Author Archives: jason

Album review: EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER – Reissues (Works Vol.1 & 2, Love Beach)

Posted on May 7, 2017 by jason

BMG [Release date 26.05/17] Formed in 1970, Emerson, Lake & Palmer were one of the first progressive rock supergroups, and certainly one of the most successful. Keyboard player, pianist and keen advocate of the Moog Keith Emerson had previously played with … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Reissues | Tagged Carl Palmer, classical, Emerson, expanded, Greg Lake, Keith Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Love Beach, prog, progressive, reissue, rock, Works Live, Works Volume 1, Works Volume 2 | Leave a comment

Album review: HUDSON FORD – The A&M Albums

Posted on May 6, 2017 by jason

Caroline Records [Release date 05.05.17] Vocalist, guitarist and bassist John Ford and drummer Richard Hudson were originally members of Elmer Gantry’s Velvet Opera in the 60s, before famously joining The Strawbs (a band that at one point featured Rick Wakeman). In … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Reissues | Tagged A&M Albums, album, Hudson Ford, reissue, review, Rick Wakeman, the Monks, The Strawbs | Leave a comment

Album review: MARSHALL LAW – Marshall Law

Posted on May 4, 2017 by jason

Dissonance [Release date 28.04.17] If you don’t know the name, you should. Part of a second new wave of British Heavy Metal, Marshall Law formed in the West Midlands in the late 80s and had much acclaim at the time. … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, classic rock, Judas Priest, Marshall Law, metal, NWOBHM, review, rock | Leave a comment

Album review: NITROGODS – Roadkill BBQ

Posted on May 3, 2017 by jason

SPV/Steamhammer [Release date 26.05.17] If Rush play thinking man’s music, then Hannover/Stuttgart’s very own Nitrogods require only that you have one functioning brain cell which has been pickled for weeks and then slapped stupid with a baseball bat. Looking a … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, hard rock, Motorhead, NITROGODS, review, Roadkill BBQ, rock, rock 'n' roll | Leave a comment

Quick plays: ADRENALINE RUSH, BLOOD COMMAND, LIGHT FREEDOM REVIVAL

Posted on May 3, 2017 by jason

ADRENALINE RUSH Soul Survivor Frontiers [Release date 21.04.17] Album number two from Adrenaline Rush, the band built around former pop singer Tave Wanning. The band have undergone a couple of line-up changes with Sam Soderlindh (lead guitar) and Joel Fox (bass) … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Quick Plays | Tagged Adrenaline Rush, albums, Blood Command, Coal Creek, Cult Drugs, Duncan Lloyd, Eterniverse Deja Vu, indie, IOUOME, Light Freedom Revival, Maximo Park, melodic metal, metal, review, rock, Soul Survivor | Leave a comment

Album review: BAI BANG – Rock Of Life

Posted on May 2, 2017 by jason

AOR Heaven [Release date 28.04.17] Bai Bang have been around since the late 80′s, weathering the grunge storm that saw off a lot of glam metal/hard rock bands and the one constant has been vocalist Diddi Kastenholt. On this album there … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Bai Bang, hard rock, melodic, review, rock, Rock Of Life | Leave a comment

Album review: LIV SIN – Follow Me

Posted on May 1, 2017 by jason

Despotz Records [Release date 28.04.17] Formed in Gothenberg in 2002 with a musical agenda promising and delivering “old-school metal” Swedish band, Sister Sin, made six well-received albums before calling it a day in 2015. However, two years on, lead singer … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, The Best of 2017 | Tagged album, Destruction, Follow Me, Liv Jagrell, Liv Sin, metal, review, rock, Schmeir, Sister Sin, Stefan Kaufmann, UDO | 1 Comment

Gig review: LONELY ROBOT – Sub89, Reading, 27 April 2017

Posted on April 28, 2017 by jason

Sub89 is a decent sized venue in a less than salubrious part of Reading, McD’s and Nandos being the classier places in the street! It has a decent sized stage and the only downside was the sound which wasn’t great … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS, The Best of 2017 | Tagged 27 April 2017, Craig Blundell, gig, John Mitchell, Lonely Robot, Louder Still, progressive, reading, review, rock, Sub89, the Big Dream | Leave a comment

Quick plays: BURNT OUT WRECK, CHESS ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

Posted on April 27, 2017 by jason

BURNT OUT WRECK Swallow Cherry Red Records [Release date 24.03.17] Gary Moat was the drummer with Scottish rockers Heavy Pettin’ and for his new band, Burnt Out Wreck, he leaves his drum kit behind to head for the mic stand. … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Quick Plays | Tagged AC/DC, album, alternative, Anna Coogan, Bo Diddley, Burnt Out Wreck, Chess, Chuck Berry, compilation, country, folk, For All Our Sins, Gary Moat, Heavy Pettin', Just Go Wild Over Rock 'N' Roll, KROKUS, review, rock, rock 'n' roll, Sound of the Sirens, Swallow, The Lonely Cry of Space and Time | Leave a comment

Album review: BIG BIG TRAIN – Grimspound

Posted on April 27, 2017 by jason

English Electric Recordings [Release date 28.04.17] www.bigbigtrain.com Following hot on the heels of last year’s excellent ‘Folklore’ album Big Big Train are back with another album featuring tales of national heroes, the countryside and family dramas. This album also sees … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Big Big Train, David Longdon, Fairport Convention, folk, Greg Spawton, Grimspound, Judy Dyble, prog rock, progressive, review | Leave a comment

Album review: HANK MARVIN – Without A Word

Posted on April 25, 2017 by jason

Demon Music Group [Release date 02.06.17] Hank Marvin is a guitar legend of that is there no doubt, having influenced many other guitar greats like Brian May, Jeff Beck, Mark Knopfler and even those not associated with guitars like Jean-Michel Jarre, who … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Cliff Richard, Dr Who, film sountracks, guitar, guitarist, Hank Marvin, instrumental, review, The Shadows, Without A Word | Leave a comment

Album review: AXEL RUDI PELL – Ballads V

Posted on April 25, 2017 by jason

Steamhammer/SPV [Release date 21.04.17] Axel Rudi Pell has been releasing these ballads collections since 1993 and it was six years since ‘IV’ was released. Always a good mix of previously released material, covers and few new songs, ‘V’ is no … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Axel Rudi Pell, Ballads V, Bonnie Tyler, Ed Sheeran, Hardline, Johnny Gioeli, melodic, review, rock, SPV | Leave a comment

Album review: BITERS – The Future Ain’t What It Used To Be

Posted on April 25, 2017 by jason

Earache Records [Release date 19.05.17] The Biters released their debut album ‘Electric Blood’ in 2015 and I was impressed, although the album did tail off with a few filler tunes. Biters are back with album number two and they have … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged 70's rock, album, Biters, glam, hard rock, review, rock, Slade, T.Rex, the Future Ain't What It Used To Be | Leave a comment

Gig review: LED ZEPPELIN MASTERS – London Palladium, 19 April 2017

Posted on April 20, 2017 by jason

Tribute bands often divide music fans as some see them as poor imitations of the original acts, however as time takes its toll on many musicians and bands, tribute acts keep the music of these classic bands alive and well. … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS, The Best of 2017 | Tagged 19 April 2017, classic rock, gig, Jimmy Page, Led Zeppelin, Led Zeppelin Masters, London Palladium, review, Robert Plant, rock, the Black Dog Orchestra, Vince Contarino | Leave a comment

Album review: LONELY ROBOT – The Big Dream

Posted on April 18, 2017 by jason

Inside Out Music [Release date 28.04.17] After a two year wait we get the second part of the trilogy from Lonely Robot, aka John Mitchell (Frost*/Arena/It Bites). He again plays all instruments bar the drums, played by the ever reliable Craig … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, The Best of 2017 | Tagged album, Craig Blundell, Frost*, John Mitchell, Kim Seviour, Lonely Robot, melodic, prog, Progressive Rock, review, rock, the Big Dream | Leave a comment

Gig review: THE MAGPIE SALUTE – Under The Bridge, London, 13 April 2017

Posted on April 18, 2017 by jason

Despite having to venture way too close for personal comfort to this very interesting venue situated in the guts of Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge home, the London debut of Rich Robinson’s new travelling band of musical gypsies, The Magpie Salute, gave … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS, The Best of 2017 | Tagged gig, London, Marc Ford, review, Rich Robinson, rock, southern, Sven Pipien, The Black Crowes, the Magpie Salute, Under the Bridge | Leave a comment

EP review: INDIA ELECTRIC CO. – ECM1

Posted on April 18, 2017 by jason

www.indiaelectricco.com [Release date 05.05.17] India Electric Co. are Cole Stacey and Joseph O’Keefe, who released their debut album, ‘The Girl Left Behind Me’ in 2015 and gained rave reviews for it, including airplay on BBC Radio 2, 3 and 6. … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, Single and EP reviews | Tagged Cole Stacey, ECM1, electronic, EP, folk, India Electric Co., jazz, Joseph O'Keefe, review, world music | Leave a comment

Quick plays: MICHAEL KIWANUKA, THE DAWN BROTHERS

Posted on April 18, 2017 by jason

MICHAEL KIWANUKA Love And Hate Since my son and I are “live on Sky” football junkies, my dear lady busies herself with her own TV series and was bowled over by the opening soundtrack to “Big Little Lies” which happens to … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Quick Plays, The Best of 2017 | Tagged albums, Big Little Lies, Bruce Kulick, glam, Kiss, Love and Hate, Michael Kiwanuka, pop, Quick Play, reviews, rock, Sister's Doll, Stayin Out Late, the Dawn Brothers, White Widdow | 1 Comment

Album review: THE MARK LANEGAN BAND – Gargoyle

Posted on April 18, 2017 by jason

[Release date 28.04.17] Not being hugely familiar with Mark Lanegan’s previous output, I was able to spin this album with neither pre-conception nor expectation…and pretty impressed I was too. Straddling between the truism that “you can only objectively critique that … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, alternative, Gargoyle, Mark Lanegan, review, rock, Screaming Trees, the Mark Lanegan Band | Leave a comment

Gig review: SLAM CARTEL – Carlisle, Hastings, 27 March 2017

Posted on April 7, 2017 by jason

“It’s quite overwhelming having all these people singing these songs back at us,” lead singer, Gary Moffat, tells the audience at the Carlisle at one point during tonight’s gig. Clearly, the Kent-based hard rock outfit, Slam Cartel, have something of … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 27 March 2017, Carlisle, gig, Hastings, live, melodic, review, rock, Slam Cartel | Leave a comment

Album review: PAUL MENEL AND THE ESSENTIALS – Spare Parts For Broken Hearts

Posted on April 6, 2017 by jason

www.paulmenelessentials.co.uk [Release date 14.02.17] Paul Menel will be known to many prog rock fans as the lead singer with IQ between 1985 and 1990. However, since then and on this album in particular, he takes a few prog leanings and … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, IQ, Paul Menel, Paul Menel and the Essentials, pop, prog, review, rock, Spare Parts For Broken Hearts | Leave a comment

EP Review: MARK DUDA – Month Of Sundays

Posted on April 6, 2017 by jason

www.markdudamusic.com [Release date 14.04.17] Must admit not a name I have come across before, although Mark Duda has been the frontman of New York based rockers the Handful. This solo EP features Mark Duda on vocals and guitars, joined by … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, Single and EP reviews | Tagged Blue Oyster Cult, Cheetah Chrome, EP, Mark Duda, Month Of Sundays, punk, review, rock, rock 'n' roll, the Dead Boys | Leave a comment

Gig review: ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO – Bush Hall, London, 5 April 2017

Posted on April 6, 2017 by jason

Alejandro Escovedo is playing his first European shows with a full band in over five years and tonight’s London show sees him roughly two thirds if the way through the tour. Support comes from his back-up band for these dates, … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 5 April 2017, Alejandro Escovedo, Americana, blues, Bush Hall, Don Antonio, gig, London, punk, review, rock | Leave a comment

Album review: HOUSE OF LORDS – Saint Of The Lost Souls

Posted on April 4, 2017 by jason

Frontiers [Release date 24.03.17] House Of Lords return with their eleventh studio album and a new bassist, Chris Tristram, who replaces the departing Chris McCarvill, who has been in the band since 2005. The other thing to note is that … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, hard rock, House of Lords, James Christian, melodic, melodic rock, review, Robin Beck, rock, Saint Of The Lost Souls | Leave a comment

Album review: NIGHT RANGER – Don’t Let Up

Posted on April 4, 2017 by jason

Frontiers [Release date 24.03.17] Night Ranger, unlike many of their fellow 80′s melodic hard rock bands, have been consistently releasing new music and of a high quality. In fact for me they are one of the few bands who I … Continue reading →