Wynton Existing are a psychedelic garage rock band from Clarksville, Tennessee and Sexual Death is their latest album, released on 18/02/2023.

A unique take on alternative rock, the band also takes a dive into surf rock, stoner rock and there is even a slight pop feel to the album too. All of this mixed together really gives the band a sound that can be rivalled by no other.

The album is very guitar driven and the riffs are heavy and thrashy with the attitude of 90’s alternative rock, wild and passionate. There is a very no-holds-barred attitude about the guitar playing and I love this in music. The solos are downright dirty, with a fuzziness to them that could only come from 90’s grunge yet there are also indie undertones jumping in too.

The drumming almost has a punk edge to it, energetic and frantic, and totally in your face and you can literally feel the vitality and drive of the drummer. The basslines give the album a certain funkiness to it and this also contributes to the psychedelic feel.

The vocals are, lets be honest, amazing. Based in the alternative / indie genre, there is also an edge to them that really makes them stand out, the vocalist voice emitting attitude and passion. Incorporating clean singing, with growls and punk-like shouting, he is accompanied by layered backup vocals that really do give the tracks depth and dynamism.

No one likes to be pigeon-holed by their music and the fact these guys have a whole album of music that just goes against all the rules and not only blurs the lines between genres, but completely obliterates them, is just outstanding.

The album has a very raw sound and I think this is what makes it as good as it is. Experimentation, both musically and with the production, features heavily on this album and this is always a good thing in my book. I absolutely love the sound these guys have come up and the listener never knows what is coming next with the album, as each song is different to the previous one.

This is a very layered album that needs more than one listen through. There is so much going on that the listener is always engaged with the music but will never hear all this album has to offer on just the first time of listening. The album is full on from the very start to the very end and one that does not lack energy and enthusiasm. I can imagine the guys had a great time making this album and there is also a fun element to it but the listener can also hear the love and dedication that has gone into producing it.

Fantastic job. I think I will have this on repeat for a few days to come yet!

TRACK LISTING

1 Wings Of The Fly

2 Being

3 Sonic Innocence

4 Juicy Prevalence

5 Scoundrel In Disguise

6 Tomtom Song

7 End Of Time

8 At Least Pretend You’re Happy To See Me

9 Exodus

10 Sexual Death

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Candid are a UK based indie rock band who “deal in a brutal emotional honesty funnelled through songs as sharp as they are soothing.” This is a band who are driven to take their music to the next level and have had impressive support slots including Scouting For Girls, The Hoosiers and The Pale White, all while receiving backing from Radio 1, having been invited to perform at Radio 1’s Big Weekend, as well as a feature on Huw Stephen’s Introducing show on Radio 1.

This is obviously a band who are determined to reach the big time.

And with songs like this one, Tonight, their latest single which was released on 24/02/2023 I really don’t see why they can’t do just that.

A fantastic blend of alternative and indie rock with rock pop, this track is incredibly catchy and bouncy and will certainly get you dancing around to it.

The guitars riffs are heavy when they need to be but also take it down a notch or two when required. The drumming is energetic and the bass lines are funky, giving the track a noticeable groove to it. The infectious drumbeat will get stuck in your head and the electronic elements to the track add a hint of pop, that will make this track’s appeal spread even further.

The vocals are simply awesome, classic indie rock with a slight edge to them that firmly places this band in the rock genre rather than the pop.

The track is anthemic and the verses, which, in themselves, have a big sound lead into choruses that just simply explode.

The only gripe I have with this song is that it just wasn’t long enough! A totally awesome track that should be on every rock radio station in the country! Absolutely loved it and I can’t wait for the next new music from this band from Coventry!

Fantastic job guys!

Photo credit: Luke Jones

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Gary Dranow is quickly becoming a favourite of ours and we have reviewed quite a few of his previous releases. We were only too happy to review Mellow Drama, the latest single from him which was released on 24/02/2023.

Hailing from the US, Gary Dranow is part of the group Gary Dranow And The Manic Emotions and this is a bunch of guys who really making an impression in the rock and blues world.

With their mix of classic rock riffs and bluesy guitar solos, this is a band who have many years of experience between them, and this really does show in the music they produce.

So, what of Mellow Drama?

Once again, this is an upbeat track with its roots firmly in the classic rock genre, and will certainly get you dancing around the living room.

It starts off with some very bluesy guitar work, a staple of the Gary Dranow sound, and then the rest of the instruments and the vocals kick in, the track erupting into a frenzy of AOR / Classic rock loveliness.

As with most of Gary’s previous tracks there is an 80’s vibe to the song that is hard to miss and so with this in your headphones, you are taken on a nostalgic trip back to a time where rock was rock, albeit with a modern twist that keeps the track fresh and up to date. There is a quirkiness to the sound that I think is the real charm of the songs and this will definitely be your ear worm for the rest of the day once you have heard it.

I really like Gary’s work and I think fans of classic rock, AOR, 80’s rock and soft rock will do to. Please go and check him and his band out. This is a bunch of seriously talented guys with many years of experience in the music industry between them and I really don’t think you will be disappointed!

Photo Credit: TimePunkPhotography

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I have previously reviewed Nothing Like Loving You by Clay Joule and I was eager to find out what else he had to offer. But before I get into the track, let me tell you a little bit about the man himself.

Based in Secaucus, New Jersey, Clay Joule is a singer-songwriter who makes uplifting soft rock music. He writes songs about themes that are important in everyday life, some about the important issue of pet adoption, like the previous track, but some are more political like this one, O’Dream which is his latest single and was released 24/02/2022.

The song was written at his farmhouse studio on the final weekend of February2022, just as the conflict in Ukraine was breaking out and the song is “a poem-like song that delivered a secret message regarding Ukraine’s fate, both during the conflict and thereafter.” It’s a song about the Ukrainian people’s power as well as the dream that all Ukrainian citizens shared and hope of entering the European Union.

The song has an easy-listening vibe to it and despite the theme, the song does not feel too melancholic, the positivity in the lyrics lifting it up a notch or two.

Musically, the track is spot on. The laid-back drumming is accompanied by classic electric guitars, the solos clean and immaculately executed, and the riffs are heavy when they need to be yet more subtle at other times. The song has a classic rock base from which to build from and this encompasses a multitude of genres from alternative to rock pop.

Clay’s vocals are, once again, soft and melodic but perform the track’s lyrics with passion and power and the emotion that emits from the song is just phenomenal. There is no greater tool than music to convey a message and this, I think, Clay does perfectly.

Please check out the song on Spotify but also the video on YouTube. To see the solidarity and bravery of the Ukrainian people really is quite emotional!

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Ubiquity Machine is Dan Marsh Howard Rabach and they have been writing and performing alternative/indie music for more than a decade, having accumulated over 100 songs together, in the DC Metro area.

Howard has over 25 years of performing, touring, and recording experience and Dan worked with multiple projects in the UK before emigrating to the USA and after taking some time out he is now back to making music! Both are multi-instrumentalists, producers, and songwriters.

Hey You is their latest single and was released on 11/02/2023.

The track is quite an easy going one, with relaxed drumming and guitarwork, although there is enough here to keep the listener hooked and drawn into the track. The drum beat, however soft, keeps the track driving forward and the catchy hooks will stay with you long after you have finished listening to the song.

The track builds up momentum towards the end of the song and there is a slight distortion as it does this, giving the track an almost grungey ending.

The aspect of this track that really stands out is the vocals. The leads are somewhat quirky, with an almost Doors-like psychedelic vibe to them and accompanied by some interesting backup vocals, this track really does have a brooding, melancholic feel.

The song is the tale of growing up alone at home and the search for a place in the world that feels like home and this is a theme that a lot of people can relate to, and its this relatability that will attract people to this song. Everybody needs sunshine in their life.

This is a great track that is captivating with a modern alternative twist and one that really does showcase the versatility of this very talented duo!

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Vampire Liver Therapy is an industrial experimental music project, led by Santiago, Chile-based musician, Jose Miguel Cumsille, who is the brains behind the project. He has been making music since the mid-90’s and Horns To The Sky is his latest album, released on 07/02/2023.

This album is the second part of his project that started in 2022 with the release of the album Horns To The Ground, and this album explore the struggle between the past, the present and the future.

This album is beautifully crafted piece of art that combines a multitude of genres, from the post-punk attitude of many bands from the early 80’s, to dark wave electronica to synth pop.

The album has a very atmospheric feel to it and this is cleverly created with the use of guitars, synths and bass, all combining to pull you into the music, which is very hypnotic and ambient.

Some of Jose’s influences have been cited as Aghast, Ordo Equilibrio, Nine Inch Nails and Marilyn Manson, and these can clearly be heard throughout this album.

This album uses heavy guitar riffs and pounding drums to create a very industrialized base from which to work from, before it spouts in all different directions, grabbing elements of various other genres to come up with a sound that is totally unique to Vampire Liver Therapy, and certainly one I have never heard before.

This is a dark album, with 16 tracks lasting a total of just over 53 minutes and one that will take you off to a parallel world of cyberpunk / synth wave loveliness. The ambient nature of the album is a perfect match for the dystopian themes it explores and the music really does immerse the listener.

The vocals on this album are absolutely amazing. Somewhat quirky, they are very reminiscent of the sounds of the early 80’s dark wave and goth genres but there is a twist to them that keeps them fresh and up to date. Layered back up vocals really add depth to the songs and this keeps the listener engaged in the music at all times.

This will appeal to a wide range of people, from the goths of the early 80’s, to the synth pop lovers of today. It really does have something for everyone and I could not stop listening to it. Pop this onto your headphones and be prepared to be taken on a nostalgic musical journey as this feast for your ears really kicks in to gear.

This really is an album that needs to be listened to more than once, as it truly does have so much to offer and this, I think, will be the charm of the album for many listeners.

An awesome album that is keeping the music of the past alive by giving it a modern twist in the present, all while creating an almost futuristic sound. Absolutely superb!

Track Listing:

1) Rewind In Colors

2) Screaming After Dark

3) Completely Invisible

4) Real Fear Of The Mankind

5) I’m Here To Hide Myself And Die

6) Paranoid By Default

7) Change My Time, Drop Me Down

8) Cut Your Sense In Two Times

9) Treat Me Like A Roller Bones

10) Face Down And Hell To Sky

11) I Quit Living Dead

12) More Darkness Inside Of Me

13) I Can Eat Your Hate If You Want

14) Abnormally Noise Event

15) Horns To The Sky

16) Get Your Rage, Wrap Your Faith

Photo Credit: JMC

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Meat in Space is a DIY rock project where all of the songs are written, recorded to tape, and produced by just one person who also happens to play all of the instruments on the songs too.

Chromium Dioxide is his latest track and was released on 24/02/2023.

Kicking off with some feedback, the listener is under no illusions as to what this song is all about right from the start, and that, my friends, is loud, noisy music! (And who doesn’t like loud, noisy music eh?)

The guitars are raw on this track with distortion that provides the 90’s grungey feel it has, yet the heavy riffs can also place this into numerous other genres. The drumming is energetic, giving a punk vibe, with lots of crashing cymbals and pounding bass drums while maintaining an almost primal sound.

The vocals are strong, with a slight quirkiness to them that really makes them stand out and with layered backups, the song has a great depth to it.

The music behind the vocals and lyrics could appear to be somewhat chaotic and noisy to some people but I think this is what gives the track its charm. There is always something for the listener to hear and more than one play through of this track is an absolute must if you are to hear everything the song has to offer.

I really liked this track and I think it will appeal to a lot of people. It has its own unique allure but also one that is very reminiscent of 90’s rock/alternative rock, therefore giving the song a very nostalgic feel, while, at the same time, having a modern twist to it that keeps it fresh and up to date. And all of this from just one main is simply astounding.

Great, great track that must be heard! Go and check him out! Now! Go on!

Photo Credit: Shawn Stedman

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Pressure is a story metal band from Sweden with strong connections to modern music, storytelling and showmanship. Founded back in 2018, this is a band that is always expanding and exploring new things. Pressure consists of three members, Simon Forsell on guitars, drums and keyboard, Olli Violet on vocals and Olof Jönsson also on vocals, and with the help of session bassist Ignacio Arrua, the band produce songs that are diverse as they believe that different styles of music tell stories differently.

All The Things is the band’s latest single, released on 24/02/2023 and what an absolutely awesome track it is.

Jumping straight into the song from the get-go, this track is a delicious mix of rock, metal and glam.

The guitars are heavy, with riffs galore coming at you through the speakers, the drumming is energetic with lots of crashing cymbals in there and the basslines give the track a slightly funky vibe. Musically this track is up there with the best of them, melodic yet raw and totally in your face.

The vocals on this song are phenomenal, the mix of male and female complimenting each other perfectly. The female leads are more dominant throughout the track but the subtle undertones of the male leads are a great addition to the song. The female vocals are strong and powerful, reminding very much of Lzzy hale from Halestorm, and the male vocals are deep, just sitting underneath the female, almost to the point that you can’t hear him yet you know he is there!

The pace change towards the end of the song is great and gives the listeners just a few seconds before launching them head first back into a rock/metal frenzy.

This is a stomper of a song and really should be heard by as many people as possible. I will certainly be keeping everything open for more music from this great band.

Absolutely awesome job!!

Photo Credit: Olli Violet

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From The Other Side is a female fronted, five piece pop/punk band from Melbourne, Australia, and their mission is to “bring back the nostalgia of yesteryear, with a modern day twist,” as their music is a high energy nod back to the 00’s pop/punk bands.

The track starts of slow but do not let fool you as about thirty seconds into the track the drums build and everything kicks off into a frenzy of lovely pop/punkiness!

The guitars are riff-laden and upbeat, and heavy enough when they need to be to give the track its punky feeling. The drumming is energetic and frantic with lots of crashing cymbals and pounding bass drums and the basslines are funky and hold the track together perfectly.

The vocals are awesome, and remind me very much of the likes of Avril Lavrigne, Hayley Williams and Taylor Momsen. The energy that this lady emits is phenomenal and the power and strength her voice possesses is extraordinary. Backed by an obviously talented bunch of guys, the vocals are never overshadowed and all members play their part in the band superbly.

This is an upbeat track that really will have you dancing around the living room. Whether you are playing your air guitar or singing into your hairbrush this is a track that will definitely get you moving.

Fantastically awesome track and if I were to give it a score out of ten it would be a definite TEN!!

Photo Credit: Emma Webber

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I have previously reviewed the track Hollow and I was eager to hear more from him. But before I get into the track itself, let me remind you just who Ollie Twohill is.

Ollie Twohill is a singer / songwriter based on the East Coast of Australia and plays guitar-based melodic rock / pop.

He has been playing live venues for the past six years after busking on the streets of NSW Northern Rivers and the southern Gold Coast and Washed Away is his lates track, released on 24/02/2023. Ollie writes songs that about issues that are relevant and up to date and this track is about the 2022 catastrophic floods that happened in Pakistan.

Kicking off with some acoustic guitar, the track soon erupts with all of the instruments and Ollie’s quirky vocals coming to life.

Once again, the mix of acoustic and electric guitars is fantastic to hear, the guitar solos clean and superbly executed, and there is just a hint of distortion to give a slightly alternative feel to the track. Acoustic strumming accompanies the chorus, leaving Ollie’s voice to express the emotion of the song and there are electric bursts all the way through.

The drumming is laid back but really kicks up a gear when it needs to.

The vocals are strong and powerful, which they need to be with such an emotive theme to sing about and, once again, the quirkiness in his voice really makes him stand out. He really commands the song with his vocals and the emotion is clear to hear.

Another great track from this talented musician, and definitely one that will stick in your head. This is an artist I will unquestionably be keeping an ear out for in the future!

Photo Credit: Jay Penfold Photography

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