No Maintenance Required

The sophomore album by British rockers ‘Nothing But Thieves’ maybe called ‘Broken Machine’ but their music is far from kaput. This month signifies the release of the bands striking new album, a follow up to their highly successful debut album.

From the lead singles and theme of the album as a whole, it is clear that the band have developed both as artists and people. As Connor (vocalist) has described in many interviews the album comes from spending many of the last few years on the road dealing with health issues and relationships. These experiences have led ‘Nothing But Thieves’ to deliver a album full of soul and experimentation. As soon as the album begins on opener ‘I Was Just A Kid’ there is a mindful connection between where the band was when writing the first to where they are now. They are delivering a more mature sound and certainly something that would fit onto a ‘Foo Fighters’ record.

This track leads smoothly into their biggest single to date ‘Amsterdam’ A huge sounding anthem that has already been enjoyed in small club shows, begging to be used in stadiums with the crowd at their feet. As the album progresses through Connors vocals are demonstrated in remarkable quality showing range and passion. Especially on tracks, ‘Sorry’ and ‘Live Like Animals’, which shows the band stepping into new territory. Just like their live shows ‘Nothing But Thieves’ seamlessly move from moody intimate tracks to loud adrenaline filled arenas. ‘I’m Not Made By Design’ and ‘Afterlife’ demonstrate this superbly, possibly showing that they are the Radiohead of our generation if not bigger!

Just like the title track of ‘Broken Machine’, ‘Particles’ and ‘Get Better’ have connected with so many people due to them being based on the issue of mental health. This topic is growing in awareness but should certainly be championed more as young men suffer with this more and more but are afraid to speak of it. I know I have been in that dark place and thankfully came out the other side, it was music (and my wife) that helped me so it is great to see more acts in recent times addressing it.

‘Broken Machine’ is not only a statement about the potential future for ‘Nothing But Thieves’ but a statement representative of our current culture and society. This album is beautiful, from conception to delivery by one of the pioneering bands of this century. No music collection will be complete without this in your life.

Ps Pick up the ‘Broken Machine’ deluxe album as there is many extra treasures to be found, like the acoustic version of ‘sorry’.

Long Live Vista

Vista – Long Live EP review.

This EP breathes life into a fading scene and will certainly assist in giving ‘Vista’ a long lived career as artists. The new EP drops on July 21st so save the date.

‘Vista’ is an American two piece rock act from the east coast, fuelled by the digital age of music. Think of the new band ‘Pvris’ but a 2.0 version which embraces more production. The EP launches into their best work to date, the song ‘Allegiance’ is a sing along gem, perfect for festivals. Likewise their previous single, ‘Henchmen’ & title track, ‘Long Live’ are also high octane tracks on record and exciting to see live. The criticism to come from this EP is that the production use is heavy but not in a hundred percent original way, I would like to see the duo experiment more and go wild with their ideas as it feels a bit reserved.

In a world full of online media it is simple to easy access new music, meaning it is hard for new artists to stand out in a flood of streaming sites. ‘Vista’ is just one of them acts and as a new act still in their infancy they are still finding who they are. With that said their style from music to image is streamline, captivating and feels exciting, as the buzz for this band is growing. This EP is just a tip of their musical voyage, long live ‘Vista’.

Brats, Beer And Beats

The world’s largest Brat Fest opens its gates once again, at the beautiful Willow Island in Madison, Wisconsin. The first experience I had with this iconic Wisconsin festival was seeing an unusual bright yellow t-shirt hung up in my wife’s closet, on it was the now recognisable cartoon brat. Ever since then I have been waiting with anticipation to check out the festival full of brats, beer and musical beats.

The smiling brat face is very striking and could even described as timeless in its appearance, as it appeals to the whole family but this is just one of the many reasons why hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to the states capitol every year since 1983. The obvious initial attraction for the festival is the food, the famous brat cook out rustles up millions of tasty treats for the masses, including hog and vegan brats. What better way to wash down a brat on a summer’s day, than with a beer, my choice being a local brew from Capitol Brewery. The sweet taste of the golden amber nectar complimented the delicious brat from the first bite.

While chomping down on food and drink, there was plenty of music to sit back and enjoy for free! There were four stages to check out from a verity of artists, from rap to rock. As well as music, there was a grand car show, carnival ground and plenty of activities for the children. After hitting the festival with the in laws on the Saturday I and the wife decided to go back for a second day on Sunday... Mainly because of the free firework show but also more brats and music, how could we resist. Also with it being Memorial weekend it is a good way to bring people together to remember those we may have lost.

If you haven’t been to Brat Fest before or want to experience a taste of real American culture, then this festival should be on your summer to do list. I certainly cannot wait until it rolls around again, however I am hoping for some little improvements in the festival for the future. It would be nice to see more things to do at the festival, more staggered stage times, more food types at better prices such as Brat flavours. With that said this festival is home grown and free, helped along by an army of volunteers and some generous charities.

So next year start the summer right with some beer, brats and beats in the summer solstice.

The Man With Stars On His Knees

Aaron Buchanan And The Cult Classics – The Man With Stars On His Knees album review.

‘Aaron Buchanan’ has stars on his knees and superstar status in his mind with this debut album shooting him skywards. The album entitled "The Man With Stars On His Knees" is fuelled by explosive and melodic rock from start to finish, with the help of Aarons’ band, ‘The Cult Classics’.

Aaron is no stranger to the rock scene being in various projects and bands including, the ever changing, Heavens Basement. The experiences he has had and the background growing up in the music scene shine through his debut solo work as it pays homage to late generations of rock n roll. After listening to the album in full one can truly appreciate the eclectic and brilliant sound that has been crafted. Tracks like ‘All The Things You Have Said And Done’ and ‘Dancin’ Down Below’ are made for anyone to shake out their vocal cords, while title track ‘The Man With Stars On His Knees’ will get everyone reaching for their air guitars.

The pinnacle track would be ‘Journey Out Of Here’ as it combines all the best aspects of the artist and band. The track starts as an angelic poetic love affair with Aaron’s unique voice and lyrics before being treated to a heavy grinding riff. All the tracks from this debut solo project are worth having on repeat and certainly will be an experience when transformed into a live format.

A perfect comparison of this music to any others would be the love child of ‘Rise Against’ and ‘Queen’.  ‘The Man With Stars On His Knees’ drops to earth at the end of May so sit down, pick up the album and prepare for an intergalactic thrill ride from the next generation of rock star.

Feel The Love This Summer

Clean Cut Kid – Felt album review

Feel the love this summer. After working relentlessly for almost two years, hoping on tours and teasing us with singles, ‘Clean Cut Kid’ has finally released a debut album, ‘Felt’.  Just like the name suggests it is a feel good album bursting with life and colour for people of all ages.

The passion these four “Liverpodlian” musicians have for music can be ‘Felt’ throughout this exciting body of work, as they prove they are more than capable of writing more than one hit. After picking up the album you will realise that ‘Felt’ is a collection of sing-along singles that you have constantly been humming to over the last year, all produced by the same band.  From ‘Vitamin C’ to ‘Runaway’, ‘Make Believe’ to ‘Pick Me Up’ these songs just leave you filled with joy and will certainly put a smile on your face. Just like their live shows, the album never has a dull moment. Even when the tempo drops to the slower ballads of ‘Evelyn’ and ‘Brother Of Mine’, your audio senses are captured into the tracks narratives.  

A stand out track is really hard on this solid piece of work, but the title track of, ‘Felt’ would be up there. Due to it being a master piece of a pop song, showing depth and love backed up by a catchy chorus, as per. If you want to impress a significant other, make sure to check out this super charged debut album as it will help cement anyone’s coolness as “I heard them first”. For fans of ‘The 1975’, ‘Michael Jackson’ &  huge sing-alongs’.  ‘Felt’ is an album full of intertwining musical gems resulting in a smooth standout album, which will be THE debut of the year. 

Hear The Love Lion Roar

Uncle Frank – Love Lion album review.

Hear the Love Lion roar as the quartet rockers, ‘Uncle Frank’ triumphantly return with their second album, ‘Love Lion’. Full of groove and swagger, this album is a perfect fit for THE soundtrack to 2017 and beyond.

Love Lion, is destined to make anyone with a soul move, from the initial opening of ‘Love Lion’ to closer of ‘North Shore’ it is clear that ‘Uncle Frank’ have developed their sound on from the first record. They have done this by taking their core scar punk music sound and bringing it into the 21^st century with added production.  This sound is not a hundred percent unique with the amount of revivals and nostalgia floating around, but it is original and exciting for ‘Uncle Frank’ to step into this new territory. As they have proven before they are more than capable of crafting their own musical treasures, which can get the listeners/audience moving.

Alongside the wilder funk tracks are some delicate love songs such as, ‘Your Man’ which will suit all audiences. Stand out track is be ‘Ku Ku Nu’, which has a perfect summer vibe, certainly one for the festivals or club nights, responsibly knocking back a bottle of beer. For fans of ‘Kasabian’,  ‘Blondie’ & good old soul/funk.  ‘Uncle Frank’ has already released ‘Love Lion’ upon to the world so if you want to excite your soul, go capture this wild and evocative album now.

New Year, New Post.

A new year and a new post. This year has already been busy. Not on the music scene but on the personal scene, as I am now happily married and part of a new growing family. Since moving over here we have been continuing with our visa and employment paperwork and are currently awaiting the final (ish) stage. It was also the most expensive stage but after this is complete I can finally work and live in the USA, for the next 2 years. Then we have to file for permanent citizenship, what an effort but all worth it. It defiantly is worth it as we both looked into each other’s eyes and said our vows; it confirmed our never ending love.

The weekend started on Friday night setting up and rehearsing for the big day, we were given three hours but it went far too fast. We managed to added finishing touches to the already beautiful venue and felt ready for the magical event to begin. After a family fish fry we headed in different directions with the aim of meeting up down the aisle. I arrived at the venue early to make sure everything was about to run smooth, after some technical issues with the music, we were ready to walk. Standing at the top of alter with everyone we cared about around us, it was one of the best feeling ever. The final bars of the song started as my beautiful blushing bride took to the aisle, I had to turn away and bite my lip to hold back the emotion that had come over me. Even when Kimberly was standing upon the alter I found it hard to stay composed. The ceremony went well and the whirlwind begun as the time flew by too fast. From photographs to food, dance to goodbyes it was all over in a flash. We could not have planned and delivered a better day as everyone left smiling and some even had free pizzas, 65 pizzas was too many but you can’t go wrong with pizza.

The week of the wedding and week after the wedding was also a memorable time as my mother took her first flight ever! And it was over to the USA, what a crazy but dedicated mother, she is amazing and anyone would be proud to have her.

January and February came and went, along with the delivery of love and gifts from the families on both sides of the Atlantic. Unfortunately we still need the house to put them in but I am sure it is not far off as we stay positive together. Now the waiting game continues as we see how long the government will keep up guessing of what’s next. The strength to carry on comes from the love for each other and the notion or dream of we can do anything together.

P.S. I now have an Instagram to share more of my photos so check it out, yo!
@thisishybridphoto