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Welcome to FabricationsHQ
Home to the musical articles, reviews and promotional features by
Ross Muir
Freelance Music Writer, Music Promotion & PR
"Putting the Words to the Music"
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Contributing writer & reviewer: Nelson McFarlane
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Welcome to FabricationsHQ
Home to the musical articles, reviews and promotional features by
Ross Muir
Freelance Music Writer, Music Promotion & PR
"Putting the Words to the Music"
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Contributing writer & reviewer: Nelson McFarlane
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Muirsical Thoughts, Muirsical News
Mark Knopfler’s new, special, nine-minute recording of ‘Going Home (Theme From Local Hero)’, for Teenage Cancer Trust, features an unprecedented line-up of some of the greatest guitarists in history.
'Legendary' does not begin to cover it - the track opens with the late Jeff Beck’s final recording, with other featured players including David Gilmour, Slash, Eric Clapton, Joan Armatrading, Bruce Springsteen, Pete Townshend, Nile Rodgers, Brian May, Tony Iommi, Joe Walsh, Sam Fender and many, many more.
Roger Daltrey, Teenage Cancer Trust’s Honorary Patron and co-founder of Teen Cancer America (with Pete Townshend), added harmonica, and Beatles icon Ringo Starr is on drums along with his son Zak Starkey, their two drum tracks switching from one to the other, revealing an unmistakable family style. Sting completes the 'all-Starr' rhythm section on bass.
'Legendary' does not begin to cover it - the track opens with the late Jeff Beck’s final recording, with other featured players including David Gilmour, Slash, Eric Clapton, Joan Armatrading, Bruce Springsteen, Pete Townshend, Nile Rodgers, Brian May, Tony Iommi, Joe Walsh, Sam Fender and many, many more.
Roger Daltrey, Teenage Cancer Trust’s Honorary Patron and co-founder of Teen Cancer America (with Pete Townshend), added harmonica, and Beatles icon Ringo Starr is on drums along with his son Zak Starkey, their two drum tracks switching from one to the other, revealing an unmistakable family style. Sting completes the 'all-Starr' rhythm section on bass.
Full list of contributors:
Joan Armatrading, Jeff Beck, Richard Bennett, Joe Bonamassa, Joe Brown, James Burton, Jonathan Cain, Paul Carrack, Eric Clapton, Ry Cooder, Jim Cox, Steve Cropper, Sheryl Crow, Danny Cummings, Roger Daltrey, Duane Eddy, Sam Fender, Guy Fletcher, Peter Frampton, Audley Freed, Vince Gill, David Gilmour, Buddy Guy, Keiji Haino, Tony Iommi, Joan Jett, John Jorgenson, Mark Knopfler, Sonny Landreth, Albert Lee, Greg Leisz, Alex Lifeson, Steve Lukather, Phil Manzanera, Dave Mason, Hank Marvin, Brian May, Robbie McIntosh, John McLaughlin, Tom Morello, Rick Nielsen, Orianthi, Brad Paisley, Nile Rodgers, Mike Rutherford, Joe Satriani, John Sebastian, Connor Selby, Slash, Bruce Springsteen, Ringo Starr and Zak Starkey, Sting, Andy Taylor, Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks, Ian Thomas, Pete Townshend, Keith Urban, Steve Vai, Waddy Wachtel, Joe Louis Walker, Joe Walsh, Ronnie Wood, Glenn Worf, Zucchero.
Artwork designed by Sir Peter Blake (The Beatles, The Who, Band Aid, Paul Weller).
Cancer kills more teenagers and young adults in the UK than any other disease.
Teenage Cancer Trust funds specialist nurses and youth workers to be there for a young person when cancer has turned their world upside down and to help make sure cancer doesn’t rob young people of the best years of their life.
A minimum of 50% of net proceeds from the sale of this recording (with a minimum of £1 per CD single and 25p per download sold in the UK) will be given to Teenage Cancer Trust, which shall be shared equally with Teen Cancer America.
Purchase/ download link: https://markknopfler.lnk.to/download
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Joan Armatrading, Jeff Beck, Richard Bennett, Joe Bonamassa, Joe Brown, James Burton, Jonathan Cain, Paul Carrack, Eric Clapton, Ry Cooder, Jim Cox, Steve Cropper, Sheryl Crow, Danny Cummings, Roger Daltrey, Duane Eddy, Sam Fender, Guy Fletcher, Peter Frampton, Audley Freed, Vince Gill, David Gilmour, Buddy Guy, Keiji Haino, Tony Iommi, Joan Jett, John Jorgenson, Mark Knopfler, Sonny Landreth, Albert Lee, Greg Leisz, Alex Lifeson, Steve Lukather, Phil Manzanera, Dave Mason, Hank Marvin, Brian May, Robbie McIntosh, John McLaughlin, Tom Morello, Rick Nielsen, Orianthi, Brad Paisley, Nile Rodgers, Mike Rutherford, Joe Satriani, John Sebastian, Connor Selby, Slash, Bruce Springsteen, Ringo Starr and Zak Starkey, Sting, Andy Taylor, Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks, Ian Thomas, Pete Townshend, Keith Urban, Steve Vai, Waddy Wachtel, Joe Louis Walker, Joe Walsh, Ronnie Wood, Glenn Worf, Zucchero.
Artwork designed by Sir Peter Blake (The Beatles, The Who, Band Aid, Paul Weller).
Cancer kills more teenagers and young adults in the UK than any other disease.
Teenage Cancer Trust funds specialist nurses and youth workers to be there for a young person when cancer has turned their world upside down and to help make sure cancer doesn’t rob young people of the best years of their life.
A minimum of 50% of net proceeds from the sale of this recording (with a minimum of £1 per CD single and 25p per download sold in the UK) will be given to Teenage Cancer Trust, which shall be shared equally with Teen Cancer America.
Purchase/ download link: https://markknopfler.lnk.to/download
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After a four year hiatus, a length of time set in motion by Covid-19 (and the unfortunate but necessary cancellation of what would have been the third festival in 2020), The Arran Rock 'n' Blues Festival is returning to "Scotland In Miniature" in May.
Based this time around in the village of Lochranza on the north coast of the island, the event will run from the 3rd to 5th May Bank Holiday Weekend.
Scottish broadcaster and BBC Radio Scotland presenter John Beattie will be the compere, as well as performing with his own band.
The full line-up, which now includes Scottish rockers Anchor Lane, you can see on the event poster adjacent.
The acts will be performing on the main stage at the Lochranza Hall on the 4th & 5th May, with a pre-festival gig from the Sensational Alex Harvey Experience at the same venue on Friday 3rd May; entry £10 on the door.
On Saturday 4th May the festival begins at 12 noon with bands on the main stage, plus the smaller Arran Single Malt stage running on through Sunday 5th May, from 12-6pm.
Local food and drink, from The Arran Food Journey, will also be available to purchase.
Tickets available from:
https://tickets-scotland.com//events.html?event_method=viewevent&event_id=bd3b2b15-abc7-11ee-a0fe-0a276f4cf2ea
Given this is an island event, the organisers ask that you plan your journey carefully. There are two ferry port options, one directly to Lochranza, while accommodation options can be seen on the festival's website or through Visit Arran.
Please also remember no alcohol or glass can be brought into the festival site.
Arran is aiming to be a plastic free island, therefore reusable souvenir cups will be available to purchase from the bar (the event will also happily accept other festival reusable cups to reduce plastic waste).
Seating: a limited number of seats will be available in the main Lochranza Hall (portable chairs will not be allowed due to space restriction).
Market: an Arran Market will be run on the green next to the hall; you can bring your own seating to relax and sample the food offered.
Merchandising: Festival T-shirts will be available to buy through the website or at the festival.
Band merchandising is also welcome.
Please Note line-up/s may be subject to change – check the official website or Facebook page for updates.
Website: www.arranrockandbluesfest.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArranRocknBlues/
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Based this time around in the village of Lochranza on the north coast of the island, the event will run from the 3rd to 5th May Bank Holiday Weekend.
Scottish broadcaster and BBC Radio Scotland presenter John Beattie will be the compere, as well as performing with his own band.
The full line-up, which now includes Scottish rockers Anchor Lane, you can see on the event poster adjacent.
The acts will be performing on the main stage at the Lochranza Hall on the 4th & 5th May, with a pre-festival gig from the Sensational Alex Harvey Experience at the same venue on Friday 3rd May; entry £10 on the door.
On Saturday 4th May the festival begins at 12 noon with bands on the main stage, plus the smaller Arran Single Malt stage running on through Sunday 5th May, from 12-6pm.
Local food and drink, from The Arran Food Journey, will also be available to purchase.
Tickets available from:
https://tickets-scotland.com//events.html?event_method=viewevent&event_id=bd3b2b15-abc7-11ee-a0fe-0a276f4cf2ea
Given this is an island event, the organisers ask that you plan your journey carefully. There are two ferry port options, one directly to Lochranza, while accommodation options can be seen on the festival's website or through Visit Arran.
Please also remember no alcohol or glass can be brought into the festival site.
Arran is aiming to be a plastic free island, therefore reusable souvenir cups will be available to purchase from the bar (the event will also happily accept other festival reusable cups to reduce plastic waste).
Seating: a limited number of seats will be available in the main Lochranza Hall (portable chairs will not be allowed due to space restriction).
Market: an Arran Market will be run on the green next to the hall; you can bring your own seating to relax and sample the food offered.
Merchandising: Festival T-shirts will be available to buy through the website or at the festival.
Band merchandising is also welcome.
Please Note line-up/s may be subject to change – check the official website or Facebook page for updates.
Website: www.arranrockandbluesfest.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArranRocknBlues/
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Noted British blues-rock outfit Big Wolf Band have announced the release of their third studio album, Rebel’s Journey.
Joining forces once more with producer Mark Stuart and studio engineer Sheena Sear, the album, which will be released on 19th April, is the band’s biggest and boldest to date; it’s also the second instalment of their Rebel’s trilogy of albums.
Pre-order the album on CD and pre-save digitally from:
https://www.bigwolfband.com/shop
Preceding the album and acting as further tasters following the singles 'Empire and a Prayer' (a rock and roll road song) and more introspective 'Living on Borrowed Time,' comes 'Darker Side Of You.'
Stream the song here: https://ditto.fm/darker-side-of-you
Of the new single, the release of which follows the group's nomination for Band Of The Year at the 2023 UK Blues Awards, vocalist & guitarist Jonathan Earp says "Darker Side Of You' is a moody and simplistically beautiful number about when love falls apart; it features a catchy guitar hook, some soulful backing vocals from Zoe Green and nice piano from Robin Fox. The song tells the story about one person coming to terms with being in a bad relationship, and trying to hold it all together."
Joining forces once more with producer Mark Stuart and studio engineer Sheena Sear, the album, which will be released on 19th April, is the band’s biggest and boldest to date; it’s also the second instalment of their Rebel’s trilogy of albums.
Pre-order the album on CD and pre-save digitally from:
https://www.bigwolfband.com/shop
Preceding the album and acting as further tasters following the singles 'Empire and a Prayer' (a rock and roll road song) and more introspective 'Living on Borrowed Time,' comes 'Darker Side Of You.'
Stream the song here: https://ditto.fm/darker-side-of-you
Of the new single, the release of which follows the group's nomination for Band Of The Year at the 2023 UK Blues Awards, vocalist & guitarist Jonathan Earp says "Darker Side Of You' is a moody and simplistically beautiful number about when love falls apart; it features a catchy guitar hook, some soulful backing vocals from Zoe Green and nice piano from Robin Fox. The song tells the story about one person coming to terms with being in a bad relationship, and trying to hold it all together."
Regarding the album, Jonathan Earp says: "Rebel’s Journey highlights my own personal battle with my mental and physical health. I have a connective tissue disorder called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (HEDS) which affects everything. I had surgery in mid-2019 during our Be Free tour to repair damage to my right shoulder, dislocations, and nerve pain. Unfortunately, the operation caused more pain and numbness - for nearly two years I struggled to play; some days to even hold a plectrum."
But the album also promotes positivity, as Jonathan continues: "We have had many a joke with my dark writing style, but Justin brings the light and love. Rise Together is one of the songs on the album I am most proud of; it’s all about the power of love, rising together and that anything is possible.
"We also have a track called Standing in the Rain, which is a big old ballad of a song, with lots of moving parts, orchestral parts, stops, starts and even a thunderstorm! Everyone delivered big time on this album, and big shout out to Zoe Green, for adding some amazing backing vocals."
2024 is the band’s tenth year together as a band. From humble beginning as a three-piece to the big sound they deliver now as a re-tooled quintet, Rebel’s Journey is a fitting name for the album and their tenth year together.
As part of the ten year celebrations, Big Wolf Band will undertake their biggest tour to date, with a full UK itinerary plus dates in Germany and the Czech Republic.
Big Wolf Band – Rebel’s Journey. Released 19th April.
Jonathan Earp (vocals, lead guitar); Mick Jeynes (bass); Tim Jones (drums); Justin Johnson (rhythm guitar, backing vocals); Robin Fox (piano, Hammond organ).
With: Zoe Green (backing vocals); Tracey Earp & Sheena Sear (addition vocals on 'Rise Together'); Mark Stuart (shaker, tambourine and "kitchen sink").
Rebel's Journey 2024 UK Tour Dates
Tickets: www.bigwolfband.com/tour-dates
22 March – Leeds Blues Club
29 March - The Bear, Luton
31 March – Nantwich Jazz and Blues
5 April – Temperance, Leamington
12 April - Arlington Arts Centre, Newbury
14 April – Bromley Blues Club
20 April – Blues at the Barleylands, Billericay
21 April - Hope Tavern, Market Rasen
26 April – Bosworth Blues Festival
11 May – Macclesfield Beer Festival
24 May – Saltburn Blues Club, Redcar
25 May – Booze and Blues Festival, Leicester
7 June – Lamp Tavern, Dudley
13 June – Red Arrow Music Club, Ramsgate
16 June - Blues Weekend at the Toorak Hotel, Torquay
5 July – Alfold Rock and Blues Festival
9 August – Darlington R&B Club
17 August - Old Bush Blues Festival
24 - August – Rory Gallagher Festival, Nantwich
25 August - Congleton Jazz and Blues (venue tbc)
6 September – Nene Valley Festival
15 September – Red Lion, Stevenage
20 September – Joe Joe Jim’s, Birmingham
4 October – Backstage at the Green, Kinross
12 October – Legends Blues Club, Tamworth
1 November – Colne Delta Blues and Americana Club
23 November – Giffard Arms, Wolverhampton
13 December - Emsworth Music Club
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But the album also promotes positivity, as Jonathan continues: "We have had many a joke with my dark writing style, but Justin brings the light and love. Rise Together is one of the songs on the album I am most proud of; it’s all about the power of love, rising together and that anything is possible.
"We also have a track called Standing in the Rain, which is a big old ballad of a song, with lots of moving parts, orchestral parts, stops, starts and even a thunderstorm! Everyone delivered big time on this album, and big shout out to Zoe Green, for adding some amazing backing vocals."
2024 is the band’s tenth year together as a band. From humble beginning as a three-piece to the big sound they deliver now as a re-tooled quintet, Rebel’s Journey is a fitting name for the album and their tenth year together.
As part of the ten year celebrations, Big Wolf Band will undertake their biggest tour to date, with a full UK itinerary plus dates in Germany and the Czech Republic.
Big Wolf Band – Rebel’s Journey. Released 19th April.
Jonathan Earp (vocals, lead guitar); Mick Jeynes (bass); Tim Jones (drums); Justin Johnson (rhythm guitar, backing vocals); Robin Fox (piano, Hammond organ).
With: Zoe Green (backing vocals); Tracey Earp & Sheena Sear (addition vocals on 'Rise Together'); Mark Stuart (shaker, tambourine and "kitchen sink").
Rebel's Journey 2024 UK Tour Dates
Tickets: www.bigwolfband.com/tour-dates
22 March – Leeds Blues Club
29 March - The Bear, Luton
31 March – Nantwich Jazz and Blues
5 April – Temperance, Leamington
12 April - Arlington Arts Centre, Newbury
14 April – Bromley Blues Club
20 April – Blues at the Barleylands, Billericay
21 April - Hope Tavern, Market Rasen
26 April – Bosworth Blues Festival
11 May – Macclesfield Beer Festival
24 May – Saltburn Blues Club, Redcar
25 May – Booze and Blues Festival, Leicester
7 June – Lamp Tavern, Dudley
13 June – Red Arrow Music Club, Ramsgate
16 June - Blues Weekend at the Toorak Hotel, Torquay
5 July – Alfold Rock and Blues Festival
9 August – Darlington R&B Club
17 August - Old Bush Blues Festival
24 - August – Rory Gallagher Festival, Nantwich
25 August - Congleton Jazz and Blues (venue tbc)
6 September – Nene Valley Festival
15 September – Red Lion, Stevenage
20 September – Joe Joe Jim’s, Birmingham
4 October – Backstage at the Green, Kinross
12 October – Legends Blues Club, Tamworth
1 November – Colne Delta Blues and Americana Club
23 November – Giffard Arms, Wolverhampton
13 December - Emsworth Music Club
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Acclaimed British blues-rock guitarist singer & songwriter Joanne Shaw Taylor will release her latest album Heavy Soul on June 7th through Joe Bonamassa’s Journeyman Records.
Produced by Kevin Shirley and featuring an array of talent such as Anton Fig, Alison Presswood and Rob McNelley, Heavy Soul can be pre-ordered at: http://bit.ly/OrderHeavySoul
The album has been preceded by a number of singles, the latest of which is a soulful rendition of Van Morrison's 'Someone Like You,' which you can play below or stream here: https://ffm.to/zmo8o12
Of the cover, Joanne Shaw Tayor says "Kevin Shirley chose this song for us; it speaks to the universal quest for love and the profound joy in finding someone who truly complements your spirit. With the reinterpretation, I wanted to honour the essence of Van Morrison’s original while infusing it with my own blues inflected style."
Produced by Kevin Shirley and featuring an array of talent such as Anton Fig, Alison Presswood and Rob McNelley, Heavy Soul can be pre-ordered at: http://bit.ly/OrderHeavySoul
The album has been preceded by a number of singles, the latest of which is a soulful rendition of Van Morrison's 'Someone Like You,' which you can play below or stream here: https://ffm.to/zmo8o12
Of the cover, Joanne Shaw Tayor says "Kevin Shirley chose this song for us; it speaks to the universal quest for love and the profound joy in finding someone who truly complements your spirit. With the reinterpretation, I wanted to honour the essence of Van Morrison’s original while infusing it with my own blues inflected style."
Reflecting on the creation of Heavy Soul, Joanne says "For me, it was about connecting the dots from my last album 'Nobody's Fool' back into the blues... a mix of contemporary soul-pop and roots music."
Following her recent and hghly succesful UK Tour, Joanne Shaw Taylor is preparing to embark on a spring tour spanning the East Coast and Southeast of America, starting in Virginia Beach, VA on March 29th.
For more information about the new album and all tour dates, please visit www.joanneshawtaylor.com
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Following her recent and hghly succesful UK Tour, Joanne Shaw Taylor is preparing to embark on a spring tour spanning the East Coast and Southeast of America, starting in Virginia Beach, VA on March 29th.
For more information about the new album and all tour dates, please visit www.joanneshawtaylor.com
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From his groundbreaking beginnings with Cacophony alongside the legendary Jason Becker, his pivotal role in propelling Megadeth to its peak of popularity with his breath-taking range and unorthodox melodic sense, and through a noted and acclaimed solo career, Marty Friedman has solidified his status as a unique guitar icon with an unorthodox but highly emotive melodic sense.
Additionally, over the last two decades, he has established himself as a major presence in Japanese pop culture (Friedman moved to Japan in 2003).
The gifted guitarist recently announced the forthcoming release of his latest solo album, Drama, where he takes the atmospheric elements of his acclaimed 1992 release Scenes and elevates the compositions of Drama to modern sounding, exotic, extravagant and unapologetically emotional mini-symphonies.
The results are an album that showcases Marty Friedman’s mesmerizing melodies, cleverly woven arrangements and heart tugging motifs, even more than any of his previous work.
Recorded in Italy, where Friedman has access to a treasure trove of vintage guitars, along with his modern signature models, Drama is an instrumental, guitar-led delight.
Additionally, over the last two decades, he has established himself as a major presence in Japanese pop culture (Friedman moved to Japan in 2003).
The gifted guitarist recently announced the forthcoming release of his latest solo album, Drama, where he takes the atmospheric elements of his acclaimed 1992 release Scenes and elevates the compositions of Drama to modern sounding, exotic, extravagant and unapologetically emotional mini-symphonies.
The results are an album that showcases Marty Friedman’s mesmerizing melodies, cleverly woven arrangements and heart tugging motifs, even more than any of his previous work.
Recorded in Italy, where Friedman has access to a treasure trove of vintage guitars, along with his modern signature models, Drama is an instrumental, guitar-led delight.
In addition to his legendary work with Cacophony and Megadeth, Marty Freidman has released fifteen solo albums, starting in 1988 with Dragon's Kiss.
He has achieved multi-platinum, platinum, and gold album sales in twenty-seven countries, as well as seven Grammy nominations.
Since moving to Japan Marty Friedman has become a household name, beyond the world of music.
Fluent in Japanese, he has appeared on over 900 Japanese TV shows, as well as motion pictures and commercials. He was recently appointed an Ambassador of Japan Heritage by the Japanese government, who commissioned him to compose the 'Japan Heritage Theme Song' (the song, recorded by Friedman and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, is played at official government-related events).
Three books on his life have been released in Japan and a brand new, full autobiography will be released worldwide later this year.
Drama, released May 17th on Frontiers Music. Pre-order: https://orcd.co/martyfriedmandrama
Featuring: Marty Friedman - guitars; Wakazaemon - bass; Gregg Bissonette - drums; Mika Maruki - piano, keys, synths; Hiyori Okuda - cello; Miho Chigyo - violin
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He has achieved multi-platinum, platinum, and gold album sales in twenty-seven countries, as well as seven Grammy nominations.
Since moving to Japan Marty Friedman has become a household name, beyond the world of music.
Fluent in Japanese, he has appeared on over 900 Japanese TV shows, as well as motion pictures and commercials. He was recently appointed an Ambassador of Japan Heritage by the Japanese government, who commissioned him to compose the 'Japan Heritage Theme Song' (the song, recorded by Friedman and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, is played at official government-related events).
Three books on his life have been released in Japan and a brand new, full autobiography will be released worldwide later this year.
Drama, released May 17th on Frontiers Music. Pre-order: https://orcd.co/martyfriedmandrama
Featuring: Marty Friedman - guitars; Wakazaemon - bass; Gregg Bissonette - drums; Mika Maruki - piano, keys, synths; Hiyori Okuda - cello; Miho Chigyo - violin
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Calling all Glasgow based and further afield Scottish blues fans…
The fourth Glasgow Blues Rhythm & Rock Festival will take place on Sunday 28th April at the Oran Mor.
The event is a five band, afternoon-to-evening feature co-headlined by Elles Bailey and Black
With just under two months until the festival, and over the coming weeks, FabricationsHQ takes the opportunity to look at each act in turn, starting with home-grown talent, the Greig Taylor Band.
Greig Taylor has been cited many times as not just one of Scotland’s hardest working musicians but one of the UK’s finest blues-styled vocalists, as first heard with the GT’s Boos Band, featuring guitarist John Boos, and a stint with the Glasgow based Brian Rawson Band.
More lately Greig has truly come in to his own with a number of projects including The Greig Taylor Blues Combo, a stripped back covers album entitled #Songbook1 (a soulful blues styled interpretation of rock and pop classics), and the semi-acoustic roots-blues of The Blind Lemon Gators featuring Iain Donald, releasing the album Gatorville.
Greig has also been part of the touring & performing A Capella group led by twice Grammy nominated US blues & gospel singer-songwriter Earl Thomas; the ensuing The Gospel According... shows toured Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
His curent group, The Greig Taylor Band, will open the fourth Glasgow Blues Rhythm & Rock festival.
The band, who last year released excellent debut album The Light (featuring Earl Thomas in duet with Greig on the rockin' 'Born To Love You'), include the talents of Taylor’s long-time musical associate (and formerly with the legendary John Martyn) Dave Cantwell, bassist Nelson McFarlane, keyboardist Kenny Clark and one of the finest Scottish guitarists on the circuit, Brian McFie (Marianne Faithful, The Big Dish, The Countess Of Fife, to name but three).
The fourth Glasgow Blues Rhythm & Rock Festival will take place on Sunday 28th April at the Oran Mor.
The event is a five band, afternoon-to-evening feature co-headlined by Elles Bailey and Black
With just under two months until the festival, and over the coming weeks, FabricationsHQ takes the opportunity to look at each act in turn, starting with home-grown talent, the Greig Taylor Band.
Greig Taylor has been cited many times as not just one of Scotland’s hardest working musicians but one of the UK’s finest blues-styled vocalists, as first heard with the GT’s Boos Band, featuring guitarist John Boos, and a stint with the Glasgow based Brian Rawson Band.
More lately Greig has truly come in to his own with a number of projects including The Greig Taylor Blues Combo, a stripped back covers album entitled #Songbook1 (a soulful blues styled interpretation of rock and pop classics), and the semi-acoustic roots-blues of The Blind Lemon Gators featuring Iain Donald, releasing the album Gatorville.
Greig has also been part of the touring & performing A Capella group led by twice Grammy nominated US blues & gospel singer-songwriter Earl Thomas; the ensuing The Gospel According... shows toured Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
His curent group, The Greig Taylor Band, will open the fourth Glasgow Blues Rhythm & Rock festival.
The band, who last year released excellent debut album The Light (featuring Earl Thomas in duet with Greig on the rockin' 'Born To Love You'), include the talents of Taylor’s long-time musical associate (and formerly with the legendary John Martyn) Dave Cantwell, bassist Nelson McFarlane, keyboardist Kenny Clark and one of the finest Scottish guitarists on the circuit, Brian McFie (Marianne Faithful, The Big Dish, The Countess Of Fife, to name but three).
The Greig Taylor Band pack a big blues, funk, and soul punch; as such they are perfect get-the-party-started openers for the Glasgow Blues Rhythm & Rock Festival.
Glasgow Blues Rhythm & Rock Festival
Oran Mor, Glasgow, Sunday April 28th
Event Time: 2pm - 10pm
Doors Open: 1.30pm
Over 14's to Under 18’s to be accompanied with adult
Further info and tickets (follow menu links above event poster): https://www.solidentertainments.com/blues/glasgow/index.html
Direct ticket link: https://tickets-scotland.com//events.html?event_method=viewevent&event_id=818bbc31-968d-11ee-9c74-0abd380b6c94
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Glasgow Blues Rhythm & Rock Festival
Oran Mor, Glasgow, Sunday April 28th
Event Time: 2pm - 10pm
Doors Open: 1.30pm
Over 14's to Under 18’s to be accompanied with adult
Further info and tickets (follow menu links above event poster): https://www.solidentertainments.com/blues/glasgow/index.html
Direct ticket link: https://tickets-scotland.com//events.html?event_method=viewevent&event_id=818bbc31-968d-11ee-9c74-0abd380b6c94
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British hard rocker riffers The Treatment have released a new single entitled 'Let's Wake Up This Town.'
Fair to say that, along with the accompanyng music video, band and song do just that.
The single is lifted from their forthcoming, and sixth, studio album Wake Up The Neighbourhood, which will be released on May 10th on Frontiers Music.
Pre-order the album at: https://orcd.co/thetreatmentwutn
Of the album, the band say: "We wanted to create an album that pays homage to the golden era of rock 'n' roll while infusing our own modern twist. With Wake Up The Neighbourhood'we've pushed ourselves to new heights and crafted an album we're truly proud of."
Fair to say that, along with the accompanyng music video, band and song do just that.
The single is lifted from their forthcoming, and sixth, studio album Wake Up The Neighbourhood, which will be released on May 10th on Frontiers Music.
Pre-order the album at: https://orcd.co/thetreatmentwutn
Of the album, the band say: "We wanted to create an album that pays homage to the golden era of rock 'n' roll while infusing our own modern twist. With Wake Up The Neighbourhood'we've pushed ourselves to new heights and crafted an album we're truly proud of."
The Treatment, formed in 2008, released their debut album This Might Hurt in 2011.
The well received debut was followed by Running With The Dogs (2014), Generation Me (2016), Power Crazy (2019) and Waiting For Good Luck (2021).
Combining the drive of early AC/DC with the low-slung riffing redolent of early Aerosmith, The Treatment is unashamedly inspired by an era when rock bands looked like rock bands, were intent on causing a stir, and when music was, indeed, waking up the neighbourhood...
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The well received debut was followed by Running With The Dogs (2014), Generation Me (2016), Power Crazy (2019) and Waiting For Good Luck (2021).
Combining the drive of early AC/DC with the low-slung riffing redolent of early Aerosmith, The Treatment is unashamedly inspired by an era when rock bands looked like rock bands, were intent on causing a stir, and when music was, indeed, waking up the neighbourhood...
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Following last year’s Death Wish Blues UK Tour with Jesse Dayton, celebrated rootsy-with-a-twist blues rock guitarist Samantha Fish will return to the UK in October for her 10-date Bulletproof headline tour (dates below).
Planet Rock’s 48-hour ticket pre-sale started on Wednesday 13th March via:
https://planetrock.gigantic.com/samantha-fish-tickets
Tickets go on general sale 10am GMT on Friday 15th March via:
https://www.alttickets.com/samantha-fish-tickets
https://www.gigantic.com/samantha-fish-tickets
https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/36006066F7E6740F (Edinburgh show)
https://www.samanthafish.com/tour/
After launching her recording career in 2009, Samantha established herself as a rising star in the contemporary blues world.
The charismatic singer-guitarist-songwriter has earned a reputation as a powerful live performer, while also releasing a series of acclaimed albums that have shown her restless creative spirit consistently pushing her in new, exciting, and often unexpected musical directions.
"I'm never going be a traditional blues artist, because that's not who I am," says Samantha. "But it's all the Blues for me. When Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf came out, what they were doing didn't sound like anything that had been done in Blues before. You've got to keep that kind of fire and spirit. I'm never going to do Muddy Waters better than Muddy Waters, so I try to be who I am, and in doing that, I find my best voice."
Samantha Fish – Bulletproof UK Tour Dates
Birmingham, Town Hall - Friday 4th October
Brighton, Chalk - Saturday 5th October
London, Koko - Sunday 6th October
Norwich, Epic Studios - Monday 7th October
Cardiff, Tramshed - Tuesday 8th October
Bath, Komedia - Wednesday 9th October
Leeds, Project House - Thursday 10th October
Nottingham, Rock City - Friday 11th October
Newcastle, Boiler Shop - Saturday 12th October
Edinburgh, Queen’s Hall - Sunday 13th October
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Planet Rock’s 48-hour ticket pre-sale started on Wednesday 13th March via:
https://planetrock.gigantic.com/samantha-fish-tickets
Tickets go on general sale 10am GMT on Friday 15th March via:
https://www.alttickets.com/samantha-fish-tickets
https://www.gigantic.com/samantha-fish-tickets
https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/36006066F7E6740F (Edinburgh show)
https://www.samanthafish.com/tour/
After launching her recording career in 2009, Samantha established herself as a rising star in the contemporary blues world.
The charismatic singer-guitarist-songwriter has earned a reputation as a powerful live performer, while also releasing a series of acclaimed albums that have shown her restless creative spirit consistently pushing her in new, exciting, and often unexpected musical directions.
"I'm never going be a traditional blues artist, because that's not who I am," says Samantha. "But it's all the Blues for me. When Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf came out, what they were doing didn't sound like anything that had been done in Blues before. You've got to keep that kind of fire and spirit. I'm never going to do Muddy Waters better than Muddy Waters, so I try to be who I am, and in doing that, I find my best voice."
Samantha Fish – Bulletproof UK Tour Dates
Birmingham, Town Hall - Friday 4th October
Brighton, Chalk - Saturday 5th October
London, Koko - Sunday 6th October
Norwich, Epic Studios - Monday 7th October
Cardiff, Tramshed - Tuesday 8th October
Bath, Komedia - Wednesday 9th October
Leeds, Project House - Thursday 10th October
Nottingham, Rock City - Friday 11th October
Newcastle, Boiler Shop - Saturday 12th October
Edinburgh, Queen’s Hall - Sunday 13th October
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After the resounding success of Blue Öyster Cult’s 50th Anniversary celebrations, culminating in three sold-out shows in September 2022 at Sony Hall in New York City (each night featuring one of the band’s first three albums played in its entirety, with special guest appearances from co-founder/ original drummer Albert Bouchard), the legendary and luminary rock band will sign-off on their studio album career with a fitting, and book ending, finale.
Ghost Stories, released via Frontiers Music on April 12th, is a collection of reimagined and newly completed classic era songs that span from 1978-1983, plus a cover of Beatles song 'If I Fell' from 2016.
These long considered lost gems, a mix of material from workshopping sessions and performance rehearsals, includes the only known studio recording of their concert classic, 'Kick Out the Jams' (MC5 cover).
The band have released a second single in support of the album, 'Don't Come Running To Me,' complete with a new music video.
Ghost Stories, released via Frontiers Music on April 12th, is a collection of reimagined and newly completed classic era songs that span from 1978-1983, plus a cover of Beatles song 'If I Fell' from 2016.
These long considered lost gems, a mix of material from workshopping sessions and performance rehearsals, includes the only known studio recording of their concert classic, 'Kick Out the Jams' (MC5 cover).
The band have released a second single in support of the album, 'Don't Come Running To Me,' complete with a new music video.
George Geranios, the band's original audio engineer and an integral part of the band's golden years, co-produced the original 1978-83 recordings along with BÖC.
All were originally recorded on reel-to-reel analogue tape. They were later transferred to digital audio, with the multi-track recordings de-mixed, re-mixed, and produced by Steve Schenck and Richie Castellano, a member of BÖC since 2004.
Work in the studio for the album was completed by Castellano along with remaining original members Eric Bloom and Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser.
Experience the culmination of the band's 50+ years of artistic vision with the completion of 12 songs that now become part of the BÖC folklore.
Pre-Order Ghost Stories here: https://orcd.co/bocghoststories
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All were originally recorded on reel-to-reel analogue tape. They were later transferred to digital audio, with the multi-track recordings de-mixed, re-mixed, and produced by Steve Schenck and Richie Castellano, a member of BÖC since 2004.
Work in the studio for the album was completed by Castellano along with remaining original members Eric Bloom and Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser.
Experience the culmination of the band's 50+ years of artistic vision with the completion of 12 songs that now become part of the BÖC folklore.
Pre-Order Ghost Stories here: https://orcd.co/bocghoststories
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Rock-fusion and blues guitar maestro Robin Trower will have his critically lauded masterpiece, Bridge of Sighs, celebrated with two new editions in this, its 50th Anniversary year.
The 2LP Deluxe Edition will feature the album as it’s never been heard before - newly mixed from the original tapes, with an unedited stereo mix cut at half-speed especially for this release, along with Live at The Record Plant, Sausalito, May 1974, available in its entirety for the first time.
A 4-Disc Media Book version will include the original 1974 album remastered, an unedited stereo mix with never-before-heard outtakes and rarities, Live at The Record Plant, Sausalito, May 1974 in its entirety, and a Blu-ray disc featuring all the previous, plus a newly created Dolby ATMOS mix, 5.1, Stereo album Instrumentals and additional outtakes.
At the centre of this package is a 24-page booklet featuring liner notes by David Sinclair, newly conducted interviews with Robin Trower and Matthew Fisher and testimonials by Bryan Ferry, Robert Fripp, Steve Lukather, Clive Bunker, Andy Parker, album cover designer Paul Olsen, all alongside previously unseen photographs.
The 2LP Deluxe Edition will feature the album as it’s never been heard before - newly mixed from the original tapes, with an unedited stereo mix cut at half-speed especially for this release, along with Live at The Record Plant, Sausalito, May 1974, available in its entirety for the first time.
A 4-Disc Media Book version will include the original 1974 album remastered, an unedited stereo mix with never-before-heard outtakes and rarities, Live at The Record Plant, Sausalito, May 1974 in its entirety, and a Blu-ray disc featuring all the previous, plus a newly created Dolby ATMOS mix, 5.1, Stereo album Instrumentals and additional outtakes.
At the centre of this package is a 24-page booklet featuring liner notes by David Sinclair, newly conducted interviews with Robin Trower and Matthew Fisher and testimonials by Bryan Ferry, Robert Fripp, Steve Lukather, Clive Bunker, Andy Parker, album cover designer Paul Olsen, all alongside previously unseen photographs.
Hear Bridge of Sighs like never before on, and for, its 50th Anniversary.
Pre-order, ahead of official release on 17th May, by clicking here.
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Pre-order, ahead of official release on 17th May, by clicking here.
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Multi-UK Blues Award nominated rockers Brave Rival have announced their brand new, 12-track, passion-filled and powerful second album Fight Or Flight is due for release on 16th August.
The band will also be holding a special Album Launch show at Dingwalls in London on 12th September.
(Tickets for the show can be purchased here).
Brave Rival are spearheaded by dual vocalists Chloe Josephine and Lindsey Bonnick, giving the band a distinctive, female-duo lead edge; the band also feature instrumental talents of Donna Peters (drums, percussion, acoustic guitar), Ed "the Shred" Clarke (guitars) and Billy "Danger" Dedman (bass).
Formed in 2019, Brave Rival offer a fresh and modern take on classic rock vibes.
It’s a sound, as heard in live performance and acclaimed and impressive debut album Life’s Machine, that has earned the adulation and loyalty of their growing "Bravian" fanbase and praise from many a critic.
(Life’s Machine earned praise far and wide; it brought the group to the attention of Joe Bonamassa, who rated them among his "favourite discoveries").
Taking the winning formula from their live performances and debut album, Brave Rival have now created their second album, Fight Or Flight. Crowdfunded by a Kickstarter campaign, the band hit their target in under 48 hours!
"To me, there’s a different energy this time," muses Lindsey Bonnick. "Lyrically, just about every song can be viewed in different ways. There’s a strong thread around mental health, whether we were writing about things we’d gone through ourselves or experiences picked up from meeting people on the road."
Brave Rival will tour extensively throughout 2024, including Special Guest spots on several dates from the 40th Anniversary tour of British melodic rock legends FM, in April.
They also have multiple nominations in this year’s prestigious UK Blues Awards.
Pre-orders for Fight Or Flight will open in May.
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The band will also be holding a special Album Launch show at Dingwalls in London on 12th September.
(Tickets for the show can be purchased here).
Brave Rival are spearheaded by dual vocalists Chloe Josephine and Lindsey Bonnick, giving the band a distinctive, female-duo lead edge; the band also feature instrumental talents of Donna Peters (drums, percussion, acoustic guitar), Ed "the Shred" Clarke (guitars) and Billy "Danger" Dedman (bass).
Formed in 2019, Brave Rival offer a fresh and modern take on classic rock vibes.
It’s a sound, as heard in live performance and acclaimed and impressive debut album Life’s Machine, that has earned the adulation and loyalty of their growing "Bravian" fanbase and praise from many a critic.
(Life’s Machine earned praise far and wide; it brought the group to the attention of Joe Bonamassa, who rated them among his "favourite discoveries").
Taking the winning formula from their live performances and debut album, Brave Rival have now created their second album, Fight Or Flight. Crowdfunded by a Kickstarter campaign, the band hit their target in under 48 hours!
"To me, there’s a different energy this time," muses Lindsey Bonnick. "Lyrically, just about every song can be viewed in different ways. There’s a strong thread around mental health, whether we were writing about things we’d gone through ourselves or experiences picked up from meeting people on the road."
Brave Rival will tour extensively throughout 2024, including Special Guest spots on several dates from the 40th Anniversary tour of British melodic rock legends FM, in April.
They also have multiple nominations in this year’s prestigious UK Blues Awards.
Pre-orders for Fight Or Flight will open in May.
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Following her successful 2023 UK tour, internationally acclaimed guitarist, singer & songwriter Erja Lyytinen will embark on her Diamonds On The Road 10-date UK Tour in April (see tour dates poster further below).
Tickets are available from https://erjalyytinen.com/tour
The tour is named after current album Diamonds On The Road, released by Tuohi Records in October of this year. The live album, which features, among others, 'Black Ocean,' is available on Double CD, Vinyl and Digital here.
Tickets are available from https://erjalyytinen.com/tour
The tour is named after current album Diamonds On The Road, released by Tuohi Records in October of this year. The live album, which features, among others, 'Black Ocean,' is available on Double CD, Vinyl and Digital here.
"I can’t wait to head to my favourite country to tour the UK in April," says Erja. "We will be playing in Scotland, where we haven’t played since 2019, and returning to the HRH Blues festival after many years.
Right now, we are rehearsing for my first Symphony Orchestra gigs that will be held in a concert hall in Lohja, Finland. I’ve always loved The Moody Blues album The Days of Future Passed, which was recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra, so it’s very cool to get my own compositions arranged for a full orchestra."
Right now, we are rehearsing for my first Symphony Orchestra gigs that will be held in a concert hall in Lohja, Finland. I’ve always loved The Moody Blues album The Days of Future Passed, which was recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra, so it’s very cool to get my own compositions arranged for a full orchestra."
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British melodic rockers FM, who start their 40th Anniversary UK Tour at the end of March (see poster further below), have released a new single entitled 'Out Of The Blue.' Stream here: https://orcd.co/fmoutoftheblue
The single will feature on the band's forthcoming, and fourteenth studio album, Old Habits Die Hard, which will be released on Frontiers Records on May 3rd. Pre-order the album at: https://orcd.co/oldhabitsdiehard
The single, which is also the opening track of the album, originated from keyboard player Jem Davis.
"The band love the music of Toto and Foreigner and so I tried to put those influences into one track. Once Steve got involved and started singing it, I knew that we were onto something special."
"Out Of the Blue is a song that old school FM fans will really latch on to" adds Steve Overland.
The single will feature on the band's forthcoming, and fourteenth studio album, Old Habits Die Hard, which will be released on Frontiers Records on May 3rd. Pre-order the album at: https://orcd.co/oldhabitsdiehard
The single, which is also the opening track of the album, originated from keyboard player Jem Davis.
"The band love the music of Toto and Foreigner and so I tried to put those influences into one track. Once Steve got involved and started singing it, I knew that we were onto something special."
"Out Of the Blue is a song that old school FM fans will really latch on to" adds Steve Overland.
Old Habits Die Hard was delayed slightly by keyboard player Jem Davis' cancer diagnosis (thankfully he’s now received the all-clear) and then by the sudden passing of previous FM member and co-founder, guitarist Chris Overland (brother of FM front man Steve Overland), which hit the band hard.
"Chris’s passing came out of the blue and it was devastating," says Steve. To add insult to injury, close friend of the band and long-time collaborator of our guitarist Jim Kirkpatrick, Bernie Marsden passed away just two days after Chris."
The tragedies that plagued the band through the recording process only reinforced FM’s resolve and desire to make the best album that they could to represent their 40 years in the business.
The new album is also a fitting tribute to Chris Overland.
Tickets for the 40th Anniversary tour are available via thegigcartel.com and www.fmofficial.com
Across 15 of the 16 dates four different special guest supports will feature: Brave Rival, Collateral, Romeo's Daughter and Hand Of Dimes.
FM are:
Steve Overland (vocals, guitar); Merv Goldsworthy (bass guitar); Pete Jupp (drums); Jem Davis (keyboards); Jim Kirkpatrick (guitars)
"Chris’s passing came out of the blue and it was devastating," says Steve. To add insult to injury, close friend of the band and long-time collaborator of our guitarist Jim Kirkpatrick, Bernie Marsden passed away just two days after Chris."
The tragedies that plagued the band through the recording process only reinforced FM’s resolve and desire to make the best album that they could to represent their 40 years in the business.
The new album is also a fitting tribute to Chris Overland.
Tickets for the 40th Anniversary tour are available via thegigcartel.com and www.fmofficial.com
Across 15 of the 16 dates four different special guest supports will feature: Brave Rival, Collateral, Romeo's Daughter and Hand Of Dimes.
FM are:
Steve Overland (vocals, guitar); Merv Goldsworthy (bass guitar); Pete Jupp (drums); Jem Davis (keyboards); Jim Kirkpatrick (guitars)
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Internationally acclaimed guitarist & composer Al Di Meola has released a brand new song entitled Fandango.
Listen/ Stream at: https://aldimeola.lnk.to/Fandango
The flamenco fusion piece showcases Di Meola's virtuosity and innovation, cementing his status as a pioneering figure in the world of contemporary jazz and fusion.
Listen/ Stream at: https://aldimeola.lnk.to/Fandango
The flamenco fusion piece showcases Di Meola's virtuosity and innovation, cementing his status as a pioneering figure in the world of contemporary jazz and fusion.
Al Di Meola's forthcoming new album Twentyfour, is a testament to creativity.
Conceived during the tumultuous times of the pandemic, what started as a simple acoustic project evolved into something grander – the initial intention, to craft a reflective acoustic album on the challenges of the time, expanded exponentially as he found himself unable to resist the allure of musical exploration.
Over the span of four years, Twentyfour blossomed into another Di Meola masterpiece, brimming with intricately woven melodies, diverse instrumentation, and captivating highlights.
The album will be released on July 19th.
Pre-order: https://aldimeola.lnk.to/Twentyfour
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Conceived during the tumultuous times of the pandemic, what started as a simple acoustic project evolved into something grander – the initial intention, to craft a reflective acoustic album on the challenges of the time, expanded exponentially as he found himself unable to resist the allure of musical exploration.
Over the span of four years, Twentyfour blossomed into another Di Meola masterpiece, brimming with intricately woven melodies, diverse instrumentation, and captivating highlights.
The album will be released on July 19th.
Pre-order: https://aldimeola.lnk.to/Twentyfour
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Canadian roots, rock and soul band Bywater Call have released a brand new single entitled 'Holler.'
The release of the lyrically uninhibted, delta blues-based stomper coincides with news of the band’s October 2024 Headline UK Tour (ticket links and dates further below).
"Lyrically and musically, Holler embodies seedy motel rooms, dirty little secrets and a woman who knows what she wants, unashamedly and without apology," says Bywater Call’s vocally captivating singer, Meghan Parnell. "The song embraces uninhibited passion."
The release of the lyrically uninhibted, delta blues-based stomper coincides with news of the band’s October 2024 Headline UK Tour (ticket links and dates further below).
"Lyrically and musically, Holler embodies seedy motel rooms, dirty little secrets and a woman who knows what she wants, unashamedly and without apology," says Bywater Call’s vocally captivating singer, Meghan Parnell. "The song embraces uninhibited passion."
The new single follows the 2023 releases of singles 'Sweet Maria' and 'For All We Know,' both of which received rave reviews.
The uplifting New Orleans romp of 'Sweet Maria,' the rootsy, redemption-hymn styled 'For All We Know' and 'Holler' will all appear on Bywater Call’s forthcoming third studio album, set to be released worldwide in the summer.
Bywater Call’s music is a rootsy journey through human experience, incorporating influences from the likes of The Band, The Wood Brothers, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Otis Redding, Little Feat, Sly And The Family Stone, and New Orleans, Mississippi & Delta blues.
Bywater Call – UK Tour October 2024
Tickets: https://www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/Bywater-Call.htm and https://bywatercall.com/
Manchester, Academy 3 - Wednesday 16 October
Cardiff, Globe - Thursday 17th October
Leek, Foxlowe Arts - Friday 18th October
Leeds, Brudenell - Saturday 19th October
Glasgow, Oran Mor - Sunday 20th October
Newcastle, The Cluny - Tuesday 22nd October
Sheffield, Corporation - Wednesday 23rd October
Norwich, Waterfront Studios - Thursday 24th October
London, Dingwalls - Friday 25th October
Newbury, Arlington Arts - Saturday 26th October
Sittingbourne, Bourne Music Club - Sunday 27th October
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The uplifting New Orleans romp of 'Sweet Maria,' the rootsy, redemption-hymn styled 'For All We Know' and 'Holler' will all appear on Bywater Call’s forthcoming third studio album, set to be released worldwide in the summer.
Bywater Call’s music is a rootsy journey through human experience, incorporating influences from the likes of The Band, The Wood Brothers, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Otis Redding, Little Feat, Sly And The Family Stone, and New Orleans, Mississippi & Delta blues.
Bywater Call – UK Tour October 2024
Tickets: https://www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/Bywater-Call.htm and https://bywatercall.com/
Manchester, Academy 3 - Wednesday 16 October
Cardiff, Globe - Thursday 17th October
Leek, Foxlowe Arts - Friday 18th October
Leeds, Brudenell - Saturday 19th October
Glasgow, Oran Mor - Sunday 20th October
Newcastle, The Cluny - Tuesday 22nd October
Sheffield, Corporation - Wednesday 23rd October
Norwich, Waterfront Studios - Thursday 24th October
London, Dingwalls - Friday 25th October
Newbury, Arlington Arts - Saturday 26th October
Sittingbourne, Bourne Music Club - Sunday 27th October
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Supergroup Black Country Communion, featuring the talents of Glenn Hughes, Joe Bonamassa, Jason Bonham and Derek Sherinian, have released brand new music for the first time in seven years with the single 'Stay Free.'
Listen to / stream the single here: https://ffm.to/b9k1de9
The heavy funk of 'Stay Free' precedes the forthcoming and highly anticipated fifth studio album from the quartet. Entitled V, the album will be released worldwide on June 14th.
Listen to / stream the single here: https://ffm.to/b9k1de9
The heavy funk of 'Stay Free' precedes the forthcoming and highly anticipated fifth studio album from the quartet. Entitled V, the album will be released worldwide on June 14th.
Produced by longtime collaborator Kevin Shirley, V marks a new chapter in the band’s career – one that embodies a renewed spirit and an evolution of their sound.
"For a band that started out as a collection of the best practitioners of their instruments, they very quickly found a unique sound" says Shirley, before confirming that "this time around, it has more purpose, the riffs are tougher, and there are hooks - yes, hooks! It’s their most cohesive record, full of soul and grit; I think this is the one that’s going to be the benchmark for Black Country Communion."
"In my opinion, we had the best time recording this record at Sunset Sound in Hollywood, tons of fun & a magical recording. Meet you inside the Music." - Glenn Hughes
The news of the album and single follows the announcement of the band’s upcoming performance at the Culture Room in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on March 17th (the first live performance in America from the band in over eleven years).
Presented by Joe Bonamassa's Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation, all profits from the concert will be donated to support music education and musicians in need.
The band is also set to appear on the Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea cruise, sailing from Miami to Cozumel, Mexico from March 18th-22nd.
V is available for pre-order along with other related merch at: https://shop.jbonamassa.com/collections/bcc-v
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"For a band that started out as a collection of the best practitioners of their instruments, they very quickly found a unique sound" says Shirley, before confirming that "this time around, it has more purpose, the riffs are tougher, and there are hooks - yes, hooks! It’s their most cohesive record, full of soul and grit; I think this is the one that’s going to be the benchmark for Black Country Communion."
"In my opinion, we had the best time recording this record at Sunset Sound in Hollywood, tons of fun & a magical recording. Meet you inside the Music." - Glenn Hughes
The news of the album and single follows the announcement of the band’s upcoming performance at the Culture Room in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on March 17th (the first live performance in America from the band in over eleven years).
Presented by Joe Bonamassa's Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation, all profits from the concert will be donated to support music education and musicians in need.
The band is also set to appear on the Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea cruise, sailing from Miami to Cozumel, Mexico from March 18th-22nd.
V is available for pre-order along with other related merch at: https://shop.jbonamassa.com/collections/bcc-v
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Rockin’ six-string slide slinger Troy Redfern will embark on his Invocation Headline UK Tour in June.
The 11-date full band tour will showcase tracks from Redfern’s studio album Invocation (released on RED7 Records on 17th May), plus songs from his back catalogue.
Tickets are on sale now from: https://troyredfern.com
The dates are:
Monday 17 June – The Treehouse, Frome
Tuesday 18 June – Retro, Manchester
Wednesday 19 June – Classic Grand, Glasgow
Thursday 20 June, Bannermans, Edinburgh
Friday 21 June, The Live Rooms, Chester
Saturday 22 June – Asylum 2, Birmingham
Sunday 23 June – Boiler Room, Guildford
Monday 24 June – The Junction, Cambridge
Sunday 25 June, The Joiners, Southampton
Monday 26 June – New Cross Inn, London
Tuesday 27 June – The Forum, Tunbridge Wells
The tour announcement follows the release of Troy Redfern’s last single, 'The Strange,' and release of latest (and fourth from the album) single 'The Calling,' which is available on Spotify here.
Of the new single, Redfern says: "I’ve always wanted to write a slow motion, epic kind of a tune and The Calling was born out of that desire. This song is about escaping the technological net we all live in, and to get out into the wilderness to reset and get perspective on what’s important in life."
The 11-date full band tour will showcase tracks from Redfern’s studio album Invocation (released on RED7 Records on 17th May), plus songs from his back catalogue.
Tickets are on sale now from: https://troyredfern.com
The dates are:
Monday 17 June – The Treehouse, Frome
Tuesday 18 June – Retro, Manchester
Wednesday 19 June – Classic Grand, Glasgow
Thursday 20 June, Bannermans, Edinburgh
Friday 21 June, The Live Rooms, Chester
Saturday 22 June – Asylum 2, Birmingham
Sunday 23 June – Boiler Room, Guildford
Monday 24 June – The Junction, Cambridge
Sunday 25 June, The Joiners, Southampton
Monday 26 June – New Cross Inn, London
Tuesday 27 June – The Forum, Tunbridge Wells
The tour announcement follows the release of Troy Redfern’s last single, 'The Strange,' and release of latest (and fourth from the album) single 'The Calling,' which is available on Spotify here.
Of the new single, Redfern says: "I’ve always wanted to write a slow motion, epic kind of a tune and The Calling was born out of that desire. This song is about escaping the technological net we all live in, and to get out into the wilderness to reset and get perspective on what’s important in life."
As the recent single releases help confirm, Invocation promises to be Redfern’s best album to date.
His last two albums The Fire Cosmic (2021) and The Wings of Salvation (2022) set the Redfern rock template, but with Invocation he has created a collection of new songs that carve out his own identity and point to who he really is an artist.
For the album, Troy Redfern headed to the west coast of Wales with his trusty 1929 National Triolian resonator guitar for a week of solitude in a remote Sheppard’s hut to sketch initial song ideas.
"It was important for me to really clear my mind of all distractions so I could focus on what I wanted to write on this album and the direction I wanted to take it in.
"I tried some unorthodox approaches to song writing that included meditation where I would imagine hearing a song in my mind, as complete as possible, including visualising the performance live.
"Next, I would pick up the guitar and capture the idea on my phone. That way I wasn’t led by what I usually do when I pick up the guitar. It was a very freeing, powerful experience, and a discipline I’ll use again to write more songs in the future."
For Invocation Troy worked with The Wings of Salvation production team; Dave Marks returned for production duties, Jo Webb mixed & mastered the album and Lee Russel’s Dulcitone Studios in Kettering were once again the logical choice to record Paul Stewart’s (The Feeling) drum tracks (the converted chapel has the perfect ambience for huge sounding rock drums).
Due to the streamlined process Redfern & Marks employed on the previous album, Invocation was written, recorded, and mixed in just under six weeks.
"It really was great to be able to realise and bring to fruition these songs as quickly as we did; It kept the ideas fresh and stopped them from becoming overworked and tired."
Invocation will be available in limited edition coloured vinyl, black vinyl, plus two different CD artwork designs. Pre-order here: https://troyredfern.com/new-album/
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His last two albums The Fire Cosmic (2021) and The Wings of Salvation (2022) set the Redfern rock template, but with Invocation he has created a collection of new songs that carve out his own identity and point to who he really is an artist.
For the album, Troy Redfern headed to the west coast of Wales with his trusty 1929 National Triolian resonator guitar for a week of solitude in a remote Sheppard’s hut to sketch initial song ideas.
"It was important for me to really clear my mind of all distractions so I could focus on what I wanted to write on this album and the direction I wanted to take it in.
"I tried some unorthodox approaches to song writing that included meditation where I would imagine hearing a song in my mind, as complete as possible, including visualising the performance live.
"Next, I would pick up the guitar and capture the idea on my phone. That way I wasn’t led by what I usually do when I pick up the guitar. It was a very freeing, powerful experience, and a discipline I’ll use again to write more songs in the future."
For Invocation Troy worked with The Wings of Salvation production team; Dave Marks returned for production duties, Jo Webb mixed & mastered the album and Lee Russel’s Dulcitone Studios in Kettering were once again the logical choice to record Paul Stewart’s (The Feeling) drum tracks (the converted chapel has the perfect ambience for huge sounding rock drums).
Due to the streamlined process Redfern & Marks employed on the previous album, Invocation was written, recorded, and mixed in just under six weeks.
"It really was great to be able to realise and bring to fruition these songs as quickly as we did; It kept the ideas fresh and stopped them from becoming overworked and tired."
Invocation will be available in limited edition coloured vinyl, black vinyl, plus two different CD artwork designs. Pre-order here: https://troyredfern.com/new-album/
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Swedish post-punk/ goth icons Then Comes Silence have released their first single in nearly two years.
'Ride Or Die' also acts as opening statement of intent from their stunning new album, Trickery, which is out on 5th April.
Of the single, vocalist, bassist and synth player Alex Svenson states: "Friendship is love. It is important and worth fighting for. It's ride or die."
It’s a theme that permeates throughout much of Trickery, which celebrates friendship, unity, and the feeling of belonging to a tribe, which the band can wholly relate to: "Being a part of the post-punk and goth scene is a great privilege. After being on the road for so many years, we have experienced caring and welcoming audiences, both old and young; some with a similar background and some just for the love of the music, and the culture that comes with the lifestyle. We feel an incredible community together and it is a feeling that is both priceless and a blessing."
'Ride Or Die' also acts as opening statement of intent from their stunning new album, Trickery, which is out on 5th April.
Of the single, vocalist, bassist and synth player Alex Svenson states: "Friendship is love. It is important and worth fighting for. It's ride or die."
It’s a theme that permeates throughout much of Trickery, which celebrates friendship, unity, and the feeling of belonging to a tribe, which the band can wholly relate to: "Being a part of the post-punk and goth scene is a great privilege. After being on the road for so many years, we have experienced caring and welcoming audiences, both old and young; some with a similar background and some just for the love of the music, and the culture that comes with the lifestyle. We feel an incredible community together and it is a feeling that is both priceless and a blessing."
Trickery is also the audio definition of triumph over adversity.
Backtracking to 2022, on the eve of their first-ever US tour and eager to promote their just released Hunger album and 2020 predecessor Machine, TCS were suddenly and unexpectedly reduced to a three-piece. Would their famed darkwave wall-of-sound still work in a trio format? As was heard on subsequent US and European tours and now Trickery, the answer is a resounding yes.
(so much so that the band have resolved to continue with this slimmed-down line-up).
Trickery was recorded in just three days in Kapsylen Studio in Stockholm. With Jonas Fransson (a band member since 2015) laying down energetic punk backbeats and sleaze punk fan Hugo Zombie (who joined in 2018) providing inventive and rhythmic guitar lines, the main focus remains on Alex Svenson, the surviving founder member from the band's 2012 debut album.
His velvety croon and solid bass lines are enhanced on Trickery by retro synth sounds reminiscent of his recent solo futurist wave project, Neonpocalypse.
TCS recently signed to Metropolis Records for the worldwide release of Trickery.
"If later-era The Damned met Ultravox on a very dark night…"
- FabricationsHQ
Then Comes Silence – Trickery – 5th April 2024
Pre-order LP or CD: thttps://thencomessilence.bandcamp.com/
Pre-save Digital: ihttps://ingrv.es/trickery-fqf-x
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Backtracking to 2022, on the eve of their first-ever US tour and eager to promote their just released Hunger album and 2020 predecessor Machine, TCS were suddenly and unexpectedly reduced to a three-piece. Would their famed darkwave wall-of-sound still work in a trio format? As was heard on subsequent US and European tours and now Trickery, the answer is a resounding yes.
(so much so that the band have resolved to continue with this slimmed-down line-up).
Trickery was recorded in just three days in Kapsylen Studio in Stockholm. With Jonas Fransson (a band member since 2015) laying down energetic punk backbeats and sleaze punk fan Hugo Zombie (who joined in 2018) providing inventive and rhythmic guitar lines, the main focus remains on Alex Svenson, the surviving founder member from the band's 2012 debut album.
His velvety croon and solid bass lines are enhanced on Trickery by retro synth sounds reminiscent of his recent solo futurist wave project, Neonpocalypse.
TCS recently signed to Metropolis Records for the worldwide release of Trickery.
"If later-era The Damned met Ultravox on a very dark night…"
- FabricationsHQ
Then Comes Silence – Trickery – 5th April 2024
Pre-order LP or CD: thttps://thencomessilence.bandcamp.com/
Pre-save Digital: ihttps://ingrv.es/trickery-fqf-x
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The Milk Men, renowned for their innovative R&B take on the blues-rock sound and electrifying, high-energy live performances, have announced the forthcoming release of their latest, and fifth, album, Holy Cow!
Dovetailing with the album news is the release of lead-off single 'One Man Band,' which helps set the stage for what promises to be a standout record in a career that has already achieved some notable highlights.
Carrying a sing-along chorus that's already a hit with live audiences, One Man Band lyrically delves into the complexities of a relationship, where one person has mentally and emotionally moved on.
"One Man Band has a classic thumping blues-revved rhythm, jangly-flexy guitar shapes, and a very cobbly, hardpacked vocal… a treat!" - Rawramp
"A three-and-a-half-minute rhythm and country blues earworm winner." - FabricationsHQ
'One Man Band' is available on all digital platforms: https://themilkmen.hearnow.com/
Dovetailing with the album news is the release of lead-off single 'One Man Band,' which helps set the stage for what promises to be a standout record in a career that has already achieved some notable highlights.
Carrying a sing-along chorus that's already a hit with live audiences, One Man Band lyrically delves into the complexities of a relationship, where one person has mentally and emotionally moved on.
"One Man Band has a classic thumping blues-revved rhythm, jangly-flexy guitar shapes, and a very cobbly, hardpacked vocal… a treat!" - Rawramp
"A three-and-a-half-minute rhythm and country blues earworm winner." - FabricationsHQ
'One Man Band' is available on all digital platforms: https://themilkmen.hearnow.com/
Scheduled for release on May 3rd, Holy Cow! marks the band's fifth studio album, following a string of critically acclaimed releases. With a reputation as one of the most dynamic live acts on the circuit, The Milk Men have earned five nominations at the UK Blues Awards and were finalists in the UK Blues Challenge, solidifying their status as premier purveyors of British R'n'B talent.
Of the album, guitarist and co-producer Adam Norsworthy says "This is a leaner, tougher, and more dynamic album than any we have made before, but still dripping with hooks and some great lyrics. It’s very much what we do... just better than ever!"
Lead singer Jamie Smy adds, "This album has a number of core themes which could all be bracketed under 'the blues' in terms of subject matter, if not musically. Holy Cow is far rawer than our other albums with less overdubs and less backing vocals, but still packed with hooks, melody, and attitude. It's the closest we've got to The Milk Men live experience in the studio."
The band are completed by the tight, tidy and R&B sharp rhythm section of former Pirate Mike Roberts on drums and Lloyd Green (son of guitar legend Mick Green) on bass.
Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of influences (from AC/DC to Stevie Wonder), The Milk Men infuse Dr. Feelgood vibe'd R&B with a modern edge, characterized by their signature attack, energy, melody, bags of hooks and a sense of fun.
The Milk Men – Live Dates 2024
6 April -York Blues Festival – Headlining
7 April -The Flying Circus, Newark
26 April -Leeds Blues Club
27 April -Bosworth Blues Festival
16 May -Red Arrow Club, Ramsgate
18 May -Live@Eastwell Village Hall, Melton Mowbray
31 May - Venue 16, Ipswich (supporting Dr. Feelgood)
1 June - The Bird In Hand, Fareham, Hampshire
8 June - The Musician, Leicester
15 June - Boogaloo Festival, Toorak Hotel, Torquay
18 June - Tuesday Night Music Club, Coulsdon
27 June - The Half Moon, Putney
28 June - Blues At The Bay, Stockton
29 June - Saltburn Blues Club, N Yorkshire
30 June - The Cluny, Newcastle
6 July - Alfold Blues Festival
12 July -100 Club, Oxford Street (Supporting the Dirt Road Band)
21 July - Upton Blues Festival
3 August- Cambridge Rock Festival
25 August- Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival, Colne, Lancashire
14 September - Barleylands Blues Club
5 October- Swanage Blues Festival
15 October- The Music Den, Epping
25 October- Joe Joe Jim's, Birmingham
27 October - The Flying Circus, Newark
15 November- Blues on a Friday, The Butler, Reading
17 November- Pizza Express, The Pheasantry, Chelsea
14 December - The Musician, Leicester
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Of the album, guitarist and co-producer Adam Norsworthy says "This is a leaner, tougher, and more dynamic album than any we have made before, but still dripping with hooks and some great lyrics. It’s very much what we do... just better than ever!"
Lead singer Jamie Smy adds, "This album has a number of core themes which could all be bracketed under 'the blues' in terms of subject matter, if not musically. Holy Cow is far rawer than our other albums with less overdubs and less backing vocals, but still packed with hooks, melody, and attitude. It's the closest we've got to The Milk Men live experience in the studio."
The band are completed by the tight, tidy and R&B sharp rhythm section of former Pirate Mike Roberts on drums and Lloyd Green (son of guitar legend Mick Green) on bass.
Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of influences (from AC/DC to Stevie Wonder), The Milk Men infuse Dr. Feelgood vibe'd R&B with a modern edge, characterized by their signature attack, energy, melody, bags of hooks and a sense of fun.
The Milk Men – Live Dates 2024
6 April -York Blues Festival – Headlining
7 April -The Flying Circus, Newark
26 April -Leeds Blues Club
27 April -Bosworth Blues Festival
16 May -Red Arrow Club, Ramsgate
18 May -Live@Eastwell Village Hall, Melton Mowbray
31 May - Venue 16, Ipswich (supporting Dr. Feelgood)
1 June - The Bird In Hand, Fareham, Hampshire
8 June - The Musician, Leicester
15 June - Boogaloo Festival, Toorak Hotel, Torquay
18 June - Tuesday Night Music Club, Coulsdon
27 June - The Half Moon, Putney
28 June - Blues At The Bay, Stockton
29 June - Saltburn Blues Club, N Yorkshire
30 June - The Cluny, Newcastle
6 July - Alfold Blues Festival
12 July -100 Club, Oxford Street (Supporting the Dirt Road Band)
21 July - Upton Blues Festival
3 August- Cambridge Rock Festival
25 August- Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival, Colne, Lancashire
14 September - Barleylands Blues Club
5 October- Swanage Blues Festival
15 October- The Music Den, Epping
25 October- Joe Joe Jim's, Birmingham
27 October - The Flying Circus, Newark
15 November- Blues on a Friday, The Butler, Reading
17 November- Pizza Express, The Pheasantry, Chelsea
14 December - The Musician, Leicester
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Musician, singer, songwriter, broadcaster, producer and front man of acclaimed classic meets contemporary rockers the Wayward Sons, Toby Jepson, will return to the stage as an acoustic artist through May and June.
My Life in Words – Live Acoustic tour will see Jepson bring his stories of a "lifer" in the music business to seventeen venues across the UK, plus a retrospective run through the songs that have made him an enduring character of the UK’s rock scene for over 35 years.
Applauded for his lockdown 'Digital Busker' Facebook shows, broadcast live and free from his kitchen throughout the pandemic, Toby Jepson will deliver stories & songs with his usual healthy dose of energy and along with partner in crime Dave Kemp.
Tickets available via https://tobyjepsonofficial.com/tour-dates/
My Life in Words – Live Acoustic tour will see Jepson bring his stories of a "lifer" in the music business to seventeen venues across the UK, plus a retrospective run through the songs that have made him an enduring character of the UK’s rock scene for over 35 years.
Applauded for his lockdown 'Digital Busker' Facebook shows, broadcast live and free from his kitchen throughout the pandemic, Toby Jepson will deliver stories & songs with his usual healthy dose of energy and along with partner in crime Dave Kemp.
Tickets available via https://tobyjepsonofficial.com/tour-dates/
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Award winning producer & musician Steven Wilson continues his association with cult band Gentle Giant with his remix (in Dolby Atmos, Stereo and 5.1 surround sound) of their 1977 album The Missing Piece.
Without question one of Gentle Giant’s most polarizing and discussed releases for fan and critic alike (split between those bemused by its diversity and others enchanted by its versatility and sense of humour), The Missing Piece, the band’s ninth album, certainly proved they could play anything they set their minds to.
It was also the last Gentle Giant album to chart in the USA.
1977 was a time of change. Punk, Disco and New Wave were altering the musical landscape and Gentle Giant, by then a well-established progressive rock band, explored new directions.
Side One of The Missing Piece saw the band experimenting with grandiose balladeering ('I’m Turning Around'), syncopated funk ('Who Do You Think You Are?'), punky aggression ('Betcha Thought We Couldn’t Do It), the call and response soul shouting of 'Mountain Time' and quirky pop in the shape of 'Two Weeks in Spain.'
Normal service (if there was such a thing for Gentle Giant) was resumed on Side Two with some of their most sublime and intricate progressive stylings to that date – the breezily baroque 'As Old As You’re Young,' the yearningly elegiac 'Memories Of Old Days,' (featured on the video below), the percussive tour de force 'Winning' and 'Nobody,' a complex collection of driving, intertwining riffs that the band nonchalantly thundered through with apparent ease.
Without question one of Gentle Giant’s most polarizing and discussed releases for fan and critic alike (split between those bemused by its diversity and others enchanted by its versatility and sense of humour), The Missing Piece, the band’s ninth album, certainly proved they could play anything they set their minds to.
It was also the last Gentle Giant album to chart in the USA.
1977 was a time of change. Punk, Disco and New Wave were altering the musical landscape and Gentle Giant, by then a well-established progressive rock band, explored new directions.
Side One of The Missing Piece saw the band experimenting with grandiose balladeering ('I’m Turning Around'), syncopated funk ('Who Do You Think You Are?'), punky aggression ('Betcha Thought We Couldn’t Do It), the call and response soul shouting of 'Mountain Time' and quirky pop in the shape of 'Two Weeks in Spain.'
Normal service (if there was such a thing for Gentle Giant) was resumed on Side Two with some of their most sublime and intricate progressive stylings to that date – the breezily baroque 'As Old As You’re Young,' the yearningly elegiac 'Memories Of Old Days,' (featured on the video below), the percussive tour de force 'Winning' and 'Nobody,' a complex collection of driving, intertwining riffs that the band nonchalantly thundered through with apparent ease.
Gentle Giant – The Missing Piece. Original Release August 1977
Personnel:
Derek Shulman – Lead Vocals
Kerry Minnear – Keyboards, Vocals
Ray Shulman – Bass Guitar, 12 string Guitar
Gary Green – Electric and Acoustic Guitars
John “Pugwash” Weathers – Drums and Percussion
In addition to Steven Wilson’s new mix of the album, the digipak CD/Blu-ray version also contains an instrumental mix, the original 1977 stereo mix and videos for each track.
All remixes except the Atmos contain a bonus track, a previously unreleased outtake of 'Winning.'
The Missing Piece : Steven Wilson Remix will be released on Chrysalis Records on CD, 5.1 Blu-Ray and 180g vinyl on 29th March.
Preorder here: https://GentleGiantUK.lnk.to/TMP
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Personnel:
Derek Shulman – Lead Vocals
Kerry Minnear – Keyboards, Vocals
Ray Shulman – Bass Guitar, 12 string Guitar
Gary Green – Electric and Acoustic Guitars
John “Pugwash” Weathers – Drums and Percussion
In addition to Steven Wilson’s new mix of the album, the digipak CD/Blu-ray version also contains an instrumental mix, the original 1977 stereo mix and videos for each track.
All remixes except the Atmos contain a bonus track, a previously unreleased outtake of 'Winning.'
The Missing Piece : Steven Wilson Remix will be released on Chrysalis Records on CD, 5.1 Blu-Ray and 180g vinyl on 29th March.
Preorder here: https://GentleGiantUK.lnk.to/TMP
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Soulfully voiced songstress and busy new mother of twins, Jo Harman, after several months experimenting with various arrangements, has finally released new music (her first in close to nine years) in the shape of a beautifully simple but striking piano & vocal version of the Keb' Mo' song 'Has Anybody Seen.'
Stream/ listen on Spotify here.
It's also a reminder that, in the same way Beth Hart's voice equates to the very essence of the blues, Jo Harman just has to sing one note for you to not just hear soul, but feel it.
Stream/ listen on Spotify here.
It's also a reminder that, in the same way Beth Hart's voice equates to the very essence of the blues, Jo Harman just has to sing one note for you to not just hear soul, but feel it.
Some live studio recordings aside (notably 2020’s Signature Soul release), 'Has Anybody Seen' (which has sat in the drawer for the best part of two years) is the first 'studio proper' release from Jo Harman since going to Nashville in 2016 to record her multi-million streaming, Radio 2 playlisted People We Become album (although released in 2017, the album was actually recorded in late 2015/ early 2016).
'Has Anybody Seen,' re-arranged/ re-imagined and produced by Jo Harman with Mark Edwards (who also features on piano) is the potential start of more new music – Harman is in the process of recording one of guitarist-singer-songwriter Mike Mayfield's as yet unreleased songs, 'Enough,' which should come to fruition in the next month or two.
Jo Harman will head to the Caribbean with her seven-piece band next month to open the Curacao Blue Seas Festival; in May, she will play two shows in the main room at Ronnie Scotts.
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'Has Anybody Seen,' re-arranged/ re-imagined and produced by Jo Harman with Mark Edwards (who also features on piano) is the potential start of more new music – Harman is in the process of recording one of guitarist-singer-songwriter Mike Mayfield's as yet unreleased songs, 'Enough,' which should come to fruition in the next month or two.
Jo Harman will head to the Caribbean with her seven-piece band next month to open the Curacao Blue Seas Festival; in May, she will play two shows in the main room at Ronnie Scotts.
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Swedish heavy rockers Eclipse have released a brand new single entitled 'Apocalypse Blues.'
Described by the band as "a fusion of groove amidst chaos," 'Apocalypse Blues' is a hard rocking soundtrack that navigates doomsday with a smirk and a sway.
Scheduled for release on April 5th, the exclusive 7" version of the single promises fans a tangible piece of Eclipse's signature sound, delivering a 360 experience with an exclusive set of Eclipse Solar Glasses.
With 'Apocalypse Blues' leading the 7" charge, alongside the equally compelling 'Oathbreaker,' this limited edition single release will become a collector's item for avid followers of the band.
Pre-order the Exclusive 7" at: https://www.eclipsemerch.com/
"While our inaugural 7" single might not be the most practical during the apocalypse, at least you can safely witness the ‘Eclipse’ in April with the bundled glasses, sparing your eyes from harm. That's a win in our book!"
Described by the band as "a fusion of groove amidst chaos," 'Apocalypse Blues' is a hard rocking soundtrack that navigates doomsday with a smirk and a sway.
Scheduled for release on April 5th, the exclusive 7" version of the single promises fans a tangible piece of Eclipse's signature sound, delivering a 360 experience with an exclusive set of Eclipse Solar Glasses.
With 'Apocalypse Blues' leading the 7" charge, alongside the equally compelling 'Oathbreaker,' this limited edition single release will become a collector's item for avid followers of the band.
Pre-order the Exclusive 7" at: https://www.eclipsemerch.com/
"While our inaugural 7" single might not be the most practical during the apocalypse, at least you can safely witness the ‘Eclipse’ in April with the bundled glasses, sparing your eyes from harm. That's a win in our book!"
Produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by the band’s multi-talented Erik Martensson (vocals, guitars) at Mass Destruction Production studio, 'Apocalypse Blues' continues the Eclipse trend of huge rock anthems.
The band's lineup is completed by Magnus Henriksson (guitar), Philip Crusner (drums), and Victor Crusner (bass).
Eclipse have long since established themselves as one of Sweden's premier rock acts.
Their electrifying live performances have graced stages across the globe, from the USA, Japan and Australia to throughout Europe, including prestigious festivals such as Wacken Open Air, Graspop and Sweden Rock.
The band also boast an impressive online presence, with well over 100 million streams and approximately half a million monthly listeners across major music platforms.
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The band's lineup is completed by Magnus Henriksson (guitar), Philip Crusner (drums), and Victor Crusner (bass).
Eclipse have long since established themselves as one of Sweden's premier rock acts.
Their electrifying live performances have graced stages across the globe, from the USA, Japan and Australia to throughout Europe, including prestigious festivals such as Wacken Open Air, Graspop and Sweden Rock.
The band also boast an impressive online presence, with well over 100 million streams and approximately half a million monthly listeners across major music platforms.
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The soul, blues and seriously funkadelic Matt Pearce & The Mutiny have unveiled a new video ahead of the anticipated Spring UK tour alongside Sari Schorr, promoted by Planet Rock and The Gig Cartel (see tour poster further below).
The brand-new lyric video helps showcase the shuffling rhythm, irresistible groove and old-school boogie of 'From Here To The Moon,' one of Matt Pearce’s personal favourites from the band’s highly acclaimed sophomore album, The Soul Food Store.
Of the highly infectious number, Matt Pearce says "We don't think there's nearly enough boogieing happening these days, so our mission is to bring it into the 21st Century! And continuing with our Moon theme is our cosmic new video, so is everybody ready to boldly go where the music takes us?"
The brand-new lyric video helps showcase the shuffling rhythm, irresistible groove and old-school boogie of 'From Here To The Moon,' one of Matt Pearce’s personal favourites from the band’s highly acclaimed sophomore album, The Soul Food Store.
Of the highly infectious number, Matt Pearce says "We don't think there's nearly enough boogieing happening these days, so our mission is to bring it into the 21st Century! And continuing with our Moon theme is our cosmic new video, so is everybody ready to boldly go where the music takes us?"
Of the tour, the enthusiastic and enthused front man continues:
"Sharing the stage with acclaimed blues sensation Sari Schorr is not only an honour but also an opportunity to collaborate musically each night, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans. Touring with Sari and her amazing band is an inspiration to me and the Mutineers, and an invitation for us to bring our A-Game every night! We predict stratospheric levels of groove... plus it's being promoted by our fave rock radio station!"
The Soul Food Store album brims with funky musical goodness: the kind of sound that Matt Pearce adores and set out to create when he first formed this project.
The album reached #1 in the Amazon Blues Chart and received high praise from press.
"Imagine Joe Cocker, Santana, Prince, Stevie Wonder and The Beatles having an impromptu late-night jam."
- Great Music Stories.
"This is an album of the year: joyous, blaring, dancing around music to salve the soul." - Powerplay
"As musically satisfying and fulfilling as the more spiritual meaning of Soul Food represents - I’m immediately going back for seconds." - FabricationsHQ
"Sharing the stage with acclaimed blues sensation Sari Schorr is not only an honour but also an opportunity to collaborate musically each night, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans. Touring with Sari and her amazing band is an inspiration to me and the Mutineers, and an invitation for us to bring our A-Game every night! We predict stratospheric levels of groove... plus it's being promoted by our fave rock radio station!"
The Soul Food Store album brims with funky musical goodness: the kind of sound that Matt Pearce adores and set out to create when he first formed this project.
The album reached #1 in the Amazon Blues Chart and received high praise from press.
"Imagine Joe Cocker, Santana, Prince, Stevie Wonder and The Beatles having an impromptu late-night jam."
- Great Music Stories.
"This is an album of the year: joyous, blaring, dancing around music to salve the soul." - Powerplay
"As musically satisfying and fulfilling as the more spiritual meaning of Soul Food represents - I’m immediately going back for seconds." - FabricationsHQ
Tickets:
https://www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/Sari-Schorr-and-Matt-Pearce.htm
https://www.planetrocktickets.co.uk/event/matt-pearce-the-mutiny/
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https://www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/Sari-Schorr-and-Matt-Pearce.htm
https://www.planetrocktickets.co.uk/event/matt-pearce-the-mutiny/
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Grammy Award-winning Mississippi/ Hill Country/ trad. blues singer-songwriter Cedric Burnside will release his deeply personal new album Hill Country Love on 5th April via Provogue Records/Mascot Label Group.
Pre-order at: https://lnk.to/cedricburnside
As the title confirms, Hill Country Love vibrantly explores the subset genre of Hill Country Blues, infused with Burnside's singular experiences and musical heritage from the rolling hills of Northern Mississippi.
The album has been preceded by, first, the title track as lead single and, now, Closer, a rootsy exploration of faith, resilience, and the unbreakable bond to one's roots.
"I wrote Closer because I've been through a lot of things in life – I'm sure we all have. My faith got tested a bunch here on this earth, and I don't always get it right. I've made a lot of mistakes, but you gotta try to get it right the next time and live as righteous as you can. That's what it's all about."
Pre-order at: https://lnk.to/cedricburnside
As the title confirms, Hill Country Love vibrantly explores the subset genre of Hill Country Blues, infused with Burnside's singular experiences and musical heritage from the rolling hills of Northern Mississippi.
The album has been preceded by, first, the title track as lead single and, now, Closer, a rootsy exploration of faith, resilience, and the unbreakable bond to one's roots.
"I wrote Closer because I've been through a lot of things in life – I'm sure we all have. My faith got tested a bunch here on this earth, and I don't always get it right. I've made a lot of mistakes, but you gotta try to get it right the next time and live as righteous as you can. That's what it's all about."
Hill Country Love was recorded in an old building in the small town of Ripley, Mississippi.
The space, initially earmarked to be Burnside's juke joint, created an authentic and resonant sound environment, capturing the essence of the album's soulful and gritty aesthetic.
Produced alongside fellow Mississippian Luther Dickinson, the album's 14 tracks were completed in an extraordinary two-day session, highlighting the spontaneous and raw energy of Burnside's music.
Cedric Burnside's musical odyssey began when he was just 13, playing drums for his grandfather, the legendary R.L. Burnside; his recording career spans more than a decade and is marked by critical acclaim and artistic growth.
With Grammy nominations for Descendants of Hill Country and Benton County Relic, he went on to win the Grammy for Best Traditional Blues Album with I Be Trying in 2021.
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The space, initially earmarked to be Burnside's juke joint, created an authentic and resonant sound environment, capturing the essence of the album's soulful and gritty aesthetic.
Produced alongside fellow Mississippian Luther Dickinson, the album's 14 tracks were completed in an extraordinary two-day session, highlighting the spontaneous and raw energy of Burnside's music.
Cedric Burnside's musical odyssey began when he was just 13, playing drums for his grandfather, the legendary R.L. Burnside; his recording career spans more than a decade and is marked by critical acclaim and artistic growth.
With Grammy nominations for Descendants of Hill Country and Benton County Relic, he went on to win the Grammy for Best Traditional Blues Album with I Be Trying in 2021.
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Robert Jon & The Wreck, the outstanding southern/ roots rock & roll collective from Southern California, have confirmed the forthcoming release of their new album, Red Moon Rising.
Released worldwide on June 28th by Joe Bonamassa's Journeyman Records, the album is available to pre-order by clicking here.
To coincide with the album announcement, the band have released the title track as the latest taster single.
Stream it here: https://ffm.to/rjwtrmr
A slight departure from the band's more traditional rootsy/ southern sound, 'Red Moon Rising' is a funkier proposition with shades of psychedlia and a lyric of rebirth that doubles as a pointer to the album itself.
"Red Moon Rising started out as a simple jam in the room and took on a life of its own" says frontman Robert Jon Burrison. "It's about all the beliefs, myths, and traditions surrounding a red moon, symbolizing rebirth and change, which perfectly encapsulates the spirit of our new album."
Released worldwide on June 28th by Joe Bonamassa's Journeyman Records, the album is available to pre-order by clicking here.
To coincide with the album announcement, the band have released the title track as the latest taster single.
Stream it here: https://ffm.to/rjwtrmr
A slight departure from the band's more traditional rootsy/ southern sound, 'Red Moon Rising' is a funkier proposition with shades of psychedlia and a lyric of rebirth that doubles as a pointer to the album itself.
"Red Moon Rising started out as a simple jam in the room and took on a life of its own" says frontman Robert Jon Burrison. "It's about all the beliefs, myths, and traditions surrounding a red moon, symbolizing rebirth and change, which perfectly encapsulates the spirit of our new album."
RJ&TW will be back in the UK in November and December for a headline winter tour (see poster below).
Tickets are on sale now from ROBERTJONANDTHEWRECK.COM, GIGANTIC and ALTTICKETS.COM
Since forming in 2011, Robert Jon & The Wreck – Robert Jon Burrison (lead vocals, guitar), Andrew Espantman (drums, backing vocals), Henry James Schneekluth (lead guitar, backing vocals), Warren Murrel (bass) and recently joining as an official member, Jake Abernathie (keys) – have consistently grown, both in musical prowess and fanbase.
In addition to the release of last years's studio album Ride Into The Light, 2023 also saw RJTW release their first-ever concert film, Live At The Ancienne Belgique - the live CD/DVD set captured the Wreck amid their longest-ever tour (67 performances in 75 days across 9 countries).
Tickets are on sale now from ROBERTJONANDTHEWRECK.COM, GIGANTIC and ALTTICKETS.COM
Since forming in 2011, Robert Jon & The Wreck – Robert Jon Burrison (lead vocals, guitar), Andrew Espantman (drums, backing vocals), Henry James Schneekluth (lead guitar, backing vocals), Warren Murrel (bass) and recently joining as an official member, Jake Abernathie (keys) – have consistently grown, both in musical prowess and fanbase.
In addition to the release of last years's studio album Ride Into The Light, 2023 also saw RJTW release their first-ever concert film, Live At The Ancienne Belgique - the live CD/DVD set captured the Wreck amid their longest-ever tour (67 performances in 75 days across 9 countries).
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Lebanon based progressive metal band Turbulence have released a brand new single entitled 'Corrosion,' complete with a very on-point/ current times lyric video.
The song is lifted from the band’s forthcoming and third, full-length album Binary Dream, which is set for release on Frontiers Records on March 8th.
Pre-order the album here: https://orcd.co/binarydream
The song is lifted from the band’s forthcoming and third, full-length album Binary Dream, which is set for release on Frontiers Records on March 8th.
Pre-order the album here: https://orcd.co/binarydream
The new album, as the band explain, is "a narrative wrapped in layers of groovy, technical progressive metal, with nods to Djent and jazz fusion. It's an exploration, a questioning, and an awakening. Dive into the journey of 8b+1, a robot at the centre of an experiment called Binary Dreaming; we're taken through a story of consciousness awakening, with each of the nine tracks a blend of technical skill and emotive storytelling, reflecting the band's growth and ambition."
Since forming in 2013 around composers Alain Ibrahim (guitars) and Mood Yassin (keyboards), Turbulence have delivered dynamic, innovative, and progressive musical experiences. Joining Ibrahim & Yassin on the Turbulence journey are Omar El Hage (vocals), Anthony Atwe (bass) and Sayed Gereige (drums).
Binary Dream is a revolutionary addition to Turbulence's discography.
Following on from debut album Disequilibrium and the critical success of sophomore release Frontal, the band continues to showcase their ability to weave intricate musical narratives, merging modern sounds with progressive elements.
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Since forming in 2013 around composers Alain Ibrahim (guitars) and Mood Yassin (keyboards), Turbulence have delivered dynamic, innovative, and progressive musical experiences. Joining Ibrahim & Yassin on the Turbulence journey are Omar El Hage (vocals), Anthony Atwe (bass) and Sayed Gereige (drums).
Binary Dream is a revolutionary addition to Turbulence's discography.
Following on from debut album Disequilibrium and the critical success of sophomore release Frontal, the band continues to showcase their ability to weave intricate musical narratives, merging modern sounds with progressive elements.
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US southern rock 'n' rollers Preacher Stone will release their highly awaited and emotive new album V on 29th March.
"It’s been eight years since we released our last album and so much has gone on for us and the world since then!" frontman Ronnie Riddle explains passionately. "We’ve had loves and losses, a global pandemic, but played a heap of shows and tours despite that, so we’ve ended up with a lot to say! It’s a reflection of our times, good and bad, and it grew into this epic collection of music that we’re sure all can relate to from any walk of life."
The album includes the previously released singles 'Damage Is Done' and the heartfelt ‘Rise Up,’ of which Riddle says: "Musically the song grew into this epic piece that lyrically, like a lot of the album, we’re sure all can relate to, and that the listener can be inspired by, to be a good person during any trying times."
"It’s been eight years since we released our last album and so much has gone on for us and the world since then!" frontman Ronnie Riddle explains passionately. "We’ve had loves and losses, a global pandemic, but played a heap of shows and tours despite that, so we’ve ended up with a lot to say! It’s a reflection of our times, good and bad, and it grew into this epic collection of music that we’re sure all can relate to from any walk of life."
The album includes the previously released singles 'Damage Is Done' and the heartfelt ‘Rise Up,’ of which Riddle says: "Musically the song grew into this epic piece that lyrically, like a lot of the album, we’re sure all can relate to, and that the listener can be inspired by, to be a good person during any trying times."
Hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina, Preacher Stone deliver guitar-driven, Hammonf backed classic/ southern rock songs about the common man with smoky bar frequenting tales, while the swagger of their live performances have earned them a legion of faithful fans known as "The Congregation."
Alongside Ronnie Riddle and co-founding member Marty Hill (lead guitar) are Ben Robinson (guitar), Jim Bolt (bass), Josh Wyatt (drums) and the sorely missed Johnny Webb (B3, piano), who sadly passed away in January.
(The album cover art pays tribute to Webb and honours him, bearing his signature).
Preacher Stone's song 'Not Today' (from their 2009 self-titled debut album) was featured on two seasons of the hit Fox TV series Sons of Anarchy; in 2023 the band played their debut UK shows to rapturous acclaim, while previous tours across the US and Europe have seen the band share the stage with legendary acts such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, and Deep Purple.
"We can’t wait to share V with you all when the time comes, as it’s our best work yet!"
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Alongside Ronnie Riddle and co-founding member Marty Hill (lead guitar) are Ben Robinson (guitar), Jim Bolt (bass), Josh Wyatt (drums) and the sorely missed Johnny Webb (B3, piano), who sadly passed away in January.
(The album cover art pays tribute to Webb and honours him, bearing his signature).
Preacher Stone's song 'Not Today' (from their 2009 self-titled debut album) was featured on two seasons of the hit Fox TV series Sons of Anarchy; in 2023 the band played their debut UK shows to rapturous acclaim, while previous tours across the US and Europe have seen the band share the stage with legendary acts such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, and Deep Purple.
"We can’t wait to share V with you all when the time comes, as it’s our best work yet!"
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Legendary space-rockers Hawkwind have announced a brand-new studio album, Stories From Time And Space.
The album, mastered at Abbey Road Studios, follows their critically acclaimed 2023 album The Future Never Waits. Their 36th studio album, it stands as another outstanding addition to their varied and celebrated catalogue.
From the futuristic, synth-laden opener 'Our Lives Can’t Last Forever' and innovative psychedelic swirl of 'The Starship (One Love One Life)' and 'Traveller of Time & Space,' to the lamenting saxophones and menacing riffs of 'What Are We Going To Do While We’re Here' and 'Stargazers,' the band deliver thirteen tracks of classic Hawkwind material.
Stories From Time And Space features Dave Brock, Richard Chadwick, Magnus Martin, Doug MacKinnon and Tim "Thighpaulsandra" Lewis.
The album, which will be available on CD, Double Vinyl, Digital Download and Streaming, and will be released on April 5th to dovetail with six live shows the same month.
Three summer dates have also been confirmed.
Hawkwind live dates:
Wednesday 3rd April – Wulfrum Hall, Wolverhampton; Thursday 4th April – Academy, Manchester
Friday 5th April – O2 City Hall, Newcastle; Saturday 6th April – O2 Academy, Edinburgh
Sunday 7th April – O2 Academy, Glasgow; Monday 8th April – Mandela Hall, Belfast
Saturday 15th June – Northern Kin Festival, Durham; Friday 16th August – Forum, Bath
Saturday 17th August – A New Day Festival, Kent
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The album, mastered at Abbey Road Studios, follows their critically acclaimed 2023 album The Future Never Waits. Their 36th studio album, it stands as another outstanding addition to their varied and celebrated catalogue.
From the futuristic, synth-laden opener 'Our Lives Can’t Last Forever' and innovative psychedelic swirl of 'The Starship (One Love One Life)' and 'Traveller of Time & Space,' to the lamenting saxophones and menacing riffs of 'What Are We Going To Do While We’re Here' and 'Stargazers,' the band deliver thirteen tracks of classic Hawkwind material.
Stories From Time And Space features Dave Brock, Richard Chadwick, Magnus Martin, Doug MacKinnon and Tim "Thighpaulsandra" Lewis.
The album, which will be available on CD, Double Vinyl, Digital Download and Streaming, and will be released on April 5th to dovetail with six live shows the same month.
Three summer dates have also been confirmed.
Hawkwind live dates:
Wednesday 3rd April – Wulfrum Hall, Wolverhampton; Thursday 4th April – Academy, Manchester
Friday 5th April – O2 City Hall, Newcastle; Saturday 6th April – O2 Academy, Edinburgh
Sunday 7th April – O2 Academy, Glasgow; Monday 8th April – Mandela Hall, Belfast
Saturday 15th June – Northern Kin Festival, Durham; Friday 16th August – Forum, Bath
Saturday 17th August – A New Day Festival, Kent
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Ronnie Romero will release the Deluxe LP edition of his latest album Too Many Lies, Too Many Masters on March 15th.
The Deluxe LP edition of the album will be available as Gold Double Vinyl as well as digitally; the Deluxe edition includes a bonus track, a piano & vocal version of Queen’s 'The Show Must Go On.'
Dovetailing the announcement is a new music video for album track, 'Vengeance.'
The Deluxe LP edition of the album will be available as Gold Double Vinyl as well as digitally; the Deluxe edition includes a bonus track, a piano & vocal version of Queen’s 'The Show Must Go On.'
Dovetailing the announcement is a new music video for album track, 'Vengeance.'
Originally released in September 2023, Too Many Lies, Too Many Masters is the first solo album from Ronnie Romero to feature all-new original material.
It follows on from Romero’s first two cover-album solo releases, 2023's Raised On Heavy Radio (paying tribute to artists from the metal world including Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden and Metallica), and 2022’s Raised On Radio, featuring deeper song cuts from the discography of Survivor, Bad Company, Foreigner, Queen, Led Zeppelin and more.
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It follows on from Romero’s first two cover-album solo releases, 2023's Raised On Heavy Radio (paying tribute to artists from the metal world including Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden and Metallica), and 2022’s Raised On Radio, featuring deeper song cuts from the discography of Survivor, Bad Company, Foreigner, Queen, Led Zeppelin and more.
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Toronto based roots-rockers The Commoners will release their highly anticipated third album, Restless, on Gypsy Soul Records on 21st June.
The album is available to pre-order now on CD or Vinyl at https://thecommoners.ca/STORE/
'The Way I Am,' the second single taken from the forthcoming album, has now been released.
It's available on all streaming platforms here.
The new single is also the perfect follow-up to previous single, the soul-fuelled and southern 'Devil Teasin’ Me,' which garnered a 10-week run on Planet Rock.
Lyrically stance taking, musically invigorating, and supported by harmony-rich choruses (Chris Medhurst’s impacting lead vocals are supported by guest backing singer Sandra Bouza), 'The Way I Am' is as spirited as it is southern rock-soulful and roots rocking.
The album is available to pre-order now on CD or Vinyl at https://thecommoners.ca/STORE/
'The Way I Am,' the second single taken from the forthcoming album, has now been released.
It's available on all streaming platforms here.
The new single is also the perfect follow-up to previous single, the soul-fuelled and southern 'Devil Teasin’ Me,' which garnered a 10-week run on Planet Rock.
Lyrically stance taking, musically invigorating, and supported by harmony-rich choruses (Chris Medhurst’s impacting lead vocals are supported by guest backing singer Sandra Bouza), 'The Way I Am' is as spirited as it is southern rock-soulful and roots rocking.
Of The Commoner’s sound, style and approach, the band’s guitarist and producer Ross Hayes Citrullo says: "We wanted to marry old and new southern rock together in a way that was unique to the band’s Canadian roots. By adding the soul and rock elements of The Black Crowes and southern blues rock undertones of The Allman Brothers to a production style akin to Blackberry Smoke and Rival Sons, I think we developed an authentic sound that compares sonically to some of our favourite records across all of those music genres."
2023 was a successful and busy year of recording and touring the UK, in support of Grammy-nominated duo Samantha Fish and Jesse Dayton. The release of Restless will see The Commoners hitting the road once more in 2024, with two UK festivals (Steelhouse and Maid of Stone) already confirmed, with more dates to be announced in the coming weeks.
"The Commoners are well-named in terms of their everyman (and woman) outlook and perspective; musically however, they are uncommonly good." - FabricationsHQ
"The Commoners bring their own brand of southern rock 'n' roll swagger." - Rock and Blues Muse
"The Commoners produce sounds of exceptionality, effectiveness, and very high-quality craftsmanship."
- Raw Ramp
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2023 was a successful and busy year of recording and touring the UK, in support of Grammy-nominated duo Samantha Fish and Jesse Dayton. The release of Restless will see The Commoners hitting the road once more in 2024, with two UK festivals (Steelhouse and Maid of Stone) already confirmed, with more dates to be announced in the coming weeks.
"The Commoners are well-named in terms of their everyman (and woman) outlook and perspective; musically however, they are uncommonly good." - FabricationsHQ
"The Commoners bring their own brand of southern rock 'n' roll swagger." - Rock and Blues Muse
"The Commoners produce sounds of exceptionality, effectiveness, and very high-quality craftsmanship."
- Raw Ramp
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Blues-rock icon Walter Trout, who has been riding a creatively formidable wave since his arduous but eventually full recovery from a liver transplant ten years ago, will release an at times raucous, at times poignant, new album entitled Broken in the spring.
The album, which will be released on March 1st, features guest appearances from Twisted Sister's Dee Snider, harmonica virtuoso Will Wilde (on lead-off single 'Bleed') and, on the blues balladeering title track/ new single, Beth Hart.
"I thought Beth could relate to Broken," says Walter. "With that song, I was looking at the world – especially what’s going on in the United States – but also thinking about my recovery from the things that happened to me. My wife, Marie, was able to help me with the lyrics – and she nailed it. The guitar solo, that’s maybe my favourite on the record. I tracked it with the band, one take."
The album, which will be released on March 1st, features guest appearances from Twisted Sister's Dee Snider, harmonica virtuoso Will Wilde (on lead-off single 'Bleed') and, on the blues balladeering title track/ new single, Beth Hart.
"I thought Beth could relate to Broken," says Walter. "With that song, I was looking at the world – especially what’s going on in the United States – but also thinking about my recovery from the things that happened to me. My wife, Marie, was able to help me with the lyrics – and she nailed it. The guitar solo, that’s maybe my favourite on the record. I tracked it with the band, one take."
All of us are broken, but no one is beyond repair.
That’s a philosophy Walter Trout has lived by during seven volatile decades at the heart of America's blues-rock scene. Now, on Broken, with the world more fractured than ever by politics, economics, social media and culture wars, the fabled US bluesman chronicles the bitter schisms of modern life, but refuses to succumb to them.
"I've always tried to write positive songs, and this album is not quite that," considers the 72-year-old of an all-original track listing that both rages and soothes. "But I always hold on to hope. I think that's why I wrote this album."
Pre-order here: https://lnk.to/waltertrout
Purchasing the CD or Transparent Vinyl versions of Broken from the Mascot Webstore includes a free download of the album: https://uk.mascotlabelgroup.com/collections/walter-trout
Walter Trout will return to the UK in October for eight dates
(Tickets available from www.thegigcartel.com )
16 Oct – Opera House, Buxton
17 Oct – Queens hall, Edinburgh
18 Oct – The Glasshouse, Gateshead
19 Oct – Picturedrome, Holmfirth
22 Oct – Apex, Bury St Edmunds
23 Oct – Cheese & Grain, Frome
24 Oct - Town Hall, Birmingham
25 Oct - Islington Assembly Hall, London
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That’s a philosophy Walter Trout has lived by during seven volatile decades at the heart of America's blues-rock scene. Now, on Broken, with the world more fractured than ever by politics, economics, social media and culture wars, the fabled US bluesman chronicles the bitter schisms of modern life, but refuses to succumb to them.
"I've always tried to write positive songs, and this album is not quite that," considers the 72-year-old of an all-original track listing that both rages and soothes. "But I always hold on to hope. I think that's why I wrote this album."
Pre-order here: https://lnk.to/waltertrout
Purchasing the CD or Transparent Vinyl versions of Broken from the Mascot Webstore includes a free download of the album: https://uk.mascotlabelgroup.com/collections/walter-trout
Walter Trout will return to the UK in October for eight dates
(Tickets available from www.thegigcartel.com )
16 Oct – Opera House, Buxton
17 Oct – Queens hall, Edinburgh
18 Oct – The Glasshouse, Gateshead
19 Oct – Picturedrome, Holmfirth
22 Oct – Apex, Bury St Edmunds
23 Oct – Cheese & Grain, Frome
24 Oct - Town Hall, Birmingham
25 Oct - Islington Assembly Hall, London
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Attention grabbing Welsh rockers The Now will release their dynamic debut album Too Hot To Handle via Trew Music on March 1st.
The album, recorded at Real World Studios and produced by Grammy Award winning Oli Jacobs, (Peter Gabriel, The 1975), will be available on CD, Vinyl, and all Digital platforms.
It can pre-ordered/ pre-saved (along with other merch) here: https://www.thenowuk.com/shop
The atmospheric and hard hitting title track, which opens the album, tells a story, as frontman Shane Callaghan confirms:
"We’ve been inspired by some of the brave stories told by people who have suffered from mental health; we all read remarkable stories during men’s mental health week and continue to read about the stresses people can come under. We thought there’d be nothing better than writing a song about it, and pulling in a collection of our experiences and stories in life, so far, across our debut."
The album also includes three previous singles, the alt pop-rock of 'Get Out,' the shifting, contemporary riff and roll of 'Girl You Got Me,' and the pulsating, pedal-down 'Devil Inside Me,' all of which, along with the other seven tracks, highlight the band’s sonic breadth.
The album, recorded at Real World Studios and produced by Grammy Award winning Oli Jacobs, (Peter Gabriel, The 1975), will be available on CD, Vinyl, and all Digital platforms.
It can pre-ordered/ pre-saved (along with other merch) here: https://www.thenowuk.com/shop
The atmospheric and hard hitting title track, which opens the album, tells a story, as frontman Shane Callaghan confirms:
"We’ve been inspired by some of the brave stories told by people who have suffered from mental health; we all read remarkable stories during men’s mental health week and continue to read about the stresses people can come under. We thought there’d be nothing better than writing a song about it, and pulling in a collection of our experiences and stories in life, so far, across our debut."
The album also includes three previous singles, the alt pop-rock of 'Get Out,' the shifting, contemporary riff and roll of 'Girl You Got Me,' and the pulsating, pedal-down 'Devil Inside Me,' all of which, along with the other seven tracks, highlight the band’s sonic breadth.
Hailing from South Wales, the highly contemporary quartet feature Shane Callaghan (lead vocals/guitar), Callum Bromage (guitar/vocals), Jay Evans (bass/vocals) and Will Scott (drums).
Their hooky, alt-influenced and instantly relatable music has been featured on Planet Rock, ITV, Radio 2 Johnnie Walker Show and Sky Sports.
Having supported Reef, Florence Black, and shared the stage with names such as Placebo and Noel Gallagher (in addition to a rapturous reception at The Isle of Wight Festival and a fantastic ovation at Planet Rockstock) The Now head into 2024 with their forthcoming debut album, a headline Album Launch show at O2 Academy 2 in Islington on March 7th (tickets on sale here) and an appearance at the Station 18 Festival in Swansea. More shows, festivals and ventures to Europe, will be announced later.
"We believe Too Hot To Handle showcases our diverse range of writing and sound, we’re not to be pigeonholed one way stylistically. Ultimately you can be who you want to be, make the music you believe in, and shouldn’t care what anyone says about what you choose to do in life as it’s simply too short."
"This is a band musically, lyrically, and wholly, in The Now." - FabricationsHQ
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Their hooky, alt-influenced and instantly relatable music has been featured on Planet Rock, ITV, Radio 2 Johnnie Walker Show and Sky Sports.
Having supported Reef, Florence Black, and shared the stage with names such as Placebo and Noel Gallagher (in addition to a rapturous reception at The Isle of Wight Festival and a fantastic ovation at Planet Rockstock) The Now head into 2024 with their forthcoming debut album, a headline Album Launch show at O2 Academy 2 in Islington on March 7th (tickets on sale here) and an appearance at the Station 18 Festival in Swansea. More shows, festivals and ventures to Europe, will be announced later.
"We believe Too Hot To Handle showcases our diverse range of writing and sound, we’re not to be pigeonholed one way stylistically. Ultimately you can be who you want to be, make the music you believe in, and shouldn’t care what anyone says about what you choose to do in life as it’s simply too short."
"This is a band musically, lyrically, and wholly, in The Now." - FabricationsHQ
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Oli Brown & The Dead Collective have announced a batch of eagerly awaited headline dates for April; tickets for the Initium Tour, which takes in ten dates across England (see tour poster below), are on sale now at: https://www.olibrownofficial.com/tour
Venue/ date specific support across the ten shows comes from Dan Byrne and Zac And The New Men.
The tour strikes on from a number of attention grabbing shows (including opening for The Answer earlier this year) and the subsequent release of two, darkly gripping EP’s, Prelude and Prologue. Both received rave reviews across the board.
Of the EP’s and the band’s sound, Oli Brown says "When I started writing my next collection of songs, I had no idea what would come. My subconscious was about to make me more aware of what was happening in my mental health than my consciousness. I realised these songs would quickly take on a more significant meaning to my life.
After a series of traumatic experiences, which led to extensive therapy, I put the fragmented pieces into these new song lyrics. As I began to rebuild my foundations, for the first time as a singer, I could utilise the synergy between my heart and my voice, connecting the performance, expression, and vulnerability of the lyrics with brutal honesty. This is no longer about performing for the sake of performing; it’s a release of everything bottled in for too long, transformed into monumental delivery."
Venue/ date specific support across the ten shows comes from Dan Byrne and Zac And The New Men.
The tour strikes on from a number of attention grabbing shows (including opening for The Answer earlier this year) and the subsequent release of two, darkly gripping EP’s, Prelude and Prologue. Both received rave reviews across the board.
Of the EP’s and the band’s sound, Oli Brown says "When I started writing my next collection of songs, I had no idea what would come. My subconscious was about to make me more aware of what was happening in my mental health than my consciousness. I realised these songs would quickly take on a more significant meaning to my life.
After a series of traumatic experiences, which led to extensive therapy, I put the fragmented pieces into these new song lyrics. As I began to rebuild my foundations, for the first time as a singer, I could utilise the synergy between my heart and my voice, connecting the performance, expression, and vulnerability of the lyrics with brutal honesty. This is no longer about performing for the sake of performing; it’s a release of everything bottled in for too long, transformed into monumental delivery."
Dark and haunting, with epic scale and cinematic scope, Oli Brown & The Dead Collective traverse the depths of the human psyche with unflinching truth; yet even in the darkest, heaviest moments of their songs, there is a sense of hope and redemption. "Out with the old, in with the Dead."
"Watching this band is an experience. The music is majestic and loaded with emotion." - Moshville Times,
"Truly a spectacular and electric performance." - Maximum Voltage Music
"This is a band that have retained the weight of Oli Brown’s previous ensembles but added musically earthy and lyrically honest qualities to the mix" - FabricationsHQ
Official Website https://www.olibrownofficial.com/
"Watching this band is an experience. The music is majestic and loaded with emotion." - Moshville Times,
"Truly a spectacular and electric performance." - Maximum Voltage Music
"This is a band that have retained the weight of Oli Brown’s previous ensembles but added musically earthy and lyrically honest qualities to the mix" - FabricationsHQ
Official Website https://www.olibrownofficial.com/
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British contemporary rock band Kira Mac will undertake a 12-date Spring UK Tour through April and may (see poster below).
Tickets are available from planetrock.com, thegigcartel.com and kiramac.com.
Kira Mac, one of the UK's hottest rock up and comers, reinvent the classic rock genre with a modern and contemporary twist.
Their music carries the power of old-school rock, but fused with contemporary flair and a generous dose of rock 'n’ roll attitude, heard to fine effect on their attention grabbing 2022 debut album, Chaos Is Calling, which included a handful of impacting singles including 'Mississippi Swinging.'
(Read FabricationsHQ's feature review of the album here).
Fronted by Rhiannon Hill’s powerhouse vocals and Joe Worrall's guitar skills, the band delivers a fresh take on rock 'n roll songwriting, with a distinctive sound.
Support on the tour will come from Midlands rock and roll outfit JAYLER, a hard hitting young rock band that deliver full-on, energetic rock sets.
The band released an EP entitled A Piece In Our Time toward the end of last year; the EP featured six songs including the bombastic and hi-energy 'No Woman.'
Tickets are available from planetrock.com, thegigcartel.com and kiramac.com.
Kira Mac, one of the UK's hottest rock up and comers, reinvent the classic rock genre with a modern and contemporary twist.
Their music carries the power of old-school rock, but fused with contemporary flair and a generous dose of rock 'n’ roll attitude, heard to fine effect on their attention grabbing 2022 debut album, Chaos Is Calling, which included a handful of impacting singles including 'Mississippi Swinging.'
(Read FabricationsHQ's feature review of the album here).
Fronted by Rhiannon Hill’s powerhouse vocals and Joe Worrall's guitar skills, the band delivers a fresh take on rock 'n roll songwriting, with a distinctive sound.
Support on the tour will come from Midlands rock and roll outfit JAYLER, a hard hitting young rock band that deliver full-on, energetic rock sets.
The band released an EP entitled A Piece In Our Time toward the end of last year; the EP featured six songs including the bombastic and hi-energy 'No Woman.'
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Blues rock guitarist, singer and songwriter Philip Sayce has released a new single entitled 'Backstabber.'
The song is the third single to be lifted off his highly anticipated new album, The Wolves Are Coming (Atomic Gemini/ Forty Below Records), which will be released on February 23rd.
Stream 'Backstabber' here: https://fortybelow.ffm.to/philipsayce-backstabber
Pre-order The Wolves Are Coming here:
https://fortybelow.ffm.to/sayce-thewolvesarecoming
Of the musically and lyrically hard-hitting song, Philip Sayce says "This is a song about fake friends and a ruthless music business. I think the lyrics speak loud and clear, and the weight of the track conveys the intensity of my feelings. It is a jungle out there; watch your back. This song also speaks to my life-long journey with OCD – named one of the ten most disabling disorders by the World Health Organization – and this burden that myself, and many others live with every day."
Produced by Philip Sayce at Station House Studio in Los Angeles, 'Backstabber' features Sayce (vocals, guitar, bass, piano) in the company of Michael Leasure (Walter Trout, Edgar Winter) on drums and Fred Mandel (Queen, Supertramp, Elton John) on keys.
The song is the third single to be lifted off his highly anticipated new album, The Wolves Are Coming (Atomic Gemini/ Forty Below Records), which will be released on February 23rd.
Stream 'Backstabber' here: https://fortybelow.ffm.to/philipsayce-backstabber
Pre-order The Wolves Are Coming here:
https://fortybelow.ffm.to/sayce-thewolvesarecoming
Of the musically and lyrically hard-hitting song, Philip Sayce says "This is a song about fake friends and a ruthless music business. I think the lyrics speak loud and clear, and the weight of the track conveys the intensity of my feelings. It is a jungle out there; watch your back. This song also speaks to my life-long journey with OCD – named one of the ten most disabling disorders by the World Health Organization – and this burden that myself, and many others live with every day."
Produced by Philip Sayce at Station House Studio in Los Angeles, 'Backstabber' features Sayce (vocals, guitar, bass, piano) in the company of Michael Leasure (Walter Trout, Edgar Winter) on drums and Fred Mandel (Queen, Supertramp, Elton John) on keys.
Born in Wales and raised in Toronto, Philip Sayce was plucked from the Toronto blues scene by the legendary Jeff Healey, who took the young guitarist under his wing, touring the world and recording as a member of Healey's band.
From 2004 to 2009, Sayce toured internationally and recorded with Melissa Etheridge, including performances at The Oscars and The Grammys. During this period, Sayce recorded his first solo album, Peace Machine. Buoyed by guitar fans response to the album, Sayce returned his attention to a full-time solo career, subsequent garnering praise in the blues, rock, and guitar worlds.
He has since released six studio albums and the Live EP, Scorched Earth: Volume 1.
"Philip Sayce stands on the edge of hard rock and psychedelia, slinging guitar riffs past your ears at warp speed." – Guitar World
"Sayce uses his classic Strat sound and overdriven amps to unwind a powerful tale. His guitar riffs are fastballs" – Rock And Blues Muse
"Massive riffs and pounding drums, with Sayce's vocals getting the full treatment." – Music News.
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From 2004 to 2009, Sayce toured internationally and recorded with Melissa Etheridge, including performances at The Oscars and The Grammys. During this period, Sayce recorded his first solo album, Peace Machine. Buoyed by guitar fans response to the album, Sayce returned his attention to a full-time solo career, subsequent garnering praise in the blues, rock, and guitar worlds.
He has since released six studio albums and the Live EP, Scorched Earth: Volume 1.
"Philip Sayce stands on the edge of hard rock and psychedelia, slinging guitar riffs past your ears at warp speed." – Guitar World
"Sayce uses his classic Strat sound and overdriven amps to unwind a powerful tale. His guitar riffs are fastballs" – Rock And Blues Muse
"Massive riffs and pounding drums, with Sayce's vocals getting the full treatment." – Music News.
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South Welsh powerhouse rock-metal outfit Valhalla Awaits will self-release their new EP, Perdition, on 8th March.
More than a collection of five powerful hard rock tracks, Perdition is an exploration of human stories and shared aspirations. Through evocative lyricism and strong melodies, counterweighted by intense riffage and a rock-solid foundation, Perdition showcases the band's ability to explore the human condition.
More than a collection of five powerful hard rock tracks, Perdition is an exploration of human stories and shared aspirations. Through evocative lyricism and strong melodies, counterweighted by intense riffage and a rock-solid foundation, Perdition showcases the band's ability to explore the human condition.
Valhalla Awaits draw from the collective experiences of seasoned musicians who have contributed to notable acts such as The Blackout and Revoker; the band are fronted by vocalist Andrew Hunt, known for his work with Buffalo Summer and Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons.
Valhalla Awaits have been making great strides on the live circuit having played Planet Rock’s Winter’s End Festival, Steelhouse Festival, and support slots with the likes of Florence Black and Those Damn Crows.
Perdition should ensure further progress.
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Valhalla Awaits have been making great strides on the live circuit having played Planet Rock’s Winter’s End Festival, Steelhouse Festival, and support slots with the likes of Florence Black and Those Damn Crows.
Perdition should ensure further progress.
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Alternative Americana artist Amigo the Devil (aka Danny Kiranos) has released a brand new single entitled 'The Mechanic.' You can stream the single at: https://atd.ffm.to/mechanic
As with previous single 'Cannibal Within' the new song, a beautifully delicate reflection on a broken relationship, is lifted from his forthcoming and third studio album, Yours Until The War Is Over, which will be released on 23rd February.
"The song is in line with realising your own flaws, but coming from the opposite side to my previous single 'Cannibal Within,' where you are the one causing a lot of the imbalance." explains Kiranos.
The accompanying video reveals intimate insights behind the making of the new album.
Created in a basement bar-turned-studio in Tennessee, the video shows the bare-bones approach of ATD’s recording process, from scribbling lyrics on the pages of a journal to experimenting with oddball percussion.
As with previous single 'Cannibal Within' the new song, a beautifully delicate reflection on a broken relationship, is lifted from his forthcoming and third studio album, Yours Until The War Is Over, which will be released on 23rd February.
"The song is in line with realising your own flaws, but coming from the opposite side to my previous single 'Cannibal Within,' where you are the one causing a lot of the imbalance." explains Kiranos.
The accompanying video reveals intimate insights behind the making of the new album.
Created in a basement bar-turned-studio in Tennessee, the video shows the bare-bones approach of ATD’s recording process, from scribbling lyrics on the pages of a journal to experimenting with oddball percussion.
Yours Until The War Is Over is a collection of 13 songs weaving together themes of relatable self-destruction and trauma bonding with arresting authenticity (these are songs of fascinating insight, that also happen to crack jokes at the most unexpected moments – a Danny Kiranos trait).
Littered with obscure literary references (Kiranos is an avid reader) the album also serves as his most singular work to date.
The album title is a reference to the love affair between Ernest Hemingway and his nurse Agnes von Kurowsky in the closing months of World War I, a (trauma) bond that developed after the future novelist was severely wounded in Italy just after becoming a Red Cross volunteer at the age of 18.
She would sometimes write "Yours until the war is over" at the end of her letters to him, a sign-off that proved prophetic, her ultimate rejection devastating and scarring him.
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Littered with obscure literary references (Kiranos is an avid reader) the album also serves as his most singular work to date.
The album title is a reference to the love affair between Ernest Hemingway and his nurse Agnes von Kurowsky in the closing months of World War I, a (trauma) bond that developed after the future novelist was severely wounded in Italy just after becoming a Red Cross volunteer at the age of 18.
She would sometimes write "Yours until the war is over" at the end of her letters to him, a sign-off that proved prophetic, her ultimate rejection devastating and scarring him.
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On the back of last year's impacting, alt-rock-blues Resurrection EP and recent new single 'Howling at the Moon,' Nu-Blues singer-songwriter-guitarist Ben Hemming has followed up with another new song, 'Sunrise.'
The brooding, dark Americana meets contemporary rock sound of 'Sunrise' lyrically reflects on the emotions of hurt and suffering, but carries positivity through the possibility of change, and becoming a better man because of it (and, as the title of the song suggests, a new beginning).
'Sunrise' precedes what will be a brand new album from the London based Hemming. Titled Darkness Before Dawn, the album is set for release later this year.
The brooding, dark Americana meets contemporary rock sound of 'Sunrise' lyrically reflects on the emotions of hurt and suffering, but carries positivity through the possibility of change, and becoming a better man because of it (and, as the title of the song suggests, a new beginning).
'Sunrise' precedes what will be a brand new album from the London based Hemming. Titled Darkness Before Dawn, the album is set for release later this year.
The songs on the 5 track Resurrection EP were, as the title underlines, a musical rebirth for Ben Hemming, with a lyrical slant that looked at a re-evaluation of one’s self in a modern, and seemingly lost world.
Follow-on/ newer songs such as 'Lonesome Road,' 'Dark Waters,' 'Howling at the Moon' and now 'Sunrise,' point to a continuation of that rebirth, through brooding, muscly blues threaded with honest and contemplative lyricism.
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Follow-on/ newer songs such as 'Lonesome Road,' 'Dark Waters,' 'Howling at the Moon' and now 'Sunrise,' point to a continuation of that rebirth, through brooding, muscly blues threaded with honest and contemplative lyricism.
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Following fruitful recording sessions at Rogue Studios in Wembley with producer/ engineer Alessio Garavello, southern tinged, Cajun falvoured rockers The Outlaw Orchestra have confirmed their third studio album, La Familia, will see release in the first half of 2024.
The album has been preceded by, first, 'Bag Of Bones' (a rootsy rock-blues that, like so many Outlaw Orchestra tracks, has a lyric based on an anecdote from singer/ guitarist "Rocker" Dave Roux), and, now, second single 'Holy Ground'.
As the title hints at and the song clearly underlines, The Outlaw Orchestra are broadening their musical palette for album number three, here presenting a darker, swamp-country picture (with "metalgrass" finale) and a forthright lyrical stance, as Dave Roux explains:
"Holy Ground sums up where the boundary is, the place that you don’t tread, the line you don’t cross.
I never grasped ‘forgive and forget’, it seemed like an easy way out to free your mind, I’d rather walk with a stoop and a frown carrying a heavy demon grudge - who was it that said 'anger is an energy'?
I wrote the bones of the song years ago and revisited it earlier this year but with added attitude. Our drummer Ryan got to flex some seriously tight, Gatlin gun double bass drums and Pete laid down an atmospheric pedal steel slide solo that has a Dave Gilmour feel to it; I especially love that last note of the solo. It’s a huge sound for just tres hombres!"
The album has been preceded by, first, 'Bag Of Bones' (a rootsy rock-blues that, like so many Outlaw Orchestra tracks, has a lyric based on an anecdote from singer/ guitarist "Rocker" Dave Roux), and, now, second single 'Holy Ground'.
As the title hints at and the song clearly underlines, The Outlaw Orchestra are broadening their musical palette for album number three, here presenting a darker, swamp-country picture (with "metalgrass" finale) and a forthright lyrical stance, as Dave Roux explains:
"Holy Ground sums up where the boundary is, the place that you don’t tread, the line you don’t cross.
I never grasped ‘forgive and forget’, it seemed like an easy way out to free your mind, I’d rather walk with a stoop and a frown carrying a heavy demon grudge - who was it that said 'anger is an energy'?
I wrote the bones of the song years ago and revisited it earlier this year but with added attitude. Our drummer Ryan got to flex some seriously tight, Gatlin gun double bass drums and Pete laid down an atmospheric pedal steel slide solo that has a Dave Gilmour feel to it; I especially love that last note of the solo. It’s a huge sound for just tres hombres!"
The Outlaw Orchestra are the combined talents of charismatic frontman "Rocker" Dave (Roux) on lead vocals, guitars and, through a split-rig set up live, bass; "Banjo" Pete (Briley), who also adds lap & pedal steel, guitar, mandolin and backing vocals to the orchestrated Outlaw sound and Ryan "Thunder" Smith who, as his nickname underlines, brings power (and percussive elements) to his drumming.
The Outlaw Orchestra, over the last twelve months, have performed at the likes of Call of the Wild, Maid of Stone, HRH, Festival on the Hills and many more.
They have also been on the road supporting Phil Campbell ATBS, Skid Row, Robert Jon & The Wreck, Florence Black, Girlschool, and Kira Mac, to name but six.
"The Outlaw Orchestra are masters of their art. Whether it’s slightly quirky lyrics that tell a bizarre story or simply entertaining ways of present their music, there is no one quite like them."
- Metal Planet Music
"The Cajun flavoured Outlaw Orchestra - finger lickin’ good band, finger lickin’ good albums."
- FabricationsHQ
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The Outlaw Orchestra, over the last twelve months, have performed at the likes of Call of the Wild, Maid of Stone, HRH, Festival on the Hills and many more.
They have also been on the road supporting Phil Campbell ATBS, Skid Row, Robert Jon & The Wreck, Florence Black, Girlschool, and Kira Mac, to name but six.
"The Outlaw Orchestra are masters of their art. Whether it’s slightly quirky lyrics that tell a bizarre story or simply entertaining ways of present their music, there is no one quite like them."
- Metal Planet Music
"The Cajun flavoured Outlaw Orchestra - finger lickin’ good band, finger lickin’ good albums."
- FabricationsHQ
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Hard-grunge rockers Stone Angels recently released a new single entitled 'Hold On.'
You can stream/ download here: https://orcd.co/bvgkx52
Of the punchy, big beat track, lead guitarist James Innes says "It’s probably the song we, as a band, have written the quickest; the pieces felt like they fell together on their own! I came up with the riff in a rehearsal, the guys started playing along, and 20 minutes later we had pretty much the majority of the track sorted.
Lyrically the song is a warning about how actions can have consequences and sometimes it really is better to think before you speak!"
You can stream/ download here: https://orcd.co/bvgkx52
Of the punchy, big beat track, lead guitarist James Innes says "It’s probably the song we, as a band, have written the quickest; the pieces felt like they fell together on their own! I came up with the riff in a rehearsal, the guys started playing along, and 20 minutes later we had pretty much the majority of the track sorted.
Lyrically the song is a warning about how actions can have consequences and sometimes it really is better to think before you speak!"
The Brighton based Stone Angels - Niall Kersey (vocals, guitar), James Innes (lead guitar), Sam Sayers (bass), Loz Ford (drums) - are creating their own storm in venues across the UK.
They also wowed at the inaugural Pride Rock Festival in their hometown, where Brighton and Hove News proclaimed "Twin guitars spitting fire and a rhythm section that strikes like lightning, they deliver a set that quickly stokes the crowd into a warming frenzy."
Having stormed out of the underground with debut album Give in to Temptation, the Stone Angels are currently preparingto releasse their second album, Up In Smoke, on March 22nd.
Recording of demos for the follow-up to Give in to Temptation actually started back in 2018, but the ensuing Covid pandemic put their musical lives on hold.
However that was a delayed blessing in disguise; the turn of pandemic events led to the band working with multi-platinum, award-winning producer Mike Krompass (Steven Tyler, Theory Of A Deadman, Smash Mouth), and having more time to make the best album they could.
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They also wowed at the inaugural Pride Rock Festival in their hometown, where Brighton and Hove News proclaimed "Twin guitars spitting fire and a rhythm section that strikes like lightning, they deliver a set that quickly stokes the crowd into a warming frenzy."
Having stormed out of the underground with debut album Give in to Temptation, the Stone Angels are currently preparingto releasse their second album, Up In Smoke, on March 22nd.
Recording of demos for the follow-up to Give in to Temptation actually started back in 2018, but the ensuing Covid pandemic put their musical lives on hold.
However that was a delayed blessing in disguise; the turn of pandemic events led to the band working with multi-platinum, award-winning producer Mike Krompass (Steven Tyler, Theory Of A Deadman, Smash Mouth), and having more time to make the best album they could.
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Good to hear that vintage-contemporary rock quartet the Ramblin’ Preachers, who take influences from Southern rooted rock, blues rock, Americana and a more modern rock sound, are heading toward the release of their debut album, entitled Sins & Virtues.
Indeed, there’s been a keenness to hear what an album’s worth of material will sound like form Ross Connor (vocals, rhythm guitar), James Ives (lead guitar), Craig Howe (bass) and Richard Baker (drums) ever since debut single 'Mind Your own Business' was released back at the top of 2020 (and unfortunately straight into the face of the pandemic and ensuing lockdowns).
Last year's brace of the funky and contemporary 'Better Than Me' and tastefully delivered ballad, 'Jester,' are further ear-catching developments, as is latest single 'Jealousy,' which was mixed & mastered by Wayne Proctor (House Of Tone Productions).
Indeed, there’s been a keenness to hear what an album’s worth of material will sound like form Ross Connor (vocals, rhythm guitar), James Ives (lead guitar), Craig Howe (bass) and Richard Baker (drums) ever since debut single 'Mind Your own Business' was released back at the top of 2020 (and unfortunately straight into the face of the pandemic and ensuing lockdowns).
Last year's brace of the funky and contemporary 'Better Than Me' and tastefully delivered ballad, 'Jester,' are further ear-catching developments, as is latest single 'Jealousy,' which was mixed & mastered by Wayne Proctor (House Of Tone Productions).
Website: https://www.ramblinpreachers.com/
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To coincide with the band's fiftieth anniversary, as celebrated last year, is a new, and long overdue, definitive account of American rock band Journey.
Written and meticulously researched by David Hamilton Golland, Livin' Just To Find Emotion: Journey And The Story Of American Rock, which includes a foreword by San Francisco based music critic & author Joel Selvin, is available now.
Since exploding on the scene in the late 70s, Journey has inspired generations of fans with 'Don’t Stop Believin’' and other hits. Celebrating the band’s fiftieth anniversary, David Hamilton Golland unearths the band’s true and complete story, incorporating exclusive interview material and exhaustive research sources.
A professional historian and Journey fan, Golland dives deep into Journey’s complex biography, dispelling rehashed myths while also showing how race in popular music contributed to their breakout success.
As the economy collapsed and as people abandoned the spirit of Woodstock in the late 70s, Journey used the rhythm of Soul and Motown to speak to the darkness in primarily white teenagers’ lives and inspire them to hope for a better future.
Decades later, the band and their signature song remain classics, and a Filipino lead singer has given a new twist to the ongoing story.
Journey fan Dr. David Hamilton Golland Ph.D. is Dean of the Wayne D. McMurray School of Humanities and Social Sciences and Professor of History at Monmouth University.
He holds a PhD from the City University of New York and an MA from the University of Virginia.
His books, Constructing Affirmative Action: The Struggle for Equal Employment Opportunity (2011) and A Terrible Thing to Waste: Arthur Fletcher and the Conundrum of the Black Republican (2019), have garnered positive reviews in the American Historical Review, the Journal of American History, and the Journal of Southern History, among others.
Purchase direct from the Publisher here or at Amazon US or Amazon UK
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Written and meticulously researched by David Hamilton Golland, Livin' Just To Find Emotion: Journey And The Story Of American Rock, which includes a foreword by San Francisco based music critic & author Joel Selvin, is available now.
Since exploding on the scene in the late 70s, Journey has inspired generations of fans with 'Don’t Stop Believin’' and other hits. Celebrating the band’s fiftieth anniversary, David Hamilton Golland unearths the band’s true and complete story, incorporating exclusive interview material and exhaustive research sources.
A professional historian and Journey fan, Golland dives deep into Journey’s complex biography, dispelling rehashed myths while also showing how race in popular music contributed to their breakout success.
As the economy collapsed and as people abandoned the spirit of Woodstock in the late 70s, Journey used the rhythm of Soul and Motown to speak to the darkness in primarily white teenagers’ lives and inspire them to hope for a better future.
Decades later, the band and their signature song remain classics, and a Filipino lead singer has given a new twist to the ongoing story.
Journey fan Dr. David Hamilton Golland Ph.D. is Dean of the Wayne D. McMurray School of Humanities and Social Sciences and Professor of History at Monmouth University.
He holds a PhD from the City University of New York and an MA from the University of Virginia.
His books, Constructing Affirmative Action: The Struggle for Equal Employment Opportunity (2011) and A Terrible Thing to Waste: Arthur Fletcher and the Conundrum of the Black Republican (2019), have garnered positive reviews in the American Historical Review, the Journal of American History, and the Journal of Southern History, among others.
Purchase direct from the Publisher here or at Amazon US or Amazon UK
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Raucous rocker Jared James Nichols has released his cover of 'Man In The Box' by Alice in Chains as a single. You can stream the single here.
"Man in the Box is one of my favourite songs ever; I remember this being one of the first songs I really connected to as a child." says Jared. "Between the bluesy vocals and slinky guitar riff, all the way down to the sludgy overtones, it’s timeless and pure perfection. I started jamming this one at my shows because it is so much fun to play, and the audience response was instant. It was originally recorded just for fun at Sweetwater Studios, but it turned out so well we knew we had to share it with the world!"
"Man in the Box is one of my favourite songs ever; I remember this being one of the first songs I really connected to as a child." says Jared. "Between the bluesy vocals and slinky guitar riff, all the way down to the sludgy overtones, it’s timeless and pure perfection. I started jamming this one at my shows because it is so much fun to play, and the audience response was instant. It was originally recorded just for fun at Sweetwater Studios, but it turned out so well we knew we had to share it with the world!"
Additionally, JJN has been confirmed as Special Guest on the Mr Big European tour in the Spring, which includes a trip to the UK for four dates in England (see further below).
Tickets are available from BANDSINTOWN and MYTICKET.CO.UK
The tour also allows JJN to showcase and his Signature Epiphone Les Paul guitar 'Blues Power.'
He will be making special appearances at multiple guitar retail stores along the tour route to be announced soon at www.jaredjamesnichols.com
"One of the foremost Gibson-toting guitar titans of his age." – Guitar World
"A larger-than-life guitar player." – Music Radar
"One of the most exciting guitarists in the modern blues rock scene." – Blues Rock Review
Tickets are available from BANDSINTOWN and MYTICKET.CO.UK
The tour also allows JJN to showcase and his Signature Epiphone Les Paul guitar 'Blues Power.'
He will be making special appearances at multiple guitar retail stores along the tour route to be announced soon at www.jaredjamesnichols.com
"One of the foremost Gibson-toting guitar titans of his age." – Guitar World
"A larger-than-life guitar player." – Music Radar
"One of the most exciting guitarists in the modern blues rock scene." – Blues Rock Review
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Talented French born singer-guitarist Félix Rabin has released an upbeat and melodic new single entitled 'As She Comes' (part of a new EP scheduled for release in the early part of the year).
In 2020 Rabin released the excellent 6 track mini-album 'Pogboy,' which showcased the breadth of styles incorporated within his highly distinct sound; he also won the Best (new) Act award at Giants of Rock Festival that year, which led to an invite to play the festival’s main stage in 2021.
In 2020 Rabin released the excellent 6 track mini-album 'Pogboy,' which showcased the breadth of styles incorporated within his highly distinct sound; he also won the Best (new) Act award at Giants of Rock Festival that year, which led to an invite to play the festival’s main stage in 2021.
"If you want someone who is ploughing his own progressively tinged blues, rock, pop and soul furrow, Félix Rabin and his tight, tidy and rhythmically flexible band are your guys." - FabricationsHQ
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Psychedelic Montreal four-piece rock and roll band The Damn Truth released a brand new single entitled 'I Just Gotta Let You Know' toward the end of last year.
"This is the first song from the sessions for our forthcoming studio album that we are recording with producer Bob Rock at Bryan Adam’s recording studio The Warehouse in Vancouver," says lead singer Lee-La Baum, who continues: "I don’t know exactly what comes over me, but when I’m in the vocal booth singing into Frank Sinatra’s mic, knowing that Bob is in the other room, basically hanging on my every breath, I am able to let go and try all sorts of things that weren’t ever in my mind before. It’s really freaking fun!"
Of the song, guitarist Tom Sherman says "The whole thing started with a riff and I knew immediately that I had something cool here; I showed the riff to Lee-la and she came up with the melody and lyrics for the verses right there on the spot!"
"This is the first song from the sessions for our forthcoming studio album that we are recording with producer Bob Rock at Bryan Adam’s recording studio The Warehouse in Vancouver," says lead singer Lee-La Baum, who continues: "I don’t know exactly what comes over me, but when I’m in the vocal booth singing into Frank Sinatra’s mic, knowing that Bob is in the other room, basically hanging on my every breath, I am able to let go and try all sorts of things that weren’t ever in my mind before. It’s really freaking fun!"
Of the song, guitarist Tom Sherman says "The whole thing started with a riff and I knew immediately that I had something cool here; I showed the riff to Lee-la and she came up with the melody and lyrics for the verses right there on the spot!"
In 2021, The Damn Truth released the critically acclaimed album Now or Nowhere, produced by Bob Rock.
The band have since been championed by the music press with extensive magazine coverage in Rolling Stone France, Classic Rock, Blues Matters, Guitarist, Powerplay, Guitar Techniques, Record Collector, Fireworks, Blues in Britain, Hard Rock Hell, MNPR, and R’N’R Magazine.
The Damn Truth have toured Europe and North America and opened tours for Z.Z. Top, The Sheepdogs, Styx, King King and Rival Sons; they were also featured on Joe Bonamassa’s 2021 Keeping The Blues Alive Stream-A-Thon, sold out the legendary Whisky a Go-Go in Los Angeles and the Corona Theatre in their hometown of Montreal.
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The band have since been championed by the music press with extensive magazine coverage in Rolling Stone France, Classic Rock, Blues Matters, Guitarist, Powerplay, Guitar Techniques, Record Collector, Fireworks, Blues in Britain, Hard Rock Hell, MNPR, and R’N’R Magazine.
The Damn Truth have toured Europe and North America and opened tours for Z.Z. Top, The Sheepdogs, Styx, King King and Rival Sons; they were also featured on Joe Bonamassa’s 2021 Keeping The Blues Alive Stream-A-Thon, sold out the legendary Whisky a Go-Go in Los Angeles and the Corona Theatre in their hometown of Montreal.
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Liverpudlian alternative groove rockers Attic Theory are gearing up for their most exciting and eventful chapter yet with a forthcoming album via lead-off single 'Papier-Mâché,' featuring Candlebox's Kevin Martin on guest vocals.
The single, accompanied by an animated music video by Studface Productions and influenced by the classic movie One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, sets up the April release of the band’s highly anticipated debut album What We Fear The Most.
The single, accompanied by an animated music video by Studface Productions and influenced by the classic movie One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, sets up the April release of the band’s highly anticipated debut album What We Fear The Most.
Of the meaning behind the single, Attic Theory vocalist Lewis Wright says:
"The lyrics are about hiding your true self underneath a thin layered metaphorical mask because you have been convinced, by someone you used to be close to, that you are not behaving how they believe you should and the only remedy is for you to be strongly medicated and to suppress the feelings they don’t agree with. The message I wanted to convey is about being able to gain the strength to remove the mask and not let the past or anyone else define you.
"The animated music video is set in an old rundown insane asylum. This is the archaic perception of mental health and we wanted the video to symbolise that society has thankfully escaped those outdated ways of thinking and the band are rescued by an unlikely hero; Atticus T. Mouse."
Additionally, collaborating with Kevin Martin of multi-platinum selling rock band Candlebox is a tick off the bucket list for Wright: "This has been a phenomenal opportunity, which we are especially grateful for.
What a huge honour to have our friend Kevin Martin singing on Papier-Mâché. I’ve admired his musicianship for years and I am a massive fan of Candlebox so this is definitely a fanboy moment for me!"
Since their inception just a few years ago, Attic Theory have been turning heads.
They were awarded Best New Band by Planet Rock Radio for The Rocks Awards 2020 and their previous EP The Sign of an Active Mind was voted NWOCR (New Wave Of Classic Rock) EP of the Year.
Seen touring with Tantric, Elvana and Dead Man's Whiskey, Attic Theory has also played a number of UK headline shows, played acclaimed festivals such as Planet Rockstock, Wildfire, SavFest and Firevolt (Formerly Firestorm MCR) and supported Terrorvision, Candlebox, Saving Abel, Tragedy, Black Spiders and Kris Barras.
Attic Theory’s debut album What We Fear The Most, which features the singles 'Papier-Mâché', 'Narrow Lines' and 'Tattooed Heart,' will be released in April.
It’s available to pre-order now, with related merch, at: https://attictheory.store/collections/all
Attic Theory are:
Lewis Wright - Lead Vocals; Peter Donnelly – Guitar; Tim Cunningham - Guitar and backing vocals; Matt Lawler – Guitar; Kenny McArthur – Bass; Norm Walker – Drums
Official Website: https://www.attictheory.co.uk
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"The lyrics are about hiding your true self underneath a thin layered metaphorical mask because you have been convinced, by someone you used to be close to, that you are not behaving how they believe you should and the only remedy is for you to be strongly medicated and to suppress the feelings they don’t agree with. The message I wanted to convey is about being able to gain the strength to remove the mask and not let the past or anyone else define you.
"The animated music video is set in an old rundown insane asylum. This is the archaic perception of mental health and we wanted the video to symbolise that society has thankfully escaped those outdated ways of thinking and the band are rescued by an unlikely hero; Atticus T. Mouse."
Additionally, collaborating with Kevin Martin of multi-platinum selling rock band Candlebox is a tick off the bucket list for Wright: "This has been a phenomenal opportunity, which we are especially grateful for.
What a huge honour to have our friend Kevin Martin singing on Papier-Mâché. I’ve admired his musicianship for years and I am a massive fan of Candlebox so this is definitely a fanboy moment for me!"
Since their inception just a few years ago, Attic Theory have been turning heads.
They were awarded Best New Band by Planet Rock Radio for The Rocks Awards 2020 and their previous EP The Sign of an Active Mind was voted NWOCR (New Wave Of Classic Rock) EP of the Year.
Seen touring with Tantric, Elvana and Dead Man's Whiskey, Attic Theory has also played a number of UK headline shows, played acclaimed festivals such as Planet Rockstock, Wildfire, SavFest and Firevolt (Formerly Firestorm MCR) and supported Terrorvision, Candlebox, Saving Abel, Tragedy, Black Spiders and Kris Barras.
Attic Theory’s debut album What We Fear The Most, which features the singles 'Papier-Mâché', 'Narrow Lines' and 'Tattooed Heart,' will be released in April.
It’s available to pre-order now, with related merch, at: https://attictheory.store/collections/all
Attic Theory are:
Lewis Wright - Lead Vocals; Peter Donnelly – Guitar; Tim Cunningham - Guitar and backing vocals; Matt Lawler – Guitar; Kenny McArthur – Bass; Norm Walker – Drums
Official Website: https://www.attictheory.co.uk
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"A language works best when we have something interesting to say. Many music teachers never find out what their students have to say; we only tell them what they are supposed to say."
Victor Wooten
Victor Wooten