Bison Sound

The Toronto based 3-piece Bison Sound have recently released their debut self-titled LP. The album is full of tracks just as powerful as their name implies and god it sounds good. Kickstarting the album is 'So Fine', a track full of chugging beats and commanding guitar riffs, it is a track the really sets the tone for the following tracks.

'Under Everything' quickens the pace and is one of those tracks you can immerse yourself into and have a good ol' rock out to. 'SweetTooth', 'Begin The End Again' and 'Heaven Help Us' pass by in a blur of stomping beats and pulsating rock melodies until things slow down slightly in 'I Remember'. This is a track thats hiding something dark and secretive and it comes through the notes of the song like some sort of twisted magic.
'Time's Up' continues to slow the pace even more and could be perhaps considered one of the more emotional songs on the LP. Beginning with the pounding of drums that are later accompanied by zingy guitar plucks and smooth vocals, this is a climatic master-piece with alternating outbursts and whispers of emotion. The following track 'Your Ghost Of You' has actually been featured on Throwback Rock, a compilation from Factory Fast Records (read the review here).
The bass on 'Sharks 2' is almost mesmerizing and the waves of sound mixed with the shouts in the chorus make you feel like the trio have cast an eratic spell over you. 'Dove' and 'Sonic Boom' both feature hefty soundscapes while 'All The Angels' ends on an intriguing low. Most artists end their albums with a climatic track but Bison Sound have chosen a song thats slightly upbeat but still tinged with a level of sadness. Why? God knows. But it works. It has a memorable melody and, if I were to look back on the band, this is the song I would think to, kind of like Bison Sound summed up in just over 4 minutes.

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Emily Branson (@emiemzy)

Young And The Blue

Young And The Blue are a band who have a more humorous approach to the world of music as I'm sure you'll see when you visit their website. However,  their music itself is pretty much flawless following its thorough performance and production. I think this is a band that is much needed in the tense world of music at the moment, these are people who can have a laugh and make killer tracks instead of arguing and over-producing everything to become 'mainstream'. If Young And The Blue continue doing what they're doing, I'm certain that they could have the world in their hands soon.

The band have recently released their EP 'Change Your Mind', a little box of fast-paced rock enigmas. 'Boredom' opens the EP, an ironic name for something so feisty and layered as this is. There is a plethora of  instruments, including an electric guitar and a piano, all of which work exceedingly well to create a wall of sound which blocks everything out whilst you ease into the bands groove. 

The second track 'Watching' is again a lively track, featuring a sprint of notes and beats. The gentle instrumental near the back end of the song flaunts the bands ability to be diverse in the emotions they expose and also really keeps you on your toes, I mean, who really wants a band that does the same thing all the time?  Final track 'Only For A Second' is definitely the highlight of the EP, its in your face, flaunting its power and skill. I love the spunky attitude and I love the fast--paced chorus that really sweeps you up. I would also really love to see this played live, you can already tell that it will be corker.
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Emily, (@emiemzy)

Shamona

Shamona is a new, fresh-faced three piece from Liverpool. The trio create an authentic sounding rock, one fused effortlessly with tones of pop creating a refreshing sound for any rock lover. The band's recently released EP 'Just Like You' contains 5 perfectly produced tracks that are sure to make you at least take notice of them.

The EP opens with 'Rich Mans Sake', it's gloriously performed. Theres just something about this song that makes you feel connected to the band, whether its the rough and powerful vocals, the indulgent rise and fall of notes or even the riffs at the start that leave goosebumps in its wake, I don't know, but I do know that it works.
A gentler track follows, 'Just Like You' is the rawest and slowest track on the EP and reminds me of the emotion in Twin Atlantic's 'Crash Land'. The final track of the EP is actually a stripped back version of the song and it is bloody good. The strength in the vocals and the simplicity of the piano accompaniment is so pure that it actually jars you a little bit, living in a world where music is rarely this refined it reminds you of how crystaline music can still be.
'Come And Go' is repetitive and almost drug-like, you don't expect to love it but you do, and you just can't stop listening to it. 'The Game Is Yours' continues in a similar fashion, except with this one you immediately know its going to be a good'n. Everything is flawless in this track and the central riffs are just enigmatic, it is impossible to reject it.

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Emily, (@emiemzy)

The TEL

The TEL are a three-piece rock band from St. Petersburg who would like to say 'Welcome On Board' with their new single. Its an irresistibly fast-paced track, boasting those energetic features that make a rock song rock. It flaunts powerful, shudder inducing guitar licks and infectious lyrics, inducing a full rock out session on the second or third play of the track. 'Welcome On Board' is a brilliant track to introduce yourselves to the Russian band, and we can't wait to see what the future holds for them.
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Cuban Hexe

Cuban Hexe, a band who create the sort of music that could easily be the soundtrack to some killer memories. Their fast-paced songs create a 3 minute long jam session for those listening, boasting a more authentic type of rock feel in comparison to the majority of new bands these days. Listening to their songs would mislead you into thinking that it was made by long term musicians, however, the band are made up of a younger generation and, because of this, I think it is necessary to take the time and give them a listen.

Their most recent release has been their EP 'Missile Crisis', a release which simply flows with talent and beauty. 'Secrets' opens the EP via the lead of a sharp guitar, one which pulls your attention and sends shivers down your arms through its brightness in comparison to the dirtier rock moans that back it. The next track holds slightly less allure than the first, but thats not to say the band have lost their cool. 'Unreachable Girl' still oozes Hexe's staple clear cut rock performance, it just lacks in gold coloured content.
 'Four' and 'Blackwater Canal', however, is laden with it. 'Four', the oddly named third track, is almost misty with secrecy, the melodies have reclused and the vocals are pushed to the forefront of the song adding an open charisma to the composition. 'Blackwater Canal' has a hypnotic sequence of riffs and the almighty screech of the title requires full audience participation whether you begin willing or not as the song begins.

Click to vote for Cuban Hexe to play live at Hard Rock Manchester.

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Emily (@emiemzy)

The Relights

The Relights are a band evidently inspired by the rock bands of the 90's, their sound a clear reminder of artists such as Oasis. The group is made up of Daniel Todd, Chris Bottazzi, Dean Swift and Michael Beckwith, all of which add to the band's signature sound.

The band has recently released a new single via their soundcloud entitled 'Calling All'. The song has a gentle rock tone, like a dimmed hard edge, which adds a somber feel to it. This would be a brilliant song to sing along to, it has one of those choruses that has an irresistible sound which forces you to echo it regardless of your own talents.
Also recently released is their double A-side 'Shadows'/'Free Now', both songs sound louder and more irresistible. 'Shadows' has a very quick pace and compelling lyrics which amount to a great track to fall in love with.  In the latter track, the instruments fill your mind with their quick and vibrating notes making the perfect track to play loud and proud.
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Emily, (@emiemzy)

Perma F

Perma F are back with a new single; 'It's A War'. We reviewed the Swedish duo back in October (have a read here) and we were excited to find out they are back making more music to jam to.

The single release includes a remix of both 'It's A War' and 'Burning Angel', they are both all that you could want from a remix, loyal to the original but with an added foreign feel that sounds so good you have to keep listening to it over and over again.
Also included is 'Beautiful With Horns', a mix of rock and electronic sounds which work surprisingly well together. The end result is a rock song to party to, a track you can't help but move your body and sing along to. There's also an odd beauty to this song which draws you in and you can quite easily find yourself playing this on repeat as well, the heavier guitar gives it a hard edge which juxtaposes with the lighter electronic sounds, the mix of tones cook up a spectacular meal to feast on.
And on to the big act, 'Its A War', a song slightly more hardcore in comparison to the other tracks, the melodies mostly created by an electric guitar. Thats not to say no electronic sounds are included, they have just been given an edge which makes them feel heavier as if they are at war against something. This is a song to jam to and let out all the anger you've got so I would definitely recommend you have a listen.

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Emily, (@emiemzy)

Cannibal Animal

Cannibal Animal are a three piece band from Hull who produced a sound thats deep and thrashy resulting in them being the perfect band for rock lovers.

They have recently released 'Pavement Jungle'. It has a desirable melancholy sound which draws you into their deep, cavernous sound. The seemingly faraway vocals and the low-pitched bass sets itself apart from the rebellicious drums, leaving you stuck in between, surrounded by the power and strength of the bands musical ability. It is the perfect place to completely lose it.
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Emily, (@emiemzy)

Rubber Clown Car

Made up of Dirk Prysby, Fred Beasley and Tony Pantalones, Rubber Clown Car are a band who make 'Pure Pop for Paranoid People'. They make what sounds like 60's flavoured pop, their hand-crafted music is fuzzed at the edges but still has an upbeat emotion to it. 

The threesome have recently released a self-titled album which is a mix of their own songs and covers. 'She's So High' opens the album impressively with its climatic feel, irresistible vocals that you can't help but sing along to and that insane chorus that gets you excited each time it comes around. Not forgetting the empowering guitar solo that is so good it feels 3 dimensional. 'Don't You Listen' follows, a slower, simpler song focused more on lyrics as the background melodies fade into a simple acoustic aura. 

'Kiss You Next Week' brings back the 'oomf' with a rock tinted song. The beat is more prominent and the guitars are slightly heavier, making a darker tone in comparison to the previous tracks. But don't worry, it still something to groove to and completely fits in with the bands sound. 'Good Night America' does sound similar to a lullaby; its plodding beat, the sparkling chink of the tambourine and rough but harmonizing vocals all allude to a 'good night' sort of song.
A personal favorite now enters the scene, 'Jenny Backwards' is very similar to the first song but is more rock than pop based. It is very close to being a kaleidoscopic tune but theres a very small thing missing, making psych just out of reach. 'Seasons of Wither' is coated in seriousness whilst the music emulates sincerity, If this song was a type of weather condition it would definitely be a mist in winter. 
Bringing up the rear is 'Sorry', a song which opens which an ominous bass line. But, do not be afraid, for it breaks into a Dandy Warhols kind of jam whilst accompanied by in your face lyrics, two components that work tremendously together and sound incredible.

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Emily, (@emiemzy)

The Updraft Imperative

I bring to you something new today, a new breed of Christian rock. I only call it a new breed as this is the first time I have found a Christian rock album which I would take the time to listen to. And, considering I'm not religious, I was very skeptical of whether I would enjoy the music but as soon as I clicked the link it became very obvious to me that I should be more open-minded and that The Updraft Imperative must be on a mission, deliberate or not, to make Christian rock something more enjoyable than the stereotypical devoted man with a guitar, singing about his love for Jesus. So, to get this straight, religious or not, this Australian trio are worth reading about and their sound is way more developed than the stereotype.

The bands album 'Chair' is filled with groovy rock, an irresistible sounds which sends good vibes through your body. The lyrics also give off an undisputable warming feeling that is acquired regardless of beliefs as the warming thought of someone being there for you and the emotive, meaningful way they express this reminds you that in the harsh world we live in, there is still an emotional power to be observed.
Now, like every good album, 'Chair' has its slow and meaningful songs, faster more upbeat tunes and the ones which contain an unmistakable atmosphere. All of the songs are done with an attitude which has ensured that the outcomes of these songs have been almost perfect, sounding expert but humble and true to themselves, a factor which is able to draw you in. No one appreciates an artist who knows how good they are right?

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Emily (@emiemzy)

The Everglows

With christmas fast approaching, I think it is necessary to blast the much loved christmas tunes once again. However, year after year the same tracks do get drab and repetitive so the odd cover will always add an extra lift to the famed tunes. So, as if by magic, The Everglows have provided the service this year with an excellent cover of 'Walking In The Air'. You may have seen our previous post on the band and may be aware of their fuzzy sound which makes them, well, them. It is with great pleasure that I can tell you that they have not left that behind for christmas and that it is ever present in the new release.

Now, do not be deterred by the song choice, The Everglows have completely nailed it. Well, for me anyway. They have changed the christmas classic from a choir boy symphony to a fuzzy rock tune, capable of being one to jam to. Not only does this allow the festive season to gain a harder feel through a new rock cover, bit it also allows you look uber cool while getting seriously festive. I especially love it because it sounds very similar yet completely different to the original all at the same time.The band have really taken the track and made their own while hanging on to what makes 'Walking In The Air' so special in the first place. I mean, this is what doing covers is all about, right?

You can follow the band on Twitter, like their Facebook page or check out their Bandcamp page.

em, (@emiemzy)

Ahuizotl

Ahuizotl (au-wi-zot-l) is a German indie rock band comprising of Barry Langer (guitar and vocals), Christof Schulte (drums), Stefan Ebbers (bass), Felix Hedderich (keyboards). The band have been working on their new album 'Integrity Is Overrated'  which is released today.

The album opens with a vibrating electronic space sound, a repeated strum accompanied by another quick, constant strum stirring in the background. As soon as the raspy voice kicks in you realise that the album has an air of promise, thoroughly proven in 'Ghosts of Departed Quantities'. 'Movie' follows, opening with isolated guitar notes and then bouncing drums along with what sounds like a sincere chorus. 'Everybody's Breaking Up So Why Don't We' is a song tinged with sorrow and an air of an uncommitted attitude. The attitude is thoroughly shown within the song through the laid back melodies that seem to just be a flow of emotion.
'Slide' shows a slide in genre. The tones of the track are softer and gentle, revealing a different edge to the band. 'I Wanna Be Ignored', a track which squeezes out the bands juices as a light buzz backs the songs giving you a feeling like that of the lightheadedness when drunk and an interesting instrumental is full of a symphony of different notes form different instruments. The song loiters a bit near the end, as if it doesn't want to end but this could possibly be the best track on the album.


'Perfect Day' holds an echoing techno noise which changes the shape of the song; 'Go Away From Under My Cloud', while sounding like the Rolling Stones song, holds contrasting drum beats that holds your attention; 'Self Made' and 'Nice' both share the same staple sounds. These four tracks are where you can see the bands youth, however, it wouldn't take much effort to improve them to meet the standards they have created through their other tracks.
The album finishes with 'Decadence Will Save Us All', a song which comes in waves, a calming finale to a recherché album.

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Emily, (@emiemzy)

The Black Delta Movement

The Black Delta Movement are a four piece band from Hull comprising of Matt Burr (6 and 12 string guitar and vocals), Dom Abbott (guitar and vocals), Jack Brown (drums) and Liam Kerman (bass). The band boasts a sound similar to Kasabian, dark and slightly psychedelic while rich in rock sounds.

The two songs I've managed to get my dirty little fingers on are 'The Messenger' and 'Ivory Shakes', two songs which both express the ability and beauty of the band.

'The Messenger' hosts the perfect stomping beat to get your emotions, and energy, out on. The band has also managed to include perfect guitar sounds, a vibrating, echoing jangle of stringed noise. As the track builds momentum, it becomes a song which picks up your spirits and throws them higher than a song should be able to, a song which makes you heart balloon with excitement and elation, I'm not sure what happened to make the song so good but it is the sort of thing you play loud and proud.

'Ivory Shakes' features stumbling riffs which crash over a bold beat, dominant vocals which ends up repeating in your head and the perfect crescendo of notes. While the lyrics "She knows where she'd rather be" make you wonder where you would rather be, I can definitely say I'd rather stay and listen to their music for a little while longer.


You can follow the bands Twitter, like their Facebook page or check out their shop.

em, (@emiemzy)