Its always nice to see the girls doing so well in music of any genre, let alone rock music, but Darrian Gerard is doing just that!

She is singer/songwriter from British Columbia Canada and a picture of her on Facebook at a young age in front of an Avril Lavigne poster, shows this lady has always wanted to be a rockstar!

Basement is her debut EP, released today (10/02/2023) and is about the ups and downs of life and the constant reminder that you are allowed to do what you want – you just have to go for it! I think that’s exactly what she did with this EP.

Combining elements of a multitude of genres, the result is a nostalgic look back at 90’s alternative rock / pop but with a modern twist to it. The guitar riffs are heavy when they need to be and the drumming is energetic but it’s the vocals that really make this EP stand out.

Very reminiscent of the likes of Avril Lavigne, Kelly Clark and Hayley Williams from Paramore, Darrian’s voice strong and really takes command of all the tracks, whether its an upbeat rocky song or a slower paced ballad. It is very clear who Darrian’s influences are but she is not afraid to wear them on her sleeve either.

It’s hard to believe that Darrian only began her professional career in 2021 as this EP is just phenomenal and I really do believe this young lady can really carve out a great career for herself.

Please go and check out Basement on Spotify now! I can guarantee that you will not be disappointed. It’s rocky, it’s poppy, it’s skater rock/pop at its best and it’s totally in your face!

You go girl!

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Shockpowder is a shoegaze project with metal influences founded by Joshua Scurfield in 2015 and Nonsensical Dream is their latest single, released on 10/02/2023.

This really is a song of many parts. A mixture of alternative rock / shoegaze, which is “a style of rock music characterized by a sound in which the distinctions between separate instruments and vocals are blurred,” with strong metal influences, Shockpowder really is creating a sound and vision all of their own. Inspired by the post metal scene, they also have a penchant for dark, pensive vocals and hazy distortion.

The song starts off with a very floaty, alternative vibe, almost giving the impression that this is going to be an instrumental track. And that’s when the heavy, almost death-metal riffs kick in and really shake things up a bit, before returning to the brooding nature the song started with. This switch occurs many times during the song and this always keeps the listener on their toes, who is unaware when the next lot of heavy riffs are going to explode into their ears.

Distortion, as previously mentioned, plays a heavy part in the song with it being used on both instruments and vocals at certain times throughout the song, although at other points the vocals are very clear and this gives the track a very euphoric yet grungey sound.

Having previously reviewed a track by Shockpowder, I am going to reiterate what I said then and state that this song has a BIG sound for just one person! This just goes to show the amazing talent that Joshua has!

Another great track. I can’t wait to hear more!

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Hailing from London, there is not much information available about Bonze, but Out Of My hands is his latest single, released on 10/02/2023 (today!!)

He says of the song: “Although the imagery of my Instagram posts + the instrumental of ‘Out Of My Hands’ feels like that of optimism & hope, that is not where I am at in my current experience of the world. But seemingly, music has a strange magic that can help you through things that feel like obliteration at the time.” Well said!

Out Of My Hands is a truly unique track that really draws you in with its ambience and atmospheric vibe.

The music is hypnotising, a mixture of electric guitars and drums with electronic keys to create an edgy alternative rock / pop song. Not quite a ballad, there is an almost melancholic, yet optimistic feel to the song and this only adds to its appeal.

The vocals are dark and brooding but strong and are the main feature of the song, in my opinion. Slight distortion gives the vocals an almost grungey feel but, again, this adds to the ambience of the track. Soothing backup vocals accompany the lead adding a floaty feeling to the lyrics and the electric vibe the track gives off really gives this song a big sound!

I really liked this track and I will be looking forward to anything else Bonze releases in the future.

A great track, well done!

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The 150 Friends Club is the brainchild of David Goo, who started playing piano at the ages of eight, moving on to the guitar and writing songs at the age of thirteen. He sent years playing open mic nights under a variety of guises but he has now found likeminded musicians in the form of Oli Dacombe, Charlie Coulson-Smith and Mariya Brachkova.

With their music being used for a couple of TV and radio adverts, the band have now released two EP’s and two albums, namely Monogamy and Preach, of which Giver Of Life is part 1.

To be able to define this band into just one genre is nigh on impossible and who wants to pigeon holed like that anyway?

150 Friends Club combine a multitude of genres from classic rock to alternative to pop to create a sound that is unique to them.

The musicianship on this EP is simply amazing, and the musicians are able to swap from ballads to more up tempo, rockier tracks at the drop of a hat. Very alternative in style, electric guitars and drums are a prominent feature of this band’s sound, but add into the mix the use of violins and other stringed instruments (not of the guitar variety), piano and keyboards and acoustic guitars these guys can really produce an almost orchestral sound.

The use of both male and female vocals is also a very strong feature of the EP. There is a stark contrast between the powerful male lead with the more subtle yet hauntingly beautiful female vocals but this really adds to the whole ambience and atmosphere of the EP and both are accompanied by layered backing vocals that really gives the songs a choral vibe.

Sometimes giving us a nostalgic nod back to music of the past, while at other times sounding really modern and refreshing, this EP really does have something for everyone and I think will appeal to a wide range of listeners.

With four tracks totalling 19 minutes and 33 seconds in length, this EP really gives us a starting look into what the album Preach is all about.

Great EP and I can’t wait for the next instalment!

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Mike and Mandy are producer/ Michael Faulkner and singer/songwriter Amanda Pajer who, having both lost their jobs at the start of the pandemic and unable to find others, realised their deep-buried dream of releasing original music from their home.

Time Worn is their latest single and was released on 10/01/2023.

Not necessarily my first choice of genre to listen to, I actually really enjoyed this track.

The track is a combination of alternative rock with electronic pop and even a hint of dark wave in there and is a beautifully put together song.

The beat is kept all the way through with a mixture of electronic sounds and drum beats and musically this song is fantastic. Synths drive the song forward, but these are mixed with rock guitars and drums and the result is simply outstanding.

Mandy’s vocals are beautiful, reminiscent of the sound of the 80’s, strong yet gentle at the same time. Her voice really does command the track and is never overshadowed by the music that is accompanying her.

The track changes pace several times throughout but this is one of the charms of the song. The track really does hook you and draw you in and the melodies with stay with you for a long time after the song has finished!

A great track and one that I recommend you listen to!

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Arn-Identified Flying Objects and Alien Friends is the solo project of former Redmoon member, Arne Floryd and Some Angels Never Learn To Fly was released on 22/05/2021.

Hailing from Stockholm in Sweden, the band has some eclectic influences in 60’s and 70’s rock and hints of folk and punk, combining rock and power pop with a retro vibe.

I have previously reviewed music by this band and was eager to hear more and was not disappointed.

Not quite a ballad, but also not quite a bubbly track, the song has a melancholic vibe to it while at the same time remaining somewhat upbeat.

Once again, the drumming on this track is soft and gentle and the guitar work focuses a lot on strumming and has a slight country twang to it. The basslines are, once more, meaty and strong.

I think it’s the vocals that set this song apart from others. Soft, yet powerful and commanding, the singer’s voice really sounds like it has been transported from the 60’s while also keeping a modern vibe to it too. He is backed up by awesome backing singers and together, this really makes the vocal arrangement on this track amazing.

Another great track from a very talented musician!

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Mermaid Avenue are an indie rock/alt country band hailing from Brisbane/Meanjin, Australia and they were formed in 2015. They have since become regulars on the Brisbane scene and consist of singer/songwriter Peter Clarke, Chris Wong and Mike Kearey on guitars, Mark Egan on bass, Casey Lee on keyboards and Nathan Poetschka on drums.

Loveday No 9 is their latest single.

Starting the track with some bare drums, the song kicks off a few seconds later with all the instruments coming in at once, before the vocals then join in the mix.

The song has a very alternative sound to it and this is a mixture of alt-rock and alt-country and a  melody that runs through the track from start to finish will definitely get stuck in your head. (I’m still humming it as I write this review!)

The guitar work is a mix of electric and acoustic, with that unmistakable twang of country in the background and this really is a great combination. The drumming and bassline is strong and keeps the pace of the song really well and the piano really adds depth to the song.

The singer’s voice is somewhat quirky which, again, have a certain “country rock” feel to it and he is backed up by some awesome layered vocals on the choruses.

This is a great feel-good song that will certainly get you tapping your feet!

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Damien is an Australian producer, singer, and songwriter, who steps his foot into the world of electro-rock. Damien has been creating music since 2020, and since then has released many different songs, including an album! Damien’s latest release is his new powerful electro-pop track, “Empty”.

“Empty” as stated is a more of a dark side of pop, with elements of rock too! The song is quite mysterious and very interesting. Although this may not be your usual cup of tea, I am certain you will find yourself enjoying this little track!

The music is upbeat and honestly quite catchy. The choruses are more dancey, however those rock elements are still very strong, with rough guitar sounds! For me, I just cannot seem to stop listening to this track as I find it so unique and interesting!

The vocals in this one is also fantastic! Opposite to your usual soft, sweet vocals, Damien produces vocals that are darker, and almost growly. The vocals reflect the lyrics of feeling ‘empty’ inside, as the croaky, growly vocals sing with some power and even aggression!

No words can give this song the credit is deserves, so go and give Damien’s recent track a little listen to!

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Who is Golem Dance Cult? Well, two friends called Charles and Laur started a band together many moons ago when they were teenagers, but after following their own musical journeys, reunited in 2021 for a new musical adventure together and called it Golem Dance Cult. Laur is the drummer and percussionist and shares the vocal duties with Charles who also plays bass, guitar, cigar box, harmonica and various traditional instruments while also carrying out the programming, sampling and production!

Dalek Rhetoric is their latest single and was released on 07/01/2023.

I loved this track, right from the opening basslines!

It has a heavy sound, with a thumping bass making its presence known the whole way through, guitar riffs that will shake you in your boots and energetic drumming.

But despite the heaviness of the track, there is also a glam rock feel to it that has been mashed up with some gothicness too.

The vocals are amazing. Very post-punk in style, although with that touch of glam too, they are really edgy and the lyrics are extremely catchy. Distortion is used on back up vocals to give the track a very alternative vibe and these also give the track depth and dynamism.

This is a track that gives us a nostalgic nod back to the sounds of the 80’s and 90’s, while also maintain and fresh and modern feel.

What an absolutely great track! And one that you should all go and check out too! Go on, off you go to Spotify, I’ll see you there!

Oh, and the Dr Who reference in the title and video? I absolutely love it!

This review is purely the property of The Metal Asylum

How We Burn is a American rock/alternative band from Boston, US and consists of Tommy Bennan on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, Darrell Cellucci on lead guitar, Kevin Morrisey on bass and Matthew Berg on keyboards and piano. Tommy and Kevin have been writing and performing together since the early 2000’s, but after a hiatus from the music scene they decided to take the plunge back in again and the band formed in 2017.

How We Burn is “the fire in your belly, it’s your heart on your sleeve, it’s good vibes reciprocated with good vibes, it’s feelings of life put towards music, relatable life in rhythm…learning to enjoy the storm,” (as quoted from the band’s website) and I think this is a perfect way to sum up the band.

Another band who refuse to be pigeon-holed into just one genre, these guys jump from one style to the next, they do it with ease and they make a superb job of it too.

The guitars are heavy and riff-laden yet acoustic guitars make an awesome contrast and the solos are perfectly done. Classic rock is a major influence here, although there is a slight twang of country rock that sneaks in every now and then.

The drumming is superb, energetic and pounding, with lots of crashing cymbals and I can imagine the drummer had a whale of time of a time recording this. Musically, the band have just got everything right. Having four creative souls together in one band, they certainly found the right chemistry and the result is just awesome.

The vocals are strong and gritty and with layered backups to accompany the leads, the vocal arrangement of this album really is top notch. There is a slight quirkiness to the lead vocals but I think this only adds to the charm and charisma of the album, and the inclusion of the keyboards/piano really is an added bonus.

There is such a grown up sound to this album, which is rocky, upbeat and catchy and it really does pull the listener in.

I absolutely loved this and listened to it numerous times, as just one play through doesn’t show all this album has to offer.

What a great album!

Track Listing:

1 Decent

2 Clean Hands

3 Bloody

4 Drama Scene

5 Electric Lights

6 Swayed

7 That’s All You

This review is purely the property of The Metal Asylum