If you think that Saint Jude have been a bit quiet lately, you would be correct. That is because they have been working on their highly anticipated second record. However as it is quite a special moment the band are taking their time to ensure that they deliver the very best that they have to offer. Saint Jude have now announced an EP 'Ladies and Gentlemen' to be released in the meantime. It includes new songs & acoustic tracks plus loads of SJ goodies. What are you waiting for? About the project: Skip to exclusives A note from Saint Jude: Dear Saint Jude Fans As you may know we’ve been working on our second album, and whilst the songs are sounding great, we want it to be absolutely incredible, so we’re taking our time. Sadly this means it won’t be released for little while, but don’t put the Champagne away just yet, for we bring good news… We know you want new stuff, because you are constantly telling us, so we thought we’d release an EP to keep you going for a bit until the new album is ready. “Ladies & Gents” will be a 7 track EP containing a mixture of 2 unreleased songs we’ve played live but not recorded before, as well as re-worked stripped back versions of 4 songs from our first album “Diary Of A Soul Fiend”. Not only that, there’s going to be a cracking cover thrown in for good measure. For this release, we’ve teamed up with Pledge Music to bring you the EP, but also some fantastic Saint Jude goodies to go with it. Some are physical things, and some are Saint Jude experiences, but all are exclusive to Saint Jude fans who Pledge. Check out the list on the right, and remember, whatever you pledge, you will receive the EP download, as well as our exclusive Pledger updates. We really hope you like the EP and our other goodies, and if you do, please feel free to tell everyone you know… Loads of love Saint Jude You can also check out an interview I did with Lynne earlier in the year. We discuss the new record and much more. http://www.chellesrockblog.com/8/post/2012/06/a-chat-with-lynne-jackaman-of-saint-jude-by-michelle-nevill.html
The pledge has been up for 3 days and already reached 40% so if you wish to be part of this, what are you waiting for? http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/saintjude#exclusives
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Following the amazing public and media reaction to their aptly named “Never Had It So Good” EP and subsequent tour, Bravado rockers The Burning Crows are about to hit the road again this Winter with their good friends The Quireboys, before unveiling their lavish musical mayhem upon the world with their Debut Album in Spring 2013. The hotly tipped rockers have just returned home from a massively successful headline tour of the UK & Ireland and after an incredible public response and overwhelming demand for more, the band now have their sights set on returning to Rockfield to once again work with Nick Brine to record their, as yet untitled, Debut Album, set for release May 4th 2013. The band are also offering fans the chance to get involved with the recording and giving them the opportunity to get their hands on some very exclusive releases, one of kind experiences and an advance copy of the album (pre-released through PledgeMusic on April 24th 2013) by pre-ordering or making a “pledge” on the album through PledgeMusic.com from November 1st here: http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/theburningcrowsalbum2013 As if the music wasn't enough, if you pledge towards the album, there is a variety of packages to choose from. You can go basic and get a copy of the debut album along with updates from the band, or if you want to be slightly more lavish, you can pledge and receive anything from personalised lighters, signed CD's, an invite to their launch party, an appearence in their music video, personal acoustic shows or, and wait for it. A week in the studio with the guys, which is a 4 night/5 day trip to Wales to the legendary Rockfield Studios where you will get to play on a track and have a VIP tour of studios with Nick Brine. That sounds pretty impressive to me! The band will be playing a string of dates as special guests to good friends, The Quireboys in November and December as well as a slot at this year’s sold out Hard Rock Hell Festival. So if high energy, good time rock n' roll played hard and played with gusto is your thing, be sure to catch the "future of British rock" live and become part of a decadent feast for the senses and carnival of frivolity. Dates
November 13th – Newcastle, Kluny’s November 14th – Grimsby, Yardbirds November 25th – Wolverhampton, The Slade Rooms November 28th – York, The Duchess November 29th – Glasgow, The Garage November 30th – Gwynedd, Hard Rock Hell Festival December 13th – Norwich, The Waterfront December 14th – Bedford, Esquires December 15th – Sheffield, The Corporation December 16th - Leicester, The Musician The Band Whippz - Vocals & Guitars Lance Daniels - Guitars & Backing Vocals Will Lockett - Bass & Backing Vocals Chris Chapman - Drums & Percussion The Burning Crows Online: Pledgemusic.com/projects/theburningcrowsalbum2013 Facebook.com/theburningcrowsrock Twitter.com/theburningcrows YouTube/theburningcrows Myspace.com/theburningcrows Reverbnation.com/theburningcrows www.theburningcrows.com As I meandered down the stairs of the 100 Club I felt the heat rising and felt the bass thumping from below. I was back to see the Claire Cameron Band launch their EP ‘Time Will Tell’ almost a year after I first saw them at this very venue. After a lengthy wait, Claire and her band took to the stage to tremendous applause, and dove straight into ‘Love of You’ (also the first track on the EP) A sweet tune ‘Love of you’ is a great choice to open with, perfectly showcasing the bands tender, but raw edge. The lyrics tell a story of obvious heart ache that Claire sings beautifully. ‘Amethyst’ with its melodic undertones is next, a fine follow up. The audience is really beginning to loosen up, and I notice the numbers growing by the second. The beautiful polyphony of the music binds the audience together with the band on stage. Next on the set list is the funkier ‘Spinning tops’. During this song, drummer, Jim Gaylard really came into his own and really impressed with his tight beats. The whole band really have a sense of closeness, they have definitely grown since the last time I saw them. ‘Black Albatross’ - a piano heavy song mellowed the mood a little with Claire’s porcelain doll face sensually singing out the elegy. The crowd swayed in time as Claire slunk across the stage to dance with bassist Mike James. ‘Question every day’ is most definitely the highlight of the set, beginning the song by thanking everyone for coming, the band sensually swayed throughout the whole song, removing her fascinator and setting the crowd on edge with raw, languid vocals and almost metal like guitar riffs, and ending with an absorbing guitar solo. Concluding the gig was ‘Exposition’ a rather darker, heavier track, to which the crowd clapped along to for its entirety. A perfect end to a successful gig, the acapella ending absolutely left the audience craving more, who were screaming so by the end. Claire simply replied to the hungry crowd ‘you’ll have to buy the CD if you want to hear more tonight’ and with a gracious bow, was gone.
It's that time of year again and All Hallows Eve is upon us once more. I love a good halloween tune and thought I would post some of my favourites to get you in the mood for whatever mischief you might be getting up to tonight. Enjoy!! Now that we have your attention, I would love to introduce to you, if you don't know them already, hot new rock band Ozone Mama!! Ozone Mama are an Hungarian based hard rock band that are spreading their wings and getting ready to take flight. They formed in 2005 and have been gigging relentlessly around Hungary and Europe. Winner of the Hungarian Fonogram Awards Ozone Mama have got the goods and are ready to unleash themselves upon the UK. Like a sledge hammer to the head, this band are hard and heavy and will not dissapoint you. Unfortunately as we all know the music industry isn't as easy as we'd all like, and Ozone Mama are looking for pledges to enable them to record and release their next EP. You can find the details below if you want to help, remember every penny counts!! If you would like to learn more then you can catch up with all things Ozone Mama on their website www.ozonemama.com Let's make this EP happen!
Lately I have been taking a lot of joy in re-discovering the sounds of the 60’s psychedelia and music from that era. I forgot just how much happiness it awakens in me and did in many people at the time. A time of freedom, love and new awakenings. On my travels I came across Magnetic Mind. A London based psychedelic band formed in 2011, they recently released their debut 7” single ‘Maybe the Stars, Maybe the Sun in May this year. Ellie, Paul, John, Simon and Sam created Magnetic Mind through a shared love of 60’s garage and psychedelic music. As I sit here with their 7” ‘Maybe the Stars, Maybe the Sun’ I am transported by this talented band of musicians to a time long gone. Yet here it is, oh so present and absolutely delightful. Straight away I am gripped by the rhythmic intro from the drums, bass and organ. The main element I notice are the wonderful harmonies between Ellie and Paul which are strong, but feel soft, like silk moving over your skin. Very smooth indeed. The track itself is incredibly well written with some really nifty hooks, that change it up yet provide the perfect vehicle to show us just how clever these boys and girl really are. To think that 50 years after music like this was originally written, a young group of adults would be able to perfectly re-create songs with so much intensity and passion makes me really happy. Especially since we can only re-live those moments through our records (for those of us that were born too late). The second track ‘Laser Fingers’ is actually my favourite of the two. The organ can be compared to the likes of the Doors, whilst as a band I would say they are similar to Jefferson Airplane perhaps. However it should be noted that Magnetic Mind very much have their own thing happening and individual stylings are very present here. ‘Laser Fingers’ features a fantastic organ intro that is greeted by spectacularly sung harmonies, and whilst listening to the lyrics “Trust in me and I will guide you, take my hand the stars will light the way” I can feel myself ready to embrace the journey as they light way. There is a striking bridge within this track, where the drums pulsate whilst Ellie sings solo that brings a great change of tone to the song, as it elevates and transcends into a groovy, melodic track suitable to go and shake your hips to. I am definitely looking forward to hearing an album from these guys, as in my opinion, they are talented beyond their years and have a very long and successful road ahead of them. On which I will most definitely be standing on the side lines giving all the support I can. If you are curious and want to witness the magic of The Magnetic Mind for yourself, they are playing The Victoria in Hackney on the 20th August with Trembling Bells & Hidden Masters. Tickets can be purchased here: https://fan.musicglue.com/sale/saleproducts.aspx?productid=9df6216e-d3a7-43be-973d-bfe6619347a1&resellerid=d5dedeb6-00a0-4a0d-8e5e-ca4ffd894e0e 'Maybe the Stars, Maybe the Sun' released on Heavy Soul 45's
Matchstick Men, a rock trio based in Liverpool released their latest EP - ‘A Change in Season’, on 30th July. Comprising of 6 shimmering songs, it’s a record that most music lovers will revel in. The record opens with ‘Comes in 3’s’ which sets a rather heavy precedent for the rest of the EP. The guitars have quite a dense sound and combined with Lewis Wright’s gravely/treacley voice effusing through the song, it is quite the attention graber and leaves you hankering for more. After an abrupt ending, the next track is ‘Distorted Lullaby’ which opens with an even heavier intro. This song takes a more old school rocky stance, with slightly more melodic vocals and a catchy rock chorus. The refined bass notes coming from Iain Forsyth and the howling guitar solo from Peter Donnelly ensure that this track is definitely one of the stand out tunes of the EP for me. Following another sharp closing beat, is the third track, ‘Not Knowing’. With its mellow riff ‘Not Knowing’ takes the record into a definite softer route. Featuring dry, crisp vocals. I feel this track really showcases the band’s more tender side, whilst still keeping that edge we’ve come to recognise in Matchstick Men. After wailing guitar work, the track closes with beautiful and quiet refreshment. ‘Lead Balloon’ is next with an almost Oasis like opening, it carries on with the soft tone of the previous track. Exhibiting warm guitars and haunting backing vocals which gently caress the music, this track features the EPs title folded within its plaintive lyrics. The penultimate song entitled ‘Make Mountains’ brings back a more twangy metallic sound, almost reminiscent of Dire Straits ‘Money for Nothing’. It’s a high energy, riff based track that won’t disappoint those looking for a driving rock’n’roll sound. The final track is last, but by no stretch of the imagination least. Re-imagining Michael Jackson’s ‘Give in to Me’ the boys definitely do this rousing track justice right down to the Slash inspired solo. This is a fantastic ending to the EP, and leaves you wanting to hear more from Matchstick Men, a band that has something for everyone’s musical tastes. If this has wet your appetite then you can catch the guys at the following shows:
Sat Aug 04 - The Krazyhouse, Liverpool Sun Aug 19 - Rock The Lakes Festival The Matchstickmen 'A Change in Season' is released through Mainline Records and available to download or buy through itunes and HMV amongst other physical and digital retailers. Rock n Roll with a social conscience? In 1965 a song called my generation was released that talked about the youth of the days struggle to find their place in society. Listening to Howe today I get the feeling I am listening to a band acutely aware of the precariousness of today’s youth and its own place in society. This keen social commentary runs through the veins of this debut EP ‘Bolt From The Blue’ on opening cut ‘Lost Generation’ the message is delivered in a delicate but direct manner with nods to that 1965 masterpiece. These musical characteristics come in the form of the subtle bombast of the kick drum and snare, the stuttered vocal delivery in the chorus and the intricate but tastefully written runs of the bass that drift in and out of the track in complete harmony with the beautiful guitar work on show here. This results in an impressive union of delicacy and violence when following the songs epic guitar solo the singer roars, “cut me down, leave me in the cold”. This line is delivered with a bitter taste in the mouth and a hint of melancholy, this aggression brings the songs message right into the face of the listener. “We’re all following the same formula and I think it’s time for change” A keen observation by Howe in their title track ‘Bolt from the Blue’, perhaps even somewhat of a mission statement for this band? First off, this track is layered with some gorgeous vocal harmonies that warrant stand out praise; these compliment more intelligent guitar playing along the lines of what we heard in ‘Lost Generation’. Listening to this track I start to get a feeling that artists like Traffic, Lou Reed and maybe Blind Melon have influenced Howe during their collective musical education. Certainly the poetry of Lou Reed is present here, “I’ll let you in on the biggest secret…don’t expect much when you’ve got nothing to give” - these words echo across a warm soundscape that is underpinned by a Walk on the Wild side style bass slide. These elements wrap their arms around you in the verse, before pushing you away as the song builds into pure angst fuelled bombast on the chorus. Guitars kick in the mix here as the band let you know it’s time for something new with a flurry of well crafted hooks. The end of this track reinforces the bands soul credentials as they roll into a malevolent funk blues freight train right off the back of some sinister syncopation, this funkier section see’s the singer transforming into a fucked up hybrid of Joe Tex meets Zack de la Rocha, spitting his lyrics rhythmically all over the closing bars of this track. ‘It’s Not Such a Surprise’ comes in with a Beatles flavour; it treads a thin line with its musical references at points, but it successfully makes you feel like your tripping through a British summertime, for this reason alone the song deserves your ears. Straight up this track has a huge chorus, it really lifts the song up sonically and invites you to come and find them. There is some nice production here as well; the second pre chorus sees some excellent old school vocal distortion creating the imagery of an acid infused trip back to Amsterdam in the 60’s, before you get slapped back into the here and now with that chorus. However for this reviewer I found the coup de grace in this track to be the melodic switch at the end of the track which brought back memories of The Bends era Radiohead to me. Frantic guitar playing and a pulsating rhythm charge this section in contrast to the rest of this fairly chilled track. The kinds of song writing features deeply woven into the sound of Howe smacks of a band who clearly listen to a wide variety of music and for me it makes a great change to the kind of incestuous genre specific tunes currently being espoused by the British music scene. It is intelligently written music with a thick layer of soul and a bucket load of social awareness. At a time when ‘real lyrics’ have been done to death and generally swing between a description of a trip to Tesco’s or a slightly conceited re-enactment of an artists own love life I find the portrayal of a youth who, “ignore what’s important and embrace what is near” refreshing in a world that has become all too obsessed with disposability. You could say Howe benefit from pop sensibilities, styled with the groove and funk of a soul blues outfit whilst retaining the cut, thrust and bluster of vintage rock. I would just say that they are a great example of a quintessentially British rock n roll band, something so very vital to music in 2012. www.wearehowe.com Howe: Ralph Brunjes / Niall Lavelle / Ben Hayes / Eric Brunjes Toronto based band Last Bullet are anything but wallflowers, and their latest EP stands testament to that. Formed in 2009, Bryan, Brenden, Michael, Will and Leo have been heavily influenced by the whole LA rock scene, with a sprinkling of blues for good measure. The self titled EP kicks off with ‘Can’t Move On’ – a heavily guitar driven track with vintage, gravely sounding vocals to match. This track really sets the tone for what’s to come and has plenty of high octane fret work to really get your pulse racing. ‘Care Free’, is the next track and my favourite from the EP, it’s a mellower song, with an intro reminiscent of the Hendrix era and lingering, sexy vocals from Bryan. The basis of the song is the band cosmic ordering a simpler, more successful life, over a backdrop of lustful guitars. Third up is ‘Girl’s Gone Wild’ which is the bands first single. Opening with a super hot riff, it really exhibits what Last Bullet are all about – raunchy old school rock ‘n’ roll. The false ending in the middle coupled with the build up directly following, makes for a truly arousing song, followed by ‘What Is Meant To Be’, a howling lament encompassing much smoother vocals than previously heard on this record. The final track is named ‘Rock ‘Til We Die’ and is exactly as you might expect from the title. Athemic in its sound, ‘Rock ‘Til We Die’ is the epitome of good rock ‘n’ roll and displays the band’s love and passion for rock in a way that many bands have tried to capture over many years. The track ends in a massive raw climax that definitely leaves the listener hyped up and ready for more. These boys have got it! Think of a combination of Mötley Crüe and Kiss, by way of Hendrix and the Foo’s with a touch of Tenacious D and possibly even Placebo and The Darkness, and you’re only half way into comprehending the erotic stylings of Last Bullet! We are definitely looking forward to these boys crossing the pond and hitting good ‘ol London Town! Be sure to go and check them out at http://www.lastbulletmusic.com/ As 2011 draws to a close, we eagerly await the New Year, we are waiting for a fresh start, a clean slate, something new, different. 2011 has been a great year for music and I can only hope that 2012 follows suit. 2011 is the year that marked the beginning of the blog, so quite fitting that when I think back to the best of 2011 my favourite listening has been from the unsigned bands or smaller acts. Obviously there have been brilliant ‘huge’ gigs and great albums by bigger bands, but since they have been recognised in nearly every magazine known to man, I am focusing on the bands that make this blog what it is, and the reason why music is so exciting. I hope you enjoy the moments that have stood out to me this year. Best unsigned band 2011: Dead City Ruins – Melbourne Australia. Ever since I set eyes and ears on this band they captivated me and really caught my attention. They are everything that I look for in a band - high energy rock and roll, just the way I like it. On a whim I went to see them in Camden and did an off the cuff interview, purely on the basis that they were from Aus. They are such a find and I feel really lucky to know them and to have seen them live. These guys have so much energy and work harder then you would imagine, all for the love! If you want to check them out then fear not as they will be back in March 2012 and worth a watch. These boys work hard, but they play even harder. Best gig of 2011: Saint Jude – The Scala December 19th 2011 A whole year of gigs and the best comes to me in the last month. This tickles me for some reason but I’m not surprised given that this is Saint Jude we are talking about. Lynne and the boys yet again never cease to mesmerise me and this gig was exceptional and absolutely electric. The music was of such a standard that I can honestly say it was faultless. But as far as gigs go, everything aligned and yes Saint Jude were yet again mind blowing but it was the sum of all these parts that made this one hell of a gig. From the lighting to the venue, crowd and of course, the band, it was an entire room feeding off nothing but positive energy and as a result it is my best gig of 2011. Best album 2011: Rival Sons ‘Pressure and Time’ What an album!! This choice doesn’t come lightly as there are obviously so many to choose from, but for me this is it! It's the album that I can’t put down if I try. Tracks such as ‘Soul’ and ‘Face of Light’ are easy to lose yourself in. Although every single track is a diamond in the rough. Very much a modern day Jim Morrison, lead singer Jay Buchanan has a voice that is smooth as silk with velvet tones. Rival Sons are a collaboration of outstanding musicians and the workmanship shows. If you haven’t heard this album yet, then I suggest you do. Sensational! Favourite Festival 2011: High Voltage – Victoria Park Judas Priest, Thin Lizzy, Slash, Saint Jude, Rival Sons and many more. High Voltage this year was a great weekend filled with the usual birthday fun and frolics, however more importantly filled with so many friends and yes, bands!!. It was a bit of a special one too as our friend Richie Faulkner was in town with the mighty Judas Priest and it was a joy to finally see him play with them for one hell of a rock and roll show. I thought I might not make it, given the magnitude of the Priest tour this year but it was nice for the Camden crew to unite and watch Priest burn a hole through London in a blazing shot of light that was brief, if only for a night but full of memories. High Voltage all in all is my favourite festival and if they can find a home next year, a festival that I plan on attending again. Best Rock and Roll Moment 2011: Buckcherry Yes, it’s no surprise that the highlight of this year comes down to these boys from the US of A. When it comes to high profile bands you never know what people will be like. However, when I got to meet Josh, Jimmy, Keith, Stevie and Xavier again earlier this year, I was reminded of just how great and down to earth they are. My favourite memory is hanging out with Xavier Muriel, not just because he is one of my favourite drummers but because when it comes to things like family and friends, he is such a heartfelt and inspirational person and a pleasure to share time with. It was a real privilege. I have met and heard so many great bands this year it is impossible to mention them all but I would like to thank StoneWire, Rogue Male, Voodoo Six, Wasted Sinners, Iron Claw, The Mercy House, Stereo Juggernaut, Voodoo Hussy, S-a-N PR and of course you guys for all the support this year.
2012 promises to be a great year. I hope that it brings you all happiness and health, and let’s not forget about the Rock and Roll my friends! Keep Rockin’ Xxx Chelle xxX |
AuthorAll articles are © Michelle Nevill Archives
August 2013
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