With a run of enjoyable albums that began with 2015’s ‘Legacy’, Praying Mantis seemed to go from strength to strength over the following decade. Granted, a few of the tracks on that album and its successors (2018’s ‘Gravity’ and 2022’s ‘Katharsis’) were a little heavier sounding, but Chris and Tino Troy’s gifts for a strong melody continued to set the band apart from so many of the second tier acts associated with the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, and when dropping into numbers boasting more of an AOR/melodic rock hook, the band sounded as good as ever.
Tag Archives: rock
THE REAL GONE SINGLES BAR #47
Welcome back to the Real Gone Singles Bar, the place where we explore the various individual mp3s that have landed in our inbox over the previous few weeks. We’ve gathered together another strong selection this time around, ranging from solid sounding electronica, to a drum loop oriented take on dream pop, to a brilliant piece of retro rock, and more besides. We hope, as always, you’ll find something new to enjoy!
*
SAHAJI – Future In The Sky EP
Sahaji first came to relative prominence due to a music competition staged by Yamaha, but these recordings are set to take the Japanese brothers to the next level. The three tracks that make up the very enjoyable ‘Future In The Sky’ EP draw from some classic influences; with hints of a 60s love colliding with a huge debt to the bigger players from the Britpop scene, the material comes with a hugely nostalgic bent, but the arrangements sometimes play for something much grander than an easy throwback. Working with renowned producer engineer Nick Brine – a man whose previous credits include working with The Stone Roses, Ash and Teenage Fanclub – has certainly helped create a great sound on this first UK release.
THE REAL GONE SINGLES BAR #45
Welcome back to the Real Gone Singles Bar, the place where we explore some of the individual mp3s that have landed in our inbox over the previous few weeks. This time out, we bring you a rather eclectic bunch of tunes, ranging from synthpop to light pop, from 90s inspired rock to post-goth. We’ve even managed to contrast a dance track and a soul pop based number with something very heavy, ensuring there’s something here for almost everyone. As always, we’ve had a truckload of submissions over the past seven days, so there’s more good stuff to come…
*
Watch: The Veldt live on KEXP
When people think of alternative bands, they’d probably name about fifty before The Veldt came to mind. Even within the microcosm of shoegaze and dreampop, the US band have never seemed to get their full due. They’ve never seemed to gain the same kind of love heaped upon them that Ride, critics’ darlings My Bloody Valentine, and even Slowdive have managed. Yet, those who’ve understood their unique take on shoegaze and indie sounds absolutely love them. The band are the very definition of “cult”.