Categories
Magazine

News Report

Every week we roundup the best music news from the past week!

Follow us on Social Media

News Report

Creeper share new single ‘Teenage Sacrifice’

Creeper – ‘Teenage Sacrifice’

Welcome everyone to another edition of our weekly music News Report!

We start this week with the best new releases from the past week and up first is the latest single from Creeper.

This week saw the band share, ‘Teenage Sacrifice’, which you can check out above. The track comes ahead of the release of new album, ‘Sanguivore’, out on Friday 13th October.

Singer William ‘Von Ghould’ says: “The song introduces Mercy, the protagonist of the Sanguivore narrative. She’s deceptively innocent yet savagely violent, and her ability to make people fall under her spell is just one indication that Mercy is not all that she seems.”

Pre-order your copy here.

Listen to ‘Teenage Sacrifice’ on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist

Lonely The Brave return with ‘The Lens’

Lonely The Brave – ‘The Lens’

Next up is the return of Lonely The Brave, the band this week sharing their brand new single, ‘The Lens’, which you can check out above.

The track will feature on newly announced upcoming album, ‘What We Do To Feel’, which will arrive on November 10th.

Guitarist Mark Trotter comments: “You can plan it out as much as you want, but you’re just along for the ride. That’s the most exciting part, seeing what it decided to be. With this album, we’re certainly more mature as people and as a band. That makes sense with everything that has happened since our last one.”

Singer Jack Bennett continues about the single, saying it “is a track about the way we value each other. It’s different for everyone and we each have a unique perspective towards the world.”

Pre-order your copy here.

Listen to ‘The Lens’ on our Spotify Hot List!

The Struts announce new album ‘Pretty Vicious’

The Struts – ‘Too Good At Raising Hell’

The Struts are next in our News Report as this week saw the band reveal details of their new album, ‘Pretty Vicious’, which will be out on November 3rd.

The band also shared a live visualiser for their recent track, ‘Too Good At Raising Hell’, which you can check out above.

“This record showcases each individual member’s strengths,” vocalist Luke Spiller says of their impending album. “It’s some of my favorite music, hands down, we’ve ever conjured up. It’s the record everyone’s been waiting for.”

Pre-order your copy here.

Listen to ‘Too Good At Raising Hell’ on our Spotify Hot List!

Daughtry debut ‘Artificial’

Daughtry – ‘Artificial’

This week also saw Daughtry debut their new single, ‘Artificial’, which you can check out above.

“‘Artificial’ is about the potential nightmare that AI could become and the idea that everything and everyone could eventually be replaced, essentially to perfection, and rendered obsolete,” Chris Daughtry explains. “However, the heart and soul of humanity and the ability to feel love, sadness, and compassion can never be replaced. While there are plenty of applications where AI can improve our lives and assist in many areas of creativity, I feel it’s imperative that we find a way to protect our musicians, actors, writers, and all creative outlets from being destroyed.”

More here.

Listen to ‘Artificial’ on our Spotify Hot List!

Teenage Fanclub unveil ‘Back To The Light’

Teenage Fanclub – ‘Back To The Light’

Teenage Fanclub continue to gear up for the release of new album, ‘Nothing Lasts Forever’ on September 22nd.

This week saw the band unveil their latest pre-release single, ‘Back To The Light’, which you can check out above.

The track was written by Norman Blake who says: 

“I liked the idea of using being in a band as a metaphor for a personal relationship. They are not entirely dissimilar experiences. Like a few others on the album, this song has saxophone on it. The first time we’ve had that since Songs From Northern Britain. Stephen Black (Sweet Baboo) played those parts; we really like the richness it brings to the song. Steve will be with us when we head out on tour in October in Europe.”

Pre-order your copy here.

Listen to ‘Back To The Light’ on our Spotify Hot List!

Saint Agnes share video for ‘Follow You’

Saint Agnes – ‘Follow You’

Saint Agnes recently released their new album, ‘Bloodsuckers’ and this week the band shared a video for the track, ‘Follow You’, which you can check out above.

The band will be joining us this week on The Full Pelt Music Podcast!

Subscribe here!

Order your copy here.

Read our review of ‘Bloodsuckers’ from Saint Agnes

The Pale White debut ‘Validate Me’

The Pale White – ‘Validate Me’

The Pale White have debuted new single, ‘Validate Me’, which you can check out above.

The track will feature on new EP, ‘A New Breed’, which is will released on October 20th.

“Ever felt like the world is against you? It probably is… Look around! We’re surrounded by social pressures of what is perceived as ‘normal’” say The Pale White.

“”Validate Me” explores the mental tug of war between following your true purpose, and conforming to what society thinks you should be. It was born during the pandemic when we all lost our social identity and this heightened self-sabotaging paranoia was just as contagious.”

More here.

Listen to ‘Validate Me’ on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist!

Gen and the Degenerates share ‘BIG HIT SINGLE’

Gen and the Degenerates – ‘BIG HIT SINGLE’

Finally for this section of our News Report we have a big hit single from Gen and the Degenerates who have revealed their latest single, ‘BIG HIT SINGLE’, which you can check out above!

Speaking on their new single, vocalist Genevieve Glynn-Reeves comments:

“If you want the highbrow answer, then BIG HIT SINGLE is about the experience of creating art under late capitalism. If you want the lowbrow –and slightly more honest– answer, then BIG HIT SINGLE is me trying to wind up our label.”

“They’d made quite a reasonable request…‘Please can you write more songs like the song that did well and stop experimenting with every genre under the sun in a completely chaotic and hedonistic manner?’ Unfortunately, I have issues with authority…My parents often regale me with the tale of my Year 4 parent’s evening, in which my teacher described me as ‘too wild, in the bohemian sense.’

“If Mrs Baker couldn’t get me to behave, then what chance did Marshall Records have? Luckily, they have a good sense of humour over at Marshall.”

More here.

Listen to ‘BIG HIT SINGLE’ on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist!

News Report

Bloodstock reveal first names for 2024

Some festival news now in our News Report and whilst this year’s event was still in progress, Bloodstock organisers have confirmed the first wave of artists for the 2024 event.

Both Architects and Amon Amarth have been confirmed as headliners, whilst they’ll be joined by the likes of Malevolence, Clutch, Flogging Molly, Green Lung and more.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of ‘Smile’ from Skindred

Live At Leeds reveal line-up

The city based version of Live At Leeds returns on October 14th and this week saw the event share a massive line-up of great acts.

You can catch the likes of Another Sky, Benefits, Big Special, Feet, Hamish Hawk, Hotwax, Jack Valero, Lynks, Pigs x7, Pip Blom, Shame, Snayx, The Mysterines and Wunderhorse.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of The Mysterines live in London

News Report

Neck Deep set for Ally Pally

Next in our News Report we focus on the best live announcements from the past week and we begin with Neck Deep.

The welsh band will be taking over Alexandra Palace in London on March 28th for a huge headline show.

Sharing the news the band said, “It’s been a long time coming but we’re stoked to be finally headlining Ally Pally. We’ve always loved the venue, now it’s our turn for our biggest headline show. We’re expecting it to be the best Neck Deep show ever, & you wouldn’t wanna miss that would ya?”

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Neck Deep live in London

Conjurer join United By Music Tour

Kerrang have team up with the Music Venue Trust for Conjurer to join the ‘United By Music Tour’ next month!

Support will come from Unpeople.

Conjurer’s Brady Deeprose says: “Conjurer simply would not exist without the UK’s extensive network of Grassroots Music Venues. We cut our teeth playing everywhere from Merthyr Tydfil to Barrow-In-Furness for years, and we were lucky to be able to do so. The threat that GMVs are under is an utter travesty, and something that we are so thankful to MVT for getting involved in – without this network, everyone from fans to bands suffers. Throughout my childhood, I would go to The Roadmender in Northampton, The Vault in Rugby (RIP), The Flapper in Birmingham, and Corporation in Sheffield to both play shows and see my favourite bands – that thriving scene inspired me to pick up a guitar and start a band. If we don’t protect it, we lose the next generation of musicians. It’s that simple.
 
“To come full circle, Kerrang! putting us forward for this tour is a real privilege, their support for not just us but the UK heavy scene in general, has been untouchable over the last few years. We hope that MVT continues to have success, and that the UK can continue to foster exceptional talent with a strong roster of grassroots venues to support it.”

Luke Morton, editor of Kerrang!, says “The UK heavy music scene is thriving right now, thanks in large part to the community and support of grassroots venues up and down the country. I’m so excited and proud for Kerrang! to partner with the Music Venue Trust for this very metal incarnation of the United By Music Tour, featuring the mighty Conjurer – a band I’ve seen cause absolute chaos in some of our best independent venues over the years. As fans of rock, metal and alternative music, it’s vital we all champion the homegrown, grassroots venues that are the lifeblood of our scene. Support your local venue and make sure you catch Conjurer tearing it to shreds!”

Mark Davyd, CEO and founder Music Venue Trust, says: “It’s great to be teaming up with Kerrang on The National Lottery’s United by Music Tour. The team at Kerrang! were so supportive to Grassroots Music Venues during the pandemic, and the heavy music scene is such an integral part of what makes live music in the UK so essential and vibrant.”

Tickets are here.

Watch Episode 2 of The Full Pelt Music Podcast with guests Press To MECO

Vexed announce new tour dates

Vexed have revealed details of a headline tour taking place this October.

The band will be joined by special guests PULSE, as well as local supports at each show.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Download Festival

Empire State Bastard add live dates

Our News Report continues with Empire State Bastard who have now added live dates for November.

The dates come as the band continue to build towards their debut album, ‘Rivers of Heresy’, which is out September 1st.

Tickets and pre-orders are here.

Read our review of Biffy Clyro live in London

Baby Queen reveals headline tour

Baby Queen has revealed a full headline tour for this Autumn including a date at the O2 Forum Kentish Town.

The news comes as debut album, ‘Quarter Life Crisis’, is set for release on October 6th.

Pre-orders and tickets are here.

Read our review of Y Not Festival 2022

Zand sets up new tour

The final tour announcement in our News Report this week comes from Zand who will be hitting the road this October.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Slam Dunk Festival

News Report

Vocalist Elin Allan comments – “When we were writing ‘The Tide’, I don’t think I realised how much this song was a cry for help. It’s such an energetic, in your face song and I was so angry at this point in my life that I honed in on a very cutthroat approach to life. I had just gone through a huge, very tough break up and was having one of the lowest points in my life and with time, now it’s finally released, I think I have accepted that anger and turned it into power.

More here.

Read our review of 2000trees

News Report

As always we conclude our News Report with the latest additions to our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist!

News Report
Little Thief – ‘Geronimo’

Bristol rock outfit Little Thief share their latest single ‘Geronimo’.

Vocalist and lyricist Charlie Fitzgerald states: “People do incredible things when up against it and true colours often show when everything falls apart. For me, it signifies sticking together through good times and bad. 

We spent a few days in the basement of our place on Albany road in Bristol working together on a bunch of new tracks and Geronimo came from that batch. It was one of the first tunes where the music came first and the lyrics followed. I really enjoyed writing the words for this as they are a bit cheesy, fun and simple with a very repetitive nature. We had the demo banging around for ages and really enjoyed playing it live.”

Swear Blind – ‘Still’

Alt-Rock Nottingham natives Swear Blind share new single ‘Still’.

Drew Lawson says: “a certain global event gave us the time to finish a project we’ve been working on for many years and to continue our writing. It gave us a new focus in doing the things that we love doing, plus it gave us a good reason to hang out! We’ve been mates for years so that wasn’t an opportunity we wanted to miss.”

News Report
Nevrlands – ‘Chemicals’

NYC-based trio Nevrlands share a second track “Chemicals‘ from their forthcoming debut album, ‘Timeless’.

“‘Chemicals’ is about catching yourself in the heat of the moment,” shares Neverlands collectively. “About painting a portrait of passion and finding that distinction between love and lust in real-time. There’s a very fine line that can sometimes be blurry, or sometimes it’s crystal clear. Is this real? Or is it just another fugazi? ‘Chemicals’ is all about questioning whether or not that perfect chemical connection will last once the moment ends.”

Share our News Report on Social Media

Read our review of ‘The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons’ from The Hives

Categories
Magazine

News Report

Every week we roundup the best music news from the past week!

Follow us on Social Media

News Report

Avenged Sevenfold debut ‘Nobody’

Avenged Sevenfold – ‘Nobody’

Welcome everyone to another edition of our weekly music News Report!

This week we begin with the best new releases from the past week and up first are the returning metal icons Avenged Sevenfold.

In a big news week, the group revealed that their new studio album, ‘Life Is But A Dream’, will be released on June 2nd. That release is preceded by their lead single, ‘Nobody’, which you can check out above.

The band stated, “We’re thrilled to announce our new album, Life Is But A Dream… available June 2, 2023. Written and recorded over the span of four years, the album was inspired by the writing and philosophy of Albert Camus. Our good friend and brilliant artist, Wes Lang, encapsulated our theme of existentialism through visual art for the album packaging.”

Pre-order your copy here.

Listen on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist

Bury Tomorrow share ‘Begin Again’

Bury Tomorrow – ‘Begin Again’

British metallers Bury Tomorrow have shared the latest taste of their upcoming album, ‘The Seventh Sun’. You can listen to new single, ‘Begin Again’, above now ahead of the album release date of March 31st.

Speaking on ‘Begin Again’, guitarist Kristan Dawson says the track is “representative of the change we have all faced in the past few years. It represents an element of renewal and appreciation of where we have been as a band and where we are yet to go. Musically, it serves as a contrast to the heaviness we have presented in the first three singles, but packs a punch in a more positive way.”

Pre-order your copy here.

Read our review of Bury Tomorrow live in Norwich

Trophy Eyes return with ‘Blue Eyed Boy’

Trophy Eyes – ‘Blue Eyed Boy’

Australian punk rockers Trophy Eyes are back with new single, Blue Eyed Boy’, a track particularly close to home.

Trophy Eyes’ John Floreani says the song “was written about a trip I took back to my hometown. One friend in particular, maybe my best friend, had recently moved back and regressed into their old ways. I’d mourned the death of this friend long ago, as did the rest of us in our small social circle. To see him again brought me great childhood joy yet simultaneously an overwhelming sense of dread.

I was reminded of something my mother told me as a young boy when my grandmother died; “if you see her now, like this, it’s the only way you’ll remember her. Best hold on to the good times, you’ll always have those.”

More here.

Listen on our Spotify Hot List!

Far From Saints share ‘Take It Through The Night’

Far From Saints – ‘Take It Through The Night’

Far From Saints, the new project featuring Stereophonics frontman Kelly Jones, have shared their latest single, ‘Take It Through The Night’, which you can listen to above.

The group also this week revealed the news that their self-titled debut album will be released on June 16th.

The members had the following to say:

“It took nine days to record and four years to get it to you! Your record collection will love it!” – Kelly

“It’s a labor of love to make a record these days, because you never know what’s going to happen with it frankly, and the outpouring of good vibes and comments, so far, has been really cool to watch.” – Dwight

“This is kind of the first time I’m anticipating not feeling somewhat sad around an album release. I’m comfortable with who I am now as a person, as an artist, and I hang my hat not on the praise I receive, but on the work itself. I’m proud of this record, and its part in the greater cycle of creativity and inspiration. I’m grateful to be part of that.” – Patty 

Pre-order your copy here.

Read our review of Stereophonics live in Cambridge

From Ashes To New share ‘Hate Me Too’

From Ashes To New – ‘Hate Me Too’

‘Blackout’, the new album from From Ashes To New, is out on July 28th. This week though saw the band share the latest single from the album, ‘Hate Me Too’, which you can check out above.

“So many of us fall victim to the classic toxic relationship,” says vocalist Matt Brandyberry. “Feeling like you can’t live without someone but knowing you’d be better off if you could. Oftentimes these feelings are mutual, but neither of you can see it. Sometimes we just need an anthem to remind us that being stuck isn’t always the only option and violence never.”

Pre-order your copy here.

Listen on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist

Ayron Jones debuts ‘Blood In The Water’

Ayron Jones – ‘Blood In The Water’

Next in our News Report is ‘Blood In The Water’, the latest single from Ayron Jones, which you can check out above.

Jones announced this week that his second album, ‘Chronicles of the Kid’, will be released on June 23rd.

“As a child, I vividly remember sitting in church and hearing the preacher speak about generational curses,” Jones explains. “For me, the concept of the weight of trauma traveling through time and space, affecting many generations until treated is an idea I take seriously. ‘Blood in the Water’ is my way of actively choosing to heal and transform this trauma by creating new stories and identities for not only myself, but also my family’s future generations. I understand that energy can never be destroyed nor created anew; it can only be shifted. Therefore, while I cannot choose the life I have been given, I can strive forward and choose to take control of the future– to break these curses now and forevermore.”

“It was the height of the pandemic and like everyone else, I was stuck inside watching the world pass by while having no idea what the future held,” Jones remembers. “Then it happened, the phone rang and I got the call telling me my song went No. 1. Just like that, I’d become one of the biggest names in rock and roll, but I couldn’t leave my couch. I had no idea how much my life had changed until August of ’21, when I went on tour for the first time since signing my first major record deal. That’s when it all hit me. ‘Chronicles of The Kid’ is the story of the truth – my truth. With my voice as my pen and my guitar as the page, the album is an audio journal of self-discovery told through tales of, temptations, triumphs, failures, sacrifice and the price of fame.”

Pre-order your copy here.

Listen on our Spotify Hot List!

News Report

Bingley Weekender reveals line-up

We move our News Report on now to the biggest and best festival announcements from the past week and we get started with Bingley Weekender!

The event revealed their first wave of acts this week including headliners Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Ian Brown and Travis.

They’ll be joined over the weekend by the likes of Jake Bugg, Razorlight, James Bay, The Zutons, Kate Nash, Little Man Tate, Jealous Nostril, King No-One, New Model Army, Lottery Winners and BERRIES.

Tickets are here.

Watch Episode 29 of our ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast with guests BERRIES

‘Discover’ New Music Podcast – Episode 29 – BERRIES

Find Full Pelt Music on Youtube

Maid of Stone reveal full line-up

The inaugural Maid of Stone Festival takes place this July and this week the event confirmed Glenn Hughes as headlining the event alongside Airbourne.

Orange Goblin have also joined the likes of Skindred, The Hunna, Kris Barras Band, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, Elles Bailey and Florence Black on the linup.

Plus The Treatment and The Hot Damn! will be playing a special opening party on the Friday of the event.

Tickets are here.

Watch Episode 5 of The Full Pelt Music Podcast with guests The Treatment

The Full Pelt Music Podcast – Episode 5 – The Treatment

Read our review of Airbourne live in Norwich

No Play Festival line-up revealed

Liverpool get ready for No Play Festival this August!

The stunning line-up revealed this week includes Yonaka, VUKOVI, Higher Power, Conjurer, Graphic Nature, Lizzy Farrall, Gen & The Degenerates and more!

Tickets are here.

Read our review of ‘NULA’ from VUKOVI

News Report

Ocean Colour Scene set for UK Tour

Our News Report now turns its attention to the best tour announcements from the past week and up first is the above run of dates from Ocean Colour Scene.

Alongside their August dates, the group will now also be out on the road this December including a date at the Eventim Apollo in London.

Tickets are here.

Check out our two Podcasts

Interpol announce new UK dates

Also revealing a new set of UK tour dates this past week were Interpol. You can catch the band the summer in select venues.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of ‘A Fistful of Peaches’ from Black Honey

MAN WITH A MISSION announce UK return

MAN WITH A MISSION are next up in our News Report as the group reveal a brand new tour including three stops in the UK this June.

Regarding the tour MAN WITH A MISSION’s Jean-Ken Johnny (guitar / vocals / rap) says, “We are so excited to announce our WOLVES ON PARADE TOUR is coming to the UK, Europe and North America in May & June! It’s been years since we last toured internationally and we’ve missed playing for you all so much! Can’t wait to catch up with you all!”

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Fall Out Boy live in London

New Black Spiders Tour

The final tour announcement in our News Report comes from Black Spiders who will be hitting the road later this year.

Support will also come from The Hot Damn!

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Bullet For My Valentine live in Cambridge

News Report

As always we conclude our News Report with the latest additions to our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist!

News Report
fakeyourdeath – ‘consume’

Brighton based Electronic Post-Hardcore duo fakeyourdeath have dropped their sophomore single ‘consume’.

“consume explores the idea of materialistic greed and how, as a society, we are fed this idea that without things we cannot be happy. but ultimately that’s a lie. it’s a narrative spun by the powers that be and consume was written to see the truth and challenge that way of thinking. consume depicts our disgust at a materialistic culture we all hate and yet want to be a part of.” – Vocalist, Candi Underwood

Northern Captives – ‘Anxiety Dreams’

UK Alternative Rock outfit Northern Captives release their brand-new single titled ‘Anxiety Dreams’.

“It’s written as an internal monologue battling anxiety by accepting its existence and not allowing it to direct your decisions or impact what you do day to day. We often speak to ourselves in ways we’d never dream of talking to anyone else. It’s important to check in with yourself and make sure your internal dialogue is positive.” – Vocalist, Sam Cook.

News Report
News Report
JACKALS – ‘DIG IN’

Northern noise hounds JACKALS have unveiled their new single ‘DIG IN’.

“Dig in is based on the idea of drug addiction but narrated by the drug itself, the song personifies the drug and its direct effects on a person. When you let drugs into your life they can sort of take on a whole persona unto themselves and we wanted to shine a light on that and show how destructive these can be. Like that one toxic friend you’ve had that keeps trying to worm their way back into your life.” JACKALS

Listen, Follow and Discover your new favourite act now with our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist

Then find out the stories behind the songs on our ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast!

Share our News Report on Social Media

Read our review of ‘Tell Me I’m Alive’ from All Time Low

Categories
Magazine

News Report

Every week we roundup the best music news from the past week!

Follow us on Social Media

News Report

Download Festival reveals 20th Anniversary line-up

Welcome everyone to another edition of our weekly music News Report!

We start this week with festival announcements and where else could we start other than the monster 20th Anniversary line-up announcement from Download Festival!

Extended to four days this year the event will feature two unique headline sets from Metallica, the return of Donington icons Slipknot and a well deserved top billing for Bring Me The Horizon.

Other big slots are taken by the likes of Alexisonfire, Architects, The Distillers, Disturbed, Evanescence, Ghost, I Prevail, Parkway Drive, Pendulum, Placebo, Simple Plan, Ville Valo and Within Temptation.

It doesn’t stop there and also playing will be the likes of The Blackout, Fever 333, Kid Kapichi, Nova Twins, Seether and Witch Fever.

Tickets are selling fast and are available here.

Read our review of Download Festival 2022

Airbourne to headline Steelhouse Festival

Welsh rock fans are in for a treat when Airbourne bring the party on Saturday night at next years Steelhouse Festival!

The Aussies will headline the event which also features The Answer, Blues Pills, Kris Barras Band, Florence Black, The Cruel Knives, Austin Gold and more, with plenty more to be announced.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Airbourne live in Norwich

Arctangent reveals initial wave of acts

Bristol’s Arctangent has revealed a wave of acts set for next August’s event including deafheaven playing ‘Sunbather’ in full.

They are joined by the likes of Pigs x7, And So I Watch You From Afar, Loathe, Brutus, Scalping, Svalbard, Conjurer and many more.

Tickets are here.

Listen to our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Spotify Playlist

South Facing bill revealed for 2023

Crystal Palace Bowl in London will once again host South Facing festival next summer and this week Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and more were amongst the first acts revealed.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of The Snuts live in Norwich

News Report

Peter Gabriel announces first EU tour in nearly a decade!

We stay with the live side of things next as our News Report moves onto the best tour announcements from the past week!

Peter Gabriel has revealed his first European tour in nearly a decade including UK dates in Birmingham, London, Glasgow and Manchester.

Gabriel said of the tour: “It’s been a while and I am now surrounded by a whole lot of new songs and am excited to be taking them out on the road for a spin. Look forward to seeing you out there.”

Tickets are here.

Read our review of ‘The Car’ from Arctic Monkeys

Peter Hook & The Light reveal additional UK dates

Peter Hook & The Light will be bringing his ‘Joy Division: A Celebration’ tour back to the UK again next April.

Hook will be performing the albums ‘Unknown Pleasures’ and ‘Closer’ plus an opening set of New Order material.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of ‘Songs From Planet Earth’ from Deux Furieuses

Primal Scream & Happy Mondays to team up in Margate

We continue our News Report with news that Saturday 5th August will see Dreamland in Margate taken over be a co-headline show from Primal Scream and Happy Mondays.

Tickets are here.

Find Full Pelt Music on Youtube

James announce 40th Anniversary Tour

In celebration of their 40th Anniversary, James have announced a new UK ‘James Lasted’ Tour complete with 22-piece orchestra and gospel choir!

Tim Booth says “There are a number of great bands who have been around for 40. But to get here and to be having the best time of our lives. To be part of a supportive loving family that still has something to say and new ways to say it. To be turned on by every gig and song. To fall in love over and over again, Groundhog Day, with our bandmates and audience. Damn. That’s time well spent.

We should have recorded the orchestra tour first time round, as many of you have reminded us. Well, we’ve done it now. And here comes the tour. The Orchestra and Gospel singers expand our palette, heighten the tenderness, heighten the celebration and, despite their numbers, somehow leave us feeling more naked and raw. It will be different, probably each night, because we are James and Joe knows how to dance with us. And because you are different, each night. Please leave your phones behind, come and play in the moment.

Jim Glennie says “Has it really been 40 years? In some ways it feels like yesterday and in others, many lifetimes. I’ve lived a blessed existence, being in a band I’m supremely proud of with musicians that would grace any stage. A family of brothers and sisters, willing to support each other musically and emotionally. We are bloody minded and independent to the core. Uniquely challenging, always pushing ourselves into the new and taking risks collectively and individually, looking for transcendence. With love, trust, and acceptance we grow. Somewhere in a parallel universe, James are the biggest band on the planet. Here’s to another 40 years.

Tickets and album pre-orders are here.

Read our review of ‘Signs of Life’ from Asylums

Razorlight announce ‘best of’ Tour

News Report

Our News Report continues with the news that Razorlight will hitting the road in April next year for a special ‘best of’ tour.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of the self-titled album from The Hunna

Daughtry reveal UK Tour

Daughtry will be returning to the UK in March for a run of dates that will conclude at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Sum 41 live in London

British Lion set up new UK run

Iron Maiden’s Steve Harris will once again be taking British Lion on the road in the UK next January. Joining them for these shows will be Coney Hatch and Airforce.

Steve Harris comments, “We’re excited to be touring the UK again especially as we’ll be visiting many places we’ve not had a chance to play before. It’s fantastic that we’ve got long-time friends Coney Hatch coming over from Canada to join us. We had great fun when they were our special guests on the British Lion Canadian shows in 2018. And we’re happy to have our old mates Airforce back out on the road with us too. Everyone is really looking forward to this tour and we can’t wait to see everyone.”

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Iron Maiden at Download Festival

Dirty Honey announce ‘California Dreamin’ Tour

Rockers Dirty Honey have announced a UK/EU Tour taking place early next year.

Prior to the tour, in January 2023, the band are set to release a brand new, re-recorded version of album track ‘Heartbreaker’.

“Some songs really come to life after they’ve been performed a bunch of times. You can really see an audience react to a line being sung a certain way or a riff grooving that you didn’t think of while recording in the studio. Over time we realized the song took on a new life on the road in both North America and Europe and we wanted to capture that energy….” – Marc Labelle, vocalist of Dirty Honey, talking about Heartbreaker 2.0

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Dirty Honey supporting Rival Sons

Dream State reveal UK tour dates

A refreshed Dream State have revealed their first UK Tour with their new look line-up.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Pulled Apart By Horses live in Norwich

Pet Needs expand their ‘Primetime Entertainment’ Tour

Pet Needs have announced additional dates for their ‘Primetime Entertainment’ Tour, with the new shows taking place early next year.

Tickets are here.

Watch Episode 11of The Full Pelt Music Podcast with guests Pet Needs

The Full Pelt Music Podcast – Episode 11 – Pet Needs

Read our review of ‘Primetime Entertainment’ from Pet Needs

News Report

Skindred announce new album ‘Smile’

Skindred – ‘GIMME THAT BOOM’

We move our News Report on now to the best new releases from the past week and we begin with Skindred!

The group this week announced new album, ‘Smile’, will be released August 4th. The band also shared new single, ‘GIMME THAT BOOM’, which you can check out above.

The track is based on a frustrating encounter lead singer Benji Webbe had with an overfamiliar fan.
 
“I was out shopping one day and I could hear someone building up asking me for a picture,” Webbe recalls. “The person didn’t care who I was with or what I was doing – they just wanted their picture. In this day and age, people want you and they expect to get you on tap, constantly giving you that ‘boom’ so they can get their Instagram Likes up. It’s important to remember that people can’t give you that ‘boom’ all the time. People think because they follow you on social media, they own you.”

Pre-order your copy here.

Read our review of Download Pilot Festival

The Dead Daisies share ‘Born To Fly’

The Dead Daisies – ‘Born To Fly’

Ahead of their UK Tour next month, The Dead Daisies have released new single, ‘Born To Fly’, which you can listen to above.

“Doug & I got together in New York earlier in the year and worked on a riff that I had written previously.  Doug had a chorus that just fitted, we messed around with the melody and came up with the name ‘Born To Fly’.  This is a straight-up rock song.  For me it’s literal, I was born to fly.  However we’re all born to fly in our own way.” – David Lowy

Tickets are here.

Listen to our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist

REWS share ‘The World That You Left Behind’

REWS – ‘The World That You Left Behind’

This week saw REWS share new single, ‘The World That Left You Behind’, which you can check out above.

“Ah! I’m ecstatic about finally releasing this song!! It’s got so much energy, riff’s for days and a great message!! I wrote it with a great friend of mine from NI, Cahir O’Doherty (New Pagans). It is a song that journey’s through how we can support those people in our lives who get carried away with negative thoughts and feel utterly lost and alone. Hopefully the song will provide a nice audio net for people to fall into at times of need, so they know they aren’t alone!” – Shauna

More here.

Read our review of REWS at Y Not Festival

The Bottom Line debut ‘Fake Love’

The Bottom Line – ‘Fake Love’

The Bottom Line have debuted their latest single, ‘Fake Love’, which you can check out above.

More here.

Listen to our Podcasts

Black Honey announce 3rd album ‘A Fistful of Peaches’

Black Honey – ‘Heavy’

Our News Report continues with the news that Black Honey will release their third album, ‘A Fistful of Peaches’, on March 17th.

You can check out their new single, ‘Heavy’, above.

Pre-order your copy here.

Read our review of Black Honey live in Norwich

Dream Wife debut ‘Leech’

Dream Wife – ‘Leech’

Finally, our News Report brings you ‘Leech’, the brand new single from Dream Wife, which you can of course listen to above!

More here.

Read our review of Dream Wife at Y Not Festival

News Report
News Report

As always we conclude our News Report with the latest additions to our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist!

News Report
Dissonants – ‘Grave Mind’

Dissonants have shared their huge new single ‘Grave Mind’.

‘Lyrically, Grave Mind is more conceptual than our previous work. I wrote the track from the viewpoint of someone on their deathbed looking back on their life and wondering if, now that it’s over and coming to a close, they can be happy and at peace. For this track we wanted to draw less from our own experiences and look at concepts such as mortality and happiness, and how one can affect the other’. – Frontman Benjie Allen.

News Report
M(h)aol – ‘Asking For It’

M(h)aol will release debut album, ‘Attachment Styles’ on February 3rd. This week they shared new single, ‘Asking For It’.

On the track singer Róisín said, “I wrote it initially in 2016 then revisited it in 2020. I was shocked by how much internalised victim blaming there was in the lyrics. I rewrote it, then we recorded it and it was released to raise money for Women’s Aid in 2021. The album version is a lot angrier than the 2021 one and almost satirical insofar as it’s highlighting how ludicrous the notion of anyone ‘asking for it’ is.”

News Report
Chasing Kites – ‘Shiver’

Bath-based indie-rock four-piece Chasing Kites return with their fourth single ‘Shiver’.

Speaking about the writing process, vocalist and lyricist Matt Donnelly explains, ‘’Shiver came together extremely quickly. I’d had the lyrics lying around for a very long time and felt they fit perfectly with the sonic side of the track when the melody was written. As we built on the skeleton of the song, our aim was to take us back into the realms of indie rock through powerful injections of energy in the choruses, while maintaining our commercial sound throughout.’’

Watch Episode 21 of our ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast with guests Dissonants

‘Discover’ New Music Podcast – Episode 21 – Dissonants

Listen, Follow and Discover your new favourite act now with our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist

Then find out the stories behind the songs on our ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast!

Share our News Report on Social Media

Read our review of Bury Tomorrow live in Norwich

Categories
Live Reviews

Download Pilot Festival 2021

Donington Park

Friday 18th – Sunday 20th June 2021

Download Pilot Festival Poster

Follow us on Social Media

DOWNLOAD PILOT FESTIVAL 2021 – LIVE REVIEW

The live music industry is built on togetherness, built on shared experience and built on the power of emotion. The last 18 months have been highly emotional for all the wrong reasons. Together the world has shared an experience that has terrified and devastated us.

The events of the last 18 months have taken an incomprehensible toll on humanity. The pandemic has destroyed lives and livelihoods. The live music industry was obliterated overnight. The people that make the spectacles that we enjoy happen were forgotten about.

While the world attempts to peek through the curtains at a “new normal”, the live music industry is left waiting. Waiting for support, waiting for proper guidance, waiting for a chance. Well, just four weeks ago that chance arrived.

A Government trial event to test the viability of the return of packed festivals and events you say? Spring into action the incredible people behind the scenes who make the live music industry work! In a short period of time, heaven and earth have been moved and here we are at Download Festival.

A much smaller, makeshift, Pilot version of Download Festival at the hallowed grounds of Donington Park. 10,000 people in a field, no social distancing, no masks, no inhibitions.

Credit goes to all involved for creating an event of that scale on such short notice, and to all the acts playing with no preparation. As the gates open, one thing is for sure, the fans want this, no, the fans needs this.

The reality of the situation is that the organisers could have put an old man playing the spoons on stage and the fans would have lapped it up. The opportunity after all that everybody has been through to witness live music is cathartic.

DOWNLOAD PILOT FESTIVAL – FRIDAY

The fact that this may be the most exciting Download Festival line-up of all time only helps to amplify the anticipation as fans gather in the tented second stage for Death Blooms. Almost every person on site crams in to witness that first taste of live music in far too long.

The band make the most of the atmosphere with a storming set that sees the audience let go of all remaining inhibitions. I doubt the majority of those in the tent knew of the band in advance, but they certainly left with a memory that will last forever.

For this special event there are just two stages. Next to the tent is the outdoor main stage which opens with a raucous set from Hot Milk. Kicking off with their latest single ‘I Just Wanna Know What Happens When I’m Dead’ the band show the crowd just what they’ve been missing.

Listen to ‘I Just Wanna Know What Happens When I’m Dead’ from Hot Milk on our Spotify Hot List!

There is no need to worry about those dreaded clashes at Download Pilot Festival. That’s because the acts on the two stages alternate, allowing the music starved fans the opportunity to watch every single band if they so wish to.

Every band this weekend gets a good sized crowd and a warm reception with it, especially the early bands on Friday. Malevolence are next to grace the second stage and assist the audience in releasing their pent up energy with a heavy hitting set.

A repercussion of the pandemic has been the amazing new albums that have been released without the showcase of the live setting. One such album is ‘Glue’ from Boston Manor. That wrong is righted next however as the band storm the main stage and air the likes of ‘Everything Is Ordinary’.

An early standout performance from the band sees them mix new and old with ‘England’s Dreaming’, ‘Laika’ and ‘Halo’ eliciting some of the first full blown sing-a-long moments of the weekend.

Those sing-a-long moments continue with Holding Absence on the second stage as they get to unleash tracks from their sensational album ‘The Greatest Mistake of My Life’. ‘Afterlife’ in particular is a contender for song of the weekend as the band present their credentials for superstardom!

Read our review of ‘The Greatest Mistake of My Life’ from Holding Absence

The Friday action continues with two bands with extremely dedicated fanbases. Neck Deep get the main stage bouncing before Sleep Token captivate the second stage.

It is then down to Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes to bring the first day to a close on the main stage. Always an unstoppable force of nature on stage, the band make the most of the platform to make a statement. That statement says that this band is ready to headline the regular event.

With a setlist spanning their three albums, the band even treat fans to a selection of new tracks including the catchy ‘My Town’. There are guest appearances from Joe Talbot, Cassyette and Lynks, there is a giant circle pit around the sound tower and there is even a cover of ‘Ace of Spades’.

Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes saw an opportunity to headline a festival, to headline the first festival back, and they grabbed it with both hands. This was one of those sets that will be talked about forevermore!

Listen to ‘My Town’ from Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes on our Spotify Hot List!

After hours entertainment comes from a silent disco as the hastily arranged festival shows the skills and creativity of the music industry. You have to stand back and admire the achievement of those involved to create an event on this scale in the time given.

DOWNLOAD PILOT FESTIVAL – SATURDAY

On to Saturday now and the musical delights continue as Lotus Eater, Conjurer, As Everything Unfolds and Bleed From Within blow the cobwebs of the early morning audience.

Next two young bands with big futures introduce themselves to festival audiences. Both The Hara on the second stage and Wargasm on the main stage elicit strong reactions from those watching.

Listen to ‘Your Patron Saints’ from Wargasm on our Spotify Hot List!

After a solid showing from Tigercub, one of the veteran acts of the weekend, A, school the up and coming bands on how to engage an audience. An age appropriate walking circle pit being a nice change of pace in the midst of a hectic weekend. Finishing with ‘Nothing’, A show why they are the perfect festival band.

Two things become apparent as the weekend progresses. When dissecting the hastily put together line-up, the quality of British rock music is put in the spotlight and it more than holds its own. Secondly a good deal of that talent is female. Vukovi and Yonaka both deliver set of the weekend contenders next.

Listen to ‘Seize the Power’ from Yonaka on our Spotify Hot List!

Those Damn Crows, Twin Atlantic and Stone Broken all put in crowd pleasing performances before While She Sleeps attract and entertain a huge crowd on the main stage.

Soon though it’s time for the scorecard for band of the weekend to be thrown out the window. Creeper are able to deliver an out of body experience as they headline the second stage. There are goosebump raising moments galore as the band turn the festival into their own theatre of oral and visual magnificence.

Listen to ‘Midnight’ from Creeper on our Spotify Hot List!

It is then left to Enter Shikari to bring the Saturday night party and they don’t disappoint. If there was ever a band born to get you moving it’s Enter Shikari. They do just that as they also get to showcase newer songs live for the first time.

‘satellites**’, ‘{ The Dreamer’s Hotel }’ and ‘THE GREAT UNKNOWN’ fit in perfectly with classics like ‘Sorry, You’re Not A Winner’, ‘Juggernauts’ and ‘Mothership’. Much like Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes and Creeper, you can see the special treatment Enter Shikari have given this opportunity and that makes for a stunning spectacle.

DOWNLOAD PILOT FESTIVAL – SUNDAY

Come Sunday you’d imagine fatigue would be setting in. All this action after so many barren months, you could forgive the crowd for tiring and the festival atmosphere sapping. Instead energy is pumped in by bands such as Static Dress, Saint Agnes, Cassyette and Employed To Serve.

The fans reciprocate said energy as they continue to let loose to Chubby and the Gang, Loathe and Higher Power. The passion and pure joy of both fans and musicians to be at a festival is at times overwhelming. This event was destined to be an emotive affair but even through that emotion the quality of the music on offer shines.

Next on the main stage is Lonely The Brave complete with change in singer. A set mixed with fan favourites and new tracks from ‘The Hope List’ shows the band are still an exciting prospect. Can the band now finally take that next step? On their showing here, yes they can!

Read our review of ‘The Hope List’ from Lonely The Brave

For those fans catching every band the pace is relentless and it’s to the second stage next for Jamie Lenman. Lenman powers through a sublime set that gets the crowd moving and features another appearance from Wargasm.

The quirky goodness of Elvana attracts a huge crowd to the main stage as the festival heads towards its climax. The band show just why they are perhaps the perfect Sunday afternoon festival act as they get the crowd singing along to every word.

Massive Wagons are able to take the second stage by storm before a sadly technically challenged The Wildhearts limp off stage. The Wildhearts are a top quality band and the issues with their sound perhaps show the effects of an enforced hiatus for musicians and crew members alike.

It’s on that note that once again praise must be heaped on the organisers, the crew members, the festival staff and yes the bands for making this event such a success. That is only amplified by the incredibly short timescale.

Realistically this has been a once in a lifetime event (we hope). Download Pilot Festival as an event is excellent and would be a great addition to the main Download Festival. It’s the atmosphere and camaraderie however that makes this festival so special.

We are down then to the final four bands, the final acts before reality is set to strike again. Up first on the second stage are Trash Boat who get the tent bouncing, especially with a stunning cover of Linkin Park classic ‘Given Up’.

If there is a perfect festival band it’s Skindred. Put them on any stage in any slot and they will attract a huge crowd. With a sub-headline slot on the main stage, the field is full as Benji Webbe and co put in a seamless lesson in crowd engagement.

The final act on the second stage is also no stranger to the festival scene. Although Frank Turner has played Download Festival in the past, even he acknowledges he may not be the typical Download act. Nobody cares though, as he puts in a typically euphoric performance.

The crowd are not just treated to the set staples but also to new song ‘The Gathering’ and heavier version of ‘Little Changes’. There are sing-a-longs aplenty as Turner does what he does best and that is entertain!

Check out The Full Pelt Music Podcast with guest Frank Turner!

That just leaves Bullet For My Valentine to close out Download Pilot Festival. A festival which we wish was never needed but are so glad that it happened. Bullet For My Valentine are long time Download favourites and they deliver an apt conclusion to the event.

We are treated to a unique take on ‘Run To The Hills’ from Iron Maiden complete with a perplexing vocal contribution fron Benji Webbe. We get new material in the form of ‘Knives’ and of course we get favourites such as ‘Scream Aim Fire’ and ‘Tears Don’t Fall’.

‘Waking The Demon’ is the final song to ring around Donington Park, and we can only hope and pray that this event can wake the demon that is the festival scene. The fans may have been lab rats, but what a stunning lab it was! Thank you Download Pilot Festival for such a cathartic weekend.

Share our review on Social Media

Read our review of ‘Bodies’ from AFI