Rambling Man's Reviews

   South African guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Ross Harding has announced Chapter 1 of the ‘The Blood & The Blues UK Tour which will commence on Wednesday 2nd October 2024 as special guest to Jack J Hutchinson at The Black Heart in Camden, London, United Kingdom. This will be the start of a productive tour throughout 2024/25. Ross Harding will showcase his versatility with three unique formats: Solo Acoustic, Acoustic “Unplugged Band” and Electric Band. Much like John Mayer’s 2008 release ‘Where The Light Is: Live In Los Angeles’, this approach allows people to fully experience Ross Harding’s songwriting, guitar talents and captivating stage presence.  Speaking about the tour, Ross Harding remarks: “I am absolutely thrilled to be starting my first official tour in the UK since moving here in March 2024. The UK has been really welcoming so far, and I am keen to share my darker bluesy rock & roll with everyone.” Ross Harding Solo Acoustic  An acoustic...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Metalcore act Paradis released their hotly-anticipated self-titled debut EP last week, The quintet combines the raw ferocity of the genre's vocals with the dark atmospheric music of black metal, which is a unique approach to the revived genre, once maligned by metalheads all over. Formed in London, England, the multicultural group consists of vocalist Johnny Weaver, guitarists Pedro Silva and Federico Di Biase, bassist Mark Kuchmenko and drummer Flynn Everard. The band commented on how this was a team effort, reflected over five intense, headbanging tracks. Photo Credit: Michael Williams One notable aspect of this EP is the diversity of the tracks. Paradis delivers powerful and ominous metal with impactful orchestration and bone-shaking breakdowns. The band's creative ideas allow the music to take on a life of its own, showcasing a contrast between aggressive, angst-filled vocals paired with heavy riffs, and melodic vocals set against gothic underton...

  Sunset Rubdown’ have released the upbeat “Candles” ,which is taken from their latest album Always Happy To Explode via Krug’s label, Pronounced Kroog, on September 20th, 2024. Originally written in 2020, frontman Spencer Krug posted the track to his Patreon page as part of his song-a-month collection, “Candles” initially flew under the radar for both Krug and subscribers alike. It started as a fun experiment in crafting a pop song, blending metaphors and abstraction to tackle the sombre theme of aging and navigating a music industry that has become increasingly driven by streaming and social media metrics, a stark contrast to the industry’s earlier days.  At the time, Krug felt this juxtaposition was unusual enough to keep  in his unreleased collection.  Three years later, the newly reunited Sunset Rubdown discovered the song and unanimously agreed that the song should be published. The band worked together to arrange a full-band version, featuring Camilla-Wynn...

The Jersey Sound Documentary is now available to stream via Tubi TV. Narrated by Mike Greenblatt ,  The Jersey Sound documentary is a passionate portrayal of New Jersey's music scene, This film captures the heart and soul of the state's rich musical history, through compelling storytelling and personal interviews. It captures the essence of the City from legendary icons like Frank Sinatra and Bruce Springsteen to the local musicians. The Jersey Sound is a vibrant portrayal of a community bound by music. Experience the camaraderie, the passion, and the unmistakable attitude that define New Jersey's musicians. This film is about the spirit of resilience, creativity, and camaraderie that pulsates of the music The guests at the private screening for The Jersey Sound at Asbury Park's House of Independents on June 25, 2024 gave a loud NJ style ovation during the final credits. Click on the link below to watch the documentary here  (Viewings are subject to locations in the w...

  The Rambling Man's playlist returns with a look at the best tracks from the past few weeks. This week's playlist features tracks from Moggs Motel and The Dead Daisies, which the blog recently reviewed. Also, there are great tracks from British artists like DeadLetter and Crooked Revival, plus country songs by Lour Ridley and Jenna De Vries. Click below to listen to the player. Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following  https://follow.it/anselm-s-rambling-man-s-reviews?pub Copyright: Anselm Anderson ©

  The Peawees return six years after their critically acclaimed album “Moving Target,” won them many plaudits. They’ve returned with their seventh studio album, One Ride, which was released worldwide on digital and vinyl formats via Wild Honey Records on September 6th, 2024 with exclusive license to Folc Records in Spain and Spaghetty Town Records in North America. Despite facing line-up changes, divorces , lost loved ones, and job troubles. One Ride proves the absence has made them stronger. This album exudes the rock 'n' roll swagger of a bygone era and the band's unique sound. The mix of rock 'n' roll, soul, punk, and garage evokes the influences of The Sonics, Link Wray, and The Clash. "One Ride' continues to defy rock "n" roll conventions with its songwriting talents, clocking in just over the half-hour mark. The album is a throwback to the laid-back '60s jingly pop and rock'n' roll bands, sending the listener back to a time of...

 Words by Anselm Anderson Rock Trio Krooked Tongue returned last week with their latest single "Nothing Ever Grows", an ode to the tortured artist with a lack of creative bliss. The band first entered the rock sphere with its debut EP " No Vacancy Hotel" in 2022, before following up with last year's "Deathproof". The feedback and extensive coverage of these two previous releases have heightened the band's profile, which concluded with August's tour in support of Kid Brunswick  on his Dead Forever UK Tour. "Nothing Ever Grows" was recorded and produced by Josh Gallop at Stage 2 Studios in their hometown of Bristol, England. The song blends grungy riffs with energetic, distorted vocals, I feel the track is influenced by bands like Muse and Royal Blood. The track begins with energetic, dissonant electric guitar chords followed by sombre vocals. The rhythms create tension over a frenetic, jagged grunge sound, while the uplifting, melodic...

  Rude Awakening Record s is excited to announce their latest signing: S ALEM UK , a band featuring veteran musicians from the English hard rock and heavy metal scene. Originally active during the days of the NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal), Salem made their mark with three demos before disbanding. Now, decades later, Salem UK is back, with original members Adrian Jenkinson and Simon Saxby joined by new members Jonny Hirons and Dan Ellis. Together, they are ready to deliver a powerful Hard n' Heavy full-length album by the end of 2024. The band came back with the album "Win, Lose or Draw" in 2019, and five years later, they’ve written a brand new concept album, details of which will be revealed soon. This release marks an exciting milestone for Rude Awakening Records, as SALEM UK becomes the first classic band to join its roster. Stay tuned for more updates on the upcoming album! Current Salem UK Line-up: Simon Saxby – Vocals Adrian Jenkinson – Bass Jonny Hirons ...

 San Francisco's The Okmonik s have released their LP "Afterparty Fever!!!!" on Slovenly Recordings, which was released on September 2nd (with vinyl hitting the streets on September 27th). Comprising  Helene 33 on organ and vocals , Sammy on guitar, Jason on bass, and Pascual on drums, The Okmoniks blend early punk and garage rock influences into a raw sound. Formed in Tucson in 2000, The Okmoniks have made a name for themselves with their energetic live shows and a string of self-released EPs along with one LP on Slovenly Records. Their music captures the essence of their proto-punk roots while injecting a playful nod to their influences. " We love the 60s and 70s West Coast and San Francisco punk," shares Sammy. " We are book-ending the rock n' roll era that Crime began in San Francisco as its last and only rock n' roll band!" Their latest album features original compositions and self-recordings, showcasing their songwriting prowess and...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Today's Song of The Day is "Bella", the brand new single from Gothic Metal newcomers Tellers Scribe. The quintet, led by the haunting vocals of Kim Stacey-Merino, tells the story of a woman's body found inside a hollow tree. The band questions the identity of Bella from Witch Elm. The band's eerie lyrics are inspired by Dicksenian and Victorian Literature, conveyed through a unique blend of Gothic, Doom, and Heavy Metal. Tellers Scribe were formed in Bedfordshire, England in 2022. Stacey-Merino is joined by guitarist Michael Merino, Rythm guitarist Yus Dervish, bassist Dan Tuck and drummer Dave Brett. "Bella' is one of many singles released in the run-up to their debut album Volume 1. The track goes through several stages to convey the true horror of the story. The opening guitar salvo, is rapid and intense, leading lead vocalist Kim Stacey-Merino to showcase her immense vocal range. The aggressive, discordant chords return as ...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Legendary Rock singer Phil Mogg returns like a phoenix from the flame. No less than two years ago, Mogg disbanded his iconic rock band UFO, following a heart attack. Fortunately, a chance meeting with Voodoo Six bassist Tony Newton at the American Embassy proved to be the turning point in ushering in the return of Mogg. The duo joined long-time producer Neil Carter in writing twelve rock tracks for his new band,  Moggs Motel. Phil Mogg  has lost none of his charm and charismatic voice, as he is joined by drummer Joe Lazarus and guitarist Tommy Gentry to complete the lineup. The album is the polar opposite of the guitar-driven rock of UFO, as Mogg and co-deliver a personal collection of songs through a combination of blues, soul, gospel and hard rock. Photo Credit: Charlie Smith Adding the group's younger members gives the guitar a modern American rock sound full of flashy interplay and constructive riffs. This helps supplement Mogg's timel...

  "SHUT YOUR MOUTH" SINGLE OUT NOW BOX SETS DROP OCTOBER 25, 2024 Back in the golden era of the singles of the 1970s and 80s,  Motörhead  would regularly assault the ears of chart listeners on a Sunday afternoon with a string of hit smashes in the rock charts of the time. The single as a format may have been less prominent from the 90s onwards due to the dawn of the CD, but that didn’t diminish the calibre of the singles and promos that  Motörhead  continued to release. These mostly CD singles are now rare and highly collectable, so it only feels fitting for this era of the band’s bullet belt full of hits to be reappraised and released on the format that singles were born for 7” vinyl. We Take No Prisoners  is a collection of the band's singles spanning 1995 to 2006, and available as a nine 7” single box set and expanded double CD and digital editions. From crowd pleasers like the pummeling  ‘Sacrifice’ , through their unique cover of Sex Pistols,...

  Words from Anselm Anderson                  Release Date: September 6th There are natural pairings in life, like sunset and the rise of waves on a beach. John Corabi is like the sunrise to The Dead Daisies' crashing waves. Corabi is back at the mic stand to lead The Dead Daisies on a lively rock and roll journey, aboard the rock and roll express. Their upcoming album 'Light 'Em Up' will be released via SPV this Friday, September 6th. Since they formed a decade ago, The Dead Daisies have released over six albums, featured a who's who from the rock world, and toured with some of the best in the rock world, including Guns' N' Roses, Def Leppard and Bad Company. Corabi returned to the fold for last year's 2023 tour with Whitesnake bassist Michael Devin. The duo forming another revised lineup to join Marti Frederiksen at Muscle Shoals studio to record and write  'Light 'Em Up'.Upon first listening, Corabi's return brings a welcomed e...