CRYBABY SPECIAL: ‘No Excuses.’
Coming from the current musical hotbed that is the Medway area of South East England, it was perhaps inevitable that CRYBABY SPECIAL should spurn the advances of more, perhaps ‘established’ labels and record their debut album with the excellent ‘local’ The Preservation Presents … This after all is the label that broke long-time LOUD HORIZON tips, Theatre Royal and is current home of the equally magnificent Lupen Crook.
The freedom of expression afforded by such a label is worth its weight in gold to a band such as CRYBABY SPECIAL ( I see they’ve dropped the ‘& The Monsters’ tag) who espouse the true DIY ethic by scraping by on finances whilst still managing to play virtually every gig on offer and producing their own hand-made CDs and merchandise.
This ten track album runs to around thirty minutes and is filled with a sweaty blend of gypsy punk, ska and oom-pah – all delivered with a menacing snarl of punk.
The vocals throughout are rasping and at times rather manic in a kind of psychotic way. The style of music is completely different, but without seeing the band first hand, I think there are similarities in the ethos and ‘feel’ of the band to Glasgow’s Mummy Short Arms – if that means anything to anyone.
The album comes across very much as you’d expect to hear from a ‘live’ performance. There’s a genuine excitement about the production and you are left feeling slightly exhausted by its end – as if you’d been actually skanking it big-time down the front at one of their shows.
I know there’s a fair bit of gypsy punk around at the moment, so it takes something a little bit special to stand out from the crowd and I feel ‘No Excuses’ provides this. Every track is really’ meaty’ in its sound and where the ska influences merge, it’s with more of a full-bodied Capdown aggression than simply a twee, tinny backbeat. (Check out ‘One Thing Left To Try’ and ‘I Got It Wrong’ for starters!)
This is the style that more grabs my attention and for what it’s worth, is the direction I’d personally prefer the band to follow.
‘Murder In The Wall‘ though, despite the title, has more of a bouncy, ‘light’ feel to it, with the chorus and sax hook being more Bad Manners than skacore! ‘One Winged Bird’ features that stomped ‘oom pah’ refrain I briefly referred to earlier. It’s very dramatic, and with the main vocals more spoken than sung it more than simply doffs its hat to the vaudeville style. And in that respect, I could probably pay no greater compliment than to say there’s a wee hint of Alex Harvey in there – especially so when it comes to the maniacal laugh that ends the track.
The mere thought of a ‘Beelzebub Boogie’ tickles me and with this album-closing track, CRYBABY SPECIAL emphasise the fun side to their music writings. If I were to say there were shades of early Madness about this track, I’d be meaning that in a very complimentary way.
My only little niggling doubt about this album is that the style, for the moment at least, doesn’t allow too much room for variation, with their being a bit of familiarity running through the tracks.
That said, it’s still one heck of a debut, and as an advert for their high-octane live shows, it’s a definite winner!
(Released through The Preservation Society Presents … on 6th May 2013)
(9/10)
[COLIN JACKSON]
TRANSPLANTS free download this week only!
As you can tell, LOUD HORIZON is undergoing some changes & will have a new website in the next couple of days. This would explain why there is not many posts this week as I am trying to get everything sorted for the new look LOUD HORIZON which will hopefully launch soon.
ANYWAY! I am here to tell you all that U.S punk royalty, otherwise known as TRANSPLANTS have released their new single ‘Come Around’ FREE to download until the end of this week only. Make sure that you get your FREE download before time runs out. The full album ‘In A Warzone’ will be out in mid June & I for one am VERY exited about it.
GET YOUR FREE DOWNLOAD OF ‘COME AROUND’ HERE!
You can also listen to the track on the Youtube link below.
(I may have gone, but I’ve not forgotten) Part 2: THE RAMONES
No reason ……. just because!
[COLIN JACKSON]
(I may have gone, but I’ve not forgotten) Part 1: THE CREEPING IVIES.
Just stopped by to add this little gem from Glasgow punk and rollers, THE CREEPING IVIES.
This is the new, official video for the track ‘Spinning’ which in turn is lifted from the band’s excellent ‘Stay Wild‘ album.
Go get it!
[COLIN JACKSON]
THE LAZLO DEVICE: ‘Uncertain Beginnings’ / ‘Cora.’
The group of friends that would eventually morph into the London band known as THE LAZLO DEVICE set out on their voyage of musical discovery back in the summer of 2010. Their course has altered slightly during that time, as have the crew, but they’ve now set a steady course that should see them leave visual traces on the radar of those that seek music with a bit of depth.
They have of course built a considerable following from playing around some of London’s established venues these past couple of years and just over a year ago they released their debut ‘Step Forward’ EP, which saw THE LAZLO DEVICE hone their sound and move in a slightly different direction with added synths and backing vocals. This in turn saw the lads garner further critical acclaim and with a fresh bunch of songs almost ready to be aired, the band have decided to issue two of the tracks from that earlier recording as a double-a-sided single.
The aptly named ‘Uncertain Beginnings,’ starts out in a very classical mode. The slow and rather downbeat piano is joined by hushed and slightly depressed sounding vocals for the first minute and a half, and despite the warm, gentle harmonies I was wondering where this was headed. The answer comes in the remaining two and half minutes where the pace perks up and the song develops into something altogether more dramatic. In fact, there are two further ‘movements’ to ‘Uncertain Beginnings‘: that initial change in beat gives the song a sort of deliberate and plodding feel for a minute or so before the piano arpeggios become more frantic, the music louder and the whole piece blossoms into a full-on final flourish that skirts the boundaries of gypsy-punk.
‘Cora,’ couldn’t be much more different!
I’m very much into my psych music and marvel at the various interpretations that bands come up with for this particular genre. You have some that present a dry, sun-drenched, stoner-type of desert rock; some teeter towards space-rock in their presentation. Others take on an altogether more trippy, psychedelic feel. THE LAZLO DEVICE seem to lean more towards the latter … but there’s something quintessentially English / British that’s difficult to explain about their delivery. The guitar effects are used to (um) good effect in supplementing the synths and the steady bass line and added reverb give the song great depth and atmosphere. The quieter vocals provide an interesting juxtaposition to the crashing sound of the instruments and this, without doubt is my personal favourite of the two tracks on offer here.
In fact, I’d say I would like to hear the band develop their sound around this particular style. Good stuff indeed!
As mentioned, both these tracks featured on last year’s EP release, but if you missed out on that, you can get hold of them both (again!) on THE LAZLO DEVICE’s debut album (as yet unnamed) which is due for release this summer.
(8.5 / 10)
[COLIN JACKSON]
FUTURECOP! drop two new singles.
Before I start talking about FUTURECOP! new single’s ‘Misanthropist Wolf’ & ‘Superheroes’ I just have to warn you now that your ears and mind will be blown away when you listen to these guys. They have been able to instantly make a huge fan out of me, something that is so hard to do.
Swiftly moving on… FUTURECOP! consist of two mates from Manchester who started making music together in 2007. Their first single ‘Atlantis 1997′ drew in great success, however, I have the feeling that when the two new singles get out to the mass public… It will only cast a shadow over previous releases. FUTURECOP! will release their first official album ‘Hopes, Dreams & Alienation’ later in the summer. For now I am so happy to give everyone a sneak peak to the single ‘Misanthropist Wolf’ here.
It doesn’t really matter if you are into art rock/punk/indie/club or pop. If you walked into a party or a club with FUTURECOP! blaring in the background, everyone will have a good time!
MYKEL new video/EP ‘Hold On’
MYKEL has released a new music video for the title track off his new EP ‘Hold On’ released on Ntrang Music. The Irish singer/songwriter/producer is set to have a massive year in 2013 after his last release ‘Sweet Valentine’ proved to catch the attention of a lot of people, NME to name one.
His new single ‘Hold On’ and its accompanying video clearly marks out the inspiration behind the music. Having a friend who has experienced a massive loss in their life, MYKEL decided to write a song to show his support and love to a dear friend. ‘Hold On’ is a straight up beautiful acoustic song that has been complimented well with electronic drums in the background. The vocals on this track are just so raw that you can even feel the emotion driven to write this song, even after the tenth time listening to it (believe me, I tried it.) It truly is a joy to have heard MYKEL who I am sure I will hear more about as the year progresses.
GIL DE RAY album review!
The Following review was done by my good friend Chris Kelman.
THE WONDER YEARS new video & album info!
THE WONDER YEARS are set to release their new album ‘The Greatest Generation’ on May 13th but have released a lyric video on You tube of their new single ‘Dismantling Summer.’
The single is nothing new from what you would expect to hear from this band who have pretty much brought Pop Punk back to it’s prime after it was deemed that after 2004 Pop Punk was ‘dead.’ Although they have kept true to their sound, some people may be asking for something a little fresher from these guys, however, being a fan on this band myself I am quite content with how they have gone about their new single.
You can check out the lyric video for THE WONDER YEARS new single below & cast your mind back to 2004 when Pop Punk was at it’s best, but for now.. This song does the trick!
STILL BUST new debut album & video teaser!
This is a very exiting feature for me to post as I grew up listening to Hardcore Punk music. STILL BUST are a four piece band from the UK and have announced their debut album will be released 20th May on Lockjaw Records. Their debut single off this album is titled “How Much We Sound Like Rise Against (and other things we shouldn’t say to each other.)” This song is a cracking track which I just can’t help to compare it to my favorite Hardcore Punk band of all time ‘FIVE KNUCKLE’ who were the UK’s most under rated bands ever. The single’s intro is a bit off putting, however, after the first 5 seconds it just kicks into pure organised chaos!
I strongly recommend anyone who is into fast Punk or Hardcore Punk to get this CD when it is released next month! I personally will be looking forward to snatching a copy of this CD going by the single alone. Here is a small album teaser for everyone to enjoy.
STILL BUST FACEBOOK PAGE!
MY GREAT AFFLICTION new video alert.
I am very pleased to share with you MY GREAT AFFLICTION ‘s new video for ‘Another Man’.
I don’t have too much to say on this band apart from the fact that this is just pure unadulterated Rock music. The group have been together since the mid 2000′s & have done many great things, however, none come more prestigious than opening the second stage at the 2010 Download Festival.
If you are into any form of Rock music whether it be old or new, this is a must watch for anyone. Visit their Facebook page HERE!! Also check out the new video ‘Another Man’ below.
CHEROKEE RED debut record out TODAY!
CHEROKEE RED’s self titled debut album, self produced album is set to be released today.
The five piece indie group have really produced a great album with such beautiful vocals complimented by perfect musicality it is hard to find anything to moan about towards this album. The band had played a few shows to build up hype about this new CD & have been good enough to let everyone hear their first single off the album ‘Lonely Summer’. How do I describe how I feel about ‘Lonely Summer’? To be honest I am positive that every person who has been asked to describe their sound will say the exact same as I have. CHEROKEE RED and especially their new single sound like the music behind a montage of the happiest moments of your life so far. It’s hard not to have a smile on your face while listening to this.
Don’t just take my word for it. Have a exclusive listen to ‘Lonely Summer’
ELYSIUM debut EP launched!
UK Riff Tyrants arrive with an explosive debut EP ‘In Valour’, out
nationwide from Monday 13th May.
Pulling from a host of areas from the dynamism of Lower Than Atlantis, to
the melodic onslaught of A Day To Remember and Four Year Strong, through to
the power and drive of Architects, Elysium have sculptured a sound that
twists and turns, but is hugely satisfying and will undoubtedly captivate
its audience.
Spawned from the ashes of their previous band ‘Times Like These’, Elysium
are a brand new band with their own manifesto and they are intent on sharing
it with the nation. Formed during the later part of 2012 and hailing from
Watford (the birthplace for recent luminaries The Gallows and Lower Than
Atlantis), Elysium have been burrowed away in their practise room for the
past three months penning a brand new live set and working on their debut
EP.
Now armed with their debut record ‘In Valour’, which is released this May,
the band will surely take gargantuan steps forward. From the get-go, the
EP’s title track ‘In Valour’ soon rips itself through your ear drums
boasting a flowing collection of strapping riffs and vocal lines that
cunningly weave in and around your cranium. Before you know it ‘I’m A Thief
But I Keep What I Steal’ is upon you and is snapping at your heels for
attention, and you should duly oblige, as this venom laced cut is a
blistering piece of modern angst punk tinged post-hardcore. Next up, ‘Scars’
takes flight with its scatter gun riffage and soaring melodies, while ‘Boy’
closes the record with a potent slab of gritty rockcore that tugs at your
heart strings while beating your head into submission. Buy the record this
May and look out for the band on tour throughout the remainder of the year!
www.facebook.com/elysiumbanduk | www.twiter.com/elysiumbanduk |
www.youtube.com/elysiumtvuk
++ ELYSIUM RELEASE ‘IN VALOUR’, OUT MONDAY 13th MAY THROUGH ALL DIGITAL
OUTLETS ++
THIS CENTURY announce new album
This one is exiting to the Pop Punkers out there. THIS CENTURY have announced that they will be releasing their new album titled ‘Biography of Heartbreak’ and will be released on May 14th on Rude Records.
THIS CENTURY have been together since 2007 and immediately made an impact by touring the US & Europe with bands like Good Charlotte, The Maine, The Ready Set, Breathe Carolina, Hey Monday just to name a few. The new record has stuck to the sound that you would expect to hear from this lot.
Like a lot of bands/artists now a days, THIS CENTURY have taken to Youtube to do cover songs and use this massive scale to post up a trailer for the new album which you can view below.
If you can get past the fact that THIS CENTURY’s main audience is teenage girls, I would strongly suggest anyone who is into Pop Punk that they go check them out & if you like what you hear you are able to pre order ‘Biography of Heartbreak’ now and will be available to download/buy this fantastic album next month.
LIMOZINE new album release info.
LIMOZINE have a new album ‘You’ve Been Limozined’ set to be released on May 13th on Beat Atlas records!
The best way to describe LIMOZINE in my head is nothing short of grungy punk rock. A splendid mix of Rock and Roll & Punk, something you don’t see too often pulled off in this day and age. ‘You’ve Been Limozined’ was recorded in just one weekend and features the single ‘Tokyo 1970′ which is just a great hard hitting punk rock song. If you were to compare LIMOZINE to any other bands it would be something along the lines of The Ramones and Stooges!
Check back here for more info on ‘You’ve Been Limozined’ closer to the release date.
You can listen to LIMOZINES on their Facebook page HERE!!
If you live in either Coventry or London area then be sure to check out their tour dates.
Friday 3 May, Voodoo Goo Club, 22-23 The Arches, Coventry, CV1 3JQ, on stage 9.00pm
Friday 17 May, Alley Cat Club, 4 Denmark Street, London, WC2H 8LP on stage 9.00pm
Sat 8 June, Rockin Bones Club, The Constitution, 42 St Pancras Way, London, NW1 0QT on stage 8.30pm
A FEATURE ON A FEATURE
Hey guys.
Just another wee video update on a great band that will no doubt catch the eyes of a lot of people over in the UK. Their new self titled album will be out in May and their new single ‘THIS DISORDER’ and its accompanying music video is here for all to enjoy right now.
No news on any UK tour dates but I have a feeling it will catch wind over here sometime soon.
Video Exclusive! THE SKINTS
THE SKINTS are a UK based band who believe that mixing about 5 different genres of music can create brilliant unique sound, boy did they hit the jackpot. Their sound uses all sorts of genres including Reggae/punk/pop/rap & ska to make the sound that is ‘THE SKINTS’. Their new single ‘RUB-A-DUB’ is proof that mixing everything together makes a beautiful sound as this will get everyone’s feet tapping or skanking.
As well as having their new music video available below. We also have a copy of THE SKINTS exclusive live session recorded on the Radio 1 Mike Davis punk show here!
JIMMY EAT WORLD new single online
Some say that JIMMY EAT WORLD are not rated as highly in the UK as they should be. Some people say that they are one of the best rock bands of all time, either way we all know one thing…. Both of these statements are more or less true!
JIMMY EAT WORLD have been around for a number of years and have always been that band that you love but are quiet enough to leave an impression on your mind whilst never getting sick of them, unlike other bands who you just out grow. It doesn’t matter who you talk to in a club whether it be a rock club or a club full of chart music. If you play one of JIMMY EAT WORLD’s hit songs then the whole dance floor will stay and sing along (proof, I am a bar supervisor in a trendy nightclub that plays chart music.. Once or twice a week they will play ‘The Middle’ by JIMMY EAT WORLD and everyone dances and sings.)
Swiftly moving on…
The news of JIMMY EAT WORLD releasing their new album ‘DAMAGE’ is available to pre order now but will not be on general release until June 11th. The first single to come out of this album is ‘I WILL STEAL YOU BACK’. This song will be available digitally next week, however, the band have been kind enough to post the song on their website for people to listen to.
To listen to ‘I WILL STEAL YOU BACK’ follow the link HERE!!!
Finally, a little bit of exiting news coming to all in the UK as well as the rest of the world. JIMMY EAT WORLD are set to announce a WORLD tour following the release of this album, keep your eyes pealed!
SENSES FAIL ‘Mi Amor’ debut video from album ‘Renacer’
Post Hardcore band SENSES FAIL have came back with their new album ‘Renacer’ which is already available to buy/download. Their new single from this album is called ‘Mi Amor’ in which they have released a music video which features some panda lovin’. As weird or funny as you will find this video there is no denying that for a debut song off a album… This is how you do it. ‘Mi Amore’ is nothing less than a punch to the face. Most bands will go for a wee intro of some sort to build you into the new experience, however, SENSES FAIL like to think differently. This song just kicks right into over drive starting heavy and keeping heavy until the very end. I was very impressed by this new single!
You can check out SENSES FAIL on tour in May.
HIGHFIELDS new music video
Modern Folk outfit HIGHFIELDS have released a new music video for their song ‘THE CHASE’ (OH LORD). This band are very appealing for the fans of Monsters and Men, Modest Mouse & The Lumineers. I for one do not listen to this type of music, however, I found myself tapping my feet and really enjoyed this song. Well worth checking out.
HIGHFIELDS latest album ‘THE CHASE’ was released on April 8th & they are worth looking up!
TRANSPLANTS set to release new album June 24 & FREE DOWNLOAD
The punk all-star team known as TRANSPLANTS are back with new album ‘IN A WARZONE’ set to be released on June 24th 2013 on Epitaph Records. The American punk band have been together for 13 years with members Travis Barker (Blink 182) Tim Armstrong (Rancid) and frontman ‘Skinhead’ Rob Aston. The sound could not be any more raw, angry vocals from Aston mixed with Armstrongs guitar and vocals capped off by the drum genius known as Travis Barker.
To Celebrate the release of their new album, TRANSPLANTS are offering everyone a free download of the title track ‘IN A WARZONE.’
You can download the song straight from HERE
ARMY OF FRESHMEN new single/album & tour dates.
ARMY OF FRESHMEN are back with new album ‘HAPPY TO BE ALIVE’ to celebrate their 15th anniversary of being a band. The Pop Punk outfit from Ventura, California have enjoyed a great career by releasing 5 studio albums and a tour history that is nothing short of amazing. To carry on this great tradition, they will be out promoting their new album this month across England as well as playing the ‘Hit The Deck’ festival in Bristol & Nottingham.
DATES:
April
19 Norwich Waterfront (Headline)
20 Bristol, Hit The Deck Festival
21 Nottingham, Hit The Deck Festival
22 London, Islington Academy (supporting The Aquabats)
I must say that I have a personal connection with this band as I have spent time in a touring pop punk band over the past five years & no band has been as kind and respectful as they were to us.
Within the new album lies their single ‘AVA’ which is just a delight to anyone who wants to look back at their youth & remember the days of skateboarding in the park. One thing ARMY OF FRESHMEN do very well, entertain. The video for this single is a true testament to who they are and what they are all about.
I USED TO BE A SPARROW album released next week
I Used To Be A Sparrow are set to release their new album ‘You Are An Empty Artist’ next week. That being said I am here to give everyone a wee taste of what to expect from the due hailing from Sweden. These guys have previously been compared to Death Cab For A Cutie & I could not agree with that any more. This Indie, Pop, Punk group have our attention with their raw, heartfelt music.
If their new single ‘Warpaint On Invisible Children’ is anything to go by, this album is sure to impress even the most stubborn music lover.
You can also listen to a remix of this single HERE
ALL CHANGE AT LOUD HORIZON!
I’ve never had one before so I’m not sure if this is what you’d call it, but when writing up that little piece last week on THE PLIMPTONS’ final show I think had one of those ‘epiphany’ moments!
Seven years ago come July, I started LOUD HORIZON as a kind of ‘hobby’; something to do during a period of unemployment. As time progressed however, it became more, much more, than that. An obsession, some might say! Virtually every spare moment I had was devoted to reading e-mails and band biographies; listening to CDs and then writing about them. I’d frequently get up at 4am to do some writing before starting work (I had by this time formed my own Petcare Service business) and then spend another hour or so on the blog at the end of the working day.
It was a challenge – a very enjoyable challenge, and of course I received lots of great music (and some not so great!) for nothing. What more could a Scotsman want?!
However (back to THE PLIMPTONS) when writing that article last week, it struck me just how many bands that I’ve become friendly with over the seven years are no longer playing together.
Everything changes. Everyone moves on.
And so am I.
It’s been great fun dealing with so many good people. I’ve had the chance to meet and chat and drink beer with loads of great bands (special mention for BAD FOR LAZARUS who were so friendly and down to earth; BO NINGEN who were true gentlemen; Andrea Zollo of PRETTY GIRLS MAKE GRAVES who was an absolute delight, and the late POLY STYRENE who took time, despite her very advanced failing health, to talk to me.)
Oh – and I can’t forget to mention the mental FIGHT LIKE APES who had a capacity King Tuts crowd chanting my name!!
(But then, it’s really unfair to single out a few bands as I’ve never met any at all who were anything other than polite and accommodating.)
Over the years LOUD HORIZON (and my ARTROCKER MAGAZINE connection) has led to many bands stopping over at our house when touring and passing through Glasgow / Scotland. There have been so many – every one of them respectful and a pleasure to host – regular visitors, back in the day, YOU SAY PARTY! and THE HOT PUPPIES in particular.
And as the blog developed its integrity and reputation for honest reviews, it rose to the dizzy height of ranking #66 out of over 12,000 music blogs registered with the Technorati directory. (It generally hovers around the #150 / #200 mark.) LOUD HORIZON has recently also been ‘accepted’ onto The Hype Machine, which seemingly carries a bit of kudos.
But the time has now come for me to catch up with with some things that have been neglected due to lack of available time: the last two years’ issues of Record Collector for a start; my Spanish and Mandarin language courses; the DVD Christmas presents from the past five years; the three books I’m currently reading on North Korea (honestly – how topical am I?!) and of course my own personal record collection and the underground Japanese psych vinyl albums that I’ve been buying!
I should at this point also mention my long-suffering wife, Diane (who fortunately remembers what I look like because we went on holiday in January) as she’s spent so long these past few years alone watching re-runs of ‘Location Location, Location,’ in the next room!
BUT ….. and here comes the good bit – our BRETT, my younger son, has volunteered to keep the blog going! Woo Hoo!!
Brett presently works at The Garage nightclub here in Glasgow and was formerly drummer in a pop-punk band that frequently played support slots to Twin Atlantic as well as some of America’s big commercial punk outfits like Zebrahead, Aquabats, Army of Freshmen and others. They supported the likes of the excellent Failsafe and Sonic Boom Six from here in UK and also toured around Scotland and Northern England as well as a mini-tour around the Stockholm area of Sweden. So Brett has a wide experience of what its like to play in an aspiring band and an appreciation of what is required to ‘get noticed.’
Me? My intention is to return to dabbling in the buying and selling of vinyl records – purely on a less demanding ‘hobby’ basis, you understand. (Watch this space in seven years from now ….!)
So – thanks to everyone: bands / artists; record labels; PR Companies and to all the loyal readers of LOUD HORIZON (there are some!) for their support over the years. It’s been a blast!
It’s all yours, Brett!
___________________________________
Please just bear with us a day or two so we can get everything transferred over, and LOUD HORIZON will be back.
All unanswered e-mails up to Sunday 7th April have been / will be deleted, so there is a fresh start. Apologies!
