RIFF ANNUAL REVIEW - 2012 

The year 2012 has seen many things accomplished for us all here at Riff Media, our third successful year of operating, the launch or re-launch if you will of Riff Records, our new website which we love went live and we have made contact with near enough every record label out there! not to mention the additions to the team, the announcement of the Riff Media Webzine and soon to be Magazine and our ever growing social family. So how to round up such an incredible year into a nice readable review?
We had our most successful year since forming with our very first acceptance to cover a festival [Hevy Fest and Merthyr Rocks] and have already been accepted on to more in the new year! We have begun running gigs again and have plans for tours and to open our own local venue space and tonnes of more amazing things to announce.

As always we love to give little shout outs to bands that we think have really opened our eyes and ears in the year with their releases, and of course we wouldn't be anything without all of the bands we work with and all of our fans and family that stick by us and are interested in what we do! 

RIFF MEDIA'S TOP FIVE FROM 2012 (IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER)

1. Jonny Gill - Jonny has been a Riff favourite since we began working together, and this year has been huge for him, he released some amazing music and has stuck with us to perform at our gigs.
2. Sulu Babylon - The boys from our own back garden, Sulu have stood by us in many ways, playing our gigs, sending us music to review and front man Phil is always on hand to share some wisdom on how to improve and better ourselves 
3. The Drama State - Our best friends from the states, The Drama State have had a huge year, formerly known as Remember Paris the guys have regrouped and renamed and brought out their debut album 'Stories' which will definitely be their stepping stone to greater things
4. Kids With Machetes - these guys have really stepped up this year with their new release 'Jager Behaviour' and are always on hand to help us out.
5. In Search Of Sunrise - Our boys are back and ready to hit back hard, after playing our last gig of the year as their comeback gig I think it is safe to say Riff and ISOS are teaming up for the foreseeable future.
6. Chris Kendall Magic - He may not be a musician, but since venturing into magic this year we have worked very closely with Chris and he has wowed crowds at our events and soon he will be out conducting magic with some of the top bands on tour with our assistance.

Of course we love and appreciate all the bands we work with but if we were to list them all I would be here all day.

So as a quick round-up, 2012 was awesome, bands improved massively, work load increased ridiculously and we took a step forward in the industry, thank you so much to everyone that is part of this, and lets make 2013 something extra special! 

Best Band of 2012 - THE DRAMA STATE

Best Album of 2012 - THE DRAMA STATE, STORIES. 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Riffers! 

- The Riff Team

Mallory Knox - Signals Album Review

We were sent over Mallory Knox's debut album 'Signals' due for release on January 21st 2013.

The band have had a very successful year in 2012 and have fans eagerly awaiting for the release of their debut album 'Signals' of which they have released a single from titled 'Wake Up' which has received amazing feedback so far.

Signals is an 11 track release packed to the brim with brilliantly written music that will definitely make you get off your arse and dance about and sign along.

TRACK LISTING
Beggars 
Lighthouse 
Death Rattles
Wolves 
1949
Wake Up
Hello
Misdemeanour
Bury Your Head
Signals 
Creeper 

Kicking off with Beggars the band really set the tone for the album, energetically perfect and lyrically beautiful, giving a false sense of pace at the beginning for about two seconds before erupting into a masterpiece, the band keep the flow going throughout the album up to '1949' where they drop the pace for a beautiful, soft track which is very easy on the ears. After that they pick up the pace again.

I think it is a safe bet to say 'Signals' will be one of the best releases of 2013, and it will probably be one of the first releases in the year! if you are a fan or not I am sure at least one of the tracks on the album will win your heart and change your opinion of Mallory Knox who will undoubtedly cement their place in the UK rock scene with this brilliant, elegant and beautiful album, a great way to kick off their release collection.

Riff final rating: R R R R R *Ones to watch in 2013*

Signals is due for release on the 21st Jan 2013 via A Wolf At Your Door Records.

-Adam 

Avenged Sevenfold - Carry On

Alternative Rock superstars Avenged Sevenfold are back with a bang, almost quite literally with their brand new single Carry On, which features on what is anticipated to be the years highest rated game; Call Of Duty: Black Ops 2.

The band are featured in the end credits along side characters from the game.

Carry On definitely sounds like Avenged are hitting out some killer singles again sounding tighter than ever before with both hints of a new direction sound wise with influences from previous albums also included, it seems like the band have settled down and have begun writing songs that will easily win over some new fans and keep the old ones happy and eager to hear more, not to mention the standard Syn Gates master class in guitar solos included.

It would appear Avenged Sevenfold will ‘Carry On’ … see what I did there? And maintain their status as quite possibly the greatest, complete sounding rock band in the modern age, brilliant stuff and a single worthy of their status. 

To view the video yourself here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJbrTgUL0Dk&feature=youtu.be

Riff Final Review: R R R R *Glad to see a gigantic band still throwing effort into songs*

Adam

Tattoo Jam event Review

Tattoo Jam 2012

 

SATURDAY 13^th OCTOBER - DONCASTER RACECOURSE

 

After given a few weeks to let tattoo jam sink in its time for the write up to one of the best events Riff have ever been invited along to.

 

We were running slightly late to the event and didn’t make it there till just gone half four meaning we had already missed a handful of the acts on the main stage, but we did make it in time to witness the Tattoo Awards Judging, which meant we got to see some quality tattoo work. As soon as we arrived we had a look around to weigh up what we would be working with, after a long, long, very long walk around the entire complex we settled down in front of the main stage to watch all of the judging entrants, after about an hour or so we headed upstairs to look at the tattoo museum which was an interesting exhibition to help pass time by. After a nice drink (food was extortionate, £10 pounds for a cook at home pizza no thank you very much!) we headed down to see Millie Dollar captivate the crowd with her very erotic burlesque complete with nipple tassels, there wasn’t a single man in the house not looking at the stage, I wonder how many tattoo artists slipped or drooled on their customers during the performance too! After Millie’s performance it was time for the best of day judging, where people who had their tattoos completed on the day were judged for the best one, shortly after the run of entrants were completed it was time for Sickboy to keep the crowd warmed up, a circus performer who likes pain, an awful lot. He came leaping on to the stage with an apple and a chainsaw revving away and immediately everybody cringed and covered there eyes, the apple went into his mouth and the chainsaw was used to carve and ’X’ into it, fairly crazy right? Wrong, it gets worse! Blind folded he did the same trick again, the woman stood in front of me couldn’t bare to watch as she mumbled towards me ’What the fuck is he doing?!’ but much to her delight it got a lot worse, introducing a clamp through his elbow skin to lift a very heavy steel barrel with the skin the clamp had pierced, I genuinely thought the woman was going to throw up all over my shoes at this point, she was not happy, and she seemed to be a bit happier when he decided to staple notes to his body, which wasn’t too cringe worthy, but as soon as a plastic bag containing a light bulb appeared she turned to me again and I lip read ’For fuck sakes he is mental’ and she was not wrong, he smashed the light bulb up in the bag and began to eat them as if they were a bag of crisps! He closed his short pain riddled set with some syringes piercing his face, cheeks (right through one side into his mouth!) and through any other piece of loose flesh he could grab hold of, thoughts from the woman before he went off you ask? ’For fuck sakes he needs help, thank god that’s over’ she was clearly impressed, next the awards were to be handed out to the winners of the afore mentioned judging ceremonies after the quick process we had another quick walk around filming a tour of the bottom floor (which will be uploaded for you all to view!) before heading upstairs for the grand finale, Cake Fighting! For those of you that have no idea what Cake Fighting is let me elaborate, two girls in very skimpy outfits, one children sized blow up swimming pool and to top it off milk, cream and trifle, lots and lots of trifle all mixed together in one sexy messy manner. Everybody left at the convention was upstairs waiting for this event, tables were set out nicely for everyone to sit and enjoy a drink whilst cake flung towards them, and the girls didn’t disappoint putting on a very entertaining show and something completely out of the ordinary.

All in all the event was very successful I thought, very packed out and very, very lively. The announcer for the event, Paul Sweeney really knew how to work the crowd and made the evening very enjoyable and memorable.

A great day out and a very exciting event to cover, hopefully we will be allowed back next year!

Young Guns Live Review

Young Guns – Leeds Metropolitan University

16^th October 2012

 

It goes without saying that 2012 has been Young Guns’ year as the band prepare to take to the stage tonight after returning home from their successful attempt at conquering America.

     Yorkshire-rooted band Marmozets enter the room with only one or two fans throughout the crowd and their set is disappointing to say the least. Dubbed as ‘the most exciting young band in Britain’ by Kerrang, the ‘family band’ fail to live up to this statement as the crowd remain silent and unmoving. Their substandard performance was not for lack of trying, but it is clear that Marmozets still have a lot to learn before embarking on any more live shows.

     With not a lot to outshine, Your Demise arrive on stage and immediately strike into action, much to the approval of the audience. Frontman Ed McRae jumps around being his usual, mouthy self and evokes movement within the crowd that tonight’s show so desperately needs. Launching himself into the mass of fans at his feet, his reckless attitude radiates throughout the crowd and encourages a flock of crowd surfers that set the tone for Your Demise’s set. Still, there isn’t much for Yankee five-piece We Are The In Crowd to outdo.

     The pop-punk band from Poughkeepsie receive an enormous reaction from the crowd as soon as they step on stage and there is no doubt that this band will finally bring something more to the night than just shouty vocals and give the performance of a lifetime. Kicking off their set with a popular song Better Luck Next Time from their debut album Best Intentions, We Are The In Crowd clearly know how to please the audience and the revel in the reaction from the crowd. Female vocalist Tay Jardine conducts the entire set and eventually the band win over even the most sceptical minds with their catchy songs and charismatic stage presence. There is no doubt that We Are The In Crowd don’t have any other way to go than up and as they leave the stage, the atmosphere is thick with excitement to see what Young Guns have in store.

     As the lights dim in preparation for Young Guns’ appearance, the audience go crazy and the band begin their faultless set with Dearly Departed, a song from their latest album Bones. The five-piece band from East London started their night as they meant to go on, flawlessly performing songs both old and new to perfection. The balance of tempo throughout the night was impeccable, with melodic songs such as You Are Not and Broadfields bringing a more intimate feel to the sold-out venue whilst still maintaining a heavier feel with songs such as Crystal Clear and Towers that drove the crowd wild. As usual, the band put on a show-stopping performance that outstripped their support acts by far and their enthusiasm and confident demeanour set the stage alight, leaving no room for speculation that they are one of the best British bands to date.

     Finally, as the night drew to a close, Young Guns unleashed the full force of their unquestionable proficiency upon their adoring fans and ended their encore with powerful hit single Bones that filled the room with its infectious chorus and ended the night on a complete high.

    

Abbie Harrop

Of Mice & Men Live Review @ Cockpit, Leeds

Of Mice & Men – The Cockpit, Leeds

14^th October 2012

 

Of Mice & Men are without a doubt one of the greatest metalcore bands to date and there seems to be no stopping the California five-piece as they embark on the most anticipated UK tour the band has ever seen.  Along with Secrets and Memphis May Fire, Of Mice & Men seems set to storm The Cockpit and there is an obvious sense of excitement from the moment that Secrets take to the stage.

     Beginning their set with only a few fans in a sold-out venue, Secrets seems eager to impress and frontman Xander Bourgeois immediately insisted on several mosh pits, much to the approval of the audience. Slowly gaining the approval of a few more heads within the crowd due to drummer Joe English completely tearing up his drum kit, Secrets were shameless and fuelled the anticipation for Texas band Memphis May Fire.

     It is clear from the moment frontman Matty Mullins steps on stage that their set will tear up the entire venue and as they jump immediately into The Sinner, Memphis May Fire revel in the overwhelming reaction from the crowd. The band pull out all the stops to deliver a performance worthy of a headlining act and secure their place as one of the greatest live bands this venue has ever seen. The crowd loved every minute of it and as the five-piece close their roof-raising performance with a fiery track from their new album, Prove Me Right, they leave with significantly more fans than they entered with.

     Finally, the agonising wait is over and the roar of the crowd is enough to quench any doubt that Memphis May Fire have stolen the show tonight. Launching into O.G. Loko, they tear up the venue with a presence so dominant that it’s impossible to deny the fact that Of Mice & Men have come back better and stronger since the departure of guitarist Shayley Bourget in February. In his place stands Aaron Pauley who finds no difficulty in establishing his title as a worthy replacement and fulfilling a role that not many others could achieve.  Chiefly playing songs from their latest album, The Flood, the band annihilate the stage and the reaction from the crowd is nothing less than what they deserve with frontman Austin Carlile completely smashing his vocal cords in a successful attempt of putting on one of the greatest shows of their lives. As they play hits such as Let Live and Product of a Murderer, the atmosphere is unbeatable, with every eye on the band and not a single person standing still. Songs from their re-issue of The Flood go down a storm and the crowd all gladly participate in crouching on the floor upon Austin Carlile’s demand for The Depths.

     However, everyone within the venue knows that the best is yet to come and the wait for the encore in unbearable before Of Mice & Men set the place on fire with phenomenal hit Second and Sebring, bringing Austin Carlile and half of his fans to tears before exiting the stage to an overwhelming applause from the crowd.  It is clear that the night had been a complete success and things can only improve for a band that, as of yet, know no limits.

 

Abbie Harrop

 

Punk Goes Pop 5 Review

Punk Goes Pop 5

 

The ‘Punk Goes Pop’ album franchise has been one of the most successful covers album in recent days, but more recently fans have seen a dip in quality with the later albums consisting of maybe one or two tolerable tracks, well, I am afraid to say it does not get much better as time goes on.

 

Before receiving the album I asked fans for their verdicts on what they think will be the best track on the album, many said that the ‘Mayday Parade’ cover would be the best and some said ‘Forever The Sickest Kids’

 

Kicking off with Memphis May Fire and their cover of Grenade by Bruno Mars, this track gives a nice gleam of hope for the album, but it is false hope… the track is very well put together and performed but I can’t enjoy listening to it when I know fully well that the album is bound to go downhill from here judging by the track listing.

 

Upon This Dawning are next up with their cover of Call Me Maybe (original I know)… this track has been covered more times than a young emo has been tattooed, so many times that it is becoming boring to listen to no matter who sings it in what style.

 

Next is the track everybody is raving about, Mayday Parade, Somebody That I Used To Know, the original is such a brilliant song so maybe a risky move for the band, but they do pull it off, somewhat. It is a good cover, its one of the better songs on the album, in true Pop Goes Punk fashion where they have one or two tolerable songs but it is still hugely disappointing, it lacks a lot of power that the original has, all in all a mediocre effort.

 

We Came As Romans are next in the line of fire with Glad you Came, which is a very typical PGP track, forced and seemingly unenthusiastic.

 

Four tracks in now and I am very, very disappointed in this album, but I need to battle on I guess.

 

Next up is Like Moths To Flames with Some Nights, which is a step forward in the album thankfully, giving some hope that the album is going to get a bit better from here on in.

 

Oh…. I spoke too soon.

 

Breathe Carolina…. Bille Jean…. Need I say any more? An absolutely atrocious cover, killed the song, killed the album, killed everything. Some songs are best left alone.

 

I am starting to lose all faith in this album franchise by this point now.

 

Forever The Sickest Kids - We Found Love are next up and steal the fucking show! Best track on the album, fantastic cover in every way, really up beat and great to listen to, it doesn’t sound forced and the band seem to really enjoy performing it. Thank god!

 

Issues with Boyfriend next, and the streak of good songs comes to an end, I think it is a toss up between this and Billie Jean for shittest song on the album.

 

Crown The Empire - Payphone, I was really keen to hear this track when I saw the track listing and to be totally fair it isn’t that bad, the chorus is a bit of a shame it lacks power and energy, but not a bad effort at all.

 

The Maine - Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, when I read this in the track list I was very intrigued as to what it would sound like, and now I know…. BAD. They have done a good job to make it sound as different from the original as possible but it just doesn’t work what so ever.

 

Craig Owens - Paradise, this is actually a really good cover, which I guess is bad news for the rest of the album because that’s the two/three good songs all gone now, great vocal and instrumental work and very soothing.

 

The Word Alive - Mercy, What the fuck even is this, I couldn’t tell you. There is just no substance to the song, its just there, its one of those songs that you skip immediately in your I-pod.

 

Secrets - Ass Back Home close off the album, opening with some great vocal work and exploding into energetic scream vocals which work very well. Another great track on the album, which is a bonus. Maybe in future whoever compiles the album together should just put the better ones first.

 

All in all a very disappointing album, I was looking forward to this very much but it has let me down on every level, I think there needs to be more bands and some better tracks for the next one, unless this is the last one (fingers crossed) because if they just keep getting worse then next years just will not be worth it.

 

And just to mention, I have nothing against the bands at all, In fact I am a fan of all of these bands, the song choice is just poor. 

 

Final Riff Rating : R *poor album, poor effort, not even worth pirating let alone downloading*