Rockstar Reviewer

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  Australians' Age of Iguana recently released two singles, "Two of a Kind & "Otherside" " Two of a Kind" is the first single from the band. The Alt-Rock/3 piece consists of Ben George ( Vox. Guitar), bassist Bernard Hickey and drummer Aidan Smith. They were first formed by high school friends George and Hickey before, Smith later joined them from Melband. Two Of A Kind is a psychedelic number, steeped in hazy vocals and screeching guitars to leave your head spinning.  The track was recorded during the first Lockdown when Ben George teamed up with Simon Polinski to mix and master the track in two separate locations: Ben's Home and Laundry Goat Studios. Age of Iguana cites Oasis, Brian Jonestown Massacre and Dinosaur Jr amongst their influences, which can be heard here. The track begins with a retro 70's vibe with dazzling keys and meaty riffs segue into George's laid-back vocals. George's simple strumming pattern...

Secondhand Habit is another prospective talent, emanating from Canada. Contact High is the name of their latest release, a collection of 7 singles the band has recorded over the past year. The quintet combines combustible rock 'n' roll with synergetic guitar riffs and pummeling drum beats. They have spent the past few years touring Canada, opening for Electric Six , Nashville Pussy  & Daniel Wesley  to name but a few. This has now brought the band much-needed admiration, following the success of its predecessor " From the Ashes" ,  including me. I noticed an email from the band, asking for coverage. I was intrigued when I read a list of comparisons, which namechecked Nirvana, Mastodon, Alice In Chains, and Faith No More. The result is a pinch of these influences that piqued my interest. Opener 'H ey'  is an explosive number to get things started. Groove-laden riffs, solid drumming, and a lyrical nature that reflects the songwriter's free-spirited deme...