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BIG SPECIAL

BIG SPECIAL

NATIONAL AVERAGE.

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BIG SPECIAL – NATIONAL AVERAGE. – ALBUM REVIEW

Last year BIG SPECIAL, the Black Country duo of Joe Hicklin and Callum Moloney, arrived in style with an incredible opening offering. Their debut album, ‘POSTINDUSTRIAL HOMETOWN BLUES’, rightly earned high praise from fans and critics alike – including us!

With tour dates and festival appearances still in the diary, not many were expecting a follow-up any time soon. But this week the band surprised everyone when they simply dropped their sophomore collection without any of the now standardised build-up! A brave move indeed, but hey, if Taylor Swift can do it then why not?

That new album, ‘NATIONAL AVERAGE.’ picks up where its predecessor left off with that ominous soulful punk sound accompanying the scathing poetry of opening track ‘THE MESS.’.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘GOD SAVE THE PONY.’
BIG SPECIAL – ‘GOD SAVE THE PONY.’

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The following twelve tracks all follow that same pathway and are driven by the direct social commentary of the lyrics and that sonic rumble that gained the duo their plaudits in the first place.

The fact that this album follows so closely musically to their debut album is probably to be expected given the quick turnaround. Even then though you can sense elements of evolution in the sound of this album. Some though may argue not enough, but ultimately these songs will do a great job expanding their repertoire for those upcoming shows and at this point of their career that’s actually the most important thing.

Further growth can and will likely come in the future, but for now let’s all just enjoy another heavy dose of the frank BIG SPECIAL fever dream. ‘NATIONAL AVERAGE.’ after all will only solidify their place in the busy landscape of the industry.

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Hot Milk

Hot Milk

Corporation P.O.P

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HOT MILK – corporation p.o.p

The genesis of Hot Milk from noisy upstarts to new hopes and now into genuine contenders has been interesting to follow.

Co-ringleaders Han Mee and Jim Shaw have quickly built up an already substantial back catalogue. Their three EP’s and debut album all showcased a desire aesthetically to establish a clear identity for the band. Something that fans could tie themselves to and truly invest in.

At the same time though you couldn’t help but feel that the band were searching for their own musical identity. An incredible range of styles and influences are presented over those initial releases and that has perhaps made the band hard for industry bods to pigeonhole as they love to do.

On their new sophomore album, ‘Corporation P.O.P’, however it finally feels like Hot Milk have found their sound. Those influences and more can still be picked out from the mechanics of the songs but the overarching sonic vibe feels their most coherent and complete yet.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘The american machine’
Hot Milk – ‘The American Machine’

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Considering there are a decent fourteen tracks here, it’s a huge compliment that each one feels like it belongs. The length of the album doesn’t take away the raw spirit that the band possess and the time listening just floats past.

The themes of the album centre on the state of the world with a particular love for Manchester shining through. Lyrically the duo are happy to shoot from the hip and the band certainly wear their hearts on their sleeves on ‘Corporation P.O.P’.

Hot Milk have been on a journey of self-discovery and an evolution of their artistry. That all sounds little too fancy though, so let’s just say that this is a properly good album from a band living up to their early potential.

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Malevolence

Malevolence

Where Only The Truth Is Spoken

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MALEVOLENCE – Where Only The Truth Is Spoken – ALBUM REVIEW

Nobody can accuse rising Sheffield noisemakers Malevolence of being a flash in the pan, overnight success. The group have been slugging away for well over a decade now and have earned their stripes.

But something magical has been happening in recent times and they are on the cusp of very big things indeed. There secret set at Download was one of the most talked about sets of the weekend and they have their biggest headline shows coming up.

They just have the small matter of a new album to navigate before then. These things can be make or break when it comes to momentum, just ask a plethora of previous big metal hopes. So, can ‘Where Only The Truth Is Spoken’ live up to the hype?

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘SO HELP ME GOD’
Malevolence – ‘So Help Me God’

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Quick and easy review this one, because spoiler alert – it undeniably can. The album is certain to push for the top spot on any metal album of the year lists and is quality from front to back.

Is there anything truly groundbreaking on this album? No. But that’s what makes it so special. At a time when every heavy act is trying to follow in the footsteps of certain contemporaries, Malevolence have shown that there is also strength in sticking to what you’re already good at.

There is a more classic metal influence on show compared to the increasingly generic modern metal sound. The hardcore sway over that sound increases the adrenaline and ensures that these songs are going to go off when played live.

There’s not much else to say really… just go and listen to this for yourself and metallers rejoice because your new obsession can absolutely live up to the hype!

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YUNGBLUD

Yungblud

Idols

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YUNGBLUD – idols – album review

“Hello” – Yes, hello YUNGBLUD how are you? What’s that you say, you have a new album out called, ‘Idols’? Nice, let’s have a listen, shall we?

In a world dominated by shortform media and even shorter attention spans it’s refreshing to see a popular artist start their new album with a nine-minute epic such as ‘Hello Heaven, Hello’! Whilst this is a track which includes the word Hello a whopping 114 times, it’s also a pretty damn good try at an old school rock opera.

This sums up the juxtaposition of YUNGBLUD perfectly. On the surface something of an easy target for critics, but deep down an artist able to produce quality tunes of real substance. Yes, the repetitive Hello’s may be meme-worthy, but the track itself is the perfect way to kick off what is a highly ambitious collection.

Over the course of twelve expansive tracks, YUNGBLUD gets to live out his childhood rock n roll fantasy with plenty of show and a healthy level of attitude. That signature swagger is channelled through these songs and results in a typical love it or hate it scenario for the singer.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘HELLO HEAVEN, HELLO’
YUNGBLUD – ‘Hello Heaven, Hello’

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The heart and soul that has clearly gone into this album however should shine through against even the harshest critic – as long as they actually listen to the record. The album took four years to make and not all of that could’ve been spent singing “hello”. In all seriousness though, the level of care shown on this album is respectable.

YUNGBLUD is a special talent with a unique skillset and this album shows a genuine evolution from an artist very clearly capable of stirring emotion and captivating imaginations.

Comparisons are obvious to the likes of Queen and The Who for this record, and you could argue that it lacks that trademark YUNGBLUD charm. The reality is though for an album where so much risk has been taken, the rewards absolutely outweigh any imperfections.

So, yeah, hello YUNGBLUD – your album’s pretty good!

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HAIM

HAIM

I quit

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HAIM – I QUIT – ALBUM REVIEW

HAIM are back with their fourth studio album, ‘I quit’, and as the opening narrative of ‘Gone’ suggests the band can be found in a defiant mood. Seemingly unshackling themselves from their past and the expectations that follow and sowing the seeds for the next phase of their career.

This is a career that has already established the trio as a top tier talent and you can sense a respect for what’s brought them to the dance on this record, but with a heavy dose of wanting to do things their own way.

The album features a predominant soft rock sound with folkish elements creeping in as well. As the UK embraces a Britpop Summer, this album will fit in very nicely with the aesthetics of that scene.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘RELATIONSHIPS’
HAIM – ‘Relationships’

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It really does feel apt that this album is being released as the UK experiences a heatwave because it certainly possesses some summer vibes. You can just picture a sun-soaked festival crowd or indeed a family BBQ with the tunes spinning in the background as you chill.

The likes of lead single ‘Relationships’ ensure that there are some moments which will last but overall, you don’t get the impression that this is a game-changing record for the sisters. It feels too much of a tired cliché to say that they are resetting themselves on ‘I quit’ but you can’t help but feel there is some cleansing being done.

Ultimately this is a very solid listen, and fans of the band will feel at home with these songs. There is a reason why HAIM continue to enjoy the success that they do – they are rather quite talented!

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Volbeat

Volbeat

God Of Angels Trust

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VOLBEAT – gods of angels trust – album review

The longest gap between releases in their prolific career, throat surgery for singer Michael Poulsen and the departure of Rob Caggiano after a decade with the band. It’s safe to say that new album ‘Gods of Angels Trust’ invites intrigue for Volbeat.

How will they sound, what will they deliver and is the magic still there? Three pre-release singles whet the appetite suitably that the fundamental elements of the band were still present and correct. Not least their ability to conjure ridiculous songs titles – ‘In the Barn of the Goat Giving Birth to Satan’s Spawn in a Dying World of Doom’ anybody?!

The album as a whole unsurprisingly follows very succinctly the path furrowed by these singles. Indeed, no moulds have been broken or even redesigned really on this latest record.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘By a monster’s hand’
Volbeat – By a Monster’s Hand’

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Nine albums in and it is becoming somewhat predictable what the formula will be for Volbeat albums, some delicious riffs, plenty of catchy choruses, a heavy aesthetic and some fun Johnny Cash vibes.

What this album does well though is capture each aspect of their signature sound and deliver it with professional ease. Given the pressures created by the issues highlighted at the start of this article, it’s probably a smart move by the band to re-solidify themselves with their fanbase.

It would’ve been nice however to have seen some more substantial evolution given the passage of time and events of the past few years. Oh well, this is Volbeat doing Volbeat and doing it proficiently.

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Pulp

Pulp

More

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PULP – MORE – ALBUM REVIEW

As they toured the UK in 2023, Pulp debuted a new track, ‘The Hymn of the North’ and set in motion the foundations of a new record. Joining together to record that new album in late 2024, the iconic band teamed with prolific producer James Ford and delivered eleven tracks in quickfire time.

Those tracks combine now as their eighth studio album, ‘More’. This album though is their first in twenty-four long years! It’s a different world now and in particular the music industry itself has moved on greatly… for better or worse.

Can a band that never fully fit into any pigeonholes during their own time, create something able to do their legacy justice all this time later?

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘SPIKE ISLAND’
Pulp – ‘Spike Island’

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Helpfully, the band have bucked the trend of releasing eighty percent of the album in advance! Only lead single and opening track ‘Spike Island’, and the rousing ‘Got to Have Love’ have given an indication of what to expect and that is really how it should be.

Listening to ‘More’ for the first time is therefore something of a sensory overload and you’ll need a good few listens to pick up on all of the nuances, bells and whistles. Overarchingly though this is Pulp being the eccentric oddities that they’ve always been and for old school fans of the band that results in a magical collection of unique sounds.

Frontman Jarvis Cocker exudes charisma throughout and whether serenading us with his trademark vocals or leading us through the stories of this album with his soothing spoken words, it’s reassuring to know that such a special talent can still captivate with the best of them.

That sentiment is what sums up this collection in totality. We didn’t know we needed a new Pulp album in 2025 and ‘More’ won’t be for everyone, but it sure feels great to get lost in a wonderland of quirkiness again.

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Turnstile

Turnstile

NEVER ENOUGH

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TURNSTILE – NEVER ENOUGH – ALBUM REVIEW

The growth of Baltimore hardcore punks Turnstile was slow and steady until it wasn’t. In 2021, their third album, ‘Glow On’ was met with universal acclaim and propelled them to new heights. Three Grammy nominations, larger shows and greater attention soon elevated the band to something bigger than the scene that they’d helped to foster.

With this heightened attention though comes expectations and the fact that it has taken the band four years to return with the successor to ‘Glow On’ had started to raise eyebrows. The departure of founding member and lead guitarist Brady Ebert only added to the speculative ponderings of what the band would do next.

But in April the band confirmed Meg Mills as their newest member and announced details of their fourth studio album, ‘NEVER ENOUGH’. The title-track and opening song on the record, ‘NEVER ENOUGH’ also gave a glimpse of what to expect on the long awaited follow up.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘NEVER ENOUGH’
Turnstile – ‘NEVER ENOUGH’

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Now the album is here in all of its forty-five glorious minutes, the answer is basically the same. This feels very much like a compendium of continuation and that of course is bound to draw both pleasure and an element of doubt. Given the four-year gap, you’d perhaps expect a new evolution, but the band are instead doubling down on the successes of ‘Glow On’.

That though is fine because that was such a great record and by default ‘NEVER ENOUGH’ is also a very good album. Atmospheric, true to their beginnings, but also showcasing their grander ambience which sets them apart.

‘LOOK OUT FOR ME’, at pushing seven minutes long, is a standout track and shows the ambition that the band clearly still possesses. The ‘SEEIN’ STARS’ / ‘BIRDS’ one-two keeps momentum going as the album progresses through its fourteen tracks and towards the climax ‘MAGIC MAN’.

The release of this album will certainly answer many of the questions that fans began to have over the direction of the band, but it will likely also lead to a few further questions over what comes next. In the meantime, just hit play and have fun with another fantastic album from one of the bands of the moment.

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Lowswimmer

Lowswimmer

Godspeed, Fantasy

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LOWSWIMMER – Godspeed, fantasy – album review

The musical exploits of Ed Tullett are traceable through many projects and guises, but whilst the others are largely collaborative, Lowswimmer is his own personal sonic palette. Now as he re-evaluates what is important to him, he sets free an album of atmospheric soundscapes capable of capturing hearts and minds.

‘Godspeed, Fantasy’ is his most introspective and engaging work yet and solidifies Lowswimmer as a vehicle for Tullett’s unshackled melodies which will captivate your soul.

A large swathe of the songs on this record came out as pre-release single and in fairness you could almost choose any track to be a single on what is a great record. The album itself though is greater than the sum of its parts and each listen through allows you to discover new layers to this multi-dimensional smorgasbord of musical treats.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘SLEEPER (HIT)’
Lowswimmer – ‘Sleeper (Hit)’

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The record flows elegantly through its eleven tracks and culminates with the hypnotising ‘Sojourn’. ‘Sleeper (Hit)’, ‘IRL’, ‘Godspeed’ and ‘Open Season’ all deserve mentions, but as we’ve hinted we could’ve just listed the entire tracklist.

Given the mesmeric traits of ‘Godspeed, ‘Fantasy’ you may wish to enjoy this record whilst chilling out in nature. There is an essence of life that seeps out of the songs and into your consciousness.

This may not be the first Lowswimmer record, but you do feel that this is the beginning of a wonderful journey for Tullett.

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Garbage

Garbage

Let All That We Imagine Be the Light

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You could argue that Garbage are enjoying something of a fabled career renaissance. The group have always been somewhat sporadic with their releases but new (eighth) studio album, ‘Let All That We Imagine Be the Light’ is their second since the world locked down.

Predecessor ‘No Gods No Masters’ was a frank indictment of the modern world and came at a time when the world was suffering. The band set about this time making a different record and leaving the socio-political analysis behind, alas that couldn’t possibly happen with the planet still facing such worrying times.

There is therefore still an undertone of challenging injustices still present on this album but as highlighted by the album title itself, the overarching theme is one of hope. The band are acknowledging the darkness but striving for the light.

WATCH the video for ‘There’s no future in optimism’
Garbage – ‘There’s No Future In Optimism’

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Sonically the record follows this path too and whilst still undeniably Garbage’s signature sound there is an evolutionary experimentation throughout which ensures that this is a standalone record for the now as opposed to a direct sequel for ‘No Gods No Masters’.

‘Let All That We Imagine Be the Light’ comprises ten eclectic tracks each harnessing different elements of the bands varied influences. From statement opener ‘There’s No Future In Optimism’ to epic conclusion ‘The Day That I Met God’ and all in between; this is an absorbing collection which will only further emphasise that Garbage are enjoying a real purple patch of artistry.

With their shows drawing plaudits and their recent albums gaining such admiration, hopefully we will continue to get more Garbage in our lives over the next few years because just the eight albums over their thirty-plus year career is somewhat slim pickings.

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