ALBUM REVIEW-THE FALSE POETS-STRANGE SEASON

 

Garage rock act The False Poets proudly introduce their sophomore effort Strange Seasons via Nice Mind Records.

The album gaining significant influence from last year's lockdown. It was produced by the band in Newcastle, Durham and West Bay. They also helped mix and master at The Culture Bunker on behalf of their record label. The quartet of vocalist/guitarist Chris Riley, bassist Peter Dunsdale and drummer Ian Carroll first formed in 2012 in the North East of England as a covers band before writing their own material. The title of the album is borrowed from the Alfred Austin poem A Winter's Rose, which is a metaphor for the loneliness and isolation the band felt during the lockdown. 

The band jump straight into things with the upbeat "Read The Sky", a throwback to 1960's jangly rock with its hazy guitars and laid back melodies. Next up is The Smiths-Esque "Glissando", a guitar-driven rock song with some impressive slide guitar that sees the listener pulled in a different direction. Vocalist Chris Riley doubles up with some intricate guitar parts and an angelic voice, accompanied by an equally impressive rhythm section. The album begins to find its steps with "Drama Queen" and the delightful swinging rhythms of "Tillie's Blues. "Bo Diddly is A Poet" is a tongue-in-cheek blues tribute to the legendary gun-slinger. 

It is here the album begins to wind down with the charms of "In The Air". The psychedelic guitar breaks and strategically placed drum beats add to this description. And Finally "Dead Man's Shoes" wraps up this enjoyable outing for the men from the North -East. There is certainly a feeling of walking off into sundown with the extensive guitar instrumentals feeling like the band are ready to unwind after a satisfactory release.

Overall, The False Poets have recorded a lovely trip down memory lane with their dose of 60's psychedelia and garage rock with a riff for each song. there doesn't feel like there are any fillers, but an agreed sense of creating some magic to uplift moods. The lyrics are poetic and evocative of any feelings you may have had that soon dissipate.

Words by Anselm Anderson

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"READ THE SKY"

"TILLIE'S BLUES"

SONG OF THE DAY-DREW HALEY- HIGH IN DENVER

 

Singer / Songwriter Drew Haley has released her latest single "High in Denver", taken from her upcoming untitled EP.

The singer has featured on several Indie artists' albums, as well as featured as a member of the all-female group The Highway Women. The East Texas native has also appeared in the TV show Nashville, as well as formed the initiative Be A Highway Woman. The Award-winning star has written a beautiful love ballad that suits her succulent vocals.

Haley's soft melodies fluctuate over cascading rhythmic patterns. The melodic track is accompanied by laid back atmospherics and carefully strummed guitars to create a sense of fulfilment.

The singer's evocative images of love survive long in the minds of those listeners invited in by her charm.

Words by Anselm Anderson

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SONG OF THE DAY-RELIABLE ALIBI- SILVER TONGUE SIREN (FT BENJI B)

Words by Anselm Anderson

Blues Rock act Reliable Alibi released their third single "Silver Tongue Siren", from the upcoming debut album The Uke Rock Experience, due out today (Friday 13th August). The track features lead guitar from Benji B and was produced by Hip-Hop producer Matt Firenze.

The track has been labeled a "Retro-Rock anthem", which becomes understandable upon first listen. "Silver Tongue Siren" is a laid-back rock track with an uplifting pop chorus. The hazy vocals are reminiscent of 1960s jangly rock bands like The Byrds. The awe-inspiring bluesy guitar breaks enhance the overall chilled-out vibe behind the track.

Reliable Alibi comes up with a charming introduction to show Rock is certainly still alive and kicking.

"Silver Tongue Siren is available as a pre-save in the link below;

 

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SONG REVIEW- NOVACAIN- SHINE ON ME

British Indie Rock act Novacain released their fourth single "Shine On Me" since their inception last year. The track was produced and mixed by Nicholas Bowens at Quay West Productions. The four-piece, hailing from Portsmouth, England, officially formed last year.

The band's penchant for anything from blues to 2000s pop sensibilities was spurred by their collective distaste for the lack of guitar bands in the charts. Novocain was formed by lead vocalist Dan McTaggart and guitarist Lloyd Lock seven years ago, following a break-up by the latter. The band soon grew into something they had a passion for. The band states Arctic Monkeys, The Beatles, and Kasabian as influences ." Shine On Me" is an upbeat summer anthem that incorporates the aforementioned influences. The track is inspired by the recent lifting of restrictions and gives hope to those affected by the lockdown.

McTaggart's warm and tender vocal timbre invites listeners to join in and sing along over a hazy guitar sound. The track's indie-rock vibe is matched by the upbeat Indie pop chorus that encourages you to stand up and smile

Words By Anselm Anderson

NOVaCAIN ARE;

 Daniel McTaggart (Vocals), 

Lloyd Lock (Guitars), 

Andy Sharp (Bass) 

Michael Ray (Drums).

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ALBUM OF THE WEEK- CIRCUS 66- FOLLOW THE BLACK CROW

 

Maidenhead-based English rockers' Circus 66 introduce themselves to the rock world with their debut LP, Follow The Black Crow, released via Forge AMP.

The band were formed in 2013 by guitarist Matty Pearce during his Uni years. Initially a trio, this soon reverted to a four-piece following the arrival of vocalist Annabelle Zeychenko in 2015. They soon enjoyed success with their lively shows attracting a new fanbase, as well as guest slots in support of British acts like Massive Wagons, The Dust Coda and Tequila Mockingbird. After three EP's, The group completed their current lineup in 2019 with the acquisitions of bassist Luke Ward and drummer Leigh Whalley.  

Follow The Crow delivers eleven tracks of high octane retro rock full of soulful vocals, heavy guitars, and old-school rock 'n' roll.

The opener "Take A Shot" is an adrenaline-soaked blast of modern rock with lung-busting vocals to suit. Zeychenko is the consummate lead singer that powers over wailing guitars. Next up comes the blues-infused "Jeckyll Or Hyde" follows in equally synergetic form. The vocals showing a wide range and versatility adapt to differing styles. The ZZ Top-Esque " Princess California" with its Country-tinged slide guitar and evocative vocals. The Hook-laden "Monster" is this writer's favourite track that hits you hard with a huge chorus and heavy-hitting guitars.

Other highlights include the melodic "Where I belong" and the nine-minute finisher "Where The Black Crow Flies"

Circus 66 do not disappoint with what could have been an album of the year contender for any other big-name band. The diligent musicianship is only akin to songs that grab you immediately upon first listen. The band's utility to tell a social commentary of modern society through eye-watering guitars, a talented rhythm section and an impressive lead singer shows rock is certainly not dead. Now it is time to follow the black crow.

Words by Anselm Anderson.

Follow The Black Crow is available now via all major streaming platforms.

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"Jekyll Or Hyde"

"Monster"

"A Thousand Miles From Home"