Category Archives: ALL POSTS

Album review: MARIANA SEMKINA – Sleepwalking

Posted on February 8, 2020 by alanjones
MARIANA SEMKINA - Sleepwalking

Kscope  [Release date: 14.02.20] Mariana Semkina is one half of exceptional Russian “chamber prog” duo Iamthemorning whose delicate, fragile and occasionally disturbing songs have breathed new life into the quieter side of progressive music. Her long term partner in IATM, … Continue reading →

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Album review: SAMANTHA MARTIN & DELTA SUGAR – Run To Me

Posted on February 8, 2020 by petefeenstra
SAMANTHA MARTIN - RUN TO ME

Gypsy Soul Records [Release date 27.04.18] Released in Canada in 2018, but finally gaining some overdue promo in Europe now, Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar’s ‘Run To Me’ is a deeply wrought album full of heartfelt lyrics (3 originals and … Continue reading →

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Album review: HARRY CHAPIN – Live At The Bottom Line (The Bottom Line Archive)

Posted on February 7, 2020 by GRTR! HQ
HARRY CHAPIN - Live At The Bottom Line (The Bottom Line Archive)

Store For Music [Release date 28.02.20] Harry Chapin was tragically killed some seven months after a series of gigs at New York’s legendary Bottom Line venue.  In that sense, it marks a great songsmith and performer at the end of … Continue reading →

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Album review: ROBERT HART – Pure

Posted on February 6, 2020 by jason
ROBERT HART - Pure

Escape Music [Release date 20.02.20] Vocalist Robert Hart sang on one of my all-time favourite albums, ‘Under The One Sky’ by The Distance, added to his solo album ‘Cries & Whispers’ is still revered in AOR circles. He has also … Continue reading →

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Album review: THE RECORD COMPANY – Early Songs And Rarities

Posted on February 6, 2020 by jason
THE RECORD COMPANY – Early Songs And Rarities

Snakefarm/Universal [Release date 14.02.20] (vinyl only) Such is the demand for new product from Billboard top five debuting band, The Record Company, that their old product – their “recorded in the front room” tracks, following them from the past like … Continue reading →

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Album review: GORDON GILTRAP – Woman

Posted on February 6, 2020 by GRTR! HQ
GORDON GILTRAP - Woman

Angel Air Records [Release date 28.02.20] The latest couple of Gordon Giltrap albums may appear slightly disingenuous to the hardcore fan and may even dupe the casual observer.  Both Peace Will Fall and now Woman have been released without any … Continue reading →

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EP review: STONE THIEVES – Church Of The Medicine Man

Posted on February 5, 2020 by jason
STONE THIEVES - Church Of The Medicine Man

3MS Music [Release date 14.02.20] Stone Thieves are a London band who have been building a solid reputation with their Americana repertoire. One might argue that the music is American rock or even Southern Rock, rather than pure Americana, but … Continue reading →

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Album review: DUSTBOWL REVIVAL – Is It You, Is It Me

Posted on February 4, 2020 by jason
DUSTBOWL REVIVAL – Is It You, Is It Me

Medium Expectations/Thirty Tigers [Release date 31.01.20] Dustbowl Revival present their fifth album and one that sees them shift away from their original Dixieland jazz, swing and Depression-era folk songs. The band revolves around the singing talents of Z Lupetin and … Continue reading →

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Album review: JOHN VERITY – Passion

Posted on February 3, 2020 by GRTR! HQ
JOHN VERITY - Passion

Vavoom Records [Release date 14.02.20] www.johnverity.com “A summary of my influences” is how John Verity describes his latest album in what is his 50th year as a solo artist.  We saw John at Giants of Rock in January and were … Continue reading →

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Gig review: BILLY LOCKETT – O2 Academy 2, Oxford, 2 February 2020

Posted on February 3, 2020 by jason

We have ventured into the Academy a few times but have never been to the more compact upstairs Academy 2, which was the venue for Billy Lockett’s show. He’s certainly taking a big step and gamble by going out on … Continue reading →

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Album review: SETH LAKEMAN – A Pilgrim’s Tale

Posted on February 3, 2020 by jason
SETH LAKEMAN - A Pilgrim

BMG [Release date 07.02.20] The latest album from folk singer Seth Lakeman marks the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower setting sale from Plymouth for north America. While A Pilgrim’s Tale showcases his distinctive vocal style and delivery precisely as his … Continue reading →

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Album review: WISHBONE ASH – Coat Of Arms

Posted on February 3, 2020 by GRTR! HQ
WISHBONE ASH - Coat Of Arms

Steamhammer/SPV [Release date 28.02.20] I think it fair to say that, more recently, you’re not going to get a really duff album from Andy Powell and his men.  Patchy maybe, but never dipping like some of the quality control in … Continue reading →

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Album review: REVOLUTION SAINTS – Rise

Posted on February 2, 2020 by jason
REVOLUTION SAINTS - Rise

Frontiers (Release date 24.01.20) Frontiers Records’ AOR superhero assembly is working like a dream. The Revolution Saints – Deen (Journey) Castronovo, Jack (Night Ranger) Blades and Doug (Whitesnake) Aldrich – are on their third album now, so that confirms it. … Continue reading →

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Gig review: FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH – Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, 30 January 2020

Posted on February 1, 2020 by david.wilson

This was my first visit to the Cardiff Motorpoint Arena and on arrival at the venue prior to the doors opening I was greeted with massive queues waiting to get into the sold out venue. Thankfully local boy and crack photographer Darren Griffiths was a … Continue reading →

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News: MARILLION, NICK MASON, STYX, BLUE OYSTER CULT (February 2020)

Posted on February 1, 2020 by jason
MARILLION - Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 4 November 2019

Marillion release an expanded version of ‘Script For A Jester’s Tear’ on April 3 as a 4CD/Blu-ray package and on 4LP. Nick Mason’s Saucerful Of Secrets will release ‘Live At The Roundhouse’ (2LP, 2CD/DVD and Blu-ray) on April 17 through … Continue reading →

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Album review: BLUE OYSTER CULT – Hard Rock Live In Cleveland 2014

Posted on February 1, 2020 by jason
BLUE OYSTER CULT - Hard Rock Live In Cleveland 2014

Frontiers [Release date 24.01.20] “Hard Rock Live In Cleveland 2014” is Blue Oyster Cult’s sixth live album. Not many in a 50 year career. Maybe that’s why it’s a sumptious, 2 CD + DVD affair, housed in a sturdy gatefold … Continue reading →

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Album review: DECARLO – Lightning Strikes Twice

Posted on January 30, 2020 by jason
DECARLO - Lightning Strikes Twice

Frontiers [Release date 24.01.20] DeCarlo are Tommy DeCarlo (who has been a member of Boston since 2008) and co-founder (and son) Tommy DeCarlo Jr., along with drummer Dan Hitz. The songs have been written over a number of years, the … Continue reading →

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Album review: MICHAEL THOMPSON BAND – High Times, Live In Italy

Posted on January 30, 2020 by jason
MICHAEL THOMPSON BAND - High Times, Live In Italy

Frontiers [Release date 24.01.20] Michael Thompson’s reputation as the rock world’s original “go to guitarist” is unassailable. Though none is needed, he provides ample proof of his skill and virtuosity here. And understandably cashing in his cultural stock in the … Continue reading →

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Album review: SONS OF APOLLO – MMXX

Posted on January 29, 2020 by jason
SONS OF APOLLO - MMXX

Inside Out [Release date 17.01.20] Second studio outing from the prog metal supergroup Sons Of Apollo who consist of vocalist Jeff Scott Soto, bassist Billy Sheenan, guitarist Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal, drummer Mike Portnoy and on keyboards Derek Sherinian. Sons Of … Continue reading →

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Single reviews: SOLD, FALSE HEARTS, HELLZ

Posted on January 29, 2020 by jason

SOLD ‘Empty Words’ Seemingly making quantum leaps with each new release, Estonia band Sold have really hit things out of the ballpark with ‘Empty Words’. A snarling wildcat of a song, its mix of growling male and clean female vocals … Continue reading →

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Album review: ALUNAH – Violet Hour

Posted on January 29, 2020 by jason

Heavy Pysch Sounds [Release date 29.10.19] Midlands four-piece Alunah show that, without doubt, you can take something primal and brutal but turn it into a thing of beauty. Their 60’s tinged doom metal follows in the footsteps of pioneers Black … Continue reading →

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Album review: ALBERT CUMMINGS – Believe

Posted on January 28, 2020 by petefeenstra
Albert Cummings - Believe

Provogue Records [Release date 14.02.19] ‘Believe’ is Albert Cummings debut album for Provogue records. It’s a surprisingly understated affair full of quality musicianship, but a few songs short of being a definitive album. Indeed, some of the best moments are … Continue reading →

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Gig review: GIANTS OF ROCK – Butlins, Minehead, 24-27 January 2020

Posted on January 28, 2020 by GRTR! HQ
Praying Mantis - Giants Of Rock, Butlins, Minehead, 27 January 2020

Another Cold January and another Giants Of Rock.  Enough to warm the cockles following a respectable respite after Christmas and New Year. This was our fourth Giants, although intrepid GRTR! reviewers have reported since the festival’s inception in 2014.  After … Continue reading →

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Gig review: GREAT BRITISH ROCK AND BLUES FESTIVAL – Butlins, Skegness,17th to 20th January 2020

Posted on January 27, 2020 by david.wilson

Skegness in early January is a bit of a strange place. Row upon row of empty caravans lie in wait for warmer weather and better times. When once again the sound of laughter and the smell of stale beer, cigarette … Continue reading →

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Gig review: BERNIE MARSDEN/Deborah Bonham – Under the Bridge, London, 24 January 2020

Posted on January 27, 2020 by andynathan
BERNIE MARSDEN/Deborah Bonham- Under the Bridge, London, 24 January 2020

You might say it was a case of ‘Blues is the colour’ as Under the Bridge, located beneath the East Stand at Chelsea FC,  played host to one of London Blues Month’s highest-profile gigs. It lies squarely within the wealthiest … Continue reading →

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