We Came From Wolves: (Self-Titled Album)
Last year, I discovered a certain band from Perth (now based in Glasgow) by the name of We Came From Wolves. They first caught my attention with their incredible Paradise Place EP, which I later named the #2 Local Music Scene Record of 2014. So as you can imagine, I had some mighty high expectations for their self-titled debut full-length record, and I’m happy to say the band have went above and beyond the call of duty in order to produce an incredible album.
Glasgow Stranger is a rocking, energetic number that gets the ball rolling and sucks in the listener with its memorable writing. Am I Useful keeps the established pace going with smashing riffs and an exhilarating chorus; Coraline following up with its catchy, invigorating rhythm and, once again, great lyrical work.
But then we suddenly get Where’d Your Love Go, which stands out on its own with a unique sound and overall quality unlike any other track on this record, accentuated by a seriously addictive, intoxicating beat. Easily the highlight of the album, and maybe the best tune they’ve ever done.
With other notable highlights including Butterflies, I Know You’re Leaving and Ruiner, and soon coming to a close with a slow-tempo, emotional finale in the form of I Need Something, this will surely rank as one of the best underground rock records to come out this year; one that has undoubtedly validated We Came From Wolves to be among the finest group of musicians that Scotland has to offer right now. It’s about time these chaps got their big break.
You know you have a great band when they turn you into a fan instantly, and Peur are a really great band who did just that when I listened to their We Can Build Astronauts EP a few months back. And just recently, they put out a new one titled Future Architects, which left me with a very similar sensation.
After more or less the equivalent of 2 intro tracks, it all truly kicks off with Explosions, an electrifying tune with enjoyable lyrics, a damn good chorus and a rhythm so bloody catchy you’ll be doing everything in your power to resist bopping your head to the beat. The red hot momentum is carried over into It Ends Before It Starts which delivers blistering riffs and rapid drum work, before wrapping up with Hollow Skies which serves as a thrilling climax. They even throw in a short but sweet acoustic number named Bodies for a little bonus.
While certainly on the short side, not counting the intro and bonus tracks, Peur more than make up for that with a cracking EP that will leave you begging for more rocky goodness that only an exciting act like these guys could provide.
The Lounge Kittens: Just The Tip…
I have an unwritten rule where I never review cover bands, but The Lounge Kittens from Southampton are on another level entirely. Since debuting early last year, they’ve been on a meteoric rise, catching the attention of many with their amusing covers that span any genre they care to delve into. And you can find the cream of the crop of their work in their Just The Tip… EP.
Not only does it prove to be a comedic compilation, but a genuine showcase of the ladies’ musical talents. Their vocal harmonies are perfectly matched, their chemistry is on top form at all times and the piano work is fantastic. As for the songs themselves, all are really well done in the group’s style of, you guessed it, lounge.
Party Hard (Andrew WK) and Duality (Slipknot) are very fun, bouncy tracks to get the festivities started, followed soon by a fine medley of Sean Paul tracks which feature the ladies delivering their best Jamaican accents. Their classic cover of Rollin (Limp Bizkit) does a brilliant job recapturing the energy of the original through their trademark twist, and their alternative take of I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing (Aerosmith) would fit very nicely as a slow number in any Broadway production.
But it doesn’t get any better than with the closing cover of Gloryhole (Steel Panther), which is already a hilarious song, but to hear the three sing about sexual diseases and genitalia in their fashionable, English timbres, it kills me every time.
This is a delightfully humorous record compiled by a trio who, as mentioned before, are legitimately talented in their own right, and they make the most of their abilities to present an original, funny take on many rock and metal classics, no matter how heavy or disgustingly explicit they may be.
From opening for Limp Bizkit on the main stage of Sonisphere, to touring the country with Steel Panther, the self-proclaimed “rock sluts in disguise” can only go up from there, and I highly recommend everyone heading to Download Festival this year to rise and shine early for their Saturday kickoff performance on the second stage; you most certainly won’t regret it.
The Wild, The Youth: (Self-Titled Debut EP)
You know that great feeling when you’re walking down the street and suddenly you find a £20 note on the ground? The same can be said for when I discovered The Wild, The Youth from Manchester. One day, they popped up on my Twitter feed and I noticed they had put out their self-titled debut EP, and it was free, so I took the time to download it and give it a listen…and it proved to be something pretty damn good.
The main single Awake is a great opener with memorable lyrics and really enjoyable background electronics, soon leading into Predictable ME, featuring an intro which builds into what is ultimately a bouncy tune with an awesome chorus and featuring guitar work that really shines through.
Searching For… has to be the highlight of the EP, being a slower but still really catchy number with a cool sound, brilliant writing and yet another fantastic chorus. Lastly, we have The Epicurean which is a passionate tune to send off what is an amazing first record that displays creativity and demonstrates an original sound blending alternative rock, indie and a subtle touch of pop.
This is a band that is blooming with so much potential, and I’m really excited for what they conjure up next.
Edinburgh metal outfit Islasorna look to make their first big impact with their debut EP, E.D.E.N.
Frontman Justin gets the job done well, demonstrating a wide range in his vocal abilities over the course of the record; whether delivering cleans, screams or ferocious growls. The drumming throughout is really impressive and swift, and the technical guitar riffs are sick.
The highlight without a doubt is Choices, which has a relentless energy to it, as well as some great lyrics, with other noteworthy tracks including Achluophobia and 428. Overall, a strong inaugural EP from the band that more or less justifies why they have got people talking, and if they continue to build upon their talents, they can easily make a big name for themselves in Scotland and beyond.
Fingerpaint: From The Cutting Room Floor
From the city of Bradford comes a humble singer-songwriter by the name of Richard Sanderson, otherwise known as Fingerpaint, who wants to make a good initial impression with his debut EP, From The Cutting Room Floor, and he does just that.
Take Me Home is a pleasing opening number which presents the first opportunity to hear Richard’s warm vocals and delightful acoustic skills. Not Over You may be the best track of the record, featuring enjoyable piano work, a catchy beat and really neat electric guitar chords in the middle. Freefall is a slow and soothing number, and Rainy Day is another catchy, upbeat tune that sends off the record on a really high note.
The only real misstep is with Youth. While the concept is totally fine, the execution is pretty flimsy, as the “echoes” are far too loud and distorted, and overall it doesn’t make for good listening.
But aside from that, this is on the whole a great EP that any fan of folk music would love to treat their ears to.
In the few months that I’ve known them, Ayrshire alternative rock outfit The Belafonte have impressed me with their energetic live performances, and now it was time to hear their sound on a professionally recorded format. This is where their debut single, Human Hands, comes in.
With an engaging rhythm, a vigorous chorus that is further boosted by catchy lyrics and zealous vocals, and a combination of tight riffs, bass work and drumming, this is a superb tune that will be left ringing in your ears when it’s done, so much so it will compel you to go back and replay it again and again. A mighty fine first impression for new listeners.
I’ve somehow overlooked Hertfordshire rock band Chasing Cadence for the longest time, so there was no better time to finally check them out than with their newly released single, Dear Life, and boy, did it make for a fantastic first impression.
With such a dynamic energy behind it, enjoyable riffs, top notch vocals and a ridiculously catchy chorus with simple yet memorable lyrics, this is an absolutely incredible tune with a very addictive quality to it that has me pressing the play button more times than I can count. These guys now have my utmost attention, and I can’t wait to hear more from them.
SMALL MUSIC SCENE 