An Introduction to: Stone Broken!

Posted on April 19, 2016 by joannekendrick

So this next band are something interesting indeed. Having not long ago commenced the beginning of a mammoth tour, and having just recently been nominated ‘Best New Band’ at the Planet Rock Awards 2016, Stone Broken are already making bold imprints. Take a listen to their music, and you’ll see why.

Stone Broken

 

Stone Broken are a four piece from Walsall, describing themselves as hard rock, which is pretty bang on. With Rich Moss on lead vocals and guitar, Keiron Conroy on bass and vocals, Chris Davis on guitar and vocals, and Robyn Haycock on drums and vocals, it’s no wonder they’ve caught some pretty serious attention. They manage to combine a tight sound with a punchy attitude which displays a good band chemistry, and packs a hell of a punch along the way. Stone Broken have a ten track debut album recorded, ‘All in Time’, which is available, along with various band merchandise, from the site’s store. Plus, if you sign up to the band’s mailing list, you can enjoy a free download of ‘Not Your Enemy’, the second single from their album.

Stone Broken Tour

With their tour underway, going as far as the Wildfire Festival , Scotland and as near as The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, and with new single ‘BETTER’ out on the 16th May, there are plenty of chances and very good reason for you to catch a gig by these guys. You can keep up to date with what they’re up to on Facebook, as well. Stone Broken seem to be doing it all right, and they are one busy band. So go and have a look at what the fuss is all about!

 

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An Introduction to: Cower, Hounds!

Posted on April 13, 2016 by joannekendrick

 

Busy? It doesn’t matter. Stop what you’re doing, grab yourself a set of earphones and a bevvy and spare a few minutes for Cower, Hounds! You’ll be doing yourself a favour. Up next on the ever-growing list of bands to look out for in the Midlands, these guys have kept the bar comfortably raised, and once you’ve heard them, you’ll understand why.

Cower Hounds Logo

 

With their new single A.I.M still fresh in the bag and available to buy on iTunes, and a few more solid titles, which can be heard on their album …Or Die, behind them, three piece band Cower, Hounds! are ones to look out for.They are a sort of mix between alternative rock and the raw side of grunge, yet it’s hard to put a definitive label on them. The energy is doubtless, mind, and the music is fresh and interesting.  We have Andy (Fordy) Ford on Bass, Paul (Messy) Reynolds on Vocals and Guitar, and Rob (Robot) Stimpson on Drums, and if you like what you hear below, you can check out their YouTube channel here. Cower, Hounds have played live shows around the Midlands including the Giffard Arms, Wharf Bar and the Tap & Tanner, boast a hefty following around Walsall, and have much more in store for you!

 

Cower Hounds 1

Paul Reynolds, Andy Ford and Rob Stimpson.

You keep track of what Cower, Hounds! are up to via their Facebook page, and I’d highly suggest keeping an eye on when they’re next gigging, as they put on a great live show. They don’t take themselves too seriously, and keep the audience entertained throughout. So listen, enjoy, and then get down the pub and check them out!

 

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An Introduction To: MeMe Detroit!

Posted on April 8, 2016 by joannekendrick

So there’s a bit of a buzz surrounding this next artist, and it’s getting louder and louder. If you like your PJ Harvey and your Smashing Pumpkins and don’t mind casting your mind back to the 90’s for the afternoon, MeMe Detroit is the one.

meme detroit

With her debut album ”Live to love you’ll Love to live’ (try saying that quickly when you’re drunk) out now boasting positive reviews around the board, MeMe Detroit is are definitely on a roll. Songs such as the punchy, high tempo ‘Stand up you’re living’ and the rather grungy ‘A point of you’ stand out as tight, well constructed titles which are sure to set her apart from the crowd. The album is available from the website, where you can listen to more songs, and also from iTunes. MeMe Detroit has played around the country, from London to Birmingham. The next gig being the Actress & Bishop, and in preparation for her next video, has invited gig goers who can get to Brum on the 17th April to join in.

 

So with live gigs lined up, a debut album out and a host of music videos available for viewers to watch, MeMe Detroit seems be doing it right. You can keep up to speed on news from the artist on Facebook.

 

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An Introduction to: Guts for Glory!

Posted on April 6, 2016 by joannekendrick

I’d like you to meet a band that mean business. A band that, over the past couple of years have gone from strength to strength. I’ve seen these guys live and they know how to get the crowd going. Mind, they’re not for the faint hearted…

guts for glory

 

Hailing from Wolverhampton and formed in the Summer of 2014, Guts for Glory are on the up and up, with a mean line up and even meaner songs. Frontman Rich Austin takes the centre stage,and then there’s lead guitarist James Gould, rhythm guitarist Wayne Mann, Alex Harvey on bass and last but not least, drummer Dan McNally. They have quite the following, keeping their fans up to date on their Facebook page, and have played shows all around the Midlands. Playing small to large, from the Giffard Arms in Wolverhampton, to the 02 Academy3 in Birmingham, Guts for Glory know their roots, and how to build up a rappor with the audience, sharing jokes and interacting well. They still have a bunch of gigs lined up, and you can keep up with where and when they are playing here.

If you like what you hear from their YouTube channel, then you might want to get in on buying their album, Fairy Tales. Released on the 23rd January of this year, and featuring songs such as ‘Play with the Devil’ and ‘Eye for an Eye’ Fairy Tales is available in both hard copy and as a digital download, you can get the 11 track album from their website for as little as £4.

guts for glory album art

 

So if you like your music heavy and you’re wanting something new to listen to, go check out Guts for Glory. Try to catch them live if you can. You won’t be disappointed.

 

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An Introduction To: The Assist!

Posted on June 12, 2015 by joannekendrick

One of the most explosive bands to come out of Walsall this year, almost with an audible bang even, is up and coming rock band The Assist. It’s been an extremely busy year for these boys so far, and in true rock and roll style, they are absolutely loving it.

The Assist.

The Assist.

You may have heard the name crop up a fair few times if you’re local. They only went and sang the official Walsall FC anthem when the Walsall team made it to Wembley this year, and have gained recognition for their catchy songs, carefree attitude and making it all look like a right laugh. When I worked briefly in the Wharf Bar, The Assist did two great dj sets, very brit-pop, which you can tell influences their own material.

With brothers Mikey and Ryan Stanton on vocals and guitar, and Jak Baker and Ben Faulkner on Bass & Drums, they are touring, touring, and touring some more, travelling all around the country and playing the hell out of England. You can listen to more of their stuff by checking out their Soundcloud, and then I highly suggest you write one of these gig dates down, or keep your eye out for when the name pops up locally, because you’re in for a treat.

The Assist Tour Dates

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An Introduction to: Joseph Hicklin

Posted on June 2, 2015 by joannekendrick

This one, for a change, isn’t about a band. It’s about a solo artist who, when even over a year ago as I first caught him performing bloody brilliantly at a local open mic, I remember thinking that this was just the beginning for him. This almost certainly goes a lot further back for the ones who have known him longer, because it almost feels as though this was always going to be something huge, and the snowball has long since started rolling down the hill. 

Joe Hicklin

With a newly released album (The Flesh and Bone, available here) fresh under his belt, Joseph Hicklin has sealed the deal with the amazing video to first single, ‘Be’, which features the faces of local residents of Walsall in black and white throughout. Such a simple concept that works so well. The video is also set in The Fountain, a (fantastic) Walsall Pub in which Joseph previously worked, so the whole thing has a nice, personal feel about it.


A prominent name amongst the open mic circuit, Joseph’s style has a sort of blues-y feel to it, and his I’ve yet to see anyone disappointed by his songs. Since the album release, rave reviews have popped up all over the place, and even the Express & Star has jumped on it, featuring him as the next big thing both in print and online. Seriously, check the album out, and keep your eye out, because he’s just warming up.

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An Introduction to: The Nics!

Posted on May 1, 2015 by joannekendrick

the nics logo

I have always been a fan of local talent. I would rather go check out Open Mics and a local, small £4 gig with a line up of strangers who may or not make it any further than spend 40 quid on someone who doesn’t really need it and may or may not have lost their passion after singing their same hit songs for the five thousand-th time in a row… There’s something about the raw passion of someone who doesn’t have a reputation to lose, yet everything to prove, that is simply untouchable.

While I do enjoy this, it isn’t often I come across a band that impresses me so much, I have actually found that yes, I can consider myself a fan. When I heard that these guys were playing at the Giffard Arms in Wolverhampton last Saturday, I promptly booked time off because I knew I was in for a good night. I enthusiastically present to you, The Nics.

the nics live

Adam Vickers, Rob Skitt & Mac Smith.

With a very strong grungy, old school undertone running throughout their set, coupled with the sheer talent of all three members, you cannot help but enjoy when they play. They interact wonderfully with the crowd, so that you don’t just feel as though you’re just there to watch another show. This is a party, and you’re just as much a part of it as the band. It’s no wonder really, that The Nics have been on nothing but the up for the past couple of years, consistently finding themselves on the finalists lists for various battle of the bands competitions, and receiving rave reviews for their debut EP, Blood on a River. If you have a second, I would recommend you check out their Soundcloud Channel.

the nics live2

The best way to listen to these though, truly, is down the pub with a pint in your hand with a bunch of friends. Live entertainment is their key, rock and roll is in their blood, and I wish them the greatest success in what they are aiming to achieve, because they can do it. – Jo


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An Introduction to: Dead Sea Skulls

Posted on January 14, 2015 by joannekendrick

dead sea skulls bannerIf you haven’t seen this band live yet, it’s time to keep an eye out for their next show. Dead Sea Skulls are a must see, must hear deal for 2015 and if you can’t keep up, you’ll be left behind.

Gaining a following as a result of their energetic gigs, well written songs, and the unusual routine breaking decision of having drummer Ash Sheehan (GrandMaster Ash, The Twang) as the main vocalist, you can guarantee that you won’t forget these in a hurry. Brothers Jimi (Bass) and Nick Crutchley (Guitar) also do an amazing job backing him up and the chemistry between the three is obvious. With radio airplay, sellout gigs and top quality music videos at their disposal, perhaps the most appealing thing about Dead Sea Skulls is that they seem to be having a great time with it.

Jimi, Nick & Ash.

Jimi, Nick & Ash.

With four music videos under their belt and another for their upcoming single on the way soon, Dead Sea Skulls seem to be on a roll.  The feedback for their first EP ‘Fortune Favours the Brave’ and latest one, ‘Eau De Kitchen’ has been great, with reviews singing the praises of the three, with the high energy sets crossing over nicely into the studio environment. Both are available on iTunes, and are well worth the purchase. Self described as a ‘Gnarly Punk/ Indie/ Garage’ type band, that description alone may be enough to make you raise your eyebrow either way, but trust me. It bloody works. – Jo

 

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An Introduction to: Under a Banner

Posted on January 5, 2015 by joannekendrick

Under a Banner Title

Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, I’d like you to take a second to read about this band I discovered, if you wouldn’t mind. They are named Under a Banner, and they are really quite good. 

Based in Wolverhampton, Under a Banner are described on their website as a ‘Powerful, passionate and poetic’ alternative rock band, and while that is a pretty bold description, I can’t think of a better way to explain their style. They have 2 albums out, and the first  release, ‘The Ragged Rhythm of Rain’, is available throughout January to download for whatever price you would like here. Their second album, ‘Close to the Clouds’, is receiving great reviews across the board, and rightly so.

uab5

These guys have been a very busy band. With Adam Broadhurst on vocals and guitar, Jake Brooks on guitar, Simon Hill on bass guitar, Kat Davis on keyboard and Tim Wilson on percussion, Under a Banner have achieved a nice, sort of folk rock sound whilst keeping it interesting and varied. This has proved popular with fans, and the band are going from strength to strength. They’ve achieved a lot over the past three years, with their second album release, radio airtime across dozens of stations including Stafford FM and Wyldwood Radio, a massive following on Twitter and Facebook and a not long ago released music video to top it off. ‘Numbers’ is Under a Banner’s latest release, and is guaranteed to stick in your mind with its catchy hook and strong vocals.

Boasting an ever-growing UK fanbase, and gaining rapidly in Western Europe and North America, Under a Banner seem to be on an unstoppable path. If you want to see them live, you won’t have long to wait, either. Their next gig will be supporting Quill at the Robin 2 on Saturday 21st February, and I’d highly recommend that you check them out. With well written lyrics, great vocals, talented musicians, and a nice unique style, these aren’t ones you want to miss. – Jo

Under a Banner on the set of the music video for Numbers.

Under a Banner on the set of the music video for Numbers.

 

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An Introduction to: SLUMBERDOG!

Posted on December 10, 2014 by joannekendrick

SDOG_flameroll (2)

So we have the ball rolling now… I’d like to thank everyone who has shown an interest in this project. Kerry and myself have been overwhelmed by the messages and support shown so far. It only verifies what I already knew – there’s a multitude of talent out there waiting to be discovered.

One of the bands that caught my eye is a three piece band called SLUMBERDOG. Taken from an Old English award winning sheeepdog from 1914, the name is certainly enough to make you look twice. The band itself will make sure you keep looking, though, with members that don’t seem to take themselves too seriously and an interesting sound, self described as a ‘grunge-trance-punk-groove-rock type’.

SDOG_live (2)

Based in Birmingham, SLUMBERDOG consists of Ian Langford (Percussion) , Dan Willett (Bass/synth/vocals), and Dan Alexis (Lead vocals/guitar). Together, they decided to combine their musical talents, try something different and mold together quite an unusual mix of different genres to create their own sound. I was quite excited to give their debut album, Orca, a listen and see if what they had achieved was a unique musical milestone or an out of sync mess.

Orca's cover art.

Orca’s cover art.

Orca eases you in with ‘Exit Space’, a short chilled out number that reminds me a little bit of the Stone Roses. This is suddenly completely contrasted by the next two songs, ‘The Well’ and the interestingly named debut single ‘Always Is (A horse to be Reckoned With)’, a pair of powerful, chunky, slightly grungy songs which are both well sung, well played and energetic, and ones which I would be curious to see live. You can listen to Always Is (A Horse to be Reckoned with) here.

SDOG_promo1 (2)

The pace slows down once again for a little bit with ‘Yours Truly’ (although supported with great backing vocals, the song is far from boring) before hitting us with another wave of dirty guitar and screaming vocals on ‘Cobra vs Honey Badger’. Finally to see the album out we have ‘Never Was (A Wreck to be Hoarsened with)’, a powerful ender to a decent album. Though they show a good sense of humour with the titles to their songs and the general attitude of the members, don’t underestimate SLUMBERDOG. They know what they are doing. – Jo

 

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