Better Day Blues

Factory Fast records have finally brought us the second compilation in the Americana Armour series. The new album, out today, gives a wide range of americana necessities to help you to get back into touch with America's previous musical developments. It is a great album to listen to because of the variants in genre, it's an album that really keeps you on your toes. Opening track 'The Love Ambassadors' by Indus Rush is soft, pink and gushy. It is, as the name implies, a love song, maybe a bit too long and 'lovey' for my personal liking.

'Married Man' by The Shannons is a warming, folky 3 minutes that, despite the upbeat feel to the track, is bluntly expressing how 'You'll be by yourself' because your man is seeing other women. 'What More Can I Do' by Mongroove follows, boasting an altogether different sound. Its pacey and infectious, you'll need some antibiotics to treat this one.

Gloriously country and the LP's namesake, Ed Roman brings us 'Better Day Blues'. Its simply made and completly effective, inducing a beat commanded twitch in both your shoulders and head. 'I Hate' by Johnny Hate is a track full of turmoil, rolling out an authentic ragged rock sound along with Hate's soul bursting vocals. 

'Arsenic and Turmeric' from Melting Pot just feels good, the melodies roll down your eardrums fluidly and the dirty sound of the guitars just adds an authenticity to their whole sound. A mellow end to the compilation comes in the form of 'Too Lazy' by The Tallest Hogarth. At times the vocals are uncannily similar to Elvis's and the remainder of the time they are driven out of the abyss, evolving into something raw and free.

The album will be available via Amazon, Google Play and iTunes.

Emily Branson (@emiemzy)

Subway Rock

Our favourite record company have been at it again, they have produced yet another meaty compilation for us to indulge on. This compilation is total mix of things but ultimately focuses on prolonged instrumentals, making the tracks seem like jam sessions and giving a more relaxed feel to the whole LP. Album opener 'Slow Drive Home' by Finding Miranda creates this exact atmosphere, the easy melodies sounding like a slightly rocked up version of Cornershop's 'Brimful of Asha'.

'Lately I'm Confused' by Love Child has the illusion of being one of those great 80's rock tunes, marking an unforgettable 3 minutes on the record. Following that is 'Lousy Dice' by Queen Bitch which features some really smooth vocals that just slide down your earlobes whilst the slow beat adds a mellow stomp to your step, making it a total feel good track.
Starting with a vaguely annoying glitchy start, 'These Dark Days' by Stab in the Dark burst into an unforgiving, fast-paced romp whilst the next song, 'Rock up the Hill' by Starkett Levee, is comparatively mellower, easing into a steady, heartfelt, powerful course. Both tracks show both the diversity of the compilation and how well the the alternate strains of rock can fit together.

The penultimate track, 'Riddle of the Sphinx' by UVTraveler, is a long, perhaps too long, rock jam. As soon as you play it you feel like you have fallen down the rabbit hole, there is so much dimension and variety within the 8 minute track that it is hard to feel rooted. And finally, 'One Night Stand with a Ghost' by The Deltorers is a grungy trip to heaven, tying up the LP perfectly.

Purchase the album:
Amazon
Google Play
iTunes

Emily Branson (@emiemzy)

Americana Armour

Americana Armour opens with soul touching vocals from The Federalis in 'Fox and the Hound', a good looking prophecy for the rest Factory Fast's first compilation in yet another brilliant series. The LP, to be released tomorrow (24th of March), also features some of our previous love affairs, such as Melting Pot who we saw on the Acoustic Arsenal LP, Johnny Hate on the Alt Country Arsenal LP and Monogroove on the Throwback Rock LP.

The second track, by Monogroove entitled 'When I Wake Up', is heavily blues inspired, featuring the sort of melodies you'd expect from Elvis's earlier bluesy stuff, making it the perfect fit for the theme of the album. The Celebration Army follow with 'Black Blues Jeans', a track that admittedly begins with odd sounding vocals, but, I promise you, by the chorus you will love it. The vocals begin to relax and sound less abnormal and completely new vocals enter scene for the chorus. The melodies in this song are irresistible and make you want to ease into a sassy dance. 

The fourth track opens with a mellow strings composition but picks up into a mainly lyrical composition backed by brass. Personally, I am not a fan of The Blue Project's 'Requiem for a Working Man' but it is hard to not appreciate the artistic value of it. Genuine Crude brings their track 'Insanity Rules' to the table next. It sounds quite fresh in comparison to the other tracks, perhaps due to the instruments sounding more alert. This is a track that almost doesn't fit, but, then again, the goods things in life never blend in that easily do they? 

'The Killing of the Fragile' by Johnny Hate is angry and feisty, full of emotion and ready to fight for what it wants. It's a track thats hard to forget, its repetitive melodies get lodged so easily in your head.'(You Got Me) Rollin' and Tumblin' by Melting Pot on the other hand is more relaxed, ending the album on a chilled out, bluesy high.

The Americana Amour will be available via iTunes, Amazon and Google Play tomorrow.

Emily Branson, (@emiemzy)

The Evil Professor Y

This is the follow up compilation to The Mysterious Projekt X (read the review here) and again does not fail to impress. You can never be disappointed with the range of sounds on these records, if you think about the title, any genre ideas made will be included in, of course, a seamless fashion. This LP is filled with hidden gems and Factory Fast Records deserve so much praise for bringing this music to light. It also features one of our previously review tracks from The Everglows, read our review of 'Amanita' here.

The album opens gracefully with 'Aliens in Woodstock' by Creeping Volt Club, a song focused almost entirely on melodies which create an almost groovy and cool atmosphere thats simply heaven to absorb. The second track, 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' from The Harrison Brothers, leaks reminders of Austin Powers and his vibrant 60's era. The song itself isn't boasting obvious 60's DNA but its there, those fuzzy, faded guitars and organ like keyboard notes all allude to a 60's inspiration.
'Fire `n' Fear' from The Poulsons takes you off your feet with their brooding electronic infused rock sound. Its deep and layered, no matter how many times I listen to it I can still find different bits that I didn't notice before. The Love Buzzards with 'Dungeon Party' turns the album to a brilliantly raucous track. There's rough vocals, dangerous guitars and a glorious beat, what's not to love?

'Untouchable' by Alpha State of Mind sends prickles down your spine with its immense intro. The good feelings don't end there, the song continues to emulate magnificence through its powerful vocals and unsteady beat. Concluding the album with an awe inspiring darkness is 'Feed the Machine' by The Windsor Project. The track is the heaviest on the LP and resonates deep within as it's pace quickens and slows with a deft prowess.

The album will be available in two days on the 10th of March on all good online retailers or pre-order it here.

Emily, (@emiemzy)

One More Thing

'One More Thing' is the second compilation in the 'Acoustic Arsenal' series (read the review for the first compilation here) and again it contains some insanely good songs. The compilation is due to be released on the 17th of Feb (three days time) so mark the date in your calendar and set a reminder on your phone since the album includes the likes of  Vanessa McGowan and her track 'Lucky', a brilliant mix of melodies and spoken word poetry, one which holds a power that forces you to stop your current actions as it is one which really needs to be listened to. Matt Davis is also back with 'One Sided Love', a song which continues to hold his particular talent of inducing euphoria within his listeners minds.

The compilation is opened by Simon Taylor and The Sundowners with 'Hot Love' where the listener is greeted with the sort of melodies you hear on an elevator. Do not be detoured however for it swishes you into a relaxing love tune that is hard to hate: the vocals are more streamline than a penguin and the melodies transport you onto the perfect beach scene. Following that is 'An Empty Walk' by The Harrison Brothers who create a smooth atmosphere, the song oozes affection and the melodies seem to radiate their own emotions whilst sounding a bit similar to The Beatles.

'One More Thing' by Melting Pot is a song which makes you shiver from its simple loveliness. I could literally listen to this song for eternity, its soothing voice drips gold and the melodies are like a strong painkiller, they swoop you up and make you smile, forcing any bad ideas to vanish for a short holiday. 'Annabel Lee' by UVTraveler  emit a sad and tentative tone, it is a song you go to when you've had a bad day and you need something to make you feel like you're not alone. The song also contains beautiful guitar notes which really lift you off your toes. Last but not least is 'Run Better Run' by Carroll's Sword which gives a soothing goodbye, it feels just like one of those exceedingly good hugs that shoot warmth through your veins.

You can pre-order the album here. The album will be available via most online retailers including Google Play, iTunes and Amazon.

Emily, (@emiemzy)

Acoustic Arsenal

Factory Fast Records are back with another exceptional release following 'Rigged and Wired', and they will keep coming back with even more brilliant compilations to get your hands on the coming weeks. For now though, we have 'Acoustic Arsenal' to soothe all of our music desires. The compilation features a mixture of stripped down songs including the immaculate, country styled 'Troubadour' by North Star and the rock infused folk track 'Moonshine' by The Federalis.

'Hey Mister' by The Shannons make it incredibly hard to stay away from your dancing shoes. Their easy melodies accompanied by the quick paced beat and bright string instruments make it hard not to begin floating around the room. 'Your Love Means Nothing to Me Now' by Johnny Hate is brimming with a bluesy, rock n roll sound. It is a sort of sound that plants a smile on your face and encourages your body into a gentle jam along with the infectious tones.
'Backburner' by Matt Davis is finely tuned and makes your ears tingle with a state of euphoria. Everything about this track is perfect; the purity of the acoustic guitar, the strength and talent of the vocals and the aromatic feel of the backing noises. 'Fly Away' by Dan McCarthy is a loving song, one which fills you with warmth and smiles. Its slow and calming, repetitive but assuring. 'All Protect This Lie' by Glen Fernando has a similar tone, slightly more brooding but it is still one that lazily cocoons you in happiness.

Buy the CD:
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iTunes
Google Play

Emily (@emiemzy)

Rigged & Wired

Rigged and wired is a new compilation album featuring 14 different bands. The CD features bands such as The Rickaneers with their western tinted 'Regime', Katalina Kicks with their quick paced, nearing punk song 'National Hero', DownFall and their killer electric guitars in 'Chin Up' and Pacers with their 60's rock look a like 'Part Of The Scene'. All of the bands have an effortless feel with their music, a sensation which scopes across the compilation making it perfect to listen to.

The music is all rock based but it pans out into different sections as the bands flaunt their different abilities. 'Throw The First Stone' by Rubric has a slightly sassy feel about it, the quick paced lyrics show off, flaunting themselves in your face whilst 'On Your Knees' by Bonze's Fuel has a really dirty rock sound, the deep bass and guitar notes sounding similar to some of The Black Key's earlier stuff. The album also shows a few bands who have obvious inspirations, '6699' by Cloud City Trap sounds very like The Zutons, 'Bipolar Mosaic' by Missionary Fades sound like the Foo Fighters and 'Gloria' by Second Player Score sounds very pop punk, similar to Good Charlotte.
'Every Bit Of Abuse' by Finding Miranda features a softer voice, busy quick paced drums and quiet guitar, all of which make a softer rock tune.'Fallen' by Sea of Echos sounds as atmospheric as the band name suggests, the song is filled with emotionally powered vocals and guitar melodies which surround you. 'LOL' by Viking Krue is very in your face and sound uncannily like the B52's. 'Sleeping with the Enemy' by The Statements opens with a killer build up of guitar riffs and continue by making them wailing. Irresistable. 'Trayvon Martin' by Rugged and Draped has a very freestyle air to it, the vocals sounding like cry and the drums, whilst following a repetitive pattern, sound very raucous and out of control.

You can purchase the rock-filled album at Factory Fast Records.

Emily (@emiemzy)