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Billy Talent – 'Crisis Of Faith'
BILLY TALENT – CRISIS OF FAITH – ALBUM REVIEW
The gap between Billy Talent's sixth and fifth albums has been double the length of any previous inter-album gaps. Of course, the pandemic will have played a role in the delay but it's finally time to hear the band follow up the very impressive 'Afraid of Heights'.
'Crisis Of Faith' starts with 'Forgiveness I + II' which initially emerged back in 2019 and showed a slight stylistic change for the band. Soon thereafter though the familiar sound of the band takes over with 'Reckless Paradise' and 'I Beg To Differ (This Will Get Better)' close behind.
Over the course of their previous five albums, Billy Talent have proven themselves to be incredibly and consistently prolific in terms of quality. The pre-release singles including Rivers Cuomo collaboration 'End Of Me' ensured fans had no crisis of faith in the bands ability to deliver catchy and punchy punk rock, and the album as a whole repays that faith.
WATCH 'END OF ME' ON YOUTUBE
Billy Talent – 'End Of Me' (Feat. Rivers Cuomo)
Listen to The Full Pelt Music Podcast with guests Blood Red Shoes
This album certainly feels like the band are stretching their legs and trying new things, but without giving up what has won them a legion of dedicated fans. It's always refreshing when a band is willing to test themselves and also commendable when a band tries to please their fans. 'Crisis Of Faith', is one of those rare albums that manages to find that middle ground and do both.
It truly is remarkable how Billy Talent are able to maintain a stream of such quality releases. 'Crisis Of Faith' manages to deliver on any fan expectations and reassures that despite the gap in time the band remain as relevant now as a decade ago.
Read our review of The Offspring live in London
Tags Album, Album Review, Billy Talent, Crisis of Faith, Music, review
No Comments on Yard Act
Yard Act – 'The Overload'
YARD ACT – THE OVERLOAD – ALBUM REVIEW
Yard Act is a name that you would likely have seen at some point recently. After all, they have appeared on many 'ones to watch' lists and festival line-ups over the past year or so. There hasn't however been a great deal of material available to check out, until now that is!
'The Overload' is the bands debut album and arrives with many eyes on it, so can it live up to the anticipation and expectations?
The title track sets the stall from the very start as the band pin their colours to the mast. It is pretty obvious straight away that this album is a simple statement from Yard Act. They are who they are, do what they do and don't care about any haters.
WATCH 'THE OVERLOAD' ON YOUTUBE
Watch our 'Discover' New Music Podcast on Youtube
Politics, for example has become somewhat of a taboo subject for bands. Nowadays protest songs have been replaced with carefully constructed and wholly inoffensive tracks targeting widespread appeal and commercial success. Thankfully, a number of bands have begun to stick their heads above the parapet in recent times, and Yard Act clearly don't mind addressing polarising subjects.
Equally the bands sound isn't an obvious attempt at breaking into the mainstream, it is however incredibly catchy and you'll find it very hard not to move your body in time with their bouncy post-punk jingles.
Yes, Yard Act are very interesting. 'The Overload' almost purposefully avoids taking advantage of the mainstream interest, yet somewhat emerges as a pop masterpiece. When listening to some new music, you sense a decent career, rarely do you think to yourself "these could be huge", but that is very much the feeling here.
Hype very much lived up to!
Read our review of IDLES live London
Tags Album, Album Review, Music, review, The Overload, Yard Act
No Comments on IDLES
O2 Brixton Academy
IDLES – 02 BRIXTON ACADEMY – LIVE REVIEW
The IDLES phenomenon continues at full pace, and the band commence their latest sold out run of UK dates with not one but four nights at the legendary Brixton Academy. We headed along to nights one and three to witness the brutal majesty of a band hitting their stride.
Each night of their London residency has seen different hand-picked support acts as IDLES curate what isn't so much a tour but a travelling celebration of community spirit soundtracked by incredible musicians.
Over our two nights we witness wych elm, Wet Leg, Big Joanie and Sinead O Brien all deliver delightful sets to an appreciative and attentive audience. The supports each night help to build the excitement and anticipation for the 90 minutes of musical catharsis to follow.
These shows were originally in support of 2020's 'Ultra Mono', however the prolonged pandemic delays to these shows have unexpectedly resulted in them now supporting a newer fourth album from the band. Yes, 'CRAWLER' arrived last year to much adulation and now gets to spread its wings live.
After all, IDLES songs do tend to breathe new air live and morph into different beasts when being delivered with the level of ferocity that IDLES somehow manage to conjure onstage. Over the two nights we attend, the likes of 'Car Crash', 'The Beachland Ballroom', 'The Wheel' and 'When the Lights Come On' all shine bright.
WATCH 'CAR CRASH' ON YOUTUBE
There are also tracks from 'Ultra Mono' which has seen some unfair criticism. 'Mr. Motivator', 'Grounds', and 'Reigns' again all sound massive and fit well with the setlists.
The band change up the setlists each night but fan favourite staples such as 'Mother', 'Divide and Conquer', 'Never Fight A Man With A Perm' and 'Danny Nedelko' feature both nights.
IDLES are a next level live band, and with two more albums in their arsenal since their sell out Alexandra Palace date back in 2019, their back catalogue is also now reaching enviable proportions. These factors combined with the passion and energy of their dedicated fanbase ensure that IDLES remain one of the most vital and enjoyable bands gracing stages right now.
Watch The Full Pelt Music Podcast with guests Blood Red Shoes
Tags IDLES, Live Music., Live Review, Music, review, Tour
No Comments on The Lumineers
The Lumineers – 'BRIGHTSIDE'
THE LUMINEERS – BRIGHTSIDE – ALBUM REVIEW
'BRIGHTSIDE' represents the fourth studio effort from The Lumineers, a band that shot into the popular conscience of music fans with their huge hit 'Ho Hey'. Since then the profile of the band may have stagnated slightly but their musical output has remained consistently credible.
Call me old fashioned but I certainly can't help but to feel that their output of four albums in ten years has slowed their momentum somewhat. Yes, the days of yearly album releases are long, long gone but The Lumineers definitely haven't struck whilst the iron was hot.
If however, the band needed an album to rubberstamp their credentials and to re-establish themselves in the higher echelons of music's luminaries then 'BRIGHTSIDE' could well be it.
WATCH 'BRIGHTSIDE' ON YOUTUBE
Starting off with the title track and fellow recent single, 'A.M. RADIO', the album instantly showcases the musical talents of Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites at their best. The groups folk stylings underpin two pop songs destined to grace the radio for some time to come.
How this album will be received here in the UK is hard to tell, but if you listen to 'BRIGHTSIDE' and close your eyes, you can just picture a long road trip across North America. I can't imagine this album giving The Lumineers the same level of success here as their debut album did, but it should recapture the hearts of some lapsed fans.
The Lumineers are an interesting prospect, because back in 2012 they looked set to take over the world. That hasn't happened, but they continue to make beautiful music and perhaps that's all they want to do. If so, they've managed to do exactly that on 'BRIGHTSIDE'.
Read our review of 'Transparency' from Twin Atlantic
Tags Album, Album Review, BRIGHTSIDE, Music, review, The Lumineers
No Comments on The Wombats
Fix Yourself, Not the World
The Wombats – 'Fix Yourself, Not the World'
THE WOMBATS – FIX YOURSELF, NOT THE WORLD – ALBUM REVIEW
The Wombats continue to defy the laws of popularity when so many of their peers have disappeared from the limelight. The fact that they find themselves somewhat as the house band at the zeitgeist barometer that is Reading & Leeds Festivals proves that the band, who hit the mainstream back in 2007, still resonate with the youth of today.
Despite, scarily, finding themselves nearly two decades into their career, The Wombats seem to have found the fountain of youth. Their fifth album, 'Fix Yourself, Not the World' showcases this with a youthful sound that doesn't sound forced.
Many bands that breakthrough with a youthful sound, struggle as age takes it ugly toll (I'm looking at you Pop Punk!), but I don't get that sense listening to this album. This is a huge credit to The Wombats for their durability and adaptability.
LISTEN TO 'IF YOU EVER LEAVE, I'M COMING WITH YOU' ON YOUTUBE
The Wombats – 'If You Ever Leave, I'm Coming with You'
The Wombats have delivered some incredibly catchy indie pop anthems in their career, and the likes of 'If You Ever Leave, I'm Coming with You', 'Method to the Madness' and 'Everything I Love Is Going to Die' are certainly in that category.
In fact, from start to finish, 'Fix Yourself, Not the World' feels fresh and delivers everything you want from a Wombats album. The band hasn't been the most prolific in their career, but when they do release new music, it's usually top quality. Think of a football player that doesn't score very often, but when they do it's a goal of the season contender!
If you'd have said to me back in 2007 when listening to 'Let's Dance to Joy Division' that The Wombats would still releasing mainstream albums and taking big slots at massive festivals, I wouldn't have believed you – but, here we are! Now where is that fountain of youth?
Tags Album, Album Review, Fix Yourself, Music, Not the World, review, The Wombats
1 Comment on Blood Red Shoes
Ghosts On Tape
Blood Red Shoes – 'Ghosts On Tape
BLOOD RED SHOES – GHOSTS ON TAPE – ALBUM REVIEW
Blood Red Shoes have always had an impressive work ethic, and whilst many of us took a step back during the events of the past eighteen months, they didn't.
Their sixth studio album, 'Ghosts On Tape' was actually recorded in March 2020 but the pandemic has seen the release delayed until now. In the meantime however the band has recorded and released an EP, Laura-Mary has recorded and released a mini-album and started a new Podcast and Steven has been writing and producing a plethora of alternative artists. Not to mention that the duo also run their own label.
So, after almost two years in the vault 'Ghosts On Tape' is finally here. Opening with the haunting piano led 'COMPLY', the album sets its tone from the start. This is a dark record focusing on the outcasts and outsiders of society.
WATCH 'MORBID FASCINATION' ON YOUTUBE
Lead single 'MORBID FASCINATION' kicks the album up a notch and helps to lead us down a path of exploration into the psyche of serial killers, a theme played out throughout the album.
It has always been hard to pigeonhole Blood Red Shoes under one particular genre and 'Ghosts On Tape' only makes that harder with a gothic edge shrouding the sounds that have brought the band much success.
You can feel the care that has gone into 'Ghosts On Tape', and the album surely represents some of the duos most creatively complex and ingenious work to date. The album speaks to the outsiders of the world, and after the last couple of years we've all experienced reclusiveness from society. That makes it very easy, perhaps too easy considering the themes, to embrace these songs.
It may have taken almost two years for 'Ghosts On Tape' to see the light of day, but the album likely feels even more relevant now. Lyrically and musically this may be a side step from Blood Red Shoes, but it works incredibly well and is well worth allowing yourself to be absorbed into their murky world!
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Tags Album, Album Review, Blood Red Shoes, Ghosts On Tape, Music, review
Twin Atlantic
1 Comment on Twin Atlantic
Twin Atlantic – 'Transparency'
TWIN ATLANTIC – TRANSPARENCY – ALBUM REVIEW
It's a new year, so there is a lot of that "new year, new me" stuff in the air. It's actually awfully tempting to start this review by saying "new year, new Twin Atlantic", but that's far from the truth. The band's sound has naturally evolved over their last few albums and arrives here and now with their sixth studio release, 'Transparency'.
It certainly does feel far removed from their early material, but it isn't as giant a leap as it somehow feels from their 2020 album 'Power'. There has been a certain flamboyance to their music ever since 'Great Divide' elevated them into the mainstream, and yes that flamboyancy is turned up to 11 on this album.
WATCH 'BANG ON THE GONG' ON YOUTUBE
Pre-release singles 'One Man Party' and 'Bang On The Gong' unashamedly pointed to the direction of this album and the complete collection definitely doesn't fail to deliver on the promised lavishness.
'Transparency' is short and to the point which suits this statement of an album well. It wouldn't be fair to say that until now Twin Atlantic have been playing by the rules, but with this album they have certainly thrown off the shackles. The album has the feel of a band comfortably letting loose.
Listen to 'Dirty' from Twin Atlantic on our Spotify Hot List!
The results are very intriguing and will illicit reactions one way or the other. Some old school fans may not feel comfortable with the direction of 'Transparency', and that's fine, but there is plenty here for those that have followed Twin Atlantic's recent trajectory.
There are elements of all eras of the band here, but they are all accentuated on this ambitious record to create a splendiferous symphony of lavish pop rock. So, old school fan or first time listener, sit back and let Twin Atlantic take you on a short, sharp journey of wonder!
Read our 2021 Album of the Year List
Tags Album, Album Review, Music, review, Transparency, Twin Atlantic
No Comments on Creeper
O2 Kentish Town Forum, London
CREEPER – O2 KENTISH TOWN FORUM – LIVE REVIEW
Since leaving their Callous Heart jackets on the KOKO stage back in November 2018 the normally well thought out plans of Creeper have hit road block after road block.
With their second record arriving during lockdown, this tumultuous period appeared to be ending with their arrival of their previously postponed headline tour. Alas, the show tonight at the O2 Kentish Town Forum in London takes place amid more uncertainty as the pandemic rages on.
Support act Wargasm are unable to play due to COVID and many of the sold out crowd clearly are also missing. The night should be a celebration, but the atmosphere is cautious, there is an impending sense of doom.
Music though is the great equaliser and can take away all of life's worries, even if only for a while. Opening act Static Dress do a fantastic job of raising spirits and blowing away doubts. The crowd are instantly sucked in and the band capitalise on their short time on stage superbly. Crowd definitely warmed up!
With no Wargasm, it's straight onto main support for this tour, Holding Absence. Having released one of the albums of the year in 'The Greatest Mistake of My Life', anticipation is high for their set. Over the next 30 minutes the band lives up to all of the hype that comes their way.
An assured and uplifting performance from a band on a massive spike in upwards trajectory. 'Afterlife' and 'Wilt' close out a short but very sweet set which captures the hearts of those in attendance. It shouldn't be long before Holding Absence are headlining venues of this size.
Listen to 'Afterlife' from Holding Absence on our Spotify Hot List!
Our headliners tonight however are Creeper. The band have battled adversity to arrive at their biggest headline show. Their cult following are out in force, even if the attendance drop reported by the Music Venue Trust is in evidence. The night has a special feel, and if any band can meet the high expectations then it's Creeper.
Musically stunning and theatrically spectacular, Creeper take their audience on a journey of delight. From the time they arrive on stage to the moment they leave, Creeper exude confidence. This show builds on everything the band has presented since their inception and makes a statement. This is a band at the peak of their powers. This is the celebration that it needed to be.
A mixture of material features from across their career from their debut EP to recent release 'American Noir'. The evolution of the band is clear for all to see, and so is the effort put into the show.
It may have taken slightly longer than expected to arrive at this level of venue, but on this showing Creeper are still on course to progress into even bigger buildings. This tour is a master class from the purveyors of grandiose rock and roll theatrics. Let's hope that Creeper now get a clear run towards their destiny.
Read our review of Salem live in Norwich
Tags Creeper, holding absence, Kentish Town, Kentish Town Forum, Live Review, London, Music, review, Static Dress, Tour