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Sum 41 – Chuck

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Canadians Sum 41 are a band who have managed to slowly change their sound over the past couple of years and develop into a completely different band. ‘All Killer No Filler’ and ‘Half Hour of Power’ were pure Pop Punk, whereas 2002s ‘Does This Look Infected’ was far more Rock orientated. This year sees Sum 41 develop further still into a rather respectable Metal band. If you had told me 3 years ago that Sum 41 would one day develop into the Metal band they are today I would never have believed it as they were at the time just another fresh faced Pop Punk sensation we all thought we’d see the last of within the year. How wrong could we all possibly be? Sum 41 are still going strong and I think they are now at the best they have ever been.

The newfound Heavy Metal sound really suits the band and it really seems to suit the voice of Deryck Whibley to sing like this. On the bands previous releases I have always found them at their best on the heavier moments so having ‘Chuck’ really is amazing as it is that heavy moment maintained for an entire album. There are some amazing guitar solos on display on this album with some truly classic Heavy Metal riffs that are sure to put a smile on the face of even the hardest of critics. Some people have always seen the band as a bit of a joke in the past and never really understood their appeal – these guitar solos will surely set the record straight and those people will almost definitely understand the appeal of the band and appreciate their music a bit more.

Debut ‘Chuck’ single ‘We’re All To Blame’ borrows heavily from System Of A Down track ‘Chop Suey’ with its chorus having the exact same feel about it. This is definitely not a flaw as the track sounds amazing and going from heavy to melodic really does sound astonishingly good when being done by the almighty Sum 41. It suits their style well and makes way for an awesome single – a truly amazing single for first snippet of the album. ‘Some Say’ is another classic yet the sound to this one is completely different. This track and ‘Pieces’ really do seem to be hinting at Brit Rock and on them the band are sounding as amazing as ever. It is a definite nod towards bands such as Oasis and again this sound suits the band perfectly.

‘Noots’ rounds the CD off nicely and leaves you wishing for more as it comes to a climax. It really is a good track, in fact there are no bad tracks on this album which is a bit of a surprise as in the past I have always felt that a few tracks have been letting the side down and marring an otherwise perfect album. In ‘Chuck,’ Sum 41 have definitely reached perfection with every song sounding amazingly well rounded and a joy to listen to. I really don’t know where the band will go from here as after this album being so great they are really letting themselves in for disappointment next time round as they surely can’t top this effort.

If you have ever been a fan of Sum 41 then chances are you will love this album. Even if you don’t believe it to be one of your greatest albums it will no doubt find a special space in your heart and fill you with warmth every time you listen to it in its entirety. The band have come a long way since ‘Half Hour of Power’ and along the way have foreseen a change in style and grown up so much as musicians. Sum 41 are now creating music which is truly intelligent and more of a joy than ever to listen to.

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McQueen – Like I Care/You Leave Me Dead

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Instrumentally this band sound like the Foo Fighters with their carefully crafted, well thought out guitar riffs, and vocally they sound like a less punk version of The Distillers. Vocalist Leah Duors definitely has that ‘fuck you,’ Brody Dalle style attitude to her vocals and it definitely adds to the whole excitement of the band. I am a fan of both the Foo Fighters and The Distillers so its great to hear an all girl band mixing the two as there aren’t that many girl bands around and generally when you find one they tend to be a bit useless in my opinion.

The band are currently on tour with the Holiday Plan, a band that I am not at all keen on – they will surely upstage the headliners at every venue they play at as they are almost certainly a far superior act with a hell of a lot of talent and potential. These are two extremely fine tunes here, with ‘Like I Care,’ and ‘You Leave Me Dead’ both having some amazing guitar riffs, some super bass lines, incredible drumming, and raw, angry, attitude packed vocals. They are both well worth checking out and I suggest that on November 1st you invest your hard earned cash in this single. It will surely impress with its incredible girl attitude.

If you are a fan of The Distillers, Smashing Pumpkins, or the Foo Fighters then really do think about buying this as McQueen could well become your new favourite band. Id love to hear more from this band so hopefully they will be releasing a full length at some stage in the not too distant future for my listening pleasure.

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Hoobastank – The Reason (Single)

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Back in 2002 when the band released their debut, Self-Titled album I just though they would be another flash in the pan rock band. Vocalist Doug Robb sounded like a Brandon Boyd clone back then, but now Hoobastank return with an amazing single that shows that they are far more than the Incubus tribute band that they once were. This is a power ballad of epic proportions showing off the bands awesome song writing skills and immense talent. You can tell that this one is coming right from the heart of Hoobastank and they believe 100% in what they are singing about.

This track is extremely well constructed with some great guitar riffs layered over the supreme drum beats and fantastic bass lines, as well as the obligatory outstanding vocal style. This is the title track from their new album and is definitely a well chosen tune to be their first single release from the album. It really does have everything and definitely shows the band at their best. I have fallen in love with this track and can’t wait to get my hands on the album now. It really is self explanatory why this single was the #1 airplay record in America for 5 weeks, and the album has already sold an astonishing 2.5 million copies worldwide. The music to this song was written by the guitarist Dan Estrin and the vocals of course by Doug Robb – and together they really do make a deadly pair. These two really do work well on this tune in order to make a perfect rock ballad.

This will probably be the most successful rock single this year with its great beat, well thought out melody, and immense power. I don’t see how anyone can not like this single to be honest – it really is great and shows exactly why the band are as big as they are at the moment. Make sure you check the band out on their current UK tour – you most certainly will not be disappointed.

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Three Days Grace – Just Like You

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Considering this band are starting a tour with Hoobastank tomorrow I expected this single to be better than it is as although its an alright tune, it is nothing amazing. It’s a sturdy rock song and has a few good riffs and a nice chorus but it’s really nothing new or exciting. I’m not sure if I have heard anything by this band before and if I have then it was nothing great enough for me to remember, but as a new listener I’d say that there’s not a lot on display here to really draw you in. They are lacking the X-Factor on this single – the basic package is there but that little bit extra isn’t there and the single therefore just sounds a bit mediocre.

They use power chords well, and the vocals are well structured but there’s nothing great about them and there are just too many bands out there doing the same thing as Three Days Grace are doing. They find themselves on BMG, so chances are they were once a fairly innovative band but this single really does not show that so it will probably go unnoticed. These four guys really need to go back to the studio and make a song that’s got passion, flair, style, and is obviously them. ‘Just Like You’ could have been released by a string of other bands and you just wouldn’t see the difference.

I would say that unless you are an avid fan of this band then this single is really not worth buying – there is nothing special here and the band truly are rather mediocre. Yes they blend harmonies nicely with power chords but too many bands do this these days and it’s just not interesting anymore. The buying public want more than that – people are looking for a band that put their own unique twist on the genre and make it that extra bit special but Three Days Grace just don’t do that on this single at least.

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Graham Coxon – Freakin’ Out/All Over Me

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This is a double A-side single from the man that was the brains behind Blur, Graham Coxon. When you see this name on paper you really expect nothing less in the single than pure musical genius and the man definitely serves up the goods on this occasion. Both of these tracks are equally as blinding in their own ways and really are exciting Indie tracks.

‘Freakin’ Out’ sees Coxon return to the Blur sound of old with a classic Indie track that you are not likely to forget for a good while yet. It has some classic guitar riffs, storming drum beats, and truly amazing vocals. Graham Coxon really is the master and on this track his genius almost certainly comes through 100%. I have always been a fan of the man and have admired his work for many a year now, yet recent Blur albums have always been a bit too Pop orientated for my liking so seeing him return to his roots for a classic Indie track really was a great thing to see. Still fresh from rocking the Carling Festivals this year he is surely going to have success with this single – it is a cracking tune with an amazing chorus that you will be humming for weeks to come.

‘All Over Me’ is another scorcher and will definitely be in my CD changer for a good while yet. Again, the classic Indie roots come through and make way for one hell of a rock ‘n’ roll single that will never leave your mind for a second. This one has a much slower pace than the aforementioned ‘Freakin’ Out’ but nonetheless it is a superb tune and its slower tempo removes nothing from the pleasure of the tune.

Although I am probably not as into these two tracks as early Blur material, it is certainly a return to form for Graham Coxon here and the two tracks that he has created on this double A-side really is something special. It is not often that a good old fashion Indie song is released as a single, so it is great to see that ‘Freakin’ Out’ is being pushed with frequent radio airplay and is getting great press. Expect to see much more from this man in the future – once again his genius is shining through and he is on the rise.

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The Mad Capsule Markets – Scary – Delete streamin’ freq. from fear side

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Everyone’s favourite Japanese Techno/Punk/Metal crossover group return with new single ‘Scary – Delete streamin’ freq. from fear side’ to be released on November 1st on Gut Records. This is another great single from the band and shows off why they are so popular and loved by everyone that comes into contact with them.

There are three tracks here – single ‘Scary – Delete streamin’ freq. from fear side,’ and two more tracks ‘Sunny Beach Rd.,’ and ‘LOUD UP!!’ as well as a video of ‘Scary’ that you can play on your PC. These are all cool tracks and the added bonus of having the video version of ‘Scary’ included on it really does go down a treat. ‘Scary’ really is an amazing song and alongside the two B-sides thing single really is well worth buying. ‘Scary’ has great power, amazing vocals, superb bass, and some awesome drumming. To go with this the band have packed an awesome chorus that you will never forget. It truly is an infectious chorus and is one of the catchiest songs I have ever heard in my life. I have listened to this song over and over since receiving this CD and have yet to get bored of it. It is just so jam packed with musical excitement and full of enthusiasm and zest for life.

B-sides ‘Sunny Beach Rd.,’ and ‘LOUD UP!!’ are in my opinion just as good as the single itself. They are both full of excitement and are just generally amazing tunes. The fact that The Mad Capsule Markets are so original and combine Techno with Metal and Punk is what I think makes them so exciting to listen to. Their originality makes them all the more interesting and great to listen to and you can’t help but love the music that the band produce. There is not a single dull moment on this single and at all times the band are musically stunning and forever breaking boundaries. The Mad Capsule Markets really are a revolutionising rock band with their futuristic sounds and extreme raw talent.

If you are or have ever been a fan of The Mad Capsule Markets then make sure you go out and buy this single when it is released on the 1st of November. It contains 3 classic tracks and I am sure that you won’t be disappointed with what you hear. They have always been an amazing, innovative band creating a fresh and unique sound and I think that they have just got even better.

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Seether – Disclaimer II

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When I received this CD and saw that they had associations with Amy Lee of Evanescence fame I immediately wrote them off as another corporate Rock band with not much talent. However after listening to the CD I soon realised that my presumption had not been correct and Seether are in fact a talented, innovative rock band. Although they are not the best band ever to have graced the earth I can see that the band do have talent and can understand why a major label would snap them up. They have a fair few radio friendly tunes but are by no means cheesy and manage to maintain their rock credibility throughout the duration of this CD.

There are 16 tracks on display here and every single one of them is exciting in its own individual way. Seether are living proof that you can succeed and sound good using power chords and are a fine example that great major label rock bands still exist. Even the final track, ‘Broken’ which is a duo with Amy Lee which I was dreading sounds surprisingly good. Her vocals work really well with the vocals of Seether singer Shaun Morgan and really do make way for an awesomely produced, melodic masterpiece. I never thought I would enjoy a track involving Amy Lee but I now see her in a whole new light and understand that she does have a talent and is actually a really good singer. Seether sound amazing – with their distorted guitars, strong drum beats, superb bass lines, and impeccable vocal style.

One of my favourite tracks on this CD is ‘Sold Me.’ This track really is a work of genius with its distorted guitars and generally excellently crafted tune. It is a cracking track and is a great way of getting rid of your anger and frustrations. Just stick this one on, sing along, and feel your problems leave you as you get lost in the slick sound of the music. This is definitely one of the highlights of the album for me with its all around heaviness and although it has stiff competition in opening track ‘Gasoline,’ it is probably my favourite.

Don’t be put off by the fact that the band have links with Evanescence like I was at first – check this band out, I am sure you will not be disappointed. Sure, there are a few tracks on the album that aren’t too great but for the majority of the CD the band sound absolutely amazing and completely flawless. If you are a fan of Heavy Rock/Metal then head out now and buy this album now – it really is a blinder and at over an hour long you certainly get your monies worth.

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Mybe – Small Man Syndrome

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I haven’t heard from this band in a long old while! They seem to have dropped their tag of being ‘Pop Punk Wankers’ since ‘The Shite Album’ and now refer to themselves as ‘the most entertaining bastards in pop’ – good stuff. They have definitely improved a lot since ‘The Shite Album’ and I think that this is an extremely exciting and entertaining album to listen to. It has amazing guitars, some super drumming, and the obligatory awesome vocal styling.

There are 12 tracks on display here showing that Mybe are still the comic geniuses they always have been and show no signs of growing out of their toilet humour! It’s the best way to be I reckon and the funny lyrics definitely add to the Mybe experience and make it that extra bit special. I have always liked what Mybe do and in this album I think that the band prove that they have what it takes to go far in the Punk scene. They are still pranksters and their songs go down a treat. One of my favourite tracks on this CD is ‘Ex Directory.’ This really is a classic song as not only does it have awesome lyrics but it also has great vocals to go with them and an excellently crafted instrumental side. It is a three and a half minute gem of a track – one that I will definitely be listening to more in the future. It is a catchy little number and I think that it would be a great breakthrough track for the band to release as a single. In fact, they could release any one of these track as a single and I think they would all do well – not a single one of these songs lets the album down in any way at all and as a whole the album is almost certainly verging on perfect.

’45 Minute Warning’ ends the album in style. It has an electric, excitement packed start and as the vocals kick in you know that it is going to be a track to remember. This is a 20 minute epic and is really funny to listen to. Although it starts off as a great song with the band showing tremendous style and passion for the music it is after the initial track finished that the amusement really begins. There is an awesome drum fill at about 11 or so minutes in with super skills Jez really putting his all into it. It really does sound great and after this we get the band talking about how shit pop stars are such as Britney Spears, Blazin Squad and Gareth Gates. Singing in the tune of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ we then hear the tune of ‘Fuck off ya Bastards.’ This is really funny and ends the album in the only way Mybe how – with humour! Mybe truly are the funniest band in Punk and you can’t help but smile while listening to this album. It really is a classic and I strongly suggest that you go out and buy this CD now.

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The Scrub – Life’s torn the Tuna out and Left Me for a Bread Roll

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Oh yes, finally The Scrub have recorded a new CD! The Scrub really do have a great talent and this is why they have been one of my favourite bands of the last few years. Their music is just so energetic, fun, and truly entertaining and rewarding. On display here are 4 great tracks from the superb Bristol Skacore band. Bristol has been a great place for music with even the almighty Five Knuckle hailing from there. In all honestly I believe that The Scrub are on a par with Five Knuckle as every single tune they ever make always seems to sound perfect just like Five Knuckle have the fine talent of.

This CD kicks off with the super Ska scorcher of ‘Fine Time.’ I was really impressed when I heard this track on the CD for the first time as when I had heard a demo of it a while back it was full of Ska clichés and just sounded a bit cheap – and I know that The Scrub are far more than a clichéd, sound alike Ska band. The song definitely sounds a lot better now they have been removed and is a classic Ska track I will surely be listening to for a long while yet. This track never seems to get old – no matter how many times you listen to it – it always sounds great with amazing lyrics, some great bass lines, superb guitar riffs, some classic horn lines, and deadly drum beats. This one definitely has an element of 2-tone in it and mixed with their hardcore, verging on metallic guitar skills it is a definite hit. Just when you think it is coming to an end it goes into a classy little instrumental before running through the chorus one last time. I really think that the band have chosen wisely for a track to kick the CD off as this one really sets the mood and gets you ready for some hardcore skanking.

This energy and excitement carries into the second track, ‘Storm Ahead’ and third track ‘Rhonda.’ These are both amazing songs in their own right however they are both completely different in sound yet still distinctly Ska. The bands talent is really shown in their ability to change style as if at the flick of a switch and come out smelling of roses. However, it is in final track ‘Unstuck?’ that the band truly shows off just how talented they are. This one is a slow paced Ska classic and again they show off their 2-tone influence and do it in style. ‘Unstuck?’ has a great vocal collaboration that really does go down a treat. It sounds awesome and rounds the CD off nicely. The pace has dropped, and you know the CD is coming to a close – it is quite a depressing stage on the CD as you want more but know that the EP is soon to finish. Just when you think the CD is no more and you have started to drift off, a nice little instrumental kicks in and wakes you up again. It has a laid back on a sunny beach feel to it and gives the EP a truly classic ending. It definitely leaves you wanting more so hopefully there will be a few more CDs to follow from this band as otherwise I will not be a very happy bunny!

If you are a fan of Ska or Skacore then make sure you check out The Scrub at some stage as they really are a talented little 6 piece and I believe that they are a band that are going far in this business. There is no reason why they shouldn’t go far as the talent is definitely there so if they put in the hard work then before long they can definitely see themselves at the forefront of the scene.

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Sudden Drop + Zerell @ The Basement, Maidstone

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Ok well there was a pretty poor turnout for this gig – which was to be expected really since the gig was at Maidstone’s very own dump of a venue ‘The Basement.’ These two bands should be playing to crowds far greater than this as there is nothing that separates them from the big names on the circuit. Tonight the sound wasn’t too great but never the less the bands ploughed on and got through their sets as usual (well if you don’t count Mark of Zerell’s guitar string snapping anyway!)

First on tonight were Zerell – an exciting punk band from London. The band played a good set and although it was quite a short one and to a very limited number of people they still managed to put their all into it and play a blinder. The sound quality was quite bad and for a lot of the set you couldn’t really hear the guitars but this is through no fault of their own and I am sure that if the sound had been of a better quality then the gig would have been faultless. You could really tell that the band were having a good time out there and were enjoying the music which they were creating. Zerell are such an energetic band and I think that this is what makes their music so entertaining – a lot of bands have the problem with their sets of staying still throughout their sets making them a bit boring to watch but Zerell did not do this. I will definitely be checking this band out again – they are an extremely talented band with a hell of a lot of energy and everyone that was at the gig had a great time when they were on.

The second band on were Maidstone’s very own heroes Sudden Drop. They also had a lot of talent and put their all into their set, playing a collection of their own songs plus a cover of the Chilli Peppers. Sudden Drop went down well I reckon – especially when they chucked a load of glowsticks into the crowd under the condition that we would all start dancing. Up to then the gig was a bit static with everyone just sort of standing around due to the small number that actually bothered to turn up to the gig. Sudden Drop seem to be a pretty tight band – they had some strong guitar riffs, cool drum beats, sublime bass lines, and some truly amazing vocals. I think everyone in the room was feeling this band – they really are something special and their music is absolutely spot on. I will also be trying to check this band out in the future due to their great talent and style – plus all their gigs are fairly local which has to be a bonus.

Overall this was a pretty quality gig, and despite the fact that the sound at The Basement wasn’t too amazing both bands still managed to play good sets with both showing signs of greatness. I will definitely be checking out these two bands again at some stage and for the two of them to play together again at some point would be great. If any promoters are reading this then try and book these two bands for a gig – they make a deadly duo.

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