Rockstar Reviewer

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...