The Uncarved Block
The Online magazine dedicated to Unsigned/Independent Label bands
Updated:27/11/24
Reviews and Interviews
Released 8th November 2024
As the title suggests, this album is full-on desert rock, but also leans heavily into the grunge/alt.rock kind of vibe to great effect. Obviously a lot of work has been put into creating and producing these songs, with two of the eight tracks coming in around the 11 minute mark. The band, hailing from Vienna in Austria, have pledged to take us on a journey with this record, and it truly evokes that fine balance between harsh danger and sublime beauty that the desert holds within it's boundaries. Yet the band demonstrate that they aren't simply dreamers lost in the jam, as the songs have real structure and each musical instrument and element is impressively mastered, which along side the brilliant production work, makes this an accomplished and mature piece of work.
Andy
Released 18th November 2024
Here we have some wonderful lo-fi psychedelic tracks and some laid back covers that make this live album a real treat. With plenty of homages to the Velvet Underground, sprinkled with Hendrix, Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd and even Nick Cave, this full recording of last year's gig doesn't fail to raise a smile, so I advise you to sit back with your relaxative of choice and allow yourself to escape into the Psychedelic Mayhem.
Andy
Released 1st November 2024
The long anticipated album from The Silent Era does not disappoint one bit.
A full-on, epic album drenched in distortion and overflowing with reverb/delay effects, the songs are powerful and well structured, skillfully pushing the boundaries of production to the limit.
The band consist of Bri Macanas on vocals, Chris Schwarten on guitars, bassist (and multi-instrumentalist) Nicolas Zappa and Jo Eiffes on drums. Musically this album crosses many genres that come under the alternative rock title, with subtle elements of industrial, shoe-gaze and goth/post-punk, all combining to mould their massive sound around the sublime vocals of Bri. The band explain that the songs "explore the darker side of human nature" but that doesn't mean it can be explained as a depressing or introverted piece of work; quite the contrary, as it is upbeat and confrontational, without being arrogant or crude. [My only criticism is that their record label/distributors have not made it available for digital download from non-streaming platforms. The band have assured us that this will soon be remedied, and we look forward to that!]
There is a real sense of scale in what they have achieved here: big songs and big production will leave you breathless and gasping for more.
Andy
Released 19th October 2024
So, we have a bit of a coup here, with a sneak preview of A.J Kaufmann's "Strange World Of" new album. Being someone that releases so much quality work in such a short space of time, we are lucky to have had the opportunity to listen to this album before release. And it is another great piece of work!
The songs are displayed like a collection of emotions and feelings that explore the complex map of the modern human psyche, encompassing the wide genre of influences in A.J. Kaufmann's strange world. And it is his distinct, echoing voice that ties these songs together, like that inner monologue narrating your mental journey through the tapestry of life's experiences.
There are songs that portray joy and sorrow, confusion and awe, paranoia and anticipation and even excitement and fear, all being kept from exploding into contradiction by the calm poetic ramblings of our host! Every disparate thread is held together under a psychedelic umbrella of swirling guitars and incessant drumming, that epitomises the trip we can beautifully describe as "The Strange World Of A.J.Kaufmann."
Look out for the album's release on October 19th
Andy
Released 17th August 2024
This is one of those surprise appearances that makes you sit up and listen. It is deep and dark, yet strangely playful and fun to experience. The personality of the band shines through (if you get a chance to watch the band live, you will see how much they are genuinely enjoying playing their songs to the audience!).
The bass is low and booming, the guitar is hard rocking and the drums are deliberately edgy, whilst the vocals sway from haunting and chilling to dark and piercing, like the ghost of a long forgotten mythical hero singing from behind the veil, without regret, calling out to the remnants of today to remember the flaws of the past, having experienced all forms of pleasure and pain beyond the grave. Your inquisitiveness will drag you deeper into their shadowy underworld and before you know it you are lost behind their musical spell. Sorcery For Beginners is only the first step. A true gem of an EP.
Andy
Released 3rd May 2024
The latest album from London-based Girls In Synthesis is a dark and brooding, yet energetic beast, unleashed into the world of uniform tediousness. It upholds that punk aggression of the extrovert but also embraces the gothic tendencies of the introvert, which is represented by the title "Sublimation" - their is no liquid inbetween state, we move from solid to gas in one explosion of musical delight.
Andy
Released 6th May 2024
This album is a raw, live performance of the band's rehearsal - all together in a small room at Unit One studios in Colchester UK. These guys are a solid, tight 4-piece that can really play. There's an honesty in their songs, a real "F@£k everything" aimed at the current music industry, which is commendable. There is a real nod to the old-school 90s hardcore rock combined with a touch of metal, with Sepultura style drumming and almost Pantera style riffing. Catchy hooks and a heavy blues vibe which even has elements of Tad or Soundgarden running through a couple of tracks. Even though this is a live recording it comes across well, and you get the feel that their gigs are immense and a lot of fun.
Kevin. M (guest reviewer)
Released 10th May 2024
We are once more blessed with the ethereal sounds of Shockpowder, with this album. After a couple of years of regular single releases, the band, headed by Joshua Colin Scurfield, has gathered together some excellent tracks to delight the senses. Influenced by the amalgamation of post-rock, shoegaze and even a touch of metal, the songs on offer flow from the speakers with ease, creating a soundscape that captures the emotions and questions the very fabric of our souls. The combination of driving guitars and haunting vocals creates a magical atmosphere which demands your respect. Another beautiful set of songs from this wonderful band.
Andy
Released 1st May 2024
If you haven't yet heard the music of Fairyport Convent then give this a try. Five songs of psychedelic/space/garage rock that onslaught your senses with a wall of sound, replete with delay and reverb that makes the songs swirl around your aura as you drift into a sublime musical trance. Once you get into the zone, you will understand the appeal of the music of A.J Kaufmann and appreciate the talent and creativity of this musician (for this is one of many projects headed by the Polish singer/songwriter). It's time to ditch the mainstream pop of the radio and delve into your own psyche with the music of Fairyport Convent. You can thank me later.
Andy
Released 3rd May 2024
Poland's finest doom/stoner/rock outfit Spaceslug return with another album of epic songs, sculpted in their familiar style, with heavy riffs interspersed with sublime guitar solos, and swirling vocals that test your emotions to their limit. And epic is not a word I use lightly with this band! They really know how to make their songs sound big and powerful, without overpowering with too many effects or production. They get the balance right, and the reward is an album that continues Spaceslug's dominance in this genre.
Andy
Released 5th April 2024
Another great single from one of our favourite and hard working rockers, Don't Cross The Line further demonstrates their song-writing credentials and excellent production values. Each member of the band shows mastery over their instruments, and the song shows intelligence as well as skill, making this another hit from the band.
Andy
Released 22nd March 2024
After a short break where singer and bassist Alice reunited with her previous band Mab, for a heavily anticipated set of gigs, AliceIsSleeping return with a powerful new single, symbolising their intent for the rest of the year. Once again the song is dominated by Alice's incredible vocals throughout this emotional blast of rock, calling on the entire band to pull out all of the stops to achieve another epic masterpiece.
Andy
Released 2nd February 2024
So the album has arrived from the mighty Troy The Band! This is a deep and intense album of dark moody songs, with sludgy guitars, floating vocals, with hard-hitting drums and thunderous basslines. I guess it could be classed as doom metal because of the tone, but the songs are very powerful and still accessible despite the heaviness of the production. Although I've yet to have the privilege of seeing them live, there is a real buzz around this band at the moment, which seems well deserved.
Andy
Released 19th January 2024
We are taken on an emotional, epic journey by Slift.....imagine if the gods of old were really extra-terrestrial visitors either aiding humanity or enslaving it behind worship.......this is a musical rendition of that introduction to the powerful gods, and the sudden collapse of that way of life, perhaps once the visitors left the planet to allow us to fend for ourselves........I know it's a crazy theory, but it really sums up the energy and drive of this latest Slift album. A real fantastical sonic journey into the imagination, opening up a multitude of possibilities. It is a long album, so sit back and enjoy.
Andy
Released 1st January 2024
The latest instrumental album from Argentina's Black Sky Giant is a creative cruise through the desert/psychedelic/stoner genre, with plenty of catchy riffs, mixed with driving grooves that make this album really accessible and listenable. Who needs vocals, anyway?
Andy
Released 12th January 2024
The latest single from Germany's solo musician/producer of new wave/goth style songs is another brooding, swirling trip into the darkness of heartache and missed opportunities. The single is full of emotion whilst holding on to the hope that things can get better, reflecting the mood of the music. Another fine release from Another Abyss.
Andy
Released 12th January 2024
This single from The Lunar Effect is a no nonsense, bluesy track that meanders through the intro, before exploding into heavy rock, with a continuous riff and powerful vocals dominating the song.
Andy
Released 13th January 2024
This is a powerful single from "London’s only (?) goth-leaning, industrial, shoegazey alt.rock band" that combines grizzly guitars and a heavy drum beat to produce a big sound, with sublime vocals floating above the wall of sound to great effect. The Bandcamp version comes with three interesting remixes of the single, plus another remix of a previous release. The band are apparently settling down to recording more songs and experimenting with their sound before bringing the new material to the stage. Can't wait to hear more, and see them live again.
Andy
Released 7th October 2023
Germany has produced yet another great psychedelic/desert/stoner rock band, and this album truly does justice to their contemporaries. I have had this album on repeat for a few weeks now, and can't get enough of the fuzz-heavy guitars and calm, dream-like vocals, with a wonderful growling bass that takes over on occasion to really scrape your senses from the gutter, before fantastic wailing solos lift you further into the sky. The songs are powered by fast-paced drumming, which keeps these songs interesting enough to leave us wanting more.
Andy
Released 8th December 2023
The Slow Cooked Bears have tried something new and daring for their latest release. They spent a day at Temple Studios in London, and recorded six tracks for this live album, and filmed themselves in the process (which can be found on their YouTube channel). Their true talent and musicianship was put on the line with this project and they have risen to the challenge with absolute supremacy! The album has that raw energy that is present in their live performances, yet showcases the precision of a studio recording. These six new songs demonstrate the depth of authentic songwriting in the band, and carry their energy into new avenues for us to enjoy. A wonderful experience.
Andy
Released 8th December 2023
Okay You Win have given us a raw and explosive seven track monster, with "Live From The Pit." The album begins dark and slow, then unwinds like a powerful beast, surging and growling into the depths of a mighty rocky cavern! It emerges with some epic moments of release, down and dirty riffs, wailing solo moments that cut through the deep and raunchy rhythm section, and vocals that add raw power and depth to the songs. Although the band have only been together less than a year, their oneness shines through in their live shows, and this album is indicative of that camaraderie, presented as a punch in the face that we all need to wake up to the talent that is out there in the underground clubs. This is one not to be missed, so go and see them live as soon as you get chance.
Andy
Released 3rd November 2023
The Lords of all things Pagan have returned with their third album exploring the ancient, earthly, wisdom of ancient folklore. The album builds on their trademark blend of classic rock, dark tones and folk imagination to bring us eight songs of awesome impact that never fail to lift the senses, whether we are soaring alongside the powerful riffs and guitar solos, or chanting in chorus to the wailing vocals, this album leaves a lasting legacy in your soul. Truly magical!
Andy
Released 3rd November 2023
And so HAWXX have finally graced us with a full blown album! Throughout the last four years of recording singles, and EPs, they have exploded onto the metal/rock scene with some high action, quality appearances and plenty of big name interest (radio stations, music brands and magazines, etc). The culmination of their experiences has steered us to this album - one that forces itself into your psyche with big guitar and bass riffs, amazing solos, stunningly assured drumming and powerfully emotive vocals. The group have really pulled out all the stops with "Earth, Spit, Blood And Bone", tying together some of their previous hit singles along with some new and poignant album tracks, sculpting an LP that shouts out to be heard repeatedly and truly listened too. This isn't just background music to a mosh pit, this is serious "stand up and be counted" musicianship. A fantastic journey into morality and self fulfillment wrapped into an epic collection of songs. So, turn it up loud and prepare to be blown away!
Andy
Video Selection
Released September 2024
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And the people must have something to which they can attach themselves: exhibit the unadorned and embrace the uncarved block, have little thought of self and as few desires as possible.
"Tao Te Ching" by Lao Tzu
The nature of Uncarved Blocks is how to describe what's hard to describe
"Shotgun" by Paul Draper (Mansun)
So, just what is "The Uncarved Block" all about?
Well, you would be fooled into thinking that “rock” music in the UK was dead. If the judges on these reality TV programs had their way, that would be the case!
But thankfully, the passion and creativity of musicians has never wavered, and although the major record labels ignore the talent out there, more and more bands are finding the resources to record and advertise their own work. Social media and specific websites are blooming with new music, and bands continue to gig relentlessly to display their creations.
So this is where The Uncarved Block comes in. We aim to champion these bands that are ignored by the mainstream. This digital magazine is devoted to those hard working musicians, giving honest reviews and helping the listener/reader to find new music.
We hope you find our reviews and interviews interesting and enlightening. Any and all feedback is most welcome
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