originally performed by Big Black)
4. Kill Yourself (originally performed by S.O.D.)
5. I Against I (originally performed by Bad Brains)
6. Axis Rot (originally performed by Sliang Laos)
7. Jesus Built My Hotrod (originally performed by Ministry)
8. One Voice (originally performed by Agnostic Front)
9. Dine Alone (originally performed by Quicksand)
10. We Gotta Know (originally performed by Cro-Mags)
11. In The Meantime (originally performed by Helmet)
*on vinyl only
Bury The Kings - V EP
25th:
Jonathan Davis - Black Labyrinth (Sumerian Records)
1. Underneath My Skin
2. Final Days
3. Everyone
4. Happiness
5. Your God
6. Walk On By
7. The Secret
8. Basic Needs
9. Medicate
10. Please Tell Me
11. What You Believe
12. Gender
13. What It Is
Columbus - A Hot Take On Heartbreak (UNFD)
June
1st:
Slapshot - Make America Hate Again (Bridge Nine Records)
1. Edge Break Your Face
2. Hypocrite
3. Remedy
4. Alone
5. Cry For Help
6. Trainwreck
7. I Got Your Number
8. It’s All About You
9. Make America Hate Again
10. White Flag
11. One Last Chance
22nd:
Panic! At The Disco - Pray For The Wicked (Fueled By Ramen/DCD2 Records)
1. (Fuck A) Silver Lining
2. Say Amen (Saturday Night)
3. Hey Look Ma, I Made It
4. High Hopes
5. Roaring 20s
6. Dancing’s Not A Crime
7. One Of The Drunks
8. The Overpass
9. King Of The Clouds
10. Old Fashioned
11. Dying In LA
Modern Rituals - The Light That Leaks In (Holy Roar Records)
1. I Saw Them Fall
2. Entrail
3. Fog Machine
4. Protrusion
5. Hermit Kuppling
6. A Guide for the Sick
7. Marble Orchard
8. Maudlin
9. Nebulon
10. Combine
11. Muttering
Festival News
Speak Low If You Speak Love, Four Year Strong Presents: Some Of You Will Like This, Some Of You Won’t, Rob Lynch, Luke Rainsford, Pvmnts, Selfish Things, and Cave Town have been announced for the Acoustic stage for the Slam Dunk Festival.
Camden Rocks Festival have added more for this year’s multi-venue event on June 2nd:
SikTh, British Sea Power, Echobelly, Danny Goffey, Vex Red, The Lafontaines, The Amorettes, Black Map (ex DEDG / FAR), Rews, Dirty Thrills, Sad Season, The Faim, Saint Agnes, Empire, Loom, AutoPilot (feat’ Andy from The Enemy), Tim Muddiman, Iamwarface, Kris Barras, Man The Lifeboats, Brightlight City, The Luka State, Damn Dice, The Black Roses, Naked Six, L Sicario, This Year’s Ghost, Weekend Recovery, Cavalcade, Wicked Splinters, Leontas, Riverchild, Bugeye, Shea, The Gulps, Via Dolorosa, Nash Albert, Calico Jack, Sarah Vista and the Henchman and Harry Pane.
Press To Meco, Turbowolf, INK, The Lafontaines, Grumble Bee, November Plot and Backwoods Creek are the latest additions to be announced for the Teddy Rocks Festival.
Live Review: Brian Fallon & The Howling Weather and Dave Hause - Leeds Beckett Student Union, Leeds - 09/03/2018
Following the release of his second solo album, 'Sleepwalkers', ex-Gaslight Anthem frontman, and all-round legend, Brian Fallon has been busy touring the UK and Europe, playing to packed out crowds wherever he goes. Tonight the tour rolls into Leeds. Joined his backing band, The Howling Weather, Fallon promises an earnest mix of soulful rock and heartfelt Americana punk.
With a stripped back, broken down set, Dave Hause opened up to a heaving Leeds Beckett Student Union, just him and his brother Tim alternating between a variety of instruments as they played through the most popular songs from his solo catalogue. Despite being the supporting act, it was pleasing to see the audience had turned out in full force to catch Dave’s laid back, mostly acoustic set, clapping and singing along right from the start, with quite a few of them knowing his songs.
Hopefully, Dave appreciated the comic irony of a stage light exploding during ‘The Flinch’, causing him to literally flinch backwards and step away as a cascade of shattered glass reigned down – mostly on Tim! Nevertheless, his unique blend of jaunty, singalong Americana punk littered with relaxed between-song banter and occasional political references was the perfect introduction to the quirkiness that followed… (4/5)
Brian Fallon took to the stage with riotous applause from the friendly crowd, who then settled in for ninety minutes worth of full on entertainment, with his appreciative fans singing along with every word, fists pumping the air enthusiastically. With such a wide variety of songs and different projects over the years, it must be hard for him to choose a set sometimes, and tonight, the majority of the songs came from 'Sleepwalkers', although he did throw in three from Horrible Crows, two from Molly and the Zombies and one Gaslight Anthem classic.
At times, it felt like not simply a gig, but ‘An Audience With Brian Fallon’, with the oddball singer treating us to his own personal comedy show as he chatted away and told extended anecdotes in between songs. At one point, he invited the Leeds crowd to teach him the “Yorkshire chant” then made up an on the spot ditty, his band improvising as the fans at the front all chanted “Yorkshire, Yorkshire, Yorkshire” in time to the music. It was funny for a while, but was starting to wear thin for some of the fans who just wanted to hear more music. With shouts of “play a song” coming from the back, eventually, he did, bashing through five consecutive hits that got everyone roused up and on side again.
Of course, the light bulb incident was another topic for him to poke fun at, with the band bringing on Tim Hause to check if he was alright and wanting to know whether he’d been “singed”. Brian joked that he’d been “on fire tonight” and then dedicated ‘Ladykiller’ to him, to amused cheers from the crowd.
The songs were well played and tight throughout, with some luscious, sweet harmonies provided by his band The Howling Weather (‘Forget Me Not’, ‘If Your Prayers Don’t Get To Heaven’, ‘Rosemary’). Coming back on for an encore after ending with a Dire Straits’ ‘Sultans Of Swing’ cover, Brian returned to play a couple of songs solo, and here’s where he whipped out a raw and heartfelt version of ‘The 59 Sound’, just him on the piano. This was followed by ‘See You On The Other Side’, then the whole band came back on again for the final finale, performing a cover of U2’s ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’, along with Dave Hause guesting on keyboards closing what proved to be an entertaining evening and a good show. (4/5)
After an eventful few weeks of notable releases, this week's round of albums and EP's seems rather tame in comparison. Nevertheless, there are a handful of worthy releases to serve as the soundtrack to your weekend and beyond.
First up, Will Haven provide a return to form with 'Muerte'. While Blessthefall begin a new chapter with 'Hard Feelings', and The Maple State return after nearly 10 years by delivering 'The Things I Heard At The Party'.
As for up-and-coming talent, there's new music from McCafferty, Cove, Sick Joy, Hot Mulligan, and Neshiima.
Follow us on Spotify for more playlists.
Will Haven - Muerte (★★★★ Review)
Blessthefall - Hard Feelings (★★★ Review/Interview)
The Maple State - The Things I Heard At The Party ("Influences" feature)
Cove - A Conscious Motion EP (★★★.5 Review/Stream)
Sick Joy - Amateurs EP (★★★.5 Review/"Playlist" feature)
Hot Mulligan - Pilot
McCafferty - Yarn
Monster Magnet - Mindfucker
The Sword - Used Future
Neshiima - Purple EP (Under The Radar Review/"Recommends" feature)
Discrepancies - The Awakening (Under The Radar Review)
Whale Bones - Island Fire
Memoriam - The Silent Vigil
What releases are you looking forward to hearing? Let us know in the comments.
Want to see your release appear in a future “Released This Week” round-up post? Submit it here. Additionally if you’d like us to possibly review a forthcoming release, please e-mail us at [email protected].
With so much excellent new music being released every week, it can be difficult to keep abreast of absolutely everything deserving of review. However, in the interest of giving as many artists as possible a fair crack of the whip, we have Under The Radar; a monthly roundup highlighting a handful of releases that may pass you by.
For this edition of Under The Radar, we look at new releases from Discrepancies, Screech Bats, Forbidden Seasons, Ways., and Neshiima.
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Discrepancies - The Awakening
The rap-metal combination hasn't always enjoyed the most complimentary relationship and in the current musical climate could easily sound dated. However, St. Louis' Discrepancies have managed to nail the combination in style. They combine hip-hop verses and hook-filled choruses with metal(core) tinged alternative rock, delivering massive riffs, the occasional brooding atmospheric passage and some seriously well thought out songs. The rap element actually serves to add another dimension to an already accomplished and lyrically forthright sound.
Latest single 'Art of War' is a pretty good example of what they can do. Even so, where they really shine is tracks like the double whammy of 'Prevail' and 'Wake Up', which are particularly hard-hitting, both lyrically and stylistically as they aggressively tackle deep-rooted racial issues in the US. There is also plenty of versatility on display, from the outright aggression of the title track through to the laid-back summer vibe of closer 'Make You Love Me'. All in all, this is one hell of a classy release and might just strike a chord with a much wider audience.
'The Awakening' by Discrepancies is released on 23rd March on InVogue Records.
The punky punchy bat-shit-crazy alternative rock of Screech Bats makes for a pretty damn likeable listen. Their latest EP, 'Wish You Were Her', delivers five no-nonsense tracks, with straight ahead in your face riffs, the occasional winning hook and some seriously British vocals from the likeable voice of Esme Baker.
Despite weighing in at a lightweight 15 minutes, there is plenty of substance on offer as they deal with issues like grief, loss, mental health and spent relationships. There is a certain fuck-you-ness running through the EP, especially on the barbed 'Just Like You' and the hateful 'That Valentine Song' and all told it's a seriously good listen. It is really quite inspiring to see people take their art seriously and translate that into such quality music. Well worth repeated listens.
'Wish You Were Her' EP by Screech Bats is released on 30th March.
This is a game effort from the latest addition to the busy Italian rock scene, Forbidden Seasons. The Turin quartet have managed to capture all the classic genre-defining aspects of modern metalcore into an abrasive sounding album of ten enthusiastically epic tunes, underpinned by the usual generic riffs and atmospheric electronics.
Although they obviously know their stuff and make a pretty substantial racket, the record lacks a much-needed touch of individuality. Sure, it is well made and everything, just there is very little to separate it from the crowd and it gives the impression they are just trying to fit the template. Ok, they can scream; yes, they can do melody; sure, it is proper heavy; of course, they can hit a breakdown - but in the end, it is just another metalcore record, which is likely to find it a struggle in an already busy market.
'Promise' by Forbidden Seasons is out now on This Is Core.
Weighing in at under half an hour but boasting eight tracks, 'Aftermath', from Parisian melodic metallers Ways. is neither EP nor LP, and probably is best described as mini-album. Whatever you want to call it, their somewhat rag tag mix of metal, post-hardcore and alternative rock, relying largely on guttural vocals and reverb heavy riffs is a pleasant, if slightly one-paced, listen.
Despite boasting a similar tempo throughout, they throw in the occasional melodic passage or a quality clean vocal to break things up, although this does result in a slightly disjointed feel at times, as if they aren't entirely sure where they are headed. However, there are moments like the lovely 'Thirteen' which is a short but sweet atmospheric instrumental, and the meandering 'With Love' that are pure quality. There are these occasional flashes of brilliance indicating deeper potential, but they need to sharpen up the songwriting to make it a little punchier and work out their direction.
'Aftermath' by Ways. is out on now.
Ways links: Facebook|Twitter|Instagram|Bandcamp
Neshiima - Purple EP
This is the first in a series of EPs from Glasgow quartet Neshiima tackling the seemingly epidemic growth of mental health issues in the modern world. With a fresh sounding take on the rap-metal combination, they offer up five hard-hitting slickly done bangers with a strong Linkin Park influence under the surface that really hits the mark. The songs are well constructed, have lyrical depth, dealing with things like religious disillusionment, and strike a nice balance between the use of rap and melodic vocals.
'Here Forever', which features a guest vocal from Renny Carroll is an especially good example of what they can do - killer tunes with a serious undercurrent that worm their way into the brain. Interestingly, they are confident enough to show a little restraint, as on 'Who I Am', yet they can also rock seriously hard, like on the powerful 'Wilderness' with its abrasive riff and sinister atmosphere. All told, 'Purple' is a seriously quality EP and well worth giving a chance; expect to here a lot more from these guys.
Since recently signing with Rise Records, screamo metalcore rockers Blessthefall have described themselves as feeling “rejuvenated”. While they are pleased to be having a fresh start for their sixth studio album, ‘Hard Feelings’, longterm fans will be satisfied there isn't a radical change in sound.
Blending atmospheric electronic elements with thick layers of melodic, minor-inflected guitars throughout, the band open up with the infectious ‘Wishful Sinking’. It’s a good kick-start to the album and one of the better tracks of the ten - an anthemic singalong with some massive guitars.
There’s definitely a few pit-ready bangers here which will go down a storm live. ‘Cutthroat’ is the most obvious contender. It’s one of the fastest, heaviest and dirtiest songs on the record, relentless in its brutal vocals and grinding guitars, only dropping out for the haunting and carefully constructed middle section.
Lead singer Beau Bokan certainly has a powerful set of lungs perfect for rock, able to switch between beautiful soaring vocals and aggressive screams with ease. On ‘I’m Over Being Under(rated)’ he reaches almost Kellin Quinn-esque levels only to be followed up by the very similar sounding ‘Sleepless In Phoenix’.
The album takes a bit of a dip at this point with a trio of back to back slower numbers which, although pretty, do tend to stick to the same formula. It picks up again with ‘Sakura Blues’ and final track ‘Welcome Home’, the latter of which features a killer classic rock style guitar solo and a slick riff.
Overall, ‘Hard Feelings’ is a decent release, although one can’t help but feel the band have more to give. Perhaps after finding settling in with their new label, the Arizona-based band will be able to push themselves further, forging a new, expansive sound.
3/5
'Hard Feelings' by Blessthefall is released on 23rd March on Rise Records.
The lasting influence that grunge has had on alternative music is undeniable. Known just as much for its personalities as it is for its distinct, garage-esque tones, the genre is in a state of revival, with artists channelling bands such as Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains. 2018 looks poised to follow this trend, and one of its first offerings is Brigton-via-Newcastle trio Sick Joy, with their debut EP 'Amateurs'.
The old adage of "never judge a book by its cover" applies here, with the EP's title merely calling to attention the band's young age. Musically, we're dealing with something beyond its years, or, perhaps even before its time.
A distinctly familiar palm muting makes way for to a lo-fi guitar riff to introduce 'Senses', a song that can only be described as pure Nirvana-worship. In terms of the vocals, Mykl Barton screeches the first line with almost Patrick Kindlon levels of intensity, something mirrored in the second verse to ‘Karma and Ketamine'. The band really become their own by the end of 'Senses', however, with a huge outro supported by layered vocals in which Barton's harsher vocals are offset by a softer female performance.
'Smiling Shame' continues the theme of a new flair on an old sound, as it adds some post-punk reverb and the deep bass of grunge to a Brit-rock chorus. There's even space for a breakdown.
'Amateurs' certainly is an interesting release. On the one hand, this is grunge-revival at its very best: slick, modern production on the more gritty instrumentation of yesteryear. Looking at the other, however, it can sometimes feel like you're just listening to the grunge bands of the 90s. While the mimicry is done respectfully and with that modern twist, the question lingers whether Sick Joy add enough to a sound that, in its purest form, died two decades ago.
An EP out of time, 'Amateurs' is a great introduction to a band who love their influencers. Now its up to Sick Joy to push the limits of the sound even further and strike with an even better follow-up.
3.5/5
'Amateurs' EP by Sick Joy is released on 23rd March on SaySomething Records.
Sick Joy links: Website|Facebook|Twitter|Instagram
Musically speaking, it's kind of hard to get excited about pop-punk in the current climate, especially when so much of it is either formulaic or derivative or, God forbid, both.
Fortunately, there's something refreshingly different about New York's Townhouse Warrior, and third album ‘Words, Unsaid', that sets them apart from the multitude of bands occupying the crowded space.
Much of this is down to vocalist Zack Fitzgerald's distinctive voice, which recalls nerdy pop-rockers Feable Weiner. Here, it works surprisingly well, especially since everything on ‘Words, Unsaid' is delivered with crystal clear clarity and devoid of the over-caffeinated hyperactivity of the ‘Weiners.
Words, Unsaid. by Townhouse Warrior
That's not to say ‘Words, Unsaid' doesn't come packed with energy and verve; it's a riot of big riffs and chunky hooks that could live comfortably in the catalogue of any number of early noughties pop-punk bands, and especially the likes of Rufio or Over It. ‘So Left, It's Right', in particular, is a perfect example; technical but not distractingly so, it's a perfect slice of nostalgia-tinged pop-punk.
Yet, while there's a certain rose-tinted appeal about ‘Words, Unsaid' it's certainly not rooted in the past, and much of it stands up to contemporary pop-punk songs.
And, while much of ‘Words, Unsaid' is good, there are flashes of genuine inspiration dotted throughout. The last minute and a half of ‘Fake Confrontations' is a delight, while ‘Late Bloomer' makes the most of Fitzgerald's voice, for example.
That said, often in ‘Words, Unsaid', it would be great to have a second voice more often in the mix if only to offer a competing texture to Fitzgerald's vocals. It's also a tad bloated and at 12 tracks a touch excessive. You can, it seems, get too much of a good thing.
Overall, ‘Words, Unsaid' is an enjoyable romp that shines in flashes and excels in the briefest of moments. There'll certainly be better pop-punk albums this year – but there'll be plenty worse too. And, if you're tired of all the macho posturing and breakdowns that have found their way into pop-punk and pine for something a little more technical – and a touch more sedate – then ‘Words, Unsaid' is certainly for you.
As a catch-all term for the conflation of indie-rock, emo and alt-rock - as well as occasional dashes of folk and country - indie-punk has understandably blossomed into a phenomenon. It's fairly easy to see why too, partly thanks to the gamut of sounds it encompasses, and partly thanks to the waves of critical acclaim that so much of it has been washed with. But away from the dedicated outlets that won't hesitate to praise anything in this vein, it can feel as though there isn't a lot that stands out with some of these bands, and a naturally low-key presentation doesn't help when so much bleeds together.
With Three Man Cannon on the other hand, they appear to have something tucked away that so few of their contemporaries can muster - variety. And on this self-titled album, it definitely seems to work in their favour, skipping between Britpop meanderings, honky-tonk struts and shoegaze brooding within the first three tracks. It's all grounded in a combination of Pat Brier's understated vocals and the omnipresent indie-punk tactic of melodies submerged within the mix that gives a track like 'Feeling Shot' a sense of depth that's always compelling.
Of course, none of these ideas are really new in isolation (particularly when the individual sounds return on a track like 'Apple Tree' and unfortunately starts to feel stagnant), but Three Man Cannon are able to mesh these ideas together in an interesting way that doesn't compromise the ideals of their genre. There's still a feeling of lo-fi, grassroots imperfection in the production, and the hollowness of the guitar tone continues to build on the melancholy that these sorts of bands are so good at creating.
Even if that means that Three Man Cannon will continue to be grouped with the indie-punk regulars, the slightest bit of innovation does make a difference, and playing around with their instrumental foundations does prove to be a worthwhile endeavour. It's still not a sound that will appeal to everyone, but Three Man Cannon are delivering it in a fashion that's more workable than so many others.
3.5/5
'Three Man Cannon' by Three Man Cannon is out now on Lame-O Records.
