Rambling Man's Reviews

Words by Anselm Anderson Independent Label Banana Recor ds presents the veterans of pop-punk , Healthy Junkies, the popular quartet from London, cordially invite you to ' Listen to the Mad' , their latest LP released last week. The fourteen-track album fuses '90s pop-punk choruses with grunge-era riffs, incorporating psychedelic rock and goth elements. Established in 2010, the band was created by French vocalist Nina Courson and guitarist Phil Honey-Jones to promote greater awareness of mental health, which is reflected in their name. The duo soon added bassist Dave Whitmore and drummer Dave Gaut to build a nationwide fanbase, which included supporting some of punk's notable names, as well as festival appearances and in print publications. They even appeared in a Sky Arts documentary entitled " The United Kingdom of Pop" It wasn't long before American DJ Rodney Bingenheimer took notice, propelling them to new levels of exposure. Photo Credit: Svenja Bloc...

Photo Credit: BJF PR Media Interview by Anselm Anderson The Rambling Man always ventures to promote new bands, as a means to educate the readers. Today, I grabbed an opportunity to speak with the lead vocalist of the newly formed Sirensong, who recently released their latest single "March Into The Sun". Please scroll down to read the full transcript with Alice Freya, in which she discussed the inception of the band, their new single, and their upcoming album. Hello, how are you? Could you introduce yourself to the readers? We are SIRENSONG, a five-piece hard rock/ metal band from South Wales. Alice Freya - Vocals Jon Evans & Ryan Barnard - Guitars Billy George - Bass Daz Joseph - Drums Sirensong are a relatively new band. Could you explain how the band got together? Most of us have been in bands together before, with four of us previously playing in a prog band called Last Flight To Pluto). We were feeling an urge to concentrate on a different sound and direction, which w...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Symphonic Death Metal act Genus Ordinis Dei celebrates their upcoming  European tour with Xandria and Sirenia by releasing "Eternal Cycle," featuring Xandria lead vocalist Ambre Vourvahis. The track reimagined the myth of Hades and Persephone, focusing on the eternal cycles of life, death and rebirth. The Italians blend their string arrangements and classical music prowess with the haunting melodies of Ambre, putting a contemporary spin on a mythical legend. The song's eerie quality foreshadows death through a powerful combination of a large horn section and orchestra. The dynamics intensify with the rapid string movements and shifting melodies.Genus Ordinis Dei's vocalist, Nick.K, enters with his intense, harsh screams  as the tempo escalates, accompanied by a robust sound of guitars and drums.Ambre Vourvahis soon joins as a counterbalance, providing soaring melodies that lend emotional and romantic support to the track. The tension escalat...

  Words by Anselm Anderson British Rock group Oswald Slain released their debut single "Happiness is Overrated" last week. The band, previously known as Little Thief, hails from Bristol, England. It blends classic Americana with grooves and driving rhythms, reminiscent of bands like Neil Young and Tom Waits. The band has previously toured the UK and appeared at festivals like Glastonbury and Isle of Wight. The founding members of Oswald Slain, Charlie Fitzgerald and Rhii Williams, decided to change the band name and take it in a different musical direction. Oswald Slain has been described as "Born from the creative cocoon of a home studio". The band's sounds reflect personal growth and musical evolution. band member Ryan Rogers produced the track in his back garden. Jason Mitchell mastered the record at Loud Mastering. "Happiness is Overrated" is described as a "rise above misery and a rebellion against the pressure of being happy". The track...

Words by Anselm Anderson Acclaimed English singer-songwriter Toby Jepson returns with his first solo album in over a decade, "Look Out: Volume One." This is the first trilogy of records set for release with Toby and The Whole Trut h via Jepsong Records. The band is the latest chapter in a long, illustrious career spanning over forty years. Jepson is best known as the jovial lead singer of Gun, Little Angels, and Wayward Sons, which led to chart success and a slew of successful tours. Jepson produced "Look Out," which, as he explains in the introduction, centres on recovering from mental health issues. The six songs are the first of twenty recorded over three records. It is a cathartic collection of tracks full of wisdom and advice told through the usual charm and enthusiasm of Toby Jepson. The tracks blend hard rock, blues, and pop rock, designed to give a different perspective on a disorder affecting us all.   This is apparent on the opening track "Alone with ...

  WORDS BY ANSELM ANDERSON Progressive Rock Duo T he Chronicles of Manimal and Samara returns with their latest EP, Origins, released last Friday, November 1st. The duo comprises Singapore-born vocalist Daphne Ang and Italian Bassist and guitarist Andrea Papi. Formed in 2020, the two musicians met in Camden, London, UK, and quickly developed a brand of progressive rock that blends poetry, electronica, and metal music. Ang also contributes piano and keyboards to the record, whilst Papi lends his unique vocals to two tracks on the release "Bite the Bullet" and "It Goes". The duo commented how they want "Origins" to widen their reach with new listeners. The follow-up to the hugely successful 2022 release "Trust No Leaders" pushes the boundaries with its fresh production and merger of several genres. The EP opens with the seven-minute "Feed the Beast". an atmospheric number with an opening poetic monologue, accompanied by industrial rock,...