Columbia – Disorder

Cardiff’s Columbia, not content with one of 2022’s albums of the year are back with a new single. ‘Disorder’.

The intro does exactly what it says on the tin. A colossal sound and images of life vehemently spilled out onto the streets. With Kasabian’s ‘L.S.F.’ emblazoned across their arteries, Columbia stride out into the UK’s grey landscapes lighting flares of red white, and blue to breed life into the downtrodden once again.

Columbia have done what all rock ‘n’ roll bands have always done, they’ve tapped into the outsiders and disaffected on this tale of addiction. However, this isn’t just any song and these are not ordinary times. Being run by born-to-rule charlatans has bedded in anger that has not yet hit fever point. With the fever of this record, the intensity of feeling they have conjured it might just spill over into the streets!

While the vocal cadence may wink at Tom Meighan, the guitars belong to their love of Adam Nutter from The Music. The never give up the spirit of ‘The Walls Get Smaller’, the ecstatic bombast of ‘You Might As Well Try To Fuck Me’, and the rebellion of ‘Let Love Be The healer’ combine on this behemoth record. 

One man’s fight against addiction is in many ways the perfect vehicle for the masses to consider how change is possible. The protagonist's isolation here is alarming but you sense they’re victorious. A clarion call with this magnitude of feeling should be taken extremely seriously.

Britain might not be ready for this single but it needs it.  it needs its lyrics punching it in the gut, the psychedelic punk rock head-butting it to the floor! This is a Richey Edwards and Nicky Wire dose of reality that music, politics, and life in general need!

Columbia – Embrace The Chaos

During Lockdown, there was almost nothing to cheer about. Andrew Cushin and Columbia were musical exceptions to that rule. Last week, Cardiff’s Columbia released their debut album ‘Embrace The Chaos’. Could it deliver on those escapist singles and cement their place as a great rock ‘n’ roll band?

When bands look to the classics, the fact is 99% fail. Those bands may capture their essence but, they lack one of their own. Columbia are in the 1%. Although imbued with the past, they are rooted in the here and now emotionally and that is what sets them apart.

Former singles ‘Glory People’ and ‘Waiting For You To Believe’ are fine exponents of the past that connect in the modern-day. On the former, guitarist Ben Rowlands has found a sweet spot that pays homage to Richards, Squire (Second Coming/Seahorses era), and the hypnotic riffs of early Oasis & BRMC. This is a statement of intent! Columbia determined, destined even, to be their equals. More importantly, through the shimmering loops and escapist solos, they will take us, mortals, with them. Whereas, on ‘Waiting for You To Believe’, Decadent guitars join forces with the most robustly defiant vocal you’ll hear this year. In frontman Craig Lewis, there is a raging bull smashing away at the gate for freedom. Not many can carry the devilment of these guitars, in this instance, the guitars just about latch on to his behemoth spirit. When he wrenches ‘took too much and took it again’, the dark glow inside you will brighten. Whilst we care for his health, vulnerable but bullish rock stars are a depleted force.

After just ten seconds, a knowing wink comes from the lead guitar. Something special is imminent! Little gold licks flirt their way through this tale of debauchery. Then, from heaven, comes the divine solo. As though Richards’ devilment made its way into Stephen Stills’ soul in his Manassas period. Dark and satanic, it’s escapism at its best!

Now, although different tone, a love of Kasabian also lurks on the album. Kasabian’s debut album of punked-up synth grooves comes out to fight on ‘I’m On Fire’. Sonically different, of course, but, Lewis’ vocals chime with the destructive power of ‘Club Foot’ whilst Rowlands’ furious Stephen Stills guitars collide with the fraught nature of ‘Ovary Stripe’. ‘Keys To The Kingdom’ on the other hand, takes the febrile ‘Reason is Treason’ to the edge of Oasis’ Knebworth sized glory. Craig Lewis pulls back on the snarling temerity and lets bassist Sten inject the violent disarray. His funky-punk lines allow the fire of Kasabian and The Music to come to the fore as, yet again, guitarist Rowlands taps in 70s stadium excess to joyous effect.

There is an astonishing intensity to this album. Even when the pace lets up on ‘All The Streets Are Silent’ and ‘Devil On Your Shoulder’, the clarion call remains. In the album opener ‘Fall Into The Sun’, they have delivered one of rock music’s great statements of intent. The spirit of their hometown heroes’ Stereophonics early work comes out to play with the debauchery and despair of ‘Bring It All Down’ and the fury of ‘Holiday in the Sun’.

The Phonics come out to play again on ‘Something More’ and ‘Devil on your Shoulder’. The former, is, no less than a seismic change in pop music. This is the sound of ‘Last Nite’, ‘Somebody Told Me’ or ‘Dakota’ sticking their hand up and saying “we’re the fucking top 10 now”. The guitars roar towards the best sunset you’ve ever seen. Every time The Rifles and The Enemy fought and lost for the recognition they deserved feels worthwhile as Columbia makes their guitars glisten alongside Kelly Jones-esque vocals on circa ‘Madame Helga’ and ‘Rainbows and Pots of Gold’. ‘Devil on your Shoulder’ finds itself beautifully in ‘Billy Davey’s Daughter’ territory as it humbly closes the album out. Rather than a tale of tragedy, Columbia eloquently proclaims you’re never out of the race, you just have to keep going.

24hr news and social media have busted the myth of being a rockstar. The era of idolising excess and womanising is over. Good riddance! However, with it (bar Liam), went confidence and a swagger in the frontman. Millions of us lead ordinary lives. Boring lives. Often without hope. Step forward, Craig Lewis.

Lewis gives birth to the new rockstar. Never taking a backward step, his unwavering belief in his ability lifts you closer to a promised land not seen in a while. Crucially, empathy leads his vision. No sneering, just a helping hand through the fog:

“Embrace the chaos as the silence invades your mind / When we walk into a storm I know we’ll be fine / We are the glory people shine / we are the glory people yeah”

Somehow, they have reimagined the Stones, Stereophonics, Oasis, and Kasabian into something new on this debut. A life-affirming set of songs that will smash whatever stands in its way. For once, we alternative types beg the gatekeepers to put up barriers. It’ll only be that much sweeter when Columbia destroys them!

Columbia – Glory People

The Cardiff four-piece had one hell of a run in 2021. Their last release of the year ‘Glory People’, did they save the best to last?

Images courtesy of the band.

When Shed Seven returned with new music in 2017, they led the charge with ‘Room In My House’. A glorious piece of rock ‘n’ roll that paid homage to the Stones, The Roses, and their ‘96 classic ‘A Maximum High’. In 5mins, Columbia have almost rendered it redundant with its phenomenal belief, destructive guitars, and incredible backing vocals from Asha Jane.

Guitarist Ben has found a sweet spot that pays homage to Richards, Squire (Second Coming/Seahorses era), and the hypnotic riffs of early Oasis & BRMC. However, this is no pastiche. This is a statement of intent! Columbia determined, destined even, to be their equals. More importantly, through the shimmering loops and escapist solos, they will take us, mortals, with them.

24hr news and social media has busted the myth of being a rockstar. The era of idolising excess and womanising is over. Good riddance! However, with it (bar Liam), went confidence and a swagger in the frontman. Millions of us lead ordinary lives. Boring lives. Often without hope. Step forward, Craig Lewis.

Lewis gives birth to the new rockstar. Never taking a backward step, his unwavering belief in his ability lifts you to closer to a promised land not seen in a while. Crucially, empathy leads his vision. No sneering, just a helping hand through the fog:

“Embrace the chaos as the silence invades your mind / When we walk into a storm I know we’ll be fine / We are the glory people shine / we are the glory people yeah”

Oasis continually reached for an anthem to return each new album post ‘Be Here Now’. They continually failed. Columbia have signified in one incredible moment why their reformation is pointless. They are the past; Columbia are the future!

Columbia – Keys To The Kingdom

Cardiff’s Columbia have been building a reputation for destructive rock ’n’ roll this past eighteen month. Can their latest single ‘Keys to the Kingdom’ follow suit?

They waste no time in setting ablaze once more. Taking the febrile ‘Reason is Treason’ and turning it into a Knebworth-sized piece of rock is a masterstroke. It allows frontman Craig Lewis to pull back during the verses. Sitting in the pocket, snarling, waiting to attack raises the menace of this track tenfold.

Lewis’ refrain allows for the guitarist Ben and bassist Aaron to flourish. Arron’s basslines have that early firesome funk of Kasasbian and The Music, which, alongside the colossal riffs, begin to make the 00s sound like they were recorded with Stephen Stills in a debauched 70s studio.

When it all chimes in the closing stages, those big psychedelic rock moments Liam yearned for post ‘Heathen Chemistry’ become a reality. With an album due later this year, Columbia could be set for an album of the year.

Columbia – Meet Me at Dawn

Cardiff's Columbia are back with their latest single 'Meet Me at Dawn'. It follows their escapist anthem 'Waiting For You To Believe', one of 2021's singles of the year.

For anyone who feels life has ebbed away this past year, put this record on. Now! Columbia have picked a fight with your fears and are throwing bombs from start to finish! The relationship between front man Craig and lead guitarist Ben is rapidly becoming one of the most vital in the UK. The guitars brood with an intensity that compliment the unhinged desperation to succeed of the vocals and lyrics.

Musically, Embrace's 'Last Gas' has been given the looping magic of Oasis' 'Columbia'. It's an explosive piece of rock 'n' roll that will destroy all those who stand in its path. Together with lyrical bullets like “too young to die / never too old to old to fly / we search for heroes tonight” it resounds with defiance.

Columbia have delivered yet again, making their upcoming album 'Embrace The Chaos' is becoming one of the most anticipated rock 'n' roll albums of the year.

Columbia – Waiting For You To Believe

Cardiff’s Columbia have released their latest single ‘Waiting For You To Believe’. Recorded at Kings Road Studios, it’s taken from their upcoming album ‘Embrace The Chaos’.

Decadent guitars join forces with the most robustly defiant vocal you’ll hear this year. In frontman Craig Lewis, there is a raging bull smashing away at the gate for freedom. Not many can carry the devilment of these guitars, in this instance, the guitars just about latch on to his behemoth spirit. When he wrenches ‘took too much and took it again’, the dark glow inside you will brighten. Whilst we care for his health, vulnerable but bullish rock stars are a depleted force.

After just ten seconds, a knowing wink comes from the lead guitar. Something special is imminent! Little gold licks flirt their way through this tale of debauchery. Then, from heaven, comes the divine solo. As though Richards’ devilment made its way into Stephen Stills’ soul in his Manassas period. Dark and satanic, it’s escapism at its best!

Their album ‘Embrace The Chaos is due out this Spring. With this kind of ambition and talent, it’s set to be one of the year’s underdog successes.