We've listed singles/EPs/demos in order of star rating. Best first.
VOODOO JOHNSON Into The Red (VJ Records)
Voodoo Johnson are one of a breed of new bands that really deserve to become
much bigger. Fitting in nicely alongside the likes of Heaven’s Basement and
Wired Desire, this Birmingham based band are well worth checking out.
The band have gained praise from the likes of Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson, DJ
Alex Zane and producers Kevin Shirley (Aerosmith, Led Zep, Iron Maiden) and
Gavin Monaghan (Kings of Leon)- the latter having produced this new 5 track EP.
With some decent radio airplay, an appearance in the Kerrang! MCN Live! Finals
2008, and having recently toured with Duff McKagan’s Loaded, Voodoo Johnson are
beginning to get noticed.
This new EP features loud, dirty guitars, powerful riffs and hooks a-plenty.
Fans of Velvet Revolver, Aerosmith, Zeppelin, and the like, will no doubt be
impressed. 'Bad Habit', 'The Longest Day I Ever Wasted' and 'Seven Years' stand
out amongst the 5 tracks on offer, although to be fair, every track is good.
No doubt the band will be playing at a venue near you at some point this year,
have a look for yourself. *****
Review by Nikk Gunns
CHRIS SINGLETON EP
www.singletonmusic.com
Chris Singleton returns with some new songs and they all hit
the spot! 'Let Me Out' is a jaunty pop rock tune, not dissimilar to 'Get Up' of
his debut album in that it is an instant hit and the same goes for 'Bang' which
adds some brass backing.
'Lose It' delves into a new area as it
features a riff beloved of bands in the 90's Manchester scene - the Charlatans,
Happy Mondays, Stone Roses et al. 'Caught In The Sun' is the nearest to a ballad
on here and is the sort of song you wish the Stereophonics could still write
instead of the MOR pap they have produced lately. The one song that does what it
says on the tin is 'Lou Reed' which could be a Lou Reed solo tune.
The big difference in these new songs is not only that a few new musical avenues
have been explored but the overall sound has been expanded with better use of
backing vocals and a very clear, strong production. ****½
Review by Jason Ritchie
LAUREN HARRIS Your Turn (Demolition Records)
Offspring of rock musicians is a growing trend of late and here we have the
daughter of Iron Maiden's bass player Steve Harris. This single is released at
00:00:01am on January 1st around the world as each timezone comes into 2009 - a
novel idea. It's not a bad song, like Avril Lavinge with a bit more bite and if
given a bit of a push could score an early hit in 2009. ****
Review by Jason Ritchie
THE WOMBATS My Circuitboard City
My Circuitboard City will be The Wombats' first release of 2009 and will be
eagerly awaited by fans desperate for something fresh following the band's
success in 2008 with their debut album A Guide To Love, Loss And Desperation.
Produced by Tore Johanson (Cardigans, Franz Ferdinand) My Circuitboard City
retains the band's spunky ebullient trademark sound but nevertheless edges The
Wombats closer to the mainstream where comparisons with the Arctic Monkeys are
almost inevitable. An unmissable hit. ****
Review by Pete Whalley
REMEDY Strange Fast Now
EP
No Pro Tools in evidence here. And that's a good thing. Here at GRTR! we like
our rock low down and dirty.
With and early 70's groove, this Geordie 4 piece - Jenn Cherene (vocals), Graham
Haswell (guitars), Lee Tuck (bass) and Mark Dodds (drums) were brought together
by their love of the genre.
Jenn's vocals fall somewhere between Janis Joplin and Pat Benatar, Graham's
guitar is slung suitably low and Lee and Mark hold down a rock solid beat. And
with a handful of melodic, but hard hitting rock numbers, the band's 6-track
debut EP is suitably attitude and passion fuelled.
Take the 'authenticity' of the Black Crows or early Guns 'n' Roses add a
cracking female vocalist and get ready to rock! The resurgence of classic rock
continues. ***½
Review by Pete Whalley
AMY STUDT Nice Boys
I was looking forward to a new single from Amy Studt - her My Paper Men album
having been one of the highlights of 2008 - a quite stunning return to form that
would grace the catalogue of many of the so called industry 'heavyweights'.
So it was something of a disappointment to find this wasn't new material, but a
track off the album leading the way for it's forthcoming physical re-release. If
you haven't yet discovered the re- emergence of this talented Brit, I suggest
you investigate now - you'll be hard pushed to hear a more powerful performance
from a British singer songwriter this year. ***½
Review by Pete Whalley
INNER VOICES Surveillance State
www.myspace.com/adambrierly
Home recorded selection of songs from the upcoming debut album, 'Bend Your Mind'
from Inner Voices, which is basically Adam Brierly. Three songs on here with the
title track the real stand out, reminded me of Saga in their prime and the
vocals are very similar to Michael Sadler's as well.
Very effective use of synths throughout the song. 'Carbon State' ups the tempo
going down a guitar led sound (not a million miles away from Fish era Marillion)
whilst 'My Aberation' again has a few tatsy bursts of guitar and the Saga
comparisons come back to mind again.
Definately makes you want to hear the full album, especially fans of Saga and
hi-tech prog rock music. ***½
Review by Jason Ritchie
CRUCIFIED BARBARA Sex Action (GMR)
Not only are Crucified Barbara great eye candy but they make pretty decent music
too, but of course, any straight guy would say that.
This all-female four piece began in 1998 in their home city of Stockholm. In
recent years they've shifted from their initial punk rock sound to good old
fashioned heavy metal.
'Sex Action' is the first single taken from their forthcoming studio opus 'Till
Death Do Us Party.' It's a pretty straight forward rocker with no surprises but
plenty of attitude. ***
Review by Neil Daniels
DEFEND MOSCOW Manifesto
Defend Moscow could be a Human League for a new generation. With a Brit /
Norwegian / French line-up the band deliver an up-dated 80's electro pop, with
New Order and Human League the main reference points.
Manifesto (based on the life of Trotsky, who else) is the band's debut single
and is a huge slice of danceable / singable electro pop with funk guitar lines
overlaid with sparkling keys and a whopping bass line.
A guaranteed hit in the 80's, if Manifesto was released by Kylie and Robbie this
it would be #1 for weeks and re-ignite two stalled careers. But without TOTP
style exposure it remains to be seen whether Defend Moscow will strike a spark
with today's download generation. ***
Review by Pete Whalley
LE RENO AMPS Outlaws
Deep-fried Scottish indie / roots is in a class of it's own.
With a frenetically dervish guitar line and rhythm based around the Rawhide, the
musical insanity of strange time signatures and vocals at brief moments
beautiful and at others, straight from the asylum, Outlaws is actually about
trying to salvage a relationship.
Completely mental, but at the same time strangely compelling. ***
Review by Pete Whalley
MARMADUKE DUKE Kid Gloves
Marmaduke Duke is a side project for Biffy Clyro guitarist Neil Simon and
Sucioperro guitarist JP Reid, who for the purposes of a three part mythological
musical trilogy are also known as The Atmosphere and The Dragon.
Kid Gloves is the first single from the forthcoming second album Duke
Pandemonium that was performed and produced in 24 hours. Unlike the debut album
that offered three different musical suites - in your face shredding rock, brain
rearranging ambience and acoustica, Kid Gloves and Pandemonium are minimalist
electronica, the single featuring Sneaky Sound System's Connie Mitchell on guest
vocals.
The lead vocals are unmistakably laid back Biffy and combined with the hypnotic
beat and the 3 part vocals produces a track that is quite simply, beguiling.
***
Review by Pete Whalley
RAY LAMONTAGNE You Are The Best Thing
With Ray LaMontagne, you know you're going to get what it says on the can, and
perhaps surprisingly, You Are The Best Thing is the first single to be released
off his third album Gossip In The Grain.
For Ray, the single is something of a departure - an up-tempo R&B flavoured
number where unlike on previous outings, he is supported by a horn section and
gospel backing singers.
But those who have already bought tickets for his sold out UK tour will already
know this and have the album for which this is the perfect taster. Although
perhaps strangely, the single is set for release after the tour concludes. ***
Review by Pete Whalley
COLIN MACINTYRE You're A Star
For one horrible minute David Essex's Gonna Make You A Star came to mind, but
strangely there are similarities on this single which is taken from Colin's
current album The Water, and which is the title track for ITV's new mockumentary,
comedy drama Good Arrows.
As you may expect, it's up-tempo, clean cut bubbly pop with a catchy chorus
line, and delivered with that spiky deployment much in vogue with bands like the
Wombats. Truth be told, it's nothing like Gonna Make You A Star, but if it's
even as fraction as popular, then Colin will be counting the pennies for years
to come. ***
Review by Pete Whalley
THE DAYS No Ties
Big and bouncy, Devon-based The Days do their very best Wombats impression on
their debut single No Ties. Sung / spoken vocals, big chorus, and shouty backing
vocals, there's nothing to dislike here.
Originally spotted by Fierce Panda (who are pretty good at talent spotting -
Coldplay / Keane) The Days are easily as good as any of the current crop but I'm
just not sure what marks them out as different from the rest. An impressive
first outing, though and destined for gi-normity - I imagine - on the 2009
festival scene. ***
Review by Pete Whalley
AVA La La La
Reggae, reggae, reggae. Unfortunately, the only reggae in my house is in a sauce
bottle. I'm not a fan of the genre. That said, debut single La La La form
Chester bred Ava, is an infectious slice of pop that should appeal to fans of
the Sugarbabes and the like. And the girl does have an excellent soul based
vocal style. ***
Review by Pete Whalley
KINKY RETRO Demons & Angels
Good name for a band. Good name for an album. And we don't hear much coming out
of Belgium, albeit singer Graham Tyson hails from Madchester. Good brewers,
though.
An 8 track EP recorded over 3 days, Demons & Angels showcases a band with a
unique sound that falls somewhere between rock and punk. An accomplished sound,
the collection kicks off with The Rising - a song that is probably best compared
to some of Ryan Adams more rock out moments.
The Ryan Adams comparisons are probably most relevant in relation to the
bittersweet vocals of singer Graham Tyson. Influences such as Lennon, Oasis, and
Foo Fighters, are readily apparent. Less so, the likes of the Who, Floyd and
Zeppelin.
But in essence, a very solid rock band laced with a healthy dose of pop
sensibilities and some great vocals. Looks like the quantities of Belgian
exports could be about to increase. ***
Review by Pete Whalley
SOMAHIGH Lo Fat
Influenced by Nirvana, science fiction and electronica, SomaHigh pedal their own
brand of scuzzy indie punk. The band have been selling out venues along the
south coast and it's easy to imagine they would be a decent live draw for those
who select their gigs by NME recommendation.
For someone brought up on classic rock, it would be easy to acclaim that
SomaHigh add nothing to the rich tapestry of rock heritage, but on indie scene
I've heard a lot worse. Far, far worse. But it's hard to see what their unique
selling point is if they're looking to progress on the NME circuit, although the
closing track End Of The Line does demonstrate these boys can rock out with the
best of them. ***
GUNS ON THE ROOF Shattered Feeling
www.myspace.com/gunsontheroof
Another single from this young bunch who mix modern rock with retro punk. Well I
say punk, it’s the pop end of punk (UK Subs, The Jam, The Clash) that they’re
beefing up here. Touch of Green Day too. Some neat guitar work, and a long fade
out of a 'Whoa' vocal harmony.
Lot of fun in small doses. ***
Review by Joe Geesin
THE RACE I Get It Wrong (Shifty Disco )
I think the title says it all I am afraid for this five piece band. Yes they may
have a rave NME review but this sounds like a poor man's Cure meets Arcade Fire.
The title track is the best song but nothing special. **½
Review by Jason Ritchie
SAM ISAAC Sticker, Star And Tape remix EP
Another NME circuit veteran, Sam Isaac released his Sticker, Star And Tape EP
back in October 2008, the lead track being picked by numerous radio stations
including Radio 1.
Re-released in a remixed form exclusively on iTunes including 3 remixes of
Sticker, Star And Tape, one suspects this will be of interest mainly to people
who have caught Sam at one of many gigs or festivals he has appeared at.
Maybe I'm getting too old, but are many of the NME circuit acts are
indistinguishable to human ear? Sam Isaac falls in the firmly at the Jack
Johnson end of the spectrum. A Billy Brag for a new generation?? **
Review by Pete Whalley
WE THE FACELESS We The Faceless EP
www.myspace.com/wethefaceless
www.wethefaceless.com
This 6 track EP opens with the fuzzy indie fury of 'Firefly'. The guitar sound
is that of stroking a cat backwards, and the track is in a slight gothic/NFD
direction. There are punk, hardcore and grunge influences, so it’s energetic but
won’t suit all. 'Burn The Witch' is much the same, but with less tune.
'My Girl' is the hardcore version of Nirvana/Pearl Jam/Mudhoney.
It’s all much the same, and may be of interested to younger fans who like their
grunge deafening.
Grunge is, apparently, alive and well. Sadly. **
Review by Joe Geesin
SNEAKY SOUND SYSTEM I Love It
Hats off to SSS, this single holds the record for the longest charting single in
Australian history.
But this is techno pop, not rock, and what has Aus given us - apart from AC/DC
and Missy Higgins? Food poisoning from barbies, Jason and Kylie and beer that
tastes like gnat's piss.
If you like your Friday night fun down at the disco this may hold a certain
attraction, but if your idea of 'getting it on' is dusting down the air guitar
and sinking a few real ales, don't even think about it. **
Review by Pete Whalley
FIGHT LIKE APES Tie Me Up With Jackets
Irish cult band Fight Like Apes kick off 2009 with a slice of completely bonkers
techno indie shoeshine featuring mental lyrics. How many songs can you think of
that mention 'meatballs' in the opening line - over a migraine inducing beat?
MayKay's girlie vocals add to the appeal, and the band have already proved
popular at home with their forthcoming album Fight Like Apes And The Mystery Of
The Golden Medallion charting at # 9 in Ireland.
Despite critical acclaim, it's difficult to see FLApes challenging U2 anytime
soon as Ireland's biggest export. But they do have an undeniable charm. **
Review by Pete Whalley
THE KING BLUES Save The World - Get The Girl
www.kingblues.net
Doubtless someone will like this ska meets rap single but it is certainly not
me! Annoying cod Cockney accents and a song that doesn't hang around in your
head after its finished - about the only redeeming feature of this single. *
Review by Jason Ritchie
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