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The Uncarved Block
The Magazine dedicated to Unsigned
and Independent-Label bands
Past Archives
Check out our previous reviews and interviews from 2022
Check out our previous reviews from 2021
Check out our previous reviews from 2020
Check out our previous reviews from 2019
Click here to see our 2020 Single reviews
2023 Reviews
2023 Archive
The Slow Cooked Bears
Album: Dawn To Dusk
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
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
Okay You Win
Album: Live From The Pit
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 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
Green Lung
Album: This Heathen Land
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
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
HAWXX
Album: Earth Spit Blood Bones
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
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
Troy The Band
Single: Flesh Wound
Released 1st November 2023
After the massive success of their EP "The Blissful Unknown" in 2022, Troy The Band have returned to the studio to record an album, entitled "Cataclysm" in order to maintain that momentum. This single doesn't disappoint, and continues their unique style of dark and fuzz-heavy rock, with a growling intro, as moody as black tar, but as sickly sweet as dark treacle. The vocals swirl around, like a hot spoon into the mix, adding some lightness to the density, alongside warbling guitar solos that slice through the flesh of the song. This is a heavy, thick, delicious, taste of what is to come from Troy The Band, and we cannot wait to indulge further in their chunky delights.
Andy
Released 1st November 2023
After the massive success of their EP "The Blissful Unknown" in 2022, Troy The Band have returned to the studio to record an album, entitled "Cataclysm" in order to maintain that momentum. This single doesn't disappoint, and continues their unique style of dark and fuzz-heavy rock, with a growling intro, as moody as black tar, but as sickly sweet as dark treacle. The vocals swirl around, like a hot spoon into the mix, adding some lightness to the density, alongside warbling guitar solos that slice through the flesh of the song. This is a heavy, thick, delicious, taste of what is to come from Troy The Band, and we cannot wait to indulge further in their chunky delights.
Andy
Dirty Sound Magnet
Album: Dreaming In Dystopia
Released 20th October 2023
The latest album from Dirty Sound Magnet draws more on their psychedelic influences and has steered away from the heavy blues/rock style of their previous album DSM-III. This album has a more gentle and playful feel, whilst still maintaining their skillful approach to writing. There are still those elements of questioning, with a subtle tongue-in-cheek commentary on society, but it entertainingly harks back to that 1960s style quirkiness. However the album still feels modern, and contemporary as the band explore further strings to their stylistic bow. This album may bring together both the dreamy visions of a desired future, with the fears for a dystopian nightmare that we are facing, but never fails to raise a smile in the process, taking it all in the band's stride. Sit back and let the world pass you by!
Andy
Released 20th October 2023
The latest album from Dirty Sound Magnet draws more on their psychedelic influences and has steered away from the heavy blues/rock style of their previous album DSM-III. This album has a more gentle and playful feel, whilst still maintaining their skillful approach to writing. There are still those elements of questioning, with a subtle tongue-in-cheek commentary on society, but it entertainingly harks back to that 1960s style quirkiness. However the album still feels modern, and contemporary as the band explore further strings to their stylistic bow. This album may bring together both the dreamy visions of a desired future, with the fears for a dystopian nightmare that we are facing, but never fails to raise a smile in the process, taking it all in the band's stride. Sit back and let the world pass you by!
Andy
The Rhubarb
Album: Symptom Of Failure
Released 24th March 2023
"We're all doomed!" If Private Frazer from Dad's Army (played by John Laurie) were still alive, this would arguably be his favourite album! The Rhubarb are a four-piece from Glasgow, and describe their sound as stoner/doom with psychedelic tendencies. Sean Macguire shares the vocals with bassist Hannah White and the combination is like fairy liquid cutting through oil; the dark grizzly male voice feeding the heavy fuzz-drenched guitar (played by Michael McConville) whilst the "Liz Fraser" (Cocteau Twins) style choral vocals of Hannah just slice through the denseness with ease. This makes much of this album delightfully unsettling, with that juxtaposition of monsters and angels always tugging at your senses. The deep and primordial drumming of Jack Donnelly keeps the songs thundering along, complete with tempo changes and double bass-pedal flurries that maintain the sense of foreboding, yet still leaves us anticipating their next move. The stunning production work by Kevin Hare (Deep Storm Studios) adds depth and thickness to the music, whilst allowing enough space for the contrasting vocals to shine through. This album is at times gloriously haunting, moody and intimidating, but also invigorating, with some moments even feeling like a religious experience anticipating the rapture! So, close the curtains, turn off the lights and sit back whilst The Rhubarb takes you on a journey of contemplation. And there are some killer guitar solos thrown in too!
Andy
Released 24th March 2023
"We're all doomed!" If Private Frazer from Dad's Army (played by John Laurie) were still alive, this would arguably be his favourite album! The Rhubarb are a four-piece from Glasgow, and describe their sound as stoner/doom with psychedelic tendencies. Sean Macguire shares the vocals with bassist Hannah White and the combination is like fairy liquid cutting through oil; the dark grizzly male voice feeding the heavy fuzz-drenched guitar (played by Michael McConville) whilst the "Liz Fraser" (Cocteau Twins) style choral vocals of Hannah just slice through the denseness with ease. This makes much of this album delightfully unsettling, with that juxtaposition of monsters and angels always tugging at your senses. The deep and primordial drumming of Jack Donnelly keeps the songs thundering along, complete with tempo changes and double bass-pedal flurries that maintain the sense of foreboding, yet still leaves us anticipating their next move. The stunning production work by Kevin Hare (Deep Storm Studios) adds depth and thickness to the music, whilst allowing enough space for the contrasting vocals to shine through. This album is at times gloriously haunting, moody and intimidating, but also invigorating, with some moments even feeling like a religious experience anticipating the rapture! So, close the curtains, turn off the lights and sit back whilst The Rhubarb takes you on a journey of contemplation. And there are some killer guitar solos thrown in too!
Andy
Sound Of Smoke
Album: PHASES
Released 24th February 2023
German rock bands have been leading the way in the stoner/doom/desert-rock genres for many years now, but here we have Sound Of Smoke displaying a more hippy, psychedelic blues edge. Hailing from Freiburg, the band consists of Isabelle Bapte (vocals and keyboards), Jens Stover (guitar), Florian Kiefer (bass) and Johannes Braunstein (drums).
The vast atmosphere created by the band throughout this album is stunning, with jangling guitar riffs crying out (interspersed with cyclical solos), over luscious, catchy bass-lines and almost jazz-like, expertly laid-back drum patterns. The cherry on the top of the cake, is undoubtedly the soft yet powerful vocals from Isabelle, who effortlessly sings us a delicate lullaby before breaking into an ecstatic choral embrace. The eleven songs on offer all stand strong, with each having their own ambience and vibe that summons the summer sun into view, wherever and whenever you may be listening. The tone and feel of this album just seems immaculate, with all the instruments weaving the perfect tapestry of music, finished off by the intricate embroidery of the vocals, giving us an exquisite collection of songs that I will be continually going back to again and again!
Andy
Released 24th February 2023
German rock bands have been leading the way in the stoner/doom/desert-rock genres for many years now, but here we have Sound Of Smoke displaying a more hippy, psychedelic blues edge. Hailing from Freiburg, the band consists of Isabelle Bapte (vocals and keyboards), Jens Stover (guitar), Florian Kiefer (bass) and Johannes Braunstein (drums).
The vast atmosphere created by the band throughout this album is stunning, with jangling guitar riffs crying out (interspersed with cyclical solos), over luscious, catchy bass-lines and almost jazz-like, expertly laid-back drum patterns. The cherry on the top of the cake, is undoubtedly the soft yet powerful vocals from Isabelle, who effortlessly sings us a delicate lullaby before breaking into an ecstatic choral embrace. The eleven songs on offer all stand strong, with each having their own ambience and vibe that summons the summer sun into view, wherever and whenever you may be listening. The tone and feel of this album just seems immaculate, with all the instruments weaving the perfect tapestry of music, finished off by the intricate embroidery of the vocals, giving us an exquisite collection of songs that I will be continually going back to again and again!
Andy
Jonny Smokes
Interview:
3rd April 2023
As part of our first "Feature Article" which will be about DIY/home recordings (coming soon!) we interview the multi-talented producer/musician/singer Jonny Smokes, who sheds some light on his influences, styles tips for getting the best out of recording your music. Click the link below for the full interview:
3rd April 2023
As part of our first "Feature Article" which will be about DIY/home recordings (coming soon!) we interview the multi-talented producer/musician/singer Jonny Smokes, who sheds some light on his influences, styles tips for getting the best out of recording your music. Click the link below for the full interview:
New Pagans
Album: Making Circles Of Our Own
Released 17th February 2023
Belfast's New Pagans have produced a truly beautiful album here, with "Making Our Own Circles" displaying their continued ability to write uplifting and inspiring pop songs. They write with intelligence and finesse, avoiding the standard verse/chorus approach, whilst maintaining the self-enclosed structure that keeps each song separate and original. The core of the inspiring feel to this album is the expeditious drum work of Conor McAuley, combined with the assured bass of Claire Miskimmin, which provide the perfect backdrop for the twin guitar rush of Cahir O'Doherty and Allan McGreevy, interweaving melodies and subtle effects to achieve a musical tapestry. To complete the composition we have the sublime vocals of Lyndsey McDougall that permeate your senses, sweeping you into some romantic idyll, crowning this wonderful musical ensemble. Where their fantastic debut LP had brief moments of introspective melancholy mixed in, this album shines with optimism and hope, breaking through the clouds into a sunny sky above.
Andy
Released 17th February 2023
Belfast's New Pagans have produced a truly beautiful album here, with "Making Our Own Circles" displaying their continued ability to write uplifting and inspiring pop songs. They write with intelligence and finesse, avoiding the standard verse/chorus approach, whilst maintaining the self-enclosed structure that keeps each song separate and original. The core of the inspiring feel to this album is the expeditious drum work of Conor McAuley, combined with the assured bass of Claire Miskimmin, which provide the perfect backdrop for the twin guitar rush of Cahir O'Doherty and Allan McGreevy, interweaving melodies and subtle effects to achieve a musical tapestry. To complete the composition we have the sublime vocals of Lyndsey McDougall that permeate your senses, sweeping you into some romantic idyll, crowning this wonderful musical ensemble. Where their fantastic debut LP had brief moments of introspective melancholy mixed in, this album shines with optimism and hope, breaking through the clouds into a sunny sky above.
Andy
A.J. Kaufmann
Interview:
28th February 2023
As part of our first "Feature Article" which will be about DIY/home recordings (coming soon!) we interview the prolific and multi-talented singer/songwriter/poet A.J. Kaufmann, who sheds some light on his influences, styles and modes of recording. Click the link below for the full interview:
28th February 2023
As part of our first "Feature Article" which will be about DIY/home recordings (coming soon!) we interview the prolific and multi-talented singer/songwriter/poet A.J. Kaufmann, who sheds some light on his influences, styles and modes of recording. Click the link below for the full interview:
Mellow Beast
Interview:
28th February 2023
As part of our first "Feature Article" which will be about DIY/home recordings (coming soon!) we interview the talented singer/song-writer and creative mastermind behind Mellow Beast, Paul Scott, who tells us all about his influences, creative processes and recording tricks used to create the psychedelic world of Hyperion.
Click the link below for the full interview:
28th February 2023
As part of our first "Feature Article" which will be about DIY/home recordings (coming soon!) we interview the talented singer/song-writer and creative mastermind behind Mellow Beast, Paul Scott, who tells us all about his influences, creative processes and recording tricks used to create the psychedelic world of Hyperion.
Click the link below for the full interview:
2023 Video Selection
Video Selection
Gramma Vedetta "The General Magnetic and the Spanish Wormhole"
The Slow Cooked Bears "Wanderlust"
Argonaut "The Vulnerables"
King Buffalo "Live At Burning Man 2022"
The Slow Cooked Bears "Lies"
Green Lung "Hunters In The Sky"
HAWXX "Death Makes Sisters Of Us All"
The Slow Cooked Bears "Not Selling Sex"
Junction 28 "Dark Thoughts"
Yur Mum "New Beginnings"
Another Abyss "Everything Means Nothing"
Imaginary Dreamers "Right Before You"
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