Author Archives: jason

Album review: FATAL VISION – Three Times Lucky

FATAL VISION - Three Times Lucky

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

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Album review: GARFUNKEL & GARFUNKEL – Father and Son

GARFUNKEL & GARFUNKEL – Father and Son

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

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Album review: NO FAVORS – The Eleventh Hour

No Favors - Eleventh Hour

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

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Album review: CATS IN SPACE – Time Machine

CATS IN SPACE – Time Machine

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

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

gp2

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

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

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

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Album review : STEVE HOWE – Guitarscape

STEVE HOWE – Guitarscape

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

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Album review: WILLIE DOWLING – The Simpleton

WILLIE DOWLING - The Simpleton

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

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

Bobby ‘Boris’ Pickett - The Monster Mash

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

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Album review: STEVE KNIGHTLEY – The Winter Yards

STEVE KNIGHTLEY - The Winter Yards

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

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Album review: SMASH ATOMS

Smash Atoms

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

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Album review: SUNJAY – I’m Just Like You

Sunjay - I'm Just Like You

Website [Release date 11.11.24] This latest album by singer, songwriter and blues guitarist Sunjay is a tribute to blues legend Chris Smither. The album features 15 of Chris Smither’s original songs, it was originally recorded as a private gift for Smither’s … Continue reading

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EP review: CLUB PARADISE – Life On TV

club paradise

Facebook [Release date 11.10.24] Club Paradise is made up of school friends Ryan Young (vocals/guitar), Jackson Vert (lead guitar), Harry Webb (bass) and Nathan Hogg (drums). They have been together for over a decade and it shows in that they have a tight sound/decent production values. The EP features … Continue reading

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News: JESSE DAMON, NICKY HOPKINS, NEIL YOUNG (October 2024)

Dream Theater - Manchester O2 Apollo, 13 February 2014

After Lapse release their new album ‘Pathways’ on December 13 on Frontiers. Arch Enemy release their twelfth studio album, ‘Blood Dynasty’, on March 28 via Century Media Records. Joan Armatrading has announced that her new album, ‘How Did This Happen And What Does … Continue reading

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Album review: MOUNTAIN – Over The Top

MOUNTAIN - Over the Top

Voiceprint [Release date 04.10.24] Formed by guitarist/vocalist Leslie West in the late 60s, Mountain took their name from West’s debut solo album and soon became successful and important in the US hard rock/blues rock scene. Mountain are (or should be) … Continue reading

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EP review: ALL I KNOW – Stiletto Nightmare

all-i-know

Website [Release date 01.08.24] This refreshingly ‘80’s inspired slab of keyboard heavy melodic rock would have been all over the radio in years gone by, but for now bands like All I Know are keeping the light flickering for legions of … Continue reading

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Album review: MOONSTONE PROJECT – New Life

MOONSTONE PROJECT – New Life

Escape Music [Release date 18.09.24] Moonstone Project is masterminded by guitarist and songwriter Matt Filippini. ‘New Life’ is a re-issue, of sorts, as it sees the Moonstone Project’s 2006 album ‘Time To Take A Stand’, being completely remixed and remastered … Continue reading

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Album review: THE CORONAS – Thoughts & Observations

The Coronas

So Far So Good [Release date 27.09.24] The Coronas are a big deal in their native Ireland where their last three albums have gone straight to number 1 in the Irish charts. Although technically a three-piece, with Danny O’Reilly (vocals, … Continue reading

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Album review: JON BODEN & THE REMNANT KINGS – Parlour Ballads

JON BODEN & THE REMNANT KINGS – Parlour Ballads

Hudson Records [Release date 27.09.24] “Parlour Music” is a genre that has been much derided over the centuries. Its heyday was the Victorian era when many middle-class houses had pianos and many middle-class sons and daughters could sight-read piano scores … Continue reading

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Book review: DANCE WITH THE DEVIL – The Cozy Powell Story by Laura Shenton

Dance With The Devil – The Cozy Powell Story,

Wymer Publishing Drummer Cozy Powell, famed for his work with Jeff Beck, Rainbow, MSG, Whitesnake, Black Sabbath and Bian May, has a CV longer than most could ever wish for, with success and obscure sessions and a family tree that’ll … Continue reading

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Single review: CIRCUS 66 – Save The Damn World

circus 66

Facebook [Release date 20.09.24] Having already made a seismic impression with their live shows and debut album ‘Follow the Black Crow’, sizzling four-piece Circus 66 unleash this new chapter from their soon to be released sophomore ‘Elements’. For those who’ve caught … Continue reading

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Album review: FAIRGROUND ATTRACTION – Beautiful Happening

Fairground Attraction – ‘Beautiful Happening’

Absolute [Release date 27.09.24] It seems somewhat odd that Fairground Attraction were only around for three years, such is the lasting power of singles ‘Perfect’ and ‘Find My Love’. With debut ‘First of a Million Kisses’ having won a ‘Brits’ … Continue reading

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Album review: GARY MARX – Green Ginger Jive

Gary Marx - Green Ginger Jive

Wrecking Ball Sounds [Release date 05.10.24] Guitarist Gary Marx was a founding member of the Sisters of Mercy and on this album he travels back to the 70′s, specifically the glam rock heyday of the likes of Suzi Quatro, Slade … Continue reading

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Album review: TONY IOMMI featuring GLENN HUGHES – The 1996 Dep Sessions, Fused

TONY IOMMI featuring GLENN HUGHES - Dep Sessions 1996, Fused

BMG [Release date 04.10.24] The two albums guitar legend and Black Sabbath founder Tony Iommi recorded with bassist/vocalist Glenn Hughes get a well deserved reissue, as well as a first time release on vinyl. Marvellous. The Dep Sessions, so called … Continue reading

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Album review: BOSTON MANOR – Sundiver

BOSTON MANOR - Sundiver

SharpTone Records [Release date 06.09.24] Sundiver marks Boston Manor’s fifth album. Hailing from the seaside town of Blackpool, the five piece have been busy bashing out bangers since their first EP in 2013. I was first introduced to Boston Manor … Continue reading

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