It might be most music writers' worst nightmare when a band comes along that makes it impossible for them to pinpoint to one genre, but Brighton's Oceans are set to become that nightmare. The five-piece have honed their own unique, refreshing sound that keeps the listener on their toes and pushes the boundaries of multiple genres. Oceans was initially formed... Continue Reading →
Introducing: Mitch
In recent weeks we've had a steady trickle of exciting new Irish bands, and Dublin's Mitch are no exception. The four-piece have honed a uniquely edgy indie sound, which jumps between melodic, singalong vocals and raw rockiness - which they describe to us as "a punch in the face but with feeling." The Mitch story began in... Continue Reading →
Introducing: Valerian Swing
Some six years ago Valerian Swing emerged as one of the most interesting and exciting bands on the Italian rock scene, and claimed widespread acclaim for their mathy, instrumental style. But now, following a change in personnel and the unusual step of replacing their bassist with a baritone guitarist, they are back with a bang ready... Continue Reading →
Introducing: Last Hounds
Having burst onto the scene with an excellent debut EP last year, Midlands hardcore punk act Last Hounds have already promised "bigger and better" with this year's follow-up Old Dreams. This fact alone should be enough to have us excited but, fresh from speaking to the band this week, we're struggling to contain ourselves at... Continue Reading →
Introducing: Tirades
We've made a really exciting discovery all the way from Norway, in the form of hardcore punk band Tirades. The four-piece not only make exceptional, fast-paced punk-rock, but their new EP has been produced by Andrew Neufeld, vocalist of Canadian rockers Comeback Kid. The quartet of Esteban Munoz (guitar and vocals), Remi Arefjord (bass and vocals),... Continue Reading →
Album Review: Halflives – Empty Rooms
Italian pop rockers Halflives' debut album Empty Rooms is an impressive effort filled with catchy tunes that make it a must listen for fans of the likes of Paramore. With upbeat melodies and Linda Battilani's powerful vocals, this album is energetic and fresh. This album is full of gems, with debut single Mayday and follow up single... Continue Reading →
Gig Review: Esprit d’Air, Lightscape, Bexatron & These Thousand Hills
We were treated to great performances from four bands across the wide spectrum of rock and metal as Esprit d'Air and Lightscape were joined by Bexatron and the impressively heavy These Thousand Hills at the O2 Academy 2 in Islington on Friday night. First up was Sussex six-piece These Thousand Hills, who challenged the dimensions of... Continue Reading →
New Band of the Week: Dialects
We've got something a little bit different for this week's New Band of the Week in the form of Glasgow's instrumental progressive rockers Dialects. This is probably the first band we've featured on the site that largely doesn't use vocals, but in their case vocals are not required thanks to the brilliance of their instrumentalism.... Continue Reading →
Sweet to Cyco: We meet Sumo Cyco’s Sever
If you like punky, female-fronted rock with an attitude then Canada's Sumo Cyco will be right up your street. But if you're thinking that this is your regular female-fronted rock band, then think again. Striking lead singer Skye Sweetnam, better known by the alter-ego Sever, is a former teen-pop sensation who toured with Britney Spears,... Continue Reading →
Introducing: Space Church
We hear about some weird and wacky stuff from bands sometimes, but when it comes to random musical influences they don't come much wackier than those of awesome new rock power trio Space Church. Fresh from supporting IDLES in Guildford earlier this month, we spoke to the band - Phil, Pat and Dan - that describes... Continue Reading →