Rambling Man's Reviews

Photo credit: Press Words by Anselm Anderson London-based rockers Superfecta continue with their impressive runs of singles with the release of "November Pain", a track initially scheduled for an early release, but was delayed due to the global pandemic. The track was penned last year about a relationship breakup, but the lyrics also relate to recent events. The track sees the band progress with the aggressive and darker sound that emerged in the previous track Breathe In ( Click here to read the review) https://anselmanderson.blogspot.com/2020/09/song-of-day-superfecta-breathe-in.html .The quartet build momentum with a mix of metal and grunge, as vocalist Rob Negrini evolves as a likely frontman. His voice is rich and relatable, conveying raw emotions on this track. The songwriting grows stronger with drummer Vella's pounding sticks an evocative statement of power. Guitarist Danun Todd's punishing riffs and bassist Joe Head's groovy basslines maintain the heavi...

  Photo Credit: Press Words by Anselm Anderson The women are an emerging band, hailing from Poland. "Don't We" is the new single from the upcoming new album " The Machine". The women recently earned rave reviews in their native Krakow, following a slew of concerts. The new track hopes to highlight their knack for conveying emotions, concepts and philosophies through a blend of modern rock and metal. " Don't We"  opens with a synergetic riff, accompanied by thunderous drumming. The vocals tend to switch from melodic and reflective, to angry and emotionally charged. The tempo soon builds to a more aggressive tone, as the singer croons " We can feel it, don't we". The song soon breaks down into a funky instrumental to increase the tension to a melancholic string arrangement.  The finale sees steady drumbeats that see the vocals experience a range of feelings to convey the women's intentions to tell the story of topics that affect us ...

  Interview conducted by Anselm Anderson HELLO, COULD YOU INTRODUCE YOURSELVES TO THE READERS?  Hey! We’re Harriet Comfort - an East London six-piece indie rock band. We’re made up of 5 Aussies (Amy, Brett, Sue, Rick and Sean) and 1 adopted Brit (Anna).    Our debut single, 'Time is Now' was released earlier this year, after being recorded and produced in our kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms during the global COVID lockdown. Since then we’ve been busy in the studio working on our follow up release, 'The Other Side', which dropped last month.    Amy Church - Vocals Sean Dalton - Drums Rick Gold - Bass Brett MacFarlane - Lead guitar Anna Peiris - Rhythm guitar Sue Summers - Keys   HOW DID HARRIET COMFORT FORM?   We formed back in 2018 out of a mixture of reunions, chance meetings, and a pair of leather pants!    After all, reconnecting in London we initially got together for a laugh over beers jamming on tunes we lov...

Words by Anselm Anderson Ghost Dance Collective are a band this blog first covered during the summer as part of a compilation for NHS workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to read     I was instantly struck by their ability to intertwine beautiful harmonies with experimental instrumentation. And now they have finally released an EP, entitled "Getting BY" four songs of oddities and rarities that may feature in the future. The band's unique blend of Psychedelia and folk combine to create a sense of harmony and art to lift a few moods this winter. Getting By is the self-titled opener is an enchanting start with a 60's vibe. Soothing vocals play over multi-layered melodies. The warm timbre was matched by the tender keyboards. Rainy Night in Tolix is an acoustic track adequate for this time of year. Those aforementioned harmonies easily fit into intricate guitar patterns. A song that certainly warms up the cobbles. Next up is an alternate mix of Clouds  a ps...

Words by Anselm Anderson The Van Gogh-inspired Michigan rockers Van GoGo return to the scene with " Imaginary Friend", the follow-up to the popular"Big Mistake". The four-piece was first formed in 2008 by veterans, Lead vocalist Nathan Mackinder and guitarist Jason Schaller, who were soon joined by drummer Jonah Brockman and bassist Paxton Olney. VanGoGo soon grew tired with life on the road and soon disbanded. They soon decided 2020 was a great time to forge a comeback and have set about with a slew of single releases. Imaginary Friend is three minutes of guitar-driven punk with huge choruses and thought-provoking lyrics. A chugging three-chord guitar line explodes into a catchy melody. The song's pounding drums and effective hooks will leave you thinking some friends are not worth the hassle. Mackinder delivers a powerful vocal performance with a hint of cynicism. He adds about the track, "This song is about betrayal. Some of your worst and most hurtful...

Words by Anselm Anderson Last month, Swedish Garage Rockers' The Plastic Pals finally released their much-anticipated sixth studio effort, "It Could Be So Easy, Free and Fine" via Polythene Records. The latest instalment was due to be unveiled earlier in the year but was stalled due to the worldwide pandemic. The EP was originally intended to celebrate the 15th anniversary of The Plastic Pals. The 4-track piece was produced by the band alongside Jorgen Wall, who also assisted in the recording and mixing of the final piece with Peter Maher mastering. The four songs feature 3 recognisable ones alongside an unreleased edition. Opener Plastic Pals is the catchy lead single with jangly guitars and lead singer Hakan " Hawk" Sood crooning in this tribute to Douglas Adams' novel Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy, which the band were named after. Next up is If Love Should Call, a country ballad steeped in emotion and irony. The slow tempo set begins with the strums of ...

Words by Anselm Anderson East London Rockers Harriet Comfort mark their return with 'The Other Side', released November 27th will be the follow-up to debut single Time is Now. ( Click here to read the review ) The band took full advantage of the recent lockdown, and the " rules of six", to complete recording with producer Peter Maher live in the studio. Ryan Pinson helped mix the track, inspired by a night out with some unsavoury characters. Harriet Comfort brings to life experiences to deliver a bluesy number that steeps to their depths to play to their strengths. The empowering presence of Amy Church on vocals produces a sultry essence to the backdrop of eerie keys and soaring guitars. Bassist Rick Gold's driving basslines rumble along to Sean Dalton's timely drumbeats. The song builds tension, as Church conveys a solitary figure. The dark overtones quickly explode into a catchy chorus. as atmospherics change to the increasing tempo. Guitarist Brett Mcfarl...

Words by Anselm Anderson  Australians' Age of Iguana recently released two singles, "Two of a Kind & "Otherside" " Two of a Kind" is the first single from the band. The Alt-Rock/3 piece consists of Ben George ( Vox. Guitar), bassist Bernard Hickey and drummer Aidan Smith. They were first formed by high school friends George and Hickey before, Smith later joined them from Melband. Two Of A Kind is a psychedelic number, steeped in hazy vocals and screeching guitars to leave your head spinning.  The track was recorded during the first Lockdown when Ben George teamed up with Simon Polinski to mix and master the track in two separate locations: Ben's Home and Laundry Goat Studios. Age of Iguana cites Oasis, Brian Jonestown Massacre and Dinosaur Jr amongst their influences, which can be heard here. The track begins with a retro 70's vibe with dazzling keys and meaty riffs segue into George's laid-back vocals. George's simple strumming pattern...

 Photo courtesy of Stefan Heileman Interview by Anselm Anderson I recently reviewed the excellent " The Last Viking", from German symphonic metallers' Leave's Eyes. The album focuses on the last battle of King Harold Hadrada at Stamford Bridge, before succumbing to his fate in England. The album is a beautiful display of orchestration, songwriting, and incredible dual vocals. I got an opportunity to speak with lead singer, songwriter, and true Viking Alexander Krull about "The Last Viking", the orchestration, Viking sagas, and the difficulties of making an album during the pandemic Hello, I hope you are well. Leave’s Eyes has a new album out on Friday called “The Last Viking”, Can you explain a bit about it, and what listeners can expect? Alex: “The Last Viking” is a big, diverse metal album for Leaves' Eyes with probably the most epic Viking saga there is. We are also proud to present the over 90-minute film documentary “Viking Spirit” which was a lot ...

Words by Anselm Anderson Psychedelic rockers Honeyburst are the latest act to explode from Sweden. The four-piece formed in Halmstad a few years back have recently released their first single "Revelation" from their upcoming sophomore album, The band combines groove-laden riffs with a sonic edge harking back to the days of a certain Prince of Darkness. Revelation is a hazy trip through time, as vocalist Noah Soderberg Stenman's rich voice hovers above highly-charged guitar lines. The track's tempo builds with each imaginative entrance capturing the listener's ears as Hammond keys screech along. The finale is a whirlpool of said instrument and blazing solos that combust like cosmic dust. Honey burst explains the meaning behind " revelation", "The song is about a person's revelation and awakening. When the frameworks and regulations one has become accustomed to fail or break, people are often inclined to think that what they now see as unstructur...

Secondhand Habit is another prospective talent, emanating from Canada. Contact High is the name of their latest release, a collection of 7 singles the band has recorded over the past year. The quintet combines combustible rock 'n' roll with synergetic guitar riffs and pummeling drum beats. They have spent the past few years touring Canada, opening for Electric Six , Nashville Pussy  & Daniel Wesley  to name but a few. This has now brought the band much-needed admiration, following the success of its predecessor " From the Ashes" ,  including me. I noticed an email from the band, asking for coverage. I was intrigued when I read a list of comparisons, which namechecked Nirvana, Mastodon, Alice In Chains, and Faith No More. The result is a pinch of these influences that piqued my interest. Opener 'H ey'  is an explosive number to get things started. Groove-laden riffs, solid drumming, and a lyrical nature that reflects the songwriter's free-spirited deme...

Words by Anselm Anderson German Symphonic Metallers' Leave's Eyes return with their eighth studio effort The Last Viking, due out on Oct 23rd via AFM Records. The band's love of Viking sagas and medieval instruments combine to tell the tale of the last battle of  Norway's King Harald III. The concept album chronicles his remaining thoughts, as he lays dying at Stamford Bridge in 1066. The Last Viking  finalises a lasting story, made famous in cult albums Vinland  (2005) & King of Kings  ( 2015). Leave's Eyes presents 14 songs of intelligent lyrics, bombastic musical passages and lung-busting singing to take you on this history lesson. Death of Kings  is a requiem to the fallen Haraldara ( King Harald), led by the sorrowful Elina Sirala, whilst tribal drums thud  to the lament of husky vocalist Alexander Krull in this beginning to an epic saga, Chain Of the  Golden Horn is a pulsating Pagan Hymn. This reminds me of early 2000 Nightwish with more pom...

Words by Anselm Anderson Cousin Betty presents a common favourite of this writer: A slab of distorted, psychedelic riffs and fervent grunge I cannot ever get tired of. Drone ,  is the band's debut single taken from upcoming EP Left. via Golden Robot Records.  The band is the brainchild of guitarist/songwriter Damien Stoftka , a man responsible for writing many a riff for Molten Universe, Death Mattel etc in his 15-year career. Inspired by the Desert Sessions, Stoftka decided on a project that would centre around guest musicians and performers contributing music live. Stoftka was able to form his band through "Micro-bands" he supported to end up with a core line up of Matt Downey ( Vocals), and a rhythm section of Pat Walker (OHMS), Tom Bambachi,  ( Lime Spiders, Aberration,) Ged and Tom Corben ( Lime Spiders) and Chris Drane ( Cherrywood). Drone  begins with a fuzz- filled riff that builds in tension, as the vocals interject. Downey's lyrics reflect the anger he fee...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Guitar protege Shaw Davis is a precocious talent, hailing from Florida. Davis and his band, The Black Ties released a second studio album,  Tales From The West to much critical acclaim a couple of years back. The album reappears in anticipation of the new album, due out next year. The musician combines roots rock, with psychedelia, blues and a hard rock edge to the glee of this writer. The power trio, including drummer Bobby Van Stone and bassist Patrick Stevenson, formed in the summer of 2016 in Pompano Beach. They have gone on to forge quite the path for themselves with support slots alongside established acts like Foghat, Blackberry Smoke, Samantha Fish and Walter Trout. The album features nine tracks of sizzling guitar play, powerful vocals and soul-bearing lyrical content. The Psychedelic charms of  Atomic Groove has a Jimi Hendrix feel to it with dynamism, flair, and meaty riffs to whet the appetite of new listeners interested in what is ...

  Blog faves The Plastic Pals return with their third single, M ore Than an Icon , taken from much anticipated new EP  It Could Be So Easy Free and Fine , due on November 6 via Polythene Records .  The Swedish band, fronted by the delightful vocals of Haikan "Hawk"Soold, combine soaring power-pop choruses with a retro garage rock flavour to enlighten listeners of said genres.  More Than An Icon  is a change in direction to the band's usual combination of energetic rock and facetious lyrics with more poignancy to the music. The opening strums of a melodic riff segue into Hawk's reflective mood as he ponders about the aforementioned person, Y ou are more than an image of sin-cursed, suffering and grief". in this song about Jesus . His voice remains intimate and neutral before the bridge picks up the tempo with backing vocals from Jenny Roos. The chorus is wistful and mellow, which adds to the personal aspect. The song finishes with another sample of the exce...

French retro rockers Dynamite Pye explode onto the music scene with their self-titled debut album. They decided to form with a group of fellow musicians and songwriters to create a rare experience in the studio. This was achieved by recording a live rendition at Kerwax studios in Brittany, France through the old analogue technologies of the 50's 60's and 70's. The band's brand of funk/pop/ rock and R'n'B exhibits a new perspective on the approach to music. We're Gon' Have A Party kicks things off with this entrancing trip to 50's love of garage rock and boogie numbers. Lead singer Lari Lucien delivers a joyful track over vibrato guitar licks and cries of the contagious chorus We're gon' have a party/we are gon' have a ball/we're going to boogie until the break of dawn/play that rock 'n' roll. The soulful love ballad Rosy is next. The piano-driven track is about the one that got away. An emotional atmosphere created by bas...

Words by Anselm Anderson Last month I wrote about an emerging talent named  Storm , originally from Germany. The dual nationality German/South African singer, songwriter and actress arrived onto the scene with hard-hitting single Sinnerville , based on the subject of self-harm. You can find the full article in the link below.  Click Here to read .   Storm now returns with follow up single Gypsy, due for release on Thursday, October 1st. This song indicates a change in direction to her predecessor into a country blues one about a free-spirited person. Another subject I think we could all gravitate towards sometime in our lives. The song kicks in with a slide guitar intro segues into rhythmic guitar play by the lady herself. A mid-tempo gradually builds to the bridge, before lead guitarist Mark Dreyer intercepts with fierce riffs. Storm's soulful vocals engage the listener with her passion and energy. The funky rhythm guitar maintains that composure throughout, leaving...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Phoenix, Az powerhouses Jane 'n' The Jungle have struck luck with their latest single " Lucky 7", due out on October 2nd. The trio consists of Jordan White on vocals, Brian Dellis ( Guitars) and " Big B" on bass. They combine the nineties Alt-rock with a feel-good vibe and engaging lyrics to lift people's spirits during these tumultuous times. Jane 'n The Jungle is the brainchild of two childhood friends, who were soon joined by bassist Brian Dague. The College graduates have been making waves with their first full-length record Concrete Jungle. " Lucky 7" will be their follow-up single to the hugely successful " Animal, produced by Grammy - award-winning producer Chuck Azarian, who also produces this track. Lucky 7  is a free-spirited song about a night out at a Las Vegas casino. The synergetic guitars and emotive vocals combine to relive that very memory. The psychedelic chimes of guitar effects start thi...