Alex Lifeson is a legend. More importantly, he’s a legend that’s never been afraid of musical change. The early Rush albums introduced fans to a hard edged and very distinctive guitar sound; the classic era of Rush from 1980-91 found him exploring various cleaner sonic textures that were distinctive in a very different way, but equally as cool. His Victor project from 1996 showed how his complex approach could be applied to a whole range of rock moods, and while some of that album’s heavier moments didn’t sit well with everyone, it was a very interesting release.
Tag Archives: rock
Alex Lifeson’s Envy of None to release 7″ with all proceeds going to Ukraine Emergency Response
This week sees the release of the much anticipated debut from Envy of None. The new band features ex-Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson and ex-Coney Hatch man Andy Curran, and promises to be one of the year’s big albums on the prog rock calendar.
In addition, the band are issuing a strictly limited (500 copies) worldwide single of ‘Enemy’, with all monies earnt being donated to the UNCHR Ukraine Emergency Response. The news comes barely twelve hours after David Gilmour’s announcement that a reconvened Pink Floyd had recorded a new track and would be donating all profits to aid the Ukraine crisis. [Watch the new video here.]
 In light of the current events and ongoing tragedy occurring in Ukraine, Envy Of None will release a split 7” vinyl single, on Ukraine flag coloured vinyl with all proceeds from sales being donated to UNHCR for their Ukraine emergency response. (Established in 1950, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights, and building a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people.. For more information, please visit unhcr.org. #WithRefugees | donate.unhcr.org/Ukraine) The tracks for the limited edition single “Enemy” and “You’ll Be Sorry” taken from the band’s forthcoming album, have now taken on a more poignant meaning for the group. I’m not your enemy… Friends and enemies—life and death—good and bad. The eternal contrast and conflict that tears us apart so easily yet mends us so arduously. It’s not a fair fight. As another generation witnesses first had the horrors of yet another war, we can strive to temper our helplessness by supporting the difficult, but necessary work UNHCR provides to lessen the burden for millions of displaced people. As we embark on our humble contribution, we ask that along with our partners at UNHCR, Snapper Music / Kscope, GZ / Precision Vinyl & Vision Merch, you kindly share in supporting us at this time of need with your generosity. As a show of respect for your support and generosity, Envy Of None will match the total proceeds raised. Thank-you. Envy Of None: Alfio Annibalini, Andy Curran, Alex Lifeson, Maiah Wynne PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY OF “ENEMY / YOU’LL BE SORRY” 7” HERE - https://visionmerch.com/envy-of-none There will be just 500 copies of this limited edition colored 7” vinyl single available: 250 signed by all the band - US$100 250 unsigned - US$50 Plus fans can also purchase a 30 minute zoom call / personal Q&A with all 4 Envy Of None band members, each donor can invite 3 friends to join in - for $1000. This is limited to 10 slots for a once in a lifetime chance to chat and ask each of the members anything about the EON project and beyond. All proceeds of sales go to UNHCR’s Ukraine Emergency Response. LIVE STREAM – ENVY OF NONE: A LOOK INSIDE Q&A – SUNDAY 10TH APRIL PREMIERE STARTS AT 5pm UK / 12pm EST / 9am PST / 6pm CET JOIN HERE ( http://www.2nu.gs/Envy ) With Envy Of None’s debut album scheduled for release on Friday 8th April on Kscope, the band will be taking a deep dive into their self-titled debut album with a 90minute Q&A hosted by Alan Cross. The stream is free to watch with any donations made by viewers again going to UNHCR’s Ukraine emergency response. JOIN THE STREAM HERE (http://www.2nu.gs/Envy ) The album will be released on the following formats and is available to PRE-ORDER HERE (https://eon.lnk.to/EnvyOfNone) Ltd Edition deluxe version – presented in a gatefold sleeve with a blue coloured vinyl LP, 2 CDs including a 5 track bonus disc, 28 page Booklet with exclusive content. Golden ticket!! Envy Of None, in partnership with Epiphone & Gibson Guitars, are giving away an Alex Lifeson Axcess Standard Signature Les Paul guitar to one lucky fan who finds the “golden ticket” in the deluxe edition. For full terms & conditions, head to kscopemusic.com/eongiveawayterms CD – includes a 16 page poster booklet LP – on black vinyl / baby blue coloured vinyl (North America exclusive) / white coloured vinyl Digital (photo credit: Richard Sibbald) Envy Of None are: Alf Annibalini - Guitar, Keyboards, Programming Andy Curran - Bass Guitar, Synthesized Bass, Programming, Guitar, Background Vocals, Stylophone Alex Lifeson- Guitar, Mandola, Banjo, Programming Maiah Wynne - Lead Vocals, Background Vocals, Keyboards Follow Envy Of None: https://www.instagram.com/envyofnone_ https://twitter.com/envyofnone_ https://www.tiktok.com/@envyofnone_ https://www.facebook.com/envyofnone www.kscopemusic.com/artists/envyofnone){kind=link}
Watch the new video from The Cheap Cassettes
In January ’22, US based retro rockers The Cheap Cassettes released their full length album ‘Ever Since Ever Since’. It wasn’t perfect, but in amongst the no-frills riffs, there were enough top tier tunes to impress lovers of their previous works.
RYAN ALLEN – I’m Not Mean (Four By Ryan Allen) EP
When it comes to a Ryan Allen release, it’s never immediately obvious what you’ll get. His brilliant ‘Up Here’ EP from 2019 presented some brilliant punk-edged power pop via a song cycle regarding his divorce; the first of his 2021 releases, ‘What A Rip’ was a guided tour of his various poppier influences, and that year’s second venture, ‘Digital Hiss’, was an exploration of lo-fi, noisier work. That was also cool, but not necessarily what lovers of ‘What A Rip’ would’ve expected…or maybe even wanted.
CHIP Z’NUFF – Perfectly Imperfect
Following the release of ‘Diamond Boy’ in 2018, Enuff Z’Nuff began going through the motions, churning out music that often felt very much like a Chip Z’Nuff project, with the band augmented by some musicians that have little to no real claim on the EZ’N legacy. With that in mind, it isn’t immediately clear why 2022’s ‘Perfectly Imperfect’ should be a marketed Chip Z’Nuff solo album and not just another product from the seemingly never ending EZ’N production line. Chip obviously has other ideas, though, and clearly views the material on the album as being somehow different from his day job.