2022 Archive

Screamin' Irene

Album: About Face

How about throwing a multitude of styles of rock music into one album? Sounds like it might be a bit an overload? Well, not for Screamin' Irene. In fact, "About Face" is a veritable "The Bends" (by Radiohead) kind of an album. And that is no idle comparison: the band displays heavy classic rock ("Low" and "Dare"), grunge (album opener "Reign" and "Monster"), Alt.rock (such as the schizophrenic loud/quiet Pixies-esque split of "About Face"), pop (the first single "The Wire" and the eastern-mystic feeling "Postcards"), indie ("Bleach, Blood and Bone"), blues ("Hands"), and they even throw in some metal ("Paradise") whilst maintaining their own personal style. Seb's powerful vocals compliment his aggressive guitar style, with some expertly convoluted bass riffs oozing from the hands of Casey, that all flows through the intricate and often syncopated drum stylings of Dan, making this a massive gem of a rock album. Go on, treat yourself and indulge!

Andy

Wynona Bleach

Album: Moonsoake

The debut album from Belfast's indie/alt-pop sensations, Wynona Bleach, was a long time coming (recording it right before the global lockdowns were imposed, and followed by a shortage of available vinyl pressing), but definitely worth the wait! With such a vast back-catalogue of singles and EPs behind them, the band has produced an album that continues that high energy, dream-like vibe with twelve brilliant tracks that never fail to uplift and enliven. Just before the release the band were signed by the Fierce Panda record label, with the album already completed after recording it in an abandoned warehouse in Portugal!
This is one of those albums that is a must for your music collection.

Andy

Melting Palms

ALBUM: Noise Between The Shades

Germany's indie/alternative pop sensations Melting Palms offer up their second LP consisting of 12 beautifully crafted songs, at once both delicate and impactful. Following their sublime "Abyss" album was always going to be a tall order, but the band succeeds in emulating those lofty spires of emotive perfection. There are moments of melancholic introversion alongside inspiring, soaring tales of hope. The tender vocals and delay-drenched guitars invoke a post-punk element, but the energy brought by the drums and bass give the tracks an expansive, heart-wrenching pull that'll have you drifting into a blissful daydream.
Just pure, wonderful escapism encapsulated in one album!

Andy

Somali Yacht Club

ALBUM: The Space

The third LP from Ukraine band Somali Yacht Club continues with their epic, creative song writing, mixing dreamlike and heavy soundscapes, to create another high quality set of songs. The deep rhythm section of Artur on Bass and Lesyk on drums provide the deep, darkened background for the guitars of Ihor to cut through like the proverbial butter knife. Ihor also provides the vocals, which are set back in the mix to give a real psychedelic feel to the songs, full of reverb and delay. This is an album that really fills "The Space" in between the light and dark, and is at times melancholic, introverted yet uplifting and inspirational.

Andy

Bumblebees

ALBUM: Paper Boat

Swiss indie-pop maestros Bumblebees return with this, their third collection, to delight us in 2022. This time around they have added a more dance-like vibe by adding new wave and electro pop elements into the mix. But the dreamy soundscapes still remain, often exploding into a flurry of guitars or a wall of synth tones, yet never losing that delicate edge that floats them above their more heavy contemporaries. There are no second rate songs presented on this album; each song holds it's own against the rest, showcasing the band's exquisite song writing abilities, and that delicate edge that is reflected in the album's title "Paper Boat."

Andy

Gramma Vedetta

ALBUM: The Hum Of The Machine

This is a truly accomplished album of great rock tunes and some masterful musicianship. After a couple of well sculpted EPs, Gramma Vedetta's first full album sets their own bar even higher. Bursting with single releases such as A Chance To Win The Orb, Starlight Portal Show, Robots For War and Transmission, it also contains some hidden gems such as the incessantly powerful Future Of The Past and the title track itself. For fans of classic rock, this album is a real treat. Marco's booming bass echoes beneath the growling riffage of Dan's dialed-in Les Paul, whilst the drumming fills the speakers. An epic recording all round!

Andy

Psychlona

ALBUM: Palo Verde

The third offering from psychedelic rockers Psychlona builds on their "stoner" roots that have been demonstrated in their previous releases, giving yet more structure to a genre that can fall foul of losing itself in endless experimentation (which in itself isn't a bad thing, by the way!); no, here are eight fully formed rock tunes with plenty of fuzz guitars and gas guzzling basslines. There is something about Psychlona that just suits that American psych rock scene so it is no surprise to learn that the band has spent plenty of time touring in the USA, where they are rightfully loved. There is so much swagger and gut-punching power to these tracks that fill the speakers with a swirling, euphoric fantasy-drenched light-speed trip into the realms of the imagination.

Andy

Desert Clouds

ALBUM: Planexit

Dark rockers Desert Clouds have given us this immensely well thought out album through Independent label Mandrone Records, released in early in 2022. Their song writing ability has grown through the years to reach the lofty heights provided by "Planexit." It is a deep masterpiece of tonal rock that mixes elements of grunge, goth and psychedelia; it even nods a knowledgeable head towards 60s bands like The Doors. The twin guitar onslaught of Val and David creates such an atmospheric layering that is the grounding for the songs, whilst David's deep vocals tantalisingly drench the listener with a honey layer that is luscious and mouth-watering. Then the added layers of Julius' oozing bass guitar and Andrea's drums are employed to flood your senses with emotion and inspiration. This album means business and only a fool would ignore the power of these songs!

Andy

Novacrow

Album: Look At Me Now

Liverpool's hard working Novacrow have finally released their debut album after years of incessant touring and a string of singles/videos under their belt. "Look At Me Now" is an eclectic rock album, incorporating a wide variety of elements from the genre. Written, recorded and mixed throughout the lockdown years, the band's vision has produced something quite unique and inspiring that skillfully demonstrates their accomplished musicianship. By incorporating synths, strings, brass sections, gang vocals, theremins and congas, plus a plethora of guest performances, they have strengthened the fullness and broad scope of this DIY album to fully achieve their vision. Three of the thirteen tracks have already been released as singles ("Hollow Armour," "Day Break," and "Medusa Medusa").

Andy

ExpiatoriA

ALBUM: Shadows

When I read "Doom Metal" in the description for this album I must admit that, having no knowledge of (or love for) the modern metal scene, I began to listen with dread. However, my caution was unnecessary - after the first few chords of "When Darkness Falls" we fall into the classic style of big riffs and wailing solos that made the style so popular in the first place. This is a rip-roaring journey into a fantasy of epic proportions that engulfs you in a wave of power chords, heavy bass, choral keyboards and the deep, swirling intense vocals of David Kreig. He explains: "My lyrics deal with the concept of mystery and the dark side of things, where "dark" doesn't necessarily mean "bad" or "evil"... but just hidden". The solos and key changes do the genre proud, and this is one of those albums you need to play loud and be proud!

Treeboy & Arc

ALBUM: Life Preserver

This is a jaunty album from the Leeds' collective Treeboy & Arc, in a similar vein to their contemporaries Yard Act. Foot-tapping beats with addictive basslines and driving guitar riffs keep these songs enjoyably rolling along, whilst the vocals force you to listen and take note. Although this was originally released as a four track EP in 2021, the band have re-released this extended edition with a couple of alternative mixes, a cover version and another demo, which add variety and experimental depth to the album.

Andy

Slow Cooked Bear We'll Never Be Apart single

Slow Cooked Bears

SINGLE: We'll Never Be Apart

The Slow Cooked Bears third official single sees them display their emotional and romantic side with distinct skill and flair. It begins with James' tantalising guitar arpeggios and Hyun-su's trademark rumbling bass, giving a sense of urgency, before Josh's rhythmic, marching drum beat carries the song through the delicate and heartfelt verse, into the soaring chorus. This well structured love song demonstrates another side to the band's armoury of writing credentials that set them apart from many of their contemporaries. And it won't take long before the chorus gets stuck in your head and you find yourself waking up in the morning with it playing through your private "brain stereo" (I speak from experience, here!) Actually it has the strong potential to be a future wedding "first dance" track. So there we have it, yet another excellent release from those talented Bears. Check it out asap!

Andy

New Pagans

SINGLE: Better People

The latest single from Belfast's New Pagans is a delicious slice of indie-pop that just ticks all the right boxes: beautiful vocals, rolling basslines, galloping drums and jangly guitars all interweaving into an uplifting tune.

Andy

Earth Tongue

SINGLE: Miraculous Death

New Zealand's alternative rockers provide us with another stylish piece of unique weirdness. The duo expertly intertwine their growling guitar and dynamic drum beats around the playful vocals.

Andy

Shockpowder

SINGLE: Amberfrost

The year of 2022 has been a constructive one for Joshua Scurfield, the creative force behind Shockpowder. After the decimation of the government lock-downs saw the rest of the band move on, Joshua has continued onward producing one EP and numerous singles, of which Amberfrost is the eighth so far! This offering continues the atmospheric shoe-gaze style of guitar work that has made Shockpowder stand out from it's contemporaries. Amberfrost has a well crafted, lofty air to it, that floats like snowflakes in the icy sky. The haunting vocals swirl around the incessant guitars, both chilling and warming in equal measures. Another beautiful production that shows the depth of talent that Joshua possess.

Andy

Shockpowder

SINGLE: The Ghost In Spring

The ninth single of 2022, from Joshua Scurfield's Shockpowder, is another wonderful whirlwind of guitars and haunting vocals, pushed along by the unrelenting bassline, whilst the fragile melody refuses to be broken however much pressure is applied by the drums. Another great song to grace our playlists.

Andy

Plastic Barricades

Single: Lucid In The Fall

This is the first single from the forthcoming third album from Plastic Barricades (the brainchild of London based singer/songwriter Dan Kert). It is a delightful, uplifting tune (much in the vein of 90s era Lightning Seeds or Teenage Fanclub) that questions that human obsession with having to buy the latest and best that consumerism has to offer, but with an optimistic outlook as we learn to break free from the bonds of greed and adopt a better approach to our world.
We look forward to more tunes like this when the new album "We Stayed Indoors" is released.

Andy

Weekend Recovery

SINGLE: Chemtrails

Chemtrails is a catchy, upbeat tune with dance moves to match (see their "Official Video"). Driven along by a funky bass line and drums, the song has an alt.pop feel, tinged with post-punk/new wave elements, complete with a spoken word verse inserted in the midst, and garage-rock style guitar riffs throughout. The title hints at a confrontation with the mainstream media: social commentary, questioning the way the media and Big Tech control the narratives of our everyday lives. The band has plenty of interest with "airplay from Steve Lamacq BBC 6 Music, John Kennedy Radio X, BBC Intro, Charlie Ashcroft Amazing Radio, Johnny Doom at Kerrang! Radio, Wyatt Wendels Planet Rock, KEXP and by Rodney Bingenheimer Sirius XM, broadcasting nationally in the US." This is the first single from their upcoming album "Esoteric" which will be out in May 2023.

Andy

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