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Kid Kapichi

Kid Kapichi

Fearless Nature

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KID KAPICHI – FEARLESS NATURE – ALBUM REVIEW

Kid Kapichi are at an interesting turning point in their career. Losing 50% of your line-up albeit on good terms is always going to apply pressure to the remaining members to ensure that there is no dip in quality.

‘Fearless Nature’ won’t give us a true flavour of what the future may hold given that the whole original line-up wrote, recorded and produced this, their fourth album in five years. Intriguingly however it does mark an evolutionary step for Kid Kapichi.

Having made their name delivering punk-rock rallying cries against the increasingly dysfunctional political landscape, ‘Fearless Nature’ sees frontman Jack Wilson turn the spotlight inwards onto himself.

WATCH THE VIDEO for ‘WORST KEPT SECRET’
Kid Kapichi – ‘Worst Kept Secret’

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Never fear there is still a healthy dose of political analysis captured within these songs (‘Leader of the Free World’ anyone) but for the first time Wilson really opens up about his own mental health challenges.

This adds brand new layers to the band thematically and also plays somewhat into some moments of musical expansion. Still packing a punch, the band have experimented more with their structures including glimpses of Gorillaz and Fontaines D.C. amongst others.

That all does make this a very interesting Kid Kapichi album to dissect. Perhaps this isn’t our time to understand what the band will sound like in their next releases, but this coincidently is a ideal segue for that era.

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Greywind

Greywind

Severed Heart City

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GREYWIND – SEVERED HEART CITY – ALBUM REVIEW

It’s been nine years since Greywind released their debut album – that is if you believe that 2017 is that long ago! It’s been quite the ride for the sibling fronted group during the intervening years with setbacks such as being unceremoniously dropped by their label and eventual highs such as 2024 EP ‘Antidote’ which won our EP of the Year award.

Even now hurdles appear, but after having to delay the release date, the band are here to kick off 2026 is a heavy dose of emotive pop rock. ‘Severed Heart City’ is an ambitious collection ready to hit you right in the feels.

That postponed release does mean that a lot of the album is already in the public domain, so those that have already jumped onboard will have a good idea of what to expect. Still the album as a whole is worth your investment and is an accessible and highly listenable record.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘ACID RAIN’
Greywind – ‘Acid Rain’

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If you are new to the band, then now is naturally a great time to get on the hype train. The album opens with the real one-two punch of ‘Acid Rain’ and ‘I.K.A.M.F.’ before settling in with the first unheard track, ‘Happy :):’.

‘Waterfall’ follows and demonstrates both the maturity of the songwriting on ‘Severed Heart City’ but also, as a tale of unrequited love, the raw emotion that this record captures. Indeed, across the album the growth in creative narrative from Steph and Paul O’Sullivan is a joy to hear.

There is big energy throughout the album and tender moments such as ‘The Scarecrow’ which bring depth to what is a well-rounded and thoroughly enjoyable record. A great start to the year and a big moment in the career of Greywind!

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The Full Pelt Music Podcast – Episode 69 – Greywind

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Alter Bridge

Alter Bridge

‘Alter Bridge’

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ALTER BRIDGE – ALTER BRIDGE – ALBUM REVIEW

As Alter Bridge’s self-titled eighth album kicks in with the monstrous opening riff of ‘Silent Divide’ you are instantly brought into their maniacal world of glorious heaviness.

Yes, the band keep up their consistent record of releasing a new album every three or so years and it’s only fitting that this record is self-titled because it embodies all that sets the band apart. Those riffs are accompanied by soaring vocals, thundering rhythms and the dual-maestro guitar sound that gets pulses racing.

It will always be a marvel that the members of Alter Bridge can consistently conjure this level of credible output despite also finding time play and record with their solo projects and other bands. The talent on offer is indeed scary.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘WHAT LIES WITHIN’
Alter Bridge – ‘What Lies Within’

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It’s natural that at times even the most talented artists will see their powers wane; and some may wilfully track down lulls or blips in their back catalogue – this however is very much true and pure Alter Bridge.

At an hour in length though and with the shortest track still clocking in near four minutes, you will need to invest yourself in this record to reap the rewards on offer. That though should come naturally to fans of the band and epic closing track ‘Slave to Master’ at nine minutes long is another huge opus for them to sink their teeth into.

This album is a very good listen and whilst this may not be their most accessible record, is is probably their heaviest and is unquestionably amongst their very best. Their fanbase therefore will be very pleased with album number eight.

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Beans On Toast

Beans On Toast

Kill Them With Kindness

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BEANS ON TOAST – KILL THEM WITH KINDNESS – ALBUM REVIEW

It’s December and we again have a year of horror and wonder behind us. It’s difficult to make sense of the realities of life but you can also rely on Beans On Toast trying to do just that at this time of year.

His traditional birthday album this year finds him releasing his eighteenth collection and in all of those years he has had plenty of inspiration – both good and bad. The past twelve month have been typically concerning, but throughout all of the big stuff, the fascination with life itself is what glistens on this record.

‘Kill Them With Kindness’ naturally has some pointed messages for those big players who heap misery on the world of communities that make humankind human and kind. It is his ability to highlight stories from the hearts of these communities however that make this an uplifting album. A reminder of what makes life special.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘That’s Why I Don’t Drink Tequila ANymore’
Beans On Toast – ‘That’s Why I Don’t Drink Tequila Anymore’

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‘The Glastonbury Oak’ may be the perfect Beans On Toast track – a song about a festival and a tree! ‘Taylor Swift for President’ represents his fantastic knack for pushing his tongue in his cheek whilst still making absolute sense. ‘Pelican Crossing’ is a fine example for his observational skills. ‘That’s Why I Don’t Drink Tequila Anymore’ is a fantastically fun new favourite and ‘Our Cat’ will ring true with many a dad out there.

Yes, there are personal stories, political commentaries and general experiences of existence on what is an all-round great Beans On Toast album. Made with his newly minted Beans On Toast Band, the music accompanying his words adds new levels of class to our yearly journal.

This does feel like a new pinnacle for an incredibly prolific artist.

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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.

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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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