Single Review: October Thorns - Circle Game (1999/2021, Progressive Rock)

Some bands remain a legend. Also their lifespan may have been short they are often going round in the heads and hearts of music fans for a long time. 

It must have been like this with the band October Thorns, a progressive rock band that formed in 1999.  They only released one six track demo but that particular one had great reviews in international megazines like Aardshock and Germany‘s Heavy Oder Was?

The cover of the first single already gives a thought that something unusual hides here.

The line-up had members with them that should put a mark in other bands at a later time frame. 

Vocalist Paul LaPlaca went on to play with Chris Caffery (Savatage/Trans-Siberian Orchestra), Ted Poley (Danger Danger), Carnivore AD and currently plays with Drift Into Black, while bassist David Z went on to make a name for himself with Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Joan Jett, Jeff Scott Soto, and his own band, ZO2. On July 14,  2017, David Z was tragically killed in a vehicle crash while on tour with Adrenaline Mob.  

These days a re-worked (remixed and remastered) version of the demo along with bonus material is on it's way to be released in 2022. We at the Heavy Metal Underdogs blog were fortune enough to have a listen to the first single "Circle Game" and were impressed by the blow-away feeling it shares.

The first single "Circle Game" starts dreamlike with some guitar notes flying around with percussion adding to the atmosphere. Only seconds later the music explodes into a bright stream of pushing frequency. Gentle guitars touch the listeners ears with straight vocals writing the story. It's fine to hear the sound doesn't get overloaded also the solo section expands the volume of the highlighted music instruments. The vocals are partly multi-layered. I think this wasn't a standard in 1999 so it's a surprise to hear. The layering is set at proper moments so it adds to climatic moments of the sound and doesn't get on the nerves of the listener. The powerful end marks a sign in the mind to keep a eye on this release in the future.

You can listen to "Circle Game" for yourselves on digital streaming platforms listed up on this link.

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/octoberthorns/circle-game-2

In addition to “Circle Game,” the full album will include unreleased mixes of the songs “Leviathan” and “Sounds of Life,” as well as unheard demo tracks. It's set for release in 2022 through Divebomb Records.

Make sure to follow the band on Social Media so you won't miss this long lost gem.

https://octoberthorns1.bandcamp.com

https://www.facebook.com/October-Thorns-116719685391554/

Instagram - october_thorns

Jeffrey Nothing releases breathing, deeply touching new music

Some songs breathe a own atmosphere and vibe. This particular one feels unique to me. It's the coming together of the varity of vocal parts as well as the mixed level of heavyness. On top of this the feelings that spread through me while listening & watching are outstanding. It's something of it's own, something not to be found elsewhere. Also make sure to check the words from Jeffrey Nothing underneath the video. I think a lot of you can relate to what they express.

Jeffrey Nothing (also known as Jeff Hatrix), co-founding member of Mushroomhead, has resurfaced with his solo project Jeffrey Nothing (also known as NOTHING), along with fellow former Mushroomhead guitarist Thomas Church, following their departure from the band in March of 2018. Also appearing is former Motograter and The Browning drummer Noah “Shark” Robertson, vocalist Ian Sniesak, bassist Kahler Hatrix, among other members yet to be announced.

Make sure to see them live:

October 6 – RocktoberFest 2018 Day 1 (Iola, Kansas)
October 13 - RocktoberFest 2018 Day 2 (Chanute, Kansas)

The artwork for the single "Fragile Mind" was created by tattoo artist Tony Kelly

Nothing has released the following statement:

“This song wrote itself. Life takes odd twists and turns and sometimes finds dead ends... Creativity is a gift, yours to guide you through peace of mind and life experiences... we choose our paths. We alone should command our directions, our course to happiness and never despair, no matter what anyone else believes or demands… Ever.

Fragile Mind is one of many, great new songs I have had the pleasure of being a part of. Working with people with heart and yes: Soul is incredible, to say the very least. Thomas Church, Noah Robertson, Ian Sniesak, Kahler Hatrix and others have brought huge smiles and laughter and other emotions, long dead back to the creative process. Art isn’t about orders or demands. It is about doing what you love. When you decide, with who you choose.

A new Jeffrey NOTHING release is so close. We have a plethora of music and amazing minds helping to construct a living, breathing Monster of a musical journey. Our fans deserve NOTHING, but Love too. Happiness is on the horizon. New music and real tours are coming... Soon to be set free, for all to enjoy. Thanks for the patience and hope. Renewed.

Yours truly, JN”

Links:

www.jeffreynothing.com
https://www.facebook.com/jeffreynothing

Lebowskii hand new EP for special price

Just recently Grip Inc. came back to my mind. Having looked through their releases I asked if any band out there would have taken up their path...

Looks like my question has been answered. The preview track of the coming EP of Lebowskii shoots out the same agressive yet very detailed look towards sharp, compact riffage rounded out with some own nice ideas that shine every here and there. The drumming also goes in that direction going a bit abroad the standard pattern every here and there. Thankfully the vocals are rough but not to over screamed.

In addition to that the band has set up a special pre-order price with their label Music Records from France. From January 16th till February 15th, "Liquidators" will be available as a Digipack hardcopy for 4,50 € instead of 7€ on the webstore of Music-Records.

Lebowskii Liquidators promo banner, (c) by Lebowskii, used with kind permission

Lebowskii will be on tour to promote their new EP in 2018 and 2019. Make sure to check their Facebook account for details.

Dancehall to put out post punk on pea green cassettes

This one reminds me so much of how I got hold of my first demo tapes. I used to buy them directly of the hands of band members mostly at shows or when you meet them after school.

The inner sleeve was often handemade based on xeroxed copies made by the musicians themselves. All the music was stored on magnetic tapes that were dubbed by the creators of the music on their home equipment later on also on professionelly produced and printed cassettes.

These guys here called Dancehall have some sort of heavily distorted post punk in the pipe. The recording process came with some nice details that show how quick and raw you can keep things if you want them to. But best of all just have a listen to them while reading the making of.

Owing to the band's obsession with recording songs as quickly as possible, 'KO' and B-side 'Vitamins' were both recorded in one evening at the band's rehearsal space, Kluster Rooms, by friend, producer and co-Vibe/Anti-Vibe label manager, Christopher Smith. The band slept in the studio's live room once recording was completed, only to turn up the next day to their respective jobs unclean but accomplished.

A promo band shot of Dancehall, Photo Credit: Keira Cullinane

The songs will be self released on the band's own Vibe/Anti Vibe label. The fresh tunes will come self dubbed onto pea green cassettes and with risograph printed artwork on candy pink card sleeves for Cassette Store Day 2017. You can order them on Dancehall's Bandcamp page. Release date is October 14 2017 for the digital version, the tapes should ship on or around the same day.

Live dates

October 2017

13 - The Lock Tavern, Camden

14 - TBC, Amsterdam, Netherlands

15 - Roodkapje, Rotterdam, Netherlands

17 - TBC, Bristol

20 - Harbour Arm, Folkestone

More info of the band can be found on Facebook or Instagram.