Photos & Review : Peter Coates
From the grungy opening chords of The Way of the Future all the way to the heartfelt soulful close of The Rambler, this is an album that wears its heart right on its Southern Frock-coat sleeve. The fifth full-length release from Kentucky born and bred rockers Black Stone Cherry sees them continue to stay loyal to their deep southern roots, while delivering probably their heaviest riffs, and most soulful ballad on the same record.
Continue reading Album Review : Black Stone Cherry – ‘Kentucky’
2015 is off to a raging start, as we see the release of The Pale Emperor, the latest LP from controversial media personality and shock rock pioneer, Marilyn Manson. 
Within seconds of the first chords of AWOL, the lead track off Augie March’s return opus Havens Dumb, one thing is abundantly clear: just how large the Augie March-sized hole in the Australian musical landscape had become.
In the past decade, there’s been a dynamic shift in the way the music industry works. With more music based reality television shows taking the primetime slot, and contestants being handed record deals like they’re going out of fashion, we’ve seen the indie bands being placed on the back burner – some going bust, some barely hanging on. So one question remains: Whats the key to an indie band staying afloat in a world dominated by generic, autotuned, reality show produced popstars?
The second album from progressive rock “supergroup / side-project” Flying Colors is released in Australia on October 3rd 2014 and perpetuates the initial basis for the band, formed in 2012, of seeking to combine virtuoso progressive rock musicians with a melodic pop singer / songwriter, and see what happens.
JOE BONAMASSA – Different Shades of Blue
Sixty minutes of floating on beautiful melodies, intense emotion and powerful composition can be yours when you decide to listen to Distant Satellites – Anathema’s 10th studio album. This UK progressive rock band have carved their own unique blend of uplifting yet contemplative music that continues to inspire and attract new fans around the world. Their style has grown to embrace new influences while never really straying far from original inspirational sources such as Pink Floyd.
When The Jezabels’ released their debut LP Prisoner in 2011 it quickly received critical acclaim. The success of Prisoner elevated the band to new heights, and with that raised success came extensive touring – both nationally and internationally.
It has been five years since Alex Lloyd released a solo album but in that time he had a break like John Lennon. He was busy caring for his brood of children (he now has four) and was busy writing music for other acts (like Passenger) plus producing and working on soundtracks (including collaborating with the Pigram Brothers for the Mad Bastards OST). This period – like much of his career – has been a rich and varied one and this is also the most striking element on his sixth studio record.
Melbourne has been responsible for constantly producing great bands over the years. Madre Monte upholds this responsibility alive and well with their latest EP Raza:Madre. 
Canberra based Latin ska/cumbia outfit, Los Chavos, deliver their first long play and follow on in the great tradition of Australian Latin bands like Watussi and San Lazaro. Whilst this release is completely in Spanish, don’t let that deter you from picking this outstanding Australian Latin release. Supermeng is a mature release that reflects the evolution of Los Chavos as an experienced outfit. There are slight influences from Manu Chau, Calle 13 and Juanes which will delight every Latin music lover in Australia. Supermeng starts with an upbeat “Carlos Calvo” and builds up hitting a crescendo with a good paced merengue “Como Puedo”. The closing track “Reina” is a soulful exploration of love which closes an excellent debut for Los Chavos.