The best albums of 2013

The Best of 2013

Great year again for music, much as it seems the music industry suffers less sales and fewer platinum albums the music fans still gets the best material. I had a hard time choosing but I tend to always take the albums I have played the most.

A quick run down of some of my favorite albums this year. Enjoy.

David Bowie, The Next Day

I was a little bit excited when I heard about his new album but after ten years would it be any good? Fuck yes! Great album and I really mean this. Playing it over and over and each time you find a new song you love. Bowie has influenced so many and I think this one will start it all over again. looking forward to a follow up more than a live show.

Nick Cave and the Black Seeds, Push the Sky Away

This will be in everyones albums of the year list. Right up there with the best they have done. A nice change from the last few albums but needed. The album flows so well and really feels like a full album. Not a second is wasted on this album. Cave handed all the music over to the band with him writing the lyrics. Really shows what the band can do and i think the side projects have helped evolve the whole band.

Billy Bragg, Tooth and Nail

One of the years really good albums. Bragg went to America to make this and took an a very much Americana feel to the album. Risky but it paid off so well. Not often does an album get better as it progresses. The songs are real much like he has always done. Have a look at the video for the single Handyman Blues.

Cult of Luna, Vertikal

Most people will not get this album but if you want to risk it give it a go. Musically inspired by the film Metropolis. Like the film the music is amazing, saw them live and well worth the money. The way this album feels is amazing, a real great project and I can easily see it as a soundtrack to the film.

Carcass, Surgical Steel

Kept this album well under a cover of darkness. Really no bugger had a clue they were recording and the result should be nothing special. But they did invent a whole new style of music and also take it into many sub Genres. Tectonically this album has been built up over many years of music they invented. Only now do you see what they have done.

Baby Animals, This Is Not the End

Back from the 90s and in real style, my token summer album as it is just so much fun. Suze DeMarchi really should have been a big rock star but as the music business is killer at times it just did not happen. Now you get a chance to hear her once more and what an album. Nothing new but all done so well. When you see sun coming out, put this on.

Sheryl Crow, Feels Like Home

No no I give credit where it is due and this is really good. Taking on a country album is really brave and for an artist who really has so much to loose. I have always liked country music but not that cheesy crap you get on MTV. It is simply just good music that anyone can play. Crow shows how good her voice is on many of the tracks and so much so her voice is the key here. But the Americana feel really helps it. Some of the songs are a little bit too sentimental but there are many really good songs here.

Black Star Riders, All Hell Breaks Loose

A real grower of an album, each listen was taking me in more and more. The twin lead guitars are so infectious. It should never had happened and more so have worked but it did.

Hookworms, Pearl Mystic

This album was a real treat, I really like psychedelic rock when it is very good and this is as good as it gets. I have seen them live and they do not disappoint. Many 60s and 70s bands could never be this good. I have always said bands now are better than older ones due to how much they can learn. Here is evidence. Blinding album.

Newstead, Heavy Metal Music

I am shocked I have this hear as on first listen it really is not that great. But as a music fan I find more and more here that I love. The music is simple and direct, Jason takes all that he likes and adds in what he does best. There are some really catchy song on this album, give it another spin.

Elsinore, Push Pull

This is kind of an indie-rock album with many pop additions. Heard lead single on bandcamp and liked it so much I got the album. Nice album for the gloomy autumn days.

Mutation, Error 500

Ginger and co make some real noise and do it so well. Made as a double album this disk has many guests that lend a hand in the destruction. Fun and appetizing to any serious music fans pallet.

Body/Head, Coming Apart

I was lucky to see this live at the last Supersonic and it really worked live. I got this album really expecting it to not work on record but presently surprised. Think of early Swans mixed with Sunn O))). Too alt hippie arty for many but I love this style of music.

Jarboe, Indemnity

Jarboe, Indemnity (Burning World Record)

Jarboe has for years went out on her own making albums and selling via her own website. This album is a strange one as it is a kind of "best of" album from two albums. But it is also a covers album but of her own work.

I say strange it is not really as many bands and artists re record music all the time. This is more of a performance than a document of a time. Each song has been reworked and you can really feel how personal they may well be.

Her voice is very bleak and haunting here but as always utterly inviting to the ear. Some highlights are reworking of songs from Swans and the Great Annihilator album from 1995. "Celebrity Lifestyle" sounds so different here, the original recording was hardly the most upbeat song but there is a far darker tone hear.

Very few instruments are used as Jarboe uses her voice to maximum effect. Same as "I Am The Sun" is vastly changed but as I say it is more of a performance almost much like a soundtrack interlude for a film. Swans and World of Skin did use a studio to help make the sound of the album here Jarboe is back to basics and with lot little she has makes it work so well.

"Miracle of Love" from White Light From the Mouth of Infinity was a great track and she has really changed it so much so I can barley recognize the track. As with much of this LP I had to check the track listing to make sure I was right in what I was hearing.

Much of the music is a kind of alt folk style, all very much home recorded in a way as the music was put out on CDR via her website. But the album does sound good and for fans of Swans or even noise rock style music will love this. It is easy to throw this away as a covers album but the new Jarboe atmospheric vocal pieces are totally unique to this album and worth the price alone.

Available on LP only via Norman Records

8/10

Twitter: 29xthefun 

Who knows what a B Side is?

Not sure if this is me getting older post or am I right. But people really just do not listen to music at all now.

Back in the day you went to a shop and purchased the album you wanted. Took it home and had a good listen. When I was getting into music I was such a fan I would be outside Our Price on a Monday morning at 9am to buy my hit of the latest music. I am not saying that the kids have it easy but there is a change. I think you would struggle to get people even to buy an album online on the day of release. I went in all weather to buy music January to December. Buying magazines, radios shows like John Peel and friends all recommending music to me. 

Music fans tend to have respect for each other, I see it in pubs when out. There is no real way of telling a fan but you can tell a non fan. Today talking to a work mate they said that they are fed up with music now as it is all boring. I asked him what was the last album he got. Arctic Monkeys. I see why he is board, I did recommend some music for him to reply he can't be arsed looking into it. 

I had a chat with my niece the other day. She likes music. But after the chat it seem to me she is more into having an i pod. She does not own any music in a physical format. And at 19 has never been to a gig. Not even a pop band when 15 or something. By the time I was 19 I had much experience of live music. From festivals to the small basement gig all the way to a mosh pit to Pantera at the Barrowlands. I remember being at all day gigs in Sleazys where you had no idea who was playing. Ticket price was a few quid to some bloke with a beard, no ticket or stamp just respect. 

Even the way we buy tickets and go to gigs have changed. Just because you have a phone with O2 you can get priority ticket sales and the sponsorship of gig venues is just crazy. VIP tickets seem to be very popular as well. To be fair bands do book those venues and sell the tickets so this may well be one area I am out of touch on. But is it not just wrong? Band plays the O2 Academy, I have been a few times. And it is shit. Why not the QMU or Barrowlands. Is it just money or are the fans wanting to be in the cool trendy sponsored brand place? Football in the 70s had to change to make more money, in came the sponsors. It really changed football forever.

Also the tickets for gigs have turned into digital tickets or print at home crap. Ok I get it, handy to print at home and all but you still get charged the same price as them printing the ticket and sending it out, WHY? Also I do like to have a small memento of a gig and a ticket is a great way of doing so. My collection is vast and it is something kids just will never have. Well that does show up why people video gigs I suppose, future reference and also to show mates they have been.

I think music has not changed but the fans have changed. Being cool is more important than being into music. I saw a dad buy his kid £150 headphones for playing music on his i phone the other day. If at 15 I had that choice of a set of headphones at that price I would have chosen a £10 set and spent £140 on music. Is that not what everyone would do?  

Even when listening to music, a phone is just not the best way. But ok, I will let it pass. But even then the ease of access means you can listen to anything whenever you want. But still people decide not to listen to music. Playing music while driving or doing the hoovering is not listening to it. I really do not think anyone will get the Velvet Underground or Jimi Hendrix as they load the washing machine quite as well as sitting back in a comfy seat and just enjoying the music. Don't get me wrong I listen to music at those times as well but many people do not even do that.

This is more of a rant and at least I have this to say as I am a music fan, it shows my passion. I really feel the guts of why music is here has been kicked to death. Sit down for fuck sake put on Vol 4 by Sabbath and relax and get it.

Anneke Van Giersbergen, Drive

Anneke Van Giersbergen, Drive (Agua Recordings)

Last year this great singer put out one great album in Everything is Changing. So good it made my list for the albums of 2012.

I was also lucky to catch her live and I have to say it is an even better show. Her voice is so great and during the concert Anneke did say the next album may be a little rockier.

Thankfully I think that has not happened, she does not need any big rock sound but just her song writing and voice. I can see why she said that as the album starts with "We Live On" all out big band sound to get the album going. Not so much guitars but melodic passages of noise. The drums seem to take quite a bit of the attention here and that is what I love about the opener. As ever Anneke delivers a fantastic vocal performance.

"Treat Me Like A Lady" Nice little guitar riff in a twin Lizzy style but not too over powering. Anneke has a great way of singing her lines making you believe the song. The song title does show what this song is about and one thing I have noticed in her work is a real air of honesty. Not so much in politics or religion but just in her general life.

Title track "Drive" is like a great dance floor filler. Loud and catchy, big bass lines and vocals that make you want to go into a bar playing it to hear more. "Mother Said" has another highlight and much like her last album a tribute to a family member. Very simply done and touching, Anneke and a piano, it is all that she needs to be honest but the band help make that ballad feel (It does not need it).

The album does change a little "Forgive Me" is faster and does feel rushed. I think it is to help flow into the latter half of the album "You Will Never Change" takes us right back to where we want. More catchy vocals and great music. Easy to sing along and enjoy on the bus, just close the eyes and dream.

A kind of alt rocker is next "Mental Jungle" it keeps you wondering what is happening next. With a background in the metal world and also singing for Devin Townsend the title of the song is well placed. With some male vocals that split the song much like a very popular Italian band (I think the band in question would be worried).

Positives in "Shooting For The Stars" help to close the album. Anneke sings "There is know way I am  going to make it, unless I am I am wide awake..." and awake she is. The production is crystal clear on this album with this song the proof of that. There has been no snoozing in the studio at all in this album. Closer "The Best Is Yet To Come" may have a cheesy title but so what. It makes good use of my headphones making as much of the last few minutes they can. Much like the alt rock track a bit back, you really have no idea where it is going.

For someone who used to be in a metal band I think it is time the rest of the worlds press take a look at her music. But as we all know pigeonholes are what the press need to write a review. How about my way of pigeonholing music? Good or bad.

8/10

Twitter: @29xthefun 

Carcass, Surgical Steel

Carcass, Surgical Steel (Nuclear Blast)

In 2008 we all hoped this would happen. Is it worth it? A big yes. Very much a yes. Yes!

So how good is it? Well they have been away a long time and with some gigs over the last few years filling time they must be right back up at where they left off. And that is how it feels. Swansong for many was not a good album but these ears loved the album and the first half of the album follows a little bit on from that album. Intro "1985" feels a little bit like Judas Priest and I do feel that was the intention. More of a nod than a rip off. "Thrasher's Abattoir" has everything from the bands last five album mixed in one. Backed up with a nice production job as ever from Colin Richardson. Of course the drums sound fantastic and at times this old bass player is thinking of packing in the four stringer as I would never keep up. Riffs are also here "Cadaver Pouch Conveyor System" has that melodic guitar sound from later albums but still backs up the music with serious guitar riffing and time changes.

Fans of the bands last two albums will hate "A Congealed Clot Of Blood" back to the more melodic side and very few blastbeats on this one. I could even compare it to a few slower Sabbath numbers. Metal fans will love it, 17 years is a long time between albums and I do feel old disgruntled fans will come round.

Blastbeats and classic gore lyrics were the bands start and it is back in "The Master Butcher's Apron". The production stops it from sounding to messy. Track six or "Noncompliance to ASTM F 899-12 Standard" for me is a real highlight. Technical death metal without the wankyness that come into that style. Some nice classic rock textures that could get a Thursday rock night grooving.

Dan Wilding does a great job on drums and with is time on a drum stool you would expect nothing less. "Unfit for Human Consumption" is as tight as you can have a band this heavy and vocals trying to tell a story or just tell it as it is. The vocals never sound rushed at all and do sound very much from the 90s (a good thing).

Last track is a nice ending to the album and clocking in over 8 minutes it has some extras thrown in. Acoustic guitars helping to launch the last track into very much a symphonic style of death metal tear jerker. There is no letting up on the riffs or even the vocals so do not be worried. It does work and helps take the album up to a 47 minute mark. I have read there are another four track recorded and I wonder when and where they will come out.

But a solid album and some real replay value on this, if this it the first you have heard of this band then you are in for a treat and get ready to buy a few more of there albums. If you have them all and the reissues and also the reissues with the DVD like me then you really can relax. IT IS REALLY GOOD!

8/10

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Newsted, Heavy Metal Music

Newsted, Heavy Metal Music (Chophouse Records)

We all know he played in Metallica and left. I think it was for the better, well looking at the bands output from is departure we all have to agree they were done.

Jason has went on to play with other bands and guesting on albums and even playing with Metallica. But this is HIS first real big product from him that time.

Take it all back to 1986 and you have where this album fits in well. If you have ever heard Jason play in Flotsam and Jetsam you have a great idea of what is going on here. But it seems to sound slower or as I prefer a more modern take on it all.

Self produced and more likely funded by him as well he really does call the shots and I do like what I hear. Opener "Heroic Dose" is fairly loose and reminds me of old death metal album sound of the early 90s. Few riffs but well done with the production being simple that the bands slowly have to get together on the song.

"Soldierhead" was out as an EP and now you have the album it fits in very well. More of the same and with Jason taking mic duties it is odd to hear him so often. His work on the album is pretty much spoken parts. But again it seems to work well. The minimal sound and riffs all blend well and I am sure this is more of a tribute to metal than any real threat to say this is the best band ever.

More of a shock is in the little parts of melody and dare I say it a tune "...As the Crow Flies" shows some nice hints of rock and still in that style started on track one. He is not for changing on this album and I think it was a great decision.

This reviewer is taken back a bit with "Long Time Dead" as it has that twin guitar thrashy style all over it. More of the punky feel to it than metal but I can see both fans enjoying this one. "Above All" reminds me of early Motorhead with the big bass intro sound, it is also just as catchy.

"King of the Underdogs" has that sound I was used to hearing from Jason, a nice little into builds into a drum and riff wall of sound. Again all in that minimal sound, it tends to be normal for an album to have many guitars tracked all over the sound but feels so much less. But it all sounds well polished and after playing for so long he knows what he is doing, having fun.

Later tracks "Nocturnus" and "Twisted Tail of the Comet" continue the album well both adding something different as each track has done. There is not too much crazy soloing on this album and the same can be said for the drums, never over the top. The name of the album could be a little tribute to Metal Machine Music that back then made so many heads turn and think it was a joke.

Funny how there could be a link to Reed but this album will sell less and get less coverage in the press. "Futureality" ends the album and for me the worst track. It is just a little bit boring, lyrics are lazy here but it is a 56 minute album so one track is ok.

The album will not be liked by many metal fans as most only want to hear the same crap over and over. This is not a Metallica album nor is it a thrash album. It is an album for music fans who like something a little different. It is not heavy or even fast but it should appeal to metal fans and I do think many outside metal will like this. I could see it working well live but I may never see that.

Jason is back and I can see why he left, simply for the music.

7/10

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Hey! Hello!

Hey! Hello!,  Hey! Hello! (Round Records-UK, The End Records-USA, Vinyl Junkie-Jap)

Recorded over one ocean, two continents and with two people. This was more of a side project for Ginger Wildheart. But it seems to have evolved from being sidelined as one of his many ventures to his so far main release this year.

The music is not that hard to get a mix of pop, punk and rock. Nothing that will shock any rock n roll fans out there and I think that is why it is getting attention.  On Round Records in the UK the album has been picked up in America by The End Records. This may be helped by the fact the second member is Victoria Liedtke a New York singer who has been using her vocal talents in the Ginger Wildheart Band for a few years.

First track "Black Valentine" has all the ingredients used in the whole album. Big sing along vocals and a nice touch of guitar to get the head nodding. All instruments were played by Ginger inc the drums and these ears are impressed as the album does sound big. Each members voice fits in so well swapping some lyrics and harmonies to keep the ear keen.

"Feral Days" starts off like a classic punk band making the crowd notice them, then into some fantastic choruses. Pop punk was a name given to many bands in the 90s as the years roll on the term has been used to describe many chart bands but it still needs that punk part and the guitar noise here helps keep that. But the pop is back in "Why Can't I Be Me Without You" keeping the album engulfed in catch hooks and riffs it leads into "Swimwear" a song about summer?

Don't care what it is about it is fun. Get ready to sing along when on the bus and have a few funny looks. not exactly the lyrics from an Abba album but hey it works. "Lock for Rock (And Other Sporting Cliches)" has some nice lyrics and great song writing. Catching anyones attention with that alone it is again riddled with pop music.

With most tracks under 4 minutes "The Thrill of It All" is the second longest and the first more serious rock song here. Still containing vocals that should be used on all radio play lists it builds nicely into what is my highlight track. "How I Survived the Punk Wars" is a track that I first saw by it's amazing video (Check you tube) it is aptly named and pokes fun at those who may have a grudge with the musicians that can get success after hard work. The X Factor is for fakes and wimps, get on a stage and show what you can do is the message... well I like to think so. But seriously the song is fantastic, adding in more punk for the mix.

Back on track "I'm Gonna Kiss You Like I'm Going Away" takes the album to it's penultimate track. More power pop again and all out fun as you expect. Final track goes out in style "We're Outta Here" has used the studio time well and Ginger knows how to make an album big church choir sounds mixed with horn sections and harps.

The album was funded by fans as an exclusive one off album. The fans were asked if they mind it being released commercially to the world. They said yes and here it is 36 minutes of catchy alt pop for music fans. Replay value is high on an album like this. As you really never get fed up with pop music, people say they do but after a few beers they are up on a Saturday night dancing. But only when it is this good.

8.5/10

Available in the U.S.A. via The End Records
Available in the U.K. via Amazon

Twitter: 29xthefun 

Black Sabbath, 13

Black Sabbath, 13 (Vertigo)

So we have all seen the band live a good few times and the rumors were true in that the band were recording a new album. Those rumors were in 2001. Reading Tony's book "Iron Man" the album was pretty much written and ready to go but things just seem to get in the way. So after all the things that got in the way the album was finally made. 

The band got a pretty well known producer in Rick Rubin. Well I mean that in a joke as Rubin has done it all in the metal world. So has the wait been worth it. I would say yes. 

First track is a real reminder of the glory days of Sabbath. I can picture the first album cover in my head. Eyes closed and that guitar comes in, wow it has been a while but sounds right. "End of Beginning" sounds really big and Rick Rubin is using the studio as well as he can to make the band sound pretty good. "God is Dead" was a single and for is so much sounds like Rick Rubin's past work. The Arpeggio intro and the time changes all remind me of Metallica. And more so of there last album. But that is what you get in Rick. The single is good and twists and tunes but for me misses that vital Sabbath underground feel they always had. 

With a nice simple intro riff for track three "Loner" finds Ozzy sounding.. well... like Ozzy. You can almost feel his presence on this song. Nice sharp simple rhythmic riffs follow with the vocals. 

"Zeitgeist" Could have been on Vol 4, yeah that sound they captured then is recreated even down to bongos. But I think it works. Again Ozzy helps this as his voice can be timeless at times. Next track pulls us back to 2013 "Age Of Reason" kicks in with a big drum sound. Brad Wilk fills in well for retired Bill Ward. The song is the typical Sabbath number with chords running up and down the guitar mixing in well with the Bass for Geezer. 

Tony starts "Live Forever" off really well adding in some nice guitar licks and riffs. The band follow along the whole time. Ozzy saying "I don't want to live forever" is a bit funny but with the band now spanning over 40 years it does feel a bit more serious. I love "Damaged Soul" I think Tony has swapped guitars as it sounds so much like early 70s stoner music. Bit like Hawkwind crossed with Motorhead with an added in twin guitar melody. I like the song and it shows some real change in direction. 

All lyrics were written by Geezer Butler so I wonder how personal "Dear Father" is. Starting with a Bass guitar being cleaned it then goes right into the band in full metal mode. But the last track is a very melodic affair, lyrically anyway as lines are repeated and you do find them sticking in your head. The album ends with a familiar sound and one many new fans may think they copied. 

So first Ozzy album with Sabbath in 35 years and it really did not need to be made. But credit to the band they did. I feel it could have been much better with a more low brow approach in selection of producer.  Rick Rubin has had some great past work but his style is stamped all over this album and it really does feel odd. 

Hey I am just happy it was finally made and put out, next album could be even better. If there is a next album. 

6.5/10

Twitter @29xthefun

Black Star Riders, All Hell Breaks Loose

Black Star Riders, All Hell Breaks Loose (Nuclear Blast)

I was hoping to review this album without saying Thin Lizzy but it can't be done. As it really does sound so much like them at times. And I do feel they have not went all out to do this as some of the album does sound pretty much not like Thin Lizzy.

As you may or may not know Thin Lizzy tour the world playing gigs with the band containing one former member in Scot Gorham but the band was formed with many other very talented musicians. But a few years ago a big addition for me in the line up in Ricky Warwick. Ex the Almighty he really does have a great voice for the band and the sound of Lizzy.

So long story short the band get on so well a new album could be made and here it is. Under the name of Black Star Riders they have done the right thing and not used the name. but is it any good?

Yes I do like it but as I say it is kind of a mix of Lizzy and all out classic rock. Opener "All Hell Breaks Loose" is a great single and a song you would struggle to link to the former band. Catchy and a friendly rock radio tune. "Bound for Glory" has that twin guitar riff and I have to say I did have a chill in my spine (us music fans know that a great feeling) Could it be them? It is a great song and could fit in around 1978.

"Kingdom Of The Lost" has some nice Irish folk sounds to it before the classic Lizzy sound blasts out. Ricky does some great work with his vocals here and makes the track his. Warwick a few years ago made a solo album in a similar style called "Belfast Confetti" like this track and you will walk over broken glass for that one. Catchy and it will stay in the mind for weeks.

"Bloodshot" has a more new feel to it and shows the band can break away a bit. Still sounds similar as the other material but the choruses are there. Few tracks in and the album does settle well "Hey Judas" brings back some nice memories. Fond memories and that chill is back again. Nice and melodic the song is a slow number.

The band does have great musicians and you can hear Jimmy DeGrasso has the backround to play here, drumming for Megadeth and Alice Cooper he takes "Valley Of The Stones" on as his own. The riffs are back again in "Someday Salvation" twin riffs and nice rhythm guitar keep the music fresh.

Final track "Blues Ain't So Bad" is the longest by some distance but it does feel like it should be here, more of an instrumental it shows the band in a really different area. Making simple guitar noises and bass notes plucked out of know where. I think hardened Lizzy fans may not like it but new comers will love it for its change in scope on the album.

So it can be called Lizzy with no Lynot or is it Warwick with Lizzy or .... aw who cares its a great album and I like it.

7/10

Twitter @29xthefun

Hookworms, Pearl Mystic

Hookworms, Pearl Mystic (Gringo)

The first track of this psychedelic record comes in reminding me a little bit of Monster Magnet. That is a good thing as they are a great band and have done some fantastic albums. But they took a few years to get to this point. "Away Towards" feels like the whole of the 70s in one track. Building on some groovy guitar and drums sound it adds in keyboards and the space like vocals.

"Form and Function" kicks in with a rock like riff before the guitars go off in a buzzing fuzzing melody. Crafting some nice sounds it takes up where track one left off. The vocals are nice and soft but fueled with instruction.

The five piece take inspiration from bands like Hawkwind and this is felt in track four. You could easily leave this track on repeat and sell it as an album. So well done that I have by mistake let it run on my MP3 player and I was not complaining.

"Since We Have Changed" comes in with no surprises but one it passes by too quickly. The track has so much going on that you really have to listen so closely. Plenty of bass and cymbal crashes to keep you wondering. What few lyrics are hidden away and helps to cover the song in mystery.

The latter half of the album is a little bit more upbeat or more so a change in speed. With "Preservation" the fuzz is replaced with distortion but always acceptable at any time. For some reason it just works so well and the album flows fantastically.  "What We Talk About" has great harmonies and an organ sound that reminds you of gospel choir. The guitar solo here sounds like a bit of slide guitar as the notes never really end adding to the feeling of the song as you hear the notes just swish over the vocals.

The album ends with an instrumental "iii" as I first listened to it on the bus looking out the window it fits perfectly with the album. As the world passes by always the only thing stationary unlike this band who really do look forward. Every note has been thought about and is there for a reason. For a debut this is stunning and I think this will be on many albums of the year.

9/10

Available via Gringo Records

Twitter: @29xthefun

Kvelertak, Meir

Kvelertak, Meir (ROADRUNNER UK)

First thing that gets me is the band has three guitarists. No real reason why but hey why not? There is a great crossover style here. A solid mixture of hardcore metal helped by a producer who has played with Converge in guitarist Kurt Ballou and a more melodic hard rock style.

This reminds me a little of Andrew WK with the three guitars and at times a wall of noise much like what WK had. It is melodic but not in a sing along style. The band work hard for a good tune. "Apenbaring" is a good start to the album, slowly bringing the listener into the LP with a repetitive guitar riff and finally the vocals that at this point are not that harsh. Frantic drumming at points shows the bands influences but helps to take the album on slowly.

The album does sound great and more importantly fresh. Gathering influences like a football fan learns new and offensive songs over a season. "Spring Fra Livet" feels like the start of the 90s hardcore album. Add in some fantastic classic Black Metal drumming it takes some listeners a little time to get used to it. But it has so many melodic parts it is a shame you would leave it. "Bruane Brenn" is the first song to really get head nodding. A punky feel to the band on this track and some nice melodic backing vocals gives the song some nice tunes.

"Evig Vandrar" brings in some acoustic elements and at about half way through you are seeing this album really do bring a bit more. I keep thinking it sounds like someone then changes before I can get there name. Not so much borrowing but stealing ideas and then throwing them back with the attitude that you had no idea how to use this song in the first place.

"Nekrokosmos" clocks in over six minutes and again taking influences from the metal bands of Norway they have to nail it and they do. More hooks and riffs hit you and I would love to see this band play big festivals but they may be just a little too much. But most people are lazy and may never really take a gamble and buy something they may not like. But there is something here for most fans of punk, rock and metal.

The band is a full on live act and "Tordenbrak" shows how good they play together. Still serving up melodic slices of tight guitar and vocals. The track helps bring the album to a very nice end.

So the difficult second album but I feel it is a real success. The band are daring the music public to move on and I feel this is what many people have to do. Meir means More in Norweigen and I think they have given us more. I hope album three is called You Had Enough Yet?

7/10

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Meir is available on Amazon

David Bowie, The Next Day

David Bowie, The Next Day

I will not go into how long it has been from the last album, mention Bowie's age  or even compare this album to others as if you are reading this you more likely have a mind and can do that all by yourself. Also the artwork on the album pretty much says that.

The album has a very positive opener in "The Next Day" and you find his vocals hidden behind a very noisy band. Lyrically intriguing and disturbing but always entertaining. The opener quickly passes to track two "Dirty Boys" welcomes some saxophone and what sounds like everything else. "The Stars (Are Out Tonight)" feels like a classic rock n roll song, great rhythmic guitars and a big welcome to the classic bowie vocals, I can see this as a single.

So far four songs in and each track has a real individual feel almost as if this was a compliation album and it could be like that as he has had time on his side. "Love is Lost" feels very much underground and again it works leading into the first single "Where are We Now" we are fixed very much in 2013 and this year Bowie is back. Vocals on this song are amazing and really do get the hairs on your neck to stand up.

Close to half way and I love it so far but is it all one sided? No "Valentine’s Day" returns that classic guitar sound, little fuzz and distortion and it sounds like it is played through a personal stereo. Listening to the lyrics again and you do feel the world has changed a lot, a song about a school massacre. Sounds like he is describing the killer and the lyrics "he has something to say". Remember those hairs on my neck, back up again.

“If You Can See Me” is the worst song here and it sounds like a good b side track (Remember them). The album goes along superbly with "I'd Rather Be High" and "Boss of Me" feeling catchy and again more choices as singles. My preference is to the latter with a nice bass sound and great lyrics. Song after song of great music follows and highlights in "How Does The Grass Grow?" and great guitar work in "Dancing Out In Space".

Second last track steals the show "You Feel So Lonely You Could Die" a would-be suicide note or a bad sketch? It is the ballad on the album and lasting just over four and a half minutes but feels far more. Acoustic guitars and female harmonies keep this an epic sounding end to the album.

But not yet as Bowie as always never makes it easy "Heat" is back to the feel the album started with and as ever very bleak sounding. Violin, guitars and well many other things are involved here and help to what I feel make the next album follow on from this well made end. Big bass sounds shake the speakers and make this reviewer very happy.

A great album and one I think could be done live but as we all know that just will not happen, this could be why it sounds so good as the pressure of doing this live is so hard. The kids will love this and if they don't well if Bowie can't get you into music then nothing will.

8/10

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Screamer, Pheonix

Screamer, Pheonix (High Roller Records)

Have had this album on for a few spins and at first it really did sound like an ok sounding classic metal album. But under that old school metal sound is a really great band.

There is nothing new or different here other than great old classic metal. Talking about late 70s early 80s time when the whole world got to know who Motorhead and Iron Maiden were. The riffs are fast as is the drumming at times but it all sounds so well done and not at any point do you feel it sounds like a certain bands song or even album. First track "Demon Rider" starts off fast and introduces the vocalist who has again that classic metal scream. The music is a mix of Judas Priest and fast riffs from an early Flotsam and Jetsam. Nice solos and killer rhythm playing keeps the head nodding.

Classic metal songwriting is easy to do but hard to make it sound fresh now. "No Regrets" has a great intro that keeps you keen. Building up with some nice guitar work and then the vocal harmonies come in to steal the show. "Far Away from Home" and "No Sleep 'till Hamilton" are the classic on the road songs. Not just a tribute as they really do hold there own. The screeching old school vocals mix in well with the switching melodic guitars.

Some nice guitar reverb on "Mr Norman" takes things on a ballad style song for a bit. but as with good old denim and leather metal it builds into great song with more of those driving guitars. This really is not that a technical album and the music does really feel more fun than serious but the song that has most depth is "Red Moon Rising" it feels a little power metal in parts as it seems to contain a story but that is very welcome here and helps the album change a little. Still fixed in the early 80s and album closer "Lady of the River" has a feel of punk rock  with the slightly sharper riffs. It gallops into a maiden style sound but not for too long as it is the shortest song here.

Covers bands the world over wish they could write this sort of music. Nothing wrong with some nostalgia and getting out that old denim jacket with the patches on it. Hey you would do worse than have this bands patch on it as it is a great catchy album.

7/10

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Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Push the Sky Away

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Push the Sky Away (Bad Seed Ltd)

Album number 15 for the band and nearly five years from the fantastic Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!! With the Grinderman side project taking up some time for the members of the Bad Seeds as well as some work on the Lawless soundtrack it is time to get back to the main project.

This album is a years worth or writing by the band with Cave gathering influences form such diverse places as Wikipedia and simply Google searching. The lyrics were written into a notebook that Cave kept. All ideas came from Cave and handing these over to the band the resulting music is made. A simple and effective way to make an album.

Album opener "We No Who 'U 'R" takes you to a comfortable Seeds style. The song title does suggest some darkening moods and it is obvious from the start of the song. Fading out into "Wide Lovely Eyes" there are very little instruments on this track just piano and what seems to be muted guitar or some other stringed instrument. The song reminds me of looking at old photographs and revisiting where they were taken.

Finding some influence from Grinderman in track three "Water's Edge" simply has some viola but the first trace of a melody and minimal you look forward to it so much you miss it. Cave sounds like he has his notebook right there and is taking lyrics at random. Not so much from different songs but in another order. "Jubilee Street" has been heard before by me and it is a great song. But it was a little puzzling back then, now it fits in so well. The music now flows happily with textures taking on a near Swans style. Melody comes back in here and it is repetitive but that is where when first listening you see why it is track four now. Going onto a more epic style of ending it is classic Seeds.

"Mermaids" is the first real acoustic feeling song, containing some odd lyrics it feels like Cave is having some fun. And why not. If you like blues then you have an idea how this song goes. Back to the piano for "We Real Cool" lyrics that question the bands or even the singers age and weather they are cool. They lyric "Wikipedia is heaven, when you don't wanna to remember no more" shows who IS cool and those who take the easy way to get info may have it easy but they may not be cool doing so.

Psychedelic sounding "Higgs Boson Blues" seems quite chaotic in lyrical content but the music takes you back to the 60s. The song is one of the highlights and the longest song here. Again back to the lyrics it is obvious they may not have any real link to each other in the same song but it fits the album perfectly. Historical ramblings and car travels seem placed in a black and white photo.

Ending title track feels like a movie on its own. Dream sequences form the whole film. It is a very slow track that repeats the lyric "keep on pushing". A fitting ending that fades away to the disbelieving that the album is over so quick. Only 42 minutes long but it is one of the finest 42 minutes you may hear this year. And in the 30 years of the Bad Seeds it is a stand out album. Most music is build all around the normal band set up of drums, bass and guitar. This is a refreshing listen that makes the listener want more. Each song is crafted beautifully and shows the skills of the entire band.

To get to this amount of albums and to have given us the quality they have done in the past it is easy just to do it all again. But no I think the side projects have helped and with them doing so well commercially it has got the band on an more even level.

With the side projects and Nick Cave carving out a fantastic writing career I think the band have been given a fantastic chance to create something that no rule book would have let be done. Simply stunning!

9.5/10

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Cult of Luna, Vertikal

Cult of Luna, Vertikal (Indie Recordings)

This Swedish band have been about a bit now and my first introduction was 2003s "The Beyond". That album came at a time bands like Neurosis and Isis were really taking up much deserved metal publications space.

Now at album number five they are still going strong and from what I can hear they are still sounding fantastic. This album is reported to be influenced by Fritz Lang's 1927 film Metropolis. After listening to a few tracks you can get that feeling of repetition and how frustrating seeing everything looking the same.  Fritz Lang was heavily influenced after seeing the city of New York for the first time and seeing the large skyscrapers. That is how this album sounds like trying to get to the top of one of those buildings. The intro track "The One" is like the foyer to one of the skyscrapers. Welcoming but simple but that is over when "I: The Weapon" starts, the growling vocals making me think of classic hardcore metal but this soon passes for some well thought out melodic structures.

With the band wanting to simplify the album much of the sound and feel has been done with very little. With "Vicarious Redemption" simple little dark spaces of sound show how progressive this band can be. It does take me back to the early sounds of black metal where some bands only had a few instruments and a keyboard to make the sound they want.

With the sound at times taking me back it can also look into the future much like Metropolis being set in the future this album also seems to explore this. Adding in sounds that remind me of robots and machinery much more than a soundtrack album but it feels like a trip in itself. "Synchronicity" keeps the simple band sound but has the full compliment of ideas that they want to show in this album building on the atmosphere and still making music like how the film was made with very little. Simple chugging guitars and experimental guitar sounds intrigue and entertain all the way much like "In Awe Of" that keeps building momentum for the whole track but retains a real sense of emotion with the sounds coming over like a full orchestra it is amazing that this is listed in the metal section.

Cult of Luna seem to be happy to make each album sound different from each other and here they have made this sound different from there discography and just about anything I have heard in this style of music.

Concept albums can really be a hit or miss, they have to take you for the whole album or not at all. This 68 minutes really is refreshing.

9/10

Available directly here

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Mutation, Error 500

Mutation, Error 500 (Pledge Music)

Now what we have here is more a super band and not just a simple band release. The star of the album is the former Wildhearts front man Ginger. But add in former Wildhearts members and a few other big names. How about Mark E Smith, Merzbow and Shane Embury (Nalpalm Death).

That is just for starters, just about anyone walking by the studio seemed to be dragged into the recording of this with a lyric sheet and a microphone I see why Elwood in the Blues Brothers swapped the Cadillac for a microphone now.

Album opener "Bracken" starts this album off the way it will go on from here. Not so much as noise but more speed volume. Riffs kick you all over the place in the first 30 seconds I count about 5 or six riffs (I aint kidding). Big guitars and even bigger drums set this albums opener on a guaranteed trip to the pharmacy for paracetamol. There is that much going on you need to listen to this album a few times to really hear it all.

A few listens in and you can start to here where one song ends and the other kicks in "Utopia Syndrome" does have a small pause between the first track and this but I think my ears missed it the first two listens. Scratchy guitars and feedback make the song sound like someone is just stamping about the studio in a bad mood and making noise. But good noise. These ears grew up listing to black metal and also other extreme music but I feel this is just a little different here. Add in clean vocals now and again and the element of fun really makes this a great album.

"White Leg" throws up some the same noise and again riffs and a collection of people on backing vocals at times you really need to listen to the vocals as you have the element of what is being sung? and who is singing. Again expanding the sound and giving the sixth listen more questions.

Many people may not get this far but if you do "Protein" sounds more like a rock song and only due to it has fewer riffs. More quick guitar chords and that relentless drum sound. Mark E Smith is welcomed on track five "Mutations" he blends in with ease. The music does suit his style so well and I see why he was asked on board. That microphone has been used well on this album, and now you can also welcome Merzbow and that is showing here as guitars take a step back. The keyboards are very much in the same line as the other tracks, crazy but they feel welcoming here. This is one of the shorter songs here but gives the feeling it is longer.

Joke title or not "Computer, This Is Not What I..." shows what the band can do in the studio. Great playing here and it does build into the same wall of noise as before, again chopping and changing riffs just in case you get board. "Sun Of White Leg" has a real pop feel to it well as pop as you can get with this lot. A track featuring two bassists and four singers the vocals are delivered in a more clear and tuneful fashion.

Last few tracks welcome back Mark E Smith and on "Relentless Confliction" his vocals again fit the music really well. Again it is big riffs and backing vocals that sound like they were lifted from a Hollywood war films big ending fighting scene.  "Innocentes In Morte" shows what can be dong in the mixing of an album. It really needs to be heard. "Benzo Fury" ends the album on a slightly easier listen messing about with noises and great drumming to build into an epic ending.

This is the sort of music few will like but I for one love it. It takes you into the unknown and without experimentation we would not have all the medical and technological advances we have today. The same goes with music, if we didn't experiment the music now would be so boring.

9/10

At this point the album is only available on Pledge Music as a download but physical copies will be made avalable.

EDIT: Now this album is out on via Ipecac  recordings so no need to miss out on one of the albums of the year.

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