ALBUM REVIEW- PLUSH- PLUSH

 

All-female Hard rock act Plush release their highly-anticipated self-titled debut LP Plush via Pavement Entertainment, this Friday (October 29th).

The supergroup of sorts is made up of four of rock's most prodigious female talents under the age of 21. They combine pop melodies with edgy hard rock. The quartet consists of Lead singer Moriah Formica, best known for her appearance on NBC's The Voice, The self-proclaimed "Rock Angel" Brooke Colucci on drums, Berklee College of Music graduate, Bella Perron on lead guitars and "The Female version of the late Metallica bassist Cliff Burton", Ashley Suppa. Plush was produced by Johnny K.

The LP begins with concert fave "Athena", a resounding crowd pleaser with its eerie intro that segues into harrowing guitar breaks, and lung-inducing vocals that mark a statement for the band to be taken seriously. Next up is the anthemic "Champion". This dark and daring track with tenacious riffs feels like a cobra stalking its prey. 

The album continues in this vain with formulaic rock-friendly tunes, which would benefit any FM radio station. The four women each have individual talents that combine well here to write enticing rock songs that certainly will get the odd headbanging. It is here it begins to tailer off with some pop ballads, such as "Sober" and "Don't Say That", which plays to the strengths of Formica as a singer. Formica grows in strength with great versatility and range, as each track passes.

Songs like "Better Off Alone" and "Why Do I Even Try", are melodic pop tracks that play to this strength, as well as the other three members. Each song was written and produced to perfection in order to highlight the band's skills as songwriters and musicians.

The LP wraps up with the infectious "Will Not Win", a defiant rock song that shows these women are no walkovers. Finally, the sentimental "Walk Away" completes this first outing replete with beautiful laden vocal harmonies and arranged musical instrumental breaks.

Overall, Plush makes a statement that they want to be taken seriously as rock musicians with polished production, simple songwriting, and songs designed to rattle your emotions.

Words by Anselm Anderson

PLUSH Album Track List:

01. Athena

02. Champion

03. Hate

04. Found A Way

05. I Don't Care

06. Sober

07. Better Off Alone

08. Sorry

09. Why Do I Even Try

10. Bring Me Down

11. Don't Say That

12. Will Not Win

13. Walk Away

TOUR

PLUSH has just completed a US tour with Seether and Nonpoint. Future dates include Mammoth WVH, Evanescence, and Halestorm.

5th Nov – Portland, OR – Rise Quarter w/ Evanescence and Halestorm

7th Nov  – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena w/ Evanescence and Halestorm

9th Nov – San Jose, CA – Sap Center w/ Evanescence and Halestorm

10th Nov  – Inglewood, CA – SoFi Center w/ Evanescence and Halestorm

12th Nov  – Las Vegas, NV – The Cosmopolitan w/ Evanescence and Halestorm

13th Nov  – San Diego, CA – San Diego University w/ Evanescence and Halestorm

15th Nov  – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Federal Theater w/ Evanescence and Halestorm

17th Nov  – Salt Lake City, UT – The Union w/ Evanescence and Halestorm

20th Nov  – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena w/ Evanescence and Halestorm

21st Nov  – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall w/ Evanescence and Halestorm

Connect with Plush:

Official Website: https://plushrocks.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PLUSHOFFICIAL/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plushrocks/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PLUSHROCKS

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4eb0vj0-OExwbK1ngRTH6w

"Hate"

EP REVIEW- OPHELIA'S EYE- FIGHT FOR US

Swiss modern metal heavyweights Ophelia's Eye have unleashed a tantalising three-track EP called,  Fight For Us, as an appetiser for their much anticipated LP. The Swiss quintet has decided to release three songs that are close to their hearts, telling a short story about what they have to offer the world.

The five-piece formed in the 2010s under various pseudonyms, including Project Penny and Red Fire Dragon, before settling on the exotically named Ophelia's Eye, based on a character in the E.L.A Hoffman novel The Sandman. Fight For Us combines harsh vocals and ripping guitar play, and its lyrics are written as escapism through music from the struggles of everyday life.

The title track " Fight For Us" begins with an all-out musical assault on the ears with raging guitar leads, earth-shattering blast beats, and deathly growls that sound like an act on a mission.

Next up is "Speak of Words of Destruction" which is a modern metal track about improving one's communication through more harmonious needs. Lead Vocalist Michel Egloff-Sieber growls once again, as they feel more angst-ridden, rather than angry. The double harmonies of guitarists Corinne Ryter and Remo Leap add depth and emotions to the song's subject 

Finally, " Ophelia's Eye" wraps up a short outing with a beautiful acoustic intro that segues into intense chugging, rumbling basslines, and infectious melodies to supplement the harsh vocals.

Overall, Ophelia's Eye takes us through a perilous journey of self-discovery and reflection. The band create enthralling songs with an engaging topic we can all relate to. The band bring big riffs, intense vocals, and an ability to write songs we can all headbang to.

Words by Anselm Anderson

The Band are currently in the studio recording their new LP.

Social Media

Ophelia's Eye Band | (opheliaseyeband.com)

Ophelia's Eye - Home | Facebook

Ophelia's Eye (@ophelias_eye) • Instagram photos and videos

Ophelias Eye Band - YouTube

Spotify – Ophelia's Eye

 

Bandmembers

Vocals: Michel Egloff-Sieber

Bass: Sandro Suter

Rhythm Guitar: Corinne Ryter

Lead Guitar: Remo Lemp

Drums: Marco Schweizer

EP OF THE WEEK: MUDDIBROOKE- LUNACY

 All-female trio Muddibrooke released their eagerly expected debut EP lunacy today (October 22nd).  Produced and mixed at Snug Recordings Co in Nottingham by the band and producers Robin Newman and Richard Collins. Joe Caithness helped master the EP.

The trio consists of lead vocalist Harriet "Brooke" McDonnell, bassist and backing vocalist, Anna Melidone and drummer Mary Prince hail from Derby, England. They formed last January, releasing two music singles in the process, which received airplay on Kerrang! and earn " Track of the Week" for BBC Introducing. The five-track release tells the tale of acceptance and rejection within society through 90's alternative rock stylings, emotional vocals, and storied lyrics.

 The opener "Devil" is an unsettling tale of an acrimonious relationship that turns sour. Lead vocalist "Brooke" combines sorrow with defiance over long, distorted guitars. Next up is "Liverpool Guy", an anthemic track with thunderous basslines, rapturous guitars, and huge, hook-laden choruses. The lunacy continues with the edgy "Straight Jacket". a track with dark tones, aggressive, distorted guitars and angst-ridden cries take this out of a '90s alt-rock playbook.

Photo courtesy of Jason Bridges

The EP takes a step back and turns to more melodic songs for the last two tracks. Firstly, the melancholic "Turn to Dust" is a certainty for the lighters at gigs whereas, the final song "Fake It", enraptures you like a warm jumper in the winter. The lead vocals are evocative and emotive with choral harmonies, thumping drums, and a dynamic guitar edge that will certainly win over even the most hard-hearted of us all.

Overall, Muddibrooke shows that it isn't "Lunacy" to write engaging and vivid music that appeals to your average rock fans.

Words by Anselm Anderson

EP TRACK-LIST:

1. Devil

2. Liverpool Guy

3. Straight Jacket

4. Turn To Dust

5. Fake It

Official Website: https://www.muddibrooke.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MuddiBrookeMusic @MuddiBrookeMusic

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtdgASysI-Ko9v9hXX4L7aQ

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MuddiBrooke @MuddiBrooke

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/MuddiBrooke @MuddiBrooke

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@muddibrooke @MuddiBrooke

"Straight Jacket"

"Liverpool Guy"

"Devil"

EP REVIEW- KING OF THE DEAD-THE SUMMONING

 

The enigmatic "Horror Rock combo" King of The Dead has released their much-anticipated EP The Summoning with an accompanying comic book.

The band's infectious pop/punk is a nod to bands like Alkaline Trio, Ghost and 30 Seconds To Mars. King Of The Dead are lead by the masked individual, known as "The Familiar", who is said to sit between the worlds. The EP is a concept based on a tale of sacrifice, possession and the occult through five videos. released in chronological order on how the singles appear on the EP.

Opener "Control" is a driving alt-rocker with impassioned vocals, exhilarating guitars, and rumbling basslines. Next Up is the upbeat tempo of "Destroy My Name", an evocative pop-rock track with hook-laden choruses, bouncing rhythms and edgy guitars, supplemented by dazzling synths.

The EP continues to tell this story through fast-paced songs, accompanied by emotive melodies that hark back days to the aforementioned "Emo-bands" of the late 2000s, early 2010s. The third instalment of this enthralling journey is "Running Out Of Time" with its pulsating three-chord guitar refrain that assaults your ears with as much intent as the song's story of sacrifice. Huge choruses, choral voices, and a mesmerising piano outro complete an addictive edition to this release.

"Damned" is a commercially accessible pop-punk song about possession with thumping drums, choral cries, and energetic riffs. And finally, "With Love", is the closest the band will get to a ballad with its emotional outpouring of letting go over dynamic guitar leads.

King Of The Dead unveil an intriguing tale of mystery with "The Summoning". The band's fresh and innovative approach proves a winning formula in the end.

Words by Anselm Anderson

SOCIAL MEDIA

https://twitter.com/kotdband
https://www.facebook.com/kotdband/
https://www.instagram.com/kotdband/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbTRkdrHGv_FcXxZMv0eitw

"Control"

"Destroy My Name"

"Running Out Of Time"

"Damned"

"With Love"

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: DIG LAZARUS- DON'T THREATEN ME WITH A GOOD TIME

 Alternative rockers' Dig Lazarus self-released their debut LP, Don't Threaten Me with A Good Time this past Friday (October 15th) The follow up to 2019's EP Figure It Out was produced by Dave Draper (The Wildhearts) and features some special guests in the guise of EODM frontman Jesse Hughes and The Virgin Mary's Ally Dickaty.

The album is ten years of hard work for long time friends, Vocalist Ash Tustain, drummer/percussionist Jack Cotterill and the spectacularly named bassist/vocalist Atticus Hall Mcnair hail from Nuneaton, England. The band's anthemic rock boasts plenty of catchy choruses and meaty riffs to keep one happy.

The aforementioned Mr Hughes opens things with a humorous sermon, declaring to his congregation "You don't threaten me with a good time" soon segues into the solid rocker "Road Runner", a singalong track with pulsating riffs to get the album off to a good start.

Next up is the groovy rhythms of "Never changes", a true stoner track with rolling basslines and laid-back vocals. The album progresses with an even tempo stacked full of memorable songs that stick in your ear. This is apparent with the Thin Lizzy-Esque "DTMWAGT" with crunchy guitars and a hook-laden chorus to keep those ears appeased. "Joker" follows suit with its in-your-face attitude, ballsy riff, and hypnotic vibe.

 It is here the album picks up momentum with some heavier choices like "Keep It Clean" and "Outlaw". The leading track "Sky Tonight" is a radio-friendly tune full of soaring guitar lines, pounding drums, and sweet melodies. And finally, "Time Froze" completes a satisfaction for the men from Leicestershire. This track is a slow-burner, featuring The Virgin Mary's frontman, and close friend, Ally Dickarty. The sludge guitars and hazy vocals make this a hidden gem off the album.

Overall, Dig Lazarus create a fresh and accessible rock album British rock can feel proud of.

Words Written by Anselm Anderson

Dig Lazarus is:

Ash Tustain - lead vocals and guitars
Atticus Hall-McNair - vocals and bass
Jack Cotterill - drums and percussion

CONNECT WITH DIG LAZARUS:

Official Website: https://www.diglazarus.co.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diglazarusUK @diglazarusuk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI7Ysa0PA8fAguDedbKb_uQ

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diglazarus/ @diglazarus

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dig_Lazarus @Dig_Lazarus

SONG OF THE DAY- JAIME KYLE- WILD ONE

 

Singer/songwriter Jaime Kyle has released "Wild One", a track with as much a coloured history as Kyle herself.

Kyle wrote this track in the early nineties, before being taken up by Faith Hill and earning the songstress a number one spot. Jaime Kyle is seen as something of a trailblazer in the industry, becoming the first female artist to sign a major record label out of Nashville. Jaime Kyle continues to garner respect for writing and recording music, as well tours across the US and Europe. her songs have been covered by artists as diverse as Nancy Wilson to Kelly Clarkson, selling 19 million records worldwide.

"Wild One" is an anthemic rocker with all the charm and grace of Kyle as a singer. Kyle's warm and mellifluous vocals croon over a guitar-driven sound. The searing guitar solos and choral harmonies leave this sounding like the perfect radio hit.

Words by Anselm Anderson

Social Media

HOME | Jaimekyle

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Youtube

ALBUM OF THE WEEK/ INTERVIEW: THE PRIMAL AGE- MASKED ENEMY

French Metalcore outfit Primal Age burst onto the scene with Masked Enemy via WTF Records, A follow up to 2017's EP Silent Wound. the band hail from Normandy and was first formed in 1993.

The band combine groove-laden riffs with pummeling drums and death growl vocals in the cause of animal rights, vegetarianism and human rights. They consist of vocalist Didier, bassist Dmitri, drummer Rudy and guitarists Florian and Benoit.

The album opens with a spoken word intro that segues into the eerie "Wise Old Men", a slow, menacing build that combusts into a full-throttle snarl. Next up is "The Devil Is Hidden In Shadow", an equally apoplectic track with abrasive riffs, long double harmonic passages, and double blast beats that will leave the listener empathetic with the cause.

Primal Age continues to build tracks this way through inventive means. The band combine long, pulsating harmonies with sharp, angular riffs to appeal to fans anew, and loyal, to the outfit. Each track is bombastic in musicianship and songwriting, but not in the serious messages the band hope to deliver.

Another leading single "The Two-Head's Monster" is another track that can be attributed to these aforementioned qualities. Lead vocalist Didier and bassist Dmitri combine howls, and anguished harsh vocals over dark, harrowing guitar lines and earth-shattering drums. Other highlights are the title track "Masked Enemy" with obvious death metal influences, the ferocious punk attitude of "Who Dare Wins", the horrifying rhythmic chugging of "Blinded By Cruelty" that is reminiscent of the nightmares of its subject and, finally, Masked Enemy wraps up with an instrumental outro to seal its fate.

Overall, Primal Age has produced a powerful and emotional reminder of the horrors that permeate our earth with signature thrash, death and metalcore stylings that will appeal to a new audience.

Words by Anselm Anderson

DMITRI- PRIMAL AGE BASSIST INTERVIEW

Hello, How are you? Could you introduce yourself to the readers?

Hi everyone, I'm Dimitri, I do the bass and some singing in Primal Age since the beginning. Didier, our singer and I, are the two members of the original lineup.

 

When did you form, and what were your reasons to form Primal Age?

We created Primal Age in 93. Didier and I had our own band at the time, but nothing serious. We both wanted to do more than make music with friends and stay in our town. 

 

How would you describe your sound to new listeners?

 We do a mix of Metal and Hardcore, with a very aggressive sound. We are one of the first European bands to do that and for sure, one of the last survivors of this huge period. 

Primal Age recently released "Masked Enemy" in June via WTF Records. Could you tell me about the album and the general themes behind the release?

Of course. We're very proud of this project, hard to achieve but finally our best album ever. We always denounce the abuse against animals and Earth. These topics are in all our albums, but of course not the only ones. This one is more political. 

You have released two music videos for “ The 2 Head's Monster” and “The Devil Hidden In Shadow”. What could you tell us about the videos, as well as the message behind the tracks?

Because of this shitty period (there was a curfew in France), and the lack of money, as usual, we had the great contribution of Marine (Didier's wife). It's very important for a non-professional band to catch some competencies around us. "The 2 Head's Monster" is about the collusion between the food industry and big pharmacies: on one hand we produce some shit to feed you and make you sick, on the other hand, we have the pills to cure. 

With "The Devil is hidden in Shadow", it all boils down to the loss of landmarks: those who lead us parent themselves with virtue, and those who resist are every time demonized.

What was the recording and writing process going into making this album?

I wrote the lyrics four years ago and began to make the first tracks because I'm the only musician here from the start, and we had two guitar players who had never composed for Primal Age. Fortunately, one of them, Florian has joined me in this process and gave us some wonderful tracks. For this reason, we have a very rich album with relief. 

 

What are the reasons behind the name “Masked Enemy”?

It's the main idea in this album: our elites, those who rule the world and pull the strings have a so huge power of manipulation that we don't even know who to blame when we feel angry. They are most of the time backstage, hidden behind politicians who are just puppets on the frontline. 

I understand a lot of your songs cover Vegetarianism and animal rights, How important do you feel raising subjects like this are for your fanbase and music?

We don't really know if the guys who are listening to Primal Age have the same thoughts. It doesn't matter, we hope to plant seeds in minds. We hope to share what we feel. 

Is this something you would like to see more bands do?

I don't want to give any lesson, do what you want with your band. My point of view is that music is a huge medium. So if you want to explain some ideas to help people being more aware, why not ? 

What else do you do to help raise awareness of these subjects within your fanbase and beyond?

At each show, we let some flyers of associations defending this cause. We also make a partnership with one association for each album in order to put a light on it. 

What are the ambitions of Primal Age going forward?

We always want more 'cause some of us are old and we have this passion deep in our hearts. So we hope to visit some countries we don't know yet. 

 

And finally, what next for Primal Age?

We feel very confident with this album, so we just want to play it live and share it with those who follow us.

Interview conducted by Anselm Anderson

SOCIAL MEDIA

https://www.facebook.com/PRIMALAGE
https://www.instagram.com/primal_age/
https://fanlink.to/PrimalAge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvf1R4-5vzM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MQsAi0S6Hs

"The 2 Head's Monster"

"The Devil is Hidden in Shadow"