Tag: Album

Skinny Lister

Post author By fullpeltmusic
Post date May 9, 2025

Songs From The Yonder

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SKINNY LISTER – SONGS FROM THE YONDER – ALBUM REVIEW

Two years ago we said that “‘Shanty Punk’ is the most ‘Skinny Lister’ Skinny Lister album that the band have made”, and that remains true. Following on exactly where ‘Shanty Punk’ left off though is the latest showcase of what makes the band so loveable – ‘Songs From The Yonder’.

Their seventh album is another rousing collection of the truest sounding Skinny Lister songs as the band doubles down on their signature rabble. Songs of drinking and travelling the world dominate the landscape again but with their ability to inspire hope and perseverance shining through.

This is perhaps best demonstrated on their superb single, ‘Plough On’ which encourages us to “…plough on through the fear and now and then the tears…” Given the current world climate and constant shower of brown stuff that we all face, that message is pretty spot on!

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Skinny Lister – ‘Plough On’

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The band have always had an enate ability to stir something inside you and that is just reason why the band have garnered themselves such a strong following. Another reason of course are their rowdy live shows and you just know that these songs will sound great live.

There are more tender moments on the album too, such as the delicate ‘Everything’ and the emotion stirring ‘Glass To Our Days’. The songwriting skills of the group continue to herald rewards which will be well received by that dedicated fanbase.

All in all though this is another set of songs to drink along, sing along and dance along to. This is classic Skinny Lister and nobody would want anything else from these underground heroes. So just turn it up and enjoy!

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Tags Album, Album Review, Music, review, Skinny Lister, Songs From The Yonder

Magazine

Full Pelt Magazine

Post author By fullpeltmusic
Post date May 5, 2025

Vol. 84

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Album Reviews

Puddle of Mudd

Post author By fullpeltmusic
Post date May 4, 2025

Kiss The Machine

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PUDDLE OF MUDD – KISS THE MACHINE – ALBUM REVIEW

As far as easy targets go in the rock and metal world, Puddle of Mudd, through their own self-annihilation, have to be a contender for the easiest. Disastrous business moves, an ever-changing line-up, cringeworthy covers, lacklustre releases, disgraceful live shows, a lengthy list of controversies and legal issues… did we miss anything?

Here’s the thing, it wasn’t always that way! Their debut album, ‘Come Clean’, is still a great record and it produced some of the biggest hits of an era dominated by heavy music. The follow up, ‘Life On Display’ also had some real quality moments and even their third album, ‘Famous’ wasn’t devoid of credible hits.

From there on in though it’s just been a constant downhill slide that has shown no signs of stopping. We weren’t even aware that the band released an album (albeit of previously unreleased takes) in 2023 but apparently they did!

That surprise followed our discovery that they have a new album out now! Yes, ‘Kiss The Machine’ represents the bands seventh album and arrives at another turning point for the band. We say band, but the undoubtedly talented but unreliable singer Wes Scantlin is the only remaining notable member (as he has been for a good while now).

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Even since that alleged 2023 release however, Scantlin is the only the member still around. He is joined by three new musicians who with any luck might re-focus his creativeness and bring about a change in fortune.

Sadly, ‘Kiss The Machine’ isn’t going to change any opinions or heal any reputations as it’s just not it. Despite only being nine tracks and thirty minutes, it’s a slog to get through this record. The tracks sound like poor imitations of Puddle of Mudd, with a rough production and misguided attempts to freshen the sound – the dance vibe at the conclusion of ‘Back Against The Wall’ just feels like uncool dad against the dancefloor he’s overseeing at his kids party.

Lyrically the album is jam packed with clichés and tired rock n roll tropes which again scream mid-life crisis. It’s really sad to see an individual with such talent, clinging on to something that just needs to be left to rest now. Any positive legacy for Puddle of Mudd has been almost entirely erased at this point, and as someone who still loves their early work – that’s just sad.

If Scantlin can ever recover his soul and his creativity then we are ready, willing and able to not take those easy shots and spread joy at his return. But this album most definitely isn’t that moment in time.

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Tags Album, Album Review, Kiss The Machine, Music, Puddle of Mudd, review

Album Reviews

Slung

Post author By fullpeltmusic
Post date May 4, 2025

In Ways

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SLUNG – In Ways – Album review

Brighton’s Slung have a unique origin story, but as they unleash their stunning debut collection, we are sure glad that the quartet have found each other. The steady stream of singles which had seeped their way into our various playlists gave a tantalising glimpse of this record, but the album really does now need your undivided attention!

Slung, as the project eventually become, started as the passion of bassist Vlad Matveikov following dissolution of his previous musical outlet. Well-connected in the Brighton scene as runner of the Small Pond indie label, Vlad reached out to friends from across the musical spectrum to lend him a little of their time and creativity.

Talented musicians representing the likes of El Moono, Projector, CLT DRP, Sick Joy, Delta Sleep, Vower and The Physics House Band answered that call and assisted Matveikov in sowing the seeds for what would become Slung.

Matveikov then set about finding his co-conspirators for the journey that follows, and the group are now completed by guitarist Ali Johnson, drummer Ravi Martin and the vocal majesty of Katie Oldham.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘CLASS A CHERRY’

Slung – ‘Class A Cherry’

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Plenty of the original creative elements remain from those first sessions, but the newly formed group worked together to make something truly special and unique to them. The results as we’ve already proclaimed are indeed stunning!

The band show methodical intent across the diverse collection of songs on ‘In Ways’. Far reaching influences blend into a sludgy and intense sonic attack which is both captivating and liberating. Musically, this album is thoroughly engaging and lyrically the album is truly fascinating.

Oldham has brought a inimitable mix of personal, societal and more thought-provoking lyrical themes into that unique creative process and they are absolutely absorbing. Each listen (and you’ll have this record on repeat) brings out new observations, new connections and new experiences.

Yes, what started as an experiment of sorts has turned into a real monster and on the evidence of this superb debut, Slung are going to be a force to be reckoned with!

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‘Discover’ New Music Podcast – Episode 77 – Slung

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Tags Album, Album Review, In Ways, Music, review, Slung

Magazine

Full Pelt Magazine

Post author By fullpeltmusic
Post date April 27, 2025

Vol. 83

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Tags Air Drawn Dagger, Album, Album Review, Amy MacDonald, Archers, Arm's Length, Avatar, Billy Idol, Blackbriar, Cancer Bats, Cassidy Paris, Creeper, Deez Nuts, Employed To Serve, Fit For A King, Foolhardy Folk Festival, FOXHAUNT, Full Pelt Magazine, Ghost, Halestorm, Himalayas, InMe, Joe Bonamassa, LANDMVRKS, LASTELLE, Laura Jane Grace, Linkin Park, Live Music, Live Review, Luke Spiller, Mugshot, Music, Not Enough Space, Peter Hook & The Light, Pinkshift, PLAIINS, Regent, review, Sabaton, Sam Fender, Samantha Fish, Scaler, Scene Queen, Skinny Lister, Slaughter To Prevail, Sleep Token, Softcult, Stereophonics, Stunt Pilots, The All American Rejects, The Dead Daisies, The Funeal Portrait, The Royston Club, Tour, TSS, Wednesday 13, Wheatus, When Rivers Meet, YUNGBLUD

Album Reviews

Stereophonics

Post author By fullpeltmusic
Post date April 26, 2025

Make ’Em Laugh, Make ’Em Cry, Make ’Em Wait

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STEREOPHONICS – Make ’Em Laugh, Make ’Em Cry, Make ’Em Wait – album review

To achieve the longevity and prolificacy that Stereophonics have achieved, you have to be extremely talented. There should be no surprises therefore that their thirteenth studio album is another set of stellar indie rock anthems.

Indeed, ‘Make ’Em Laugh, Make ’Em Cry, Make ’Em Wait’ is probably exactly what you’d expect it to be. That in itself is likely the only real negative of sorts, but in reality at this point nobody is wanting the band to reinvent the wheel – they just want more sing-a-long, foot-tappers and that’s what we’ve got.

The album is only eight tracks and at just shy of thirty minutes if flashes past in a breeze, which is usually a good thing. Fans will feel very much at home with these songs and will have no qualms letting the album play through time and again.

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Stereophonics – ‘Make It On Your Own’

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Stereophonics are an institution in British music and they know how to grab audiences and listeners and hold their attention. The album title, ‘Make ’Em Laugh, Make ’Em Cry, Make ’Em Wait’, is a nod to the traditions of the band and over the course of these eight songs you’ll certainly feel a range of emotions.

The overarching one though is fondness. This is an album that’ll refresh your love of the band and remind you to enjoy the good times. These songs feel designed to serenade our summer. So, it’s probably a good thing the band already have a stadium tour lined up!

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Tags Album, Album Review, Make ’Em Cry, Make ’Em Laugh, Make ’Em Wait, Music, review, Stereophonics

Album Reviews

Ghost

Skeletá

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GHOST – Skeletá- ALBUM REVIEW

The build towards a new Ghost album is unlike anything else, particularly since their explosion in popularity. Enormous intrigue shrouds every little move that the band makes and they are sonically, stylistically and aesthetically analysed beyond comprehension at times.

What does ultimately make a great Ghost album? Well, this may oversimplify it but great songs. They may make an impression with their theatrics and look, but there is a substance to their music that allows them that platform to expand their imagery.

Their last record, ‘Impera’, was an 80’s inspired romp which took home our Album of the Year Award that year. Their sixth album, ‘Skeletá’, arrives now and instantly opens up in a similar vein. The viral success that the band has enjoyed in recent years has been fuelled by the poppier side of their sound and to that extent ‘Skeletá’ does sound like a natural continuation of ‘Impera’.

The issue that arises as the record progresses however is that it doesn’t quite capture the same magic that we spoke of when reviewing ‘Impera’. The album starts off hot with the three pre-release singles ‘Peacefield’, ‘Lachryma’ and ‘Satanized’. Each track is superb dose of arena pop rock which fits in well with their recent outputs.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘SATANIZED’

Ghost – ‘Satanized’

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Thereafter the record lulls itself in a disappointing complacency that comparatively will result in most tracks being somewhat forgettable. That however feels more of a testament to the strength of their recent work. These are good Ghost songs, they just aren’t the great songs that we hoped for and the pre-release singles teased.

The likes of ‘Marks Of The Evil One’ and ‘Umbra’ do provide some more memorable moments, and you can’t really pinpoint a bad track. A better song order would probably help expel the feeling of Ghost by numbers that seeps into the middle of the album; but it’s all too easy to criticise. This is actually a decent album, you just enter into it wanting another masterpiece.

We’ve seen the momentum of other next big thing type bands killed by bad albums, but this is absolutely not one of those. The quality of the three singles alone ensures that this won’t stifle their seemingly unstoppable momentum.

Perhaps what this album does more than anything is confirm Ghost in the upper echelons of their world. With that they naturally lose the new toy shine and some of their once captivating buzz. Thankfully for them they can still fallback on a base of substance to ensure they remain liable to worship!

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Tags Album, Album Review, Ghost, Music, review, SKELETÁ

Album Reviews

Luke Spiller

Love Will Probably Kill Me Before Cigarettes And Wine

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Luke Spiller – Love Will Probably Kill Me Before Cigarettes And Wine – Album review

With his band The Struts, Luke Spiller has earned his pedigree as a classic rock ‘n’ roll frontman. Wowing audiences across the world, anybody watching Spiller on stage will note his penchant for showmanship. Spiller has always exuded a passion for the theatrical and grandiose and now as he releases his debut solo album, he is able to explore his love for the flamboyant in more depth.

Yes, the prophetically titled, ‘Love Will Probably Kill Me Before Cigarettes and Wine’, features ten stunning tracks that gently walk the tightrope between intimate and grand. Whilst the instantly recognisable vocals of Spiller lend a small dose of familiarity for fans of his day job, these songs are correctly presented as something entirely different.

Spiller has always given off the vibes of someone you either love or hate. Any hatred however is usually driven purely by jealousy from those incapable of conjuring performances like his. These songs are shrouded in vulnerability and as Spiller sings the chorus of ‘Don’t Be Afraid To Love Me’, you feel he is almost offering this to those haters as much as he is any love interest.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘She’s just like california’

Luke Spiller – ‘She’s Just Like California’

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Love is at the core of this collection however and the tracks carry a very personal sense of catharsis throughout. ‘The Ending Is Always The Same’, ‘If This Isn’t Love’ and the title track particularly hit that spot.

There is however an extremely cinematic atmosphere to this collection with the epic album closer ‘Angel Like You’ (which by the way features the last recording Taylor Hawkins made before his death) especially sounding like it was written with a Bond movie in mind.

That is the pure ambition and drive of Spiller on full display though, and this record is made by the freedom that he gains from moving away from The Struts formula.

‘Love Will Probably Kill Me Before Cigarettes and Wine’ is the sound of an incredibly talented individual striving for greatness and getting pretty close! It provides a very precise listening experience and sets up a whole new platform for Spiller to explore his childhood influences further than ever before.

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Album Reviews

HIMALAYAS

BAD STAR

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HIMALAYAS – BAD STAR – ALBUm REVIEW

HIMALAYAS have been making their mark over the course of a decade worth’s of impressive live shows and increasingly intense releases. On their new album, ‘BAD STAR’, they are ready to complete their evolution into one of the must exciting bands on the circuit.

The four-piece have gradually evolved their sound from more indie beginnings into a now all-out thunderous rock bombast. The riffs are heavier, the grooves are cooler, and the overall package is grander. The band have stepped up on this new collection and they’ve done it in style.

Album opener, ‘Beneath The Barrel’, slowly builds over two and a half minutes to an atmospheric crescendo which perfectly captures the aesthetics of the record. There is a precision in the delivery of these modern rock anthems which only serves to elevate the album.

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HIMALAYAS – ‘Afterlife’

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Whilst pre-release singles such as ‘What If…?’, ‘Surrender’, and previous Full Pelt Single of the Week ‘Nothing Higher’, all act as benchmarks for the remaining tracks; this is a record you can break out the clichéd ‘not a bad track on here’ remark.

It’s always refreshing to see a band such as HIMALAYAS demonstrating their growth and long time fans of the band will certainly relish in the grandiose nature of ‘BAD STAR’.

At ten tracks, it also feels important to note that this album doesn’t overstay its welcome. It’s here to deliver a knockout blow and that’s exactly what it manages to do. This is a band high on confidence and ready to kick down doors, so brace for impact and immerse yourself in this fantastic record!

Watch Episode 65 of The Full Pelt Music Podcast with guests HIMALAYAS!