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Full Pelt Magazine

Vol. 13

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The latest issue of the Full Pelt Magazine is here, and you can download your copy for free below!

Volume 13 features cover stars Holding Absence as they hit the road in support of ‘The Noble Art of Self Destruction’. We also catch Skinny Lister as they take ‘Shanty Punk’ to the stage. Plus we review the latest album from Beans On Toast!

We have our News Report rounding up new releases from Bruce Dickinson, CJ Wildheart, Alkaline Trio, Trash Boat, P.O.D., Atreyu, Normandie, Oakman, Chelsea Wolfe and LØLØ.

Plus new live announcements from Lytham Festival, Slam Dunk, Wild Fields Festival, The Killers, As December Falls, Pet Needs, Indoor Pets, Nickelback, IDLES, Avril Lavigne, You Me At Six, Taking Back Sunday, Don’t Panic and Thomas Nicholas Band!

Finally, we round up the latest additions to our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist with Where Oceans Burn, Break Fifty and fakeyourdeath!

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Check out our two Podcasts!

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Full Pelt Magazine

Vol. 10

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

Volume ten includes the latest from cover stars Fightstar plus we review Creeper live in London, Wheatus live in Cambridge. We also review the new album from Lonely The Brave!

We have our News Report rounding up new releases from Enter Shikari, Lake Malice, Banks Arcade, Stand Atlantic, Have Mercy, South of Salem, Florence Black, Jamie Lenman, Unpeople, Siamese, Courting and The Killers!

Plus new live announcements from Download Festival, 2000trees, 30 Seconds To Mars, Bruce Dickinson, Halflives and Bowling For Soup!

Finally, we round up the latest additions to our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist with The Gems, Kite Thief and HAVVK!

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News Report

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

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News Report

More acts heading to Reading & Leeds

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

We get started this week with the latest from Reading and Leeds Festivals which as is tradition take place this August Bank Holiday weekend.

This week saw the likes of Lauran Hibberd, The Royston Club, Somebody’s Child and Bilk.

They will join names such as The Killers, Yard Act, The Amazons, You Me At Six, Frank Turner, Imagine Dragons, Don Broco, The Snuts, Hot Milk, The Murder Capital, Yonaka, Normandie and Sleep Token.

Tickets are here.

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

News Report

Blur announce intimate warm-up shows

Britpop icons Blur this week announced and then quickly sold out four very intimate warm-up shows ahead of their dates at Wembley Stadium this summer.

More here.

Read our review of ‘Who On Earth’ from Sean McGowan

Nothing But Thieves set UK Tour dates

Nothing But Thieves this week revealed a huge tour for this Autumn in support of their upcoming new album, ‘Dead Club City’, which is out on July 7th.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of ‘A Kiss for the Whole World’ from Enter Shikari

The View announce Autumn UK Tour

The View recently announce that their new album ‘Exorcism of Youth’ will be released on August 18th. Now the band have revealed a full Autumn UK Tour in support of the album.

Kyle Falconer commented, â€œTouring has always been what we’ve done best, we just needed some time to refuel. Can’t wait to get back to it!” 

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Beans On Toast live in Norwich

The Pigeon Detectives reveal UK Tour

The Pigeon Detectives also had a new tour to announce this week with the band heading out on the road this November.

The tour is in support of their brand new album, ‘TV Show’, which is released July 7th.

Tickets are here.

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The Xcerts unveil UK Tour

Next up in our News Report is another band with a new album on the way! The Xcerts will release ‘Learning How to Live and Let Go’ on August 18th.

The band will also be hitting the road to celebrate the release this Autumn.

Tickets and pre-orders and here.

Read our review of The Xcerts live in Cambridge

Lindemann announces Wembley Arena date

Rammstein frontman Till Lindemann will be bringing his solo project to the UK in December with a special show at Wembley Arena in London.

Support comes from Aesthetic Perfection and Phantom Vision.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Rammstein live in Coventry

Wolfmother heading to London

Wolfmother will also be heading to London for a one-off show at the O2 Islington Academy.

Tickets are here.

Check out our two Podcasts

Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons set up new tour dates

Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons have announced that new album, ‘Kings of the Asylum’, will arrive later this summer.

In support of the release the band will be out and about this Autumn for the ‘Kings of the Asylum’ tour.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of ‘We’re the Bastards’ from Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons

The Answer reveal new UK Tour

The Answer will also be out on the road later this year with a small run of dates now confirmed for November.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of ’72 Seasons’ from Metallica

Finch set for special UK shows

Next up in our News Report are Finch who will be playing two special UK shows in November.

The band will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of their album, ‘What It Is To Burn’ in Manchester and London.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Fall Out Boy live in London

Hot Mulligan announce new UK Tour

Hot Mulligan have quickly announced their return to the UK later this year with support from Spanish Love Songs.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Hundred Reasons live in London

Malevolence set for UK tour

The final tour announcement for our News Report this week comes from Malevolence who will be hitting the UK and Europe later this year.

Support comes from Sylosis, GUILTTRIP and Justice For The Damned.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Download Pilot Festival

News Report

PJ Harvey debuts ‘A Child’s Question, August’

PJ Harvey – ‘A Child’s Question, August’

PJ Harvey has announced her new album, ‘I Inside the Old Year Dying’, will be out on July 7th.

Ahead of her first album since 2016, Harvey has also debuted brand new single, ‘A Child’s Question, August’, which you can check out above.

On the new single: “I think the album is about searching, looking – the intensity of first love, and seeking meaning,” says Harvey. “Not that there has to be a message, but the feeling I get from the record is one of love – it’s tinged with sadness and loss, but it’s loving. I think that’s what makes it feel so welcoming: so open.”

Pre-order your copy here.

Listen to ‘A Child’s Question, August’ on our Spotify Hot List!

Grian Chatten shares debut single ‘The Score’

Grian Chatten – ‘The Score’

Grian Chatten, vocalist of Dublin’s critically acclaimed band Fontaines D.C., has shared his debut solo single, ‘The Score’, which you can check out above.

Commenting on the track, Chatten explains, “‘The Score’ is a heavyweight bated breath of lust. I wrote it in Madrid between an electric fan and a dying plant and I intend to keep it there. It was inspired by sugar and sunset.”

More here.

Read our review of ‘Skinty Fia’ from Fontaines D.C.

The Gaslight Anthem debut ‘Positive Charge’

The Gaslight Anthem – ‘Positive Charge’

This week saw the return of The Gaslight Anthem with their new single, ‘Positive Charge’, which you can check out above.

More here.

Listen to ‘Positive Charge’ on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist!

Lord of the Lost share ‘Destruction Manuel’ video

Lord of the Lost – ‘Destruction Manuel’

Very first German rock/metal Eurovision Song Contest representatives, Lord of the Lost, have released an official music video for ‘Destruction Manual’, which you can check out above.

The band on the new video: “A video where the whole band is represented by women. That is something I’ve wanted to do for half of my life. But it wasn’t the right time until now: the moment has come! Next to Louisa, we have four outstanding female musicians from all over the world at our instruments, and we love the energy that all five of them radiate here. What can I say? We’ve never looked so stunning!”

More here.

Listen to ‘Destruction Manuel’ on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist!

K.Flay releases ‘Raw Raw’

K.Flay – ‘Raw Raw’

Next in our News Report is K.Flay who this week released her latest single, ‘Raw Raw’, which you can check out above.

Regarding the single K.Flay says, “‘Raw Raw’ is the start of my next chapter. After losing half my hearing last fall, I was faced with a sudden and intense episode of fear and vulnerability. Like, could I even make music again? Once I got into my recovery and started writing and recording, I knew that I could. And what I wanted to create was music that felt properly rock but also properly future oriented. Uninhibited and different.

“With ‘Raw Raw’ I wanted to capture what vulnerability really feels like. Outwardly it might seem tender, but on the inside it’s messy and bloody and somewhat terrifying. It’s a chainsaw buzzing at your throat.”

More here.

Listen to ‘Raw Raw’ on our Spotify Hot List!

Loose Articles share video for ‘Sinead Loves Bitcoin

Loose Articles – ‘Sinead Loves Bitcoin’

Manchester indie punks Loose Articles this week shared new single ‘Sinead Loves Bitcoin’, which you can check out above.

“The song is about our pal and local legend Sinead Ferguson, who’s a band photographer,” say the band of the story behind the track. “She had her instagram account hijacked by Bitcoin hackers who were posing as her and trying to sell everyone Bitcoin for ÂŁ10,000. For a split second everyone thought Sinead was a Bitcoin dealer, so we turned it into a song where she was stealing your wifi and hacking your social media accounts to sell Bitcoin.”

The band have launched a spoof NFT scheme to accompany the track, alongside Sinead’s Bitcoin Fund, which will offer fans the ability to donate money to the band to unlock perks.

Tiers range from £0–20+ and include incentives like a specially recorded B-side short story, a cassette tape of the release, a DTG Ape Loose Articles shirt, and more special gifts TBC.

More here.

Listen to ‘Sinead Loves Bitcoin’ on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist

CARSICK share ‘Anaconda Frank’

CARSICK – ‘Anaconda Frank’

Salisbury punk rockers CARSICK have shared their latest single, ‘Anaconda Frank’, which you can check out above.

The band are also set to drop their forthcoming debut EP ‘Drunk Hymns’ on 30th June.

Anaconda Frank is our biggest rager yet,” the band said of the song. “We wanted to capture the chaotic energy of our lives right now and so we’ve drawn on a bunch of real experiences we’ve had recently – covering everything from addiction to giant exotic snakes. It’s about being in a transitional stage of your life and figuring out what exactly it is you want to do and the kind of person you want to be.”

More here.

Listen to ‘Anaconda Frank’ on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist

Saint Agnes share ‘Animal’

Saint Agnes – ‘Animal’

Saint Agnes shared their latest single this week and you can check out ‘Animal’ above.

The track comes ahead of the release of new album, ‘Bloodsuckers’ on July 21st.

Pre-order your copy here.

Listen to ‘Animal’ on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist

Salvation Jayne debut ‘So Dull, So Quiet’

Salvation Jayne – ‘So Dull, So Quiet’

Lastly in our News Report this week is the return of Salvation Jayne with their new single, ‘So Dull, So Quiet’, which you can check out above.

More here.

Listen to ‘So Dull, So Quiet’ 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
Oxymorrons – ‘Last Call’

New York-based punk band Oxymorrons continue their genre-bending revolution with their latest single, ‘Last Call’ featuring Troi Irons.

When asked what inspired them to write such an honest song and share themselves so openly, the band explained, “‘Last Call’ is an exercise in vulnerability and using our music to help us better understand ourselves and our coping mechanisms. Too many times we’ve all found ourselves drowning at the bottom of a bottle, using alcohol to help us feel something different or feel nothing at all. Whether you’ve struggled in the past or are struggling right now, we hope this song helps you feel seen and plays a role in helping you not struggle in the future.”
 
Featured artist Troi Irons brought a different perspective to the track, sharing, “I’ve long been a fan of the Oxymorrons and what they do so I was thrilled to hop on this song. I don’t really drink but it’s more a metaphor for how humans tend to reach for the closest thing to help us feel less alone. It’s not always healthy. Hopefully people reach for the music to feel less alone with this one.”

DETHRXNER – ‘STAY COLD’

Copenhagen’s DETHRXNER share their new single, ‘STAY COLD’ featuring Aaron Matts of ten56..

“‘Stay Cold’  is a track about resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges. The lyrics convey a determination to stick to one’s plan, despite past failures and missed opportunities – it’s ultimately a declaration of staying strong, staying true to oneself, and staying focused on success, no matter how tough the journey may be”  – Vocalist Neema Rad 

News Report
News Report
Tribe of Ghosts – ‘Sunburner (Deny the Rot)’

Tribe Of Ghosts share their brand new single ‘Sunburner (Deny the Rot)’.

“When my mental health began severely declining before my diagnosis, I always associated the Sun as some kind of aggressor or enemy as it would cause emotional and physical discomfort whenever I saw it… This discomfort would bring on these intense feelings of anxiety and intense physical pain that I would daily attempt to mask and ignore as I didn’t want to accept that I was mentally unwell.” – Guitarist Adam Sedgwick.

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!

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Check out Episode 21 of The Full Pelt Music Podcast with guests The Pearl Harts

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News Report

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

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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

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Features

The Year In Review 2022

Full Pelt Music looks back on 2022 for our Year In Review

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It’s been another big revival year for the music industry following the pandemic years, and it’s been another year of growth for us at Full Pelt Music! We’ve reviewed 67 albums, 7 EP’s, 6 festivals and 38 gigs in 2022 as some level of normality or even stability has returned to our industry.

That said, there are still many issues facing the industry with livelihoods, venues and organisations at risk for a plethora of reasons. Whilst government action is required in many places, what we as fans can do is support the industry with our money. Times are tough for us all, but purchasing an album, buying a t-shirt, nabbing a ticket and grabbing a drink whilst at a gig does so much to support the industry that we love.

Our two great Podcasts have continued to grow and highlights this year came from guests such as Blood Red Shoes, The Treatment, Skinny Lister, Daytime TV, Pet Needs, The Ninth Wave, Sunflower Bean, James and the Cold Gun, Guise, October Drift, BERRIES, Asylums, As Sirens Fall and Jamie Lenman! We’ve already got some fantastic guests lined up for 2023, so ensure you subscribe and follow us across Social Media!

In our now annual end of year awards we’ll be giving out seven hotly contested awards looking at both the recorded and live sides of the industry. Adding to our well established Album of the Year award this year will be the new EP of the Year award. We’ll also once again be revealing our Single of the Year. All awards have seen fierce competition, as once again it’s been a high quality year for new releases.

On the live side of things, we’ll announce both our Gig and Festival of the Year awards. This year of course provided our first full calendar of music since 2019! We were able to witness many great performances this year and we can’t wait to share with you are favourites.

Lastly we’ll look at the artists who’ve had special years as we award our Artist and ‘Discover’ New Artist of the Year awards. So without further ado, let’s work through those award catagories!

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

It has been a truly magnificent year for album releases and getting a spot anywhere in our Top 50 was hard enough but in particular the Top 10 was incredibly tightly fought. You can read the full list here.

‘IMPERA’ from Ghost was able to take the crown this year but any of the top 10 could’ve taken that spot. ‘Reeling’ from The Mysterines in particular would likely have won in any other year, but the majesty and magnificence of ‘IMPERA’ proved unbeatable.

Winner:

‘Impera’ by Ghost

The contenders:

‘Reeling’ by The Mysterines, ‘FTHC’ by Frank Turner, ‘Skinty Fia’ by Fontaines D.C. & ‘The Price of Life’ by Bob Vylan

Previous Winners:

2021 – ‘Blue Weekend’ by Wolf Alice
2020 – ‘Ultra Mono’ by IDLES

EP OF THE YEAR

For the first time this year, we are separating EP’s out of our main award and giving them their own pedestal. That alone is the truest compliment to the quality of EP’s on offer this year.

Again, all EP’s in our top 5 are worthy of the number one spot, but it’s ‘coming of (r)age’ from As Sirens Fall that pips it. Catchy as hell single, ‘heaven (spat us back out)’, helps elevate the release to be crowed our first ever EP of the Year.

Winner:

‘coming of (r)age’ by As Sirens Fall

The contenders:

‘False Start’ by James and the Cold Gun, ‘SCP’ by Oakman, ‘Tyrants’ by IOTA and ‘BLACKGOLD’ by BLACKGOLD

SINGLE OF THE YEAR

We look now at our Single or Song of the Year. In considering the award this year we’ve considered the ear worms that have stayed with us after live performances. We’ve also pondered which songs instantly struck a chord and created a buzz of excitement for the albums and live shows that would follow.

Songs which fell into both of these considerations competed for the award and it was again a tight decision, but ultimately for us this year ‘Dangerous’ from The Mysterines has not just ticked both boxes but also remained on heavy rotation throughout the year despite being an early arrival in 2022. That’s why that track is our 2022 Single of the Year!

Check out the winning single below:

The Mysterines – ‘Dangerous’
Winner:

‘Dangerous’ by The Mysterines

The contenders:

‘Talk Hard’ by Jamie Lenman, ‘Compliance’ by Muse, ‘Wicked Ways’ by Halestorm, ‘Spillways’ by Ghost

Previous Winners:

2021 – ‘Test of our Resolve’ from Press To MECO
2020 – ‘Obey’ by Bring Me The Horizon feat. Yungblud

FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR

2022 was the first full festival season since 2019 and what a return it was. All eyes were on Glastonbury once again, British Summer Time curated a stunning line-up, Download Festival breathed fire and 2000trees was able to remind everyone what’s so great about smaller festivals.

Our winner this year though is Reading & Leeds who went big, sold out and delivered an action packed weekend even with the huge loss of Rage Against The Machine amongst others. Always a perennial contender for this award, 2022 felt like the year the event reclaimed its identity.

Read our review of Reading Festival Saturday

Winner:

Reading & Leeds

The contenders:

Glastonbury Festival, British Summer Time, Download Festival, 2000trees Festival

Previous Winners:

2021 – Download Pilot Festival
2020 – Wild Fields Festival

GIG OF THE YEAR

We’ve reviewed many gigs this year but in reality there could only ever be one winner. Rammstein’s tour is less of a concert and more of an experience; one that everyone, fan of the band or not, should experience at least once.

Beyond that there was still some incredible, top tier gigs in 2022 and our contenders are all worthy of glory, but Rammstein are currently on a whole different level.

Read our review of Rammstein live in Coventry

Winner:

Rammstein @ Coventry Arena

The contenders:

Royal Blood @ O2 Arena, London, Ghost @ Resorts World Arena, Birmingham, Muse @ Eventim Apollo Hammersmith, London, The Killers @ Carrow Road, Norwich, The Hella Mega Tour @ London Stadium, London, Creeper @ Roundhouse, London, Idlewild @ O2 Kentish Town Forum, London

Previous Winners:

2021 – Bring Me The Horizon @ O2 Arena, London
2020 – Frank Turner @ Arboretum, Nottingham

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Artist of the Year now and for this award we look for somebody who has had a huge, perhaps even career-defining year. Previous winners Frank Turner and Biffy Clyro have done so by delivering incredible feats, far above the norm.

This year was a big year for many acts, but we’ve gone for Bring Me The Horizon as a band that have had a career-defining twelve months. Long tipped as festival headliners at a major event, many felt that the time would never come for one of the best live bands on the planet. Big releases, sold-out tours, no matter what the group did they never seemed to be given that torch, that is until this year!

Watching Bring Me The Horizon step up and headline at Reading & Leeds this summer felt like a real moment, not just for the band but for the whole scene. For any metal band, let alone one once considered so unfashionable to headline the biggest festivals in the UK is massive.

Already announced to finally headline Download Festival in 2023, 2022 will forever be linked for Bring Me The Horizon to taking that final career-defining set. Throw in their genre-defying collaboration with Ed Sheeran, 2022’s Artist of the Year had to be Bring Me The Horizon.

Winner:

Bring Me The Horizon

The contenders:

Ghost, Rammstein, Biffy Clyro, Muse

Previous Winners:

2021 – Biffy Clyro
2020 – Frank Turner

‘DISCOVER’ NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR

As a publication we always want to put new music at the heart of what we do, and that’s why our final award is perhaps our most important! Our ‘Discover’ New Artist of the Year is awarded to the act we’ve chosen to highlight on our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist and Podcast who we feel has made the biggest impact this year.

At the beginning of 2022 we put the spotlight on new Colchester act PET NEEDS as they continued to promote their debut album, ‘Fractured Party Music’. From that point on the band never looked back with a world tour, a second album (‘Primtime Entertainment’) and a sold out hometown show all under their belts.

They even found the time to become the first (and only at the time of writing) band to progress from our ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast and appear on The Full Pelt Music Podcast! Yes, fighting off some stiff competition for the ‘Discover’ New Artist of the Year award in 2022 is PET NEEDS!

Winners:

PET NEEDS

The Contenders:

BERRIES, As Sirens Fall, Oakman, James and the Cold Gun, Daytime TV, MOSKITO

Previous Winners:

2020 – Miss Vincent

So, that’s it! Another year in the record books, it’s been another difficult year and it has again been particularly tough on the music industry. That said, we’ve had a full year of live music for the first time since 2019 and the creative juices remain flowing with some absolutely stunning new releases over the past twelve months.

Below you can enjoy some of our favourite gig photos of the year courtesy of our wonderful photographer Denis!

All 📾 (c) Denis Gorbatov / Full Pelt Music

We hope you’ve enjoyed our The Year in Review 2022 and we wish you a very Happy New Year. Here’s hoping 2023 is a good one!

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Categories
Magazine

News Report

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

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News Report

Your Reading & Leeds line-up is here!

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

This week we begin with a handful of festival announcements including one that is always a hotly anticipation one, who is playing Reading & Leeds Festivals?

Your headliners this year are Sam Fender, Foals, The Killers, Lewis Capaldi, Billie Eilish and Imagine Dragons. They’ll be joined by the likes of Wet Leg, Nothing But Thieves, Slowthai, You Me At Six, Baby Queen, Inhaler, Don Broco and The Snuts.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Reading Festival 2022

Victorious reveals first names for 2023

Sticking to the August Bank Holiday weekend, Victorious Festival also revealed their first acts for next year this week including Friday night headliner Jamiroquai.

Also playing over the weekend will be The Vaccines, Amyl & The Sniffers, The Coral, The Enemy, Crawlers and many more.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of ‘Coral Island’ from The Coral

Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival line-up revealed

Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival also this week revealed many of the acts set to play in 2023 including headliners Travis, Bastille and Sigrid.

They’ll be joined by the likes of KT Tunstall, The Zutons, Fatherson, Punk Rock Factory, The Mysterines, Lauran Hibberd, The Xcerts and many more.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of The Xcerts live in Cambridge

News Report

Red Hot Chili Peppers extend Stadium Tour into 2023

We move our News Report now onto the best tour announcements from the past week and we begin with the news that Red Hot Chili Peppers will extend their global Stadium Tour into 2023.

Next year will see the legendary act play in London and Glasgow with support coming from The Roots and King Princess.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Red Hot Chili Peppers live in London

The Black Keys announce return to the UK

The Black Keys have this week announced their long awaited return to the UK after an eight year absence.

The band will play arena shows in London, Manchester and Glasgow with support from Spoon.

“After 8 long years, we are excited to say The Black Keys are coming back to Europe and the UK. We can’t wait to see you at the shows in these iconic venues” the duo says.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Shinedown live in London

Gwen Stefani announces UK Tour dates

Gwen Stefani has revealed a set of UK Tour dates for the Summer including appearances at BST Hyde Park.

Tickets are here.

Listen to our two Podcasts

Turnstile announce huge London date

Riding the crest of a wave, Turnstile have announced a huge London date for May. The band will headline the legendary O2 Brixton Academy.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Turnstile live at All Points East

Spiritbox announce UK Tour

Another band with big momentum right now is Spiritbox and they this week announced their biggest UK Tour to date.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Bury Tomorrow live in Norwich

Deaf Havana announce new UK Tour

We have plenty of juicy tours in our News Report this week and next we turn to Deaf Havana. The band have revealed that they will be back on the road in March and April.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of ‘The Present Is A Foreign Land’ from Deaf Havana

The Last Internationale reveal UK Tour

The Last Internationale will also be hitting some UK roads next April, finishing up at Lafayette in London.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Download Festival 2022

The Winery Dogs announce new Tour

The Winery Dogs have announced a huge world tour taking place in the first half of next year.

The tour will include UK dates in Wolverhampton, Nottingham and London.

Tickets are here.

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

Voodoo Six announce UK Tour

The final tour announcement in our News Report this week comes from Voodoo Six.

The band will team up with Scarlet Rebels and Royal Bliss for nine dates finishing up at The Underworld in London.

Tickets are here.

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News Report

Paramore share new single ‘The News’

Paramore – ‘The News’

We move our News Report now on to the best new releases from the past week and get the ball rolling with the latest single from Paramore!

You can check out, ‘The News’, above ahead of the release of their new album, ‘This Is Why’, on February 10th.

Pre-order your copy here.

Listen to ‘The News’ on our Spotify Hot List!

You Me At Six debut ‘heartLESS’

You Me At Six – ‘heartLESS’

You Me At Six also had new music to share this week as they debuted their new single, ‘heartLESS’, which you can check out above.

The track features on upcoming new album, ‘Truth Decay’, which is out January 27th.

Pre-order your copy here.

Listen to ‘heartLESS’ on our Spotify Hot List!

DMA’s share new single ‘Olympia’

DMA’s – ‘Olympia’

DMA’s continue to tease new music from their fourth album ‘How Many Dreams?’, with the release of new track, ‘Olympia’, which you can check out above.

Guitarist Matt Mason comments on ‘Olympia’: “’Olympia’ was written for a crowd, and is a dedication to all of our fans, especially the ones who’ve been with us from the start. we can’t wait to play it for you all.”

Their new album is out March 31st, pre-order your copy here.

Read our review of Neck of the Woods Festival

Levellers share ‘Down By The River ‘O”

Levellers – ‘Down By The River ‘O”

Levellers have announced their brand new acoustic album ‘Together All The Way’ will be released on March 10th. You can listen to new single, ‘Down By The River ‘O” above.

Of the album and recording, the Levellers say, â€œIt was truly a fun record to make, under the rigorous guidance of Sean. Sean’s a musician himself, always bringing ideas and get out of jail free suggestions when we got stuck. It’s a stripped back, raw iteration of the collective with deep folk leanings. As energetic as the first one but definitely different.”

Pre-order your copy here.

Read our review of Y Not Festival 2022

Dream State debut ‘Comfort In Chaos’

Dream State – ‘Comfort In Chaos’

The final new release in our News Report this week comes from the regrouped Dream State.

The latest track to come from the new look band is ‘Comfort In Chaos’, which you can listen to above.

The track comes from upcoming EP, ‘Untethered’, which is out on March 3rd.

More here.

Listen to ‘Comfort In Chaos’ on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist

News Report

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

Blondshell – ‘Veronica Mars’

Blondshell shares new single, ‘Veronica Mars’.

Blondshell explains, “I was obsessed with the [US teen drama] show ‘Veronica Mars’ as a kid and I was revisiting it around the time I wrote this song. I wanted to sing about that childhood era when I was being exposed to a lot more than I was comfortable with. ‘Gimme shelter’ refers to the song but I’m also saying please give me shelter from graphic TV and film, from New York City, overwhelming lyrics, etc. I think the song is just about having my boundaries crossed and the effects of those transgressions (for example, growing up to think men are hot if they’re assholes).”

overpass – ‘3AM’

overpass have shared their latest single, ‘3AM’.

They commented, â€œâ€˜3AM’ is an innocent coming-of-age song that I think most people can relate to. It’s about the excitement you get when you’re going out, knowing you might be able to connect with that person, or at least hope that they will call you back when the night is over and done with.” 

News Report
News Report
Life In Mono – ‘Blackout’

Life In Mono have just shared double A-side singles ‘Blackout/Sex To White Noise’

Speaking about the inspiration behind the singles, vocalist Sarah Clayton says, â€œBlackout is about people in your life that you know are no good for you but are hard to give up, whereas Sex To White Noise is about trying to find a connection that makes you feel something when you’re feeling really numb. If you’ve ever been on prozac you’ll know!”

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!

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Read our review of Jamie Lenman live in Hertford

Categories
Features

Album of the Year 2021

Album of the Year 2021

We countdown our Top 50 Albums of 2021

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2021 has been another tough year to live through. There have been some signs of normal life, for example the return of live music, but we end it as we started with true normality a distant memory.

This year has however been a stunning year for new music releases. Yes, lockdown musicians and the odds are their creativity will take over. In Full Pelt Music’s first full year of existence we have reviewed 65 albums and the quality of those releases has been exceptional.

Last year we counted down our Top 20 albums of the year, with a special Advent Calendar countdown on our Twitter. This year we have expanded! Our 2021 countdown has taken place across all our social platforms, and has listed our Top 50 albums of the year!

With that social media countdown completed, it’s now time to compile our completed Top 50 in one place. So let’s get started!

Album of the Year 2021
What we said:

“there are stunning moments spread throughout the album”

Read our review of ‘Lo! Soul’

Check out:
Roddy Woomble – ‘Architecture in LA’
Album of the Year 2021
What we said:

“there are plenty of songs on this album that rate amongst the best that the band has produced”

Read our review of ‘Waiting For Good Luck’

Check out:
The Treatment – ‘Rat Race’
Album of the Year 2021
What we said:

“Garbage are an incredible musical force”

Read our review of ‘No Gods No Masters’

Check out:
Garbage – ‘No Gods No Masters’
Album of the Year 2021
What we said:

“we have thrashing guitars, thumping drums, bizarre lyrics and plenty of bells and whistles to emphasise his brilliantly quirky musicianship”

Read our review of ‘The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy’

Check out:
Rob Zombie – ‘The Triumph of King Freak (A Crypt of Preservation and Superstition)’
Album of the Year 2021
What we said:

“was anybody craving a new album from The Offspring in 2021? Perhaps not, but actually in this messed up world we live in, maybe, just maybe, we needed it!”

Read our review of ‘Let The Bad Times Roll’

Check out:
The Offspring – ‘Let The Bad Times Roll’
Album of the Year 2021
What we said:

“this is an artist pouring all of their self into their creation and discovering magic”

Read our review of ‘Watch Me Break Apart’

Check out:
Dead Nature – ‘Watch Me Break Apart’
Album of the Year 2021
What we said:

“this record manages to encapsulate the sound that the band has nurtured over the past few years both on record and in the live setting”

Read our review of ‘How to Ruin Your Life’

Check out:
Paris Youth Foundation – ‘The Back Seat’
Album of the Year 2021
What we said:

“remind you how gloriously heavy yet anthemic the band can get”

Read our review of ‘The Bitter Truth’

Check out:
Evanescence – ‘Use My Voice’
Album of the Year 2021
What we said:

“it won’t take long for people to stop and take notice of this great young band”

Read our review of ‘Fractured Party Music’

Check out:
Pet Needs – ‘Toothpaste’
What we said:

“this is Volbeat at their very best”

Read our review of ‘Servant of the Mind’

Check out:
Volbeat – ‘Shotgun Blues’
Album of the Year 2021
What we said:

“vitality shouldn’t be mistaken for relevance and whilst the band may have peaked commercially, they remain of utmost importance to a generation of music fans”

Check out:
Rise Against – ‘Nowhere Generation’
Album of the Year 2021
What we said:

“anybody that had any doubts about the natural talents of this group of musicians, they should now acknowledge a new force”

Read our review ‘The Battle at Garden’s Gate’

Check out:
Album of the Year 2021
What we said:

“over the top, outlandish, brash and most of all fun, the album not only lives up to but surpasses all expectations”

Read our review of ‘Van Weezer’

Check out:
Van Weezer – ‘Hero’
Album of the Year 2021
What we said:

“quality continues to run throughout the entire record and there is very little ease on the throttle”

Read our review of ‘Below’

Check out:
Beartooth – ‘Skin’
What we said:

“another very good release from a band overdue commercial success”

Read our review of ‘Into the Blue’

Check out:
The Joy Formidable – ‘Into the Blue’
What we said:

“a middle finger up at the haters”

Read our review of ‘Still Sucks’

Check out:
Limp Bizkit – ‘Dad Vibes’
What we said:

“a delicate masterpiece from a songwriter of the highest level”

Read our review of ‘The Hole Around My Head’

Check out:
Will Varley – ‘Pushing Against Us’
What we said:

“an enjoyable listen and the band clearly still has something to say”

Read our review of ‘The Ultra Vivid Lament’

Check out:
Manic Street Preachers – ‘The Secret He Had Missed’
What we said:

“up there with the best that Beans On Toast has released”

Read our review of ‘Survival of the Friendliest’

Check out:
Beans On Toast – ‘Humans’
What we said:

“it really is time to stop being surprised by the quality in this band”

Read our review of ’21st Century Love Songs’

Check out:
The Wildhearts – ‘Remember These Days’
What we said:

“the extravagance of the band is what makes them great and thankfully their 7th studio album has it in abundance”

Read our review of ‘Motorheart’

Check out:
The Darkness – ‘Jussy’s Girl’
What we said:

“for their tenth album the band has set out to create their masterpiece”

Read our review of ‘Coral Island’

Check out:
The Coral – ‘Change Your Mind’
What we said:

“a strong debut album that lays the foundations of what will likely be a long and successful career”

Read our review of ‘W.L.’

Check out:
The Snuts – ‘Glasgow’
What we said:

“this is a stunning pop rock album”

Check out:
Pale Waves – ‘Fall to Pieces’
What we said:

“the album is laced with quality and shows the ease with which AFI are able to produce catchy songs”

Read our review of ‘Bodies’

Check out:
AFI – ‘Dulceria’
What we said:

“Iron Maiden doing exactly what you’d expect Iron Maiden to do”

Read our review of ‘Senjutsu’

Check out:
Iron Maiden – ‘Senjutsu’
What we said:

“this is very much Numan at the top of his game

Read our review of ‘Intruder’

Check Out:
Gary Numan – ‘Intruder’
What we said:

“the signature of a band comfortable in their skin”

Read our review of ‘Pressure Machine’

Check out:
The Killers – ‘Quiet Town’
What we said:

“the very thing that identifies their sound is their lack of boundaries, their quirkiness and willingness to experiment”

Read our review of ‘The Myth of the Happily Ever After’

Check out:
Biffy Clyro – ‘A Hunger In Your Haunt’
What we said:

“well crafted and superbly delivered album that is well worth your time and attention”

Read our review of ‘A Matter of Life & Love’

Check out:
Skinny Lister – ‘Damn The Amsterdam’

The quality of this year’s releases has been truly phenomenal as our opening 30 albums attests. The competition is extremely tight for the coveted top spot and that is clear throughout the prestigious Top 20 that follows.

What we said:

“a sublime collection of upbeat, heartfelt and powerful songs that is bound to be stuck on repeat for the foreseeable future”

Read our review of ‘A Funeral For Youth’

Check out:
Miss Vincent – ‘Rosalie’
What we said:

“The Pretty Reckless have solidified themselves in the upper echelons of Hard Rock”

Read our review of ‘Death by Rock and Roll’

Check out:
The Pretty Reckless – ‘Only Love Can Save Me’
What we said:

“you are fully absorbed by the mix of heavy hooks and catchy sing-a-long pop vocals”

Read our review of ‘Dark & Beautiful Secrets’

Check out:
Normandie – ‘Hostage’
What we said:

“Trash Boat have delivered their best work yet and they appear ready to lead the charge for British rock”

Read our review of ‘Don’t You Feel Amazing?’

Check out:
Trash Boat – ‘He’s So Good’
What we said:

“there are moments of grandeur that harness the bands expansive sound spread throughout”

Read our review of ‘The Greatest Mistake of My Life’

Check out:
Holding Absence – ‘Afterlife’
What we said:

“the album attacks your senses and gets your feet stomping and your head banging”

Read our review of ‘When Life Was Hard And Fast’

Check out:
Ricky Warwick – ‘When Life Was Hard & Fast’
What we said:

“Trivium have well and truly earned their place at the top table of metal”

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

Check out:
Trivium – ‘Feast of Fire’
Album of the Year 2021
What we said:

“a stunning release from a band assumedly at the peak of their powers”

Read our review of ‘American Noir’

Check out:
Creeper – ‘Midnight’
Album of the Year 2021
What we said:

“there is a real good mix of sounds on this album which together encompass Kennedy’s various alter egos”

Read our review of ‘The Ides of March’

Check out:
Myles Kennedy – ‘In Stride’
Album of the Year 2021
What we said:

“the power of this album doesn’t just lie with Bennett of course and the rest of the band have summoned even more power and majesty then before”

Read our review of ‘The Hope List’

Check out:
Lonely The Brave – ‘Bound’
Album of the Year 2021
What we said:

“the album really feels like a love letter to both the bands own history and the music of those that influenced the members”

Read our review of ‘Medicine at Midnight’

Check out:
Foo Fighters – ‘Love Dies Young’
Album of the Year 2021
What we said:

“an album packed with rock club dancefloor fillers, designed to get you moving”

Read our review of ‘Sticky’

Check out:
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes – ‘My Town’
Album of the Year 2021
What we said:

“there are grandiose ambitions spread throughout the album with the band obviously striving for more”

Read our review of ‘For Those That Wish To Exist’

Check out:
Architects – ‘Animals’
Album of the Year 2021
What we said:

“IDLES continue to be one of the most exciting and vital bands around”

Read our review of ‘CRAWLER’

Check out:
IDLES – ‘Car Crash’
Album of the Year 2021
What we said:

“an album of pure, unadulterated, adrenaline-filled pop rock pleasure”

Read our review of ‘Amazing Things’

Check out:
Don Broco – ‘Bruce Willis’
Album of the Year 2021
What we said:

“Press To MECO have always had a knack for creating ferocious yet catchy songs and this album is packed full of tasty rifftastic bangers”

Read our review of ‘Transmute’

Check out:
Press to MECO – ‘A Test Of Our Resolve’
Album of the Year 2021
What we said:

“the band are still able to mix catchy pop melodies with hard hitting beats to create a sound equally at home in front of mosh pits and dancefloors”

Read our review of ‘Seize the Power’

Check out:
Yonaka – ‘Call Me A Saint’
Album of the Year 2021
What we said:

“the duo however manage to amplify these electronic elements without losing their rock attitude and resonance”

Read our review of ‘Typhoons’

Check out:
Royal Blood – ‘Boilermaker’
Album of the Year 2021
What we said:

“a rare talent that have now reinforced their passion and ability to create great music for anybody who wants to listen but without concession on their vision”

Read our review of ‘Written & Directed’

Check out:
Black Honey – ‘Believer’
Album of the Year 2021
What we said:

“this record feels like it comes from a band at the peak of their powers, but knowing this group, they will still have plenty more to come”

Read our review of ‘Blue Weekend’

Check out:
Wolf Alice – ‘Smile’

Well there you have it! What a truly magnificent year for new music 2021 has been. What will 2022 have in store? Remember to discover the best new acts by following our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist’!

Stay tuned for our 2021 Year in Review coming very soon.

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Read our review of Creeper live in London

Categories
Album Reviews

The Killers

Pressure Machine

The Killers Pressure Machine Album Cover
The Killers – ‘Pressure Machine’

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THE KILLERS – PRESSURE MACHINE – ALBUM REVIEW

The Killers truly are a one of a kind, unique, beast of band. One that has reached a level whereby they can pretty much do whatever they want. So why on earth wouldn’t they write and release a concept album based on singer Brandon Flowers’ childhood in rural Utah?

Yes this album isn’t your typical Killers album – if there is such a thing? A band not afraid to experiment and always able to capture their mood; The Killers are always evolving. This record is brought on by the pandemic both creatively and due to scheduling (the band are yet to tour their previous album, ‘Imploding the Mirage’).

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‘Pressure Machine’ is the signature of a band comfortable in their skin. It features snippets of the bands past whilst evolving further their more restrained and mature sound. If you are a fan of the band than this is another great addition to their catalogue; if you have been living under a rock and are new to the band then its appeal would diminish. Not due to poor quality (it’s very good!) but a lack of hit like material would turn off fickle newcomers.

You could say that with a concept album such as this that is a compliment. This record certainly feels like it needs to be heard as a whole, from start to finish. It tells us a story, and to just cherry pick tracks from it makes it lose its charm somewhat.

WATCH ‘QUIET TOWN’ ON YOUTUBE
The Killers – ‘Quiet Town’

A simple fact is that The Killers have more than their fair share of hits, including one of the most iconic tracks of all time in ‘Mr. Brightside’. ‘Quiet Town’, ‘Runaway Horses’ and ‘In Another Life’ may not top any singles charts but they will certainly win hearts.

‘Pressure Machine’ is a connoisseur’s album, but let’s face it, the odds are the album itself will top the charts!

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Read our review of Frank Turner live at Coda, Colchester

Categories
Features

Album of the Year 2020

Photo by Andrea Turner from Pexels

Who is going to make the Full Pelt Music Top 20 Albums of the Year List?

2020 – a year we would all much sooner forget. Certainly not the year we had all envisaged. Real life has been traumatic and upsetting for many. The effects of the virus have been disastrous for the music industry, with the collapse of live music and many delays and production issues for albums.

You’d think therefore that selecting an Album of the Year list would be difficult due to a lack of new music! We are however talking about the most creative and adaptable industry and in fact compiling this list has been hard for the opposite reason. Even through all the sadness and despair this year, we have been graced with some amazing new music.

More so, the uniqueness of this year has created a special connection to the music released during the most troubling times. This is therefore a highly competitive list and all 20 entries deserve high praise!

We have been counting down the list as part of our #AdventCalendar of music over on our Twitter Page. Be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by clicking the icons below!

Finally, before we talk through our Top 20 Albums of the Year, a special mention to Yungblud and his new album ‘Weird!’ which we recently reviewed here. Released after the compilation of this list, the album is a stunning piece of work and had it been released earlier would have been competitive at the top of the list! But, now to the countdown…

20

HAYLEY WILLIAMS
‘Petals For Armor’

In a year that doesn’t seem to want to end, January seems a lifetime ago when Paramore’s Hayley Williams announced her debut solo album ‘Petals For Armor’. By the time that album arrived, the world had descended into chaos and all touring plans had been cancelled. When the album did emerge in May it represented a ray of light in dark times, and showed Williams has a lot to offer outside of Paramore.

we suggest you check out:

Hayley Williams – ‘Simmer’

19

DOVES
‘The Universal Want’

When Doves returned from an eight year hiatus in 2018 the band initially basked in that reformation glory. Thankfully for fans though it hasn’t taken long for the band to head back into the studio and the resultant album ‘The Universal Want’ is a timely reminder of what we had been missing.

we suggest you check out:

Doves – ‘Prisoners’

18

AC/DC
‘Power Up’

After a tumultuous few years with the tragic loss of Malcolm and departures of Cliff, Phil and Brian, AC/DC could have been easily forgiven for riding off into the sunset having had one of the greatest careers of any heavy rock band. But then that wouldn’t be the AC/DC way of doing things would it? Instead we get another classic AC/DC album in ‘Power Up’ with Williams, Rudd and Johnson back in tow!

we suggest you check out:

AC/DC – ‘Shot In The Dark’

17

REWS
‘Warriors’

The Shauna Tohill led REWS have somehow managed to equal if not surpass their debut album with sophomore release ‘Warriors’. Packed with punchy, catchy, bouncy rock and roll, we challenge you not to throw your heart and soul into this album just as Tohill clearly has.

we suggest you check out:

REWS – ‘Birdsong’

16

THE STRUTS
‘Strange Days’

With The Struts you should always expect the unexpected. This is not a band that plays by any kind of rule book. So why wouldn’t they team up with guests as diverse as Tom Morello, Phil Collen & Joe Elliott, Albert Hammond Jr and yes the actual Robbie Williams? ‘Strange Days’ solidifies The Struts reputation as the future of rock.

we suggest you check out:

The Struts – ‘Strange Days’

15

ALL TIME LOW
‘Wake Up Sunshine’

‘Wake Up Sunshine’ is somehow the eighth studio album for All Time Low, which makes me feel very old. Thankfully this isn’t an album that rests on any laurels and the band continue to deliver the goods with another very solid album added to that back catalogue.

we suggest you check out:

All Time Low – ‘Monsters’

14

THE KILLERS
‘Imploding The Mirage’

By now we know exactly what to expect from The Killers and thankfully their first album without lead guitarist Dave Keuning still delivers that classic feel. With the likes of Lindsay Buckingham instead contributing on ‘Imploding The Mirage’, there is even an air of freshness to their sound.

we suggest you check out:

The Killers – ‘My Own Soul’s Warning’

13

PHIL CAMPBELL AND THE BASTARD SONS
‘We’re The Bastards’

When Phil Campbell And The Bastard Sons released their debut album, to the surprise of many they delivered a classic rock masterpiece. Any doubters thinking they couldn’t do it again have now been proven wrong with the release of ‘We’re The Bastards’ In our recent review (here) we stated “The bands fans are the loyal kind hence their lyrics proclaim “…’cause we’re the bastards, and you’re a bastard too…”.  If you’re in to good old fashioned rock and roll, give this album a listen and you too will be in that club”.

we suggest you check out:

Phil Campbell And The Bastard Sons – ‘Son Of A Gun’

12

GREEN DAY
‘Father Of All…’

‘Father Of All…’ may not sit highly amongst the bands back catalogue if we are being honest, but an average Green Day album is still a very good album in the grand scheme of things. Despite this album pre-dating national lockdowns the album has remained on rotation throughout the year which is a testament to its real qualities.

we suggest you check out:

Green Day – ‘Oh Yeah!’

11

BOSTON MANOR
‘Glue’

Nobody should be surprised at the quality of Boston Manor’s albums anymore. With the release of their third album ‘Glue’, the band have now delivered three high quality albums with plenty to unpack.

we suggest you check out:

Boston Manor – ‘Liquid’

10

HAIM
‘Women In Music Pt. III’

With ‘Women In Music Pt. III’, Haim have let it all hang out with a statement of an album that takes listeners on a musical journey of wonder. Taking elements of various genres and given them that now classic Haim twist, this album is a stunning piece of musicianship.

we suggest you check out:

Haim – ‘Now I’m In It’

9

PVRIS
‘Use Me’

With the release of third album ‘Use Me’, PVRIS have continued their evolution into something majestic, enormous and vital. The bands growth had been put out there for all to see and this album just encapsulates the power of Lynn Gunn.

we suggest you check out:

PVRIS – ‘Dead Weight’

8

BLACK STONE CHERRY
‘The Human Condition’

On ‘The Human Condition’ we get the Black Stone Cherry that we all love, just doing what they do best. Full of head banging and foot stumping this record sees the band confirm that they are here to stay, and that they have plenty left in the creative tank.

we suggest you check out:

Black Stone Cherry – ‘Again’

7

TRIVIUM
‘What The Dead Men Say’

‘What The Dead Men Say’ is a stunning piece of work that captures a band that has hit their peak. Trivium have mixed the lessons learnt from their past with their recently rejuvenated vigour and have come out the other side with an album that stands up that anything that they have previously released.  

we suggest you check out:

Trivium – ‘Catastrophist’

6

CREEPER
‘Sex, Death & The Infinite Void’

The release of ‘Sex, Death & the Infinite Void’ was a rocky road for Creeper, and not just because of a global pandemic. Various internal struggles and personal demons had to be overcome before Creeper could make their grandiose return. Sadly this return coincided with a certain virus which hampered the typical over the top promotion of a Creeper release. Thankfully for the band the record itself is brilliant enough to shine through even the darkest times.

we suggest you check out:

Creeper – ‘Born Cold’

5

BIFFY CLYRO
‘A Celebration Of Endings’

As we hit the top five Albums of 2020, things are very tight. A terrible year has thankfully seem some amazing music emerge to see us through. Biffy Clyro are another band whose plans were destroyed by this horrible virus, with tours cancelled and the album delayed. The early single releases from ‘A Celebration of Endings’ however provided much joy in the early period of lockdown.

When the full album finally found his way into the public domain, little did fans realise the treat that was in store for them. Biffy Clyro always evolve with each release, but they somehow manage to retain that Biffyness to their music. This is a unique band and ‘A Celebration of Endings’ is a unique record that mixes both the beautiful and the heavy as only Biffy Clyro seem to be able to.

we suggest you check out:

Biffy Clyro – ‘End Of’

4

ENTER SHIKARI
‘Nothing Is True & Everything Is Possible’

Another band whose releases were a small positive in the huge negative that was the first national Lockdown was Enter Shikari. It was clear from the start that ‘Nothing Is True & Everything Is Possible’ was going to be a very special album. The connection felt now with certain tracks only serves to ensure that this album will forever be seen as one of, if not the best Enter Shikari album.

All the normal quirkiness is there, along with the more mainstream elements incorporated into 2017’s ‘The Spark’.  In fact, on this album Enter Shikari may have actually made the perfect Enter Shikari recipe and in turn the perfect Enter Shikari album!

we suggest you check out:

Enter Shikari – ‘satellites**’

3

BRING ME THE HORIZON
‘Post Human: Survival Horror’

Yes, ‘Post Human: Survival Horror’ is technically an EP, but it is just so outrageously good that it had to feature and feature high. Precursors such as ‘Ludens’ and ‘Parasite Eve’ had promised something special but I don’t think anybody predicted anything this good.

When we recently reviewed the record (here) we told you “This new EP takes the best elements from throughout their career and combines them in one stunning masterpiece of an album.”. Bring Me The Horizon prove with this album that the best is still to come!

we suggest you check out:

Bring Me The Horizon – ‘Obey’

2

FONTAINES D.C.
‘A Hero’s Death’

The battle for the number one spot this year was fierce. Actually, the battle for the top 5 was fierce this year. Fontaines D.C. are the band that gets the number two spot, but this album deserves Album of the Year. ‘A Hero’s Death’ shows that the band are no flash in the pan and builds on the basis of debut ‘Dogrel’. This album actually feels a step above that debut album, and is another that has created a huge personal connection during this tough year.

This record has already rightfully brought the band much acclaim and we can’t wait to hear these songs live. Fontaines D.C. are an unstoppable songwriting force and with ‘A Hero’s Death’ they have placed their claim to be the band of their generation.

we suggest you check out:

Fontaines D.C. – ‘I Don’t Belong’

1

IDLES
‘Ultra Mono’

It has been a crazy year, and this list has been heavily influenced by that. As mentioned the top of this list is massively impacted by new music I heard during the height of the initial lockdown. ‘Ultra Mono’ was an album that I was already extremely excited to hear; and the stream of songs released during Lockdown only served to raise that excitement to a fever pitch.

Thankfully IDLES didn’t disappoint and when the album arrived it was a pure masterpiece. It shows a natural progression on the bands first two records and grows the bands sound. It still captures what made us all fall in love with the band but by incorporating new elements into the bands sound the album shows that IDLES are no one trick pony.

Above all other releases this year and those that feature in this list, this was the album that we needed this year. In a year where we have all been knocked down one way or another, IDLES and ‘Ultra Mono’ has been a call to arms, to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves down and keep going.

we suggest you check out:

IDLES – ‘Model Village’

So, there you have it, the Top 20 Albums of 2020 as considered by Full Pelt Music. We are sure that your lists will be different to ours and we want to hear them, so why not share yours with us on social media!