Author Archives: jason

Album review: THUNDERSTICK – Lockdown

Posted on October 29, 2023 by jason

Roulette [Release date 20.10.23] Renowned Samson (and former Iron Maiden) drummer is not one to rest on his laurels, and since resurrecting his eponymous band in 2017, he’s kept rocking and entertaining. And this new album has kept the standards … Continue reading →

Album review: PATTERN-SEEKING ANIMALS – Spooky Action At A Distance

Posted on October 27, 2023 by jason

InsideOut Music [Release date 27.10.23] Fourth album from Pattern-Seeking Animals who comprise of multi-instrumentalist John Boegehold, Spock’s Beard duo Ted Leonard (vocals, guitars) and Dave Meros (bass, vocals), and former Spock’s Beard drummer Jimmy Keegan. What makes Pattern-Seeking Animals rather … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Insideout Music, melodic, Pattern-Seeking Animals, progressive, review, rock, Spock's Beard, Spooky Action at a Distance | Leave a comment

Album review: SKINNY KNOWLEDGE – Twenty Two

Posted on October 27, 2023 by jason

Facebook [Release date 27.10.23] Skinny Knowledge release ‘TwentyTwo’ as the notoriously tricky second album, following on from their debut in 2021 with ‘Don’t Turn Out the Lights’. On producing Andy Smooth states, “The overall sound of the album has taken … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Dinosaur Pile-Up, hard rock, review, rock, Skinny Knowledge, Twenty Two | Leave a comment

Album review: GYPSY PISTOLEROS – Duende A Go Go….Loco

Posted on October 25, 2023 by jason

Earache Records [Release date 03.11.23] Gypsy Pistoleros are a 4-piece, hailing from Worcester, that have exploded as a ball of energy onto the Rock scene, bringing Flamenco Punk Glam Rock n Roll to the masses. They are now serving up … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Duende A Go Go….Loco, flamenco, Gypsy Lee Pistolero, Gypsy Pistoleros, melodic, review, rock, rock 'n' roll | Leave a comment

Album review: DANDELION CHARM – Scream Inside The Tear

Posted on October 15, 2023 by jason

Bandcamp [Release date 20.10.23] Dandelion Charm, the husband and wife team consisting of Clare Fowler (vocals) and John Fowler (vocals, acoustic drums, guitars, bass, keys & producer), have seemingly been quiet release wise since releasing their excellent ‘Maybe Dreamers’ back … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Dandelion Charm, folk rock, prog rock, progressive, review, rock, Scream Inside The Tear | Leave a comment

Gig review: Quarantune Rocks Weekender 2023 -The Victoria Bikers Pub, Coalville, October 6 & 7 2023

Posted on October 14, 2023 by jason

Quarantune Rocks was created by friends Karen Clayton and Pamela Hinchliffe, during COVID-19 to support rock fans and live music in an online group. The not-for-profit festival is in its third year, run by music lovers and aims to support … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS, Special Events | Tagged classic rock, Coalville, Gypsy Pistoleros, hard rock, metal, Music Venue Trust, October 6 & 7 2023, review, rock, rock 'n' roll, the Quarantune Rocks Weekender 2023, The Victoria Bikers Pub | Leave a comment

Album review: ANN WILSON & TRIPSITTER – Another Door

Posted on October 12, 2023 by jason

Dualtone [Release date 29.09.23 US, 13.10.23 ROW] Ann Wilson, best known for Heart with her sister Nancy, decided that prior to starting the 2023 tour with her band Tripsitter, they would record an album of all-original material. This album also … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Ann Wilson & Tripsitter, Another Door, hard rock, Heart, melodic rock, review, rock | Leave a comment

Quick plays: HASSAN BIN RASHID, LOUIS DE BERNIERES, RYAN YOUNG

Posted on October 7, 2023 by jason

HASSAN BIN RASHID My 21 Grams [Release date 06.10.23] Not everyday you get offered to review an album by a proper prince, in this case Bahraini Prince, Hassan bin Rashid. ‘My 21 Grams’ is his fifth studio album as he … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Quick Plays | Tagged alternative, folk, Hassan bin Rashid, Louis de Bernieres, melodic, My 21 Grams, Pearl Jam, pop, Quick Play, review, rock, Ryan Young | Leave a comment

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 →

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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 →