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Spiritbox

Spiritbox

Tsunami Sea

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SPIRITBOX – TSUNAMI SEA – ALBUM REVIEW

The rise and rise of Spiritbox since their introduction in 2017 is a fine example of what can happen when you bet on yourself. Formed by Courtney LaPlante and Mike Stringer when the couple decided to leave their established band for something they could call their own, they haven’t looked back since.

A handful of EP’s led to the arrival of their 2021 debut album ‘Eternal Blue’ which was met with great acclaim and cemented their status as not just future but present stars of the heavy music world. Now, they are looking to capitalize further on the hype that continues to surround them with the release of their sophomore full length release – ‘Tsunami Sea’.

Forging their path in a genre which can often feel eerily similar, Spiritbox have done well to develop their own identifiable sound, and this album sees them continue to embellish that sonic gravitas. No need to worry about them being confused for Poppy or anyone else here!

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘SOFT SPINE’
Spiritbox – ‘Soft Spine’

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Whilst pre-release singles ‘Soft Spine’ and ‘Perfect Soul’ do shine bright, this is a record that is greater than the sum of its parts. Those prog influences still structuring the aesthetic of this dynamic group.

The plaudits from ‘Eternal Blue’ will undoubtedly continue to flow again with its successor as the Spiritbox identity is fully manifested on an album which feels like a celebration or culmination of their early years.

That’s not to say that the band have hit their peak, but you do sense we are now moving into a new era for a group now solidly placed in the upper echelons of their scene.

Indeed, sometimes you do just need to take a leap of faith and bet on yourself!

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OVERSIZE

OVERSIZE

Vital Signs

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OVERSIZE – VITAL SIGNS – ALBUM REVIEW

As the cold of winter dissipates into the slow warmth of spring, the debut album from South West alt-rockers OVERSIZE is perfectly timed to help you with that transitional rebirth of life!

Packed with a hazy aesthetic which feels perfect for the time of year, this group of like-minded dreamers are ready to launch themselves into the consciousness of the UK rock scene. Indeed, as far as opening statements and debut albums go – ‘Vital Signs’ is ideally situated to capture your imagination and make a lasting impression.

Oozing gloriously fuzzy riffs, 90’s alt-rock attitude and that grunge era aura, these songs each stand up to be counted with the likes of ‘Fall Apart’ and ‘Salt’ ready to grip a new wave of rock fans.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘VITAL SIGNS’
OVERSIZE – ‘Vital Signs’

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You can feel the love and passion that the band have put into these ten ethereal tracks and the trust that they’ve placed in them to make this milestone first record is well placed. The album is structured delicately and deliberately to deliver a visceral listening experience and that is punctuated perfectly by the closing thrust of the title track, ‘Vital Signs’.

As the sun begins to reclaim the sky in the coming weeks and months, music fans will find themselves mysteriously pulled into fields of music and as you inspect your festival clashfinders and local venue listings you will absolutely want to put a big red circle around the name OVERSIZE!

It’s somewhat disingenuous to proclaim that every band is going to be massive and despite the fantastic punning opportunity here we won’t do that… still you wouldn’t bet against it either!

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Doves

Doves

Constellations for the Lonely

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DOVES – CONSTELLATIONS FOR THE LONELY – ALBUM REVIEW

Beset amongst a backdrop of cancelled tours and the need for singer Jimi Goodwin to seek support for his mental health struggles, Doves last album cycle ended somewhat chaotically.

Back now with ‘Constellations for the Lonely’, an album written in the aftermath of that chaos, there is a feeling of peaceful reflection, and a wistful vision of hope entangled throughout these ten carefully crafted songs.

‘Renegade’ and ‘Cold Dreaming’ welcome fans to a record which is certainly on the more thought-provoking and tender side of what the band do so well. This is a running theme throughout a record which only really unleashes the throttle at controlled intervals, but that sombre undertone complements the subject matters incredibly well.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘RENEGADE’
Doves – ‘Renegade’

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Whilst the spotlight could’ve naturally fallen upon Goodwin, bandmates Jez and Andy Williams take on their fair share of the workload here, each lending their vocals to select tracks across the album, which makes this album feel like a truly collaborative collection.

Musically this is a very strong set of expansive soft rock songs which all hold their own amongst the impressive back catalogue already created by one of UK indie’s most interesting bands. Fans of the trio will find a familiar warmth to this record which is only emboldened by the knowledge of what the band have gone through to make it.

As the lyrics to ‘Saint Teresa’ say – “…there’s beauty inside of the pain…”, and that line by itself does more to sum up this album then any review ever could!

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Architects

Architects

The Sky, The Earth & All Between

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ARCHITECTS – THe sky, the earth & all between – album review

The Architects fanbase has had a lot to say about their musical direction over the past decade. The band have evolved their sound and embraced a more mainstream sonic aura which has drawn a truck-load of obvious comparisons to their friends Bring Me The Horizon.

The irony there being that early year’s fans of that band also developed a hyper-critical mindset as they undertook the journey that led them to superstardom. Funnily enough, for both bands, their success only grew as they pushed their boundaries further and further.

Now, Architects follow the growing list of acts recruiting the production services of ex-BMTH genius Jordan Fish. It’s unlikely then to be much of a surprise as we reveal that their new album, ‘The Sky, The Earth & All Between’ sounds exactly as you would expect it to!

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘Blackhole’
Architects – ‘Blackhole’

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Whilst those pesky BMTH comparisons will only echo louder, the group are unlikely to care as this record finds its way into more ears than ever before. Yes, to use a tired cliché – this is probably their most accessible work to date and also probably their most coherent release in recent years. Indeed this album will be an enjoyable and absorbing listen for modern day Architects fans.

It also has a few moments which will extend a hand to some of those lapsed fans, offering them an avenue back into the fold. To that extent, something this album does well is try and accommodate every aspect of their arsenal.

Critics will perhaps rightly point out that a negative of Fish’s sudden availability is a seemingly relentless stream of similar releases looking to exploit his signature aesthetic. You can forgive artists though for wanting to get in on the action and Architects truly have more right than anyone else to do just that.

The overall verdict therefore is that this is a strong release from Architects that is well worth your attention – be you a new school or old school fan or perhaps a complete beginner. Remove yourself from the growing noise that surrounds the band and you’ll find a decent album underneath.

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The Murder Capital

The Murder Capital

Blindness

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THE MURDER CAPITAL – BLINDESS – ALBUM REVIEW

Ever since arriving whilst treading the path forged by the likes of IDLES and Fontaines D.C., The Murder Capital have seemingly done all they can to distance themselves from that much hyped scene.

After the success of their 2019 debut album, ‘When I Have Fears’, the group reinvented their sound on the self-examining ‘Gigi’s Recovery’ in 2023. Despite their sonic transformation, the record stood its ground and demonstrated a dexterity that the band now seem keen to flex even further.

On their new third album, ‘Blindness’, The Murder Capital once again create a standalone aesthetic which sets this collection apart from anything that they’ve done before – or at this rate will ever do again!

LISTEN TO ‘WORDS LOST MEANING’
The Murder Capital – ‘Words Lost Meaning’

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This exploration is admirable given the success that the post-punk noise continues to garner. Artistic integrity is great and all, but more often than not the need to eat and pay bills sees ambition wane into a whimper of diluted experimentation.

There isn’t a modicum of fear in the delivery of this elegant set of alt-indie sonnets. The result is an album which showcases the abundance of talent which this group very clearly possesses, but one that for this reason may pass over the heads of those just looking for a quick fix of rousing throng.

That said there are parallels to be drawn with recent Fontaines D.C. which could again work in the favour of a band deserving of bigger acknowledgement. Ultimately though as The Murder Capital double-down on their self-belief, the legacy of this album may be the solidification of evidence that you can’t pigeonhole this fascinating band!

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Killswitch Engage

Killswitch Engage

This Consequence

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KILLSWITCH ENGAGE – THIS CONSEQUENCE – ALBUM REVIEW

After everything that the group have been through over the past quarter of a century, it’s a surprise that we still get to enjoy new Killswitch Engage music. You can probably pinpoint half a dozen times where the band could’ve called it quits, but their endurance has instead distinguished them as one of the most loved bands from their scene.

‘This Consequence’ represents their ninth studio album and finds the band on autopilot somewhat. With a (rare for these days) limited amount of pre-release singles, play was pressed on this album waiting to be wowed, but whilst the listen is enjoyable enough it fails to deliver the sucker-punch expected.

2019’s ‘Atonement’ did a lot to establish Killswitch Engage as an unyielding creative force, and this record follows largely in the same vein. For a band tough that carry a, perhaps unfair, weight of expectation you can’t help but want a little more.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘I Believe’
Killswitch Engage – ‘I Believe’

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More energy? More diversity? More personality? It’s hard to narrow down what’s missing but undeniably a spark of some sort is lacking. That said, at just ten songs and thirty-five minutes the album doesn’t drag. It has that Killswitch Engage heart and will hold its own against offerings from lesser bands.

Killswitch Engage have always combined their heavy sound with some heavy themes and again on ‘This Consequence’, the group channel their recent challenges and experiences into their art. It’s a safe release which does well to capture their established melodic brand of metalcore and document their passionate monologue.

This isn’t what you’d class as a bad album by any stretch of the imagination, it’s just very formulaic for a band that has always managed to set themselves apart.

The album will sit fine in their arsenal, but the lack of a spark will eliminate it from any conversations regarding what their best album. That though, is a testament to the incredible body of work that the band have already created more than a criticism of this latest record.

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Manic Street Preachers

Manic Street Preachers

Critical Thinking

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MANIC STREET PREACHERS – CRITICAL THINKING – ALBUM REVIEW

‘Critical Thinking’ is the fifteenth album from Welsh icons Manic Street Preachers. A run that started back in 1992 with ‘Generation Terrorists’ has seen the band releasing a new album a least every four years, and whilst there may be peaks and troughs, somehow the band has never released a dreadful record!

That is some achievement and – spoiler alert – ‘Critical Thinking’ is certainly not going to buck that trend. Keeping things interesting when this prolific as a recording group must be the most difficult aspect of maintaining course. Both for themselves as creators and their fanbase as consumers.

This album takes an interesting pathway from the very beginning as Nicky Wire takes on lead vocals for the albums title-track. His direct lyrics have renewed vigour and the track sounds like New Order writing a Pink Floyd song!

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘BRUSHSTROKES OF REUNION’
Manic Street Preachers – ‘Brushstrokes of Reunion’

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Pre-release singles ‘Decline & Fall’ and ‘Brushstrokes of Reunion’ are more recognisable as modern-day Manic Street Preachers offerings and together are a hell of a start for this collection.

This album actually features three tracks with lead vocals provided by the mercurial Wire and both ‘Hiding in Plain Sight’ and album closer ‘OneManMilitia’ standout on what eventually does blend somewhat as another solid but standard Manics release.

That though is a backwards complement, because the reason that each of their albums starts the feel eerily similar is because they are all so well written and enacted. Whilst the ferocity and urgency of some of their earlier work may not bite the same way, this is a naturally mature and more methodical group who are still able to drive a point home.

‘Critical Thinking’ therefore has the undertones of classic Manics, the shine of their more glamorous work and an overarching beauty which always seems to befall one of the greatest bands of their generation.

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Winona Fighter

Winona Fighter

My Apologies to the Chef

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WINONA FIGHTER – MY APOLOGIES TO THE CHEF – ALBUM REVIEW

Nashville may be better known for other musical genres, but that hasn’t stopped Winona Fighter from making a ruckus with their sharp punk bangers. Indeed, a stream of standout singles has built a reputation that their debut album, ‘My Apologies to the Chef’ is only going to accentuate.

Call it pop punk if you want but don’t pigeonhole a band that is showcasing a developing sound capable of taking over the world. These songs are absolutely gigantic and are sure to leave an indelible mark on a revitalised music scene.

Smart lyrics with biting delivery are married with rowdy guitars and sky high melodies as the trio perfectly blend those genres of pop and punk with incredible ease.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘HAMMS IN A GLASS’
Winona Fighter – ‘HAMMS IN A GLASS’

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None of the fourteen tracks that make-up this outstanding record breach the three minute mark, Winona Fighter precisely know what they are doing, and you can expect this record to deliver exactly what it needs to do.

Whilst you can pinpoint the likes of ‘Subaru’, ‘HAMMS IN A GLASS’, ‘R U FAMOUS’ and others as so-called highlights, the reality is this album simply flies by without a bad song in sight. As far as opening salvo’s go – this one is just what it should be – a warp speed sonic onslaught of pop punk goodness!

If you are not already aware of Winona Fighter, you soon will be. They make their UK live debut at Slam Dunk and on this evidence they will be the ones to watch come May.

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Lacuna Coil

Lacuna Coil

Sleepless Empire

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LACUNA COIL – SLEEPLESS EMPIRE – ALBUM REVIEW

Somehow Lacuna Coil formed over three decades ago! During this time they’ve released nine studio albums with some routine, that is until now. ‘Sleepless Empire’, their tenth effort is their first new album in nearly six years – the longest gap between releases in their career.

Well – the good news is if they are slowing down in terms of releases, they sure as hell aren’t in terms of sonic velocity! ‘The Siege’ and ‘Oxygen’ ensure that this milestone release bursts out of the traps and leaves you in no doubt that Lacuna Coil still very much mean business!

Their distinctive gothic-tinged brand of heavy metal is again proudly front and centre and refocused following their work recording a remake of their classic album, ‘Comalies’. It shouldn’t perhaps be a surprise then this truly feels like classic Lacuna Coil.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘Oxygen’
Lacuna Coil – ‘Oxygen’

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The sound of the album however still carries a modern freshness that helps to elevate these songs to new heights. Indeed, this is a record which will appeal to all fans whether they have jumped onboard in the early days or in recent years.

Thematically the album is a concept of sorts with an overarching rebellious sentimental seeping out of the eleven tracks. The band have looked at a world living through digital means and questioning the meaning of it all!

There are guest appearances from Randy Blythe (Lamb of God) on ‘Hosting the Shadow’ and Ash Costello (New Year’s Day) on ‘In The Mean Time’, before the big finale of ‘Never Dawn’ brings the record to a thumping close. When all is said and done, nobody can argue that this isn’t Lacuna Coil doing their thing as only they can.

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The Velveteers

The Velveteers

A Million Knives

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THE VELVETEERS – A MILLION KNIVES – ALBUM REVIEW

‘All These Little Things’ introduces us to the second album from Denver trio The Velveteers and sets a garage rock tone early on which is fitting given the record has been produced of a certain Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys.

This fuzzy rock and roll blast continues through ‘Suck The Cherry’ and the intense romp of ‘See Your Face’ – “…when I see your face, I want to disappear…”. Fast guitar work, a unique double drum thump and rousing vocals all mix together with blunt lyrics to create a whirlwind of a sound on this groovy collection.

‘Bound In Leather’ has an effortlessly cool swagger as vocal enchantress Demi Demitro muses “…I’m an open book, but I’m bound in leather…’ in an introspective standout track.

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The Velveteers – ‘Bound In Leather’

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The album continues at pace but does begin to twist and turn the further it progresses including ‘Go Fly Away’, which is the first song produced by The Black Keys together for another artist. The track has the feel of a funky Kate Bush experiment and helps to break-up the record and prevent too much predictability.

That said, the album does overwhelmingly have that Auerbach aura sprinkled throughout and therefore feels perhaps like the full quirkiness of the band isn’t quite unleashed.

The slower ending of ‘Up Here’, ‘Heaven’ and ‘Fix Me’ though soar with what feels like more freedom and help to ensure that your attention will be retained throughout what at times does feel like a lengthy listen.

What is undoubted is the talent manifested by this trio and the enormous potential that they clearly possess. This may ultimately prove to be a perfectly positioned album that boosts the trajectory that they find themselves on.

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