Album Reviews

  • Stephanie Manns – The Berkeley EP

    Stephanie Manns – The Berkeley EP

    It’s easy to spot the influences on Stephanie Mann’s latest live EP. Blending easily into the likes of Madison Violet for it’s country twang, Mary Chapin Carpenter for it’s more confessional style and Colbie Caillat for it’s summery melodies, the comparisons are far from a criticism. Though the Berkeley EP nods to other...

  • Inherit The Stars – We Were Made To Walk The Skies

    Inherit The Stars – We Were Made To Walk The Skies

    Hailing from Sheffield UK, this mob whose live shows have been known to create a whirlwind within each respective venue, specifically in local venue Corporation on May 18 for their debut album launch. After creating a local buzz surrounding the band in their home town, this buzz has slowly infected the ears of those nation-wide and rightfully so, this is a...

  • Beady Eye – BE

    Beady Eye – BE

    Two years after the disappointing 2011 album, Different Gear, Still Speeding, which failed to arouse much attention, as it sounded more like old Oasis B-Sides than a fresh album from a newly-emerged band, Beady Eye have made a bold comeback with their second album BE, and it’s clear that frontman Liam Gallagher means business as he tries his best to shake...

  • Filter – The Sun Comes Out Tonight

    Filter – The Sun Comes Out Tonight

    With the support of a new record label behind them, Filter have returned following a long and hard road to put themselves back on the music map after the breakdown of the band. This was due to the frontman’s stint in rehab, resulting in the bands dramatic downfall after being one of the US’s leading acts in 2000. The new album has the same familiar...

  • Hidden Masters – Of This & Other Worlds

    Hidden Masters – Of This & Other Worlds

    The Scottish trio, Hidden Masters, present their debut Of This & Other Worlds which boasts quirky, psychedelic beats teamed with rock guitars and harmonised vocals which highly represents rock of the 1970’s era and which are a rarity in the modern music charts of today. The album opens on an electric start with She Broke The Clock Of The Long Now...

  • Kodaline – In A Perfect World

    Kodaline – In A Perfect World

    The first song I heard from Dublin-based alt-rock band Kodaline, All I Want, had me instantly questioning who these Irish boys were. Combining warm unique vocals, mellow guitar and a beautiful music video (which actually made me cry), Kodaline had managed to create an endearing and enchanting song. I knew that if this was anything to go by, their...

  • Keston Cobblers’ Club – A Scene Of Plenty EP

    Keston Cobblers’ Club – A Scene Of Plenty EP

    Another band looking to capitalise on the recent surge in successful mainstream folk crossover acts, Keston Cobblers’ Club follow up their debut long play with this 5 track EP of new material. In many ways it’s a perfect play from the young Bromley based five piece, with the release coming just in time for a string of high profile summer...

  • Miles Kane – Don’t Forget Who You Are

    Miles Kane – Don’t Forget Who You Are

    Miles Kane has been eager to make a name for himself in his own right ever since Last Shadow Puppets, and generally being heralded as Alex Turner’s bezzie. His 2011 debut solo album Colour Of The Trap tried it’s hardest, with delightful 60s ditties and upbeat old-school pop-rock; but never quite managed to grab the attention of the masses. Now Kane’s...

  • Charlie Boyer and the Voyeurs – Clarietta

    Charlie Boyer and the Voyeurs – Clarietta

    Clarietta is the first full-length release from east-London darlings Charlie Boyer and the Voyeurs, out now on Heavenly. This debut effort from the all-male five-piece features lashings of sexy, dirty rock ‘n’ roll delivered with plenty of dapper charisma. Title track Clarietta follows on from the album’s lead single Be Glamorous, released on May...

  • Majical Cloudz – Impersonator

    Majical Cloudz – Impersonator

    Despite the light-heartedness of their band name, Majical Cloudz want to be taken with anything but a pinch of salt. The most poignant message of their second LP Impersonator is found in the emotive Bugs Don’t Buzz, when frontman Devon Welsh declares that “the cheesiest songs all end with a smile/ this song won’t end with a smile my love.” In...

  • The Dark Plains – Come On And Get Some

    The Dark Plains – Come On And Get Some

    The Plymouth based trio known as The Dark Plains released their debut EP Come On and Get Some back in February this year. Although a small and not well known band, this 5 track wonder shows the influence that bands such as Nirvana, Soundgarden and The Foo Fighters have had over the creation of their music as well as teaming grungy rock sounds with facile...

  • Frankie and the Heartstrings – The Days Run Away

    Frankie and the Heartstrings – The Days Run Away

    The North East’s finest, Frankie and the Heartstrings are back with their sophomore album, out June 3rd. Not only that, but they’re opening their own record store on June 1st ahead of the release. It’s clear they’re working their socks off, but will difficult second album The Days Run Away provide a big sound for the band’s big plans? One...