Sounds Of The Underground – February 2015
Rumblings from the underground music scene
There has been so much good music released this month – here’s some of what’s on offer!
Vendetta – new EP
North Herts metallers Vendetta have released a new 6-track demo EP ‘Illusions’, which they’ve made available as a free download via Bandcamp. Living up to the potential that was demonstrated when they released the track ‘Martyr’ some time ago, ‘Illusions’ is just pure intensity – anyone looking for new metal acts to listen to should definitely check this one out.
Toy Birds – new track
The October Game’s Ollie Taylor has released the first track from his new project Toy Birds, ‘These Eyes’. Very similar in sound to this solo album released back in 2012, ‘These Eyes’ is a catchy electronic pop number which hints at interesting things to come from Toy Birds.
Owen Stephen – new EP
Ollie’s TOG bandmate Owen Stephen has also just released his second EP, ‘Day & Night’. The follow-up to his debut EP ‘Just Dreaming’, that EP saw Owen win new fans on both sides of the Atlantic (when he toured the US with Ramin Karimloo), ‘Day & Night’ may well see him continue to do so.
Healyum – new video
Young Milton Keynes act Healyum have released a video for their track ‘Feels Good’, a song that will also be appearing in an upcoming episode of E4’s ‘Banana’ series. Formed by the trio of sisters Jeana and Katie and their brother Jed, this folk-pop act could be one to watch. ‘Feels Good’ appears on their EP ‘Fools Eyes’, available on iTunes, Bandcamp, Amazon and Spotify.
White Line Diaries – new track
WLD have released yet another new track online, entitled ‘(Welcome To) The Circus’. Featuring backing tracks from funk rockers Indi & The Vegas, this continues their run of new tracks being released on a monthly basis (after ‘Hurricane Body’ and ‘Come Back To Mine’) as ‘Name your price’ downloads. Offering a heavier, edgier sound that still displays their knack for writing a catchy tune, these new tracks are highly recommended.
As You’re Falling – new track
Another metal act from North Herts, As You’re Falling, have just released a new track ‘Cry Of The Banshee’, which you can download for free from their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/AsYoureFalling. These guys will also be releasing a new EP very soon.
Contact:
https://www.facebook.com/Vendetta.uk
https://twitter.com/VendettA_1000
https://www.facebook.com/toybirds
http://www.facebook.com/owenstephenmusic
https://twitter.com/OwenStephen
https://www.facebook.com/healyumband
https://twitter.com/healyumofficial
http://www.facebook.com/WhiteLineDiaries
https://twitter.com/WLDmusic
https://www.facebook.com/AsYoureFalling
Alternative Christmas Music
Not all Christmas-themed music is bland or cheesy!
There’s no getting away from it at this time of the year, so how about some modernised Christmas tunes and covers with a twist? I’ve been looking around the ‘net for some suitable tunes, here’s what I’ve found so far.
Last year, Scylla Records released this compilation of covers to raise money for Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital in London. Including the likes of Traitors, Hello Lazarus, Fort Hope, Sons Of Guns, Anavae and The October Game, each giving a well-known Christmas song a reworking in their own style, it’s 15 exclusive covers for a minimum donation of just £3.
Herts-based songstress Holly Knowles has covered ‘Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree’, which she has made available as a free download (link below video).
For those with heavier tastes, check out Cambridge’s The Projectionist giving ‘Jingle Bells’ a grind makeover!
Bedford’s favourite funk rock trio Indi & The Vegas have covered both Wings’ ‘A Wonderful Christmas Time’ and the classic ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, which are free downloads.
Herts/London new-wave crew The Tuesday Club have written a track especially for the season, also a free download.
Chloe Chadwick has recorded a version of John Lennon’s ‘Happy Xmas (War Is Over)’ which has been released to help raise funds for Help For Heroes – available from iTunes, half the proceeds from all sales will be donated to HFH.
iTunes link – https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/happy-xmas-war-is-over-single/id949555572
British black metal/punk hybrid act The Meads Of Asphodel have recorded two tongue-in-cheek tracks, both of which can be downloaded separately or as part of ‘The Middle Ages’ compilation.
The Djentleman’s Club have put together a special compilation, ‘Djent Goes Christmas’, a massive 35-track free download of djent/tech-metal Christmas anthems, featuring tracks such as this one from Arbiter – head over to MetalMouth’s website for the full tracklisting and download links. http://metalmouth.net/2014/12/free-music-35-track-xmas-carol-djent-cover-compilation/
Contact:
http://scyllarecords.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/hollyknowlesmusic
www.youtube.com/user/hollyknowlesmusic
https://www.facebook.com/thisistheprojectionist
http://www.theprojectionist.bandcamp.com/
http://www.indiandthevegas.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/indi-and-The-Vegas/194619403537
http://thisisthetuesdayclub.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/thisisthetuesdayclub
http://www.chloechadwick.com
https://twitter.com/chloechadwickuk
http://sixsixsixmusic.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Djentlemen
The Wolves Of Avalon release split single
Free single from UK-based black metal acts
The Wolves of Avalon, the pagan black metal band formed by The Meads of Asphodel’s frontman Metatron, have released a free split single with fellow UK-based black metal act Witchclan, via Sixsixsix Records.
WOA have contributed the track ‘The Gorging Glut Of Sodden Clay’, which comes from their second album ‘Boudicca’s Last Stand’ which was released earlier this year and features guest vocals from Varggoth of Nokturnal Mortum. Witchclan contribute the track ‘Treading on Angels’, from their new album ‘The Dark Binding’, theirs being a harsh, primal track that would appeal to fans of the European black metal acts of the 90s, whilst WOA’s track brings in folk elements and a medieval atmosphere.
The split single can be downloaded for free from Bandcamp at http://sixsixsixmusic.bandcamp.com/album/witchclan-the-wolves-of-avalon.
For those who would like to hear more from ‘Boudicca’s Last Stand’, their promotions company has uploaded a few tracks to Youtube. Featuring various guests from bands such as Drudkh and Nokturnal Mortum, ‘Boudicca’s Last Stand’ is out now digitally on iTunes and on CD via Godreah’s website – http://www.godreah.com/releasedetails.php?id=221
‘Bonded By Blood and Sword’ –
‘The Sky Goddess’ featuring Hildr Valkyrie –
Contact:
https://www.facebook.com/thewolvesofavalon
https://www.facebook.com/Witchclan666
http://www.sixsixsixmusic.com/
http://www.godreah.com/
Free Musikal Sin mixtapes online
Free downloadable compilations, ideal for any tastes.
I’ve recently put together two contrasting online mixtapes, both of which are free to download from Bandcamp, not only showing the different sides of my musical tastes, but also promoting the local and underground music scene. Titled as ‘Saints’ and ‘Sinners’ respectively, the former is a melodic, more chilled-out mix, whilst the latter is the exact opposite – a heavier, rockier mix of tracks.
Side A: Saints
1. Stuart O’Connor – Cage Is Rattling
2. Holly Knowles – Blue Heart
3. Lost Without Cause – Right Angle
4. Owen Stephen – Place Called Love
5. Professor Elemental – Pay Me A Visit (Ajuda remix feat. Count Bass D)
6. Fallow Fields – This Feels Like Home
7. Craig Harris – Sometimes I Forget
8. Disco Zhivago – Pistols In The Sun
9. AlicebanD – Catharsis
10.Indi And The Vegas – Pheromones
11.Asya Fairchild – Another Night
12.Hello Lazarus – I Am No Explorer
13.Sons Of Guns – I Am The Refugee
14.My Pet Junkie – Away
15.Trial By Fire – Demons At Your Door
16.Black Noise – I Turned my Heart into a Monster (demo)
‘Saints’ features artists mostly (with about four exceptions) from/based around the Herts area, from genres such as folk, electronica, pop-punk, funk-rock and more.
Side B: Sinners
1. Billy Skins 5th – The Incorruptibles
2. Rising Tide – Like A Shadow Of A Shadow
3. Speedshot – Too Far Gone
4. The Projectionist – Hide From The Facts
5. Daken – Weapons
6. Aghast – We Fear Silence (Megaton remix)
7. Hey You Guys – Record Deal
8. Cantarella – Beauty And The Beast
9. Distance To Fall – Hero
10.Castrovalva – Dining With The Pope
11.Ilenkus – Ram
12.Derange – Ego
13.Scar City – City Lights
14.Let’s Talk Daggers – #1 Spicy Bugger
15.Black Polaris – Lost Souls
16.Faces Of Eve – Dwellers
‘Sinners’ features artists from across the UK, and is ideal for anyone who likes the heavier veins of music, whether it be the various sub-genres of metal, alt-rock, punk or hardcore, etc.
I started making my own mixtapes when I was a child – I think seven-year-old-me would be quite pleased with what I’ve put together here. The main difference is that these weren’t recorded from records on an old turntable onto a separate Fisher Price cassette player, nor feature any young Cockney-tinged voices in the background. Seriously though, it was fun putting them together, and judging by the reception they’ve had recently, the hard work that went into them has been worth it. My gratitude goes out to all artists featured, for wanting to get involved.
Enjoy!
https://musikalsin.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/musikalsinmixtapes
The October Game – ‘Balancing’ review
Alt-rockers release expansive third album
Tracklisting:
1. Answers & Keys
2. We Built This Wall To Destroy It
3. November
4. The Rise and Fall
5. Not Important
6. Beg Cycle
7. Trust No One
8. Trousers
9. I Hope You Got What You Wanted
10.Sneaky Beaky
11.Labyrinth
12.Recover
Line-up:
Luke Williams – Vocals/guitar
Nick Kozuch – Guitar
Owen Stephen – Bass/vocals
Ollie Taylor – Drums
Nick Murray – Viola/keys
For those unfamiliar with Herts/Beds/London quintet The October Game, here’s a brief description – at their heart, they’re an alt-rock band, but with various dimensions; touches of electronica, folk and indie pop (and viola) make up their sound to make something unique and well-thought out. Third album ‘Balancing’ sees the band at their most expansive, taking every aspect of their sound and taking it to its peak.
Back when opening track ‘Answers & Keys’ was first released earlier last year (it’s presented here in a new re-recorded state), I wrote that it had a ‘Muse-like swagger’ about it, and indeed, there’s a similar feel and level of confidence throughout this whole album. One thing that becomes obvious is that, since recording their previous album ‘Wildblood’, TOG have pushed and developed their electronic side to become a greater part of their sound, and have also taken on a stronger sense of groove. ‘We Built This Wall To Destroy It’ sees the bands at their most rocking, letting loose in a way previously unseen in their videos (video posted below). Lead track ‘Beg Cycle’ is a good example of everything that’s good about this album, followed by ‘Trust No One’ which has an utterly infectious beat, as does later track ‘Sneaky Beaky’. ‘Balancing’ has everything you could want from a rock band – it has groove, it has deeper introspective moments, biting cynicism, rockier parts and melodies you can lose yourself in and chill out to. Penultimate track ‘Labyrinth’ is a perfect example of the latter, with a great follow-up – close your eyes and listen to the intro to the closer ‘Recover’, and I’m sure you could imagine hearing it in a festival setting, crowd moving with arms in the air – a future live favourite, surely?
Confident, yet relaxed in an non-arrogant way at the same time, and full of potential, ‘Balancing’ is the sound of a band fully aware that they’ve created something than could easily sit alongside, or even outplay, the bigger names of music. This album deserves to be heard and achieve great things for The October Game. At the time of writing this, the band are all currently busy on their own individual projects (Nick Kozuch’s Black Noise with Laurence René, Owen’s international tours and Ollie’s solo work and drumming for Zaheer) – here’s hoping they find the time for album number 4.
The video for ‘We Built This Wall To Destroy It’:
‘Balancing’ is out now on Scylla Records, and can be downloaded from http://theoctobergame.bandcamp.com/album/balancing, and is available as a limited edition double vinyl/CD/mp3/bundle here http://scyllarecords.bigcartel.com/product/the-october-game-balancing.
‘We Built This Wall To Destroy It’ and ‘Answers & Keys’ are both also available as downloadable singles with non-album b-sides from http://scyllarecords.bandcamp.com/
For fans of: Muse, Massive Attack, Thrice, The xx, Arcade Fire, Radiohead
Contact:
http://www.theoctobergame.com/
https://www.facebook.com/theoctobergame
http://www.twitter.com/theoctobergame
http://www.theoctobergame.bandcamp.com/
Atmos-fear
Atmospheric, slow-burning, intense music
Sometimes, it’s not about producing the most full-on, relentless sound, with countless riffs and non-stop heaviness. There are times when it feels right to start off slowly, build up an atmosphere, build up the layers and then head into an eventual cavalcade of riffs and heaviness. There are other times when an overload isn’t even required; an alternate intensity can be found in a steady grind, an almost hypnotic groove and pulse or a gothic sense of darkness.
Here are just the examples that spring to mind for a suitable playlist.
Sikth – Tupelo
Their cover of the Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds classic – taking that sense of impending doom up a few notches. Check out the original here – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSl4KX7zBTQ
Slipknot – Gently (Iowa version)
The version found on second album ‘Iowa’, a reworking of the track originally found on their underground debut, released before signing to Roadrunner Records.
Swans – Like A Drug
I was addicted to this at one point. A dark, heavy grind with a hypnotic feel.
Steak Number Eight – Falling Out Of A Dream
Awesome build-up intro. Sludgy, grungy.
Tool – Eulogy
A slow, steady build from the masters of dyamnic. Hypnotic.
The Dillinger Escape Plan – *#..
Instrumental – sounds like it’d make a great intro, but is actually track 4 on their first full-length album.
Panic DHH – Simplex
A calmer, more restrained moment from this band; fragility in noise. Frontman Robbie Furze went on to form The Big Pink.
Gary Numan – RIP
Steady build-up into a wall of sound chorus from a pioneer of dark music.
Bauhaus – Bela Lugosi’s Dead
The goth classic; essential listening for every Halloween.
Triptykon – Shatter
The current band from metal legend Thomas Gabriel Fischer. Only recently got round to listening after a suggestion from a friend.
Wardruna – Kauna
Gaahl’s dark folk project.
Local music from local people.
Hello Daaavvee (sorry, couldn’t resist)
Over the past couple of weeks, lots of new music has appeared online from local(ish) acts, some of which I thought I’d share here.
Sons Of Guns – ‘Bad Blood’
The lead track from their forthcoming EP, which will be available on August 22nd digitally (as a free download) and on limited edition CD. Features one angry clown, and some familiar faces from Herts’ scene. It was also given some exposure via Artrocker’s website, where it was featured exclusively on the day of its release.
—-
The October Game – ‘Beg Cycle’
TOG are coming back with a darker, more electronic-sounding third album ‘Balancing’, which will be released via Scylla Records on Monday 7th October. Pre-order packages include a limited double 12″ vinyl, bonus CD (with exclusive track) and digital bundle.
http://scyllarecords.bigcartel.com/product/the-october-game-balancing
—-
The Floe – ‘T-Minus One’
Well, not really new as such, as it was released in July 2012 (after being written and recorded in less than 24 hours for The Nathan Timothy Foundation – The Songwriting Charity) but it’s now been made available as a free download.
—-
Stuart O’Connor – ‘Ons’ (Live Looping Under a Tree)
This track originally featured on last year’s ‘Bright’ album, as part of the ‘Go Forth Bright Scenic’ multi-format/genre project. This live version was posted online last week, recorded by Mark Garvey.
http://stuartoconnor.bandcamp.com/album/bright-2
—-
Further links:
https://www.facebook.com/sonsofgunsband
https://www.facebook.com/theoctobergame
http://www.scyllarecords.blogspot.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/TheFloeMusic
http://www.stuartoconnor.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stuart-OConnor/169812053077845
Owen Stephen – ‘Still Dreaming’ EP review
Debut solo outing from TOG bassist
Tracklisting:
1. Rainy Skies
2. Always Looking
3. Just Dreaming
4. From Grace
5. Place Called Love
6. Hardest Roots
In between touring America, performing with the likes of Darren Hayes (ex-Savage Garden) at Wembley and recording the next album from The October Game, Owen Stephen has found the time in his busy schedule to create this, his debut solo EP ‘Still Dreaming’. Having become something of a veteran of Hertfordshire’s thriving underground music scene, playing in various acts over the years, Owen is finally getting attention further afield, with this EP looking set to build on that. (Note: Owen isn’t the only TOG member to release solo material – bandmate Ollie Taylor released his album ‘Little Drummer Boy’ last year on Scylla Records, reviewed here https://thursdayaddams.wordpress.com/2012/10/15/ollie-taylor-little-drummer-boy/).
Whilst this collection may share one or two influences with TOG, this is actually a very different sound here – the elements of folk and americana are still present, but in place of their electronic and alt-rock sides there is instead an injection of country and (much like Ollie’s album) dashes of chilled-out, soulful pop. ‘Rainy Skies’ open things up with a relaxed, almost summery feel, then ‘Always Looking’ picks up the pace with an energetic, country-infused number – one surely to get the crowd moving. Title track ‘Just Dreaming’ is a thoughtful, Tracy Chapman-esque track which adds piano and a dash of reggae to the mix, followed by the upbeat ‘From Grace’. ‘Place Called Love’ is another country-pop number, and it’s one that could potentially see Owen gain some success on the other side of the Atlantic, where, at the time of this review being written, he’s currently touring. Closing track ‘Hardest Roots’ expresses similar sentiments to track two; striving for more, lamenting loss but fighting off the negativity that follows.
Sounding confident and completely at ease in a solo/leading capacity, ‘Still Dreaming’ deserves to do well. You may just find that this finds its way into your summertime playlist too, with its sound perfectly suited for the coming season. Sales from this EP will go towards funding the planned full-length album release later this year – definitely one to watch out for.
For fans of: The October Game, Tracy Chapman, Matchbox 20
Owen Stephen’s ‘Still Dreaming’ EP is available now from iTunes, Amazon, emusic, Bandcamp and other online stores.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/owen-stephen/id582591123?ign-mpt=uo%3D4
http://www.amazon.com/Just-Dreaming-EP/dp/B00CJE6UYA
http://owenstephenmusic.bandcamp.com/
Contact:
https://www.facebook.com/owenstephenmusic
https://twitter.com/OwenStephen
thursdayaddams 