Monthly Archives: January 2014
Mike Petruccelli – No Refrain
Following on from his last record, ‘The Longest Day of my Life’, released with acoustic-punk band Dead End Days, it wasn’t long until Ohio-born Mike Petruccelli was at it again, this time though, solo. The four-track all-acoustic EP ‘No Refrain’ … Continue reading
Getting audible with football, etc.
It’s great when you can listen to a band and get lost in the intricacies of the songs. With Houston’s football, etc., their swirling guitar melodies and serene vocals create a great calming effect; you can’t help but sit back … Continue reading
Ieuan Williams – Love & The Minor Key
Writing my first review for ‘Scene Better Days’, I was excited to discover young singer-songwriter Ieuan Williams from South Wales. Now based in Bristol, after moving there for University, Williams has certainly been busy, writing music and promoting himself around … Continue reading
Billy Liar – All I’ve Got
“I want to hear true adolescent rage, I want to be inspired, I want to see something change.” Billy Liar’s plea for passion during anti-industry protest anthem ‘Change’ certainly chimes a chord with most listeners. Billy Liar is the Edinburgh-based … Continue reading
NONA / Crow Bait – Split
This six-track split between two bands from the US East Coast, NONA and Crow Bait, is a solid effort, yet hints that both are capable of more. NONA’s three offerings come first, which build on their decent debut album ‘Through … Continue reading
Manhattan Coast – This One’s For You
Considering This One’s For You, the third EP in Manhattan Coast’s fairly brief existence, is a self-release, it sounds very well produced. So props to whoever accomplished that. Props also to guitarist Geraint Rees, doing his level best to hold … Continue reading
Neighborhood Brats – Total Dementia
When you feel like life is getting a bit serious, it’s nice to just switch off and listen to some unpretentious, uncomplicated music. LA’s Neighborhood Brats fit that bill, providing a great soundtrack to the weekend. The band write scuzzy, … Continue reading
Alt Track – Whistleblowers EP
I should hate this. It’s horribly commercial – but the lyrics have a directly political theme and it’s laced with punk attitude, despite the pop sensibilities dominating proceedings. It’s hip-hop with an edge. The title track has the most ‘rock’ … Continue reading
Banquets: Feast or famine
Infectious songs are usually associated with watered-down radio fodder, so it’s always utterly refreshing when a bona fide good band has an ear for a melody. New Jersey’s Banquets are certainly one of those bands – their latest self-titled release … Continue reading
You Blew It! – Keep Doing What You’re Doing
If you flit your vision across a review and it reads something along the lines of “…draw their influence from late 90s emo”, then you might roll your eyes and refresh your Facebook feed. And who could blame you? Bands … Continue reading
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