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