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If you haven't picked up on Tom Williams and The Boat yet, it really is about time you did. Great place to start, a free download of the "See My Evil" EP

Come on people, what are you waiting for.

The Subways

The Subways

Brand new material available as a free download from The Subways. Grab "It's a Party" now prior to the release of upcoming album "Money and Celebrity"

Saw the band in Manchester a few years back and experienced the biggest mosh pit I'd ever come across and lead singer Billy's comments would suggest that's likely to continue.

"I can remember writing 'It's A Party' with a huge hunger to get up on stage and get everyone going absolutely nuts"

Team Love

Team Love Records are an absolute godsend to all fans of music. I'm sure many of you are already aware of the site, but for those, like me, who haven't come across this before, Conor Oberst and his manager Nate had a vision to offer free music, totally legally, without the requirement of illegal downloading etc.

Team Love offer music they enjoy to all through their MP3 library at the link below.  Just head over, sign up and browse at your leisure.  What thoroughly decent chaps and a big thanks to the all the artists involved.

http://team-love.com/home/library/

Mudkiss June Album reviews

As usual, a real wide range across the musical spectrum in my monthly round-up and to begin with, one of the albums of the year. An absolute classic of the metal world.

Also featured :

Luxury Condo
O' Death
Chad VanGallen
Blondie
Benjamin Francis Leftwich

 http://www.mudkiss.com/andysjunealbums.htm

Ed Sheeran

I have to admit being totally unmoved by the Glastonbury line-up this year, especially the headliners, although I did come across a certain Ed Sheeran. Hailing from Wakefield......Yorkshire to the uninitiated, Sheeran mixes grime, hip hop, folk and indie, producing a wonderfully eclectic amalgamation of the genres.


His  "No. 5 Collaborations Project" includes, as it say's on the tin, collaborations with the likes of Wiley and Ghetts, providing a release from more easily pigeonholed bands and artists. Check "Little Lady" in particular, the intense lyrical content with hip hop delivery a complete contrast to Sheeran's plaintive vocal.






For a free introduction to Ed Sheeran, head to his website, sign up for the mailing list and an e-mail link to download "One Take" EP will be winging it's way.





http://edsheeran.com/

The Manchester branch of Mudkiss have been out in force once more on the live music front, and a more eclectic set of gigs you'll be hard pressed to find.

Nigel hit's the stadium circuit with Kings Of Leon




http://www.mudkiss.com/kingsofleonlive.htm






Phil has a a girlie night out with Delta Maid, Alice Gold and The Pierces

http://www.mudkiss.com/thepierces.htm











While Shay goes all retro 80's with Prince Charming himself........... Adam Ant.

http://www.mudkiss.com/adamantlive.htm

The Avett Brothers - Shepherds Bush Empire

There are occasions when you are unsure about the recordings of a band, live they prove a completely different proposition.  The Avett Brothers were exactly that.  Drove down to London unsure of what to expect, only to be confronted with one of the best live acts I've ever seen.  Review via Mudkiss below.






Unfortunately the vantage point didn't offer the greatest position for photos and video.

http://www.mudkiss.com/theavettbrothersshepherd.htm

Pulled Apart By Horses - Free Live Album

Without a doubt, one of my favourite albums of last year was the debut from Leeds hardcore outfit, Pulled Apart By Horses.  To celebrate the album being one year old, the band are offering a free live collection, only  available on vinyl previously.  Head to the link below and grab your free recording.

http://www.pulledapartbyhorses.com/media/live-at-leeds/




And here's my review of the lads gig at Sheffield Leadmill last November.

http://www.mudkiss.com/pulledapartbyhorses.htm

The Icarus Line

In anticipation of a new album from Icarus Line, "Wildlife" released on August 29th, what better opportunity to re-visit one of the great rock n roll albums of all time.



"Penance Soiree" is a collection of tracks rooted in filthy psychedelic blues, given a metal haul over.  There can be few better openers than "Up Against The Wall Motherfuckers," a squalling opening before rock solid bass, one of the great rock vocalists in Joe Cardomone and just wait for that drop. Completely incredible.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeBm5ImMAZw



One of the major influences undoubtedly The Stooges "Getting Bright At Night" a sprawling nine minute epic not out of place if it had appeared on "Funhouse," although the highlight of the album for me is "On The Lash."  Feedback intro, again monstrous bass, with heavyweight drumming before a fantastic riff.  It's when the rhythm kicks in however, the track takes on a whole new aspect, one of the heaviest, dirtiest guitar I've ever come across.  Mid way, a complete change in tempo, guitars firing at all angles, chaos begins to reign before being dragged back under control.  Definitely one of my all time top ten tracks.

While "Penance Soiree" may not have changed my life, it definitely helped me through a particularly difficult period of time.   A release to stay sane required on a regular basis, so on it went, volume cranked to the max and all my worries for nearly an hour completely blown away.  

Who knows what direction The Icarus Line have taken with "Wildlife" but if it's anywhere near as good as "Penance Soiree" we're all in for a treat.

www.myspace.com/theicarusline

www.icarusline.net

The Travelling Band trilogy is complete.

And so the trilogy is completed, after the review of new album "Screaming is Something," impressions of the band live at The Brudenell Social Club, here's the interview with Jo and Adam outside the same venue.


   http://www.mudkiss.com/travellingbandinterview.htm                                                   




And just in case you missed them first time round.

http://www.mudkiss.com/travellingbandlive.htm


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSRIu96VKPU

http://www.mudkiss.com/mayalbumofthemonth.htm

John Robb and Funeral Party

Big interview time for Mel, meeting and greeting possibly the busiest man in showbiz, the Blackpool / Manchester legend that is John Robb.

Mel also takes the opportunity to further establish her photographic credentials with an outstanding shoot.

http://www.mudkiss.com/johnrobbinterview.htm







And that young upstart Josh Nichol grabs himself some LA cool in the shape of Chad Elliot, vocalist with Funeral Party.

http://www.mudkiss.com/funeralpartyinterview.htm

The Heaven's Jails Band

A beautiful single from The Heaven's Jail Band "Pretty Lady Blues" can be heard through a stream on Soundcloud.  Francesco Ferorelli's  jangly country style rhythm guitar accompanies perfectly his delicately tender vocal delivery.  Lower Dens, John  Hunter provides lead guitar and Scott Stapleton of Phosphorescent fame guests on piano for the self titled debut album released last month.

http://soundcloud.com/the-heavens-jail-band/pretty-lady-blues

There are further hints of Phosphorescent influence, particularly within the guitars during "Not The Only One" eschewing the more standard rhythm and lead collaboration, fighting for supremacy with intricate melodic passages.







The Heaven's Jail Band, officially formed in 2009, are a long way from Ferorelli's drumming days in various metal and punk bands throughout the 2000's although highlighting his versatility as a musician. Their debut is distributed through Ferorelli's own Heartbreakbeat Records, a label which has also released material by Jana Hunter and Beach House.

A further three tracks from the album can be heard at :

soundcloud.com/the-heavens-jail-band

     

The Travelling Band live - The Brudenell Social Club - Leeds

Part 2 of The Travelling Band trilogy, this time a live review from The Brudenell Social Club in Leeds.  As good as the albums are, live they are a completely different beast. The rock influence comes more to the fore and they really are very, very special.




http://www.mudkiss.com/TRAVELLINGBANDLIVE.htm

Re-issues abound in June

June has proved a month of re-issues with some extremely influential bands having digitally remastered albums re-released.  Check out a selection reviewed on Mudkiss.






Queen









Skyclad

Caravan


http://www.mudkiss.com/junereissues.htm

Is Warrington the new Manchester

There's definitely something going on over in Warrington.  Never an area particularly known for it's wealth of musical talent, suddenly a number of great bands start to appear from the depths of industrial Cheshire.

I have highlighted the particular talents of Kindest of Thieves before and prior to the release of debut album "Taxidermy" the three piece are giving away a couple of studio demo's to whet the appetite at their Reverbnation page.

http://www.reverbnation.com/kindestofthieves






















On the subject of debut albums, look out for fellow Warringtonians, Exile Parade.  A veil of secrecy surrounds the release date and title of their initial collection, but let me assure you, it will be a bit special.  As a taster, check out this :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeHLOQPkbKg

Definitely some Manchester influence and swagger within "Fire Walk With Me" although these guys are far from a one trick pony.

The North West of  England is an exciting place musically to live once again.


www.facebook.com/exileparadeuk

Sheffield's the place to be at the end of July

If you're anywhere near Sheffield towards the end of July, The Leadmill is the place to be. As part of The Tramlines 2011 festival, The Guillemots are playing a free gig on July 21st.

Back to their absolute best with latest album "Walk The River," their live show is something else completely and given the chance, any opportunity to catch them should be taken. Throw in the fact it's free, you'd be completely mad to miss one of the U.K finest bands.

http://www.guillemots.com/








If that wasn't enough, on July 24th, the incredible Josh T Pearson graces The Leadmill stage, again with a free gig. "Last of the Country Gentlemen" is one of the most powerful, intense albums of this year and live, Pearson is absolutely captivating.  The last weekend in July is going to be very special in Sheffield.

www.myspace.com/joshtpearson









http://www.leadmill.co.uk/

Arctic Monkeys - Suck It and See

It's always difficult for a band who experience tremendous success at a young age, writing songs based on adolescent experiences to be allowed to progress beyond those early years.  Although their original audience age alongside, there can be an expectation biology won't affect the band who'll stay rooted at the scene of earlier triumphs. Ian Hunter's line from "All the Way from Memphis" never more prevalent "You gotta stay young man, you can never grow old."



Life doesn't work that way however, as much as some would prefer, in particular around music.  Influences and attitudes change, not only with advancing years, also with circumstances. Fights at Sheffield taxi ranks and nights spent goading the police tend not to feature with the advent of fame and fortune, which isn't a criticism, just a fact of life.


The Arctic Monkeys have shown a gradual movement towards a more mature sound , even within second album "Favourite Worst Nightmare" more so, previous outing "Humbug" causing consternation within certain circles, which "Suck It and See" won't alleviate.  Again, we find Alex Turner,  Jamie Cook, Matt Helders and Nick O'Malley in more reflective mood, producing an introspective, restrained album, still highlighting Turner's lyrical dexterity and humour, incorporating typically British themes "You're rarer than a can of dandelion and burdock" from the title track. 

Turner's position as one of his generations best word smiths  is retained, more evidently the music has become less......urgent, not as immediate, requiring additional attention. Apart from the heavier, upbeat moments, "Don't Sit Down Cos I've Moved Your Chair" "Brick By Brick" and "Library Pictures" the tracks on "Suck It and See" require consideration and patience, don a pair of headphones, all becomes much clearer.  Fantastic guitar work becomes apparent, ( Josh Homme's stimulus obvious in a number of areas)  intricate, thoughtful bass lines and Helders incredible drumming, utilising trademark off kilter rhythms, holding everything together perfectly.  Furthermore, Turner's vocal continues to develop, richer, more controlled tones resonate throughout.


"Suck it and See".........exactly what's required........  just for a touch longer than originally expected.

http://soundcloud.com/dominorecordco/sets/arctic-monkeys-suck-it-and-see/