Rock
Album Review: David Bowie – ‘Blackstar’ – A Post-Script
Around a week ago I had the enviable task of reviewing the ‘Blackstar’ album (hey, it’s what we do and I got lucky – see below for original review). Like everyone, aside from the man himself (and his closest circle), I had no idea I was reviewing David Bowie’s parting address to the world. On …
Feature: Best of 2015: Backseat Mafia staffers pick their favourite gig photos from 2015
Before we start looking forward to 2016 and all that they may bring, Backseat Mafia’s live photographers have been taking a look back at the gigs we covered in 2015 and choosing their own personal favourite photos… STEVE BARNES – DESPERATE JOURNALIST One of our bands of the year, caught them at Crystal Bar during …
Track: Vampires Everywhere – Black Betty
It’s been a wait, but finally Los Angeles rockers Vampires Everywhere have dropped some new music, their first since 2012, in the shape of Black Betty. It comes ahead of their forthcoming album ‘Ritual’, due out in the new year. As vocalist Michael Vampire explains,”This song is special to me because it represents a part …
Album Review: Baroness – Purple
As a Baroness album Purple is exceptional, as a rock album in 2015 Purple is unmatched and as an example of modern forward thinking music Purple is a shining light. With their previous album, Yellow and Green, Baroness began to experiment with bigger and more expansive sounds all contained within the mould of short, punchy, …
EP: JOHN – Validation
Fancy something heavy and riff-y this Christmas? Duo, JOHN, have just released their gritty second EP, Validation, and it’s more than worthy of going on your Christmas list this year. JOHN are exactly what they say on the tin, sort of. They’re a duo made up of two members both called John and a love …
The Provincial Archive: Bad Connection
“But Craig, isn’t rock ‘n’ roll dead ?” No. Turns out that our Edmonton heroes, The Provincial Archive, are reincarnated proof. Back as a three-piece, having said good bye to Ryan Podlubny and Nathan Burge, new single ‘Bad Connection’ finds them in fine, punching form. Singer and guitarist Craig Schram, and drummer Bramwell Park, have been …
Live Review: The Staves – The Roundhouse 9.11.15
School night out. Early start in the bar of the Roundhouse. Camden Brewery beer. Hot dogs and ale over the road at Joe’s. More beer back in the venue. Beautiful music from the Staveley-Taylors. Back into the bar for more beer. Urgh. And an über taxi home. Dirt. I think I’ve just about recovered and …
See: The Wicked Mercy reveal new video for ‘Fading Fast’
Ottawa quintet The Wicked Mercy are preparing to release their second full length records, Sundown, on December 4th via Bad Reputation. It wasn’t all plain sailing though, with guitarist Dave leaving his new Les Paul guitar in the back of a cab late at night. Thankfully, appearances throughout the country saw brief stardom and an …
Track: Spookyland – Bullimic
New Play It Again Sam signings Spookyland follow their performance at Lollapalooza with a new single, Bulimic, ahead of their forthcoming debut album. The Sydney rockers entered Conor Oberst’s Nebraskan recording studio, Another Recording Company to begin work on their debut full-length effort, and Bulimic is an early indication of how that record is going …
News, Don Broco announce full support for December tour
Broco are back, and this time they’ve brought some friends. This week the Oxford-rockers have announced their support for their upcoming December tour. Joining them on the road are Coasts, Arcane Roots, and Symmetry on the 9 date tour all over the UK. With the Edinburgh show already sold out, the Automatic live show is …