More Than Life LIVE @ Borderline London 19.10.14

Constantly on the road touring, More Than Life, have left the UK starved for two years without a headline show. It was the Sunday night of October 19th, when the quartet returned to London’s Borderline for a one off show.

Taking an early start to the night was Southampton’s locals, Creeper. An unfamiliar sound to the crowd, the band didn’t let this interrupt their punk rock vibe, as the lights dimmed and the Jeepers Creepers song took to an intro, the band appeared on centre stage blasting out their energetic presence. For an opening act, Creeper got a few heads bobbing capturing new fans instantly with their passionate connection they exposed.

Following another eminent act of the night was Nathan Detroit a Punk band from Trowbridge. 

Halfway into the show, the bands guitarist decided to part ways leaving the four remaining members at a minus. Despite this, the band picked themselves up, gaining more attention form the crowd with their fast moving beats and bouncy actions, even those who weren't familiar with their sound found themselves moving along.

Before flying of to Australia the next day, More Than Life had gladly assembled, Up River to give the crowd one last warm up before their influx.

Similarly appealing to the current audience, the foursome instantly engaged all senses from the faces of everyone in the room. Unmasking their hardcore, bluesy sent soon spread filling the room with emotive screams. More known the crowd, deeper movement of bodies connecting and lips moving joined Up River, as their set proved worthy.

Isha Shah Photography

The floor was now filled with floods of bodies all hurled together, bounded by one band who were soon to play on stage. Deep red lights filled the stage where the current members stood, setting up for a special night of empathy.

Diving right into the bands news record, What’s Left of Me, came ‘Weight of The World’ a chillingly, gripping song that erupts passionate howls from every lyric that was amplified by the crowd. Intertwining with ‘Fear’ the older fans responded with chaotic bodies flying all over the floor, diving in mid air and screaming inches from James face. Working their way to ‘I’ve Lost Track of Everything’ taken from their famously known record Love Let Me Go, the collateral faces clustered together once again, in a community of cries.

Altering between their history with a few new tracks added, each song interacted a live audience as the non stop flow divers and mothers, kept the floor covered with a close line of unity.

Midway through ‘Do You Remember’ started and everyones faces dropped in tone, as the whole room was overslept with touching bodies learning towards the stage, screaming their hearts out to every line.

Where there were short breaks in the set a sweet, tranquil interlude was played to harmonise the crowd with their mournful blast.

Closing up the the night, vocalist James reached out, dedicating the last song to his mother who had just passed away. If the night wasn’t emotional enough it was about to get even more downbeat. Pushing all feeling aside a final basement of frames were clattered in a large group, grabbing onto each other or prancing around on stage. The set ended in a ferocity outcry, as they didn’t need an encore, More Than Life are just a band that just leaves you there in darkness, pulling yourself back 

together after such an emotional journey, you feel yourself wanting to relive it all again.

Isha Shah Photography

Two years was definitely worth the wait to experience such a hectic night that seemed to last forever, More Than Life have left the London in scraps, still raging to come back for more.

8/10

Climates - Body Clocks album Review

Released	13th October 2014
Recorded Record Label	2013 / 2014 Small Town Records
Genre	Metalcore/ Melodic
Length	32:00
Origin	Lincoln
Rating	8 / 10

Hitting the nail on the donkey for the first time is always a challenge, in fact for most bands, their first album is something they’d like to hide at the bottom of their record collection. But not for Lincoln’s finest metal core; Climates. Local to the UK, they have only be around for a couple of years, already known for their progressive metal sound. The five youngers have accomplished touring with highly creditable bands such as, Beartooth, Trapped Under Ice,  Counterparts, While She Sleeps and Bury Tomorrow. 

Released this october, Body Clocks is the first full length, from Small Town Records who specialise in the growing music scene.

Making a sneaky appearance is ‘Leaves Of Legacy’, as gently it creeps in before Wes Thompson’s vocals wreck the room. Generically altering cleans to screams, Climates have intricately devised this within the track, making it subtle and transferable so that it goes unnoticed.

Following, ‘Heaven (Is Only In My Head)’ reaches our ears in a similar way, yet with more passion and tone that makes the song stand out as attacking. The tiny detail which goes into each song is certainly heard as its melodic side stands out to be the focus. The tempo change into a more hardcore structure, altering its tune by adding layers of complexity which skilled musicians die to master. 

However not all is all dynamic, as relaxing breaks in the album are found with ‘In The Of Man’, ‘Worlds Away’ and ‘Sundown’ take on the delicate pitches of an atmospheric scent. Understanding why Climates have chosen to add such diversity to the album, as these songs do work; despite the simplicity, they have not taken a step back with the instrumental cadency.

‘Whole Hearted’ screams damage and suffering planted in Thompson’s screams, that are lyrically comforting as the song is filled with such rage of devotion, you find yourself compelled. 

As the album progresses to a finish, the tracks get moderately hardy in framework, as elements are exploded of what the band are truly capable of.

Drawing a close to the sentimental journey, ‘Realist’ touches on heavy lyrically allusions which draw your soul, capturing your deepest senses, leaving you numb and motionless. The album as a whole certainly does its job from start to finish, hurling twist and turns along the way, Climates have traveled a long way and are still going!

Track listing:

1. Leaves Of Legacy

2. Heaven (Is Only In My Head)

3. Serpents From The Shadowland

4. In The Of Man

5. Cryptic

6. Sundown

7. Whole Hearted

8. The Bigger Picture

9. Worlds Away

10. Realist

Grayscale - Mindless Minds (Mini EP)

From the recent release of Thoughts That Linger back in the spring of this year, The 90's emo band from London, Grayscale have also just released a mini EP today, titled Mindless Minds consisting of three small tracks.

Distinguishing a featured sound on their past EP, the alternative band have certainty progressed their talent into a liver, upbeat trio of tracks found within the mini snippet.

Maturing in such a small space of time, this small EP caters directly to a modern audiences whilst still holding down classic sounds, as it is essentially, a breath of fresh air.

Beginning with 'Waterloo Estate', there is a clear change in sound which is a delighted surprise as the track starts of clam and easing, with a sweet tingly guitar riff accompanied by a soft drum beat, right until it hits a stone and the whole song revers back to their previous clattering of noises.

Their music isn't the only quirky thing about them, as chosen title tracks 'If That's a Bible, Where's My Camera' and 'Bait' probe their funky music tune.
Closing this small chapter with a punkier pressure highlighted by the guitars, which regain our focus to Grayscale's classical noise.

With just three small songs, Mindless Minds firmly teases us to their re-vamped style, that shows great development in their craftsmanship as musicians. Can't wait for an actual record or full tracked EP from these guys!

8.9/10

Full Stream here

Moose Blood - I'll Keep You In Mind, From Time To Time

Released	6th October 2014
Recorded Record Label	2013 / 2014 No Sleeps Records
Genre	Emo
Length	33:54
Origin	Canterbury
Rating	10 / 10

Thought emo was dead? Well with the release of Moose Blood's first ever debut full length record I'll keep You In Mind, From Time To Time, reboots us to the nostalgic homegrown sound of emo.

From a band who have only been around for two years, releasing two polished EP's and a split with Departures, the Canterbury foursome have produced a collection of tracks which reflect their own influences whilst adding their own personal touches.  If you're a current fan of Moose Blood or even a newbie, there is no doubt that you will love the band even more for producing such a comforting collection of sounds. 

Introducing us with 'Cherry', the band draw us in with their softer side; an unusual start. The light

ballad style entwines with vocalist Eddy Brewerton's, as it lyrically reflects his recent marriage. This quiet style is then followed up by 'Always' which is a track released as a teaser weeks before. A song that lifts the mood right up and familiarises you with the Moving Home EP work of Moose Blood.

'I Hope You're Missing Me' and 'I Hope You're Miserable' which is the closing song both have very hard hitting punky vibe riffs which capture the likes of Balance And Composure, funnily enough have inspired them as much as Brand New. The duo stand out as headbangers, bringing a vibrant authenticity to their new vivid sound.

If you are a native to the band then you may have picked up on 'Boston' and 'Bukowski' being added with a revamped, edger tone that compliment the original releases as well as including them to slide perfectly with the album flow. Additionally 'Gum' takes Moose Blood's pristine voice found on their dated EP's by enumerating a natural modern emo aura.

Centre spotlight has been dedicated to the band as a whole, as Kyle, Glen and Mark all bond together to form a beautiful base for Brewerton to glide on smoothly. This is most evident in 'Pups' and 'Swim Down' with it's build up of a bridge, that heightens the current tension to a halt until the vocals sweep in.

Tying the knot, I'll keep You In Mind, From Time To Time awards its self alone with more focus on sound, yet still adding their famously well constructed lyrics, Moose Blood have produced a fresh yet nostalgic record that happily sits on the modern day shelves as a dated piece of art.
Without a doubt this record stands out to be in the top 10 released in 2014, alongside More Than Life, Gnarwolves, La Dispute and Basement.
It's not every day that your local UK band makes such a confounding album that supports the growing scene as well as providing a comfort blanket for the older generation.  

You can stream the album online for free here.

Track listing:

1. Cherry

2. Anyway

3. I Hope You’re Missing Me

4. Chin Up

5. Boston

6. Gum

7. Pups

8. Swim Down

9. Bukowski

10. Kelly Kapowski

11. I Hope You’re Miserable

Mind And Separation - Charnel House EP

Released	1st September 2014
Recorded Record Label	2014 Unsigned
Genre	Melodic Hardcore
Length	23:40
Origin	Sheffield
Rating	9 / 10

Famously known for their solid music scene, Sheffield's own Mind And Separation are releasing their first ever titled EP, Charnel House this Autumn. Featuring 6 crafted melodies, which are a massive credit to the growing scene.

Slowly introducing us to the first track is Overcome, progressive combining melodic elements that are soon bound together by vocalist Travis, immersing his callous tone at you. Picking up the pace, with a faster moving beat increases the impact that you are faced with, while the song ends suddenly.

Regret shows off Travis's dominant hitting vocals as the song is tailored to his tone. Elements of post hardcore are heavily embedded as well as the elaborate melodic rhythms. Certainly one of the songs that stand out from the EP to me, its lyrical references are as powerful as the message, clear and repetitive to create even more effect. From the beginning of the song right down to its little harmonic ending, it strikes me greatly, as the detail of gradual tension is built carefully.

Striking you with such an intricate intro Stay True, starts off with soft breaks of vocals which are then accompanied by a powerful sound that constantly changes considerably. Not sticking to anything basic, Mind And Separation have added multiple alterations that disarray the generic structure, mixing things up for a modern audience to enjoy. The whole EP works so well because of this, no one song alone sounds like the other.

Drawing to a close, we are finally met with a somewhat peaceful interlude that takes all the endeavour off our ears, to enjoy a beautifully composed instrumental piece. Before Deserted slowly kicks in, dampening the mood for Travis's voice to lustre through. Carefully placed to ease you back into the bands complex sound, the melody is somewhat soothing until it the pace is picked up and once again we are restored back to a faster path. The strongest detail extracted come from the changing in pitch from calm to quiet, then from rigid to enraged then back to its simplest form where Travis's vocals end the song with such sentiment, the final drum beat adds to its weight.

Ending the whole EP with the longest song of 6 minutes, Grief plunges in straight away with impenetrable vocals that are then soon joined by a light melodic height.
As the track progresses we are opened to share the same journey as it constantly changes unexpectedly in tempo and pace, keeping you alert. Just when you think the song is coming to an end, the repetitive words are blared out into a gradual finale.

As a whole, Charnel House deserves a solid 9/10, 5* for all six tracks to follow up on each other smoothly, creating a solid first EP for themselves. Not just giving the audience generic music but altering it to suit their style, Mind And Separation, at such an early start have already earned their rank up there. If you are into Melodic Hardcore and have not yet heard of them, I highly recommend it, as they are a band that you will instantly like without a second listen. Hitting you straight up, with their mastered noise.

The EP will be out September 1st and free to download on their bandcamp!
Or you can catch two of their songs which are streamed on YouTube right now!

LISTEN TO IT FOR FREE: HERE

TRACK LISTING:
1.Overcome
2.Regret
3.Stay True
4.Charnel House
5.Deserted
6.Grief

Buckle Tongue - A King In All Of Us EP

Released	1st September 2014
Recorded Record Label	2014 Unsigned
Genre	Alternative Rock
Length	15:17
Origin	Ellesmere Port
Rating	9 / 10

The four piece alternative rock band from Ellesmere Port, Buckle Tongue are set to release 4 brand new tracks which feature on the EP, A King In All Of Us this September.


The first title track Embers draws your attention straight away with its heavy drum and guitar riff that rapidly repeats, until vocalist Benny Chance's rugged voice breaks through. Instantly warming you with a familiar presence. Upbeat and impacting instantly, this song perfectly eases new listeners with their impressively funky rhythms presented throughout the verses as well as the ending of the song.
A tranquil change appears in the bridge where a much slower tempo is played, relaxing your ears before the journey comes to a close with a mammoth of an outro.


Following the funky flow, Tidal sweeps in with a strong instrumental intro that soon joins the powerful boom of Chance's vocals. This bouncy structure is repeated throughout the song, highlighted by the compelling vocals as well as the rhythm, leaving it's mark imprinted in your ears. Just as you think it's over a sudden change slowly captures you as the song ends on a much lighter and calm note, showing off a different side, completing the song overall.

Wayside joins the EP, fitting in perfectly. There appears to be a slightly different sound here as its modern rock vibration combines with a classic voice, the constant juxtaposing sounds work together in unity. By also adding a short djenty breakdown cater for the current audience. Famously ending on a high complex instrumental solo piece, that compliment the vocals into a breakdown of chaos. Wayside without a doubt is the strongest contestant from the EP.

To end such an explosive EP, You're Saving Me takes a different road from the other songs. Straight into vocals, we are exposed to the soft sharpness of Chance's voice that slowly eases us before the intense company of the guitar, bass and drums kicks in taking the song back to their unique fusion.
More of a slow song, it perfectly ends the EP, advertising the bands complex talent which they are more than capable of producing.

Overall the EP only consist of four songs, however each mark their own spot, setting them aside from each other but also working solidly as one. For a small unsigned band, Buckle Tongue have done well to bring back a nostalgic smell of classic rock music to the modern world as you don't get a lot of niche bands who have the right spark to make modern music with an authentic twist. Highly deserving 9/10 for the whole EP, it is pretty solid and worth a listen.

A King In All Of Us is out on the 1st September!

LISTEN/ BUY IT HERE

Creeper EP 2014

Now a lot of you may have not heard of Creeper, however you would be wrong. Featuring members from Our Time Down Here and Hand The Bastard these five talented mucissans make up a brand new band which goes by the name Creeper. Forming around early June this year Creeper have already released a small taster of music to indulge us into their energetic punk sound.

Released	19th June 2014
Recorded Record Label	2013/ 2014
Genre	Punk
Length	18:00
Origin	Southampton
Rating	10 / 10

You will be happy to hear that previous vocalist from OTDH, Will Gould is carrying on his role, penetrating a new sound into a new band. Going straight into vocals we are hit with a soft crisp voice, that soon gets added to a bashful encore of instruments picking up the pace with its catchy head bobbing beat.
We Had A Pact proves to be an excessive opener, as the thundering chorus catches you in high spirits while the bridge takes you down slowly into a peaceful guitar solo. The song takes you on a happy journey that ends similar to the chorus, keeping you gripped for more.

Gloom follows next, again marking their straight intro, the band bashes pure punk rhymes that get you moving instantly. The small breakdown of gang vocals echoing in the pre-chorus adds to the build up for the chorus to be as powerful as it is. You can definitely hear the previous mesh of the two bands shining through, however formulating their own twist to call themselves Creeper.

VCR is a song you can imagine yourself stage diving and going mad to. A distinct banger you would want to hear live. Gould takes a higher step in this song, changing his strain on words to produce such a strong and solid sound throughout. Packed with fury rifts and nonstop movement, this melody proves to be one of the highlights, exploring the bands craft.

With two more songs left Into The Black delves into the harsh textures of punk building up more speed and activity. An adrenaline rush hits you as you reach the end to a spectacular find. But it's not all over yet because the last song, Novena sets in with a soft strings of an acoustic guitar, playing a light melody that is joined by Gould's powerful voice, that peaks and turns in all different strains to produce harmonic pitches.
The constant juxtaposition in his voice creates such complex structures and tales that are being told, strengthening this song to be filled with mixed emotions right until the end where the full band accompany to construct a marvellous finale of unison.

Overall I can say that this has been one of the best EP's to come from 2014, as it caught me right away without a second listen, how I can't seem to STOP listening to it. 10/10 for everything, it works so well as an EP and there are no flaws to be explored as I just can't wait to hear more sounds.

If you can't get enough of them then why not catch them at their first ever show as a band this Friday 1st August at the Joiners Southampton?! Get your tickets for cheap here, very limited ones left!

                                            (You can download the EP free of charge here)