Welcome everyone to the final News Report for 2022! We hope that you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy & Healthy New Year! Our action packed News Report will return in January, but before then we have plenty of delicious music news to dissect!
Up for this week, we look at the best tour announcements from the past week and we start with Kiss. The band has revealed that their ‘End of the Road’ World Tour will continue into 2023 with a new UK Tour announced starting in Plymouth and ending up in Glasgow.
This *could be* your last chance to catch the band live! Tickets are here.
Former Kasabian frontman Tom Meighan has revealed a full UK & Ireland Tour for next spring. The tour will showcase upcoming debut album, ‘Put Your Foot Down’, which is out April 28th.
On Friday, Colchester’s Pet Needs played a huge homecoming show which served as the 2nd ‘Fractured Party’. As the show concluded, the band announced the 3rd instalment will take place on December 16th 2023.
We move now on to festival announcements and up first is the return of Brits Week in aid of War Child. February will see bands playing intimate shows across the country with a focus on London.
The Hunna, The Snuts, Sea Girls, Frank Turner and Bob Vylan are amongst those on offer in 2023.
Another event doing a fantastic job in raising money for charity is Teddy Rocks festival in aid of research and direct support for children with cancer.
This year the event hosts Feeder, Jake Bugg, The Amazons, Those Damn Crows, Punk Rock Factory, Kid Kapichi, Dream State, Mason Hill, The Bottom Line and many more.
Penn Fest in Buckinghamshire also unveiled their line-up for next Summer this past week, including headliners Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and Bastille.
They’ll be joined by the likes of Johnny Marr, Gaz Coombes, The Skinner Brothers and Embrace.
The final festival news in our News Report this week comes from Firestorm Festival. The event has added Massive Wagons to the top of their Friday bill for 2023.
They join the likes of Royal Republic, The Virginmarys, Mason Hill, Hollowstar, Kris Barras Band, Black Spiders and Scruffy Bear.
Hell Is For Heroes share ‘I Should Never Have Been Here In The First Place’
Hell Is For Heroes – I Should Never Have Been Here In The First Place’
New releases are up next in our News Report as we bring you the first new music from Hell Is For Heroes in 15 years. You can listen to their new single, ‘I Should Never Have Been Here In The First Place’, above.
On the week of her highly anticipated āDEADGIRLā mixtape release fearless Doom Trap artist Mimi Barks has unveiled her new track āASHESā.
Talking about the meaning behind ‘ASHES’, Mimi Barks shares, āWomen who posed a threat during the dark ages were accused of being witches, intimidated, burned alive, and sentenced to execution. Today, ever since the Age of Enlightenment, a creative, strong-willed, and self-assured woman still gets burnt to the stake verbally by those led by their own anxieties.ā
XL LIFE – ‘Baby Steps’
XL LIFE shared new single ‘Baby Steps’ featuring Bob Vylan!
On working with Vylan for the new single, vocalist Traxx says:Ā āWe always felt a kinship with Bob because of his message, his boldness, and his morals, so with this song we took the opportunity to have him on the album and co-sign each otherās work. We will support him to the end.ā
Commenting on the relevance of the new single, vocalist Traxx says:Ā āWe knew this song had to be made, because we had all been going through some heavy stuff outside of the band. The band has been stop-start/stop-start the whole time, trying to prioritise our health and coming up against some really traumatic circumstances, so this song had to address that. The healing journey. Baby steps. Holding onto the promises.ā
Fountain Island – ‘Pretty Little Nightmare’
Pop-punk newcomers Fountain Island reveal their contagious new single, ‘Pretty Little Nightmares’.
The band remark about its creation: āāPretty Little Nightmaresā explores the bittersweetness of the first time with a loved one, and the realisation that one day it will just be a memory and can never be experienced again. The track takes cues from Blink182ās āI Miss Youā, with its melancholy gothic tone whilst retaining the youthful pop feel.ā
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.
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.
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.
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: āItās 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.ā
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.
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 āThere 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. Thatās time well spent.
We should have recorded the orchestra tour first time round, as many of you have reminded us. Well, weāve 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.ā
Jim Glennie says āHas 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.ā
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, āWeāre excited to be touring the UK again especially as weāll be visiting many places weāve not had a chance to play before. Itās fantastic that weāve 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 weāre 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 canāt wait to see everyone.ā
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’.
āSome songs really come to life after theyāve 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 didnāt 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 energyā¦.ā – Marc Labelle, vocalist of Dirty Honey, talking about Heartbreaker 2.0
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.
āI was out shopping one day and I could hear someone building up asking me for a picture,ā Webbe recalls. āThe person didnāt 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 āboomā so they can get their Instagram Likes up. Itās important to remember that people can’t give you that āboomā all the time. People think because they follow you on social media, they own you.ā
Ahead of their UK Tour next month, The Dead Daisies have released new single, ‘Born To Fly’, which you can listen to above.
āDoug & 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 āBorn To Flyā. This is a straight-up rock song. For me it’s literal, I was born to fly. However weāre all born to fly in our own way.ā ā David Lowy
This week saw REWS share new single, ‘The World That Left You Behind’, which you can check out above.
āAh! Iām ecstatic about finally releasing this song!! Itās got so much energy, riffās for days and a great message!! I wrote it with a great friend of mine from NI, Cahir OāDoherty (New Pagans). It is a song that journeyās 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 arenāt alone!ā – Shauna
Dissonants have shared their huge new single āGrave Mindā.
āLyrically, 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 itās 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 otherā. – Frontman Benjie Allen.
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 RĆ³isĆn said, āI 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.ā
Chasing Kites – ‘Shiver’
Bath-based indie-rock four-piece Chasing Kites return with their fourth single āShiverā.
Speaking about the writing process, vocalist and lyricist Matt Donnelly explains, āāShiver came together extremely quickly. Iād 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.āā
Watch Episode 21 of our ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast with guests Dissonants
‘Discover’ New Music Podcast – Episode 21 – Dissonants
Welcome everyone to another edition of our weekly music News Report, and happy Halloween š!
It’s that time of the year where it’s not just the ghosts and ghouls haunting our News Report but also festival announcements for next Summer!
We start with Suffolk staple Latitude Festival which returns to Henham Park next July. This week saw the organisers reveal Pulp, Paolo Nutini and George Ezra will be headlining in the new year.
They’ll be joined on the bill by the likes of The Kooks, Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott, The Big Moon, Lightning Seeds, The Proclaimers and The Beths!
Yes, we have plenty of festival announcements in our News Report this week and next up is Neighbourhood Weekender!
Headlining the event will be Pulp, The Kooks and Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott. They’ll be joined by the likes of The Wombats, Ocean Colour Scene, The Enemy, Self Esteem, Sea Girls and Lottery Winners.
Scotland’s TRNSMT will return to Glasgow Green in July with the reformed Pulp also topping their bill. Also at the top of the line-up will be Sam Fender, The 1975, George Ezra, Kasabian and Royal Blood.
Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott and The Kooks are on this one too, as are Inhaler and others, with many more to come.
Following a successful debut this year, Live At Leeds will once again hold an ‘In The Park’ event at Temple Newsam Park in May.
The line-up includes headliners Two Door Cinema Club plus The Lathums, Everything Everything, The Big Moon, Black Honey, The Beths, Low Hummer and many more.
Speaking about their headline show at Live At Leeds: In The Park, Two Door Cinema Club said: “Excited to say weāll be coming to Live At Leeds in the park next year for the first time! Yoooooooooooorkshire!”
Everything Everything said: āAlways a pleasure to play in Yorkshire, always special to play Leeds, and where better than at this stalwart event? Come and see us Live At Leeds: In The Park!ā
Brooke Combe said: āCanāt wait for next year to be a part of Live at Leeds. See you all there for a boogie and a sing song š„°ā
Panic Shack said: “We canāt wait to play Live at Leeds in The Park!! Leeds has a special place in our hearts, we spent a few late nights here on our first ever tour with The Wytches. Weāre excited to bring back our new and improved dance routine and to just have a bit of a laugh with everyone really!ā
Hannah Wilson from Dolores Forever said: āWe canāt wait to play Leeds. Itās my home town, so it will be mega special. It will be our first time playing Leeds in 2023 and we want to bring big energy vibes!ā
Dan Mawer from Low Hummer said: āWeāre chuffed to be a part of Live at Leeds: In The Park! The festival has a brilliant mix of well established names alongside exciting new artists, all taking place in a truly beautiful setting.
We loved attending last yearās event so weāre honoured to get the chance to play it in 2023. Itāll be really rewarding to take part in an event that will emulate the lovely sense of community we witnessed at this yearās festival.ā
Speaking about Live At Leeds: In The Park 2023, Festival Promoter Joe Hubbard said:
āAfter such an incredible first year in 2022, weāre delighted to be returning to Temple Newsam for Live At Leeds: In The Park 2023! Bringing together bonafide festival headliners such as Two Door Cinema Club alongside some of the best in modern indie/alternative music – itās going to be an unforgettable day and the perfect summer party not only full of singalongs left, right and centre but also loads of opportunities to discover your next favourite artist.
Itās what we do best at Live At Leeds and we canāt wait to welcome everyone back for an even bigger and even better Live At Leeds: In The Park in May. Catch ya down the front!ā
Lytham Festival also returns in 2023 and this week organisers shared the line-up including headliners Jamiroquai, George Ezra, Sting, Lionel Ritchie, Motley Crue and Def Leppard.
Also on the bill are the likes of Blondie and Kaiser Chiefs.
The run of festival announcements in our News Report gets a little heavier now with the 5th Anniversary of Stonedead Festival set to host headliners Blue Oyster Cult.
Also playing will be Therapy?, The Answer, King King, Mason Hill and more.
Following a successful inaugural event this year, Firestorm Festival is back in Manchester next year with a line-up including Royal Republic, Kris Barras Band, Black Spiders, The Virginmarys, Hollowstar, Scruffy Bear and many more!
Bowling For Soup frontman Jaret Reddick will bring his new country project to the UK in December with shows announced this week in London and Birmingham.
Hundred Reasons return with new single ‘Glorious Sunset’
Hundred Reasons – ‘Glorious Sunset’
We move our News Report on now to the best new releases from the past week and we start off with the spectacular return of Hundred Reasons.
The band this week announced their first new album in 15 years! ‘Glorious Sunset’ will be released on February 24th, and you can check out the title track above.
Lead singer Colin Doran says of the first writing session; āI came away from that session not just feeling closer to the other guys, having not seen them for some time, but thinking the music was f****** awesome. We all looked at each other and knew it was a go.ā
He continues about the single: āWhen we started writing again it was really important that we did not go back to any material that had been cut previously. It all had to be completely new. We started writing just before Covid and got together sporadically as and when we could to write and demo which was not our usual way. We would normally be in a room together for the most part but this time it was not always possible. Larry and I would write, The Andy and Larry would write and then I would join the session later in the day (I have a day job) but we were all super happy with what was coming out. This was a deal breaker for all as if we were putting out new material it had to be amazing.
Glorious Sunset came about from an instrumental idea from The Andy which was nearly complete minus any vocal ideas. The lyrics for the song completely changed from the demo version to the recorded version as within that space of time my mother passed away after a 4-year battle with cancer. She had gone into remission twice previously and it come back again but this time it would be terminal. The title of the song took on a new meaning as the song talks about being relieved that someone you love is no longer suffering. The sunset refers to the light that many people say they see when they die.
During recording, Larry started playing around with synths and effects that added more to the song but by the time all of the music was recorded, no one in the band knew that the lyrics had changed so it ended up being an emotionally draining session in the studio that day. In all lots of lyrics changed during that time period as it brought on a new perspective which shaped the narrative of the material.”
āThis album isnāt something we felt we had to do. We simply arrived at a position where the music was so good that it was something we needed to do.ā
Following the release of their latest album, ‘I Don’t Belong Anywhere’, October Drift this week shared the video for ‘Lost Without You’, which you can of course check out above.
Regarding āLost Without Youā frontman Kiran Roy says,Ā āIt’s a song about heartbreak and helplessness. Inspired by a long-distance relationship, with my girlfriend living over 400 miles away in Scotland. Itās about missing loved ones and the struggle of being apart.ā
Book news closes out our News Report this week as Idlewild have announced details of a new limited edition publication entitled ‘Passing Places’.
Roddy Woomble says:
āInitially, we had an idea of putting something together to commemorateĀ The Remote PartĀ tour dates – a programme or a journal, something fans of the band would love to read and have. It would be made in a similar style to Tomās beautifully designed journal Gold Flake Paint, somewhere between a magazine, a journal, a novella and a photo book. Something different and personal.
The journal acts almost like a souvenir programme for the 20th AnniversaryĀ Remote PartĀ shows, particularly for those who travelled up to Ullapool in September, as primarily that is where the journal is set.Ā
This idea appealed to me enormously, so Tom accompanied the band up to the Highlands for ourĀ The Remote PartĀ show in Ullapool, close to where the album was written. As we got chatting on the journey, at the gig and the following day driving around the Highlands, it became clear to both of us that this writing collaboration could be explored in many different ways, not necessarily just about one album.
This is a great writing project for me, working with an experienced writer like Tom, making something special for Idlewild fans all about an album that means a great deal to me, but also to Tom – a journey from two different perspectives.ā
Ahead of their tour supporting Pussy Riot, Brighton’s Ä ENN have shared their new single, ‘Rohmeresse’.
On the song, vocalist Leona Farrugia said, āIāve often felt a pressure running through everyday life: a pressure to be productive whilst being true to oneself. Modern life can be very dissociative and small tasks become a real burden to uphold. I wanted to capture these thoughts through the track, whereby these emotions gradually build to a point of ecstasy.ā
MOSKITO – ‘Sweet Fruit’
Following the breath-taking launch of MOSKITO towards the end of 2021, they now return with their brand-new single āSweet Fruitā.
“Sweet Fruits lyrics portray how easy it is to play away in a relationship, with all the distractions in todayās society. Itās unwieldy temptation at the push of a button. Is it too sweet? What a waste it is.ā – Front man Jake Rudd.
Pollyanna Blue – ‘Haunted’
Bristol-based alt-rock two-piece Pollyanna Blue reveal their latestĀ single āHauntedā.
Speaking of the inspiration for the song, lyricist and vocalist Zoe Collins says, āIn this song trauma is depicted as an unforgiving evil spirit that will come at you at night and relentlessly try to tear you down. Ā The impactful delivery of the lyrics harnesses the real range of emotions of someone experiencing immense feelings of emptiness, sadness and anger.
The lyric ālike a headacheā depicts the side effects of dealing with large and repetitive amounts of trauma and stress to the brain, painting an unpleasant experience for the person being Haunted by their own predicament.ā
Iron Maiden announce new Triple Vinyl to commemorate 40th Anniversary of ‘The Number of the Beast’
The legendary Iron Maiden have announced the release of a commemorative triple black vinyl album in honour of the 40th Anniversary of seminal third album, ‘The Number Of The Beast’, which was also the first to feature Bruce Dickinson on vocals and was to become the record which catapulted the band to international stardom.
Included in the new vinyl package is ‘Beast Over Hammersmith’ – available now officially for the very first time on vinyl – featuring the live concert from March 1982ās now legendary Hammersmith Odeon London show from the ‘Beast On The Road’ World Tour.
Recorded only days before the release of ‘The Number Of The Beast’ album, itās remarkable to think these now classic songs at that time were still brand new, unfamiliar and being heard live by fans for the very first time. A real piece of history in the making.
Steve Harris comments, āOn this vinyl release we get the chance to put āTotal Eclipse’ in its rightful spot on the album for the first time. The reason it didnāt make it in the first place was that it was all a mad rush when we were finishing the record and we had to get the āRun To The Hillsā single out before the tour and we basically had to pick a B-side and it was between āGanglandā and āTotal Eclipseā and we just picked the wrong one, really! I think āTotal Eclipseā is a stronger song and the album would have been stronger if it had been on there.ā
With new album, ‘The Calton Songs’, out soon on October 14th, Gun have shared the new reinvigorated version of firm fan favourite ‘Inside Out’, which you can listen to above.
As Jools Gizzi says: āWhen the pandemic hit we realised that it was the perfect time to try and counteract the bleakness that was all around. It felt like we couldnāt write anything, or of course tour. Out of that darkness came a desire to completely rework these songs that we know the fans love, and bring a different, stripped down vibeā.
Dante Gizzi added: āItās ironic that those feelings of negativity led to something so positive, a celebration of our career up to nowā.
VUKOVI will be releasing their new album, ‘NULA’, on October 7th. This week saw the band share the latest single, ‘QUENCH’, which you can listen to above.
Willie J Healey has announced that his new album, ‘Bunny’, will be out March 24th. Healey, who support Florance + The Machine on tour this November, also debuted new track, ‘Dreams’ which you can listen to above.
Willie says, āāDreamsā is a song I wrote when thinking about the cost of an ambition. The idea behind the video is, what would life be like if you had to carry all of the money you made on your back, and that if you did have to carry it you probably wouldnāt want as much.āā
Asylums have this week debuted their new single, ‘Instant Coffee’, which you can check out above.
The track comes from upcoming album, ‘Signs of Life’, which is out on October 28th.
Producer Dave Eringa says of āInstant Coffeeā:āItās like all of Lukeās songwriting to date has been leading up to Instant Coffee, a beautifully melancholic perfect pop song with real depth! Late 90ās Albarn meets the great bits of American indie at a classical concert & they all get together for a party!ā
Incredibly talented youngster Nandi Bushell took the next step in her musical evolution this week but debuted her first single, ‘The Shadows’, which you can listen to above.
“Early in 2022 my Dad fell into a depression as his autoimmune disease worsened. It was a difficult time for our family. I wanted to help cheer my Dad up by writing a song for him. He would describe his feelings to me and I would put them into lyrics letting him know, I would be there for him.
My Dad is now doing much better, he is on medication that is helping with his autoimmune disease and has recovered from his depression.
If you are suffering from mental health issues, please reach out for help. If you know of any good charities, groups or organisation in your area please share them in the comments for others.
Razorlight frontman Johnny Borrell this week debuted his new musical project, Jealous Nostril. The trio also includes Mystery Jets Jack Flanagan and drummer ELLiS D.
You can watch the video for their debut single, ‘Phase 6’, above.
The group also announced their first live dates in St. Albans and London, with tickets available here.
After a successful debut event this year, Firestorm Festival will return to Manchester in August 2023 for a second edition.
The first waves of acts include Kris Barras Band, When Rivers Meet, Hollowstar, Jack J Hutchinson and former ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast guests Scruffy Bear.
Desertfest returns to London in May and this week revealed the first acts for the festival including Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats, Graveyard, Kadavar and more.
We bring our News Report towards a close now with the best tour announcements from the past week and start with Tom Grennan.
Grennan revealed an Arena Tour set for March next year which concludes at the O2 Arena in London.
The news follows new single, ‘All These Nights’ and comes ahead of new album ‘What Ifs and Maybes’.
Speaking about the new album, Tom said:Ā āI’ve called my new album What Ifs & Maybes. It’s about going with your gut, not your head, because you never know what’s going to happen. I’m not afraid to jump into the unknown – because it’s exciting! It’s about rolling the dice and living your best life with nothing to lose. I’m in a new creative space, and I know I’m finally the artist I want to be. I’m so buzzing for these shows, my biggest gigs to date. I can’t wait to get out and play these new songs to everyone. Let’s go!”
The tour announcements keep coming in our News Report this week, and next up is Elles Bailey. Bailey will be playing a lengthy run of dates early next year including a date at Lafayette in London.
Von Hertzen Brothers are in the UK for Planet Rock Winter’s End Festival in February. Fans will now have additional chances to catch the band with headline shows now added in Manchester and London.
Our final tour announcement in our News Report this week comes from Sleep Token and it’s a massive tour for the band as they step into venues such as Brixton Academy.
TikTok star and queen of angsty pop/rock, Charlotte Sands, has released her hard-hitting, fan favourite single āTantrumā.
On the track, she said, āāTantrumā is so special to me because since the first time I played it live, people immediately latched onto it and have been fighting for its release ever since. This song not only represents experiences of anxiety, panic, and rebellion throughout my life and career but also the journey and relationship between me and the people who have made my career possible. Iāve been playing it live for over a year now and Iām thankful for the people who have pushed me out of my comfort zone to release a song that without them would still be sitting in a folder somewhere on my phone. I am overwhelmed with excitement for this song to finally be out in the world, itās been a year in the making (almost to the exact day) and I canāt wait to finally be able to throw a tantrum together.ā
As Sirens Fall – ‘heaven (spat us back out)’
As Sirens Fall share their new single, ‘heaven (spat us back out)’.
āi started writing heaven (spat us back out) just as our last ep ālāappel du vide (part 1)ā was releasing. that ep was a project about grief, and āheavenā very much comes from that same place. itās about giving up on the hopeful delusions that often come packaged with grief. itās about realising youāre coming of age in a dark world and choosing to face it all and grow up anyway – choosing to live.ā Mikey Lord, Vocals
Arliston – ‘Hold My Wine’
Arliston return with the stirring and spirited new single, ‘Hold My Wine’, taken from forthcoming EP āEven In The Shadeā.Ā
Vocalist Jack Ratcliffe says, āWeāve been wanting to make something a bit more playful for a while, so when we first hit on that chorus idea and made a silly middle-class pun on āhold my beerā, everything just fell into place around it. This one was a lot of fun to make.ā
Jack adds,āThe song is about that occasional moment of recognition when you look up from the narrow corridor of your own thoughts and are seized by the idea that everyone else has progressed and developed, while you are stuck in an unchanged rut. The protagonist attempts to do something about it in the chorus ā but inevitably, he gets it wrong.āĀ
Speaking also of special one off London shows, this week saw the return of We Are The Ocean who revealed that they will play at OMEARA in the capital this October!
Within Temptation debut video for ‘Don’t Pray For Me’
Within Temptation – ‘Don’t Pray For Me’
We move our News Report on now to the best music releases from the past week and begin with the new video from Within Tempation. You can check out ‘Don’t Pray For Me’, above.
Vocalist Sharon den Adel comments: āāDonāt Pray For Meā strives against forcing beliefs and fears onto others and bears witness to being acceptive of everyoneās own journey. It is an anthem about coming to terms with the fact that beliefs can be fluid, multiple or frankly: different. The song is about allowing people to pursue their own destiny.ā
Finally our News Report concludes the week’s releases with the new single from Skid Row. Listen to their latest track, ‘Tear It Down’, above.
āāTear It Downā is about breaking down barriers, because coexisting isnāt about building walls, itās about getting rid of them.ā ā Rachel Bolan
Bristol-based rock five-piece IOTA share their new single, ‘Take It’.
Speaking about the single, the band reveal, āTake It was inspired by the fight with yourself in a multitude of circumstances, work, relationships, socially and mentally. The continuum of holding yourself back and having this other side to yourself that is constantly telling you, āyou arenāt good enough, you wonāt make anything of yourselfā.
The persistent reminder of how well everyone else is doing, social media controlling us and having a huge effect on us mentally. Constantly taking that push back and battling with your own mind as if it is a whole other person inside of you.
We wrote the song during and before lockdown with Lee Kiernan who helped us build on the track instrumentally and melodically.ā
Rosen Bridge – ‘Watchers’
UK Metal outfit Rosen Bridge make their return with a punishing new offering titled āWatchersā. The Welsh originated 5-piece have teamed up with vocalist Jot Maxi of the formidable Hacktivist on the track.
āWe were privileged to have Jot Maxi feature on the track having been huge fans of Hacktivist for some time. The song continues the sound weāve established in our recent singles, pairing an intense heaviness with big melodic moments. We enjoyed experimenting with lots of dark electronic sounds in the track as well, with platinum producer Andrew Wade bringing the cohesiveness we needed in the final mixā ā Alex Woodall, vocalist.
“It’s crazy that they (Rosen Bridge) approached me to feature on a song that’s about corruption within organised religion because I actually spent the first 26 years of my life in a cult! In fact, I didn’t find the true God of the bible until very recently… So, directing my verse against false, man-made and twisted religions that are designed to glorify humans instead of God was very natural for me, as I obviously have a lot of passion for the subject!ā ā Jot Maxi of Hacktivist.
Trashed – ‘Memories’
Bristol-based emo punk-rock three-piece Trashed have released their new single āMemoriesā, the third single taken from their debut full-length album due later this year.
Speaking about the single, the band state, āMemories came together very quickly. Itās about trying too hard to let go of someone while your brain clings tighter and tighter to them. Of course written during a dose of heartbreak Jimmy was going through, itās relatable and sincereā¦ and will probably stick in your head like heartache does.ā
Watch Trashed on our ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast
‘Discover’ New Music Podcast – Episode 20 – Trashed
Welcome all to another edition of our weekly music News Report! We start this week with a handful of festival announcements and leading the way is the above line-up from Download Festival.
The Donington event got a little bigger this week with the addition of Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, Napalm Death, Kris Barras Band, Pengshui and more joining.
The event will be headlined by Kiss, Iron Maiden & Biffy Clyro.
We move on now to the weeks new music releases as our News Report continues at pace.
Alongside the release of their new album, ‘Skinty Fia’, Fontaines D.C. this week shared their latest single, ‘Roman Holiday’. You can listen to the new track above.
Speaking on the single, frontman Grian Chatten says, āRoman Holiday makes me think of the wide streets of north London in the Summer and the urge to discover them at night time. The thrill of being a gang of Irish people in London with a bit of a secret language and my first flat with my girlfriend.ā
The band has also added additional dates to their upcoming UK Tour!
There was also new music coming from the Boston Manor camp this past week as the band debuted new single ‘Foxglove’. You can listen to the track above.
Folk favourite Beans On Toast this week debuted his latest track, ‘Swimming In It’. The track is described as “A protest song about the heinous environmental crimes committed by Southern Water”. You can listen to the song above.
This week saw The Blinders release the video for their recent single, ‘Fight For It’. You can watch the video above.
Regarding the song vocalist and guitarist Thomas Hayward says, āItās about waking up and seizing the day with both your hands firmly gripped round its neck, to the point where you know youāre a better person by the end of it.
āI had a lot to say about the matter, so subconsciously probably chose the song weād worked on the least, in terms of seeing how far we could push it musically and made up for it lyrically.
āUsually, as a band, weād rarely let a song exist in such a basic formā¦ but upon writing the lyrics the tone was right. The words came very fast. When all was said and done it was probably over in about half an hour.
āItās the lightest song weāve done. Not something youād usually expect from the band, and not necessarily a place where Iām particularly comfortable drawing from. Give me brick and barbed wire over sunshine any day. Iāve got a soft spot for it though.”
The last new release in our News Report this week comes from LIFE who have debuted their newest track, ‘Almost Home’. The track will feature on upcoming third album, ‘North East Coastal Town’.
Speaking on the new single vocalist Mez Green says: āAlmost Home barks, jolts, jerks and spits with the theme of pining to be home and thus chimes with North East Coastal Town’s over-riding sense of belonging. ‘Taste the difference…feel significant…hold a lifeline, you’re almost home!” Almost Home is a song that wrestles with ego and love, with love winning; ”Recipe, I ain’t a cult recipe.ā
As always we finish our News Report with the latest additions to our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist! Featured this week are:
‘Night’ – Oakman
France based pop/rock trio, Oakman debut their brand new single, ‘Night’.
“This song was written in one day,ā says the band. āMarine had just learned that she might have a serious health problem. Without knowing it, Geremia sent an idea for a riff to Marine that day, who was instantly inspired by the mood. It matched so well with what she was feeling at the time that the whole song was written in one go. She was in a very special mental state that day. It was a kind of happy-sad nostalgia of life. Between the reality of losing everything and the people that you love and the strong desire to just live and exist. We spend our time complaining but when life can suddenly stop, that’s when we realise how much the smallest thing is worth. This song was like a mourning, a last night before everything stops forever. It’s the first time we wrote such a personal song and it’s one of our favourite tracks. It allowed Marine to not sink that day.ā
‘Halo’ – Blue Violet
‘Halo’ will feature on the upcoming album, ‘Late Night Calls’ from husband/wife duo Blue Violet.
Ahead of the forthcoming release of āLate Night Callsā Sam and Sarah Gotley explain:
āAll in all, the thing we enjoyed most while recording the album was the opportunity to be experimental with sound on top of the structures we had already put in place during the writing and pre-prod processes. We got very lucky to find a like-minded team of people to work with and a beautiful location to match. Coming off the back of a good couple of years in our previous band Broken Bones Matilda, we had no idea that our goals and choice of music we wanted to make would change, but it feels like this album is the start of something long and fruitful and that we’ve found out who we are and what we want to say.ā
‘The Concrete of Moulded Men’ – Eat Your Own Head’
Norwich alt-rock newcomers Eat Your Own Head feature with new track ‘The Concrete of Moulded Men’.
Commenting on the track, vocalist Ash Woolnough said: āāThe Concrete of Moulded Men’ is a sledgehammer to the slab of toxic masculinity. When writing the track, we wanted it to be fierce, hard, and unrelenting to reflect the kind of feelings and pressures that are put on men.ā
āI didnāt have any friends that played music when I was growing up, and It would feel embarrassing to say no to football or something like that because I wanted to play guitar and sing. I started making up reasons and hiding it, which was obviously not the right thing to be doing. This track is basically saying donāt worry about all that nonsenseā
International travel restrictions and pandemic related concerns has seen most touring in the UK come from domestic acts. One US based band however that has moved heaven and earth to undertake their scheduled shows is Black Stone Cherry. Not too surprising really as the band were adopted by the UK many years ago.
Black Stone Cherry made their name and grew their brand on UK soil and itās also no surprise that the show tonight is sold out. There is a mutual love and respect between band and fans and all of that helps to build a great atmosphere at the Corn Exchange in Cambridge.
Before the headliners however normally comes the support. Tonight is no different as Kris Barras Band take to an already packed venue. The band is given a decent length slot to win over those in attendance, and the receptive audience is quickly onboard.
From opening track āDead Horsesā to closer āHail Maryā, Kris Barras and co are able to create a connection with the audience through the medium of rock. Whilst that may sound a tad cheesy, the fact is Barras is the ideal support for this show, with his set being very well received.
Soon enough itās time for Black Stone Cherry to grace the stage and they receive a heroās welcome. The band quickly burst out āMe and Mary Janeā, āBurninā and āAgainā for a blistering start to their set.
WATCH ‘AGAIN’ ON YOUTUBE
Black Stone Cherry – ‘Again’
The band now has seven studio albums to draw from and tonight is literally a career-spanning setlist with a least one representative from each album. Sophomore release āFolklore and Superstitionā gets the greatest attention tonight with six tracks aired including rarer outings for āYeah Manā and āDevilās Queenā.
The band had managed to maintain a steady line-up since their formation around 20 years ago, but this year saw the departure of bassist Jon Lawhon. Itās down to Steve Jewell to fill those shoes and tonight he fits in effortlessly as the band remind fans why this country embraced them so early.
Last year saw the release of their latest album, ‘The Human Condition’ and two more tracks are on offer tonight with both āRinginā in My Headā and āIn Love With the Painā going over well with the audience. They fit in well with the set staples such as āBlind Manā, āBlame It On The Boom Boomā, āWhite Trash Millionaireā and āLonely Trainā.
All live music still feels special at the moment, but tonight felt extra special. An emotional āThings My Father Saidā and stunning āPeace Is Freeā perhaps best capturing the moment. Itās great to have international touring acts return to the UK, and itās fitting for one of the first to be Black Stone Cherry.
We roundup the best music news from the past week!
Every week we roundup the best music news from the past week in our News Report. To stay up to date with the biggest news be sure to follow us on our social channels:
Hundred Reasons return for tour team-up with Hell Is For Heroes
Welcome to another weekly News Report where we roundup the best music news from the past week. Starting proceedings this week is the news that Hundred Reasons are back!
The band has only played a handful of shows in the last twelve or so years, but now the band is set for nine shows in early 2022. Contemporaries and fellow rarities Hell Is For Heroes will provide support, making this an unmissable tour for fans of early 2000’s rock music.
This week saw Don Broco announce a short run of intimate dates that will serve as warm-up shows for the bands headlining Slam Dunk Festival appearances.
Joining an already sold out Bedford show are stops in Oxford, Bristol and Bournemouth. Tickets are available here.
Moving onto festivals now in our News Report and first up is Lincolnshire event Call of the Wild. The festival has announced the line-up for their 2022 edition set for 19th to 22nd of May at Lincolnshire Showground.
On the bill are Ricky Warwick & The Fighting Hearts, The Treatment, Massive Wagons, Raging Speedhorn, Revival Black, The Dust Coda, King Creature, Florence Black, Howling Tides, Hollowstar, Empyre and many more.
Our News Report turns now to new music releases, and word that the legendary Iron Maiden will soon be releasing their 17th studio album! ‘Senjutsu’ will arrive September 3rd.
The double album was previewed by lead single ‘The Writing On The Wall’ last week, which you can listen to on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Spotify Playlist here.
Bullet For My Valentine also have a new album on the way. Their self-titled release will arrive October 22nd. This week the band continued to prepare for the new arrival with the debut of new single ‘Parasite’.
Tremonti this week released new single, ‘If Not For You’. A new album is also on the way with ‘Marching In Time’ coming September 24th. Pre-order the new album here.
Finally this week new music from a great young band. Dead Man’s Whiskey have just released their latest single, ‘Breakout’ which you can check out above.
