By Meghan Player
With the local, and indeed international, alt rock/indie/folk sciences currently thriving thanks to the likes of Bon Iver, Grizzly Bear, Mumford & Sons and City & Colour – it was only a matter of time before the young Australian acts started enjoying some well-deserved attention.
Enter Central Coast quartet, Elliot The Bull.
Continue reading Album Review: Elliot The Bull – Elliot The Bull
Review by Billy Geary
Sydney four piece Breaking Orbit’s debut album The Time Traveller has been a long time coming, with a name change and some member shuffles preceding its release. The wait was certainly worth it, though. The Time Traveller has blown anything done by any other Australian progressively minded band out of the water, save for maybe Karnivool’s Sound Awake and Cog’s The New Normal. However, Breaking Orbit do things slightly differently, placing a heavy emphasis on the tribal and percussive elements in their sound. The result is a debut album of monolithic proportions.
The familiar amalgamation of heavy alternative and progressive genres is certainly apparent, however hints at tribal music and some dabbling in electronic samples ensure The Time Traveller stands out as a record in a vastly oversaturated scene. Opening track ‘Echoes’ is a slow burner with thudding bass guitar, soaring vocals and a distinct touch of post rock influence, immediately showing the band’s diversity. This trend continues throughout the record, with each track offering a different side of Breaking Orbit to the listener. Instrumental track ‘Machiguenga’ is the perfect example of this, featuring an array of tribal percussive instruments and flute passages.
Continue reading Album Review | Breaking Orbit – The Time Traveller
Review by Sibel Kutlucan
Born Villain is the eighth full length album from Marilyn Manson and has been deemed as the “comeback” and its fourteen tracks definitely reflect the reinvention. It is unique, catchy and offensive, all elements that definitely emulate the colourful frontman.
Born Villain is a great album, and I dare say one of the best from Marilyn Manson. The album tells a story and the fourteen tracks have a clear beginning, middle and end. It has the usual shock tactics so iconics of the band with confronting lyrics, such as Pistol whipped with “You look so pretty when you cry. Don’t wanna hit you but the only thing, between our love is a bloody nose/a busted lip and a blackened eye”. However some of the songs portrayed a more personal side and definitely had depth. ‘The Gardener’ which opens with Marilyn Manson whispering “I’m not man enough to be human but I’m trying to fit in and I’m learning to fake it” seems to be autobiographical and has a fantastic dance party on acid vibe.
Continue reading Album Review: Marilyn Manson – Born Villain
Review by Sibel Kutlucan
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros have returned with their brand new second full-length album ‘Here’. The album is melodious, magical and yet sleep inducing. Having big shoes to fill after the popularity of their first album “Up from Below” (2009) and their hit single, “Home” they have made some distinct changes, some for the better and alas, some for the worst.
‘Here’ channels a relaxed 60’s vibe, with sing-a-longs, acoustic guitars and simple rhythms. It certainly hasn’t been as catchy for me as “Up from Below” and I was silently disappointed with how ‘tame’ it was mostly. With the opening track “Man on fire” frontman Alex Ebert singing “I want the whole damn world to come dance with me” and with the upbeat rhythm, I was anticipating an album that I could actually dance too or have something to really get into. Maybe it’s just me, but I did find it too smooth throughout after “Man on fire”; this wasn’t a particularly bad thing it just made more for background music and not something I would particularly go out of my way to listen to.
That being said they did have some high points for me, and ‘Mayla’ was definitely one. It was hypnotic and soothing, I just wanted to close my eyes and drift away. Its sweet ‘Kumbayah’ campfire sing-a-long quality was definitely something I could have on repeat if I just wanted to kick back and relax.
Jade Castrinos definitely has more of a primary singing position on ‘Here’, where she takes the lead on one of my preferred tracks, “Fiya Wata”. The track has more of a classic-rock sounding vibe in comparison to the rest of the 60s folk-rock sound on the album.
Ebert and co. have hinted at a third album coming out this year, and that the second release of 2012 with be the more ‘celebratory of the two’. Hopefully, we can expect another album with a bit more oomph. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros are quirky and lovable, they may not appeal to the masses but ‘Here’ was pleasant sounding and didn’t have any ugly bits. I’d say I wasn’t completely won over but I’ll definitely have a listen to their upcoming material.
6/10.
Review by Sibel Kutlucan
http://www.facebook.com/themagneticzeros
By Meghan Player
Cradle Of Filth have always been known for their signature take on the dark wave, gothic metal sound and grandiose theatrics. Latest offering, ‘Midnight in the Labyrinth’ – an orchestral selection of the bands first four albums – is no exception.
Opening with a glorious string section of sweeping, melodic sound ‘A Gothic Romance [Red Roses For The Devil’s Whore]’ pulls the listener into an album that not only celebrates the band, but reinvents the tracks that once pounded through your headphones.
‘The Twisted Nails of Faith’ sounds almost as if it has come straight from a melodramatic, theatrical musical – with striking strings, stirring vocals and choirs intertwining with frontman Dani Filth’s narrative growl.
Continue reading Album Review: Cradle of Filth – Midnight in the Labyrinth
By Meghan Player
After the success of their break through track, ‘Counter Revolution’, The Delta Riggs bring their contagious and energetic take on rock & roll to their new EP, ‘Talupo Mountain Music Vol. II’.
Self-produced and cut in a single live session, the band blast through your speakers – from opener, [the aforementioned, ‘Counter Revolution’], to the downright funky, swinging sounds of ‘Used To Be My Baby’.
‘Money’ draws from the mid 60s, early 70s rock and roll that wouldn’t have looked out of place on a Led Zeppelin album. The infectious chorus and relatively simple tempo of the track would make any listener feel the need to get up and dance.
Following track ‘Mary’ blends a smoother, mellow and sexier sound than the previous offerings – demonstrating not only the bands unique style and personality, but their ability to transition and move between amazing sounds and melodies.
Continue reading Album Review: The Delta Riggs – Talupo Mountain Music Vol.II
Review by Sibel Kutlucan
Gemma Ray sparks a flame in the hearts of everyone with her brand new album Island Fire (Shock Records). With her recent visit to Australia to play Peats Ridge Festival, the alluring pop-noir songstress has intrigued audiences and built up her Australian fan base, whom won’t be able to stop listening to the infectious melodies of Island Fire!
It is easy to understand why Gemma Ray has become one of the UK’s most independent and critically acclaimed female musicians with a listen to her unique sound that resonates throughout Island Fire. Ray effortlessly creates beautiful tunes with her vintage pop vocals and her fantastic song writing. This fantastic harmony of a sweet pop sound, with the hint of yester-year in the melody on “Put your brain in gear” is a clear indication of Gemma Ray’s presence as a fantastic musician, and definitely is a highlight of the album for me.
Continue reading CD Review: Gemma Ray – Island Fire
Review by Sibel Kutlucan
Short Songs by Silverstein is anything but boring.
The 22 track album, which runs for just under 20 minutes, is composed of songs and punk covers which all fall under the 90 second mark. Whilst unique and upbeat, it can seem a bit fanatical and fervent at times and often it felt like a few of the songs were too abrupt (which is understandable when you try to keep a song under the minute and a half mark). Warning, the album is not for the faint hearted, and it isn’t something you want to listen to when you want to kick back and relax.
Short Songs is definitely short, fast and louder than anything Silverstein have produced in their previous five albums and the Canadian boys definitely have taken a unique risk with a number of elements. Short Songs features guest vocals from Tim Mcllrath (Rise Against), Chris Hannah (Propagandhi) and Mike Hranica (The Devil Wears Prada), just to name a few.
Continue reading CD Review: Silverstein – Short Songs
Review by Sibel Kutlucan
The Summer Set’s new release lives up to its title, “Everything’s Fine”, as it isn’t horrible but it’s not great either. For me, it’s just fine. It does have its high points and alas, it also has its lows.
Everything’s Fine is the second full length from the Arizonian quintet and it delved further into the ‘pop’ territory that was hinted at in Love Like This (released 2009), which had more of a pop punk sound. The Summer Set worked with ‘super-producer’ John Fields, who has previously worked with the likes of Jimmy Eat World, Jonas Brothers and Switchfoot, for Everything’s Fine and this was definitely reflected throughout the album.
It’s easily to understand the popularity surrounding The Summer Set, with their sweet sounding melodies and their catchy lyrics. These elements for me really shone when teamed with acoustic guitar on “Mona Lisa” and “About a girl”, a unique choice for the album opener.
Continue reading CD Review: The Summer Set – ‘Everything’s Fine’
Review by Billy Geary
If our friends on the other side of the globe the French are known for one thing, it most certainly isn’t for their music scene, let alone experimental metal. With their debut album Februus, French metallers Uneven Structure are about to change all of that. Combining the atmosphere of bands like Pink Floyd with the intensity of Meshuggah, the French sextet have created an album that is both brutal and beautiful, often at the same time. Continue reading Uneven Structure – Februus | Album Review
Review – Sibel Kutlucan
Every Avenue have returned with their brand new album, Bad Habits, which packs a punch and will definitely remain on repeat. The quintet hailing from Michigan had a reputation to uphold after the success of Picture Perfect (released 2009) and I was a little anxious to listen to Bad Habits; not wanting to sully their past tracks that I had grown fond of, but at the same time wanting to hear more. In the end I gave it a listen and I was glad I did!
Continue reading Album Review | Every Avenue – Bad Habits
Review by Billy Geary
  Rising Sun – Stray from the Path |
New York hardcore quartet Stray From The Path have been around for quite a while now, with their past albums only ever hinting at the bands potential. Rising Sun however, changes all of that, delivering 30 minutes of excellent hardcore done right. Despite being their sixth album, Rising Sun shows that while the band’s sound hasn’t changed much over the past few years, Stray From The Path remain relevant due to the sheer passion and energy they bring to the music. Rising Sun’s strength lies in that while it sticks to a relatively stringent formula, it is more often than not a winning one, demanding attention for the entirety of the record. |
Continue reading Stray From The Path – Rising Sun | Album Review
Review by Natalie Salvo
By now fans of Ladytron will be well-acquainted with their parallels to Roxy Music. The English quartet were named after the latter’s song; two members once posed as Roxy-like pinups for their remix album “Softcore Jukebox”; and there are certainly elements of the glam pop sound permeating their music. But while the group had previously aligned aspects of themselves with the latter’s frontman, Bryan Ferry, on album number five, “Gravity The Seducer” they seem to be taking a leaf out of his former bandmate’s book (and later solo work), i.e. Brian Eno and his famed atmospherics.
Continue reading Ladytron – Gravity The Seducer | Album Review
Review by: Victoria Nugent
 Little Red Boots – Lindi Ortega |
Often touted as Toronto’s best kept secret, this Canadian country music singer has been thriving in the local indie music scene since the early 2000s. Ortega’s alternative country style is a little bit classic country and a little bit rockabilly with influences ranging from Dolly Parton to Johnny Cash to Emmylou Harris. However, she also has a foot firmly planted in the indie scene with credentials including singing backing vocals with Brandon Flowers and supported indie group Noah and the Whale. |
However, if Ortega’s new material gets enough airplay, it may just be enough to secure her a place of her own in the heart of country music fans. Marrying sweet vocals with twangy guitar riffs, cheerful rockabilly tunes and clever lyrics, Little Red Boots stops short of being cliché to sit firmly in the middle of brilliance. The music is strong on lap steel , harmonica and slow acoustic guitar but the instrumentals come second to Ortega’s vocals, which shine through in every song.
The album and eponymous single are named after her signature red boots that she got while on tour with Kevin Costner. This personal connection sets the tone for the album, which seems to really give a glance into Ortega’s own world.
Ortega’s third album kicks off with ‘Little Lie’, an enticing tune with a kicking beat underscoring lyrics about lying to a lover.
Upbeat rockabilly track ‘Bluebird’ quickly showed its capability for getting stuck in my head, with its infectious chorus and truckloads of bounce. It reminded me somewhat of Kasey Chambers’ more recent tracks, but without the nasal tones.
Ortega also shows a knack for melancholy anthems, shifting the tempo down in songs such as ‘When All The Stars Align’ and ‘So Sad’.
In ‘Angels’ Ortega shows off slightly warbling but strong vocals against plucky bluegrass with plaintive lyrics.
‘I’m No Elvis Presley’ is an incredibly fun song as Ortega belts out tongue in cheek lyrics- “I’m no one, not legendary, I’m nothing extraordinary” to a soundtrack of rapid lap steel. Ironically the song has an underlying beat and riffs which reminded me somewhat of Elvis’s style, but with a country edge. I’m talking ‘All Shook Up’ and ‘Blue Suede Shoes’.
Little Red Boots is Ortega’s personal anthem but it is perhaps too close to her own heart to really capture anyone else’s. To me, this song seemed to embody the worst side of country music with the lyrics lacking meaning and the music lacking vibrancy with slightly too much jolt. That said, I feel like it would probably suit its purpose in a live context… imagine Ortega strolling onto stage in her red boots and busting out with that song straight up. However, it kind of falls flat on the album.
‘Jimmy Dean’ is relentlessly catchy with a haunting edge as Ortega sings of “the ghost of Jimmy Dean”.
The album rounds out with ‘So Sad’, an incredibly melancholy number with soaring vocals.
Little Red Boots is an album to set toes tapping, with a great mix of upbeat and slower songs. I love the amount of pop culture references on the album, from Elvis to James Dean to songs that seem to hark back to other great country songs. Forlorn lyrics about lost love are matched with upbeat tempos to temper out some of the sadness, while positive numbers are positively jumping with energy. After this gets some airplay, the singer dubbed “Indie Lindi” mightn’t be much of a secret anymore.
Track listing
1. Little Lie
2. When All the Stars Align
3. Blue Bird
4. Angels
5. I’m No Elvis Presley
6. Little Red Boots
7. Dying of Another Broken Heart
8. All My Friends
9. Fall Down Or Fly
10. Jimmy Dean
11. Black Fly
12. So Sad
Love it, like it, it’s ok or it’s just not for you… Leave a comment below and tell us what you think.
Review by Billy Geary
Smart, unique alternative rock is becoming somewhat of a rarity in today’s music industry. Only a handful of bands such as Manchester Orchestra, Karnivool and Thrice are prepared to branch out and try something different and still retain an inherent accessibility about them. Given the ever increasing saturation of music worldwide, it often takes something quite special to break out of the rut and create something truly interesting and captivating. What Texan quintet Fair To Midland have achieved with their fourth album Arrows and Anchors, however, is just that Continuing on from where their breakthrough album Fables From a Mayfly left off, Fair To Midland have put together an outstanding album of eclectic rock music, albeit in a heavier fashion this time around. Arrows and Anchors is the natural progression from Fables… in that it improves the band’s overall sound while still retaining what made its predecessor such an excellent release. Tracks such as the utterly magical ‘Golden Parachutes’ and ‘Short Haired Tornado’ are perfect examples of this. In fact, the chorus of ‘Golden Parachutes’ is arguably one of the best rock choruses this year, let alone on the album. Praise must be given to vocalist Darroh Sudderth who possesses one of the best voices in rock music today, as displayed in the aforementioned songs.
Continue reading Album Review | Fair To Midland – ‘Arrows and Anchors’