Tuesday 3 May 2011
Sunday 10 April 2011
Saturday 9 April 2011
Live Review: Pearl Handled Revolver/Trouble With Tuesday - The Red Lion: Stevenage
I arrived at the Red Lion in Stevenage – to watch two bands from Stevenage & Bedford respectively. Is this relevant to the Luton Scene? Yes! ;)
I’ve been to this pub a few times on gig night now and it’s always busy considering it’s a school night. Also a fair few punters are there to enjoy original music – even though a lot still gather outside. (Not as bad as a certain other pub *cough cough* The White Swan: Aylesbury!) It also has a decent sound despite the bands being confined to a compact stage facing the back entrance.
With only putting on two bands in one evening it gives each a chance to play longer sets and it also makes the night less tiring. These gig nights that have up to 5 bands I personally find exhausting.
Trouble With Tuesday
Stevenage’s very own Trouble With Tuesday I would best describe as an Indie band reminiscent of groups in the 90’s i.e. Oasis & Ocean Colour Scene that in turn were influenced heavily by the 60’s groups: The Kinks, The Small Faces etc. I would say this is a wise move as the genre appears to be making a return to the Mainstream. (Beady Eye, Arctic Monkeys new material etc)
This three piece were solid with a mix of well structured tunes – they opened up with a very memorable track called Lonely Man that showcased the decent vocal range of the singer; Adam Compton. He also played Lead guitar and looked well at ease with both duties.
I enjoyed every song they played and they threw a couple of slow tracks into the mix which is risky as it could lose some of the crowd but it showed a variety to their material.
The drumming was simple but effective and the Bassist looked like he could fit in well with ZZTop. Offered the backbone to the band but wasn’t quite as tight as the other members.
Pearl Handled Revolver
I think a considerable amount of people still believe that original bands that gig in pubs are only good enough to do just that. Maybe that was the case 20 years ago – now I think it’s just down to plain luck.
A good example is Pearl Handled Revolver. Here they are playing to 50 people, maybe more? Now take a look at Saint Jude; another Blues group that are getting all the press at the moment. They’re currently touring Europe and will be playing the High Voltage festival this year. Are they really that much better? Material and ability live? I wouldn’t say so.
Pearl Handled Revolver are a pure Rock Blues band, heavily influenced by bands such as the Yardbirds and in particular the Doors, especially with a Hammond Organ playing a major part.
They began the set with a couple of numbers that were very groovy, foot tapping stuff but mid tempo – maybe would work better put in the middle but still you knew you were in for a treat.
The singer: Lee Vernon has very unique gruff vocals which gives the band its identify. I’ve been use to hearing a more soulful voice before but of course it’s more common.
Things got really into gear by the third song: I Never Loved You Anyway. The intro does remind me a lot of Joe Cockers version “A Little Help From My Friends” but once the song kicks into the verse all is forgotten and you’re left with a fantansic uplifting track – that should be heard on mainstream radio all over the country.
What an excellent bunch of musicians being on top of their game with their instruments - all combining together to bring a very tight performance. A nice touch came when the bassist picked up a guitar for one song and the bass notes were performed by the Keyboardist – again reminding me of the Doors.
The rest of the set ended strongly with a mix of mid tempo groove and uplifting tracks.
Some people will argue there aren’t many other directions they can go – but how long as Blues been going for – 100 years!?
Friday 8 April 2011
Thursday 7 April 2011
Wednesday 6 April 2011
Tuesday 5 April 2011
Monday 4 April 2011
Sunday 3 April 2011
Saturday 2 April 2011
Friday 1 April 2011
Live Review: As Daylight Dies/In Remission/Lecarla/Arms of Atlas -The Hat Factory
Four bands, one evening, a lot of fun, music, surprises, and... Well, you'll know soon enough :)
As Daylight Dies
You know, I was probably not the only person who had this gut feeling: "This cannot end well". Whenever I see a band consisting of very young musicians, I always have this lingering fear that something has to go terribly wrong.
This was no exception when “As Daylight Dies” arrived on the stage. Obviously the initial reaction was less than positive - but hey - everyone deserves a chance.
I'm happy to say they didn't mess it up :)
Four young lads (I mean YOUNG) rocking out and doing rather well.
Yes, considering their age, they were really good - hell they could stand their ground anyway!
I admire their urge to play live, I admire the balls that it takes to stand on the stage and perform and I admire the fact that they took it seriously.
They played a good set of straight-up hard rock and it was a pleasant experience. But - there's always something isn't there?
Well, this time; it's praise. I mean genuine praise alright? I know I've been quite positive in my reviews so far, but when I mean praise - it's exactly that.
The young man on Lead Guitar: Ollie Nash. I'm going to assume that every guitar part was written by him – just by the way he performs and NAILS it, I think it's more than plausible. Ollie Nash impressed me with his skill, passion and professionalism.
I know it's dangerous to praise a single person out of the entire band, but I could not sleep with a clear conscience otherwise :)
Regardless - if you have a chance to look them up, or see the band - do it! Your hope in young bands pulling it off will be reinforced. Titanium-style :)
In Remission
Think of “Breaking Benjamin” with more punch and less "cheese". A lot less "cheese"! :D
Everything about this band seems to "click" and fit well.
All of the musicians know their business and how to put on a good show - they got me head-banging a few times during their set.
One of their main pluses would be the song writing. While “Breaking Benjamin” crafts music to appease the "Emo" crowd, “In Remission” can easily appeal to the hard rock crowd.
It's all in the balance really. Just enough heavy guitars, clean vocals, hammering drums and being sophisticated to the right degree.
Bands within the genre of "Melodic Hardcore Rock" - as they call themselves - tend to focus on the emotional aspect of their music, whilst ignoring the actual "Hardcore" & - Let's be honest - for almost anyone who's not in their teens it will get tiring and boring.
Thankfully, “In Remission” steers clear of being too mainstream.
They were not exceptionally good, but still very solid and I'd like to see them again.
Lecarla
In my humble and honest opinion, this was the Headlining band! This was the highlight of the night.
I'm not just saying this because the band consists of two blokes and three beauties. I mean it because; they had the crowd, because they were absolutely FANTASTIC. Caps oh-so-very-much-intended for once.
When they came to the stage I was expecting a mix of "Hole" or "Kittie" or any other female-fronted, female-only rock/metal band. Little did I know...
“Lecarla” are a band that evades pin-pointing and “Ha! Hard rock!"- kind of pigeon-hole nonsense.
You have elements of In-Your-Face Rock, Heavy Metal, Hardcore, even elements of Pop and awesome-fucking-ness. There! I'm swearing, but I've got every reason to do that.
This band not only had the connection with the crowd, (not to mention the male section) the stage presence (duh!), but they knew how to play music that is just a plain joy to listen to.
All this by people with so much talent and skill.
Joe Alofano - Lead guitarist, nailing every song. I didn't notice a missed note. Fantastic work.
Stephen North – Drummer - with a smile. That guy is wicked! He made drumming look easy and most of all - he made it look like pure fun.
Nikki Brightman - Bassist. This girl was spot-on with her low end contribution - a goddamn human metronome with a really good backing voice to boot!
Stevie Shepperson - The flame-haired rhythm guitarist. Made some fabulous work of her own - often giving the band the backbone on which they built the songs.
Lizzy Dent – Vocalist. The girl who puts Soul into the body of Lecarla. Terrific voice that could put to shame many of the mainstream pop acts.
The entire band was exceptional in their own departments, fusing them all into what Lecarla really is.
And it's a force to be reckoned with.
I'm really trying hard to think of something I didn't like - I have nothing.
Spot-on, fun, entertaining, creative - I could go on. There's just one thing left to be said:
See them, hear them, and fall in love with their music.
Arms of Atlas
A band that could be best described as Metalcore, just without a growling vocalist.
Bear it in mind, it's in no way an accurate description - but that's as close as I can get to describe their style.
These five guys from Leicester really know how to play; they really know what makes the crowd go mental.
As instrumentalists I can hardly say a bad word, every section within every song was solid.
I'm going to get a lot of flack now :D
Unfortunately I came out slightly unimpressed.
Yes - the band was good - the songs were competent - but there were flaws.
Once I heard the intro, the verse, the chorus, I knew what was coming next.
They were too predictable for my liking. I often found myself drifting away during the set. Barely did I stay focused on what they were playing after the first verse and chorus; the notable exceptions would be the breakdowns.
If there's something the band really knows how to play; it would be heavy, mosh-tastic; breakdowns that get you either head-bobbing or just join the unveiling mosh pit in front of you.
I know there's a certain appeal for bands playing this kind of music and I totally understand why there’s fans of the genre. Hell I like Metalcore myself, but there was something missing there.
Was it a bit more diversity? I'd argue yes - there was little diversity in the sound.
You can blame the venue, as often could be the case, for not giving the band the justice of a good sound – but then the previous bands sounded great.
It's my opinion. You can have your own :D
By Paul's Music Shack - check out his other reviews!
Thursday 31 March 2011
Fall Short For Glory: The Daytime Review
Fall Short For Glory Are:
Ed: Vocals/Electronics
Mitch: Guitar/Vocals
Jamie: Bass/Vocals
Rozzy: Guitar
Alex: Drums
They’re a Punk Pop band from Milton Keynes and Bedford. Formed recently from the demise of a few local bands – they’ve just released their debut E.P: “The Daytime”.
No influences are stated on their websites but from listening to the tracks you instantly know the direction they’re going for: music currently being created by groups such as Paramore, Kids In Glass Houses, You Me At Six etc.
I have to admit this isn’t my favourite genre of rock and my knowledge is somewhat limited. (I had to research the origins, starting in the mid 70’s, the mainstream success of the mid 90’s, up to the influx of American/British groups in the Noughties)
Until we have a host of different reviewers for the different genres I’ll of course review this objectively.
Title: The Daytime
Type: EP
Recorded: EAS Studios in Milton Keynes
Production
I’ve been mightily impressed with the quality of recordings from new bands recently. Just goes to show you don’t have to break the bank to sound professional. This is no exception. Vocals and instruments come through on an equal measure and mixed/mastered very nicely. Perhaps the drums could cut through a bit more in some areas especially the bass drum. Also would prefer the bass guitar to have a more beefy/thick tone rather than the metallic/high range sound – but that’s just my personal taste.
Is It Real Yet
Starts off energetically with heavy rhythm guitar and nice melodic notes from the Lead. The guitars then cut out and you’re left with just vocals, bass & drums for the first verse. This creates an exciting impact when the guitars come back in for the chorus. You get reintroduced to the intro - then led back into the verse. With a bridge and different parts separating the extended chorus at the end it keeps the song exciting throughout and nothing seems too long.
Stray Away
Begins with a heavy guitar riff & then the rest of the instruments burst in. Immediately I think of being on a beach in California – not a bad feeling! The lyrics may say otherwise but this is an uplifting song throughout – with a chorus that sticks in your head all day. The heavy riffs and double bass drumming in the breakdowns give a nice Hardcore element as well.
Never Look Back
Opens up with vocals that remind me of Ska Punk then leads into the verse. Structurally similar to “Is It Real Yet” but not quite as strong - still has an uplifting chorus that’ll make you want to sing aloud.
Very strong collection of songs and great musicianship from all members of the band. My only qualms were the vocal lines being quite similar throughout the E.P and I felt there were more opportunities for him to put more power into his singing.
Whilst their contemporaries are playing the major festivals this year - you can catch these guys at the Hat Factory, the Horn, Esquires etc and clearly they’re just as good.
Natalie Mason
Upcoming Shows:
Fri 8th April –Esquires: Bedford
Wednesday 30 March 2011
Tuesday 29 March 2011
Monday 28 March 2011
Sunday 27 March 2011
So Long Seattle: So Believe Review
So Long Seattle are:
Josh Burt - Vocals
Will Longman - Guitar
Joe Marshall - Bass
Jedd Eagleton – Drums
They’re a 4 Piece Alternative Rock band from Luton. Having only formed in 2011, they’ve kicked things off nicely with their debut single: “So Believe”.
By Paul’s Music Shack
Approaching a single song as a Reviewer is always different and a bit more difficult than an EP or Album. Having said that, not so with So Long Seattle’s: “So Believe” track!
First thing I noticed instantly about the band and the song is the pure joy of playing rock / punk rock!
You can tell that they are just having fun and it’s infectious, trust me – listen to it and you’ll feel the energy behind the band. Obviously it’s a review of music, so let’s get down to business shall we?
I’ll go with contrasts:
You all probably heard the abomination of a song called “Friday” by Rebecca Black, right?
So Long Seattle’s song is nothing like it. While “Friday” represents everything I hate about modern popular music you hear on MTV, “So Believe” is what restores my hope in young people; writing and playing music.
• Catchy, tuneful guitars – Check!
• Lyrics that are well written and aren’t shallow unbearable ramblings – Check!
• Musicians who know how to play their instruments, rather than base their song on electronic beats in loop – Check!
• A Vocalist who has a decent voice, unlike a certain girl with a voice like a - to quote Charlie Brooker - “Wasp trapped inside in a polystyrene cup trying to get out” – Check!
“So Believe” is exactly the kind of song you expect from a bunch of guys, who play their instruments for fun and, you could say incidentally, are good at it!
Unfortunately nothing is perfect and this tune has its flaws:
The Vocalist - while he’s doing a grand job singing low to mid notes his voice doesn’t seem to be tailored for higher pitches, but it seems he knows it and he’s not using it too often.
It’s a positive feat for future - being self-conscious is something young musicians tend to miss.
Production of the song, at least for me, is odd. The vocals are quite clearly more pronounced than the instruments - it might be just me - but I prefer a more balanced approach.
Having said that I still think it’s a great tune that I thoroughly enjoyed and I’m waiting impatiently for their next release.
A track worth the listen and it’s definitely worth keeping an eye out for So Long Seattle!
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Paul's Music Shack
Upcoming Local Shows:
Sat 2nd April - Breakdown Festival: Dunstable Football Club
Fri 29th April - The Hat Factory: Luton
Josh Burt - Vocals
Will Longman - Guitar
Joe Marshall - Bass
Jedd Eagleton – Drums
They’re a 4 Piece Alternative Rock band from Luton. Having only formed in 2011, they’ve kicked things off nicely with their debut single: “So Believe”.
By Paul’s Music Shack
Approaching a single song as a Reviewer is always different and a bit more difficult than an EP or Album. Having said that, not so with So Long Seattle’s: “So Believe” track!
First thing I noticed instantly about the band and the song is the pure joy of playing rock / punk rock!
You can tell that they are just having fun and it’s infectious, trust me – listen to it and you’ll feel the energy behind the band. Obviously it’s a review of music, so let’s get down to business shall we?
I’ll go with contrasts:
You all probably heard the abomination of a song called “Friday” by Rebecca Black, right?
So Long Seattle’s song is nothing like it. While “Friday” represents everything I hate about modern popular music you hear on MTV, “So Believe” is what restores my hope in young people; writing and playing music.
• Catchy, tuneful guitars – Check!
• Lyrics that are well written and aren’t shallow unbearable ramblings – Check!
• Musicians who know how to play their instruments, rather than base their song on electronic beats in loop – Check!
• A Vocalist who has a decent voice, unlike a certain girl with a voice like a - to quote Charlie Brooker - “Wasp trapped inside in a polystyrene cup trying to get out” – Check!
“So Believe” is exactly the kind of song you expect from a bunch of guys, who play their instruments for fun and, you could say incidentally, are good at it!
Unfortunately nothing is perfect and this tune has its flaws:
The Vocalist - while he’s doing a grand job singing low to mid notes his voice doesn’t seem to be tailored for higher pitches, but it seems he knows it and he’s not using it too often.
It’s a positive feat for future - being self-conscious is something young musicians tend to miss.
Production of the song, at least for me, is odd. The vocals are quite clearly more pronounced than the instruments - it might be just me - but I prefer a more balanced approach.
Having said that I still think it’s a great tune that I thoroughly enjoyed and I’m waiting impatiently for their next release.
A track worth the listen and it’s definitely worth keeping an eye out for So Long Seattle!
Paul's Music Shack
Upcoming Local Shows:
Sat 2nd April - Breakdown Festival: Dunstable Football Club
Fri 29th April - The Hat Factory: Luton
Saturday 26 March 2011
Friday 25 March 2011
Thursday 24 March 2011
Wednesday 23 March 2011
5 Questions With: Dead Cells!
Dead Cells are a classic rock/rock band from Aylesbury/Luton & Oxfordshire. Formed in late 2009 – they consist of:
Luke Mackinnon: Vocals
Kris Willingham: Lead Guitar
Natalie Mason: Bass
Wojtek Broda: Drums
As this is a pilot, Bass Player Natalie (Me!) is answering all the questions.
Where are you guys from and how did you all meet?
Kris: Waddeston: near Aylesbury
Luke: Aylesbury
Natalie: Luton
Wojtek: Witney
Kris met Wojtek through the Musicians Wanted website Bandmix after needing a drummer for his Thrash Metal band Amityville due to the previous drummer leaving.
Amityville then disbanded and the two decided to form a Rock band. Eventually a Bass player was needed and Kris contacted me also through Bandmix. After my audition I fitted in straight away and work proceeded on finding a singer. A few came through the door and the fourth person was Luke who Kris found on another Musicians site.
How did the band come about and why form Dead Cells?
Whilst Kris & Wojtek still love their Metal – they love Rock as well and decided to form a band that would incorporate various rock genres and influences – basically to appeal to a wider audience.
Who are your main influences and utilising them; what makes your band unique?
It varies from classic standards like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, AC/DC to modern bands like Audioslave, Chilli Peppers, Down & Pearl Jam. You have Classic/Blues/Grunge/Funk/Metal – even Disco! With all this accumulating together it makes our own sound. Our single Here Be Dragons is a great example of yeah you notice our influences but you can’t pinpoint a band, apart from Dead Cells!
What has been the main highlight of your career so far?
Although our opinions of Battle Of The Bands competitions are such that we don’t participate in them anymore – it was a great high to win the Heats we did in Aylesbury to reach the final in Milton Keynes. Also playing the Furnace in Swindon is our biggest to date, receiving airplay on over 50 radio stations and achieving great reviews of both our singles.
What is the band up to in the next few months?
We are about to receive our second single Here Be Dragons on the 4th April – which includes two live tracks recently recorded from our Hat Factory gig in Luton. Also in April we’re planning to shoot a video to accompany the single. As well as lots of gigs and festivals we’re planning to start work on our first E.P late in the summer and really push to get our names out there.
Upcoming Shows Locally
May 26th – The Red Lion: Stevenage
July 9th – Cerberfest, George 2nd: Luton
August 19th – Luton Aid 7, Hat Factory: Luton (TBC)
Facebook
Myspace
Official Site
Twitter
You Tube
Luke Mackinnon: Vocals
Kris Willingham: Lead Guitar
Natalie Mason: Bass
Wojtek Broda: Drums
As this is a pilot, Bass Player Natalie (Me!) is answering all the questions.
Where are you guys from and how did you all meet?
Kris: Waddeston: near Aylesbury
Luke: Aylesbury
Natalie: Luton
Wojtek: Witney
Kris met Wojtek through the Musicians Wanted website Bandmix after needing a drummer for his Thrash Metal band Amityville due to the previous drummer leaving.
Amityville then disbanded and the two decided to form a Rock band. Eventually a Bass player was needed and Kris contacted me also through Bandmix. After my audition I fitted in straight away and work proceeded on finding a singer. A few came through the door and the fourth person was Luke who Kris found on another Musicians site.
How did the band come about and why form Dead Cells?
Whilst Kris & Wojtek still love their Metal – they love Rock as well and decided to form a band that would incorporate various rock genres and influences – basically to appeal to a wider audience.
Who are your main influences and utilising them; what makes your band unique?
It varies from classic standards like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, AC/DC to modern bands like Audioslave, Chilli Peppers, Down & Pearl Jam. You have Classic/Blues/Grunge/Funk/Metal – even Disco! With all this accumulating together it makes our own sound. Our single Here Be Dragons is a great example of yeah you notice our influences but you can’t pinpoint a band, apart from Dead Cells!
What has been the main highlight of your career so far?
Although our opinions of Battle Of The Bands competitions are such that we don’t participate in them anymore – it was a great high to win the Heats we did in Aylesbury to reach the final in Milton Keynes. Also playing the Furnace in Swindon is our biggest to date, receiving airplay on over 50 radio stations and achieving great reviews of both our singles.
What is the band up to in the next few months?
We are about to receive our second single Here Be Dragons on the 4th April – which includes two live tracks recently recorded from our Hat Factory gig in Luton. Also in April we’re planning to shoot a video to accompany the single. As well as lots of gigs and festivals we’re planning to start work on our first E.P late in the summer and really push to get our names out there.
Upcoming Shows Locally
May 26th – The Red Lion: Stevenage
July 9th – Cerberfest, George 2nd: Luton
August 19th – Luton Aid 7, Hat Factory: Luton (TBC)
Myspace
Official Site
You Tube
E.P Review - Rusty G's: Cut Off
Rusty G’s are:
James Finch: Guitar/Lead Vocals
Tom Finch: Bass/Backing Vocals
Dan Lopez: Drums
They’re a three piece Rock band from Milton Keynes. Having formed in 2007 – they’ve recorded 4 E.Ps including their latest offering: “Cut Off”. The band have played many high profile shows, won Battle of the Bands competitions and gained a loyal following through constant gigging.
Musically they fuse elements of Hard Rock, Blues, Prog, Grunge, Indie & Classic. They state their influences as ranging from classic bands such as Jethro Tull, Pink Floyd, Yes & The Beatles to modern groups like Nirvana, Blur, Foo Fighters, The Vines and Biffy Clyro.
I caught these guys live over a year ago at the Horn in St. Albans. I was impressed by their set and musicianship - but there was only a couple of tracks that really stood out for me and grabbed.
Now with the release of this latest 3 track E.P my perception of them has changed dramatically.
Title: Cut Off
Type: EP
Recorded: Grange Farm Studios in Cambridgeshire.
Held Down
Starts off quietly with the verse that has nice blues arpeggios & percussive cymbals - then leaps into a rocking, emotive - but catchy chorus. Blues Rock is the dominant force all through the track so has a nice 70’s Rock feel – also can hear 90‘s Indie.
Lost Words
Starts off similar to Held Down with the verse - contains slow paced drumming with bass and downstroke/muted guitar strumming - like Held Down the vocals remind me of Biffy Clyro. It then jumps into the chorus where immediately I hear the Grunge influence, especially the Vines. You would class it as a Grunge song but then you hear a Bluesy solo – giving the band their own style really.
Losing You
The opening guitar lick reminds me a little of Ocean Colour Scene - then the drums & bass kick in and I’m brought back to 70’s Blues Rock again. The vocals are quite different this time – more reverb and I can hear bands like Foghat and Ten Years After. Certainly this is the most classic sounding on the E.P. Groovy verses and bridge with a really rocking chorus.
They have created a very strong release here and I just hope they’ll reap rewards with the quality of output and hard work over the last four years.
Rusty G’s will be playing Dunstable a few times this year at the Kings Lynn and Saracen’s Head respectively. Be sure to check them out – I certainly will.
Upcoming Shows Locally
April 8th - The Top Bell: Leighton Buzzard
May 5th - Saracens Head: Dunstable
June 2nd – Saracens Head: Dunstable
July 2nd – Saracens Head: Dunstable
Myspace
Official Site
By Natalie Mason
Tuesday 22 March 2011
Monday 21 March 2011
Saturday 19 March 2011
Friday 18 March 2011
Thursday 17 March 2011
Wednesday 16 March 2011
Hat Factory Review: 10/03/2011
Vertias, Dead Cells, Glass Artery LIVE - Luton 10/03/11
Greetings everyone!
Today - I bring you a live show as my first official review! Oh yes - ladies and gentlemen - music where it belongs, music where it shines the brightest - right here before our eyes and ears performed live.
Sod all the technology, production, mixing, the entire studio magic, tonight we had bands, pulling their own weight and did they deliver!
VERITAS
As a band that not only opens up the night but is also playing their very first show - you can guess there's enormous amount of pressure put on their shoulders. It's not only their own expectations, but the fear of failing the audience - of disappointing them, must've been next to terrifying. I'll not keep you wondering for too long - they did very well indeed!
The entirety of their show was consistently good - stage presence, musicianship and the songs - well prepared from start to finish. Sure, you get the occasional missed note, but that's the beauty of a live show and I'd not trade it for anything else, it's all those little frailties that create the experience.
Sound: Imagine ‘Parkway Drive’ detuned their guitars and made more use of “Djent” techniques; voila! The band list as their influences: ‘Monuments’, ‘Fellsilent’, ‘As Blood Runs Black’ and the aforementioned ‘Parkway Drive’. It shows, but it's not just copy & pasting, oh no.
The vocals by Jay Devlin alone stand tall and proud in the category of Metalcore. He managed a consistent assault of guttural shrieks throughout the set without as much as a cough, well done sir. Although, I'd personally prefer a more clear delivery where I can actually hear the words rather than trying to make out what's being sang. Hey - I didn't say I wouldn’t be nit-picking!
One problem that I had was that the songs started to blend into one another, if not for the breaks between each, you might feel as if it was just a single song. While it might be a good thing - it shows they’ve set a direction for themselves and are avoiding stepping out of their comfort zone - it also means that they're running the risk of being – well, boring.
I do applaud the band's ability to create a very groovy sound though - that's something you don't hear too often from the up-and-coming bands. Instant head-bobbing ensues and you won't notice until your neck starts aching!
The set was strong, if these guys can continue in the same direction with a bit of diversity - I'll be more than happy to see them again.
DEAD CELLS
Unfortunately, being friends with the band members, I'd be - well, let's be honest, my review of the show wouldn't be the most objective one :)
All I can say though, they pulled off another strong gig and yet again they can all go home with heads held up high.
GLASS ARTERY
You'd think that a band with a name like this plays some fragile, delicate music - with the only aim of soothing your soul. Right? Right?
Wrong.
Maybe with the exception of the vocalist’s clean voice, but just wait for him to put on the game face and you're in for a ride.
This band knows how to pull off a good show and I mean it! How do they sound you ask? I don't even know where to begin!
We’ve got a drummer who knows how to assault your ears with death metal double bass machinegun firing, but right after that comes progressive metal complex rhythm drumming! We’ve got guitarists who bring down a hammer blow by mighty Thor himself - with chugging riffs that will make you head bang real hard and invite you afterwards into a journey of soaring notes.
There’s real heavy, relentless and quite addictive tones that make you go: "Hey, this is like ‘Mastodon’" and before the song is finished: "Now wait a minute, ‘Killswitch Engage’?’" and just after it ends "No, that's Glass Artery". It really gives you the impression that you just heard a combination of sounds you are not instantly familiar with.Not a single moment felt too long, too short or pulled out of nowhere.
Song craft-wise these guys strike just the right balance between heavy, in your face tones - the slower, yet so well-fitted parts - to finally the occasional melody that without a doubt drives their music. It's a no small feat, when you have so many bands trying to cut a piece of the cake for themselves these days, to distinguish yourself and merge all the right things to make yourself stand out.
They took no prisoners, up until the very last song, a rather surprising addition to what would already be an exceptionally good set, a resemblance of a ballad.
And this is what I'm talking about!
The guys in Glass Artery not only show they know how to make music that just feels right, but they've shown great diversity. They've proved that they’re not afraid to experiment and show a wide range of styles.
It's oh so very important for any band to be able to stand above the crowd, show something new and offer a different perspective! We've heard so many bands who are so much alike, you'd not be able to tell them apart if not for - and it's a maybe - the sound of vocals. These guys are doing their own thing and it doesn’t seem like they give a damn about anyone else!
Glass Artery pushes all the right buttons; I can only hope they will not give up on spreading their quite unique blend of metal.
By Paul's Music Shack, please visit his blog for all his reviews:
Paul's Music Shack
Greetings everyone!
Today - I bring you a live show as my first official review! Oh yes - ladies and gentlemen - music where it belongs, music where it shines the brightest - right here before our eyes and ears performed live.
Sod all the technology, production, mixing, the entire studio magic, tonight we had bands, pulling their own weight and did they deliver!
VERITAS
As a band that not only opens up the night but is also playing their very first show - you can guess there's enormous amount of pressure put on their shoulders. It's not only their own expectations, but the fear of failing the audience - of disappointing them, must've been next to terrifying. I'll not keep you wondering for too long - they did very well indeed!
The entirety of their show was consistently good - stage presence, musicianship and the songs - well prepared from start to finish. Sure, you get the occasional missed note, but that's the beauty of a live show and I'd not trade it for anything else, it's all those little frailties that create the experience.
Sound: Imagine ‘Parkway Drive’ detuned their guitars and made more use of “Djent” techniques; voila! The band list as their influences: ‘Monuments’, ‘Fellsilent’, ‘As Blood Runs Black’ and the aforementioned ‘Parkway Drive’. It shows, but it's not just copy & pasting, oh no.
The vocals by Jay Devlin alone stand tall and proud in the category of Metalcore. He managed a consistent assault of guttural shrieks throughout the set without as much as a cough, well done sir. Although, I'd personally prefer a more clear delivery where I can actually hear the words rather than trying to make out what's being sang. Hey - I didn't say I wouldn’t be nit-picking!
One problem that I had was that the songs started to blend into one another, if not for the breaks between each, you might feel as if it was just a single song. While it might be a good thing - it shows they’ve set a direction for themselves and are avoiding stepping out of their comfort zone - it also means that they're running the risk of being – well, boring.
I do applaud the band's ability to create a very groovy sound though - that's something you don't hear too often from the up-and-coming bands. Instant head-bobbing ensues and you won't notice until your neck starts aching!
The set was strong, if these guys can continue in the same direction with a bit of diversity - I'll be more than happy to see them again.
DEAD CELLS
Unfortunately, being friends with the band members, I'd be - well, let's be honest, my review of the show wouldn't be the most objective one :)
All I can say though, they pulled off another strong gig and yet again they can all go home with heads held up high.
GLASS ARTERY
You'd think that a band with a name like this plays some fragile, delicate music - with the only aim of soothing your soul. Right? Right?
Wrong.
Maybe with the exception of the vocalist’s clean voice, but just wait for him to put on the game face and you're in for a ride.
This band knows how to pull off a good show and I mean it! How do they sound you ask? I don't even know where to begin!
We’ve got a drummer who knows how to assault your ears with death metal double bass machinegun firing, but right after that comes progressive metal complex rhythm drumming! We’ve got guitarists who bring down a hammer blow by mighty Thor himself - with chugging riffs that will make you head bang real hard and invite you afterwards into a journey of soaring notes.
There’s real heavy, relentless and quite addictive tones that make you go: "Hey, this is like ‘Mastodon’" and before the song is finished: "Now wait a minute, ‘Killswitch Engage’?’" and just after it ends "No, that's Glass Artery". It really gives you the impression that you just heard a combination of sounds you are not instantly familiar with.Not a single moment felt too long, too short or pulled out of nowhere.
Song craft-wise these guys strike just the right balance between heavy, in your face tones - the slower, yet so well-fitted parts - to finally the occasional melody that without a doubt drives their music. It's a no small feat, when you have so many bands trying to cut a piece of the cake for themselves these days, to distinguish yourself and merge all the right things to make yourself stand out.
They took no prisoners, up until the very last song, a rather surprising addition to what would already be an exceptionally good set, a resemblance of a ballad.
And this is what I'm talking about!
The guys in Glass Artery not only show they know how to make music that just feels right, but they've shown great diversity. They've proved that they’re not afraid to experiment and show a wide range of styles.
It's oh so very important for any band to be able to stand above the crowd, show something new and offer a different perspective! We've heard so many bands who are so much alike, you'd not be able to tell them apart if not for - and it's a maybe - the sound of vocals. These guys are doing their own thing and it doesn’t seem like they give a damn about anyone else!
Glass Artery pushes all the right buttons; I can only hope they will not give up on spreading their quite unique blend of metal.
By Paul's Music Shack, please visit his blog for all his reviews:
Paul's Music Shack
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