Rambling Man's Reviews

Words by Anselm Anderson London-based Indie rock act Plastic Barricades is set to release their third studio effort We Stayed Indoors, today (Thursday, November 30th) via Plastic Tribe Records. The album provides a fascinating insight into the effects of the Covid-19 lockdown from a few years ago. "We Stayed Indoors" takes a complex and quirky approach to loneliness, hope, courage, living in the moment, regrets, hopes and perception. It was a telling time for many of us and this ten-track LP perfectly captures the moments in 45 minutes. The album title is inspired by the 2001 track "We Laugh Indoors" by the band's idols Death Cab For Cutie. I reviewed a couple of singles earlier this year ( "Counting Fireworks", and "Lucid in the Fall") and was instantly taken by the blend of melodic vocals, imaginative lyrics and the overwhelming acoustics and electronics on display. So, I was excited to receive this via my Inbox. The band's brand of in...

Words By Anselm Anderson The Bad Electric are a Punk band that recently emerged from a burgeoning Welsh Music scene. The quintet are set to release their hotly-anticipated new EP "Happy Endings are Overrated" on 8th December. Beforehand, they will release two singles to precede the album. I shall review the first single "Beans", which came out on Friday 24th November. The self-styled "DIY" band formed in Swansea, Wales three years ago. Since then, they have self-released, recorded, and mixed last year's debut EP "In His Blood". They refer to themselves as a punk band but blend in alternative rock, indie and electro to give those earlugs a wringing. The Bad Electric comprises lead vocalist Johnny Randall, Matt Williams (Guitar / Synth / Vocals), Zach Williams (Bass / Vocals) and Tom Young (Drums). They feature various members from the Swansea Music scene such as HWDU and Suns of Thunder to name a few. "Beans" is an energetic punk tra...

Words by Anselm Anderson T he second EP review of the week is a look at the upcoming four-tracker , Coda Revival by  British hard rock act  Lords of Ruin  due  for release this Friday, November 24th. The band combines alternative metal with contemporary rock to satisfy the cravings of enthusiastic rock fans. Lords Of Ruin reminds me of a younger version of Avenged Sevenfold and a heavier alternative to Shinedown with their powerful and captivating lyrics, sharp riffs, and blistering drumming. The band explores a variety of styles on the four songs that are available here. Lords of Ruin were conceived in Northern England seven years ago, but it wasn't until 2019 that they released their first single. The band consists of "Lords" with vocalist Lord Dox, Lord Stev-O on drums, bassist Lord Liam and guitarists Lords Kev and Stones. They first gained notoriety with an appearance at the Hard Rock Hell Festiva l before the turgid pandemic struck Britain, Thankfully. The Lo...

Words by Anselm Anderson The Energy of The Rattlebacks is a force to behold. The quintet combines the attitude of classic rock with the punch of grunge to create a unique sound only known to themselves as Rattlebacks sound! They recently released their debut EP Kink  via a GoFundMe Campaign,  to which their fanbase kindly donated over £5,000 towards being made. The four-track EP was produced and recorded by  Dave Holmes at Lighthouse 95. The producer's impact can be heard over four stunning tracks of bally rock 'n' roll that is reminiscent of Guns 'n' Roses and Stone Temple Pilots.  Lead vocalist Josh Clarke's highly contagious soulful voice blends perfectly with lead guitarist Max Horn's groove-oriented riffs and the rhythmic guitar work of Cox, creating a strong dynamic with the powerful drumming of Seth Markes and the intoxicating basslines of Jack Holland. Formed in 2021, the band hails from Brighton in the South of England. They have attracted fans ...

Review by Anselm Anderson Swedish rock band  Svartanatt  may have a difficult name to pronounce but their 70s retro rock style is a nostalgic throwback to a bygone era. The five-piece has released their third studio effort, entitled  Last Days on Earth  via  The Sign Records.  The band's doom-and-gloom lyrics mask their upbeat sound of uplifting vocals, razor-sharp riffs and '70s-influenced hard rock and blues. According to the band, the album covers pessimistic topics like the loss of faith in society and humanity, but don't let that put you off listening to the album because some of the tracks are infectious and will leave you stomping your foot.  Formed in 2014, the band hails from Stockholm, Sweden and consists of lead vocalist Jani Lehtinen, guitarist Felix Gâaste, drummer Daniel Heaster, bassist Anton Fors and Martin Borgh on organ and percussion duties.  Last Days on Earth  is a follow-up to  2018's  sophomore album  S...