Upon release in 2014, Jizzy Pearl’s EP ‘Crucified’ was incredibly well received by the online rock press, with many thinking it was the former Love/Hate frontman’s best work for a many a year. Although only a six tracker, it did indeed manage to capture a lot of the energies of his younger self, something probably amplified by a short playing time. With no room for filler, he really made an impression, so you’d think Pearl would’ve been keen to keep up the momentum and really capitalise on its success, but it took him almost four years to craft a follow up. Prior to release, he claimed that follow up, 2018’s ‘All You Need Is Soul’ had all the excitement of his former band’s ‘Blackout In The Red Room’ debut. Big talk indeed, but it seems that no matter how much time passes, that album is still very much the benchmark for everything that’s followed.
Sleeper announce second edition of coloured vinyl LP
On May 1st, Britpop legends Sleeper announced that after over two decades they would be returning to the studio. [Read our first news item on the new album here.]
Funded through Pledge Music, fans were given the opportunity to pledge for the album in a variety of formats.
Portuguese thrashers Rasgo release new recording with orchestra (video)
Portugese thrash metal band Rasgo have reached a new phase in their career.
They’ve not long released a new album [‘Ecos De Salva Urbana’ was released at the end of last October], but they felt the new material was so powerful, it was time to give one of the tracks an extra dimension.
Sleeper announce return to studio; new album and tour next year
The Sleeper reunion was the most exciting thing to happen in 2017.
The band were due to reform for four shows in August only – appearing at the Star Shaped Festival – but from there, things snowballed. They subsequently sold out the Shepherd’s Bush Empire in December and then announced another tour for March 2018…again a sell out.
SUN VOYAGER – Seismic Vibes
For those who’ve not been paying attention, fuzz rock troupe Sun Voyager have been lurking on the Brooklyn underground scene since 2012. After a few enjoyable EPs, ‘Seismic Vibes’ – their first full length LP – really capitalises on their previous musical ideas, presenting a world of haze and stoner based riffs with not only more confidence but also a better production value than they’ve ever had. Those who think “better production” could also mean more commercial should fear not, though, since everything that was great about these mighty Sun lords before remains just as great; it’s just that this time around, the material has more warmth and depth. It’s interesting they’ve not taken advantage of the longer playing time and experimented with longer songs, but just one or two listens to this album should be enough to explain why: there’s definitely something about this material that is more effective in short bursts.