MANIC STREET PREACHERS – THE ULTRA VIVID LAMENT – ALBUM REVIEW
Having formed way back in 1996, Manic Street Preachers have gone on to have a decorated and celebrated career which has seen the band change and evolve over time. We have seen the band go through various phases in their career with their current era being one in which the band do whatever they want to do.
They have had hit making era’s, angry periods and experimental times and now they have taken elements from each and produced their fourteenth studio album, ‘The Ultra Vivid Lament’. If any band has earned the right to do as they please then it likely is Manic Street Preachers. That isn’t to say that they have tuned out or are resting on their laurels, just that they clearly have nothing left to prove.
That is perhaps, other than their undoubted musical ability. Whether writing angry punk or delicate pop, this band has always created pieces of beauty. It’s no surprise therefore that ‘The Ultra Vivid Lament’ is full of intricate melodies, captivating rhythms and enchanting refrains.
WATCH ‘THE SECRET HE HAD MISSED’ ON YOUTUBE
Manic Street Preachers – ‘The Secret He Had Missed’
There are songs such as ‘Orwellian’ and ‘The Secret He Had Missed’ that standout but in general this is a record to be savoured as a collection as opposed to cherry picking single tracks. The days of mega hits may be gone for the band, but they have plenty of those already.
Manic Street Preachers have earned the moniker of icons, they have enjoyed incredible success and now have the right to create whatever type of album they want. ‘The Ultra Vivid Lament’ is an enjoyable listen and the band clearly still has something to say!
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:
It’s all about new music releases as we commence our News Report for this past week. We start with the return of the legendary Iron Maiden! This week the band started the latest era in their historic career with the release of a brand new single.
‘The Writing On The Wall’ comes complete with stunning video and provides the first glimpse of what to expect from the bands rumoured next album. You can check out the song above or on your platform of choice here.
Manic Street Preachers unveil new track ‘The Secret He Had Missed’
Manic Street Preachers – ‘The Secret He Had Missed’
Another act of legendary status to debut new music this week was Manic Street Preachers. The band unveiled their latest single, ‘The Secret He Had Missed’ this week.
This comes ahead of the release of their new album, ‘The Ultra Vivid Lament’ on September 3rd. Check out the new track above, and pre-order the album here.
Within Temptation release video for ‘Shed My Skin’
Within Temptation – ‘Shed My Skin’
This week has been a week for stunning video releases as Within Temptation exemplify with their latest offering. Check out ‘Shed My Skin’ featuring Annisokay above.
This week saw party icon Andrew W.K. reveal his metallic new track, ‘Everybody Sins’. The song comes ahead of new album, ‘God Is Partying’ which arrives September 10th.
Check out the video above and you can pre-order the album here.
This week also saw Seether share their new track ‘Feast or Famine’, which you can listen to above. The song comes ahead of their new record, ‘The Purgatory EP’ which is due on July 30th.
Moving onto the live section of our News Report now as we all anticipate the return of live music. This week saw Nothing But Thieves announce a short run of intimate dates, taking in Oxford, Norwich and Liverpool.
Support comes from Kid Kapichi and tickets can be found here.
Green Man gets go-ahead and reveals line-up
Festivals now in our News Report roundup, and first up is Green Man. The event was this week given the go-ahead to proceed next month and fans have finally been shown the long-awaited line-up.
The stunning bill includes Fontaines D.C., Mogwai, Working Men’s Club, Shame, Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard, John, Jose Gonzalez, Black Midi, Teenage Fanclub, Self Esteem, Snapped Ankles, Porridge Radio and The Goa Express.
The full line-up for the 2021 edition of Wild Paths Festival in Norwich has now been revealed. Some 200 acts will grace 20 stages over the course of 4 days in the fine city.
Those acts include Sports Team, The Big Moon, Billie Marten, Bessie Turner, Gaffa Tape Sandy, Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard, The Mysterines, Feet, Press To Meco, John, Anorak Patch, Gabby Rivers and The Islas.
Full Pelt Music launches new ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist on Spotify
Finally this week, we can announce the launch of our brand new ‘Hard & Heavy’ Spotify Playlist. This playlist will showcase the best new releases from the world of hard rock and heavy metal – so PLAY IT LOUD!
First additions comes from Iron Maiden, Wayward Sons, Fozzy, Bullet For My Valentine, The Wildhearts, Volbeat, The Fallen State, Massive Wagons, Gun, Danko Jones, The Datsuns, The Treatment and Trivium!
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:
We start our News Report this week with a whole load of Manic Street Preachers news. This week the band returned with a new single, new album announcement and some huge tour news!
Let’s start with the news that the legendary group will be releasing their 14th studio album on September 3rd. That album is entitled ‘The Ultra Vivid Lament’, and you can pre-order your copy here.
Coming with the announcement of that new album was the first taste of what to expect. You can check out the latest single from the band, ‘Orwellian’, above!
Finally the band has unveiled a huge run of dates around the UK which will conclude in December at Wembley Arena. Support comes from The Anchoress. Should you pre-order the new album then you will receive access to a special pre-sale on Wednesday 19th May.
Otherwise tickets go on sale Friday 21st for general sale, here.
Another band with plenty of news to share this week is Don Broco. You can listen to their new single ‘Manchester Super Reds No. 1 Fan’ above. The track will feature on the groups newly unveiled upcoming album ‘Amazing Things’.
The new album is set to arrive on September 17th, and you can pre-order your copy here. The band has also announced a UK Tour for later this year. Once again, album pre-orders will include pre-sale access from Wednesday 19th.
We continue to focus on new music now as we carry on with our News Report. Up next, the stunning new single from Wolf Alice. You can listen to ‘No Hard Feelings’ above.
The premiere of the single comes just weeks ahead of the release of ‘Blue Weekend’, the bands third studio album. You can pre-order that album, here.
There was more new music this week from Paris Youth Foundation. The band unveiled their latest single, ‘Tired of Loving You’, which you can hear above. More from the band here.
Just the one festival in our News Report this week and that festival is Norwich event Wild Paths. The festival is set to takeover various venues in the city from 14th to 17th October.
Organisers this week unveiled a stunning line-up for the event headlined by Sports Team, Biig Piig and Palace. It’s lower down the line-up where there are many gems to be found however with the likes of The Big Moon, Bessie Turner, Gaffa Tape Sandy, Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard, The Mysterines, Feet, Press To Meco, John and Anorak Patch amongst many fine bands set for the fine city.
The final list of inductees into the 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has been confirmed. Joining the institution will be Tina Turner, Carole King, The Go-Go’s, Jay-Z, Foo Fighters, Todd Rundgren, Kraftwerk, Charley Patton, Gil Scott-Heron, Billy Preston, LL Cool J, Clarence Avant and Randy Rhoads.
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:
Download Festival makes huge additions to 2022 line-up
This week has been full of ups and downs for the UK Festival industry. We have seen numerous cancellations, but also many line-up announcements. We are going to concentrate on the positives as we begin a festival heavy edition of our News Report.
First up, a festival that has already moved to 2022. This week Download Festival announced the bulk of the artists joining headliners Kiss, Iron Maiden & Biffy Clyro!
The main stage will host the likes of Korn, The Pretty Reckless, RiseAgainst, Theory, Monster Truck, Wayward Sons and Those Damn Crows.
Staying in Derbyshire, and Y Not Festival has announced a massive line-up for this year. Taking place over the weekend of July 30th to August 1st, the event will be headlined by Stereophonics, Bombay Bicycle Club and Blossoms.
Also featured at the top of the line-up are Manic Street Preachers, Fontaines D.C., Levellers, James, Frank Turner, Jake Bugg, Circa Waves and Pale Waves.
Plus an incredible supporting bill featuring The Futureheads, Dinosaur Pile-Up, The Snuts, Black Honey, Dream Wife, Vistas, Beans On Toast, InMe, Ferocious Dog, REWS and Zuzu!
Tramlines festival has this week announced a huge line-up for 23-25 July. Such a huge line-up that the Sheffield event has now completely sold out. You can however register for ticket alerts here.
Headline acts The Streets, Royal Blood and Richard Ashcroft are joined by a host of established and new acts. Friday brings sets from The Kooks, Jake Bugg, Pale Waves and The Pigeon Detectives.
Saturday will feature Blossoms, Vistas and Lauran Hibberd. Whilst Sunday will close out the event with The Fratellis and The Snuts amongst others.
Boardmasters follows sell out trend with line-up reveal
The trend of festivals selling out also continued with Boardmasters. The Cornwall event revealed a line-up headlined by Foals, Gorillaz and Jorja Smith before immediately selling out.
Also joining the line-up are Sam Fender, The Kooks, The Snuts, Blossoms, Slowthai and Gengahr. The festival is sold out, so check here for any ticket information.
We said that our News Report would be festival heavy this week, and we meant it. As we continue to report on the best announcements of the past week we head to Portsmouth.
Victorious Festival has this week added additional names to its line-up. Fans can now expect to see the likes of Nile Rodgers & Chic, Frank Turner and Lottery Winners.
They join an already packed event headlined by Madness, The Streets and Royal Blood! Pick up tickets here.
Leicestershire now, and 110 Above Festival. The event has added even more names whilst also announcing a new stage. The Elizabeth Stage will be headlined by Fickle Friends, Black Honey and The Snuts!
Headlining the main stage will be Sports Team, The Amazons and Sundara Karma. For tickets you’ll want to head here.
Black Deer keeps getting bigger
Black Deer Festival in Kent continues to grow bigger and bigger. The event which takes place 25th – 27th June 2021 has this week made further additions to an already stellar line-up.
Added are Jake Bugg, Ginger Wildheart & The Sinners and many more. They join the likes of Frank Turner, Imelda May, Band Of Skulls, Emily Barker and Broken Witt Rebels.
With previously announced headliners Anthrax unable to make it, Steelhouse Festival has moved quickly to draft in The Darkness as a more than worthy substitute.
They join the likes of Europe, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, Therapy?, The Wildhearts and Those Damn Crows in Wales this July.
The final festival of our News Report is an interesting new event for Clapham Common. Taking place on Monday 30th August the rock and hip-hop crossover event features an eclectic bill.
On the heavy side of things at ALT+LDN are Architects, Machine Gun Kelly, Sleep Token and Bob Vylan. More info over here.
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes ft. Joe Talbot – ‘My Town’
On to the new music portion of our News Report. Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes have kicked off their latest era with a brand new track featuring IDLES man Joe Talbot. You can listen to ‘My Town’here.
The iconic Garbage continue to gear up for the release of their upcoming album ‘No Gods No Masters’ on June 11th. This week saw the group release the title track of said album.
Bruce Dickinson hits the road for a very special tour
Finally as we finish our News Report for another week. Legendary Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson is scheduled to hit the road this August for a very special tour. The spoken word tour will feature an audience Q&A session and you can grab tickets here.
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:
Music Venue Trust address a year without Live Music
We begin this week’s roundup of the best music news with a somewhat sombre milestone. This week marked an entire calendar year since most music venues hosted their last show and closed their doors.
With the coronavirus pandemic continuing, but with a glimmer of hope on the horizon, the Music Venue Trust has issued a pertinent statement. The trust has worked tirelessly to cement the future of live music.
Without our grassroots venues future talent would have nowhere to hone their craft. Many will be forever grateful to the Music Venue Trust for their work during this unique and terrifying year. You can read their full statement on their Facebook page here.
Following the recent government roadmap announcement, our weekly roundup has been dominated with festival news. This week however we have some great tour news and fantastic new music to share with you.
First up is the incredible Wolf Alice, who have just unveiled a lengthy tour around the UK. The run of 13 shows will commence in Glasgow on Friday 7th January and end in Bristol on Sunday 30th.
The tour will give fans the opportunity to hear songs from the bands upcoming third album ‘Blue Weekend’ live. Fans who pre-order that album from their official/Dirty Hit’s store will get early access to tickets from Wednesday 24th March. General Sale for tickets is Friday 26th March.
Another band to announce a massive tour this week is Architects. Having seen their latest album, ‘For Those That Wish To Exist’ hit the number one spot, the band are hitting arenas.
Taking in five massive venues across the UK, this tour promises to be very special indeed. To be there, grab your tickets here.
As festivals across the country continue to sell out in the wake of the roadmap announcement by government, we had to bring you one line-up on our News Report! This week we bring news from Camper Calling which is set to take place August 27-29 in Warwickshire.
Topping the line-up are Supergrass and Manic Street Preachers. There will also be appearances from The Pigeon Detectives, Embrace and The Magic Numbers alongside an eclectic mix of acts. If you like what you see, you can grab your tickets here.
Myles Kennedy reveals ‘The Ides of March’
Myles Kennedy – ‘The Ides Of March’
Now, it’s the time in our News Report to run through the best new releases this week.
Myles Kennedy recently announced the release of his second solo album, ‘The Ides of March’. This week Kennedy unveiled the title track, which you can check out above. To pre-order the album head here.
There isn’t long left for fans to wait for the new Holding Absence album. ‘The Greatest Mistake Of My Life’ arrives on April 16th and you can pre-order you copy here.
In preparation of the records release, the band have this week released the latest single ‘In Circles’, which you can check out above.
This week is been a great week for new music as we were also treated to ‘Smouldering Sticks’, the new single from Press To Meco. The band are gearing up for the release of their new album ‘Transmute’ on June 11th. You can pre-add/save here.
Lauran Hibberd teams up with Lydia Night for ‘How Am I Still Alive?’
Lauran Hibberd – ‘How Am I Still Alive?’ feat. Lydia Night
Lauran Hibberd has teamed up with Lydia Night from The Regrettes for her latest single. ‘How Am I Still Alive?’ arrived this week and you can check it out here.
Deux Furieuses release special single ‘She’s Not Coming Home Tonight’
Deux Furieuses – ‘She’s Not Coming Home Tonight’
We finish this week with the important new single from Deux Furieuses. ‘She’s Not Coming Home Tonight’ is their response to the murder of Sarah Everard and is dedicated to all missing women and girls.
The single is in aid of #ReclaimTheseStreets and you can listen/download the track here.
