Bowling For Soup - Farewell Tour - Sheffield - 17/10/2013 - Live Review

Bowling For Soup

Farewell UK - Sheffield O2 Arena 

We were lucky enough to secure press passes to Bowling For Soup's Sheffield leg of their farewell UK tour. We also managed to squeeze in an interview with Bassist Erik Chandler which will be available via our Youtube account very soon.

Chandler made it absolutely clear that this was not the end of Bowling For Soup and that they would be returning to the UK to play festivals. 

Patent Pending - Patent Pending may be very little known to most of you but the way these guys opened for Bowling For Soup showed just how huge they are going to be. They came on with all guns blazing and immediately commanded the stage. Their presence was that of a well seasoned band and the fans were more than happy to see them leaping around the stage. 

They really held their own up there and it seemed as though Bowling For Soup had moulded them in their own image. They were goofy, funny and deadly serious throughout their set bringing out props such as a Shake Weight (see below picture) and some Armbands as they continued their tour competition "Crowd Swimming" in which vocalist Joe and Bassist Corey participated in. For those wanting to know, Crowd Swimming is where the band separates the crowd, much like the start of a wall of death, they then race to the midway point on foot before the crowd picks them up and carries them back on their fronts as they make swimming movements. Bassist Corey is currently 8-1 up against Joe and with the amount of shows left on tour, by default is the outright winner.

Patent Pending had a variety of props and games lined up for the evening.
Photo by Sarah Cowlin

Patent Pending demonstrated pure class in their set and if there was ever a band capable of filling the void left behind from Bowling For Soup it is most definitely these guys, they were on par with the punk rock giants every step of the way. 

Not even a broken guitar could stop the young lads.
Photo by Sarah Cowlin

Bowling For Soup - Bowling For Soup are without a doubt one of the most influential and popular bands of the last decade. With a back catalogue of hits at their disposal and a new album currently out there they have enough ammunition to pull of a spectacular show, and that is exactly what they did. The second they stepped out on stage the sold out arena erupted. 

Erik Chandler of Bowling For Soup.
Photo by Sarah Cowlin

They showed exactly why they are regarded one of the biggest bands of the past decade with a flawless performance playing songs from their new album Lunch. Drunk. Love and some old fan favourites as well as the obvious hits. There were also a lot of young children present due to the bands success in the hit children's cartoon Phineas and Ferb, but this did not prevent the show from being a typical Bowling For Soup show. Sex jokes, swear words and all around fooling about were still very much a large part of their show.

Speaking before the show Erik Chandler told us that the band wanted to go out whilst they were still on top and that they didn't want to drag out what they already had like many bands do these days. 

Bowling For Soup have been one of the most prominent pop-punk bands of the last fifteen years.
Photo by Sarah Cowlin

I think he and the other members will be extremely happy with the way Sheffield received them and if it is anything to go by for the rest of the tour then they most definitely will be going out with a bang. 

The stage set up was amazing with their own bar placed on stage, stage boxes at the front of stage and huge steam vents for added drama. There were many crowd surfers including a couple of very young lads who were no older than ten who went absolutely crazy once they had made it to safety showing that Bowling For Soup isn't just for the older generation of fans and that their music still survives ten years on.

Bowling For Soup played with intense energy throughout their set.
Photo by Sarah Cowlin. 

The band are about to hit their twenty year anniversary but they play with the energy and enthusiasm of a band just starting out, you could tell they had fun and who knows maybe a few years down the line we may have a sneaky show or two in the UK when they start to really miss us.

- Adam, Editor.
- Photo's by Sarah Cowlin. 

One Way Street - Hold On To Tomorrow - Single Review

One Way Street

Hold On To Tomorrow 

York based pop-punk trio One Way Street have definitely sprung to life since the addition of Zac Roughton on vocals. 

The band have a very strong sound and without a doubt in my mind they will be breaking through the local scene if they can keep up this tremendous form. 

Hold On To Tomorrow is a very easy listening to song which demonstrates the cleverness of the band and just how capable and comfortable they are with being in a band. It is hard to come out fighting with a new line-up and new jobs placed on members but they have managed it and have done a stellar job. The new One Way Street sounds incredible.

There are strong Blink 182 and Good Charlotte vibes coming from the music and vocals and with hard work who knows how far these three could go!

- Adam, Editor. 

Joshua Prior - Autopilot EP Teaser Review

Joshua Prior 

Autopilot Ep Teaser 

Our favourite American is releasing an EP soon and sent us over some of the tracks to check out, here is what we make of them!

Tracks:

Wolves
Wolves Acoustic 
Taps 

Joshua has had a very good year so far and his career is on the verge of something huge, we are delighted to be able to listen to some of his work before the release and can honestly say that is most definitely some of the best pieces of work we have listened to. A near enough one man production job, minus vocal recordings, shows just how bad Joshua wants to be out there in the music scene and show just what he is capable of. 

Americans have always had a strong hold of the pop-punk industry and Joshua really shows that it hasn't loosened at all, an excellent prospect for the future and we can not wait to hear more from him.

You can listen to an acoustic version of Wolves here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jS7PqmyM1gs

- Adam , Editor 

Fed To The Ocean - Keep On - Album Review

Fed To The Ocean

Keep On

Track listing:

1 - 1984

2 - InDependent (Ft. Max Campbell)

3 - Un-noticed

4 - Human Condition 

5 - Never Fade

6 - Part II

7 - 500 Roads 

8 - Keep On (Ft. Kadeem France)

Manchester hardcore outfit Fed To The Ocean have really delivered their debut album 'Keep On'. The eight track album demonstrates yet more extraordinary talent that is lurking in the British hardcore scene. 

1984: A short and sweet introduction to the album, nothing really to say for or against it. It gives a sense of what is to come and does it's intended job of making the listener want to hear some more of the album.

InDependent: A track that doesn't really stand out to me, it's just there. It does, of course, pave way for the next track and keep your attention, but that being said it just doesn't leap out and grab you. 

Un-noticed: This is more like it. A mixture of throat vocals and shouts really give the band a solid depth to work with on their music and the addition of clean/vocal chants is a very nice touch. I feel that if they had incorporated something similar into InDependent then it may have been a better track, but that being said it may have also taken that something special away from Un-noticed had that been the case, excellent track non the less. 

Human Condition: The pace is picked up which aids the vocals a lot more than a slower tempo songs which the past two slightly were. A very energetic track which would most definitely be the type of track to wake the audience up at a live show and it transfers well on to recording.

Never Fade: More shout orientated than previous songs (as opposed to actual throat vocals) which works really well, it gives the band more options in their song writing process and sets them apart from the average hardcore/death metal/ what ever other genre these kinds of bands are listed under these days. More clean vocals thrown into the background which are a brilliant addition, an addition that I believe should be looked at more closely and incorporated into many more future tracks, not to make the band sound more commercial but to set them apart from the millions of other bands doing the exact same thing.

Part II: Very similar to Never Fade, very good track with the cleans, throats and shouts all coming together to push the band in a direction other hardcore bands just can't go in. 

500 Roads: A track that really demonstrates the technical ability of the band and again shows their competence to be more than they currently are and it makes a great closing for the final track.

Keep On: When you name a track after the album or vice versa you always assume that the title track is going to be the strongest on said album, but in this case I don't think that is correct. Don't get me wrong, it is a great single and, again, shows the band off to the world, but I can't help but feel that the band have stronger singles on the album to work off in the future.

The album shows that Fed To The Ocean have two, maybe three ways to go about business in the future. Number one is that they continue down the path they are on and relay on their ability to shine through the mass amount of shit bands competing in the same market. Step two is they incorporate shouts and screams more prominently into their work to give them something different that others don't have. And step three is, of course, include the clean vocals a bit more, sure it won't make them the hardcore band they currently are but in the long run it will appeal to more people as well as keeping the current fans happy and it will pull them away from a market that is very hard to break out of. 

All in all an excellent album with many points to look at for the band, a great listen, a great promise for the future of the British music scene, well done lads.

- Adam, Editor 

Dead Retinas - Gang of Wolves - EP Review

Dead Retinas

Gang of Wolves

Mancunian punk metal quartet Dead Retinas are back with a bang with their brilliant, eagerly anticipated EP titled "Gang of Wolves". 

A release almost as colourful as the beautiful cover art that accompanies it (see above image). Dead Retinas have really thrown the wolf amongst the pigeons with this 6 track masterpiece. 

Gang of Wolves gives the band the chance to really show their teeth (how many wolf related comments can we include in this piece?) A band that haven't necessarily had the chance to show the world their true capabilities as of yet but still put their heart into every release and it really shines through in the EP. 

Track Listing: 

1 - Snow

2 - Crowns on Hounds 

3 - Just Because You Drink Jack Daniels Doesn't Mean You're Rock 'n' Roll 

4 - LSD (Listen Smile Disagree) 

5 - Pure Gold 

6 - Gang of Wolves 

There is a strong vocal display throughout the EP and it is accompanied by flawless instrumental input, with no faults found in the EP I think it is safe to say that the band have mastered their own sound and know exactly what they are and are not capable of. 

Gang of Wolves may very well be the release that propels the band into stardom or at least help them gain some more exposure across the scene. If their live performance can mimic their recording capabilities then the band have every shot of breaking through the scene and we really hope they do it!

We highly rate Dead Retinas and we can not wait to hear more of their howling. 

- Adam, Editor 

Dead Retinas on Facebook

Spirits Over Speeding Cars - Demo - EP Review

Spirits Over Speeding Cars

Demo

Doncaster acoustic duo "Spirits Over Speeding Cars" sent us their demo which will pave way for their album which is due out later in the year. 

Track listing: 

Another Lonely Road

Don't Know Whatcha Got 

Hangover 

Lay Down Your Weapons 

Unforgettable Past 

The guys are really on to something with their work here. A very easy listening to demo that paves way for greater things if they can build on from it. 

There is work to be done to help solidify themselves amongst the other brilliant artists in the area that are doing similar things (Jonny Gill, Nathan Luke). The vocals sound great standing alone but I feel that if they harmonise to help bulk out the songs then they will develop a more sturdier sound with great depth.

As stated above the demo is very easy to listen to and almost replicates the work of previous acoustic artists that have started out in the area and have gone on to achieve great things. If they pick up their vocal work and have a good brainstorming session on creating some more material I don't see why SOSC can't replicate the same success as others.

A promising, talented bunch of lads with a bright future ahead of them.

Facebook 

- Adam, Editor. 

The In Vitro Babies - Get Me Out/Elizabeth - Single Review + B-Side

The In Vitro Babies 

Get Me Out 

We have heard from The In Vitro Babies before, and we were not impressed by them one bit, to be brutally honest they were sloppy, they were out of time in their recordings and they were, all in all, a disgrace. But all that aside they seem to have upped their game a little bit.

Get Me Out shows some promise for the young band as they try and carry a dirty punk sound similar to that of The Sex Pistols, but the whole punk sound was accompanied by the punk movement, the style and the rebellion, without all of that these youngsters just sound like a band that can not play or produce music, which is a shame.

The band have improved, but with the punk movement of the 70's long forgotten I can't see the band gaining much more exposure than they already have, this may very well be the peak of their excellence. 

Elizabeth is a much brighter sounding track, and should be the direction the band take, less punk, more indie rock, work on vocal depth, get some decent recordings down and they may just be hope for them yet.

Punk is long dead, The In Vitro Babies aren't far behind. 

-Adam, Editor 

Honeycomb Love - Run For Your Money - Single Review

Honeycomb Love 

Run For Your Money

Leeds based rock trio Honeycomb Love are reigniting the old school punk sound with a new, edgier twist. Run For Your Money shows just what the lads are capable of. It is hard to compare the band to any other, however it is easy to pin-point certain influences, they carry a lot of likeliness to punk rap rock legends Beastie Boys, or at least in this track they certainly do.

I think it would be worth while checking out more music from the band to gauge just how diverse and intelligent they are in their writing process, but with Run For Your Money to use as a reference we don't see how they could go wrong.

Fantastic band, great sound with a retro hip-hop, punk rock feel to it with a newer hardcore feel, well played.

You can see the video for Run For Your Money here: Honeycomb Love - Run For Your Money 

And you can catch up with the band here: Facebook 

- Adam, Editor. 

Matt Merry - Call My Own - Single Review

Matt Merry

Call My Own

Matt Merry is back with a personal track about Weymouth, a place he calls a second home.

Riff have worked with Matt on many musical ventures, notably Hey! I'm A Moviestar, his acoustic work and his new band Deadlines and we are always pleased to hear more from him.

Call My Own is a great little track that demonstrates his vocal improvement over the years (if you listen to older tracks and compare them it is easy to see his vocal development is excellent). 

Matt's development shows his love for the music scene and his determination to keep coming back with better music is highly admirable.

The track is a great tribute and a promising glimpse into the future, perhaps more acoustic work on the way from this young, talented man? We certainly hope so! 

Overall, very easy to listen to, I am sure the people of Weymouth will be happy to hear it. 

- Adam, Editor. 

PaperPlane - Strings Like Ribbons - Single Review

PaperPlane - Strings Like Ribbons 

West Yorkshire rock outfit 'PaperPlane' have released a video for the single 'Strings Like Ribbons' before checking the band out we were told that they had something special, so we went in expecting the best, and my god they did not disappoint.

The single emits raw talent from all three members and they seem so naturally comfortable in the spotlight, they were born for this and destined for the big time. 

The band have an absolutely incredible sound and undeniable talent, front man Jack Bennett provides the band with something incredible with his rustic voice.

The band have been causing a stir in the music scene lately and have been tagged with words such as 'genius', 'raw emotion' and 'outstanding' and we could not agree more, the guys have rightfully made a name for themselves and it won't be long before some big time label comes along and snaps them up.

A true Yorkshire gem and a band that we would very much love to work with in the near future.

You must check these guys out if you haven't done so already! You can watch their music video for 'Strings Like Ribbons' here: Youtube 

-Adam.

Defy All Reason - Every Second Counts - EP Review

Defy All Reason - Every Second Counts

Welsh hard rockers Defy All Reason sent us their debut EP 'Every Second Counts' to check out, here is what we make of the four track release. 

Track listing:

1 - Shake It 

2 - Behind Those Eyes

3 - Coming Home

4 - Blame It On The Luck and Rock 'n' Roll 

Shake it

Opening with a Riff that will knock you flat on your arse 'Shake It' blows the EP apart from the get go. Accompanied with a very grunge rock vocal style the band draw you in and immediately catch you on their hook, however I can't help but hear a slight hint of Nickelback in their guitar work, an influence on the band perhaps? 

Behind Those Eyes

The tempo gets knocked down a peg for the second track, demonstrating the bands ability to be flexible in their musical writing. Softer vocals and softer instrumental give the listeners something to sit down and relax with, that is until it kicks up a notch towards the end! 

Coming Home

Much more similar to 'Behind Those Eyes' with a softer tempo and vocal work compared to 'Shake It' if you had listened to both those tracks side by side you wouldn't believe they were performed by the same band! Incredible band depth and diversity. 

Blame It On The Luck and Rock 'n' Roll

Ending with a bang the band close off the EP with another thundering track with a faster tempo and different vocal style to the middle two tracks.

Defy all Reason have demonstrated great depth in their writing and producing process and if they can do this with each release I can see a bright future ahead for the band, an immaculate release.

-Adam.

Religion of Tomorrow - In Theory - Album Review

Religion of Tomorrow - In Theory 

Cumbrian Alternative Rockers 'Religion of Tomorrow' sent us their new album 'In Theory' to check out, here is what we make of it. 

With 12 tracks to sink our teeth into 'In Theory' isn't a bad effort from the lads, there isn't really any stand alone tracks or identity for the band, they are following a trend and it reflects in their sound, this isn't us saying that they are no good, they are exceptionally talented but they need to really find something to call their own. 

Vocal style is very identifiable with the band with a dark rock edge but again it is overshadowed by the generic instrumental style which lets the guys down quite heavily.

The album is easy to listen to and the tracks are well written but to set the guys apart from the hundreds of other bands out there doing the same thing they need something to give them an edge in their musical accompaniment.

Not a bad effort but not perfect, it will be interesting to see what the lads produce in the future.

-Adam. 

Elena Ramona - Rise - Single Review

Elena Ramona - Rise - Ft. Martyn Corbet 

Greek born singer Elena Ramona is very different to what we have dealt with in the past here at Riff Media but that doesn't mean we don't know how to appreciate amazing talent and music when we hear it! 

Elena, who was born in Greece but moved over here to study and pursue her music career has teamed up with her good friend and producer Martyn Corbet who produced the music for the track which is dedicated to Elena's late father. 

Elena has an angelic voice and the track is very beautifully composed and produced to accompany her vocal talent. Elena's music is a world apart from what we are used to as we very rarely get any submissions for this type of music but it is a fresh break and most welcomed! 

Elena has a long way to go to break out of her local scene, music wise she couldn't be any more talented but she needs to work on expanding her social media presence and with the help of people like us she will soon be able to do that.

If you are fan of soothing, beautiful music then this is definitely for you, or if you are looking for a new guilty pleasure then look no further. 

You can check out Elena's music video for Rise here: Rise Music Video

And on Facebook here: Elena Ramona 

A beautiful talent with a lot to offer the world, we can't wait to hear more. 

-Adam. 

Art of Privilege - Trust - Single Review

Art of Privilege - Trust

Edinburgh grunge rockers Art of Privilege are currently working on their debut album but to wet our appetite they have decided to give us a little taster of what't to come in the shape of their single 'Trust'. 

Not entirely sticking to a typical grunge sound the band are swaying more into a more natural rock genre and progressing into a sound that most definitely works for them. 

Trust is an incredibly well produced single and definitely worthy of being released as a single to show us just what the band are capable of. Brilliant vocal work on top of spine tingling guitar solos and drumming,  the Scottish lads have produced a corker here. 

If Trust truly is a sign of what is to come from the album then we will be watching these guys like a hawk, an incredible emerging talent with a lot to prove, be sure to check them out! 

Facebook Link

-Adam. 

BastRad - Riff Propelled Grenade

BastRad – Riff Propelled Grenade EP Review

Formed in 2011 BastRad is a hard rock/metal band from York. After stumbling upon the band over 3 months ago, I believe fate really did bring music to my ears and mind blowing music at that. Consisting of four close friends this certainly comes across on stage. They play perfectly together and they all bring their own unique gift to the table. It makes a refreshing change to find a band that has lyrics that are both audible and memorable. This kind of strength so early on in a band is sure to take them far.

Recently released EP ‘Riff Propelled Grenade’ has been a huge hit with fans. Showing that not only can they play well live but sound just as good recorded. Something else most bands can’t quite pull off but BastRad have had no trouble doing so. Opening track ‘Supernatural High’ is straight to the point. There’s no messing about. This band clearly knows what they’re doing. With some incredible guitar riffs through out this makes for a winning track. ‘One Thousand Tears of Pain’ shows another side to the band. A lot heavier track which shows real emotion, behind the darkness there is a story. There’s so much going on but somehow you don’t seem to lose track. Once again proof that the band are doing it right. Title track ‘Riff Propelled Grenade’ is in your face but it’s definitely not a bad thing. It’s one powerful song that will have fans shouting ‘RIFF PROPELLED GRENADE’ in no time. ‘Blackthorn Princess’ is electric. Its quick paced and will be sure to get crowds moving. With such a catchy song you don’t want to miss a single second. Closing track ‘Drive’ is probably my favourite on the EP. After seeing them play live for the first time this song was definitely the one that stuck in my mind. ‘Drive me crazy, drive me home’ is pure lyrical genius.

With most albums and EPs there is usually at least one song that just doesn't quite cut it, but with ‘Riff Propelled Grenade’ I can’t fault any. Five great tracks have been produced and I’m sure this will be the first of many more. BastRad are one band to watch and if you haven’t already got a copy of their EP, what are you waiting for? Don’t miss out a minute longer and get yourself one. You won’t be disappointed.

-Cherry.

                                    

JET PACK - Chasing Sunsets

Jet Pack – ‘Chasing Sunsets’

Tracklisting:

1.       Back To Life

2.       Now I Know How John Locke Felt

3.       The Heat Of The Moment

4.       Chasing Sunsets (feat Lauren Pryke)

5.       All I Need

6.       This Is The End

Jet Pack are a four-piece rock band erupting from Cheltenham and they’re one of those wonderful rarities that take your breath away upon impact. Jet Pack have successfully written an icebreaker that shifts effortlessly from an energetic and gripping introduction into a more intense chorus, complete with powerful vocals and subtle dramatic undertones courtesy of singer Dennis Cook. A hard-hitting combination of rhythmic drum beats and grubby guitar riffs ‘Back To Life’ perfectly and sets the standard high for the rest of the EP.

If You Me At Six and We Are The Ocean were to have a lovechild it would be ‘Chasing Sunsets’. It’s the ultimate blend of alternative rock at its best and it provides a rare opportunity to give inordinate attention to the diverse abilities of this band  - the EP fuses the upbeat and heavier element of Jet Pack in ‘The Heat Of The Moment’ with the placid and more dulcet nature of ‘Chasing Sunsets.’ The headlining number is predominantly acoustic which offers a break from the more vivacious songs on the EP and is perfected by the beautifully eloquent vocals of Lauren Pyrke that help add to the raw tone of the track and help extract the emotion that this song deserves.

There are no other words to describe this band other than exceptionally talented and it’s unsurprising really – they’ve been around since 2008. With five years of experience under their belts, the question is not their undoubtable music abilities - it’s how are they unsigned?

Abbie Harrop

In Search Of Sunrise + Supports - LIVE @ The Riverside Bar, Selby - Riff Club 02/08/2013

We headed down to Selby for our monthly Riff Club event (held on Friday the 2nd of August due to July's event being cancelled) with high hopes for the massive line-up we had booked in to help raise money for two very worthy causes. 

Check Em' Lads Testicular Cancer Awareness and Support - https://www.facebook.com/testicularcanceruk?fref=ts

- http://www.checkemlads.com 

The Josh & Amanda Fund - Trying to raise a target of £2000 to send two disabled/terminally ill children to Disney Land, you can donate to this fund via our website Donate tab 

- http://www.riffmedia.co.uk 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lorenza-Woods 

Wakefield metal band Lorenza Woods were first to the stage following a last minute drop-out and they really set the tempo for the night with a very strong vocal performance from front woman Sarah Green.

The band played very well, sounded very tight together and were seemingly enjoyed by those that watched them, the only thing bad we have to say about the set is the crowd, if you pay to get in a gig you may as well watch the bands playing instead of sitting in a chair or standing outside, support your scene or it won't be around much longer! 

https://www.facebook.com/circleofreason

Southampton rock quartet Circle Of Reason were the second band to take to the stage, currently embarking on a UK tour. Selby was the fourth date that the band stopped off at and they sparked quite a reaction with the gig goers who constantly came to the front of house to ask us who they were. 

The crowd were a bit more receptive for the lads as the venue slowly began to fill up as they came on stage and I think they left the right impression on everybody that heard/saw them, we can not wait to have them back and we wish them the very best of luck for the remainder of their tour!

https://www.facebook.com/WeAreCarnivores

Third to the stage was local heroes We Are Carnivores, who had played a gig only hours before turning up! 

They hit the stage with immense energy and really worked the crowd up with their excellent stage presence. The band have enjoyed a lot of success as of late and have been propelled into the spotlight and for this reason we were very excited to see what they could do live, and they did not disappoint. A great band with a very promising future ahead of them, we are very fortunate to have booked them before they got bigger! 

 https://www.facebook.com/TusskBand

Main support for the evening came from the manliest of men in Tussk, who win the award for best facial hair of the evening as well as best band. In my opinion the guys really delivered on their set showcasing immense energy and stage presence as well as performing extremely in sync with one another. Just like We Are Carnivores, Tussk provided a track for the Riff Wrecks Pop compilation album and ever since then we have been eagerly waiting for a chance to bring them to a show and it was well worth the wait, they came, they knocked ten shades of shit out of the place and they left leaving a lasting impression on many of the attendees, fucking brilliant. 

 https://www.facebook.com/isosband

Headlining the event was our boys In Search Of Sunrise, who also filmed footage for their music video on the night. 

The guys have been a little out of touch with the music world lately but non of that showed during the short set they provided, they were on par with the other bands for stage presence, they were performing well on stage together and the crowd absolutely loved them.

The local boys tore it up and soaked in the atmosphere ahead of their show for the Soundwave competition that they have been participating in which will be announced shortly. 

The band seemed to be in high spirits after the show and hopefully they will be around for good with the plans of the debut EP 'A Myth in the Making' finally coming together.

We want to say a huge thank you to all of the bands, to all of the attendees, to Ian and Gareth for letting us do what we do and to Sam, our door helper for the evening! 

We raised a huge £51 which was split equally between the two funds and we are delighted to announce that we will be raising for both of these funds again on the August Survival Sunday all-dayer event on the 25th, it is a bank holiday, we have a quiz and bands and DJ's on so come down. 

-Adam.

In Search Of Sunrise - The Faust, The Fall

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Lost Trends - Buy The World

Lost Trends – ‘Buy the World’ EP Review

Trackisting

1.       La La (Lies)

2.       Takedown

3.       The Pop Song

4.       Buy The World

Lost Trends are a wonderfully promising indie-rock band from York, releasing their debut EP ‘Buy The World’. Combining influences from Bloc Party, Sex Pistols and Joy Division, Lost Trends are destined to be in a league of their own with their original and innovative sound that is seemingly shaped by blending punk bass lines and jazzy guitar leads with viscous rhythms and a sharp Yorkshire accent worthy of Alex Turner. 

                Opening this brilliant EP is a song that sounds solidly like a track Kasabian constructed whilst on drugs – rhythmic and repetitive guitar riffs persist throughout together with distorted vocals and dynamic drum beats but there are also traces of techno and an unexpected historical-sounding lecture on the frequency of sound. The second track ‘Takedown’ is very similar and replicates the same elements of the opening track yet ‘The Pop Song’ has clearer vocals, presenting vocalist Stephen Green with an opportunity to demonstrate his choral and lyrical talents. ‘Buy the World’ is much more unique as it edges away from the funkier sounding theme of the whole EP and the guitar riffs are less profuse which unfortunately gives the song a weaker sound and isolates it from the more powerful tracks of the EP.

                Overall this EP is creative and unusual and the band have cleverly combined several musical elements to ensure a wider variety of listeners and as a debut EP, this should be very successful.

Abbie Harrop

Circle Of Reason - These Hands and This Mind

Circle Of Reason – ‘These Hands and This Mind’ EP Review

Tracklisting:

1.       Don’t Be Still

2.       Home

3.       Novel

4.       Sleep

5.       Themes Amongst Thieves

Being compared to music giants Soundgarden and Smashing Pumpkins must be daunting for a little-known band that’s only been around since 2010, yet alt-rock band Circle of Reason are out to prove themselves again with their new EP, ‘These Hands and This Mind’.

                Their debut EP ‘A Favour For A Stranger’ received glowing reviews and certainly put the spotlight on Circle Of Reason, who haven’t disappointed in their latest killer release. The quartet have guilefully exhibited their expansive talents over the five songs on the EP, contrasting tracks of earth-shattering guitar riffs and thundering drums such as ‘Themes Amongst Thieves’ with the gentle and silkier rhythms of ‘Sleep’ and ‘Home’, which subsequently allows the entire record to flow mellifluously in fits of melodic vocals and ardent outbursts of instrumentals.  The entire record demonstrates divergence and every track contains its own uniqueness whilst still retaining an imprint of the unmistakeable sound that is Circle Of Reason, described as ‘merging considerate, visceral guitar parts, ear-shattering drums, and warm, alluring vocals’.

                Nevertheless, it’s possible to believe that Circle Of Reason are refraining from unleashing their full potential  but hopes remain high for the talented and indomitable four-piece from South-West England who will undoubtedly be causing quite a stir in the British music scene quite soon!

Abbie Harrop

Introducing - RadioDriveBy

Who knew that a simple "Follow" on Twitter would make me discover such a great band!

RadioDriveBy is a pop/rock band from Tempe, Arizona that formed in 2010. The quintet is made up of Trent Clark (vocals), Adam Simons (guitar, vocals), David Glosser (guitar), Evan Yuen (bass), and Austin Gavin (drums). Known for their energetic and interactive live performances, the band has already shared the stage with bands such as Forever The Sickest Kids, The Dangerous Summer, Alice Cooper, Every Avenue, and many more.

Named "Arizona's Pop Princes" by Alternative Press Magazine, the band RadioDriveBy has built a worldwide fan-base thanks to their active online presence. Since 2012, RadioDriveBy has seen radio placements in not only the U.S, but also in Brazil and The Philippines!

In march of 2013, RadioDriveBy released a free sampler named "MMXIII" that you should absolutely check out! We did, and it was totally worth it!

The band just released a brand new single "Go All Night", which has kept them on the Purevolume top artist chart for over three consecutive weeks. If you haven't done it yet, please check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mzgA4OTBlA !

In addition to performing at the Vans Warped Tour in Phoenix, RadioDriveBy will be touring the U.S and sharing the stage will All Time Low, A Rocket To The Moon, and many more in the Philippines, in August!

The band will also release a brand new album later this year, and we look forward to listening to it!

After listening to a few of their tracks, I truly believe that RadioDriveBy are definitely a band to keep an eye on. What attracts me to this band, beyond how catchy their songs are, is how close the band members are to their fans. In case you haven't already listened to their songs, you guys should head over their website: http://www.radiodriveby.net/ and give their music a chance! We promise you won't regret it!

-Valentine. 

Time To Fly - France

Introducing – Time to Fly – France

Lately we have begun diving into other parts of the world to bring you new bands that you may not have heard of and France is representing their music scene very heavily through Riff Media lately.

Today we are introducing the French band ‘Time to Fly’ a four piece pop punk band formed in 2008. The band takes heavy influences from bands such as ‘All Time Low’ and ‘Boys like Girls’ the band scream pop punk from their image and their sound.

The band is very talented and again shows just how diverse and amazing the French music scene is. Their music video ‘Friends with Benefits’ was released almost a year ago and can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUPMD2NGBNM and is part of their debut album ‘True Friendship Never Dies’

The band are currently working on a follow up EP scheduled for release in 2014, they will soon be releasing a new single titled ‘Broken String’

We have been shown a few French bands lately and we haven’t yet found a band one, we will be keeping a very close eye on these pop punkers and we recommend that you all do the same, you can interact with the band via their Facebook, Twitter and Youtube [Links below]

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/timetoflyofficiel

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/timetoflyband

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/timetoflyofficiel

-          Adam.

Fort Hope - Control Single Review

Fort Hope – ‘Control’ Single Review

Constituted of four extremely talented members - Jon Gaskin, Andé D’Mello, Simon Rowlands and Jamie Nicholls - Fort Hope are well on their way to becoming a big name in the music industry.

 Having recently supported the likes of Never Shout Never, We Are The In Crowd and Jimmy Eat World, things are happening at break-neck speed for the melodic-rock band formed in January 2013.

                The boys released their debut single ‘Control’ on 24^th June and it can only be described as the phoenix that arose from the ashes of My Passion. Opening with Gaskin’s melodic and dulcet vocals accompanied by ominous and brooding riffs, the tone is set for the rest of the song – deep, full of anticipation and ultimately explosive. The chorus is a thunderous outburst of instrumentals and the entire song is irresistibly thick with heat and fiery passion; it’s undeniable that this song was born to illicit a roaring response from a live crowd. This debut track is saturated with undeniable talent and ability yet is also disappointingly predictable. Other than Gaskin’s well-defined accent, there is little to distinguish this band from so many others such as We Are The Ocean Mallory Knox.

It’s clear that the guys have emerged from My Passion improved, matured and enhanced in their musical talents and this track leaves a taste in the mouth that is pleasant yet unsatisfying – there is a lot more to come of Fort Hope, and it’s going to be mind-blowing when it does.

Abbie Harrop