West Wickhams are a two-piece psychedelic garage-noir band from Tresco, isles of Scilly and Magenta is their new EP, released on 25/11/2022.

Mixing the haunting vocals of new wave bands such as The Smiths with synth indie rock, the result is a psychedelic, alternative pop/rock sound that is unique to them.

Bringing their distinctive blend of punk and grunge for us all to hear, the punchy guitars and pounding drums combine well with he almost groan-like voice of the singer. Delivered with a nonchalant, almost “I don’t care” attitude, the vocals have a distinct post-punk, new wave air about them, a nostalgic nod back to the 1980’s, and the echo used on them throughout the EP really brings the songs to life.

The plucky guitars are accompanied by synths and electronic sounds, giving the song a psychedelic vibe, and the two styles combine and work well together. The drum and bass sections are solid, keeping the tracks flowing from one to the next, and the little sounds and noises that pop up during the songs keeps the listener engaged, as there is always something new to be heard.

Each track is different from the previous, but it’s the fourth and fifth tracks that really stand out to me, an almost pop/punk song followed straight after by a beautifully haunting track and its this combination of assorted styles that really makes this EP stand out.

I really want to hear more from this twosome, so am off to Spotify to do some research until they release new music.

If psychedelic, new wave, post-punk is your thing, the please go and check these guys out!

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Dirty Mitts are a multinational band hailing from the UK, Poland and Egypt and were brought together in 2018 by a love of loud, old school Rock’n’Roll. My Show is their latest song, and it was released on 28/10/2022.

I loved this track from the first time I heard it. It’s a classic rock song but with a modern twist, so it doesn’t sound dated.

The vocals are classic rock in style, strong and powerful, and I would think this guy would be just as much at home singing a power ballad as he is belting out a rock number, and there is a grit in his voice that really gives the song a bit of balls!

The guitars have a hint of distortion about them, making them slightly fuzzy and giving the track a certain edge to it. The solos are heavy yet intricate and extremely well executed.

The drumming is frantic and crashing cymbals feature all the way through the song and the basslines shining through really make the track.

The track swaggers and pulsates from start to finish, pace changes making sure the listener is always engaged with the song and the American and AOR influences really show through.

A great track that will have you bouncing around as it has so much energy and I would love to see this energy transferred to the live stage. I love near London so maybe I will catch them at a gig one day! I certainly hope so.

Awesome work guys and look forward to much more from you!

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Having already reviewed a couple of Love Ghost songs, I really wanted to get to review the EP, and was not disappointed!

A Los Angeles based band they have the iconic pop punk sound of the late 90’s/early 00’s and have included rap and hip/hop to create a sound unique to them.

The EP is four tracks lasting just 11 minutes and 12 seconds and this, in my opinion, is not long enough, as this band is just so addictive.

Not only do the band mix vocal styles by combining clean vocals with hip/hop rapping but they also mix languages by singing in both English and Spanish on the EP. This gives the EP a quality that really makes it stand out from the rest.

The singer has a classic emo sound, with enough swagger to give the tracks attitude but keeping them emotional and full of feeling too. Distortion features quite heavily on the vocals, giving a post-grunge feel to the songs while also creating a futuristic vibe on a few of the tracks.

Musically, the EP combines the use of heavy riffs and pounding drums, typical of a classic rock band, with electronic bytes and synths and this creates an interesting blend of sounds that really are a treat for the ears.

Each of the four tracks on the EP is completely different from the previous, meaning that there is always something new for the listener to hear, keeping them engaged and interested.

This really is a band that should be heard by more people. They have an extensive touring schedule, making them a very sought after live band, but that doesn’t stop them making awesome music like this EP.

I said it in my last review, but I really do love this band, and now they are on my radar, I will be looking out for anything new they release!

Epic EP from an epic band!

Track Listing:

1) Ghost Town (feat Santa RM)

2) Inferno

3) ALI3N

4) Pick Myself Apart

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So, the first question we have to ask when doing this review is this…. who is The Palfreyman Collective? Well, the answer to that is simple! The Palfreyman Collective is songwriter David Palfreyman and an array of talented musicians and is a new project on the scene.

This self-titled album is the band’s debut album, released on 18/11/2022 and features the talents of a whole host of musicians including, Martin Baker, Matt Hector, Ben Miles, Dan McKinna, David Clayton, Greg Hart, Roger Hanna, Paul Manzi, Jesse Smith, Damien Edwards, Allegra Shock and Sarah Jane Morris!

The album has eleven songs and has a very 80’s retro sound, focusing on classic rock but with some blues, alternative, pop and even a pinch of jazz thrown in for good measure. This diversity really shows just how versatile and talented David is, as a songwriter and as a musician.

This really is a collection of great tracks, each leading beautifully on to the next and each just as energetic and meaningful as the previous.

The singer is a powerhouse of a vocalist, his voice strong and powerful and just at home singing a power ballad as he is belting out a classic rock number. Layered, catchy backup vocals compliment his voice throughout the album, giving the tracks depth and durability.

The guitar work is awesome, sometimes acoustic, sometimes full-on electric riffs, while at other times it is bluesy and edgy, but always spot on and delivered perfectly. The guitar solos can be soulful and haunting yet potent and vigorous and the infusion of blues, however subtle, really makes this album stand out.

The drumming is forceful and dominant, always keeping command of the tracks and the bass section is solid. With the inclusion of pianos and saxophones and other instruments, this really is a wonderfully crafted piece of art.

This is an album that will pull you in, keeping the listener engaged and interested from start to finish and is actually quite addictive. Not knowing what sort of track we are going to get next is one of the attractions of this album and I certainly did not want it to come to an end… if fact I listen to it twice more as I just couldn’t get enough of it!

So, whether its rock, blues or jazz that tickles your fancy then this is the album for you. It’s a great easy to listen to album and should be on everyone’s Christmas list!

I absolutely loved it!

Track Listing:

1) To Die, To Be Really Dead

2) Invaluable Soul

3) Downtrodden Boy

4) In This Place

5) Isn’t It So

6) Once I Was Here

7) I Can’t Be With You

8) Slow Burner

9) Jaded Zone Driver

10) Who Am I Today?

11) Afraid Of The Morning

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The brainchild of Canadian Erik Mut, Erik And The Worldly Savages is touring band which made crowds dance and scream all over Europe with their contagious folk punk energy playing over 250 shows across the continent and Break Free is their new EP, released on 23/11/2022.

EriK left his hometown of Toronto in 2008 to live in Belgrade, Serbia and inspired by the culture and sounds of Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean, he started Worldly Savages.

Not really sure what genre these guys fall under, I am going to go out on a limb and NOT categorise them at all. With elements of classic rock, alternative rock, folk rock and even some psychedelia thrown in for good measure, this is a band who really do blur the lines between genres.

The vocals are awesome, if a little quirky and individual, but this is what makes the EP stand out. A strong and powerful voice, the singer manages to get the messages of the tracks easily across to the listener as themes “go deep into the essence of being a global citizen, providing a nuanced perspective, including songs about the dark side; reflecting on topics like loneliness, alienation and cultural displacement.” Layered back up vocals accompany him throughout the EP, and these add depth to each track.

The music side of things is a bit eclectic too. Swaggering yet pounding drums feature heavily as do the riffs of the guitars and the funkiness of the bassline, but also featuring are traditional Eastern European instruments, electronic sounds and even some classical, stringed instruments.

The timing and pacing of the EP are flawless, each track leading perfectly on to the next, yet the listener not knowing what is coming next. The diversity on this EP is great, classic rock one minute and eastern European influenced the next, and this is the main message that Erik And The Worldly Savages has; “Go beyond your culture and explore the world. Break Free from your society.”

I thought this EP was great, quirky, individual, and unique! Music gives us the ability to be what and who we want, and Erik and his friends have certainly proven that with this EP!

This is a great feel-good EP and one that will have you dancing around one minute and pondering the world the next!

Impressive work!

Track Listing:

1) Brainwashed

2) Dry Fear

3) Sunshine

4) Glass Cage

5) Leaving

6) Burn My Life

This review is purely the property of The Metal Asylum

Roger Ricks is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Switzerland and Lost is his latest song, released on 09/12/2022.

And what a track it is! I loved it from the opening notes and that never waned throughout the whole track, which I listened to multiple times!

This track mixes together a whole host of genres from the classic guitar led 80’s rock to the vocal distortion of 90’s rock to the dancing beat of AOR!

Roger says, “Music has the power to change the world,” a sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with, and this track really does impact you from the moment it starts.

The guitar work is impressive, switching from fuzzy riffs to clean solos and funky rhythms with ease and the drum and bass section of the song is strong, keeping the timing of the track perfectly.

Roger’s voice is immense, totally reminiscent of a classic 80 rock powerhouse track, strong and powerful with a hint of edginess to it that sets it apart from others. The music that accompanies his voice never once overshadows him and he maintains control of the song throughout.

The pacing of the song is spot on too, slowly down every now and then before launching headfirst back into the sonic masterpiece that is Lost!

Please, if you only check out one artist you don’t know about today, then let it be Roger Ricks. I am certain that you will not be disappointed! Dancing around to the song yes, but you won’t be disappointed!

Great track and an artist I will be keeping an eye on!

This review is purely the property of The Metal Asylum

Agent Envy is a New York-based artist and producer, and No Friend is her latest song, released on 09/12/2022.

Being close to music her whole life, she started voice, piano, and guitar lessons, as well as song writing and musical theatre at an early age. She takes inspiration from 90’s rock, metal, and industrial artists like Deftones, Massive Attack, Tool, Nine Inch Nails and Nirvana, as well as more subtle influences from more recent musicians like Metric, St. Vincent, Phantogram, PVRIS, and BANK.

No Friend is an anthemic track which blends the dirty guitars of grunge rock / alternative rock with the vibes of a classic rock / heavy metal band.

The guitar work is phenomenal, ranging from fuzzy riffs to clean solos and throughout the track, apart from the vocals, the guitars are the main driving force. Funky basslines shine through, and the drumming is top-notch.

The vocals are strong and full of 90’s emo attitude. There is pure emotion in the singer’s voice, and this really makes the song stand out. Not upbeat, but not quite a ballad, the track has a strong presence, and this really makes the listener sit up and take notice.

I loved this track the first time I heard it and I think a lot of people will too as I think the song will have a wide reach.

Excellent work and I can’t wait to hear more!

This review is purely the property of The Metal Asylum

Barking Poets are a melodic and bold alt Punk Rock band from London, and We Will Overcome is their latest song, released on 09/12/2022.

An upbeat punk-infused track, this is a surprisingly positive track that seems to have shaken off the typical punk themes of anarchy and anti-establishmentarianism while still maintaining the sound and attitude of a punk band.

A trio, these guys have a big sound. The heavy guitar riffs are backed up with pounding drums and strong basslines.

The vocals are strong and powerful, the singer easily able to transfer the message of the track across to the listener. He is backed up by typical shouty punk vocals and this makes for a very catchy tune indeed.

The chorus is big and loud and will having you singing it around the house for the rest of the day. This really is an anthemic song, loud, bold, and ever so slightly in your face!

I loved the mix of alternative rock, indie rock and punk rock on this track, a nostalgic look back to the punk rock era of the 90’s, while also having a modern twist that means it wouldn’t sound out of place in any self-respecting rock pub of the present day!

I bet the energy of this track shifts effortlessly to a live setting and this is a band that would easily get an audience on their side!

This is a great non-anarchic punk song that will certainly brighten your day with its positive lyrics and upbeat music!

This review is purely the property of The Metal Asylum

Originally from Cleveland, Alec Berlin moved to New York City twenty-five years ago has shared the stage with the likes of Elton John, James Taylor, Rob Thomas, Ben Folds, Kenny Wheeler and Rufus Wainwright as well as performing in dozens of Broadway shows including Rent, Wicked, The Lion King and Bright Star.

I have previously reviewed the six-track EP, Life In The Bog and the single, Patchen Avenue, from Alec and I must say this one does not disappoint either.

A classic, AOR instrumental track, this, once again, shows us just how talented this musician really is.

Combining elements of classic rock and progressive rock, this one has a bit more of a country rock vibe to it too. The clean twanging of the electric guitar mixed with fuzzy chords and riffs are a great mixture and the solos are just phenomenal, Alec really does make his guitar talk to him.

Guitars are the main driving force behind this track, but the percussion side of things are just as superb, and the pounding drums really work well against the multi-layered guitar sounds.

Once again, this is a very busy song with something new to hear with every play through. It’s funk, its groove, its rock! It really is a musical treat for your ears and one that everyone needs to hear so please go and check Alec out on his social media sites and give him the likes he very much deserves.

Another cracking tune!

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Nobody’s Wolf Child is a project that combines audio and visual elements to create an experience like no other and Big Bad Wolf is their latest track, released on 09/12/2022.

This track mixes elements of many genres, from gothic and industrial to alternative and electronic to create a unique sound, quite unlike anything I have heard before.

Electronic synths create an 80’s goth sound, one that is eerie and atmospheric, and the drumbeats are pounding and strong. Electric guitars are mixed with all manner of electronic sounds and effects, and this creates a mysterious feel about the song.

The female vocals are hauntingly beautiful and add suspense to the track. Evocative back up vocals compliment the main voice and give the track a great depth, one that the listener would feel afraid to fall into.

The song is hypnotising, the vocals and electronics really pulling you in to the heart of the track, unwilling to let you go. This is certainly a track you can close your eyes to and be transported away to the land of the wolves and at about six minutes in length, gives you ample time to just lose yourself for a while.

Dark, atmospheric, edgy, and intense, I absolutely loved this track and I think a lot more people will once they hear it. Leaning to the darker side of electronic and goth music, this track really is a masterpiece.

I want to hear more from Nobody’s Wolf Child, the ambient nature of the music providing an adequate backdrop to escape real life for a while!

This review is purely the property of The Metal Asylum