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From Friday 17 May 2024

One Step Closer – ‘All You Embrace’

The “sophomore slump”, or whatever you choose to call the difficult followup to a strong debut album, is a real and present danger. When One Step Closer launched with ‘This Place You Know’ back in 2021, their short and dirty first album caught the attention of all the right

Wednesday 15 May 2024

El Moono – ‘The Waking Sun’

If your music tastes trend towards the heavier end of the scale, chances are you’ve heard the name El Moono before. The Brighton-based quartet has been grinding away on the UK underground metal scene for years, but started attracting significant buzz in 2022 when they released the EP ‘Temple

​​Knocked Loose – ‘You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To’

​​For fans of hardcore music, these are strange but wonderful times. A genre that has enjoyed a rabid – but undoubtedly cult – following since the 1980s has started garnering real mainstream attention in recent years. Perhaps the best example of this is the fact that Knocked Loose played

Friday 10 May 2024

Like Moths To Flames – ‘The Cycles Of Trying To Cope’

Metalcore mainstays Like Moths To Flames have always been in touch with their emotions, willing to put all their turmoil on display and more than capable at conveying it in a way that’s both sincere and sonically impactful. Vocalist Chris Roetter always approaches his writing honestly, not just acknowledging

Thursday 09 May 2024

Hot Water Music – ‘Vows’

There are some phrases which instantly make you nervous when an artist describes their new release, such as “concept album” or “recent divorce.” “Looking back and reflecting on our past” is definitely on the list too, but thankfully long-standing punks Hot Water Music have resisted the temptation to take

Frank Turner – ‘Undefeated’

“Some people are just going to hate you, no matter what you do,” laments folk punk troubadour Frank Turner, “so don’t waste time trying to change their minds; just be a better you.” This first line to the first song of ‘Undefeated’ summarises the tone of Turner’s tenth outing

Thursday 02 May 2024

Fast Blood – ‘SUNNY BLUNTS’

Surrounded by algorithms, screens and endless stimulation, it’s hard not to feel disconnected. That’s a strange thing. The world is at your fingertips, and yet reality is not. You can be assaulted by endless sights and sounds, but they’re all strangely abstract. It’s the same with music.

Tuesday 30 April 2024

The Plot In You – ‘VOL.2’

Just like whiskey, pickles and smelly cheese, heavy bands often ‘mellow with age’. In 2021, The Plot In You released their second album ‘Swan Songs’. It seemed they’d done just that, leaving behind the aggression of their early music in favour of more expansive or intimate soundscapes.

Monday 15 April 2024

LIVE: Neck Deep @ Alexandra Palace, London

It’s a monumental night for Neck Deep. They’ve sold out their biggest show to date at Alexandra Palace, and those of us brave enough to scale what feels like the steepest and windiest hill in London are here not only to enjoy a night of ‘generic pop punk’ (as

Wednesday 10 April 2024

Kris Barras Band – ‘Halo Effect’

Life is a highway, and Kris Barras Band are picking up speed along its twists and turns. The MMA fighter-turned-bluesman has taken a nod from tour buddies Black Stone Cherry and gone all in on the southern rock for their fifth outing. According to the frontman, “‘Halo Effect’ still