Usually I waffle on for a bit
before I list the music in these blogs, but I’m going to keep this short and
sweet. There’s been a lot of press recently about the decline of rock and roll
and how it is ‘dying’ as a genre. Here’s 23 reasons why it isn’t.
Airbourne- Ready to Rock: Aussie rockers who take inspiration from
AC/DC exploded back onto the scene last year with their third album ‘Black Dog
Barking’. This is the album opener and it’s absolutely huge. Very much looking
forward to hearing this when they open for Black Stone Cherry on their UK tour
later in the year.
Alter Bridge- Addicted to Pain: The mammoth opening track to Alter Bridge’s
fourth album ‘Fortress’, addicted to pain is an assault on the senses. With
that thundering riff and Myles Kennedy’s distinctive vocals, it was one of the
biggest rock tracks from 2013. It also helped to enforce Alter Bridge’s stock
as a rising force in rock circles.
The Answer- New Horizon: The Answer returned last year with their
fourth studio album and graced us with their blend of classic rock. I have
followed this band since their debut album ‘Rise’ and think they are one of the
best rock acts around. If you get a chance to catch them live, take it. You
won’t regret it.
Band of Skulls- Hoochie Coochie: Southampton trio Band of Skulls,
with their recently released third album ‘Himalayan’, are a band that are
slowly building a large and loyal fan base. Their 2009 debut was good, but as
this song shows, they are getting better with each album. Very much looking forward
to seeing them on their UK tour later in the year.
Black Stone Cherry- Never Surrender: Kentucky rockers Black Stone
Cherry made a triumphant return this year with their fourth album ‘Magic
Mountain’. They are a band who have got better with each album, even if their
last effort received a mixed reception. With ‘Me and Mary Jane’ and ‘Fiesta Del
Fuego’ to taster singles, things looked good but this was a real treat when the
full album arrived. A heavy, crunching effort this will be an absolute beast
live.
Cage the Gods- Favourite Sin: There was a lot of hype surrounding
this new British rock band last year called Cage the Gods, so I was pleased
when I saw they were named as the support act for The Answer on their UK tour.
Have to say I can see what people were going on about. Check out ‘Favourite Sin’
and you’ll see why these guys are tipped to be one of the next best things.
Crashdiet- Cocaine Cowboys: Fancy a bit of sleaze with your rock?
Look no further than Sweden and Crashdiet. Cocaine Cowboys is right off the
1980s Sunset Strip, and it’s absolutely fantastic.
Dead Sara- Weatherman: Any girls out there looking for inspiration
or an example to follow then Dead Sara are the band for you. Emily Armstrong
and Siouxsie Medley are a formidable duo and provide the vocals and guitar for this exciting girl led band. I’m
hoping and praying they make it to the UK soon as they are quite high on my
list of bands to see.
Deap Vally- Baby I Call Hell: American rock duo Lindsey Troy and Julie Edwards have caused quite a stir since releasing their debut album 'Sistrionix' last year. They are certainly showing that anything their male counterparts can do, they can match and do better. They have a dirty blues rock sound full of attitude. A fantastic live act as well, you can't not love Lindsey Troy's voice.
Diemonds – Get the fuck outta here: Not necessarily a band many
people here in Europe may have heard of, but certainly one you should listen
to. Known for incessantly touring North America, this hard rock band fronted by
the gorgeous Priya Panda are one that any fan of 80s rock will take a liking
to. All the more impressive considering they’re an independent band on an independent
label.
Fit for Rivals- Crash: A band that came out of no-where and then disappeared,
Fit for Rivals gained a lot of fans with their mammoth 2009 song ‘Crash’. Since
then however they have been quiet but it has been recently announced that they
will be following up their debut album with new music in 2015. It will
certainly be one to look out for as the big riffs and husky vocals of Renee
Phoenix are a winning comination.
Foxy Shazam- Count Me Out: Queen wannabies or serious rock act? Who
cares! Foxy Shazam take the fun element of rock and roll and run with it. I saw
them support The Darkness a few years back and they were absolutely fantastic,
so prima donnas they are not. The band can play and Eric Nally can certainly
sing. If you do see them live, guaranteed you will walk away with a smile on
your face.
Furyon- Disappear Again: Furyon are one of the best kept secrets of
the rock world. With expert guitars and strong vocals, the band released their
debut album ‘Gravitas’ on an independent label, thus relying on touring and
word of mouth to become one of the best live acts around. I’ve been lucky
enough to catch them twice and they really are fantastic. ‘Disappear Again’ is
just a taster of what they are capable of.
Halestorm- Love Bites (So Do I): Grammy award winning song from the
Philadelphia rockers, led by self-proclaimed banshee Lzzy Hale. With one of the
best singers around at the moment, Halestorm are on an upward trajectory after
releasing two LPs as well as two highly acclaimed cover EP’s. With a new album
due in the near future, it is one that rock fans everywhere should be looking
forward to.
Hardcore Superstar- One More Minute: An absolute barnstorming track
from the Swedish hair metaller’s 2013
album ‘C’mon Take On Me’. Sounding like a lovechild between Motley Crue and Def
Leppard, ‘One More Minute’ was one of the best rock songs of the last year in
my opinion.
The Family Rain- Don’t Waste Your Time: Hailing from Bath, these
three brothers released their debut album earlier in the year. It was an album
I really looking forward to and it didn’t disappoint. Having seen them support
the excellent Miles Kane last year, they made a lasting impression. Playing
their own style of blues rock, they have the ability to play a range of styles.
You may have already heard one of their songs, as ‘Pushing It’ was used on a
recent advert for the clothing brand ‘Firetrap’.
The Pretty Reckless- Heaven Knows: 2014 sees the return of Taylor
Momsen and her band The Pretty Reckless with the follow up to their popular and
critically acclaimed debut ‘Light Me Up’. ‘Going to Hell’ sees the band take a
slightly darker road while still maintaining the hard rock edge that helped gain
their popularity. That said ‘Heaven Knows’, the latest single, has a softer
side but still packs a punch. Definitely a band to catch at various festival
slots over the summer.
The Temperence Movement- Ain’t No Telling: Few bands make such a
big splash with a debut album as The Temperence Movement, but the acclaim The
Temperence Movement received after releasing their debut last year meant they
must have been done something right. Playing their own style of blues rock,
they won a lot of fans in a short space of time, meaning tickets to their tours
were at a premium. Their follow up is going to be very much anticipated.
The Virginmary’s- Just a Ride: They took their time releasing their
debut album, but it was well worth the wait. Having toured with the likes of
Slash, Queens of the Stone Age and Skunk Anasie, this hard rock have certainly
cut their teeth and are reaping the rewards. Having seen them live when they
opened for Feeder, I was an instant fan. They are fantastic live act and one I
recommend you go and see.
Rival Sons- Open My Eyes: Critically acclaimed California rockers
Rival Sons have enjoyed quite a mesmeric rise to fame. Having formed in 2009,
they are already preparing to release their fourth album, ‘Great Western
Valkyrie’. Often compared to legends Led Zeppelin due to their blues rock
style, Rival Sons are a band to watch.
Royal Blood- Come on Over: If there is a band to watch over the next
year/18 months or so it is Royal Blood. The Brighton duo are causing quite a
few waves and are getting a lot of warranted attention with their own brand of
garage rock. Take ‘Come on Over’ as exhibit A. Having recently supported Arctic
Monkeys at their massive Finsbury Park gigs, they have the likes of Download
and Glastonbury festivals to keep them busy this summer.
Sick Puppies- You’re Going Down: A band I had the fortune to see
live recently, Sick Puppies are responsible for one of my favourite ever albums
in ‘Tri Polar’, with this one of the pick of the tracks. In 2013 they released
its follow up ‘Only Connect’ and it shows these alt rockers are on good as form
as ever. If you get a chance to see them live, take it. They are fantastic and
very humble for the support.
Volbeat- Lola Montez: It is
hard to pigeon hole Volbeat, it very much depends which song of theirs you are
listening to. Mixing together hard rock, heavy metal and rockabilly, they have
slowly been winning over audiences around the globe with their strong studio
albums and fantastic live act. I managed to catch them live last year in London
and they blew me away. ‘Lola Montez’ is my favourite song from their current
album and it is a good starting point for anyone who is new to the band.
Thanks for reading J
