Voyager - Fearless In Love

 

Voyager stunned the world with their Eurovision performances earlier this year. Now they're back with a new album on Season of Mist. The keytar wielding bands brand of heavy rock is inherently fun and danceable, it's music that comes across with a bucketload of bombast and is sure to get the kids dancing. Voyager know how to write some truly great pop music and Fearless In Love sees them executing some of their best ever stuff at the highest level, leaving listeners in awe and hinting at so much more to come for the band. 

The first thing that struck me about this album was the quality of the hooks. The second thing to impress me was the depth of the production. The vision of this record is incredibly bold and clearminded, allowing them to bring in surprising elements, like the electronic beats of "Promise" which serve as a refreshing counterpoint to many of the more arena rock themed elements of the album. The end result is a really engaging and in many ways transcendent record that continually hints at bold new futures for the music that Voyager present to us on Fearless In Love. Voyager have found a way to combine myriad ideas into a stunning, timeless whole. 

Fearless In Love is an ambitious offering, but one that is going to stand the test of time. Voyager prove on this album that they are endlessly talented and wonderfully diverse songwriters. They prove that arena rock isn't dead and that somehow, keytars can be made unironically cool. The bands sound here is epic and transcendent, the exact sort of generation defining, fist pumping rock music that so many of us have been searchign for for such a long time. Voyager are one of a kind and seem capable of so much more down the line, get on the bandwagon now before it gets too crowded!

Pre-order the album!

https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/VoyagerFiL

Carsick - Drunk Hymns

 

What's so exciting about the current generation of young rock bands is the vision they bring to the table combining such a diverse array of influences. Such is the case with Carsick whose new eleven minute EP, Drunk Hymns is an endlessly listenable pop rock offering that seemingly pulls influence from everyone from The Streets to Real Friends. Despite having such a wide range of influences, Drunk Hymns still manages to be coherent and in its wonderfully brief run time hits quite a few different emotions all at once. This is perhaps all the more remarkable because over a third of the record is the soulful piano tune "Heartbreak At The Anchor & Hope". Suffice it to say - if you're looking for interesting, decidedly English pop rock - you could do a whole hell of a lot worse. 

Pre-order the album!

https://ilovealcopop.co.uk/collections/carsick

Coheed and Cambria - The Color before the Sun

Coheed and Cambria is a band I can quite surely qualify as an instant crush at first listen. Ever since having heard the first few minutes of “Domino the Destitute” off of The Afterman : Ascension, I’ve frequently and consistently found myself having a hard time laying off of their extensive catalog. It’s now been 2 years since the release of The Afterman: Descension and Coheed and Cambria are back with a new record titled The Color before the Sun, their first to break away from the band’s lineage of concept albums centered around the Armory Wars universe and storyline.

It wouldn’t be inappropriate to say that TCBTS marks a more direct and less ambitious approach to writing from the behalf of the band, though that is not to say that this album marks any sort of radical stylistic shift for Coheed and Cambria. It is thus not so much in the way of the bands’ instantly recognisable progressive pop-rock formula than in the overall pacing and flow of the album that we may notice somewhat of a break in the band's’ tradition. Rest assured for those fans out there, Claudio Sanchez’ serenading voice and the band's’ dynamic and theatrical compositions are still present on this record, most notably illustrated by the epic single Here to Mars. The album also has a fair share of Coheed and Cambria's’ upbeat and straightforward tracks such as with the chiming You’ve got spirit, kid or the sunny and irresistibly catchy pop-punk opener to the album Island. The track Atlas that was first introduced as an acoustic track on the band's’ youtube page is present on the album, though rearranged revamped as a overdriven rock song that fails to captivate me as much as its first form.  Overall, all of the elements of a solid Coheed and Cambria record are present on TCBTS, however it seems to be the pacing and overall balance in the track list that seems to be lacking for this record. Though the production and performances on this album are top notch as always, I couldn’t help but feel as though some of the songs were missing the sense of “direction” that seems to guide most Coheed and Cambria compositions, be it through their catchier songs or through their epic and compositionally ambitious tracks.

While The Color before the Sun may serve as an introduction to Coheed and Cambria in their most “radio-friendly” format for some, as an avid fan of the band I can’t help but feel a sense of redundancy upon hearing some of the tracks on the album.  As harsh as it may seem, while there isn’t so much as anything inherently bad in TCBTS, I doubt the album will leave a lasting impression on its audience, it’s fair quality being greatly overshadowed by the band's’ extensive back catalog.

Coheed & Cambria

Official Website

http://uk-eu.coheedandcambria.com/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/coheedandcambria/

Twitter

https://twitter.com/coheed

Mono Inc. - Terlingua

One of the things I find endlessly fascinating about SPV Records is how they don't feel at all obligated to just release metal records which means that every once in a while I get to listen to some really cool German rock that provides an interesting take on the genre. Mono Inc. are a band I've never heard of before tonight yet I have already fallen in love. Their synth heavy sound is multilayered and endlessly fascinating, pulling together all sorts of powerful ideas into a stunning release worth many a listen.

The thing is, Terlingua has a very distinct flavor, contrasting German and English lyrics, European vibes with wide open Texas plains and crunchy guitars with more pop driven elements. As you try to sink into the duality of Mono Inc. it strikes you how strangely natural this record feels. In some ways it's almost reminiscent of The Killers inasmuch as the songs have the same sense of organic flow. The vocals provide a reassuring sort of quasi-drone that layers on top of the music, sure the bands frontman can do more elaborate stuff but as is it keeps things simple and tasteful. Terlingua takes the listener on a journey, but it is never jarring, instead it is artful and oftentimes majestic.

The sense of the sublime that continues to dominate this record helps to make Terlingua all the more engaging for me. Mono Inc. have carefully honed a sound that seems to be reflective of the time and place in which they recorded this album and for that the band is able to stand strong. With a sound that is almost guaranteed to capture the imagination Terlingua has a potentially massive appeal. It's easy to close your eyes and fall into the endless power of Terlingua, Mono Inc. know they have created something special, and now you too can profit.

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/monoinc?fref=ts

Manfred Kidd

I'm more used to reviewing Gothenburg metal than Gothenburg indie, but y'know, sometimes something cool will find its way into my inbox and I have to review it no matter what. Manfred Kidd is that 'something cool'. There is something deliciously romantic about Manfred Kidd, the fact that the two guys in this band were childhood friends who had lost contact before bumping into each other in the midnight train is just beautiful to me. With stellar production and lots of cool layers in the music, the debut single from Manfred Kidd, Lights, is the kind of thing that millions of indie kids the world over will raise their lighters too. Its 'the sort of triumphant anthem of youth that can truly resonate with the listener at some specific crucial moment in their life and leave them with an everlasting memory. It's easy to get lost in the beautiful sounds of Manfred Kidd and it's hard not to want more. These guys can do big things, I just get on my knees and pray that they get the promotion and recognition they so apparently deserve.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/manfredkiddmusic

The Blue Van - Illusion

It's not often that I review singles on here, perhaps because I feel that in many ways they are a kind of lost art. Yet The Blue Van seem to get what a single is about. Sure it's self contained and tasty, but it hints at great things to come from the albums deep cuts. With stellar production and a catchy melody, it has everything a single traditionally should have. Yet the layers of music here leave you craving for more. Sure this song is satisfying, but can you possibly imagine having ten more like it? That is what makes The Blue Van's new track Illusion so special. It is the kind of thing that says, "Hey, you think I'm cool? Wait until you see my friends!" Ultimately I think what really impresses me about this song is that it is infinitely replayable, but not just because it's catchy. It's a truly interesting piece of music that speaks to what this band is capable of doing and makes me very excited to check out more. So as I sit in wait for the bands record to come out, what can I do, other than spin Illusion again, and again...and again.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/thebluevan

Livingston-Animal

When I first spun Animal last Thursday I didn't get it. I was preparing myself for a pretty heavy trip, a festival where drugs and alcohol were eschewed rather than encouraged. Something about it didn't sit right with me. Then I spun it again today and something clicked. There is a strange orchestral magic to Livingston's new record that allows it to stand tall. With its beautifully layered production and intricate sound, Animal goes beyond what many of the bands indie rock contemporaries are doing and lays the groundwork for a sound that is far more promising and epic.

Sure, there are a lot of weird touches of electronic music in here and some autotuned parts, but in all honesty, that adds to the strange beauty of this recording. The otherworldly vocal lines on tracks like Big Mouth is touching, it draws me in and touches the soul. If I was to compare these guys to any band around today I would have to draw a link with the Killers. There's the same idea of having prog rock instrumentation within an alt-rock context. That being said, there is a distinctly English touch to these guys sound which sets them apart from their peers. The music on Animal is honest, yet is done very differently than records from other nations, there is a distinct flavor that only Livingston can provide, and it shows clearly on every track of this album.

As the band eases their way through these tracks it's easy to find the beauty behind it. There is an ebb and flow to the music which transcends words and in many ways speaks to the magic of alt-rock in the twenty first century. These guys have great songwriting ideas and this makes for some singularly engaging work. The soundscapes crafted on Animal are stunning and will leave you in awe for spin after spin. Let Livingston work into your heart, you won't regret it. These guys have exciting and interesting new ideas, and after twelve years, it might just be their time to shine.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/livingstonmusic

Shorthand Phonetics

Shorthand Phonetics are an Indonesian pop-punk band who do not shy away from catchy hooks and powerful choruses. These guys may not be the most serious thing in the world, but by god is their new record Sansa fun to listen too. These guys have a finely polished sound and their talent is obvious. Sure these tracks aren't too technical, but the songwriting prowess behind the band is apparent. Simply put, Shorthand Phonetics are the kind of band you put on while you're working, and makes you feel better about yourself. These guys speak to the heart with their cautious innocence. If you're looking for a serious exploration of the human condition, you might not find it here, but you'll definitely get something that lets you cheer up and crack up, music that humanity needs to keep going. As the band descends into chaos on their EP's final track, The One That Endures Now you realize, that no matter what, this is the kind of band who will stick around, and give us all a hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/shorthandphonetics

The Oversight-Far From Gone

I have a weakness for pop punk, I don't know why, it just reminds me of childhood, it's strangely beautiful, and sometimes it even makes me cry a little. Does that make me some sort of weak heavy metal softie? Probably. In the long run though, music like that which The Oversight put out on Far From Gone reflects something about my generation. We're kids who grew up on artificial drink mixes and fascistic churches, something pure and honest is what we need to make it through our day to day existence.

For a five song EP, The Oversight succeed in capturing a pretty diverse mixture of emotions. While the record is predominantly fairly sad there are definitely a lot of very happy and triumphant moments here too. There's something about pop punk in the way that it can reflect the totality of human emotion in just a few short minutes, not a lot of genres of music can claim to do that! So sure, one of my earbuds died while writing this review and I'm going to need a new pair even though I'm already broke, but that's not the point! The point is simply that The Oversight get pop punk and by extension they get the human experience.

The stellar waves of production on Far From Gone are going to capture your heart and hold you in thrall to the sort of magic that few other bands can really compare too. The Oversight understand what pop punk is all about and their stellar songwriting, crisp production and distinctly human vocal lines will keep you interested for many a spin. The record is concise and fun, I've spun it maybe five times now and am still finding cool new twists and turns. Open your heart and join the music, maybe you'll find all is one. 

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/TheOversightBand

Villainettes

Villainettes are the kind of unique and proggy pop band who break boundaries and pursue a wholly singular sound. Suffice to say, they know where it's at. The stellar production of this band entraps you, bringing you into a simply epic soundscape that often goes beyond the limits of human comprehension. See, Villainettes aren't bothered with a lot of the things that most bands concern themselves with, and this allows them to make some of the most poignant pop rock since Joy Division. This is not a band who are going to change for a scene, or a girl, no, there is something much more important going on here, the sort of rock and roll redemption that only comes once a generation. Villainettes are pursuing a sound that could become legendary. They have a unique take on popular music and it is strangely hypnotic, I could see myself listening to these guys for days on end. Just let yourself fall into the otherworldly magic of a band seemingly destined to succeed!

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/Villainettes

Mangoseed

Mangoseed is an exciting rock band from London. Their sound, while based in tradtional rock roots, actually has a lot more going on, with touches of world music and pop to augment the sound. Why, on many of the tracks off their new album, Basquiat its possible to find bits of rapping. The electronic elements here also add a lot of flavor the music and give Mangoseed a unique vibe. See, what makes Mangoseed so interesting for me is that they take a lot of elements that we, as music fans, are pretty familiar with, but they deploy it all in a unique way and give the group a color that no one else has really achieved before. As you dig deeper into this record you find that Mangoseed really aren't to be taken lightly, they simply have so much exciting and new stuff going on that it boggles the mind. Filled with a variety of ideas and emotions, Basquiat is a shape shifting beast who transcends many of its contemporaries. Suffice to say, I think the future will be very bright for these English innovators!

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/mangoseedband

Rinch-Odysee

I don't get a lot of progressive and exciting modern rock, yet Rinch provide it proudly with their new record Odysee, the kind of album that gets to the spirit of what bands like The Killers are trying to achieve. Really, that's what makes these guys special, a stripped down approach to a genre that has gotten too complex. Through that they find a certain beauty that few of their contemporaries can touch on, the sort of magic that only really comes from when a group of guys with guitars, drums, and copious amounts of hair get together and decide to see what happens when they make music.

Rinch have really pulled back all the stupid layers that cloud modern rock and so their music takes on what can almost be described as a punk edge. The anthemic choruses are easy to latch on to and demonstrate the kind of triumphant magic this band has, soaring over top of its peers simply because no one else on this particular scene is willing to get rid of all the lies. Driven by a thudding bass and simple, almost shouted vocals that find beauty in what can only be called a basic attack we get a sense for where Rinch is going. The sound is not at all guitar heavy, instead the rhythm section gives this band an incredible forward momentum that means that it is impossible to stop listening.

Odysee is magical, it takes the listener on a musical journey, much like the title promises. Not a lot of bands are this good at mixing in there pop elements to the might of the music. this is the sort of deal that you might not think would triumph at first, yet as you get deeper into it, it makes sense. People have a hunger these days for simple and easy songs in 4/4 with fun choruses. In a world where rock tries to be to smart for you and have more class than it ever deserved it is reassuring to have a band like Rinch, unpretentious and easily approachable, they don't care what you think, there music is fantastic and you can't do a thing about it.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/RINCHROCK/timeline

Eyes of Verona-Ex-Voto

Eyes of Verona are one of those bands on the scene who basically play by their own rules. Sure there are elements of other genres thrown in here for flavor, but essentially, Eyes of Verona are crafting the sort of exciting new sounds that the world of female fronted rock acts really lacks. Sure, they are probably more likely to be classified under the alt-rock moniker than metal, but there are definitely heavier elements here that should be acknowledged. And anyway, most female fronted bands in metal are pretty boring, it's nice to have something of a change!

Now, one of the key elements of their new record Ex-Voto is the simple beauty of singer, Sophie's voice. It evokes a stripped down and laid back magic, the sort of basic magic that not enough bands pay attention to these days, regardless of genre. The songwriting as a whole is very tight too, using a lot of pop elements and some top notch production to really shine. Perhaps the best example of this is in the track The End of Babel with it's moving build up and powerful climax. The drumming is particularly moving, it demonstrates a lot of skill in that it perfectly captures the dynamic shifts and really pushes the Eyes of Verona sound forward, one  step at a time.

Eyes of Verona are really getting at something special now, the kind of sound that few of their peers can imitate simply because the bands skill is so great. With their special emphasis on epic keyboard parts and clearly driven song structures you won't find yourself soon bored with these French rockers. They can easily go far and as their sound evolves I think they could make a serious splash internationally. As is their songs are memorable, fun, and often touching. Able of evoking pure emotion on a fundamental level I'm looking forward to getting more from these guys!

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/eyesofverona

Foreign Affairs

Seamus Heaney is one of my favorite poets, in large part due to the way the he uses a down to earth simplicity to communicate a beautiful message. This is the sort of thing that his Northern Irish fellows in Foreign Affairs seem to be doing too. They get at a certain beautiful human innocence thats we all can relate too. Their is something much deeper in the sound of Foreign Affairs, a power that not a lot of bands can really claim to have. Foreign Affairs get at the heart of the human condition, through a unique brand of anthemic pop punk that features catchy riffs and moving choruses. From the first, it is clear that Foreign Affairs know how to write a tight pop punk track. Though they only have a couple of songs up for the moment, their is al ot more to Foreign Affairs than meets the eye. How else could a band who put out their first single in October of 2013 already be at more than 1,500 Facebook fans? So lovers of pure and sacred pop punk across the globe, get ready, Foreign Affairs will be taking the world by storm!

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/ForeignAffairsNI/app_204974879526524

Manhattan Coast-This One's for You

Regular readers know the drill, Matt tries to be a hoary old metal dude, but he has a soft spot for fun loving pop punk, it happens. Manhattan Coast have the kind of lighthearted pop punk sound that takes me back to the land of my childhood. Their newest EP This One's for You is five songs of tight rock and roll vibes with strong progressions, excellent tension and a generally fun attitude found throughout. Manhattan Coast understand the beauty and joy of the pop punk genre and infuse it with a certain innocence that proves the genre will never die.

One of the most impressive things about Manhattan Coast is the way that they generate an impressive wall of sound. Their is a sort of huge power behind tracks like Monsoon Season in Machine City that is truly indicative of the magic of the genre. Another aspect of the record I really like is the way that melodic lead lines are established, running under the main riff and helping to give a wonderfully layered feel to the music. These layers eventually come together to make for some very catchy music. Since my first listen I've been humming these songs everywhere I go. This One's for You grasps the true beauty of the music and shows that this Welsh quartet have the know how to write the songs that could define a generation.

Hooky and passionate this is the sort of pop punk that captures my heart. There's not much more to be said other than raise your hands into the air and prepare for some high powered punk fun. Sure these dudes might not be making grim and evil black metal, but there is another sort of beauty that can be found in the music. Manhattan Coast have a glory all of their own and nowhere is this more clear than on This One's for You. Don't leave Manhattan Coast by the wayside, they are coming up fast and soon their will be no escape from the groups pop punk mastery.

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/ManhattanCoast

The Intersphere-Relations in the Unseen

Progressive and powerful rock and roll magic, this is the kind of thing that we don't get nearly enough of in modern rock and roll. The Intersphere have created something special and truly unique with their new record Relations in the Unseen progressive music for the masses, incredible compositions for the master plan. March 7th 2014, the world will shake at the incredible might that The Intersphere have showcased on this new effort. If nothing else Relations in the Unseen  is proof that there are always exciting new things happening in rock music.

One of the first things that struck me about this release, was the incredible way that these guys fuse masterful compositions with poppy sounds that could easily appeal to a listener of more mainstream music. With all sorts of complex and beautiful lines one might not expect to hear in a release that seems to be turned towards the mass market The Intersphere have done something truly magnificent. This is the sort of release that could possibly change the entire rock music scene, technically complex stuff that appeals to the masses. Anthemic and passionate there is a raw energy and beauty behind the music of The Intersphere that few will forget, Relations in the Unseen stands tall not just as an album, but a statement.

In closing, if you want a record that gets at the beating heart of rock and roll and shows the undying magic of the genre then look no further, Relations in the Unseen is the album for you. Contrasting dark with light in a way that hasn't been done since the days of Led Zeppelin I feel pretty confident in saying that The Intersphere have a very strong chance of being the next big thing in rock music and maybe even the saviors of rock and roll. The time has come to rejuvenate hope in a dying genre and The Intersphere are the shining light guiding us forward.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/theintersphere

Celleste

Female fronted rock inflected alternative pop band. Admit it, even if you're not into this kind of music (I'm certainly not) it's still pretty awesome. See, what Celleste does that is so cool is that she mixes in crazed elements of 40s Cabaret music and 70s rock to keep things interesting. Celleste's music is rather unique, not just because of the songwriting, but also the heartfelt passion that she pumps into her songs. It helps to keep the music alive and beautiful, showcasing the inner joy that these songs so clearly give her. That is what really makes Celleste fun for me, sure things are perfectly produced and wonderfully mastered (By the same guy who does U2 and Sheryl Crow), but the spirit behind the music stays bright and fiery, showcasing a wonderful dedication to the musicians craft. Burning bright and triumphant in a time that is very dark for pop music I hope to hear more from Celleste in the future. Her head is certainly in the right place and her songs have the potential to touch the hearts of millions.

Find her on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/Cellestemusic

Foreign Affairs

Now you guys know that I have a secret adoration for pop punk, and when it is pulled off well, it can be brilliant. Admittedly, when done badly, its pretty disappointing and juvenile. Fortunately Foreign Affairs belong to the first group of pop punk bands and their rounded and beautiful sound is something many fans of modern rock will enjoy. The thing is with this band that they are professional, profound and personal. Their professionalism shows in the stellar quality of their production as well as in the high quality of their photoshoots (not wholly relevant, but still). Meanwhile, the lyrics are clearly profound and personal with songs like Escape that seem to reflect on the groups personal experiences. Overall this is a band who could get big fast (Why they already have fourteen hundred facebook fans) and the future seems to only be getting brighter for these UK natives. Pop punk may be silly at times and seemingly unworthy of a crusty metaller, but I implore you to check these guys out, the sheer amount of heart that goes into their music just might make it worth it.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/ForeignAffairsNI/app_6452028673

The Way They Run

Now you guys know, when I get to review a melodic rock/pop punk record I have a tendency to get inordinately happy, and thats just because the music is so fun, high powered and joyful. Fortunately The Way They Run only add to this legacy of simple hard rocking riffs and quasi shouted vocals. Their new record Safe Haven is a testament to the enduring power of their genre with lots of solid songwriting and melodic chord progressions that catch the ear. Overall these guys are very tight and the guitar leads going on underneath the main riffs on songs like For Us Drifters add a lot of flavor to the music. Because here's the thing, when you have music as hooky and catchy as this can you really complain about it? Like, really, how can you hate a band that is simply so upbeat and gosh darned HONEST. To wrap up, I just want to say The Way They Run capture the spirit of pop punk and melodic rock on their new release (Even if it is only a four song EP) and I would be excited to hear a full length record from them in the future!

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/thewaytheyrun

Tom Lawton

So now we move on from the jagged metal fields and into something more majestic, something that is beautiful in its simplicity. Here is a man who makes glorious folk music all on his lonesome. The solo guitar and vocal prothalmions he crafts are simply excellent. While not afraid to embrace pop hooks there is a certain earthiness to the sound that can not be put into words. Sure, this might not be my cup of tea but the sheer humanity of Tom Lawton's music is excellent, it provides something fresh and elegant in the world of over produced and often dull and drab pop music. I'd also like to point out that Tom Lawton is overall a pretty excellent musician who knows how to craft some very simple and catchy chord progressions. The end result of this is a veritable massage for the ears as you fall into the glorious and soul touching music of Tom Lawton. While maybe not standard metal fare if you can respect a great musician and solid songwriting then Tom Lawton is someone you're going to want to check out!

Find out more on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/Tom.Lawton.Music