Green Day, Sleater-Kinney, & The Verve
The Week in New Music and Dig Me Out
Black Grape - Orange Head
“Orange Head" represents a stylistic evolution for the band, fronted by Shaun Ryder and Kermit, showcasing a mix of funk, Cuban music, and other styles. The album is noted for its diverse sound and lyrical content, reflecting a departure from the band's earlier work. It includes tracks with thematic depth, addressing personal and emotional topics, such as Ryder's relationship with his late brother in "In The Ground."
Saxon - Hell, Fire And Damnation
Saxon's twenty-fourth album, 'Hell, Fire, And Damnation,' continues to showcase the band's signature New Wave Of British Heavy Metal sound, enriched with fresh elements. The album, marked by Biff Byford's dynamic vocals and the skilled guitar work of Doug Scarratt and Brian Tatler, covers many themes, from historical events to mystical narratives. Notable tracks include 'The Prophecy,' 'Hell, Fire And Damnation,' and 'Madame Guillotine,' demonstrating the band's musical versatility. The album's energy is vibrant and explosive, blending traditional heavy metal with innovative touches, appealing to both long-standing fans and new listeners
The Rods - Rattle the Cage
The Rods' album 'Rattle The Cage,' through Massacre Records, marks the band's third full-length release since their return from a lengthy hiatus. Celebrating their 45th anniversary, the album captures the essence of their 80s heavy metal roots while incorporating modern twists. The album opens with 'Now And Forever,' setting a tone of heavy seriousness and is followed by tracks like 'Wolves At The Door' and 'Cry Out Loud,' which explore themes of resilience and overcoming adversity. The title track serves as an anthem against oppression. With the addition of new bassist Freddy Villano, the album spans various styles from bluesy to classic heavy metal, underpinned by the band's signature powerful energy. Mixed and mastered by Chris Collier, 'Rattle The Cage' successfully blends traditional heavy metal elements with contemporary sounds, appealing to both old fans and new listeners"
Bolts of Melody - Film Noir
"Bolts of Melody - Film Noir," is an album that reflects the creative evolution of Adam Franklin, the founding member of Swervedriver. This project, which initially started as one of Franklin’s solo tracks, has grown into a collective of musicians responsible for recording and touring. Along with Franklin, the album features collaborations with long-time musical companions Locksley Taylor from SIANspheric, Josh Stoddard, and Mikey Jones. Notably, the album includes guest appearances from The Besnard Lakes and Dinosaur Jr.’s J Mascis.
New Release Reviews
Green Day - Saviors | Critical Consensus
Green Day, a band synonymous with punk's evolution, has launched their 14th studio album, "Saviors". Over the years, the trio, now in their fifties, has expanded and then refocused their music, moving from the expansive narratives of "American Idiot" and "21st Century Breakdown" to a more classic pop-punk style. "Saviors", produced alongside Rob Cavallo, marks a return to their roots, embedding mature themes into their trademark sound. But is it worth your time? Let's dig into what the critics think.
Sleater-Kinney - Little Rope | Critical Consensus
Sleater-Kinney's "Little Rope," an album born from the crucible of personal tragedy and a quest for musical evolution, reflects a raw and unfiltered journey through grief, loss, and resilience. The band, known for its dynamic presence in the rock scene since the '90s, navigates the challenges of redefining their sound following the departure of drummer Janet Weiss and the tragic loss of Carrie Brownstein's mother and stepfather during the album's production. Collaborating with producer John Congleton, the album signifies a departure from their previous works, incorporating a more layered sound with contributions from various musicians. But is it worth your time? Let's dig into what the critics think.
New 90s Rock Podcast
The Verve - A Northern Soul | 90s Album Review
We're digging into The Verve's album "Northern Soul." This record is a standout in the Britpop era, especially when you consider how other bands like Oasis and Blur were heavily influenced by British Invasion bands like The Beatles and The Kinks. The Verve, on the other hand, took a different path with "Northern Soul," moving away from their earlier psy…
