NEEDTOBREATHE - Hard Love JA

I've said it before and I'll say it again, my posts are better appreciated late than never. At least it is another reason that helps me go to sleep at night. So anyway yet another absolutely fabulous month of musaac from the likes of Johnny Foriegner, The Julie Ruin, Biffy Clyro and many more to all be checked out HERE. Without any further ado let's start the countdown.

First up at the number 3 position is the self titled Viola Beach album. These guys have produced 9 tracks of jangle-tastic indie rock delight which gives me hints of a more mainstream Peace, which ain't no bad thing. The LP as a whole seems to fly by with charm and sunshine and leaves me constantly in a good mood. Be sure to watch the video below, then go get the record! 

In the second place is Blink-182s California. I knew I could count on these guys for another cracking album. Despite the recent line up changes the Blink boys have rarely/never left me disappointed when it comes to the music. Having been released early on in the month, I have listened to this album repeatedly some would say too much. But that should be taken as pure signs to how good the music is. Straight up power blasting out of the gate, you know you are listening to Blink-182 with their classic vocals and musical style that most 20-somethings have become accustomed to. The only rest-bites come from the midway mark Built This Pool and the final Brohemian Rhapsody. Check out the absolute banger Bored To Death below! 

And at number Juan with a bullet is NEEDTOBREATHEs Hard Love. This LP easily was my top pick, mainly due to the song Great Night which is the video below. I have equally impressed and shocked myself with the amount I have listened to it over and over again. It must be some kind of magic witchcraft that NTB and Shovels & Rope combined produce that got me so hooked. The rest of the album isn't any slacker either. If Great Night is 12/10 the rest is a solid 10/10 for sure. Melodic and catchy most of the way through, balancing the line of ballady belters and heartfelt jams this is one well crafted album, check them out below! 

Wichita Recordings - July Podcast SCS

This initially may seem like a grab bag of tracks and a bit of an easy way out instead of picking just one standout song, but after you listen to this months release of the Wichita Recordings Podcast you will hopefully realise it is so much more. They pack the best of the best tracks from their signed artists like the immense cover of The Night done by Frankie & The Heartstrings, Globelamp, Fidlar and many more plus a great little interview with the talented Meg Bairdwhich inspired me to hear more of her work (incredible). It was also really satisfying to hear a bit of Los Campesinos again before their imminent album release. So if you can spare an hour, give this a listen. Enjoy!

Veruca Salt, Jason Isbell & White Reaper JA

July Albums

July has been another great mixed bag of album releases. So much so that I have chosen 3 favourites for this month.

Veruca Salt - Ghost Notes

First is the 5th album from the Chicago band Veruca Salt. I enjoyed listening to this because after 5 albums in, they have kept a punk sound without sounding like they are rehashing the same old sound. From song to song there is a diversity that keeps things feeling fresh and exciting and loud.

Jason Isbell - Something More Than Free

Again this is another 5th release from the artist. A bit of a different sound compared to the last one. The whole album has a gentle and non abrasive feel whilst singing heart felt and passionate songs. My personal stand out tracks are How To Forget and Children of Children. These seem to be the most emotional and sung with underlining feeling. Luckily they are paired back to back.

White Reaper - White Reaper Does It Again

My final favourite is the first full length from White Reaper. These guys know how to make a first impact. Straight out of the gate they pack a punch that lasts throughout the whole album. They pack 12 great rock songs into 33 Minutes. I hope you enjoy these as much as I have and will do in the future.

Honeyblood - Honeyblood JA

July Album

The album I have enjoyed listening to this month has been the self titled début from Honeyblood. It has quite an overall lo fi quality with certain tracks having amped up guitars for a change of pace. It has a hint of some riot grrrl bands but less in your face and more soft and soothing vocals. I really enjoy Killer Bangs in the vocal department because it is slightly more upbeat and bouncy, also Super Rat is another favourite because the power and emotion they put into the lyrics seems really meaningful and passionate. There does seem to be a lot of two piece rock groups popping up at the moment but this is one of my personal favourites.  Enjoy one of their singles Bud below!

The National Bowl DOTM

Design Of The Month

The design I have chosen is The National Bowl in Milton Keynes. I recently went there to see Pearl Jam perform with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and OFF! as support acts. This was my first visit to the venue and it was a bit of a nightmare getting there with the parking prices being extortionate for a venue of that size that should have at least some on site parking. But once I actually got in to the venue it was a different story. The set up is very much like a main stage at a festival and the crowd was equal in size if not larger. I spent the majority of the show pretty close to the front and the atmosphere was as you can assume, very electric and exciting. Later on in the show I made my way to the outer edge of the field and up onto the sloped verges and I have to say the sound did not lose any quality over the distance. The way the whole place has been designed makes the sound travel so well and still keep its level of quality. The engineers who created this venue really deserves some high praise to make any gig great whether you are in the mosh pit right at the front or enjoying dinner with your children on the outskirts. (Below is a sky view and a couple of snaps of
Pearl Jam) Absolutely amazing!

Birds Eye

Up Close

Afar