No Weather Talks speak out

Flying in with the north east breeze is No Weather Talks, who just embarked on their first ever UK tour. 

“We are excited to be here” explains front woman, Jen and they are not the only ones as their fan base is growing slowly but significantly as they climb up the ladder of well-known pop-punk bands. The best way I can begin to describe them is a softer version of Marmozets. They have the raw and bitter punk edge reflected in Marmozets, whilst appealing to many with their catchy jams, such as ROAD RASH ( https://www.facebook.com/noweathertalks/app_204974879526524 ). This is something that has come together with Jen being own life story, “I have lived in America, now I live in Germany and toured around Europe extensively” this exposer to many scenes and artists has only strengthened who they are to stand out from the crowd. They certainly stand out on this UK tour and especially in Hull where they draw a decent sized crowd for a fairly unknown band. The music is also backed up by political and teenage angst lyrics which demonstrates they are not into reciting atypical punk act from the past.

First off playing tonight is local act, Less Deceived who I must have reviewed hundreds of times supporting acts coming to Hull. They play a decent set adding in a catchy new song to change it up a bit. Before Leeds duo, Kamikaze girls hit the stage with their gripping set. This due have joined forces once again after their band Heart and Soul broke up to much disappointment from many fans. Being a fan of Heart and Soul myself it was hard to think of a new sound for these guys but as I watched their set I realised they brought an energy you could only experience from their live sound. As they work brilliantly together, powering through a fast paced and aggressive punk girl set. Fans of Royal Blood and Turbowolf should check them out now!

Ending the night in style was down to No Weather Talks, who command the stage and audience’s attention from the first note. Playing a good length set featuring tracks from their EP and debut album which is out now on sexy vinyl. Unlike the records released though they set up the energy level higher than anticipated by infecting everyone to dance along in Hull fruit. Full interview with NWT and KG will be on the hybrid Sep or Nov podcast watch this space.

https://www.mixcloud.com/thisishybrid/

https://www.facebook.com/kamikazegirlsuk

https://www.facebook.com/noweathertalks
https://www.facebook.com/LessDeceived

Altered Skys Altered Setup

Today started out with delays but end on a happier note as I got to know new band on the block, Altered Sky perform and chat about their future plans.

Travelling to Leeds feels like something I do too often now but is something that I love to as it is vibrant city with lots going on, maybe one day I could save the hassle and just live there! The main reason for travelling to Leeds for me has to be the music, the shops and the venues as YORKSHIRE always appreciates bands that come through the area.

The one band in question today is, Altered Sky, a Scottish four piece (five live) that are hotly tipped as the next big thing with their powerful vocalist and infectious rhythms. To promote the debut album, Without Wonderland, they have partnered with Pulp stores and clothing label Jilted Generation to tour around the UK playing the album in full, acoustically. It has certainly helped in their favour getting many fans, new and old excited for the future of where this band can go. Arriving fashionably early as ever to chat with the band before they take to the floor in Pulp store I was greeted with no band and miserable staff. However, this is be expected as working in the music industry is a waiting game full of ups and downs. The band came together to greet the audience 45minutes later than expected, well it isn’t easy parking in a big city you know. To the delight of the fans and the band they do eventually start playing and it was certainly worth the wait as they play through the album (roughly) chronologically. With the audience sat on the floor listening intently and occasionally singing along to the tracks, it’s easy to spot a connection between fans and band that feels almost like a family reunion. 

As they go through the album lead vocalist, Ana pauses between each song to plug the album and discuss the making of or stories behind the songs which is a special insight future fans might be gutted to of missed. The band look like they are coming of age in the music world, ready to step up and this debut album, reflects that with a coming of age spirit, which only furthers the connection with the younger audience. After the set finishes everyone connects sharing pictures, signatures and kind words about this special set. I chatted to them about their new album before bringing out my “excellent” random question ball generator, which all bands seem to love. The small chat will be on-line in September (2015) podcast but for now here is a quote “Rich would be hitting on them zombies like crazy”. A signed poster, pictures and two fingers up to the rude Pulp staff, I was out back off to Hull, feeling very privileged to hear their entire album in full acoustically. Next stop pre-order?!

Overall, the record sounds good enough to stand against other artists such as, We Are The In Crowd or Moose Blood on a record store shelf. It is well constructed and establishes who they are, the only criticism I could find is it does not feel experimental or edgy enough which means they might get type cast to a certain scene. With this said am sure as they mature as people so will their sound as they certainly have the potential and talent to be a shining light on the UK rock scene.

Don Broco release a Automatic hit

Don Broco – Automatic Album Review

Don Broco have kept the energy and excitement flowing from their huge debut album ‘Priorities’ to an equally impressive sophomore album, ‘Automatic’.

“Determination, have I got what it takes” is the first lyrics on ‘Automatic’ and is the words on everyone’s lips as their last album ‘Priorities’ made them into rock stars playing huge venues, how could they top it? Determined to prove they are not just a one trick pony, Don Broco have come back with their high energy yet smooth style. Opening tracks of ‘Super Love’, ‘Automatic’ and ‘What You Do To Me’ instantly grip with their infectious heavy rhythms before ‘Fire’ and ‘Nerve’ display a more produced dance sound usually found in Ibiza. 

The quitest part of the album is, ‘Let You Get Away’ the track maybe seen as a filler with no killer beat. ‘I Got Sick’ and ‘Tough On You’ are great tunes that hints towards The 1975 style.  Ending track, ‘Further’ is a powerful solo song that closes the album with a soaring melody that will be amazing live. If you don’t get the deluxe version of the album you miss out on some of the best songs release in the past year, including the heavy hitter produced by Gil Norton, ‘Money, Power, Fame’ and Iconic sound of ‘I Wanna Know’.

Although they don’t top the last album it is at the same level with great beats, sing along and more swagger than Jay-Z. This record is Don Broco firing on full cylinders, pushing themselves and their sound into the main stream market and hey we think they have nailed it.

Fans of: Bombay Bicycle Club, You Me At Six and Partying, 80’s style.

9/10