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Joyce Manor

Joyce Manor

‘I Used To Go To This Bar’

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JOYCE MANOR – I USED TO GO TO THIS BAR – ALBUM REVIEW

In a serious world that has truly lost its mind, it’s sometimes nice just to lose yourself something silly and fun. Well, perfect timing for the latest Joyce Manor album to arrive then!

A nostalgic record both in tone and tune, ‘I Used To Go To This Bar’ would’ve fit in easily in the early 2000’s. Working with Bad Religion’s Brett Gurewitz, this is regular programming for the band but with enough vibrancy to keep things interesting.

A bit of country twang, some emo angst and plenty of scrummy hooks will keep your dependable love of the band alive and provide you with that touched upon much needed escape from the realities of modern life.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘ALL MY FRIENDS ARE SO DEPRESSED’
Joyce Manor – ‘All My Friends Are So Depressed’

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‘All My Friends Are So Depressed’ and ‘Well, Whatever It Was’ lead the charge but altogether these are another nine solid pop punk tracks. No ground is being broken but sometimes that’s absolutely fine.

Given the typically short duration of the record, you will happily be able to spend some time with these tracks and when you do they will etch themselves into your head.

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Poppy

Poppy

‘Empty Hands’

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POPPY – EMPTY HANDS – ALBUM REVIEW

The volume of music released by American singer Poppy over the past decade is really quite absurd. Not a year has passed without a notable release and that relentless flow of releases continues now with her seventh album, ‘Empty Hands’.

Poppy works again with in-demand production wizard Jordan Fish for a second consecutive album, and this record does feel like a convenient next step from its acclaimed predecessor, ‘Negative Spaces’.

The evolution of Poppy from YouTube android, to pop star, to now being widely accepted into the rock and metal world has been steady and backed up by credible songs and undoubted talent. Now with ‘Empty Hands’ you can sense that artistically at least Poppy feels settled in her skin.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘Bruised Sky’
Poppy – ‘Bruised Sky’

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These thirteen tracks are as expected very polished and for their genre extremely well crafted. That shouldn’t surprise anybody especially with Fish so heavily involved. The Fish tank however is arguably getting full of increasingly indistinguishable musical fry and perhaps some further growth will be needed to continue to stand out.

‘Bruised Sky’, ‘Guardian’ and ‘Unravel’ all help to ensure that the first half of the album is engaging enough to harness your attention and the remainder of the album does enough to keep you alert until Poppy really let’s go on the closing title-track which is a fitting finale for the record.

If you’ve already invested in Poppy, then this album will serve you well and there’s also plenty here to allow newcomers to get an understanding of what Poppy has to offer. The interesting element of her career however has been her musical development and hopefully that will continue into the next decade!

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THE HARA

The Hara

The Fallout

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THE HARA – THE FALLOUT – ALBUM REVIEW

Since their 2017 inception, Manchester alt-rock trio THE HARA have poured their hearts into a string of releases which culminated in their debut album in 2023. Energetic performances on any stage that will give them a platform have backed up their promise and evidenced their authentic passion for what they do.

In such a unique, unrelenting and unforgiving industry many will eventually see such passion swallowed up and be left devoid of fight. Well, that’s not THE HARA who seemingly harness life’s challenges into a productive output which is again on show now as that they share their second album, ‘The Fallout’.

The album opens with singer Josh Taylor passionately exclaiming “I wear my skin like a trophy, so they give a fuck about me, my heart in a tomb till it can’t breathe, so the pain is harder to read”. This type of visceral, frank lyricism sets the tone for the record and brings about the atmospheric and emotive modern rock that they’ve developed so vividly.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘EASIER TO DIE’
The Hara – ‘Easier To Die’

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‘Easier to Die’ and ‘Monsters & Demons’ follow quickly on and embed expectations of the twelve-song collection. This is an album that you can get thoroughly emotionally invested in but can also simply serve as a short sharp escape from the world if you just want to get a musical adrenaline fix.

This is one of those releases where each track brings something to the table, but ultimately the cohesiveness of the entire record is what makes it special. Album closer, ‘Enemy’ pummels like Royal Blood on steroids bringing the record to a fitting crescendo.

‘The Fallout’ is a great way to begin the year of new music; and with a tour on the horizon, you’ll be excited to hear THE HARA play these songs live.

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The Full Pelt Music Podcast – Episode 70 – The Hara

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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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