Jolt
Magazine
DECADE
ISSUES | CROWN THE EMPIRE | PARAMORE | THE STORY SO FAR | MASKETTA FALL AND MORE!
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Paramore
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kiss me
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Decade
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Halloween Playlist 20 Live Reviews
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Album Reviews
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Founder and Editor Sehar Mehmood
Writers
Elise Hayward Abitha Pallett Emily Thompspn Zack Messenger Josie Adnitt
Photographers
Sehar Mehmood Emily Coulter Emily Thompson
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PARAMorE LI Back in May I got three lots of tickets for Paramore’s UK tour and as it got closer and closer the more I questioned just whether I’d be able to afford it and also whether there was any point. When my mum saw on the calendar all the dates her mouth fell open slightly and she said ‘Am I reading this right or did your pen slip?’ No, mum. I am serious. I hadn’t seen them live since Reading 2012 where I queued for five and half hours to meet them and then spent a long time crying afterwards and their self-titled album is one of the best albums ever but I started to think three shows is too much. Boy, oh boy, how wrong was I. First up was Cardiff. After spending the majority of the day in the car, as I had been at my nans house in Peterborough, I was exhausted and the thought of standing through a gig was a knackering one. Sending my dad off to the cinema I dragged along two skeptics. My 22 year old brother, who is the reason behind my Paramore obsession when he showed me them back in early 2005 before he ‘outgrew them,’ and my 14 year old sister who claims to ‘tolerate’ them. Arriving just as second support act Charli XCX came on I was not surprised at all at the diversity of the supports as Paramore always choose something different. A group of girls played their way into everyone’s minds with a fun combination of dance, synths and catchy hooks. Glancing across to my siblings every now and then revealed smiles growing in size, and when the band played “I Love It” - which Charli wrote for Icona Pop and also featured on - the arena became an all out dance party and the grins were unstoppable. Still, even after Charli XCX finished, I was unsure if their levels of enthusiasm would remain for my forever favourite band. But the curtain went up, the curtain came down to a raucous of “PARAMORE! PARAMORE!” and all worries were lost to my personal theme song “Grow Up.” The squeaky clean pop-punk princess image is one that is quickly erased, as flame haired Hayley Williams throws herself around stage with more vigour than most males in their genre, by the end of the first song she already looked like she’d had a bath. As i’m watching them play their way through a monster of a set list, the excitement of the show got to me and I couldn’t help but think of how i’ve watched them grow from teenagers with a dream to total professionals at the very top of every game. Playing their earlier pop-punk and songs from the self-titled multi genre perfection they continue to prove that this is where they are supposed to be and for the first time that i’ve seen them they all beam the most genuine smiles as they bounce around with incredible levels of energy. Turns out nothing can stop them - not even the loss of best friend band members and the fall out afterwards. The crowd was mental the entire night, launching themselves into every song and singing along beautifully - it was hard to keep a dry eye when
IVE REVIEW
the keyboard was pulled out and “When It Rains” made an appearance followed by what is quite possibly the most stunning Paramore song “Last Hope.” I’m pretty sure the entire audience, from the pre-teen girls to the bearded men, were choking back tears when the bars lit up for “when it’s dark out it keeps glowing.” The wild antics were back for “Brick By Boring Brick” which closed the last gig they played in Cardiff back in December 2009. Bassist Jeremy Davis got his time to shine with a bass heavy section starting with “Interlude: Holiday” followed by compulsory dancing song “Crushcrushcrush” and ending on The Best Song In The World “Ain’t It Fun” which included a spectacular bass solo. Slowing it down again, love song “The Only Exception” elicited a gorgeous sing-a-long from the crowd with a deafening “and i’m on my way to believing...’ and Paramore being Paramore were unsatisfied with making us cry only once and put “In The Mourning” on their set list with their cover of “Landslide” tagged on the end. Arriving at the ‘last song’ “Misery Business” the crowd sung the bridge some knowing what happens next some not - and Hayley stopped us all and feigned annoyance that we ‘sung her favourite bit.’ Going along the rows she picked a guy from the crowd to come up and sing. Clambering on stage in his ‘Miz Biz’ headband, Hayley handed him the coveted yellow microphone in exchange for the accessory. Counting him in the music exploded at the same time that he began to launch around the stage in true Paramore style proving he more than deserved the mic that night. And as it turns out he’s doing a ‘Paratour’ and attended every show on the tour, as we found out through a friends of my brothers who happens to know the guy! Dedication I wish I could afford... Vanishing off stage, it didn’t take long for Cardiff to demand their presence back. Atmospheric lights filled the arena for “Part II” and it’s epic musical breakdown. Taking centre stage for “Interlude: Moving On” they said goodnight for real this time and finished on a song that perfectly explains the way we all feel about Paramore - “Still Into You.” An explosion of orange confetti filled the room as every single person finished having the time of their lives. Walking back to the car, I felt a sense of achievement as I finally managed to show my brother and sister that the Paramore hype is more than deserved and quite why this band mean more to me than almost anything. And I didn’t see one ‘Fayley’ either, so maybe people are finally starting to get their message that being yourself is cool. Proud doesn’t even cover it. I feel sorry for anyone who dares try to take this from them. Written by: Elise Hayward
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I s s u e s
Photos by Sehar Mehmood
Crown The Empire
The Cockpit Leeds Sehar Mehmood
Introducing: “Kiss Me!”
growing every day. If you like Blink 182 and All Time Low then you will love They recently released their Sydney Pop Punk band ‘Kiss music video for “Here’s To the Next Step” off their new Me’. EP “Steps Worth Taking”. “Kiss Me!” is a 4 piece Pop Punk band consisting of lead The song starts with a falvocalist and guitarist Ian setto of unique guitar and Lee, vocalist and guitarist bass riffs met by amazing Jesse Halliday & drummer drum skills before being met Tyler Chaffey and Bassist with modulated and admirable vocal skills. Rob Mackay. “Kiss Me!” has been featured on numerous street press compilation CDs as well as having been in BLUNT Magazine 3 times & played at the BLUNT Magazine Christmas Party DVD Launch.
Which makes the single practically sell itself because it is the perfect song to play at a rock show as well as the perfect song to jam out to.
The song also features guest vocals from Jay Hirabayashi As well as having a strong from Sydney band Wake the Giants. work ethic comprehensive understanding of the local music scene and extreme So what do you think? Love or Hate? respect for fans. You can find them here The band has amassed a formidable 4000+ likes on facebook as well as 100+ subscribers to their youtube Written by: Emily Thompson channel which is steadily
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Masketta Falls Acoustic Live Review The Weather was perfect, The Park was huge, and fans were awaiting the arrival of Melbourne Pop Rockers Masketta Fall for their Acoustic Meetup At Hyde Park which they described as “A spontaneous hangout”. The boys arrived except one who had work commitments and thanked every single person for being there with hugs included. Then the Boys got to work smashing a cover of Panic at the Disco’s ‘I Write Sins Not Tragedies’. Then going into singing “Something Beautiful” much to the lead singer forgetting the lyrics and the crowd was less enthusiastic. ‘Textbook Tragedy’ saw a group sing along within the band Drummer Jamie Ross lending his vocals. While Daniel Molivas was so caught up with his guitar playing which was displayed perfectly during this song. They played a new song that isn’t released titled ‘Parachute’ Which was an acoustic addition to what the real song is going to sound like, blending perfectly with the vocals, guitars and tambourine in replace of drums. The band then Smashed though the cover of The Killer’s ‘ Mr Brightside’ which flowed perfectly with the crowd a lot more enthusiastic singing louder and bigger, earning a massive smile off the boys in return. Benjamin James and Braden Daniel’s vocals together really are well balanced with the guitars and contribute to the overall pleasantly mellow sound. Moving onto the song from their recent music video ‘Do You Wanna Dance?’ which acoustically showed mixing backing vocals of Benjamin James and Daniel Molivas fitting along with Braden Daniel. This had to be a crowd favourite with them singing along and swaying to the beat of Masketta Fall. Overall, Braden Daniel amplifying his voice to create the perfect harmonies, Jamie Ross showed that he can in fact sing with his back up vocal skills, Daniel Molivas creating new ways to Jazz up the songs and Benjamin James showed talented Guitar skills and harmonising ways. 9/10 Written by : Emily Thompson
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Decade It is a known fact that UK pop punk is a fast rising genre in UK music. With bands like Neck Deep, Save Your Breath and ROAM getting huge followings it’s obvious that DECADE will be joining them. 2013 has been a huge year for the band, going on a UK tour with Tonight Alive, playing festivals such as Reading & Leeds, Hit The Deck and now they’re preparing to release their new album ‘’Good Luck’’ So what is next for them in 2014? More touring! The new album has 12 fresh new tracks including two already released songs ‘Brain freeze’ and ‘Callous’ . The album has more of a grunge and rock feel to the album, rather than a post hard core/pop punk mix according to vocalist Alex Sears but the old school vibes are still there. But all bands move on from their old sound, Decade has two other successful E.P’s such as their self titled released in 2012 and ‘Lost At Sea’ released in 2009 which sound so much different to ‘Good Luck’.
The band’s inspirations range from Set Your Goals to Smashing Pumpkins. Diversity always helps bands like this move on to better music and it has been proved. DECADE are for fans of A Day To Remember, Set Your Goals (who they supported on their UK tour), Save Your Breath and Transit. You’re 5 days in on your UK tour, how has it been so far? Alex: It’s been absolutely amazing, Tonight Alive are probably the most fun band to tour with they have been so nice, it’s been like a big family on tour. Set It Off have been really nice guys as well, the vibe and shows have been great. You have played quite a few festivals this year such as Reading/Leeds, Slam Dunk and Hit The Deck. Any memorable moments? Alex: The whole of Reading and Leeds, the experience was memorable for me be-
cause I’ve never been to the festival before. Being there as an act instead of a fan was just incredible. You can go into the artist area, you see people you looked up to as a kid just wandering round with a beer, hanging out and it is just so surreal. You’ve finished recording your debut album ‘Good Luck’, which is due to be released on 14th January. Do you think you’ve progressed since your self titled E.P? Alex: Massively, we have released two singles already: Brain Freeze and Callous, the reaction we have got from alot of people is that how different the sound is. Brain
Freeze is more similar to our old sound but the rest of the album is far different, it sounds more modern than the E.P. The E.P sounded like it could of came out in 2003/2004, Good Luck takes some influences from 90’s music but still very modern. What is your favourite track from ‘Good Luck’ and why? Alex: My favourite track from
‘Good Luck’ is a song called ‘Coffin’, which we have just started playing live. The reason is that it’s about my brother who is in the Marine Core. He’s away a lot and it’s about what he does for a living, how it reflects on what I do: just staying at home recording, waiting to go on tour while he’s out in the Middle East. It’s such a contract and I thought it would be good to write a song about
Have you had a chance to play any of the new songs on tour yet? Alex: We’re pretty much playing the whole album: playing Callous, Brain Freeze, Coffin, Fools Gold, British Weather, I Don’t Care and more from Good Luck and two old ones. What can new fans of Decade expect when they see you
live? Alex: I feel like we have a fresh sound, not just for live but for listening too as well. We put a lot of hard work into our live show. We’re energetic, we like to get involved in the crowd. What do you do as a band to warm up for a show? Alex: On this tour Tonight Alive and Set It Off psych themselves up before the go on, they have these little chants they do and we’ve never had one. We were just sat there in the dressing room just trying to think of something like a chant cause we kinda felt left out! For me I warm up my voice, the other guys just lay around and do a few stretches. When we need to play, we go play. What bands have influenced you most as a band? Alex: When we started I would of
said bands like A Day To Remember, Four Year Strong and Set Your Goals, they’re kind of pop punk heavy weights. But since we’ve progressed I’d say bands from 10-15 years ago for influence. My personal influences in some ways would be bands like Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins. I try and take bits from genre’s than specific bands, I’ll write a song and think I wanna write a grunge/ rock song, so I keep that in mind. I just take things I love from the genre’s I love listening to. You’ve played with a range of bands, any favourites? Alex: Tonight Alive are one of my favourites to tour with so far, they’re so good live and the fact they are just super nice people just makes it even better. The Story So Far and Transit who we toured with last year, that was amazing. We did a tour with Set Your Goals two years ago, at the time they were our idols and still are. They were one of the reasons we started the band, it was just amazing. What are your plans for 2014? With your album being released, will there be any tour dates? Alex: We’re planning to tour around the release of the album. Photos and words by Emily Coulter
Halloween Playlist As the 31st of October draws ever closer and the shops begin to fill up with pumpkin deely boppers and improbably named chocolate gimmicks, you’ll probably start here to hear the likes of Thriller, the Time Warp and the theme from Ghostbusters floating around the stereo. Which is all well and good. But in case you fancy something a little different, here’s my personal run down of the top ten best Hallowe’en songs. Acid Reign: Motherly Love http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKb3ahfyf88 Because no party is complete without a bit of eighties thrash metal. Featuring an audio clip from Hitchcock’s classic horror flick Psycho, Motherly Love reminds us all why it’s best if Norman stays away from those filthy girls. Because only his mother truly loves him. Remember Norman... Black Widow: Come to the Sabbat http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6u1iFIzZ4U The year was 1970. Riding heavily on the coat-tails of that other supposedly satanic rock band, Black Sabbath, Black Widow decided to go one better by pretending to sacrifice nude women during their stage shows and hanging around with high-ranking Wiccan priests. And by releasing this song, which urges everyone to get naked, cover themselves with perfumed oils and head on down to the local Satanic gathering so they can chum up with Astaroth, the crown prince of Hell. Which is even scarier when you consider that while Ozzy is still happily biting the heads of bats, Black Widow’s Romeo Challenger went on to drum for Showaddywaddy...
Alice Cooper: Feed my Frankenstein http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NO2cHJmDkBg Let’s face it, Alice Cooper is a fairly terrifying man what with his trade-mark shock-rock stage shows, and his er...staunchly right-wing political viewpoints. And this song, in which he invites you to feed his psychotic, sex crazed Frankenstein’s monster. I know I wouldn’t. If only because I’m afraid Alice would invite me to play a round of golf afterwards, which I’d invariably lose. That video above features the song’s most seminal performance, in the film Wayne’s World. Hmm...what’s scarier, Alice Cooper or Mike Myer’s career path.... Todd Rundgren: Lockjaw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gHzHu1_ arw Lockjaw is an ogre who lives in the Black Forest. And he doesn’t like children who lie. His weapon of choice is a rusty nail with which to force their mouths open. Ooh er... Fun fact: Lockjaw, like all the songs on Todd Rundgren’s A Capella album, are performed using vocals only, no instruments at all. You’d better hope I didn’t make that fact up. Lockjaw’s coming. Blue Oyster Cult: Joan Crawford http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKpxuptvQYU BOC’s Don’t Fear the Reaper is a Hallowe’en standard, of course, but what’s more terrifying? Being told the grim reaper is an okay sort of bloke really and we’ve no need to be afraid or that mega-bitch Joan Crawford has come back to life? Based on cult classic Mommie Dearest,
you better hope you didn’t use those wire coat hangers... Allstars*: Things that go Bump in the Night http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=px85GGxZ8-E Forget the Monster Mash, this is hands down the greatest Hallowe’en song ever written. Don’t believe me? Do you even remember the Allstars*? They were a pop group in the early naughties and they were so good they even had their own TV show. Called STARStreet. Which isn’t available on DVD. Probably because I’m the only one who would buy it. Despite sinking from our collective musical memories with barely a trace, Things that go Bump in the Night is probably best remembered for featuring in the live action Scooby-Doo movie. And if you happen to be in a Scooby-Doo sort of mood, why not give It’s Terror Time Again by Skycycle a listen? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5mZBZ3txvk Skycycle were on the Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island soundtrack. And literally nothing else. I’m not really selling either of these bands to you, am I? Moving on... Mike Oldfield: Tubular Bells Part One http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvBAu0PJ7A8 The first four minutes may have served as the theme tune to the Exorcist, but make sure you get the full twenty-five minute version. That way you get to hear all the instruments being introduced and what Hallowe’en party is complete without the dulcet tones of Viv Stanshall? Blind Guardian: Tommyknockers http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBq2h1N7xJo Oh, last night and the night before, Tommyknockers, Tommyknockers knocked at your back door! Based on Steven King’s sci-fi/horror novel of the same name, power metal band Blind
Guardian do what they do best with their melodic guitar work, epic orchestration and slightly erroneous German pronunciations. Bauhaus: Bela Lugosi’s Dead http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKRJfIPiJGY There’s nothing better come Hallowe’en night than nine minutes of gloomy rock perfection, courtesy of Bauhaus. Considered by many to be the first ever Gothic song, its eerie production and dark lyrics will conjure up just the right spooky atmosphere, whether you’re planning to raise the dead or just egg your neighbour’s house. Inkubus Sukkubus: Samhain http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHkR7ihE9iQ As a neo-pagan rock band, Inkubus Sukkubus have tons of spooky songs in their repertoire and their 2008 Viva la Muerte album is based around the Mexican Day of the Dead festival. But Samhain takes home the Hallowe’en song prize, not least because it’s about the ancient Gaelic festival that predated and influence Hallowe’en as we know it, but also for its beautiful opening and wonderfully catchy chorus. Bonus: Mannheim Steamroller’s Hallowe’en Albums http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQubj1LK3fY If those weren’t quite enough for you, why not try a Hallowe’en concept album? New age music project Mannheim Steamroller have done two. Hallowe’en 2: Creatures Collection features mostly horror TV and movie themes rejiggered in an electronic style, while the original Hallowe’en album covers classic spooky music pieces, including Night on Bald Mountain and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Which if nothing else will take you right back to the time you first watched Disney’s Fantasia and watched Mickey Mouse being menaced by a bunch of sentient broomsticks. Happy hauntings! Written By Jasmine Woods
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Masketta Fall
After a longer wait then intended we were finally into the Metro Theatre in Sydney for the start of Masketta Fall’s Parachute Tour. The First band to play was Brisbane pop rock five piece band Set The Record. Before their set they talked about driving all night and relying on nothing but Red Bull but once they started nobody could tell. Their Set list was a perfect combination to display the individual talents as well as the combined talent that works perfectly on stage. Their set list was based around their new EP ‘Above The World’ which was released the first time ever at this show as well as some of the old favourites from their Old self titled EP. ‘Make You Smile’ portrays the awesome drumming skills by Ian Collins and an ultimate rock sound while ‘Just Say When’ is a perfect example of combining each talent in the band to produce a polished result. Set The Record took a crack at covering Paramore’s ‘Still Into You’ which lead singer Jarrad Lindsey sung extraordinarily. ‘The New You’ showed incredible guitar and bass shredding with solos from Rebecca McCall and Ash Ebbstein combined perfectly with the bass riffs from Andrew Brown. Finishing the set with their single hit ‘Real’ which had the crowd singing along and rocking out to everything that Set The Record had to offer. 8/10 Next to the stage was Adelaide pop rock band All Year Round, which all planned their outfits for this occasion with matching denim. The band incorporated the great use of the stage with their epic guitar spins, impressive punk jumps and intense hair flicking throughout their set topped off by the incredible Female vocals. The real stand out was the cover of Paramore’s Misery Business which showed sensational high notes, enthusiastic guitarists and a talented drummer. The band talked about releasing their first EP towards the end of the year. As they are new to the music scene the crowd couldn’t sing along but that didn’t dampen the vibe at the concert. 5/10 Then the moment everyone was waiting for as Melbourne band Masketta Fall took to the stage. The band had the crowd under a spell with the crowd screaming, jumping yelling and echoing throughout the venue. The Band’s set list was made up with their new EP ‘Parachute’ which was sold at the first time at this concert as well as songs from their old EP ‘Something Beautiful’. The band started with Something Beautiful which had the band warming up to the crowd and the atmosphere, An impressive performance from Gui-
tarist Daniel Molivas even though he had sliced the top of his finger off and had to get it stitched back on which made up for Bass Player Ryan Spiller’s lack of enthusiasm due to tiredness but the crowd kept entertained by the millions of drumming faces made by Jamie Ross. They covered Panic at the Disco’s I Write Sins Not Tragedies which showed the harmonic bliss from lead singer Braden Daniel and Benjamin James. The set was toned down with a mix of acoustic songs adding a different mix to the show. Toning down Without You as an acoustic edition as the band explained it was the first song they wrote together and means a lot in terms of how far they have come. The band pulled a massive surprise when they did a cover of Pompeii from Bastille which was constructed perfectly with each individual talent fit perfectly leaving an acoustic cover and a very impressed crowd singing along. The band picked the perfect song to finish the concert with their hit single Parachute which was a change of style of what Masketta is normally about. 9/10 Overall, Set The Record were on fire with their jokes and great energy which made this band very enjoyable to the crowd who couldn’t stand still taking in the bands energy even after no sleep it is pretty impressive to do that well, All Year Round has left me wondering would I see them again after their mediocre performance, Masketta Fall had a perfect mix of acoustic and normal songs as the bands energy was set high and their performance was incredible.
Photos and words by Emily Thompson
Young Wolves Tour Live Review
The First Band to play was Call The Shots, a Pop-punk band from Brisbane, Australia. They played smash hits including hit single ‘Alexis Texas’ and ‘Chances Don’t Exist With Popular Kids’. The band nailed the punk jumps and had a lot of energy which the crowd fed off. Lead singer Josh Setterfield’s jumping and enthusiasm resembled a kid at a candy store while Bassist Mitchell Taverner toned the enthusiasm down with his lack of jumping compared to the rest of the band. The Band toned it down with a softer song ‘The World Is Ours Tonight’ Acoustically Josh Setterfield’s vocal harmonies mixing Screaming vocals with his singing which displays talent and had the crowd in awe listening only to completely lose it when Dion Cerreto, Mitchell Taverner and Riley Boyce walked on stage with For Our Hero booty shorts on. 8/10 Next to the stage
was Forever Ends Here, Pop Punk band from the Northern Beaches in Sydney, The band looked dressed to impress and that they did. With popular songs including ‘Head In The Clouds’ and ‘Here’s To The Night’. The Band also did a mash up of hits including “Beauty and the beat By Justin Bieber , Best Song Ever By One Direction and Good Time By Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen” they took their own twist on the songs which had the crowd fist pumping, jumping and dancing along. With their unexpected Synchronised Dance Moves by Luke McChesney, Jackson Lehane and Maverick Burnett and the hair flicking of Jackson Lehane showed that the boys made the most of the last day on tour. Luke McChesney slowed it down to sing ‘I Catch Fire’ only to be joined on stage with Lead Singer of For Our Hero Jay Taplin which made the crowd go wild. Their harmonies in sync together to create the perfect collaboration between two artists which earned a well deserved crowd reaction of arm waving and hushed silence taking in the perfection. 9/10
The headline act Melbourne Pop Rock Band For Our Hero took the stage with grins ear to ear as the introduction sounds of ‘The Brave One’s’ started so did the screaming of the crowd to go with it. Bassist Geoffrey Mark Taylor and Front man Jay Taplin had the audience under their spell following every instruction that was set out of them. The band played classics such as ‘Don’t You Dare’ and ‘My Penrose Stairs’ as well as playing new hits from their EP ‘Young Wolves’ including a heartfelt ‘ My Revolution’ which had me in tears watching the emotion poured into the song. ‘ Young Wolves’ had everyone up on stage including the two supports who were waltzing around the stage. Two lucky fans pulled from the crowd and vocals of Luke McChesney who filled in for Alex Deleon in another perfect collaboration. The Surprising cover of One Republic’s ‘Counting Stars’ which was preformed exquisitely exactly like the original with a For Our Hero Twist, The Rock track played perfectly with guitar combining with Jay’s professional sounding vocals which had me among others screaming in excitement. Jay Taplin’s vocal ability was angelic pouring his passion into the songs showing his talent and his energy on stage was an extraordinary combination . Guitarist Dave Tran wore a permanent smile that couldn’t be erased as he played while other Guitarist Leon Blair displays perfectly balanced of backing vocals mixed with the elegant guitar playing. Bassist Geoffrey Mark Taylor couldn’t keep still and kept the crowd involved. 10/10 Overall, Three Incredible bands filled with so much talent there is no wonder it was a sold out show and the perfect way to end the tour on a high note. I maybe the only one to say “Can we go back to this tour now?”. Photos and words by Emily Thompson
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Save Your Breath Photos by Sehar Mehmood
Seahaven
The Story So Far
Live Re Turisas You’re almost guaranteed a good night when you enter a venue and half the crowd are decked out in chain-mail, horned helmets and red and black face paint. Bristol’s The Fleece was the first stop on the Finnish Viking-metal band’s UK tour to promote their fourth album Turisas2013. Support act Astrohenge were in full swing when I arrived. Despite missing their keyboardist they didn’t disappoint with a blend of heavy stoner riffs and doomy, psychedelic melodies. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for them in the future. Sadly, second support act Revoker were nowhere near as much fun. They played standard heavy metal with mostly shouted vocals and it was okay, but the lead singer clearly fancied the pants off himself. He also felt the need to swear profusely in between songs in a voice that sounded like a cross between a used car salesman and a local radio DJ. “Check us the sh*t out on sh*tting Facebook, YouTube, Tumblr, all that bullsh*t. Sh*t!” Someone get that man a thesaurus.... Thankfully headline act Turisas were on perfect form. This was the first time I’d seen them since 2009’s Bloodstock Festival, and though the venue couldn’t have been more different than the sun-drenched fields of Derbyshire, they
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certainly lived up to my expectations. The set was an excellent blend of classic and contemporary songs. It’s almost ten years since the release of their debut album Battle Metal and thanks to them being allotted a longer playing time than they were allowed on tour in mainland Europe, they had time to play plenty of old favourites. Lead singer Mathias “Warlord” Nygård had some excellent banter with the crowd, at one point getting us all to sing I’ve got a Brand New Combine Harvester. “It’s a classic Bristol drinking song,” was his excuse. He also gleefully informed us that unlike Germans, who drink one glass of red wine at gigs and then drive home, English gig goers get completely pissed on cider and vomit everywhere before the show has even ended. To that end they launched into Battle Metal’s title track mid-way through the set, instead of waiting for the encore. That spot was filled with a furious rendition of fan favourite Rasputin. The mosh pit was friendly and there were plastic swords and inflatable axes in abundance. Combining face-paint, sweat and head banging was always going to result in a messy evening, but it was a very enjoyable one and Turisas held on to their spot as the best live Viking metal band there is.
eviews
By Jasmine Woods
Focus Bristol’s the Tunnels was the venue for Dutch prog-rock legends Focus last week. The picturesque, but narrow venue lends itself well to acoustics, but not particularly to a lively crowd. Indeed, the majority of the gig-goers were rather more sedate than I would have expected, which is a bit of a shame, since Focus put on an enjoyable and engaging show. Without any support acts, the group were able to play at length, with time enough to spare for an interval in the middle. Only two of the original members were present, lead singer and flautist Thijs van Leer and drummer Pierre van der Linden, but this didn’t make much of a difference as the group cranked out classic hits like House of the King and Sylvia. There
were plenty of tracks from the latest album Focus X thrown in as well, which van Leer was at pains to mention was available to buy from the merchandise stand. Which was run by his wife. For a band that’s been going for over forty years, they showed no signs of slowing up. There were some excellent extended jams and solos, and a rousing version of Hocus Pocus to round the evening off. Van Leer can’t quite hit the high notes any more, but the crowd were more than happy to fill in the yodeling role for him. An excellent night filled with classic prog.
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Album Reviews
Colours in the Dark is the fourth studio album for Tarja Turunen, former lead singer of Nightwish and first lady of opera metal. It’s not a huge departure from her previous recordings, but this is no bad thing. Her vocals are dependably flawless, the classical orchestration complements the heavy guitar and drum work and the themes are as fantastical and haunting as always. Opening track Victim of Ritual displays Tarja’s extraordinary vocal range to the fullest. It’s a little too reminiscent of Anteroom of Death, the first track on her previous album What Lies Beneath; both start with slow instrumentation and light vocal work before exploding into a big bombastic chorus, but it’s still a great start to the album. 500 Letters has a slightly poppier beat and vibe to it, and it makes the most of this with a catchy chorus. Some unusually ethnic sounding instruments prevent this
from being just another pop-metal song however and the dark, slightly vicious lyrics give it a nice edge. Lucid Dreamer is a seven minute epic that swings wildly between instrumental New Age passages and Tarja’s idiosyncratic opera-metal choruses. The lyrics are a little too repetitive, the instrumental parts too bizarre. Mixing baby noises into metal was never really going to work. It’s an experimental song, and it doesn’t quite work. An interesting listen, rather than a great one. Never Enough is probably the strongest song on the album, and certainly my favourite. A catchy chorus, biting lyrics and some excellent guitar work make this a stand out. The ending is particularly memorable, a thrashy, noise rock style coda rarely heard in Tarja’s work. Mystique Voyage is the only song penned entirely by Tarja herself, and it shows. It’s definitely the weirdest song on the album. Not only does she narrate the beginning, inviting us into her fantastical world, but she sings in her native Finnish, as well as in Spanish and English. Her operatic voice is used beautifully on this song, and whether or not you can understand what she’s saying it’s still a joy to hear. Darkness is the only cover on the album, originally by Peter Gabriel, and her first since My winter Storm’s cover of Alice Cooper’s Poison. Unlike her previous effort however, Darkness feels out of place with the rest of the album. It has a more industrial sound and just feels like a bit of an uncomfortable fit. Deliverance is wonderfully epic.
It wouldn’t be out of place on a fantasy film score and delivers the right blend of classical orchestration, rock beats and some ear-shatteringly high notes from Tarja. There’s an irritating instrument being used in the background of Neverlight. I have no idea what it is but when you listen to the song it’s like someones running their finger nails down a cheese grater next to your ear. How pleasant. If you can get over that you’ll enjoy one of the album’s more upbeat tracks. Until Silence is a typical Tarja ballad: beautiful lyrics, soaring vocals and a piano based tune. It’s none the worse for that. Final track Medusa is a slow burn that delivers spine-chillingly good vocals across its eight minute running time. Justin Furstenfeld of Blue October shows up for a duet that winningly blends his harsher, gruffer voice with Tarja’s soprano. It’s a great finish to an eclectic, but ultimately satisfying album. By Jasmine Woods
riences on tour in the past few years, places they ate, hard times they’ve had on tour, first time they saw snow, where we can see their humor and depth as people through their storytelling. This clip really adds a great touch to the album where can really visualize what band members Jeremy McKinnon, Alex Shelnutt, and Niel Westfall really are like. A Day to Remember, through their person ally significant lyrics, and creative idea of adding an audio clip, reveal The metal-core / pop-punk band, who they are beyond simply the A Day to Remember has just reimage of their band. leased their powerful new album, Although, touchy and a “Common Courtesy”. The album little fruity, the band does have itself has not steered too far away from earlier albums’ overall sound songs such as “Violence (enough is enough)” where we can really in “For Those Who Have Heart” see their metal-core influence and “Homesick”; however, there – heavy riffs, an intense breakare some things to be said about down, dark vocals and screamwhat they have done differently, specifically in the amount of ener- ing, pulsing drums and rhythmic guitar. They also have a little gy put into their lyrics and in the more intense lyrics about violence balancing of their hardcore and in this song: “Violence give me pop influences. violence, / Cause they say we’re The album starts off with the worthless ones. / Substance “City of Ocala”, a seemingly remgives me substance. / Heavy lies iniscent piece of their origins in Ocala, Florida: “This is what made the crown as I cut you down.” For Day to Remember’s fan base who us who we became / They know loves their heavier stuff (myself me, not just my name / There’s not another place the same, / This included), this song will get you on your feet, swinging your fists is where I came from”. Interestat the air. This can also be said of ingly enough, the album starts songs such “The Best of Me” that off right where it ends with the has a perfect balance between pop theme of remembering. It seems and hardcore; however, the album like a major theme in this album has more pop influence than in is the band’s pride in their touring experience, specifically how it prior albums. This is one of the few breakdowns in the album -- I has defined who they are today: would have really liked to hear I remember when I first saw the more breakdowns throughout this country / I remember sleeping in album. Perhaps this is the turn the van. / Said goodbye to friends ADTR has taken, from a heavier and family, they could never influence to more personally inunderstand”. The band really vested and lyrically enforced pop personally invested in this album through their lyrics, and also, with influence. Songs such as “End of Me”, “I’m Already Gone”, “I Surthe audio clip they added to the end of “I Remember”, the last song render”, and “I Remember” reveal of their album. The audio clip is of this dimension of the softer side of ADTR. Whereas, song such as the band discussing their expe-
“Violence (enough is enough)”, “Sometimes You’re the Hammer, Sometimes You’re the Nail”, “Life lesson Learned the Hard Way”, and “Dead and Buried” display their heavier influence that A Day to Remember is classically known for. Therefore, it seems Common Courtesy seems to have a decent balance between these elements of pop and hardcore through most of the songs that all of their fans will be familiar with. But their overall sound has steered away from metal-core and slightly towards influences of rock and pop music. With that said, their sound really has not developed in the direction I wanted it to since their last albums. And their overall vibe is nearly the same. I believe A Day to Remember can stretch their boundaries a little more and probably should if they expect to keep their impassioned fan base around. However, if you’ve liked all of Day to Remember’s older stuff and are still starving for fist-pumping, chorus-singing, and occasional breakdowns, then this album is for you. It’s just barely new enough that it’s enjoyable to their long and true fan base. The best way to describe this Common Courtesy is that it is heartfelt and reminiscent. This album has a lot of authenticity, and I would recommend a listen to it for people who have not listened to them or for people who have been fans all along. By Zack Messenger
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dance to this kind of music? Thankfully, the second track returns to classic moody Placebo and it’s almost comforting; the rest of the album progresses in pretty much the same way. There’s moody synth which builds up with solid drum beats and a guitar with too much reverb and together they form this big, thick, irritatingly satThe seventh studio album from isfying slice of Placebo pie. There alternative rock band, Placebo, is are some moments intend for self overall pretty feel-good, perhaps realisation, with ‘lose yourself in a little surprisingly considering the music’ drone notes and deep such previous hits as Sleeping meaningful lyrics, and there are With Ghosts. After the opening moments of straight up artistic track and the album’s namesake, indulgence; the kind of ‘we’re a Loud Like Love finishes it feels freaking awesome band and you’re kind of weird sitting still. Aren’t you supposed to jump around and going to sit through this strange
Ok, ok, I know what you’re thinking. Christian melodic metalcore? Isn’t that like a really brutal church organ? No, no it’s not. It’s The Devil Wears Prada, a band born out of Dayton, Ohio, are a Christian melodic metalcore band, and by that I mean they are an awesome mix of fury, screaming guitars, and beautifully executed quiet moments. Their latest album, 8:18, as described by the band themselves is “very dark and intense”, with “material that is absolutely relentless”. It’s much gloomier lyrically than their previous albums however they totally rock it, creating 43:39 of total insanity. In traditionally TDWP style, it’s not always comprehensible, but they certainly get
the message across. Picking the best tracks off the album isn’t easy but after some deliberation, the opening track, Gloom, for its intense intro and ensuing well written deep guitar lines, quality screaming, and decent editing creates a memorable track. Equally brilliant is the slightly more mellow but no less emotionally weighty Transgress, mixing dark melodies with deep lyrics for an experience like no other. High quality all the
instrumental whether you like it or not’ indulgence. If you want to skip the nonsense, the best track on the album is easily Purify, a beat heavy track with whiny backing symphonies and wonderfully incomprehensible lyrics. It progresses in much the same way, working through melancholy track after melancholy track. If you are one of those people who are largely optimistic and like to give friendly reminders to people to “enjoy life!”, this album is not for you. If you enjoy a good loathing session and dramatically walking in the rain, this album is for you. 6.5/10 By Josie Adnitt
way through, going from metal to heart-wrenching to heavy as hell. 7/10 By Josie Adnitt
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