The Rockstar Reviewer (Rambling Man's Reviews)

 Words by Anselm Anderson Last month, British singer/songwriter Chris Riley released his sophomore solo album Echoes in a Gloaming  via Nice Mind Records. 'Echoes in the Gloaming' is the follow-up to 2020's Cestrian, Echoes It is an eclectic collection of thirteen personal tracks based on Riley's experiences and inner thoughts. The blend of 60's-inspired pop intersperses with folk ballads and instrumental tracks to create a heartwarming album for these winter months. Rambling Man's Reviews  has previously featured Chris Riley in his other bands, The False Poets and The Support Band,  which focus more on folk and atmospheric material. Riley wrote and recorded most of the tracks here, which gives the album an intimate appeal, through acoustic and electric guitar. The variety of tracks kicks off with the 60's jingly pop of "Kicking On", followed by softer ballads like "Fine Day" and "Another You", which set the tone through visc...

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 English singer/songwriter/guitarist Guy North is due to release his much-anticipated debut release Retreat  today (August 30th). The musician North, who originates from Wakefield in Northern England, incorporates a mix of blues and country music in his sound. He draws inspiration from a wide range of artists, including blues legend John Lee Hooke r and folk singer Cat Stevens.  Retreat, an album featuring several tracks from North's "One Song a Week" video blog, showcases his talent for acoustic instrumentation and poetic lyricism. North is also a member of The Thomas Wilby Band.  Throughout the album's 10 tracks, North weaves together beautiful and uplifting melodies. The alt-country ballad "A Night Out" sets the tone with its simple strumming and powerful vocals. This leads to the feel-good anthem "I Have a Friend," which features a catchy chorus and pop influences. This track is sure to resonate with listeners and evok...

Words Written by Anselm Anderson for Rambling Man's Reviews Graylinglake is an Indie/Alternative rock band from Malmo, Sweden. They consist of former True Lies  member  Michael Harrsjo  ( Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards) and drummer Conny Stade. Graylinglake have been making inroads within the music scene in their native Sweden and has recently released a new album The Impossible Possible.    Runaway is the band's latest single; a pop-orientated bundle of feelgood music and a catchy chorus that will whisk the listener away. The opening bars follow a basic chord progression that lets the rhythm bounce along uninterrupted. The upbeat tempo is soft and melodic which engages the listener before the vocals enter. Harrsjo's voice is warm, as to sound easier over the harmonic guitar lines and gentle drumming. This allows the singer to sound soothing without intimidating the listener.  The lyrics are well balanced to match the optimistic tone. I feel the song i...