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PET NEEDS

PET NEEDS

Intermittent Fast Living

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PET NEEDS – INTERMITTENT FAST LIVING – ALBUM REVIEW

‘Intermittent Fast Living’ begins with singer Johnny Marriott gently asking, “alright? how are you?” as he welcomes us into the chaotic world of PET NEEDS. The band have been living a full throttle life since signing with Xtra Mile Recordings, with this being their third album in as many years.

What this album represents however is the balance between life on the road as a touring, recording artist and the quiet family life that separates the chaos. Whilst the subject matter is autobiographic, the themes are purposefully relatable and as Marriott asks us how we are, we are instantly engaged into a conversation of sorts.

The album bursts to life with lead single, ‘Separation Anxiety’ which digs into the juxtaposition of two distinct realities further. The enriching experience of touring is paralleled with the angst of leaving loved ones, whilst there are jabs at bands preaching one thing whilst practicing something quite different with Marriott observing, “I’ve been trying to love myself, because I’ve been told to love myself by every single self-destructive indie band”.

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PET NEEDS – ‘Separation Anxiety’

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Each track develops on the overarching themes whilst clearly establishing the bands appreciation of their current situation and their gratitude for the community that surrounds them. There are plenty of tongue-in-cheek easter eggs in amongst the lyrics and the fans will revel in dissecting each gem.

Sonically the album follows the path laid by ‘Fractured Party Music’ and ‘Primetime Entertainment’, whilst offering an expansion on their uniquely catchy punk sound. The band somehow manages to once again create a mighty noise whilst harnessing some truly pop sensibilities.

‘Fingernails’, ‘Sleep When I’m Dead’ and ‘The Optimist’ will be live favourites for years to come, but the real magic comes from the more off-piste moments such as the superb album closer ‘Buried Together’ which ends the album on a note of acceptance and love.

Over the course of the eleven tracks, PET NEEDS are able to connect with the listener and share the struggles and joys of modern life. ‘Intermittent Fast Living’ continues the group’s insatiable momentum and is undoubtedly their most well-rounded collection yet.

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The Full Pelt Music Podcast – Episode 44 – PET NEEDS
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Album Reviews

Normandie

Normandie

Dopamine

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NORMANDIE – DOPAMINE – ALBUM REVIEW

Normandie have been drip-feeding their prescribed sonic doorway into a dystopian future in the shape of their monthly single releases in the lead up to this album. Indeed, seven of the eleven tracks are already out there but now their full vision is upon us.

‘Dopamine’ is the follow up to 2021’s ‘Dark & Beautiful Secrets’ which saw the band entrenching themselves into the consciousness of modern rock fans. This release seemingly picks up that mantle once again as the band look to establish themselves as a vital artist in the ever growing landscape of the music world.

Thematically, ‘Dopamine’ is the opposite of its predecessor which explored frontman Philip Stand’s past. This new collection sees the band examine what a future would look like where humanity has burnt themselves out and rely on dopamine fixes much like our existing vices. It’s an interesting concept and one which might even feel all too real.

While we continue to push ourselves harder and further, you have to ponder what we lose along the way; be it relationships, aspirations or something more tangible. Life these days is relentless and it’s in our nature to do whatever is necessary to push on through the struggle, so the themes on ‘Dopamine’ may feel all too relatable!

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Normandie – ‘Sorry’

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Musically the album does follow nicely on from ‘Dark & Beautiful Secrets’ as the melodies soar higher and the riffs hit harder. The ambition is clear and Normandie have again created something instantly accessible and capable to capturing the hearts of all strains of rock fan.

There are harder hitting highlights such as the Dani Winter-Bates featuring ‘Hourglass’ interspersed with softer moments such as the very next track, ‘Sorry’. The juxtaposition demonstrated is sublime and the album as a whole flows superbly. The band really does seem to have an incredible talent for catchy hooks and the amount of sing-a-long inducing choruses on this album should be illegal under laws against monopolies!

You certainly have to feel sorry for their competition, because it hardly seems fair that Normandie can create such elegance with such apparent ease. ‘Dopamine’ is just the latest example of their ability to deliver something special.

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The Last Dinner Party

The Last Dinner Party

Prelude To Ecstasy

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THE LAST DINNER PARTY – PRELUDE TO ECSTASY – ALBUM REVIEW

Any self-respecting music aficionado will have clocked the name The Last Dinner Party filling ‘next big thing’ and ‘one to watch’ lists over the past year. In fact, the name seems to have become somewhat inescapable with the band topping the BBC Sound of 2024 poll and taking home the Rising Star Brit Award.

The previous winners and nominees for that BBC award in particular read like a who’s who of post-2000 music. Some winners like Adele, Sam Smith, Ellie Goulding, HAIM and Keane have gone on to fill arenas around the world. Others however haven’t fulfilled the early promise. Does anybody remember The Bravery? They won it in 2005!

So whilst these prestigious awards can be an enormous launchpad, they can also be a millstone around your neck. One of the hurdles that these awards actually put in the way of the winner is the distrust of certain music fans. The Last Dinner Party have already been accused of being ‘industry plants’, ‘flashes in the pan’ and other derogatory terms used to belittle their success.

The most important next step for any new band though is the release of their debut album; and with ‘Prelude To Ecstasy’ that moment now arrives for The Last Dinner Party. One hugely successful single and a handful of well received tracks have built anticipation ever higher, which really begs the question of the moment – can the record and the band live up to the hype?

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The Last Dinner Party – ‘Caesar on a TV Screen’

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Well the instrumental opening title-track instantly sets out the incredible ambition of the album before ‘Burn Alive’ and ‘Caesar on a TV Screen’ really commence the journey that the listener is about to engage in. At twelve songs and forty plus minutes this isn’t a mere introduction to the band, it’s their magnum opus being unfurled and implanted into the subconscious of British music!

As the album progresses and you take in all of the subtle influences, the majesty of their sound really elevates with each listen. The aesthetic of the band ties in with the sonic expression found on this album to create a grandiose experience that is hard to shoot down. Indeed the self-fulfilling prophecy of topping major awards has provided an opportunity that on the smallest percentage of artists get, but, and it’s a big one… The Last Dinner Party have delivered an album that fully justifies every accolade.

So, does ‘Prelude To Ecstasy’ live up to the hype? In our humble opinion, absolutely it does and anyone arguing otherwise are clutching at some rather thin straws. Whether the band (or any act) can reach Adele levels of success will remain to be seen but we’d expect them to last longer than The Bravery!

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Florence Black

Florence Black

BED OF NAILS

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FLORENCE BLACK – BED OF NAILS – ALBUM REVIEW

Florence Black have been threatening to breakout for a few years now and the impressive tsunami of pre-release singles for new album, ‘BED OF NAILS’, has set some high expectations.

Three of those tracks open the album with ‘START AGAIN’, ‘DON’T HOLD ME DOWN’ and ‘BED OF NAILS’ setting the tone early. Each track brings something different yet they all feel intricately connected. ‘TAXMAN’ is then the first unknown taste of what’s to come and it continues an unrelenting pace that won’t wane over the whole twelve tracks and forty plus minutes.

The remaining two singles follow succinctly with ‘LOOK UP’ giving of some grandiose AC/DC-esque vibes, and the superb power ballad ‘WARNING SIGN’ rallying the listener to overcome the hurdles of life. The first half of the album grabs the listener by the hand and leads them towards enlightenment.

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Florence Black – ‘WARNING SIGN’

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It’s at this point that the album really comes into a world of its own. Given the strength of the first six tracks, the band perhaps could’ve rested easy knowing that they’ve got a decent album in the bank. Rather than sit back and phone in a half-hearted back end though the group have instead strived to create something special.

Producer Romesh Dodangoda has a magic touch and this album can be heralded as another stunning success. ‘BEAUTIFUL LOVER’ provides another tender moment, before ‘THE WAY HOME’ picks things up once again. That theme of familiar yet unique flows throughout the sonic essence of the album and ensures that your attention is never sapped.

There really is so much to dissect in these twelve tracks with southern rock inspired ragers interspersed with nu-metal bangers and radio friendly rockers. The impressiveness of guitarist/singer Tristan Thomas’ dexterity is only matched by the powerful soundscape offered by bassist Jordan Evans and drummer Perry Davies.

These three individuals have come together on ‘BED OF NAILS’ to capture a touch of the extraordinary. Those high expectations haven’t just been met, they have been far exceeded and this album deserves to be the one that thrusts Florence Black into the stratosphere.

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Alkaline Trio

Alkaline Trio

Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs

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ALKALINE TRIO – BLOOD, HAIR, ANd EYEBALLS – ALBUM REVIEW

While Alkaline Trio remained active during the Matt Skiba era of Blink 182, Skiba himself has admitted that they took something of a backseat. It’s perhaps not surprising then that the gap between 2018’s ‘Is This Thing Cursed’ and new album, ‘Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs’ is the longest one in the groups history.

Recent times have been particularly transitional with Skiba’s untimely departure from Blink 182 and the exit of long time drummer Derek Grant of particular note. Thankfully though for fans, the band continues to persevere and their tenth studio album is now out in the world.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘BLOOD, HAIR, AND EYEBALLS’
Alkaline Trio – ‘Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs’

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The title-track gave fans a glimpse of the band at their best when it acted as the lead single for the album, which is named after a phrase coined by Skiba’s nurse mother. Thematically the album explores the similarly grotesque nature of what the band have referred to as “apocalypse culture”.

The concept of fear-inducing bad news in the media creating a toxic environment will surely remain apt as both the US and UK prepare for a year of election frenzy.

Yes the world is always going to focus on the bad, but the fact that Alkaline Trio are still pushing out new music is something good that we can all focus on. Music is such an important distraction and the eleven tracks on ‘Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs’ can certainly keep you entertained for half an hour or so.

Ten albums in and any band will struggle to deliver an earth shattering new record. This album ultimately is decent without being that standout release. It does have its moments though and feels now like a solid reset moment for the band.

With Skiba now fully invested again and the accomplished Atom Willard on board, you feel it won’t be that long between releases this time around; and that future really does seem more exciting now with this album feeling like a timely reminder of what the trio can offer.

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Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes

Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes

Dark Rainbow

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FRANK CARTER & THE RATTLESNAKES – DARK RAINBOW – ALBUM REVIEW

Frank Carter has never been one to simply take the road of least resistance, especially when it comes to his musical direction. After all this is the man that left one of the hottest breakthrough bands to push his boundaries and experiment with a wider sonic palate.

With his own name on the posters now though he has a near frictionless opportunity to fully explore whatever direction he feels like taking. That is of course ignoring the noisy minority who will forever pine of an angry Carter full of rage and a desire to burn the world down.

That though isn’t a healthy mindset to carry through life and Carter’s own life has reached a point where he can suitably reflect on the ups and downs that have paved the way for the fifth Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes album – ‘Dark Rainbow’.

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Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes – ‘Brambles’

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Musically the album sees Carter and co-conspirator Dean Richardson indulge the softer elements that have gradually crept in over the first four records. There are still some headbanging moments for good measure but if you’re somebody looking for another ‘I Hate You’ then you’re going to be disappointed.

If however you have an open mind and a willingness to soak in the suave aesthetics of the album then your curiosity will be rewarded by Carter’s ambition. This is certainly an album that needs your full attention, but you will be rewarded if you stick with it.

Indeed the pre-release singles may be some of the weakest in relation to the immense depth shown across the album. This record will divide opinion for sure, but as a snapshot of an artist formerly known as a hellraiser, this collection is as genuine as it is brave!

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Neck Deep

Neck Deep

Neck Deep

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NECK DEEP – NECK DEEP – ALBUM REVIEW

Neck Deep have been leading the UK Pop Punk pack for a decade now and they’ve always felt on the cusp of really breaking out. That said their incremental gains have most definitely and defiantly placed them as the poster kids for their signature emotive frivolity.

This self-titled fifth studio album finds the band typically wearing their heart firmly attached to their sleeves. They are unbending in their chosen genre and this is an absolutely unashamed pop punk banger of an album.

If anyone wondered if relatively recent changes to their rhythm section (this marks the first Neck Deep record for Seb Barlow and Matt Powles) would change anything then those questions are answers with the opening run of ‘Dumbstruck Dumbf**k’, ‘Sort Yourself Out’ and ‘This Is All My Fault’. The answer of course being no!

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Neck Deep – ‘We Need More Bricks’

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The likes of ‘We Need More Bricks’, ‘Heartbreak Of The Century’, ‘Take Me With You’ and ‘It Won’t Be Like This Forever’, which all arrived ahead of the release, set the stall early and the album in its entirety is unrelenting.

Quite simply this album is rightfully self-titled because it is ten tracks of classic Neck Deep. If you like the band then you will love this album and if you’ve not gotten into the band thus far then this is unlikely to change your opinion.

Will it be enough for them to firmly establish themselves as a big, big band? Only time will tell, but you know that these songs will be fun as hell when the band takeover Allly Pally in March!

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Green Day

Green Day

Saviors

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GREEN DAY – saviors – album review

It’s fair to say that post ‘American Idiot’, Green Day’s albums have been sketchy at best. Some good tracks across the piece, and arguably a couple of great albums. But the misses seem to have been outweighing the hits of late.

In recent months though fans have been intrigued, for as each pre-release single arrived and you waited for a dud to appear, you were left surprised or actually upset if you are a true naysayer! Yes, the build up to ‘Saviors’, the trios fourteenth full-length has raised hopes that the band may be back at their very best.

With this record being 15 songs and north of 45 minutes, there was certainly a fear that it could end up mostly filler albeit with some killer stuff thrown in. Again though that impending sense of doom wanes with every passing track and soon it’s pretty obvious that Green Day are indeed firing on all cylinders.

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Green Day – ‘The American Dream Is Killing Me’

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Singles like ‘The American Dream Is Killing Me’, ‘Look Ma, No Brains!’, ‘One Eyed Bastard’ and ‘Dilemma’ front load the album somewhat but the quality never dissipates. Later tracks ‘Goodnight Adeline’, ‘Corvette Summer’ and ‘Living in the 20’s’ are mightily enjoyable and at no point does the album drag, which again is a very pleasant surprise.

The ability of the band to write songs about serious subjects but with their tongue firmly in their cheek has always been an incredible skill and there is a homely feel to many of the tracks. That familiarity however doesn’t come from a re-treaded ground sense although there is certainly a nostalgia-tinged footprint for all to enjoy.

‘Saviors’ really does feel like the most Green Day-esque album to be birthed over the past two decades and it will make many lapsed fans fall back in love with a band that has defined many a troubled youth.

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Casey

Casey

How To Disappear

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CASEY – HOW TO DISAPPEAR – ALBUM REVIEW

Casey gained a dedicated following during their early years before disbanding in late 2018. Their disappearance however seemed to act as a catalyst for a deeper appreciation of the band, with a feeling that they weren’t rewarded with the levels of success their output deserved.

Their subsequent return has certainly seen them welcomed back with open arms but perhaps now with an unfair weight of expectation attached. A handful of singles has preceded their new studio album, ‘How To Disappear’, but the hype train again doesn’t seem to have picked up steam.

There is an old saying that you don’t know what you’ve got until you don’t have it anymore and that really does feel like a fit with Casey. You could also describe the group as your favourite bands favourite band, and the musical soundscape of ‘How To Disappear’ does feel like an post-hardcore connoisseurs dream.

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Casey – ‘How To Disappear’

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The ambition of this collection is clear though from the outset as the band explore the impact of loss and grief. Hey, nobody ever accused Casey of being light-hearted fun! They’ve always had an innate ability to hit you in the feels and that’s exactly what they do over these twelve tracks and 45 minutes of emo indulgence.

It’s fantastic that we have such an honest and fearless band back. ‘How To Disappear’ is both a continuation of their previous work and a nod to the new generation of emotion creating rock bands. Now enjoy them while you can!

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Hannah Wicklund

Hannah Wicklund

The Prize

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HANNAH WICKLUND – THE PRIZE – ALBUM REVIEW

‘The Prize’ marks the second full-length release for Hannah Wicklund who rock fans will have recently found supporting Greta Van Fleet on the UK Arena Tour. As such the album arrives at a time when Wicklund will be keen to share her visionary sonic experience with a wider audience.

With Sam Kiszka of Greta Van Fleet on board as producer also, you sense an epic journey is about to commence as the album begins with opening rocker ‘Hell In The Hallway’, and you certainly aren’t left disappointed as the songs continue to flow.

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Hannah Wicklund – ‘Hell In The Hallway’

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Over the ten sublime tracks you are treated to an elegant yet powerful voyage through oceans, relationships and heartbreak powered by determination, strength and growth. Lyrically and musically you follow Wicklund through a story of discovery and it’s an enchanting tale to absorb.

Wicklund is complemented by the immense musical talents of both Kiszka and bandmate Daniel Wagner on ‘The Prize’ and they certainly help to elevate the majesty of the album. It must be said though that it’s Wicklund’s truly supreme performance that ensures that the record captivates as it does.

The multi-talented Wicklund demonstrates her raw capacity to enthral throughout, be it her incredible vocal delivery, exceptional guitar work or piano playing prowess. ‘The Prize’ really does feel like the right record at the right time for an artist destined for stardom. It you choose take this trip with Wicklund, you’ll undoubtedly feel the same way too!

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