Music Reviews

Readers may recall the global events of March 2020 with all the joy of a root canal procedure and a car breakdown on the way home. One particular hardcore (although that seems so limiting a label for them these days) band who probably curse that time more than some of us are Pittsburgh’s Code Orange, who after being ruthlessly shafted by COVID-19 mere days before the release of their previous record 'Underneath', have returned with their newest statement of intent, 'The Above'.

Starbenders are vocalist Kimi Shelter, bassist Aaron Lecesne, guitarist Kriss Tokaji and drummer Emily Moon, a mix of musicians from different genres coming together in Atlanta, Georgia to create something special. Blending elements of 70s glam rock, some added 80s rock and a little punk on the side, it’s difficult to say what genre Starbenders' music belongs to, but their recently released third album 'Take Back The Night' is a delight from start to finish with an impressive thirteen songs.

ZAND is making waves with their self-branded version of ‘ugly pop’, and their latest EP 'SEWERSTAR' is a continuation of their unique and refreshing sound.

Ash are back with an album full of tracks that will take the listener on a captivating journey, five years since 2018's highly acclaimed Islands. Their new full-length 'Race The Night' sounds so fresh it could very easily be a chart topping album - it was certainly worth the wait.

Although Sweden is a powerhouse pop-churning nation, an up-and-coming Swedish alt-pop star must be on everybody’s radar. Boy Destroy has already received a lot of praise from across the press - and the hype is well deserved. 

On 'RUCKUS!', Movements have made a disturbance. A chaotic, all over the place album lashing out with anger but basking in love. Movements, as always, are bringing you along for yet another emotionally charged ride.

Learning how to live whilst navigating the difficulties life throws your way is hard enough sometimes. But letting go of those bad times in order to pursue a more positive future is a completely different lesson to learn. On their fifth full-length, 'LEARNING HOW TO LIVE AND LET GO', Aberdeen born indie-rockers The XCERTS are our teachers, parents, friends and peers, helping us through the trials and tribulations of life and coming out better on the other side, as we let go of the baggage preventing us from living our lives.

Royal Blood are back. One of the UK’s hottest rock bands have just dropped their fourth LP. Ever since their self-titled debut which shook the UK music scene, the duo of Mike Kerr and Ben Thatcher have just gone from strength to strength, - so how does their fourth album 'Back To The Water Below' fair?

'Dial M for Meds' is an album that analyses what it is like to be an outsider. Full of personal tropes, the band do not shy away from owning their experiences, illustrating personal success in overcoming addiction and being an outcast. With sick riffs, dirty basslines and drum grooves that rivals 90s rock and grunge bands, there is so much going for this band; Taking Meds are a band to keep an eye on. They are bringing back the 90s and making it stylish.

On 'Dead Club City', Nothing But Thieves have thrown themselves a creative curveball and have executed it to stylish, tasteful and classy degrees of success. A world where you need a pass to get into the DCC, an 80’s disco synth party where its members are dressed in The Matrix getup, a place where the dark reality of the downsides to fame and fortune are all too prevalent.