Music News & Reviews from the Rock, Metal, Blues, Prog, Punk & Jazz Genres as well as stage and festival shows
2000TREES FESTIVAL 2024: MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA, KIDS IN GLASS HOUSES, HOT MULLIGAN, BOSTON MANOR, CLEOPATRICK, THE XCERTS, BETTER LOVERS, THE MYSTERINES, DEAD PONY AND MANY MORE ANNOUNCED FOR NEXT YEARS FESTIVAL THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM ALREADY ANNOUNCED AS THE FIRST MAINSTAGE HEADLINER – UK FESTIVAL EXCLUSIVE WEDNESDAY 10TH/ THURSDAY 11TH […]
NewsPre-Save / Pre-Order Single Now The UK’s own Southern Rockers, Sons Of Liberty, are delighted to reveal that their third album ‘The Detail Is In The Devil’ will be self-released Friday 23rd February 2024. On Thursday 2 November 2023, Sons Of Liberty will release ‘Turn This […]
NewsGOO GOO DOLLS PREMIERE CHRISTMAS SONG “WHO’S GONNA HEAR THEIR WISH?” WITH LYRIC VIDEO IT’S CHRISTMAS ALL OVER (AGAIN)DELUXE ALBUM OUT NOVEMBER 17 Goo Goo Dolls premiered a brand-new Christmas song “Who’s Gonna Hear Their Wish?” over the weekend. The track will appear on a […]
NewsWatch the video for ‘Brambles’ HERE 2024 World Tour on sale now Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes | Photo credit: Brian Rankin Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes are today sharing new single ‘Brambles‘, the second song to be taken from their forthcoming album Dark Rainbow, […]
NewsWatch the video for ‘Brambles’ HERE
2024 World Tour on sale now
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes | Photo credit: Brian Rankin
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes are today sharing new single ‘Brambles‘, the second song to be taken from their forthcoming album Dark Rainbow, out 26th January 2024. It follows recent new album cut ‘Man of the Hour‘, which saw support across BBC Radio 1 from Clara Amfo, Dan P Carter and Jack Saunders, as well as at Clash, DIY, Dork, Evening Standard, Guitar World, Kerrang!, The Line of Best Fit, Louder, NME, Rock Sound and Rolling Stone UK.
‘Brambles’ comes on with a palpable sense of foreboding and menace, and arrives as something of a plea for a perfect love. It’s a song that probes for an answer to why we give ourselves over to the pain that can come from relationships, Carter singing “Why does our love feel like brambles?”
It’s another song that leans into Dark Rainbow’s path of self-evaluation and reflection. ‘Brambles’ claustrophobic atmosphere is ripped apart as Carter’s roaring vocal bursts the chorus wide open. Frank Carter explains further:
“Brambles is a melancholic bop born from the bramble thorns of love we let grow around us until we are tangled with no method of escaping unscathed. Like our neural pathways become stronger and deeper with each unconscious action, the thorns of love hook deeper and the brambles wrap tighter until we are barely recogniseable and even our loved ones can no longer comfort us or lead us to safety for fear of being cut and torn themselves. An ode to the passion of love and a warning not to get lost in it when you go looking.”
Hear new single ‘Brambles’ on streaming services here and watch the video below.
Pre-order the new album Dark Rainbow here.
The last time that many UK fans will have witnessed the band will have been at their sold-out Alexandra Palace show in London, or on the mainstages at Download and Reading & Leeds festivals, or headlining this summer’s 2000 Trees Festival. In the wake of Dark Rainbow‘s release in January, the band will also be embarking on their biggest tour to date as they announce details of headline shows through the UK, Europe, Australia and USA for 2024.
All tickets are on sale now from the band’s website here.
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes World Tour 2024
06 Feb – The Great Hall, Cardiff, UK
07 Feb – O2 Academy, Bristol, UK
09 Feb – Academy, Manchester, UK
10 Feb – Northumbria Uni Student’s Union, Newcastle, UK
11 Feb – Barrowland, Glasgow, UK
13 Feb – O2 Academy, Leeds, UK
14 Feb – Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton, UK
15 Feb – Roundhouse, London, UK
16 Feb – Roundhouse, London, UK
22 Feb – Metropol, Berlin, DE
23 Feb – Live Music Hall, Cologne, DE
24 Feb – Le Bataclan, Paris, FR
26 Feb – AB Main Hall, Brussels, BE
27 Feb – 013 Poppodium, Tilburg, Netherlands, NL
16 Apr – Magnet House, Perth, AUS
18 Apr – The Gov, Adelaide, AUS
19 Apr – 170 Russell, Melbourne, AUS
20 Apr – Barwon Club, Geelong, AUS
23 Apr – Triffid, Brisbane, AUS
24 Apr – Crowbar, Sydney, AUS
13 May – The End, Nashville TN, USA
14 May – Subterranean, Chicago IL, USA
17 May – Horseshoe Tavern, Toronto, ON,CAN
20 May – Foundry, Philadelphia PA, USA
21 May – The Gramercy Theatre, New York NY, USA
22 May – Atlantis, Washington DC, USA
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes | Photo credit: Brian Rankin
More about Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes’ new album Dark Rainbow
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes’ new material arrives as their first since 2021 album Sticky, the latest in a run of three consecutive UK Top 10 albums which also featured the BBC Radio 1 A-Listed single ‘Go Get A Tattoo’.
For a band who burned as bright as Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes did when they exploded onto the UK punk scene in 2015, nobody could’ve imagined the band they’d become. Since the release of their firecracker first EP Rotten, it’s been a bewildering eight years for Frank Carter and Dean Richardson. They’ve put out four killer albums, toured with Foo Fighters, headlined festivals, bagged three UK Top 10 albums, and featured Tom Morello, Bobby Gillespie and Cassyette to guest on their tunes. Now on the cusp of releasing their fifth LP, Dark Rainbow, the two old friends are taking stock. “Normally we don’t look backwards when making a record, but this has been looking to reach us for a long time,” Richardson explains. “Some songs are old ideas reworked, fresh eyes on something that didn’t quite fit on their other records.” Richardson remembers, “Some of these songs were lost along the way because basically we didn’t really give them the space.”
In contrast to their previous records – which were snapshots of the time and mindset in which they were made – Dark Rainbow was born from self-reflection, memory and gratitude. “I’m just witnessing the world change so quickly and I’m still trying to come to terms with who I am and what the authentic version of me is,” Carter says. “By giving people what I thought they wanted I think I got further and further away from who I actually am, you know? So now, first and foremost, I’m prioritising what I need. Sobriety has been really, really helpful for me.”
The southern gothic balladry and crooning alt rock that they’ve experimented with on their previous releases is boldly up front on this record. There are a select few ragers on there too, for good measure. It’s not so much a new direction, but Carter and Richardson centering who they really are, mining their souls and unearthing the music that lives within them. “From the start, the ballads always came easy to us,” Richardson remembers. “But at no point did we question whether we should make more of them. Now we are.”
Carter explains that this is the most authentic album he’s ever made, and that came from them doing the work, and really getting to know themselves and each other. “We’ve lived a lot of life together,” Carter says. “A lot has rested on our shoulders. In a creative sense that’s a beautiful thing.”
Dark Rainbow is a bold exploration of who Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes were, who they are and who they can someday be. There’s an undeniable strength in self-acceptance and in the search for your authentic spirit. That strength emanates from them and can be heard in droves on their new album. As they gear up for headline tours through the UK, EU, USA and AUS in early 2024 and the release of Dark Rainbow in January, Carter and Richardson have never been more ready.
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes – Dark Rainbow
1. Honey
2. Man of the Hour
3. Can I Take You Home
4. American Spirit
5. Happier Days
6. Brambles
7. Queen of Hearts
8. Sun Bright Golden Happening
9. Superstar
10. Self Love
11. A Dark Rainbow
Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X | Youtube
Amazing Hollywood-style video shot at Pinewood for Christmas single. Trickster, the Austrian singer and entrepreneur from Linz, releases his amped up and swinging mash-up of Christmas classics ‘Silent Night vs Santa Claus Is Coming To Town’ on Trickster Recordings through Absolute. Blending nostalgia and festive […]
NewsAmazing Hollywood-style video shot at Pinewood for Christmas single.
Trickster, the Austrian singer and entrepreneur from Linz, releases his amped up and swinging mash-up of Christmas classics ‘Silent Night vs Santa Claus Is Coming To Town’ on Trickster Recordings through Absolute. Blending nostalgia and festive warmth, this is the Christmas cocktail you didn’t know you needed: hold the egg nog. Trickster wants to bring joy to everyone’s home!
The sensational video for the single is also available now LINK. Filmed at the iconic Pinewood Studios, the home of James Bond, it is drenched in 1940s style vintage glamour, as some of the world’s best dancers recreate the eye-popping festive energy of a New Orleans-style Christmas party. Created by a crew that has worked on Lord of the Rings, Mission Impossible, Independence Day and more, this Christmas blockbuster will in time be part of a full Christmas movie. Trickster’s Christmas track is set to be the greatest soundtrack for the season.
The song lands just before the John Woo film of the same name and, whilst Trickster’s story is worthy of its own movie, let’s focus on the music for now….
Produced by Richard Flack [Joe Strummer, Florence and the Machine] and Trickster himself, these seasonal favourites were seamlessly fused at legendary London studios Angel and RAK, and mixed at Abbey Road. Producer Guy Chambers [Robbie Williams] is also associated with the project. The lavish ‘Silent Night’ vs ‘Santa Claus Is Coming To Town’ features the Grammy® Award-winning vocal group The Swingles, a big band, and string section arranged and orchestrated by the brilliant Callum Au [Quincy Jones, Michael Bublé].
Creating across Rock, Pop, Swing and Electro, Trickster takes a trailblazing approach, everything must break new ground, be fresh, original. Similarly, John Woo has said of his own unique ‘Silent Night’, “The whole movie is without dialogue…. music instead of language”. So too Trickster’s music speaks from the heart. ‘Silent Night vs Santa Claus Is Coming To Town’ follows hot on the heels of ‘Still Kicking’, which picked up airplay globally.
So this year, have yourself a Trickster Christmas: it certainly won’t be boring! Trickster is also delighted to announce that his debut album follows in 2024. Make sure Trickster is on your Christmas List.
Infused with Sultry Blues and a Vibrant Pulse, “Wild Love” Delivers a Hauntingly Energetic Sound that Reaffirms Joanne’s Musical Prowess Available now via Joe Bonamassa’s Journeyman Records; Stream “Wild Love” on all platforms HERE Watch the music video HERE British blues-rock virtuoso Joanne Shaw Taylor […]
NewsInfused with Sultry Blues and a Vibrant Pulse, “Wild Love” Delivers a Hauntingly Energetic Sound that Reaffirms Joanne’s Musical Prowess
Available now via Joe Bonamassa’s Journeyman Records; Stream “Wild Love” on all platforms HERE
Watch the music video HERE
British blues-rock virtuoso Joanne Shaw Taylor adds a sultry twist to her repertoire with the release of “Wild Love,” the latest single from her eagerly anticipated album, due out next year. Brimming with bluesy undertones and an infectious energy, the track showcases Joanne’s signature guitar licks against a backdrop of dynamic drums and bass. “Wild Love” is a departure into a darker, more intimate territory, capturing the essence of a moody blues night while retaining the vigour that her fans have come to adore.
Photo courtesy of Stacie Huckeba
“I love this track,” says Joanne. “I wanted it to be dark and sexy. I think, with the boys’ help, we came up with something really cool that the band in the studio really made come to life.”
“It’s also rather different to anything I’ve done before so I’m really looking forward to playing it live,” says Joanne, reflecting on the collaborative creative process with her guitar tech Elliot and guitar player Joey. With their combined talents, “Wild Love” promises to be a highlight in her discography. Stream the provocative “Wild Love” HERE. Watch the official music video NOW.
Following the enchanting success of her previous single “Black Magic,” Joanne continues to mesmerize her audience with her latest creation. “Black Magic” set the stage with its traditional blues infusion, promising a soulful escape for listeners and fans alike. Her first single “Sweet ‘Lil Lies” captivated audiences by blending rock with blues undertones reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac and Bonnie Raitt. Now, “Wild Love” builds on that foundation, offering a compelling new narrative woven with Joanne’s soulful melodies and deep, rhythmic grooves.
Discovered by Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics when she was a mere 16 years old and subsequently invited to tour the world, Joanne’s rise to stardom, propelled by endorsements from music giants like Stevie Wonder and Annie Lennox, remains unmatched.
With a discography boasting chart-toppers like Reckless Heart, The Blues Album, and most recently Nobody’s Fool, Joanne is unstoppable. As she readies her next studio album, fans can expect a cocktail of her signature guitar riffs, emotive vocals, and inspired songwriting. Moreover, her live show has been gaining rave reviews and boasts an eclectic blend of classic hits and fresh material, with two weeks left on the road, the tour ends at the historic Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta, GA.
Journeyman’s revolutionary approach to the music industry continues to disrupt the norm. Spearheaded by Joe Bonamassa and manager Roy Weisman, the label champions live artists and offers them a platform unlike any other. With their vast experience and industry intelligence, Journeyman is a beacon for emerging artists, providing them with unparalleled support and guidance.
For more info, and to purchase tickets for Joanne’s concerts, visit joanneshawtaylor.com/tour
JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR – TOUR DATES
Saturday, November 18 – Smith Opera House – Geneva, NY
Sunday, November 19 – The Egg – Albany, NY
Tuesday, November 21 – Keswick Theatre – Glenside, PA
Wednesday, November 22 – The Cabot – Beverly, MA
Friday, November 24 – Capitol Center for the Arts – Concord, NH
Saturday, November 25 – Capital One Hall – Tysons, VA
Sunday, November 26 – The Beacon Theatre – Hopewell, VA
Tuesday, November 28 – Carolina Theatre of Durham – Durham, NC
Wednesday, November 29 – Buckhead Theatre – Atlanta, GA
WINTER UK 2024
Wednesday, February 14 – Paradiso – Amsterdam, NL
Saturday, February 17 – Royal Northern College of Music – Manchester, UK
Sunday, February 18 – Queen Margaret Union – Glasgow, UK
Monday, February 19 – City Varieties Music Hall – Leeds, UK
Wednesday, February 21 – The Fire Station – Sunderland, UK
Thursday, February 22 – Indigo at The O2 – London, UK
Friday, February 23 – The Wulfrun – Wolverhampton, UK
Sunday, February 25 – The Waterfront – Norwich, UK
Monday, February 26 – De La Warr Pavilion – Bexhill, UK
Wednesday, February 28 – The Apex – Bury St Edmunds, UK
Thursday, February 29 – Palace Theatre – Southend, UK
ABOUT JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR
Joanne Shaw Taylor, discovered at 16 by Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics, quickly ascended as one of the world’s leading rock guitarists. Championed by legends like Stevie Wonder, Annie Lennox, and Joe Bonamassa, her powerful song writing and distinct vocals first captivated audiences with her 2009 debut, White Sugar. Over the years, Joanne has released numerous acclaimed albums, including the UK Top 20 hit Reckless Heart and the #1 Billboard Blues Chart toppers The Blues Album and Blues From The Heart Live. Her latest studio album, Nobody’s Fool, launched under Bonamassa’s Journeyman Records in 2022, showcases collaborations with industry icons and highlights her continually evolving artistry. Currently on tour, Joanne remains an influential force in blues-rock, eagerly anticipating her next album release.
JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR
Official Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | KTBA Records
The debut solo single by Long Earth vocalist Martin Haggarty is released 17th November 2023 in aid of War Child, accompanied by a poignant video by award-winning filmmaker Ross Eaglesham. War Child UK is a charity supporting children in conflict zones throughout the world. […]
NewsThe debut solo single by Long Earth vocalist Martin Haggarty is released 17th November 2023 in aid of War Child, accompanied by a poignant video by award-winning filmmaker Ross Eaglesham. War Child UK is a charity supporting children in conflict zones throughout the world. Dust & Stone: single out on November 17th! Dust and Stone is the first release under Martin’s own name, and almost certainly the most important song he has been involved in. Bandcamp: https://martinhaggarty.bandcamp.com/track/dust-and-stone VIDEO: (Ross Eaglesham/Weird Specialty Productions) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKO3F1B3eMA ![]() OVERVIEW Style: Rock/Progressive Rock Country: UK Label: Independent Release Date: November 17th, 2023 Artwork: Eddie McFadden Line-up: Martin Haggarty (Long Earth, Field of Vision, Abel Ganz) – Vocals, synths, guitar, percussion Amanda Lehmann (Amanda Lehmann Band, Steve Hackett) – Vocals, lead guitar, acoustic guitar Hew Montgomery – (Grand Tour, Abel Ganz) – Piano Trev Turley (Random Earth Project, Mojo Preachers) – Bass Jon Farley (Checking for Echo Project, The Hollow Moon) – Drums FOLLOW MARTIN HAGGARTY ![]() Bandcamp: https://martinhaggarty.bandcamp.com/track/dust-and-stone Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005538769423 Website: https://longearthmusic.com/dust-stone-by-martin-haggarty War Child UK: www.warchild.org.uk |
ALBUM OUT NOW, VIA WIAIWYA RECORDS; STREAM ON ALL SERVICES HERE PLUS, ONE-OFF LONDON LIVE DATE IN DECEMBER; REMAINING TICKETS ON SALE HERE Arriving as their 10th official studio album, and 60th release on their own hitBACK label, the London independent mainstays return with 12 […]
NewsALBUM OUT NOW, VIA WIAIWYA RECORDS; STREAM ON ALL SERVICES HERE
PLUS, ONE-OFF LONDON LIVE DATE IN DECEMBER; REMAINING TICKETS ON SALE HERE
Arriving as their 10th official studio album, and 60th release on their own hitBACK label, the London independent mainstays return with 12 new songs destined to have you falling in love with them all over again. And amongst its trove of artful, British pop vignettes, listeners will find the 007-inspired “The Most Secret Agent In The World” – a track also available to hear today.
STREAM ‘THIS CANDLE IS FOR YOU’ IN-FULL HERE
AND “THE MOST SECRET AGENT IN THE WORLD” HERE
A firm favourite of the band, “The Most Secret Agent In The World” tells the little known story of the James Bond hopeful, who never was. Spun with suitably cinematic arrangements and dashed with a Spearmint hint of melancholy, singer Shirley explains of the track:
“One of our favourite tracks is ‘The Most Famous Secret Agent In The World’, inspired by John Gavin, who was signed to become the new James Bond in the 70s, but ended up as an understudy, never getting to play the role on screen. Of course, we embellish, or mess around with, the story in the song.”
A magnificent act of indie-pop espionage, “The Most Secret Agent In The World” slots seamlessly amongst previous singles “Prince & Joni”, “Three More Songs On The Jukebox”, “Older Cats 2”, and “Melody’s Mother’s Jam” on Spearmint’s new album: ‘This Candle Is For You’.
Produced by Scritti Politti’s Rhodri Marsden (who also produced 2021’s acclaimed ‘Holland Park’), their new album opens a dizzying multiverse of vintage indie-pop sounds and thoughtful vignettes. An record where Prince and Joni Mitchell rub shoulders with James Bond; where searches for missing sisters are followed by reflections of lost loved ones; of late-night drinking sessions out in Soho and getting square eyes watching B-movies; of keeping older cats and the colourful characters in life; ‘This Candle Is For You’ is an incandescent return from one of London’s best kept secrets.
Receiving early praise from MOJO who reassured readers that “Seasoned ‘Mint listeners will be delighted to know that standards are firmly in place… a delight” (4*), Silent Radio echoed their praise hailing the record as “an album that blends excellent short story telling with accessible pop tunes. Their tenth album shows Spearmint still at the peak of their powers”.
Expressing their delight at releasing the album today, Spearmint add:
“We’re really excited that the new album is out – we love it and we can’t wait to play in London in December!”
Spearmint will premiere ‘This Candle Is For You’ live and in-full, alongside older classics at London’s Hoxton Colours venue on 5 December. The one-off live show will also see the band play songs from their acclaimed 2021 album ‘Holland Park’ live for the first time. Spearmint will be joined on stage for the first time by long-term collaborator Rhodri Marsden, who has produced the band’s recent albums. The evening will also be opened by Matt Cooper. Tickets are on sale now here.
SPEARMINT – LIVE DATES
5 Dec – LONDON, Hoxton Colours – TICKETS
SPEARMINT – ‘THIS CANDLE IS FOR YOU’ – OUT NOW, DIGITALLY, ON CD (ORDER HERE) AND ON LIMITED VINYL WITH A 32-PAGE LYRIC BOOK (ORDER HERE) VIA WIAIWYA RECORDS
LISTEN TO “THE MOST SECRET AGENT IN THE WORLD” HERE
FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://www.spearmint.net/
We’re in the KK’s Steelmill boxroom tonight, well, not quite a boxroom but the smaller side room away from the main area. Audience tonight was only expected to be around 100 people so quite an intimate gig in prospect. The show kicks off with local […]
Gig reviewsWe’re in the KK’s Steelmill boxroom tonight, well, not quite a boxroom but the smaller side room away from the main area. Audience tonight was only expected to be around 100 people so quite an intimate gig in prospect.
The show kicks off with local band, The Soul Revival who have had to pretty much assemble a brand new setlist for tonight’s show following a little bit of band politics from an ex-band member.
The band name is a bit deceptive, and if watchers were expecting soul they were very much going to be disappointed. This was a decent set of good old-fashioned rock.
The, at times, gravelly vocals coupled with some stringent guitar playing, particularly from the band’s newcomer, Andy, means that the 6-song set is over in a flash and that flash culminating with the new single, Won’t Bring Me Down.
I hope I can look forward to seeing these lads on a bigger stage, they seem to have the character to take that on.
Headline band, Starbenders, were a different box of frogs altogether! Imaging a late 60’s-early 70’s psychedelic rock band crossed with an 80’s pop-punk band crossed with a 90’s backstreet glam-rock band and you have Starbenders!
The band comprises frontwoman Kimi Shelter on vocals and guitar, ably assisted by Kriss Tokaji (guitar), Aaron Lecesne (bass) and Emily Moon (drums).
They put the boot in right away with Blood Moon, one of several songs taken from their new album, Take Back the Night, released just last month. This is a hard rock opener with some heavy riffs and distinctive vocals by Kimi Shelter. The band move on rapidly to what I thought was going to be London Calling by the Clash from the opening bars – but, no, this was Holy Mother. The variety of styles displayed by the band is quite remarkable, it’s almost impossible to pigeon-hole them into a single genre or style. Bitches be Witches came next and, vocal timbe aside, this was very much in the Marilyn Manson mold. The band bounce along with Cover Me followed by one of the more ‘musical’ songs of the night, Seven White Horses. Keeping with the musical interlude, Push came next followed by Body Talk with its distinctly heavy metal opening bars.
As we get towards the end of the night there was Sex on stage (oo-er vicar), with Kriss Tokaji sharing the vocals. This was a slice of electronica and was more punk than out-and-out rock. The set finally closed with the bouncy If You Need It which started quite tamely but as the minute mark was reached it then opened up into another hard rocking tune.
Kimi Shelter’s voice has tones of singers like Queen Adreena and fits just about all of the styles adopted by the band. In addition, none of the band, apart from Emily on drums, stood still for more than a couple of seconds so this was a high energy set. It will be interesting to see where the band go from here, I suspect the 100 or so fans at KK’s Steelmill tonight may have seen a band that could rise quickly given the opportunity.
Setlist:
Blood Moon
Holy Mother
Bitches be Witches
Cover Me
Seven White Horses
Push
Body Talk
Marianne
Instrumental (Dark Spell)
The Game
Sex
Kriss sprays it all over!
If You Need It
Images & words: Reg Richardson (RockStarsRising)
It’s a Friday night in Leeds, at the First Direct Arena and there are two massive queues outside of the arena that travel around the entirety of the building, all Fall Out Boy fans ready for the new tour to promote the band’s latest album […]
Gig reviewsIt’s a Friday night in Leeds, at the First Direct Arena and there are two massive queues outside of the arena that travel around the entirety of the building, all Fall Out Boy fans ready for the new tour to promote the band’s latest album So Much (For) Stardust. Before I jump right into the review, this was like Fall Out Boy‘s version of the Era’s tour, we went back and forth between every single Fall Out Boy era with this set and it was incredible, the best setlist I have seen all year without a doubt hands down.
With two support acts, the first Nothing Nowhere is up first, now if you’re not aware this isn’t a band. Joseph Mulherin is an American singer and rapper, so already you know this is a very different vibe compared to Fall Out Boy. Mulherin and his friends kick off the show with incredibly high energy, these guys are giving the crowd rap-metal instantly, but then again a support act’s job is to get the crowd amped up ready for the main act and to make sure the energy is alive for everyone in the room and they executed that job effortlessly.
They did such an incredible set with every bit of passion thrown into this performance it brought me right in, the set might have shocked everyone else in the room who probably mostly stick to pop punk but I would be shocked if they didn’t come away with some fans by the end of this tour. Mulherin runs from every section of the stage taking in the crowd around him, while demonstrating a mix of rough and soft vocals throughout. He’s an act to see for sure and I beg you to check them out because even if you’re not into anything that’s heavy there’s some songs from that set that would really bring you in.
Setlist
Final support of the night and one I was immensely excited for was PVRIS (Pronounced Paris), a band I got massively into back in 2016 when they released their album White Noise. They’re an American pop rock band from Massachusetts mostly composed of frontwoman Lynn Gunn and bassist Brian MacDonald. The band takes to the stage with just blue lights all round and you can feel that this performance is going to be much more toned down compared to Nothing Nowhere and that’s exactly what it was, but PVRIS have never been known for being heavy but more in depth. In studio and live Lynn has this way of bringing you in with her voice and making you feel every single bit of emotion that she feels when she’s performing these songs, some speaking of heartbreak and getting out of toxic situations.
The key performance for me was hearing those tracks from their first album White Noise; Mirrorsand My Housesending me back to when I was a teenager and felt those emotions, screaming those lyrics back to them felt so refreshing and you leave a PVRIS set with a weight lifted and feeling so happy and free.
Setlist:
The stage is an empty bar with a drum set with red curtains behind, sending every fan back to 2006 with their album From Under The Cork Tree.
At 8:10pm The latest Billy Joel cover, We Didn’t Start The Fire is played out to the crowd to really increase the suspense, before going into The Pink Seashell, the boys emerge onto the stage in simple clothing of Jeans and buttoned up t-shirts, or Pete Wentz sweating in a thick hoodie and Jeans. The first song is interrupted as they stop the show to a fan in the crowd who gets carried over by security in an emergency, before re-starting from the beginning.
They jump into a song from the latest album, Love From the Other Side with a hell of a lot of energy and dramatic smoke emerging from both sides of the stage, Patrick’s voice is known for being incredible in the studio and live and tonight he did not disappoint once! The crowd is amped up as the dramatic intro to The Pheonixstarts and the pyro appears, which fits in beautifully with the song. That seems to be the theme tonight, the stage performance and set changes to match the theme for each song and for the years they were released. Pete shocks everyone when he brandishes his toy for the evening, that being a flame thrower attached to his base, after being a fan of Pete Wentz for years I don’t know if I trust him with this but it looks way too cool to even care.
We go straight into Sugar, We’re Going Downand I’m back to mentally wearing a baggy hoodie with my badly cut fringe moved to the side with it covering one eye. We’ve gotten a sample of their older work already but it got even better as the night went on. This was followed by Uma Thurmanfrom their 2015 album American Beauty / American Psycho bringing the beat up even higher and everyone around me is dancing like no tomorrow, there was not a single moment during this entire show that everyone in the crowd wasn’t screaming every single song lyric back to them. The set just gets even better, the stage changes and the stage lights go even lower so they’re just over the band’s heads, and they all get even closer together on stage. The entire set looks like a small venue stage like it was the early 2000s for the band once again as A Little Less Sixteen Candles, a Little More “Touch Me”kicks in shocking everyone in the room since this was from their 2006 album, but it got so much better when my personal favourite Chicago Is So Two Years AgoandGrand Theft Autumn/Where Is Your Boystarted from their 2003 album Take This to your Grave.
Pete Wentz keeps grabbing the crowd attention which is something that isn’t new to the bassist, he’s the member who wields the flamethrower bass, climbs inside the stage’s giant animatronic dog head and pulls off a nifty trick that sees him disappear in the rafters. Patrick Stump had a brief moment on his own on stage as he mentions it’s the part of the night where he’s made to do something scary on stage which is being by himself, before taking place at the piano starting the intro to Save Rock N’ Rollwhich is famously sung with Elton John. Stump’s vocals have a kind of versatility that turns a decent rock band into one with its own distinct character and style.
Fall Out Boy’s performance in Leeds and on this tour is another level, the set list was beyond perfect and everything that a fan who practically grew up with them could ever ask for. Fall Out Boy have been announced as one of Download Festival’s headliners for 2024, if you’re attending the festival despite the controversy on if they’re Download worthy, go and check out their set, there will be so many songs you didn’t realise you knew and you will be thrown back to your emo teenage years in just one set.
10/10 – if i could give it a higher rating I would without a second’s hesitation.
Setlist:
Words: Lauren Allard & Jacob Robinson
Images: Lauren Allard
Autarkh Evolve on ‘Emergent’ Autarkh already sounded like the future on their debut. But the Dutch contemporary metal band have pushed their distended view of the digital age to further extremes on their new album. “It is even safe to say that the Autarkh that […]
NewsAutarkh Evolve on ‘Emergent’
Autarkh already sounded like the future on their debut. But the Dutch contemporary metal band have pushed their distended view of the digital age to further extremes on their new album.
“It is even safe to say that the Autarkh that exists on Emergent is not the same Autarkh that existed on Form in Motion“, writes No Clean Singing. “…right when you’re able to put a pin in why you’re enjoying a particular segment of Emergent, Autarkh propel themselves off in a completely different direction with joyous abandon”.
Emergent comes out this Friday, November 10. But you can now stream the whole album on our YouTube channel.
Listen: https://youtu.be/D67-_lGu_tk
Autarkh are known for hard-wiring extreme metal with glitchy electronics. Emergent still bristles with melodic dissonance and programmed beats. Lead single “Strife opens with drum pads that pound quietly, only to escalate into a towering chorus that’s spiked by a thousand megawatts of industrial-sized riffs.
But Emergent reveals a new and improved Autarkh. This album is bigger and brighter. “Open Focus” courses with hammering riffs, pixelated drum breaks and even an unfettered bass groove. After headbanging through another avalanche of a chorus, “Refocus” breaks into a crystal-clean vocal that’s backed by radiant harmonies.
There is a darker side to Emergent. “Duhkha” seethes with ominous sound effects that could’ve been ripped out of a slasher flick. “Clouded gaze, clouded aura / Left behind with my past self”, Nienhuis screams with vein-popping intensity, paying homage to former Dodecahedron band mate Michiel Eikenaar, who passed away in 2019. But through this battle with their inner demons, Autarkh find inner peace. Over a chugging beat and sky rocketing power chords, the band lift their voices to glistening new heights: “Remember all ye that existence is pure joy. Into the light”.
Autarkh might be from the future. But they’re still human after all.
Pre-order: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/AutarkhEmergent
Pre-save: https://orcd.co/autarkhemergentpresave
“We are really happy that our new album Emergent is finally about to be officially released!”, says Autarkh. “We feel this is a next step in our artistic development – Emergent has a more open, diverse and radiant imprint and offers increased versatility compared to our debut Form In Motion. We sincerely hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we did making it!”
Autarkh are metal’s version of a perpetual motion machine. They’re constantly evolving, always tinkering, turning old spare parts into shiny new songs. Heck, they’ve even created their own alter ego as Autarkh III, which reimagines their cutting-edge contemporary metal as ambient drones.
Watch the band explain how they turned material from Dodecahedrom into their new album’s emphatic send-off and see the bigger picture for this process in Autarkh’s circular art model: https://www.ffca.nl/cam
Track-list
1. Open Focus (6:59)
2. Strife (5:23) [WATCH]
3. Duhkha (5:20) [WATCH]
4. Trek (5:26)
5. Refocus (4:49) [WATCH]
6. Aperture (1:46)
7. Eye Of Horus (4:23)
8. Countless Kaleidoscopes (5:17)
9. Ka (6:14)
Total: 45:37
Style: Contemporary Metal
FFO: Gojira, Strapping Young Lad, Igorrr
The correlative clip follows the album’s first single “Spend the Grace.” When No Birds Sang is out on December 1st. “crushingly beautiful” – Consequence “…a jaw-dropping display of the two bands’ chemistry with a thick ambiance giving way to throat-scratching vocals and stadium-sized riffs.” – GLIDE […]
NewsThe correlative clip follows the album’s first single “Spend the Grace.” When No Birds Sang is out on December 1st.
“crushingly beautiful” – Consequence
“…a jaw-dropping display of the two bands’ chemistry with a thick ambiance giving way to throat-scratching vocals and stadium-sized riffs.” – GLIDE Magazine
“…a brutally beautiful showcase of what these artists can do together… delivering the feeling of being dropped into a lake with lead weights around your feet. Gorgeously sublime. ” – Metal Hammer
“glowering, portentous, beautiful, and occasionally pulverizing” – Stereogum
Like wolves of the same pack separated at birth, outliers instinctually recognize one another. After twisting and turning through the underground on parallel trajectories, the separate paths of Full of Hell and Nothing collide on the collaborative LP, When No Birds Sang (out December 1st on Closed Casket Activities).
Today, the collective share the album’s remarkable second single, “Like Stars in the Firmament.” On the song, Domenic and Doyle’s (of Nothing) breathy deliveries barely crack a whisper through a haze of evocative guitar melodies, floating toward an airy exhale. Domenic elaborates. “Nothing put a foundation down on ‘Like Stars In The Firmament,’ and Full of Hell put a house over it—and vice versa.” Full of Hell’s Dylan Walker continues, “‘Like Stars in the Firmament’ is like a cooling and serene bath, a valley amongst peaks. It’s a slow motion free-fall into oblivion and a fading cry at the end of the road. I think when we are faced with our own mortality and insignificance, we have to confront that oldest of fears and this song manifests that in a beautiful and sad way.”
The music video for “Like Stars in the Firmament” was once again written and directed by Mike Martinez and Tyler Way, and correlates conceptually with the visuals from the first single, “Spend the Grace.”
Revisit the “Spend The Grace” music video.
Nothing and Full of Hell initially crossed paths in the twenty-tens, sharing the bills of shows and festivals intermittently. Dylan and Domenic kept in touch over the years, and the collaboration naturally followed. Together, they built a new “wall of sound” in the middle out of Full of Hell’s abstract and harsh ambience and Nothing’s searing shoegaze tendencies—conjuring extreme peaks and valleys inspired by the likes of My Bloody Valentine and latter day Swans.
“We’ve never done anything like this,” Domenic goes on. “The contrast is huge as we’re putting two extremes together and making them work. We’re just bridging the gap.”
Full Of Hell and Nothing notably wrote When No Birds Sang face-to-face in Ocean City, MD and collaborated in-person as much as possible. Eventually, they entered the studio with GRAMMY® Award-nominated producer Will Putney. The atmosphere contributed to the energy of the record itself.
“I was super happy to be in a room and not just throwing shit back and forth online,” Domenic states. “I have such a hard time when I’m not staring down the barrel of a gun. Being in a room with these guys brought everything into reality.” “It’s way more productive,” Dylan continues. “This was the first time any of us had worked with Will. His resume speaks for itself, and he definitely added a great perspective.” “It’s an emotional record,” adds Dylan. “Once we decided on the concept, we followed a similar approach. We’re bringing you to this edge of an empty void.”
Yet it feels good because it’s undeniably real.
“When you hear it, I hope you feel devastated emotionally,” Dylan leaves off. “If we’re doing our job, it will freak you the f*ck out in the best way, because you’re staring at the precipice of oblivion with us.”
“‘Devastation’ is a good reaction for me,” Domenic concurs. “From top-to-bottom, this record is highly comprehensive and super detailed. For me, the process itself was humbling. Every once in a while— with doing music for the better part of my life —experiences like this sometimes erase the imposter syndrome I feel playing music, and for a moment I forget how big of a loser I am,” he grins.
When No Birds Sang will be released December 1st, 2023 on Closed Casket Activities and pre-orders are available here.
When No Birds Sang, track listing:
Listen to “Nothing” Here INTO THE DEEP have released their new single “Nothing”. The track is from their album Blackfin which is out on January 3rd, 2024. Entwined in metaphors and oceanic imagery, Blackfin traverses different watery plains in a commentary on the personal and political […]
NewsINTO THE DEEP have released their new single “Nothing”. The track is from their album Blackfin which is out on January 3rd, 2024.
Entwined in metaphors and oceanic imagery, Blackfin traverses different watery plains in a commentary on the personal and political trials in our modern life. Opening with the title track “Blackfin”, this thundering track questions the standards and rituals of daily life as a human which now often revolve around social media. “Spaceshark” blasts off into a thrilling fantastical narrative, accompanied with a plethora of riffs. “Spaceshark” follows a shark that was experimented on by NASA in space. Having mutated due to solar radiation, it is now the ruler of a small planet that is covered in sulfuric lakes. Returning to Earth, “Hammerhead” delivers a powerful message highlighting the exploitation of the oceans and the shark fin trade that is currently decimating the food chain. The dark mood, fast-pace and intensity depict the bleak and barbaric actions of humans for the sake of monetary gain.
About INTO THE DEEP:
Based out of Raleigh, NC, the band are influenced musically from the worlds of punk, metal and rock, but also venture further afield into surf rock, reggae and synth-wave. Thematically the band are drawn to taking inspiration from ocean ecology and conservation, oceanic wildlife, waves, and nautical craft. INTO THE DEEP emerged in 2018 from the members’ previous band PIVOT, formed in 1999, as a new outlet was needed for heavier riffs not befitting PIVOT’s sound.
INTO THE DEEP is:
Michael Hambright – main vocals, guitar, bass
Eric Hambright – lead guitar, vocals
Phil Cicco – drums, vocals
Track Listing:
1. Blackfin
2. Sandblasted
3. Seaweed
4. Spaceshark
5. Nothing
6. Hammerhead
Links:
Wesbite: www.itdband.com
Bandcamp: itdband.bandcamp.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/divemetal
Instagram: www.instagram.com/itdband
Twitter: www.twitter.com/divemetal
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@divemetal