Friday, 16 August 2013

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! 


-Adam. 

Tuesday, 13 August 2013

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




Saturday, 3 August 2013

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

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 




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! 


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!


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! 


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. 


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