URIAH HEEP – Return To Fantasy

Posted on April 14, 2026 by Real Gone

After releasing three fantastic albums in ‘Demons and Wizards’, ‘Magician’s Birthday’ and ‘Sweet Freedom’ as well as a classic live document in a little over a year between May 1972 to September 1973, it’s no wonder Uriah Heep sounded less inspired on their 1974 LP ‘Wonderworld’. Although not a document from a creatively spent band, the album included absolutely nothing memorable in the long term. Bizarrely, the best track dating from those sessions,’Stone’s Throw’, was never completed. Released in demo form on an expanded reissue of ‘Wonderworld’ in 1996, it knocks the entire album into a cocked hat. Following bassist Gary Thain being electrocuted during a show in Texas on that tour, 1974 could very much be considered the end of the band’s “imperial phase”.

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DEWEY – Summer On A Curb

Posted on April 13, 2026 by Real Gone

Dewey’s debut single ‘Jinx’ signified the arrival of a band with a potential greatness. On that track, the young Parisians served up a sound wholly indebted to the 90s with a massive shoegaze tone that really pushed some interesting guitar work to the fore. Right from the opening notes, though, it was clear that each of the band members had something important to offer when a solid drum part powered a fine groove, and the wall of guitars was joined by an equally solid bass.

Above all, ‘Jinx’ sounded far more melodic than a lot of the genre’s pioneers – a slither of indie melody contrasting the semi-woozy feel that the likes of My Bloody Valentine wouldn’t deem necessary made the single so much more accessible, and the way a busy and almost otherworldly keyboard line layered the main melody with something a little busier definitely gave the performance far more of an uplifting quality. Taking pride of place on Dewey’s ‘Summer On A Curb’ LP – issued almost three months later – ‘Jinx’ sounds better than ever.

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REAL GONE GOES OUT: Lande Hekt – Ramsgate Music Hall, Ramsgate, Kent 9/4/2026

Posted on April 11, 2026 by Real Gone

On a musical level, Lande Hekt’s solo albums provide a welcome jolt of nostalgia. The bulk of the material takes on a big, jangly approach which evokes strong memories of the early 90s, and Lande’s finest songs are an equal match for The Sundays’ best. With some superb music offset by some sometimes very personal narratives, they’re recordings that also retain a contemporary heart. In the live setting, the singer-songwriter abandons a band set-up in favour of a solo approach, which allows the lyrical elements to take centre stage. The very intimate Ramsgate Music Hall really suits the scaled back delivery with Lande reworking fan favourites and new tracks for voice, guitar and occasional loop pedal.

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Watch: Veins share new video for ‘Sunlight’

Posted on April 10, 2026 by Real Gone

Having had support from BBC Radio 1 for their debut single ‘Ambi’, it seemingly didn’t take alt-rock crew Veins long to gain attention. In a world that’s absolutely flooded with new music on a weekly basis, that’s particularly impressive, but then again, Veins aren’t your average rock band.

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THE REAL GONE SINGLES BAR #151

Posted on April 9, 2026 by Real Gone

Welcome back to the Real Gone Singles Bar, the place where we explore some of the more interesting tracks that have landed in our inbox over the past few weeks. This time out, we welcome back two favourite goth themed bands, throw a spotlight on a classic sounding power ballad, and among other things, celebrate a couple of tunes with a funk core. As always, we hope you find something new to enjoy!

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