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To be honest, before I even arrived at the venue, I knew I would be writing a stellar review of this concert. I’d seen both bands before, so I already knew Green Day is hands down the best live band I’ve ever seen, and opener AFI is quite exceptional as well. Needless to say, this was a show I will remember vividly for years to come.
The festival adventure continues with part 2 of our Tammerfest live review special.
Continuing our story about Tammerfest, we are presenting you five Finnish rock bands that impressed our ears and eyes the most and had a general favourable impact on other sensors. They are Negative, Leningrad Cowboys, Michael Monroe, Rain Diary and Stam1na. The bands play so to say ‘mature,’ ‘time-served’ rock music and are popular both in Finland and abroad. Their music is ‘time-served’ as each of them has 10 years and more experience in the music industry that helped shape their own styles and attitudes, gave them confidence, knowledge, mastership and strengthened passion for music turning it into their life religion.
AmpedReviews' Gig Reviewer Margarita Khartanovich recently attended Finnish festival, Tammerfest...here's part 1 of her experience..
The last decade in the music industry is interesting for its bright female characters. As for rock’n’roll chicks, things are a bit worse in terms of fresh rock blood and new attitudes. Recently Pearl, daughter of Motley Crue’s Meat Loaf, has claimed that she would be the one that would bring female rock’n’roll back to life. Well, have flag, will travel! Meanwhile in Finland there are more and more female artists who are getting power, experience and audiences, who are off the beaten path and bittersweetly rock’n’rollish. I managed to witness three of them, Anna Puu, Chisu and PMMP, at Tammerfest.
Live photos from the Carnival of Madness, Cleveland OH, by Karen Van Hoff. Click the images to be taken to the photos.
10 Years
Sevendust
Shinedown
Chevelle
Puddle of Mudd
THESE WAVES - SELF TITLED EP REVIEW
This is the first release from Derby based five-piece These Waves currently available for free download via Bandcamp. From the off this EP launches into a frantic brand of angular post hardcore. The band deliver an individual sound which blends the increasingly popular post punk and post hardcore sounds with angular guitars making every track perfectly danceable.
The Carnival of Madness tour rolled into Cleveland, Ohio with a cacophony of heavy rock music. The Time Warner Cable Amphitheater, situated on the bank of the Cuyahoga River, is a large covered pavilion that produces an extraordinarily loud sound, suitable for this type of show. The pavilion also provided a welcome respite from the 90 degree heat.
We recently spoke to Brighton based pop rock outfit, MiMi Soya about their brand new EP 'I Can't Stand Pop Bands,' their recent success and what is still yet to come from the band. READ THE FULL INTERVIEW BY CHERRY PULLINGER
Our Writer and Photographer, Margarita Khartanovich was at Tammerfest last month to snap some great live photos of all the bands for an AmpedReviews.net TAMMERFEST LIVE PHOTO SPECIAL. Click the images below to be taken to the Galleries.
Hold onto your cowboy hats...those much-loved Texan pop-punks Bowling For Soup have announced details of a brand new EP, “Fishin’ For Woos”, scheduled for release on October 5th to coincide with their biggest UK headline tour to date! The EP precedes a new, full-length album release - the band’s 11th studio album - scheduled for early 2011.
Support for the UK tour comes from LA trio The Dollyrots (signed to Joan Jett’s Blackheart Records), fellow Texans Forever The Sickest Kids and the UK’s very own rock gods “A”, who will make their eagerly awaited return to the live stage. In fact, the band have been discussing a joint tour with Bowling For Soup for the last ten years!
“Fishin’ For Woos” will be released in the UK in October 2010. The proposed track listing is:
1. "Let's Pretend We're Not In Love"
2. "Dear Megan Fox"
3. "Here's Your Freakin’ Song"
4. "Evil All Over The World"
5. "Guard My Heart" *a NEW version of a fan favourite originally recorded in 1998 but never OFFICIALLY released
Bowling For Soup’s UK tour kicks off at Cambridge Corn Exchange on October 6th. A very limited number of tickets and VIP event packages are still available from the usual outlets.
BEHIND THE SCENES WITH MY DARKEST DAYS
Come along for the ride with My Darkest Days as they hit the states for their first US tour. Opening for Sick Puppies with Janus and It's Alive, this exciting new rock band from Toronto, Canada is ready to make a mark on the international music scene. Take a peek at what it's really like on tour at several shows in North and South Carolina. You'll also find out more about the guys when they're off stage. They talk about their video for Porn Star Dancing, the new album, what they're listening to on the road and much more.
NEW INTERVIEW WITH IT'S ALIVE
Karen Van Hoff recently spoke to It's Alive. She managed to catch it all on video especially for AmpedReviews.net.
NEW INTERVIEW WITH MARK GOODWIN OF THE SICK PUPPIES
Karen Van Hoff recently spoke to Mark Goodwin of the Sick Puppies. She managed to catch it all on video especially for AmpedReviews.net.
THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM LIVE AT THE OGDEN THEATRE
The Gaslight Anthem walked onto the stage at Denver’s Ogden Theatre to Jay-Z’s hit single, ‘Empire State of Mind.’
Pretty gutsy for a band that has always prided itself on being from New Jersey. Still, the band’s focus seems to have shifted across the river to the big city, as reflected on their excellent third record, 'American Slang.'
Global Radio’s Xfm, the station that brings you music that rocks, is pleased to announce the launch of BestNonFest, an exciting competition offering one lucky winner the ultimate non-festival package - a collection of gig tickets to see some of the greatest bands around.
Xfm will be inviting music fans to join a virtual queue - on Facebook or xfm.co.uk - whereby each position is constantly determined by a series of daily Q&As. Questions answered correctly enable entrants to move forward whilst incorrect answers take them to the back of the queue. Each person that enters the competition gets the chance to win daily spot-prizes of gig tickets, CDs, and festival paraphernalia.
The 1st person in the queue at 4pm on Friday 1st October wins the grand prize of gig tickets to see an incredible line-up of BestNonFest bands.
For details of how to enter the BestNonFest competition go to Facebook.com/xfmradio or XFM.co.uk
Xfm is available on 104.9 FM in London, on 97.7 FM in Manchester and across the UK on digital TV and online at XFM.co.uk
LIVE REVIEW OF SATAMAN YO FESTIVAL
When in Finland, do what Finns do. And in summer they go to music festivals. There are loads of them: starting from the famous ones such as Ruisrock (with Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Talent, Slash, Regina Spektor this year ), Provinssirock (Rammstein, Bullet For My Valentine, A Day To Remember), Tuska (Megadeth), Ilosaarirock (Biffy Clyro), Tammerfest, Sauna Open Air (Kiss) and ending with a “cute little” one (as the Rasmus called it on their facebook) like Sataman Yö in Jyväskylä. To be honest, I was brought there by curiosity as the headliners of it were announced as The Rasmus. So what is this festival? How does it fit in this summer festivals rush in Finland? And why did the Rasmus choose it among all others?
Sataman Yö is translated from Finnish as “a night in the harbour”, and you understand why it was named so when you arrive in Jyväskylä (a small, lovely Finnish town) and walk along its harbour, lit with sunset to the festival’s venue. Pop fest area is the biggest one over there but there is also a rock stage and Finnish Karaoke (strangely popular kind of entertainment in Finland and the funniest thing to watch, indeed!). It lasts for four days but there is no camping as people prefer just to stay overnight for the gigs they like. It has no age limit on the first day though during the rest ones you have to show your ID.
The Fabulists are a London based band consisting of Shaun Milton (vocals, synthesizers) and Hermione Love (piano, vocals, keyboards), with Cai Marie-Garcia (bass), Daisy Coole (saxophones), and Eric Young (drums). Dog Violets was written and recorded over a two years. It is the second Fabulist Album and the first to feature Hermione’s singing and playing.
LIVE PHOTOS OF IT'S ALIVE AT AMOS' SOUTHEND, CHARLOTTE NC
Click the image above to be taken to the Gallery for live photos of IT'S ALIVE live at Amos' Southend, Charlotte NC, by Karen Van Hoff
LIVE PHOTOS OF JANUS AT AMOS' SOUTHEND, CHARLOTTE NC
Click the image above to be taken to the Gallery for live photos of JANUS live at Amos' Southend, Charlotte NC, by Karen Van Hoff
LIVE PHOTOS OF MY DARKEST DAYS AT AMOS' SOUTHEND, CHARLOTTE NC
Click the image above to be taken to the Gallery for live photos of MY DARKEST DAYS live at Amos' Southend, Charlotte NC, by Karen Van Hoff
LIVE PHOTOS OF SICK PUPPIES AT AMOS' SOUTHEND, CHARLOTTE NC
Click the image above to be taken to the Gallery for live photos of SICK PUPPIES live at Amos' Southend, Charlotte NC, by Karen Van Hoff
LIVE REVIEW OF SICK PUPPIES AT AMOS' SOUTHEND, CHARLOTTE NC
The crowd was stoked to see the main act, Sick Puppies. Shimon, Mark and Emma came out to a roaring audience. The energy was high from the start and stayed up through the entire set, with lead singer Shimon encouraging plenty of crowd participation. The emphasis was always on how important their fans are to them. They obviously enjoy their headlining position and took their time working through the many crowd favorites such as ‘Odd One,’ ‘War,’ and ‘What Are We Waiting For.’
SHADOWS CHASING GHOSTS - THE GOLDEN RATIO ALBUM REVIEW
This week, Shadows Chasing Ghosts appear in the ‘Introducing’ section of the UK’s biggest music magazine, Kerrang! With over 40,000 readers being introduced to the ripping sounds of Shadows Chasing Ghosts, it is clear that the band are on their way to the top. Their debut album ‘The Golden Ratio’ is set to be released on August 2nd and from here on out, we’ll definitely be hearing lots more from this band. CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL REVIEW BY CHERRY PULLINGER
MIKE SCOTT & BEN CHILDS - SPLIT E.P REVIEW
This is a record that got me truly excited. Both artists used to be in bands I was inspired by in my younger years (Mike sang for Phineaus Gage and Ben was one of the founding members of Sonic Boom Six) so to hear what their solo work sounded like was going to be a treat. CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL REVIEW BY BEN ADSETT
NEW LIVE PHOTOS OF O.A.R AT THE LIFESTYLES COMMUNITY PAVILIONS, COLUMBUS OH.
Click the above image to be taken to the Gallery for live photos of O.A.R live at the Lifestyles Community Pavilions. Photos by Karen Van Hoff
DINOSAUR PILE UP RELEASE FREE DOWNLOAD
To celebrate the release of Dinosaur Pile-Up’s new single ‘Birds And Planes’, the band are giving away B-side ‘Headspinner’ for free download for a limited time! Head over to dinosaurpileup.com to hear the single and download the B-side for free.
‘Birds And Planes’ is the first single from the band’s forthcoming album ‘Growing Pains’ which will now be released on October 4 and is the sound of one of the UK’s most exciting bands hitting their stride. It was produced by James Kenosha in January and February this year and is a storming rock powerhouse of big pop songs driven by the kind of wall shaking undercurrent only a three piece can muster. Due to the new album release date, the band have re-plotted their UK headline dates.
THE AUTUMN OFFERING release new album and teaser for music video
The Autumn Offering is back.....with an onslaught of hatred and self-loathing, in tow! Simply titled The Autumn Offering, this is by far the band's most crushing release to date. Chock-full of blast beats, grind drumming, and twin guitar wizardry, this album will certainly kick your ass; vocalist Matt McChesney’s screams sound as if he is being "burned at the stake”!
The new single “Born Dead” is brutally and fittingly accompanied by an eerie music video yet to be unleashed, however, a sneak peak teaser is available...
ANBERLIN unleash the video for single 'We Owe This To Ourselves' taken from the forthcoming album, 'Dark Is The Way, Light Is A Place'.
Highly regarded rockers Anberlin will release their about fifth studio album, 'Dark Is The Way, Light is a Place', on September 20th 2010, on Defacto Records. The band recorded it at Nashville’s renowned Blackbird Studio with Brendan O’Brien (Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen, Rage Against the Machine), who won the GRAMMY® award for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical earlier this year.
NEW LIVE PHOTOS OF CITIZEN COPE AT LIFESTYLES COMMUNITY PAVILION
Click the image above to be taken to the live photos of CITIZEN COPE live at Lifestyles Community Pavilion, by Karen Van Hoff
BIFFY CLYRO - GOD & SATAN SINGLE REVIEW
There is something beautiful in Biffy Clyro. Having been Scotland’s greatest unknown band for twelve years, (from their formation in 1995 to the release of mainstream success album Puzzle in 2007) they were able to grow and mature their sound over time. Something which is unusual in this day and age, yes, but isn’t it nice?
2000Trees is a small festival, which takes place on the outskirts of Cheltenham. The festival has a strong focus on environmental responsibility and is proud to be a small, affordable festival. This year was the first time it had sold out, and this happened months before the festival started. This was unsurprising considering the incredible line up the organisers had tirelessly worked on to put on over the three stages.
This week, Klaxons have unleashed the otherworldly video for their new single Echoes, which is released on August 16th through Polydor. It’s the first single to be taken from their highly anticipated new album Surfing the Void, out August 23rd, and sees Klaxons braving the blistering heat of the Egyptian White Desert.
Interview with Tommi Thunder of Suicide Love Boat
We spoke to Tommi Thunder of Suicide Love Boat, and he told us lots of heart-piercing stories about the band’s scam tour to Germany, stolen guitars, cut fingers, lost brothers, playing drunk and many others. READ THE FULL INTERVIEW BY MARGARITA KHARTANOVICH
Live Photos of Three Days Grace at Pointfest
Click the image above to see new live photos of THREE DAYS GRACE at Pointfest, by Karen Van Hoff
Live Photos of Coheed & Cambria live at Newcastle o2 Academy
Live Photos of Theon from Lovex live at Jack The Rooster, Tampere
Click the image above to see new live photos of THEON from LOVEX at Jack The Rooster, Tampere, by Margarita Khartanovich.
2000trees Festival Preview
So this weekend starts on Thursday 15th July 2010 and sees the fantastic 2000trees festival take place on the outskirts of Cheltenham. This festival is my personal favourite and highlight of the summer for me every year. This year is no exception with the best line up the festival has ever had and some big decisions to make on which stage to watch acts on throughout the weekend.
We talked to Jonas Karsten of Vanity Beach about their long-awaited second album ‘A Life of Vice’, a new line-up and producer, rock stars, 500 girls and 8 boys in Moscow and many other curious sidelights.
You can be forgiven for not knowing of Greg or his record label A1 records, the label is a hidden gem and stands as one of my favourite independent labels in the world. Greg formerly went under the name Gregory Kraj and recorded some of the most individual sounding organ based modern reggae I have heard in a long time, over 16 albums and EP’s. In his new guise as Greg Arcade there is a real retro feel to his music standing close to artists like Little Richard in style.
This is an EP which I have been listening to for a while and am completely fascinated by. Luke is an acoustic folk singer from Plymouth. You can be forgiven for missing his music amongst the vast map of interesting solo artists releasing music at the moment. Unlike the vast majority of theses singers The Lo-fi style Luke favours relies on music played through a battered acoustic guitar and recorded simply.
Jukebox Collective are a band from London with a lot of promise, currently signed to Supremo records. This single is the second release from the band and follows on from the self produced and recorded debut ‘Lost and Found’. From reading the press release I was pretty excited to see what the single had to offer after comparisons with LCD Soundsystem and mentions of a DIY influence.
After the announcement of their new album, 'Sugar,' set for release on August 23rd, Dead Confederate have released an exclusive behind the scenes video of the album's recording process.
Young Guns - Crystal Clear
The last time we reviewed Young Guns, they were mere newbies on the music scene, but as I write this they have enjoyed success as Best British Newcomer and Best New Band in Rock Sound and Kerrang! magazine’s readers poll. On this very day they are currently gracing the front cover of Kerrang! magazine, living up to their new rock star personas and lapping up the success that has recently swamped them.
‘Designed for Damage’ is captivating, calming and every other relaxing word you can think of. While listening, you’re lifted up out of your life into a dreamy atmosphere, surrounded by husky vocals and strong, soaring melodies.
THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM RELEASE NEW MUSIC VIDEO FOR ‘AMERICAN SLANG’
The Gaslight Anthem are excited to announce the release of the new music video for ‘American Slang.’ Directed by Kevin Custer, director of the band's seven-part "Making of AMERICAN SLANG" series that documented the process of recording the new album, the video for the title track features live performances from the group as well as striking black-and-white images of New York City, one of the band's many muses for their critically-acclaimed new album. The video for ‘American Slang’ is the first to emerge from the band's new full-length.
STAGECOACH - CRASH MY RIDE EP REVIEW
Stagecoach started life as a two piece band and gradually added new members year after year until they had created a rock band to be proud of. Initially they wanted to create country music but thank goodness they didn’t! Their new EP ‘Crash My Ride’ which is released via Alcopop Records, is an energetic frenzy of an EP.
The video for Far Q from Lower Than Atlantis was recorded in May when Lower Than Atlantis toured with Confide and provides a great insight into a hard touring, hard partying, hard playing band and their die hard fans!
THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM - AMERICAN SLANG SINGLE REVIEW
The title track to The Gaslight Anthem’s 3rd album, American Slang, is the perfect song for a summer soundtrack. Right from the start, the pulsing drumbeat and anthemic guitar riffs make your toes tap. By the time singer Brian Fallon gets to the chorus, it’s hard not to hum along even if you don’t know the words yet. Opening tracks set the tone for the rest of the album, and in this case, American Slang tells listeners to get ready for an epic and energetic collection of songs.
During this past SXSW, Dead Confederate's singer/guitarist Hardy Morris and bassist Brantley Senn chatted with me about Austin, TX and some of their experiences here and about the upcoming album "Sugar" which will be released on August 24th.
BILLY GREGORY - IF YOU BE YOU THEN I'LL BE ME EP REVIEW
Portsmouth based acoustic artist Billy Gregory has released his debut EP ‘If You Be You Then I’ll Be Me’ through Furious Records. It’s surprising that Billy describes himself as an acoustic artist as the first track on the EP, titled Dance, bursts out of the speakers accompanied by some great drum beats and guitar riffs as well as his trusty acoustic guitar. I have to admit, I was expecting a poor sounding, empty acoustic track but I’m pleasantly surprised by the catchy, summer time vibes that hit my ears.
EMAROSA LIVE AT NEWCASTLE O2 ACADEMY 2 - LIVE REVIEW
Emarosa finally came on stage at around 9:15, there were an extended time to set up despite, from what it seemed, the band wanting to get on stage and play. The crowd was expressing their excitement in shrill screams from the moment the lights went down and the band was introduced by the '21st Century Fox' theme... READ THE FULL REVIEW BY KELLY HAMILTON
LIVE PHOTOS OF VANITY BEACH
Click the image above to see new live photos of VANITY BEACH at Tavastia, Helsinki, by Margarita Khartanovich.
VANITY BEACH LIVE AT TAVASTIA, HELSINKI
On the stage everything flew round Jonas: while other members of the band remained reserved and in an “absorbed in their play” kind of static, he spellbound the audience with his demoniac looks, surreally lopsided moves and deep-toned vocal. He moved as a predator, jumping down from the stage together with a microphone stand scaring away the photographers and thrilling the audience. When the gig was over, the party went on with a few more DJ-sets. Elbowing my way to the exit I bumped into Ville Valo opening his embrace for Jonas and then a few times into model-looking girls shuttling between the bar and the backstage.
New Jersey’s The Gaslight Anthem could easily be the best Springsteen tribute band in the world if they wanted, but instead they’ve devoted their career to penning epic rock anthems that throw the punk energy of The Clash into the mix with Springsteen at his rowdiest.
What a difference a year has made for Oxfordshire based quintet Francesqa. It has taken them just that amount of time to rack up quite a name for themselves through shows alongside the likes of The Automatic, Canterbury and Futures, as well as an opening slot on this year’s Slam Dunk Festival’s Introducing stage, handpicked by none other than Tom Delonge of Blink 182.
NEW SINGLE REVIEW OF BELOW DEFECT - DYING REVOLUTION
After their first studio release in 2009, Southampton based metal band Below Defect are ready to move onwards and upwards with their latest single Dying Revolution. READ THE FULL REVIEW BY CHERRY PULLINGER
NEW LIVE PHOTOS OF SHADOWS CHASING GHOSTS AT NEWSCASTLE O2 ACADEMY 2
It’s been a tough old journey for British singer/songwriter Matt Hales; he had been on the brink of quitting the music business for a life of teaching, until a decision to move to L.A forced inspiration onto him and led him to start writing again. READ THE FULL REVIEW BY CHERRY PULLINGER
NEW LIVE PHOTO OF CHROMATONES AT SOUTHAMPTON JOINERS BY VINCE LOWE
Click the image above to be taken to the Gallery for CHROMATONES live at Southampton Joiners, by Vince Lowe
NEW LIVE PHOTO OF THE LOST BOYS AT SOUTHAMPTON JOINERS BY VINCE LOWE
Click the image above to be taken to the Gallery for THE LOST BOYS live at Southampton Joiners, by Vince Lowe
TIGER PLEASE - SEASONS EP REVIEW
Released back in April of 2010, we’re regretting not having heard this EP earlier. Although its packaging lists only four tracks, there is a special hidden string introduction that emanates a calm before the storm that is ‘Seasons.’
Twin Atlantic seem to be doing alright for themselves. It’s only July and so far, 2010 has been a grand year for the band. They played a sold out show at the 1250 capacity Glasgow ABC, they hit Europe with Enter Shikari as well as diving into a US tour to round things off.
Recently, it has been a sad time for the metal genre. The deaths of heroes such as The Rev from Avenged Sevenfold, Dio - inventor of the horns, and Slipknot bassist Paul “The Pig” Grey have impacted the scene in such a heartbreaking way. This is why it is great to see that they’ve left a legacy, that their genius will be remembered, and that the metal genre continues to produce great up and coming bands.
Southampton is brimming with wonderfully talented bands at the moment and Thomas Tantrum are the latest four-piece to release an anthem fit for the summer.
Zola Jesus are flying the flag for Berlin based record label Souterrain Transmissions, as new single ‘Night’ is the very first UK release from the label, out on June 21st.
The sixties - a time of innovation, a time of love and peace, and a great time for popular music. The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, The Who - so many greats, formed within just ten years. The music is amazing, most artists are now considered heroes, their songs are the classics. Yet now, in 2010 - half a century on - all girl quartet The Like are replicating the sound which formed music as we now know and love it. Are they going to reach the classic status of their idols? The answer is no. Sadly, their latest single doesn’t pack the same punch as their predecessors.
Finding an exquisite balance between the 60’s girl group and British Invasion sounds they adore, and a lyrical point of view that can only be described as impossibly modern, LA based quartet The Like have come into their own.
Produced by Mark Ronson (Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen, Robbie Williams) with additional production by Thomas Brenneck and Homer Steinweiss (of The Dap Kings), and Alex Greenwald (Phantom Planet), Release Me crackles and pops with girlgroup sass. The first single ‘He’s Not A Boy’ - released on 31st May on 7” Vinyl (Limited to 500 copies) and Download – somehow finds the place where the edge of The Animals and the heartbreak of The Shangri-Las meet and are infused with an edgy, clear-eyed romanticism that are irresistible.
NEW LIVE PHOTOS OF EMAROSA AT NEWCASTLE O2 ACADEMY 2
NEW LIVE REVIEW OF AUTOMATIC EYE AT THE VIRGIN OIL, HELSINKI
The first time I saw Automatic Eye, a young Finnish pop-rock band, live was at an 'all-ages' gig, and the audience there was, of course, teenagers that made me feel either young or old – I’m not quite sure yet. What impressed me that time was the sincerity of emotions that came from the guys on the stage and resonated in Finnish teens creating that happy look at their faces. I would characterise this kind of music as healthy and constructive: the lyrics, tunes, arrangement, performance – everything factors into cheering up the listeners, helping them to feel and think positive. Besides, four handsome stylish boys on the stage can only contribute to these pleasant emotions.
Go to Warped Tour or any similar rock or punk music festival and you’ll hear a lot of bands that sound like Burn the Fleet. The British quartet is part rock, part metal, and they write a lot of dramatic lyrics about falling apart. But don’t write the band off just yet. Their self-titled EP may sound a bit generic in parts, but some real potential shines through as well. (Note: The EP was originally titled The Mistress and featured only four songs, but this version of the album was re-released by Walnut Tree Records after they signed the band).
Heaps of credit and praise go to these young Welsh lads, who have not only topped their first release ‘Smart Casual,’ but have also created a grown up, witty, sensitive and catchy as hell album full of hits and an unforgettable duet with Frankie Sandford from pop group The Saturdays, which, although it really shouldn’t, works tremendously well.
"One thing for sure I would say no matter what’s happening unless someone is paying you silly money, stay and finish Uni first as I have seen bands form at Uni and quit and then break up before they would have even finished their studies, it makes no sense. Other than that get involved in the local scene and get some shows at the local venues. READ THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH CHERRY PULLINGER
MONEEN - THE WORLD I WANT TO LEAVE BEHIND ALBUM REVIEW
I bet, when you hear the combination of two words 'Canadian' and 'rock', you start laughing! Isn’t it something like American cuisine or English sauna you will ask? Although you are sure to stop laughing after you learn that Canadian rock is Billy Talent, The Birthday Massacre, Nickelback, Sum 41, Three Days Grace… and also a band called Moneen.
“Cuz he said a bang, bang, bangity-bang, a bang bang bangity-bang!” I’m pretty sure that was the tune that inspired John (vocals) and David (synths) to change the name of their band from humdrum 'Protocol' into flamboyant and playsome “The Bang Bang Club”.
This will not be wide of the truth if I say that each minute a new band is born in Finland. The reasons are different, of course: someone just want to be rock stars; others have a fierce passion for music.
Click the image above to see new live photos of MICHAEL MONROE at Klubi, Tampere by Margarita Khartanovich
MICHAEL MONROE LIVE AT KLUBI, TAMPERE
What happens with a music style when its era ends? And what happens with bands and solo artists still playing in this style? The problem here is if they are doomed to become an honoured part of history and stay there in the past or their music is highly sought up to now and, thus, can live on!
The Low Anthem hit Boulder’s Fox Theatre with a feather’s touch, creating a glistening wall of sound from a variety of instruments that was intimate and enchanting. It called to mind the simple gorgeousness of classics like Van Morrison’s Astral Weeks, and the effect was just as hypnotic.
Murder By Death strode onto the stage at Cervantes to the kind of reception that most “indie” bands dream of: a roaring crowd, fists and hands thrown into the air, and a palpable that sense of something big is coming.
The Cave Singers are a band in the vein of throw-back folk rockers like Fleet Foxes that use finger-picking guitar and minimal percussion to create a kind of music that strips away production and leaves the listener open to the power of the human voice.
A DAY TO REMEMBER LIVE AT PORTSMOUTH PYRAMID CENTER
The last time A Day To Remember played at the Portsmouth Pyramid Centre, it was to a crowd that belonged to Sheffield metallers Bring Me The Horizon. ADTR are a million miles away from that now as the popularity surrounding the band has more than exploded, causing many of the dates on the tour to sell out, leaving fans begging for spare tickets outside the venues.
Don’t be fooled by the laid back sound on their albums: when Vampire Weekend sets foot on stage, they rock it like nobody’s business.
Playing to a sold out show at Denver’s Ogden Theatre in the freezing aftermath of an all-day snowstorm, the band was very appreciative of an audience that braved the weather to see them, and delivered a show worth the trek.
Click the image above to see live photos of Skindred live at Colchester Arts Centre by John Nerush
Band Of Horses live at The Fox Theater
The Fox Theater in Boulder was packed as South Carolina’s Band or Horses hit the stage, completely looking the part of a southern-rock indie band; plaid shirts, beards, long hair. There was nothing formulaic about their show, however, which was a quintessential display of what sets the band apart from its peers.
Music fans have needed an excuse to get excited about Lost Prophets as they’ve been off the radar for quite a while, but now, after the release of their new album ‘The Betrayed’ and the announcement of their UK tour, things are right again and Lost Prophets fans around the country have more than enough to get excited about.
One of the most memorable lines in a long history of great lyrics, this line stands out because it summarizes so much of what The Who have stood for – playing music as loud as they want, destroying their instruments, writing about subjects as varied as rock operas about people with mental disorders to some of the most devastatingly simple blues songs.
The album Moon Landing is the solo effort of Sivert Høyem who was the former vocalist with Norway’s biggest ever rock band Madrugada (who are by the way well worth checking out if you have a spare hour or two to give them a proper listen). This album is the result of the untimely demise of the Norwegian band after the sudden death of the guitarist Robert . After the band split Sivert Høyem retreated to a cabin in the mountain accompanied by a host of musician pals and made an album. The recording process was not without its problems, there was the occasional health hazard, a couple of times the 16 track tape recorder they were using caught fire!
The New Believers - You're Free To Do As We Tell You
The New Believers are a new band. So new in fact, I couldn’t come up with a list of band members off the Internet, and they only have one song posted on their Myspace page. Lucky for them, that song, “You’re Free To Do As We Tell You (Television)” is off to a pretty good start.
There is not a lot to be said about Wound's self-titled debut EP, because there is not much going on here.
The band’s drummer is extremely talented, and the guitarist can play a mean solo when he puts his mind to it, but those two aspects aren’t enough to save the EP from sounding like every other metal record out there.
The Smoking Hearts will be unleashing a whirlwind of punk music into the world on March 8th 2010 with the release of their debut album 'Pride of Nowhere,' but for now, the band are concentrating on the release of the first single from the album.
THE SMOKING HEARTS release debut album ‘Pride of Nowhere’ on 8th March. A whirlwind combination of relentless punk rock and cutting rock’n’roll, the band have already played live with the likes of Gallows, Bring Me The Horizon, Misfits and Skid Row. These guys will be ones to watch in 2010… See full release details below.
A FREE DOWNLOAD of album track ‘George Street Wrestling’ is available at this link - http://tinyurl.com/smokingheartsDL
The Smoking Hearts will be stamping their mark on the British music scene on March 8th of 2010 with the release of debut album Pride Of Nowhere. Storming out of rural England, The Smoking Hearts unleash a whirlwind combination of relentless punk rock and cutting rock’n’roll.
TWIN ATLANTIC - LIGHTSPEED
The four-piece band hails from Glasgow, UK. This is apparent through vocalist, Sam McTrusty's Scottish accent when he sings. The rawness in his delivery of the lyrics adds more intensity to the already fierceness of this song.
We spoke to Young Guns frontman Gustav Wood about the current Kerrang! Relentless Tour 2010 and their current reign in the rock music world.
"We are a pretty determined and ambitious lot, but none of us thought if would be like this, certainly hoped for it though. We've had an amazing year, winning Best Newcomer in both Rocksound and Kerrang! is a huge deal for us, I can't believe our fortune at the moment. That said, we work really hard and try not to take anything for granted.
The Boy Who Trapped The Sun is a singer-songwriter from the U.K, looking to tap into the States’ seemingly unquenchable thirst for these types of acts.
It’s an attempt that the Home EP won’t prove entirely successful, but does open the door for him if he can find his place musically.
The EP’s five cuts feature the standard fare for an early, indie release: mostly acoustic guitar driven numbers, with some electric guitar or pianos sprinkled throughout to add a little flavor. The vocals are uniform throughout, calling to mind Thom Yorke or Glen Hansard from the Swell Season.
JAY FARRAR & BENJAMIN GIBBARD LIVE at BOULDER THEATRE, COLORADO
"As you know, it’s really fate, circumstance and Jack Kerouac that brings us together tonight.” Jay Farrar said this right before launching into another song inspired by Kerouac’s novel, Big Sur, which is the basis for the album Farrar and Benjamin Gibbard released last fall entitled One Fast Move or I’m Gone.
"Fuck, I don't know what I'm doing, let me start again" says the American-Russian songstress to a crowded theatre in Manchester Thursday night. The songstress is the one, the only Regina Spektor, and the theatre is Manchester Apollo.
"Greetings all,
over the past week or so we've been going through the mixing process for our new album and things are sounding amazing. (we'll talk more about that soon) in other news we've been rehearsing everyday and with that said are so excited to announce our first shows of 2010. In addition to what's already familiar we'll be playing a few new songs, so this should be a blast...can't wait to dance and sing with all of you, it's been far too long."
Join the guys on tour at the following dates:
3/11/10- Carrboro, NC @ Cat's Cradle
3/12/10- Nashville, TN @ Exit/ In
3/13/10- Birmingham, AL @ WorkPlay Theatre
3/14/10- Little Rock, AR @ The Village
3/16/10- San Antonio, TX @ White Rabbit
3/17/10-3/21/10- Austin, TX (SXSW festival) @ TBD
3/22/10- St. Louis,MO @ The Firebird
3/23/10- Indianapolis, IN @ The Emerson Theater
3/24/10- Cleveland Heights, OH @ Grog Shop
3/26/10- HOODWINK Anaheim, CA @ Grove of Anaheim
3/27/10- THE BAMBOOZLE Anaheim, CA @ The Festival Grounds at Angels Stadium
ATTACK! ATTACK! ANNOUNCE UK TOUR DATES FOR 2010
ATTACK! ATTACK! announce first UK dates of 2010!
Following more than a year of solid touring in support of their self-titled debut album, released in October 2008, Welsh melody merchants Attack! Attack! took some well earned time off to begin work on it's follow up. Said follow up is planned for a summer release, but expect to hear the first fruits of their new material around the time of their newly announced UK headline dates in May.
UK TOUR DATES 2010
30th April - London Borderline
1st May - Birmingham 02 Academy 3
2nd May - Newcastle 02 Academy 2
3rd May - Glasgow Kingtuts
4th May - Aberdeen Warehouse
6th May - Sheffield Corporation
7th May - Oxford 02 Academy 2
8th May - Southampton Joiners
9th May - Cardiff CLWB IFO BACH
FUN LOVIN' CRIMINALS ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM AND 2010 TOUR
FUN LOVIN’ CRIMINALS HURTLE INTO 2010 WITH THE FIRST PARTY ALBUM OF THE DECADE!!
‘CLASSIC FANTASTIC’ IS RELEASED ON 1ST MARCH
The multi platinum funk soul brothers, with 4 Top 10 albums to their name, return for the first time in five years, with the first classic party album of the decade, featuring collaborations with Roots Manuva and Paul Kaye.
UK TOUR DATES 2010
Sat 6th March - Manchester - O2 Academy
Sun 7th March - Leeds - O2 Academy
Mon 8th March - Glasgow - O2 ABC
Tue 9th March - Newcastle - O2 Academy
Thu 11th March - Bristol - O2 Academy
Fri 12th March - Oxford - O2 Academy
Sun 14th March - Leamington - Assembly
Mon 15th March - Nottingham - Rock City
Tues 16th March - London - Koko
We recently spoke to Welsh rock band Lost Prophets about their brand new album 'The Betrayed' and their upcoming UK tour.
"It feels sometimes like the charts have little meaning these days. I mean I look at it and look at the top 40 and then you get to a stage where the songs that get in the top 10 aren’t actually written by the people who are performing them...."
Dublin four piece Delorentos are set to release their debut album ‘You Can Make Sound’ on April 5th with their new single ‘S.E.C.R.E.T’ to follow it up on March 1st.
The band have had some personal issues to battle through including hitting a creative block followed by lead singer Ronan walking out, but everything is happy again in the Delorentos camp as the music is flowing and Ronan thankfully returned to the band after realising his initial mistake.
Midnight Youth’s debut album, 'The Brave Don’t Run,' is so good, I sent away to the other side of the world for it. After hearing one of the New Zealand rock band’s singles, 'All On Our Own,' I scoured the internet for any of their other songs. I just had to hear more of the catchy indie pop sound that I had fallen in love with so quickly. Unfortunately, it became clear that my only option was to order directly from the band’s site, so voila, 35 NZ dollars and a few weeks later, and one of my favorite CDs of the year arrived here in the United States.
It seems to be becoming a bit of a trend for bands to release their music as free downloads, but if the bands are happy to miss out on making money in favour of pleasing their fans, then we are all for it.
Young Guns are the latest band to offer up their latest creation as a free download, available from January 25th. Talking about their choice to do so, front-man Gustav Wood said “we wanted to release the new track as a free download-only single, because we wanted to give something back to those that have given us so much; it’s the least we could do.”
The next wave in the continuing success of Biffy Clyro is heralded with the confirmation of a major UK tour that commences in April. Having recently completed a triumphant sold-out tour that concluded with a landmark date at O2 Academy Brixton, the trio’s next run of dates will see them play to almost 20,000 people and includes another major London show at Hammersmith Apollo.
April
29th – Perth, Concert Hall
30th – Sheffield, O2 Academy
May
1st – Blackpool, Empress Ballroom
3rd – Leicester, De Montfort Hall
4th – Portsmouth, Guildhall
5th – Bristol, Colston Hall
6th – London, Hammersmith Apollo
Released on January 18th, the hauntingly romantic ‘Many of Horror’ will be released on CD, coloured 7” and regular 7” formats. Each format will feature all new b-sides.
YOUNG GUNS RELEASE FREE DOWNLOAD
YOUNG GUNS set to release explosive new and unreleased single ‘Winter Kiss’ on January 25th as a free download. Video for the track online now!
By the time hotly-tipped, High Wycombe quintet YOUNG GUNS unleash forthcoming single ‘Winter Kiss’ to the masses, it will have been just over a year since they emerged to an unsuspecting UK rock scene. Since debuting with digital single ‘In The Night’ last January, a track that was also included on their debut EP ‘Mirrors’ at the end of the June, the band has hardly been off the road.
‘Winter Kiss’ is the first new material since the EP offered up by the band, who are currently on their fourth pressing of ‘Mirrors’, having already shifted 4,000+ copies and counting since June. As front-man Gustav Wood explains;“we wanted to release the new track as a free download-only single, because we wanted to give something back to those that have given us so much, it's the least we could do after such a great year.”
“The song is a little darker than people might have expected from us, both thematically and sonically,” he continues. “We wanted to push ourselves a bit creatively and explore things like strings and piano that we hadn't yet had time to. Without giving too much away, the song deals with the idea of feeling isolated, even if you may not actually be alone.”
Musée Mécanique
SINGLE ‘LIKE HOME’
RELEASE DATE: JANUARY 25TH 2010
(Souterrain Transmissions)
First conceived in a museum of antique arcade machines, Portland-based Musée Mécanique’s debut single ‘Like Home’ is a truly beautiful trinket to lure you into the new year. It will be released on limited edition 7” vinyl on January 25th through Berlin label Souterrain Transmissions.
Compared to the likes of Neutral Milk Hotel and Sufjan Stevens, Musée Mécanique were selected as a Guardian new band of the day just before Xmas, so you can read more about them HERE
The single precedes the release of their debut album ‘Hold This Ghost’ on February 15th, which I’ll be sending out over the coming weeks. Look out for a review on AmpedReviews.net!
THE BIRTHDAY MASSACRE LIVE AT THE CORPORATION, SHEFFIELD
Although the ticket clearly states that doors open at seven o’clock, upon entering the Corporation we’re informed that the first of tonight’s three bands isn’t on until eight thirty, due to an art exhibition being held at the Corp earlier in the evening. Why no-one noticed they’d scheduled a gig and an exhibition on the same night, is anyone’s guess. Even worse, the Corp’s Wednesday night School Disco is supposed to kick off at ten o’clock. Later on in the night, a chat with some of the school tie-wearing multitudes, reveals that they were holed up in one of the club’s teeny secondary rooms while the gig was on - something they’re none too pleased about.
“If we’re not married by 22, could I be so bold and ask you?” is the first thing heard on the album, as Rebecca and Charles gently sing the line in unison along with the gentle sounds of a guitar playing as 'When I Go' opens the album. It is a simple folksy song, singing of young love and obviously written from the mindset of someone looking to their future, with a bit of remorse and a bit of questioning hope. It’s a young, optimistic love song to put it simply, as are the majority of songs on the album.
According to Jenna's Revenge's MySpace page, they self-proclaim that they play "unashamed, 'old school,' feel good rock" music. Mission accomplished. Just listening to Everything at face value, it's evident that these four guys just want to play rock and roll. However, if they want to support a living with their rock and roll, they're gonna need to attract paying fans.
The latest offering in the wave of British post-punk bands, Attention Thieves has some pretty big footsteps to walk in. Their self-titled E.P. – due on December 4th – gives a four-song taste of how the band from Reading, England, plans on following their piers.
'Arcane,' the new single from British band New Education, is the best kind of radio-rock: it gets in your head on the first listen, the music rocks, and the lyrics manage to be sweet without being sappy.
WELCOME TO THE NEW LOOK AMPEDREVIEWS.NET WHERE WE WILL STILL BE BRINGING YOU THE LATEST CD AND GIG REVIEWS AS WELL AS INTERVIEWS, AND WE WILL ALSO BE BRINGING YOU THE LATEST NEWS IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY! ENJOY!!
DEAD CONFEDERATE - THE RAT
Dead Confederate's first record was a swirling, raucous mix of southern steel guitars and heavy rock sensibilities. 'The Rat' indicates that Georgia-based group haven't changed things too much.
The guitars are still as alternately sweet and throbbing as they have been, but 'The Rat' shows that the band has a great ear for melody, and an amazing ability to change up styles - and time signatures at the drop of a hat.
'Crash Love,' the eighth studio album from the punk/goth/rock band AFI, is one of the best albums of the year. These guys are masters of grandiose vocals, shrieking guitar solos and perfectly-executed gang vocals. It’s been almost three and a half years since AFI’s last studio album, 'DecemberUnderground,' but boy, was it worth the wait.
The first three tracks - 'Torch Song,' 'Beautiful Thieves,' and 'End Transmission' are absolutely killer, and perhaps the album’s best, but all the songs are gems, from the 1980s revival of 'Veronica Sawyer Smokes' to the guaranteed pit starter 'Cold Hands.' Lead singer Davey Havok’s voice gets better with every album, and the rest of the band has obviously been improving their skills as well. Every single track on the CD is worth a listen (or maybe a couple hundred). This album is energetic, epic and completely mosh-able, thank goodness.
Interview with MiMi Soya
We recently spoke to Brighton based pop rock outfit, MiMi Soya about their brand new EP 'I Can't Stand Pop Bands,' their recent success and what is still yet to come from the band. READ THE FULL INTERVIEW
Behinds the scenes with My Darkest Days
We recently went behind the scenes with My Darkest Days on their July 2010 tour, opening for Sick Puppies alongside It's Alive and Janus.
Mark Goodwin of Sick Puppies
We recently spoke to Mark Goodwin of Sick Puppies about Rock Prophecies, who he would like to share a stage with and what's new about their recent tour.
It's Alive
We recently spoke to It's Alive about their recent tour in support of Sick Puppies and shooting the video for their single 'Pieces.'
Tommi Thunder from Suicide Love Boat
We spoke to Tommi Thunder of Suicide Love Boat about the band’s scam tour to Germany, stolen guitars, cut fingers, lost brothers, playing drunk and many others. READ THE FULL INTERVIEW
Jonas Karsten from Vanity Beach
We talked to Jonas Karsten of Vanity Beach about their long-awaited second album ‘A Life of Vice’, a new line-up and producer and many other curious sidelights. READ THE FULL INTERVIEW
Dead Confederate
We spoke to Dead Confederate during the last day of SXSW about what they've been up to and their new album READ THE FULL INTERVIEW
Burn The Fleet
We spoke to this Southampton based group about their local music scene and how they are breaking out from it. READ THE FULL INTERVIEW
Silent Disguise
We spoke to metal band Silent Disguise about their journey to where they are today and what is on the horizon. READ THE FULL INTERVIEW
Phillip Edwards from Boys With X-Ray Eyes
We spoke to drummer Phillip Edwards about the bands rise since their debut. READ THE FULL INTERVIEW
Gustav Wood from Young Guns
We talk to the young front man about the Kerrang! Relentless tour and what it feels like to be an unsigned band that is currently making huge waves in the rock music industry. READ THE FULL INTERVIEW
Lost Prophets
We talk to Lost Prophets about their new album 'The Betrayed' and their current tour of the UK READ THE FULL INTERVIEW
Funeral For A Friend
We talked to Funeral For A Friend members Darran and Gavin about their new 'Greatest Hits' album and how Gavin felt about joining the band. READ THE FULL INTERVIEW
Angel Ibarra from Aiden
Back in June we talked to Aiden guitarist Angel Ibarra about the new record and the recent troubles that the band have faced. READ THE FULL INTERVIEW
I bet, when you hear the combination of two words 'Canadian' and 'rock', you start laughing! Isn’t it something like American cuisine or English sauna you will ask? Although you are sure to stop laughing after you learn that Canadian rock is Billy Talent, The Birthday Massacre, Nickelback, Sum 41, Three Days Grace… and also a band called Moneen.
“Cuz he said a bang, bang, bangity-bang, a bang bang bangity-bang!” I’m pretty sure that was the tune that inspired John (vocals) and David (synths) to change the name of their band from humdrum 'Protocol' into flamboyant and playsome “The Bang Bang Club”.
This will not be wide of the truth if I say that each minute a new band is born in Finland. The reasons are different, of course: someone just want to be rock stars; others have a fierce passion for music.
The Low Anthem hit Boulder’s Fox Theatre with a feather’s touch, creating a glistening wall of sound from a variety of instruments that was intimate and enchanting. It called to mind the simple gorgeousness of classics like Van Morrison’s Astral Weeks, and the effect was just as hypnotic.
Murder By Death strode onto the stage at Cervantes to the kind of reception that most “indie” bands dream of: a roaring crowd, fists and hands thrown into the air, and a palpable that sense of something big is coming. 
The Cave Singers are a band in the vein of throw-back folk rockers like Fleet Foxes that use finger-picking guitar and minimal percussion to create a kind of music that strips away production and leaves the listener open to the power of the human voice. 
The last time A Day To Remember played at the Portsmouth Pyramid Centre, it was to a crowd that belonged to Sheffield metallers Bring Me The Horizon. ADTR are a million miles away from that now as the popularity surrounding the band has more than exploded, causing many of the dates on the tour to sell out, leaving fans begging for spare tickets outside the venues.
Don’t be fooled by the laid back sound on their albums: when Vampire Weekend sets foot on stage, they rock it like nobody’s business. 
The Fox Theater in Boulder was packed as South Carolina’s Band or Horses hit the stage, completely looking the part of a southern-rock indie band; plaid shirts, beards, long hair. There was nothing formulaic about their show, however, which was a quintessential display of what sets the band apart from its peers. 
Music fans have needed an excuse to get excited about Lost Prophets as they’ve been off the radar for quite a while, but now, after the release of their new album ‘The Betrayed’ and the announcement of their UK tour, things are right again and Lost Prophets fans around the country have more than enough to get excited about.
“I hope I die before I get old.” 
The album Moon Landing is the solo effort of Sivert Høyem who was the former vocalist with Norway’s biggest ever rock band Madrugada (who are by the way well worth checking out if you have a spare hour or two to give them a proper listen). This album is the result of the untimely demise of the Norwegian band after the sudden death of the guitarist Robert . After the band split Sivert Høyem retreated to a cabin in the mountain accompanied by a host of musician pals and made an album. The recording process was not without its problems, there was the occasional health hazard, a couple of times the 16 track tape recorder they were using caught fire!
The New Believers are a new band. So new in fact, I couldn’t come up with a list of band members off the Internet, and they only have one song posted on their Myspace page. Lucky for them, that song, “You’re Free To Do As We Tell You (Television)” is off to a pretty good start.
There is not a lot to be said about Wound's self-titled debut EP, because there is not much going on here.
The Smoking Hearts will be unleashing a whirlwind of punk music into the world on March 8th 2010 with the release of their debut album 'Pride of Nowhere,' but for now, the band are concentrating on the release of the first single from the album.
The four-piece band hails from Glasgow, UK. This is apparent through vocalist, Sam McTrusty's Scottish accent when he sings. The rawness in his delivery of the lyrics adds more intensity to the already fierceness of this song.
The Boy Who Trapped The Sun is a singer-songwriter from the U.K, looking to tap into the States’ seemingly unquenchable thirst for these types of acts. 
Dublin four piece Delorentos are set to release their debut album ‘You Can Make Sound’ on April 5th with their new single ‘S.E.C.R.E.T’ to follow it up on March 1st.
Midnight Youth’s debut album, 'The Brave Don’t Run,' is so good, I sent away to the other side of the world for it. After hearing one of the New Zealand rock band’s singles, 'All On Our Own,' I scoured the internet for any of their other songs. I just had to hear more of the catchy indie pop sound that I had fallen in love with so quickly. Unfortunately, it became clear that my only option was to order directly from the band’s site, so voila, 35 NZ dollars and a few weeks later, and one of my favorite CDs of the year arrived here in the United States. 
It seems to be becoming a bit of a trend for bands to release their music as free downloads, but if the bands are happy to miss out on making money in favour of pleasing their fans, then we are all for it.
Although the ticket clearly states that doors open at seven o’clock, upon entering the Corporation we’re informed that the first of tonight’s three bands isn’t on until eight thirty, due to an art exhibition being held at the Corp earlier in the evening. Why no-one noticed they’d scheduled a gig and an exhibition on the same night, is anyone’s guess. Even worse, the Corp’s Wednesday night School Disco is supposed to kick off at ten o’clock. Later on in the night, a chat with some of the school tie-wearing multitudes, reveals that they were holed up in one of the club’s teeny secondary rooms while the gig was on - something they’re none too pleased about.
“If we’re not married by 22, could I be so bold and ask you?” is the first thing heard on the album, as Rebecca and Charles gently sing the line in unison along with the gentle sounds of a guitar playing as 'When I Go' opens the album. It is a simple folksy song, singing of young love and obviously written from the mindset of someone looking to their future, with a bit of remorse and a bit of questioning hope. It’s a young, optimistic love song to put it simply, as are the majority of songs on the album. 
According to Jenna's Revenge's MySpace page, they self-proclaim that they play "unashamed, 'old school,' feel good rock" music. Mission accomplished. Just listening to Everything at face value, it's evident that these four guys just want to play rock and roll. However, if they want to support a living with their rock and roll, they're gonna need to attract paying fans.
The latest offering in the wave of British post-punk bands, Attention Thieves has some pretty big footsteps to walk in. Their self-titled E.P. – due on December 4th – gives a four-song taste of how the band from Reading, England, plans on following their piers. 
'Arcane,' the new single from British band New Education, is the best kind of radio-rock: it gets in your head on the first listen, the music rocks, and the lyrics manage to be sweet without being sappy. 
Dead Confederate's first record was a swirling, raucous mix of southern steel guitars and heavy rock sensibilities. 'The Rat' indicates that Georgia-based group haven't changed things too much.
The guitars are still as alternately sweet and throbbing as they have been, but 'The Rat' shows that the band has a great ear for melody, and an amazing ability to change up styles - and time signatures at the drop of a hat.
'Crash Love,' the eighth studio album from the punk/goth/rock band AFI, is one of the best albums of the year. These guys are masters of grandiose vocals, shrieking guitar solos and perfectly-executed gang vocals. It’s been almost three and a half years since AFI’s last studio album, 'DecemberUnderground,' but boy, was it worth the wait.
The first three tracks - 'Torch Song,' 'Beautiful Thieves,' and 'End Transmission' are absolutely killer, and perhaps the album’s best, but all the songs are gems, from the 1980s revival of 'Veronica Sawyer Smokes' to the guaranteed pit starter 'Cold Hands.' Lead singer Davey Havok’s voice gets better with every album, and the rest of the band has obviously been improving their skills as well. Every single track on the CD is worth a listen (or maybe a couple hundred). This album is energetic, epic and completely mosh-able, thank goodness.
