BLOG BREAK

Lack of activity on this blog over the winter period is due to personal circumstances and final year exams. Regular blogging will resume as of January 26th. Sorry kids!

"Music saved my life."

"Music saved my life" is a term I often hear. I understand it more than others do but at the same time I see why people struggle with this phrase. For someone's life to be saved, they have to be in danger of losing it and in an age where mental health is a high profile topic, what role does music really play in keeping us happy?

In the UK, 850,000 young people struggle with mental health. This statistic is only a representation of those who have been diagnosed which means there are many more sufferers out there who are struggling alone. A lot of young people are understandably scared by such mental health problems, whether it be depression, anxiety or any other problem which makes them feel alienated but there is so much that can be done to help. 

Music, for many, is an escape route away from problems and also a source of advice itself. Many musicians not only talk about strength, hope and positivity in their music but some have experienced some form of mental health problem too. As the issues of stigma and prevalence have become more public, many are now speaking about it. Jono Yates, guitarist of alternative rock band Blitz Kids, is one of the musicians who has started opening up about mental health and has recently discussed his battle with General Anxiety Disorder. In a YouTube video on his personal channel, he says:

“There’s a stigma attached to it, that if you suffer from [mental illness] then you’re in some way inferior, or you’re in some way damaged,  but you’re not… Everyone’s human and has their own things to deal with…It does get better but you are in charge of making it better.”

As a musician speaking out about his own struggles, he has received a lot of thanks and support from his fans and has subsequently helped people in the same, or in a similar position to himself. The influence of music in this way is so important because it helps keep the conversation about mental health flowing and helps lift the stigma of abnormality away from the topic too.

It’s not just musicians themselves who are talking about mental health though. There are many amazing charities out there who are standing up for mental health and offering advice about coping with the hard times too. Head Above The Waves are a Cardiff based organisation who promote “hope through creativity.” They have been a huge influence in the area in terms of getting people to talk about mental health and offering ways to cope too, especially using music. I got the opportunity to speak with Si Martin and Hannah Morgan from the organisation about the links between mental health and music.

A: What inspired you guys to set up Head Above The Waves?

Si: “Heads Above The Waves really came from my own experience - when I was struggling with self-harm as a teenager. It was pop-punk music, and writing/playing songs for myself that actually became my coping mechanism (seriously, thrashing a drum kit is such a good way of releasing stress). Being able to express myself through music and lyrics (whether my own or someone else’s) replaced my need to hurt myself.”

Hannah: “Initially we wanted to focus on creativity and music as a way to overcome your problems, and as huge music fans we all felt this was the best way we could get others involved and get support from the local music scene. And we're all just massive music fanatics and gig attendees!”

A: What’s the best advice you can pass on about coping with mental health?

Hannah: “We're firm believers in finding what works for you. We know that not everyone's cup of tea is music as a coping method. But we're suggesting it, sharing stories from people who it has worked for and encouraging people to have a go. If it doesn't work, try something else!”

Si: “And don’t give up! If it feels like you’ve tried a bunch of other things and they’re just not working out, it’s ok - you just haven’t found your thing yet, so keep on searching, no matter how long it takes or how hard it gets. And if you want to do something creative - it doesn’t have to be a masterpiece. I personally think that honest emotion in music counts for way more than technical perfection.”

A: Of all the musicians you’ve spoken to, who has given advice/stories that stick out the most?

Si: “Everyone that we’ve interviewed has actually been really receptive to our concept, and talked really honestly and openly, which has been awesome. But I think my favourite was Dan “Soupy” Campbell from The Wonder Years. He said: “If you take a calendar and colour in every day that’s bad, then look at a week or a month, then you might see a bunch of coloured in days and it looks like you’ve got a pretty bad life. But if you look at those few coloured in days on a say 80 year life span, then really, they’re just a drop in the bucket.” So I went and got a bucket tattooed on me!”

Hannah: “I would say Gnarwolves has been my favourite interview that we've done so far because I feel they really had the chance to say some cool things about their music and lyrics. They discussed how important music and friendship is to keeping your chin up and your head clear. I just felt they were really honest and encouraged people to talk about their feelings- which can be a hard thing for young people to do. Also, they’re just such a rad band.”

A: Why do you think music is so important in coping with mental health?

Hannah: “I can honestly say I wouldn't be alive now if it wasn't for music. It is my go to pick me up when I'm going through a hard time. I believe that when you're in a negative head space, a new band, new song or album can put into music and lyrics what you may not be able to admit to yourself or say out loud.  It can give you the courage to move forward with your life and grow, or can even just put a smile on your face when you remember good times you associate with certain songs. Music can definitely soundtrack your life, and lyrics can become mantras that you can say over and over to remind yourself to keep going. And of course playing and creating music can be cathartic.”

Si: “Music’s actually been a really key part in practically every human culture as far back as recorded history goes. I think there’s something that just kind of… resonates with people, if that makes sense. Personally, I love finding lyrics that let me know that there’s someone else out there who’s going through the same thing as I am, but they’re dealing with it through their music. And that feeling that I’m not alone, coming through a speaker, picks me up and means I can carry on when I’m at my lowest. Because actually, music can play such a huge role in your mood. It’s really hard to do, but when you’re feeling bummed out, avoid the temptation to listen to sad music, and listen to something that picks you up instead. We’ve made a Spotify playlist of songs that people have shared with us that pick them up when they’re down, so I’d definitely recommend checking that out!”

Personally, I wanted to talk about this on my blog because I have had my own battles with mental health. Ever since my early teens I felt different. I coped with all my problems and pressures differently and I never really spoke to anyone about it. Even now I struggle from time to time, but the one thing that has always been there when times have been tough is music. I don’t perform or create but I listen and take comfort and inspiration in the words I hear. I have lyrics tattooed on me to remind myself to stay strong when things get hard and every day I discover new words that help me. I recently stumbled across a lyric from a song by metalcore band, Architects: “pick yourself up and learn to live.” Its words like this that resonate with people and give people strength.

And, it’s not just these alternative musicians who create support concerning mental health. You often hear fans of artists such as One Direction and Lady Gaga say how they have been saved by the music and it is nothing but positive that this is happening; that all types of music are empowering people to get up and get through the problems they face.

The important message amongst all of this is that whether you want to create music, listen to music, or find help in any other form that is positive and helps, there is always a way to deal with mental health. No one is alone and there is always a place you can turn which will provide the support you need to get up again. If you are struggling, find a source of happiness and talk to someone. Here are a few links that might help: 

Head Above The Waves: hatw.co.uk
Youngminds: youngminds.org.uk
CALM: thecalmzone.net
SANE: sane.org.uk
MIND: mind.org.uk

Relentless Live: Biffy Clyro, Troxy, 22/11/2014

Relentless Live was possibly one of the hardest gigs to get tickets to ever. I'm not kidding. It took me and my friend three frenzied attempts before we managed to get tickets but it was so worth it.

An event put on by Relentless (the ever so great energy drink company...) at London's Troxy saw some small, unknown artists get a chance to shine in front of a crowd of rock lovers and it also saw the ever-awesome two piece that are Slaves, the legendary DJ Zane Lowe and the almighty force that are Biffy Clyro play to a crowd of adoring fans.

I say adoring but in reality, pre-Biffy this place was a bit dead. Slaves played an awesome set to a somewhat unappreciative crowd. From where I was standing I could see four, maybe five, people really giving it their all, dancing and singing along to Isaac and Laurie's efforts. As part of the uprise of the two-piece, Slaves have a lot to live up to and tonight, they certainly showcased unique talents and made themselves known. Laurie's dance moves can only be likened to a drunk uncle at a family party who was a skinhead back in the day and wants to show off his old-school moves. And Isaac has the best wiggle as he drums standing up. It's pretty amusing. Less amusing yet more enjoyable is the sound they produce. For there just being two of them, the noise they make tonight is monumental as is the message they're sending out. It's fresh and grizzly and in your face and it's testament to the big places they're heading for.

Zane Lowe was Zane Lowe. A tad annoying and only catering to the minority of the crowd. Fatman Scoop were not who this crowd were wanting to hear.

After the wait of a lifetime, Biffy finally took to the stage, entering only after an aggressive Scottish clan chant. It was exciting and exciting and just exciting. It really is special to see a band as big as Biffy Clyro headline something so small and enjoy it so much. Only stopping occasionally to thank all the fans there, the band powered through so many classics from across all six of their albums. They even played Wave Upon Wave Upon Wave which they haven't played in forever. Simon, James and Ben played as faultlessly as ever and just completely blew everyone away. I have goosebumps typing this now; it was genuinely one of the best gigs I have ever been to. I am biased, of course, as I think Biffy Clyro are the best musicians to grace this Earth since the likes of Kurt Cobain. But truly, Biffy Clyro were born to be a live band. Even without the pyro and massive staging that they are so used to now, they played a truly special set and it won't be forgotten by anyone in a hurry.

MON THE BIFF!

God and Satan was beautiful. Simon Neil, you heart melter 😘 #monthebiff #relentlesslive #biffyclyro #troxy

A video posted by Alice (@kell_soopreez) on Nov 11, 2014 at 6:56pm PST

Setlist

Different People
That Golden Rule
The Captain
Sounds Like Balloons
Wave Upon Wave Upon Wave
Biblical
Semi-Mental
57
Bubbles
God And Satan
Glitter And Trauma
Living Is A Problem Because Everything Dies
Many Of Horror
Strung To Your Ribcage
Black Chandelier
Stingin' Belle
Mountains

A Day To Remember, The Brighton Centre, 15/11/2014

A Day To Remember on UK soil is always exciting. They draw big crowds of passionate kids and they perform their hearts out every single gig. This tour, aptly named "All Signs Point To Britain", sees the band in random places across the country that they haven't been to in a long time and lucky for me that means a trip to a now pretty cold, but never the less awesome, Brighton.

The Brighton Centre, situated along the seafront, is a big and empty feeling building. It has no
character and it's stage is housed in what is probably a by-day conference hall. It doesn't feel like the sort of venue you'd find a band as colourful as A Day To Remember in. The feel of this building is only made more apparent by both support acts, Decade and Lower Than Atlantis. Decade have been lucky enough to be out on the road with some big names now but they still seem to be nondescript. They're a decent band and they can perform live but there's nothing special there. Lower Than Atlantis, on the other hand, should be making this place come to life. There's a large handful of kids in their merchandise and there's movement among the crowd, but there's also a lingering disappointment in the air. Lower Than Atlantis' most recent album is what they largely play and it just isn't great. Mike Duce gives the crowd the "I'm a rockstar" talk and it doesn't sit well. At one point, Mike asks the crowd to "flail around like dickheads" to which a guy in the crowd replied "there's only one dickhead in this room and that's you." Sadly, he's correct. This wasn't their greatest gig.

After a difficult 90 minutes, it was finally time for A Day To Remember to grace the stage. No set, just the Common Courtesy (their latest album) backdrop, meant they were out as themselves for all to see and still the only way to describe them is incredible. From the get go, Jeremy McKinnon was back and forth the length of the stage, singing to the crowd, blowing kisses and hi-fiving the kids that love this band so much. The rest of the band were the same, constantly including the crowd in their performance and that's something that is special with this band. Every moment of the gig is for the audience, a huge thank you and reciprocation of appreciation. They're sound as loud as ever (my ears are still recovering!) meant Jeremy's vocals were bare and the music was under the spotlight. It was all on point, not once was there a faulter and again, that is testament to their pledge to give back to the fans at these shows. The setlist was awesome, jam packed of the old, the new and the favourites and of course, after a short interlude of the Macarena, Jeremy got in his inflatable hamster ball and ran across the heads of a thousand fans. It was crazy, ridiculous and above all it was one to remember.

I cannot stress enough how awesome A Day To Remember are as a live band. The emotion of the music translates and the type of musicians these guys are is evident. Their not self-obsessed rockstars, they're just nice guys doing an amazing job of making music what it should be, something for everyone.



Setlist

The Downfall Of Us All
2nd Sucks
Right Back At It Again
City Of Ocala
I'm Made Of Wax Larry, What Are You Made Of?
Monument
Violence (Enough Is Enough)
Best Of Me
Mr Highway's Thinking About The End
Homesick
Dead And Buried
End Of Me
Have Faith In Me
Sometimes You're The Hammer, Sometimes You're The Nail
All I Want

If It Means Alot To You
All Signs Point To Lauderdale
The Plot To Bomb The Panhandle

Four: The Ultimate Edition by One Direction

A lot has changed for One Direction since the early days. There's been rumours of personal riffs, break ups, alleged marijuana use and a lot of hair growth. And they've all matured from cute teenagers into gorgeous young men. But what has changed more than anything since they first auditioned for The X Factor, just four years ago, is their sound. Long gone are the days of teenbop-pop. That's right, no more What Makes You Beautiful and Live While We're Young; Harry, Zayn, Liam, Louis and Niall are all grown up now. Okay, lyrically, the boys are still all about the fun life and love life but their maturity and experiences have created something with Four that feels far more meaningful.

Of course, their early tracks will always be classics and all of us, including the boys themselves, will keep them treasured in the guilty pleasure bank. Four, on the other hand, offers up songs which are relatable, have depth and become songs you actually really love because you connect with them. There's a stigma attached to this band, that if you're not a 16 year old girl, you can't like them because it's embarrassing, but this album changes that. The sound has become more refined and relaxed, with very few songs on this album being the type you can jump around to. But it's still really really good. Midnight Memories (third studio album) was a huge change from what the boys were making before and whilst this album is not a million miles away from that, it is a further progression into a more unique sound. Lead singles, Steal My Girl and Night Changes still stand out on the album but it is the upbeat and somewhat experimental sounds of Girl Almighty and Act My Age which are real favourites. It's One Direction how you want them: grown up but still massively fun. Clouds and No Control follow this pattern and it's the balance between this and moments like Fireproof and 18 that make this album great.

Four will fill stadiums worldwide once more. It will strengthen the fandom that One Direction have in abundance and it will create new fans that aren't just crazy hormone-driven girls. With this album, One Direction have shown that they're not done yet and that there is still so many places for them to go. Do yourself a favour and listen to this album; it might just change your stance on the biggest boyband in the world.

9/10

Listen to: No Control

Two albums

Personal circumstances have left me with another week of missed treasures. Last week, Foo Fighters and Krokodil released albums and they were pretty good, so here's a couple of reviews of last weeks top two.

Nachash is the debut album from the metal supergroup Krokodil and it's pretty grizzly. All eyes have been on them as it's rumoured that one member of Krokodil is Slipknot's newly masked bassist. No pressure then, but this album had to be good to shift the spotlight to their music, rather than the mystery surrounding metal's greatest comeback. What Nachash is, is relentless. It's non-stop grizzle and grit and whilst it doesn't always pack a huge punch, it certainly has the ingredients of great metal within it. Hailed as lords of the riff, there are many scattered throughout the album and there is an innate heaviness to everything this band create. Unlike a lot of albums these days, there's not really any hidden gems here. The best songs on the album are those that have been stamped as singles. Reptilia Familiar remains a favourite, as does Sun Riders which features Biffy Clyro's Simon Neil.

Krokodil haven't tried to be clever. It's a balls-to-the-wall type of album in that you get what you expect right from the start and that's why it's solidly good metal. It's obvious they're a group of talented men but they'll have to do better than Nachash to hit the big time. Oh, and a word of warning, don't google Krokodil without adding the word "band" after it....

6/10

Listen to: Sun Riders

Foo Fighters finally released their eighth, highly anticipated album, Sonic Highways last week and it's just pure unadulterated rock: it's unmistakably Foo Fighters from the get go. Dave Grohl's one-of-a-kind voice resonates as beautifully as always and the band surrounding him carry him like they always have. Their talent for this industry and genre is only strengthened by the unity between them, that's evident in how perfected this album sounds and it's evidence that Foo Fighters are as able and as stunning as ever.

Sonic Highways isn't Foo's best album however. At nearly 50 minutes long yet only made up of eight tracks, the album can drag, not to the point where you give up on it but to the point where you do start to think about how all their songs can blend into one. But that isn't to say this is a bad album. In fact, it's an awesome album. There's groove to it and there's a large scale feel to it that you can only get from bands like Foo Fighters. Listening to songs like Something From Nothing put you in a stadium with a crowd who are just as passionate about the music as the band are. Outside puts you in your car on a hot summers day, top down, cruising without a care in the world. I Am A River puts you in a room with your friends, air guitaring and singing as if you are Foo Fighters yourself. Sonic Highways translates and fits in to everybody's lives like it has always been there. It feels natural and it is a reminder of the formula that makes a legendary rock band.

8/10

Listen to: Feast and the Famine

Band of the Week: Nothing But Thieves

Essex quintet Nothing But Thieves are the most talented bunch of lads you'll listen to this year. No joke, there is talent in abundance here. As five individuals who are making music as one, their musicianship makes for beautiful sounds and if you want to hear vocals that will leave you a little bit in love, Conor Mason is your guy. It's not just a voice you remember, it's a voice you never want to stop hearing. Conor's range is amazing and it's pretty beautiful; there's something Matt Bellamy-esque about him, only much, much nicer. Not only that but there is so much passion to be seen from these boys live. You can see each of them giving it their all, particularly Conor who moves alongside his vocals in what can only be described as raptured restraint: in that moment, he is at one with the music.

Something about this band feels epic. With continued hard work and love, their talent could take them to places they're only dreaming of right now. They have hints of rock and indie but there's also something so soulful about their sound. There's a groove present which keeps them sounding fresh, particularly in latest single Wake Up Call. Yet to release anything full length, Nothing But Thieves do have an EP out, Graveyard Whistling. I've had it on repeat since I got it just a week ago and it's already one of my favourite records of the year. It's massively chilled out and just a beautiful showcase of what this band are capable of. Having just supported Twin Atlantic on their UK tour, Nothing But Thieves only have a bright future ahead of them and what's exciting is this is only the start of it.

Listen to: Itch

The Graveyard Whistling EP is available to download for free from the boys website now.

Hits by Billy Talent

Billy Talent releasing a Greatest Hits album feels a bit weird. Of course, after 11 years together and
four albums, they have every right to, but Billy Talent just seem like one of those bands who will make music forever and you'll just keep going "oh yeah, I love them guys" without the reminder of a greatest hits album. This is a band who I listened to when I was a 14 year old emo kid trying to find my way into adulthood and I loved them. And then I forgot about them until Reading Festival 2012, where I saw their set from afar and went "oh yeah, I love them guys!"

Hits, is nearly the perfect collection of their best songs. It has it all: Fallen Leaves, Devil In A Midnight Mass, Try Honesty, Red Flag, Viking Death March, I could go on. Every song on this album deserves it's place on a greatest hits record, if Line & Sinker was on it, I'd be even happier, but hey, it's hard to create perfection for the masses! This isn't going to be a review of dissected analysis like I'd normally do because the songs are all classics. But what I will do is offer my thoughts on the two new tracks, Kingdom Of Zod and Chasing The Sun. Unfortunately, I'm not a massive fan of Kingdom Of Zod. It's following the trend which seems to be so rife these days of a 'political' stance and a call for change. Firstly, it's blatancy doesn't suit the band and it lacks the power needed to make you want to hear it again. Chasing The Sun, on the other hand, is a soft number which is sweet, it kind of just passes over you pretty harmlessly but gain, it lacks the power to make you want to hear it again. I think part of the problem is that the rest of the album is so good that you compare the new songs to the old and they just don't add up.

My ramblings aside, if you were Billy Talent fan or are a Billy Talent fan, then pick up this album and relive the good times. It's a lot of fun.

7/10

Hits, is available to buy now.

There's Nothing Wrong With Me by Major League

Nothing breaks my heart more than having to give an awesome band a negative review. But Major League have really missed the mark with latest LP, There's Nothing Wrong With Me. Whilst the musicianship remains what it always has been, tight, there is something so lacklustre about this album, it makes me feel sad.

2012's Hard Feelings was a pop punk effort which was full of life and passion and left listeners wanting more. But the two year wait has hardly been worthwhile. Major League have made a record that sounds like a second-rate Basement, and such a sound is not desired. There are definitely moments on the album, such as Devil's Advocate, where you find the pop-punk drive Major League had in abundance on previous records, only on this record it feels forced. It's difficult to get into it and enjoy it because it's lacking so much that you want from this band. Lyrically, Montreal has the potential to get you a bit emotional but again, it isn't perfected enough to quite evoke the response it should have. There's a lot of whining on this record, the trademark of pop-punk, and some of it describes the album itself perfectly: "I'm blending with the floorboards. I'm blending with the walls" explains Brian Joyce. It's an album that can just pass you by and fade into the background. It's disappointing. Bring back the 2012 Major League that we love so much please.

4/10

Listen to: Devil's Advocate

There's Nothing Wrong With Me is available to purchase now.

White Noise by PVRIS

White Noise is the debut ten track album from American trio, PVRIS. PVRIS being pronounced Paris, obviously... Confusion of pronunciation aside, this full-length debut from a band just two years young is pretty damn good. It's not your typical rock album in that it's foundations are made of synths and electronics but it does still have something innately rock about it. Whether it's the darkness that consumes it or the aggression in the vocals, it holds its own as a piece of rock music which will once again prove that there is more to rock than big riffs.

Although Lindsey, Alex and Brian have been releasing music, acoustically and through EPs, since early 2012, album White Noise is what's really going to get them noticed. It is full of huge songs which one by one embed themselves in your brain and make you want to mosh and dance and shout. Even it's understated tracks make you want to move, one such track being Eyelids, which whispers its way into your mind. It has an eerie vibe, similar to the likes of The Neighbourhood; it has goosebump potential. However, the album is much better felt when listening to St. Patrick, My House, Mirrors, Let Me In. They're the songs that boast what this band are about: noise and urgency. There hasn't been a sound this original in the rock scene for a long time and not only are PVRIS a leading light for the acceptance of alternative sounds but they're another example of why women belong in this industry.

8/10

Listen to: St. Patrick

White Noise is available to buy now and you can catch the band on tour in American from today!

There Is Only You by The Xcerts

For those of you who don't know who The Xcerts are, where have you been!? Murray Mcleod, Jordan Smith and Tom Heron are a three piece rock band from Aberdeen and they are about to hit the big time. In 2009 they released their first album, In The Cold Wind We Smile, which was then followed up by 2010's Scatterbrain. Finally, four years later, the trio have released There Is Only You, and it is most definitely their best album to date.

Not only does it feature the infectious Shaking In The Water and latest single Pop Song, but it also has a couple of treasures on it such as title track, There Is Only You and the urgent sound of Kevin Costner. The album is their most nurtured and perfected yet and the time they have taken creating it has more than paid off. The melodies and connections between songs have been well thought out, yet it all has an effortless feel, like it just naturally fell into place. It's emotional in many ways and what The Xcerts have perfected here is a record that is relatable to anyone and everyone who has ever felt love. There are still hints of the band they were in the previous decade: the sound is still them, but there's more passion coming from Murray's voice, from Jordan's fingertips, from Tom's body. It has it's smaller moments with opener 2.12.12 bringing an Alt-J-esque feel and tracks like this ease into the bigger moments. One such moment is Live Like This which is one of the best songs on the record and there's also Kids On Drugs which is an anthem in its own right. It's just all-round gorgeousness.

There Is Only You is an illustration of why this band are being so hotly tipped as the next big thing. It has everything, and much the way Murray creates a simile about a past love, this album will haunt any listener like a pop song in their head. Go buy it, now.

9/10

Listen to: Live Like This

There Is Only You is available to buy now and you can catch the band touring with the almighty Twin Atlantic across Europe now.

Twin Atlantic, Y Plas, 02/11/2014

Twin Atlantic are one of the best live bands around today. It's fact, and it's proven each and every night of The Great Divide tour which sees the Glaswegian quartet play across the UK with support from fellow scotsmen The Xcerts and the incredibly talented Nothing But Thieves.

Up first were Nothing But Thieves, a relatively unknown band from Essex. They were amazing. They're difficult to pinpoint genre-wise but in their case, it really doesn't matter. The musicianship was tight and vocalist, Conor Mason, has passion physically visible and a voice that could make anyone's heart melt. This isn't the only time you'll hear of these boys, they'll be featuring as my Band of the Week very soon!

Following shortly after were The Xcerts, a gorgeous trio from Aberdeen who are starting to get places. Playing on the eve of the launch of their latest album (watch out for a review later in the week), the band were excited and pitch perfect. The gig was going so well for them they even went in for an ambitious sing-a-long which only excited frontman, Murray Macleod, more. Seeing them live really emphasises why the likes of Kerrang! and Rock Sound are praising the band as the next big thing so greatly. They are something different and they are something special. When a band is this good live, you know they are destined for great things.

As if it wasn't enough that both support acts played amazing sets, Twin Atlantic played a supernaturally amazing set. I was unsure about how good Twin Atlantic would be live until I saw part of their set at Reading Festival and I was left an excitable mess all the way up until Sunday night to see them live again. Of course, they did not disappoint. They played for nearly two hours spanning pretty much all of their newest LP, Great Divide, half of their previous LP, Free, and they even threw in What Is Light? Where Is Laughter? from their debut, Vivarium. Throughout it all, they never lost energy, even when frontman Sam McTrusty was left struggling for breath, he still sang his way through songs such as Crash Land perfectly. Towards the end of the set Sam gave a self-confessed "acceptance speech", thanking everyone including guitarist Ross McNae's beard. He forget, however, to thank his now trademark on-stage look: the rain coat. It was white tonight and came off pretty early on but it deserves a mention nonetheless. It was a pretty magical gig and Cardiff University's freshly refurbished nightclub, Y Plas, was the perfect setting for it. With a balcony up top, some fans got a stunning view of the action and on the small dancefloor below, the crowd as one bounced, jumped and swayed to every beat possible. It's gigs like this that make fanbases grow and allow bands like Twin Atlantic to reach the heights they deserve.

I'd catch Twin Atlantic while you can, because with performances as good as this one, they'll soon be selling out arenas in minutes.

Nothing is better than hearing Crash Land live #twinatlantic #greatdivide #tour #live #cardiff

A video posted by Alice (@kell_soopreez) on Nov 11, 2014 at 3:34pm PST

Setlist

The Ones That I Love
Hold On
Fall Into The Party
Make A Beast Of Myself
Edit Me
Be A Kid
The Ghost Of Eddie
Cell Mate
Rest In Pieces
I Am An Animal
Actions That Echo
Yes, I Was Drunk
Time For You To Stand Up
What Is Light? Where Is Laughter?
Free
Crash Land
Why Won't We Change?

Oceans
Brothers And Sisters
Heart And Soul

Two weeks worth of gems.

Having been away from my blog for two weeks I've missed some pretty big and awesome stuff, so here's a kind of condensed post about some of my favourite news from the last fortnight!

Enter Shikari finally released news of a new album, tour and released a brand new single, The Last Garrison. Shikari, being one of my favourite bands, rarely disappoint me and this single almost did. On a first listen I was unsure but a few more tries and I have now deemed it awesome. It's not as aggressive sounding as some of their previous singles but it still has intense passion and trademark genre-bending sounds that make this band leaders in their field. "Can you hear the war cry!?" shouts Rou Reynolds and the answer is yes, and it's bloody exciting!

Foo Fighters have been at some serious single releasing too. In the last fortnight they've released three singles of their long awaited album, Sonic Highways, and it's been nothing but great. First single. Something From Nothing, boasts pure rock 'n' roll vibes whilst second single, The Feast and the Famine sees some classic Foo Fighters sounds. Latest single, Congregation, too sees Foo Fighters showcase everything we love about them and more and it's a beautiful teaser to keep us going until the album is released later this month. If you just can't wait, Sonic Highways, a documentary about the making of their latest album, is on weekly on BBC Four with the first three episodes available on iPlayer now.

A surprising single came out this fortnight; Sun Riders by Krokodil. Now whilst it's known that this man loves something heavier from time to time, it was quite a surprise to hear Biffy Clyro's Simon Neil provide actual vocals on the brand new Krokodil track. Although the single lacks a certain punch, the vocals provided by Simon work beautifully with the dark and murky metal tones consistent throughout the single. Here's to hoping we see Simon Neil doing more stuff like this in the future!

After Bring Me The Horizon released Drown, things were looking super exciting. Until Don't Look Down was released that is. Part of Radio 1's Rescore of Drive, Bring Me The Horizon teamed up with Foreign Beggars to create something quite strange. It doesn't sound like Bring Me The Horizon, not at all, and although it fits with the film, it doesn't fit with the bands sound. It was a nice try and I'm sure the boys enjoyed doing something so completely different but if Don't Look Down is a sound that is going to be carried through to the future, Bring Me The Horizon are in trouble.

Now for a double whammy of radical gnarly awesomeness... WHILE SHE SLEEPS AND CANCER BATS ARE TOURING TOGETHER!!!!! Excitement is rife in the world of metal about this because both bands create crazy sounds and put on amazing live shows. Not only is there a tour but While She Sleeps will release new album, Brainwashed, early next year, as will Cancer Bats with their new album, Searching For Zero. And as if that wasn't enough, both have released new singles! Arsenic In The Year Of The Snake is Cancer Bats through and through: it's rough around the edges, grizzly and yet another power single about the things that matter. But it's New World Torture that is the star of this news. While She Sleeps have got it all: chants, gang vocals, break downs, build ups and riffs galore. It's an insane single and is a testament to how hard this band are working to create some of the best metal around today.

Lady Gaga, The O2 Arena, 25/10/2014

The past two weeks have been tough. Tougher than I had anticipated. Everything seemed to become uncertain quickly and life had been put on hold. Finally life seems to be returning to something more normal again which means I'm back! It was in the midst of all this that I saw Lady Gaga and it couldn't have been a more fitting time to go to such a gig.

I am a long time Little Monster. Lady Gaga has always been an inspiration to me and she exudes qualities which all human beings should take example from. She is innovative, original, creative, authentic, caring, honest and above all she is a star.

artRAVE: The ARTPOP Ball is Gaga's latest worldwide tour. It sees her performing her 2013
album ARTPOP which is possibly her most experimental album to date. It expresses the marriage of art and popular culture and is full of meaning encased in neon dance beats. artRAVE is the perfect reflection of just that. Gaga's multi-armed perspex runway escaped the stage and filled The O2 Arena creating the perfect platform for the woman fans call Mother Monster to dance, to sing and to spread love and unity throughout the crowd. Her performance was as spot on as ever: her vocals crisp and breathtaking and her dancing sharp, but what is really captivating about Lady Gaga is how throughout it all, she can move a whole crowd emotionally.

Multiple times, Gaga stopped and gave speeches about how we should believe in ourselves and be ourselves and never give up. How we should spread love and be united and support one another. She bought a fan onstage who has been battling cancer for 8 years and sang Born This Way to her: it was a reminder to everyone that bravery is so important and that we are who we are and that is beautiful. Her words are always moving and are always important in rebuliding strength, not just to me,but to many fans, and that is what makes her shows special. They're not just a stunning theatrical showcase, they're an escape and an inspiration.

It was an insane show, not her best, it lacked the clear storyline she usually creates so well, but nevertheless, it was amazing. She performed pretty much all of ARTPOP and created some medleys from her previous albums, The Fame/The Fame Monster and Born This Way. She also performed Bang Bang, which features on her new album with Tony Bennett. This jazz number gave Gaga a moment to showcase her stripped back side, less costume and performance and more vocal, and it was nice to see that. Her costumes were as crazy and gorgeous as ever and her interlude remixes were definitely fitting for the tour's title. It was just another amazing live show and a reminder of why I, and millions of others, will continue to love Lady Gaga.

A video posted by Alice (@kell_soopreez) on Oct 10, 2014 at 4:39pm PDT

Setlist

ARTPOP
G.U.Y
Donatella
Venus
MANiCURE
Just Dance
Poker Face
Telephone
Paparazzi
Do What U Want
Dope
You & I
Born This Way
The Edge Of Glory
Judas
Aura
Sexxx Dreams
Mary Jane Holland
Alejandro
Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)
Bad Romance
Applause
Swine
Gypsy

Drown by Bring Me The Horizon

Drown is the brand new single from Sheffield boys, Bring Me The Horizon. It's their first release
since the stunning Sempiternal back in early 2013 and it's an exciting taste of what's to come from the metalcore quintet. It's a much more grown up sound but it is still very much them. Usually, I hate it when bands grow into something more mainstream but it feels different with Bring Me The Horizon. It's still full of lyrics which are honest and brutal and that is why this band can change their sound but still remain true to who they are. "What doesn't kill you makes you wish you were dead. Got a hole in my soul growing deeper and deeper" states Oli Sykes. I've always admired him as a lyricist because he doesn't bullshit and whilst his lyrics may seem bleak in outlook, they manage fill fans with hope. This is a band who's fans feel saved because of their music and Drown will only continue to have that effect.

As a single, it's powerful and big in sound and is super exciting because it's stunning. To top Sempiternal was always going to be hard, but if Drown is anything to go by the next album will be even better. To add to the excitement, the boys have made a video which entails the exorcism of demons. It's funny but I really never want to see Matt with a face that hairy again. The suits can stay though, they're a good look! I'm so glad Bring Me The Horizon are back.

You can catch the boys at their special Wembley Arena show on December 5th with Issues, Young Guns and Sleepwave.

Drown is available for pre-order now and due for release on December 7th.

.5: The Gray Chapter by Slipknot

.5: The Gray Chapter is a testament to brotherhood.

The album's title is alone a testament to a late friend, but it's content takes that testament to a new place.

Since the passing of Paul Gray, Slipknot's bassist, in 2010, the band have struggled with turmoil and grief and that is evident in this album. There is discussion of the darkness that surrounds tragedy but also how it can be overcome and it's this honesty, along with extreme musical talent, that makes this album special.

It is riff heavy and pace heavy but it manages to stay beautiful through it's relentless nature. The album maintains it's trademark Slipknot style as it pummels your eardrums for the most part but still features those breaks where Corey gets his chance to showcase his melody rather than his gruff growls. In some ways, it's not an evolution. It's definitely not a devolution either, but it is more a continuation of one of metal's greatest bands. The album is bold and stunning from start to end and singles The Devil In I and The Negative One continue to stick in your skull for days after hearing them. But it's songs like the non-stop aggressor Custer and the heartfelt power of Skeptic that stick out in this album. Skeptic in particular brings me back to this idea of testament. Corey Taylor has explained this album track by track and has said that this song is purely about Paul and what an amazing man he was. It's touching that Slipknot have let their masks slip in some senses, to remember their friend, musician and brother in such a way.

Killpop is another song on this album that is worth talking about. It's softer than most of the album and it's haunting. It lingers in your mind, even above bolder songs, which is proof of the talent Slipknot possess, not just as musicians but also as lyricists. Although Paul Gray and Joey Jordison (former drummer) were huge parts of Slipknot, their places are fittingly filled in a way that hasn't compromised the music. Lech contains some insane drumming from new drummer Jay Weinberg, as does most of the album to be honest and the likes of The One That Kills The Least are overflowing with reasons why Slipknot are just as rad now as they were when they released their debut LP back in 1999.

The truth is that Slipknot have created an album that is amazing on all levels. It memorialises a life but it is also just a beautiful piece of musicianship. If this is only the start of a new chapter, I cannot wait to see where they go next.

Listen to: Custer

.5: The Gray Chapter is available to pre-order now and is released on October 21st.

Band of the Week: frnkiero and the cellabration

Since My Chemical Romance split little over a year ago, it hasn't just been ex-frontman Gerard Way who's been working hard on his own music. In fact, pretty much all of them have been, but most attention-grabbing of the five is ex-guitarist, Frank Iero. Since the dissipation of the emo scene's most loved band, Frank has become the frontman of his own project, frnkiero and the cellabration.

With no capital letters and all his songs bookended by full stops, Frank is still creating rock music with muddy tones and mumbly lyrics. But it's different. It's far distinguished from the music he once created with MCR and it's removed from other projects he's had over the years such as LeATHERMOUTH. What frnkiero and the cellabration is, is super cool. It sounds like he's got his mates together in his garage and has said, "I just want to make music." It's definitely rock, it's definitely punk and it's definitely created under many influences. I mean there's some definite electronic beats on the debut album! The main thing is that it's just such a cool sound. Singles .joyriding. and .weighted. showcase who Frank can be as a frontman: his voice is unpolished and strained but it's so nice to listen to. He's a star that's finally getting his chance to shine. And his videos are pretty gnarly. And he's adorable...

Most people would hate me for saying this but thank God that MCR threw the towel in because frnkiero and the cellabration are rad and I for one can't wait to see where this boy ends up next.

Listen to: .neverenders.

You can catch frnkiero and the cellabration supporting Mallory Knox across the UK this November.

2 and half videos

Good Girls - 5 Seconds of Summer

As always, I'm a fangirling mess. This video is truly one for the female rebels and anyone who really really really fancies the four Aussie heartthrobs. Before I get to my actual opinions about this video, I just need to get out my system how much I love Michael Clifford in this video. My body wasn't ready and I'm still fangirling about his presence in this video. That cringeworthy outburst aside, this video is actually pretty good. In traditional 5SOS form, it's tongue cheek with the boys comparing good girls to cello frets and sweet lemonade in the guise of a classical band. And then, of course, they cause havoc, returning to their rock 'n' roll selves causing the girls of the reform school to keep on being bad. Spraying an 'X' over anything and everything, the video culminates in the girls being set free around the prison-like school and the boys being total rockstars. It's such a feelgood song as well so the video has only adds to this single. I just wish they'd chosen me to be in the video with them (sighs)...

Mad At Myself - Issues

Issues are adorable. This song is a serious one and the video is a good one but all I want to do is comment on is how adorable Tyler Carter looks sat in that chair with his purple hair. I guess I'm biased as I have purple hair too so moving away from that this video tells the story of the single perfectly. The song is about giving into past demons when you know you shouldn't and it's portrayed in the video by a girl, who looks a tad like Jennifer Lawrence, trying to move on from her ex but falling straight back into his arms. It's happened to the majority of us I'm sure, which is why the passion and angst visible from not only the actress, but also from Tyler and Michael Bohn, is pretty powerful. The video makes you connect with the song even more than before and it also features the rest of Issues rocking out the way they do best. The only thing missing is bassist, Skyler Acord's hair! Bring back that insane afro!

Custer - Slipknot

Okay, so this isn't actually a video but it was too fresh not to include in this post. Custer is the third song to be released by Slipknot from the new (and now leaked) album, .5: The Gray Chapter, and this is one insane track. It's violent in exactly the way you want it to be. Right from the start it pummels and drives into your skull like a freight train and it leaves you wanting more. You just know that this is a song to unify a crowd at a gig screaming back the chorus: "cut cut cut me up and fuck fuck fuck me up." It's so disgustingly good that I have no proper constructive words for it. Unlike The Devil In I and The Negative One, Custer is purely for the growls and murmurs of Corey Taylor and it's great to see him doing something so purely aggressive again. The song is a showcase of the powerhouse of metal that Slipknot are and it is definitely a reminder of what they do best: pure unadulterated noise.

The Acoustic Things by State Champs

I'm such a sucker for a pop punk acoustic album and State Champs prove exactly why with their latest EP, The Acoustic Things. The EP features five songs from their 2013 album, The Finer Things, and also two new songs written especially for acoustic tones.

It's a heartmelter. I think it could even make a grown man go all gooey and soft because not only are the lyrics heartfelt and possibly even more beautiful acoustically, but Derek Discanio's voice is just so light and loveable. It has the classic pop-punk tone: it's whiney but has some throat to it and you absolutely love it.

Naturally, the first five tracks on the EP are gorgeous. They're still favourites from the LP and it's a testament to State Champs that their music is dynamic enough to carry an acoustic sound as well as the thrashy pop punk it originally embodied. What should really be spoken about on this EP however is the two new tracks that the album ends with. Leave You In The Dark is pretty but it's EP closer, If I'm Lucky that is the true gem of the EP. I don't think it's possible to get sick of hearing Derek sing "hello beautiful" and "hello sunshine" which is a good thing considering this EP will be on repeat for a long time to come yet.

9/10

Listen to: If I'm Lucky

Unravelling by We Were Promised Jetpacks

First and foremost, I apologise for displaying the cover of this album so largely. It's a pretty cool
optical illusion but please don't look at it for more than two seconds. I can't afford to be sued for all your migraines right now!

Album cover aside, Unravelling is We Were Promised Jetpacks third album and it's been a long three year wait for it's arrival. The Edinburgh quartet have been creating some of the loveliest indie rock in the UK for ten years now but their latest LP leaves a lot left to be desired. Their accents seem to be less prominent and the big sounds of riffs and fills instead take the limelight. Like most indie bands these days, the sound has grown and become more vast but that isn't what We Were Promised Jetpacks do best. Their debut album, These Four Walls, was an amazing album full of understated songs with sweet lyrics but Unravelling is far removed from that. Right from track one the boys have pushed their sound and stretched it to places it shouldn't be: it's strained and it feels like their trying really hard to be this big band that they just aren't.

I criticise this with a heavy heart because there was a spark within this band which could have lead to them becoming something really amazing but it seems they have unravelled. There is no longer an urgency to their sound. Songs such as Peaks And Troughs feel not quite right and there's an Editors-esque vibe to the music which doesn't quite fit. It all sounds the same and it's so disappointing. Having said all this, there are small glimmers of positivity with tracks such as Peace Sign and A Part Of It, which are more reminiscent of the sound I fell in love with back in 2009.

I'm not even sure I'd recommend listening to this album. If you want to hear We Were Promised Jetpacks, do yourself a favour and go straight back to These Four Walls. That is an album to fall in love with. Unravelling just isn't what it should be.

4/10

Listen to: Peace Sign

Unravelling is available to buy now.

The Big Cheese Tour, CF-10, 04/10/2014

CF-10 is Cardiff Student Union's cafe. It's small and is often crowded on a Thursday morning with hungover students who experienced a "messy one" the night before. But tonight it hosts The Big Cheese Tour, possibly one of the biggest tours of the year. It sees the hauntingly beautiful Lonely The Brave and the weirdly wonderful Marmozets co-headline across the UK with grunge darlings Allusondrugs supporting. What could possibly go wrong?

Nothing, that's what.

Right from the moment Allusondrugs take the stage, the music pummels the crowd with no injury or insult to be seen or heard. Being the support act is always hard, particularly with names as big as these headliners but Allusondrugs played as if this tour were their own. Anyone who missed them really missed a trick because these boys are destined for the big time. They're weird and psychadelic and grungey and quite frankly beautiful to look at. I have never seen so much hair fly about a stage and the whole set was quite unpredictable. I wasn't sure where frontman Jason was going to end up and I wasn't sure if I was going to see a mosh pit or just some kids staring. Unfortunately, the crowd were not overly receptive and even upon Jason asking "who's here to get laid tonight?" there was just one lonely yell. Despite this, the boys played a rad set featuring songs such as Cherry Pie and Am I Weird? and definitely left with a few new fans.

After a short 20 minute turn over, it was Lonely The Brave's turn. The crowd had expanded and there were now grown men, boys and women alike ready to have an emotional outpour alongside the Cambridgeshire lads. I've said it before and I'll say it again, this band are beautiful. David Jakes' voice just stays with you: it's so so haunting. He spends most of his time in the shadows of the stage, rarely moving from the spot where you can only see him if you're at the barrier and it makes you empathetic. He has such a talent, as do the band who surround him, but he has so much anxiety about being in the spotlight that you feel for him. You understand where the emotion in their music comes from when you see them live and it makes the experience that much more special. In some ways, his limitation is his strength because it makes people connect to their big, bold anthems and it's this niche they fill that leave this adoring crowd wanting more.

Lonely The Brave would have stolen the show, that's if Marmozets weren't up after them. In a completely different league, the rock quintet from Leeds are well and truly the talking point of the night. I was lucky enough to squeeze in down the front and get the full effect of a Marmozets gig. There were moshpits and yells and a union of hands in the air which supported Becca Macintyre physically and metaphorically. She was ill, flu and all that, but you wouldn't have known it as she screamed her way through the majority of their amazing debut album and jumped on top of the crowd time and time again. She is an amazing force driving this band and seeing them live really showcased just what this band can do. Their set ended with the frantic Vibetech which saw pretty much all the band get in the middle of the crowd. That's right, a whole drum kit was moved into the crowd, as well as a guitar or two. The crowd moshed around them as they blew everyone away and it even featured a guest vocal from Jason (Allusondrugs); it was awesome.

After briefly hanging about to get a high five from Becca, I left drenched in my own, and probably a few others, sweat. It was such a good gig and I would urge anyone to go and see all three of these bands, even if they're not your cup of tea. You are in for a massive treat if you do.

Setlist (Marmozets)

Born Young And Free
Particle
Is It Horrible
Captivate You
Weird And Wonderful
Why Do You Hate Me?
Hit The Wave
Move, Shake, Hide
Vibetech

Setlist (Lonely The Brave)

Call Of Horses
Victory Line
Trick Of The Light
Deserter
Black Saucers
King Of The Mountain
River, River
The Blue, The Green
Backroads

Band of the Week: Allusondrugs

Allusondrugs are rad.

Okay, I'll elaborate. I've been banging on about how cool this band are for a while now, it's probably getting a bit much. Allusondrugs are a Leeds based grunge quintet with the most fabulous hair since Kurt Cobain left us. And before you say it, no, that's not a risen Cobain on the right, that's Jason and he's Allusondrug's vocalist. Not only does he have a lovely head of hair, but so do his bandmates and live they are a vision of hair flips and windmills. It's crazy and beautiful. Sorry, I'll stop talking about their hair now...

The special thing about Allusondrugs is not their hair, it's that they're not just another band from Yorkshire. They have an urgency in their sound that has lead them to embark on some amazing tours such as the current Big Cheese Tour with fellow Leeds howlers Marmozets and the beautiful Lonely The Brave. The reason this is important is because they are spreading their sound far and wide. It's a sound which has grit but it's also mellow and it's this odd concoction that makes you really want more. Since July 2012 they've been releasing music that you want to get your hands on and 2014's self-titled EP is a mini masterpiece. Cherry Pie is the song you really want to hear though as it showcases all sides of the band; there's guitars and bass and sludge and it's just so so good. It's worth youtubing Am I Weird? as well because it features some lyrics you won't forget in a hurry.

This isn't the only time you'll hear about Allusondrugs. They'll be headlining across the UK this winter and they will explode.

Listen to: Am I Weird?

You can catch the boys on The Big Cheese Tour now or on their headline tour later in the year,

Hesitant Alien by Gerard Way

Who is Gerard Way these days? Saviour of the emo teens? One of five musical icons? A solo
shoegaze artist inspired by Britpop? Apparently, it's the latter. Gerard Way's solo sound is far removed from the triumphant efforts of his former band, My Chemical Romance (MCR to those who are more familiar with the band). Back in those day he adorned black eyeliner, changed his hair with every album and dressed up in an array of styles to win over a million broken teenage hearts. Since the split of MCR, Gerard has said that he loves that he can help his fans but he doesn't want to be responsible for all these kids lives anymore. He understands his music empowers and helps them but he doesn't want that to fall straight on his shoulders. To some extent, the huge style change is evidence of that. It's a move away from the emo idealisation that this man is a Messiah and whilst there is still meaning for others in his music, it's definitely Gerard creating a sound that pleases and saves himself first and foremost.

That's not to say he's forgotten about his fans. Oh no, first single from the album, Action Cat, features the lyrics "Do you miss me? Because I miss you" and although I neglected MCR post-Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge, I kind of have missed Gerard Way.

Hesitant Alien is actually pretty good. I don't know what I was expecting but this album feels weirdly natural. With new hair and a new slick look (who doesn't love a man in a suit and tie!?), this album sees Gerard Way return with a new passion and power. There are elements of the album when it feels a bit boring: No Shows and Drugstore Perfume just aren't what they should be. And even Brother, a supposedly heartfelt number, sounds a bit lackluster to an average listener.

Whilst it is true there are elements of Hesitant Alien which are hesitant on Gerard's part and alien on the listener's part, there are moments on the album where it's clear Gerard is doing what he should be doing. Zero Zero and Juarez are awesome. They're Gerard Way doing what he does best, the slightly heavier stuff, and although these songs are more Kasabian and Blur sounding, they work perfectly well with his gravelly, imperfect tones. Maya The Psychic closes the album and there was no better song among the 12 to do so. It's a bit of an anthem and as Gerard says "We're not just dreamers, we're the kind that comprehend." That's true of who Gerard Way is, he's more than just a dreamer and Hesitant Alien is a clear celebration of the start of a future he once only dreamed about.

Listen to: Maya The Psychic

6/10

Hesitant Alien is available to buy now.
Gerard Way will be doing his first live shows in the UK since Reading and Leeds this November.