Single Review: Kurecho - Once And For All

Inspired by the likes of Alice In Chains and Stone Sour new acoustic duo Kurecho have released a brand new song about staying strong and fighting against mental illnesses.

Issues relating to mental health are not often discussed in mainstream media; even though there is more awareness and people are starting to accept it as part of day to day life there is still a horrible stigma and understanding to it.  

Once And For All is a beautiful song that communicates a strong and powerful message. The enchanting vocal work from Dani and Sarah correspond well together creating a stunning fusion of music. The haunting lyrics paint a picture of what living and struggling with a mental illness is like and I think if more people listened to this the stigma will start to disappear. This song sounds very similar to Stone Sour’s captivating ballad Bother in terms of melody and song structure.

The message conversed is Stand Up and Be Strong, we are not alone.

Click here to listen to the song.

R.I.Y.L:  Stone Sour and Alice In Chains

Words by Charlotte Whittingham

Song of the Day - 27/01/2014

Today's song of the day comes from The Treatment with their song Emergency!

Their latest album became available for streaming today, whilst listening to a remarkable album that I know cannot wait for the official release for I came across the song Emergency! As I write this post, I am listening to the song for about the tenth time. It's catchy, has a great rhythm, possesses original guitar work and owns a chorus that flies around in your head moments after listening to it. These components give Emergency the essential package for a perfect rock song! Let me know what you guys think!

Click here to listen to the song

Be sure to catch them on tour and look out for their brand new album Running With Dogs!

13/1/2014 - Song Of The Day

From the title of this post I have taken the liberty of starting a song of the day post where I basically tell you about a song that has either made my day or a song that everyone is talking about! 

So let's get it off to an icy start with the song Let It Go from Disney's latest instalment Frozen. Beautifully sung by Idina Menzel Let It Go is the perfect song to fit a situation in the film where her character Elsa is able to let her ice powers out and feel free after being kept in isolation for years. The reason why it is my song of the day? The film Frozen has done very well this week;  the soundtrack is number one album in the nation right now, today Frozen was just named Best Animated Feature Film at the Golden Globes and I still get goosebumps after hearing the song!

The soundtrack for Frozen can be downloaded from iTunes and catch it on the big screen while you still can!

Words by Charlotte Whittingham

Hollow Giants - Dead In Me

In time for an upcoming EP launch this Saturday, London based Hollow Giants have made a mark with their new single which is due for release in less than two weeks.

It brought me back to my teenage years where I would listen to indie rock whilst hanging out with my friends. With it's enticing chorus, clean cut vocals and some excellent guitar riffs, Dead In Me has that chilled out yet ready to party vibe. 

They could actually be in line to support Muse in the near future as I think their sound is very much like theirs minus synthesisers. All I can say is if their EP is as good as this single I have nothing to worry about.

Hollow Giants - Dead In Me

Words by Charlotte Whittingham

For fans of Muse and Arctic Monkeys

Find Hollow Giants on here

New Device - Save Your Life

Hi there guys, it has been a while. A lot has happened in this time, I turned 21 in March, my time at uni is nearly at the end and I have been hunting for jobs. This morning I caught up with Voice.FM's rock show where the brand new single by New Device played. Save Your Life is a booming, strong single that definitely introduces listeners to what to expect on the upcoming album Here We Stand. From the familiar crisp vocals provided by charismatic vocalist Dan Leigh to the original guitar riffs from new guitarists Matt Mallery and Nick Jones, Save Your Life has the whole package of a great rock song. New Device are definitely back and they mean business. A great introduction to their upcoming album.

Here We Stand is due for release 6th May 2013, click here to pre-order the new album now.

Find New Device on Facebook, Twitter and their official website.

Rachel Hawker - Don't Wanna Break Your Heart video

Well I handed in my last assignment in today so I am now free to catch up with my blogging and reviewing; this makes me very happy. I am reviewing today a video by upcoming singer/songwriter Rachel Hawker; it has been a while since I had heard from this extremely talented lass from Brighton and I got to watch her brand new video for her song Don't Wanna Break Your Heart. The video I feel has a very simple but effective concept; I love how the drawings are done in stop motion animation and the words and pictures match the song perfectly. The song itself I find very relaxing which is perfect now I've handed in all my uni work and the weather being just perfect today. Great music Rachel; keep it coming and I hope to hear more soon. 

Tuomaslotte rates:  10/10

For fans of KT Tunstall and Alanis Morrissette

Find Rachel Hawker on Facebook, Twitter and her official website

Jettblack - Raining Rock single and video

What a fantastic day to kick off my busy day today; four piece hard rock band Jettblack released their brand new single Raining Rock. Giving the fact their debut album Get Your Hands Dirty was very successful and well received I was excited about the new release. The song starts of with the sound of Will Stapleton's distinctive husky vocals that are provided for Jettblack along with a single drum beat and a strumming guitar. You get the vibe of a stadium rock song right there. To be quite honest it did take me a while to get into the song however after hearing the spine chilling chorus and slickest guitar solo the biggest grin had spread across my face. In some parts of the song I am reminded of AC/DC's classic Thunderstruck when you hear the chants RAINING ROCK from the crowd. Overall a fantastic new single to introduce us of what's on Jettblack's upcoming album with the same name. (9.5/10) 

The video for the song has a fantastic concept that most of us can relate to; it follows along the lines of an X Factor type talent show with a twist. It is done in a dictatorship manner where a fictional judge Lord Zoltan rules Britain's airwaves since he assassinated Simon Cowell in the video. Only bands of Lord Zalton's tastes go on through to the next stage of the competition but those who don't get shot by his cronies. Jettblack manage to impress Lord Zalton however one of Lord Zalton's girls accidently sits of Lord Zalton's button to eliminate bands so Jettblack are shot down. Wasn't happy that Jettblack die at the end but I do love how the video has it's own hilarious take on how band's are now accepted into the music industry. (10/10)

Click here to view the video

For fans of AC/DC, Guns 'N Roses and Heaven's Basement

Find Jettblack on Facebook

Sonata Arctica - I Have A Right single

Finnish metallers Sonata Arctica have released a brand new single; their previous album The Days Of Gray had been on tour for about two years so it was quite refreshing to hear some brand new material. Listening to the song today, for me the song is definitely a grower as after listening to it a few times whilst watching the fantastic music video I definitely now think it is potentially a great song. Although not the best song I have heard from Sonata Arctica yet it is not the worst, which is why it has now left me with curiosity and wondering what their upcoming album Stones Grow In Her Name will consist of. It is due for release on 18th May 2012 and is available to pre-order now.

Tuomaslotte rates it:  TTTT

Find Sonata Arctica on Facebook, Twitter and their official website

Delain - Get The Devil Out Of Me single

It has been quite a while since I have heard from Dutch symphonic metallers Delain; this is the first new single called Get The Devil Out Of Me that I am hearing for the first time this evening. The haunting introduction played beautifully on the piano is a great way to get the listener intrigued, very used to what I have heard from Delain. Afterwards it did remind me of the song Faster by Within Temptation, tempo wise. Lead singer Charlotte Wessels distinct beautiful voice is heard throughout so overall a fantastic new song to introduce to fans what is on their upcoming album We Are The Others that is available to pre-order now.

Tuomaslotte rating:  TTTT

Find Delain on Facebook, Twitter and their official website

Nightwish - Storytime

Very happy this morning that I found somebody had streamed Nightwish's brand new single Storytime from the radio and I got to listen to the full song for the first time. Only having seen and heard a teaser I can tell that Nightwish are trying a whole new concept in their music; in the past where it had been oceans and forests so I like how here they are trying like an alternate universe known as the Imaginareum. Anyways I love how this single opens with a keyboard tune from the musical genius himself Tuomas Holopainen accompanied by choirs, then the heaviness of the electric guitars and drums enter the song. It's been six years since long time vocalist Tarja Turunen was replaced with Swedish born Anette Olzon and I think the band have done incredibly well with Anette; I think this song particularly shows the band's growth with Anette as their singer. One of the things that attracts me to Nightwish like a moth to a flame is the beautifully written lyrics and this song is no exception; Tuomas is one my inspirations for writing and I have the biggest amount of respect for him.

Overall a fantastic new single from Finnish/Swedish metallers Nightwish; I now only eagerly await the new album to complete my adventure to the Imaginareum since I think my first step into this journey has been a magical one.

Tuomaslotte rates it:  TTTTT

Find Nightwish on Facebook, Twitter and their official website

Theory Of A Deadman - Bitch Came Back video

Hello everyone; it has been a while. I have finally moved to my new house for university and I am settling in well; I am much closer to the action in Southampton and it is such a relief. I found the link on my Facebook wall today promoting the brand new video from Theory Of A Deadman; it's for my personal favourite song off the album Bitch Came Back. I find the song incredibly amusing; I love how the lyrics describe how guys see the girls sometimes. The video I found to be hilarious since it shows in a comical way how far fans can go when their band does something that doesn't please them (i.e. posting negative comments on YouTube and hatemail) in this video this particular fan goes as far as killing the band. I like how the woman crosses of each band member on her arm when she kills each member and how lead singer Tyler finds body bags with his band members names on them. A perfect video to reflect the title of the song. You can watch the video now by clicking here.

Find Theory Of A Deadman on Facebook, Twitter and their official website

Paramore - Monster

The Tennessee rockers are back with a bigger single then ever before; very well know for fantastically written songs such as Misery Business, Decode and That's What You Get Paramore have grown stronger as a band, in the form of their brand new single Monster. Watching the video on morning music show Freshly Squeezed where it was their tune of the day I was highly impressed with the song. Josh and Zac Farro left the band last year and this is the first single released without them. Not that it has any effect on my love for the song at all; one of the aspects of Paramore I do love is the lyrics, Hayley Williams is a fantastic lyricist and that shows strongly through this song.

Overall a strong, fantastic and powerful new song from Paramore; I think it really does show how far they have come along as a band.

Find Paramore on Facebook, Twitter and their official website

Requiem For The Dead - The Death Note of Shipwrecks music video

There was a very exciting build up to the premiere of Requiem For The Dead's debut music video; they have impressed me with their music so far, this video showed me a darker tone of music to the band. This song is more industrial then the other songs so far; but it's awesome they experiment with a different sound and being able to pull it off like these guys have done is a big utter bonus. The industrial sound matches the video perfectly; fast paced editing, the very high contrast of dim and bright lighting used here to highlight the different band members adding to the dark vibe the band give in this song. The video was a great sucess in my eyes; Requiem For The Dead have done it again, cannot wait for the album that I hope will be released soon. I now leave you with a music video that could be in Tuomaslotte's best music videos of 2011 somewhere.

Find Requiem For The Dead on Facebook, Twitter, Reverbnation and YouTube

Chasing Skylines - Kings Of Queens

Alternative rockers hailing from Birmingham, better known as Chasing Skylines, continue to impress me with their fast energy and catchy melodies in their brand new song Kings Of Queens. It starts of with a very slick catchy guitar riff that has you hooked to the song straight away; I also think that vocalist Phil Easthorpe has great vocal pipes. This might about the third time I have listened to this song in the past half hour I think. Keep up the great work guys, please please please come to Southampton soon.

Find Chasing Skylines on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and SoundCloud

Anette Olzon - Demo songs

Reading Anette Olzon's blog today I saw she had posted some songs she had recorded a couple of years ago for her solo album; the rest of the recording had to be postponed since Anette was expecting a baby at the time. Listening to the song Floating gave me a sense of happiness; I love the floaty beat and her heavenly voice. Invincible had a folky sound to it that was wonderful; I also love the distinct contrast between her solo work and when she's with Nightwish. I find her voice was softer with these two songs here; I also love her voice when she sings with Nightwish, it's great how her can adapt to so many styles of music.


I cannot wait for her brand new album to be released; it's amazing how well she is doing since joining Nightwish. Here is one of her songs.

Find Anette Olzon on Facebook, MySpace, Nightwish Website, her official website and right here on Blogger

Daniel Leigh - The End Of Hope (Is A Long Way To Go)

Daniel Leigh is usually well known for front London hard rock band New Device; he tends to take a break by performing solo stuff exploring all types of genres. There is a huge contrast between his solo stuff and his work with New Device; his brand new EP is due for a release soon and this song I'm reviewing today is his single from the EP. It's called The End Of Hope (Is A Long Way To Go); it's the song to get you through those dark moments in your life, it encourages the thought that hope is never ever lost and that's one of the most wonderful things about this song. I had heard this song performed live at his acoustic sets so was wondering what the studio recording sounded like, I was very happy it consisted of an acoustic guitar combined with one of the most amazing voices today. This is possibly about the fifth time I have listened to this song in the past day or so and I am still blown away; the title of the song is very very true.

If the rest of his brand new EP is as brilliant as this song, I have nothing to worry about. Cannot wait fot it; keep up the good work. To show you what a wonderful solo artist he is I leave with a video I found of him singing the song.

Find Daniel Leigh on Facebook, Twitter and MySpace.

You can also check out his band New Device by finding them on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, LastFM and their official website.

Chasing Skylines - When Love and Hate Collide music video

This music video is pretty much too brilliant to go unnoticed; it's from four piece alternative rock group Chasing Skylines who hail from Birmingham, England. I love how the video linked with the theme of the song i.e. two guys after the same girl, I must admit I get excited very easily so I did jump a bit when I saw all the pretty fairy lights in one place. The song was pretty awesome too; really upbeat and the melody was amazing. 

Definately hope to see them do a show or hear more material from them soon.

For fans of Lostprophets and You Me At Six

Find Chasing Skylines on Facebook and Twitter

New Black Stone Cherry song

My goodness this is just proven to be a great day for some of my favourite bands; whether it's a new video by Dommin or Poets Of The Fall's new album. This post comes in the form of Kentucky rockers Black Stone Cherry; the last I heard from them was on their UK tour back in 2009 where I saw them twice, first time when they supported Nickelback on their Dark Horse tour and a second time in Pompey when they did a headline tour. So I have been waiting a long time for some new stuff from them and tonight it was their new song White Trash Millionaire. A few seconds into the song my face immediately lit up; Chris Robertson's vocals are still very sexy and the melody is oh so amazing. I do hope they come back to the UK and if the new album sounds as good as this song I have nothing to worry about.

To listen to the song click here or on the video below

You can also find more info about Black Stone Cherry on their official website, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and YouTube

Dommin's brand new video

Hello everyone

I posted back in I think October or November about Los Angeles goth rockers Dommin asking fans to participate in their new video somehow. It is for the song Closure and it's all about saying good bye to something whether it's someone close to you passing on, breaking up with your loved or saying good bye to your worst fears. So the fans were to film or take a photo of themselves showing those aspects in an artistic way; last month the video was posted, I watched it today and I must say I am very impressed with the final outcome, I was blown away after watching it. It is possibly their best music video yet, I love the fans creative contributions. Here it is, enjoy.

Take care now

Tuomaslotte

Find Dommin on their Official Website, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and YouTube

Dreams Divide - Leaving

The song in the title is too impressive to go unnoticed. I received this song via the band's mailing list a few days ago but it was this morning I decided to put it onto my iPod to listen to on the way to uni. I cannot stop listening to it and as I write this I think it is the fifth or sixth time listening to it today; I love the industrial sounds from the synthesizers and the reverbed vocals in the song. I saw these guys support Die So Fluid quite recently and was amazed by their performance. Their debut album is due for a release this year and if the rest of the album sounds similar to the song I am talking about today I have absolutely nothing to worry about.

For fans of Depeche Mode and Die So Fluid

Find Dreams Divide on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and Soundcloud