Category: Album Reviews

Propagandhi ‘At Peace’ (Epitaph Records)

Propagandhi ‘At Peace’ (Epitaph Records)

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If you’re a long-standing politically-charged punk band from Canada with a strong anti-fascism stance, there may well be some lyrical inspiration lurking on the other side of the border right now. Such is the case for Manitoba, Canada’s Propagandhi, back from an eight-year hiatus with their eighth studio album ‘At Peace’.

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Those Damn Crows ‘God Shaped Hole’ (Earache Records)

Those Damn Crows ‘God Shaped Hole’ (Earache Records)

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Having followed Those Damn Crows since 2015, the opportunity to review the new album was always going to be an option if offered to Dave O. Our man in the valleys reckons that the “new kings of the Welsh rock scene” will once again capture the hearts and minds of rock enthusiasts and the “Crow Family” with their latest album, ‘God Shaped Hole’. As he relates, this opus is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a testament to the band’s evolution and their ability to channel raw emotion into electrifying music. Released at a time when the world is yearning for authentic rock energy, ‘God Shaped Hole’ delivers on every front, showcasing a harmonious blend of powerful vocals, gripping lyrics and masterful instrumentation.

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Sevendials ‘A Crash Course In Catastrophe’ (Cadiz Music/Creationyouth)

Sevendials ‘A Crash Course In Catastrophe’ (Cadiz Music/Creationyouth)

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In the 19th century, London’s West End area known as Seven Dials was notoriously dangerous and disreputable – a very dangerous place to be after dark. This darkness and danger provided the perfect inspiration for the dusky, foreboding sounds created by the new musical union known as Sevendials. Whilst Sevendials may be a new name, the names of those that make up this new three-piece ‘alt rock supergroup’ will be much more familiar…

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XIII Doors ‘Into The Unknown’ (Self-Released)

XIII Doors ‘Into The Unknown’ (Self-Released)

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Hailing from Ireland’s ocean and wind swept Atlantic coastline, this alt-rock quartet first came to our attention at the turn of the year, when they demonstrated just how far they had come in a relatively short time by earning one of our coveted #SinglesClub #DailyPick slots. Little did we know that our selection was actually the fourth single to be uplifted from this, their debut album, but it perhaps demonstrated the vibrancy and productive nature of the Irish nature scene that not even a website that strives to be as plugged in as ourselves can keep on top of the vibrant productivity of its creators, never mind the sheer diversity of sounds and vibes being produced…

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ERJA LYYTINEN ‘SMELL THE ROSES’ (TUOHI RECORDS)

ERJA LYYTINEN ‘SMELL THE ROSES’ (TUOHI RECORDS)

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Erja Lyytinen, the Finnish blues guitarist and singer, once again demonstrates her extraordinary prowess with the release of her latest album, ‘Smell the Roses.’ This compilation is a testament to her evolving artistry and her ability to blend traditional blues with contemporary rock influences, producing a sound that is both timeless and refreshingly modern.

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Amplifier ‘Gargantuan’ (Rockosmos Records)

Amplifier ‘Gargantuan’ (Rockosmos Records)

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‘Gargantuan’, the eighth album from Brit space-progsters Amplifier, marks a new chapter for the band, now down to the core duo of Sel Balamir and Matt Brobin. Born from late-night jams in a secluded Sussex smithy, the album sees the band return to their roots, embracing a raw, electric energy while pushing new sonic boundaries.

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Bloodywood ‘Nu Delhi’ (Fearless Records)

Bloodywood ‘Nu Delhi’ (Fearless Records)

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One thing that we’ve seen happening more frequently over the past few years is the rise of rock and metal from around the world that’s fused with more traditional styles of their home country. One such band is Bloodywood and their way of drawing in Bhangra music along with aggressive riffs and rapping that almost makes them some sort of Indian version of Rage Against The Machine which they’ve embraced with various tour monikers such as ‘Raj Against The Machine’ and ‘Return Of The Singh’.

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Giovannie And The Hired Guns ‘Quitter’ (Tejano Punk Boys)

Giovannie And The Hired Guns ‘Quitter’ (Tejano Punk Boys)

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Giovannie And The Hired Guns have once again proven their musical prowess with their latest album, ‘Quitter’. This Texas band has a knack for blending rock, country and Tejano influences into a distinct sound that sets them apart in the contemporary music scene. ‘Quitter’ is a compelling testament to their evolving artistry, featuring a collection of tracks that are both raw and polished, filled with emotion and energy.

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Whitechapel ‘Hymns In Dissonance’ (Metal Blade)

Whitechapel ‘Hymns In Dissonance’ (Metal Blade)

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Whitechapel has long been a dominant force in deathcore, carving out a legacy with their punishing sound and relentless evolution. With nearly two decades under their belt, the Tennessee-based juggernauts are set to unleash their ninth studio album, ‘Hymns in Dissonance’, a record that sees them venturing into fresh conceptual territory while also delivering a crushing return to form, as Josh B now explains…

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Benmont Tench ‘The Melancholy Season’ (Dark Horse Records)

Benmont Tench ‘The Melancholy Season’ (Dark Horse Records)

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It may be fair to say that the name of Benmont Tench, legendary keyboard player and founding member of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, may not be as well known as the huge roster of legendary artists he has worked with over the years, especially when that diverse roster includes Stevie Nicks, Willie Nelson, Alanis Morissette, Bob Dylan, Neil Diamond, The Replacements, The Screaming Trees, John Prine, Waylon Jennings, John Fogerty, Elvis Costello, the Rolling Stones and Johnny Cash… That’s some list. Now Tench takes centre stage himself with the release of his second solo album ‘The Melancholy Season’ on Dark Horse Records.

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