Author: Team Uber

Blind Monarch – ‘What Is Imposed Must Be Endured’ (Dry Cough/Heavenly Vault)

Sometimes an album will come out that just doesn’t get the attention it deserves. For whatever reason, there are always some that manage to launch themselves into obscurity from day one to potentially never be seen again. Fortunately, there are labels out there who keep doing the good work of scooping up these little gems and polishing them up to be released on nice shiny vinyl to give them the chance they deserve to win over the masses. The latest band to get this treatment is Sheffield’s own Blind Monarch who have had their 2019 debut ‘What Is Imposed Must Be Endured’ picked up by Dry Cough Records and Heavenly Vault to be pressed to give it the attention they feel it deserves. Considering Jonny B missed out on this one the first time round, he couldn’t help himself but to dive in and see what all the fuss is about…

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Duncan Reid And The Big Heads – ‘Live At Akkurat’ (Self-Released)

If you don’t know the name Duncan Reid then you do indeed have only yourself to blame, either for living in isolation for a lot longer than the rest of us or failing to read your favourite website for the past decade. After all, we are talking about a former member of one of the most respected power pop bands in the entire damn Überverse – that’s The Boys, in case you’re wondering – and subsequently the producer of four increasingly fine solo albums… well, in conjunction with his Big Heads, a group of musicians whom we’re reliably informed don’t live up to their names, as they’re a rather modest bunch, at least outside of their ability to consistently produce wonderfully crafted rock ‘n’ roll songs (oh, and their frontman’s assertion that they are “the world’s best-looking power pop band!)… In fact, the only question you should be asking yourself is “where the feck is Akkurat?”

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Frozen Crown – ‘Winterbane’ (Scarlet Records)

In the interest of full disclosure, John B loves Frozen Crown. They are one of his top modern power metal bands. So, the minute he heard they might be releasing a new album he immediately requested it. It can be a little nerve-racking when a band you love changes up their lineup, especially three all at once. JB had to check it out to see if they would still live up to what he loved before and he was not disappointed at all. Sure, there is a definite change in the overall feel of the album -that is a given with that much of a change in creative talent – but he still loves what they have created…

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