Author Archives: jason

Single review: SPLEEN – Making Plans For Nigel

Posted on November 28, 2024 by jason

YouTube Spleen have been around since 2019 and now comprises Samuele Riccucci on guitar and vocals, Matteo Innocenti on drums and backing vocals, Olmo Fantini on guitar and backing vocals, and Alberto Sanna on bass. A brave move to cover … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, Single and EP reviews | Tagged Covers, Making Plans For Nigel, New Wave, pop, punk, punk pop, review, Robbie Williams, single, Spleen, XTC | Leave a comment

Feature: PHIL VINCENT’s Baker’s Dozen

Posted on November 24, 2024 by jason

A Baker’s Dozen, in which various musicians choose 13 songs – a baker’s dozen – to make a playlist. The following rules apply – Maximum of three songs from any artist Maximum of two songs from any album Maximum of two … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, FEATURES | Tagged Bakers Dozen, Beatles, feature, hard rock, heavy metal, Jon Butcher Axis, Judas Priest, melodic rock, metal, Phil Vincent, pop, prog rock, Queen, RAVEN, Thin Lizzy | Leave a comment

Album review: PHIL VINCENT – Master of Deception

Posted on November 22, 2024 by jason

Bandcamp [Release date 22.11.24] This is Phil Vincent’s 26th solo album! That is excluding the various bands he appears with like D’Ercole and Tragik. Mastered again by Jacob Hansen (who certainly seems to have added some punch to last few … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, hard rock, Master of Deception, melodic rock, Phil Vincent, review, rock | Leave a comment

Album review: CROSSBONE SKULLY – Evil World Machine

Posted on November 20, 2024 by jason

Better Noise Music [Release date 22.11.24] Crossbone Skully is the band formed by Alice Cooper and Hollywood Vampires guitarist Tommy Henriksen. He’s joined by guitarists Anna Cara and Sam Koltun, bassist Chris Wyse and drummer Alex Boch. That’s not all … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged AC/DC, album, Alice Cooper, classic rock, Crossbone Skully, Def Leppard, Evil World Machine, hard rock, Hollywood Vampires, Johnny Depp, Motley Crue, Mutt Lange, review, rock, sleaze rock, Tommy Denander, Tommy Henriksen | Leave a comment

Book reviews: On track…SPARKS, ROXY MUSIC, DAVID BOWIE

Posted on November 17, 2024 by jason

On Track…Sparks 1969-1979 by Chris Sutton (Sonicbond Publishing) Chris Sutton has penned a few titles previously for SonicBond including a couple on Alice Cooper and an AC/DC one. Unlike some titles in the series this Sparks one features interviews specifically … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, BOOK REVIEWS | Tagged art rock, book review, Brian Eno, Bryan Ferry, Carl Ewens, Chris Sutton, Classic Albums, classic rock, David Bowie, electronic pop, glam rock, Michael Kulikowski, On Track, pop, rock, Roxy Music, Sonicbond Publishing, SPARKS | Leave a comment

Album review: DEWOLFF- Muscle Shoals

Posted on November 17, 2024 by jason

Mascot Records [Release date 06.12.24] “The singing river ? Damned if there ain’t soul in the silt itself. Musician folks been heading down this way for years and I’ll wager I’ve seen ‘em all – yes sir, Muscle Shoals, Alabama. … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, blues, blues rock, DeWolf, Lynyrd Skynrd, Muscle Shoals, Otis Redding, review, rock, soul | Leave a comment

Gig review: HRH XVII, Great Yarmouth, 7-9 November 2024

Posted on November 15, 2024 by jason

Hard Rock Hell (HRH) was back for its 17th instalment “Valhalla”. Rockers from up and down the country were already here in their masses. The atmosphere was already building and I couldn’t wait to get stuck into this weekend. Thursday … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged gothic rock, hard rock, Hardcore Superstar, HRH XVII, Lizzy Borden, metal, Molly Karloff, November 2024, Review. festival, rock, South Of Salem, the Darker My Horizon, The Hot One Two, Wednesday 13 | Leave a comment

Feature: CASEY MAUNDER’s Bakers Dozen

Posted on November 13, 2024 by jason

The first Baker’s Dozen, in which various musicians choose 13 songs – a baker’s dozen – to make a playlist. The following rules apply – Maximum of three songs from any artist Maximum of two songs from any album Maximum … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, FEATURES | Tagged Bakers Dozen, Casey Maunder, Cheap Trick, feature, Get Out and Push, hard rock, melodic rock, playlist, Spotify, Tigertailz | Leave a comment

Album review: MASSIVE WAGONS – Earth To Grace

Posted on November 12, 2024 by jason

Earache Records [Release date 08.11.24] Amazingly this is album number seven from Massive Wagons, and their fourth on Earache Records, with their last two albums both making the UK top 10 album chart. No pressure then lads! The pre-released songs/singles … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Earth to Grace, hard rock, Hundred Reasons, Massive Wagons, melodic, metal, punk, review, Wildhearts | Leave a comment

Album review: EVE GOODMAN – Summer Sun, Winter Trees

Posted on November 10, 2024 by jason

Bandcamp [Release date 15.11.24] ‘Summer Sun, Winter Trees’ is Eve Goodman’s debut album, having released the EP ‘Wave Upon Wave’ previously. As Eve explains, “These songs are a capture of my moods, my headspace, and the symbols and imagery that … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Eve Goodman, folk, review, singer songwriter, Summer Sun, Winter Trees | Leave a comment

Album review: LIBRARIANS WITH HICKEYS – How To Make Friends By Telephone

Posted on November 8, 2024 by jason

Big Stir Records/Bandcamp [Release date 08.11.24] Librarians With Hickeys are an indie pop rock duo consisting of Ray Carmen (vocals, guitars, drums) and Mike Crooker (vocals, bass, organ, piano, keys). They released their debut album in 2020 and this is … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album review, Byrds, How To Make Friends By Telephone, indie pop, Librarians With Hickeys, melodic, pop rock, power pop, REM | Leave a comment

Gig review: DEFECTS – Key Club, Leeds, 1 November 2024

Posted on November 6, 2024 by jason

Once again I was impatiently awaiting this gig. Filled with excitement I headed off to the Key Club in Leeds. Upon arriving I found the venue was small and intimate which was a massive bonus, the Stage was raised so … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 1 November 2024, alt rock, Defects, gig, Knife Bride, Leeds, modern rock, nu-metal, Profiler, review, rock, the Key Club | Leave a comment

Album review: THE QUIREBOYS – Wardour Street

Posted on November 1, 2024 by jason

Cadiz Music [Release date 01.11.24] When I heard Spike had been ousted by his own band but had drafted in original Quireboys guitarist and co-founder the late, great, Guy Bailey to help resurrect the true Quireboys, rejoined by most of … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, classic rock, Frankie Miller, Guy Bailey, Luke Morley, Nigel Mogg, review, rock, rock 'n' roll, Spike, The Quireboys, Thunder, Wardour Street | Leave a comment

News: BONFIRE, MOGWAI, KID KAPACHI (November 2024)

Posted on October 30, 2024 by jason

Ambush have signed with Napalm Records with a view to release a new album next year. Tori Amos releases a new live album, ‘Diving Deep Live’, via Decca on December 6. A remastered 2CD/2DVD box set version of ‘An Evening Of Yes Music Plus’ … Continue reading →

Posted in Album News, ALL POSTS, Band Entrees & Exits, Books, Festivals & Large Events, Gigs and Tour News, NEWS, PledgeMusic/Kickstarter Campaigns, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/News, Re-issues/special editions, RIP | Tagged albums, AOR, blues, Bonfire, folk, gigs, Kid Kapachi, melodic rock, metal, Mogwai, news, re-issues, RIP, special editions, tour dates | Leave a comment

Album review: FATAL VISION – Three Times Lucky

Posted on October 30, 2024 by jason

Art of Melody [Release date 22.11.24] Fatal Vision originated in Ottawa, Canada during the late 1980s, carving out a niche in the Melodic Rock scene with influences from iconic bands like Asia, Bad English, Journey, Survivor, and Van Halen. After … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged 80's rock, album, Fatal Vision, hair metal, hard rock, melodic rock, review, Three Times Lucky, Van Halen | Leave a comment

Album review: GARFUNKEL & GARFUNKEL – Father and Son

Posted on October 29, 2024 by jason

BMG [Release date 08.11.24] The legendary Art Garfunkel teams up with his son, Art Jr. to produce an album of covers. As Art. Jr. explains, “This one is truly a father-son project, it’s all about this unique connection. We recorded … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album review, Art Garfunkel, Art Garfunkel Jr., Covers, Cyndi Lauper, Eurthymics, Father and Son, Garfunkel & Garfunkel, jazz, melodic, pop, soul, standards | Leave a comment

Album review: NO FAVORS – The Eleventh Hour

Posted on October 27, 2024 by jason

Pride & Joy Music [Release date 22.11.24] Can’t not give No Favors a listen as they hail from my home town of Stoke-on-Trent! No Favors were formed in the ’80s, which included rhythm guitarist Carl Ogden, who remained a constant … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album review, Carl Ogden, DEMON, hard rock, Magnum, melodic hard rock, No Favours, Praying Mantis, Pride & Joy Music, rock, The Eleventh Hour | Leave a comment

Album review: CATS IN SPACE – Time Machine

Posted on October 25, 2024 by jason

Esoteric Antenna [Release date 25.10.24] Studio album number six for Cats In Space, their third with vocalist Damien Edwards and first for new label Esoteric Antenna, part of the Cherry Red Records empire. Opening with the title track, we have … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged 10CC, 70's rock, album review, AOR, Cats In Space, classic rock, melodic rock, Queen, rock, Sweet, THE WHO, Time Machine | Leave a comment

Single review: GYPSY PISTOLEROS – Welcome to the Church of the Pistoleros

Posted on October 25, 2024 by jason

Earache Records [Release date 25.10.24] Gypsy Pistoleros are on an upward trajectory and one that is well deserved as they have certainly put their heart and soul into both many live shows, but also this new single and album of … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, Single and EP reviews | Tagged album review, Earache Records, glam, Gypsy Pistoleros, Latino, punk, punk pop, review, rock, rock 'n' roll, single, Welcome to the Church of the Pistoleros | Leave a comment

Gig review: CATS IN SPACE – The Wilde Theatre, Bracknell, 16 October 2024

Posted on October 17, 2024 by jason

CATS IN SPACE- Wilde Theatre, South Hill Park, Bracknell, 20 July 2023

First time in the Wilde Theatre, part of the South Hill Park complex that includes a small cinema and cellar bar (where on my first visit to South Hill Park enjoyed a gig by folk duo Ninebarrow). Despite being all … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 70's rock, Bracknell, Cats In Space, classic rock, gig, piano, pop rock, review, rock, the Wilde Theatre, Time Machine, Wednesday 16 October 2024, Willie Dowling | Leave a comment

Album review : STEVE HOWE – Guitarscape

Posted on October 14, 2024 by jason

HoweSound [Release date: 27.09.24] With more than one hundred albums featuring his name in the recording credits, to offer guitarist Steve Howe the title of a truly accomplished musician should come as no surprise to anyone – still, it does … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Asia, Dylan Howe, guitarist, Guitarscape, instrumental, progressive, review, rock, Solo, Steve Howe, Yes | Leave a comment

Album review: WILLIE DOWLING – The Simpleton

Posted on October 13, 2024 by jason

Bandcamp [Release date 01.11.24] A new Willie Dowling album, whether it be under his own name or as part of one of his many fine groups like the Grip, Honeycrack, the Dowling Poole et al, is always a treat. On … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, classic rock, review, The Simpleton, Willie Dowling | Leave a comment

Album review: BOBBY ‘BORIS’ PICKETT – The Monster Mash

Posted on October 13, 2024 by jason

Decca [Release date 11.10.24] Bobby Pickett, a comedian and singer/songwriter, recorded this track after fronting a band called the Cordials by night, while attending auditions by day. Part of his act would include a monologue imitating Boris Karloff (probably best … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Reissues | Tagged album, Bobby ‘Boris’ Pickett, classic pop, Decca, HaLLoween, pop, review, The Monster Mash | Leave a comment

Album review: STEVE KNIGHTLEY – The Winter Yards

Posted on October 12, 2024 by jason

Website [Release date 04.10.24] With Show of Hands on ‘an indefinite break’, Steve Knightley releases this, his first solo studio album in 17 years. Guest artists on the album include his Show of Hands partner-in-crime Phil Beer, Phillip Henry (Edgelarks), Madrid-based Track … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, contemporary music, folk, melodic, review, Show Of Hands, songwriter, Steve Knightley, The Winter Yards | Leave a comment

Album review: SMASH ATOMS

Posted on October 8, 2024 by jason

M-Theory Audio [Release date 11.10.24] This year SMASH ATOMS have been bubbling under, mainly from the overwhelming and surprising response the Swedish quartet have received from commercial/active rock radio. Servicing their first single/video “Down” inspired a dozen stations to immediately … Continue reading →