Latest Reviews

It’s impossible to review any of the work of Steven Gene Wold – better known as Seasick Steve – without viewing it through the lens of his own enigma. How much, or otherwise, you buy into his well-publicised and analysed back story probably influences what and how much you take from his music, but at surface level at least, he continues to specialise in incredibly accessible blues rock with a big old slice of Americana on the side.

Kiwi electronic duo The Naked and Famous, now comprised of just Alisa Xayalith (vocals, keyboards) and Thom Powers (vocals, guitars), are back with their fourth studio album, Recover, their first full-length release since 2016’s Simple Forms.

Arizona native Courtney Marie Andrews has already packed an awful lot into her career, despite being just 29 years old. From touring at the age of 16, to working as a session musician and backing singer for acts including Jimmy Eat World and Damien Jurado, and all the way up to 2018’s critically acclaimed solo album May Your Kindness Remain, she has transcended styles and genres, with often spectacular results.

As one half of Moon Duo and the frontman of west coast psychedelic rockers Wooden Shjips, Ripley Johnson must be a busy man. Add to that, he’s now released his second album as Rose City Band, his almost one-man show of hazy, dreamy country rock.

Ask any Metallica fan what their least favourite album is from the metal titans and you will inevitably get the same answer. “St Anger,” which dropped in mid-2003, has not earned the same favour as any of their other releases. Likewise, critics have often offered low reviews, and few have had good things to say about it.

London-based singer, songwriter, artist and producer Anna Straker has released a stirring new track, accompanied by a beautiful video. “London Knows” is a masterfully constructed piece of music that will tug at your heartstrings and fill you with a sense of hope and desire to heal. 

Vastly reminiscent of times past in multiple genres, such as post-rock and hardcore, while also looking ahead in sound and style, Honeyspider’s latest single Marbles is a treat to listen to.

Manchester-based rockers The Blinders are back with their second studio album, the superbly titled Fantasies Of A Stay At Home Psychopath, which was produced by Rob Ellis, released through Modern Sky UK, and is available to buy and stream now.

As if this song wasn’t epic enough when it first dropped in April, Florida metal titans Trivium have gone and outdone themselves. An acoustic version of “Bleed into Me” has just landed, available on all streaming platforms and it truly is something special. 

Lancaster rockers Massive Wagons have been writing killer rock songs and enjoying doing it for over a decade now, nurturing a reputation for high energy shows mixed with a healthy dose of high jinks along the way.