26/06/2020

EP OF THE WEEK - WICKED SMILE- DELIRIUM






Australian powerhouses Wicked Smile deliver a slab of classic '80s inspired hard rock with the release of debut EP " Delirium", due out on July 1st. The duo consists of ex- Pegazus & Eyefear vocalist Danny Cecati and The Radio Sun & ex- Black Majesty guitarist Stevie Janevski with The Defiants Paul Laine taking up backing vocals and bass. Laine produces this four-song EP.

Wicked Smile delivers huge vocal hooks with an overarching guitar sound that is heavily influenced by '70s and 80's metal. The band add to this arsenal with a pack of experience in previous guises, performing at major festivals such as Hard Rock Hell, Monsters Of Rock & Wacken Open Air. There is no doubt this type of resume has added to the duo's accomplished musicianship and solid songwriting.

Guitarist Stevie Janevski claims the album was written in response to fans' positive feedback ". We were both overwhelmed by the positive response. It was also fantastic to have so much support from Internet Radio who got behind us by playing our song, with some stations putting us on heavy rotation".

Vocalist Danny Cecati adds "“I’ve really enjoyed putting my stamp on these songs . It’s allowed me to put my heart and soul into them and really capture the emotion of the lyrics

Delirium tells the tale of Governments, society, bullying and love in a half-hour of energetic, ballsy heavy metal.

Opener We Fall is a defiant anthem to begin proceedings. The eerie echoes of didgeridoos create a stark atmosphere segues into an opening cascading guitar riff. Janevski 's guitar play is frenetic and proficient intertwined with Cecati's falsetto vocal range.



Next up is Stronger, another hard rock track that tackles the issue of bullying. This in- your- face track is pulsating and edgy with another energetic performance on guitar, with a hook-laden chorus. It certainly is a motivational song for those suffering.

Love Has a Hold on You is the lead single. An 80's influenced, fist-pumping metal track. There is a modern edge to it. Cecati's vocal range shows more depth and passion in this story about love. Janevski continues to improvise through phrasing and catchy riffs which only seems to propel Cecati. The drumming throughout remains steady, as well as the slick basslines.

And finally, 'Daze of Delirium' is another melodic rock track to wrap affairs up. The track is about the state of the human mind. This feels more of a commercial one with lung-busting melodies, as well as extensive guitar harmony and delicious solo

Delirium will leave your head in a spin with this introduction to a fresh new metal band with tendencies to deliver guitar-driven metal with a majestic voice.

Words by Anselm Anderson

Wicked Smile released Delirium on July 1st

You can discover further information about the band via these social links below;














24/06/2020

The Neuron Shakers - Golden Heels ( Track of The Day)





Words by Anselm Anderson



Silver Fox & Goldie Heels are a female/male duo that has been together for over a year. Goldy Heels is a singer-songwriter with 20 years of experience, whilst Silver Fox is a jazz guitarist and record producer with 40 years of experience. The band combine tight melodies with jazz fusion undertones to create an enriched and catchy sound. The duo recently released a new single " Golden Heels", a semi-biographical tale about Goldy Heels herself.



Golden Heels is a vibrant rock track with hook-laden guitar lines and a catchy pop chorus. The track begins with the funky sounds of Silver Fox on guitar. A foot-tapping riff segues into drum beats and Goldy Heels on vocals- a sultry and crisp palette that stretches over the rhythmic patterns of jazz guitar. The breakdowns in vocals are mesmerising, adding a spellbinding edge to the duo's sound. Goldy Heels delivers the verses with meaning and depth to the accompaniment of backing singers.

Golden Heels is an enjoyable two-minute track to leave you dancing in your shoes.

Words by Anselm Anderson


You can follow the artists via the social media links below;

https://www.facebook.com/GoldyFans/?modal=admin_todo_tour

https://www.facebook.com/SilverFoxAndGoldyHeels


https://www.instagram.com/silverfoxgoldyheels/

Click on the video below to listen to " Golden Heels"




 

20/06/2020

Tommy Gunn- I Believe In Love ( EP Review)








Words by Anselm Anderson



Tommy Grasley AKA Tommy Gunn is a Canadian singer/songwriter with a positive message of love and peace. I Believe in Love is Gunn's latest was released on Valentine's day. Gunn combines energetic rock 'n' roll with blues and punk to create enjoyable tracks with thought-provoking lyrics.

Gunn is the son of saxophonist Sonny Del Rio of Crowbar fame, Gunn fought through years of struggles and fighting inner demons to forge a musical journey of love, hate and anger. I Believe In Love is a story of that journey told over 11 tracks. Grasley brings a host of talented musicians along for the journey, including Mike King ( Bass), drummer Dale Harrison, guitarist Joe Mcneill and many more.


Opener I Am is an eerie introduction to Mr Gunn. Gunn sings in acapella to the accompaniment of chiming bells and Kim Deschamp's wistful steel pedal guitar. Gunn mimics confessing all in church with the lines I am a father/I am a son/I am Tommy Gunn in repetition to the backdrop of harmonious choral tributes from Raquel Wekerle, Joey Varga and John Lica.

'Strange' is about how times have changed. A fun garage rock track with Greg Godovitz providing a darker harmony to Gunn's introspective vocals. King's bottom-end bass work chugs along like a rumbling train. The slick guitar breaks make this all-round solid songwriting with a commercial appeal.

'Frayed' may be my favourite track about everyday stresses. A hard rock song that Grassley delivers with a raw and impassioned vocal style that draws the listener into his pain. Mike King continues to treat his bottom bass like he is leading a horse race. Joe Mcneill delivers a scintillating guitar-tapping solo ala Joe Satriani. This is an overall pleasant on-the-ear song with a deep message behind it.

The album continues a steady path through the narrator's journey. Love Conquers All is a beautiful blues song about love. Greg Godovitz delivers a salacious guitar lead to supplement a further powerful vocal style. Harrison emerges as a succinct drummer with timely strikes to a terrific backing vocal performance that harmonizes the importance of the song's lyrics. Del Rio guests with Saxo fills to round up another enjoyable track.

'JCT66' is a heavier track that shares similarities with grunge heavyweights like Alice In Chains. This track is a tribute to an old friend. Joey Varga delivers a monstrous performance on guitar, ripping through phrases and leads like a shark through water. Grasley sings with anger and precision, supported by thunderous drum fills by Dan Fila

The Eddie Kramer-produced Richard is next, a touching slice of delta blues, featuring another guest performance from Del Rio. The track is a tribute to the first time Gunn saw Richard Newell play, a blues musician is better known as King Biscuit Boy. A solid mid-tempo song, sung with aghast. The impressive guitar breaks merge with a tight rhythm and harmonica play to make this a fitting way to wrap up the album with the final reprise of I Am.

I Believe in Love will lead you onto a path of wonder and amazement from a world of talented musicians ready to enlighten our presence.

Tommy Gunn, I Believe in Love is available via Spotify and other good platforms.

You can find out further information on Tommy Gunn via the link below;


Click here to listen to the album;


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16/06/2020

Independent Musicians against Covid-19 Stay Home (CD Review)




Words by Anselm Anderson


Stay Home  is a collection of tracks recorded by Independent Musicians to raise money in support of the NHS during Lockdown, released on May 21 2020. The project was put together by London Based promotion company Fishbowl Events. All proceeds will go to NHS Charities Together, a body of over 140 NHS Charities. The charity itself has raised over £116 million with regular promotion through celebrities to help aid the cause. The CD features a host of talented independent bands, singers and musicians, which have an extensive fanbase but lack the radio exposure. Stay Home is also an opportunity for these bands to expand their audience and win over new fans.

The CD is 42 tracks of an array of live performances (Psychic Lemon, Eastwood's Eye). remixes (Man Of Moon) & new and exclusive releases (Dream Nails, Helicon, Frankie Teardrop Dead, Forest Mourning) for your ears. The album features only underground bands with the sole aim to raise money and also raise awareness of those unsung acts badly affected by the lockdown.

The Hannah Barberas opens the album with the upbeat "Hurry On Home", an uplifting pop-rock track with sweet melodies and soaring guitar harmonies, The psychedelic four-piece Ghost Dance Collective is up next with" Wylde Flowers" A wispy combination of dreamy vocals and mesmerising keyboard- scented rock. Another pick is the succulent groove- orientated music of alternative rockers The Swagger with "Loaded Gun"The heavy guitars and jagged vocals feel Kasabian - Esque. Stunflower is an unusual pick with "Govinda". The band blend traditional Indian music with psychedelic rock. A lovely track that will leave you drifting amongst the clouds on a warm day.
The Kudalini Genie continue the retro vibe with the experimental " The Two-Draw Killer" A slow dance through time with organs providing the accompaniment through tantalising harmonies and slow, cumbent backbeats. Frankie Teardrop Dead send the listener into a slumber with the enchanting " Love and Hate" with sultry vocals and screeching guitars. The track feels like an elaborate trip.

The Big Peach is another dosage of friendly pop with " Run and Hide" that is a throwback to Sixties acts like The Kinks. The band's dual harmonies and melodic acoustic rock will certainly enlighten any sad day. Grunge act Ragman's Daughter delivers with " Medicine", a distorted -laden rocker with down-tuned riffs and a catchy chorus. Kid Jupiter create a charming ambience with indie- popper "Rothko". A pleasant track with hook-laden choruses and the funky basslines. Unfortunately, I could not feature all the artists involved in the making of this album. However, it provides an array of genres and styles itching to express themselves on the world with a good cause through beautiful and well-crafted songs.
You can find out more about Fishbowl Events via the social links below;




Stay Home: Independent Musician Against Covid-19 is available now to purchase online. Click on the link below to find our further details, as well as an opportunity to listen to these undiscovered gems.