My Albums of 2016

Well it's finally drawing to a close and regarding politics and celebrity deaths, 2016 hasn't been the best of years. However, it has been an amazing year for music, particularly for the revival of British pop punk we've seen over the last few years. So, in no particular order here are the albums that stood out most to me alongside a list of other albums I've enjoyed listening to.

Moose Blood - Blush 

Without a doubt this is one of my favourite and highly anticipated albums of the year. From chilling track, Spring - to guitar driven Pastel, Blush is a record full of sentimental songs that make you feel all the emotions possible. lyrically, nothing is sugar coated as vocalist Eddy Brewerton comes out with some raw, hard hitting lines such as "The way you died, did it hurt at all?" If there's one thing Moose Blood do best alongside bands such as Real Friends and The Wonder Years, it's keeping 'emo' relevant.

There has been a slight change in the bands sound since their 2014 release I'll Keep You In Mind, but you won't be disappointed. This band are onto something big.

Basement - Promise Everything

I only heard a few songs prior to this album but liked what I heard. Promise Everything quickly became an album I listened to on a regular basis.

If you ever want proof of the phrase 'less is more' then look no further, as Promise Everything doesn't sound overproduced. There's subtle tempo changes throughout, the guitar and drums are complimentary  - there's nothing fancy going on but it works. Upon first listen you may assume they're just another grunge driven band but upon second listen you see how much more has been put into it. Laced with melodies and giving you that melancholy feeling, it's definitely an album to relax to.

Boston Manor - Be Nothing

Despite only having released EP's, Boston Manor has received quite a big following across the UK. So it's not surprising they were in hot pursuit to release debut album Be Nothing.

What I like most about this record is that every track seems to bleed emotion. Upon first listen it's clear Boston Manor must have bent over backwards working on Be Nothing. It is well crafted, atmospheric and full of hooks that will get caught in your head. From opening track Burn You Up, to more melodic tracks such as Fossa, the drums and guitar help fuel the fire that brings this album to life.

One thing I've noticed is how impeccable the songwriting is throughout. Vocalist, Henry Cox isn't afraid to take a dark, nihilistic approach to life experiences. In my opinion Be Nothing comes across as a coming of age album that uses personal experiences such heartbreak, regret and moving on to it's strengths.

Architects - All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us

From intricate rhythms to vocalist, Sam Carter's signature 'bleh', Architects just have that prominent metalcore sound, and it works so well. Looking at song titles such as Nihilist to pulling apart lyrical content, this record gives off an overall apocalyptic vibe and there's no holding back. So much passion has been put into this album and tracks include lyrics about religious connotation, self destruction and politics.

However, if there's one thing I love the most about this band aside from their music it is their ability to stay strong and still continue to tour after the guitarist, Tom Searle lost his battle to cancer this summer. What the future holds for this band is uncertain.

http://shelly-kiely-marriedtothemusic.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/architects-interview.html

Letlive - If I'm The Devil

I still struggle to put this band under one particular genre but if I had to I would make it up and say post hardcore/experimental. Being a band that crosses genres can be risky business. However,  Letlive are a band that always seem manage to pull it off.

On this record, the band do well to maintain that punky overlay within each track. Overall, there's catchy hooks and hell of a lot of distortion with an abundance of other styles. The sound has changed slightly since 2013's - The Blackest Beautiful, but if anything it feels more cinematic and atmospheric.

In my opinion, vocalist Jason Aalon Butler is one of the greatest frontmen around in rock at the moment. For a start, his vocal range is exceptional - one minute he will be pretty rowdy and almost preacher like, next he will be almost whispering. Be it his monologue in I've Learned To Love Myself or lyrical content in Good Mourning America, Butler isn't afraid to spill his guts open regarding his views on political incorrectness, oppression and personal reflections.

Blink-182 - California 

This is the first album in five years and their first without Tom Delonge. A majority of fans might argue that there is no Blink-182 without Delonge. However, in my opinion, their choice of replacement Alkaline Trio's frontman, Matt Skiba was exceptional.

The overall sound is pretty divergent to 2011's Neighbourhoods, but it works in their favour. Skiba's vocals gel well with the style and Barker once again provides the backbone on the drums. When it comes to riffs, catchy choruses and 'na na nas', there's still that shimmer of old school Blink listeners will appreciate. This record overall is a bittersweet tribute to their hometown including a song partially about Delonge (San Diego), which Hoppus apparently never wanted to write. Just when you think they got serious they throw in the classic dick humour interludes that fans will love. California is 16 tracks of proof that Blink-182 are just as relevant as ever.

Sum 41 - 13 Voices

After five years, the Canadian pop punk band is back. 13 Voices is a ten track record that completely lives up to the hype. Over the last decade the band have matured their sound. Sure, when it comes to the 'fun factor' and throwing in elements of hip hop, 13 Voices doesn't feel as old school. However, despite changes since the golden days of Fat Lip, there's still the extensive guitar solos, catchy riffs and classic sum 41 traits that will spark the nostalgia.

From song titles to lyrical content,  Singer - Deryck Whibley's personal issues and battle with alcoholism are apparent throughout. It takes some guts to be so open about reflecting on the past, confronting demons. and coming out on the better side of things. There's a presence of hope throughout the tracks and I think that's something which makes this record special.

ROAM - Backbone 

ROAM are another amazing British pop punk band who, in my opinion are underrated. They have worked hard since their EPs No Common Ground and Head Down and manage to stand out above water alongside other brit bands like Neck Deep.

The opener to ROAMS debut album Backbone, The Desmond Show is pretty unconventional and grabs your attention straight away. From there on it builds the anticipation of what's to come. There's something about this record that releases such positive vibes. The songs really get under your skin in the best way possible. Each track has everything you would expect to hear in a pop punk record. Backbone showcases punchy riffs, energetic drums, dual vocals and relentlessly catchy lyrics. It's cliche for the new era pop punk bands to have at least one acoustic track on each album in this case it comes in the form of Tracks. The contrast to other tracks on the album works well and the lyrics resonate.

What I like about this band is that they don't take themselves too seriously. Their fans obviously don't either, as they stitched the band up a few days ago, voting them as the worst UK band according to RockSound. Pop punk is supposed to be about having fun and ROAM provide that plus more.

Real Friends - The Home Inside My Head

Anyone who has listened to Real Friends before knows what to expect (basement shows, songs about hometowns and friends). However, the bands sophomore album THIMH seems more mature than previous releases. Predictably, there's running themes of regret, heartbreak and nostalgia but gone are the days of singing about "sleepy eyes and bony knees." Instead they're replaced with Dan Lambton's blunt, unapologetic lyrics about reflecting on life experiences, and "Fucking up and getting over it." 

There's no denying the essence of mental health within this album. What I love about it is alongside records such as Paramore's self-titled album, is it's ability to tell you that it's ok to not be ok. Although wistful and occasionally cheesy, the content is relatable. I'm not ashamed to say I've had my share of anxiety and depression. So lyrics such as "Last year I was a train wreck, now I'm just a mess" and lines about feeling disconnected stick out. As negative as I make this record out to be, it's really not. If anything, it has the ability to pick you up when you're down, make you realise you're not alone and gives you a glimmer of hope.

Real Friends play to their strengths across this album and although it's not my favourite one they have done, it still remains in my top albums of 2016

Other albums I've enjoyed this year

A Day To Remember - Bad Vibrations
The Amity Affliction - This Could Be Heartbreak
David Bowie - Blackstar
LA Dispute - Tiny Dots
Trash Boat -  Nothing I Write You Can Change What You've Been Through
Bury Tomorrow - Earthbound
Hands Like Houses - Dissonants
Thrice - To Be Everywhere Is To Be Nowhere
Deftones - Gore
Pierce The Veil - Misadventures
Jimmy Eat World - Integrity Blues
Like Pacific - Distant Like You Asked
Balance And Composure - Light We Made
Panic At The Disco - Death of a Bachelor
With Confidence - Better Weather
Childish Gambino - Awaken My Love
Avenged Sevenfold - The Stage
Drake - Views
The Weeknd - Starboy
Issues - Headspace
Beartooth - Agressive
The 1975 - I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It
Blossoms - Self Titled
Viola Beach - Self Titled
Mike Posner - At Night, Alone
Russian Circles - Guidance
This Wild Life - Low Tides

Single Review: Bring Me The Horizon - Happy Song

With a storm brewing on social networks lately, anyone would think that Bring Me The Horizon were releasing a brand new album, not just a single. In recent weeks, members of the band have teased us with images of umbrellas, cryptic messages and posters have managed to pop up in cities across the globe.

BMTH are not a band that shy away from experimenting with their music and seem to be heading in a new direction. Radio One presenter, Daniel P Carter gave fans a first glimpse of the Sheffield metallers new track, 'Happy Song' on Sunday.

Upon  first listen, 'Happy Song' is a track that sounds fairly average. However, tearing its elements apart piece by piece, it is clear a lot of hard work has gone into the production. The song throughout is full of heavy riffs and dark undertones - a sound which remains prominent across all the bands albums. Vocalist Sykes, yet again steers away from his renowned aggressive vocals and opts for clear cut, similar to many tracks on the bands 2013 album 'Sempiternal'. Adding a creative touch to the song are the cheerleader background vocals that you won't be able to stop singing along to. There is something recognisable about this, something that has been done before. Faith No More's 'Be Aggressive' springs to mind. That isn't to say the song no longer sounds good, it still adds a great touch. The best thing about 'Happy Song', is that after a few listens, you realise it will become as catchy as nits in a primary school.

Overall, 'Happy Song', mainly lyrically is certainly not the bands best track. However, BMTH have a challenge on their hands to top 'Sempiternal', which since release has gone gold in the UK. The bands sound has changed significantly since their debut album 'Count Your Blessings'. However, is it a bad thing when a bands sound changes so much over the years? Surely it's a necessity and even inevitable? Not only does it create a divide, it gets people debating, it gains new fans and stops people becoming bored of the same old crap. People forget that bands sounds change progressively and naturally. After all, BMTH are a band who have been together singe their teens.

'Happy Song' has had mixed reviews across the board but judging by people raving about it on Twitter, it seems to have gone down a treat with the majority. Only patience and time will tell if the next BMTH album will be massive.

7/10

Interview: We Are the Ocean

After being absent for three years, rock band We Are the Ocean have returned with new album ‘ARK’, due for release on May 11th. Forming in 2007, they started out as a post-hardcore band but have changed their sound progressively over the years. Their songs became significantly less heavy as joint vocalist and screamer Dan Brown left the band in 2012 leaving Liam Cromby with the responsibility of sole vocalist.

With four albums under their belts and a backing from the likes of Radio One and devoted fans, the band are back and ready to unleash their new tracks during their upcoming tour.

Following the bands recent support tour with friends Lower Than Atlantis, Figure 8 had the chance to speak to lead singer and guitarist, Liam Cromby about ‘ARK’, tour life and what he had been up to during the bands absence from the live scene.

The band is playing a few intimate shows at record stores before embarking on a UK tour. How many of the new tracks will you be playing for fans that come and buy your new CD? 

Liam Cromby: I think we’re going to be playing quite a lot of the new stuff. We have been practicing loads since we came out of the studio last year. I think we will be doing about five or six new ones. 

Is that just in the record shops or tour as well?

LC: I think it will be across the board. 

What can fans expect from you during your tour and festival season, are you doing anything different during your live shows?

LC:  We have been away for a while and because we have got a new album out, our live shows tend to differ a bit anyway. Not intentionally, it’s just more of a natural thing. Fans can expect something better and bigger. 

What are you most looking forward to about this upcoming UK tour?

LC: I am most looking forward to just going back onto the road again. We have recently come back from tour with Lower Than Atlantis which was really fun. I am really excited for the album to come out on May 11th, that’s only a couple of weeks time. I think because we haven’t played a headline tour for a long time either it will be fun to play a load of new songs with a mixture of old ones as well. 

Is there much difference between supporting your friends on tour and doing your own headline tour? Are there any restrictions or do you still get to do what you want to do? 

LC: We still get to do what we want to do, there’s no one that tells us what we can’t do. However, on support tours we don’t have as much time to play so it just feels a bit more rushed. There are also some people at the gigs who don’t know our band so you want to make a good impression as well while still doing whatever you want to do. I guess the difference is that it is a bit more relaxed on a support tour because you haven’t got the pressures of being the headline act. They’re both as fun as each other though.  

There has been a three year gap and finally your new album ‘ARK’ is due for release on May 11th. Is there a particular theme overall?  Can you give much away as to what fans can expect to hear?

LC: I think the theme of the album is the way it was recorded. It is different to how we have done it before. We recorded it pretty much all live in one take for each track. Basically, the drums, bass and a lot of the guitars were all recorded at the same time in the same room. I guess that flows throughout the album. You can hear it quite prominently. We did that because a lot of music these days sounds really clean and pristine. There’s nothing wrong with that, we have no quarm against it but we just wanted to sound a bit different to what everyone else is doing.

It sounds better when it isn’t over produced anyway doesn’t it. 

LC: I prefer it that way yes. I like there to be a bit of human in there. There has to be some flaws. We like a lot of old music as well like Led Zeppelin and James Taylor, it was all done live back then. Song wise, there’s quite a lot of variety with styles on there. You can hear old We Are the Ocean sounds and this new stuff we are coming out with. It is quite experimental the way we have gone into writing. Over the course of two years writing we came out wanting to just record the best songs for the album. I think because we recorded in a new way, we just started playing in a new way.  I don’t know…it feels like something fresh for us. 

You are a band known for exploring different musical avenues across each album. What were the main goals you wanted to achieve when you set out to record ‘ARK’?

LC: We went in there not knowing what was going to happen. We also wanted to push ourselves, do something that no one else is doing and surprise ourselves. I think that is more or less what has happened. 

You recorded the album in summer 2014, due for initial release in March. What is the reason you postponed the release until May? 

LC: We just signed to a new record deal just before Christmas. We were with Hassle Records and we still but we are with BMG now as well. They asked if we would mind pushing it back a bit just so that they could have a little bit more time to work on it. We figured if we had waited two years we could wait another two months. 

You recently released new single ‘Holy Fire’, which was played first by Huw Stephens on Radio One. Can you tell us anything about the songs background and do you feel it is reprehensive of the album overall?

LC: I think it does sum up nicely what the album is about musically because it has a bit of everything in there. I was watching and reading ‘Into The Wild’ as I like those stories of adventure and stuff so the song kind of came from that really. 

Are there any particular songs that were difficult to write lyrically?

LC: There was nothing more difficult than the others. It was quite fun writing the lyrics for ‘ARK’ and ‘Holy Fire’ and a lot of the songs on the album because we went through a different avenue where usually it would be quite self-confessional. It was all kind of a bit more abstract which is a lot of fun really. It is fun to be that creative with your music. 

How did it go working with Peter Miles again? (Producer of Go Now and Live and Maybe Today, 

Maybe Tomorrow.)

LC: It was really good. He has been with us for the last couple of albums so it made sense to go back with him. He was a big part of the album and recording process of ‘ARK.’ 

Quite a few British bands have broken up recently due to money issues and feeling they have gone as far as they can go as a band. Is that something that worries you in terms of We Are the Ocean’s future? 

LC: Well there are a lot of bands and I think a lot of people have this image of them as always having money. That is really not the case. I mean, we are a band that have never really or in fact made any money out of anything but we do it because we love it. Luckily enough each album has pushed us forward into a new place so we have been able to survive it. It is a bit of a killer though, you see bands that can’t carry on anymore, and it is a bit sad. 

You can see how many other bands have been influenced from other bands that have broken up now…

LC: I think that is the beauty of it. Those bands have left a legacy and they have inspired other bands to carry on. It is like they have passed on the torch. 

How did it go recording a cover of Foo Fighters ‘Pretender’ for Rocksound’s 200th issue? Is it difficult to put your own twist on someone else’s song?

LC: It was quite fun to do that kind of stuff because it was more of an easier process, the song is already written. You just have to do it in your own style. If people enjoy it they do but if they don’t then fair enough. You can’t please everyone. It is just a bit of fun. 

What can we expect from you in the future, are there any plans after touring?

LC: I think we will be doing some more touring at the end of the year and right now that is all I know about the future. I don’t know too much, I just know about the now. We have been away for a while so we don’t need any more breaks. 

I bet it is a shock after having that much time away from touring.

LC: It is really strange actually. It is a weird feeling… a good feeling but it is strange going back into 

it and getting used to playing shows again. It is like learning the trade again. 

Is there anything else you want to talk about?

LC: I think I am alright, I can’t think of anything so I might just go and have some breakfast and a cup of tea in a minute. 

Thanks for your time

LC: Thank you for the chat, it’s been a pleasure.

We Are the Oceans latest album ‘Ark’ is out now on Hassle/BMG.

The band are playing the following gigs this month.

May 16th Milton Keynes Crauford Arms

May 17th Cambridge The Portland

May 18 Liverpool Arts Club

May 19 Nottingham Red Room

May 20 Plymouth Underground

May 22 London Electric Ballroom

You can read the interview here where you will find other interesting music news http://figure8magazine.co.uk/default/we-are-the-ocean-interview/

Live Review: Fozzy @ Ruby Lounge, Manchester, 9th March 2015

Cinderblock Party World Tour
Support: Malrun, The Dirty Youth

It is safe to suggest most people are attending tonight’s Fozzy gig to see their wrestling hero, Chris Jericho. There is a merch table selling nothing but wrestling T-shirts and manic fans chanting ‘Y2J’ before the first band even hit the stage. It must be difficult to be taken seriously as a plausible musician when you are more known for your celebrity status over music.  However, Fozzy have been together since 1999 and show no sign of fizzling into none existence.

One of the best things about tonight’s gig is that the Ruby Lounge is a pretty small venue, holding just a capacity of 375 people to be precise. The room begins to fill up and people flock to get near the front of the stage in anticipation for the night ahead. At a glance you can already tell tonight will be mental.

On stage first are Malrun, a hard rock band from Denmark. They do a good job, drawing in more crowds after each song. Overall, the band play a short but impressive set full of dynamic guitar riffs and melodic harmonies. It isn’t always easy being the first band on. However, Malrun give their best effort and make their way over to the merch store afterwards to meet fans.

Up next are welsh rockers, The Dirty Youth, who do everything they can to get the crowd pumped for Fozzy.  The band sure knows how to party as front woman Danii Monroe gets the audience clapping and singing along in no time. They play some catchy as hell tunes and bring forth the attitude to go with it. The band throws in a well-crafted cover of Rage’s, ‘Killing In the Name’ mixing it with ‘Boom Shake the Room.’ They play a tight, high energized set, working extra hard to win over those in attendance. This band are remarkable have plenty of potential in the future. Keep your eyes out on The Dirty Youth.

The moment has arrived as members of Fozzy enter the stage one by one to Black Sabbath’s ‘War Pigs,’ leaving just frontman Chris Jericho remaining. He strides onto stage to chants of ‘Fozzy’ and ‘Y2J’ before launching straight into opening track and title of new album ‘Do You Wanna Start a War?’ Jericho evidently has great, yet ott fashion taste as he parades around in an LED jacket (aka the Jericoat)

The audience are infatuated with Jericho tonight, he has them eating out of his hands. He has his moves down to a T and loves every second of it. There are moments of call and response, repetitive chants of ‘Fozzy’ and none stop sing along. Years of wrestling and being in the spotlight have taught Jericho just how to work the crowd. He really is one hell of a frontman.

With six albums in the bag, tonight is evidence that Fozzy have no struggle choosing an array of songs perfect for their current tour. With recent hits being performed such as ‘Sandpaper’ and ‘Bad Tattoo’ it just goes to show the band know precisely how to create heavy music that’s so damn catchy. It really is a treat to hear them sing at least one slow song tonight. ‘Died With You’ is proof that Jericho is an exceptional singer and clearly has talents outside the wrestling ring.

Old favourites like ‘Enemy’ and ‘She’s My Addiction’ are the most well received songs tonight. Perhaps it is the shredding guitar solos from the bands lead guitarist, Rich Ward that gets the crowd all hyped up.  However, the best highlight is their cover of Abba’s 'SOS', which has everyone in the venue in a happy like state (Yes, there were mosh pits to Abba).  There are plenty of things to learn tonight, one being no matter how cheesy a song is people will love it.

The one thing that will have people questioning tonight is why aren’t this band performing at much bigger venues? Fozzy are clearly popular enough to do so. Nevertheless, performing in such intimate venues is something special. The band are still as loud and relevant as ever. Best of all, as a whole they know how to make their shows so fun. Anyone who isn’t here is missing out.

We have heard it all tonight to the point where the audience don’t need to chant any louder for the encore. Rather than walking off, Fozzy remain on stage leaving fans demanding more. It is almost unheard of for a band to finish with a cover, but not tonight. The finale is an unusual, but fine choice of the very own rendition of Krokus classic ‘Eat the Rich.’ They stand together for group photos and say their thank you before leaving the stage, informing the crowd that they "just got their arses kicked by Fozzy."

Frontman, Chris Jericho

Set List

1. Do You Wanna Start a War 
2. Tonight 
3. To Kill a Stranger 
4. One Crazed Anarchist 
5. Sin and Bones 
6. She's My Addiction 
7. God Pounds His Nails 
8. Died With You 
9. Spider in My Mouth 
10. S.O.S. 
(ABBA cover)
11. Lights Go Out 
12. Enemy 
13. Bad Tattoo 
14. Encore:
14. Sandpaper 
15. Eat the Rich 
(Krokus cover)

Live Review: Steel Panther @ Manchester Apollo, March 6th 2015.

Support: The Lounge Kittens, Skindred

Lock up your daughters and get your spandex pants at the ready, Steel Panther are back in Manchester to play two sold out dates of their current UK tour. For those who haven’t caught on, Steel Panther are in fact a parody band, whose personas reflect the 1980s metal lifestyle.  Titled the ‘All You Can Eat’ tour, expect lewd jokes your mum would hate, ludicrous wigs and even thongs available from the merch stand. The varied line-up has attracted all ages and backgrounds tonight. The crowd is a blur of leather, leopard print and drag makeup as fans buy their drinks and wait for the first band to start.

Michael Starr: Photo by Louisa Sou 

First up are The Lounge Kittens, an all-female band from Southampton. They are an unusual act to open the night, yet no one seems to be complaining. They draw quite a big crowd.  Kitted in killer dresses, they sing a range of songs in perfect unison and harmony. They cover songs from bands such as Slipknot and Metallica, to Prodigy. You probably won’t hear any versions like it, lounge style at its finest.

Up next are Reggae Metal band Skindred, best known for their exceptional live performances. Vocalist Benji Webbe parades on stage pimped out in a fur coat and shades before launching into first song ‘Kill the Power.’ Webbe knows how to pump up the crowd, the vast majority singing along in no time. Acclaimed tracks ‘Nobody,’ ‘Ratrace’ and ‘Pressure’ are played, sending the venue into chaos.  The strong ten song set is finalised with hit track ‘Warning,’ where fans are expected to take off an item of clothing and spin in the air, aka ‘The Newport Helicopter’.  With no other bands sounding quite like it, Skindred are absolutely the best choice of support for a gig like this.

It’s the moment we have been waiting for. Entering the stage, silhouetted behind a massive white curtain, Steel Panther launch straight into ‘Pussywhipped.’ The curtain falls to reveal velvet podiums on the side stage, an extra stage for the drums with stairs aligning the sides and a huge TV screen – the perfect set for small people. 

Steel Panther’s live shows boast a combination of sex, tongue in cheek humour, drugs, hair spray and massive riffs. Let’s just say that subtlety is not the bands forte, as funnies between Satchel, Lexxi and Michael Starr rebound back and forth. They stay in character throughout, conversing about shagging groupies and getting high. Needless to say it is merely skin deep and they do not take anything too seriously, especially themselves. Vocalist Starr shows off his remarkable vocal range throughout the set. He puts on an almighty performance, strolling about on stage, entertaining the crowd by portraying the perfect rock and roll douchebag. The show is comedy in its entirety from vein bassist, Lexxi Foxx reapplying his lip gloss after every song to the bands very own audience focused ‘cum cam,’ (A camera on a stick with a dildo for a handle.) Extra entertainment is provided by the huge TV, which switches between montages of the crowd, humorous slideshows and music videos deemed too inappropriate for daytime TV. Overall, it gives off an almighty stadium like vibe. The band do their very best to push boundaries and it seems to be working. 

Lexxi Fox: Photo by Louisa Sou

Classics such as ‘Death to All but Metal,’ ‘Asian Hooker’ and ‘Fat Girl’ are played and a couple of newer tracks are thrown into the mix. Renowned for their explicit lyrics, the band compiles an acoustic mix including a song about Kanye West and accompanied by none other than Elton John’s grand piano…of course. The encore comes in the form of ‘rock ballad,‘ 'Community Property’ before closing with‘Party All Day.’ Overall, the entire set is exaggerated, well-rehearsed and extremely pansexual. If you ever get a chance to see this band then do so, you’ll regret it if you don’t. 

Satchel: Photo By Louisa Sou

Set list

1. Pussywhipped 
2. Party Like Tomorrow Is the End of the World 
3. Fat Girl (Thar She Blows) 
4. Tomorrow Night 
5. The Shocker 
6. Hair Solo 
(Lexxi Foxx)
7. 17 Girls in a Row 
8. Gloryhole 
9. If I Was the King 
10. Guitar Solo 
(Satchel)
11. Ten Strikes You're Out 
12. Kanye 
(with Stix Zadinia on grand piano)
13. Weenie Ride 
14. Stripper Girl 
15. Why Can't You Trust Me 
16. Girl From Oklahoma 
17. Gangbang at the Old Folks Home 
18. Asian Hooker 
19. Death to All but Metal 
20. Encore:
20. Community Property 
21. Party All Day (Fuck All Night)

Live Review: Kerrang Tour 2015 @ Manchester Academy, 14th February 2015.

Lineup: Beartooth, Bury Tomorrow, Young Guns, We Are The In Crowd, Don Broco.

This years Kerrang Tour sees a variety of genres from metalcore and post hardcore to pop punk. Manchester Academy fills with excited teenagers, university students and lifelong fans of the bands that are performing. What better way to spend Valentines day than at a concert?

Up first are Beartooth, who merely describe their genre as 'Loud' on their Facebook page. They only need to play one or two songs to show that term is correct. For a band who are first up, which is always a challenge, they absolutely nail it. Starting at 6:30, they draw a big crowd and mosh pits open up a few songs in.

Next are British Metalcore band, Bury Tomorrow, who open with 'Man On Fire.'

‘There is nothing worse than a band charging fans money for meet and greets,’ states lead vocalist, Daniel Winter-Bate - during his speech about how fortunate they are as a band. He then says he will be at the merch stand to give fans high fives and to have a chat.

Dan's vocals balance perfectly alongside Jason Cameron's clean vocals, producing spine-tingling melodies. If it was possible for an artist to sound as good as they do on CD then the guys in Bury Tomorrow have done that justice.

Bury Tomorrow play a tight, energetic set and help create what would be the biggest circle pit of the night. They play a couple of tracks from recent album 'Runes' before completing their six song set with 'Lionheart.’ 

The worst part of Kerrang Tour is bands not having long enough sets. However, without a doubt, the best choice made for this years tour was choosing to play the two heaviest bands first. They have certainly got the crowd pumped and waiting for more. 

Young Guns were announced only recently as surprise act for Kerrang Tour 2015 and are only here to play a 15 minute set. The set consists of just three songs including two new singles 'Speaking In Tongues' and 'I Want Out,' before finishing with monster track, 'Bones,'  which everyone sings

along to. 

15 minutes was not nearly enough time for Young Guns, having been absent from live UK shows for a good while. However, it is clear some people in the crowd bought tickets last minute just to see this special event take place, and the band certainly do not disappoint. Young Guns are no strangers to Kerrang Tour having played in 2010 alongside All Time Low and The Blackout. To say they were first band on stage 5 years ago, they have truly exploded in the music scene. It is exciting to have them back. June sees the release of new album 'Ones And Zeros' and a UK headline tour... finally.

Young Guns. (Gustav Wood, Vocalist)

The only pop punk band on the line-up, We Are The In Crowd are up next. The audience becomes a floor full of teens, like something you would see at a 1D concert. 

Jay Tardine's vocal range is brilliant tonight and they manage to get the crowd singing along. However, there seems a slight lack of energy in the audience post Young Guns performance. Just as things are starting to get  a bit samey, WATIC switch it up and play a couple of acoustic tracks. 

Throughout the set, the band play quite a few songs from most recent album, ‘Weird Kids’ before stating they won't be touring for a while as they are going into the studios to write and record a new record. WATIC finish with popular track and biggest hit, 'Rumour Mill.'

WATIC are easily the least heavy band on the bill but it still works well. The organisers at Kerrang after all, do their very best to cater to wide audiences on a yearly basis. I mean, who doesn't love a bit of pop punk?

Up last and headlining this years tour are British rock band,  Don Broco - who fire up the crowd with recent single, 'Money Power Fame.'

Broco perform a few new tracks they have written in prep for this summers album release, yet to be titled. 'Fire,' proves to be a hit amongst the audience.

They bring it old school playing classics such as  'Thug Workout', causing chaos in the pits as fans get down on the floor to start doing press-ups. If you have no idea why then Google ' push-up squad.'

The one hour set is quite varied with songs including ‘Dreamboy,’Fancy Dress,'  before  they finish the encore with popular tracks 'Priorities' and 'You Wanna Know.' 

With tonight's turn out it is clear that the past year has been Don Broco's year,  They manage to squeeze 13 songs into an hours set and the crowds feet barely touch the ground. Rob Damiani's vocals are on form, as are crowd interactions. The whole set is as charismatic as expected. Fusing heavy basslines, The right combination of funkiness, energy and bedlam, the obvious choice as headliners was definitely Don Broco. 

My Verdict.

Aside from Young Guns, who I have seen about eight times, it was my first time seeing all the bands on the line-up which is rare for me. Despite We Are The In Crowd not really being my cup of tea, I was very impressed with what I heard and witnessed. Don Broco have quickly become my new favourite live band alongside Less Than Jake and A Day To Remember. It was a very memorial night and a great way to spend my Valentines Day with friends.

Interview: Deaf Havana

14th December 2014
Blackburn King George's Hall
Support: Verses, Lonely the Brave.

Formed in 2005 in Norfolk, Deaf Havana have had a whirlwind few years that have seen them release three studio albums, open for none other than Bruce Springsteen and play sold out headline tours. The band  have had their downsides such as the cancellation of this year’s European tour. Nevertheless this has not held them back from doing what they do best - thriving in the UK rock scene.

Towards the last leg of the 2014 UK tour, I found myself in Blackburn’s King Georges Hall for the evening.  There, I spoke to Matthew Veck-Gilodi (backing vocals and guitar) and Chris Pennells (guitar) about their biggest gigs, songwriting and Deaf Havana’s future.

How is it going touring with Lonely the Brave and Verses so far?

Matthew: Really good. They’re a great bunch of people as well as great bands so it is always a good laugh to have them around. We are all really enjoying it actually.

Chris: It’s very fun.

Matthew: It is, everyone gets on and there are no big egos about.

I saw that you had the set list competition just before you set out on your current tour. Was it hard to put the control of the set list into someone else’s hands, even though they’re your fans?  

Chris: Yeah, I guess. When we first put it out we were obviously quite worried that we would get some suggestions that wouldn’t fit in or flow well and that we could do logistically.

Matthew: And craft a show out of it as well. That’s the thing, I mean; we don’t just specifically play the songs that we want to play. Normally you get a feel for it and you learn how some songs go together really well and that can create something that would be an hour and twenty minutes long.

Chris: But luckily enough we did find a few that worked quite well.

Matthew: Yes, we had some really good suggestions actually. I mean, some people had produced some amazing ones, looks wise as well. People had made them against great art work and stuff like that.

Chris: Oliver Beresford’s set list was the best, we felt. So we picked that.

Did you have any weird requests or people not taking it seriously?

Chris: We had a lot of strange cover suggestions.

Why did you decide to do the competition and has the set list been receiving good feedback so far on tour? 

Chris: I think it was more that we’ve always just picked sets for us essentially. It was nice to have a change. The whole point in us doing this tour was the fact we have always stuck to major cities. The whole point in the tour was, rather than expecting people to come to the music, taking the music to the people. At the same time, in keeping with that ethos it was about getting a fan to choose our set list for it as well.

You mention in your documentary English Hearts that you started off playing such small venues around the local areas and sleeping in your van. Now that you are playing on a larger scale have there been any moments where it has sunk in that you have really made it? 

Matthew: There have been a couple of surreal ones. For me, one was when we supported Muse in Germany. That was a band that I loved as a kid. So, that was just a really odd one. Like ‘oh shit.’

The other was with Bruce Springsteen as well because the guy is like sixty odd and has been doing music for such a long time and so consistently at such a high level. To share the same stage as him, that was a moment when I was like ‘Christ yeah, this is going somewhere.’

Can you see yourselves doing that for the rest of your life? Do you want to be doing music until you’re about sixty odd?

Both: Yeah.

Matthew: If I look as half as good as he does at thirty, but as he does at sixty, I’ll be impressed.

Chris: I feel sixty.

Matthew: I think I am (laughs).

Chris: Logically, your innards probably are.

How do you feel about the British rock scene becoming more accessible and entering the mainstream scene? A few years ago I would never hear bands like Yma6, Deaf Havana or Bring Me the Horizon being played on Radio One, let alone appearing high up in the charts.

Chris: I think it is great, especially with Radio 1 playing such a varied stuff.

Mathew: I mean radio stations do still play a lot of bollocks.

Chris: Yeah there’s been a lot of EDM lately. It’s not even music really.

Matthew: Disclosure are alright but that’s clever house music. The problem is with house music, you hear a bit that’s pretty good and then there’s just five minutes that is just noise for people on ketamine.

Chris: But yeah, obviously it is not only just our kind of music, there has been an uprising in music like indie as well on Radio One and other stations. I think it is good.

Matthew: It’s healthy to have diversity. You don’t get people turning on the radio and just hearing the same song over and over again.

Are there any plans to reschedule the European tour that you cancelled or is it too early to tell? 

Chris: It is still too early to tell.

Matthew: We haven’t made any solid plans yet.

Chris: Yeah, it needs to make sense when we go back.

Matthew: We will be back; it should be next year as well. It’s just such a shame that we couldn’t do it. We were all gutted about it because it sold really well in some of the venues. It’s always good to go around Europe. Everyone has been very understanding, so that’s one thing I’m really pleased about because it’s easy to become bitter and jaded and be like, ‘fuck this band.’

How do you feel about the future of touring for bands and do you have any advice for people wanting to start bands?

Chris: I’d say just play as many shows as you can. I think that’s where and certainly how we’ve got to where we are today and where the main bulk of the work is. It is put into touring and playing your music on the road. There’s obviously a lot of other stuff that happens doesn’t include that but the bulk of it lies in working your arse off on tour.

Is that due to album sales nowadays? 

Both: Yes

Matthew: To earn money and be viable business it’s horrible to have to talk about music like that but yeah, you draw it in from touring and merchandise.

Chris: Bands did used to see more money out of records. They used to tour to support an album release but it’s almost like now that you’re releasing an album just for an excuse to be able to go and tour. So it has completely flipped on its head over the past few years.

Matthew: Yeah, I mean, look at 1975. They have rocketed right up and they have played 195 shows this year or something like that. It’s mad.

You are a band well known for your personal lyrics across your albums, be it about growing up, losing friends and alcohol fuelled touring. What song is most sentimental to you and why?

Matthew: Well mine will always be 'Mildred' because I wrote that one with James but all the lyrics are mine. It is about my best friend and when I thought I was never going to see him again, for various reasons. Luckily we are all still best mates now and hang out all the time. So, that song will always be very special to me.

Chris: One that always hits home for me is ‘Times Change’, which we actually play on this tour. It’s about Ryan leaving the band.

The band has changed its sound quite a bit since Ryan Mellor left post ‘Meet Me Halfway, At Least’. Was it hard to change the live sound when performing at gigs? Why did you decide to make the decision to not get another singer? 

Chris: When it happened we could have easily gone one way and we did have a discussion with another guy about him joining the band.

Matthew: We had some professional photos done as well with him.

Chris: James had written a couple of songs that we just put out as demos. We decided it would probably be a better way to go forward. The song writing was a lot better that way. The lyric that James was coming out with…it was just a no brainer really. We do still play a couple of the old songs.

Matthew: I think it took a while to get to that point. Once I and Max got added to the band I think that helped a bit. We could just flesh out songs where there would have been little gaps. We just took a different approach to it all.

In 2013 you did an unplugged acoustic tour. In terms of live performances and atmosphere is there much difference between electric sets and acoustic sets? Do you have a preference?

Matthew: There’s a huge difference yeah. They’re so different I don’t know if I can choose. Actually I definitely prefer when we play full electric sets because there’s more energy.
Chris: It was REALLY good to change it up.

Matthew: I loved it because it was so quiet and everyone was so respectful. It was really nice to do something that different actually.

Can we expect any new music from the band in the near future? Are there any new projects on the horizon?

Chris: James and Max have got their tour in January and then we are just writing.

Matthew: Yes, solidly working on writing. We probably won’t tour again until this time next year.

Chris: This is basically it for now for ‘Old Souls.’ 

Matthew: Fans probably have a long time to wait unfortunately. But, I mean once we have things in place we will get singles out as soon as we can.

You can read this interview and plenty of other interesting music news at  http://figure8magazine.co.uk/default/category/interviews/

The albums that have stayed with me

This was originally supposed to be a Top Ten piece. However, the more I tried to think, the more difficult it became to squeeze my choices into just ten albums. These albums are not necessarily ones I still listen to. However, there will always be a place in my heart for them. There are many positive and negative memories that come with these records but I would not change that. They helped shape me and made me the person I am today. Whether they are good choices or not, I hope some of these personal choices will make readers feel slightly nostalgic about their own lives.

There were so many albums I wish I could have added to the list including, You Me At Six, Funeral For a Friend and Pendulum. However I just assumed if I wrote too much, who would actually be bothered to carry on reading?

In no particular order, here are my choices.

1.) Good Charlotte – The Young and the Hopeless (2002)

I still remember the first time I ever heard this album. I was on holiday in Wales and made some friends that I used to see every year at the camp site. My friend had brought his cousin down and it was him who had the CD on in the caravan. I mentioned how much I liked it to my dad and the next day he took me to Cob Records and bought it for me. Although I don’t listen to it half as much as I should, it remains one of my favourite albums.  I still love the irony of songs Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous and Riot Girl, when singer Joel Madden ended up marrying socialite Nicole Richie.

This album then made me go and buy their debut self-titled album and every album after that up until Cardiology (2010), which I can't say I have even listened to. The last time I saw them live was 2011, then later that year they announced a hiatus. The Madden brothers have since released single - We Are Done, which I can't say I enjoyed. Stick to the old stuff guys.

2.) Less Than Jake – Anthem (2003)

The first time that I heard this record, I was in year 7 and at my mates New Years Eve party. I had always been into ska but had not really heard much ska punk except the occasional Reel Big Fish and Sublime songs. My friend and her brother introduced me to this album and I went out and bought it with my pocket money a few days later. It’s not like I had a laptop to listen to it or to download it. YouTube was not even invented then. 

To this day, LTJ are one of my favourite bands to see live as they are really entertaining and get members of the crowd up on stage. Once, when I was about 14, my dad even came to a gig, Vocalist, Chris DeMakes got my dad up on stage for a ‘fat guy press-up competition’. I have no words about how I felt at the time, I was that embarrassed but looking back it was hilarious. They may be getting old but they will be forever young at heart. 

3.) Linkin Park – Hybrid Theory (2000) 

Aside from Lostprophets, Start Something (which I will not discuss any further for obvious reasons), the first album my dad ever bought me was Hybrid Theory. My parents had recently purchased Sky TV and I was flicking through the music channels when the video for One Step Closer appeared on the screen. Up until the release of Minutes to Midnight (2007) I bought their albums. Although I have listened to the most recent ones, I just don't get the same vibes when I listen to them.  Anyway, Hybrid Theory in my opinion will forever stand out as being one of the best nu metal albums created.  

Confession: I still need to see this band live but I feel they would have been better to see in their heyday.  

4.) Busted –Self-Titled (2002)

Who doesn’t remember how awesome this album was when it was released?  I still recall that fateful day in January 2005 when the band announced they were splitting up so that Charlie could focus on his new band, Fightstar (who I also like anyway so it worked out well). Although they failed to break America, Busted broke plenty of hearts with their announcement after only releasing three albums.

Looking back at when I went to see Busted at an arena tour in 2004, I realised how awful they were at performing live.  However it was definitely more of a show than anything.  Although these guys were technically a boy band, I still like to remind myself that at least they played their own instruments and didn’t just dance around on stage like most 90s groups. 

Confession: I never did get the chance to see McBusted but if I did not have my final year of university to focus on, I would have loved to have gone. 

5.) Fall Out Boy – From Under the Cork Tree (2005) 

 Face it; the mid-2000s were the years of the genre ‘emo’.Technically it was pop punk but with just a hint of eyeliner, lyrics about suicide and ridiculously long song titles. What’s not to feel nostalgic about?

Don’t get me wrong, I still love all their albums, especially 2003’s, Take This to Your Grave but FUTCT just put me right in the middle of High School and my teenage years. It was the album that I listened to when I was feeling down but also the album I listened to on late drives home with my dad after ice hockey practice on a weekly basis. I still don’t think they released enough singles from this record. In my opinion, every song could pass as one. There are SO many things I could say about this album but I would blabber on for hours. 

 It was later that year that I was to purchase Paramore’s, All We Know Is Falling and Panic at The Disco’s, A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out. In my opinion, 2005 was the year of pop punk. 

6.) Avril Lavigne – Let Go (2002)

Love her or hate her, you cannot deny that Avril Lavigne was massive back in the early 2000s. Her music seems to have gone downhill since marrying Nickelback vocalist, Chad Kroeger and releasing the not so great single Let Me Go: Feat her husband.  Actually, I think I stopped listening to Lavigne while I was still at high school.

Avril Lavigne was my role model when I was about ten years old. I was always a bit of a tomboy and her image was everything I, and many other girls began to follow. Tammy Girl sold all the baggy skater jeans and ties, Claire’s sold all the accessories but most of all she was the one artist me and my mates would agree on listening to when at each other’s houses.

I do not really listen to Avril Lavigne any more but this is one album that has stood out because oddly enough it helped get me into heavier music. I loved the choice of angry lyrics over a catchy pop hook. I think I just liked her teenage, no shit attitude and the fact she played a guitar. Guys fancied her, young girls wanted to be her. 

7.) Bullet For My Valentine- The Poison (2005)

I do not listen to BFMV much any more. I personally feel their albums have gradually become worse over the years, so much to the point that I find them quite boring. The last time I saw them live they went off stage for what felt like almost ten minutes during the encore. I am not sure what bands even bother going off stage any more when they can play an extra song instead.

The Poison as a debut album  is full of metal riffs, melodies and of course, solos.The first time I ever saw them perform was at Kerrang's very first UK tour in 2005, then known as the XXV Tour. The Poison is very much a metal album with an abundance of emo lyrics, attitude and solos that make you want to rock out on the air guitar.

8.) A Day to Remember - Homesick (2009)

I can't even remember when I first listened to this album but I fell in love instantly. I already had their previous two records but they did not listen to them very often. Whether it is a heavier track such as I'm Made of Wax... or acoustic favourite, Have Faith in Me, Homesick provides listeners with a wide variety of sound and songs you can't help but sing your heart out to. If this album has never made you want to headbang and sing at the top of your lungs then sorry, you are doing it wrong.

There is something about ADTR I just can't put my finger on. When I first listened to them they struck me as your typical, generic pop punk band. However, they remain a band who brought something different to the table when they combined it with heavy, post-hardcore breakdowns. The catchiness of the chorus and rawness of the lyrics just balance each other brilliantly. They are easily one of the best and heavier pop punk bands around.

9.) Bring Me The Horizon - Sempiternal (2013)

I was not sure what to think when I first heard this record. It was so different compared to anything I had heard by BMTH before. I’ll admit I prefer Suicide Season and There Is A Hell …to Count Your Blessings but I instantly liked the fact Oli Sykes had learnt to sing for the tracks found on Sempiternal. 

I felt so bad listening to the illegal stream but I could not help myself. Sykes himself just seemed so overwhelmed by the positive feedback that he did not seem too bothered by it. A few months after the album release, I broke up with my ex at the time. Listening to Sempiternal just made more sense to me afterwards than it ever had beforehand. 

I am not going to pretend I understand about drug abuse because I don’t. However, listening to Sempiternal yet again after Sykes came out about his Ketamine addiction, the lyrics just made so much more sense. It is clearly the bands most personal album and in my opinion the best one they have released. 

To me, this record was a complete game change for the band in terms of metal music. Their songs became more popular across national radios like Radio One and they brought in new keyboardist, Jordan Fish. I do miss ex-guitarist, Jona Weinhofen - who left the band in early 2013 much to the surprise of fans. BMTH seem to be managing just fine without him. 

10/11.) Paramore - All We Know Is Falling (2005)/ Self- Titled (2013)

The first time I heard this band I was just 13 years old. I instantly loved the fact there was a pop punk band I could listen to with a female singer, who was not even that much older than myself. As soon as I heard the single Pressure, I knew I would have to go and listen to the whole thing.

Although I love Riot and Brand New Eyes, the first thing I noticed about AWKIF was how much potential they had as a band. The songs on this record will get in your head for days on end, which is what makes it such a good album. Three remaining original members and four albums later, Paramore have proved that they are not going to dissolve into nothing and that they will continue to make music people can relate to.





















Paramore's Self-Titled album stands out as just so different to their other releases. With it being the first record the band had released since the Farro brothers left in 2010, I did not really know what to expect. It turned out to be one of my favourite records I had heard in ages. Except for a few singles, fans had waited four years for a new album, they were not let down.

For me, the things that I loved most about it were the lyrics about love, forgiveness and sarcasm all intertwined with monster choruses and catchy beats. The three acoustic interludes that are performed with just vocals and a ukulele split the tracks up well. After-all, it is a 17 track record. Listening to this record gave me a positive outlook on life. 

In all honesty, this and Sempiternal were the albums I listened to the most post-breakup. As a whole record, Paramore taught me that it was okay to be angry, feel lonely and be completely bitter. It also taught me that I had the ability to pick myself back up again, that friends and family are always there for me and most importantly, that I deserved better. 

12.)  Brand New - The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me (2006)

I was a few years late listening to Brand New. Sure, I had heard Sic Transit Gloria and a few other tracks from Deja Entendu but I never really bothered to go out to buy an album or go on YouTube. If there was a band none of my friends really listened to or my dad introduced me to it was this one.

Jesse Lacey's vocals completely stand out on this record, so much to the point it actually sends shivers down my spine. Comparing this to Deja Entendu and Your Favourite Weapon, the lyrics on TDAGARIM just seem that little more personal. Every track has it's own story, the right balance and a sense of mystery.

This album seems to go with whatever mood I am in, I could literally listen to it on a daily basis and never get bored of how hauntingly beautiful it is. Since listening to this I then had to go and get all their other records because they quickly became one of my favourite bands and still are today.