New Beginnings

Hey there! So it's been a weird kind of year. Quite honestly, it's been rough. However, things are on the up, and so is my life.

Things are changing, and they are settling faster than I could have ever hoped for. I have started a WordPress for a fresh start. This way, I can leave behind the negativity of this blog and begin something far more positive. Hopefully I can successfully update it frequently too!

So, I will see you lovely people on WordPress! x

https://ramblingsofthemoment.wordpress.com

Queuing Posts As We Speak

Hey guys! I have posts queuing as we speak. It's been a very busy time, and I'm hoping to be back up and running in the next few weeks. Stay tuned for reviews from recent(ish) albums and gigs!

Much love,

Alicia

The Dunwells - Live at the Oak

When I'd applied for uni, I didn't think there would be a place on campus where there would be bands playing every fortnight for free (yes, free live music!!), especially bands this big! So when I found out about County college bar, The Oak, I was immediately interested as you can imagine.

Uni events have the potential to crash and burn with this kind of thing. Well, I can assure you this one doesn't. This is the second one I've been to, and it was fantastic! The Dunwells were headlining, and there were three other guests - the front man of The Marties, Jack Schofield, Zlew is Dead and The Stetsons Electric.

The Marties is a university based band. Jack Schofield played an acoustic set of some covers mixed with a few of their own songs. My highlight was Dakota. He executed it perfectly! It was a version unlike anything I have ever heard before, and I wish that my stepfather could have heard it, being a life-long Stereophonics fan (and ironically Dakota being his favourite).

Zlew is Dead is a three-piece band with Alexis Collard, from Paris. By what I understand, he is a singer/songwriter who eventually formed a band, and I believe they recently got a new bassist - another uni based band. Anyway, they follow the punk influence without being cheesy, something that appears to be difficult to do these days.

One of my highlights (and my biggest surprise) was The Stetsons Electric. From Wigan, these guys follow the Rock 'n' Roll genre crossed with punk. Not only was their music great, with front man Thomas Hewitt's old-school style vocals, their attitudes were hilarious! With their new 'awful' (not) song, Man, which they abandoned halfway through embarrassed, along with no actual set list and Thomas Hewitt asking everyone to follow his Instagram (gammon_steak, for those intrigued), I had fallen in love instantly! Keep an eye out for these guys!

Now, then came The Dunwells. I'd only listened to a bit of their stuff before, but I really liked what I heard. When they started, I knew this was going to be a big thing. Reminding me of the likes of The War On Drugs crossed with Warpaint at some points, I sat there the entire thing silent, in awe. They played a range of their stuff (I apologise, I don't remember any names), including an encore song Alive. This was apparently brand new, so new in fact that when I tried Youtubing it, it wasn't even there. However, this was the highlight for me, and I was speechless. What a way to end a fantastic night of music!

The set was in the perfect order. Warming into things chilled with an acoustic repertoire, moving to punk, then rock n roll with laughs, then sweet beauty. They couldn't have made this evening better if they'd tried. Well done to everyone involved, and mainly to the bands. Also thank you to The Dunwells for being so generous. They are going to go very far, and I have no doubt that, before long, a lot of people are going to be talking about them.

Mae Reunited

So, Mae are back! They've been on hiatus, and are doing a tenth anniversary tour for the release of their album, The Everglow. They are also hoping to release some new music before the tour. My prayers have been answered!!

I am so jealous of you people in the US - if you can catch them, go! They are beautiful!

Here is one of my favourites from (E)Vening. I hope you guys like it!

The War On Drugs - Lost in the Dream. Praise!

I know this a little bit old news now, but I must sing my praises about this one album, as I can't stop playing it on repeat due to the nostalgic feel.

You must understand, for something to make me feel happily nostalgic is a rare masterpiece. Long story short, a lot of things in the past have made my memories painful. This beauty of an album by The War On Drugs, however, has shifted me. The title track in particular, 'Lost in the Dream', has a strong influence. I can't express how wonderful it was to look back at my life in happiness!

Anyway, The War On Drugs released this album last March. I discovered them later on in Green Man festival, Brecon, in August. Hell, they are a fantastic live band! I did wonder at that point where these guys had been all my life.

The echoey, haunting quality to the riffs, such as in 'Suffering', makes this record a perfect chill-out CD. This is definitely something people should try, no matter what kind of music you're in to! These guys have a distinct enough style to differentiate themselves from the hundreds of bands out there, mainly down to Adam Granduciel's unique vocals.

If you have heard of these guys, I hope you share a similar love for them as I do! For me, it was instant. I have been missing out on a vital part of life! As for you who haven't, check them out. I know I say it a lot, but I really do mean it when I say if there is one band you should listen to, it's these!

Hannah Miller

If there's one thing I've been excited for this year, it's Hannah Miller's new full length record, coming out next month.

You may have heard Promise Land from the haunting video, Drone in Pripyat. For me, her song added to the eeriness in the best possible way. I fell in love instantly and had to buy it!

I'm confident that we can expect great things from her next month. Until then, here's Promise Land if you haven't already heard it. You won't be disappointed!

Avenged Sevenfold Resurrected

When I was looking through my iTunes earlier for something to listen to, I couldn't believe reviewing Avenged Sevenfold's Waking the Fallen: Resurrected had completely slipped my mind! Although moving into uni, getting into my course and 'Fresher's Flu' (it's grim, let me tell you) all took their toll, there is no excuse for my neglect of my favourite band's newest release.

So, what do you get when you spend your money? The full, original Waking the Fallen album, another CD with eleven tracks of previously unreleased material and a DVD with a documentary about Waking the Fallen: Resurrected. (If you, like me, spent that bit extra and went for the limited edition deathbat flag, then you have extra treats!) Worth the money? Oh, yes sir.

The whole idea of a re-release is that you get the original album. In my opinion, Avenged's most successful album has to be Waking the Fallen, so I had no issue with having it twice. The unreleased stuff, however, I didn't quite prepare myself for. It weirdly brought back memories of seeing them last year! That beautiful moment when M. Shadows shouted, "Fuck it, let's play Chapter Four!" was relived when the live tracks followed the demos. Also, needless to say, having 'Unholy Confessions' live on your iPod is something Goddamn special indeed!

Getting past my excitement, the demos and alternative versions of tracks such as 'I Won't See You Tonight' (both parts) and 'Remissions' are a must listen-to for any A7X fan. Admittedly, your love for the original can't die, but you do see the songs from another interesting perspective, and not a bad one at that! It's a really cool way to bring back the band's memories from the original release eleven years ago, and to see how the songs evolved.

The documentary sadly lacks one thing, and that's one thing that will never be replaced; The Rev. There is a vacancy as you watch it, knowing that he should be there talking about his experiences with his fellow band mates. You can feel the sadness as the others talk about him, which really puts a perspective on the significance of their loss. As we have all said many, many times, he will foREVer be in our hearts.

Overall, the eleventh anniversary of Waking the Fallen was celebrated with success! If you are an Avenged fan and you haven't bought this yet, do it. It will be the best investment you make this year.

Green Man Festivities

I can now safely say that I'm not a festival virgin. (Woo hoo!!) I've wanted to go to one for years, and during my ever-changing music sense, I kept changing my mind which one to go to when I could finally afford it. Seeing as my music sense has pretty much solidified to this kind of stuff and with it being relatively local, it seemed perfect to go to Green Man in Brecon.

Let me tell you, best £159 I've ever spent. Absolutely everything about the weekend was perfect, even down to my severe hangover on Saturday! The music, the entertainment, the prices, the food (AND 99 BEERS AND CIDERS), everything was just so, so good!

So, Thursday being arrival day, I didn't expect there to be too much going on about the place. Wrong! Far Out tent held the first headlining act, Waterboys, a Scottish group with a folky theme and an awesome violinist. Considering that was never my kind of thing, I really enjoyed them! If they ever turn up near you, for something different, go check them out! (I will be biased, I play violin!)

Friday saw the opening of the Mountain Stage, where the Green Man Rising competition winners opened the stage, Wildest. They did a fantastic job, it has to be said! I think we can expect some really cool music from them in the near future, so keep your eyes peeled! After them, Highasakite played. We listened to the majority of them from our tent, which I am disappointed about, and caught the remainder of their set when we got back. If you like Warpaint (yes, again) and London Grammar with a hint of Fever Ray, these guys seriously are for you!

Admittedly, the remainder of Friday's music is a little foggy in my memory. I found out I'd got into my first choice uni the day before, so celebrations were in order!! However, I do remember Daughter, who preceded the second headliners, Beirut. Both were fantastic!

I didn't see Saturday until 2pm, so the first band I saw was Mutual Benefit. Very unique style, almost haunting in sound, yet thoroughly enjoyable! The War on Drugs and Mercury Rev were the must-sees that day, and although I was stuck in Green Man Rising for most of The War on Drugs' performance watching Heavy Petting Zoo (a disappointment), I could still hear the atmospheric set playing, which made me envy everyone sat around Mountain Stage! I decided then I couldn't miss Mercury Rev if they were following that, and was so glad I didn't!

My biggest surprise on Saturday was Panda Bear. In all honesty, I had no idea what he was like, what he played, yet I had to see him because he was named after my favourite animal. Well, my Fever Ray void has been filled! I loved his electronic twist! Was not at all what I expected, somewhere between Fever Ray and Owl City!

Sunday was the big day for music. We watched every single act on Mountain Stage to some degree; I adored six out of eight! Neutral Milk Hotel were the final headlining act, and they were the main reason I was there anyway. They didn't disappoint! They're folk twist to grungey rock proved to be brilliant live, and even though it was cold and slightly damp, they were still the best way to close Mountain Stage.

I had two surprises Sunday in Chai Wallahs - one, I never expected I'd find Talisman, a reggae band, so enjoyable, seeing as reggae has never been my thing, and two, Sheelanagig. When my mate told me she'd love to see them, I had no idea who or what they were. I did not expect to be begging her to stay and watch these guys at 1.30am when I had to drive the next morning! The craziest violin and flute double, they made gypsy jazz so appealing, I feel like I've been lost my entire life!

Now, I know I've been vague, but hell if I went into detail about every single band then this post would be longer than a dissertation... However, if there has to be one act who shone out brightest, it has to be First Aid Kit. The Swedish sisters appeared onstage before Neutral Milk Hotel, and I can honestly say that I have never sat in awe of a band that I've never properly listened to until seeing them live like I did with these girls. Their vocals were beautifully harmonized to a point I've never, ever heard in my life, their lyrics were stunning, everything about them was spectacular, and the crowd confirmed this! The harmonizing was actually pitch perfect, and that is a near-impossible task. The chemistry between these two sisters truly is incredible, and I knew from about halfway through their second song they were going to become one of my new favourite bands. They should be so proud of their performance, they made my festival.

So, if anyone ever offers to take you to Green Man, do it! Everything was brilliant; even burning the Green Man on midnight Sunday night/Monday morning was spectacular, so much effort was put in! I was devastated to cut off my wrist band yesterday for work. I am definitely going back next year, even thinking of buying my ticket soon! Thank you Green Man, you have helped me celebrate my uni place and made my year so far, I can't wait to come back next year!

The Glitch Mob - Love, Death, Immortality

So, here it is - The Glitch Mob's 'Love, Death, Immortality'. It's been a wait, but here we are at last! (And I'm gonna apologize for my lateness, but I never break promises!!!)

The first thing I must say is this; It certainly starts on a more lively note than 2010's 'Drink The Sea' - far more immediacy. Although I did love 'Animus Vox' as an opening track, opening 'Mind of a Beast' in this album puts the grinding bass in context for the album. One word? Flawless!

The thing I think I most love about The Glitch Mob is their capability to contrast moods within the electronic genre, something extremely hard to come by. This is something they never fail to do, and is evident throughout the album, and within particular tracks too, in fact! The first evident example of this is the movement from track two to three - 'Our Demons (ft. Aja Volkman)' to 'Skullclub'. The powerful impact 'Our Demons' has is beautifully undermined by 'Skullclub' initially, which turns to something I can only describe as an easy dance song (sorry for the over-cliche!), but one that doesn't hurt the ears!

I think my favourite track on the album has to be 'Becoming Harmonious (ft. Metal Mother)', purely because of its haunting vibes along with the strangely calming, maybe even Asian, element that the other tracks don't have. They're not all crash-bang (take 'Beauty of the Unhidden Heart (ft. Sister Crayon)' for an example), I know this, but somehow this one stands out to me, kinda surprised me even! It also backs up my argument of contrast within tracks - listen and see for yourself!

So, with other beauties on 'Love, Death, Immortality', including my previously reviewed track 'Can't Kill Us', 'Carry the Sun' and 'Fly By Night Only (ft. Yaarrohs)', this record is a definite must to listen to. I think these guys can make it big, so let's hope my prediction comes true!

For someone who's never got on with electronic music, The Glitch Mob have (miraculously) succeeded to stand out from the rest. Their additions of orchestral elements and the odd voice are two significant contributing factors, but they are only two of them - I don't know what they do to make every one of their songs different from the rest, but I hope they carry on! Congrats guys, keep it up!

Warpaint - Bristol O2 Academy, February 21st 2014

Well well, this is taking me a bit back! I didn't think it would take me this long to review the night, but better late than never, hey?

Well, what can I say? I got to the venue, and immediately felt the buzz from the hundreds of fans already there. The supporting act (All We Are) were already playing, but we got the best of their vibe - utterly beautiful. (For those of you who are fans of Warpaint and haven't already checked these guys out, do. You won't regret it!) These guys have a glowing future, and I'm 100% confident we'll hear more from them soon.

Soon, when I'd bought our Hooch from the bar, it was time for Warpaint to hit the stage. We were introduced with an extended version of their intro from their self-titled 'Warpaint', then opening song 'Keep it Healthy'. All I can say is that I knew from that moment we were in for something really special - it was executed flawlessly.

We not only had a selection of tracks from 'Warpaint', but many classics from 'The Fool', and even their EP, 'Exquisite Corpse'. One of the strongest memories has to be 'Undertow'. The crowd cheered with excitement as the familiar riff began, and the haunting vocals were pitch perfect. Arguably one of Warpaint's most famous songs, it was beautifully performed, and something I definitely won't forget.

However, for me, probably the most special moment had to be after 'Disco//very', where the crowd pleaded for an encore, which they inevitably got. And what was the opening of this encore? 'Baby'. My night was more than complete. The beauty behind the lyrics, the tune and the solo presentation was enough to bring tears to anyone's eyes, and definitely an unforgettable moment.

Ending with 'Elephants' perfectly summed up the night. Warpaint did themselves proud - they kept their crowd entertained, they clearly love what they do and they do it bloody well. (So well, in fact, I have bought tickets for their next show in December!) Congratulations girls, definitely one of the best bands I've seen live to date.

I'm alive, I swear!

So I'd like to apologise for disappearing for months. Between my A Levels and a load of, well, shit happening, I've been in the wrong frame of mind to even contemplate blogging. But, here I am, determined to catch up with what I've promised and keep bringing you music news as it comes along! (Freedom never felt so good - I've missed it.)

Stay tuned people!

Warpaint Ready For Battle!

Well, what can I say? Yesterday marked the day I've been waiting for for months - Warpaint's new release! I've been desperate for something new from these girls for ages, and when I heard they were preparing a new album, I couldn't wait!

A few characteristics that drew me to Warpaint's music from the start were the haunting lyrics from Emily Kokal, their distinctive, artistic sound and the calming qualities to their music. Thankfully, all these things are incorporated in their self-titled album, which make Warpaint, well, Warpaint!

The band described 'Warpaint' as an experimental album. This can be seen in tracks such as single 'Love is To Die' and 'Disco//very', where the classic Warpaint is subtly manipulated to some extent, but successfully all the same. 'Love is To Die', as I posted before, is a fantastic piece of work, which certainly deserves to be the album's first single! 'Disco//very' reminds me quite a lot of 'Bees' on 'The Fool', but the difference is evident as their style develops. I can't find the words to describe this change, but I'm sure you'll agree it's there!

The next track to be revealed was 'Biggy' on December 6th. This is certainly another beautiful Warpaint-with-a-twist track, haunting with an edited style that's indescribable, yet brilliant. This is one of my personal favourites of the lot, and I wonder if people feel the same... It compliments Kokal's lyrics perfectly!

In all, actually, I can't fault any of the tracks. The album is perfectly written with Warpaint's artistic beauty, and follows on 'The Fool' phenomenally. I can't compare these with anyone else because, although they are similar to some artists, they definitely can be distinguished from the crowd. What more can I say?

The girls should be proud, not many bands can be easily picked out as different, but I believe that they can be. What's more, their live shows have proved to be very well performed, and so I can't wait for their tour in February! (And yes, that will be followed up on here too. Stay tuned!!)

The Glitch Mob Are Coming

Electronic music has never been my scene, but I have to make an exception for The Glitch Mob. These guys don't go to extremes with their music, which makes them an easy listen, especially in debut album from 2010, 'Drink The Sea'.

Following this was their 2011 EP, 'We Can Make the World Stop', and next stop, in 2014, is going to be full record, 'Love Death Immortality'. Roll on next year for new music, I say!

The Glitch Mob have actually released their first single from the album as a taster, 'Can't Kill Us'. Check it out!

Five Finger Death Punch Hit Twice as Hard

So, earlier on this year, Five Finger Death Punch released their fourth album - part one of it!

'The Wrong Side Of Heaven and The Righteous Side Of Hell, Volume 1' hit the shelves in July, and success was to follow! When they supported Avenged Sevenfold, they had an extremely dedicated fanbase there, screaming and singing along to their 'Burn MF', and putting people who hadn't heard their penultimate release (like me) in their place. So, congratulations #1 for that!

And, so, when was 'Volume 2' out? Well, that was in November, and let me tell you, it follows on perfectly!

One of 5FDP's features I very much adore is their ever-changing mood in music. I've noticed, through their albums, they hold periods of angst, calmness, etc... But, they prove their ability to sing, and this I love so much! Ivan Moody's vocals are cool and husky, one of my many weaknesses in music, and I have to say, you can really hear it in closing cover track, 'House of the Rising Sun'. His voice suits the song too perfectly!

Back to the opening track... 'Here To Die' holds traditional 5FDP angst, and begins the album superbly. Who can deny a little anger and hate at the beginning of these guys' CD? I can't!

It all slows down (a little) in 'Battle Born'. Moody's vocals convey something different here, something calmer, and a break from the storm, until following 'Cradle to the Grave' brings back the anger. However, they do so in a way that crosses between singing and screaming. Some bands can't do this overly successfully, but I can safely say Five Finger Death Punch certainly do! If this song can't prove it, I don't know what will.

So, for overall sound, these guys continue with their angst. I can't wait to get my hands on these two albums, because they're definitely on my shopping list! If you, like me, are a huuuuuge Avenged Sevenfold fan, Five Finger Death Punch are really worth a shot at listening to if you haven't already. Believe me, you won't regret it!

Bullet Are Raising Hell.

So, Bullet For My Valentine have released a new song. (Oh, you lucky fans who are going to see them play, I envy!)

So, what is this piece of work, you ask? Well, it's called 'Raising Hell'. I have to say, it does exactly that!

Old Bullet fans will be so thankful to hear my next comment... They're old style is back! The screams, the angst, everything that made Bullet themselves can be seen in this. I have to admit, although I have a love for them and what they do, even I realised just how much they'd changed after hearing this! It's lovely to have normality, I didn't realise how much I'd missed it!

So, here it is, 'Raising Hell'. Thank you guys - classic Bullet!

Avenged Sevenfold Rock Manchester!

Last night, my life was made. All I've wanted to do for as long as I've known Avenged Sevenfold is see them live. I've told people I will go to the lengths of seeing them in America if I have to.

Well, I didn't. It feels like just yesterday when I was up one night in July, looking on the internet to see if the band had a tour. To my excitement, they did; playing in Manchester on a Saturday. SORTED!

Christmas came early. The show was absolutely phenomenal - and that's not me being biased!

The supporting acts were Avatar and Five Finger Death Punch. Admittedly, we got to the arena just as Avatar were finishing, which was a bit of a shame, but they did have a very good sound, and were generally a good live band.

Following were Five Finger Death Punch. I've had a good idea of their music, and really, really enjoy it, so to see these guys was a pleasant surprise. They were really enjoyable! They got the crowd going, and they were favoured by the audience. Their sound was fantastic, and the interaction was brilliant - a good start to a fantastic evening!

Then, it was what we were all waiting for - the lights went out, Avenged Sevenfold took to the stage, huge deathbat, pyrotechnics, and incredible opening song 'Shepherd of Fire'. I was sat at the back and could  feel the heat! And then there were the goosebumps - amazing start to the set!

Immediately, they went back in time to 'Critical Acclaim', then back to the present, 'Hail to the King'. Both... Amazing.

A little while after, we had a powerful performance of 'Fiction'... All I can say is, wow. The lyrics were beautiful and haunting as ever, the lighting effects were well suited, then something happened that I wasn't expecting at all... When the Rev's lyric came, they played it over the speaker, and a spotlight was shone on a blank space. I was left cold, and when the spotlight shone on M. Shadows, that feeling was still left with me. Even though there were a  few songs I was surprised they didn't play, this made up for every single one. It was the one that stuck out to me, without a doubt.

Overall, they played a fantastic selection of the Avenged catalogue. 'Afterlife', 'Bat Country', 'Nightmare', to name but a few.

Ever since I became an A7X fan, I've said, "If I were to see Chapter Four live, my life would be complete." Although, I knew all too well that wouldn't happen - it's part of their really old repertoire, I would be too lucky...

Luck came through. "Fuck it, let's play Chapter Four," said M. Well, what can I say? It. Was. Amazing.

'Waking the Fallen' has always been my favourite album, and, inevitably, the encore also featured 'Unholy Confessions'. This is what I saved my energy for - the last song of the night! What a way to end a phenomenal evening.

So, overall, Avenged Sevenfold exceeded my expectations. This was easily the best concert I've ever seen, and I wouldn't think twice about seeing these guys again. Arin Ilejay, the band's new drummer, was welcomed with open arms, Synyster, traditionally, did an incredible solo, M. Shadow's voice was on top form - I can't fault it! I think about three notes were missed, and that's it!

Well done guys, you really have done yourselves proud!

Warpaint - Soon To Be Enlightening Us Again

I found out earlier that Warpaint are soon to be releasing a new album in January. As I can connect to their music, I immediately got excited!

Such things have happened where I feel lost and homesick in my own room (long story). However, quite a few of Warpaint's songs have made me feel more at home, and make me imagine about where my true home is. For reasons like this one, they really do mean a lot to me.

Along with personal reasons, it's lovely to see a girl band showing off true talent. Their sound is unique, and with haunting vocals from Emily Kokal, it's hard for the Californian band not to get noticed.

In the build up to the release of their self-titled record, they have released what will be their first single, 'Love Is To Die', from the album online. The fans who pre-order their record, however, have the opportunity to get a free download of the single. (*Woo hoo!*)

After listening to it, I'm definitely ordering it! It's got all the Warpaint characteristics: it's unique, it's haunting, it's chilled, perfect! With the key changes on the track, the overall sound is bizarre, yet works so brilliantly! If this is a sign for things to come, I'm really looking forward!

So, Warpaint fans, you definitely have to check this one out. Certainly not to be missed, and if you have any sense, you'd put January 20th on the calendar. Guess what I've done already?

Glow And Behold! Yuck Are Back

I found these guys a while back, and, honestly, it took a few songs to get used to their sound. After that, I learned to appreciate them!

I saw on Facebook the day their album was released, and immediately I was really looking forward to checking it out! So, what was it like, you ask?

Personally, I really enjoyed it! In the style of music I love, how could I not like it?

'Sunrise In Maple Shade' opens 'Glow & Behold', and although it consists of literally one repetitive riff, it's a really chilled start to the album. It certainly works, beginning the record simply, but on a positive note.

So far, there are two singles from the album, which are 'Middle Sea' and 'Rebirth'. 'Middle Sea' is certainly one of the more up-tempo tracks, with bright riffs and an awesome tune. Following, conveniently, is 'Rebirth' (the free download on their site), which has a similar feel to 'Middle Sea', yet has a more artistic sound to it. Definitely two tracks that you must check out!

The second instrumental track, 'Twilight In Maple Shade', is second to last on the album. Sometimes these instrumental songs don't quite work right, but this, like the first, suits the mood perfectly. Artistic through music, what more could you want?

Admittedly, I thought it was going to end it, but no, I forgot about the title track, 'Glow & Behold'. This ends it perfectly on a light mood, and it's repetitive ending riff rounds off the style completely.

I have to say, as I was listening to the record, I couldn't come up with a favourite track. Every new song became my favourite, and now the CD is on my list of ones I must buy. It is a very uplifting piece of work (of course with a few contrasting sounds), and easily lovable!

It could be argued that, depending on the style you prefer, 'Glow & Behold' is an easier listen than their 2011 self-titled record. On the other hand, maybe their self-titled is more original? It's up to you what you prefer. All I will say is that, if you enjoy the indie/art rock scene, then Yuck are definitely worth a shot!

Royalty To Avenged Sevenfold

I came home Friday to a package in my name in the letter box. Of course I knew what it was, so, excitedly, I tore open the envelope and listened to 'Hail To The King' straight away. (Avenged love, in case you hadn't guessed!)

I'm guessing you know what I thought of it. So, let's cut to the chase; I loved it!

In all honesty, I wasn't sure what I'd think of it. With the sad loss of their drummer Jimmy, how would their sound change? Would it have a huge impact? Would it be a good change, or a bad one? Would they be completely unrecognizable, and would their original fans be greatly disappointed?

I can answer these questions honestly (and I promise I'll be as unbiased as I can!): Yes, their sound has changed, but not to the unrecognizable, and honestly, it's matured. Their sound is amazing! I'm sure their fan base is thoroughly enjoying this piece of work. I certainly am!

The biggest obvious impact is that their drum lines have calmed significantly. With their new drummer, their style is still there, but the drum parts are certainly cooler and less insane, yet they work perfectly with the other parts by making them easier to hear. As much as Avenged's music is masterpiece, their older stuff had very complicated parts all around. This one down-step has made everything else easier to hear, creating a more mature sound.

The music on the album does create contrasts. Their opening track, 'Shepherd Of Fire', creates a build up from the start. When I say build up, I don't just mean the song, I mean to the album as well. It's flawless! Their classic dual guitar parts with Synyster's solo create the distinct Avenged sound, and the drums accommodate this with open arms. However, one of the most incredible pieces of work, I feel, on the album has to be 'Crimson Day'. It begins with a classic Metallica sound, with guitar and voice beauty. The song really does have a stunning feel to it, and it really is hard not to like!

So, in all, Avenged Sevenfold have done it again. 'Hail To The King' is yet another completely different album for the band, but, I must say, it is easily one of their best works. It must have been so difficult for them to even imagine writing a new album with their loss of Jimmy, but they have, and the follow on from 'Nightmare' is a great success! They should be very proud, and I'm so excited for their upcoming tour later this year. Bring on November 30th guys!!!!

The Knife Are Shaking The Habitual Way

Admittedly, I discovered this artist backwards - I first found Fever Ray, which led me to find The Knife. Also, admittedly, I didn't appreciate The Knife the first time I listened, it took me months to come around to them. However, I've finally found the love for them!

I know this album was released in April, but like I say, it's been a while since I've been able to post, so listening and reviewing them has been out of the question. So, here I am!

I had a mixed opinion on this album. It has been split into two CDs, which virtually contrast each other. CD 1 has a strange take on their style, but overall is generally enjoyable. 'A Tooth For An Eye' is the opening track, and entirely lovable! It is definitely the stand-out track on the first side, possible the album all together.

CD 2, however, goes into a weird and wonderful world of the unknown. (I'm not kidding, you have to listen to understand.) The music on the second side mainly involves roughly 10 minute tracks of sounds rather than actual musical material, which is where my mixed views come from. 'Fracking Fluid Injection' was probably the strangest one - almost entirely sound effects and wailing. It was at this point I wasn't too sure what I thought, until the final track, 'Ready To Lose', changed my mind completely. It was like falling out of love and being drawn back in again!

Overall, there were times that I wish they would have created an album much like their 2006 release 'Silent Shout', as this sadly isn't as easy to listen to. However, I do feel that it will be a grower, much like their (and Fever Ray's) music altogether, which does take a while to appreciate. There is definitely still hope in the album, even if it is just the tracks that are easy to love.