Tag: review

Categories
Album Reviews

Greta Van Fleet

Greta Van Fleet

Starcatcher

Follow us on Social Media

GRETA VAN FLEET – ‘STARCATCHER’ – ALBUM REVIEW

It’s seems almost impossible for anyone to review anything that Greta Van Fleet do either on stage or in the studio without comparing them to a certain mythical classic rock band. Our aim is to not use their name because ultimately, no matter the obvious sonic resemblance, Greta Van Fleet have forged their path through their own talents.

Every release thus far has been exceptional and as they release their third studio album, ‘Starcatcher’, the pre-release singles have again evidenced a band of enormous musical capability. There is an ethereal raw power in their song-writing and this materialises in the most visceral of fashions.

WATCH ‘MEETING THE MASTER’ ON YOUTUBE
Greta Van Fleet – ‘Meeting the Master’

Find Full Pelt Music on YouTube!

Thematically ambitious, whilst sticking to a tried and tested formula, ‘Starcatcher’ is a continuation of its predecessor ‘The Battle at Garden’s Gate’ and will instantly gratify fans of the band.

There are a plethora of songs which sound like they were born for the live setting and as the band continue to mature and grow their audience that’s a vital element. Lead single ‘Meeting the Master’ teased listeners into the experience that this album presents and arriving at the back end of the record ensures that the album finishes as strongly as it begins.

With this release, Greta Van Fleet continue to prove that they are no mere flash in the pan and no cheap imitation. Yes, rather than another band stuck in the past, this group are literally the future of rock music!

Share this review on Social Media

Read our review of ‘The Battle at Garden’s Gate’ from Greta Van Fleet

Categories
Album Reviews

Blur

Blur

The Ballad of Darren

Follow us on Social Media

BLUR – THE BALLAD OF DARREN – ALBUM REVIEW

‘The Ballad of Darren’ marks the first new Blur album in eight years and only their second in the past twenty years. That other release was 2015 effort ‘The Magic Whip’, which was missing completely from the bands setlists at Wembley Stadium this month.

That point is made because upon listening to this release, ‘The Ballad of Darren’, equally sounds like an album set to be lost to this moment in time. Musically this is of course another solid record from the band, and not many would have expected anything different.

WATCH ‘St. CHARLES SQUARE’ ON YOUTUBE
Blur – ;St. Charles Square’

Find Full Pelt Music on YouTube!

Ultimately though the record lacks anything truly memorable. When selecting their setlists for those historic Wembley gigs, there would have been certain songs that it would be unthinkable for them not to play. If in ten years the band make a return again for more huge shows, you don’t feel that any of these songs will be in that conversation.

If you are a dedicated Blur fan then this record is an unexpected new addition to your collection. You will listen to it solidly for the coming weeks and months. Thereafter it may fall back behind the classics but will certainly continue hold its own.

Blur are musically exceptional and this at its core is another stunning collection of songs. Those reviewing this album purely on quality will write words of praise and quite rightly so.  However, to drive home the point, for anyone other than a diehard follower, this will also be an instantly forgettable collection of melancholic hymns.

Share this review on Social Media

Read our review of Gorillaz live at All Points East

Categories
EP Reviews

Yellowcard

Childhood Eyes

Follow us on Social Media

Yellowcard

When Yellowcard disbanded back in 2017, that was it, there were no plans for live shows let alone new music, it was the end of an era. Thankfully things changed when the group returned at last year’s Riot Fest.

Now the next step has arrived with the band offering new music in the shape of new EP, ‘Childhood Eyes’. The reflective record sees the band sonically embracing their 2007 album, ‘Paper Walls’, but ultimately capturing the essence of everything that made the band so loved.

The title-track of the five song EP is particularly heralding of a clichéd return to form and could be placed on any of their iconic releases and still hold its own. The other tracks will have you bouncing, they will tug on your heartstrings and will make you fall in love with the Yellowcard all over again!

‘Childhood Eyes’ is certainly Yellowcard at their finest and whets the appetite for what’s still to come.

Find Full Pelt Music on YouTube

Categories
Album Reviews

James and the Cold Gun

James and the Cold Gun

James and the Cold Gun

Follow us on Social Media

JAMES AND THE COLD GUN – ALBUM REVIEW

It takes a lot of courage and self-belief to walk away from a band experiencing considerable success, but that’s exactly what James Joseph did. Switching from bass player in a well known band to guitar and vocals as the frontman of a completely unknown entity, Joseph teamed up with fellow James, James Biss, and the duo set about building a new legacy under the moniker James and the Cold Gun.

A handful of key support slots and a well received debut EP have led the now five-piece band to their all-important self-titled debut album!

Described as a “…no frills rock n roll ripper…” by Joseph, this fits the narrative from the original duo when we spoke to them in a year ago on our ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast. Joseph in particular was clear that his previous band had changed to the point of no longer aligning with his desired creative output, with Joseph wanting a back to basics approach.

From the opening riff of ‘Chewing Glass’, it’s abundantly clear that Joseph has accomplished his desire. This is good old fashioned rock n roll and this album does exactly what it promises, repeatedly punching you in the face with another dirty riff, another bouncing chorus and all round gloriously effortless rock.

WATCH ‘CHEWING GLASS’ ON YOUTUBE
James and the Cold Gun – ‘Chewing Glass’

Find Full Pelt Music on YouTube!

This is a well-rounded debut album, which shows that the band have plenty to offer other than just noise. The songs are well crafted and have an accessible enough sound that they should cut across in bigger venues just as well as they will in tiny clubs.

The likes of ‘Something to Say’, ‘Bittersweet’ and ‘My Silhouette’ may lead the pack but whilst it may be cliché, there really isn’t a bad track on what the band can be proud of as a memorable debut album.

In thirty-eight minutes of pure rock n roll adrenaline, James and the Cold Gun ensure that the bravery and confidence talked of in our opening sentence was well placed and fully justified!

Share this review on Social Media

Read our review of ‘False Start’ from James and the Cold Gun

Watch Episode 18 of our ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast with guests James and the Cold Gun!

‘Discover’ New Music Podcast – Episode 18 – James and the Cold Gun

Read our review of James and the Cold Gun live in Norwich

Categories
Album Reviews

Jim Lockey and the Solemn Sun

Jim Lockey and the Solemn Sun

Colour

Follow us on Social Media

JIM LOCKEY AND THE SOLEMN SUN – COLOUR – ALBUM REVIEW

It’s over a decade ago now that Jim Lockey and the Solemn Sun released their two stunning albums, ‘Atlases’ and ‘Death’. At the time the band seemed to be on the cusp of much bigger things following a series of big support slots and important festival appearances.

Then in 2014 the group rebranded simply as Solemn Sun and tweaked their musical output for a new EP. When this change was met with apathy from their fans though the band soon disappeared into the ether and it appeared to be the end of a group that had shown so much promise.

A hero’s return under the full Jim Lockey and the Solemn Sun name occurred at 2000trees in 2019 but then the pandemic hit! Now the band make their full-scale return with their third album, ‘Colour’, following another huge set at this year’s 2000trees.

WATCH ‘RENO’ ON YOUTUBE
Jim Lockey and the Solemn Sun – ‘Reno’

Find Full Pelt Music on YouTube!

The album starts with fantastic recent single, ‘Reno’ and quickly gathers pace with the euphoric ‘Medicine’ and ‘Conditional Love’ following. It’s soon evident that their sound has evolved greatly from both their first two albums and their 2014 EP.

This may be Jim Lockey and the Solemn Sun but this is a splendid new version that takes the best elements of their past and combines them with a gloriously pop-tinged new sonic palate.

As the album progress through its ten tracks, it becomes very clear that the band are operating on a level way above anything they’ve done before, and given the quality of those early albums that is quite astonishing!

‘Colour’ is a truly remarkable return for a band that always felt like it had unfinished business. Well, the ten year wait has been more than worth it because this masterpiece of an album deserves to take the band to highest echelons of the industry. Simply magnificent!

Share this review on Social Media

Read our review of 2000trees Festival

Categories
Album Reviews

PVRIS

PVRIS

EVERGREEN

Follow us on Social Media

PVRIS – EVERGREEN – ALBUM REVIEW

The last few years have proven to be a highly transitional time for PVRIS. Pandemic navigating releases, line-up changes, record label moves and expansions of their sound have all compounded a period of tumultuous change.

Throughout all of this Lynn Gunn has steered the ship through stormy waters and PVRIS remain on a steady course towards delivering on their enormous early promise. Now with the release of their fourth studio album, ‘EVERGREEN’, it feels like PVRIS are ready to show the truest form of themselves.

This candid and refreshing record is a stunning journey of sonic exploration across eleven tracks, all of which add something significant to the album as a whole. That said, it’s worth noting that this may be the most cohesive collection from the band yet.

WATCH ‘GODDESS’ ON YOUTUBE
PVRIS – ‘GODDESS’

Find Full Pelt Music on YouTube!

Whether delivering heavy rock hooks, serenading us with delicate moments of melancholy or exploring recent EDM influences, ‘EVERGREEN’ sees Gunn at her creative peak. Gunn has always shown great ambition musically and that shines through intensely on this album.

Having caught PVRIS live at Slam Dunk Festival this summer, we can attest that the likes of ‘ANIMAL’ and ‘GODDESS’ sound absolutely huge live and you feel listening to this album that plenty of other tracks will also excel in the live setting.

After a period of upheaval, ‘EVERGREEN’ is the perfect statement needed from Gunn that the project remains not just viable but also striving for greatness!

Share this review on Social Media

Read our review of PVRIS live at Slam Dunk Festival

Categories
Live Reviews

Iron Maiden

Iron Maiden

Utilita Arena, Birmingham

Tuesday 4th July 2023

Follow us on Social Media

IRON MAIDEN – BIRMINGHAM – LIVE REVIEW

The metalheads have taken over Birmingham with battlejackets visable on every street corner. Yes, the mighty Iron Maiden are in town and a sold out Utilita Arena is braced for a theatrical evening of fun with a band currently firing on all cylinders.

The legendary group are here as part of their aptly titled ‘The Future Past’ Tour which sees them focus on material from their latest studio release, ‘Senjutsu’ and their 1986 sixth album ‘Somewhere In Time’.

Up first however are openers Lord of the Lost, fresh from the indignity of finishing last at this year’s Eurovision. Given the reputation of Maiden fans to be rather harsh on their support acts, and the German groups recent past, we were concerned that Lord of the Lost would go down like a certain variety of balloon!

That thankfully isn’t the case though as they deliver a polished yet honest performance which is well received by the waiting masses. The band are able to show that they possess quality with substance and some great songs, which is probably why Eurovision fans weren’t interested! If that experience was a disappointment, this one is a big success for the band.

Soon enough those familiar strains of UFO’s ‘Doctor Doctor’ start to fill the arena and the atmosphere kicks up a few dozen notches. With an updated stage show complementing a setlist full of rarer heard fan favourites it doesn’t take long for the band to suck you right in.

WATCH ‘Stranger in a Strange land’ ON YOUTUBE
Iron Maiden – ‘Stranger in a Strange Land’

Find Full Pelt Music on YouTube!

Within moments Iron Maiden have the audience in the palm of their collective hand as they lead them back and forth from new tracks like ‘The Writing on the Wall’ to deep cuts like ‘Stranger in a Strange Land’ and classics such as ‘Can I Play With Madness’!

With multiple appearances from Eddie plus all the usual trimmings this show is Maiden at their very best. The carefully curated setlist makes this a unique opportunity for the diehards but also a fine example of what the band do for any newcomers. This is perhaps best summed up by the final main set run of ‘Heaven Can Wait’, ‘Alexander the Great’, ‘Fear of the Dark’ and ‘Iron Maiden’.

By the time ‘The Trooper’ and ‘Wasted Years’ close out the evening, Maiden have one again shown themselves the masters of their craft. Those metalheads then head back out into the Birmingham night filled with glorious, dramatic metal!

Share this review on Social Media

Read our review of ‘Senjutsu’ from Iron Maiden

Categories
Live Reviews

Muse

Muse

National Bowl, Milton Keynes

Sunday 25th June 2023

Follow us on Social Media

Muse – Milton Keynes – Live Review

Long established as one of the greatest live bands to ever plug in a guitar, it’s no surprise that fans have once again been flocking to catch Muse live this summer!

With large-scale UK shows already completed in Plymouth, Huddersfield and Glasgow, this sunny Sunday sees the trio take over the recently neglected National Bowl in Milton Keynes.

Once those lovely roundabouts have been successfully navigated, fans are greeted with a fantastic amphitheatre to enjoy the glory that will be the headline set. But, before then there are two great opening performances on offer.

Up first are Mexican trio The Warning who recently impressed with their slot at Download Festival. Today the group are again able to deliver a powerful set which will undoubtedly have won over a legion of new fans. From start to finish they make the very most of their short time on stage and you can’t help but think it won’t be their last time playing stages this size.

One band no stranger to large stages are the special guests tonight, Royal Blood. The duo are fresh from the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury and are able to command this stage with relative ease.

The crowd are very much on side tonight which appears to reassure the band after their recent issues with Mike Kerr clearly very grateful for the opportunity to play. The fans are equally joyed to have such an accomplished act delivering a calculated and polished set.

WATCH ‘KILL OR BE KILLED’ FROM MUSE
Muse – ‘Kill or Be Killed’

Find Full Pelt Music on YouTube!

The scene is then set for the timeless Muse to once again showcase just why they are so revered. Never afraid to highlight their latest release, new album ‘Will of the People’ naturally takes centre stage tonight and that starts with the title-track which instantly whips the crowd into a frenzy.

Following that opening with a run of ‘Hysteria’, ‘Psycho’ and ‘Bliss’ just shows the embarrassment of riches that Muse can pull from. What’s nice tonight though is the addition of some rarer gems such as ‘Resistance’ and ‘Undisclosed Desires’.

Of course there are hits galore and the audience lap up the likes of ‘Time Is Running Out’, ‘Supermassive Black Hole’, ‘Plug In Baby’, ‘Uprising’ and ‘Starlight’. Equally impressive though are the receptions given to new tracks like ‘Won’t Back Down’, ‘Compliance’ and ‘You Make Me Feel Like It’s Halloween’.

The delivery of songs either old or new is exquisite as you’d expect and the stage show is as flamboyant as ever. Muse really are masters of their art and it feels almost impossible for them to give a bad performance.

The encore of ‘Kill or Be Killed’ and traditional closer ‘Knights of Cydonia’ is in itself testament to the whole new and old sentiments above. No matter what they are playing, Muse play it better than anyone!

Share this review on Social Media

Read our review of ‘Will of the People’ from Muse

Categories
Live Reviews

Incubus

Incubus

Eventim Apollo, London

Friday 23rd June 2023

Follow us on Social Media

INCUBUS – LONDON – LIVE REVIEW

While most of the country have their eyes on the happenings at Worthy Farm, a few thousand dedicated rock fans brave the heat to pack into the legendary Hammersmith ‘Eventim’ Apollo.

The reason is that US rockers Incubus are in town. The band aren’t the most regular of visitors to these shores and when they do come over it’s very rare to find then outside the usual handful of major cities.

There is enough draw then for fans to find their way to this part of London and there is also relief for those fans too after a spate of recent cancellations from the band due to ill-health. Tonight though is set and once the crowd are mesmerised by the unique opening act Lealani, it’s time for a blast from the past.

WATCH ‘WISH YOU WERE HERE’ FROM INCUBUS
Incubus – ‘Wish You Were Here’

Find Full Pelt Music on YouTube!

With no new album since 2017 and only two albums on offer since 2006, the set was always going to be a familiar delivery of fan favourites. That’s not always a bad thing and tonight the crowd delight at the selection available.

The energy never really dips over the ninety minutes or so that the band grace the stage and the audience feed off the connection that develops with the group. Even a cover of ‘Come Together’ goes down well as the audience savour classics such as ‘Are You In?’, ‘Pardon Me’, ‘Dig’ and ‘Wish You Were Here’.

An encore of ‘Drive’ is more than enough to send the crowd back away again happy. Recent issues overcome, tonight Incubus remind everyone of their power… now perhaps a new album next?

Share this review on Social Media

Read our review of Pearl Jam live at BST Hyde Park

Categories
Live Reviews

The Black Keys

News Report

O2 Arena, London

Wednesday 21st June 2023

Follow us on Social Media

THE BLACK KEYS – LONDON – LIVE REVIEW

It’s been eight long years since The Black Keys last played in the UK, so you’d expect demand to be high for their return. Tonight though, the cavernous O2 Arena in London is actually relatively quiet both in attendance and crowd energy.

As opening act Shannon and the Clams take to the stage the venue is eerily quiet, and it takes the band a few songs to hit their stride. As fans filter into the venue however, the band get into the groove and by the end of their time on the stage, the group has a check in the win column.

Next up are main support, US indie rock group Spoon, who are touring in support of their tenth studio album, ‘Lucifer on the Sofa’. New tracks ‘Wild’, ‘My Babe’ and ‘The Hardest Cut’, all sit pretty in an assured set, which whilst enjoyable, does little to raise the energy levels in the venue.

WATCH ‘LONELY BOY’ FROM THE BLACK KEYS
The Black Keys – ‘Lonely Boy’

Find Full Pelt Music on YouTube!

By the time The Black Keys arrive on stage, the standing section at least is more dense and anticipation finally seems to have raised a few levels. Opening with ‘I Got Mine’ and ‘Fever’ and accompanied by a simple by effective stage set the band get the audience on side early.

It’s telling from this point in that the majority of the audience are only really interested in anything ‘El Camino’ or earlier with any newer tracks getting a lukewarm response. When the band do drop a ‘Tighten Up’ or ‘Howlin’ For You’ though the crowd goes wild.

The lack of excitement in the crowd seems somewhat matched by the sluggish delivery from the stage. The duo have had a number of struggles in that eight year gap and it does feel a little like going through the motions tonight rather than a big return to past glories.

Again, when the likes of ‘Gold on the Ceiling’ and ‘Lonely Boy’ do arrive then there is a rush of adrenaline in the venue. What could’ve been a huge party though ended up being a chilled out family barbeque where the only excitement comes when the chef calls out that the burgers are ready!

Share this review on Social Media

Read our review of ‘Dropout Boogie’ from The Black Keys