Shader - Blackholes (The World Eats A Weak Man)

The indie four-piece from Stoke via Manchester are back with their new single ‘Blackholes (The World Eats A Weak Man)’. Once again produced by Gavin Monaghan, this generation’s Stephen Street, it is available on all platforms now.

Last time out, the four-piece delivered a blistering piece of rock ‘n’ roll. ‘Runaway’ was an anthem with great pop sensibilities begging for attention. This time out, those hooks turn to aggressive basslines, raucous riffs, and nihilistic synths.

This new combination glues everything with vitality and tension which breeds cohesive violence. It’s the sound of polemic and art colliding to produce a collective spirit for good. For any West Wing lovers, this is the bombastic rock version of Leo’s tale of ‘a man fell down a hole’.  A defiant tale of mankind fighting back from the brink is always wanted, in 2021, it’s a dispensable ray of hope!

From the first Depeche Mode synth, lurking in the shadows is 2021’s most volatile guitar solo to date. The eruption is inevitable and, it doesn’t disappoint! It’s a wild adrenaline joyride that erupts from Mikel Lo Bosco’s axe which sets ablaze everything in its wake!

This new aggressive synth-laden sonic has opened a new world to the band. One which makes the prospect of their debut album a fascinating prospect.

*Image courtesy of Puffer Fish PR

Jamie Webster – Going Out

Liverpool’s fastest-rising star Jamie Webster is back with his new single ‘Going Out’. Recorded at the legendary Rockfield Studios with Dave Eringa, the single is released by Modern Sky UK.

With rebellious spit of Tom Clarke etched into his heart, Webster saddles up and rages war against those wilfully overlooking his generation. Centered around two characters, Paul and Annabella, it traverses their frustrations across lockdown.

Webster’s brushstrokes are broad and emotive enough to reel most but, this is not misty-eyed romanticism. Teenagers the world over have had the coming of age moments shredded by covid. Whilst science is undeniable, so is their turmoil. Heightened by a callous greed-driven government who, when they deliver the best results of all time, are still told they’re wrong. Fuck. Off!

Webster’s vocal cadence is a righteous escape into the night. It beckons you into the night on a wing and prayer to forge stories that’ll live forever.  Be McLovin, choose life, find love, drink this, risk it all. Those who haven’t cared, unless a footballer shames them into it will not help. Take the night and own it!

Webster’s second album ‘Moments’ is due for release on January 22nd. His debut, ‘We Get By’, in hindsight lent towards Gerry Cinnamon just too much for it to get the praise its lyrics deserved. On this showing, Webster is now his own man and better for it. Polemic and joy are bounded together for our inspiration.

*Image courtesy of Modern Sky UK

Webster will be touring the UK and Ireland in November and December:

Tue 30 Nov – Glasgow, SWG3

Wed 1 Dec – Newcastle, Boilershop

Thu 2 Dec – Leeds, Beckett Student Union

Sat 4 Dec – Birmingham, Academy 2

Tue 7 Dec – Cardiff, Tramshed

Wed 8 Dec – Bristol, Thekla

Thu 9 Dec – London, Scala

Sat 11 Dec – Belfast, Limelight 1

Mon 13 Dec – Dublin, Academy

Tue 14 Dec – Manchester, O2 Ritz

Thu 16 Dec – Liverpool, Eventim Olympia

Fri 17 Dec – Liverpool, Eventim Olympia – SOLD OUT

Sat 18 Dec – Liverpool, Eventim Olympia – SOLD OUT

Matt McManamon – Meet Me By The River

Images courtesy of Sonic PR.

Former Dead 60s frontman returns with his new single ‘Meet Me By The River’. Recorded at the Transmission Rooms (Longford, Ireland), it’s taken from the acclaimed debut solo album ‘Scally Folk’.

Fittingly, on this ode to lost venues of Liverpool, McManamon taps into the melodic majesty of Shack’s ‘HMS Fable’ and The La’s at their free-flowing best. So carefree is the spirit here that, you’d be forgiven for sauntering around like the star of an 80s yoghurt commercial.

Often, songs that yearn for yesterday are doused in melancholy. Here, the feather-light acoustic guitars lend a celebratory feel. As such, it elevates his integrity in telling this tale. A personal joy is extracted which is heightened by the enriching solo and folk strings.

With a sense of normality back in the world of music, McManamon’s mini-tour in November is shaping up to be a must-see. The melodic freedom of this single alone is enough to turn a grey working day into something great.

Rooskin – Eloise

Fresh from their stunning live show at Chinnerys, Southend’s Rooskin release their new single ‘Eloise’. Can it match up to their dreamy debut EP ‘Honey Spells’?

Image and artwork courtesy of Neat Siren PR.

Despite the gloom of cvoid, their ability to conjure a sonic drenched in the summertime hasn’t diminished. Between Rob and Matt’s guitars and ethereal keys of Buddy Caderni, they summon the sun easier than Helios. Not even Kurt Vile has this access!

As with their live show, ‘Eloise’ goes to another level because of the spirit they invoke. They’ve funnelled ‘Teenage Kicks’ through their lo-fi genius of ‘Living Proof’ and sprinkled it with their psychedelic surf sound.

Their youthful buoyancy is echoed lyrically with a newfound hope:

“It’s the longest I’ve been without needing to pretend, that my luck / It ain’t running out”

As we approach the last throes of summer, let Rooskin provide suspiciously high levels of serotonin with their angelic fuzz and sun-kissed charm.

Civic Green – A Million Little Pieces

This Friday, South Yorkshire’s Civic Green return with their new single ‘A Million Little Pieces’. Can they follow up on the working class glory of ‘City Streets’?

Escapist rock ‘n’ roll is always needed but, after the incarceration of the last 18months, it’s should be prescribed on the NHS. Civic Green tossed their hat into the ring with this debauched affair! The directness of lyrics such as ‘if I don’t leave this house today / I think I’ll go fucking insane’ are delivered with the disdain we’ve all felt.

A growing confidence is permeating their work now too:

“these strangers keep on coming back for more / I don’t want to leave them lonely”

Images of desperate indie fans pawing at doors, waiting for gigs and clubs to drink, dance, and sweat themselves to happiness flood to the surface.

Musically, they are clearly striving for a bigger sonic. Subtle licks lurk as their wall of sound builds to a destructive climax. What they drop in intricacy from their previous work, they raise in spirit and, at this early stage, to be able to switch from Noel to The Enemy and now, to the pulsating end of The Seahorses catalogue, marks them out as a much watch band.

Check back on Friday to hear the single.

*Images courtesy of Puffer Fish PR

Lucigenic – Still Breathing

Manchester supergroup Lucigenic are back with their second single ‘Still Breathing’. Produced by legendary producer Mike Bennett (The Fall / Fat White Family / Ian Brown), ‘Still Breathing’ was engineered at Farheath Studios with Angus Wallace and features dual drumming from Dave Barbarossa (Bow Wow Wow, Republica) and Simon Wolstencroft (The Fall/Ian Brown). 

Back in February, lockdown was taking a stranglehold on the nation’s soul. Lucigenic put the powerfully ethereal single ‘Hope’. A stunning release of tension via singer Lucy Wyatt’s Mark Greaveny-esque vocals.

This time out, the pedal has hit the metal! Aggressive ‘Raw Power’ guitars are met by Wyatt’s colossal Patti Smith vocals. Reinventing the wheel is not on the menu. but is a firm reminder that the wheel can be a force more than cheap fame.

Their exasperation at social media “heroes” is never embittered, nor do they ever yearn for yesteryear like the hapless hacks of GB News. Moreover, ‘Rocks’, Cigarettes and Alcohol’ and ‘21st Century Boy’ are beefed up and renewed for a new breed of defiance and grafting cultural icon.

Wave upon wave of guitar licks thrust themselves at you like gunfire. It’s an onslaught like no other. Then, when all is lost, comes the ecstatic backing vocals to usher in Mark Refoy’s (Spiritualized/Spacemen 3) scintillating solo. With the spirit of ‘Easy Rider’ and the face-melting genius of Death Valley Girls in his heart, he has summoned the devil for a night out on the town!

This is an astonishing change of direction from ‘Hope’. One can only imagine where this supergroup is going next. What ‘Still Breathing’ proves is, it’s a must-listen destination.

Shade – Test of Time

Manchester’s Shade recently returned with their new single ‘Test of Time’ (Fear Records). Produced by Gavin Monaghan, the band has been going from strength to strength featuring on Mark Radcliffe’s Live From The Edge TV show. Can they keep their rock ‘n’ roll train chugging onwards?

Images courtesy of Anthony Jones

The haunting Cult-esque opening escalates quickly into another animal. The gear change is rapid, almost jarring but scintillating. Rock ‘n’ roll should be urgent and desperate which, this acceleration provides in abundance.

On ‘Jump Into Heaven’, they took a tumultuous love affair and made it sound like a stadium anthem. With their fingernails in the dirt, they battle the relationships darkness with unbridled defiance:

“We won’t leave / Rely on one another / Forever we will climb”

There is a raw power on these last two singles akin to the fire of a ‘Acquiesce’ or ‘Motown Junk’. They strain every sinew to be heard and, via their everyman dreams and tales of clinging on, soon they will be.

It’s inevitable.

Moses – That’s Who You Are

Images courtesy of Mike Radulescu

London’s MOSES have followed their innovative single ‘Move On’ with ‘That’s Who You Are’. Produced yet again with the legendary Gavin Monaghan at Magic Garden Studios.

MOSES frontman Victor Moses has, for some time, had an ability to produce poetry that befits a punky underdog spirit. They’ve gone beyond this now. It’s triumphant, heartfelt, and full of characters and narrative thousands will line up behind to follow!

The courage of ‘Cause You Got Me’ remains but now, confidence and universality are rushing through their sound. MOSES are shackle-free and unafraid to take creative risks. From the gentle opening to the closing 70s rock riffs or the wall of sound, this is a single packed with charm and energy that daytime radio playlists cannot ignore.

As gigs reopen, we defy you not to cling to his insatiable delivery of “Wait Out / Wait Out / The Storm will be over”.

They will be going out on tour later this month:

21/08 London The Grace (14+)

03/09 Birmingham Sunflower Lounge (16+)

09/09 Brighton Prince Albert 18/09 Manchester Gullivers

25/09 Leeds Lending Room

06/11 London Ghost Road Fest

Ticket links; https://mosesofficial.com/

Shambolics – Dreams, Schemes, & Young Teams

Fife’s Shambolics are back with a new single, ‘Dreams, Schemes, & Young Teams’. Recorded at 7 West Studios and Eggman studios, it was produced by Chris Marshall (Gerry Cinnamon & The Dunts).

Image and artwork courtesy of Sonic PR

So free and easy it makes The View’s ‘Superstar Tradesman’ seem like ‘The Holy Bible’. The sumptuous drums demand your best Motown moves whilst the guitars take the energy of ‘There She Goes’ and jangle of Belle & Sebastien for a debauched waltz.

This is more than just great jingle-jangle guitars though. It’s a clarion call to hope! As the infectious lyrics, “we’re gonna take on the world” resounds, images of teenagers coalescing to hatch dreams. Not since The Enemy’s debut album has youthful polemic been this invigorating.

Bristling with energy, it’s a smile across a grey landscape and a nod upon a rundown town centre, things are going to be alright. Like Tom Clarke, songwriting duo Darren Forbes and Lewis Macdonald challenge the listener as much as they encourage:

“Are you chasing every one of your dreams”

If us mortals are honest, no, probably not. So, call your best friend, form a band, reform a band, lace up the boots, whatever it takes, get out there and make it happen! Fuck covid. Fuck lockdown. Fuck the Tories. No one is going to hand us the Britain we deserve. It’s time to saddle up and make it happen!

Easily Shambolics best single to date. So cinematic with its narrative. It encapsulates the release of Paul Nicholls sprinting through South Bermondsey in Nick Love’s classic ‘Goodbye Charlie Bright’. Gritty, escapist brilliance!

Andrew Cushin – Memories

Image and artwork courtesy of Sonic PR

Newcastle starlet Andrew Cushin has returned with the new single ‘Memories’. Released alongside a great merch bundle, Cushin attempts to continue his meteoric rise.

It’s not too overstated to say Cushin is the heir to Noel’s throne. His ability to conjure a sense of belonging is first-rate. Where Noel always seems to be at the limit of his vocals (great as they are), Cushin has an effortless power that surpasses his former producer.

This is Cushin’s most accomplished tune to date. His love affair with Richard Ashcroft shines bright as the acoustic guitars bristle with hope whilst Nick McCabe’s little nuggets of gilder flitter in and out of view. Together, they summon huge levels of affection and empathy on this tale of defiance.

The nod to booze and blocking out the pain is fleeting but, gut-wrenching. Cushin, in one soul powerhouse couplet, gets to the heart of the common man’s fallibility in the modern world:

 “what is a man / what can he do”

The haunting backing vocals (by Cushin) of ‘days pass me by’ ram home the lost soul looking for his place achingly but, expertly.

Cushin has skipped his apprenticeship and gone straight to masterful. The more backing he gets in the studio will surely bring bigger and better results for the songsmith. To do it all, virtually, without live interactions is not just remarkable, it’s a triumph of the human spirit!

The Crooks - I Wonder

To date, the Chesterfield outfit have been delivering huge Oasis anthems or furious psychedelia with dark working class lyrics to cut through the glory of the sonic. On the last outing ‘Frankie’, the three began to merge, so, what will the new single ‘I Wonder’ bring?

The merger has been signed, sealed, and delivered! Previously, their aching to belong kept them on the outside looking in. Although lyrically, that yearning for more remains, musically, they have entered the eye of the storm.

Generations should awake to this song and ignite their dreams once more. It races around humble streets like the Roses’ ‘She Bangs The Drums’, a sense that anything is possible every morning oozes from its pores. The psyche guitars glisten on the gloomiest of days and beckon the people to set their souls free.

Their guitar parts have always been freeing. Whether it’s the emotive power of ‘She Walks Alone’ or, the soaring Hurricane #1 licks of ‘Nevermind’, the anticipation of huge release beckons and then blows you away. Now, they have Squire’s desire to spiral and Marr’s ability to thrill.

Despite the freeing nature, they too have been trapped inside their heads of late:

“I sit and wonder of what might have been”

The fallibility of the mind, even for our heroes, laid bare for us to emphasise with but, heroes they are and a guiding light they beam down upon us:

“Free fall deeply in your mind and let in spin / break the door and join me now”

There’s much talk of Oasis’ impending Knebworth documentary at present. One of the truly great moments of working class glory. However, it doesn’t have to be the last. Oasis-mania should have bitten the dust by now! With the scintillating guitars of The Crooks and, frontman Jacko’s innate ability to evoke empathy and togetherness, rock ‘n’ roll is coming home, again!

Blab – Eton Mess

After stealing the show at Get Cape Wear Cape Fly’s Half Moon weekender, Southend’s Blab has been busy writing punk anthems for a new generation in ‘Casual Sex’ and ‘R.I.P’.  She is back once more with the new single ‘Eton Mess’ via Asylums Cool Thing Records.

Featuring the aforementioned mentor Get Cape as producer (and backing vocals), Blab has stepped up the vitriol as she laments the Tories. Sure, whatever, everyone does it, right? Not this well though!

The guitars fire out nastier and dirtier than The Libertines’ ‘Vertigo’ alongside the brutal infectious hooks of The Buzzcocks and Stiff Little Fingers. Like Pete and Carl’s writing style, there’s a lot of heart to the song. However, these are not the heady days of ‘Up The Bracket’. Racism, homophobia, and fatal incompetence are brushed aside as jokes or, if dare questioned, are ridiculed for not being patriotic enough. Blab expertly taps into the rage that far too few of us wake with every day about this government.

With disdain in her heart and a guitar on her shoulder, punk has been reawakened, reimagined and, put her in a class of her own mt lord!

*Image courtesy of Cool Thing Records.

BOI – Ribidires

Welsh outfit BOI have released their latest single ‘Ribidires’. It is taken from their eagerly anticipated debut album 'Coron O Chwinc' which comes out on 25th June via Welsh label Recordiau Crwn.

Image & artwork courtesy of Beast PR

Many may be familiar with Osian Gwynedd (keys) and Rhodri Siôn (lead vocals) work with Beganifs & Big Leaves during the 90s and 00s. Cult heroes on the Welsh circuit, they supported Super Furry Animals and Catatonia alongside several studio albums.

Their latest project BOI sees them in top form. ‘Ribidires’ combines the acoustic lullabies of Badly Drawn Boy with the psyche pop Gruff Rhys’ solo career. Not content with just rehashing the aforementioned, they twist and turn the melody to conjure moments of doubt and darkness. The essence of doubt in those cute pop moments is what sets this pop song apart from most.

The psyche licks are akin to shards of technicolour lighting bolts being sent down by a Don Letts or Lammo DJ set. Heartfelt and challenging, they shower you with alt-pop you never knew you wanted. It won’t be long until BOI’s fresh sound becomes a cherished one!

The Institutes – I Just Can’t Keep Myself From Loving You

Coventry dreamers, The Institutes, release their new single ‘I Just Can’t Keep Myself From Loving You’ this Friday (11th June). Released via 42’s Records, it will be premiered tomorrow (10th) on This Feeling and then again on Lammo’s 6Music Recommends show.

Image and artwork provided by 42’s Records

Fifteen years ago, this kind of track would have trickled into view with a hazy solo. In today’s society, who has the time? Wasting no time, they dial up the love on the sumptuous guitars. So powerful is the feeling of love, it begs the question, who or what is the protagonist in love with?

A feeling this strong defies the instant serotonin release of the music and becomes a darker, possibly unrequited, or worse still, substance-related urge.

No matter the imbalance of character, musically, they omit a feeling that only DMA’s can match at present. Even the lowliest of spirits could be bogged down by its buoyancy. As singer Zappa Currie sings “take my breath away”, the otherworldly joy of Ride shimmers upon the horizon. All the while, Andy Hall’s guitars (along with Currie’s) take the infectious romance of Lucas Crowther (The Rifles) to more far-out dimensions!

Covid permitting, this tracks destiny is sundown at multiple festivals this summer! Check back Friday morning to revel in its glory.

Desperate Journalist – Fault

London's four-piece Desperate Journalist are back with their new single ‘Fault’, the lead-off track from their upcoming fourth studio album ‘Maximum Sorrow’ (out July 2nd Fierce Panda Records).

Image & Artwork courtesy of Fierce Panda

Bass player Simon Drowner has struck gold with his basslines upon return. Recorded solely in lockdown, Drowner has tapped into a caged animal mindset. Thrashing around with rage and destruction desperately seeking an avenue for the angst!

Set to the shifting chorus of “it’s no one’s fault / then it’s everyone’s fault”, the past year of miscommunication and lack of leadership bubbles up to the throat in bile form. Singer Jo Bevan, reels you in with an ethereal beauty before you have time to notice the volatility simmering below the surface. A glorious precursor to the political reckoning the majority of the UK has yet to admit It needs.

No one does relationship songwriting like Desperate Journalist. Smudged eyeliner, trampled souls, and the search for meaning are their raison d'etre. With the utmost integrity, they impart yet more life-affirming lyrics for the lost.

In 2019, they hit near perfection on ‘In Search of the Miraculous’. In 2021, they appear to have expanded their horizons and look set to go beyond!

Columbia – Where Did It All Go?

Liverpool's Columbia returned in May with their debut music video for “Where Did It All Go?'. It follows the death-defying single 'This Life' and looks set to light up stages sooner rather than later.

There's a temptation for fledgling bands to overplay their hand on a slow-building epic. For Columbia however, they've straddled a tightrope of The Verve and Oasis with an effortless that is irresistible. The optimism of the acoustic guitars and the soft Scouse vocals step out of the shadows, humbly but assured.

Before long, frontman Alex Sheppo lets his vocals growl whilst all around him rock 'n' roll ecstasy unfurls. Sheppo leads them to the promised land but, then guitarists Jay Sweeney (lead guitar), Tom Comer (rhythm guitar) transcend music altogether. The guitar licks and solos have hints of Craddock, Gallagher, and McCabe but, their spiraling brilliance owes no one nothing.

Together, Columbia have not only found their sound, but they've also found a nation's. One that needs a release from lockdown and my, haven’t they provided it!

By George – Handsome Hobo

North Carolina alt-rockers By George released ‘Handsome Hobo’ last month. Their upcoming album ‘The Life of Guy’ follows the joyous single ‘Relax’.

Image & photo supplied by https://offthehook.agency/

Every so often, the sound of being a teenager comes along for everyone to revel or rejoice in. George has exquisitely retold Romeo & Juliet from a humble beginning. Dreary landscapes with nothing to do form their rebellion and thus, inform this scuzzy doomed dream.

Boring suburbs are lit up with infectious melodies, Norman Blake–esque vocals, and hapless teenage romanticism. It’s the perfect landscape for the endless summers of youth. Ones that have been tragically ripped away from too many this past year.

By George have reminded those over 25 what they had and, what we should be striving to give back to future generations post-covid. For those in the throes of youth, their hope and despair have been given a great outlet. On this showing, ‘The Life of Guy’ is shaping up to be a must listen album.

The Velvet Hands – Star

Last Month The Velvet Hands returned with their latest single ‘Star’. After a string of great garage singles, could they advance their sound with brass arranger Simon Dobson (Architects) stepping into the studio?

There was no call for a ‘Kid A’ reinvention this early in their careers. Gigs were selling out and their buzz was growing. With two headline shows this bank holiday Monday, they look set to continue this form. What Dobson has added is, a splash of musicality to broaden their garage horizons. Subtly done, it keeps visions of Keith Richards and Albert Hammond Jnr on guitars whilst adding the bombast of Shed Seven’s ‘Maximum High’.

It goes to show what a bit of creative thinking in the studio can be done on small budgets. One only hopes that they get their chance of the grandiose ten years in like ‘Urban Hymns’ or ‘Ladies and Gentleman We Are Floating in Space’.

*image courtesy of Harvey Williams-Fairley

The Crooks - Frankie

Chesterfield’s The Crooks were set to blow up in 2020. ‘Nevermind’ in late 2019 and ‘She Walks Alone’ & ‘In Time’ in early 2020 were of such stature that, the word was out. Venues were selling out, This Feeling nights were repeatedly filled with “when are The Crooks playing”. It was their time!

We all know what happened next. So, when they announced their return with ‘Frankie’ in 2021, we tentatively pressed play. What bombast and the swagger of that initial run was diminished? Worse still, what if the quality dipped?

In many ways, the ebullience has abated. As they decree “I don’t know what will get us out of here”, 18 months of hardship gushes from their souls. Even at the peak of the twisted solo, there is a sombre mood at play. The magic, however, is prevalent more than ever. The band many pinned their hopes on have come back and captured the mood of the nation once again.

Fans from before the pandemic will find the power of the lyric “I know I’ve got a lot I wanna say” is immeasurable”. We all love bands with confidence. However, we should love this band more. They’ve stepped up to say, we’re here, we’re great but, we’re not sure we can do this and, we can’t do it alone. The feeling of a band and fans as one has elevated itself to an almost family level on this showing.

When you throw in the devastating psychedelia of the guitars, it’s hard to see how it’s not still their time. Only this time, they feel mortal and, people can feel even closer to their music.

Shade – Jump Into Heaven

Manchester's Shade recently returned with their third single 'Jump Into Heaven'. It follows the colossal Seahorses inspired 'Head in the Clouds' and Noel key change Gallagher behemoth 'Neverdie'.

Motoring in town like most songs climax, Shade have set their lasers to euphoric motherfuckers once more. It rips apart everything you loved about The Courteeners for a decade and screams, it's their turn now!

Whilst they strive to be above clouds, they beautifully deploy the odd seed of doubt. Those fleeting moments of ambiguity cloud its positivity but, crucially, never cages it. Nothing can stop the hope bursting from the seams.

This is very much a song for the end of lockdown. Jaded souls and tired minds are in need of a paternal nudge back into society and, through Shade's stadium-sized belief and earnest soul, it quickly becomes a welcomed shove.