Reviews

Kaiser Chiefs – Employment

March 13, 2005 by Rich Leave a Comment

The Kaiser Chiefs are a fast growing band from Leeds, and I am sure that by now you have all heard of this amazing band. This album was released last Monday and the chances are that by the end of the day, it is going to be the official album chart Number 1, or failing that is going to be at least Number 2. This album takes heavy influence from the Britpop scene, as well as borrowing heavily from the Madness, and having incredible pop sensibilities. They have truly produced an album of anthems in ‘Employment’ and not single one of the tracks on display here sounds out of place, or isn’t single release worthy.

Right from the very start with champion track ‘Everyday I Love You Less And Less’ you know that this album is going to be an absolute blinder. This gives the album a truly electrifying start, and from this initial buzz the band just seems to go from strength to strength. The band cruise through the already released singles ‘I Predict A Riot’ and ‘Oh My God’ as well as banging out a whole batch of other beauties. ‘Na Na Na Na Naa’ is a really fine song with a chorus that you will be singing along to all week. It really is a modern day classic and wont be leaving your head for weeks, perhaps months to come after you listen to it.

Tracks ‘You Can Have It All’ and ‘Caroline, Yes’ take on a very different approach to the songs that the band have already released as singles, however are still amazing in their own right. For what these tracks are, they are incredible – and although they may disappoint some people looking for an album of drunken sing along track like ‘Oh My God,’ I’m sure that a lot of people will find great enjoyment and understanding in these tracks. After all, if the whole album sounded the same then it really wouldn’t be as interesting as it is and would definitely get really tedious after a while.

In ‘Employment,’ the Kaiser Chiefs have produced a truly fine album that will surely be seen as one of the releases of 2005. This was a highly anticipated album, and does not disappoint – the hype that this album received was understandably so as it truly is a masterful CD. It may not be perfect, but there are a lot of truly fine songs on display on this album and it’s definitely not the sort of album that you’re going to be forgetting in a hurry. Buy this album now if you haven’t done so already – I promise you will not be disappointed with what you find.

Rating:

Rich

UK based film graduate with a huge passion for music, sports and video games.

The Lucky Nine – The Lucky Nine EP

March 13, 2005 by Rich Leave a Comment

The Lucky Nine are an elusive super band made up of members of a variety of top bands including ‘A’, Hundred Reasons, and the wonder band that once was earthtone9. If someone was to hand you this EP, then you probably wouldn’t pick up on the members other (former in the case of ex earthtone9 drummer Richie Mills) bands, other than the obvious familiarity in the form of Hundred Reasons front man Colin Doran also being The Lucky Nine vocalist. The Lucky Nine may not really sound like any of the other bands they have come from to form this band, yet in their own right this band are truly amazing and well worth checking out.

In this EP, The Lucky Nine have produced 5 amazing songs which are well worth checking out. Colin Doran seems to be much more comfortable producing ear piercing screams than the vocals he used with the last Hundred Reasons release, and his vocals fit together perfectly here with the powering guitar riffs, exciting drums, and truly incredible bass lines. Right from the offset you know that this EP is going to be something special as the band fire into ‘Hibernate’ with an impeccable guitar riff of sheer extreme power. This power continues throughout the EP and at no stage on this release does the band ever show signs of slowing down or tiring. The band powers through these five songs at a remarkable pace and with impeccable precision.

With this release, the band shows that they are an exciting Rock band that can take on a variety of different stances. The band show how they can go from heavy with ‘Hibernate,’ to melodic with ‘We, The Possessed,’ and finally show their electronic edge with final track on the EP, ‘The Programmed.’ Not a single track on this CD sounds out of place, and with this release the band most certainly shows off their fine talent and high energy. There’s never a dull moment here, with the band always there to keep you entertained with your ears glued to the speakers.

The chances are that this band wont exactly be as big as ‘A’ or ‘Hundred Reasons, which is a shame because in my humble opinion this band are a far lot better than these bands are and have a lot more power, imagination and excitement. I am really looking forward to seeing this band play at the Give It A Name 05 event as if this EP is anything to go by then The Lucky Nine will put on an incredible, energetic, heartfelt, and generally all round exciting show.

Rating:

Rich

UK based film graduate with a huge passion for music, sports and video games.

Yellowcard – One For The Kids

March 8, 2005 by Rich Leave a Comment

I have really enjoyed what I have heard of the bands ‘Ocean Avenue’ album and was really looking forward to listening to this CD. Obviously I was expecting that this CD would be a bit different, and inevitably not as good seeing as it was released four years ago – but this is just stupid. This album is devoid of any real excitement, and the vocals often sound really out of tune.

The power which comes across through the violins on the tracks from ‘Ocean Avenue’ really doesn’t come across here, and as a result listening to this CD is a far less enjoyable experience. As I have already mentioned, the vocals on this album often sound really terrible and are at a lot of times painfully out of tune. There are some moments of promise on display in this album, but just when you think it’s getting good the band go and spoil it and throw in another bum note.

This is a truly off putting album by the band and really not a good reflection of the band and where they are today. I really don’t know how the band got signed to a major on the basis of this release as it really is quite terrible. This album is really rather dull, lacklustre, monotonous, mundane and generic. There’s very little to be gained from this CD – if you were a fan of hit album ‘Ocean Avenue’ then I would advise you not to check out this earlier offering as it’s really not worth your time or money. I honestly won’t be listening to this album ever again.

Rating:

Rich

UK based film graduate with a huge passion for music, sports and video games.

The Outer Limits – One Final Patronising Kiss

March 8, 2005 by Rich Leave a Comment

This latest EP from the band really is a nice, welcome surprise. It sees the band take on a much heavier approach than on the last CD – this really suits the band sounds, and gives the guitarist a real chance to show off his Metal influences with high energy, metallic riffs frequenting the EP.

There are five tracks on display this time around, and in these five tracks the band show that they are still a force to be reckoned with, and as I suspected in my last review the band have indeed matured, progressed and most certainly improved since they recorded the last demo CD back in January 2004. Tracks one through four are a fine portrayal of the bands heavy, fun, and fast music which never fails to put a smile on your face. On the basis of the last demo, I said that The Outer Limits were a Ska band – this can no longer be said of them really as although the horns are still present in the tracks, they are much more embedded, and help the band create a deep and highly exciting sound. The band have definitely taken the best bit about them – their heaviness, and transformed their sound to give every track this fast, heavy style which they do so well.

From this CD, I particularly like the second track on the CD, ‘Christ Was A Utilitarian.’ It has an awesome guitar solo opening, and this leads you into the main body of the track perfectly, and with significant style. Throughout this track, and indeed throughout the entire duration of the CD the female vocals sound excellent with their melodic and heartfelt, yet powerful style. These vocals work really well, and when the male vocals kick in every so often, the two styles work perfectly together and the vocals collaboration really does sound amazing. The guitar ability shown on this CD really is quite extraordinary; the guitarist in The Outer Limits is clearly very talented and most certainly has a bright future ahead of him. The bass lines in this CD also sound great, and the drums provide the perfect backbone for the band.

Where the band decided to end with a fast paced, heavier track on the last demo – on this EP the band go for an acoustic effort in the form of ‘Exit Pursued By A Glare.’ This is a catchy little tune, and brings the CD to a calm closure. It sounds absolutely amazing, with the male, female vocal collaboration again working perfectly and making way for another fine tune. Once again, the band manages to end their CD in great style and leaving you thirsty for more. Again, I really can’t wait for their next offering and will be eagerly awaiting the bands next CD, which I am sure will show great finesse, and pure musical brilliance.

Rating:

Rich

UK based film graduate with a huge passion for music, sports and video games.

Toy Heroes – 10pm

March 7, 2005 by Rich Leave a Comment

This is the latest single from ex Unity Records Leicester based band Toy Heroes and consists of three fine tracks. This three piece have already recorded and released 2 albums, and having done so are now looking for further success with this amazing single.

Toy Heroes are a band with tremendous pop sensibilities, creating songs which exuberate sweet power and harmony. They have obviously put a lot of hard work into the creation of this single and as a result have come out with three tracks where not a single one lets the CD down – each and every one of these three tracks is great in its own way and show the bands fine ability to pen a great song, and shows off their amazing musicianship. Despite the fact that this band are only a three piece – they manage to cram in duel male and female vocals, guitar, keyboard, and bass synth – which is really quite impressive. The male and female vocals work really well – there’s an obvious chemistry between these two, and the fact that they are brother and sister obviously helps as they clearly know each others strengths and weaknesses and know how to bring out the best in each other. The two singers harmonise perfectly, making a vocal collaboration which is truly impeccable.

Instrumentally this band really are spot on – every element of the band works to give them depth that a lot of bands will fail to ever reach. The drumming on display on this single is absolutely amazing – it really is a force to be reckoned with and the drumming really compliments the music giving the tracks an awesome back beat. The way the guitars work with the keyboards is also incredible, and the way the vocals sit on top of all this perfectly is amazing.

Toy Heroes are clearly a band that will go far in this industry – I’m certain that they should be way bigger than are at the moment, as the talent displayed on this single is remarkable and really shows off the bands fine musicianship. This band would sound great on national radio and make many a person ask ‘Who is this band?!’ after being blown away by their blistering performance. This is definitely a band that you want to be checking out, and I urge you to do so sooner rather than later.

Rating:

Rich

UK based film graduate with a huge passion for music, sports and video games.

Dear Superstar – Submission Of Your Soul

March 6, 2005 by Rich Leave a Comment

When this CD first came through the post I really didn’t know what I was going to make of them – the band are currently unsigned, yet in this press pack a photo of the band was supplied. I’m always a bit wary when this happens because it probably means that the band are taking themselves way too seriously and think they’re better than they really are having only played a few gigs. However, when I looked at and read through the press pack I discovered that this band have been together now for eight years and upon listening to the CD discovered that they really should be signed to some kind of major by now.

Dear Superstar play an energetic, and emotionally driven brand of Metal which is extremely exciting to listen to. The energy from the band really transpires through, and makes you feel highly excited as you listen to this fine CD. There are 5 tracks on display here, and not a single one of them will leave you disappointed. This band really do have a fine talent and it really shines through on this EP – the band have obviously put a lot of time and effort into it, and as a result they have created one of the finest CDs that I have heard in a long time. Opener ‘Sunset Suicide’ is a modern day classic with its driving guitars, fine bass lines, awesome drum work, and perfect vocals. It is well worth checking out – it kicks the CD off in style and really leaves you wanting more. Luckily, the excitement doesn’t stop here, and the band go on to play their way through another four tracks extremely well, never failing to put a smile on your face.

Dear Superstar are a band well worth looking out for in the future – I swear that before long this band will be huge. They played a date with The*GA*GA*s back in November so it looks like for this band, the revolution has already begun. If they’re not huge by the end of 2005 then there’s something seriously up with the music industry as this band have got it all – amazing guitars, genius lyrics, real heartfelt emotion, and killer, highly memorable choruses. There’s really no flawing this band, everything on display in this EP seems to be spot on – I really don’t know how the band are going to top this CD.

Rating:

Rich

UK based film graduate with a huge passion for music, sports and video games.

Atticus – Dragging The Lake III

March 3, 2005 by Rich Leave a Comment

This is the third compilation CD brought out by Side One Dummy Records, and Mark Hoppus and Tom Delonge clothing label Atticus, and once again showcases some fine up and coming talent as well as some already established artists.

This CD includes Blink 182’s ‘Not Now’ which was previously only available online and I really love this track – it truly is a fine Blink track and shows the band at their best. It is full of energy, fun and the general excitement that I have come to expect of the band over the years. It’s a really cool track, well worth checking out if you’ve not yet heard it. Other highlights on this CD include Funeral For A Friend’s incredible ‘She Drove Me To Daytime Television,’ an acoustic track from pop punk legends MxPx in the form of ‘Grey Skies Turn Blue,’ and Mae’s ‘This Time Is The Last Time.’ I was particularly excited by the Mae track on display here – they really are a strong talent, but in the past I have somehow managed to miss out on them. My first experience of the band has clearly been a positive one, as this track really is amazing – some may call it Emo, but when I think of Emo – I think of bands such as Taking Back Sunday (who also happen to appear on this compilation) that are producing complete rubbish to try and earn scene points. Mae are clearly at the top of their game, and I can’t wait to see them on May the 2nd at Give It A Name 05 – I’m sure that they will be one of the highlights of the day. Another band playing Give It A Name featured here are Rise Against – an incredible Punk band that are well worth checking out.

There are 24 tracks on this CD, and only very few that aren’t worth listening (the Taking Back Sunday, Fall Out Boy, and Motion City Soundtrack songs spring to mind.) Other than that, this is a pretty amazing compilation CD and features a strong list of established bands such as Blink 182, Alexisonfire, MxPx, Funeral For A Friend, Piebald, and Death Cab For Cutie. It is a fine display of talent, and once again the clothing company have done well in putting out a strong compilation which will raise awareness of good bands to fans of such rubbish as Taking Back Sunday, and Brand New.

Rating:

Rich

UK based film graduate with a huge passion for music, sports and video games.

One Day Elliott – Rule Number One

February 21, 2005 by Rich Leave a Comment

Well, One Day Elliott have certainly improved a lot recently. It really looks like things are on the up for this band – they have a new drummer, a new CD, and their live shows even sounding pretty tight now. When I saw them about 16 months ago I thought they were quite terrible – their live show was all a bit of a mess, and they just really didn’t sound very good. A lot has certainly changed in a short space of time, and maybe after all these years together as a band they might actually get signed to a decent label after word gets around about this CD.

There are seven tracks on display here, and on the basis of this the band really does deserve to get signed. There’s a lot of really good material on display in this CD, particularly in tracks ‘01622’ and ‘Two Night Stand.’ The band really is showing great promise now, and I’m pretty certain that before long this band will get recognised and be snapped up. ‘01622’ gives the CD a great start as it is a fiery track and really kicks the CD off with some great energy and power. This track has great guitars, some awesome drum beats, killer bass lines, and truly amazing vocals. To go with this, this track has some great lyrics also, and one of the catchiest choruses I have ever heard in my life! Its quality stuff – it really is, I never knew One Day Elliott could possibly be this good and write songs of such a high calibre. ‘Two Night Stand’ caught my attention as it really is a finely put together track, and right from the fast paced drum offset you know that it is going to be amazing. Again the vocals sound amazing, and the band are musically spot on producing another fine sing along anthem. They played this one live when I saw them the other week and it sounded great at the gig also – a real crowd pleaser. This whole CD is well written really, with no signs of weakness – it really is quite amazing.

I strongly suggest you check this CD out – it really is a fine piece of work with the band now showing great signs of improvement and as a result producing their best CD to date. I have a new found respect for this band – they really are sounding good now. Make sure you check this band out at one of their live shows – if you live in Maidstone then I strongly suggest that you come down to the gig on the 18th of March at the Corn Exchange as the band are playing with Say No More – an amazing up and coming Maidstone band, and it is sure to be a blinder of a gig.

Rating:

Rich

UK based film graduate with a huge passion for music, sports and video games.

Joe Viterbo – Demo 3

February 20, 2005 by Rich Leave a Comment

I was quite looking forward to hearing this Demo, as I had heard great things about this five piece Edinburgh rock band. I wasn’t disappointed when I put the CD in and pressed play – Joe Viterbo play strong music that you can really get up and dance to, and just generally have a good time listening to. This band play rock with elements of Ska and Punk and thrown in and it really does go down a treat.

There are three songs on display here and not a single one of them fails to please. I like the first track with its storming guitar riffs, the second track with its awesome catchiness, but most of all I really love the third track on this Demo as the male and female vocals really do work well together and make way for an extremely exciting track which is great to listen to. It has some strong guitars and great Ska Punk style bass lines, as well as some truly fine drum work. This track never fails to please with its upbeat, fast paced fun – you can really tell that the band are having fun playing the music that they are and truly enjoy performing. This track radiates a lust for life with its high energy, and general musical greatness.

This is definitely a band to look out for in the future – this Demo shows signs of great promise. I would really love to see Joe Viterbo live as on the basis of this Demo I would say that their live shows are full of excitement, energy, and fun where not a single member of the audience goes home feeling disappointed. The way the male and female vocals work together really is genius as they just fit together so perfectly. It really does sound like this pair have been singing together for decades as they harmonise perfectly making Joe Viterbo a band that are vocally sublime.

Rating:

Rich

UK based film graduate with a huge passion for music, sports and video games.

Idlewild – Love Steals Us From Loneliness

February 20, 2005 by Rich Leave a Comment

This is the bands first release as a 5 piece, and gives us a glimpse at why the band has scarcely been seen for the last few years. Idlewild have been busy writing material and practising up in a rehearsal room in the Highlands ready for a mammoth tour in April and May throughout the UK. This could well be the best album the band have ever written and I’m really looking forward to hearing it – you can always guarantee quality with a band like Idlewild, and I really hope that they deliver with ‘Warnings/Promises,’ having taken so long to get it ready.

New single ‘Love Steals Us From Loneliness’ isn’t an immediate classic like ‘You Held The World In Your Arms,’ however it is a cracking tune and the more you listen to it the more you will love it. This track has amazingly mellow verses, coupled with a really punchy, fantastic chorus that will put a smile on your face with ease. This band really does have a lot of talent and Roddy Woomble truly is a fantastic vocalist – I think this really comes through strongly on this single, and this coupled with the fantastic lyrics on display here really does make way for a truly exciting and exasperating listen. This track has storming guitars, some strong drum beats, and gripping bass lines which really help give the song real depth.

Although this single isn’t blessed with the power and instant catchiness of ‘You Held The World In Your Arms’ it does show great signs of maturity on behalf of the band and really is testament to how far the band have come in the last few years. Being away seems to have done them a lot of good, as they have obviously had a lot of time to reflect and really write an album that represents true emotion and feeling and produce something which really means something to them. If this single is anything to go by then when the album is released on the 7th of March it really is going to be something truly special.

Rating:

Rich

UK based film graduate with a huge passion for music, sports and video games.