The enigmatically named Keeley was formerly the vocalist with Session Motts, a band that fused bubblegum melodies with chopping guitars and frivolous lyrical concernes, creating a quirky hybrid of garage rock and disposable pop. They gained a following around their native Dublin, but it seems their time was short. After a couple of years away, Keeley returned with a new eponymously named project for 2021 and although a couple of the songs from this debut EP occasionally sound like a distant cousin to the Session Motts by way of an aloof vocal, it’s very often a different animal. There’s a strong call back to the 90s at all times, but the material itself doesn’t always have the clearest identity.
Category Archives: Album & EP Reviews
THE RIZZOS / TOP NACHOS – Split EP
Bringing together four unreleased tunes by The Rizzos and Top Nachos, this split release from King Pizza Records is a fine DIY recording. Split releases are a good way of introducing people to new bands and for Top Nachos the opportunity to appear alongside The Rizzos is definitely a chance for the Queens-based, self-proclaimed “silly-core” band to build upon their following. For extant fans of The Rizzos, of course, a purchase of this release will be a no-brainer. It has something a bittersweet feel, too, presenting both an end and a beginning: the Rizzos’ tracks are the last to feature drummer and founding member Bettina Warshaw while, for most listeners, the release will provide a first time exposure to the rather juvenile world of Top Nachos and their occasional cardboard headgear, fascination with junk food and unfashionable facial hair.
FISH HEAD – Ain’t Dead Yet
The unfortunately named Fish Head, a metal obsessed band from Royal Tunbridge Wells, care not for fashion. Like another Kent based band, Sacrilege, they seem perfectly happy to exist in a little bubble where metal stopped evolving somewhere around the late 80s. Unlike Sacrilege, though, their 2021 release ‘Ain’t Dead Yet’ actually includes a few decent songs and a lot of energy.
Devin Townsend announces a new album and confirms a string of Euro tour dates
Having only just announced the second release in his archive live series of releases, the ever busy Devin Townsend has announced he’ll be releasing a brand new album in 2022 and embarking on a lengthy European tour.
Very little is known about the new album at present, except that recording is underway with producer GGGarth Richardson (Rage Against The Machine / Man Will Surrender) and has the working title of lightwork.
In the meantime, the following live dates have been confirmed, with more to follow later:
DENNIS DEYOUNG – 96 East: Volume 2
When Dennis DeYoung decided to retire, he hit upon the idea of one final, grand release that would recount his fifty years in the business with an autobiographical slant. Since Dennis rarely thought on a small scale and had always been blessed with a very theatrical voice, the idea of him taking his last curtain call with something resembling a musical about his life didn’t seem that silly. In fact, a big idea got even bigger with Jim Peterik’s help, and the planned final album had to be split into two volumes.