There’s a school of thought that says Molly Hatchet never bettered their first two albums. Whilst those records were home to many of the classics – tunes which set the blueprint for their future works – the best of band’s 80s output was arguably just as strong in many ways…and even saw the southern rock heroes stretching out their considerable talents. It’s those 80s albums which are the focus of the 2018 box set ‘Fall of The Peacemakers: 1980-1985’, an excellent package that brings together three studio albums, a classic double live set, a hard to find promo featuring extra live tracks and also a handful of other nuggets.
SUNSTORM – The Road To Hell
Between 2006 and 2012, legendary rock vocalist Joe Lynn Turner lent his talents to three great albums by Sunstorm; releases which celebrated his many years on the melodic rock scene as well as added to his impressive catalogue. 2012’s ‘Emotional Fire’ was especially interesting as it revisited Joe’s 80s legacy, presenting covers of songs on which he’d originally contributed backing vocals. In the hands of Sunstorm, Michael Bolton’s ‘Gina’ and ‘You Wouldn’t Know Love’ (a big hit for Cher, and old a final voyage into rock for “old two haircuts” himself) sounded as good as ever. Although 2016’s ‘Edge of Tomorrow’ was an enjoyable record and a worthy addition to the Sunstorm catalogue, it gained more of a mixed response for a couple of reasons: firstly, it had a rockier feel and furthermore, it was effectively Sunstorm in name only – Turner was now fronting a completely different band.
REAL GONE GOES OUT: Kristin Hersh – Ramsgate Music Hall, Ramsgate, Kent 1/7/2018
It’s the first of July. The British summer time has truly grabbed a hold. In the middle of the unexpected heatwave, the intimate Ramsgate Music Hall is hot. Very hot. The sweaty atmosphere isn’t about to dampen anyone’s spirits, though, especially as tonight’s sell out crowd are in the presence of a true cult legend. This is Kristin Hersh’s second appearance at Music Hall – the first being forty eight hours earlier – and it’s the last night of her successful UK tour. Everyone’s up for it.
Watch ‘Sketches Of Summer’, a new video from Roo Panes
Back in April, Roo Panes released a digital single ‘My Sweet Refuge’. Its sparse and haunting qualities drew comparisons to Nick Drake from many, partly due to the songs fragility, but also it’s obvious Englishness.
Three months on, Roo has released a new video. ‘Sketches of Summer’ is taken from his 2018 album ‘Quiet Man’ which was released via CRC Records in June.
NAISIAN – Rejoinder EP
‘Rejoinder’ ends a five year haitus for Naisian, but after a minute or so of hitting the play button on their 2018 EP, it seems almost as if the Sheffield metallers have never really been away. The three tracks that make up this absolutely devastating EP come loaded with heaviness, bringing forth a swampy and sludgy sound that often makes the Melvins and Goatsnake sound like mere lightweights.