Quick plays: TYPHOON, EWAN CRUICKSHANKS, THE HAZEY JANES

December 7th, 2017 by jason

TYPHOON Offerings [Release date 12.01.18]

The PR copy states that ‘If a Fellini film, a Bosch painting and a Rorschach drawing had a collective sound, it would be Typhoon’s new release’. Or in more simpler terms it is an album that requires your attention for the musical shifts and turns, as the band tell the story of a man losing his mind.

The story unfolds over four movements and it is not an easy listen. To be honest, although interesting through the lyrics and music, it does sound a little one paced at times. I am sure it will gain better reviews than this one, it just doesn’t appeal. ***

Review by Jason Ritchie

EWAN CRUICKSHANKS A Glasgow Band [Release date 09.02.18]

Hailing as the album title suggests from Glasgow, Ewan Cruickshanks is a keen supporter of the local music scene there and hosts a local radio show promoting local talent. He is no musical slouch himself having produced this quirky pop album full of melody and a scattering of instrumentals.

Highlights are the catchy pop of ‘Dreams’ where he duets with Siobhan Wilson and ‘C.A.A.G.B.’, in which the chorus reminded me of ‘Three Lions’ by The Lightning Seeds. Indeed the album’s sound is not unlike The Lightning Seeds in that band’s 90′s prime, gentle on the ear and lyrics that have an everyday take on life.

By no means an essential album, it still has its moments and worth a listen. ***

Review by Jason Ritchie

THE HAZEY JANES Hands Around The City – Live
Armellodie Records [Release date 08.12.17]

‘Big in Dundee’ is maybe not a phrase you hear that often, however it applies to the Hazey Janes who hail from the said city and this album was recorded at a sold out live show there, where they performed their ‘lost album’ in full.

The band consists of Andrew Mitchell (vocals, guitar), Liam Brennan (drums, vocals), Alice Marra (vocals, guitar, keyboards, glockenspiel) and Matthew Marra (bass) and on this live performance they were joined by Riley Briggs (guitar, keyboards) and Jenny Sutherland on violin and viola.

The Hazey Janes mix pop, indie rock and a bit of country and it sounds good. Highlights include the fast paced pop of ‘New York’ and the guitars-a-jangling on ‘Autumn Song’ – reminiscent of PictureHouse as both bands have a distinctive vocalist and an ear for melodic indie rock/pop.

Not normally a big lover of live albums, however this one has certainly tweaked my interest in the Hazey Janes and leaving me wanting to hear more by them. ***1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.

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

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 on 2 March 2025.

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). This show was first broadcast on 4 March 2025

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Power Plays w/c 24 March 2025

HARRI LARKIN Too Close To The Sun (Robot Distro)
SANDNESS Not Your Dog (Rockshots Records)
DOCTOR BLACK Drag Me Down (indie)
COHEED AND CAMBRIA Goodbye Sunshine (Virgin Music Group)
LEONI JANE KENNEDY Closer (indie)
SMALL TOWN POLITICS Red Lights (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 24 March 2025

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)

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