Written by Aidan Blakely
Thursday, March 4th, 2010
fun./Jack’s Mannequin – The Sound Academy, Toronto, ON (Feb.26 2010)
Archive for the ‘Band Reviews’ Category
Mar
04/10
04/10
Review: Jack’s Mannequin at The Sound Academy
Last Updated on Sunday, 7 March 2010 09:49
Written by Aidan Blakely
Thursday, March 4th, 2010
Written by Aidan Blakely
Thursday, March 4th, 2010
Tags: Andrew McMahon, fun, jack's mannequin, sound academy, The Glass Passenger | Posted under Band Reviews, Featured | 
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Feb
18/10
18/10
The Ghost of a Thousand at Camden Purple Turtle Live Review
Last Updated on Wednesday, 17 February 2010 10:51
Written by Alison Aird
Thursday, February 18th, 2010
Written by Alison Aird
Thursday, February 18th, 2010
The Ghost of a Thousand with Feed the Rhino, Shotgun Riot & Turbowolf; 14th February 2010, Purple Turtle Camden
I haven’t been to Camden’s Purple Turtle for years, and never for a live show. There seems no better time that to revisit this old haunt on a drizzly Valentine’s Day to see Brighton’s own The Ghost of a Thousand headline. Produced by Pelle Gunnerfeldt, the genius behind The Hives sound, TGOAT’s 2009 album “New Hopes, New Demonstrations” is one of my favourite albums of last year with tracks which make you dance, cry or smack your best friend in the face.
But more on TGOAT later. Tonight starts late with Feed the Rhino, who look the part, sound the part and vocalist Lee and guitarist James play the part by spending most of the set in the audience trying to rile those around them up. I don’t dislike this band, and on a Friday night I would probably be all over their sound, but the aggressive show before me tonight just isn’t doing the trick. Needless to say I will look them up when I get home, because despite my low mood, I can’t deny they have talent.
Next up is Shotgun Riot. Think heavy classic rock that you can dance to, mixed with breakdowns and a competent screamer. The perfect mix some may say, but it doesn’t translate from page to stage with these guys. Occasionally their tracks come across as staggered and jilted because of the mix of melodies, and they often come off as clichéd in their guitar solos. Their set ends with the all too familiar singing over screaming, which honestly would’ve been better left alone.
Turbowolf is a 4 piece from Bristol and this band is my new favourite of 2010 so far. Their blend of short, sharp, under 2 minute punk songs is just what I love. The vocals are great and the vibe in the Purple Turtle lifts as these guys get into their set. This is a band everyone who likes punk should listen to and one I will certainly be looking out for.
When The Ghost of a Thousand take to the stage their ferocity of their performance in brings new meaning to “appearances can be deceiving”. Drummer Memby Jago is mesmirising to watch (the dude dances and drums) and within the first three songs vocalist Tom Lacey has entered the frenzied fray in front of him and is lifted aloft in celebration and appreciation of the band’s return to London town. Unfortunately I have to leave the show early, but from the heat, volume and excitement pulsating from the depths of the venue onto the street, I can tell this was a show to remember for those still inside.
Tags: feed the rhino, shotgun riot, the ghost of a thousand, turbowolf | Posted under Band Reviews, Reviews | No Comments
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Feb
17/10
17/10
August Burns Red at Brixton Academy Live Review
Last Updated on Wednesday, 17 February 2010 10:48
Written by Alison Aird
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010
Written by Alison Aird
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010
August Burns Red with Between the Buried & Me: 13th February 2010, Brixton O2 Academy
Brixton is swamped with metal dudes and scary looking girls tonight. It’s indefinitely because tonight’s show at Brixton’s O2 Academy is headlined by Lamb Of God, whose merch states they are “American Metal”. However for some that’s no biggie and second act openers August Burns red are the appeal tonight.
Tonight’s first opening act is North Carolina’s Between the Buried and Me. They take to the stage to rapturous applause from the small crowd, and as the venue slowly fills, their prog metal core sound turns more heads. They’re warmly accepted by the audience throughout, and even through what felt like a 15 minute finale with some overtly epic guitar solos, but these guys largely impress the early birds tonight. Between the Buried and Me are one to looking out for in the future and already have an evidently impressive fan base in the UK which after tonight is sure to have increased in numbers significantly.
Next up is my highlight of the night, August Burns Red. The Lancaster quintet hugely impressed me with their live show when opening to Bring Me The Horizon last year, and once again they do not disappoint. ABR fill the stage of this 4000 capacity venue with no problem at all and turn more of the audience onto their hard/metalcore sound, particularly through their expert use of sub-bass before breakdowns which turns spines to jelly and never fails to bring a smile to my face. While they go down incredibly well, better than expected if I’m honest, I can’t wait to see August Burns Red headline their own show in a smaller venue later this year, where their sound can send vibrations through the whole building and really get people moving. If you have the opportunity, check out their shows, I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
Tags: august burns red, between the buried and me | Posted under Band Reviews, Reviews | No Comments
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Jan
29/10
29/10
POLAR BEAR CLUB, THE LIGHT OF LOCAL EYES
Last Updated on Friday, 29 January 2010 12:00
Written by Brad Garcia
Friday, January 29th, 2010
Hailing from Rochester and Syracuse, New York Polar Bear Club has become huge in the hardcore and indie rock scene. With influences deriving from local bands they grew up with, Polar Bear Club has created their own twist on post hardcore and pop punk music which leaves their songs instantly recognizable. Catchy, upbeat and most importantly fun to listen to, the band has accomplished everything an honest band should through their music. Although it takes most independent bands years if anything to come close to finding a label or even releasing a full length, Polar Bear Club has managed all of the above and more. The band was nothing more than a side project when it started and has grown to capture the hearts of pop punk fans around the world. After the release of their first EP, The Redder, The Better in 2006 and their first full length album, Some Things Just Disappear is March of 2008 the band has toured with bands such as Crime in Stereo, Have Heart and Canada’s own Cancer Bats. This soon lead to their signing with Bridge 9 records who recently released Polar Bear Club’s second full length album entitled Chasing Hamburg. They have also released their first music video for the song “Light of Local Eyes”. The video is made up of multiple pieces of live shows from THE FEST 8, in Gainesville, Florida as well as a local show from Orlando.
Written by Brad Garcia
Friday, January 29th, 2010
Hailing from Rochester and Syracuse, New York Polar Bear Club has become huge in the hardcore and indie rock scene. With influences deriving from local bands they grew up with, Polar Bear Club has created their own twist on post hardcore and pop punk music which leaves their songs instantly recognizable. Catchy, upbeat and most importantly fun to listen to, the band has accomplished everything an honest band should through their music. Although it takes most independent bands years if anything to come close to finding a label or even releasing a full length, Polar Bear Club has managed all of the above and more. The band was nothing more than a side project when it started and has grown to capture the hearts of pop punk fans around the world. After the release of their first EP, The Redder, The Better in 2006 and their first full length album, Some Things Just Disappear is March of 2008 the band has toured with bands such as Crime in Stereo, Have Heart and Canada’s own Cancer Bats. This soon lead to their signing with Bridge 9 records who recently released Polar Bear Club’s second full length album entitled Chasing Hamburg. They have also released their first music video for the song “Light of Local Eyes”. The video is made up of multiple pieces of live shows from THE FEST 8, in Gainesville, Florida as well as a local show from Orlando.
For anyone who has never heard this band and is a fan of true honest music built around pop punk, they a without a doubt checking out and/or adding to your music library. Their poppy riffs, upbeat drumming, gritty vocals and honest lyrics define what pop punk once was and should still be about today; not to mention their non stop energetic live shows. Polar Bear Club among others are the new face of catchy music, teaching all of us that music above all else should be fun. Punk is back.
Tags: Polar bear Club, Polar Bear Ice Club | Posted under Band Reviews, News | No Comments
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Jan
28/10
28/10
What Happened to It Prevails?!
Last Updated on Thursday, 28 January 2010 10:56
Written by Brad Garcia
Thursday, January 28th, 2010
Written by Brad Garcia
Thursday, January 28th, 2010
It Prevails Live in CA
After a dormant five months It Prevails has made a few announcements in regards to their future as a band. This progressive hardcore band from Portland officially claimed world wide popularity in underground music after releasing their second full length album Capture & Embrace, last winter. This also lead to the band signing with Rain City Records. However with regards to a few local shows around the California area and a short seven day tour with American Me in the UK the band seemed to be avoiding touring and keeping fans updated. Their myspace comment section was soon being filled with questions as to whether It Prevails was still a band or not.
Lead singer Ian Fike, recently posted a blog on the bands myspace page as to what was in store for their future as well as the reasons behind the lack of touring after the album release. It Prevails had located to Denver, Colorado resulting in the loss of three of the five but soon found two new members; Bobby Valeu on guitar and Ian Clarke playing drums. Although the band is still without a permanent bassist It Prevails is not holding back future plans.
It Prevails is currently in the studio, which either means new demos or a new EP as another full length just over a year apart seems a bit rushed. Then again this is the same band that has survived through member and label changes as well as relocation. Fike has also announced that they will be going on a full US tour due to constant demand by their fans. The clouds are starting to clear for it prevails and their return will surely not go unnoticed. “It Prevails, as a band and an idea was born in the summer of 2004 with a phone call between Alex and I when we decided that we wanted to write the most honest music we could.” says Fike as he explains how both guitarist Alex Kutsche and himself rebuild the band.
Keep your eyes peeled on It Prevails as much more is coming www.myspace.com/itprevails
Tags: it prevails\, it previals | Posted under Band Reviews, News | No Comments
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Jan
11/10
11/10
Soundspeed In The Moment
Last Updated on Tuesday, 19 January 2010 10:03
Written by Mona Mousa
Monday, January 11th, 2010
Written by Mona Mousa
Monday, January 11th, 2010
Existing beneath the surface, there is a very unique dynamic that makes up one of Toronto’s newest Indie bands. Like that word on the tip of your tongue, their sound cannot be easily placed. Based on Influences by each member’s personal lives and experiences, no other words then “the moment” as put by vocalist Raymond Ablack, can possibly start to explain how this group of 6 form the basis of their music.
When told to live in the moment, what often comes to mind? For Soundspeed it has become an essential role in the creation of their work. Based on a foundation of pure energy laced with creative drive, If there’s one thing you’ll learn from Soundspeed, it would most definitely be the unique direction they take with the creation of their songs. The moment will inspire the sound most. The 6 create a song while working on another song. When asked what inspires their sound Raymond Ablack will simply say that the moment has the greatest effect. “There was a moment a vibe, a feeling that birthed a new song, and three hours late we had the best song we ever created.” Says Ray.
About to head into the studio to record their first EP, Soundspeed will soon create a name for themselves as recognized Toronto musicians. This upcoming studio session is especially unique as Soundspeed is looking to release their first 3 – 4 song EP to be released some time this month. Soundspeed are about to go into an intensive three day recording out of which they hope to produce their highly anticipated EP with a release happening on January 29th at 6 Degrees in Toronto.
This 6 piece indie set consisting of friends , band mates, & coworkers, came together in late July. For the most part, the faces behind Soundspeed, met while working on the set of the Canadian hit TV series Degrassi The Next Generation. Scott, Dalmar, Jamie, Raymond & Shane all came together with friend Sean through their love of music. Shane, Soundspeeds drummer said it best “We want to be respected as musicians, we don’t want to look like actor turned musician, we’ve been musicians all along, we were musicians first but simply became actors before we became recognized musicians.
In the very near future look for a lot from this group of passionate driven young men as they plan on taking Toronto by storm. 2010 is definitely their year as they grow together as individuals and as a band.
Tags: soundspeed, soundspeed in the moment | Posted under Band Reviews | No Comments
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Dec
24/09
24/09
Every Time I Die at the Borderline, London 21st Dec 09
Last Updated on Thursday, 24 December 2009 07:37
Written by Alison Aird
Thursday, December 24th, 2009
Written by Alison Aird
Thursday, December 24th, 2009
Every Time I Die w/Maylene & the Sons of Disaster, London Borderline, 21st December 2009
Now some of you may have read my Taste of Chaos review of both ETID and MATSOD. If you did, then you will be well aware of how pumped on this show I was. However, I was one of the unfortunate souls who missed out on getting tickets. Despite this, I braved the journey to London through the snow, slush and sleet to interview MATSOD and was fortunate enough to find out Santa had been smiling on me and I did actually have tickets for this show. Being a true Brit, student, and under the guise of a proper journalist I spent the 2 hours prior to Maylene’s set stood in pub celebrating my early Christmas gift and getting right into the Christmas Spirit.
By the time I went into the Borderline, I was no longer feeling the cold, or any pain, which is just as well because Maylene and the Sons of Disaster put on the show I had hoped for at Taste of Chaos and I was battered by other enthusiasts dancing to their Southern sounds. They were loud, they were kooky, I felt like saying “yeehaw” on more than one occasion. This pub style environment is definitely the one to see MATSOD in and I would recommend everyone do it just for a good time.
After Maylene’s set I decided I was front rowing ETID, and I was going to commit to that decision if it killed me. Their set was blinding, literally, I don’t remember seeing much but my throat was hoarse and I remember being incredibly wrapped up in the entire situation. I punched the ground, I concussed myself off a monitor, someone used my back as a spring board to get onto the stage; madness erupted in the Borderline during this set. The photos of bloody handprints on the walls, and the tales of the soul whose blood it was being taken to A&E after the show are just a hazy reflection of what happened in Borderline that night. It will go down with my as the best show that I don’t remember of my 21 years.
Today, on Christmas Eve, with a lump on my head, some ridiculous bruising all over my legs, and a bit of a gammy hand, I wish all of MATSOD and ETID a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and please don’t stay away for too long.
Tags: borderline, die, ETID, every, every time i die, I, london, time | Posted under Band Reviews, Featured | 1 Comment
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Dec
08/09
08/09
Live Review: We Are The Ocean, Brighton, 30th November
Last Updated on Tuesday, 8 December 2009 10:20
Written by Alison Aird
Tuesday, December 8th, 2009
Written by Alison Aird
Tuesday, December 8th, 2009
We Are The Ocean with support from All Forgotten, The Amity Affliction and Flood of Red; Brighton Concorde 2, 30th November 2009
Its a damp, windy, possibly sub zero Monday night and the angry cowboy of Concorde 2 is shouting at everyone again. This isn’t the ideal start to my night at We Are The Ocean’s headline show, and as the audience begins to filter in this mood seems to be common place in the crowd.
All Forgotten take to the stage first tonight to the weather worn audience. Their set manages to get a few of the kids up front excited, and the audience show signs of appreciation by moving forward when asked to, but otherwise the effort is wasted. The band put on a good show, but lack that something that makes them memorable. Perhaps it’s the audience’s disinterest, but these guys just don’t grab me.
Next up is Australia’s The Amity Affliction. If you’ve read my review of their album “Severed Ties” then you’ll know I love their sound and expect them to be the next big thing. Their set tonight doesn’t disappoint and they convince some of the largely underage audience to move their feet. Their performance is tight and it’s obviously this band are frequenters of the live circuit back home, but the jet lag and English weather is obviously getting them down. As a fan of theirs, I wish their set had been longer and hopefully they can return next year on a tour further up the bill so they can turn an audience in their favour and get into their stride.
Scotland’s Flood Of Red take to the stage and turn out to be an electronic dance band with a slightly samey, but interesting sound. Occasionally their songs will strike me as something great, but they never seem to come to a conclusion. At some points I get vibes of Taking Back Sunday but other than the keyboard player drinking bottles of wine and the great vocal abilities of their singer, I’m once again not really taken by this band. I would like to see them again though, perhaps to a home town crowd or on a headline show, where I reckon they could grab my attention more successfully.
We Are The Ocean have caused quite a buzz in this last year and this excitement filters into the Concorde 2 as they start up. They manage to mix their old songs with the new from their eagerly anticipated debut album “Cutting Our Teeth” (out in January next year) and keep old and new fans alike pleased. With some songs being performed by screamer Dan Brown from inside the pit, and vocalist Liam Cromby showing off some exquisite abilities even I manage to sing along to some of tracks I’ve never heard before and find myself eagerly anticipating what’s coming next, despite not being that familiar with them. The entire band’s participation and interaction with the audience keeps everyone alive and kicking for the entirety of their set and it’s evident they’ve perfected riling up an audience in their previous tours. These guys will hopefully return to a bigger crowd, in better weather once their album is released and they begin to gain the credit they deserve.
Tags: affliction, all, amity, are, brighton, flood, forgotten, ocean, of, red, the, we | Posted under Band Reviews, Featured | No Comments
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Nov
26/09
26/09
The Fall Of Troy w/Twin Atlantic and Chickenhawk Live Review
Last Updated on Thursday, 26 November 2009 09:10
Written by Alison Aird
Thursday, November 26th, 2009
Written by Alison Aird
Thursday, November 26th, 2009
The Fall Of Troy with Twin Atlantic and Chickenhawk; Relentless Garage, London 21st November 2009
Opening tonight’s show is Leeds boys Chickenhawk. Crazy name I thought, crazy name but an alright sound despite being slightly repetitive. This is a band well suited to opening for The Fall Of Troy, sounding similar enough in style but with their own definite individuality shining through. Some of the breakdowns in their songs were particularly impressive, and they had an admirable stage presence for such a new band. Chickenhawk definitely got heads nodding along, and guitarist Robert Stephens decided to take a little walk around the venue, whilst still playing, which was a nice bit of something different. Their last track [insert name here] was by far the best, showing some great promise for the future.
Up next was Scotland’s Twin Atlantic. In the worst bit of band booking I have experienced in a long time, as Twin Atlantic brought the mood down from the fast paced beats of Chickenhawk into a very Glasvegas indie feeling melody based place. Their fans had come out tonight to show their support, and they certainly gained more fans tonight as well, but I personally couldn’t help but feel they were out of place. If I had wanted to hear this type of indie, I wouldn’t have chosen The Fall Of Troy’s show to do it at. My interest in Twin Atlantic was only stirred slightly when vocalist Sam McTrusty answered back at a heckler with the quick witted snap of a true Scot.
When The Fall Of Troy took to the stage the atmosphere in the refurbished Garage took a more energetic turn. Hoots and hollars emerged from the crowd during sound check and it was obvious from then that this would be one hell of a show. As the set began what hit me immediately was the sheer awesome technical ability of each musician. For a three piece, this band are loud and impressive, and their fans are die hards. Vocalist Tom Erak’s piercing voice could have taken a rest for the entire set and the fans would have sung every song word perfect for the entire evening. My own personal highlight of the night was Erak’s solo version of the track “Caught Up”. This not only showed the man’s technical ability on a guitar off to perfection (I think my jaw actually dropped at one point), but highlighted a performer so in tune with his audience that despite the occasional interlude, the song was almost a duet of artist and appreciator. Kicking back into some of their older albums the show was electric with an energy level through the roof and a good time for all those die hards and newbies (such as myself) present.
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Nov
24/09
24/09
Bring Me The Horizon, A Day To Remember & August Burns Red Live Review
Last Updated on Wednesday, 25 November 2009 11:54
Written by Alison Aird
Tuesday, November 24th, 2009
Written by Alison Aird
Tuesday, November 24th, 2009
Bring Me The Horizon, A Day To Remember & August Burns Red: Portsmouth Pyramids Centre, 19th November 2009
I’m a late comer to Bring Me The Horizon. Late as in, appallingly late, not fashionably. I only started listening to them in July of this year after boycotting them for no real reason save the negative publicity they received from many, and the fact I thought Oli Sykes was a daft tart for having so many tattoos so young.
Having actually listened to Suicide Season, I took everything I ever said against them back (particularly the tattoo comment, I am definitely a bit of a hypocrite on that front). The album blew my mind into the windscreen of my car when I first heard it. Subsequently some of the epic riffs on several of their older and new tracks bring an actual tear to my eye if I listen to them when particularly fragile on a Saturday morning. However, as converted I was I remained tentative about seeing them live. Would there be an average age of 16? Would they all be female? Would there be enough liquid eyeliner & hairdye to paint the moon black?
Fortunately enough in Portsmouth, there wasn’t. Or at least I steered clear of the front of the queue and the venue for the entire evening to avoid such sights. If anything, there were a lot of mid twenties there. A lot of guys. What I would have hoped and expected from a BMTH show, rather than a savage crush of teenage girls going spare over some great hair on some skinny dude from Sheffield.
The show openers August Burns Red set the tone for the rest of the night very early on. If you weren’t going to move, get a bit rowdy and maybe smack your best friend in the face for giggles, this wasn’t the place to be. August Burns Red have always impressed me, but their live show was something to behold. Before every awe inspiring breakdown they would hit this particular note that would actually send the venue and your skull vibrating. I love that, I can’t think of anyone who doesn’t – including my course mate, who used this show as a case study for her research project on crowd behaviour, needless to say she now loves hardcore shows. They played such a solid set that you could guarantee a good time if you saw them opening, headlining, playing festivals, whatever. Go and see August Burns Red if you want a good time, they will definitely provide it.
Next up was A Day To Remember. A german buddy of mine, having seen this tour a few weeks earlier, said that vocalist Jeremy McKinnon was a bit ropey. Well he managed to pull it out the bag at this show, and the audience was actually lapping it up. I have never in my life seen so many dudes bro-ing out to a band. They loved it, the pit was huge and the singalongs were so precise McKinnon could probably have not sang for the whole set. As a testament to their set, some of the audience actually left. Obviously A Day To Remember’s headline tour of the UK in March is going to be quite something to behold.
Finally headliners Bring Me The Horizon took to the stage, opening with Chelsea Smile. I was pretty much gone from them onwards, spending the entire show as one of four girls in the most intense pit I have been part of in 4 years. The band’s set was fantastic, mixing old tracks with new and even featuring some of the new cut up album snippets in as well. Their performance was tight and vocalist Sykes was so communicative with the crowd throughout that it made the show feel dramatically smaller than it actually was. As a live band, BMTH have to actually be one of my favourites and I am slightly devastated that this was my last opportunity to see them before a 7 month hiatus to write and record a new record.
That aside, I would strongly recommend that next time BMTH tour your town, you go and you see it. If you’re a fan of the music, but not the majority of the fanbase, then their live shows is the environment that separates the fans into the younger girls screaming up front, and the music fans further back. At no point do you come into conflict and you can both enjoy a great live show from one of the most successful UK bands around right now.
