Revolution Rabbit Deluxe’s 2023 album ‘Control Freaks’ mixed rock, pop and politics in such a way it was impossible to ignore the influence of the younger Nicky Wire and Richey James Edwards. With sloganeering messages and a very 90s sound, tracks like ‘G7 Countdown’ blended the vitriol of the early Manics with the busy rhythms of the baggy movement; ‘Head In The Sand’ celebrated self-ignorance against a hefty indie rock groove, and – best of all – ‘Stuck On Stupid’ attacked the world with a Miles Hunt-ish sneer and a post-punk sound, pumping the heart of one of the band’s most pointed tracks to date.
Category Archives: News
Watch: Common Tongue release new track ‘Done’
After breaking through with their ‘Isolation’ single in 2023, Common Tongue set upon a musical journey where huge riffs would reign. It was immediately clear that the duo – hailing from Southsea, on the south coast of England – were capable of summoning the fire and fury of a full band set up, and the huge swagger at the heart of that debut might find an audience among the lovers of Royal Blood and early Muse.
Ember Belladonna shares new video for ‘The Grove’
Ember Belladonna’s debut album ‘The Grove’ is one of 2024’s more interesting metal releases. Promoted under the folk metal banner, the bulk of the material takes the cult subgenre beyond its typical remit. Ember isn’t interested in assaulting her audience with massive jigs – as per those pioneering Skyclad records – and her material doesn’t venture into the black metal infused extremes of a band like Northern Oak. Her take on folk metal comes from a much purer place where gothic metal riffs prop up some fantasic new age melodies, often with Ember’s flute work at the forefront.
The Kilograms to head out on US tour; appearing with Big D & The Kids Table on select dates
Ska punk reggae supergroup The Kilograms, featuring Sammy Kay and ex-Mighty Mighty Bosstones man Joe Gittleman, released an enjoyable EP during the first quarter of 2024. Although only a two track single has emerged since then, The Kilograms have continued to be a going concern and have been appearing at live venues across the US.
They’ve got another tour on the horizon, kicking off in December, then taking the band into 2025. Many of next year’s early dates will find The Kilograms sharing stages with 90s ska favourites Big D & The Kids Table.
Listen: Canyons And Locusts unleash ‘Anna Save A Life’
Noise rock duo Canyons And Locusts hit several peoples’ musical radar back at the beginning of 2024 when they assaulted unsuspecting ears with the pleasingly noisy ‘Love Goes Down The Drain’, a trashy yet smart anti-valentine.