Single Review: LeatherJacks - Spells and zombies through the night (2018)

If you need music that grab's you directly at heart take this fresh single from brasilian rockers LeatherJacks to bring in a dose of energy that lift's you up.

The cover of LeatherJacks single release "Spells and zombies through the night", (c) by LeatherJacks, used with kind permission

Summary
This band is lead by Mauro Cordeiro. His outstanding and always changing vocal performance along with a good potion of riffs creates this special atmosphere being present in the music of LeatherJacks. Having put together a full album and one more single this new piece of music was expected eagerly by me. How would the music evolve further?

It remained the same as it goes for the main attempt at it's core being full blown rock music. But it comes infused with modern techniques in songwriting at least when it comes to the first number "Spells and zombies through the night". This time around the vocals go all on it throughout the whole track duration. The refrain is integrated into the overall sound structures. You can think of this as a feeling being created out of one piece.

The voice shouts it out more agressively in the verses but keeps it softer when it's time for the refrain. Guitarwise this one nails it down with heavier riffs compared to the slightly older material available so far. The drums follow this idea with's it attacking double-bass pattern. The refrain parts are kept longer and more extensive something not be found too often in rock and metal music.

Next to go is the track "Persona non grata". This nearly five minute long song fires way around with a easier mix of riff and drumming. It's way more melodic and catchy. The refrain stands out with it's extra punch it provides towards the end. It's for sure a track you'll remember once heard and will want to enjoy times again. Happily it's part of this single package release already.

Purchase-Link and Preview-Track
Currently the single is up for purchase at iTunes and Amazon.

Paying a little for this helps the band to record more music for you in the near future. So in the end spending some bucks is a investment into your own music world - it rewards you like a plant. Once you care for it it may pay you back with lot's of joy with more flowers that it spreads. Check out the title track below to get a quick taste of the band's sound.

Connect with LeatherJacks
Keep a eye on LeatherJacks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Moscow shares thoughts on the inner voice

Always listen to your inner voice! That's what Russian Rock Goddess Moscow tries to express with her song and video for the track "Queen of Sin". I like that raw screamed refrain. It cuts this part of the song out of the softer context of the rest of the music. Additonally there are some spoken distorted pieces in there, too. That add's even more to the special feeling this single represents in my ears.


Underneath the rocking attitude the track holds a strong message in it's lyrics which I think is well worth taking a moment to think about...

When asked about the meaning behind “Queen of Sin”, Moscow said: “The 'Queen of Sin' idea was originally based on the philosophy of Nietzsche, which basically says that you are your own god and your own devil, you are in charge of your morals, to decide what's good and what's bad. Listen to your own Queen of Sin, which we all have deep inside.”

Check out more of Moscow by following her on the social accounts hosted at Twitter and Instagram.or go directly to iTunes to purchase the EP of the same name.

Tower Of Babel give razor-sharp preview to coming album

Some bands come around and you've never heard of them before and they surprise you with music blowing you away. It's been like this with Tower Of Babel for me.

This band features vocalist Csaba Zvekan (Exorcism, Raven Lord, Metal Machine), virtuoso guitarist Joe Stump (Raven Lord, HolyHell, Reign of Terror), bassist Nic Angileri (Exorcism, Jorn), keyboardist Maestro Mistheria (Vivaldi Metal Project) and drummer Mark Cross (Tainted Nation, Outloud, Firewind, Helloween, Metalium) and has released the first full track of the upcoming album "Lake of Fire".


The song comes along with great razor-sharp guitars that really nail the riffs. It's mixed loud and this adds a good potion of agression to the sound in my ears. The vocals are also standing out since they are held in a higher, lightly screamed yet clear way - something you don't hear everyday. It adds a great feel to the track.

It's surely a song for all the lovers of classic Rock 'n' Roll in the way of the 70's/80's. I had to think of early Axel Rudi Pell mixed up with ingridents of Yngwie Malmsteen while listening to this one.

Tower Of Babel will put out their album Lake of Fire on July 20th.

The cover of Tower Of Babel's upcoming record "Lake of Fire", (c) by Tower Of Babel, used with kind permission

Make sure to stay in connection with the band via Facebook so you won't miss out the next steps until the album will drop.

Rock out with Santa Claus on free Incendia Music Compilation

So Santa Claus comes early this year and since you all out there were so kind to follow my blog so regulary and support me with music and information, here's a early present I can hand to you thanks to the nice people of Incendia Music Management and PR company.

This FREE sampler holds 15 bands that Incendia was working with over the last year, and bands they're excited to be working with in early 2017.

Examples include Agent, Brutai, Defences, Elbrano, Empire, Voyager and more....

The cover of the Incendia Music Christmas Compilation '16, (c) by Incendia Music

Some of those bands have been featured here on the blog as well but it should be mentioned that the compilation also includes tracks of bands that have not been mentioned yet.

I think of The Dreamer Within for example who created a exciting mixture of metalcore with synth-elements in their sounds. Very powerfull and unique music. There are The New Device up for listening, a hard rock act reminding of classic rock in the style of the 90s. Music that keeps you going through the day. In short this sampler features great music for all that would like to discover new music. You can check it out in the stream below or go straight on over to Bandcamp to download your copy.

If you'd like to get in touch with Incendia Music Management check out their homepage or see their Facebook account.

Idlewar bring back fun of straight forward rock classics

Ok, today's music often is held in a more complex way. Things have become more diverse and multi-layered when it comes to the sound. I like that but I'm also a big fan of the old straight forward style of the old days.

This band called Idlewar has brought some of it back to me. Their newest video creation "On our knees" has this straight forward formula with it that brings up the topic and expression directly upfront. You can feel it through the punch and the clear guitar riff all along with the lyrics that this one speaks out a message to you.


This is the second insight into the upcoming album titled "Impulse" wich is set to drop on 30th September 2016 via PHD. The band has also booked a UK tour this November/December. Dates can be seen in the flyer below.

The tourposter for the Idlewar UK Tour 2016, (c) by Idlewar, used with kind permission

For rock fans wanting to hear more from Idlewar right now, the band's Pledge campaign will end next week. Pledge now to  pre-order and unlock 2 instant music downloads ('Criminal' and 'On Our Knees'), receive the album before it's officially released plus grab an Idlewar Impulse access pass exclusive offer.

In the meantime check out the band's website, Facebook and Twitter account.

CD Review: JC Crash - Electrified (2016)

Get down to this dirty classic rock 'n' roll and metal album and enjoy a good ride of tunes reminscent of old days but not forgetting the here and now. Life is here, life is now - check out JC Crashs new album!

Intoduction

This CD found the way into my postbox one day and made me curious with it's hairy child on the cover looking angry. Moreover the two snakes in the JC Crash logo were a eyecatcher so I was more than willing to risk a ear. A decision I shouldn't regret - the music won my heart from the start. It all centers around the saying inside the booklet "Legends never die" - dedicated to Bon Scott (1946-1980).

The cover of JC Crash's "Electrified" album, (c) by JC Crash, used with kind permission.

Summary

This album is a smasher to all those loving the pub rock sound that AC/DC made a big band back in the day. It's rough, dirty, hard and loud. The riffs are the core of the music. They constantly pump the energy that this release spreads in your mind along with the powerful vocals that are held in the style of Bon Scott's way of singing.

Nevertheless JC Crash's "Electrified" album is far more than "only" a hommage to glory days of the past. The production is held in today's modern and clear way without losing the mood of the old sound systems (which is perfectly represented by the picture of the speaker on the album backside). In contrast to typical releases of back in the day the record has far more variations to offer. You'll wonder how different the tunes sound like.

The album starts out fairly midtempo and traditionel. The lyrics of "She's no angel" are great - you should have a look inside the booklet of the CD and enjoy the little one night stand story all for yourselves.

"Gone but not forgotten" pays tribute to the Scott era again but shows how the band would transfer it to today's songwriting. It comes with a modern sounding riff and the tempo shows many variations throughout the whole duration. "Powder my soul" comes along with longer solos, something which is normally not to be found in music of such a genre where the riff and constant song structure dominate the music all the while.

"High 'n dry" could be a hit single in my ears. It's held in the midtempo and has a up to date modern melodic chorus inside. I guess this one could be in rotation for quite some time on rock radio stations. "Two minutes to midnight" stands out because of the blues influenced song structures. The refrain remains in your ears for a long time after listening.

"Bighead" is a good example on how the second half of the twelve tracks of the longplay sound like. Those numbers are held in the more straighter style with clear song structures all along the way and sing and scream along refrains with it. Both halfs of the record have something to offer and both are a bit different when compared to the other one. Have some re-listen and you'll know what I mean.

Purchase-Link

You can pick up a silver disc directly from the band's webshop for 12 Euro plus shipping and handling. Other alternatives are available through a digital download on portals such as Amazon, iTunes or Spotify.

Player

The Youtube albumtrailer is a good way to get a idea of most of the songs of "Electrified".


Contact data

Get in touch with JC Crash on Facebook, Twitter or see their homepage.

CD Review: June 1974 - Atlantide (2014)

I've seldomely ever heard that someone managed to change between various styles in such a cool way. But this instrumental one man project of Federico Romano really gives me hope that breaking barriers between various genres isn't that hard to get by. Read now what I've found out while listening to the "Atlantide" EP.

Short Introduction

June 1974 is the musical project created in late 2009 by Federico Romano,an underground writer of poems and short stories.His kind of music is indefinable because every song embraces different styles from dance to rock to classic/ hip hop  music. So June 1974 is 360 music degree only for open mind listeners.Till now June 1974, has published more than 250 songs(singles+ep+albums) available on all digital stores worldwide thanks to Visionaire Records (his record label) .

Atlantide is the title of this EP published in November 2014 that cointains two songs in rock electro classic post shoegaze style mastered in Iceland by Birgir Jon Birgisson at his Sundlaugin studios ( Sigur Ros / Alcest / Mum ) available on all digital stores worldwide by Visionaire Records. Meanwhile June 1974 has published other singles in 2015 and now is working hard on the new album that will be avalaible in middle of 2016.

Cover artwork by Soey Milk (c) by June 1974, used with kind permission

Summary

The EP is a cool surprise item if you're looking for a gift to someone you know that is completly open to all sorts of music or just yourselves if you like to listen to all possible styles of music. This said it's sure that this release contains a good potion or Rock music with slightly heavier parts in it as well as soft parts of the more ambient direction.

But it's far more than that. You'll listen to pop elements as well as have your ear on some nice electronic elffects in it. Some sounds give a ghostly feeling while others sound very experimental and it's hard to say how that effect might have come together. Sounds like the composer tries out effect stuff and various set-up's while creating his music. Some melodies will stay in your mind for some time due to it's strangeness or typical melody.

EP Overview

The record starts with the slower and soundwise softer "Follia". It starts out slow but just wait a little and the track moves on and starts to evolve through it's duration. You may not think that it will be very different throughout the whole track but just relax and enjoy. Have you ever listened to something similar like this? I love people who create such soundscapes for all of us.

The second number "Atlantide" is of the more abrassive way of music. It comes with more distortion. You'll easily point it out as a rocking track. It has less of it's haunting moments but takes it's energy more of the heavier riffs that are built in. The rhythm patterns are also chosen in a much heavier way. Nevertheless it has also a outworked song structure which let's us discover various moods throughout the musical journey so it's not just a Rock song all the while.

Player & Purchase-Link

The EP consists of two tracks. That seems not to be much but please keep in mind that those tracks come along with a duration of 24 minutes alltogether. The download costs 2 Euro for the whole EP on Bandcamp but looking at the whole diversity and big musical bandwith it covers should be a good pick for fans of various genres. Enjoy the stream to find out if the EP meets your taste of music.

 

Contact Data

If you enjoyed the music make sure to see the other releases of June 1974 on Bandcamp and make sure to keep a eye on the Facebook page of Visionaire Records for all the upcoming info on this project.

BaXnug prevent musicians from becoming tired

In my eyes we live in a world that is often hard and filled with things we don't know how to handle. Music is a great way of having a little escape from all that and lifting one up when things don't look bright. Many bands often add a bit of fun stuff that gives you back your smile.

These thoughts came to my mind when I saw the video of the band BaXnug. It reminds me a bit of the older videos of ZZ Top. While the music comes along in a serious and quality style the video comes around with a lot of fun that made my day and made me move on.

For instance BaXnug introduces the kangaroo tail (the Baxxaver) for human beings in this video. It has been invented to prevent musicians from becoming tired when having to stand the whole time while playing music. Once that problem was solved a new genre was definded: "Ergonomic Rock".

Since the one-man band was able to save energy through the use of the Baxxsaver they were able to create a much more energetic record than other bands could ever have done. Check out the track "Counterattack" in the player below to have a potion of fun and straight forward Rock 'n' Roll.


The album truly has a really rocking cool vibe to it. If you want to hear more of the record just check out the trailer on YouTube.

If you like to support this cool project don't hesitate to head over to digital stores such as Amazon, iTunes or Google Play to purchase a copy so the band can continue to put out more fun stuff for all of us in the future. A closer look upon the website will also reveal more funny details about the device as well as the band.

CD Review: Wild Smiles - Always tomorrow

Note: If you have a own band or project that you think might fit in well here for a review or as a presentation / introduction please drop me a line or two in a E-Mail. Please see my profile for my E-Mail adress. I appreciate new suggestions very much so please don't hesitate to contact me. I'm also interested in band news / updates / tourdates so please keep the stuff coming. Thanks!

If you're having troubles writing in English please send me a E-Mail in your preferred language or use the free Google Translator to transfer your message to English. I also use that tool, it's of course not perfect but I think it will mostly likely work out for our purposes.

Short introduction

The fast-rising trio Wild Smiles comprises the brothers Chris and Joe Peden with drummer Ben Cook.  Hailing from Winchester, Wild Smiles were amazed when their first forays made such a splash. Their 2013 7”, Sweet Sixteen/Tangled Hair, took in elements of Beach Boys surf pop, Velvet Underground drones, Wall Of Sound beats, Jesus & Mary Chain low-fi garage clatter and Nirvana filth. A dazzling stew of sound, it was simultaneously classic, timely and forward thinking – it seemed amazing no one had smashed such sprawling decades of music together before.

A five-track Wild Smiles EP followed on Geoff Barrow’s Invada label that summer, led by the MBV-flecked Take Me Away, and, in that song’s spirit of escape, the band hit the road for much of the rest of the year, earning their touring chops before going on to sign with Sunday Best. Wild Smiles then took time out to concentrate on honing their songwriting on their debut album "Always tomorrow".

(c) Wild Smiles, used with kind permission

Lyrically the album traces a thematic arc of growing up and getting out, the struggles of the debt-heavy, priced-out youth generation. Indeed, many of the songs on the album tackle issues that most other young bands are too scared or ignorant of to approach.

“People my age can't get a job,” Chris sings. “Nothing to do, it’s so fucked up/People my age can't get a job/Get a house, get a car, get a life… who’s there for us?” While I’m Gone and the single, Never Wanted This, are bold rejections of the mundane sort of life we’re expected to settle for: “I could get a job I could wear a suit/A monkey in a suit to make some money”.
“It’s our perception of life,” says Ben. “Not the voice of a generation but just how we three see it.”

Summary / Player / Download Link

Classic Rock 'n' Roll all the way straight from the beginning to the end! That's what comes to my mind when listening to this album. If you're into such classic bands like the Ramones you should hit the play button without doubt. It's dirty Rock with hammering guitars and raunchy vocals that perfectly fit for the next party.

The groove is very direct along with he bass guitar lines. The album has few diverse parts in them, it comes around as direct as it could be. You could even imagine to listen to a live show that's cut into songs while played in the studio without audience. But sure as it is, if you dislike such stuff because you prefer heavier stuff you won't be happy with this one. Try it out, I've had a good time
with this album.

The full album stream isn't up yet, so I've put the tracks here that are available so far. If there should be a stream of the whole record that comes from the band or label I'll update the review and include it here.

Update 2014/10/22: Finally the full album stream is up! Head over to the Consequence of Sound website to hear it.

Update 2014/10/27: Today is the release date of the record. So I've added the full album stream for you to enjoy while (hopefully) reading my review.


The album will see the release on Sunday Best Recordings on 27th October. Just jump over to get a copy on CD or have a look at the digital download offer.
You can stay in touch with the band through their website, Facebook or the Twitter account.

Track-by-Track Review

Fool For You
This one goes in straight forward and gives you a good idea of what this band is all about. A hard riff opens this one up, the rest of the band quickly kicks in directly after that.
The refrain hits your ears without warning and won't leave it that fast anymore. A very classic way to write such a song. Some repeats of the refrain and the end comes fast and direct.

Never Wanted This 
A slower start. The typical way to get a hymn started. The refrain is also a bit slower but with much roughness in the guitars. It then comes back to the formula of the beginning.
Once again a song to be remembered.

Always Tomorrow
1-2-3-4 you can imagine the drummer to count before a hit on the snare drum starts this one. A straight riff rocker. The refrain comes very embeded into the song structure so the song remains once piece from the beginning to the end.

Everyone’s The Same
The Rock scheme of the past three songs is left for a while. A midtemo stomping track with some easy guitars and spacy vocals. The end leaves you with some vibrating guitars and fades the track softly to the end

Hold On
Yeah, we're back on track the rhythm seems to scream. Very dirty and hard guitars gives this one a lot of drive. Some variations on the vocals before more loud guitars push one back to the ground.

The Best Four Years
A change of rhythm once again. A bit slower but very punchy in style this song is a mid-tempo Rock song in a very classic way. The guitars scream it out very loud. Feels ike some look back on a good time. Surprisingly a "long" song compared to the other tracks of the record.

The Gun
A straight rocker right from the start, the guitars create a hook in the ears while the vocals are a bit more dry on this one. Not so much reverb mixed in here. Anyway it feels a bit different from the rest.

Figure It Out
Wow, this rushes out very fast. The band kicks it very heavy on this one. Pretty near to Metal this one goes.  The refrain is very catchy again. Reminds me a bit of old Nirvana songs.

Girlfriend
I'm out with my girlfriend and we're having a good time this one shouts out. A very direct tune, no hidden catch just jump on the train and have fun. This one has a great refrain and is instantly on my mind since the first listen. If you're feeling down play this one LOUD and you'll feel better. A potion of fresh air will come your way.

See You Again
The amp screams a bit at the beginning. The evening with the girlfriend is over but you can be sure you'll see each other again. Once again a very dirty and distinctive sounding piece of Rock music, the refrain is soft but fits very good to the mood.

I’m Gone
The band returns for one more song before the show is over. But there's no complaining in sight. Instead the band rocks it out 'till the end. A last rockin' greeting but the refrain gives hope we'll see a return.
I hope we'll hear again from this band. Never thought a band would come around with such a direct straight on forward album these days but happily Wild Smiles have presevered this original Rock 'n' Roll style in their hearts.

Psych Rockers Two Skies give a first taste of their album

Now as the summer leaves and the autumn slowly comes in sight I think there will be a huge longing in a lot of us for a warm place to stay and some time to dream away. Some music can help you to escape from the daily cumber and stress and the band Two Skies offer with the single "Stay" a good way to do so.



It's classic Rock mixed with a lot of emotional and very spacy parts in there. The melodies and the vocals make you think of a different world to live in. Track one "Stay" is a faster track with a punchy rhythm but a lot of jammed guitars and the warm vocals bring in the mood to the song.

Track two introduces a long version of the song "Ocean", this time a lot slower than the previous piece of music. It offers more variations in itself and has also a part in there that leaves you in silence with only a few soft notes flying through it.

If you decide to pre-order "Stay" via Bandcamp for 2 GBP you'll not "only" get the two tracks as a high quality download but will also be rewarded with the the full album once it's released.

As a alternative a a limited 7" single (300 pieces only) is also available for pre-order from the same bandcamp site. The vinyl version includes a special edit of the B-side 'Ocean' that is not available digitally. The price of 5,99 GBP includes the single plus the download of the two digital songs and also the album when it's released.

(c) Two Skies, used with kind permission

The band will be on tour in England this fall:

OCT

25th Barnsley ~ Opium 10

NOV

1st Liverpool ~ Sound Food & Drink
2nd Nottingham ~ Jam Cafe
3rd Lincoln ~ The Jolly Brewer
4th Sheffield ~ West St Live
5th London ~ Hope & Anchor
6th Brighton ~ Bleach
7th Manchester ~ The Castle
8th Stoke ~ Underground
14th Sheffield ~ Plug (single launch night)

For further informations about this outstanding band make sure to see the several sites, the band has opened up including a website the presence on Facebook and as well as a account on Twitter.

Classic Rock band Wild Smiles giving first taste of debut album

One of the big origins of metal is the Rock 'n' Roll music. The british band Wild Smiles reminds me a lot of the straight and direct way that musical style used to be back in the day. I would compare them the most with The Ramones to give you a idea of what to expect from them.

The band is going to release their debut album, "Always Tomorrow", on Sunday Best Recordings on 27th October. As a little teaser some weeks before the album hits the shelfs the band has set up the single "Girlfriend" which you can listen in the stream below.

For further informations about the band and their first album see the band's website or check out Facebook to make sure you won't miss out about their upcoming activities. The Facebook page also offers a free download of the album track "Fool for you" if you decide to give the band the famous "Like" click beforehand.

CD Review: Lewis & The Strange Magics - Demo

Note: If you have a own band or project that you think might fit in well here for a review or as a presentation / introduction please drop me a line or two in a E-Mail. Please see my profile for my E-Mail adress. I appreciate new suggestions very much so please don't hesitate to contact me.

If you're having troubles writing in English please send me a E-Mail in your preferred language or use the free Google Translator to transfer your message to English. I also use that tool, it's of course not perfect but I think it will mostly likely work out for our purposes.

Short introduction

Lewis & The Strange Magics is a new Classic Rock / Heavy Psych / Doom band from Barcelona. At the beginning of the year the head of the band Lewis decided to make some songs telling horror and occult stories, because that are themes he loves to present in a classic sound.

So he recorded the demo in his home environment and some time after the actual band members joined to complete the band. Lewis & The Strange Magics have plans to do some concerts and will start to work on an album.

Short Summary / Player / Download Link

The demo is set deeply in the roots of the Classic Rock music such is the sound of the recording. The band makes heavy use of the Psych genre and mixes in a lot of hammond organ sounds which makes it sound like a old-school recording from back of the 70's .

All of the three tracks go in very straight, especially the last one which is the fastest one. The doom style comes in when you take a close look to the lyrics.  I suggest to check out the stream below first to get a idea of the band's sound.

Besides that the download of the demo tape is available for only 2 Dollar from Bandcamp so if you like such bands that follow their very own ways and make a own approach to it go ahead and buy it. Nothings better than to support your favorite band with buying the record. Ii's like a vote in a election.

Update 2014/10/31: You can now freely choice the amount you would like to pay for the demo on Bandcamp. The band has also set up a limited handmade edition of the record on CD (50 pieces only available).  One copy costs 3 Euro plus shipping and handling. You can order directly through the Bandcamp page of Lewis & The Strange Magics.



The band has opened up a Facebook page, so jump over to their site and give them a like if you want to stay up to date on all the things going on in the future.

Track-by-Track Review

How To Be You
Very powerful chords open up the track. Fast rhythm and the typical choice of vocals for such a style of music form together a well mood song. The track already sets the direction for the whole demo and makes it clear what to expect. A uptempo track with a cool solo and a fine hammond organ part in it. Towards the end suddenly a break - the song calms down a bit but then goes back to the powerful theme. A good start for the tape.

Cloudy Grey Cube
A bit slower track but warmly welcomed. Some progressive elements in there as well. Gives the demo some diversity. Vocals most in the front on this track and again a lot of hammond stuff in here with some more wild rhythm in there. High vocals and a very short end.

Golden Threads
Crash Cymbals and guitars open up the track. A short intro before the track changes over to a faster rhythm. Nice guitar theme on this one and much hammond effects follow up to it before it mixes up in a very hard and tight duell between both instruments. A short break towards the end with the intro part played again before a return to the main riff takes place. The track is kept very tight and straight forward but in comes in very handy. Feels like things come full circle - a good way to close the tape.