Review: Thick – Five Years Behind.

Thick this week release their new album, Five Years Behind through Epitaph Records. On the record, THICK confront the countless disappointments and injustices: the reckless hypocrisy of people in power, social media’s erosion of genuine connection, dudes who feel inexplicably entitled to share their most loathsome opinions – and that description certainly sounds like my kind of record.

Delivering incredible hooks that get into your head with such ease, Thick on this record craft some great songs, delivering raw and honest lyricism that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. ‘Sleeping Through The Weekend’ in particular gives us the bouncy melodies you need in combination with some fantastic hooks that never stop giving on this song, and that runs throughout the record.

Packed with energy, which is delivered by great riffs and awesome drum beats that keep the pace going throughout the whole of the album, 5 Years Behind does not let you breathe all that much. ‘Won’t Back Down’ for example builds into something excellent, with drums that really pack a punch and a riff that winds up the song with such style, it makes for such a good track on this album. The great riffs continue on tracks such as ‘Can’t Be Friends’ and give this song a whole new energy that just sounds so good.

An album that live is going to go off, 5 Years Behind is a raw, energetic and pacey album that keeps going and going for days, and it makes for an incredible listen as they delivery their own firey, bouncy punk vibe that you will never not be a fan of. ‘Your Mum’ is definitely going on a playlist as soon as possible.

 

Review: Johanna Glaza – Exile.

 

Photo: Kat Bumbul.

Johanna Glaza, Friday, released her new album ‘Exile’ and what an album it is. Beautifully delivered throughout this album is a collection of harmonies and melodies that ensnare throughout these seven songs, Exile truly is worthy of giving a listen to as soon as you can – these thirty minutes might be some of your favourites of 2020.

Using her vocal as a stunning instrument from the beginning of the record, Glaza gives you vibes of musicians such as Kate Bush with stunning notes and high hitting vocals that leave an incredible impression. Throughout the album Glaza pushes her boundaries melodically and keeps using her vocal to explore different styles and it sounds so good, especially on tracks such as ‘Dear Life’.

Dramatic beats and moments of intriguing synth weave together and make for such fascinating listening. Tracks such ‘Isabella’ for example bringing eery melodies and dark moments to the record that conflict with the intriguing and unique beats of ‘Dear Life’, the song before. Ominous beats combined with the haunting lyricism makes for a track that just grabs you from the moment it begins, the vocals delivering such drama to the song too and make for one of the most interesting things I’ve heard so far this year.

An intriguing record melodically and vocally, Exile is an incredible record which continues to highlight the talents of this formidable writer throughout. Tracks such as ‘King’s Alive’ are soft, light and beautiful and ‘Dear Life’ brings to your ears incredible sounds and a vocal range that you have to hear. Go listen.

Review: Pet Crow – Take The Edge Off.

Derby based garage-pop post-punkers Pet Crow explore the struggles of modern life on second album Take the Edge Off. A band that deliver lyricism packed with darkness to energetic tracks makes for contradictory listening, but also great listening as they delve into mental health and the world of being and adult. You can give a listen to ‘What We Doin’?’ now through YouTube here.

A band who bring the energy on this album throughout, ‘Take The Edge Off’ has the kind of bouncy energy we all need, with energetic riffs that keep delivering on every song and drums that hit all the right spots throughout the whole of this record. ‘NOCD’ is a perfect example of how this band deliver that energy as they give us unique riffs and melodies that pick up the pace with incredible drumwork that makes for such a great listen on this album.

Ross is an incredible vocalist. Ranging from deep cool tones to raw, power-packed vocals, her voice just gets better and better on every song of this album. ‘One Whole Summer’ and ‘Limbo’ in particular make this clear as those softer tones on ‘One Whole Summer’ work so easily with the melodies with the backing vocals and delivering some great lyricism, and it makes for one of the highlights for me on this record however in contrast we have songs such as ‘Limbo’ which give us that power in the chorus this band bring so easily and so well.

A brilliant album, Pet Crow really make something so original, energetic and thoughtful with this record and it makes for such incredible listening, the riffs packing the energy on this record and vocals that drift with the melodies in harmony to perfection, you would be foolish to miss out on something so good.

 

Review: Nelson Can – So Long Desire.

Nelson Can this week returned with their new record, So Long Desire through Alcopop! Records. A band that specialises in the original and creates mood-filled and atmospheric melodies that captivate your attention, Nelson Can continue with this formula here and it makes for intriguing listening. You can listen to the album in full now through Spotify here.

Throbbing beats and cool grooves open the album in ‘Limelight’ that entwine with their incredible vocals so well, using their combined vocals on the album to perfection and highlighting just how well they sound together. Moody and full of feeling, this song is just the beginning of the incredible moments on this record as the band delve into melodies that make you want to get up and dance but keep the atmosphere heavy. Unique beats and dark riffs combine on their title track that just pull you in with vocals that work so dreamily together with the sound they create.

With these incredible melodies they put together, the vocals they bring throughout the record are delicate in moments to the point of haunting, as they deliver lyricism which captures the mood of ‘So Long Desire’ throughout. Nelson Can are specialists in creating songs that capture them so perfectly, and it shows on their album as they deliver stunning vocal performances that just make you question why you didn’t find them before – just listen to tracks such as ‘I Wanna Be With You’.

A band that consistently deliver, Nelson Can on their new album deliver a collection of songs that work together so well and leave you feeling the emotion of every word as the melodies entrance but also capture the feeling of the lyricism so well, I feel like this is their magical power and something that never changes throughout their discography.  Perfectly done.

 

Review: Civil Villains – Snake Oil EP.

‘Snake Oil’ is the new EP from Civil Villains, which is released this week. For fans of acts such as At The Drive In or Modest Mouse, Civil Villiains have some great comparisons and some great music too – with thoughtful lyricism and melodies that deliver some excellent DIY tones. Give a listen to ‘Dead Still’ now here.

Gritty and determined, Civil Villains bring intense melodies and beats that bring a tension to a song that is unmatched. Songs such as ‘Gargoyles’ are incredible as the band add a depth to the track with guitars that build something huge and add an air of mystery to the song that just work so damn well. This band continue to bring it throughout this record, having such perfect timing throughout – exploding in sound to perfection, see ‘Dead Still’ for proof.

The vocals pack a punch throughout, ‘Dead Still’ is a good example of this too and the chorus is delivered with a ferocity that just takes your breath away, the verses delivered with a raw edge that works so well with the bouncy melody the band create. ‘Siren Bound’ takes down the pace and adds a touch of gloom to end the record with and end it with perfection.

Snake Oil sees this band deliver on everything. Vocals that are brutal but brilliant, melodies that kick you in the face and grooves that just work, this is a band you should not be ignoring any time soon.

Review: Whippoorwill – The Nature Of Storms.

Whippoorwill this week sees the release of their new album, ‘The Nature Of Storms’. The album focuses on the idea of weathering the storms of life, whether in one’s personal affairs, politics, or natural disasters delivered with stunning folk melodies. Give a listen to ‘California’ from the album through Spotify now here.

A band with a finesse for sound, the band here create fantastic melodies that delve into that folk sound to perfection. ‘Eventide’ is a great example of this as the band give us beautiful guitar melodies and a subtle drum beat that just works so well with the gorgeous tones delivered by the vocals. The tone changes on tracks such as ‘Cold Sound’ where the band build something dramatic and give us a a deeper, rich tone that works so well.

The feeling in these tracks is immense. ‘Great Lakes’ is rich in melodies, but allows the writing to shine so brightly. Emotive writing that fills the song with such powerful imagery, the hurt weaves into this song with such aplomb throughout and just makes for such a lyrical highlight on this album, that personal feeling highlighted on a song like this.  ‘Martindale’ lifts the tempo of the record but connects lyrically with the last to perfection and the vocal adlibs work so well adding so much more to this track.

A great debut that sees this band’s fantastic lyricism come to the fore and melodies that sees these lyrics given their time, Whippoorwill are a band to look out for, if simple, folk melodies with a voice that hits you with feeling, is your thing (and it should be) this is what you need in your life.

Review: GoodnightGoodnight – I Love You Fiercely.

Set for independent release on CD and digital formats, November 16, I Love You Fiercely, was produced by GoodnightGoodnight in their home studio as they tackled the idea of “loving with all of your heart, self-reflection, risking heartbreak, and even letting go of love at times.” and that shows throughout the record as it plums emotion perfectly.

The vocals on this record sound so good. Reminiscent in moments of Kate Bush, Thornton’s vocals are dreamy and packed with feeling throughout the whole of this record, working in harmony with melodies that add to the depth of the lyricism. This is especially clear on tracks such as ‘Mint Julip’ where the band’s fantastic synth melodies work in combination with the vocal to perfection throughout. And that continues throughout the EP.

The emotive melodies run deep throughout this record bringing this record to life and making the lyricism’s feeling work so well. Tracks such as ‘Carried Away’ see the band crafting unique sounds and building atmospheric melodies that allow the song to bloom. On tracks such as ‘Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me’ the band’s sombre tones and piano keys are masterful and makes for such a great song on this record.

An emotional and explorative record that has been created with a raw edge, GoodnightGoodnight excel in showcasing their melodic sensibilities and highlight a fantastic vocal. Created also for a fantastic cause (some of the profits going to Oxford House) this band really bring together something special on this record, go discover it.

Review: Guerrilla Toss – What Would The Odd Do?

The new album from Guerrilla Toss, ‘What Would The Odd Do?’ is out November 15th on NNA Tapes. A band with an album output that continues to evolve and a live show considered to be one of the greatest right now, this new record is something that should be on your musical radar.

A band that through this EP create some incredible grooves and beats that build these songs into something that’s not easy to forget, Guerrilla Toss continue to explore their sound on this record as they create melodies that create an atmospheric vibe – this is especially clear on tracks such as ‘Plants’ which with it’s moody elements create a fierce and anthemic sound that feels like a throwback to the 90’s.

The band continue with the wild and kooky melodies throughout this record, and this is particularly clear on track ‘Moth Like Me’. A song packed with melodies and with a chorus that hooks you in with ease, this stands out on the record. Kassie’s vocals are incredible on the track and deliver the infectious lyricism in combination with a melody that builds on big drum & bass sounds that just work together so damn well.  A song about going after things no matter what people think, this whole album feels like that message in melody.

A great record that explodes with noise, Guerrilla Toss cannot contain their talent on this record. From the moment this record begins, Guerrilla Toss are engineering an EP that moves from the norm to the unusual at lightning speed and it makes for such a fantastic listen, go listen to this if you wanna join them out of this world.

Review: Cold War Kids – New Age Norms 1.

This week sees the return of Cold War Kids, who release their new album Friday, ‘New Age Norms 1’. It’s been two years since the band put out new music and this album is certainly well worth the wait as the bring us a record perfectly formed. You can give a listen to ‘Complainer’ from the record now here.

A band that goes for grooves on this record, New Age Norms has melodies for days. Awesome grooves on tracks such as ‘Fine Fine Fine’ are great examples of this, as the  band make something with a nice bounce and a cool beat to boot that makes for such an excellent listen. Tracks such as ‘Beyond The Pale’ sees the band go for a darker tone and more simple sound, the mood shifting quickly, but also brilliantly.

Vocally, this band have a great lead, delivering some incredible falsetto moments on tracks such as ‘4th Of July’ and also delivering lyricism that feels easy to relate to with incredible hooks. ‘Complainer’ continues this, opening the record with a fantastic chorus and giving us the first taste of what this album is – a collection of real but pacey tracks that never takes a moment for a breath and it makes for such a fantastic listen – and leaves me wondering what ‘2’ will look like.

A great return for the band, Cold War Kids make an album that gives us so much, brilliant choruses, lyricism with depth and some excellent melodies, tracks such as ‘Beyond The Pale’ and ‘Fine Fine Fine’ standing out on this record. Go give it a listen.

Review: Austerity – Anarcho Punk Dance Party.

‘Anarcho Punk Dance Party’ is the new album from Austerity, who release their new week via Every Man His Own Football & Quiet Backwater. With smart lyrics that draw on complex and confrontational political themes, Austerity write songs that might not be for everyone – but needed in the current political climate, trust me.

A raucous powerhouse of noise, Austerity bring us a cacophony of sound that just works together so well. Pummelling riffs and drums that lift these tracks to another dimension, this is melodically an album that sounds so good. Tracks such as ‘Occupation’ allow all these sounds to come together to create a track that shakes the foundations with great beats and big grooves that just meld to perfection here.

The explosion of noise works, as sounds go in all directions to make some fantastic and frantic melodies throughout this record. ‘Rinse And Repeat’ is a great example of this as they bring those Punk sounds alive brilliantly, something they do throughout this record but with this incredible hook, this song moves to another level of brilliant on ‘Anarcho Punk Dance Party’. The next two tracks ‘The City Is Dead’ and ‘Glass House’ make for a powerful trilogy of songs on this album, that live are going to be brutal.

Politically charged and melodically charged, this is an album with energy that delivers until the very end. ‘Glass House’ gives us incredible beats and honest lyrics and tracks such as ‘Capital’ give us Ska melodies and awesome drums that wake you up and make you pay attention, not to mention a hook meant to be stuck in your head for days. This is an album that demands to be heard and you should, you really should pay attention.