Author Archives: jason

Album review: BLACKLIST UNION – Letters From The Psych Ward

Posted on October 6, 2023 by jason

BLACLIST UNION - Letters From The Psych Ward

Cargo Records [Release date 15.09.23] Big, slick, dark and dirty, “Letters From The Psych Ward” is the latest album from Blacklist Union, the band’s sixth, and first for eight years. The album embraces decades of musical influences and therefore sounds modern … Continue reading →

Album review: WARD KNUTUR TOWNES – Unanswered

Posted on October 5, 2023 by jason

Betty Beetroot Records [Release date 06.10.23] Ward Knutur Townes found their sound when the world fell silent in 2020. These three singer-songwriters, (Lucy Ward, Svavar Knutur and Adyn Townes) were selected to take part in a virtual global music sharing experiment … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged Adyn Townes, album, alt folk, folk, Lucy Ward, melodic, review, Svavar Knutur, Unanswered, Ward Knutur Townes | Leave a comment

Gig review: HOUND – Here We Aren’t, Peterborough, 27 September 2023

Posted on September 29, 2023 by jason

An enigma, wrapped up in neon-bright packaging, Cambridgeshire punk pop metal quintet Hound are all dangerous curves, big riffs and uncontrolled energy. The fact they’re playing what must rank as one of the tiniest venues in the country, the whole … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged gig, Here We Aren’t, HOUND, melodic, Peterborough, Punk Metal, punk pop, review, Wednesday 27 September 2023 | Leave a comment

EP review: TOM WEBBER – The RAK Tracks

Posted on September 29, 2023 by jason

Website [Release date 29.09.23] Recorded at the legendary RAK Studios, Tom Webber takes another step up in his musical travels and more importantly, the musical depth and production that comes with recording at such a famous studio. If you though … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, Single and EP reviews | Tagged Didcot, EP, indie, Maya Lane, pop, RAK studios, RAK Tracks, review, rock 'n' roll, singer songwriter, The Korgis, Tom Webber | Leave a comment

News: BERNIE MARSDEN, THE KINKS, PALLAS (October 2023)

Posted on September 29, 2023 by jason

Alkaline Trio release their latest album, ‘Blood, Hair And Eyeballs’, on January 26 via Rise Records. The Beatles release ‘Now And Then’ on November 2, and it is being advertised as the final ‘new’ Beatles song ever. Black Sabbath release a … Continue reading →

Posted in 20th Anniversary 2003-2023, 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/Interviews, Re-issues/special editions, RIP | Tagged albums, Bernie Marsden, blues, blues rock, classic rock, folk, gigs, metal, news, Pallas, prog rock, Re-issues/special editions, RIP, The Kinks | Leave a comment

EP review: CULANN – Songs of Saints & Reivers

Posted on September 26, 2023 by jason

Bandcamp [Release date 15.09.23] Ayrshire based Culann have been around since 2008, releasing their self-titled debut album in 2012, followed by their second album, ‘The Great Ecumene‘, in 2019. Now Cullan – who consist of PJ Kelly (Vocals, Guitar), Sean Kelly (Drums), … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, Single and EP reviews | Tagged Culann, EP, folk rock, prog rock, progressive, review, rock, Songs of Saints & Reivers | Leave a comment

Album review: DIO – The Studio Albums 1996–2004

Posted on September 23, 2023 by jason

BMG [Release date 22.09.23] Ronnie James Dio’s eponymous band have quite a legacy, released a long string of solid and well received metal albums, from their formation in 1982 (following Dio’s departure from Black Sabbath) until his death in 2010. … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Reissues | Tagged Angry Machines, box set, classic metal, Dio, heavy metal, Killing the Dragon, Magica, Master of the Moon, metal, review, Ronnie James Dio, The Studio Albums 1996–2004 | Leave a comment

Gig review: THE BLACKHEART ORCHESTRA – Talbot Hotel, Oundle, 21 September 2023

Posted on September 23, 2023 by jason

Reputed to be haunted by the ghost of Mary, Queen of Scots, the upstairs room of this Northamptonshire hotel has its own magic, the delicate lighting and warmth more welcoming than unsettling. With their ethereal and involving soundscapes, The Blackheart … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged gig, Oundle, review, The Blackheart Orchestra, the Talbot Hotel, Thursday 21 September 2023 | Leave a comment

EP review: LITTLE LORE – Seven Stories part one

Posted on September 23, 2023 by jason

Bandcamp [Release date 22.09.23] Tricia Duffy, aka Little Lore, is back with a new EP, with the follow-up EP, ‘Seven Stories part two’, due out in February next year. A CD version, featuring all seven songs from both parts one and … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, Single and EP reviews | Tagged Americana, EP, folk, Little Lore, melodic, review, Seven Stories part one, singer songwriter | Leave a comment

Album review: UNCLE FRANK – Diablo

Posted on September 23, 2023 by jason

Last Man Media [Release date 06.10.23] Uncle Frank were formed in 2003 by Fun Lovin’ Criminals’ drummer (and vocalist with Uncle Frank) Frank Benbini and guitarist Naim Cortazzi and ‘Diablo’ is the band’s fourth album. They are joined by Darryl … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Diablo, Fun Lovin' Criminals, funk, pop rock, review, rock, soul, Uncle Frank | Leave a comment

Album review: HEADCAT – Reissues

Posted on September 11, 2023 by jason

Walk The Walk …Talk The Talk, Live In Berlin, Dreamcatcher BMG [Release date 15.09.23] Motorhead did not play rock ’n’ roll, but The Head Cat certainly did. Bassist/vocalist Lemmy’s side project, with drummer Slim Jim Phantom (The Stray Cats) and … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Reissues | Tagged albums, Dreamcatcher, Headcat, Lemmy, Live In Berlin, Motorhead, re-issued, review, rock 'n' roll, rockabilly, Slim Jim Phantom, The Stray Cats, Walk The Walk …Talk The Talk | Leave a comment

Album review: TEMPT – Tempt

Posted on September 3, 2023 by jason

Better Noise Music [Release date 25.08.23] Tempt’s website states they are “rock music for the modern age.” To date they have supported the likes of Bon Jovi, Shinedown and Iron Maiden, plus released a number of well received covers and … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, debut, Def Leppard, hard rock, melodic rock, modern rock, review, rock, Tempt | Leave a comment

Album review: SAM MILLAR – More Cheese Please

Posted on September 3, 2023 by jason

Bandcamp [Release date 01.09.23] Sam Millar is the epitome of an artist determined to get their music out there despite setbacks. Previously a member of the highly touted Big Foot, who split just as they were about to reap the … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged 80's rock, album, AOR, Big Foot, melodic rock, More Cheese Please, review, rock, Sam Millar, Sass Bandits | Leave a comment

News: ELLES BAILEY, HELMET, STEVEN WILSON (September 2023)

Posted on August 31, 2023 by jason

BRAVE RIVAL- Tropic at Ruislip, London, 5 March 2023

Bryan Adams releases a 35 track box set ‘Live at the Royal Albert Hall’ on December 8. Bachman Turner Overdrive have announced US tour dates, plus next year the band will release a concert film, shot in 1976, and a … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, Band Entrees & Exits, Books, Festivals & Large Events, Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Gigs and Tour News, NEWS, PledgeMusic/Kickstarter Campaigns, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/Album reviews, Re-issues/special editions, RIP | Tagged albums, blues, blues rock, classic rock, Covers, Elles Bailey, folk, gigs, Helmet, metal, news, prog rock, Re-issues/special editions, RIP, Steven Wilson | Leave a comment

Album review: NINEBARROW – The Colour of Night

Posted on August 27, 2023 by jason

Website [Release date 01.09.23] Ninebarrow, Jon Whitley and Jay LaBouchardiere, are at the forefront of folk artists building their own musical community. In this case Ninebarrow have the ‘Barrow Bods’, which helps them spread the word about their marvellous music, along with … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, folk, Jay LaBouchardiere, Jon Whitley, melodic, Ninebarrow, review, The Colour of Night, traditional | Leave a comment

Album review: SKINDRED – Smile

Posted on August 25, 2023 by jason

Earache Records [Release date 04.11.23] This reviewer knew Skindred by name but never really listened to them (more fool me!) until hearing ‘Gimme That Boom’ on a new arrivals playlist on a streaming service. Then off down to HMV to … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/Album reviews | Tagged album, Benji Webbe, melodic, metal, pop rock, punk, ragga metal, rap, review, Skindred, Smile | Leave a comment

Album review: PROMETHIUM – Bleeding The Ghost

Posted on August 25, 2023 by jason

Load 4 Records [Release date 15.09.23] Post-pandemic has seen a lot of bands undergo line-up changes, and in some cases calling it a day, as musicians re-evaluate what they want to do and achieve musically. Promethium are one such band … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/Album reviews | Tagged album, Bleeding The Ghost, classic metal, Doom Metal, heavy metal, melodic metal, metal, Promethium, review | Leave a comment

Gig review: HEARTS & HAND GRENADES – Six Six Bar, Cambridge, Saturday 19 August 2023

Posted on August 24, 2023 by jason

Somehow generating the same levels of heat best found on the surface of the sun, Cambridge’s Six Six Bar is a venue whose attributes echo the long gone and much missed Marquee Club when it was in Wardour Street. The … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged Cambridge, gig, Hearts & Hand Grenades, Löwdown, Mikey Ball & the Company, review, Saturday 19 August 2023, Six Six Bar, SoulSwitcht | Leave a comment

Album review: OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW – Jubilee

Posted on August 23, 2023 by jason

ATO Records [Release date 25.08.23] Hot on the heels of last year’s enjoyable ‘Paint This Town’, Old Crow Medicine Show are back with their eighth studio album. ‘Miles Away’ was released as the lead single from the album. It was … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Americana, bluegrass, country, folk, Jubilee, Mavis Staples, Old Crow Medicine Show, old time music, review | Leave a comment

Album review: DORIS BRENDEL & LEE DURHAM – Pigs Might Fly

Posted on August 11, 2023 by jason

Album link [Release date 15.09.23] With their Steampunk ethos adding a nice twist to their individual take on rocking prog, Doris Brendel and Lee Durham have created and fruitfully harvested their own niche. Seen most recently both opening for Fish … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Doris Brendel & Lee Durham, Pigs Might Fly, progressive, review, rock, steampunk | Leave a comment

Gig review: THE TREATMENT/MANSWORTH – Queens Hall, Nuneaton, Saturday 5 August 2023

Posted on August 8, 2023 by jason

Dead Demons opened this triple bill, unfortunately I didn’t arrive in time to catch the majority of their set, but the vibe was good, and the crowd were definitely warmed up by the time they had finished. Next on the … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged classic rock, gig, hard rock, Laurie Mansworth, Mansworth, Nuneaton, Piston, Queens Hall, review, rock, Saturday 5 August 2023, The Treatment | Leave a comment

Gig review: SIR TOM JONES – Heritage Live, Audley End House, Saffron Walden, 6 August 2023

Posted on August 8, 2023 by jason

SIR TOM JONES – Heritage Live, Audley End House, Saffron Walden, Sunday 6 August 2023

The scene is set for the third night of Heritage Live’s Audley End. The likes of Miss Disco, Boney M, The Real Thing and Bjorn Again were followed on Saturday by adverse weather but the Britpop movement was in full … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged Audley End House, Classic Albums, gig, Heritage Live, pop, review, rock, rock 'n' roll, Saffron Walden, Sir Tom Jones, Sunday 6 August 2023 | Leave a comment

Quick plays: DREW HOLCOMB & THE NEIGHBORS, 19th STREET BAND, PHIL VINCENT

Posted on August 6, 2023 by jason

DREW HOLCOMB & THE NEIGHBORS Strangers No More Magnolia Music [Release date 09.06.23] Ninth studio album from Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors who have been gaining critical plaudits and fans in the Americana field since they formed back in 2005. … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Quick Plays | Tagged album, Americana, Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors, folk, hard rock, melodic, melodic rock, Phil Vincent, Quick Play, review, Strangers No More, the 19th Street Band | Leave a comment

Album review: JOSHUA BURNELL – Glass Knight

Posted on August 3, 2023 by jason

Website [Release date 11.08.23] This reviewer enjoyed Joshua Burnell’s last album, 2020′s ‘Flowers Where The Horses Sleep’ and with an artist not limited by genre boundaries, expectations were raised for ‘Glass Knight’. With all music and lyrics written and arranged … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, folk, Glass Knight, Joshua Burnell, melodic, pop, review, rock, singer songwriter | Leave a comment

News: BRUCE SOORD, MESHUGGAH, OF MICE AND MEN (August 2023)

Posted on July 31, 2023 by jason

The Anchoress will release a covers album ‘Versions’ on October 6 through Drowned In Sound. Atlantea, the new progressive rock project by Ten’s Darrel Treece-Birch, has signed a record deal with Lion Music. Ronnie Atkins releases his third solo album, … Continue reading →