Vol. 135
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Full Pelt Magazine
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Dead Pony
‘Eat My Dust!’
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DEAD PONY – EAT MY DUST! – EP REVIEW
2024’s debut album, ‘IGNORE THIS’, was a breakthrough statement from a band already turning heads. Now with their latest EP, Dead Pony are out to reinforce that in fact they simply cannot be ignored!
The title-track led the way and served as a reminder that they have already cultivated a standout sound which harnesses the best of modern rock with added indie swagger and punk attitude.
The EP as a whole however seeks to further reinforce the notion that they defy genre. When such obvious and yet varied influences can be identified it can sometimes feel like a band is seeing what will stick without really knowing what they are, but with Dead Pony you sense the opposite.
This is a fluid sonic explosion designed for maximum impact and with the likes of ‘Freak Like Me’ manifesting in such catchy way it is seemingly going to be impossible to ignore the band. So, if you’re late to the party – ‘Eat My Dust!’ is the perfect opportunity to familiarise yourself with the force of nature that is Dead Pony!
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The All-American Rejects
‘Sandbox’
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THE All-american rejects – sandbox – album review
If we flashback to 2008, The All-American Rejects were one of the hottest bands in rock music with a string of big hits making them mainstays of radio and music TV. The band seemed to have the world at their feet.
Whilst 2012’s ‘Kids in the Street’ didn’t set the world alight; it also wasn’t a terrible album by any stretch of the imagination. Nobody would’ve predicted back then that it would take fourteen long years for the band to release their next record!
That is the case however with the band having been in and out of hibernation over the intervening years with a splattering of singles and some occasional touring. Album number five is finally here however in the shape of ‘Sandbox’.
A stream of singles has built to the release in recent months, so fans already have a very good idea of what to expect, but it’s nice to have the album in our hands at last.
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘King Kong’
With themes of aging and understanding adulthood, it seems too obvious to point out that this is a mature album. Sonically as well as lyrically the band have grown and that means that some of that old playful appeal is gone. But that doesn’t mean that their overall charm has faltered with these songs still more than capable of stimulating a range of emotions.
The charismatic allure of frontman Tyson Ritter remains untamed but with their fanbase now older as well, these songs are all too relatable. Getting older is scary and navigating what the world has become is terrifying. Music however has the power to centre the psyche and ground our emotions.
Having The All-American Rejects back in our lives and providing that essential escape is therefore a wonderful thing, and with ‘Sandbox’ delivering so well; let’s hope that album number six isn’t another fourteen years away!
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Vol. 134
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Black Veil Brides
‘VINDICATE’
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BLACK VEIL BRIDES – VINDICATE – ALBUM REVIEW
Black Veil Brides return with their seventh studio album, ‘VINDICATE’!
That’s a headline that many critics and tormentors wouldn’t have predicated and for many bitter trolls one that they undoubtedly wish that they hadn’t just read.
Seeing their burgeoning career greeted by a barrage of abuse as rock music gatekeepers used the band for target practice, singer Andy Biersack has come accustomed to defending the band against the naysayers.
As if their continued growth into an arena act didn’t vindicate their career enough, on this new album the band again have the bit between their teeth, and they write about what Biersack admits could be considered an unhealthy fixation with vengeance.
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘CUT’
This album explores the intense duality of a desire for revenge with the positive drive and negative stalling of the emotive subject in scope across the intense collection of classic sounding Black Veil Brides songs.
The pre-release singles gave good indicators that this would be a band on top form and with an album clearly crafted by passion and a real fire, fans will find it easy to find their own purpose from these tracks.
On ‘Alive’ you hear Biersack rage “…I’m alive and free of misery, you try to destroy me, but you know you’re not holy…”. This defiance etches itself into the album and is emblematic of how the band has naturally had to grow hardened shells.
The album has been a long time coming. ‘Bleeders’ was first released two years ago! But fans can now pick up this latest effort confident that the band firmly retain their rebelliousness and that as they continue their assent they will forever be vindicated.
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Basement
‘WIRED’
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BASEMENT – WIRED – ALBUM REVIEW
The stop-start career of Basement may be a factor for their lack of major mainstream push, but ask any of their contemporaries about them and you’ll soon understand the esteem that they are held in.
Their somewhat underground following has started to head above ground in recent years with their latest spell of activity hitting the right spots no doubt aided by the ongoing nostalgia of 2000’s alt rock and the explosion of the melodic hardcore scene.
Not content to rely on their past work however the band are back again with their new album, ‘WIRED’. Their fifth studio album, it’s their first in some eight years so is a big opportunity for them to harness this newfound growth in adulation.
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘Broken By Design’
As a band who has been pigeonholed in many different ways during their time, it’s no surprise that this album again displays varying influences. More than any other influence though, the biggest is clearly Basement themselves. A doubling down of sorts as they obviously attempt to capitalise on what has brought them again into the consciousness of the UK alt-rock scene.
In general, this works very well and will consider to be mission achieved. That said there will likely be those who will feel underwhelmed; instead wishing that the band had sought another boundary pushing affair.
It’s one of those ones times for a band though which will prove that you can’t please everyone. This is a collection that will get conflicting commentary but in the cold light of day the charm that made fans fall in love with the band is ingrained in this album.
It’s therefore a timely reminder that before the modern wave of emo-tinged hardcore was this little band from Ipswich called Basement and they still have an innate ability to make you feel something.
Purchase the album and support Full Pelt via this link
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Black Orchid Empire
‘LORE’
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Black orchid empire – lore – album review
Over the past decade Black Orchid Empire have consistently delivered hard-hitting records which showcase a complex sound that is still somehow pure and simple in its delivery.
With gargantuan riffs, elegant melodies, an insatiable groove and killer hooks, it’s criminal the lack of attention that they have garnered. New album ‘LORE’ however is once again ready to knock down doors and make a scene.
Those riffs are heavier; the lyrics are made to be sung with passion and the album itself is unrelenting in quality as the band continue their path of growth.
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘TRISTAR’
Each album as well as showing their evolution, also takes on its own identity. On ‘LORE’, we find the band tackling some of their favourite myths and legends with their insightful lyricism. This is after all a band seeking to get you thinking and delving deeper into the songs and these twelve tracks will do just that.
The likes of ‘Angelfire’ and ‘Tristar’ may shine bright, but this is another consistent and unified record that is greater than the sum of its parts.
At the end of the day though, this is also one of those albums that no review will do justice, you simply need to turn the volume up and brace for impact.
Watch Episode 75 of The Full Pelt Music Podcast with guests Black Orchid Empire!
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Vol. 133
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Sevendust
‘One’
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SEVENDUST – ONE – ALbum Review
In the late nineties, Sevendust emerged as one of the pioneers of the nu metal explosion and the Atlanta, Georgia natives have never slowed down. Their new album, ‘One’, being their fifteenth.
Whilst however their release schedule may seem relentless, the group have failed to capitalise on their success here in the UK. Scarcely seen on these shores, they never really built the necessary momentum to grow their fanbase this side of the pond.
Their recent arena tour as special guests to Alter Bridge has however shone a light on a band that has gone under the radar here. With many new fans jumping on board, this new album is timed superbly.
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘UNBREAKABLE’
That’s because fourteen records may seem a lot to catch up on but ten tracks is a much simpler introduction to the bands American radio anthems. ‘One’ is very much Sevendust doing what they do best and delivering it with gusto.
The album is full of blistering riffs, soulful vocals and their trademark groove. ‘Unbreakable’, ‘Is This The Real You’ and ‘Threshold’ all showcase their sound in thunderous fashion and leave you in no doubt that a deeper dive into that big catalogue will be worth your time.
It’s nice to see that Sevendust are finally getting their flowers from UK hard rock fans and what this album does nicely is both reaffirm their presence and let you know that they still have plenty of gas left in the tank.
Purchase the album and support Full Pelt via this link
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Millie Manders and the Shutup
Waterfront Studio, Norwich
Saturday 25th April 2026
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Millie manders and the shutup – norwich – live review
📷Denis Gorbatov
As you drive into Norwich on this sunny Spring evening, football fans are exiting the nearby stadium having celebrated the final home game of the season. This is an opportunity to reflect on the endeavours of the past year together with like-minded people.
Many chants will be sung, and fans will lose their voices supporting their team. Often, you’ll leave these festivities with a renewed sense of hope and ambition for the future and a general sense of togetherness.
Well, those emotions all also ring true of a homecoming show from a much-loved musical artist. Indeed, tonight at the Waterfront Studio is another milestone for Millie Manders and the Shutup as they continue to win hearts and minds on their latest nationwide escapade!
ALL EARS AVOW
Opening proceedings this evening are Swindon’s alt-rockers All Ears Avow who released their debut album, ‘Horrors’ at the end of last year. A thoroughly enjoyable record, it’s no surprise that the album dominates their setlist this evening, kicking off with singles, ‘Young Horror’ and ‘A Night Like This’.
The band have just jumped on the second half of this tour and already feel at home with the Manders crowd, with those in attendance clearly appreciative of the bands ability to mix rock intensity with an innate danceability.
By the time their set comes to an end with ‘Fire’, the band have undoubtedly left a positive impression on those in attendance and reinforced why it’s always important to get in early and catch the support act!
MILLIE MANDERS AND THE SHUTUP
A lightning-fast changeover means that fans don’t have long to wait until Millie Manders and the Shutup hit the stage and deliver a blistering opening trio of ‘Fun Sponge’, ‘Bacchus’ and ‘Windows’.
With a packed venue clearly in the party spirit, the gig tonight fits straight into that celebratory ethos. Manders and her Ted Army fanbase combine to create an electric atmosphere as the show continues with fan favourites ‘Shut Your Mouth’ and ‘Angry Side’.
It is a love-affair between band and fans and there is definitely love in the air tonight, especially with a couple of local fans celebrating their own wedding day at the gig.
Outside commentators will lazily attach the “outspoken” label on Manders, but in this space Manders is just stating the obvious with many of the songs tonight calling out injustices and standing up for the marginalised. The fact that Manders so passionately ensures that this is a safe space, just makes that feeling of togetherness feel even more powerful.
The entire set is jam packed with songs that you can’t help but sing along with including an incredible final run of ‘Bitter’, ‘Your Story’, ‘Rebound’ and ‘Not OK’. Throw in a fun cover of Limp Bizkit classic ‘Break Stuff’ and many in the audience will have no voices left comes the morning.
With new track ‘Age Disgracefully’ representing a glimpse of the future, it’s also hard not to have high hopes for what the future holds for a band that are building undeniable momentum.
So, whether you’re a football fan waiting for next seasons fixtures to be announced, or a Millie Manders fan waiting for that inevitable next tour, there is so much to be thankful for and plenty of reasons to be excited.
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