Today whilst me and a friend sat in McDonalds eating we started to talk about music and one thing that came up was different bands that had flown off the musical radar. It got us thinking about what are they doing now and if they will ever make an appearance in the public eye again.
The first band that entered our minds were Liverpudlian alternative rock/soul quintet The Zutons; I remember each of their albums being particularly great and I have watched them perform a fantastic live show a few years ago. Their last album You Can Do Anything was released back in 2008; I think their best album for me was Tired Of Hanging Around. I do know that they have a new gutarist after Boyan Chowdhury left in 2007 due to musical differences and of course Amy Winehouse covered The Zutons hit song Valerie. I'm personally hoping they do make the make their way into the public eye again; they are truly a fantastic band. Here's my favourite song by them.
We also talked about the alternative rockers Rooster; I remember them very briefly and being particularly mad about their debut self titled album where the songs were very catchy. They also released Circles and Satellites; the album single Home I wasn't overly keen on to be honest but they have now split up due to difficulties with the record label and musical differences. However each band member are doing their own thing now such as being in the touring band with either Diana Vickers and Leona Lewis or part of bands.
I started to think about Evanescence too; they've been off the radar ever since Ben Moody left the band. Their album The Open Door wasn't great for me but Fallen was amazing; whether you like or hate Evanescence both of those albums earnt worldwide. From what I hear they are working on a new album that will be released this autumn; so they will definately making their mark in the limelight again.
I think I'll do this feature weekly; if you can think of any bands you love or would love to hear again that have gone of the music radar then please place a comment.
Hey guys; today I thought I'd write about about a local act who released their debut album this week. They are Southampton indie rockers til' Dusk with the album Cold Lust; listening to the sound it reminds of The Kooks jamming with The Stranglers. I really liked the sick guitar solo in Take A Shot; definately a hint of The Stranglers there. My personal favourite on the album would definately have to be Honey Just Walk It; the upbeat, feel good vibe that put the biggest grin on my face. I also have to say the title track Cold Lust has an impressive bluesy vibe, like the tune being played on the organ very muchly.
Overall a great debut album; with a fantastic variety of songs and hope to hear/see more from them soon.
Stand Out Tracks: Honey Just Walk It, Cold Lust and Round and Round
Note: The song in the video above is actually called Take A Shot not There Goes My
Ever since hearing about them I have been loving what Kerrang readers have voted 'best international newcomer' and after listening to this album I can definately see why they acheived this status. A variety of catchy but rather strong melodies are one of the elements that make this album special. Andy Biersack's voice is incredible, possibly one of my new favourite singers after listening to this album. I think this album is definately an escapist album which is brilliant; helping you forget any kind of stress and one of the things I love to do is to find anyway to escape the pressure reality seems to put on us today. My favourite tracks on the album are Fallen Angels and the heartfelt Saviour; I can imagine the song Fallen Angels being performed to a huge arena such as Wembley and getting the positive reception, a whole crowd shouting back WE SCREAM as a call and response effect. Saviour almost had me in tears; it's such a touching song, I also like the fact Andy uses screamo vocals near the end of the song. Caught me off guard I must say.
Overall a fantastic new album from 'best international newcomer' Black Veil Brides; unfortunately having missed them at Download this year I am happy to say I'll be seeing them in Southampton in October. Cannot wait for that.
Stand Out Tracks: Set The World On Fire, Fallen Angels and God Bless You
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.
Humla are a folk band I went to see recently at The Talking Heads in Southampton; I found out about this band via my friend Nora who is the lead singer and was intrigued. I'm glad I did go and see them, I love how Nora sang some of the songs in different languages such as Spanish and her native language Norwegian. I haven't always been that big on folk music in the past but I love songs that tell stories and that's what some of Humla's songs seem to do. I also love some of the melodies on the violin, I would definately pay to see them do a gig again.
I had been looking forward the release of this album from Scottish pirate rockers Alestorm since I heard the catchy song Shipwrecked; the song is very catchy and I love the piratey vibe, songs about rum and being trapped on a island lost at sea. I love how the opening track Back Through Time has the rough choppy sea effects followed by a pirate shouting to the captain about vikings invading; it then leads into a song about vikings stealing pirates treasure. After that opening track the album just kept getter better; I really love the song Scraping The Barrell, it sounds very much like a traditional sea shanty with a hint of rock. There is a song about Captain Jack Sparrow's favourite drink......actually a drink that all pirates adore, Rum; this song is indeed incredibly catchy and it explains how amazing rum is.
What's brilliant about this album is how the songs sound like the kind of tales you'd hear pirates sing yet they have the modern twist. It's also great to know there is a pirate rock genre out there and if you want a taste pirate rock then this is definately the album for you.
Stand Out Tracks: The Sunk'n Norwegian, Rum and Swashbuckled
This bands music I have always been very inspired by; I love the sound of Tomi Jousten's deep voice that also has a growl and the haunting, dark rock. Like a musical beast from the land of metal music (a.k.a Finland). After watching their amazing new video I had to listen to their brand new album. The opening song Battle For Light definately was a great choice to open the album; the enchanting piano entices you that then leads to the very heavy growls from Mr Jousten. The song You I Need I recognised immediately; that was the song they now have the video for so I was glad that was on the album. One of my personal favourites on the album is the song Escape; the intro definately gives a heroic sense to the song and I love the piano tune/riff whatever you'd like to call it.. I also liked the song On a Stranded Shore, it reminded me of a softer version of their previous Silent Waters
Overall a great album from the Finnish dark metallers; I also like the concept of this album too. It has also been announced Amorphis are to support Nightwish at their one off LA concert.
Stand out tracks: Battle For Light, Escape and Beginning Of Time
