Eyeball originate from Raleigh, North Carolina USA and consist of Trey McLamb-drums/synth/vox, Myriam Martian-guitars/art-noise/vox, Brian Oaksford-bass/guitars/vox, Aaron Albrecht-synth/vox. Formed in 2015 these four musicians have developed a psychedelic wall of sound that explores the possibilities of synth and effects with no limits. They give us their third release Spectromania, a digital 7” single with the tracks ‘Visions Of A Moment Made’ and ‘Delirium’

‘Visions Of A Moment Made’ at just over 7 minutes long is an epic sound that builds layer upon layer of synth/guitar sounds and supported by a solid rhythm foundation. You’ve gotta love the eerie riffs throughout the track that help to keep you feeling uncomfortable with the journey these guys take you on. I love the patience the band shows in developing this track to epic psychedelic heights and then falling away at the end to leave you feeling exhausted. And then… “Delirium” kicks in and wastes no time with frenetic drumming and heavy riffs so that they can cram everything in the 2 minute 55 second track. Nervous and frantic at all times, this is a great song and is over to soon…and I’m wanting more. Give Eyeball a listen and then another listen…

Peace, Love and Cowbells,

Bassey

https://eyeball-band.com/album/1361725/spectromania

Los Bitchos are quite possibly the coolest band I’ve ever had the privilege to review. The fact that five young women based in gloomy London can provide some of the catchiest instrumental music I’ve ever heard… Well it’s truly astonishing. Usually British bands have a habit of musical reflection. Take all the dark indie bands out of Manchester or the gritty punk bands from Nottingham as prime examples of this. But Los Bitchos take you to an altogether different and wonderful place.

Listening to their cumbia rhythms and uplifting guitar lines takes me to the sandy shores of America, both North and South. The Latin flavoured grooves get me dancing every single time. Incorporating unusual percussion and keytar just adds the many layers of their spectacular sound. Their music videos feature palm trees and margaritas, a combination of 60’s and 90’s aesthetic. Unusual guitars and clothes, humour, wit. They simply emanate cool. So cool in fact, that I showed my mum. She approves. There is simply nothing in the U.K. right now that sounds quite like this. It’s no wonder that they have been signed to the same label as forerunners of sound Black Midi. Though these bands are light years apart musically, they share that same uniqueness that make them so great. In such dark times we need more of this unusual music in our lives.

Usually I save a section of a review to critique a band, not at their detriment, but because I try to help bands go even further with what they have. But alas, Los Bitchos cannot be criticised. Not because they are perfect, there’s no such thing in my opinion. But simply because of how different they are. When a band presents something so special, so utterly brilliant in both concept and sound, critiquing them feels akin to blasphemy. Every single day I get another band sending me their music and this is the first time in a long time I have been truly blown away. And I found Los Bitchos entirely by accident! Not to say that the other bands I’ve been reviewing aren’t good bands, they certainly are. But Los Bitchos sound like nothing else I’ve ever heard and have sparked my interest in this genre. There have only been five or six occasions in my life where a band has opened my eyes like this. I immediately want to go down the rabbit hole of cumbia music and see just how deep it goes. Just like how Slaves got me into punk, or The Smiths did for indie, Los Bitchos have started a revolution in my musical landscape. This is essential listening for everyone who reads this. It is a religious experience if I’ve ever had one. Do yourself a favour and open your mind to the wonder, mirth and utter glee that is Los Bitchos.

Peace, Love and Cowbells,

Oscar

Describing themselves as “Country punks” Langkamer blend indie rock and funky alternative pop with a signature twang unheard from others in the genre. Their new single “Full Contact” is a brilliant example of everything Langkamer stand for.

The growling bass and singing lead guitar fight for your attention as the track opens, but I would be remiss to not mention the excellent drumming, with that awesome introductory stuttering hi hat. The sheer fact that the drummer is also lead vocal boggles my mind. This coupled with the underlying rhythm guitar provides a substantial groove for the bass and guitar to wander over.

To contrast the funky verses, the chorus of course has to be very loud, very cool sing along over punk chords. It’s brief, but critically leaves a lasting impact. This is something a lot of bands in this style get wrong. Either they get lost in the funk, or try to overdo the chorus. Langkamer prove their mastery of arrangement, remembering what is important. The song.

Unfortunately this restraint appears to dissipate in the last few seconds of the tune. What should have been either an impactful stop or a longing fade out is replaced by a short bass solo. I’m all for bass solos in music, I’m a bassist myself. However here it just isn’t necessary. The bass before this point I absolutely loved because it was so present and damn funky. But I can only call this last section an example of self indulgence. I wouldn’t have minded if it was a break earlier in the song, perhaps before the guitar solo. But to end on it? Disappointing.

Still despite the last ten seconds attempt, the song is entirely worth it for the catchy choruses, excellent vocals both lead and backing, the awesome playing and most importantly the FUNK. Langkamer come highly recommended.

Peace, Love and Cowbells,

Oscar

Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies have released a 2020 album of new up and coming artists and you can discover many great artists including singer songwriter Pixie Styx. Pixie is a Nottingham based artist and I’m always impressed by the thorough research she puts into the material for her songs. On this album she has the track ‘That’ll Do’ featured which is about her Great Great Grandmother Charlotte Cain and her life as a seamstress. The supporting musicians on the song are Andy Duckering-bass, Richard Mitchell-mandolin, banjo and ukulele and Sue Leonardi on ukulele and they all help to provide a very accomplished folk sound……….buy the album and give Pixie and the other artists a listen. Peace, Love and Cowbells Bassey https://www.facebook.com/pixiestyxie

Logan Lee is a one man experimental project that started in his bedroom and he has remained there but do not be deceived by this. His patience to develop a musical theme can be heard in this album with the tracks Fleeting Memories, It’s Not Easy and Shine Down along with an almost dreamy, floating feel to the vocals and great musicianship. Strongly influenced by previous experimental bands like Rush and Yes, Logan Lee has fused those sounds with a more updated feel and is more post rock than prog rock. Personally, I would love Logan Lee to become a full band and take the sound to the limit…..it needs to go there!

Peace, Love and Cowbells,

Bassey

It’s been a rough week folks. My mental health took a dive, but Idles are back with new tracks and an announcement about their new album. It’s brightened my week and I can’t wait to review it for you all. For now they have released two new tracks. “Grounds” (which I’m less of a fan of) and the subject of today’s review “Mr. Motivator”.

I’ll be honest I didn’t like Mr. Motivator at first. I found it to be another Idles formula, which while brilliant I believed was getting old. But after I saw that really funny animal crossing edit of the song that someone on the Idles AF Gang fan page made the other day I decided to give it another chance. And by the beard of zeus this is now my favourite Idles track. Hands down. Its just so amazing. Pounding rhythms. Dirty bass. I’ve been jumping round my room air drumming for the past 20 minutes. As a bassist I mainly focus on the rhythm of a song and never pay attention to the lyrics (which has landed me in hot water more than once, for example once sending the Soft Cell tune “sex dwarf” to a romantic interest…) but once again the masterful Joe Talbot hooks me in. His lyrics are so powerful I’ve not felt words in such a way since I heard The Smiths. And at least this time the singers not a Tory wanker! Quite the opposite in fact.

I’ll admit I was a bit concerned about the future of Idles. Brutalism and Joy As An Act Of Resistance were both masterpieces and groundbreaking in many respects. But with every local punk band now trying to mimic the style, could the boys deliver something fresh? And while Mr Motivator is recognisably Idles and doesn’t do much to expand on the formula, Talbot and company prove their masterful grip of songwriting. Once again showing themselves as the rightful kings of U.K. rock music. The 1975? Never heard of them.

Peace, Love and Cowbells,

Oscar

Grace and Danger have just released their new single Play With Me and it will please anyone who loves the UK rock/blues scene. The band consists of Gary Stafford on bass, Tom Stevens on keys, Aiden Purdey on drums/percussion and Rory Purdey on guitar/lead vocals and they have developed a really tight sound since formation in 2016.
Solid bass lines and powerful drumming from Gary and Aiden provide the foundation that allows Tom and Rory to develop the melody and hook lines to this song and powerful vocals. Think of some of the great rock bands from the late 1960’s and 70’s and you get an understanding of where these guys are looking to develop their sounds and I understand that they developed a strong following since playing throughout the UK.
If you’re in any doubt check out their new video on the youtube link below and give them your support.

Peace, Love and Cowbells Bassey

Michael Webster is a singer songwriter based in Manchester and this is his sixth release on Bread Records. The a side Ibis Hotel has a great intro and reminded me of the guitaring on U2’s first album ‘Boy’, particularly the track Into The Heart. A raw but vulnerable sound and the melancholy feel is put out there immediately AND THEN……..Michael’s vocals come in and it’s dripping with emotion and solace. If Bob Dylan had been born and bred in Lancashire I have no doubt that he would have sounded like this, a lazy drawl but totally listenable and makes you want to play the song again and again to understand Michael’s story telling better. I’m cursing now-why haven’t I heard of Michael Webster before? Where the hell have I been? I’m informed that Ibis Hotel is a song inspired by a friend of his, who has been ill for some time now and sales of this single will be donated to a fundraiser set up for this friend so that she is able to live her life to the fullest post-lockdown. The b-side Collision Course is a cover of a song by Toria Wooff, a songwriter based in the North West who has also been raising funds for previously mentioned fundraiser. I’ve heard both Toria’s acoustic original song and now Michael’s electric version and both are awesome.

Give this single a listen and I guarantee you’ll want to play it again and again and again.
https://open.spotify.com/artist/337KNnNPPHatcOU7epvTLT

Nicola Edwards, a friend of mine and bassist/vocalist for post punk sensation Repairs recently contacted me to let me know about Repairs new single “Last Chances”. Well I’ve had a listen. Or two. Or three. To be honest I’ve forgotten, it’s been on repeat for the last hour. And as with every song I review, is still playing while I write this.

There’s elements of bands both old and new here. I feel as this is as if Estrons and Sonic Youth had a beautiful baby, and while I hate children, this one is pretty cool. You’ve got the heavy rhythm and Riot Grrl vocals of Estrons, coupled the swirling guitar sounds of Sonic Youth and even elements of Joy Division. This makes for an intense and addictive sound.

I do feel however, as they market their sound as “catchy sad pop” they don’t quite hit it on the catchy front for this particular tune. It’s an absolute banger, full of atmosphere and meaning in both sound and lyrics. But there’s no particular vocal hook like you would hear on a pop record, not that this is really a pop record but I feel that all bands should have a pop sensibility. The vocals are definitely cool, well performed and I love the background vocals. Nicola has an interesting and intense voice, and I absolutely love that. I believe that this style benefits the band greatly, but in terms of catchiness? I feel as though the verses draw you in excellently, but when the chorus kicks in there should have been something a bit less staccato. If that section was instead a pre-chorus leading to a massive punky chorus with some epic vocals, there could have been more impact. However, this style does make the song unique and that is to be applauded in an age where the majority of post punk sounds the same.

One thing I will compliment the chorus for are those awesome guitar chords, I’d love to chat with the band about how they got that sound and that tone. Such intensity is rarely heard and I greatly appreciate it. In fact the whole song sounds great tone-wise and is brilliantly produced. Trying to get an atmospheric sound while still maintaining a raw punk edge is no easy task. Hats off to the producer.

Overall, a brilliantly written, performed and produced track despite my criticism. I really hope they get this track on Spotify ASAP so I can add it to my playlists alongside post/alternative punk legends like Idles and Wolf Alice. Repairs can go toe to toe with such acts and I can’t wait to hear what they do next.

Peace, Love and Cowbells,

Oscar

Two weeks ago I reviewed Vagabong’s debut single ‘Unite’ and now they’ve only gone and released their debut album! ‘Dystopium Blues’ is a 9 track concept piece of work that explores the idea of freedom for all humanity-a concept that should surely be reality for us all. Band members Scott Makepeace, Kev Magnesh, Ian Eggy, Jack D Smith, Dan Millwater and Gavin Spotiswood have surprised me again by rehearsing, recording, mixing, mastering and releasing this entire album from their respective bedrooms and the band have not even met up yet because of the lockdown madness that is upon us all.

The album starts with a recording of the House of Commons being told to give order by the Speaker John Bercow and the voices start to change into chattering monkeys, out of control and out of order. This is the taste of some beautiful Stoner Rock vibes that take you on a journey that is strong, powerful and inspiring with tracks Witness, Now We Fight Like Wolves, This Is Our World, Vampires Of The Soul, The Call, A Message From Jiddu, Stoned Instrumental and then finally ending with the single track Unite. A great debut album guys alongside the great debut single last month. I hope to see the band play live when lockdown is over and I hope to see you all there.

Peace, Love and Cowbells Bassey

https://www.facebook.com/vagabongband/