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Seven Blood

Seven

Life Is Just a Phase

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SEVEN BLOOD – LIFE IS JUST A PHASE – ALBUM REVIEW

Germany’s Seven Blood may only have released their first music together last year, but you wouldn’t believe it given the maturity of their output thus far. A string of infectious singles has rightly garnered them attention and now’s the time for the quartet to make their first big statement.

That moment arrives in the shape of their debut album, ‘Life Is Just a Phase’, which gives a permanent home to many of those singles. There is therefore something of an instant familiarity that exudes from the record for those that are already on board with their journey.

For those only now waking up to this genuinely exciting new prospect, the album does it’s job very well by making that important opening statement. This is a band with their hearts on their sleeves passionate about creating an inspiring and identifiable sound.

Check out the video for ‘TO THE UNKNOWN’
Seven Blood – ‘To The Unknown’

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Again – mission achieved! Each track demonstrates a polished knack for writing hypnotic melodies, meaty hooks and personal yet relatable lyrics. You just need to absorb the likes of ‘Monsters’ and ‘Strangers’ to feel the emotion these songs evoke.

Seven Blood have also created something aesthetically bold and unique. These songs have the anthemic appeal of pop-punk but with a heavier modern-metal grit which emboldens the vulnerability of the lyrics.

With a runtime of thirty-six minutes, this is a succinct and direct declaration of intent from a band well worth investing your own time in; and ‘Life Is Just a Phase’ is an ideal place to start!

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White Lies

White Lies

Night Light

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WHITE LIES – NIGHT LIGHT – ALBUM REVIEW

White Lies have always been a difficult band to pigeonhole into a specific genre and that’s ultimately what has helped to set them apart. They have their own identity and each record released tends to show a degree of evolution.

It shouldn’t be much of a surprise then that their new seventh studio album, ‘Night Light’, continues their ambitious path of growth and finds itself as another uniquely crafted set of songs. It’s worth noting that whilst it is of course a set of nine different songs, the album is greater than the sum of its parts and feels purposefully crafted as a singular piece of work.

The opening track, ‘Nothing On Me’ feels like it’s welcoming us to the town of Hawkins before exploding into a bombastic synth-laden groove which soon segues into the more melancholic ‘All The Best’.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘NOTHING ON ME’
White Lies – ‘Nothing On Me’

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Each track then flows elegantly into the next and mixes the various elements of their sound at different times. This is overarchingly however a slower more methodical record with hypnotic capabilities.

You won’t find yourself rocking out to these songs like you can much of their more front-footed work. No, instead you’ll want to seal yourself off in a dark room and allow yourself to get lost in the music.

There is much to take from this album as a listener even if actually in the context of their entire career it may not receive the acclaim they are used to. Fans of their more exuberant work will feel this is a bit flat, but that doesn’t make this a bad record – in fact it’s a very good one!

If every band stayed static in their sound then music would be boring, so fair play to White Lies for continuing to strive for something bigger and bolder.

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Finger Eleven

Finger Eleven

Last Night On Earth

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FINGER ELEVEN – LAST NIGHT ON EARTH – ALBUM REVIEW

Twenty years ago, Canadians Finger Eleven were making waves with a string of radio-rock favourites including tracks featuring on movie soundtracks and a handy affiliation with WWE. Truth be told though in 2025, they aren’t a band on many people’s radars anymore.

Indeed, it’s been ten long years since they released their last album, but their 2023 ‘Greatest Hits’ release stirred something – particularly the success of a new track, ‘Together Right’. Subsequently the band entered the studio and the first fruits of their labour ‘Adrenaline’ whetted rock fans appetites last year.

That track kickstarts new album ‘Last Night On Earth’ and helps to give the record a real solid foothold alongside ‘Blue Sky Mystery’ which features Filter vocalist Richard Patrick. The first half of the album incorporates glimpses of their old-school sound but in a somewhat more strait-laced rock package.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘ADRENALINE’
Finger Eleven – ‘Adrenaline’

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As the album progresses it’s clear that the band have put a lot of love into the making of the record and are looking to both pay homage to their past but make something modern and worthy of their resurrection.

Interestingly the standout tracks tend to be the slower numbers such as the centrepiece title-track, the piano-led ballad ‘Wall Dogs’ and the Floydian ‘Body and Mind’. This ultimately becomes one of their most ambidextrous collections.

The only real oddity is concluding the record with a second version of ‘Blue Sky Mystery’ without Patrick which just feels unnecessary. That aside, ‘Last Night On Earth’ is far better than a Finger Eleven album in 2025 has any right to be and hopefully will jumpstart a new era for the band!

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Florence + The Machine

Florence + The Machine

Everybody Scream

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FLORENCE + THE MACHINE – EVERYBODY SCREAM – ALBUM REVIEW

The promotion of Florence + The Machine’s last album, ‘Dance Fever’, ended abruptly amongst heartbreaking loss and a scary life-threatening medical emergency for Florence Welch.

Artists will often find catharsis in their creation, so it should be no surprise to anybody that their sixth album, ‘Everybody Scream’ tracks the theme not just of loss but also of recovery and hope. This naturally makes this an incredibly personal record for Welch and one that many will find solace in.

Welch has always oozed pure charisma however and this album is also able to get you moving with a grittier sound which is embellished by the presence of IDLES genius Mark Bowen. The more driven layers that have been added to the sound are hypnotic which ties in nicely with the majestic signature sound of the group.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘EVERYBODY SCREAM’
Florence + The Machine – ‘Everybody Scream’

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Lyrically poetic and sonically expansive this isn’t just some of the most personal material Welch has created but it’s some of the very best also… and that’s saying something given the credibility of her back catalogue.

Just shy of fifty-minutes long this is a mesmeric release for a number of reasons but more than anything it’s just great to hear Welch again unleashing her special talents in such a focussed and rewarding way.

A collaborative album with many parts to the machine both old and new this is an album well worth investing your energy in, so give it a go and everybody scream!

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Creeper

Creeper

Sanguivore II: Mistress of Death

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CREEPER – SANGUIVORE II: MISTRESS OF DEATH – ALBUM REVIEW

In 2023, Creeper didn’t just release their third album – they became the album. Embracing a love for the theatrical stylings of Jim Steinman, ‘Sanguivore’ led a vampiric ascension of the vision and ambition of a band always looking to push themselves.

The result was a stunning record which we felt compelled to christen our Album of the Year. The usual relentless touring followed, and the band honed fully into the aesthetics of the release. In May this year, some of their fanbase appeared ready to move onto the next era for the band constantly reinventing themselves. Many attended Camden’s KOKO to celebrate the final death of the album’s thrall.

Instead, a spectacular finale revealed that the album will see a hauntingly conceived sequel – ‘Sanguivore II: Mistress of Death’! Frontman Will Gould (aka William von Ghould) has explained the concept as a vampire touring band being hunted by the eponymous Mistress of Death.

This is of course another big, brazen statement from a band seeking to deliver something greater than the sum of its parts. Therefore, as with its predecessor, you again need to invest your time listening to the record in its entirety to devour it as intended.

WATCH THE VIDEO for ‘HEADSTONES’
Creeper – ‘Headstones’

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This album however is easier to consume than the first. Rather than beginning with a near ten-minute rock opera, instead this album begins with a minute long intro track and an early run of familiarity with the three pre-release singles ‘Blood Magick (It’s a Ritual)’, ‘Headstones’ and ‘Prey for the Night’.

The relatively small selection of pre-heard material helps to bring a sense of intrigue as you work through this twelve-track / forty-two-minute collection. The likes of Hannah Greenwood led ‘Razor Wire’ add fascinating new layers to the record and held to ensure that whilst very much a continuation of the first album, this record works well also as a standalone piece.

Overall, across ‘Sanguivore II: Mistress of Death’, Creeper have doubled down on their goth/glam rock hybrid sound but with added drive ala the classic metal of Maiden or Priest. That makes the album more accessible but still quirky and outlandishly fun.

No doubt the pursuant touring will see the band further exploring the possibilities of the genre, so it’s good that there are plenty of tracks on this album which are ready for feverish consumption. Halloween is the perfect day to release this record and now is the perfect time to sacrifice yourself at the altar of Creeper!

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The Last Dinner Party

The Last Dinner Party

From the Pyre

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THE LAST DINNER PARTY – FROM THE PYRE – ALBUM REVIEW

Last year’s stunning debut album, ‘Prelude to Ecstasy’ was monumental for The Last Dinner Party. The record made the band household names and brought about numerous prestigious awards all proclaiming them the next big thing.

With this attention however comes pressure to maintain that momentum. Many eyes will therefore be on their sophomore release, ‘From the Pyre’ which arrives some twenty months later.

With two of the albums pre-release singles (‘Second Best’ and ‘This is the Killer Speaking’) having already been previewed live last year, a degree of mystique remained for the album as a whole. The record however picks up pretty directly from its predecessor.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘SECOND BEST’
The Last Dinner Party – ‘Second Best’

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Indeed, ‘From the Pyre’ feels like a true continuation of ‘Prelude to Ecstasy’ yet somehow even more ambitious! Yes, the five-piece are able to take the words bold and innovative to new heights on this enchanting collection.

In a time of short-form media and low attention spans, the fact that the band have doubled down on their dynamic and mesmeric songwriting is commendable. With eight of the ten tracks nearing or surpassing the four-minute marker this album is very much substance over style.

The fact that the album credits spotlight nearly forty additional musicians show a glimpse of the layers crafted into the fabric of this album. The core group all get their moments to shine however and you do have to say that they are greater than the sum of their parts.

Anybody doubting their ability to follow up their sensational debut has been shut up with a new album arguable even fuller and grandiose than the original. The Last Dinner Party are no longer the next big thing, they are the now and they are going to be massive.

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Cyan Kicks

Cyan Kicks

Come Hell, Come High Water

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CYAN KICKS – Come hell, come high water – album review

Since releasing their debut album, ‘I Don’t Love You’ in 2019, Finnish alt rockers Cyan Kicks have been slowly turning heads with their eclectic sound. Their 2023 sophomore release, ‘I Never Said 4ever’, garnered greater attention from further afield and led to a series of shows and festival appearances in the UK.

Those catching either the groups full throttle Forest Stage performance or their stunning acoustic renditions in the campsites of 2000trees were instantly converted. Now those fans have their first taste of new music to really sink their teeth into as the band share their third studio album, ‘Come Hell, Come High Water’.

They album wastes no time in unleashing their anthemic modern metal stylings with opening trio ‘From the Bottom of My Heart’, ‘Echo’ and ‘Middle of a Breakdown’ all fantastically fun.

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Cyan Kicks – ‘Echo’

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Nailing Cyan Kicks down on a genre isn’t easy with electronic elements, pop sensibilities and an alternative rock sound built for the biggest stages. We’ve never been fans of pigeonholing music however, and we suggest instead of trying to label the band, you should instead just enjoy the madness that is Cyan Kicks!

There are ferocious riffs, driving rhythms and the incredible instrument that is the vocals of singer Susanna Alexandra; and the results are unashamed rock ragers full of emotion and unrelenting energy.

Every song on the record deserves its own shout out but to preserve our word count we’ll just point you to the finale of a rousing Heart cover (‘Alone’) and the Dan Lancaster produced hit, ‘Dancing With Demons’.

The entire album though is a really great listen and one of those that just makes you want to experience these songs in a live setting. Hopefully more shows will be coming and even more people can then discover this superb band.

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Yellowcard

Yellowcard

Better Days

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YELLOWCARD – better days – album review

After releasing their self-titled tenth studio album in 2016, Yellowcard went their separate ways with a sense of mission achieved. Five years later however and the call of nostalgia brought them out of their hiatus for an anniversary celebration of their seminal release, ‘Ocean Avenue’.

Now almost a decade since their last full-length album, the band are back with their eleventh record, ‘Better Days’. Better days indeed because anytime we’re treated to new Yellowcard is always a good day!

The bands unique take on the pop-punk brand always stirred emotions and elicited joyous feelings amongst. Now pushing towards their third decade as a band they still hold that same power.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘YOU BROKE ME TOO’
Yellowcard – ‘You Broke Me Too’

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Along for the ride this time on production is Blink 182 icon Travis Barker, who adds a new dynamic to the bands sound. That is enhanced by the fact Barker himself performs drumming duties across the ten new tracks. This does at times sprinkle some Blinkish influence into the mix but that’s not often a bad thing.

Indeed, Barker isn’t the only Blink alumni to feature on the record with Alkaline Trio’s Matt Skiba contributing to ‘Love Letters Lost’. Avril Lavigne is also here in a guest slot on ‘You Broke Me Too’ and both tracks are fantastic.

At just over thirty minutes long this is another lovely pop punk romp which flies by with thoroughly enjoyable abandon. A record of healing and growth, this is Yellowcard of 2025 and it’s wonderful!

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All Ears Avow

All Ears Avow

Horrors

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ALL EARS AVOW – HORRORS – ALBUM REVIEW

Followers of our various playlists will have had a solid introduction to Swindon’s All Ears Avow as they’ve built towards their debut album, ‘Horrors’. A string of enticing singles has whetted our appetite and the vampiric video for recent single, ‘A Night Like This’ has left us ravenous.

The four-piece have created a anthemic rock sound which will get you invested with ease. With band leader Claire Sutton at the forefront of the record, she harnesses the talents of the group to enact her vision.

Listed as vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, producer and all-round mastermind in the press release, Sutton has created a straight up collection of polished rock which will get you blasting this record at full volume.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘A NIGHT LIKE THIS’
All Ears Avow – ‘A Night Like This’

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Stirringly emotive, each song is worthy of your time. There aren’t any short, sharp tracks to be found; with all of the songs instead given their own room to breathe.

The structure of each track and the record as a whole have clearly been given serious thought and that is one of the little reasons you can feel the love put into the record throughout.

Those pre-release singles gave a good idea of what to expect, but the record as a whole brings everything together very nicely. From opener ‘Fighter’ to the brilliant closing track ‘Fire’, this is above all just a really enjoyable listen.

All Ears Avow are the real deal and all ears are now on them!

ALL EARS AVOW ON our ‘Discover’ new music podcast!
‘Discover’ New Music Podcast – Episode 81 – All Ears Avow

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AFI

AFI

Silver Bleeds the Black Sun…

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AFI – Silver Bleeds the Black Sun… – ALbum Review

Four years on from their polarising album ‘Bodies’, AFI are back with what is their twelfth studio record, ‘Silver Bleeds the Black Sun…’.

It doesn’t seem possible that it’s been thirty years since the band made their mark with their debut album, ‘Answer That and Stay Fashionable’. A lot has occurred in the intervening years as the band has evolved and cycled through different styles and genres all with that unmistakable AFI panache.

The height of their mainstream success may have occurred two decades ago, but the band have never rested on their laurels nor shied away from exploring the sounds that influenced them. No surprises here then that the band are again leaning deep into some of those long-standing influences.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘Behind the clock’
AFI – ‘Behind The Clock’

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The biggest surprise is instead perhaps the depths at which they plumb the new-wave oceans. The likes of The Cure, Depeche Mode and Echo & The Bunnymen would be proud of this record and that’s a testament to the artistic majesty of the band.

The singular sonic focus of the album does mean that it tends to bleed together however, and standout moments are fleeting. The overall quality however is very good and, in some ways, could be greeted as a fabled return to form.

AFI have always challenged their fanbase with their releases and this one will again be heralded by many and maligned by others. Either way it’s certainly worth a good listen.

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