Single reviews: THE RISING, NATHAN JAMES, DANNY VAUGHN, THE SENTON BOMBS, DION

THE RISING - Shadows On The Wall

THE RISING Shadows On The Wall

I have been following the Rising since they started out. In their early days they were more in a country rock vibe, before settling on the main duo of guitarist Chris Logan and vocalist Chantelle McTeer. This new song is a bit of a belter, possibly their rockiest outing for some time, yet still keeping that country vibe. Dealing with the subject of child abuse the lyrics are both powerful and thought provoking. The Rising are also a band who look to adapt to the current musical climate by looking to release new songs on a regular basis, thereby hoping to keep their name known more.

NATHAN JAMES & FRIENDS Imagine

Inglorious vocalist Nathan James put this all-star version together, which features amongst others Yes’s Geoff Downes on piano and Dave Kilminster on guitar, along with vocalists including Deborah Bonham, Danny Vaughn, Toby Jepson, Stryper’s Michael Sweet, Jeff Scott Soto and right at the end the singing legend that is Paul Rodgers! Nice touch to include up and coming musicians too from the likes of Liberty Lies. A big song to tackle and they all do it justice.

DANNY VAUGHN Kelly’s Gone

Lifted from his enjoyable ‘Myths, Legends & Lies’ album from last year, Danny Vaughn’s new single is a gentle country/Americana tune. Written when he was trying to made inroads into the Nashville songwriter scene, this is another fine tune and perfect for a summer’s day. One of the finest singers currently out there.

DION Bam Bang Boom

Dion will be known to many for his string of hit singles in the early to mid-1960’s, including ‘The Wanderer’, a big hit for Status Quo amongst others. He is back with a new blues album out on June 5 (his last few albums have been solely blues based). It is a starry affair featuring the likes of Bruce Springsteen and ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, who adds his distinctive guitar playing to this slow blues number. A nice teaser for the upcoming album.

JORDAN RED Don’t Let The Heavens Fall

Another impressive modern rock song from Jordan Red – Daniel Leigh (vocals) and Dan Baker (guitar). They manage to mix a heavy riff, with clear, melodic vocals and a memorable chorus, with an added bonus of a tasty effects laden guitar solo. Definitely a band to keep an ear and eye on this year as they appear to be going from strength to strength.

NUALA Artemisia

New name to this parish and it is an impressive piece of stripped down psych rock – bit like the Pixies jamming with PJ Harvey. More please!

THE SENTON BOMBS - Be What You Want

THE SENTON BOMBS Be What You Want

Blackpool rockers the Senton Bombs return with a new song which is a bit of a banger to use a (fairly) modern phrase! In an ideal world a tour with Those Damn Crows and Massive Wagons would be a dream triple bill – all killer, no filler.

LA DHARMA Devils

Oooh jangly indie pop ahoy! La Dharma are a four piece from Birmingham and ‘Devils’ is one to play loud. Chiming guitar, memorable chorus, melodic vocals – impressive.

Reviews by Jason Ritchie


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Power Plays w/c 7 April 2025

SEVEN BLOOD To The Unknown (indie)
FROM FALL TO SPRING Incomplete (Arising Empire)
POP EVIL Side Effects (MNRK Heavy)
ERJA LYYTINEN Abyss (Tuohi Records)
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