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Florence Black

Florence Black

BED OF NAILS

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FLORENCE BLACK – BED OF NAILS – ALBUM REVIEW

Florence Black have been threatening to breakout for a few years now and the impressive tsunami of pre-release singles for new album, ‘BED OF NAILS’, has set some high expectations.

Three of those tracks open the album with ‘START AGAIN’, ‘DON’T HOLD ME DOWN’ and ‘BED OF NAILS’ setting the tone early. Each track brings something different yet they all feel intricately connected. ‘TAXMAN’ is then the first unknown taste of what’s to come and it continues an unrelenting pace that won’t wane over the whole twelve tracks and forty plus minutes.

The remaining two singles follow succinctly with ‘LOOK UP’ giving of some grandiose AC/DC-esque vibes, and the superb power ballad ‘WARNING SIGN’ rallying the listener to overcome the hurdles of life. The first half of the album grabs the listener by the hand and leads them towards enlightenment.

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Florence Black – ‘WARNING SIGN’

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It’s at this point that the album really comes into a world of its own. Given the strength of the first six tracks, the band perhaps could’ve rested easy knowing that they’ve got a decent album in the bank. Rather than sit back and phone in a half-hearted back end though the group have instead strived to create something special.

Producer Romesh Dodangoda has a magic touch and this album can be heralded as another stunning success. ‘BEAUTIFUL LOVER’ provides another tender moment, before ‘THE WAY HOME’ picks things up once again. That theme of familiar yet unique flows throughout the sonic essence of the album and ensures that your attention is never sapped.

There really is so much to dissect in these twelve tracks with southern rock inspired ragers interspersed with nu-metal bangers and radio friendly rockers. The impressiveness of guitarist/singer Tristan Thomas’ dexterity is only matched by the powerful soundscape offered by bassist Jordan Evans and drummer Perry Davies.

These three individuals have come together on ‘BED OF NAILS’ to capture a touch of the extraordinary. Those high expectations haven’t just been met, they have been far exceeded and this album deserves to be the one that thrusts Florence Black into the stratosphere.

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Alkaline Trio

Alkaline Trio

Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs

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ALKALINE TRIO – BLOOD, HAIR, ANd EYEBALLS – ALBUM REVIEW

While Alkaline Trio remained active during the Matt Skiba era of Blink 182, Skiba himself has admitted that they took something of a backseat. It’s perhaps not surprising then that the gap between 2018’s ‘Is This Thing Cursed’ and new album, ‘Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs’ is the longest one in the groups history.

Recent times have been particularly transitional with Skiba’s untimely departure from Blink 182 and the exit of long time drummer Derek Grant of particular note. Thankfully though for fans, the band continues to persevere and their tenth studio album is now out in the world.

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Alkaline Trio – ‘Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs’

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The title-track gave fans a glimpse of the band at their best when it acted as the lead single for the album, which is named after a phrase coined by Skiba’s nurse mother. Thematically the album explores the similarly grotesque nature of what the band have referred to as “apocalypse culture”.

The concept of fear-inducing bad news in the media creating a toxic environment will surely remain apt as both the US and UK prepare for a year of election frenzy.

Yes the world is always going to focus on the bad, but the fact that Alkaline Trio are still pushing out new music is something good that we can all focus on. Music is such an important distraction and the eleven tracks on ‘Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs’ can certainly keep you entertained for half an hour or so.

Ten albums in and any band will struggle to deliver an earth shattering new record. This album ultimately is decent without being that standout release. It does have its moments though and feels now like a solid reset moment for the band.

With Skiba now fully invested again and the accomplished Atom Willard on board, you feel it won’t be that long between releases this time around; and that future really does seem more exciting now with this album feeling like a timely reminder of what the trio can offer.

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Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes

Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes

Dark Rainbow

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FRANK CARTER & THE RATTLESNAKES – DARK RAINBOW – ALBUM REVIEW

Frank Carter has never been one to simply take the road of least resistance, especially when it comes to his musical direction. After all this is the man that left one of the hottest breakthrough bands to push his boundaries and experiment with a wider sonic palate.

With his own name on the posters now though he has a near frictionless opportunity to fully explore whatever direction he feels like taking. That is of course ignoring the noisy minority who will forever pine of an angry Carter full of rage and a desire to burn the world down.

That though isn’t a healthy mindset to carry through life and Carter’s own life has reached a point where he can suitably reflect on the ups and downs that have paved the way for the fifth Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes album – ‘Dark Rainbow’.

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Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes – ‘Brambles’

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Musically the album sees Carter and co-conspirator Dean Richardson indulge the softer elements that have gradually crept in over the first four records. There are still some headbanging moments for good measure but if you’re somebody looking for another ‘I Hate You’ then you’re going to be disappointed.

If however you have an open mind and a willingness to soak in the suave aesthetics of the album then your curiosity will be rewarded by Carter’s ambition. This is certainly an album that needs your full attention, but you will be rewarded if you stick with it.

Indeed the pre-release singles may be some of the weakest in relation to the immense depth shown across the album. This record will divide opinion for sure, but as a snapshot of an artist formerly known as a hellraiser, this collection is as genuine as it is brave!

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Neck Deep

Neck Deep

Neck Deep

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NECK DEEP – NECK DEEP – ALBUM REVIEW

Neck Deep have been leading the UK Pop Punk pack for a decade now and they’ve always felt on the cusp of really breaking out. That said their incremental gains have most definitely and defiantly placed them as the poster kids for their signature emotive frivolity.

This self-titled fifth studio album finds the band typically wearing their heart firmly attached to their sleeves. They are unbending in their chosen genre and this is an absolutely unashamed pop punk banger of an album.

If anyone wondered if relatively recent changes to their rhythm section (this marks the first Neck Deep record for Seb Barlow and Matt Powles) would change anything then those questions are answers with the opening run of ‘Dumbstruck Dumbf**k’, ‘Sort Yourself Out’ and ‘This Is All My Fault’. The answer of course being no!

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Neck Deep – ‘We Need More Bricks’

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The likes of ‘We Need More Bricks’, ‘Heartbreak Of The Century’, ‘Take Me With You’ and ‘It Won’t Be Like This Forever’, which all arrived ahead of the release, set the stall early and the album in its entirety is unrelenting.

Quite simply this album is rightfully self-titled because it is ten tracks of classic Neck Deep. If you like the band then you will love this album and if you’ve not gotten into the band thus far then this is unlikely to change your opinion.

Will it be enough for them to firmly establish themselves as a big, big band? Only time will tell, but you know that these songs will be fun as hell when the band takeover Allly Pally in March!

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Green Day

Green Day

Saviors

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GREEN DAY – saviors – album review

It’s fair to say that post ‘American Idiot’, Green Day’s albums have been sketchy at best. Some good tracks across the piece, and arguably a couple of great albums. But the misses seem to have been outweighing the hits of late.

In recent months though fans have been intrigued, for as each pre-release single arrived and you waited for a dud to appear, you were left surprised or actually upset if you are a true naysayer! Yes, the build up to ‘Saviors’, the trios fourteenth full-length has raised hopes that the band may be back at their very best.

With this record being 15 songs and north of 45 minutes, there was certainly a fear that it could end up mostly filler albeit with some killer stuff thrown in. Again though that impending sense of doom wanes with every passing track and soon it’s pretty obvious that Green Day are indeed firing on all cylinders.

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Green Day – ‘The American Dream Is Killing Me’

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Singles like ‘The American Dream Is Killing Me’, ‘Look Ma, No Brains!’, ‘One Eyed Bastard’ and ‘Dilemma’ front load the album somewhat but the quality never dissipates. Later tracks ‘Goodnight Adeline’, ‘Corvette Summer’ and ‘Living in the 20’s’ are mightily enjoyable and at no point does the album drag, which again is a very pleasant surprise.

The ability of the band to write songs about serious subjects but with their tongue firmly in their cheek has always been an incredible skill and there is a homely feel to many of the tracks. That familiarity however doesn’t come from a re-treaded ground sense although there is certainly a nostalgia-tinged footprint for all to enjoy.

‘Saviors’ really does feel like the most Green Day-esque album to be birthed over the past two decades and it will make many lapsed fans fall back in love with a band that has defined many a troubled youth.

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Casey

Casey

How To Disappear

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CASEY – HOW TO DISAPPEAR – ALBUM REVIEW

Casey gained a dedicated following during their early years before disbanding in late 2018. Their disappearance however seemed to act as a catalyst for a deeper appreciation of the band, with a feeling that they weren’t rewarded with the levels of success their output deserved.

Their subsequent return has certainly seen them welcomed back with open arms but perhaps now with an unfair weight of expectation attached. A handful of singles has preceded their new studio album, ‘How To Disappear’, but the hype train again doesn’t seem to have picked up steam.

There is an old saying that you don’t know what you’ve got until you don’t have it anymore and that really does feel like a fit with Casey. You could also describe the group as your favourite bands favourite band, and the musical soundscape of ‘How To Disappear’ does feel like an post-hardcore connoisseurs dream.

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Casey – ‘How To Disappear’

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The ambition of this collection is clear though from the outset as the band explore the impact of loss and grief. Hey, nobody ever accused Casey of being light-hearted fun! They’ve always had an innate ability to hit you in the feels and that’s exactly what they do over these twelve tracks and 45 minutes of emo indulgence.

It’s fantastic that we have such an honest and fearless band back. ‘How To Disappear’ is both a continuation of their previous work and a nod to the new generation of emotion creating rock bands. Now enjoy them while you can!

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Hannah Wicklund

Hannah Wicklund

The Prize

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HANNAH WICKLUND – THE PRIZE – ALBUM REVIEW

‘The Prize’ marks the second full-length release for Hannah Wicklund who rock fans will have recently found supporting Greta Van Fleet on the UK Arena Tour. As such the album arrives at a time when Wicklund will be keen to share her visionary sonic experience with a wider audience.

With Sam Kiszka of Greta Van Fleet on board as producer also, you sense an epic journey is about to commence as the album begins with opening rocker ‘Hell In The Hallway’, and you certainly aren’t left disappointed as the songs continue to flow.

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Hannah Wicklund – ‘Hell In The Hallway’

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Over the ten sublime tracks you are treated to an elegant yet powerful voyage through oceans, relationships and heartbreak powered by determination, strength and growth. Lyrically and musically you follow Wicklund through a story of discovery and it’s an enchanting tale to absorb.

Wicklund is complemented by the immense musical talents of both Kiszka and bandmate Daniel Wagner on ‘The Prize’ and they certainly help to elevate the majesty of the album. It must be said though that it’s Wicklund’s truly supreme performance that ensures that the record captivates as it does.

The multi-talented Wicklund demonstrates her raw capacity to enthral throughout, be it her incredible vocal delivery, exceptional guitar work or piano playing prowess. ‘The Prize’ really does feel like the right record at the right time for an artist destined for stardom. It you choose take this trip with Wicklund, you’ll undoubtedly feel the same way too!

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Beans On Toast

Beans On Toast

The Toothpaste and the Tube

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BEANS ON TOAST – THE TOOTHPASTE AND THE TUBE – ALBUM REVIEW

Every year on his birthday, December 1st, folk hero Beans On Toast releases a new snapshot of world events. With last year seeing the release of a kids boxset, ‘The Toothpaste and the Tube’ represents the first traditional collection in two years which feels like a lifetime after a run of fourteen albums in thirteen years from 2009 to 2021.

Sadly the world has only continued to spiral into chaos and despair over the intervening period, so there are the expected takes on some of the most serious events such as on ‘The Three Stooges’, ‘Work to Do’ and ‘Against The War’.

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Beans On Toast – ‘AI’

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As per the title, this album however acknowledges that whilst you can’t undo those issues, you can try to address them in a better future! This therefore could be the most well-rounded Beans On Toast album thus far as he tackles everything from sewage, the green sheen and AI to mythical creatures, storied pubs and connecting with lost ones through birds!

Musically the album is another exploration of collaboration with Ferris & Sylvester working with Beans to create another unique presentation for those powerful lyrics. ‘The Toothpaste and the Tube’ ultimately is another fine compilation of tracks from Beans On Toast and one that feels quite fresh after a longer gap.

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The Full Pelt Music Podcast – Episode 43 – Beans On Toast

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The Sleeping Souls

The Sleeping Souls

Just Before The World Starts Burning

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THE SLEEPING SOULS – JUST BEFORE THE WORLD STARTS BURNING – ALBUM REVIEW

The Sleeping Souls are synonymous with Frank Turner and it was slightly surprising for fans when the group announced news that they will be releasing music of their own. The fact is though that the origins of The Sleeping Souls go way back to 2001 and the band Dive Dive, with the members always having had musical interests outside of the day job.

Taking the role of singer for this version of the band is Cahir O’Doherty who is also a huge part of the Turner touring family and brings a wealth of experience from his work with the likes of New Pagans and Fighting With Wire. The Sleeping Souls touring line-up of Tarrant Anderson, Matt Nasir, Callum Green and Ben Lloyd round out the creative DNA of the band.

What’s been quite clear from the pre-release singles is that this new music is very distinct from that released with Turner, which is no surprise. The album has been recorded over a three year period and the care and attention put into the record shines through and ensures that the songs flow perfectly. This is definitely not a throw everything at the wall and see what sticks approach, the songwriting is meticulous and assured.

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The Sleeping Souls – ‘Rivals’

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Stylistically the twelve tracks demonstrate a diverse palate of influences but at times you can clearly sense the likes of Radiohead and Feeder with a post-grunge, alt-rock aesthetic. There are all out rockers and a handful of tender moments on what is a sonically ambitious collection.

There may have been the odd cynical sideways glance when The Sleeping Souls set out their plans, but the proof as they say is in the pudding and ‘Just Before The World Starts Burning’ is a sublimely delicious offering. There isn’t a bad track on the album and the conviction of this group to take this bold step is well and truly vindicated.

The band will be hitting the road for a short tour alongside Sean McGowan early next year, and these songs really do give the sense that they will sound enormous on stage. If our album of the year list wasn’t already written, this would be vying for the very top spot!

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Lonely The Brave

Lonely The Brave

What We Do To Feel

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LONELY THE BRAVE – WHAT WE DO TO FEEL – ALBUM REVIEW

Lonely The Brave are back with their fourth studio album, ‘What We Do To Feel’. The album is the second with singer Jack Bennett and is perhaps the first to not feel under pressure!

There is always pressure releasing your debut album, pressure to deliver a solid follow up and there was certainly pressure on the band when releasing ‘The Hope List’ in 2021 due to the change in singer.

‘What We Do To Feel’ therefore does lack an intrigue factor in terms of expectation. That has hopefully though allowed the band some freedom to fully explore their ‘new’ line-up. It shouldn’t really be a surprise then that this album does feel like a natural progression of its predecessor.

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Lonely The Brave – ‘Long Way’

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This album finds a battle-hardened and more mature band working through the huge events of the past five years experienced by both the band and by the world. Sonically that produces an intense and meticulous ensemble of songs that echo the care and attention put into their creation.

Lyrically the album exudes a sense of respect for life’s battles, gratitude for small victories and optimism for the future. The band’s songwriting has always been thought-provoking and powerful, and that is definitely true of ‘What We Do To Feel’. You’ll just want to get lost in the music and the moment when experiencing this album.

Nobody expected Lonely The Brave to re-invent the wheel on album four, and they haven’t! What they’ve done is captured an honest and enlightened soundscape which will be cherished by their fans as Exhibit D of the case of Lonely The Brave being the most viscerally progressive band of their generation.

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