Gig review: THE TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT – NQ Live,Manchester, 8 March 2013

The Temperance Movement, NQ Live,Manchester 13 March 2013

Planet Rock Presents was always going to be a great night and that was evident before we arrived at the venue as it was already sold out. This was due to the quality of the bands on tonight and that Planet Rock DJ Paul Anthony had been plugging the gig for weeks.

We met up with Paul before the show and while I know how much he does push live music
and gigs it was evident in his conversation just how pasionate he was about supporting live music.

Slam Cartel, NQ Live,Manchester 13 March 2013

First to hit the stage were Slam Cartel, I didnt know a lot about the them but their style of hard rock was a wake up call for the crowd tonight.

Giles Van Lane(vocals), Marc Neudeck(bass), Tommy Hendriksen (guitar), Steve Campkin (drums), Adam Lee(keyboards,guitars), Terence Warville (guitar), have been together three years and have been touring on the back of their “Handful of Dreams” album released in 2011. With festival slots at Sonisphere 2011 and Hammerfest 2012 these guys are pushing to get it big and with a sound like there’s its only a matter of time.

Fighting Wolves, NQ Live,Manchester 13 March 2013

Fighting Wolves were next up. We had seen these guys a few times before at Cambridge Rock Festival and support to St Jude in 2011. The set tonight was by far the best we have heard them play. They are Paul Blue (Guitar,Vocals), Danny Martin, Jake Leigh and Andy Duke. Their sound is Rock and in a similar vein to Foo Fighters with big punchy riffs and lyrics. The single “One Minute More” released 2011 had good air play on Planet Rock and a set at Download in the same year. Another talented band that maybe, off the back of upcoming dates, will get more of the recognition they deserve.

The Temperance Movement, NQ Live,Manchester 13 March 2013

We had waited over six months to see The Temperance Movement play, they had been playing in London and getting great reviews but seemed not to want to break the ties and get some more dates until finally this date was announced.

The Temperance Movement are Phil Campbell (Vocals), Nick Fyffe (Bass), Luke Potashnick (Guitar) , Paul Sayer (Guitar) and Damon Wilson (Drums) and together produce some of the best sounding blues/rock music out there at present.

As individuals they have played with, and been part of, some great bands but when they came together to form The Temperance Movement with the blistering vocals of Phil as a focal point they are bound for higher places. Some liken their sound to The Black Crowes but to my ears it’s distinctively their own and it seems the audience tonight agree.

The Temperance Movement,NQ Live,Manchester,13 March 2013

The place is sold out and the crowd having already had the pleasure of listening to two damm fine bands already tonight are up and waiting to be blown away.

With songs like “Aint No Telling” a slower bluesy track that balances the rough gravelly
vocals with the blistering guitar licks to the slower “Pride” which is heading towards the blues country sound and again shows the fine balancing between the vocals and the delicately phrased instruments.

“Only Friend” is another rocky blues riff driven song, I swear that during this song the roughness of the vocals was peeling the paint off the walls. The show tonight was all that I could have expected and the band definitely lived up to expectations.

To top it all they had time for all those who stayed round to get the EP signed and wanted photos. They have just announced a series of live dates that take them round the country and have bagged a support slot with The Rivals Sons in Cambridge show. If you want tickets I would get in there quick as they will be sold out.

It was an amazing evening of music and, as I said, it’s great to see a venue sold out and three excellent bands wowing the crowd.  Keeping it live and keeping it real.

Review and photos by Simon Dunkerley

 


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 8 March 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Quick plays: SPIDER ROCKETS, MY SOLILOQUY, RAGE OF ANGELS, SHANNON, STALA & SO

Spider Rockets – Bitten (SPV)

Spider Rockets hail from New Jersey and produce hard rock with classic rock and, to a lesser degree, punk elements.  “Bitten” is the outfit’s third release.

What you get is a modern take of in-you-face rock, heavy riffs with lyrics blurted out by Helena Cos which would make Joan Jett proud.  While there is generally a sameness to the album, there is a track or two which deviates from the norm (“Bring me around” comes to mind) providing some depth to the listening experience.

Good, straight up hard rock…concentrating more on attitude than melody.  A good album to drive to.

****

Nick van der Meulen

 

 

 

 

My Soliloquy – The Interpreter (Sensory)

My Soliloquy is a British band formed in 2002 by multi-instrumentalist Pete Morten.  While Morten has gained a reputation playing for Threshold, My Soliloquy has been put on hold – until now.  “The Interpreter” is the outfit’s debut release.

The music is well-presented, but I find its progressiveness does not come naturally and feels forced – just to be different.  While the production is good and one can’t fault the musicians, overall the work didn’t inspire me to want to play it a second time.  While I did make the effort, my initial feeling prevailed.

For fans of Threshold (Morten plays for the band) and, possibly, Dream Theater.

***

Nick van der Meulen

 

 

 

 

Rage of Angels – Dreamworld (Escape music)

Rage of Angels is the brainchild of original Ten keyboard player Ged Rylands. Part Ten, part Harem Scarem, part Tyketto, this work has a host of guests to add their influences, with stunning results.

While there are a number of guest vocalists in Matti Alfonzinetti, Harry Hess, Robert Hart, Danny Vaughn and Ralf Scheepers to name a few, the guitar delivery on this work is what comes to the fore.  Superb work from Neil Fraser, along with Vinny Burns, Tommy Denander, Ralph Santolla, Martin Kronlud and Xander Demos ensure that their melodic-driven, heavy-riffing guitars are dripping over each song and coming through as strongly as each sterling vocal effort.

The work performed on this project took a lot of effort, with great songs, melodies, soaring vocals and wailing guitars.  Highly recommended.

****1/2

Nick van der Meulen

Speaking To Stones – Elements (Lion Music)

Speaking To Stones is an American progressive metal outfit headed by guitarist Tony Vinci.  “Elements” is the band’s second release, six years after their self-titled debut.

Five elements are described: Fire, wind, water, earth and Quinta Essentia and this forms a narrative which can be described as complex and technical, symphonic, heavy, melodic, yet with a crisp production that does each musician justice in their endeavours.

It is a marathon listen, with only five tracks to be had.  Dramatic, exquisitely performed, it is well worth it, but it is a type of album you have to make an appointment to settle down with it uninterrupted.

****1/4

Nick van der Meulen

W.E.T. – Rise up (Frontiers)

W.E.T. had a problem leading up to the recording of their new album “Rise up”: how on earth do you top what is regarded as one of the, if not THE, best AOR album of all time?  As ever, Jeff Scott Soto and the boys gave it their best shot.

As ever, Soto does a sterling job to deliver what can only be described as AOR of the highest order.  Each song beautifully crafted and melodic, no fan of the genre can walk away disappointed – but is just doesn’t quite match the band’s debut effort.

Nonetheless, an essential addition to any AOR fan’s collection.

****1/2

Nick van der Meulen

Shannon – Circus of Lost Souls (Mad Association)

Shannon is known for playing melodic hard rock, made evident with their debut release in 2003, where they were hailed for their 80’s sounding U.S. melodic rock style.  “Circus of lost souls” is the outfit’s third release, following the highly-rated “Angel in disguise” in 2007.

The album has wonderful, catchy tunes based on synth-grooved 80’s anthemic rock.  Not entirely sold on vocalist Olivier Del Valle’s performance, though: while the harder-edged songs he pulls off with aplomb (as well as the ballad), he sounds very nasal in the mid-tempo cuts, leaving me in two minds whether I like his style or not.  He is bolstered with the talents of Harry Hess (Harem Scarem) and Tony Mills (TNT) on a song or two, while Paul Sabu lends a hand with a few guitar riffs.

The music on this work is killer and for that this is an album worth investigating.

****
Nick van der Meulen

Stala & So – Play another round (Escape Music)

Stala & So returns with their upbeat melodic glam rock following the release of their brilliant debut “It is so” in 2011.

This album is brilliant in its simplicity.  The band aims to make upbeat rock music and they do just that: simple, melodic, sing-a-long ditties that have a tendency of sticking in your head and having you humming the songs hours after you’ve heard them.

Melodic glam rock at its best.  Buy it if you see it.

****1/2

Nick van der Meulen

Jorn – Symphonic (Frontiers)

Jorn returns with another album but, again, not one containing original recordings.  Instead, the Norwegian records a selection of 14 songs with a symphony orchestra.

This idea is hardly original, with Metallica and Scorpions revamping their songs in a similar manner over ten years ago…but Jorn’s is a bit different.  Yes, they are rehashed songs from Jorn’s discography, but these are more in the vein of hard rock songs played by a rock band and filled with symphonic strings to add to the sound – instead of the symphony orchestra taking main stage.  Jorn’s voice is arguably the most powerful voice in rock at present and he has been known to let it get out of hand.  In this work, however, it is powerful yet restrained, demonstrating that the man with the powerhouse voice also has finesse.

A remarkable piece of work worthy of your attention.

****1/2

Nick van der Meulen

David Caron – Thru Ever Ending Black (GMG)

David Caron is an English musician who focusses on the guitar and works his compositions around the instrument.  This is his debut release – released in March 2012.

This is an unusual release, in that it has no fewer than 28 tracks!  The promotion copy has 15 tracks to consider, which makes reviewing this work a little difficult.  Nonetheless, what does come through is that Caron writes solid songs with an 80’s pop rock sound (much along the lines of James Reyne and the like).  There is a definite familiarity to the sound and voice, not unpleasantly, but there is a sameness to each song on offer – you know what you’re going to get.

This is not going to blow your socks off, but it is very good pop rock in the 80’s-era vein.  If that’s what you’re in the mood for, give this a listen.

***1/2

Nick van der Meulen

OSADA VIDA – Particles

Metal Mind Productions

This is the Polish prog rock band’s fourth studio album and they now have a permanent vocalist in Marek Majewski (ex-Acute Mind). It needs a few plays to fully absorb it all and like all good music it is well worth the effort. They recall at times Marillion, Riverside and Yes yet they have their own distinct sound as can be heard on ‘Stronger’ where the listener gets a musical ride and one of the more straight ahead songs on the album, with a whiff of 70′s rock about it. ‘Shut’ may put some off as it features a guest growler, although the keyboards heavy backing is a treat.

An enjoyable listen and they do a fine version of Metallica’s ‘Master Of Puppets’. Check out the samples on their website and I am pretty sure you will end up buying the album.

****

Jason Ritchie


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 8 March 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: DEVILLE – Hydra

Small Stone Records www.smallstone.com

There is definitely something good in the water in Sweden as not only do they produce a stream of top notch melodic rock and 70′s influenced acts, they have been producing some top draw modern rock bands like Deville. Deville are onto this their third album and its safe to say if you enjoy the vocals of Dave Grohl and the riffs of Queens of the Stone Age you will adore this album.

Between them the two guitarists, Andreas Bengsston (who also sings) and Martin Hambitzer, produce wave after wave of fine riffs. Add in the restrained but heavy drumming from Markus Nilsson and pounding bass of Markus Akesson and you know the album is going to be one for repeated spins. The opening trio of ‘Lava’, ‘Iron Fed’ (a Sabbath song title if ever there was one!) and ‘In Vain’ are worth getting the CD for on their own merit. Great choruses, grooving backing and the in your face vocals of Andreas Bengsston. They stretch their wings a little on the instrumental ‘Battles Will Be Won’ and ‘Blood Crown’ could be hit as it has the most instant chorus on the album.

Live I would imagine Deville are simply stunning and they aren’t too shabby on CD either…

****

Jason Ritchie

 


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 8 March 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album Review: PAUL ROSE – Double Life

Mita Records

From the rich and fluid guitar licks to the classic blues arrangements and even the tasteful splashes of delicious Hammond organ, the cream of this collection should prompt worthy comparisons with the playing of Walter Trout or Stevie Ray Vaughan. That is setting the bar very high, but this is a very accomplished, polished and complex album.

Incredibly, ‘Double Life’ is Paul Rose’s 12th album. Hailing from Newcastle, this was recording in a mere 15 days at the famous Steakhouse Studios in Hollywood with a top class cast of collaborators.

Vocals duties are shared between Sweet Pea Atkinson (Was Not Was, Lyle Lovatt), Raffia Ford (previously seen backing Aretha Franklin and Gloria Estafan) and Bernard Fowler (25 years as a Rolling Stones backing singer).

That 15 day recording turnaround helps to capture a fresh, live feel on this platter and there is no obvious compromise on quality in favour of haste. Vocals are lush, guitar lines are clear and the assorted musos manage to gel the sound into a balanced output.

The material here is not original, which is the only reason to temper the enthusiasm for the project. Nevertheless, there are some rediscovered gems. Most of the tracks plough a fertile blues rock furrow. But scratch the surface and there is a lot more going on. Album opener, a cover of James Brown’s ‘Cold Sweat’ pumps along joyously and the smouldering, languid guitar lead in the last half of the track is worth the album price alone. ‘Ball And Chain’ has thick slabs of heart-warming blues boogie packed into every nook and cranny. Ike Turner’s ‘Crazy ‘Bout You Baby’ is funky and inventive. ‘Dark End Of The Street’, here is a mellow, soulful workout that both Ry Cooder and Gram Parsons have had their mits on in the past.

Set closer, T-Bone Walker’s oft covered ‘Stormy Monday’, could have been a mistake: done too often, too many comparisons to draw. But Rose pulls it off. Yes, it’s indulgent. Never mind that. Just wallow in those perfectly paced solos that scream, buck and dive over a rhythm as comfy as an old pair of slippers. Sweet Pea Atkinson is a joy here, stretching out and improvising on the sparse vocal.

Whilst this collection will have blues fans salivating, the healthy servings of soul, funk, country and jazz smeared across the tracks lift this album into the top division.

*****

Dave Atkinson


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 8 March 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


News: THE MOODY BLUES – TIMELESS FLIGHT’ 17 DISC BOX SET

The Moody Blues will release a definitive career-spanning box set entitled ‘Timeless Flight’ on June 3rd 2013.

Housed in a heavy-duty LP-sized hard-back slipcase, this lavish box set contains 17 discs including:

* 11 remastered CDs featuring key album tracks, previously unreleased mixes, out-takes and complete live concerts

* 3 DVDs of rare television performances from around the world, promotional videos and the previously unreleased live concert from Olympia, Paris in 1970

* 3 DVD audio discs containing the long-deleted 5:1 surround sound mixes of Days Of Future Passed, On The Threshold Of A Dream, To Our Children’s Children’s Children, A Question Of Balance, Every Good Boy Deserves Favour and Seventh Sojourn

* Replica full colour tour poster and discography

* Replica ‘Threshold’ press pack containing photos and memorabilia

* Exclusive ‘Timeless Flight’ fabric patch

There will also be an extremely limited edition version of ‘Timeless Flight’ available exclusively from Universal Music’s Box Sets store.

The Moody Blues, still rocking in 2013 with original members Justin Hayward, John Lodge and Graeme Edge, have released 24 albums in a career spanning nearly five decades. They have sold over 50 million albums, earning them eighteen platinum discs and all manner of awards including an Ivor Novello for Outstanding Contribution to British Music and the Golden Ticket award for selling the most tickets at Madison Square Garden, and have even had the honour of appearing in an episode of “The Simpsons”.

Their classic album “Days of Future Passed” heralded the era of the concept album and elaborate sleeve artwork that would epitomise the Progressive Rock movement that followed. Formed in 1964 in Birmingham the Moody Blues came from the same gene pool that would give the world Traffic, the Move, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Slade. The original line-up of the band (Denny Laine, Graeme Edge, Clint Warwick, Ray Thomas and Mike Pinder) scored a global number one hit with “Go Now”, but struggled to follow up this success and Warwick and Laine left the group to be replaced by John Lodge and Justin Hayward respectively in 1966. For the next few months the band crafted a new set of original compositions that would change their fortunes. Drastically re-thinking their musical approach, the band began to compose new material in a uniquely different style. Eager to recoup some of the money they had invested in the band, Decca asked the Moody Blues to record a rock version of Dvorak’s New World Symphony to demonstrate a new stereo system they were launching known as ‘Deramic’ sound. Instead, the Moodies, along with producer Tony Clarke, used the orchestral settings for a suite of their own songs, which resulted in ‘Days Of Future Passed’, a record that was as groundbreaking as any of that era and featured the band’s signature song, ‘Nights In White Satin’. This proved a turning point for the band and they soon became acknowledged masters of lushly orchestrated psychedelic rock and trailblazers in the use of the mellotron, which they used both live and in the studio to mimic the sounds of a full orchestra. Era defining albums such as ‘In Search Of The Lost Chord’, ‘On The Threshold Of A Dream’, ‘To Our Children’s Children’s Children’, ‘A Question Of Balance’, ‘Every Good Boy Deserves Favour’ and ‘Seventh Sojourn’ followed and the Moody Blues have continued to release albums through the Eighties and Nineties and into the Noughties and thrilling audiences with their live shows all over the world.

“I suppose that it is our songs, and the way we interpret them that has seen us travel so far,” says Justin Hayward. “It means so much to us that some of our recordings have really meant something to people.” The Moody Blues will tour the UK in June. The full list of dates is:

JUNE 5 OXFORD New Theatre

7 CARDIFF St David’s Hall

8 BIRMINGHAM LG Arena

9 LIVERPOOL Philharmonic Hall

11 NEWCASTLE City Hall

12 MANCHESTER O2 Apollo

14 SHEFFIELD City Hall

15 NOTTINGHAM Royal Concert Hall

17 IPSWICH Regent Theatre

18 PLYMOUTH Pavillions

19 BOURNEMOUTH International Arena

21 BRIGHTON Centre

22 LONDON 02 Arena

23 BRISTOL Hippodrome


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 8 March 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: SHAI HULUD – Reach Beyond The Sun

Metal Blade – Out Now.

Hardcore is a genre that operates within clearly defined parameters and which obeys strict rules; it is a genre that’s long been associated with massive simply-crafted and highly energised Punk-sounding riffs and passionate shouting vocals.

So finding Prog-inclined rhythmical changes and atmospheric lead melodies in such a style of music could be seen as unusual, to say the least; however, that is where “Reach Beyond The Sun”, the fourth studio album of the Florida-based quartet Shai Hulud, comes to prove that there is indeed room for manoeuvring within the genre, providing that the artist in question has the skills and determination needed to undertake such a daring task.

What is it that this band has done to deserve such praise? Like most US Hardcore bands, they have ensured that each of the eleven compositions on the album is packed with solid rhythmical riffs and powerful band vocals, the likes of which are capable of raising the roof of any poor venue hosting a show of this band.

Where they truly excel is in their choice of lead harmonies that they have cleverly placed in strategic spots around the album and in their ability to constantly manipulate the rhythmical structure of their songs without undermining their character and cohesion. These ‘extra touches’ may not be that obvious to the untrained ear but I think that those who really understand what it takes to create a classic Hardcore song will be quite impressed by the band’s ingenuity.

Clear signs of the band’s ability and skill can be found in the opening composition “The Mean Spirits, Breathing”, a song whose ever-changing rhythmical tempos and high energy vocals are an absolute delight to the ear.

Short in duration, but featuring a top quality lead melody, “I, Saturnine” keeps the momentum going, while the same-titled “Reach Beyond The Sun” operates in a more ‘classic’ environment. More catchy melodies can be found in “A Human Filing” while “Man Into Demon: And Their Faces Are Twisted With The Pain Of Living” is as unique in terms of musical delivery as its name.

Half way through the album we get two typical Hardcore compositions, “Medicine To The Dead” and “We Suffer Fools” – the latter featuring the most powerful and, at the same time, catchy refrain of the album.

The last section of the album further showcases the diversity between classic and more, dare I say, “experimental” material, with “Think The Adder Benign” and “If A Mountain Be My Obstacle” belonging in the former and the duet “Monumental Graves”/”At Least A Plausible Cause For Pessimism” finding its rightful place in the latter style.

I am quite sure that old-school Hardcore fans, the likes of which believe that the genre ceased to produce good quality music after Agnostic Front’s “One Voice” (1992), will find many reasons to reject Shai Hulud’s latest studio offering but that would be both sad and unfortunate.

Evolution is part of life and when, in this case, the changes that occur are beneficial both to the band which is undertaking them and the genre which said band has chosen to serve then these changes should be met with approval rather than scepticism. Go on, give “Reach Beyond The Sun” a good spin and see why it truly deserves your support.

John Stefanis

Rating: **** (4.0/5.0)


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 8 March 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: DOUBT! – Mercy Pity Peace & Love

 

 

 

 

Moonjune records

DouBt is a bristling trio of free form players who wrap their spontaneous playing in fusion and funky clothing, but ultimately return to their chosen style of playing. ‘Mercy, Pity, Peace & Love’ is far from being a conceptual work, and if the title track relates to any of the concepts within, I couldn’t find the immediate links. For the most part this is challenging music that sounds as if the trio are trying to stay within the parameters of accessibility, but ultimately their unfettered approach gets the better of them

DouBt like to feed off each others improvisational ideas and see where it takes them. At time it works well, but you suspect that the most accessible pieces might well be a compromise of what they would rather be doing.

Even the political narrative of the opening ‘There Is A War Going On’ has to battle to make itself heard over a growling organ /guitar work out. The listener is given a choice of either being sucked into the music by the narrative or vice versa, but the track comes unstuck when it tries to do both simultaneously.

‘Jalal’ is a mature slice of fractured funk that might well have come from the George Duke/Zappa era.  The expansive guitar lines sounds like an electric violin, while the hard riffing of ‘No More Quarrel With The Devil’ references the King Crimson ‘Red’ era.

So far so good, but the real business of hooking you into their improv world, starts with the sonorous groan, spacey ambience and Cecil Taylor style rapid note clusters of ‘Rising Upon Clouds’. The whole piece is offset by Tony Bianco’s crisp cymbal work, while Alex Maguire’s  slow tempo church organ gives the piece a touch more gravitas. Much later the trio return to the same format with the free form, merry go round sprawl of the aptly titled ‘The Human Abstract’

In this context the inclusion of the electronic reworking of ‘Purple Haze’ signifies the band’s adventurous spirit, with which they readily deconstruct a composition and then find a way back to the source.

But there’s an unexpected calm after the storm on the beautiful ‘The Invitation’ which nuances John Abercrombie’s meditative approach. Every caress of Michel Delville’s guitar strings is eventually shadowed by Alex Maguire’s keyboard, with Tony Bianco again adding subtle support on cymbals.

It was probably more difficult for the trio to play such an emotive piece than to approach the complexities of the overwrought title track. The portentous sonorous drone, restless press rolls and electronic noodles colour a track that hovers, undulates but ultimately fails to fulfil its potential.

The over extended opening resembles a loose jam where no one is sure where to go next. In fact the band rebuild the piece on the back of some darting piano runs before Alex’s outrageous keyboard solo – very reminiscent of  Chic Corea’s Return Return to Forever – and a final spirited guitar led resolution.

The title track much like the album as a whole is good in parts. There’s resolute playing, killer riffs and spirited interplay, but the spacey noodling of ‘Tears Before Bedtime’ tests the patience. The trio is capable of much better and the uplifting ending hardly warrants what’s gone before.

‘Mercury’ is piano led funky fusion. It’s a genre they stretch to their own ends as Alex meanders his way in and out of the groove while drummer Tony Bianco shapes the jammed outro.

DouBt finally return to the netherworld of dissonant, sonorous drones on ‘Goodbye My Fellow Soldier’, where slowly evolving shapes and a feverish percussion hold sway. It’s a rather bleak ending to an album that is actually full of sonic adventure.

***

Review by Pete Feenstra


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 8 March 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: FINTROLL – Blodsvept

Century Media – Out Now.

“Shrouded In Blood”, the English translation for “Blodsvept”, is a title that one would find most fitting for an extreme Death Metal band and not the sixth studio album of the Folk-influenced septet Finntroll, however, I guess we are all used to surprises from the Helsinki-based outfit by now.

Actually, if I am to be entirely honest with you, I am probably one of the few people I know who refused to be charmed by the band’s commercially successful EP “Trollhammaren” and, to this day, I can hardly describe myself as a fan – all making my decision to write a review for the band’s latest album a strange undertaking, to sat the least.

Well, in retrospect, I believe that my motivation towards working on this review must have been based purely on instinct as I am now in a position to say that I have finally listened to a Finntroll album I can say I like. Don’t get me wrong: there are still happy/silly (to me, at least) Folk-infused sing-along moments that I find very difficult to digest and relate to but, luckily for me, when the band decides to leave all the fanfare behind and go heavy, they do so in style.

With an average duration of three minutes, each of the eleven compositions on offer depends on simple riffs and catchy guitar/keyboard melodies in order to establish a connection with the album’s intended audience – something that, for once, even the least initiated of fans like me will manage to achieve.

I still remember how surprised I felt when first listening to the same-titled track “Blodsvept”, how impressed I was by its solid/heavy riffs and the pompous yet fitting keyboard hooks – an impression that has stayed with me. Based on a more light-hearted melodic theme but equally assertive “Ett Folk Forbannat” successfully paves the way for the heavy-laden “Nar Jattar  Marschera” – a four minute piece whose haunting keys operate in a similar way to those used by more epic-orientated extreme bands, such as Septicflesh.

It was just as I really started enjoying the clever rhythmical arrangements of “Mordminnen” that the folky tunes of “Rosets Kung” barged in, reminded me that what I was listening to was a Finntroll album after all and though both the riff—orientated “Skovlarens Dod” and the up-tempo Rock n’Roller “Skogsdotter” were delightful to the ears, the album’s cohesion and impressive momentum was sadly forever compromised.

The final section of the album contains the weakest material and it is only when I heard the blast beat (yes, that’s right) section of the closing theme “Midvinterdraken” that my eyebrows moved along an upwards trajectory for the very last time.

Finntroll are a commercially successful band with a wide and loyal fan base – a band which, so far, has not managed to create an album that I would personally consider important enough to add to my music collection.

Is “Blodsvept” an album that could find its way in? Well, even though I cannot say that I will go out of my way to get my hands on a copy, it is the first time that I would even consider doing such a thing and that speaks volumes. Now, what would the band’s loyal fans think?…

John Stefanis

Rating: ***1/2 (3.5/5.0)


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 8 March 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: ILLUMION – The Waves

Freia Records – [Release Date: 20.12.12]

Ahhh -  remember the good old days prog fans, when you could march down to your local record emporium, lay down your pound note and skip out with the latest waxing from King Crimson / Yes / Genesis / Jethro Tull / et al tucked under your arm? Remember the feeling of anticipation as you carefully lowered the arm of your Toshiba into the grooves and covered your ears with the sweaty pads of your top-of-the-range Koss headphones?

Well, happy days are here again with this fabulous release from Dutch neo/symphonic progmeisters Illumion.

The album comes as a double vinyl / CD package of exceptional progressive rock that wraps you up in that cosy blanket of nostalgia yet is sufficiently contemporary to appeal to all fans of the genre.

Led by the stunning guitar work of Eveline van Kampen (yep, a woman who can play progressive rock guitar) and the sweetly powerful vocals of Esther Ladiges, the band push all the right buttons on an album of remarkable diversity.

Swinging from the staccato riffing of opener ‘Ember’ to the pastoral piano figures of ‘A Tale Of Kings’ and all points in between, interest is sustained throughout the nine tracks by the quality of the musicianship and enhanced by the introduction of eclectic instruments such as Chinese zither, trumpet, mandolin and Chinese spike fiddle.

Top this off with an appearance by the current doyen of Dutch prog, Arjen Lucassen and you have an exceptional piece of work.

There is definitely something in the water in the Netherlands at the moment – the recent releases by the likes of Toyz and Gate 6 and the resurgence of Focus are examples – and it is quite clear that Illumion have been drinking from the same source.

I hope the fact that this is a vinyl-only release doesn’t hinder the album’s success (although I fear it will) as something this fine deserves a wide listening.

Ironically, you can download the album as an mp3 file from Amazon (!?)

Great stuff.

****

Review by Alan Jones  

Alan sequences “The Eclectic Mix” third Sunday of the month on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio

 


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 8 March 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Interview: 10Q’s with STANDING OVATION

Standing Ovation’s latest album ‘The Antikythera Mechanism’ is a real mix of styles and will be of definite interest to fans of progressive metal. Here we catch-up with vocalist Jouni Partanen… 

1.     What are you currently up to?

At the moment we are promoting our new album and trying to stick our noses in everything, as in selling more gigs etc. We currently tour Finland, but are also eager in getting to play outside our home country. We have actually also started working on new material for the next album. But it will take up to two years until the next one will see daylight. We aren’t in a hurry and we want to make the next one even better, of course. ;)

2.     How did the band get together and the band name?

I met with Johannes years ago and already then had a plan for my own band. We composed some music together for a while and then decided to get more guys into it. Quite soon we found the other guys from inside our friends and the band was formed. The band name was a total brain fart when I was thinking of some good names. It has multiple meanings, but the most important one of them all is, that it is a salute for the greatest thing mankind have invented. Music.

 

 

 

 

3.     Could you take us through the new album ‘The Antikythera Mechanism’? (e.g. ideas behind the songs etc)

The main concept of the album came from the great discovery that was found from a shipwreck on the coast of the Greek island of Antikythera. Look it up on Wiki or somewhere else. You will be fascinated, that I guarantee. But it only consists of the trilogy in the end of the album. It’s a story that’s mixed up with historical and sci-fi elements. The rest of the album has a wide variety of themes. Escapade tells about an adventurer who’s destined to find something magnificent. He also has a slight god complex. The song is actually a prologue for the trilogy in the end of the album. Travesty tells about the one person on earth you hate the most and the most ugliest and disgusting human being possible. Black Box tells about incest and revenge. Hey Ho! in its wacky appearance is actually a quite political statement of our society. Hemorrhage tells about the struggles and battles of thy inner self. I Have Superhuman Powers tells about the angst of a kid and also has other layers as how bad the situation for some kids really is and the perspective of an adult trying to help the child. Break The News is about the last words of a dying person to his/hers beloved one. And then comes the trilogy that ends the album.

4.     You have recently played some gigs in Finland, including the album launch. How did these go and any plans for summer festivals?

We have been amazed about the passion that some people already have for our band and our music. We truly are humble and grateful. More people seem to be “lining up” for our shows and that’s great. And our live performances also get better all the time, especially with the new songs, so it’s nice to let it loose on the stage. =)

5.     The album has many varying musical styles, often in the same song! Does each member of the band bring their own musical tastes to the songs?

I think that that is our fortune. Having six guys with different musical backgrounds. When we make our music it comes naturally and easy and everyone puts in their own share. It’s extreme fun when we start to brainstorm our stuff. And that how it should go!

6.     How important is social media like Facebook and YouTube for getting the band’s music more widely heard and known?

Very important. And especially when we aren’t that big of a band yet and do not possess huge marketing budgets they are an easy and cost efficient way to do that. And you can easily reach a new potential fan from the other side of the world by just a few clicks!

7.     What is the live music scene like for metal and rock acts in Finland?

It’s pretty good. Small bands don’t get gigs that easy and especially if you don’t do mainstream music, but if you put some effort in it, you surely will succeed! But in general there is a lot of supply for good live rock and metal music in Finland.

8.     If given the chance who would you like to tour with ideally and why?

Well. There are a great number of bands we could tour with because we don’t actually sound much like any other band and we aren’t just playing straight traditional progressive metal since we mix genres in our music. But we have been compared to bands such as Avenged Sevenfold, System Of A Down, Porcupine Tree and Opeth. So why not with some of these examples!

9.     What do you all enjoy doing in your spare time away from music?        

Wow. We all have our separate lives, families and work. So there it goes. Sometimes we drink booze as Finns do and some of us even do sports! ;)

10.  Anything else to add and a message for your fans…

We hope to see you all at some point wherever you are! And stay tuned, a new music video is in the making and it will come out in late April – beginning of May!! Take care and enjoy life!

 


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 8 March 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: MAHOGANY FROG – Senna

 

 

 

Moonjune Records

Mahogany Frog is an exciting, challenging, hard hitting, innovative and progressive Canadian band. They draw from the same progressive, electronic and symphonic arc as Erik Norlander’s Rocket Scientists, but much like their gate fold art work, ‘Senna’ is something different again.

Brilliantly produced by John Paul Peters, this is an explosive album full of sparkling ideas, incredible dynamics and scintillating music that brings a welcome and fresh approach to high intensity instrumental music.

All 8 pieces could be part of a suite, were it not for the many competing musical ideas. And yet in spite of the different directions, the sudden tempo changes and a wide instrumental sweep, there’s does seem to be a progression at play.

Listen for example, to the slowly emerging guitar pattern on ‘Message From Uncle Stan: Grey Shirt’, which is early Pink Floyd with an Eno style soundscape. But it’s quickly subverted into something else with its own unique sensibility.

The linear spiralling arrangement pushes and pulls the integral guitar line into different directions with unexpected results. The colourful tones, nuanced vibrato and delicate percussion create an ethereal mood that is finally resolved by a guitar finale. It’s an unlikely but joyous meeting of Nectar, early New Order and Krautrock, conceived and fully realised in Canada!

The playing is beyond intense and the production is incredible.  It leaves this writer wishing he had completed a course in musical theory, if only to discover just how much of this music is improvised and how much of it is planned.

‘Senna’ is a breathtaking tapestry of sound, where each track is a step to the next level. The opening ‘Houndstooth Part 1′ is a multi layered piece of emotive music with a progression at its heart and impressively builds a melodic landscape. It seamlessly segues into ‘Part2’ with pounding drums and a dark nightmarish feel.

If this is art rock then it is played with verve, style, passion and brash bravado, stretching the limits of the genre as the guitar gives way to pulsing synth lines and melodic swirls generated by electronic beats. ‘Part2’ eventually settles for a bombastic drone and chaotic splendour. It’s a massive, close to the edge, uplifting piece that finishes in a solid prog rock way with a sudden keyboard outro.

‘Expo 67’ drips with dramatic tension, opening with a variation on a Hawkwind intro, which could be anything from a misfiring motorbike to a light plane taking off. It splinters into a proggy organ/guitar break over a portentous rumble with flailing harmony guitars and a huge sounding rhythm section as the band stretches out with abandon.

The wonderfully titled ‘Flossing With Buddha’ is more of a retro, proggy  sounding piece, full of fazed guitars, a mid-number tension building crescendo and an Emerson sounding organ break, while ‘Message From Uncle Stan: Green House’ references 70’s keyboard led jazz fusion and sounds a bit like Soft Machine.

‘Saffron Myst’ is a welcome understated melodic groove, but it never quite delivers what it promises. It disappointingly settles for a Tangerine Dream style link piece. It’s only when the siren drone segues into the closing track ‘Aqua Love Ice Cream Delivery Service’, that you fully understand its place in the album.

‘Aqua’ is a cacophonous soundscape and arguably features the first underwater drum solo – well at least it sounds like that. The enveloping wall of sound is the band’s equivalent of their own ‘Sgt Pepper’ finale.

The unexpected synth noodles, backward sounding tapes and harpsichord are evocative of The Beatles ‘Revolution 9’ on their ‘White Album’. The Fab 4 could surely not have conceived of being such a significant influence on a groundbreaking album like this.

***** (5/5)

Review by Pete Feenstra


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 8 March 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Gig review: STIFF LITTLE FINGERS – The Forum, Kentish Town, 22 March 2013

The Men They Couldn’t Hang provided a perfect opening for Stiff Little Fingers. Their firebrand folk-punk set harked back to the glory days of The Pogues and the radical high water mark of New Model Army and Billy Bragg. Well-crafted political songs about the miner’s strike and the Battle of Cable Street were delivered with enthusiasm.

Though the detail of the moving narratives working through ‘The Colours’ and ‘The Green Fields of France’ may have been lost in the hurly burly of the gig, the soaring melodies and vocal hooks were not. The high point though, was Ed Tudor Pole joining the band for a raucous, wild-eyed and gung-ho sing-a-long of ‘Swords Of A Thousand Men’. The voices of 2,000 punters raised in triumphant bellowing. A joy.

SLF gigs are always hallmarked by honest music, grainy humour and copper-bottomed credibility. Over recent years some of their shows might have lacked a little energy, the odd tired set list and some underwhelming sound mixes.

But not tonight. This was a lean, confident full force Fingers, ripping through a strong back catalogue, alongside the beefiest new material heard in years. Jake Burns bestrode the stage in a proprietorial manner and had plenty to say.

There were glimpses of the simmering incandescence too. “I was driving home one night, listening to a radio interview with Prime Minister Blair and President George Bush.  I looked out the window and we were next to a pub called The Liars Club. By the time I’d got home, the song had pretty much written itself!”

‘The Liars Club’ was one of three new tracks that stood up really well. Another, ‘My Dark Places’ was a personal take on a bout of depression. SLF are never ones to stand still, but the strength of their set is immeasurably improved by the dumping of tepid material from 2003’s ‘Guitar and Drum’ album.

The new tracks were interspersed between a solid canon of pithy Ulster punk that most of us were there to experience. ‘Wasted Life’, ‘Nobody’s Hero’, ‘Hope Street’ and ‘Barbed Wire Love’ tore up the night. Jake’s vocals were immense, the guitars had bite and snarl and the sound was enveloping and clear.

A cover of The Specials’ ‘Doesn’t Make It Alright’ was both heartfelt and intense and a track that SLF have almost made their own. A blistering ‘Suspect Device’ closed the concert proper. Echoes of a stuttered ‘su-su-su-su-suspect’ were still hanging round the Forum as the band re-emerged for an encore with a surprise: Segs Jennings from Ruts DC joined for a romp through a highly enjoyable version of ‘Staring At The

Rude Boys’. ‘Tin Soldiers’ followed and then the curtain came down with a tingling ‘Alternative Ulster’.

It’s good to see that SLF still pack a protest punch, railing against injustice and easily standing the test of time. Life in the old dogs yet.

Dave Atkinson


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 8 March 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: THE NEW BLACK – III: Cut Loose

AFM

This is the German band’s third release (slight hint in the title!) – not that I’ve heard either of their earlier releases though.  Their self titled debut appeared in 2009 with follow up “II – Better in Black” released in 2011. The New Black deal in classic rock tunes mixed with a sprinkle of nu-metal thrown in for good measure.

The band is Fludid on vocals, Christof Leim (or Leimsen depending where you look) and Fabian Schwarz on guitars together with the rhythm section of Günt Auschrat on bass and Chris Weiss on drums. Between them they make a mighty racket that’s lands all over the place. Traces of Motorhead, Shinedown, Volbeat, Metallica, Avenged Sevenfold and Alter Bridge can all be heard at various points throughout the album.

Opener “Innocence and Time” is a distinct mixture of classic Motorhead and Avenged Sevenfold with vocalist Fluidid doing his best Lemmy impressions. “Muzzle & Blinkers” has a very Shinedown feel to it and the same can be said of “Any Colour You Like (as Long As It Is Black)”. No song outstays its welcome with all 12 clocking in at under four and a half minutes.

Another enjoyable release from AFM which has the right mix of classic rock and modern metal.

Nice!

****

Phil Berisford


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 8 March 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Quick plays: URIAH HEEP, SAMSON, SIR REG

SAMSON – Head On

Lemon / Cherry Red

A real NWoBHM classic here, Samson’s second album and the first to feature vocalist Bruce Bruce, aka Bruce Dickinson.

Samson issued what is widely considered one of the first NWoBHM LPs in Survivors in 1979, with Bruce joining upon its release. So by the time this album was recorded the band were a well rehearsed unit. Guitarist Paul Samson at strong blues influence and that shows here, more so than in most other NWoBHM bands.

The melodic and solid Hard Times opens (also a single) opens, and Take It Like A Man one of many showing why Bruce soon earned the Air Raid Siren moniker. Vice Versa (another single) is another classic, a Samson staple with Paul, Bruce and the band at their best. The four piece (augmented by bassist Chris Aylmer and drummer Thunderstick) are a solid unit, Samson’s solos stand out, as does the songwriting. Thunderburst does bear a resemblance to Iron Maiden’s Ides Of March, being based on an idea Harris and Thunderstick had when the latter was in Maiden.

This album is a classic and essential listening, although far from the heaviest of the genre.

This release offers very little over the Sanctuary release but that has been unavailable for quite some time, nor are they every likely to surpass unless the Samson estate are involved. There are 2 bonus tracks, but the remix of the album remains unreleased.

That said, fantastic album well packaged.

*****

Joe Geesin

URIAH HEEP Sea Of Light  4.5/5 Spellbinder Live  4/5 Sonic Origami  4/5

Cherry Red

Uriah Heep have a length career and are still considered one of the greatest British prog rock bands.

Sadly the (high) strength of  early 70s material, a blip on the early 80s and the general arseholery of the music press, the later material tends to get over looked. From the late 80s onwards, Uriah Heep went through a lengthy  stable period and produced some damn fine material that not been repeatedly reissued as the 70s material has been, but these 3 albums are just SUPERB listening.

1995’s Sea Of Light, featuring the by then well cemented line up of vocalist Bernie Shaw, bassist Trevor Bolder, keyboard player Phil Lanzon and drummer Lee Kerslake alongside mainstay guitarist Mick Box, is a Classic, with a capitol CLASSIC. Okay it’s a far cry from the operatic prog of the Bryon years but it is just superb British classic hard rock at its best.  Opener Against The Odds , after a few keyboard chimes, kicks off with a classic riff, and it’s clear from the outset the strength of Bernier Shaw’s vocals.  The highlight of the album is, as it is a highlight of Uriah Heep’s 43+ year career, Time Of Revelation.  This track alone makes the album worth buying, and as a nod to the operatic vocals, keyboards and searing guitar of Return To Fantasy. Nuff Said. Seriously, a fucking good album issued in a time of dis-interests. Fuck them, buy it. Ok it’s not 1973, but in a modern way  it’s bloody good. This album has underrated strength at every angle.

1996’s Spellbinder is a live set that was sadly low key at the time but showcases both some classic material and the strength of band. The material is mixed new and old, and showcases not only the band strength but strength and conviction of delivery. Vocalist Bernie Shaw is both strong/powerful and operatic and the band and recording all are gripping.  There is many an early 70s classic here, this should have been, by rights, a high profile double release.

Originally released in 1998, Sonic Origami is another great UH release, albeit with a more modern sounds. That said it is still a solid and classic sounding opus. A time where the band were on form, but the UK press were not, and that affected both band and fans.  The band are on form and there are many good songs here, melodic and powerful. While few tracks really stand out, it is a solid, strong and powerful set.

The reissues here are well deserved as the albums are strong and not been available for while. All come with bonus tracks and sleevenotes, top packages.

Joe Geesin

SIR REG – 21st Century Loser

Hoptown Records (Released 29th April)

Not a band I have come across before and this is their third studio album. They have toured a lot with the likes of Thin Lizzy, Misfits and more, whilst their Celtic folk meets punk will appeal to fans of the Levellers, Flogging Molly and the Pogues.

This is one heck of a ride with the songs driven along by the wild dervish fiddle playing of Karin Ullvin, which combines well with the bouzouki playing of Mats Lindstrom. Check out opener ‘Emigrate’ for proof and vocalist Brendan Sheehy has a wonderfully expressive vocal. Songs like this, the Pogues like ‘Raise Your Hand’ and ‘We’ll Rise Again’ I would imagine come into their own when played live. On the title track the band give Green Day a run for their money on how a political song can get its message across and still keep true to the punk sound.

Great fun from start to finish, although maybe one other slower tune may help give the listener a breather during the course of the album. Definitely a band now added to my ‘to see live’ list.

****

Jason Ritchie


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 8 March 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Gig review: FM – Shepherds Bush Empire, London, 23 March 2013

FM, Shepherds Bush Empire, London, 23 March 2013

2013 sees FM’s stock as high as it has been for some time. Hot on the heels of not one but two new albums, they filled the first three levels of Shepherds Bush Empire. While last year’s gigs celebrating the 25th anniversary of their ‘Indiscreet’ debut were an unashamed nostalgia fest, the fact they can draw such a crowd for a ‘regular’ show    is testament to the renewed interest in them.

In fact, it was a great evening all round with an excellent trio of bands, rising stars Vega hit the stage at 7:30 with a swagger and stage craft that suggested that, provided they make the most of their major label record deal, they would be instantly comfortable headlining venues like this.

Few bands can kick off with as irresistible an opener as ‘Kiss of Life’ which had a few people punching the air, and anyone new to Vega would have been impressed by the way they marry big hooks and Bon Jovi style ‘who-oah’ chants with a more contemporary rock sound and image.

With the exception of ‘Into the Wild’, the bulk of their short set was from the new ‘What the Hell’ album, and the title track and the insanely catchy ‘White Knuckle Ride’ instantly buried their way into people’s consciousness.

During ‘Hands in the Air’, another song made for audience participation, super confident frontman Nick Workman even ran energetically up and down the aisles as a short set demonstrated Vega have what it takes to make a huge impact.

A rather more seasoned band in It Bites were arguably a touch out of place on the bill, veering towards a more progressive sound,  but singer and guitarist John Mitchell, in his natty jacket, showed a self deprecation that helped make the music much more accessible than I feared it might be.

Indeed, both ‘Ghosts’ and new song ‘The Big Machine’ followed in the same commercial mould as opener ‘Kiss Like Judas’, and even on the lengthy prog epic ‘The Wind that Shakes The Barley’ there was much to admire in John Beck’s  inventive keyboard work and the way all four of them combined virtuoso musicianship with a tight, controlled feel reminding me of Asia at their best.

A short 45 minute set ended with ‘Calling All The Heroes’, the band’s big hit which they seem to view cynically as a double edged sword, though this version, with drummer Bob Dalton helping out on the singing,  seemed to have more instrumental flourishes. Never having considered myself a big fan they were the night’s pleasant surprise.

FM, Shepherds Bush Empire, London, 23 March 2013

Coming on stage to the old ‘It Ain’t Half Hot Mum’ ‘Meet the Gang’ tune, the warmth between FM and their devoted fans is palpable, and they repay it with a visible enjoyment of being on stage.

They opened with the lead off cut from ‘Rockville’, ‘Tough Love’ with a very Def Leppard-like guitar sound, but it was soon back to the oldies: ‘I Belong to the Night’, with its sparkling keyboards and radio-friendly chorus, ‘Don’t Stop’ getting the crowd moving and further debut classics in ‘That Girl’ and ‘Hot Wired’ further reminders that, before broadening their musical palette, FM had the best crack yet at taking on the Americans at their own AOR game.

Indeed, with ‘Love Lies Dying’ getting a rare airing, its more sedate pace enlivened by a fluid Neal Schon-esque solo from the excellent Jim Kirkpatrick, and stand alone single ‘Let Love Be The Leader’, complete with a great bit of twin lead guitaring, I felt I had stumbled into a reprise of last year’s Indiscreet shows whereas I had been expecting a generous helping of new material.

FM, Shepherds Bush Empire, London, 23 March 2013

‘Closer To Heaven’ showed off the incredible soulful vocal prowess of affable frontman Steve Overland, who also obliged with the guitar solo, while I was delighted that 2010’s comeback album ‘Metropolis’ was still in the set courtesy of the instrumental  title track and the double guitar shuffle of ‘Over You’.

From then on we were firmly in crowd pleasing territory with ‘Bad Luck’ – which it is still hard to believe failed to crack the Top 40 – and ‘Burning My Heart Down’, and a surprise in the blissfully melodic vocals of ‘Does It Feel Like Love’, before their souped up cover of ‘Heard It Through The Grapevine’ – never my favourite but its looser grooves got a good vibe going and gave Jim a chance to stretch out in bluesier style.

The puzzling lack of new songs was partially rectified by the first encore, ‘Crosstown Train’ – apparently getting radio airplay -  which was instantly catchy yet with a more prominent guitar sound than usual, before the ballad ‘Frozen Heart’, whose lyrical messages passionately delivered by Steve still epitomise people’s view of FM.

FM, Shepherds Bush Empire, London, 23 March 2013

As a final treat, original keyboard player Didge Digital came on stage for ‘The Other Side of Midnight’, and the sight of both him and Jem Davis playing their keytars was a surreal if enjoyable sight, and to add to the sense of nostalgia, Steve even delivered the vocal solo at the end that used to be his hallmark but is now rarely tried.

28 years on from when I first saw them supporting REO Speedwagon,  FM may never have reached the heights many of us predicted, but they have never sounded better, and they certainly seem to have a real unforced joy in performing live which transmits itself to the fans and back again. On the basis of this heartwarming evening, the timeless charms of Britain’s best ever melodic rock band are here to stay.

Review by Andy Nathan
Photos by Noel Buckley

A cracking three band bill and good to see a healthy sized crowd, and bless it was all seated so us old rockers could sit down if it all got a bit too much for us…

First up Vega who have been gaining rave reviews for their two albums to date, the latest ‘What The Hell’ being released a couple of weeks ago.

From the off they had the ladies of a certain age at the front of the stalls in seventh heaven and with their brand of highly catchy melodic hard rock, even the most stubborn foot was tapping by the end of their set.

In vocalist Nick Workman they have an established frontman who is a ball of energy on the stage, along with the two guitarists who may well throw every cliché shape in the guitarist’s handbook but they can play and entertain which is the main thing. Opener ‘Kiss Of Life’ and their latest single ‘White Knuckle Ride’ were the stand outs for me and with little in between song banter the band took maximum use of their allotted thirty minutes to fit in as much music as possible.

It Bites looked slightly out of place after the exuberant Vega set and their prog leanings on the wonderful ‘Big Machine’ and ‘Wind That Shakes The Barley’ may have left a few FM fans behind.

Whatever you thought though you can’t fault their musicianship and they tailored their set to a more ‘hits’ one with ‘Kiss Like Judas’ kicking off proceedings and ‘the hit’ as John Mitchell called it, ‘Calling All The Heroes’ ended an enjoyable set. Last year’s single ‘Cartoon Graveyard’ was another highlight, although they played the full-on prog version and not the edited single.

They did come across as slightly subdued as opposed to when I have seen them headline or play a festival, however this may be more to the audience many of whom I’d guess are not big lovers of prog. Still even if they rekindled or gained the interest of a few fans tonight in their music then job done and along with the headliners and a few other bands, they have that rare talent of never disappointing when seeing them live.

FM hit the ground running with a rocking start of ‘Tough Love’, ‘I Belong To The Night’, ‘Don’t Stop; and the AOR-tastic ‘That Girl’.

After a start like that you know it’s going to be a good night. Steve Overland was as ever in fine vocal form and special mention to Jim Kirkpatrick who seems to have helped rejuvenate the band, along with keyboards player Jem Davis.

The band’s new songs off the recently released ‘Rockville’ album, namely the opener ‘Tough Love’ and ‘Crosstown Train’, slipped into the set with ease.

Nice to hear ‘Closer To Heaven’ being added to the set, although sadly no ‘American Girls’ although I guess it may be one of those songs that is very much of its time. Their cover of ‘Heard It Through the Grapevine’ rounded of the main set and that was even bearable as I am not a fan of this in their set normally.

FM, Shepherds Bush Empire, London, 23 March 2013

Three encores tonight kicking off with their single ‘Crosstown Train’ which has been picking up airplay on Planet Rock and BBC Radio 2. Next up one of my favourite FM tunes, ‘Frozen Heart’. It was blissful listening to the band’s spot on harmonies on this one.

For the final encore of ‘Other Side Of Midnight’ original keyboards player Didge Digital was welcomed to the stage to rapturous applause and what a fitting end to one of the best FM gigs I have seen (and by my reckoning this was the seventh time I have seen them since 1985!).

With a bit of luck they will be back later in the year and perhaps by then they can slip in a few more numbers of the ‘Rockville’, although the band’s problem will always be no matter what they play there will always be some classic songs missing.

FM are back and unlike some bands when they return, FM still have a decent following and they are making great music. Long may that continue!

Review by Jason Ritchie


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 8 March 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album Review – SIN/ CITY – Th13teen

 

 

Myskull Records (Release Date – Out Now)

If you look Sin/ City up the metal dictionary it would no doubt say ‘See AC/DC’. This German outfit have been kicking out AC/DC style blues rock for many years and this is their fourth album. Whilst their influences are obvious the guys have honed their homage over the years and much like Airbourne have developed to a point where you could argue they would give the original ‘DC a run for their money.

Kicking off with ’Tires On Fire’ you can tell that the band have been doing this for a while as they are a tight unit and the music is first class, if not the most original. The two guitarists, Jurgen and Frank, churn out the heavy blues riffs in style and vocalist, Porty Portner, sounds like a mix of Brian Johnson and Bonn Scott with a great range.

The album continues in fine fashion with all tracks conjuring up images of dirty rock ‘n’ roll excess, the best being  ‘Backseat Race’ and the fast and furious ‘G.F.R (You Can Trust)’.  All 13 tracks though are well worth a spin and are good enough to get any self-respecting AC/DC fans’ heads nodding.

It may not be original, in fact it borders on plagiarism, but it is highly entertaining and well played. Let’s face it if you are going to copy someone’s style, you may as well copy from the best. As one of the tracks says though ‘Don’t Expect Too Much’.

***1/2

David Wilson


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 8 March 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: DEREK DAVIS – Re Volt

 

 

 

 

Apocalyse Records

Former BabylonA.D. vocalist Derek Davis describes his music as ‘Balls out heavy rock with some revolutionary angst’, and it’s hard to argue with his sentiments, though you do wonder just what he’s angry about.

If it’s creeping corporatism then he doesn’t make it clear enough. And when he does lay his cards on the table as on the self evidently titled ‘American Jihad’, it sounds jingoistic, though we can all probably relate to the core line; ‘Black White, Red, Brown, Yellow and poor, We give it to the rich and they’re closing the door’.

There’s lot of middle aged aggression and dark lyrics to match some pulverising rock on this album. You suspect most rock fans will down a few beers and search for the riffs and booming choruses, but when it’s all channelled into well thought out arrangements such as ‘Bad Man Cometh’, Derek shows himself capable of so much more. With a combination of dark lyrics, pounding drums, AC/DC style vocals played out over a sublimated disco beat and a closing rap, you can almost forgive the hackneyed lyrics.

‘Tied Down and Hammered’ evokes the lyrics on another hard rocker with bursting guitars, raspy vocals, while the Glen Hughes style vocal angst of ‘Judas Kiss’ is as musically heavy as the revenge filled lyrics.

But there’s more to Derek Davis than anger filled bluster and neo revolutionary intent. He’s a talented multi instrumentalist who plays all the parts on half a dozen tracks. He also nails down a big production which moves the album from its hard rock pretensions and the cinema screen narrative of ‘Hollywood Heartbreak’ to the crisply recorded acoustic and voice of ‘Troubadour’.

Significantly, the heartfelt lyrics and subtle Latino beat of ‘The Promise’ has been chosen as the lead single. It’s a polished affair with a catchy hook, almost at odds with some of the doom and gloom of his other songs.

It also bring a welcome respite in the middle of an album that opens with blood and thunder and moves to an unlikely acoustic ballad, and then rocks out as it reaches for another big production moment on the jagged guitar lines, chanted hook and machine gun drum roll of  ‘Love Star’. But he finishes with a reprise of his late 80’sBabylonA.D. commercial ballad ‘Desperate’, suggesting that underneath the vitriol there’s a melodic song writer at heart.

‘Re Volt’ is a mish-mash of the good, the bad and the misjudged. Derek has a great voice, and can rock with the best of them and as this album shows. He is a solid songwriter who needs a touch of lyrical guile, perhaps less anger and stronger definition of his revolutionary intent. After all you can hardly overturn a status quo with the very music from which they made their millions.

*** (3/5)

Review by Pete Feenstra


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 8 March 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: SWAMP TRAIN – Premium Selection

 

 

 

 

Swamp Train [Release date 30.03.13 ]

Swamp Train take their name from their own brand of down-home rhythms. Armed with cigar box guitars, washboard and harps they impressively carve out their own take on the blues. The band calls it “Juke Joint Cigar Box Guitar Blues” and they are on a mission: ‘to grasp the spirit; loud, energetic, raise hell and get up and dance!’

‘Premium Selection’ follows a well trodden path, born of the revelatory powers of the blues. It works well because of a collective commitment and a leap into the blues void that finds them landing on their feet, cigar boxes in place and ready to boogie.

The Swiss quartet strip things down on ‘Little Red Rooster’, with Alan Pache (aka Cut Finger), providing an effective guitar led counterpoint to Blaze’s conversational style wailing harp. He also adds a yearning slide figure on ‘King Bee’ to match Blaze’s throaty growl on a subtle exercise in restraint. The music hits home in a minimalist Seasick Steve kind of way, but without the hype and with as much passion that any Swiss band playing the blues is ever likely to muster.

The opening ‘Swamp Train Blues’ sounds like early career George Thorogood – all growled vocals and slide – while the old Mississippi Sheiks song ‘Sitting On Top of the World’ is a great choice, complete with an eerie whistle and dirt-in-the-tracks slide that perfectly fits the band’s down-home style. That said, they up the tempo on the ‘Hooray Hooray’ and work up a thunderous washboard rhythm on the familiar ‘Rollin And Tumblin’.

Best of all is the slide-led ‘The Oak Song’ which might just be about Blaze’s wood chopping exploits in the forest to make his cigar box guitar. Whether true or imagined, it’s enough to percolate the legend.

‘Boom Boom Out Go The Lights’ is closer to the slide-led Thorogood approach than the Pat Travers rocker, as Swamp Train curiously choose to ignore the harp driven Little Walter version. Either way, it still works in its own low-down way. They finish with the traditional ‘Po’ Boy Blues’, using just harp and spoons, but it’s perfect nonetheless.

‘Swamp Train’ are an interesting outfit with an idiosyncratic home grown approach, right down to their instrumentation and cool arrangements.  ‘Premium Selection’ may be slightly weighed down by an obvious choice of material, but the band generates enough spark and passion to reinvigorate Delta blues to their own ends.

***1/2

Review by Pete Feenstra


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 8 March 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: BARNEY BENTALL – Flesh & Bone

Barney Bentall - Flesh & Bone

Three independent and seven studio albums into a career that kicked off in 1978, it’s a wonder that the name Barney Bentall – a Vancouver based singer songwriter – has never registered on the GRTR! radar.

Those with an encyclopaedic knowledge may have heard of The Legendary Hearts whose self-titled debut reached platinum status, generated three hit singles and garnered a Juno Award.  But I have to confess, Bentall’s a new name to me.

His latest release, the self-produced Flesh & Bone, is a timeless collection that strikes a chord with the storytelling work of the likes of Springsteen and Mellencamp.

Inspired by life on his ranch, and recorded under no industry pressure, Flesh & Bone is relaxed and easy on the ear, with a moderate bluegrass twist accentuated by guitarist Eric Reed’s mandolin and banjo playing and a number of guesting fiddle players.

It’s an album , influenced by an array of genres from folk to roots, blues-­rock to pop, and even a hint of Celtic, but the bottom line is that it’s packed with great playing and some big hooks, with Bentall’s gruff vocals the icing on the cake.  Haunting, emotional and effortless.  ***1/2

Review by Pete Whalley


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 8 March 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: DE LA CRUZ – Street Level

Frontiers www.frontiers.it

De La Cruz are yet another one of Frontier’s more recent signings that has seen them releasing albums by similar minded bands such as Crash Dïet and Crazy Lixx.

Image yourself in Los Angeles, the Sunset Strip back in the late 80’s or early 90’s…the height of “hair metal”. You had your massive bands such as Mötley Crüe and Poison, then you had Cinderella, Danger Danger and even Stryper…and then further down the pile you had bands like Faster Pussycat and Bulletboys. Where do De La Cruz fit in…well sorry to say but not even with the latter.

De La Cruz are New Zealander Roxxi Catalano on vocals together with four Aussies (Casey Jones & Rory Joy on guitars, Grant Daniell on bass and Lacey Lane on drums). The songs are very predictable and really just mentioning a few of the titles tells you all you need to know – “Girls Go Wild”, “Gimme Love”, “Turn It Up”, “S.E.X.”…need I go on?

Sorry but the vocals are grating and immediately put me off – backing vocals are OK though.

There has been so much good music flying out of Scandinavia recently that our Australian friends in De La Cruz do not even come close. Must try harder next time…

**

Phil Berisford


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 8 March 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Gig review: STATUS QUO – Wolverhampton Civic Hall, 13 March 2013

Status Quo - Wolverhampton Civic Hall, 13 March 2013

There’s not much that can be said about this band that hasnt already been said. They have been the purveyors of the famous 3 chord songs for longer than most of us wish to or care to remember. Since the early days of The Spectres in 1962 until today they have spanned over 50 years and all the music eras and continued on with there own uncompromising style of boogie rock that has filled some of the biggest arenas and thrilled thousands of loyal fans around the world.

They have had there ups and downs over the years as you would expect but this tour brings together the four original members on the same stage since John Coghlan left in 1981 and Alan Lancaster in 1985.

Status Quo - Wolverhampton Civic Hall, 13 March 2013

The Frantic Four tour has been long awaited by fans and when it was anounced last year the first batch of dates sold out so well that an extra set of dates were anounced which also pretty much sold out.

A lot of people I know had tickets for multiple shows which goes to show the drawing power of these guys.

Wolverhampton Civic was pretty full when we arrived and unfortunately missed most of the support band The Treatment apart from catching the end of there last song, they received rousing applause from the crowd but I can’t say any more about their performance, I did hear good comments from about them on the night though.

The hall was now full and there was definitely a sense of anticipation throughout the crowd so as the lights dimmed the cheers went up and the four appeared on stage the buzz was amazing.

Status Quo - Wolverhampton Civic Hall, 13 March 2013

Straight into the music with Juniors Wailing, Backwater and Just Take Me. Alan Lancaster took the vocals for these first numbers and was in good form. The night continued and it seemed that the set we were to hear was not quite what was expected.

Instead of all the big well know hits we got rather a excellent set of album tracks with only a few of the bigger hits thrown in. I’m not sure of the idea behind this but I do know it recieved a mixed reaction from the audience ranging from “excellent night” to “well, I wish they would have played… “

Status Quo - Wolverhampton Civic Hall, 13 March 2013

Considering this is the first time the four have been out in such a long time then maybe a hit laden party night might have been an option but I suppose that would have not pleased others.

In all it was a brilliant night and by all accounts a great tour, whatever the choice of material it was great to see one of the biggest classic bands back on stage performing and I hope this isn’t the last time we see them together. Hopefully this will get the fire back in them and we will see a few more “frantic” tours coming up in the future.

Setlist: 1.Junior’s Wailing 2.Backwater 3.Just Take Me 4.Is There A Better Way 5.In My Chair 6.Blue Eyed Lady 7.Little Lady  8.Most Of The Time  9.April, Spring 10.Railroad  11.Oh Baby 12.Forty-Five Hundred Times 13.Rain 14.Big Fat Mama 15.Down Down  16.Roadhouse Blues  Encore: 17.Don’t Waste My Time  18.Bye Bye Johnny

Review and photos by Simon Dunkerley


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 8 March 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: JO HARMAN – Dirt On My Tongue

Chief [Release date 12.03.13]

Jo Harman is a ‘singer’s singer’. Everything about this album is tied up with her evocative phrasing, pristine diction and a husky voice that swamps the lyrics in honey.

‘Dirt On My Tongue’ is a surprisingly mature album for an artist at the beginning of her recording career. Songs such as ‘I Shall Not Be Moved’ and ‘Fragile’ evoke Joni Mitchell’s ‘Blue’ album. Jo is a first class interpreter of song, as evidenced by the delicate cover of James Maddock’s ‘Fragile’ (taken from his hugely underrated ‘Sunrise On Avenue C’ album), which she imbues with her own delivery and feel.

Nothing is rushed, as she gives herself space, time and plenty of breath to bring out the nuances of 11 songs. The album is intuitively produced by her co-songwriter and guitarist Mike Davies, who has the good sense to layer his guitar parts as if colouring a palate, rather than dominating it. It’s only on the majestic slide break and mixed back solo of ‘Better Woman’ that he finally cuts loose as part of a gospel finale, as Jo reverts to being a backing singer on the extended outro.

‘Dirt On My Tongue’ is a brave album, as it eschews stylistic considerations and ignores the common wisdom of carefully sequencing tracks to facilitate a flow. The album is a triumph because of Jo’s ability to convey meaning and emotion though effortless phrasing.

She soars, swoops, and digs deep for introspective moments. She’s just as happy singing stripped down arrangements as she is being an integral part of a full blown gospel chorus. Her intrinsic ebbs and flows, subtle dynamics and shifts of emphasis lead the listener into songs that they might otherwise skip.

‘I Shall Not Be Moved’ sets the standard with a piano, voice and guitar triumvirate. Jo’s expansive phrasing is perfectly captured by Mike Davies’s clear production on an intuitively arranged slow burner that resolves itself in a gospel flourish.

The Harman/Davies songwriting team contribute 6 tracks to an album with an after hours feel. ‘Worthy of Love’ is full of uplifting phrasing, double tracked vocals, potent bv’s and a good hook, while ‘(This Is My) Amnesty’ is a gently voiced love song, with scraped acoustic strings, slide and piano. The song’s two parts are linked by an aching tremolo figure and a majestic choral and string arrangement, which ironically might make it just a tad too long for radio plays.

‘Heartstring’ brings a change of pace on a crisply recorded relationship song that opens with a jagged, percussive rhythm track. Jo soars on a beautifully recorded vocal with a catchy gospel chorus. The sudden but effective drop-down to a funky keyboard figure and brushed stroke shuffle, leads into the chorus via Jo’s guttural scream.

The fleeting moments of rock, soul, blues and jazz  are all subsumed by the presence of a vocalist who on ‘Sweet Man Moses’ – an ode to her late father – shows she also has real ability as a song writer.

The band stretches out on ‘Underneath The River’, and just when you think the guitars have taken over, Jo offers another exclamatory soul inflected scream on the outro to remind us of her presence. On ‘Cold Heart’, she even brings weight and substance to recycled couplets such as: ‘Cos I’m treading on broken glass’ and ‘You got warm hands and a cold heart’. The clever juxtaposition of a mid-number crescendo and the sudden drop-down to voice and piano and back again, gives the song an unexpected musical tension that she uses as spring board for another gospel finish.

‘Better Woman’ is carried by a slide break that conjoins the main body of the song with a spirited gospel finish and an unexpected coda

Jo Harman makes every song her own, irrespective of the tempo, style or arrangement. Her resonant timbre, subtle changes of emphasis, occasional elongated vowel and seamless shifts from front line to backing singer, confirms her versatility and range.

‘Dirt On My Tongue’ combines startling vocal performances with sufficiently strong material, for the listener to forget about the respective styles and simply recognise the fast rising talent of Jo Harman.  ****(4/5)

Review by Pete Feenstra

 

 

 


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 8 March 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: JOE BONAMASSA – An Acoustic Evening at the Vienna Opera House

 

 

 

 

Provogue 2-CD set/2-DVD/Bluray [Monday 25.03.13]

‘An Acoustic Evening at the Vienna Opera House’ finds Joe Bonamassa playing to his strengths in an unplugged mode. Together with a carefully chosen multi instrumental quintet, his playing is eloquent, tasteful and at times inspiring.

Joe also produces some of the best vocal performances of his career on an album conceived and overseen by producer Kevin Shirley. The latter chose the kind of guests who could re-invigorate some of the best moments of Joe’s back catalogue in acoustic mode.

Potentially there could have been several of reasons for being sceptical about this release.  Firstly, there’s the inevitable stop-gap nature of a live album – and he’s already released five – then there’s the unplugged retread of his well thumbed back catalogue and the fact that inevitably boredom can set in over 2 CD’s of acoustic music. But it’s to the artist and producer’s immense credit that they transform what might have been a project too far into something that gives Joe’s career an extra dimension.

‘Dustbowl’ for example, features Mats Wester on the myckelharpa and Gerry O’Connor on mandolin. They both give the song a wholly different feel, albeit with an inescapable Zeppelin influence.

The album works so well because of the meticulous pre-prep and the resulting multi- instrumental approach. The essential combination of Joe’s stellar chops and some remarkably good vocals also means he successfully reconnects with the world music undercurrent of ‘Black Rock’.

The double album only sags twice, most notably on the train time of ‘Slow Train’ which resorts to the kind of fiddle/acoustic Celtic hoedown that you could find in a north London pub and CD2’s ‘Stones In My Pass Way’ which is a laboured version of an obvious cover. But that represents only a small blip on a double album that for the most part reignites Joe’s back catalogue with a Celtic and world music feel.

Both ‘Dislocated Boy’ and ‘Driving Towards Daylight’ are simply great songs whatever the format, with the former benefiting from Lenny Castro’s percussion and the latter from Gerry O’Connor’s sonorous fiddle.  The audience reaction to ‘John Henry’ suggests it remains Joe’s signature song and it’s given some extra heft by Castro’s percussive presence. ‘Jelly Roll’ is also coloured by original instrumentation and there’s another lovely mandolin line on ‘Black Lung Heartache’.

‘An Acoustic Evening at the Vienna Opera House’ achieves the twin goals of re-configuring mostly familiar material with a world music feel, in the confines of a historic music venue that used to grace the likes of Mozart. The result is an original and successful take on Joe’s own brand of classics that cements his desire to constantly move forward.  **** (4/5)

Review by Pete Feenstra 


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 8 March 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Gig review: THE MAGIC BAND – Under The Bridge, London, 16 March 2013

There can be fewer stranger tales than the cult like relationship between the late Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band. His totalitarian grip on the line-up that recorded the groundbreaking ‘Trout Mask Replica’ album has spawned numerous articles, documentaries and debate. Original drummer/arranger and Beefheart’s MD John “Drumbo” French even wrote a book about it and yet here he was 40 years on, presenting die-hard Beefheart fans and a new generation of disciples with “the best batch yet”.

Drumbo was joined by former Magic Band Members slide guitarist Denny “Feelers Rebo” Wally (also a former Zappa alumni), and rock solid bass man Mark “Rockette Morton” Boston, who struck a colourful figure wholly in keeping with the Spotlight Kid favourite, ‘There Ain’t No Santa Claus on the Evening Stage’. The current line-up was completed by the considerable guitar chops of Eric Clerks and drummer Craig Bunch who shaped and anchored the oblique rhythms and stuttering time changes.

Aside from the opening drum solo of the second set, Drumbo mostly forsook his percussive credentials to concentrate on evoking Beefheart’s persona through his basso profundo voice, squealing harp and dissonant horn. His occasional contextual comments on songs like ‘Owed T’Alex’ also added an unexpected touch of authenticity.

The power of the band’s arrangements resonated in such a way that this reunion show was never in any danger of being compromised by the incongruous venue and dramatic light show. Indeed the combination of the band’s inspired playing and Drumbo’s profound wail transported the collective consciousness in the room back to a time when art, music and mime combined to create the Beefheart mystique.

French’s phrasing was mesmerising at times. He clearly learnt a lot from Beefheart’s refracted Howlin’ Wolf lineage, giving vent to a startling vocal range as the band knuckled down to master some of the most complex stop-start rhythms. They shifted from moments of individual virtuosity to intuitive unison playing, over oblique, fractured rhythms and back-end tension breaking moments that would make Ornette Coleman smile.

The enthusiastic audience was like a meeting of the tribes, from the disenchanted and disconnected to the weird and the wonderful. They danced like dervishes and made free form shapes to Drumbo’s lyrical recitations on ‘Golden Birdies’. His impeccable phrasing placed the emphasis on clarity of diction, before he delivered the perfect dénouement with the ‘webcore webcore’ finale.

The band hit its stride on jumping rhythms of ‘Hothead’ and the compressed funk of ‘Circumstances’, as French dominated the stage like a wound up version of his former employer, but with more choreography.

He made exaggerated shapes, explored some deep profound growls and immersed himself in the Beefheart oeuvre, but was never lost in it. Late on in the set, just like the best mime artists, he suddenly stood motionless, stared at the crowd and declared the moment to be “perfect”, before leading the band into a show stopping ‘Big Eyed Beans From Venus’.

The Magic Band judiciously worked its way through the relevant portions of Beefheart’s back catalogue, with Rockette Morton’s thunderous bass anchoring the jagged, colliding rhythms of “Owed T’Alex’, while French again revelled on ‘Steal Softly Through Sunshine, Steal Softly Through Snow’, one of the first songs the reformed band played.

‘Moonlight On Vermont’ even offered a sing-along moment with the priceless ‘gimme that old time religion’ line. Never was the weird and wonderful Beefheart musical universe more concisely distilled.

Eric Clerks and Denny Walley’s slide playing coalesced beautifully on the lunar ‘Clear Spot’, while ‘Electricity’ was another major highlight with Drumbo’s tension busting elongated vowel and deep-timbre soaring over an unlikely meeting of Delta blues and disco. The only slight disappoint on an otherwise memorable night was the absence of ‘Mirror Man’, a curious omission given the band’s own recent  ‘21st Century Mirror Men’ CD.

Review by Pete Feenstra

Photos by Pete Sargeant (www.fairhearing.co.uk/)


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 8 March 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


News: JIMI HENDRIX POP-UP STORE

JIMI HENDRIX® POP-UP STORE ANNOUNCED

TO CELEBRATE THE RELEASE OF

JIMI HENDRIX’S PEOPLE, HELL AND ANGELS

GANTON STREET, CARNABY, LONDON

Monday 1 April – Friday 12 April 2013 

FEATURING FENDER® ‘PLUG & PLAY DEMO STATIONS’ AND

GERED MANKOWITZ PHOTO EXHIBITION 

* * * * *

Wednesday 13 March: The first ever Jimi Hendrix® pop-up store is to be opened in the heart of Soho to celebrate the release of “People, Hell and Angels”. The store will open for a limited time only from Monday 1 April – Friday 12 April 2013 at 8 Ganton Street London, just off the world famous Carnaby Street. The store will sell a limited collection of merchandise and will feature Fender® ‘Plug & Play demo stations’ in addition to hosting a Gered Mankowitz photography exhibition.

Janie L. Hendrix, Jimi Hendrix’s sister and President/CEO of Experience Hendrix, L.L.C., will make a special appearance at the store, signing copies of the new book Jimi Hendrix: The Ultimate Lyric Book from 4–6pm on the opening evening, Monday 1 April.  World renowned music photographer, Gered Mankowitz, will be making a special appearance at the store from 3–6pm on Saturday 6 April, where he will be talking about working with Jimi Hendrix, and will be available to sign prints of his work, which have been exclusively printed for the pop-up store.

The Jimi Hendrix pop-up store will feature the new album “People, Hell and Angels” as well as the entire Jimi Hendrix music and video catalogue (including CDs, LPs, DVDs and Blu-ray releases), including a number of titles that have never been available in the UK. It will also sell authorized limited edition Jimi Hendrix merchandise, including clothing, posters, art, books, collectible items, and guitar accessories including pick tins, guitar straps, and effects pedals. There will also be some very special merchandise pieces that have been created specifically for the store itself.

Providing visitors with a unique one-off experience, the basement area will be inhabited by Fender who will be running ‘Plug & Play demo stations’ where Jimi Hendrix fans can practice their guitar skills and attend ‘Jimi Hendrix Master Classes’ where they can learn to play Hendrix riffs and licks.

The store will also feature a photography exhibition, displaying pictures taken by Gered Mankowitz, the famed British rock photographer whose lens captured Jimi Hendrix on multiple occasions, and took the picture which became the cover for “People, Hell and Angels.

The pop-up store is a stone’s throw away from many of the legendary venues synonymous with Jimi Hendrix’s time in the capital including Bag O’ Nails, Ronnie Scott’s, Marquee Club, The Speakeasy and is in close proximity to his former central London flat on 23 Brook Street.

The pop-up store coincides with the release of People, Hell and Angels”, an essential new album premiering twelve previously unreleased studio recordings completed by guitarist Jimi Hendrix.  “People, Hell and Angels” is available now, digitally, as part of Classic Rock Presents: Hendrix – People, Hell and Angels Collector’s Pack, and as standalone physical releases on CD and LP.

People, Hell and Angels” showcases the legendary guitarist working outside of the original Jimi Hendrix Experience trio. Beginning in 1968, Jimi Hendrix grew restless, eager to develop new material with old friends and new ensembles. Outside the view of a massive audience that had established The Experience as rock’s largest grossing concert act and simultaneously placed two of his albums in the US Top 10 sales chart, Hendrix was busy working behind the scenes to craft his next musical statement.

These twelve recordings encompass a variety of unique sounds and styles incorporating many of the elements – horns, keyboards, percussion and second guitar – Jimi wanted to incorporate within his new music. “People, Hell and Angels” presents some of the finest Jimi Hendrix guitar work ever issued and provides a compelling window into his growth as a songwriter, musician, and producer. 

Keep up to date and get involved with the Hendrix store tagging your posts with #HendrixCarnaby

* * * * *

Pop-up store information:

Address: 8 Ganton Street, London W1F 7QP

Monday 1 April to Friday 12 April

Opening times: 12pm – 8pm Monday to Saturday and 11am – 5pm on Sunday

Special Appearances:

Janie L. Hendrix, Monday 1 April: 4-6pm

Gered Mankowitz, Saturday 6 April: 3-6pm

Fender Jimi Hendrix Master Class dates and information:

Tuesday 2 April

Wednesday 3 April

Thursday 11 April

Friday 12 April

Limited places 6-8 per session

Visit www.fender.com for additional information and booking

WIN a fanpack of the album here


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 8 March 2026.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: SCOTT ARCHIBALD the id project – Sol Caravan

The Temperance Movement, NQ Live,Manchester 13 March 2013

Bandcamp [Release date 05.12.25] Scott Archibald’s the id project’s debut album ‘Sol Caravan’ is a ground breaking recording. It strikes the perfect balance between jam band interplay, rock related intensity, subliminal percussive rhythms and timeless musical traditions. It’s a conceptually … Continue reading

Gig review: THE TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT – NQ Live,Manchester, 8 March 2013

The Temperance Movement, NQ Live,Manchester 13 March 2013

Planet Rock Presents was always going to be a great night and that was evident before we arrived at the venue as it was already sold out. This was due to the quality of the bands on tonight and that … Continue reading

Quick plays: SPIDER ROCKETS, MY SOLILOQUY, RAGE OF ANGELS, SHANNON, STALA & SO

Spider Rockets – Bitten (SPV) Spider Rockets hail from New Jersey and produce hard rock with classic rock and, to a lesser degree, punk elements.  “Bitten” is the outfit’s third release. What you get is a modern take of in-you-face … Continue reading

Album review: DEVILLE – Hydra

Small Stone Records www.smallstone.com There is definitely something good in the water in Sweden as not only do they produce a stream of top notch melodic rock and 70′s influenced acts, they have been producing some top draw modern rock … Continue reading

Album Review: PAUL ROSE – Double Life

Mita Records From the rich and fluid guitar licks to the classic blues arrangements and even the tasteful splashes of delicious Hammond organ, the cream of this collection should prompt worthy comparisons with the playing of Walter Trout or Stevie … Continue reading

News: THE MOODY BLUES – TIMELESS FLIGHT’ 17 DISC BOX SET

The Moody Blues will release a definitive career-spanning box set entitled ‘Timeless Flight’ on June 3rd 2013. Housed in a heavy-duty LP-sized hard-back slipcase, this lavish box set contains 17 discs including: * 11 remastered CDs featuring key album tracks, … Continue reading

Album review: SHAI HULUD – Reach Beyond The Sun

Metal Blade – Out Now. Hardcore is a genre that operates within clearly defined parameters and which obeys strict rules; it is a genre that’s long been associated with massive simply-crafted and highly energised Punk-sounding riffs and passionate shouting vocals. … Continue reading

Album review: DOUBT! – Mercy Pity Peace & Love

        Moonjune records DouBt is a bristling trio of free form players who wrap their spontaneous playing in fusion and funky clothing, but ultimately return to their chosen style of playing. ‘Mercy, Pity, Peace & Love’ is … Continue reading

Album review: FINTROLL – Blodsvept

Century Media – Out Now. “Shrouded In Blood”, the English translation for “Blodsvept”, is a title that one would find most fitting for an extreme Death Metal band and not the sixth studio album of the Folk-influenced septet Finntroll, however, … Continue reading

Album review: ILLUMION – The Waves

Freia Records – [Release Date: 20.12.12] Ahhh -  remember the good old days prog fans, when you could march down to your local record emporium, lay down your pound note and skip out with the latest waxing from King Crimson … Continue reading

Interview: 10Q’s with STANDING OVATION

Standing Ovation’s latest album ‘The Antikythera Mechanism’ is a real mix of styles and will be of definite interest to fans of progressive metal. Here we catch-up with vocalist Jouni Partanen…  1.     What are you currently up to? At the … Continue reading

Album review: MAHOGANY FROG – Senna

      Moonjune Records Mahogany Frog is an exciting, challenging, hard hitting, innovative and progressive Canadian band. They draw from the same progressive, electronic and symphonic arc as Erik Norlander’s Rocket Scientists, but much like their gate fold art … Continue reading

Gig review: STIFF LITTLE FINGERS – The Forum, Kentish Town, 22 March 2013

The Men They Couldn’t Hang provided a perfect opening for Stiff Little Fingers. Their firebrand folk-punk set harked back to the glory days of The Pogues and the radical high water mark of New Model Army and Billy Bragg. Well-crafted … Continue reading

Album review: THE NEW BLACK – III: Cut Loose

AFM This is the German band’s third release (slight hint in the title!) – not that I’ve heard either of their earlier releases though.  Their self titled debut appeared in 2009 with follow up “II – Better in Black” released … Continue reading

Quick plays: URIAH HEEP, SAMSON, SIR REG

SAMSON – Head On Lemon / Cherry Red A real NWoBHM classic here, Samson’s second album and the first to feature vocalist Bruce Bruce, aka Bruce Dickinson. Samson issued what is widely considered one of the first NWoBHM LPs in … Continue reading

Gig review: FM – Shepherds Bush Empire, London, 23 March 2013

FM, Shepherds Bush Empire, London, 23 March 2013

2013 sees FM’s stock as high as it has been for some time. Hot on the heels of not one but two new albums, they filled the first three levels of Shepherds Bush Empire. While last year’s gigs celebrating the … Continue reading

Album Review – SIN/ CITY – Th13teen

    Myskull Records (Release Date – Out Now) If you look Sin/ City up the metal dictionary it would no doubt say ‘See AC/DC’. This German outfit have been kicking out AC/DC style blues rock for many years and … Continue reading

Album review: DEREK DAVIS – Re Volt

        Apocalyse Records Former BabylonA.D. vocalist Derek Davis describes his music as ‘Balls out heavy rock with some revolutionary angst’, and it’s hard to argue with his sentiments, though you do wonder just what he’s angry about. … Continue reading

Album review: SWAMP TRAIN – Premium Selection

        Swamp Train [Release date 30.03.13 ] Swamp Train take their name from their own brand of down-home rhythms. Armed with cigar box guitars, washboard and harps they impressively carve out their own take on the blues. … Continue reading

Album review: BARNEY BENTALL – Flesh & Bone

Barney Bentall - Flesh & Bone

Three independent and seven studio albums into a career that kicked off in 1978, it’s a wonder that the name Barney Bentall – a Vancouver based singer songwriter – has never registered on the GRTR! radar. Those with an encyclopaedic … Continue reading

Album review: DE LA CRUZ – Street Level

Frontiers www.frontiers.it De La Cruz are yet another one of Frontier’s more recent signings that has seen them releasing albums by similar minded bands such as Crash Dïet and Crazy Lixx. Image yourself in Los Angeles, the Sunset Strip back … Continue reading

Gig review: STATUS QUO – Wolverhampton Civic Hall, 13 March 2013

Status Quo - Wolverhampton Civic Hall, 13 March 2013

There’s not much that can be said about this band that hasnt already been said. They have been the purveyors of the famous 3 chord songs for longer than most of us wish to or care to remember. Since the … Continue reading

Album review: JO HARMAN – Dirt On My Tongue

Chief [Release date 12.03.13] Jo Harman is a ‘singer’s singer’. Everything about this album is tied up with her evocative phrasing, pristine diction and a husky voice that swamps the lyrics in honey. ‘Dirt On My Tongue’ is a surprisingly … Continue reading

Album review: JOE BONAMASSA – An Acoustic Evening at the Vienna Opera House

        Provogue 2-CD set/2-DVD/Bluray [Monday 25.03.13] ‘An Acoustic Evening at the Vienna Opera House’ finds Joe Bonamassa playing to his strengths in an unplugged mode. Together with a carefully chosen multi instrumental quintet, his playing is eloquent, … Continue reading

Gig review: THE MAGIC BAND – Under The Bridge, London, 16 March 2013

There can be fewer stranger tales than the cult like relationship between the late Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band. His totalitarian grip on the line-up that recorded the groundbreaking ‘Trout Mask Replica’ album has spawned numerous articles, documentaries and … Continue reading

News: JIMI HENDRIX POP-UP STORE

JIMI HENDRIX® POP-UP STORE ANNOUNCED TO CELEBRATE THE RELEASE OF JIMI HENDRIX’S PEOPLE, HELL AND ANGELS GANTON STREET, CARNABY, LONDON Monday 1 April – Friday 12 April 2013  FEATURING FENDER® ‘PLUG & PLAY DEMO STATIONS’ AND GERED MANKOWITZ PHOTO EXHIBITION  … Continue reading