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Album Reviews

Indoor Pets

Indoor Pets

Pathetic Apathetic

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INDOOR PETS – PATHETIC APATHETIC – ALBUM REVIEW

A lot can happen in five years, and it certainly has in the five years since Indoor Pets backed up their early promise with brilliant debut album, ‘Be Content’. The world has seen chaos, disorder, panic, isolation and depression, and Indoor Pets haven’t been impervious to modern life’s crushing weight either.

With the world stopping, the band took time away from the music industry including the rigours of maintaining a constant social presence. Thus, they disappeared for a while from public view, but thankfully they eventually reconvened to harness their creative powers once again.

Now the group are back with their sophomore release, ‘Pathetic Apathetic’, which sees them emerge from hibernation with a harder sound and a point to prove, even if just to themselves!

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘LONDON (LOVE TO HATE)
Indoor Pets – London (Love To Hate)

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The record bursts into life with the scathing indictment of our capital city that is ‘London (Love to Hate)’, and that honesty both in terms of lyrical content and musical soundtrack continue through the rest of the album.

It does feel like on ‘Pathetic Apathetic’ we are getting Indoor Pets unchained and free to make music the way they want to without the burden of expectation. There’s a passion and an energy that seeps through the substance of these songs and the results are magical.

During their early years, Indoor Pets managed to beautifully showcase their pop sound utilising indie-indulging guitars, but on this record, those guitars thrash and fuzz more like a British Weezer. This helps to affirm ‘Pathetic Apathetic’ as an incredibly catchy return for a band that has never failed in creating enjoyable pop rock earworms.

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Album Reviews

BIG SPECIAL

BIG SPECIAL

POSTINDUSTRIAL HOMETOWN BLUES

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BIG SPECIAL – POSTINDUSTRIAL HOMETOWN BLUES – ALBUM REVIEW

Should it be any surprise that 14 years into the chaotic rule of the Tory party, we’ve seen a boom in politically conscious groups gaining substantial popularity? Anyone would think that the working class were sick and tired of being taken for granted and treated like fools and even an inconvenience to those in power!

Given it’s a rather important year for politics it’s perhaps more imperative than ever for the voices of the general public be heard. It’s perhaps just a coincidence then that many big hitters of the so-called post-punk movement have released or are about to release new albums this year.

It’s a new act however that has been generating the most hype and now BIG SPECIAL are taking this opportune moment to share their huge debut album, ‘POSTINDUSTRIAL HOMETOWN BLUES’.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘THIS HERE AIN’T WATER’
BIG SPECIAL – ‘POSTINDUSTRIAL HOMETOWN BLUES’

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That is huge in terms of the themes present, huge in terms of the sonic kaleidoscope on offer, huge in terms of impact and indeed huge in terms of size. The collection sits at fifteen tracks and nearly fifty minutes of running social commentary intermixed with a sublime blend of punk, of course, but also alt-rock, soul, goth-rock, pop and a heavy dose of blues.

Whilst much focus, even within this very review, will be on the frank and pertinent lyrical content which is of great relevance in the current climate, the most impressive aspect of this album is the variety of stunning musical turns. It really is the sonic onslaught that grabs you firmly and hypnotises you into absorbing those words of brutal poetry.

The words that do come forth from the music are different from the standard post-punk clichés because they don’t preach and they don’t look to answer the problems identified. The album simply places on record observations of the impact of modern life whilst subtly holding out hope that things can get better.

Despite much of the duo’s promotional materials offering the quip that “It’s not big and it’s not special”, on listening to this superb collection you’ll be left under no uncertainty that this is indeed very big and this is truly very special!

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Album Reviews

Attic Theory

Attic Theory

What We Fear the Most

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ATTIC THEORY – WHAT WE FEAR THE MOST – ALBUM REVIEW

The so called “New Wave of Classic Rock” continues to flourish with dedicated rock fans always on the lookout for something new. As such, a name that will have caught their gaze in recent years is that of Attic Theory.

The group have been winning over audiences with their live shows whilst supporting the likes of Terrorvision, Black Spiders and Dead Man’s Whiskey or hitting up festivals such as Firevolt in their native North West.

In late 2020, a well received EP further pushed their name as “one’s to watch”, but now feels like the time for the band to arrive as it were. That’s because the fateful moment when Attic Theory release their debut album is upon us.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘NARROW LINES’
Attic Theory – ‘Narrow Lines’

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‘What We Fear The Most’ acts as a statement of intent, capturing on record the sound that has won them their plaudits thus far. That is a hard rock sound that pulls in elements of metal, classic rock and even grunge – the latter stemming largely from the powerful voice of singer Lewis Wright which brings with it Eddie Vedder and Chris Cornell vibes.

The guitars are crushing and the rhythm section is methodical which gives the majority of the record some real thunderous momentum. There are standouts and quirks however with the likes of ‘Tattooed Heart’, ‘Narrow Lines’ and softer numbers ‘Million Little Things’ and Lucy Ellen featuring finale ‘The Legacy’ all worthy of mention.

All in all though this is a very solid documentation of what Attic Theory are all about, and with the hurdle of a debut album skilfully navigated you can only imagine that the band will continue to go from strength to strength.

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Magazine

Full Pelt Magazine

Full Pelt Magazine

Vol. 34

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The latest issue of the Full Pelt Magazine is here, and you can download your copy for free below!

Volume 34 features our cover stars PET NEEDS as they take ‘Intermittent Fast Living’ out on the road. We also review the first new album from The Zutons in 16 years!

Our News Report has all the latest music news including live announcements from David Gilmour, Accept, Saxon, Creeper, Imagine Dragons, Kid Bookie, Seasick Steve, DIIV, Weatherstate, Willie J Healey, DEADLETTER and Kissin’ Dynamite!

Plus all the best new releases including Attitude Festival, Dead Pony, Sea Girls, New Years Day, The Dead Daisies, Hot Milk, The Menzingers, Frank Turner, Fit For An Autopsy, Sylosis, Lauran Hibberd, Darnell Cole and Teen Mortgage!

Finally, we round up the latest additions to our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist including Fast Blood, Gigi Gold and Masca!

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Live Reviews

Kira Mac

Kira Mac

Waterfront Studio, Norwich

Sunday 5th May 2024

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KIRA MAC – NORWICH – LIVE REVIEW

📸 (c) Denis Gorbatov / Full Pelt Music

After months of miserable weather, spring has finally sprung with the sun shining this Bank Holiday weekend. Revellers on an evening walk past the Waterfront in Norwich this evening get see a long queue mixed with rockers and goths as music fans line up for two different events.

Downstairs is a tribute band for The Cure and upstairs we are here to catch rising bands Kira Mac and Jayler in the Waterfront Studio. I’ll let you guess which sub-culture group is headed to which show!

JAYLER

Those upstairs don’t have to wait long for the entertainment to begin and kicking off proceedings this evening are youngsters Jayler. The four-piece look and sound like they’ve been rescued from the 1970’s by Bill and Ted in order to pass an exam asking what blues-soaked hard rock should sound like.

From opening duo ‘Acid Rain’ and ‘No Woman’ onwards it’s clear that the band are heavily inspired by the likes of Led Zeppelin and Greta Van Fleet. Those are some big old shoes to fill, but with their mesmerising performance tonight, Jayler prove that they are here to give it a good go. In fairness, on this evidence, you wouldn’t put it past the group from making a big mark in the near future.

KIRA MAC

Headliners Kira Mac have certainly been making a mark since the release of their debut album, ‘Chaos Is Calling’, in 2022. Word is certainly spreading about the rockers and the venue tonight is packed and eager to see their new heroes.

The band come out all guns blazing and the first portion of their set sees them fly through, ‘Save Your Whiskey’, ‘Dead Man Walking’, ‘Chaos Is Calling’ and new tracks ‘Play the Game’, ‘No Way Out’ and ‘Scorned’.

Next, the band change the pace with a special acoustic portion – something the band comment won’t be repeated in the future. If so, that would be a shame as the next twenty or so minutes are a fantastic showcase not just of the talent within the band but also their charm.

Singer Rhiannon Hill is able to hold the audience and make them hang off of every word. A handful of rarer played tracks and covers is well received and is a real highlight of the evening.

A rousing cover of Alanis Morissette classic ‘You Oughta Know’ then kickstarts the third section of their performance and gets the crowd singing along. Six more tracks follow with some favourites and a sneak peek of what to expect from album number two. During all of these tracks, you are left to appreciate the camaraderie and talent held within the tight group.

That kinship and audience connection will help to set the band apart as they move to the next era of their career and you’d have to expect that when they return to Norwich, they’ll be playing in the bigger presently goth occupied room.

An encore of ‘Downfall’ and ‘One Way Ticket’ delivers a final knockout blow this evening and has the fans raving about what they’ve just witnessed as they file back into the warm spring night.

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Magazine

Full Pelt Magazine

Full Pelt Magazine

Vol. 35

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The latest issue of the Full Pelt Magazine is here, and you can download your copy for free below!

Volume 35 features our cover star Frank Turner as announces show 3000 and shares his 10th studio album, ‘Undefeated’. Plus we review the new releases from Emily Barker, P.O.D., Dea Matrona, The Exact Opposite, DAYTIME TV and EEVAH.

Our News Report has all the latest music news including live announcements from Frank Turner, David Gilmour, Massive Wagons, The Lemon Twigs, Alien Ant Farm, LostAlone, Levellers, Don Broco and Myles Kennedy.

Plus all the best new releases including P.O.D., Robert Jon & The Wreck, Black Country Communion, Fire From The Gods, The Lovely Eggs, Mannequin Death Squad, FM, Blossoms, Jaret Ray Reddick, SAFIRE, Yours Truly, Hamish Hawk, Mt. Onsra, VOWER, Our Hollow, Our Home, Heriot, Lizzy Farrall, Raven Numan, Soft Play and Richie Kotzen!

Finally, we round up the latest additions to our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist including SHADE UK, HRTLSS, Sleep Theory, Peter Bibby, The Fever Kings and Caroline Romano!

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Album Reviews

The Exact Opposite

The Exact Opposite

Skill Issue

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THE EXACT OPPOSITE – SKILL ISSUE – ALBUM REVIEW

The musical journey of Nigel Powell and Jamie Stuart is a storied one full of twists and turns. Both of the duo emerged from the early 2000’s Oxford music scene following the demise of former bands Unbelievable Truth and Dustball.

Forming the group Dive Dive together, the band released three albums between 2005 and 2011 before band members commitments to The Sleeping Souls saw that group fade away.

Dive Dive returned with a fourth album in 2019 before Powell left The Sleeping Souls in 2020. Since then Powell has kept busy with an album from his group Sad Song Co. and the return of Unbelievable Truth. Now Powell and Stuart unite again for a brand new project known as The Exact Opposite.

Keeping those creative juices flowing and wasting no time, the duo has now shared their debut album, ‘Skill Issue’. The twelve song record is an instantly enjoyable collection of alt-rock songs which pull from their past but point to their future.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘LOOK AT HIM GO!’
The Exact Opposite – ‘Look at Him Go!’

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Although it probably shouldn’t a surprise, the most interesting point of note from the album is the relevance and urgency of both the music and lyrics. Despite all the water under their musical bridge, this very much sounds like a band with a point to prove and a message to send.

Songs such as ‘Look at Him Go!’, ‘Battle for Progress’ and ‘Idiots in Tow’ showcase their rekindled chemistry and help to ensure that this first release as The Exact Opposite is a memorable one. Given their previous work both together and apart, it again shouldn’t be a surprise but ‘Skill Issue’ is a really good album!

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Album Reviews

P.O.D.

P.O.D.

Veritas

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P.O.D. – VERITAS – ALBUM REVIEW

San Diego nu-metal icons P.O.D. are back with their eleventh studio album, ‘Veritas’. That is of course truth in Latin, and the truth is that when the nu-metal bubble appeared to burst circa 2004, not many people would have bet on P.O.D. still releasing new music twenty years later!

Over the past couple of decades the band has followed up their seminal album, ‘Satellite’, with a mix of hits and misses. Again, in truth, this record represents neither of those categories. It certainly isn’t a bad album, far from it in fact, alas it isn’t exactly the best example of what the band is capable of either.

Even within that nu-metal bubble P.O.D. still managed to stand out with their signature sound particularly innovative; and there lies the simple problem with ‘Veritas’. The record focuses more an a standard rock sound and lacks the charm of their best work.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘AFRAID TO DIE’
P.O.D. – ‘AFRAID TO DIE’ feat. Tatiana Shmayluk

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There are still some big moments on the record however which will undoubtedly fare well on those generic American rock radio stations. Notably those moments seem to come on tracks with special guests such as the Randy Blythe featuring ‘DROP’ and Tatiana Shmayluk powered single ‘AFRAID TO DIE’.

The album is also a safe bet for existing fans of the band. Whilst inevitably, ‘The Fundamental Elements of Southtown’, ‘Satellite’ and ‘Payable on Death’ will still gain the most playing time, thus is the curse of success, ‘Veritas’ will fit in nicely with the rest of their back catalogue.

The album is aided by its easy listening sound and its relatively short run time, meaning that it is well worth a listen. If you weren’t already a fan of the band however, it’s unlikely to suck you in and you’re obviously going to want to start with their big hitters. Once you find yourself on ship P.O.D. however you can then revisit ‘Veritas’ and enjoy the fact that one of the pioneers of a world-changing genre are still active and making listenable music!

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Album Reviews

Emily Barker

Emily Barker

Fragile as Humans

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EMILY BARKER – FRAGILE AS HUMANS – ALBUM REVIEW

Through various guises and projects, the sublime musical talents of Emily Barker have been well established. Her career has taken her through Americana, Country and Folk, but each record has been indelibly identifiable as the work of Barker.

New album, ‘Fragile as Humans’ finds Barker in reflective mood, both looking inwards at her own life and diving into the wider human condition. This naturally makes this album emerge as one of the most personal releases yet from an artist who has always been able to craft their innermost thoughts into deep and beautiful lyrics.

WATCH THE LYRIC VIDEO FOR ‘WITH SMALL WE START’
Emily Barker – ‘With Small We Start’

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However, despite the themes of the record tackling raw emotions such as sadness, loss, sorrow and loneliness, it’s important to note the glimmers of hopefulness that weave their way through this collection of delicate and majestic ballads.

Barker has worked with the talented Luke Potashnick on this album, and the producer helps to elevate the musical side of the album to dizzying heights of intricacy and elegance. From opener ‘With Small We Start’ to finale ‘Acisoma’, this is a truly exquisite record that is deserving of your time and affection.

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EP Reviews

DAYTIME TV

Island.

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