Our weekly music News Report has evolved into the Full Pelt Magazine, and you can download the ninth issue now for free!
Volume nine includes an update from cover stars The Hunna and exclusive interview with The Pale White. Plus we review Fall Out Boy live in London and album reviews from The Cadillac Three, The Struts, WARGASM and Black Water County!
We have our News Report rounding up new releases from Green Day, Chelsea Wolfe, Beans On Toast, Dead Poet Society, Casey, Mother Mother, The Beatles, New Model Army, Pet Needs, Pendulum, Therapy?, Normandie, Bob Vylan, Amongst Liars, Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard and Kid Kapichi!
Plus new live announcements from 2000trees, Isle of Wight Festival, Takedown Festival, Radar Festival, Bearded Theory, Bruce Springsteen, Hayseed Dixie, Feeder, Delain, Saint Agnes, Chris Shiflett, Black Honey, The K’s, Lake Malice, Kaiser Chiefs, King Nun and Blossoms!
Itâs the night before Halloween and itâs a typical autumnal evening in Cambridge. The bars and restaurants are bustling and the Junction is doing what they do best and welcoming music fans in for an eclectic night of entertainment.
BAND OF SILVER
The first act to grace the stage this evening is Band of Silver hailing from Nashville. The sibling trio have a modest early crowd to win over, but they set about doing just that. The three bands tonight are an eclectic mix as already mentioned, but Band of Silver are pretty darn eclectic themselves!
Mixing rock and pop with elements of new wave and prog, there is an awful lot going on with their sound. This isnât a bad thing and certainly makes for an interesting half hour, although the audience doesnât really reciprocate the energy exuded from the stage. Further exploration of Band of Silver is definitely on the agenda though as the band do the most important thing and leave a mark.
SICK JOY
The main support act on the tour are Sick Joy who slow things down with their darker, grungier sound. The crowd has grown in both size and intensity as the venue is captivated by the groovy rockers.
Following the release of their debut album last year, Sick Joy are already building their next phase and recent single, âHypodermic Sunshineâ, gives a positive glimpse of whatâs to come. The band are well on the way to establishing themselves as a must see act and shows like tonight will only grow their fanbase further.
THE HUNNA
Cultivating a fanbase isnât something that has been a problem for our headliners The Hunna. Ever since the band broke through in 2016 theyâve been on the cusp of huge things. Their debut album has ensured that the band will always be able to pack out venues like tonight and itâs no surprise that by the time the band come on the venue is full and raring to go.
From the moment the band arrive onstage you feel in the presence of something special and the atmosphere ramps up throughout the likes of âWe Could Beâ, âFugaziâ, âI Wanna Knowâ and âCanât Break Whatâs Brokenâ.
Self-titled album, âThe Hunnaâ takes centre stage tonight amidst a well structured, career-spanning setlist. The album continues the bands momentum and is a great collection of songs, many of which come across well live tonight with âApologiesâ and show ender âTrashâ particular highlights.
The main set closing run of âSheâs Casualâ, âBonfiresâ and âDareâ is electric as youâd expect and with the tease of new music on the horizon, itâs very clear that The Hunna still have plenty more to offer.
There were no tricks at the Junction tonight, but for those in attendance there were an abundance of treats!
Welcome everyone to another edition of our weekly music News Report!
This week we begin with the best new releases from the past week and up first are the returning metal icons Avenged Sevenfold.
In a big news week, the group revealed that their new studio album, ‘Life Is But A Dream’, will be released on June 2nd. That release is preceded by their lead single, ‘Nobody’, which you can check out above.
The band stated, “Weâre thrilled to announce our new album, Life Is But A Dream⊠available June 2, 2023. Written and recorded over the span of four years, the album was inspired by the writing and philosophy of Albert Camus. Our good friend and brilliant artist, Wes Lang, encapsulated our theme of existentialism through visual art for the album packaging.”
British metallers Bury Tomorrow have shared the latest taste of their upcoming album, ‘The Seventh Sun’. You can listen to new single, ‘Begin Again’, above now ahead of the album release date of March 31st.
Speaking on ‘Begin Again’, guitarist Kristan Dawson says the track is ârepresentative of the change we have all faced in the past few years. It represents an element of renewal and appreciation of where we have been as a band and where we are yet to go. Musically, it serves as a contrast to the heaviness we have presented in the first three singles, but packs a punch in a more positive way.â
Australian punk rockers Trophy Eyes are back with new single, âBlue Eyed Boyâ, a track particularly close to home.
Trophy Eyesâ John Floreani says the song âwas written about a trip I took back to my hometown. One friend in particular, maybe my best friend, had recently moved back and regressed into their old ways. Iâd mourned the death of this friend long ago, as did the rest of us in our small social circle. To see him again brought me great childhood joy yet simultaneously an overwhelming sense of dread.
I was reminded of something my mother told me as a young boy when my grandmother died; âif you see her now, like this, itâs the only way youâll remember her. Best hold on to the good times, youâll always have those.â
Far From Saints, the new project featuring Stereophonics frontman Kelly Jones, have shared their latest single, ‘Take It Through The Night’, which you can listen to above.
The group also this week revealed the news that their self-titled debut album will be released on June 16th.
The members had the following to say:
“It took nine days to record and four years to get it to you! Your record collection will love it!” – Kelly
âItâs a labor of love to make a record these days, because you never know whatâs going to happen with it frankly, and the outpouring of good vibes and comments, so far, has been really cool to watch.â – Dwight
âThis is kind of the first time Iâm anticipating not feeling somewhat sad around an album release. Iâm comfortable with who I am now as a person, as an artist, and I hang my hat not on the praise I receive, but on the work itself. Iâm proud of this record, and its part in the greater cycle of creativity and inspiration. Iâm grateful to be part of that.â – Patty
‘Blackout’, the new album from From Ashes To New, is out on July 28th. This week though saw the band share the latest single from the album, ‘Hate Me Too’, which you can check out above.
âSo many of us fall victim to the classic toxic relationship,â says vocalist Matt Brandyberry. âFeeling like you canât live without someone but knowing youâd be better off if you could. Oftentimes these feelings are mutual, but neither of you can see it. Sometimes we just need an anthem to remind us that being stuck isnât always the only option and violence never.”
Next in our News Report is ‘Blood In The Water’, the latest single from Ayron Jones, which you can check out above.
Jones announced this week that his second album, ‘Chronicles of the Kid’, will be released on June 23rd.
“As a child, I vividly remember sitting in church and hearing the preacher speak about generational curses,” Jones explains. “For me, the concept of the weight of trauma traveling through time and space, affecting many generations until treated is an idea I take seriously. ‘Blood in the Water’ is my way of actively choosing to heal and transform this trauma by creating new stories and identities for not only myself, but also my familyâs future generations. I understand that energy can never be destroyed nor created anew; it can only be shifted. Therefore, while I cannot choose the life I have been given, I can strive forward and choose to take control of the futureâ to break these curses now and forevermore.”
“It was the height of the pandemic and like everyone else, I was stuck inside watching the world pass by while having no idea what the future held,” Jones remembers. “Then it happened, the phone rang and I got the call telling me my song went No. 1. Just like that, I’d become one of the biggest names in rock and roll, but I couldn’t leave my couch. I had no idea how much my life had changed until August of ’21, when I went on tour for the first time since signing my first major record deal. That’s when it all hit me. ‘Chronicles of The Kid’ is the story of the truth – my truth. With my voice as my pen and my guitar as the page, the album is an audio journal of self-discovery told through tales of, temptations, triumphs, failures, sacrifice and the price of fame.”
We move our News Report on now to the biggest and best festival announcements from the past week and we get started with Bingley Weekender!
The event revealed their first wave of acts this week including headliners Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Ian Brown and Travis.
They’ll be joined over the weekend by the likes of Jake Bugg, Razorlight, James Bay, The Zutons, Kate Nash, Little Man Tate, Jealous Nostril, King No-One, New Model Army, Lottery Winners and BERRIES.
The inaugural Maid of Stone Festival takes place this July and this week the event confirmed Glenn Hughes as headlining the event alongside Airbourne.
Orange Goblin have also joined the likes of Skindred, The Hunna, Kris Barras Band, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, Elles Bailey and Florence Black on the linup.
Plus The Treatment and The Hot Damn! will be playing a special opening party on the Friday of the event.
Liverpool get ready for No Play Festival this August!
The stunning line-up revealed this week includes Yonaka, VUKOVI, Higher Power, Conjurer, Graphic Nature, Lizzy Farrall, Gen & The Degenerates and more!
Our News Report now turns its attention to the best tour announcements from the past week and up first is the above run of dates from Ocean Colour Scene.
Alongside their August dates, the group will now also be out on the road this December including a date at the Eventim Apollo in London.
MAN WITH A MISSION are next up in our News Report as the group reveal a brand new tour including three stops in the UK this June.
Regarding the tour MAN WITH A MISSIONâs Jean-Ken Johnny (guitar / vocals / rap) says, âWe are so excited to announce our WOLVES ON PARADE TOUR is coming to the UK, Europe and North America in May & June! Itâs been years since we last toured internationally and weâve missed playing for you all so much! Canât wait to catch up with you all!â
Brighton based Electronic Post-Hardcore duo fakeyourdeath have dropped their sophomore single âconsumeâ.
“consume explores the idea of materialistic greed and how, as a society, we are fed this idea that without things we cannot be happy. but ultimately thatâs a lie. itâs a narrative spun by the powers that be and consume was written to see the truth and challenge that way of thinking. consume depicts our disgust at a materialistic culture we all hate and yet want to be a part of.â – Vocalist, Candi Underwood
Northern Captives – ‘Anxiety Dreams’
UK Alternative Rock outfit Northern Captives release their brand-new single titled âAnxiety Dreamsâ.
âItâs written as an internal monologue battling anxiety by accepting its existence and not allowing it to direct your decisions or impact what you do day to day. We often speak to ourselves in ways weâd never dream of talking to anyone else. It’s important to check in with yourself and make sure your internal dialogue is positive.â – Vocalist, Sam Cook.
JACKALS – ‘DIG IN’
Northern noise hounds JACKALS have unveiled their new single ‘DIG IN’.
âDig in is based on the idea of drug addiction but narrated by the drug itself, the song personifies the drug and its direct effects on a person. When you let drugs into your life they can sort of take on a whole persona unto themselves and we wanted to shine a light on that and show how destructive these can be. Like that one toxic friend you’ve had that keeps trying to worm their way back into your life.â –JACKALS
Welcome everyone to another edition of our weekly music News Report!
We start this week by running through the best festival announcements made over the past week and up first we have Kendal Calling.
Topping the bill this year will be Kasabian, Royal Blood, Blossoms and Nile Rodgers & Chic! They are joined by the likes of Kaiser Chiefs, Frank Turner, Circa Waves, The Enemy, KT Tunstall and The Amazons.
Also across the weekend will be The Hunna, The Murder Capital, Vistas, We Are Scientists, Lottery Winners, Black Honey, Newton Faulkner, October Drift, Jack Valero and many more!
Glasgow’s TRNSMT has added some fifty new acts to the bill for this year’s festival. The events features headliners Pulp, Sam Fender, The 1975, George Ezra, Kasabian and Royal Blood.
They are joined by Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott, The View, The Kooks, Pale Waves, Hot Milk, Hamish Hawk, The Wombats, Nothing But Thieves, The Enemy, The Amazons, Bob Vylan, Dream Wife, Lauran Hibberd and many more.
Rock returns to Mote Park in Maidstone with the newly minted Maid of Stone taking place in July. The first headline act to be revealed are rockers Airbourne.
Joining the Aussies on the bill will be Skindred, The Hunna, Phil Campbell And The Bastard Sons, Kris Barras Band, Elles Bailey, Florence Black, Bad Touch, Black Spiders and more.
Wales is also able to attract rocks finest with Steelhouse Festival leading the way. This week the festival announced that Black Stone Cherry will be topping the bill alongside already announced Saturday headliners Airbourne.
They are joined over the weekend by the likes of The Answer, Blues Pills, Kris Barras Band, Florence Black, When Rivers Meet, The Cruel Knives and Dead Man’s Whiskey!
Another rock event getting bigger this week was Slam Dunk Festival who have added more bands to an already packed bill. Probably a good thing then that they’ve also broken down the stage splits.
Added to the event were PVRIS, Sueco, Millie Manders and many more. They join the likes of Enter Shikari, The Offspring, Billy Talent, Bowling For Soup, Yellowcard,Creeper and far too many others to mention!
Live At Leeds: In The Park has added The Hives, DMA’s, gengahr and more to an already packed line up headlined by Two Door Cinema Club.
They join amongst others, The Big Moon, Black Honey, The Beths, Skinny Living, Deadletter, Ellur, Low Hummer and Opus Kink.
Speaking about their appearance at Live At Leeds: In The Park 2023, The Hivesâ frontman Pelle Almqvist said: âSome festival names just have a ring to them donât they? Live At Leeds. It sounds like some upper echelon rock shit and if this yearâs edition wasnât before, now it is. The Hives are very proud and happy to join this upper echelon. They are coming for your money and dignity and in exchange they will deliver however long a show you will let them of life-affirming record-breaking rock â ‘ roll music. If you have never seen them before. imagine a rock show but to the 3rd power. Too much of everything. If you have seen them before, you know you will have to again.â
Skinny Living said: âLive At Leeds is one of our favourite festivals in the UK! The line up is always top class, so to be able to play the main stage as a local band this year is a proper moment for us and our people.â
Looking ahead, Festival Promoter Joe Hubbard said: âIt may be chilly outside, but weâre already incredibly excited about returning to Temple Newsam for an unforgettable summer festival celebration – with even more favourites and new faces joining the party at Live At Leeds: In The Park this year.
DMAâs and The Hives may just be some of the best festival bands going right now, and having phenomena like Cavetown and Crawlers join the party is truly special. At Live At Leeds, we always look to bring unmissable live titans together with fansâ next favourite bands – and this yearâs In The Park is the perfect example of that. All coming together on one day at Temple Newsam, thereâs nothing quite like it – and we canât wait to see everyone this May!â
Following a run of new solo singles, iconic guitarist Chris Shiflett this week revealed a run of UK dates this March including a tour finale at Scala in London.
Our News Report continues with news that Pierce The Veil will be in the UK next April. The band will play a number of large venues finishing up at Alexandra Palace in London.
Next in our News Report is the latest single from Willie J Healey featuring Jamie T. Listen to ‘Thank You’ above now.
The track comes from forthcoming album, ‘Bunny’, which is out August 25th.
Willie comments on the new single: “I was tired and flat and didnât know what to make & then my friend Jamie said ay willie Iâve got this drum machine it might inspire you.. I picked it up and wrote ‘Thank You’ the next day, it was my way of thanking Jamie for being a good friend. I dedicate it to anyone trying to do their own thing.”
Mimi Barks concludes this portion of our News Report with the new video for her track, ‘SAW’, which you can watch above!
The track features on their recently released mixtape, ‘DEADGIRL’.
Barks had the following to say, “SAW, the third song on the DEADGIRL Mixtape, marks the resistance, rage, and anger I experienced while seeking my identity and self-worth on an emotional, spiritual, physical, and mental level.â
She continues to mention – âWorking independently on set with a micro teamâjust me, and my videographer, and his cameraâit takes me back to my roots. No crew, no lights, and no screenplay. Itâs raw, industrial and dirty – with the walls of the derelict buildings captured in the music video reflecting the wrath and backlash of my internal war.â
Blondshell will release her self-titled debut album arrives April 7th and is preceded by new single, ‘Joiner’.
Describing the new single, Blondshell explains, âI was listening to a lot of Britpop when I wrote this song. A lot of those bands like The Verve, Pulp, Suede, and Blur channelled dark subject matter, drugs, and all this dirty stuff, but with a fun acoustic guitar under it. I was listening to The Replacements, too. Thatâs what this song was inspired by sonically. I wanted it to feel like youâre watching HBO, where even though itâs heavy, itâs still a good time.”
BLACKGOLD – ‘Boogeyman’
Masked Misfits BLACKGOLD are back at it again with new single âBoogeymanâ!
The band comment, ââBoogeymanâ is about that person that haunts your dreams. They have full control over you within your subconscious and it feels like you canât escape.â
Riyah – ‘Perfect’
Riyah is ready to unleash her first single ‘Perfect’, showcasing what is to come from her hands and lungs.
She comments, “I’m excited to see this new chapter roll out with this new EP. I’ve spent almost two years figuring out which way to go, and these songs might feel like baby steps to some, but for me it’s gigantic leap into my passion”Â
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 âDEADGIRLâ mixtape release fearless Doom Trap artist Mimi Barks has unveiled her new track âASHESâ.
Talking about the meaning behind ‘ASHES’, Mimi Barks shares, âWomen 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.â
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:Â âWe 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 otherâs work. We will support him to the end.â
Commenting on the relevance of the new single, vocalist Traxx says:Â âWe 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.â
Fountain Island – ‘Pretty Little Nightmare’
Pop-punk newcomers Fountain Island reveal their contagious new single, ‘Pretty Little Nightmares’.
The band remark about its creation: ââPretty Little Nightmaresâ 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 Blink182âs âI Miss Youâ, with its melancholy gothic tone whilst retaining the youthful pop feel.â
Welcome everyone to another edition of our weekly music News Report, and happy Halloween đ!
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 weâll be coming to Live At Leeds in the park next year for the first time! Yoooooooooooorkshire!”
Everything Everything said: âAlways 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!â
Brooke Combe said: âCanât wait for next year to be a part of Live at Leeds. See you all there for a boogie and a sing song đ„°â
Panic Shack said: “We canât 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. Weâre excited to bring back our new and improved dance routine and to just have a bit of a laugh with everyone really!â
Hannah Wilson from Dolores Forever said: âWe canât wait to play Leeds. Itâs 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!â
Dan Mawer from Low Hummer said: âWeâre 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 yearâs event so weâre honoured to get the chance to play it in 2023. Itâll be really rewarding to take part in an event that will emulate the lovely sense of community we witnessed at this yearâs festival.â
Speaking about Live At Leeds: In The Park 2023, Festival Promoter Joe Hubbard said:
âAfter such an incredible first year in 2022, weâre 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 – itâs 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.
Itâs what we do best at Live At Leeds and we canât 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!â
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; âI 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.â
He continues about the single: âWhen 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.”
âThis album isnât 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.â
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 âLost Without Youâ frontman Kiran Roy says, âIt’s a song about heartbreak and helplessness. Inspired by a long-distance relationship, with my girlfriend living over 400 miles away in Scotland. Itâs about missing loved ones and the struggle of being apart.â
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:
âInitially, we had an idea of putting something together to commemorate The Remote Part 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 Tomâs 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 Anniversary Remote Part shows, particularly for those who travelled up to Ullapool in September, as primarily that is where the journal is set.Â
This idea appealed to me enormously, so Tom accompanied the band up to the Highlands for our The Remote Part 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.â
Ahead of their tour supporting Pussy Riot, Brighton’s Ä ENN have shared their new single, ‘Rohmeresse’.
On the song, vocalist Leona Farrugia said, âIâve 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.â
MOSKITO – ‘Sweet Fruit’
Following the breath-taking launch of MOSKITO towards the end of 2021, they now return with their brand-new single âSweet Fruitâ.
“Sweet Fruits lyrics portray how easy it is to play away in a relationship, with all the distractions in todayâs society. Itâs unwieldy temptation at the push of a button. Is it too sweet? What a waste it is.â – Front man Jake Rudd.
Pollyanna Blue – ‘Haunted’
Bristol-based alt-rock two-piece Pollyanna Blue reveal their latest single âHauntedâ.
Speaking of the inspiration for the song, lyricist and vocalist Zoe Collins says, âIn this song trauma is depicted as an unforgiving evil spirit that will come at you at night and relentlessly try to tear you down. Â The impactful delivery of the lyrics harnesses the real range of emotions of someone experiencing immense feelings of emptiness, sadness and anger.
The lyric âlike a headacheâ 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.â
The Hunna have been perennial contenders for superstardom since their hugely successful debut album, â100â, released back in 2016. Two further albums have followed with neither 2018âs âDareâ, nor 2020âs âIâd Rather Die Than Let You Inâ able to elevate the band to that next level.
Itâs a harsh reality of the music industry that the opportunities to truly breakthrough are severely limited these days. Even modern day success stories are never likely to reach the levels attained by their predecessors. It must also be said that audience attention spans are more akin these days to that proverbial goldfish.
That is a callous but pragmatic view on casual music fans. Dedicated, hardcore music fans however are a different animal all together, they are able to engage longer and deeper with the acts that deserve it. That is no doubt why The Hunna have been able to garner such a passionate and dedicated fanbase.
This deep philosophical insight into the depravity of the music industry comes not from a random thought, but from the impactful opening to The Hunnaâs self-titled fourth album. Single, âTrashâ, is an abrasive punk rocker taking aim at the pitfalls of the industry. The storming track takes firm aim at the darker aspects of the industry that most artists are fearful to call out.
That sets up the album spectacularly, both sonically and lyrically, as the band are both honest and unashamed. From soaring pop ballads, to indie hits, all out rockers and everything in between, this is a diverse collection that represents well everything The Hunna have been and everything that they want to be.
There are moments that those goldfish will enjoy (albeit temporarily), and there is certainly plenty on this album for the diehards to sink their teeth into. The Hunna are a band that continue to grow and evolve, and this album ensures that they are as relevant now as they were back in 2016!
Welcome everyone to another edition of our weekly music News Report, where we roundup the best news from the past week. We start this week with the latest tour announcements, including the above from The Hunna!
Having just revealed the details of their upcoming new self-titled album, the band have now scheduled in a lengthy UK Tour for later this year. Support comes from Kid Kapichi and Lucy Deakin.
‘Trash’, the lead single from the new album kicks things off by giving the music industry both barrels, taking pot-shots at the execs who told them âTikTok, TikTok or else you get droppedâ.
âWeâre not calling anyone specific out,â explains Ryan. âitâs just overall industry suckiness. It highlights things weâve experienced in the industry over the years and things we see going on and hear about now. Thereâs a lot of bad shit that still goes on in the industry and a lot of it gets swept under the rug. But weâre in the position where weâre on our fourth album, we feel refreshed and confident and this is what weâre going to say. You either like it or you donât, itâs cool either way. We are who we are.â
Speaking of lengthy tours, Blossoms will truly be putting the work in at the end of this year with the above trek around the UK. With shows already starting to sell out, these aren’t ones to sit on.
Nile Rodgers & Chic announces End of Summer Parties
The legendary Nile Rodgers and Chic have announced two massive concert appearances at the iconic London venue O2 Academy Brixton, on Monday 19th September 2022 as well as a second show at O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester on the 21st of September.
Nile Rodgers said, âAfter the blues of Covid weâve had an incredible summer in the UK getting up front and close with all of our incredible fans. What better way to celebrate the last day of summer and the first day of autumn than with our final UK shows of the year at Brixton and Manchester. We want to invite all the Lionesses whoâve made the whole country so proud to get up on stage for what will truly be Good Times!â
Black Honey this week announced a special one-off show at OMEARA in London. The band has teased the show as the beginning of their new era. Tickets have already sold out, for more info check here.
Another band with new tour dates to reveal as we continue our News Report is none other than The Wonder Years, who will hit the UK this November!
Speaking of the tour, frontman Dan ‘Soupy’ Campbell, says “Fun Fact: Weâve been touring the UK longer than anywhere in the world, including the US. This year marks 15 years since our first UK tour and the memories weâve madeâfrom playing literal basements up to Alexandria Palaceâhave been and continue to be some of our most treasured. So itâs with an immeasurable joy that we get to tell you today that, for the first time since 2019, weâre doing a headlining UK tour this November. We canât wait to play everything for youânew stuff from THGOF, old favourites, the whole damn thing.”
A single piece of festival news in our News Report this week and it comes from Manchester event Neighbourhood Festival.
The festival has revealed a second wave of acts including Pastel, Himalayas, Michael Gallagher, Planet, Rats, Rosellas, and Youth Sector.
They join the already announced The Snuts, Everything Everything, Sundara Karma, Baby Queen, Lauran Hibberd, Louis Dunford, Stone, Ten Tonnes, The Goa Express, The Royston Club, The Skinner Brothers and Courting!
We move our News Report onwards now to the best new releases from the past week and we begin with Slipknot.
The band continue to prepare for their upcoming album, ‘The End, So Far’, which is out September 30th. This week the band debuted new track, ‘Yen’, which you can listen to above.
Another massive rock act with new music this past week is Alter Bridge. The band shared their latest track, ‘Silver Tongue’, which you can listen to above.
The song will feature on upcoming album, ‘Pawns & Kings’, which is out October 14th.
This week also saw IDLES debut the video for their track, ‘Stockholm Syndrome’.
Speaking on the video, directors Charlotte Gosch and the bandâs own Lee Kiernan explain, âThe process of making the video was very fulfilling for the both of us as we were able to physically create what we were imagining. Both the masks and shapes were handmade and painted by ourselves and friends.
Working with our DOP Rob French we were also able to realise the long shots of each verse and the opening scene of the dancers. We both love the exhaustive and immediate feeling that a long shot can convey, like in Gus Van Santâs Gerry, which we referenced quite literally.
The initial idea of the video was to try and visualise the monotony hell of having to work to survive and how the âmachineâ eventually engulfs you and strips you of your freedoms. But we wanted to achieve this in a metaphorical way that kept the meaning as open as possible. So it becomes rather a visual representation that can be read in many different ways.”
There was also new music from LIFE this week as they debuted new single, ‘Duck Egg Blue’, which you can check out above.
The track will feature on new album, ‘North East Coastal Town’, which is out on August 19th.
Speaking on the new release vocalist Mez says: ââDuck Egg Blueâ is a realist’s love song. The journey of trying to navigate through each otherâs feelings and emotions, the strains of close quarters trapped in a tiny flat, the minutiae of everyday life. The overarching sentiment is that no matter what happens, after all that is said and done, we love each other, and we are there for each other.â
Pet Needs debut new single ‘Fear for the Whole Damn World’
Pet Needs – ‘Fear for the Whole Damn World’
‘Discover’ New Music Playlist alumni now, and Pet Needs have shared their brand new single, ‘Fear for the Whole Damn World’, which you can listen to above.
The track comes ahead of new album, ‘Primetime Entertainment’, which is out September 9th.
Fellow previous ‘Discover New Music Playlist members Oakman have also released new music this week. You can listen to new single, ‘All The Way Up’, above.
About the song, the band says, ââAll The Way Upârepresents this long journey in a life between fear, hesitation and the desire to never stop going further. Since we were born, we all have dreams that we never stop fighting for. For which we will always be regarded as an alien by others because we are often misunderstood and not supported. And when everything else gets in the way, it’s often psychologically hard to continue to find strength. But every day is a new day and every day brings a new strength to keep going all the way up.â
The Lounge Society have shared new track, ‘Upheaval’, the latest track to be taken from their upcoming debut album ‘Tired of Liberty’, out August 26th.
The band comments, “Upheaval has a calmer atmosphere than anything weâve done before and looking back on the album as a whole, it may in fact be one of the most important tracks on there. In the studio Dan [Carey, producer] really helped us bring a certain vintage feel to life – with deep textured acoustic guitars, heavily impacted by the ambient room mixing we focused on in the closing stages of the album. This song, more than anything else weâve ever done, feels like us together as four mates playing a song that we love.â
Grave Goods – ‘Source’
Grave Goods have shared their new single, âSourceâ, taken from debut album ‘TUESDAY. NOTHING EXISTS.’, which is out 9th September.
On the track, drummer Sarah Grimes said, âThis was the second song we wrote. It was written on drums and guitar first, we wanted it to be really minimal in the verse with drums and vocals and contrasted with louder choruses with the guitar and drums working together with bass added later. When we were structuring the song we took the guitar line from the chorus and used it as the intro to hook people in.
When we wrote the song initially, I had a mic set up beside me and I whispered âha haâ at the end of each bar during the verses. Those were dropped as we started to play the song live but while we were recording we decided to add it back in – me whispering âHa Haâ on my tiptoes trying to reach Loisâ mic.â
ENOLA – ‘Strange Comfort’
Melbourne-based singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist ENOLA, sharesnew single âStrange Comfortâ.
ENOLA says of the track, âThere is a comfort in knowing that suffering can be a universal experience. We are alone, yet together in our aloneness.â
On the accompanying video they say, âIn the film I am not playing a role or character & Iâm not playing myself as I am today. I am looking back at a past self and a time & place gone. A time of fearlessness, hopelessness & rebellion.â
Festival season is in full swing, the weather is warm, and the women are setting the standard for football, in many ways life is good. Of course in many other ways things are tough right now.
Music has always been an escape from reality, and we certainly need a distraction right now, so as Y Not Festival open their gates for the first time in three years, itâs time for tens of thousands of fans to let their hair down and celebrate. That is once they can actually get in, with some enormous queues upon entry dampening early spirits.
Now, the last and only time I attended Y Not Festival was the fateful 2017 event which ended in cancellation midway through. I wrote a scathing review for another publication and swore never to return.
Well, watching from a distance the festival has put out some stunning line-ups since then, and organisational changes appear to have improved things and returned the events reputation to pre-2017 levels. This year is in fact billed as their first year back as an independent festival.
Having decided to give the festival a second chance on the basis of their 2020 line-up, Iâve since witnessed the line-up change multiple times for the worse based on my personal preferences. There is no doubting however the overall quality of the line-up at a tough time for festivals.
Iâm interested to see how the event will progress and whether it can change my opinion of the festival after the 2017 debacle, so the huge entry queues on Thursday and Friday arenât the best start.
Thankfully once inside, things pick up quickly! The general layout is well thought out in the main arena, with the main stage, the second stage (The Quarry) and numerous other attractions in the main section of the arena, and the third stage (The Giant Squid) and various other stages and attractions located in a smaller area.
This almost creates two distinct festival areas, with a busy walkway connecting them. The only issue here is that later on in each day this thoroughfare does bottleneck and makes movement very difficult. At one point on Sunday night, this reaches a near dangerous level as fans flood the area trying to catch an Oasis tribute band on one of the smaller stages.
Whilst I quite liked the two separate areas concept, in future additional access would need to be installed at the other end of the second area to avoid any disastrous incidents and make crowd movements flow better.
Now on to the music! Thursday is an add-on day and those to fork out and arrive early are given a splattering of acts to enjoy.
The first such act that we catch is Lucy Spraggan who does a great job in getting the audience into the spirit of things. Spraggan has the crowd singing along to the likes of The Proclaimers cover âIâm Gonna Be (500 Miles)â, and fan favourites âLast Night (Beer Fear)â and âWait for Meâ.
Next, The Hunna grace the main stage and also deliver a crowd pleasing set. The bandâs momentum seems to have stalled slightly, but that upwards trajectory is set to relaunch if the reaction to new single, âTrashâ, is anything to go by. âSheâs Casualâ and âBonfireâ serve as a reminder of what the band is capable of, and leaves the audience fully pumped up for our Thursday headliners.
WATCH ‘TRASH’ FROM THE HUNNA ON YOUTUBE
The Hunna – ‘Trash’
Those headliners are indie stalwarts The Kooks. The band have been celebrating their debut album, âInside In/Inside Outâ, whilst they have also recently released a new album, ’10 Tracks to Echo in the Darkâ. Itâs no surprise then that 15 out of 21 songs tonight come from those two releases.
The new tracks manage to hold up well with the hits such as âOoh Laâ, âShe Moves In Her Own Wayâ, âAlways Where I Need To Beâ and âNaĂŻveâ. All in all this equates to a fun headline show which sets the standard for the weekend to come.
Friday on paper is the best day musically for me heading in with a great mix of the new and established acts that Y Not Festival has managed to book so well.
Itâs a new act we start with on the main stage as Lauran Hibberd brings her charismatic indie pop to Y Not Festival. The early risers are treated to a glimpse of a star in the making and those that make the effort donât regret it. Hibberdâs debut album, âGarageband Superstarâ is out this month, and based on todayâs showing it will be a breakthrough record.
Hibberd has featured previously on our âDiscoverâ New Music Playlist, and next we headed to the âGiant Squidâ stage for the first time to catch fellow playlist alumni Daytime TV.
Daytime TV showcase their incredible debut album, âNothingâs On But Everyoneâs Watchingâ, as they quickly blast out the likes of âWe Canât Be Friendsâ, âHushâ, âUglyâ and âZombieâ. This is another band with a great future, and today they deliver the goods for the early crowd.
Watch our ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast with guests Daytime TV
‘Discover’ New Music Podcast – Episode 14 – Daytime TV
Continuing the run of fantastic young acts we catch MarthaGunn in the âGiant Squidâ and The Skinner Brothers in the âAllotmentâ. Two very different acts, but two more acts that make the very most of their time on stage, clearly winning over any fans not already converted.
We then return to the main stage for another newer act, but one that already feel established. The Snuts burst onto the scene with their debut album, âW.L.â, and have dominated festival stages this year. Today fans are treated to a look at what comes next with new songs âBurn the Empireâ and âZuckerpunchâ sounding massive. Expect The Snuts to continue to climb festival bills over the next few years, and donât be surprised when they are eventually headlining the likes of Y Not Festival.
The Pale White continue what has been a consistently brilliant day of music with a powerful set in the âGiant Squidâ, before we head to the âQuarryâ for the first time this weekend.
Festival favourite and all round legend Beans On Toast assembles a huge crowd for a sing-a-long session. The heralded folk singer serenades his crowd with favourites such as âThe War on Warâ, âM.D.M.Amazingâ and âOn & Onâ. Really, there should be a law that dictates that Beans On Toast appears at every single festival.
Watch The Full Pelt Music Podcast with guest Beans On Toast
The Full Pelt Music Podcast – Episode 3 – Beans On Toast
Even before the major issues struck in 2017, one gripe I had about Y Not Festival was the apparent disorganisation in relation to set times. I worry next that perhaps this issue hasnât been fixed as Manic Street Preachers fail to appear for their advertised start time. Eventually a message appears on the screens citing technical difficulties, and the band finally arrive almost an hour late on stage.
This of course has a knock on effect to our headliners Stereophonics, and also means when the Manics do arrive, they quickly depart again only playing for half their originally scheduled time. The technical difficulties seemingly continue to dog the band throughout their short time on stage, which causes more set changes on the fly. A lesser band may have given up, but Manic Street Preachers force their way through.
Stereophonics are a safe bet as a festival headliner, guaranteed to deliver the goods and give the audience a good time. Thatâs exactly what they do to close out Friday night, with a set mixed of hits and deep cuts from throughout their distinguished career.
The double header of of Welsh icons Manic Street Preachers and Stereophonics was a major selling point for many fans, so itâs disappointing that the technical issues leave a sour taste in the mouth.
Saturday soon arrives and we start off on the main stage for another double header of established acts. The Futureheads and Levellers bring the crowds in early as the festival rights the wrongs of last night. Both bands deliver solid sets which the audience lap up, and the party is in full swing as we head deeper into Saturday afternoon.
We refocus next however back to the fresh new acts that help to make this festival so appealing. Do Nothing, King No-One and the excellent The Mysterines all draw big crowds to the âGiant Squidâ stage and all three acts are able to produce perfect festival sets to the delight of the packed tent.
Sea Girls are one of the bands leading the new wave of indie and they are next up on the main stage, where they are greeted by an army of their fans. The band and fans then reciprocate energy for the next forty-five minutes and the result is a very enjoyable watch.
Our Saturday night is then spent back in the âGiant Squidâ for two bands that personify the festival. First up is a hot new band on the cusp of greatness in the form of Yard Act. This is a band that has been touring solidly and making a name for themselves. Today they put the spotlight on debut album, âThe Overloadâ, which gets the entire tent bouncing along.
Lastly is an established act of indie folklore, We Are Scientists! The band finish out the night with a fan pleasing set full of favourites such as âItâs A Hitâ, âThe Great Escapeâ and âNobody Move, Nobody Get Hurtâ.
WATCH ‘THE GREAT ESCAPE’ FROM WE ARE SCIENTISTS ON YOUTUBE
We Are Scientists – ‘The Great Escape’
Itâs during this time that the heavens open for the first time. Back in 2017 it was the Saturday night when the festival organisers decided enough was enough, come Sunday morning the last day was cancelled and a disorderly evacuation of the site commenced.
One massive criticism of the event that year was a lack of foresight with heavy rain predicted well in advance, the site saw little or no preparation for the weather. Itâs great this year then that prior to the rainfall we see straw spread at key points in the arena.
The result is that despite a night of rain, the arena is still in good nick come Sunday morning and we are able to continue with the high quality entertainment. Kudos then to the present organisers for taking proactive action rather than waiting until the horse has already bolted!
So, onto my first Y Not Festival Sunday! We again are on the hunt for new talent early on and catch both Marty and Cucamaras in the âQuarryâ and Baby Queen capturing the imagination of the main stage. All three showing that the future is bright.
Sunday really sinks it teeth in on the main stage with back to back performances from Amy MacDonald and Jake Bugg. Two more established acts with stacked back catalogues, two more artists that are able to deliver polished and well received sets as the shine really starts to break through.
After some sing-a-long action with MacDonald and Bugg, itâs back to the fantastic new music offerings as The Hara and Rews in the âGiant Squidâ, and Vistas and Dream Wife in the âQuarryâ all deliver blistering performances which really rile up the audience.
Soon there is a great moment on the main stage where The Vaccines get to announce the incredible result of the Football mid-set. The atmosphere is electric as fans celebrate with more great music.
For us that great music sees us conclude our weekend back in the âGiant Squidâ, firstly with Blood Red Shoes, who have released one of the albums of the year in âGhosts On Tapeâ. Their belated set is an intense and ferocious explosion of rock which instantly enters the race for performance of the weekend.
Watch The Full Pelt Music Podcast with guests Blood Red Shoes
The Full Pelt Music Podcast – Episode 4 – Blood Red Shoes
That honour is hotly contested as across four days of music we somehow havenât seen a bad performance. The pure quality on offer despite the multiple line-up changes since 2020 is a testament of the work of the booking team for Y Not Festival.
The last band of the weekend for us is Black Honey, who decide that the crown for set of the weekend belongs to them. They deliver an energetic yet majestic performance that is the perfect way to end what has been a great weekend.
I must admit scepticism coming into the event, and whilst I hoped that a great weekend would be had, I wasnât sure. The organisers have rectified the issues of 2017 and have earned themselves a clean slate from me.
Whether you just want to chill at the main stage, or go hunting for the best kept secrets in the tents, Y Not Festival had it all this year. The ghosts of the past have been put to bed by the acts of the future!
Welcome everyone to another edition of our weekly music News Report, where we roundup the best news from the past week. This week we start off with tour announcements and the above run of dates from You Me At Six.
The band will be joined by Waterparks, The Maine and Bears In Trees for the tour that finishes up at Alexandra Palace in London.
The fantastic Beans On Toast this week revealed another lengthy trek around the UK for early next year.
Speaking about the upcoming tour Beans says:
âFolk music is an age-old art form, and itâs more relevant than ever in these wild and crazy modern times. You can expect an inspiring and entertaining gig, a relaxed and fun affair that leaves you feeling like you’ve met up with an old friend, and you’re all the better for it.â
Kodaline have announced a special intimate run of UK shows in support of their forthcoming stripped-back live album ‘Our Roots Run Deep’, out October 14th.
Speaking about the tour the band say, âWe canât wait to be back in the UK to bring you some super intimate shows to celebrate the release of Our Roots Run Deep with some of our favourite Independent Music stores around the country. These will be some of the smallest shows weâve done in a long time and we cannot wait to see you there.â
Marking the announcement they have also released the new single âWherever You Areâ taken from the album. You can check it our below.
Kodaline – ‘Wherever You Are’
Regarding âWherever You Areâ vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Steve Garrigan says, ââWherever You Areâ is a song I originally wrote as a present for my girlfriend. Itâs a newer song from our fourth album One Day At A Time. Itâs connected with a lot of people around the world and has been fun to play live at festivals and full band shows. It was great to hear the crowd singing along to this acoustic version in such an intimate setting. Itâs a moment we wonât forget.â
Continuing about the album the band say, âThis album is something weâve wanted to do for a very long time, itâs also something entirely new to us. Itâs a stripped-down acoustic show with no click, which basically means, itâs very raw and unfiltered. We wanted to try and capture the energy and atmosphere of the night as best we could. It was an intimate show recorded in one of our favourite venues in the world, in Dublin City at home in Ireland. We hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed playing it.â
Burn It Down Festival adds Wargasm as special guests
Our News Report turns now to festivals and Torquay event Burn It Down, who this week added Wargasm as special guests.
They join a stunning line-up featuring Trash Boat, Deaf Havana, Static Dress, Our Hollow Our Home, Cassyette, VUKOVI, Tigercub, Death Blooms, As December Falls, Salem, Haggard Cat, IOTA and many more!
Smith/Kotzen announce new release ‘Better Days… And Nights’
Smith/Kotzen – ‘Hate and Love’ (Live)
New music releases now as our News Report continues. We start with the Smith/Kotzen collaboration and their news this week that they will be releasing ‘Better Days… And Nights’ on September 16th!
The release will comprise five previously unreleased live tracks, plus for the first time ever on CD, the four studio tracks featured on their sold out, limited edition 12â vinyl EP, ‘Better Days’, released in conjunction with Record Store Day in November 2021.
Adrian Smith comments, âI think everyone in the band was extremely happy with how our very first tour turned out. We were all naturally a little anxious as weâd never played live together before but once we got out there, everything fell into place really easily and we all had a tremendous amount of fun. I canât wait until we can do it again and get to play in many more places next time round.â
Richie Kotzen adds, âWe spent a lot of time discussing which of the songs from the live show to include on this CD. We wanted to capture an accurate snapshot of the special vibe we all felt on the tour and I think weâve achieved this in the songs weâve selected, and hope our fans will agree. Weâre looking forward to seeing everybody again on future tours.â
The Hunna have announced their brand new self-titled album to be released on October 28th. The album is preceded by new single, ‘Trash’, which you can listen to above.
âWe had so much fun writing the lyrics,â recalls vocalist and guitarist Ryan Potter. âAll of us were together, joking around and letting loads out. Even though it has got an angst to it, we donât take life too seriously, weâre just having fun.
âWeâre not calling anyone specific out, itâs just overall industry suckiness. It highlights things weâve experienced in the industry over the years and things we see going on and hear about now. Thereâs a lot of bad shit that still goes on in the industry and a lot of it gets swept under the rug. But weâre in the position where weâre on our fourth album, we feel refreshed and confident and this is what weâre going to say. You either like it or you donât, itâs cool either way. We are who we are.â
Charlotte Wessels shares new single ‘Human To Ruin’
Charlotte Wessels – ‘Human To Ruin’
Charlotte Wessels will release her new album, ‘Tales From Six Feet Under Vol II’ on October 7th. This week saw Wessels share the second single from the album, ‘Human To Ruin’, which you can check out above.
On the song, Charlotte comments,
âWith ‘Human To Ruin’ I wanted to make a song that has an old school symphonic feel to it, but at the same time doesnât get too polished or âprettyâ to reflect the theme of the track. The vocal processing on the choruses is inspired by 90âs grunge and the instrumental middle part gives off something psychedelic, all in all itâs quite eclectic.
Thematically, the words in ‘Human To Ruin’ are the things you say to yourself when you feel undeserving of love, or when you feel like you want love just for selfish reasons. I felt compelled to indulge in this feeling without nuancing it, because when you exaggerate a feeling like that, or make it larger than life in a song, it allows you to shout out the frustration on the one hand but it also reminds you that it is probably not all THAT bad in reality.â
Next in our News Report, we head to The Wonder Years, who continue to build towards their new album, ‘The Hum Goes On Forever’, which is released on September 23rd.
This week the band shared their latest single, ‘Low Tide’, which you can listen to above.
“This is my pandemic depression song. I feel like everyone gets one.”. The Wonder Years vocalist Dan Campbell describes the band’s new song out today with unflinching honesty.
“Itâs searching for some semblance of normalcy through small, newly formed rituals. Itâs being unsure if Iâll ever get to do the thing I love again, if live music will ever come back. Itâs deciding to just give up and then deciding not to give up and then deciding to give up again in alternating intervals. Itâs watching old movies and unconsciously thinking âOh my god, where are your masks?â when people are in public places because a deep anxiety now exists within me that may never fully leave. You know, all the normal stuff.”
Glaswegian rockers Gun have this week released a brand new version of their seminal single, ‘Word Up’, which you can listen to above.
Itâs the latest track to be cut from their upcoming album, âThe Calton Songsâ, out 14th October.
Jools Gizzi says of the album:
âWhen 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 couldnât 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 vibeâ.
Whilst Dante Gizzi adds:
âItâs ironic that those feelings of negativity led to something so positive, a celebration of our career up to nowâ.
noyou have shared the first single, ‘The Way You See Me’, from their upcoming debut EP, ‘This Game We Started’!
“‘The Way You See Me’ tells a story of long lost relationships and their eventual reunion, from the perspective of a not so perfect person. Friends, Family & lovers, will things be the same after time has had its way with us? Or has the distance changed us too much?â- NOYOU front man Connor Jobes.
Final Stair – ‘Headgames’
Final Stair release their very intimate single, ‘Headgames’.
The band comments: âIstvan, the band’s singer, fell into a severe life crisis a few years ago and suffered from extreme panic attacks and an intense anxiety disorder that took complete control of his body, soul and everyday life. He was guided only by the fear of fear. This vicious circle ended in alcohol and depression and in mind games that made him a helpless person. He developed into a small, helpless boy who could no longer cope with his life.
This song tells the story of this disease on the one hand, but also contains the strength to overcome it and to learn to live with it. With this song, the band wants to draw attention to the fact that there are many people among us who suffer from depression and similar illnesses. With “Headgames” they want to say: you are not alone!â
Oxbowlake – ‘Louis Theroux’
Oxbowlake unleash their latest track, ‘Louis Theroux’, on the world.
“Our latest single âLouis Therouxâ was released Friday 22nd July.
We wrote it in lockdown 2020 and it was inspired by the thought of partners not coping spending too much time together and arguing over watching too much TV! When some of their most magical moments were probably snuggled up watching TV together!
Recorded and produced by George Marriot of Pet Needs and includes group chants of âTheroux Therouxâ by Johnny Marriot, their partners and ourselves.”
