Rockstar Reviewer

Photo Courtesy of Chad Cornies of No Rules PR Edited by Anselm Anderson RxHx, the new solo project from Bruce Wilson,  has released the debut single “Star FKD”  across all streaming platforms. The track is the first of a series of singles set for release, as an audio case file from the fictional St. Vitus Neuromusical Centre.   "Star FKD" is a blend of synth-punk, post-existential pop, and nocturnal new wave .The track is derived from a concept revolving around a terminally ill patient in a psychological medical facility, who experiences episodes of dysmorphia and dissociative personality. Formed as part  the brainchild of Vancouver music scene stalwart Bruce Wilson, He began his career with Nineties' grunge band Tankhog, before his career was cut short due to substance abuse. Since then, He has develepod a name for himself in the art and music industry. Wilson spent his recovery fronting various bands across Northern America, lead him to writing his critically...

Photo courtesy of Mynxii White Punk rock band Rise Agains t returns with their first album in four years with the release of " Ricochet "   on August 15th, due on Loma Vista Recordings. The Twelve tracker was produced by GRAMMY®-winner Catherine Marks (Boygenius, Foals, Manchester Orchestra, St. Vincent) and mixed by Alan Moulder (Nine Inch Nails, Paramore, Queens of the Stone Age, The Killers), In their new release, Rise Against urges listeners to reflect on important questions before making decisions about their lives.'Ricochet' is a record massive in sound, rooted in unification, but is centred around positive change. It all starts with oneself, and on the searing lead single, ' I Want It All ,' Vocalist Tim McIlrath comments on the new release “The algorithm wants our attention so it is designed to make us laugh or cry, but mostly, it wants us to be angry, because that is how it spreads the furthest. Like a pile of marbles, hit hard. Who benefits from our...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Punk tri o Lilith's Army celebrates signing with Independent Labe l Criminal Records, releasing their latest LP, on March 28th. Hailing from Northampton, England, the trio comprises vocalist/guitarist Sylvie Studente, bassist Tommy Mayo, and drummer Steve Sherwood. They blend lo-fi punk with grunge and metal, citing influences from L7 and Nirvana. "Doll" features 13 tracks of new material and re-recordings of previous releases. The album has a fresh, boisterous sound, boasting catchy pop-punk choruses and edgy riffs told from a personal perspective on heartbreak, social anxieties, and mental health. Lillith's Army aims to provide an alternative to the punk scene. The trio developed a strong fanbase over the years after a guest slot at the highly sought-after Glastonbury Festival, with support from Total Rock and Kerrang!  Let's get on with the review! The tongue-in-cheek song "Eat My TV" kicks off with a jab at social media ...

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...

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 The highly-anticipated debut EP from rising alt-rockers, The Fires Below , called Masquerade, was released last Friday. The EP includes four tracks packed with energetic rock, featuring in-your-face punk stylings blended with groove-orientated stoner metal riffs. The Fires Below is ready to make a big impact on the rock world. Formed during the London lockdown, the band includes Smithy's towering vocals, Del's thunderous drumming, Sam's crunchy riffs, and Si's rumbling basslines. Photo Credit: Lorenzo Guerrieri The band draws influences from bands like Sepultura, QOTSA and Sex Pistols. They blend intensity with social topics such as consumerism, greed and corruption in twelve minutes of rousing rock and roll. The emotional vocals of Smithy blend with the dual guitars and basslines.  The Grunge-infused "Masquerade" is full of mesmerizing, groove-laden riffs that are both captivating and haunting. Next up is "Another Day" by t...

Words by Anselm Anderson Ireland's Horror rock ac t EB and The Deadlights  have undergone a transformation since I last reviewed 2021's debut EP Still See Ghosts.  Firstly, the band underwent drastic lineup changes for the best with the additions of new songwriter/guitarist Macauley Rogers, bassist Maciek Zaworski, and guitarist Reece Mathers, who have vastly improved the band's sound into a mature and evolved quartet. Secondly, the band have gained success with an ever-evolving fanbase opening for For Pries t and Misfits Legend Doyle The wonderfully named Echoes of A Dreamless Life marks the evolution of a new direction for the band with a more muscular guitar sound, heavier tracks and darker lyrics. This nine-track LP borrows influences from Alice Cooper, Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson, and delves further into punk, electronica and gothic elements. An unsettling News Report transitions into the murky rock of "Endless Hope," which is layered with distorted guit...

Album Review by Anselm Anderson French-born multi-instrumentalist Tarah.G.Carpenter has seemed to be around for a while with her punk project Tarah Who?.  I first covered her for this blog shortly after the then duo's inception in 2016. The band's bold lyricism and in-your-face punk attitude were enough to shake up the rock scene.  After a slew of EPs and full-lengths, Tarah Who? has released the ambitious The Collaboration Project,  an album designed to bring together some of the brightest talents from the Independent Music circuit. Produced by Tarah, Alanis Morissette  guitarist  Jason Orme  and L7 produce r Norm Block , Tarah Who? is now a solo project following the departure of drummer Coralie Herve . Tarah.G.Carpenter takes on the role of drummer, guitarist, singer and producer as she teams up with an array of talent to sing songs based on social and political issues of the day. The song opens with the firebrand punk anthem 'Asian Blood', taking...