Categories
Features

2023 Full Pelt Awards

Have your say!

Follow us on Social Media

The 2023 Full Pelt Awards are here and you can have your say from our shortlists below!

Votes here will be tallied with those on Social Media, plus weighted votes from our Full Pelt staff with the winners all revealed in a special Magazine on New Year’s Day!

2023 Full Pelt Awards
2023 Full Pelt Awards
2023 Full Pelt Awards
2023 Full Pelt Awards
2023 Full Pelt Awards
2023 Full Pelt Awards
2023 Full Pelt Awards

Our 2023 Album of the Year will be revealed on our Social Media on Christmas Day! Let us know your favourite album of the year in the comments and be sure to follow us across social media to be the first to see who wins our award!

Find Full Pelt Music on YouTube!

Check out our two Podcasts!

Categories
Magazine

Full Pelt Magazine

Vol. 6

Follow us on Social Media

Our weekly music News Report has evolved into the Full Pelt Magazine, and you can download the sixth issue now for free!

Volume six includes an update from cover stars Dream Nails, reviews of Ash, The Subways and Muse live and a load more!

We have our News Report rounding up new releases from Mike Shinoda, Normandie, The Cadillac Three, Tesseract, Haunt The Woods, Millie Manders and the Shutup, LØLØ, Tropic Gold and BLACKGOLD!

Plus new live announcements from Within Temptation, Tenacious D, The Gaslight Anthem, 2000trees, Suede, Manic Street Preachers, Beartooth, Blackberry Smoke, The Sleeping Souls and Sean McGowan.

Finally, we round up the latest additions to our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist with modernlove., Break Fifty and Noah and the Loners!

Share the Full Pelt Magazine on Social Media

Find Full Pelt Music on YouTube!

Dream Nails appear on The Full Pelt Music Podcast this week – subscribe wherever you listen!

Categories
Magazine

News Report

Every week we roundup the best music news from the past week!

Follow us on Social Media

News Report

Foo Fighters announce UK Tour

Welcome everyone to another edition of our weekly music News Report!

We start this week with a run of huge live announcements and they didn’t get bigger last week than the UK return of Foo Fighters!

The band will play seven enormous stadium shows across the UK next June, and tickets are flown out!

Joining the band at the various shows will be Wet Leg, Courtney Barnett, Loose Articles, Chroma, Honeyblood, Shame, Hot Milk and Himalayas!

Check ticket availability here.

Read our review of ‘But Here We Are’ from Foo Fighters

Muse announce new UK shows

Another mammoth act with new shows on the horizon are Muse, who are fresh from finishing another huge summer stadium tour.

The trio will be heading back inside this autumn with arena shows set in Manchester and London as they continue the ‘Will of the People’ World Tour.

Special guests for these shows will be Nova Twins!

Tickets will be here.

Read our review of Muse live in Milton Keynes

Circa Waves reveal intimate dates

From Stadiums, to Arenas and now some of the best intimate venues in the UK!

Circa Waves have announced details of a special run of UK live dates from which a portion of the profits will be donated to local foodbanks in each town they are touring through.

The band had the following to say about the decision to show their support.

“We’re so happy to be supporting food banks on our next tour. In this current climate where the cost of living crisis is hitting everyone we know that being able to feed your family is no longer a given. We will be playing a handful of small intimate shows with a percentage of profits going to local food banks in each area. Can’t wait to see you there.”

Tickets are here.

Find Full Pelt Music on YouTube

Those Damn Crows set UK Tour

There are still a handful more great tour announcements to come in our News Report, and up next are Those Damn Crows.

The group have announce ‘The Takedown Tour’, which will take place this October.

Tickets are here.

Check out our two Podcasts!

The Virginmarys announce UK live dates

Also announcing new UK live dates this week were The Virginmarys, with the duo out on the road in August and September.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of The Virginmarys live in Norwich

REWS reveal new UK Tour

Finally for this section of our News Report is the news that REWS will be taking new album, ‘Meridians’ on tour this autumn!

The album is out on October 13th and ticket and album bundles are available now here.

Read our review of Y Not Festival 2022

News Report

Blur release new track ‘St. Charles Square’

Blur – ‘St. Charles Square’

We move our News Report on now to the best new releases from the past week and can’t start anywhere else other than with Blur!

The group are preparing for their Wembley Stadium shows and have debuted new track, ‘St. Charles Square’, which you can check out above.

Damon Albarn said of the track – “St. Charles Square is a place where the ghosts of monsters can be found.” 

The track comes ahead of new album, ‘The Ballad of Darren’, which is out July 21st.

Pre-order your copy here.

Listen to ‘St. Charles Square’ on our Spotify Hot List!

Greta Van Fleet share ‘The Falling Sky’

Greta Van Fleet – ‘The Falling Sky’

Greta Van Fleet this week shared their latest offering, ‘The Falling Sky’, which you can check out above.

The track will feature on upcoming new album, ‘Starcatcher’, which is out on 21st July.

“An unwavering warrior carrying on the endless, eternal, and impossible battle for salvation; these were the elements of symbolism associated with this particular track,” explains guitarist Jake Kiszka. “In essence our fate is sealed, alike the stars that fall from the almighty heavens to the earth. This philosophy is carried through in the story of a bluesman, at the crossroads of the universe.”

Pre-order your copy here.

Listen to ‘The Falling Sky’ on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist!

Mammoth WVH debut ‘Take A Bow’

Mammoth WVH – ‘Take A Bow’

Next up in our News Report is ‘Take A Bow’, the latest single from Mammoth WVH, which you can check out above.

The song comes ahead of new album, ‘Mammoth II’, which is released August 4th.

Pre-order your copy here.

Listen to ‘Take A Bow’ on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist!

Bowling For Soup announce ‘Songs People Actually Liked – Volume 2’

Bowling For Soup – ‘1985 (BFS Version)’

Bowling For Soup have revealed details of new collection, ‘Songs People Actually Liked – Voume 2’, which focuses on tracks from 2004 to 2009.

You can check out a new BFS version of their hit single, ‘1985’, above.

Here are some thoughts from BFS main man Jaret Reddick about the upcoming Volume 2 of their Greatest Hits:

“Having a “Greatest Hits” is one of things you sort of dream about as a kid, but deep down, it’s more if a fantasy really. Now here we are realizing our second and we have nearly made it to half way through our career.

I was nervous about these songs. Sonically, on the originals, they were already “there.” But I think like everything in our band, the years add something to the luster, and it certainly happened here!

The songs are still intact with their original selves. But I think you will feel a different energy. In a good way.”

Pre-order your copy here.

Listen to ‘1985 (BFS version)’ on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist!

Holding Absence debut ‘Honey Moon’

Holding Absence – ‘Honey Moon’

Holding Absence continue to build towards the release of upcoming new album, ‘The Noble Art of Self Destruction’, which is out August 25th.

Recently the group share new single, ‘Honey Moon’, which you can check out above.

The band shared, “‘Honey Moon’ is perhaps Holding Absence’s most beautiful song to date! A track inspired by the Pixies and Deftones – this is a lovesick poem that looks to the stars to portray a deep, isolated yearning for the love of another.”

Pre-order your copy here.

Listen to ‘Honey Moon’ on our Spotify Hot List!

Underoath debut ‘Lifeline (Drowning)’

Underoath – ‘Lifeline (Drowning)’

Underoath have shared their newest stand-alone single, ‘Lifeline (Drowning)’, which you can check out above.

Speaking on the new single, Underoath said ““Lifeline (Drowning)” is a cry for help
 I feel like we’ve all been there, be it as simple as miscommunication or a full on toxic relationship – that very feeling that you cannot tread water like this any longer or you may end up drowning. We wanted to create a song centered around the melody that could still hold the energy of a full blown heavy song.”

More here.

Listen to ‘Lifeline (Drowning)’ on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist!

Caskets share ‘Better Way Out’

Caskets – ‘Better Way Out’

Caskets, who recently announced their new album, ‘Reflections’, for an August 11th release, have released an affirming new single, ‘Better Way Out’, which you can check out above.

Speaking of the track, frontman Matt Flood says, “Better Way Out is a song that relates to suicidal thoughts and tendencies. It’s a song about noticing and understanding the trials and tribulations of life, about rising above the feelings of depression and anxiety and knowing your self worth. To have somebody say that they see you and they hear you, or to have a community by your side while you go through these daily battles isn’t something afforded to everybody. So many of us can blindly walk through the barriers that we build inside our heads, alone without a shoulder to cry on or a friend to lend an ear.”

”No matter what you’ve been through and might still be going through… there are always routes out of your situation.” he states. “You are strong, you are beautiful, you are loved and you are enough. Don’t walk that road alone. We all need each other.”

Pre-order your album here.

Listen to ‘Better Way Out’ on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist!

Fixation announce ‘More Subtle Than Death’

Fixation – ‘Flat Earth’

Fixation have announced details of their highly anticipated debut album. ‘More Subtle Than Death’ will be released September 8th.

Fixation states: â€œWe didn’t want to limit ourselves to one particular sound, although the album sounds like Fixation as a whole, there are songs that are more poppy, more heavy, more grandiose and symphonic and more straight forward rock songs. The subjects in the songs are things that frightens and worries us about the state of the world today. These are things that we want to see change in.”

You can check out the latest single from the band ‘Flat Earth’ above.

Pre-orders will be available soon here.

Listen to ‘Flat Earth’ on our Spotify Hot List!

Dream State share ‘Chin Up Princess’

Dream State – ‘Chin Up Princess’

Our News Report continues with another great new release from Dream State.

The group have shared their latest new single, ‘Chin Up Princess’, which you can of course check out above!

More here.

Listen to ‘Chin Up Princess’ on our Spotify Hot List!

Grian Chatten debuts ‘All of the People’

Grian Chatten – ‘All of the People’

Grian Chatten has released his debut album, ‘Chaos for the Fly’, and ahead of the release he shared the last pre-release single, ‘All of the People’, which you can check out above.

On the single Grian explains: “All of the people is the stiff collar tight-fisted hand to the grindstone written where all is blue and everyone is a liar. It is a line of chalk scratched around the world.”

Grab a copy of the album here.

Listen to ‘All of the People’ on our Spotify Hot List!

Almost Nothing debut ‘Anything Whatever’

Almost Nothing – ‘Anything Whatever’

Idlewild frontman Roddy Woomble this week announced his new band Almost Nothing and shared their debut single, ‘Anything Whatever’, which you can check out above.

The band have also revealed their self-titled debut album will arrive later this year with pre-orders here.

Listen to ‘Anything Whatever’ on our Spotify Hot List!

Marc Hudson debuts ‘Astralive’

Marc Hudson – ‘Astralive’

Dragonforce singer Marc Hudson has revealed details of his debut solo album, ‘Starbound Stories’, which is out August 25th.

This week saw Hudson share lead single, ‘Astralive’, which you can check out above.

Hudson on the single, “’Astralive’ is the first single from the album and takes the listener on a power metal journey through space and time. This song explores the cosmic mysteries of the universe and mankind’s eternal search for wisdom beyond the stars.”

Hudson adds, “It is with great pride that I can finally announce my signing to Napalm Records. I’m very grateful for the label’s belief in me as a solo artist and can’t wait to have Napalm on my side to show Starbound Stories to the world!”

Pre-order your copy here.

Listen to ‘Astralive’ on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist!

News Report

As always we conclude our News Report with the latest additions to our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist!

News Report
Wilmette – ‘No One Knew’

Illinois pop punk 5-piece Wilmette has released, ‘No One Knew’, the next single off the band’s long-awaited debut full-length, ‘Hyperfocused’, out on August 4th.

Vocalist Aaron Hailey says, “It’s about the guilt of not being able to help someone through a hard time, and the helpless feeling that comes with being there while they struggle.”

Guitarist Griffin Guge adds, “We tracked this song exactly halfway through the recording process. It was a point where we thought we knew where the record was going until we got to this song.

There was a lot of room to grow on the track, and we definitely got excited to experiment with a lot of cool guitar sounds. One of my favorites of which is in the bridge. We used a variety of unconventional guitar techniques as well as pedals to quite literally make it sound like the song is breaking and the building you’re in is coming down. I think it was very fitting for the part.”

Major Moment – ‘Overcome’

Pop-Metal band Major Moment are back with their new single ‘Overcome’!

“‘Overcome’ was inspired by our music journey and is about prevailing over difficult times and persevering against all odds. But if we zoom out and look at our everyday lives, full of conflicts, health issues, losses, financial struggles, aspirations, wins and failures, we see a similar theme everyone can relate to, the one of pain and, as a result of overcoming it, personal growth. ‘Overcome’ is the anthem made for all creators out there struggling to get their voices heard, doubting every day if it’s worth fighting for.” – Vocalist, Sasha.

News Report
News Report
Crushed By Waves – ‘Won’t Get Out Alive’

UK alt-rockers Crushed By Waves have shared new single, ‘Won’t Get Out Alive’.

Crushed By Waves write from experience, with the new track being a statement of why they are putting everything into their art.   The band explain:

“Won’t Get Out Alive is all about keeping the faith, pushing through the hardest times, holding on, and never giving up, even if it kills us. When we see our music can bring a room full of strangers together, the energy in that room is worth dying for, it actually gives us life.”

Listen, Follow and Discover your new favourite act now with our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist

Then find out the stories behind the songs on our ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast!

Share our News Report on Social Media

Read our review of Incubus live in London

Categories
Live Reviews

Download Festival

Donington Park, Castle Donington

Thursday 8th to Sunday 11th June 2023

Follow us on Social Media

DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL 2023 REVIEW

This weekend is a celebration of twenty years of Download Festival. Stepping into the void left by Monsters of Rock not just at the hyped spiritual home of rock Donington Park but to the whole UK rock/metal scene, Download has become its own monster.

This year is truly monstrous as the event is fully sold out with record breaking numbers of attendees coming to partake in the celebration. Those celebrations get off to a rough start though with unprecedented traffic problems souring the event for many before it even properly begins.

📾 Live Nation UK PR

Once the music starts though a lot if not all of those problems subside. There is a stacked bill for the anniversary party including two nights of Metallica, a closing set from Download icons Slipknot but most vitally a new headline act Bring Me The Horizon.

The gap between Monsters of Rock and Download caused a vacuum in ability for bands to hit headline status with many acts from that era missing out on that status, Korn being one such act often thought of as passed over. Think about it, if they’d headlined at Donington Park in the late nineties, they’d no doubt still be that rank higher than they are now.

In the early years of Download, a number of bands had an opportunity to cement themselves at the top level, think Audioslave, Linkin Park, System of a Down and My Chemical Romance.

Playing alongside stalwarts like Iron Maiden, Metallica, Black Sabbath and Kiss gives bands credibility and elevates their stock. 2009’s Slipknot set is still heralded as the best example of the ‘bump’!

The problem is since then only Avenged Sevenfold in 2014 have really been given that opportunity and Download has become a bit of a clichéd round robin of the likes of Def Leppard, Rammstein, Aerosmith and other favourites already mentioned.

Perhaps then the most important booking in a celebration of the past is the look to the future with Bring Me The Horizon finally getting the top spot. Whilst Download probably should’ve got in before Reading and Leeds, it’s hopefully a sign of a subtle change of tact from the festival.

That’s because the line-up is also graced this year by the likes of Hot Milk, Nova Twins and Bob Vylan in prominent slots. Mixing this with the likes of classic Download bands Disturbed, Alter Bridge, Halestorm and Skindred gives the line-up a fresh but familiar feel.

Sadly beyond the bookings of Metallica and Slipknot plus the additional day there isn’t much done to make this year feel special for those who have made Download Festival part of their lives.

Whilst the organisers could have done more both in terms of that something special and in certain ways just the very basics, they have provided a top tier line-up, so let’s take a look at the highlights!

THURSDAY

Cancer Bats get the ball rolling on day one for us over at the second stage (now dubbed the Opus stage). The band get those that have made it into the arena pumped up with a early set packed full of ragers that ultimately ends prematurely when the sound is cut during ‘Hail Destroyer’!

Soon thereafter, Mammoth WVH get proceedings underway on the main stage (or Apex as it’s now called!). In some ways it’s fitting having the Van Halen name on this stage, in others it’s very ironic as the legendary band are often referred to by lead booker Andy Copping as one that got away.

Wolfgang and co show that with or without the last name, they have the talent needed to conquer stages like these. From start to finish it’s an excellent showing that places the band on the potential list for future festival stars.

Next up on the Opus stage are Hundred Reasons who are riding the wave of their stunning return album, ‘Glorious Sunset’. The band open with the title-track before running through a series of classic tracks much to the delight of those gathered. Hopefully this isn’t a victory lap for the band as creatively and onstage they are as good as they’ve ever been!

As we focus on the future of the festival, two names often linked to future headline status are Halestorm and Alter Bridge. It’s fine booking then to see the bands back to back next on the Apex stage.

Halestorm deliver another flawless set that seems to finish before it begins given their short allocated slot. That’s not necessarily a bad thing though given the old saying of leave the fans wanting more. Halestorm certainly do that and with a headline date pencilled in at Wembley Arena this December, the next time the band grace Donington you’d hope to see them in the sub-headline spot.

That’s the spot filled by Alter Bridge who have played in this position multiple times before; a sense perhaps then of always the bridesmaid and never the bride! Today though the band give it their all to show what they have to offer.

Watching the crowd, the set seems to be really well received which is a good sign. The band after all are always technically superb, so if enhancing that audience connection is the missing piece to progression then today’s set will have gone a long way to creating that link!

All that’s left on this special Thursday then is the first of two headline performances from the biggest metal band on the planet, Metallica. The two sets will be completely unique, giving fans the chance to see far more than a standard Metallica set list.

Night one has a good mix of hits like ‘Creeping Death’, ‘Fade To Black’, ‘Nothing Else Matters’, ‘Sad but True’ and ‘Master of Puppets’, deep cuts such as ‘Leper Messiah’, ‘King Nothing’ and ‘Orion’ plus new material from ’72 Seasons’.

FRIDAY

Friday is a huge day for the future of heavy music with a number of hotly tipped bands performing on the main stage including headliners Bring Me The Horizon.

We start on the Opus stage though with a debut UK festival appearance from Mexicans The Warning. The sister trio deliver an assured performance which belies their position on the bill. The set is another case of leaving the audience wanting more and you have to imagine that they’ll be back very soon.

Nova Twins take to the Apex stage soon after and absolutely own the stage. The duo are able to show just why they have so much hype with a performance that should be talked about as one of the best of the weekend.

Hot Milk have the unenviable task of following the pure energy that was Nova Twins, and thankfully for the band and the crowd they are up to the task. With a debut album on the way the band are on the cusp of something special and this set will again not doubt be one of those “I was there” moments.

The effortless cool of Demob Happy delights the Avalanche stage next as they showcase their stunning new album, ‘Divine Machines’.

Back on the Apex stage with the run of younger bands, next up for us are Neck Deep who are perennial contenders for bigger things. Today they have tens of thousands of people singing back the likes of ‘December’ and you have to consider Neck Deep’s set another victory for the new breed of Download band.

It’s a short and sharp blast from the past next as we pop to the Avalanche stage for the return of The Blackout. The band perform like they’ve not been away and receive a hero’s return from the audience. With the tease of more live dates to follow, it looks like The Blackout are back and back with a bang today!

It’s a quick bolt over to the Opus stage next for Within Temptation who are clearly playing a slot below their stature. The performance the band give is headline worthy not just of this stage but of the main stage. The band has a wealth of experience and use all their tricks to deliver a masterful set full of their best crowd pleasing hits.

By the time Evanescence grace the stage, the mass of humanity in attendance is a clear indication that the band should have been on the main stage. Viewing points are few and far between but wherever you are stood the band sonically deliver. A mixture of old and new is greeted well regardless but it’s mega hit ‘Bring Me to Life’ that has the entire place singing their hearts out.

It’s then time for that set. Bring Me The Horizon take over the main stage and prove any remaining doubters wrong. Making Metallica appear average, the band give their all both aesthetically and musically and produce possibly the greatest headline performance in the twenty years of the festival.

As we said earlier, the band should have been given this slot years ago, but if they had then this moment wouldn’t have existed. Their show tonight is the proof needed that the next wave are ready now and the gatekeepers need to move aside.

This set is historic not just for the theme of the weekend or for the stature of Bring Me The Horizon, it’s historic as a watershed moment for this festival. New headliners of the future should personally thank Bring Me The Horizon for breaking through that proverbial ceiling!

SATURDAY

On to Saturday now and nobody mention the weather! A celebration of twenty years of Download would have fittingly seem some rain and mud, and from this point on the festival is so hot that many would probably have willing traded the sun for some rain.

After last night it almost feels an anti-climax for the festival to continue, but another Metallica set should never be scoffed at. Thankfully there are still some fresh new bands breaking through lower down the bill today, and first up we catch Static Dress who seemingly channel the energy of Bring Me The Horizon with the fantastic opening Opus stage set.

One of the best bits of a festival for a publication passionate about new music is stumbling across a surprise gem on one of the side stages. This year that is ANTISAINT who simply storm the small Dogtooth stage with a ferocious set and definitely leave with more fans than they had going in.

The new look FEVER 333 then take to the main stage and deliver another memorable moment with Jason Aalon Butler scaling one of the massive towers erected in the main arena. That moment though shouldn’t take away from the already phenomenal set the band had delivered.

Lake Malice are next for us back in the Avalanche stage who are able to continue the run of top tier performances we’ve caught thus far. Whilst some of the organisational elements of the festival have been lacking, the music has been of the highest calibre and Lake Malice are another band you suspect will be back in a bigger spot sooner rather than later.

Next on the Apex stage are Ice Nine Kills, whose theatrics create a spectacle on the main stage, but musically they feel a little flat, perhaps being the first underwhelming set of the weekend.

Clutch who follow then also suffer both through technical difficulties and the energy sapping heat which probably negatively impacted Ice Nine Kills as well. The lack of enthusiasm from the crowd doesn’t help and it’s probably a good thing we are headed to a tent next.

We are set now for another one-two punch, this time in the Avalanche tent with Kid Kapichi and Bob Vylan on tap. It’s Kid Kapichi up first and they instantly raise the intensity levels with opener ‘Sardines’. Each song that follows is just as rewarding and by the time the band finish with ‘Smash the Gaff’ they’ve done just that!

One of the most exiting acts on the bill this weekend are Bob Vylan. The mention of ceilings earlier is relevant because this duo haven’t just smashed ceilings they’ve proceeded to stamp the shards into dust. Their performance to a packed crowd today is further evidence that new acts can make Download their home. That’s exactly what Bob Vylan do here as to repeat another clichĂ© they completely own the stage.

It was always going to be hard to follow that suckerpunch and next on the main stage with the intense heat still sapping all energy, Disturbed deliver a plodding set. The set list is fine, the performance is far from phoned-in but with the audience struggling and the band following the ferocity of Bob Vylan, Disturbed feel distinctly average today.

We then head to the Opus stage expecting Placebo to also struggle to engage the tired and weary crowd. After all this is the third day which would traditionally be the home straight, and Placebo are not known for their crowd pleasing set list choices.

Pleasantly though those making the effort are surprisingly rewarded not just with an energised performance from the band but also a excellent set of songs including a very rare outing for the superb ‘Nancy Boy’. On their day Placebo can be an incredible live act and today they are at the peak of their powers which re-energises the previously zombified crowd.

It’s then time for night two of Metallica’s no repeat weekend. There are some great choice cuts in the set tonight such as a tour debut for ‘Whiplash’ plus ‘Until It Sleeps’, ‘Wherever I May Roam’ and Thin Lizzy cover ‘Whiskey in the Jar’! The finale of ‘One’ and ‘Enter Sandman’ ensures that the hits are accounted for as well as Metallica deliver another slick and graceful set.

SUNDAY

The final day feels like a step too far, most definitely compounded by the unrelenting heat, but once again when lost in the music all those issues somehow disappear – the power of music!

Bloodywood start the day off with an engaging performance on the Apex stage, before our recent Podcast guests Blind Channel deliver on their promise to bring the energy to Download. The sight of many metalheads singing along to a rendition of Anastacia’s ‘Left Outside Alone’ is a real sight to behold and set closer ‘Dark Side’ has everybody with their middle finger in the air.

Lorna Shore then suffer again from a lack of enthusiasm from the crowd and their sound getting swallowed up by the enormous space. Joey Valence & Brae though have neither issue in the Avalanche tent with a rambunctious and fun-filled slot.

As the heat and the excesses of the weekend catch up on the crowd it’s telling that for this afternoon outdoor sets like The Amity Affliction and Avatar whilst technically great feel like a struggle. Whereas tented sets from Joey Valence and Brae and the brilliant The Meffs are able to revive the crowd and thrive on their rejuvenation.

Thankfully things start to cool as clouds begin to take over the sky as we get ready for Dinosaur Pile-Up on the Opus stage. Sadly technical difficulties shorten their set to just five songs, but those five songs sound fantastic!

I Prevail have a huge slot on the main stage and make a good impression although you do again feel something is just lacking today. Not to flog a dead horse any further but it may be the low energy levels today or the enormity of the stage swallowing the heavier sound but it’s hard to truly get into their set today.

Thankfully the smaller outdoor Opus stage seems to have a lot of energy and Bad Religion are able to take advantage of that next with a typically slick run of punk rock anthems. Opening with ‘American Jesus’ the band able to hold your attention throughout before finishing with a rousing rendition of ’21st Century (Digital Boy)’.

Next up on this stage are Ghost who really should be headlining the main stage at this point. Musically and theatrically they are on another level and you have a sense of the Bring Me The Horizons about then. Hopefully Download Festival will strike while the iron is hot because everything about their performance today is perfect.

Ghost are so good that you also feel it unnecessary to watch Slipknot, but as soon as the band hit the stage you are glad that you stayed. The history between the band and festival is huge and it’s great that they are one of the few acts that seem to properly acknowledge that this weekend.

A standard (which is great) Slipknot set follows with some sentimental set choices and an enthralling stage show. It’s really fitting for Slipknot to close out what has been an intense weekend of celebration.

Download Festival
📾 Live Nation UK PR

The busiest and longest ever Download Festival will last long in the memory for reasons both good and bad. As we said at the start, this festival is a true monster now and has enough dedicated customers to ensure that it will never go down as its predecessor did. It has however become rather soulless and corporate and it feels like the identity it created over the first decade or so could be lost.

Hopefully the event will use this success to both maintain its heritage but also to now really push for the future headliners and top acts to come through. So, congratulations Download on twenty phenomenal years, and here’s to many many more to come!

Share this review on Social Media

Read our review of Slam Dunk Festival

Categories
Magazine

News Report

Every week we roundup the best music news from the past week!

Follow us on Social Media

News Report

Glastonbury Festivals reveals line-up

Welcome everyone to another edition of our weekly music News Report!

Where else could we start this week other than with Glastonbury Festival and their initial 2023 line-up! We now know that Elton John will be joined in headlining the Pyramid Stage by Arctic Monkeys and Guns N Roses!

Also playing over the weekend will be Alt-J, Blondie, Manic Street Preachers, Nova Twins, Royal Blood, slowthai, Texas and Legends Slot filling Yusuf (Cat Stevens).

More here.

Read our review of Nova Twins live in Norwich

Reading & Leeds reveal latest additions

Another major festival dropping line-up additions this week were the August stalwart Reading & Leeds Festivals.

The likes of The Amazons, Frank Turner, Easy Life, Palaye Royale, Sleep Token, Sea Girls, Vistas, The Murder Capital, Normandie, Knocked Loose, Yonaka, Yard Act and Don Broco join the line-up.

They join the likes Sam Fender, Foals, The Killers, Billie Eilish, Imagine Dragons, Wet Leg, You Me At Six, Nothing But Thieves, The Snuts and Hot Milk.

Tickets are here.

Watch The Full Pelt Music Podcast with guest Frank Turner

2000trees line-up grows

It was a good week for festival fans this week as our News Report continues with this stunning line-up from 2000trees Festival!

The absolutely stacked line-up now features added American Football, Eagles of Death Metal, Electric Six, Employed To Serve, Joy Formidable, Tigercub and Black Honey.

The full line-up also hosts the likes of Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes, Hundred Reasons, Skindred, Deaf Havana, Rival Schools, Bob Vylan, Empire State Bastard, Holding Absence, Kid Kapichi, Cancer Bats, Dream State, LostAlone, Witch Fever, Blackgold, Guise, Mimi Barks, Pet Needs, Press To Meco and many more!

“For us, seeing fans just as excited about the bands lower down the line up as they are about the bigger artists is what 2000trees is all about, and this announcement is no different. Heriot and Kneecap were big personal highlights from 2000trees 2022, so to be able to have Heriot return to smash the Main Stage and Kneecap bringing the carnage to the Forest Stage is going to be something special! And there’s still two headliners to come sooner than you might think
” – Festival booker James

Tickets are here.

Check out our Podcasts including guests Guise, Pet Needs & Press To Meco

Standon Calling line-up expands

Also unveiling more of their line-up this week were Standon Calling. The event is due to be headlined by Years & Years, Self Esteem, Bloc Party & The Human League.

Playing across the weekend will be the likes of Rick Astley, Squid, We Are Scientists, Bob Vylan, The Murder Capital, The Big Moon, Lottery Winners, KT Tunstall and The Sherlocks.

Sharing in the excitement of today’s news, Rick Astley said: â€œI can’t wait to head back to Hertfordshire for Standon Calling this July, hope to see you all there!”

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Bob Vylan live in London

The Long Road announce first names for 2023

Leicester’s The Long Road festival returns in 2023 with a line-up including Jon Pardi, Blackberry Smoke and many more.

Commenting on today’s announcement, TLR’s Tennessee-born Creative Director Baylen Leonard said: â€œWe’re delighted to announce the first wave of artists for The Long Road 2023. Our festival is about offering a unique, inclusive experience for our visitors, with amazing music, great food, and a welcoming atmosphere. Our line-up reflects the very best in Country and Americana music today, and we can’t wait to welcome visitors to Stanford Hall for what is going to be a truly unforgettable bank holiday weekend.”

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Beans On Toast live in Norwich

News Report

Kings of Leon announce Wrexham shows

We move our News Report on now to the best tour announcements from the past week and we begin in Wales as Kings of Leon reveal two special dates at the Racecourse Ground in Wrexham this May.

Tickets are here.

Find Full Pelt Music on Youtube

Ashnikko announces UK shows

Also this week, pop disruptor Ashnikko announced her hotly anticipated world tour and debut album ‘WEEDKILLER’, which is out June 2nd.

Speaking on the announcement Ashnikko states “My bioluminescent heart is glowing. My post-apocalyptic fae world is here for you to journey into. My wings have been ripped out, but I’ve built them anew using WEEDKILLER machine parts. I am the one sent here to eliminate you, WEEDKILLER.”

Tickets and album pre-orders are here.

Read our review of ‘This Is Why’ from Paramore

British Lion announce summer tour

British Lion next in our News Report as this week they announced a new UK and European summer tour including dates in Manchester and Nottingham.

Steve Harris comments, â€œWe just had a brilliant time on the January UK tour and it’s great to be heading out again in 2023. I’m really looking forward to BOTH Summer tours this year!”

Tickets are here.

Read our review of British Lion live in Norwich

The Almighty announce special reunion shows

The rumours are true and the original line-up of The Almighty are reuniting for three special shows later this year in Glasgow, Manchester and London.

Support comes from Balaam and the Angel.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Black Star Riders in Ipswich

The Hu announce additional tour dates

Alongside their summer festival appearances, The Hu have revealed a string of headline shows across the UK and Europe.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Download Festival

Theory of a Deadman unveil UK Tour

Canadians Theory of a Deadman are headed to the UK in September for the ‘Dinosaur’ tour with guests Amongst Liars.

Their new album, ‘Dinosaur’, is out March 17th.

Tickets and pre-orders are here.

Read our review of Bullet For My Valentine live in Cambridge

grandson reveals new tour

To launch his second album, ‘I LOVE YOU, I’M TRYING’, grandson has revealed a huge world tour including a number of stops in the UK in September.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of YUNGBLUD live in London

Empire State Bastard reveal debut headline shows

Hype continues to build for the new project from Biffy Clyro duo Simon Neil and Mike Vennart – Empire State Bastard.

This week saw the duo confirm their first headline shows and confirm that the iconic Dave Lombardo will join them on drums!

Tickets sold out in a flash, but you can find more info here.

Read our review of Biffy Clyro live in London

Vistas set for new tour

The final tour announcement in our News Report this week comes from Vistas who will be back out on the road this May.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Y Not Festival 2022

News Report

Metallica debut ‘If Darkness Had a Son’

Metallica – ‘If Darkness Had a Son’

Our News Report looks now at the best new releases from the past week and we begin this week with Metallica!

The legendary band are readying their latest album, ’72 Seasons’, which is out April 14th. This week that meant the debut of new single, ‘If Darkness Had a Son’, which you can listen to above.

Pre-order your copy here.

Listen on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist!

Underoath share new single ‘Let Go’

Underoath – ‘Let Go’

This week saw Underoath return with their brand new single, ‘Let Go’, which you can check out above.

In discussing the song, the band said, “This is actually the first song we completed after recording (last year’s) Voyeurist. It took a few different forms but we got it to a place where we knew this is what it should be. It’s about letting go of whatever trauma or demons that might be holding you back. As hard as it is to make those decisions sometimes, I feel like we can never grow without stepping out of those toxic environments.”

More here.

Listen on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist

DMA’S share ‘Something We Are Overcoming’

DMA’S – ‘Something We Are Overcoming’

DMA’S have this week shared their latest single, ‘Something We Are Overcoming’, which you can listen to above.

The track comes ahead of new album, ‘How Many Dreams?’, which is out March 31st.

“‘Something We Are Overcoming’ started as a moving ballad about perseverance but quickly morphed into a trancey anthem of a side quest that is slightly but steadily DMA’S. We hope you like it.” â€“ DMA’S

Pre-order your album here.

Listen on our Spotify Hot List!

snake eyes debut ‘no one is truly cool’

snake eyes ‘no one is truly cool’

Brighton’s snake eyes have shared new single, ‘no one is truly cool’, and you can check out the video above.

Commenting on the new single, vocalist Jim Heffy says: “I met a bloke in a band I like at a festival after separately having a really lovely chat with one of their bandmates. he was stand-offish and, to be honest, a bit of a prick, giving proper ‘too cool for school’ vibes. the whole exchange left a bad taste in my mouth.”

“the fake cool guy thing can only go so far. no need for a fake personality. just be real, be yaself. even Keith Richards puts down the whiskey and cigs sometimes and watches ‘the last of us’ in his pants with a bowl of nik naks like everyone else.”

The official video for the track was created by the band’s drummer and visual director Thomas Coe-Brooker, who explains of the concept: “in keeping with the song, we thought it’d be fun to make a really cool looking video in the least cool of spaces – a family garage. kinda like when you’re having band practice as a teenager and you’re all really sending it like total bad asses…but ultimately, your mum’s seconds from bursting in to tell you it’s too loud and that your dinner’s ready. that, but with satisfying, nicely framed angles and dreamy in-camera long exposure, 90s style.”

More here.

Listen on our Spotify Hot List!

News Report

Watch Episode 13 of our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist with guests Scruffy Bear

‘Discover’ New Music Podcast – Episode 13 – Scruffy Bear

Read our review of Ghost live in Birmingham

News Report

As always we conclude our News Report with the latest additions to our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist!

News Report
Hell’s Ditch – ‘Ghosts’

Hell’s Ditch have shared new single, ‘Ghosts’, ahead of their debut EP, ‘Take Cover’, out March 23rd.

Vocalist Nick Davis explains: “Ghosts is about the hanging weight of the past, the present and the future. Capitalism puts a premium on individual success, which leads people to feel like their failing if they don’t achieve certain goals or milestones. It’s all too easy to plant trees, grow them, and then cut them down inside the confines of your own head. I wrote most of the lyrics while watching my cats seemingly stare at nothing on the ceiling”.

paradise fell. – ‘VICES.’

Alternative artist paradise fell has shared their debut offering â€˜VICES.’.

“VICES. is a frantic confrontation of the irony; that something which kills us slowly, sets us free in the moment. It makes us feel alive. The bad habits we have are the only things that can save us from the drudgery of daily life. The very things that are killing us, become a cornerstone of our identity. They become familiar. They become part of who we are. A comfort in a chaotic world.” – paradise fell.

News Report
News Report
Hunch Power – ‘Eye for an Eye’

Hunch Power hits back with their new pacifist anthem, ‘Eye for an Eye’.

“I’d been wanting to write a pacifist song about revenge for ages. I was sure about borrowing Ghandi’s famous words for the title and chorus but I couldn’t find the right music to go with it. One day I remembered an old idea I never demoed and realised the music matched perfectly so I wrote new lyrics and the band loved it” – Singer Harvey Springfield

Listen, Follow and Discover your new favourite act now with our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist

Then find out the stories behind the songs on our ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast!

Share our News Report on Social Media

Read our review of YUNGBLUD live in London

Categories
Magazine

News Report

Every week we roundup the best music news from the past week!

Follow us on Social Media

News Report

Bearded Theory line-up additions

Welcome everyone to another edition of our weekly music News Report!

We start this week with a handful of festival announcements and one of the line-ups that got a little bigger this week was the above, belonging to Bearded Theory!

Fresh names include Pretenders, Billy Bragg, Jealous Nostril, Witch Fever and more.

They join a packed line-up including Interpol, Primal Scream, Gogol Bordello, Flogging Molly, Gary Numan, Yard Act, The Mysterines, Pigs x7, The Undertones, Beans On Toast, Grace Petrie, Skinny Lister, Millie Manders and the Shutup, Pet Needs and many more.

Tickets are here.

Check out The Full Pelt Music Podcast including guests Beans On Toast, Skinny Lister & Pet Needs

Latitude Festival line-up takes shape

Also making several line-up additions this week was Suffolk’s Latitude Festival which will see headliners Pulp, Paolo Nutini and George Ezra take to Henham Park in July.

This week has seen James, Yard Act and more join a bill that now includes The Kooks, Paul Heaton + Jacqui Abbott, The Big Moon, Lightning Seeds, The Proclaimers, The Murder Capital, Bob Vylan and many more.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Bob Vylan live in London

Boardmasters reveals new names

The Boardmasters line-up grew exponentially this week including Lorde joining the already announced Liam Gallagher and Florence + The Machine as a headline act.

The full line-up now includes Cypress Hill, Bob Vylan, Yard Act, Nova Twins, Kid Kapichi, Lottery Winners, Cassyette, Black Honey, Squid and more.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Nova Twins live in Norwich

Live At Leeds: In The Park adds final acts

Live At Leeds: In The Park has this week revealed the final acts joining their 2023 line-up set to be headlined by Two Door Cinema Club.

New additions Maximo Park, Kate Nash and Lottery Winners join a bill featuring DMA’s, The Hives, Black Honey, Gengahr, Low Hummer and many more.

Speaking about joining the Live At Leeds: In The Park lineup and Live At Leeds memories of years gone by, Lottery Winners said:

“Live at Leeds is always one of my favourite festival line ups. It’s always crammed with all of my favourite bands, so I’m almost more excited to just go than to play. But I am proper excited to play – might even do a crowd surf.”

Speaking about the final names added to Live At Leeds: In The Park, Festival Promoter Joe Hubbard said:

“Can it be May already? We’re delighted to add even more names to the Live At Leeds: In The Park 2023 lineup – really bringing together an amazing array of names from across Live At Leeds’ history whilst remaining true to that core belief we all have to champion and support the most exciting new names in modern guitar music.

Having the likes of Maximo Park and Kate Nash (who have soundtracked countless memories and influenced a ridiculous amount of artists) alongside the likes of acts like Lottery Winners, James Marriott and Medicine Cabinet really nails what Live At Leeds is all about – and these names joining an already packed bill makes me very excited indeed. All coming together on one day, it’s going to be a special party indeed. We’ll see you there!”

Tickets are here.

Read our review of ‘Nature Always Wins’ from Maximo Park

Hideaway Festival comes to Chelmsford

A new festival is coming to Chelmsford as Hideaway Festival reveals its inaugural line-up including headliners Clean Bandit and Bastille.

They’ll be joined by the likes of James Bay, Texas and Jake Bugg.

Speaking about the first ever Hideaway festival, organiser Roy Trickett said: â€œEveryone on the Hideaway team is so excited to bring this family friendly, boutique Festival to Chelmsford. Headliners have all been hand-selected for their unmissable performances and the venue provides a perfect escape in a central Essex location. We’re very proud to be hosting the first ever music festival in this unique space – and have a few surprises in store for our festival guests!”

Tickets are here.

Find Full Pelt Music on Youtube

Blur confirm Wembley support

We move our News Report on now towards the best live announcements from the past week.

Having already confirmed support acts for their first sold out Wembley Stadium date this summer, Blur have now confirmed they’ll be joined on their second date by Paul Weller and The Selecter.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of ‘Uncertain Joys’ from The Subways

Yunglud is heading to Eden Sessions

Whilst rounding off his UK Arena Tour this week, Yungblud took the opportunity to announce a special one-off show at the Eden Project in Cornwall.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Yungblud’s self-titled new album

Placebo set for Margate date

News Report

This summer promises to be a packed full of great live music and this week Placebo added another night to the mix. The band has confirmed that they will play Dreamland in Margate this June.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of ‘Never Let Me Go’ from Placebo

Tigercub announce UK Tour

News Report

Tigercub have just announced that their third album, ‘The Perfume of Decay’ will be out on June 2nd. You can listen to their brand new single, ‘Play My Favourite Song’, below.

The also revealed a full UK tour set for this autumn.

Tigercub – ‘Play My Favourite Song’

Speaking on the single, frontman Jamie Hall says, “I realised that without music I am alone, without sounds to occupy my brain intrusive thoughts begin to swirl and unease and sadness rises within me, so play my favourite song because silence makes me feel low.”

Tickets are here.

Listen to the single on our Spotify Hot List!

The Mars Volta announce UK shows

News Report

This past week also saw news that The Mars Volta will be playing three UK shows in June, finishing up at the Troxy in London.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of ‘Glorious Sunset’ from Hundred Reasons

Glenn Hughes reveals new UK Tour dates

News Report

The next tour announcement in our News Report comes from the iconic Glenn Hughes, who will be hitting the road this October. The special shows will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of classic Deep Purple album, ‘Burn’.

Support comes from The Damn Truth.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Black Star Riders live in Ipswich

Blood Red Shoes announce club shows

This week Blood Red Shoes revealed that they will be playing a run of club shows including a date at the famous 100 Club in London.

The band said: “We decided it ain’t right that we’ve never played the 100 Club in London. So we booked it! And then it spiralled and we turned it into a 25 date tour of smaller punk venues, in 9 different countries”.

Tickets are here.

Watch Episode 4 of The Full Pelt Music Podcast with guests Blood Red Shoes

The Full Pelt Music Podcast – Episode 4 – Blood Red Shoes

Read our review of ‘Ghosts On Tape’ from Blood Red Shoes

The Cruel Knives reveal new tour dates

Another band set to hit the road in the not too distant future are The Cruel Knives who have revealed a five date run in April.

Tickets are here.

Check out our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist

Pet Needs set for acoustic tour

The final tour announcement in our News Report this week comes from Pet Needs who will be out and about playing acoustically over the next couple of months.

Tickets are here.

Watch Episode 11 of The Full Pelt Music Podcast with guests Pet Needs

The Full Pelt Music Podcast – Episode 11 – Pet Needs

Read our review of Pet Needs live in Norwich

Blind Channel share new single ‘FLATLINE’

Blind Channel – ‘FLATLINE’

Our News Report heads now across to the best new releases from the past week and we begin with Blind Channel.

Following the release last year of their ‘Lifestyles of the Sick & Dangerous’ album, Finland’s Blind Channel are kicking off 2023 with their new standalone single ‘FLATLINE’.

“This is the beginning of the next chapter of our career,” say the band. “Flatline is Blind Channel on steroids. We captured the energy of last year’s 130 shows into one song and threw it to a Berlin rave. The song was written with songwriting duo Blyne and it’s one of the heaviest tracks we’ve ever made. This is pretty unique from scratch. If you’re sick and tired of ups and downs, this song might help you.”

More here.

Listen on our Spotify Hot List!

Softcult share new single ‘Love Song’

Softcult – ‘Love Song’

Next up in our News Report are Canadians Softcult, who this week shared their latest single, ‘Love Song’, which you can check out above. The single comes ahead of new EP, ‘see you in the dark’, which is out on March 24th.

“This is an anxious love song,” Mercedes explains. “It’s about loving someone so intensely that you find yourself in constant fear of losing them. Sometimes love and happiness can feel like these unattainable things that are too good to be true. Once we’ve finally found something our hearts have been yearning for, it’s hard to shake the thought that we will inevitably have to let it go. But these gnawing thoughts can get in the way of us allowing ourselves to be vulnerable, or enjoying our relationships for fear that they won’t last.”

On the video Mercedes says, “We wanted the video to tell the story in a different way, focussing more on getting carried away with our own imaginations when it comes to falling in love. We filmed in a small legion hall and tried to make the ambiance a little depressing and mundane. Our main character is an elderly man who’s sort of given up hope. He’s there having a beer alone while everyone else is playing bingo. When he lays eyes on Gina, his co-star, he gets lost in fantasy, imagining not only the love they might have together but the type of person he could be if he had love in his life.”

More here.

Listen on our Spotify Hot List!

News Report

As always we conclude our News Report with the latest additions to our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist!

News Report
ANGER PARTY – ‘Had Enough’

Alternative Horror Rock band ANGER PARTY are back with their sophomore single ‘Had Enough’!

“Everyday we wake up and have the same conversations, with the same people, on the same subjects, with no purpose or profound effect on our lives. We create a state of perpetual monotony and anxiety, while wearing masks to hide our every emotion. All this is done to make prying onlookers think that everything is fine. ‘Had Enough’ reflects on the deepest, darkest ways to break this cycle and exercise our true feelings on the world. It shows our desire to remove the mask, wipe away the make-up and reveal our true fears, frustrations, aggressions and vulnerability” – Lead Vocalist, Ashley Wilson

Militarie Gun – ‘Do It Faster’

Los Angeles’ Militarie Gun share a thrilling new single in ‘Do It Faster’.

Speaking about the song, vocalist Ian Shelton states: “It is about my overall impatience with life. The agonising wait for things to materialise
 so before resigning to do it myself, I’m imploring the world to just move faster.”

News Report
News Report
De’Lour – ‘No One

South Wales based band De’Lour share their staggering new single ‘No One’.

“No One was one of the first songs we wrote together as a band in a room and not remotely. We got together at the first opportunity we could when lockdown was lifted in 2020. When we wrote No One, we wanted to express our thoughts on society’s lack of self reflection. We all worry about what everyone else thinks of us, but when you boil it down, no one is paying attention, no one really cares. People are only really concerned with what’s going on in their world, inside their own heads. So we wanted to express the feeling that we shouldn’t care about what other people think, we should just go for it if it’s what we want or what we think is best.” – De’lour

Listen, Follow and Discover your new favourite act now with our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist

Then find out the stories behind the songs on our ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast!

Share our News Report on Social Media

Read our review of Beans On Toast live in Norwich

Categories
Live Reviews

Nova Twins

Waterfront, Norwich

Friday 17th February 2023

Follow us on Social Media

NOVA TWINS – NORWICH – LIVE REVIEW

Tonight is a sell out and anticipation is high for one of rocks brightest prospects as Nova Twins commence their UK Tour at the Waterfront in Norwich! This was already a hot ticket, but the added attention the band received at the Brits recently has raised the bar further.

Entering the venue, you know full well that this will likely be the last time Nova Twins are playing venues this small. A rocket has been strapped to their backs and rightly so, because they fitted it themselves. Everything coming their way has come from their own DIY ethics, their own creativity and their own natural talents.

Fittingly, the band has selected two more acts that fit that bill to open on this tour. Up first are Uninvited, who on their showing tonight will be invited to many more shows in the future. Not previously on our radar, they very much are now after an assured and intense opening set. Quickly winning the packed crowd over with their blistering pace, keep an eye on this band, we certainly will be!

Next up are a band further down their career path as it were. Opening slots with My Chemical Romance last summer may have placed Witch Fever on many people’s maps, but the group has been making a noise for a little while now with a steady stream of increasingly impressive singles.

Tonight, they are clearly playing to a crowd in the know and that creates a fantastic atmosphere as the band demonstrate the raw power that has been the base of their early work. The likes of ‘Bloodlust’, ‘Congregation’ and ‘Blessed Be Thy’ sound absolutely massive in this relatively small venue and you again would expect Witch Fever to be moving on to headlining these sized rooms in the near future.

WATCH ‘CHOOSE YOUR FIGHTER’ ON YOUTUBE
Nova Twins – ‘Choose Your Fighter’

Find Full Pelt Music on Youtube

Nova Twins have quickly established themselves on the scene through two very well received albums and a string of support slots and festival appearances. Having caught them play a number of these shorter sets, our main question tonight is how do the band translate over a full headline set. The answer, as was expected, is very well indeed!

Starting off with the likes of ‘Fire & Ice’ and ‘Cleopatra’, the band quickly asserts their ferocious energy on the stage. Audience participation comes naturally and at times it feels like the band and audience are in fact one with each other.

The likes of ‘Taxi’ and ‘Play Fair’ still go hard and the likes of ‘Sleep Paralysis’ simply leave you in awe of the majesty emanating from the stage. Even we opened this review by calling Nova Twins prospects, but that isn’t the case, no, this band are the present and they are ready to take over the world!

An encore of ‘Antagonist’, ‘Undertaker’ and ‘Choose Your Fighter’ is just the cherry on top of the cake. Tonight has shown the sheer quality of new rock acts out there at the moment, with all three bands clearly set for bigger things.  

Share this review on Social Media

Read our review of ‘Supernova’ from Nova Twins

Categories
Magazine

News Report

Every week we roundup the best music news from the past week!

Follow us on Social Media

News Report

Download Festival adds another 40+ bands

Welcome everyone to another edition of our weekly music News Report!

We start this week with the 20th Anniversary of Download Festival which just got a whole load bigger! Yes 40+ new acts have now joined headliners Metallica (x2), Bring Me The Horizon and Slipknot across the special four day event.

Newly announced acts include Alter Bridge, Halestorm, Neck Deep, Bob Vylan, Jinjer, Hot Milk, The Amity Affliction, Empire State Bastard, Dinosaur Pile-Up, Deaf Havana and more!

Also on tap will be the likes of Architects, Evanescence, Within Temptation, Pendulum, The Blackout, Nova Twins, Disturbed, Placebo, Ghost and so many more!

Final tickets are here.

Read our review of Download Festival 2022

News Report

Trivium announce UK Tour

Sticking with the live (and heavy!) side of the business next we move our News Report on to the best tour announcements from the past week!

Getting us started are metal titans Trivium who will return to the UK in late Summer for an intimate tour of some often forgotten towns and cities!

The ‘Goblins and Wizards’ tour will commence in Cambridge, conclude in Southampton and feature support from Bleed From Within and Orbit Culture!

Tickets are here.

Read our review of ‘In the Court of the Dragon’ from Trivium

You Me At Six reveal intimate warm-up dates

Ahead of their appearances at this August’s Reading & Leeds Festivals, You Me At Six will perform two intimate warm-up shows in Leicester and Bournemouth.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of ‘Truth Decay’ from You Me At Six

Miss Vincent & The Nightmares reveal co-headline tour

Fans of Miss Vincent and The Nightmares are in for a treat as the two bands team up for a special co-headline UK Tour this April!

Tickets are here.

Watch Episode 7 of our ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast with guests Miss Vincent!

‘Discover’ New Music Podcast – Episode 7 – Miss Vincent

Read our review of ‘A Funeral for Youth’ from Miss Vincent

News Report

Bury Tomorrow debut ‘Heretic’

Bury Tomorrow – ‘Heretic’ feat. Loz Taylor

Our News Report moves now to the best new releases from the past week and we get things started with the latest single from Bury Tomorrow!

‘Heretic’ featuring While She Sleeps frontman Loz Taylor debuted this week and you can check it out above. It was also revealed that Bury Tomorrow will join WSS at their huge Alexandra Palace show in September.

The track comes from upcoming new album, ‘The Seventh Sun’, which is out March 31st!.

Speaking on Heretic, lead-singer Dani Winter-Bates states “Heretic is here, and we knew from day one of recording that this song was something we wanted the world to hear immediately. It’s right up there with the most aggressive and visceral tracks on the album, with an inherently dark feel, both lyrically and musically, which allowed us to delve into some of the more brutal elements of The Seventh Sun. All in all, we’re extremely proud to showcase this track and can’t wait to see what people think.”

Dani continues “from the off, we knew this song merited a guest vocal spot, and Loz Taylor of While She Sleeps sprang to our minds straightaway. Already an absolute legend in our eyes, working with him on this track has only confirmed that status further. His voice incorporated perfectly and has undoubtedly taken the song to the next level – we couldn’t be happier.”

Pre-order your copy here.

Read our review of Bury Tomorrow live in Norwich

The Raven Age share ‘Parasite’

The Raven Age – ‘Parasite’

The Raven Age have announced that their third studio album, ‘Blood Omen’, will be released on July 7th. To coincide with that announcement, the band unveiled their new single, ‘Parasite’, which you can check out above!

‘Parasite’ is bolstered by a blistering solo from guest guitarist Andy James of Five Finger Death Punch. “I’ve known the lads in The Raven Age for years now,” says Andy. â€œI really like the direction they are heading with this third record and enjoyed doing a guest solo for ‘Parasite’. It’s a heavy but memorable track that hits you right between the eyes.”

For the Essex quintet’s â€œall-important third album”, as George Harris puts it, they have expanded on every level. 

This motivation is written into the album’s concept. Following the theme of its two predecessors, the raven motif looms large, this time centering on the overthrowing of old masters, with the band’s Raven King character coming to prominence. Even in the artwork, things are bolder, a close up of The Raven King, says George, â€œtaking his rightful place on the throne.”

The theme weaves itself throughout ‘Blood Omen’, kicking off with ‘Parasite’ as MJ explains, â€œThere’s the legend about the ravens in the Tower Of London, that if they were ever to leave, the monarchy falls. Without being too political, ‘Parasite’ is hinting at these dark notes of the hierarchy, the bottom feeders that tend to run everything and then screw everything up. Our Raven King, he’s basically ascending to the throne to bring down the monarchy, bring down the establishment, weed out the parasites, as it were.”

“It’s a heavy track,” MJ continues, â€œWe knew we wanted to come back with a real punch between the eyes. It’s the full introduction to our Raven King, and it touches on elements of everything to come. It really shows where we’re going on this album.”

The album also sees the recorded debut of new guitarist Tommy Gentry, the prodigiously talented axeman – whose previous work includes stints with Marco Mendoza and former Judas Priest six-stringer KK Downing.

“Tommy was in our sights from day one,” says George. â€œHe’s, without doubt, the most talented musician I know. Not only is he an amazing guitarist, he’s a grade eight pianist, he can score orchestral music, and all that brings something to the table.”

Pre-order your copy here.

Find Full Pelt Music on Youtube

The Hold Steady share new single ‘Sixers’

The Hold Steady – ‘Sixers’

‘The Price of Progress’, the latest album from The Hold Steady is out on March 31st. This week the band continued to preview the record with new single, ‘Sixers’, which you can check out above.

“‘Sixers’ was written in the first days of the pandemic,” says frontman Craig Finn. “It’s basically a song about knowing your neighbors. Two young professionals meet up in their building late on a Friday night and spend the weekend partying together. They try to find a love connection, but it’s not quite there. It’s hard to make friends when your job is so demanding. Tad and Steve chime in with some beautiful guitar harmonies.”

Pre-order your copy here.

Listen to our two Podcasts

The View return with ‘Feels Like’

The View – ‘Feels Like’

This week saw The View return with news of their first new album in eight years! ‘Exorcism of Youth’ will be released on June 9th and was preceded this week by the single, ‘Feels Like’, which you can check out above!

Frontman Kyle Falconer says, â€œWorking with Youth on our third album ‘Bread and Circuses’ was one of the best experiences of my career so we jumped at the chance to revisit the opportunity with him in Spain. To be able to go into the studio again as a band with added experience was just magical.” 

On the single Falconer adds, “This one felt anthemic from the get go. Even though under the surface it’s about somewhere everyone’s been in their life before: regret of losing someone amazing due to your inner demons and seeing them moving on with their life, when you’re stuck in a ‘nightmare not a dream.’ When I first sat down to write it I had Holden Caulfield from ‘Catcher in the Rye’ in mind. It’s playing out in his mind and it’s his own paranoia destroying him from the inside out when in reality she’s the perfect woman.” 

Pre-order your copy here.

Read our review of ‘Uncertain Joys’ from The Subways

Ryan Hamilton unveils “Asshole”

Ryan Hamilton – ‘Asshole’

Texan singer-songwriter Ryan Hamilton has shared his latest single, ‘Asshole’, which you can check out above. The track comes from upcoming album, ‘Haunted by the Holy Ghost’, which is out March 10th.

A music video for the track features World Champion Barrel Racer, Ryann Pedone & Conor the badger. Ryan says, “It’s not everyday you shoot a music video with a badger! Why a badger? Because badgers are assholes. They’re adorable assholes. Haha. So proud of this song. The self sabotaging title will keep it off most radio stations
 which is a shame, because it deserves to be a big hit.”

Pre-order your copy here.

Watch Episode 15 of The Full Pelt Music Podcast with guest Ryan Hamilton

The Full Pelt Music Podcast – Episode 15 – Ryan Hamilton

Find Full Pelt Music on Youtube

The Dollyrots share ‘Still Holding On’

The Dollyrots – ‘Still Holding On’

The Dollyrots have released a brand new UK single titled ‘Still Holding On’ to kick off their first ever UK co-headline tour with Don’t Panic and special guest Royals.

You can listen to the track above!

““Still Holding On” is the first song we’re releasing off our newest recordings, from the first full album sessions since 2019! It’s a hint of a flavor for the next LP to be released later this year. Since we’ll be touring the UK this month we thought we’d give our friends here a treat and release it exclusive to the United Kingdom.”” says singer Kelly Ogden.

More here.

Read our review of ‘Pop Drunk Snot Bread’ from Bowling For Soup

Millie Manders and the Shutup share ‘Rebound’

Millie Manders and the Shutup – ‘Rebound’

This week saw Millie Manders and the Shutup share their new single, ‘Rebound’, on Valentine’s Day! You can of course listen to the track above!

An ode to toxic online dating, as Millie explains: “Rebound reflects my experience with online dating, but most people I have spoken to have had similar and worse experiences with it. I wanted to write a song that was in solidarity with those on the receiving end of a rebound relationship and let them know they were never the problem.”

The comes ahead of the bands upcoming UK Tour in April.

Tickets are here.

Listen to on our Spotify Hot List!

Chris Shiflett shares ‘Black Top White Lines’

Chris Shiflett – ‘Black Top White Lines’

The steady stream of fantastic new music in our News Report continues to flow from iconic Foo Fighters guitarist Chris Shiflett. You can check out his latest solo effort, ‘Black Top White Lines’, above now!

More here.

Listen on out Spotify Hot List!

REWS debut ‘Misery’

REWS – ‘Misery’

Our News Report continues to run through the best new releases of the week with the excellent new single from REWS!

You can check out ‘Misery’ above which comes ahead of new album, ‘Meridians’, which is due November 3rd!

Pre-order your copy here.

Listen on our Spotify Hot List!

Lottery Winners share new single ‘Money’

Lottery Winners – ‘Money’ feat. Shaun Ryder

The fantastic Lottery Winners continue to prepare for their upcoming album, ‘Anxiety Replacement Therapy’, which is out April 26th!

This week the group shared new single, ‘Money’, which features non-other than Shaun Ryder! Check out the video above.

Pre-order your copy here.

Read our review of Neck of the Woods Festival

Pet Needs share video for ‘Ibiza in Winter’

Pet Needs – ‘Ibiza in Winter’

This week also saw Pet Needs revealed as the special guests on Lottery Winners upcoming UK Tour. That wasn’t the only news for Pet Needs this week however, as they also debuted their video for ‘Ibiza in Winter’, which you can check out above!

New album ‘Primetime Entertainment’ available here.

Watch Episode 11 of The Full Pelt Music Podcast with guests Pet Needs!

The Full Pelt Music Podcast – ‘Episode 11’ – Pet Needs

Read our review of Pet Needs live in Norwich

Sean McGowan shares ‘Man Up’

Sean McGowan – ‘Man Up’

Also with new music on offer this week was Sean McGowan who shared his latest single, ‘Man Up’! Listen to the track above.

More here.

Read our review of Xtra Mile Recordings 20th Anniversary in London

News Report

As always we conclude our News Report with the latest additions to our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist!

News Report
Spyres – ‘Sleep Forever’

Glasgow four-piece Spyres return with their new single, ‘Sleep Forever’.

Vocalist/guitarist Keira McGuire explains:

“Sleep Forever is a song about blocking out the realities of life and living in your own world, not wanting to grow up, becoming an adult which puts an end to teenage daydreams and fantasies.”

FUDGE.- ‘Y.F.F.G.’

FUDGE. release their new single, ‘YOUR FALL FROM GRACE’, taken from their forthcoming ‘THAT’S JUST IT, THIS IS NOW’ EP!

Commenting about ‘Y.F.F.G.’ singer Cam says: “It’s different to our usual songs but it’s a fan favourite and shows a very atmospheric, abstract vibe and I see it as a rebellious love song. The feeling I get from this song is the same as the almost surreal sensation you get when you’re on your own late at night or early morning. That may sound strange but some of you might get what I mean.”

Guitarist Otto expands: “I call this our quiet song. I wrote it whilst someone was sleeping in the same room as me, so I picked something sweet sounding and played it with compassion. Luckily, the outcome was one of our most palatable songs for the listener and, honestly, one that I never meant to write but am grateful that I did.”

Drummer Angus adds: “You get to hear Cam’s sensitive side on this song, which is usually hidden behind his radginess. It’s a lot smoother in its ebbs and flows and playing drums to this is actually quite a relaxing experience because, for once, I can sit back and let the song do the work. For that reason, it’s bigger than its constituent parts. A bit of a banger in other words.”

News Report
News Report
IKONIK – ‘Wall of Stone

‘Wall of Stone’ is the debut single from IKONIK, the brainchild of Copenhagen’s Katrine Wachmann.

“‘Wall of Stone’ is a song about commitment issues and being stuck in a relationship that is going nowhere, though knowing that vulnerability might be the only way to make a relationship work. Whatever the listeners get from this song I’m just truly humble, amazed and excited that IKONIK is off on its wings and ready to fly out into the world”.

Listen, Follow and Discover your new favourite act now with our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist

Then find out the stories behind the songs on our ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast!

Share our News Report on Social Media

Read our review of Black Star Riders live in Ipswich

Categories
Magazine

News Report

Every week we roundup the best music news from the past week!

Follow us on Social Media

News Report

Download Festival reveals 20th Anniversary line-up

Welcome everyone to another edition of our weekly music News Report!

We start this week with festival announcements and where else could we start other than the monster 20th Anniversary line-up announcement from Download Festival!

Extended to four days this year the event will feature two unique headline sets from Metallica, the return of Donington icons Slipknot and a well deserved top billing for Bring Me The Horizon.

Other big slots are taken by the likes of Alexisonfire, Architects, The Distillers, Disturbed, Evanescence, Ghost, I Prevail, Parkway Drive, Pendulum, Placebo, Simple Plan, Ville Valo and Within Temptation.

It doesn’t stop there and also playing will be the likes of The Blackout, Fever 333, Kid Kapichi, Nova Twins, Seether and Witch Fever.

Tickets are selling fast and are available here.

Read our review of Download Festival 2022

Airbourne to headline Steelhouse Festival

Welsh rock fans are in for a treat when Airbourne bring the party on Saturday night at next years Steelhouse Festival!

The Aussies will headline the event which also features The Answer, Blues Pills, Kris Barras Band, Florence Black, The Cruel Knives, Austin Gold and more, with plenty more to be announced.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Airbourne live in Norwich

Arctangent reveals initial wave of acts

Bristol’s Arctangent has revealed a wave of acts set for next August’s event including deafheaven playing ‘Sunbather’ in full.

They are joined by the likes of Pigs x7, And So I Watch You From Afar, Loathe, Brutus, Scalping, Svalbard, Conjurer and many more.

Tickets are here.

Listen to our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Spotify Playlist

South Facing bill revealed for 2023

Crystal Palace Bowl in London will once again host South Facing festival next summer and this week Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and more were amongst the first acts revealed.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of The Snuts live in Norwich

News Report

Peter Gabriel announces first EU tour in nearly a decade!

We stay with the live side of things next as our News Report moves onto the best tour announcements from the past week!

Peter Gabriel has revealed his first European tour in nearly a decade including UK dates in Birmingham, London, Glasgow and Manchester.

Gabriel said of the tour: â€œIt’s been a while and I am now surrounded by a whole lot of new songs and am excited to be taking them out on the road for a spin. Look forward to seeing you out there.”

Tickets are here.

Read our review of ‘The Car’ from Arctic Monkeys

Peter Hook & The Light reveal additional UK dates

Peter Hook & The Light will be bringing his ‘Joy Division: A Celebration’ tour back to the UK again next April.

Hook will be performing the albums ‘Unknown Pleasures’ and ‘Closer’ plus an opening set of New Order material.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of ‘Songs From Planet Earth’ from Deux Furieuses

Primal Scream & Happy Mondays to team up in Margate

We continue our News Report with news that Saturday 5th August will see Dreamland in Margate taken over be a co-headline show from Primal Scream and Happy Mondays.

Tickets are here.

Find Full Pelt Music on Youtube

James announce 40th Anniversary Tour

In celebration of their 40th Anniversary, James have announced a new UK ‘James Lasted’ Tour complete with 22-piece orchestra and gospel choir!

Tim Booth says “There are a number of great bands who have been around for 40. But to get here and to be having the best time of our lives. To be part of a supportive loving family that still has something to say and new ways to say it. To be turned on by every gig and song. To fall in love over and over again, Groundhog Day, with our bandmates and audience. Damn. That’s time well spent.

We should have recorded the orchestra tour first time round, as many of you have reminded us. Well, we’ve done it now. And here comes the tour. The Orchestra and Gospel singers expand our palette, heighten the tenderness, heighten the celebration and, despite their numbers, somehow leave us feeling more naked and raw. It will be different, probably each night, because we are James and Joe knows how to dance with us. And because you are different, each night. Please leave your phones behind, come and play in the moment.
”

Jim Glennie says “Has it really been 40 years? In some ways it feels like yesterday and in others, many lifetimes. I’ve lived a blessed existence, being in a band I’m supremely proud of with musicians that would grace any stage. A family of brothers and sisters, willing to support each other musically and emotionally. We are bloody minded and independent to the core. Uniquely challenging, always pushing ourselves into the new and taking risks collectively and individually, looking for transcendence. With love, trust, and acceptance we grow. Somewhere in a parallel universe, James are the biggest band on the planet. Here’s to another 40 years.”

Tickets and album pre-orders are here.

Read our review of ‘Signs of Life’ from Asylums

Razorlight announce ‘best of’ Tour

News Report

Our News Report continues with the news that Razorlight will hitting the road in April next year for a special ‘best of’ tour.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of the self-titled album from The Hunna

Daughtry reveal UK Tour

Daughtry will be returning to the UK in March for a run of dates that will conclude at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Sum 41 live in London

British Lion set up new UK run

Iron Maiden’s Steve Harris will once again be taking British Lion on the road in the UK next January. Joining them for these shows will be Coney Hatch and Airforce.

Steve Harris comments, “We’re excited to be touring the UK again especially as we’ll be visiting many places we’ve not had a chance to play before. It’s fantastic that we’ve got long-time friends Coney Hatch coming over from Canada to join us. We had great fun when they were our special guests on the British Lion Canadian shows in 2018. And we’re happy to have our old mates Airforce back out on the road with us too. Everyone is really looking forward to this tour and we can’t wait to see everyone.”

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Iron Maiden at Download Festival

Dirty Honey announce ‘California Dreamin’ Tour

Rockers Dirty Honey have announced a UK/EU Tour taking place early next year.

Prior to the tour, in January 2023, the band are set to release a brand new, re-recorded version of album track ‘Heartbreaker’.

“Some songs really come to life after they’ve been performed a bunch of times. You can really see an audience react to a line being sung a certain way or a riff grooving that you didn’t think of while recording in the studio. Over time we realized the song took on a new life on the road in both North America and Europe and we wanted to capture that energy
.” – Marc Labelle, vocalist of Dirty Honey, talking about Heartbreaker 2.0

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Dirty Honey supporting Rival Sons

Dream State reveal UK tour dates

A refreshed Dream State have revealed their first UK Tour with their new look line-up.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Pulled Apart By Horses live in Norwich

Pet Needs expand their ‘Primetime Entertainment’ Tour

Pet Needs have announced additional dates for their ‘Primetime Entertainment’ Tour, with the new shows taking place early next year.

Tickets are here.

Watch Episode 11of The Full Pelt Music Podcast with guests Pet Needs

The Full Pelt Music Podcast – Episode 11 – Pet Needs

Read our review of ‘Primetime Entertainment’ from Pet Needs

News Report

Skindred announce new album ‘Smile’

Skindred – ‘GIMME THAT BOOM’

We move our News Report on now to the best new releases from the past week and we begin with Skindred!

The group this week announced new album, ‘Smile’, will be released August 4th. The band also shared new single, ‘GIMME THAT BOOM’, which you can check out above.

The track is based on a frustrating encounter lead singer Benji Webbe had with an overfamiliar fan.
 
“I was out shopping one day and I could hear someone building up asking me for a picture,” Webbe recalls. “The person didn’t care who I was with or what I was doing – they just wanted their picture. In this day and age, people want you and they expect to get you on tap, constantly giving you that ‘boom’ so they can get their Instagram Likes up. It’s important to remember that people can’t give you that ‘boom’ all the time. People think because they follow you on social media, they own you.”

Pre-order your copy here.

Read our review of Download Pilot Festival

The Dead Daisies share ‘Born To Fly’

The Dead Daisies – ‘Born To Fly’

Ahead of their UK Tour next month, The Dead Daisies have released new single, ‘Born To Fly’, which you can listen to above.

“Doug & I got together in New York earlier in the year and worked on a riff that I had written previously.  Doug had a chorus that just fitted, we messed around with the melody and came up with the name ‘Born To Fly’.  This is a straight-up rock song.  For me it’s literal, I was born to fly.  However we’re all born to fly in our own way.” – David Lowy

Tickets are here.

Listen to our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist

REWS share ‘The World That You Left Behind’

REWS – ‘The World That You Left Behind’

This week saw REWS share new single, ‘The World That Left You Behind’, which you can check out above.

“Ah! I’m ecstatic about finally releasing this song!! It’s got so much energy, riff’s for days and a great message!! I wrote it with a great friend of mine from NI, Cahir O’Doherty (New Pagans). It is a song that journey’s through how we can support those people in our lives who get carried away with negative thoughts and feel utterly lost and alone. Hopefully the song will provide a nice audio net for people to fall into at times of need, so they know they aren’t alone!” – Shauna

More here.

Read our review of REWS at Y Not Festival

The Bottom Line debut ‘Fake Love’

The Bottom Line – ‘Fake Love’

The Bottom Line have debuted their latest single, ‘Fake Love’, which you can check out above.

More here.

Listen to our Podcasts

Black Honey announce 3rd album ‘A Fistful of Peaches’

Black Honey – ‘Heavy’

Our News Report continues with the news that Black Honey will release their third album, ‘A Fistful of Peaches’, on March 17th.

You can check out their new single, ‘Heavy’, above.

Pre-order your copy here.

Read our review of Black Honey live in Norwich

Dream Wife debut ‘Leech’

Dream Wife – ‘Leech’

Finally, our News Report brings you ‘Leech’, the brand new single from Dream Wife, which you can of course listen to above!

More here.

Read our review of Dream Wife at Y Not Festival

News Report
News Report

As always we conclude our News Report with the latest additions to our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist!

News Report
Dissonants – ‘Grave Mind’

Dissonants have shared their huge new single ‘Grave Mind’.

‘Lyrically, Grave Mind is more conceptual than our previous work. I wrote the track from the viewpoint of someone on their deathbed looking back on their life and wondering if, now that it’s over and coming to a close, they can be happy and at peace. For this track we wanted to draw less from our own experiences and look at concepts such as mortality and happiness, and how one can affect the other’. – Frontman Benjie Allen.

News Report
M(h)aol – ‘Asking For It’

M(h)aol will release debut album, ‘Attachment Styles’ on February 3rd. This week they shared new single, ‘Asking For It’.

On the track singer RĂłisĂ­n said, “I wrote it initially in 2016 then revisited it in 2020. I was shocked by how much internalised victim blaming there was in the lyrics. I rewrote it, then we recorded it and it was released to raise money for Women’s Aid in 2021. The album version is a lot angrier than the 2021 one and almost satirical insofar as it’s highlighting how ludicrous the notion of anyone ‘asking for it’ is.”

News Report
Chasing Kites – ‘Shiver’

Bath-based indie-rock four-piece Chasing Kites return with their fourth single ‘Shiver’.

Speaking about the writing process, vocalist and lyricist Matt Donnelly explains, ‘’Shiver came together extremely quickly. I’d had the lyrics lying around for a very long time and felt they fit perfectly with the sonic side of the track when the melody was written. As we built on the skeleton of the song, our aim was to take us back into the realms of indie rock through powerful injections of energy in the choruses, while maintaining our commercial sound throughout.’’

Watch Episode 21 of our ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast with guests Dissonants

‘Discover’ New Music Podcast – Episode 21 – Dissonants

Listen, Follow and Discover your new favourite act now with our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist

Then find out the stories behind the songs on our ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast!

Share our News Report on Social Media

Read our review of Bury Tomorrow live in Norwich

Categories
Magazine

News Report

Every week we roundup the best news from the past week!

Follow us on Social Media

News Report

Pendulum announce 2 London shows

Welcome everybody to another edition of our weekly music News Report!

We are starting this week with the best tour announcements from the past week and we begin with a special treat for Pendulum fans.

Yes, after their secret sets at Reading & Leeds Festivals, Pendulum revealed not one but two dates at the legendary O2 Academy Brixton for March next year.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Reading Festival

Mogwai reveal new tour dates

This week also saw Mogwai announce a new UK Tour with dates in England and Wales next year joining Scottish dates set for this year.

Support next February will come from 3RA1N1AC.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Idlewild live in London

Kulu Shaker announce new UK Tour

Another band revealing new UK Tour dates for next year was Kula Shaker as they announced the ‘Eternal Love’ Tour.

The band are also scheduled for a London show this December.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of All Point East with Gorillaz

Nova Twins reveal additional tour dates

Following the success of their recent album, ‘Supernova’, Nova Twins have now revealed additional tour dates, scheduled for next year.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of ‘Supernova’ from Nova Twins

WSTR announce UK Tour

WSTR also had a new UK Tour to announce this past week with the band hitting the road later this year. Support comes from Superlove.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Jimmy Eat World live in London

Pet Needs reveal new UK Tour

Pet Needs have just released their sophomore album, ‘Primetime Entertainment’, and this week they announced the obligatory headlining tour to accompany the release.

Support for these shows comes variously from Tundra and Bridget..

The tour finishes in their hometown Colchester on December 16th with special guest Sean McGowan plus Ecto Peach and Oxbowlake!

Speaking about the show, Johnny says: “We’re headlining a 400-capacity venue in our hometown Colchester at Christmas. I moved here 7-8 years ago now. For local bands, if you play Colchester Arts Centre, you’ve got credibility. I never thought we’d headline that venue and If we can sell it out, that’d be incredible.”

Tickets are here.

Read our review of ‘Primetime Entertainment’ from Pet Needs

News Report

Nickelback return with ‘San Quentin’

Nickelback – ‘San Quentin’

We move our News Report now onwards to the best new releases from the past week and we start off with the return of Nickelback!

Yes the Canadians returned this week with new single, ‘San Quentin’, which you can listen to above. The track will feature on new album, ‘Get Rollin’, which will be released 31st March.

Pre-order your copy here.

Listen to ‘San Quentin’ on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist

Alter Bridge share ‘Sin After Sin’

Alter Bridge – ‘Sin After Sin’

Alter Bridge also had new music on display this week as they shared their latest single, ‘Sin After Sin’, which you can hear above.

The track features on upcoming album, ‘Pawns & Kings’, which is out October 14th.

Pre-order your copy here.

Read our review of Pearl Jam live at BST Hyde Park

Black Star Riders debut ‘Pay Dirt’

Black Star Riders – ‘Pay Dirt’

This week Black Star Riders shared the latest look at new album, ‘Wrong Side Of Paradise’, which is out January 20th. You can check out new single, ‘Pay Dirt’, above.

Frontman Ricky Warwick comments: “Rock’n’Roll is my lover, friend, enemy, ally, religion and saviour. Rock’n’Roll is my life. Christian Martucci and the late Todd Youth wrote the music for this. And when I heard it, it stank with defiance and attitude. It didn’t need changing, just some words to echo the power of the chords. It’s an ode to Rock’n’Roll
 But also a dig at those that don’t learn their art and don’t play from the heart!”

About the album Ricky adds: â€œI am very proud of this record, Black Star Riders’ fifth release and the first with our new and exciting relationship with Earache Records. As with all BSR albums, ‘Wrong Side Of Paradise’ is an anthemic statement of intent,  driven by ferocious guitars and thundering drums. I can only write about my own personal experiences, my families, my friends and how I see a world that is unraveling and changing faster than we can comprehend. That being said, I’m a firm believer in the power of positivity, something that echoes throughout this album”

In addition to the new record, Black Star Riders will embark on their 10th Anniversary tour, starting from 13th February 2023.
 
Ricky Warwick further comments: â€œCan you believe 2023 is 10 years of Black Star Riders? 
 How time flies while you are having fun!  We decided to do something special to commemorate this occasion. For the UK tour only, to coincide with the album’s release, we will be bringing back the legendary Scott Gorham (guitar) and Jimmy DeGrasso (drums) for the dates to make them extra special!”

Pre-orders and tickets here.

Read our review of Ricky Warwick live in Norwich

The Cult debut ‘A Cut Inside’

The Cult – ‘A Cut Inside’

Our News Report continues with the latest single from The Cult, ‘A Cut Inside’, which you can listen to above.

The track comes from new album, ‘Under The Midnight Sun’, which is out on October 7th.

Leading to 2020, The Cult had been on a rolling cycle of releasing albums, touring, and recording. As the world shut down and everyone was forced to reprioritise the way they approached life and work. “When the world stopped, I had this moment to write in real time, to calculate,” says Ian Astbury.

When lockdown lifted and the group could meet to record, they teamed up with Dalgety. “I was compelled by this vision, this anomaly, this memory, of being under the midnight sun. Tom helped us bring a new musical shape and frequency to our process.”

Pre-order your copy here.

Find Full Pelt Music on Youtube

Pixies share new track ‘Dregs of the Wine’

Pixies – ‘Dregs of the Wine’

Pixies up next in our News Report as they shared new track, ‘Dregs of the Wine’, this week, which you can listen to above.

The track comes from upcoming new album, ‘Doggerel’, which is out September 30th.

Black Francis says the song is about, â€œLiving in Los Angeles in the ‘90s with my then-wife, hanging out with Joey and his ex-wife, lots of trips to Las Vegas, a lot of drinking, little bit drug taking, some genuine good times.” 

Flashforward to the present day. Joey Santiago was jamming at home on his guitar and the initial idea behind the song may well have been lost to the moment.

He recalls, â€œI guess I was in kind of a zombie state, just playing. After I stopped playing I put it down and went, ‘Well, that was a fucking waste of time, what a piece of shit I am.’ I beat myself up a lot, but my girlfriend, unbeknownst to me, was recording me. She played it back to me and I go, ‘Fuck! Hold on a second here! This stuff is good!’” 

Pre-order your copy here.

Read our review of Pixies live at BST Hyde Park

Smith/Kotzen release ‘Got A Hold On Me’ live video

Smith/Kotzen – ‘Got A Hold On Me (live)’

The duo of Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen will release ‘Better Days… And Nights’ on September 16th.

This week they shared the live video for ‘Got A Hold On Me’, which you can check out above.

Adrian Smith comments, â€œI think everyone in the band was extremely happy with how our very first tour turned out. We were all naturally a little anxious as we’d never played live together before but once we got out there, everything fell into place really easily and we all had a tremendous amount of fun. I can’t wait until we can do it again and get to play in many more places next time round.” 
 
Richie Kotzen adds, â€œWe spent a lot of time discussing which of the songs from the live show to include on this CD. We wanted to capture an accurate snapshot of the special vibe we all felt on the tour and I think we’ve achieved this in the songs we’ve selected, and hope our fans will agree. We’re looking forward to seeing everybody again on future tours.” 

Pre-order your copy here.

Read our review of ‘Smith/Kotzen’ from Smith/Kotzen

Those Damn Crows debut ‘Wake Up (Sleepwalker)’

Those Damn Crows – ‘Wake Up (Sleepwalker)’

There really is an amazing amount of great new music in our News Report this week and next up are Those Damn Crows.

This week the band shared their new single, ‘Wake Up (Sleepwalker)’, which you can listen to above.

The track features on their upcoming new album, ‘Inhale/Exhale’, which is out February 17th.

Pre-order your copy here.

Read our review of ‘Patient Number 9’ from Ozzy Osbourne

Maximo Park share new single ‘Merging Into You’

Maximo Park – ‘Merging Into You’

This week also saw Maximo Park share their latest single, ‘Merging Into You’, which you can check out above.

Singer Paul Smith comments on the song:

“Merging Into You’s organ sound reminds me of some of our early songs, which ended up on the flipside of our first singles. The song is a romantic look at the first, tentative moments of a relationship, enhanced by Du Blonde’s brilliant voice. We’re all fans of Beth’s music and she added a different texture to our sound, along with Faye MacCalman’s swooning sax that carries the song to its close.”

More here.

Read our review of ‘Nature Always Wins’ from Maximo Park

The Snuts debut ‘Knuckles’

The Snuts – ‘Knuckles’

The Snuts were allowed to share more new music from their upcoming new album, ‘Burn The Empire’, this week.

The album is out October 7th, but you can listen to new track, ‘Knuckles’, above now!

Pre-order your copy here.

Read our review of The Snuts live in Colchester

Chris Shiflett shares new track ‘Born & Raised’

Chris Shiflet – ‘Born & Raised’

Foo Fighter Chris Shiflet shared more new music this week, and you can listen to his new track, ‘Born & Raised’, above!

More here.

Listen to ‘Born & Raised’ on our Spotify Hot List!

Lonely The Brave share new single ‘Only You Say It’

Lonely The Brave – ‘Only You Say It’

As the band return to the road this week, Lonely The Brave have shared a new single, ‘Only You Say It’, which you can listen to above!

More here.

Read our review of ‘The Hope List’ from Lonely The Brave

REWS debut ‘Pretty Face’

REWS – ‘Pretty Face’

REWS had more new music to share this week, and you can listen to new single, ‘Pretty Face’, above!

More here.

Read our review of Y Not Festival

Stray From The Path share video for ‘Needful Things’

Stray From The Path – ‘Needful Things’

Stray From The Path celebrate the release of new album, ‘Euthanasia’, with the debut of the video for ‘Needful Things’.

The band will shortly play an intimate UK Tour to celebrate the album release even further.

Speaking of tour, guitarist, Tom Williams, says “We are stoked to return back to the UK and mainland Europe to do some small and intimate album release shows for our new record, ‘Euthanasia’. By the time we get there, it will be almost three years since we’ve been back. We’ve dropped ‘Guillotine’ and ‘III’ and our UK/EU people have been wanting us back ASAP, I’m glad we can get back there for them. We’re bringing with us a brand new album, two amazing up and coming bands in Vatican and Guilt Trip, and three years of too much time spent away from some of our favourite places on earth.”

Albums and tickets are here.

Listen to our Podcasts

Wednesday 13 shares new single ‘Insides Out’

Wednesday 13 – ‘Insides Out’

As our News Report continues we look towards Wednesday 13 who this week debuted new single, ‘Insides Out’, which you can check out above.

The track comes ahead of 9th album, ‘Horrifier’, which is out October 7th.

About the track, Wednesday 13 says: “Our latest single ‘Insides Out’ is a very heavy song, so it only made sense to make a video to match the sound! Torture and violence is the main theme of this song, and we continue along the lines of the last music video with another horror movie theme here too.”

Pre-order your copy here.

Beth Orton debuts ‘Fractals’

Beth Orton – ‘Fractals’

Beth Orton is another artist with an imminent album release. Her latest effort, ‘Weather Alive’ is out September 23rd, and this week she released her latest single. You can check out ‘Fractals’ above.

Orton says of the song, “The track is a beautiful example of the nature of collaboration, where people come in as they are,” she says. “You’re hearing the first take. I would never have been able to conjure that music without these musicians.”

Pre-order your copy here.

Read our review of ‘Viva Las Vengeance’ from Panic! At The Disco

Oakman share ‘SCP’

Oakman – ‘SCP’

Oakman have announced that their new EP, ‘SCP’, will be out September 30th. This week also saw the band share the video for the title track, which you can watch above.

“It is finally the end of a period. We are very excited to be able to give you the last pieces of this new baby,” says lead singer, Marine, about the new EP. “The last few months have gone by quickly and have been quite intense but it’s also a relief because we cannot wait to get our heads into what will be the next part of Oakman. We hope you enjoy this EP and we hope you can feel the sincerity of the emotions we wanted to share with you. Soon, this EP will belong to you.”

About the song, the band says, “Marine was watching a show during lockdown called “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”. The main character reminded her of a character she had played when she was doing theater. After the foundation of ‘SCP’ was written, she wrote the lyrics about these two characters. ‘SCP’ is a sarcastic and second degree track about the fear of loneliness and not being loved at all costs with a neurotic side.”

Pre-order here.

Watch Episode 22 of our ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast with guests Oakman

‘Discover’ New Music Podcast – Episode 22 – Oakman

Read our review of ‘How Will I Know If Heaven Will Find Me?’ from The Amazons

News Report

As always we conclude our News Report with the latest additions to our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist!

Grave Goods – ‘Die’

Grave Goods share the song ‘Die’ from their debut album, ‘Tuesday. Nothing Exists’, out now!

Speaking of the single, drummer Sarah Grimes said, “Lois sent us the idea for DIE as a sort of electronic track, and when we were all together we worked out how to make it into a live band sound and add our own stamp to it. Whilst recording at Invada we felt that the build up towards the end of DIE needed more layers, so Lois and Phil tried out a couple of synths and settled on a sound that worked – it’s the only song that has synth.

During the last 15 minutes of our recording time Phil added extra layers by messing around with some guitar feedback – the final sound to be recorded on the album, which is kind of special when you think about it especially as DIE is the closing track of the album.”

Harpy – ‘Medicine’

Harpy is back to share her brand new single, ‘Medicine’!

“Sometimes we don’t want to be saved. Sometimes we want to feel the pain, to revel in the misery. We do things that are bad for us, because sometimes they feel good… so good that we go back to them again, and again, and again. That’s what Medicine is about.” – Harpy

Creature Cult – ‘ughly’

Creature Cult are a duo from Colchester, Essex consisting of Connar Ridd (vocals/guitar) and Jonn Downham (synths/backing vocals). The present their latest single, ‘ughly’.

Explaining the track further, Connar said, “I had to leave a job recently because I was told I didn’t dress the way they wanted me to when I was dressed perfectly fine. If someone without piercings and tattoos and bleached hair would have worn the same thing I doubt there would have been an issue. I’m bored of being made to feel like an alien for just trying to be who I am, this song is exactly about it. It’s about paranoia to leave the f*cking house because you’re thinking about what homophobic comment someone is gunna say when you’re queuing in the corner shop. About feeling exhausted to be yourself because people try and make it hard for you to be. But there is a community for people who stick together and stand tall, a community where difference is celebrated and we are all ‘freaks’ together, and this song is a f*ck you to the people who try to take that away.”

Jonn adds, “I was recently sitting at a bus stop and had a group of guys hurling the foulest homophobic comments at me simply because I was wearing makeup and dressed in a faux-fur coat. It’s both crazy and sad that there are people who still have these sorts of views towards others simply for being or looking different to what’s considered ‘normal’. It’s not okay”

Listen, Follow and Discover your new favourite act now with our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist

Then find our the stories behind the songs on our ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast!

Share our News Report on Social Media

Read our review of Kasabian live in Norwich