Alter Bridge, Shinedown and The Raven age @ SSE Hydro, Glasgow

When the announcement first came out for this gig saying that Alter Bridge, Shinedown and Sevendust were all going to be playing under the same roof, on the same night in Glasgow; To say I was excited would be an understatement.  I messaged my gig buddies, who are hardcore Alter Bridge fans and who I went to see Shinedown with last year to see if they were up for it. And it turned out Craig wanted to go with his mum to celebrate his mums 60th and Campbell wanted to go with his wife Mico who needed accessibility tickets. But Brian stepped up to the plate and said he would join me so I was relived and excited!

We all assembled before the gig at Clydebuilt just before the gig, having banter and food before going our seperate ways as we made our way over to the Hydro to catch of the first support acts.  This was meant to be Sevendust, but unforetunatley due to illness, they had to cancel, so The Raven age who had just done the European part of this tour were kept on for the UK leg too.  Myself and Campbell had seen The Raven age last year suppporting Tremonti and enjoyed their set.  This time round they were playing to a much bigger audience.  They are a classic hard rock band and you really feel like they give it there absolute best when they play.  They have good songs, a lot of energy and a singer who tries to connect with the audience.   Hopefully they will move on to bigger and better things but one thing I have observed recently as there are a lot of good rock bands about and it must be hard to break through.

Next up was Shinedown. As I said, we saw them headline the O2 Academy last year and it was sold out.  This really was a huge support act for Alter Bridge to have and even on the ticket it says "Alter Bridge + Shinedown" rather than having one underneath each other.  To be honest I thought they would get 30-40 minute set and that would be that.  So when Brent Smith (the lead singer) started talking in between songs (as he does).  I did turn round to Brian at one point and said just play the songs!  I like his interaction and general positivety but I thought it was going to be a short set so wanted maximum music.  Turns out I was wrong. They were on for a full hour!  And each song they played I knew and they were all absolute belters! I enjoyed it so much!  "Cut the Cord", "Devil" and set closer "Sound of Madness", all in there.  Brent really is a showmen and the place was packed out for this.  Something I noticed during Alter Bridge was that being up the back it was actually quieter around us that it was for Alter Bridge. Meaning I think some people were there just to see Shinedown.  And I do genuinely feel they are big enough here now to headline a show at the Hydro - thats how big and good that they are getting.

Now onto the headliners for the evening, Alter Bridge.  The difference between them and Shinedown was there for all to see as Alter Bridge generally give you the music with little chat in between where as with Shinedown there is a lot of chat and movement round the stage.  This is nothing against Alter Bridge as they are both good in their own way and boy was Alter Bridge good.  The songs from the new album like "Wouldn't you rather" and "Dying light" stood up well against the giant songs they have made in previous albums. I was so pleased they played "Water Rising".  It was just the one song Mark Tremonti got main vocals on tonight but it really is such a good song.  "Cry of Achillies", "Rise Today", "Metalingus" and "Ghost from days gone by " were other highlights. But to be honest I recognised all the songs in the set bar one.

There was one track though which stood above the rest and to me is their all time best song ever. That song is "Blackbird". It is their epic. Great vocals by Myles and the guitar solo, first by Myles and then by Mark was just next level. I rank this song in my top 5 songs of all time now and I feel so lucky to have seen it live.

It was one of those gigs that really wont go out of my memory for a long time. It was simply amazing.

Alter Bridge - Walk the Sky

"Walk the Sky" is the sixth album by American rockers Alter Bridge.  It could quite easily be argued that members of Alter Bridge are some of the hardest working muscians in rock music today. If they are not working on Alter Bridge's next album, you've got a various array of successful side projects along with constantly touring.  I haven't been into Alter Bridge that long, mainly because somehow I hadn't discovered them until a few years ago. And even then they took a while to grow on me.  But they did and this was a highly anticipated release. Not just by me, but the whole rock community as a whole.

When the singles started to drop in the run up to the release, it felt there was a slightly mixed reaction, but overall it felt very positive.  "Wouldn't you rather" was first and for me was an instant hit, straight off the bat.  Then "Pay no mind", "Take the crown" and "In the deep" followed. This made me even more excited about the album as the quality of these tracks were sky high.  Then the final track they dropped was "Dying Light" which is the album closer.  I wasn't really into this track for starter but once I listened to it in the context of the album, it fits perfectly. And I am not really sure how it took me so long to realise there was an amazing guitar solo in it! It's as if my brain switched off on the initial listens half way through the song. Well that doesnt happen now!

It took me a while to get into the album as I found it quite full on and by this I mean it felt a lot to take in.  After the first track "One life" which is a bit reminisent of "Slip to the void" intro, with its magical slow build up.  It's really non-stop, full on rock till the album closer "Dying light". But bit, by bit, listen by listen, tracks seem to make more sense and become more managable to listen to. 

I think I could talk about every track on this, as its that kind of album. Although it's all go, each track brings it's own thing to the party.  3 tracks which are my favourites right now are "The bitter end", "Forever falling" and "Clear Horizon".  I think the fact I have named 3 tracks which were not released before the album comes out emphasises the strength of this album.  "The bitter end" on paper makes you think it may be a bit of a negative song. But it is the complete opposite.  This is so full of life and the lyrics are so positive.  "But the joy I found, in the sweet here and now, it keeps me alive".  Basically living in the now is what its all about.  "Forever falling" is the track a lot of people were hoping would be on the album since Mark Tremonti is on vocals.  Myles's voice is excelllent but Mark has a great voice too. And because Mark doesnt appear on main vocal duty that much on Alter Bridge albums. When he does it makes it all the more special. Then there is "Clear Horizon" which is just a wonderful song.

Overall this really is a great album and is one of my albums of the year so far, if not the best album that has come out so far. The quality of the tracks throughout the whole album is sky high and I can't wait to see them in concert later on this year. 

Blink 182 - NINE

"NINE" is of course the ninth studio album by punk pop kings Blink 182 and is the follow up to 2016s "California".  "Calafornia" saw a bit of a change of direction for Blink with the departure of founding member, guitarist and vocals, Tom De Lounge.  Considering Blink is a 3 piece band this was a big deal but they replaced him with Alkaline Trio frontman Matt Skiba to mixed reception. Personally I thought this brought about a refreshing change in sound for Blink while sticking to their punk pop roots.

When the first single for "NINE" was released "Blamed it on my Youth" I was slightly disappointed as it did feel like it was just another song left over from the "California" sessions. And it may have been but it has grown on me over time as it is incredibly catchy and is a sing along anthem.  They did release a few other songs prior to release such as "Darkside" and "Generational Divide" but I decided to wait till the album to come out to listen to them.  "Generational divide" is a short sharp song and you can see why.  The drumming by Travis Barker is so ferocious that I think if the song went on for another few seconds he could pass out.  Its a good track with the drumming being really the main focal point of it.

My favourite songs off the album are "Happy Days" and "Pin Grenade".   As the title would kind of imply "Happy Days" really is just a joyous, uplifting pop punk song.  When you use the word "happy" and say it the right way in a song I think its almost a way to make the listener feel good and happy. Just think of the Pharrell Williams song "Happy". Singing along it just makes me happy.  Now just because the word "Happy" is a song doesn't necessarily make it a happy song, just think Radiohead.  But "Happy Days" is a happy song and that's what makes it so good.  "Pin Grenade" is another song which is fantastic.  Another feel good, jump around, sing along pop punk album.  I mention these two but this album is littered with them.

In terms of balance to the album though there are a few softer songs to mix things up a bit and we all know from past Blink 182 that they have a good reputation for making amazing pop punk ballad songs which can be sad but are very powerful songs such as "I miss you" and "Adams song".  On this album the main ones are "No heart to speak of" and "Remember to forget me".  I would say "No heart to speak of" is more of the powerful song.  While "Remember to forget me" is the soft ballad closer where Mark and Matt exchange vocals throughout. Which they do throughout the album but I found this a lot less noticeable on this album  as I think its more though that I'm getting used to hearing Matt's voice on vocals now. 

Overall this album shows that Blink are still the premier pop punk kings in the world.  They have packed this album with so many catchy songs that stand side by side with the well known songs they have made in the past.  If "California" had its doubters I think this album would put them to rest as although I really liked "California" at the time, I think this album is even better.

Biffy Clyro - Balance, Not symmetry

When a band does a soundtrack to a movie and the music is nothing but theirs. Does it count as their n'th album? Would it come under the band's name in record shops or under soundtracks? Well that is the dilema for Biffy Clyro are in as they release the soundtrack for the film "Balance, not symmetry. If it did count as a Biffy album it would be their 8th album. Which I think it should really. This album has been on the cards for a while as they talked about it in interviews. But the actual release of the album felt like it came out of nowhere as the official annocement came on a Thursday with the lead single "Balance, not symmetry". Then the album dropped the very next day.

My first impressions of the first single were not good. Biffy are known to go off on all sorts of tangents with their music, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.  Sometimes I feel they overcomplicate their music to such an extent it's difficult to take it in. But when they get it right, they really do get it right. Anyway, the intro to "Balance, not symmetry" did fall into the category of overcomplicating intros and is quite full on, not wasting anytime.  For me the song does develop well into more of a tune as the song goes on but by then I felt that I already had made my mind up. I wasn't going to listen to the rest of the album when it was out the next day.

A week later, without reading anything about the album on social media or in the press. I decided to give it a chance and listened to the album the whole way through. And I have to say I was pleasently surprised. Not only was the single "Balance, not symmetry" including intro growing on me. But I thouroughly enjoyed the whole journey of listening to the rest of the album. For me the tracks remind me of the softer, more anthemic anthems on albums like "Puzzle" and "Opposites". While still exploring their own soundscapes. This is a very listenable and not overly complicated ouput by the 3 piece Scottish outfit.

I think the moments on this album I like the most are the ones which deeply strike a chord. The songs which do this the most are "Different kind of love", "Fever Dream", "Adored" and "Yellow". "Yellow" in particular is a piano led track with no vocals and I would be very surpised if it wasn't in the movie. I haven't seen the movie but I can visualise scenes from the movie in my head with the these tracks playing in the background. These songs are so touching that the movie could potentially bring you to tears if done right. Well the songs have been done right anyway.

I will investigate this further but the fact that this is a soundtrack does lead to more questions. What came first, the movie or the soundtrack? Or did Biffy write the songs as the movie was being made? were the lyrics written at the same time as the script? Will Biffy tour this album? I'm sure Biffy have great answers to all these great questions.

I have mentioned the more poignent moments on the album but there are other sides to the album too. For example "Tunnels and Trees" is a very catchy, perky, upbeat number with a fantastic piano loop which is present throughout the track.  "The Naturals" starts off with Simon singing with an acousitc guitar. But it doesn't take long for this song to explode into life as the drums, electric guitar and bass kicks in.  It's one of my favourite tracks on the album.  "Touch" like "The Naturals" is another wonderful song.   Such great anthems and soaring choruses. This is Biffy at their best.

In saying that I would say although there not really any bad tracks on the album, there are some forgetable tracks that I'm already skipping. So its not the perfect album and I would say the likes of "Puzzle" and "Blackened Sky" are better and more complete albums. But out of all the albums they have done I would probably rank it 3rd best. Which is saying something - that its worth your time and attention.   If the film is anywhere near as good as the soundtrack it will take you on a rollercoaster full of highs and lows. If they get the film right they could be on to a real winner.

23/05/18 - Alice in Chains + Black Rebel Motorcycle club @ Braehead Arena

To be honest when booking this gig I had hardly heard a thing by Alice in Chains. They have been going for a long time and although I have listened to Pearl Jam and Nirvana in the past, I never really investigated the grunge scene beyond that. But the guys were quite keen on this and I was too. But my reason was because I haven't seen the support - Black motorcycle club since their "Take them on, on your own" tour which was well over 10 years ago, possibly 15. So I was keen to see them again and as far as I was concerned, if Alice in Chains were good that would be a bonus.

I did investigate Alice in Chains more though prior to the gig and enjoyed their latest album "Rainier fog".  But to be honest although liking some of their main hits, I would last about 30 minutes listening to them then change and listen to something else.  So going into this gig I had high expectations for the support and low expectations for the main act. A place I am not normally in!

Interesting place for the venue as Braehead arena which is on the outskirts of Glasgow is not used that often for gigs. In fact I haven't heard of anyone booked to play there or have heard of playing there this year.  The advantage of playing there from my point of view is that it is part of a shopping mall so has a huge food court beside the venue for pre gig grub. It also has many car parks so driving is not a problem.  But if your a drinker and/or dont drive I would imagine this venue is a bit of a pain to get to/from.

On to the gig. Arrived in plenty of time and met Brian and Campbell for food before heading in to the venue, then met Craig half way through BRMC set.  BRMC came on at 7.16 even though they were meant to come on at 7.15.  Not a good start but I'll let it slide this time :-P  It was an interesting set.  It didn't contain what I would consider all the bigs hits like I thought it would. It felt like it was more of a spread over all the albums.  Obviously they had limited time given it was a support slot. But they even played a John Lennon cover which I didnt realise at the time and was wondering why I didnt recognise it.  They only played one song "King of bones" from their latest album "Wrong Creatures" although that was out nearly 18 months ago now.  Maybe they are fed up with playing songs off that now or just wanted to play different songs to a potentially new audience.  Anyway they did play "Stop", "Beat the devils tattoo" and "Spread your Love" which were excellent.  Overall an enjoyable set and a good taster for folk who hadn't heard them before. And you really can't complain when you have a support of their calibre.

Alice in Chains were a surprise.  You can listen to a band all you want through headphones but you never know what they are going to be like live. And they were excellent. Really, really good. They were up for it. The crowd were up for it.  Although the set spanned 8 albums. Half the set was made up of songs from "Dirt" and latest album "Rainier Fog".  Those are really the two main albums I have actually listened to by them so it was nice to recognise a lot of the stuff even though I'm not too close to the material.  I was impressed how tracks like "Rainier Fog" and "Never Fade" from the latest album stood perfectly alongside the other tracks which made them and they sounded amazing live.  Songs like "Man in a box" and last song "Rooster" seemed to get the best reaction of the night.  It wasn't just their playing that was impressive though, the light show they had packed all the punches too as it varied throughout the night and added a great deal to the show.

Overall a great gig and a great night.  Alice in Chains have definitley gone up in my estimation after this one as a top live band.  Braehead I thought was pretty good as a venue too.  It wasn't sold out but I would probably say it was between 80 and 90% full.

Jade Bird - Self titled

Jade Bird is an exciting new talent coming from England.  She is a singer songwriter and plays the guitar.  It was a bit random to say the least how I discoverd her music.  I was on You tube and spotted one of her videos in the recommeded viewing section. I saw it had 1.4 million views and I thought to myself how have I not heard of her if she has been getting that much attention. One click later was all I needed to see why.......

The song in question was "Uh huh".  Oh my.  This song really is fantastic. It clocks in under 3 minutes which is normally something I would complain about but not in this case. It's as if she has put in so much fire and energy into this song that when it finishes she has nothing more to give.  The song shows off her ferocious vocals which will go right through you. This is just one of the tracks off her self titled debut album which came out April 2019. 

The rest of the album is a mixed bag.  Songs like "Love has all be done before" and "I get no joy" are reminisant of "Uh huh" with those upbeat, attitude driven pop/rock.  But there are more kick back songs on the album which at first I wasn't that impressed with but they have grown on me over time.  I think the reason for this is because I though "Uh huh" and the likes were so good that I just wanted the album to be songs like that. 

"Lottery" was another one of her singles she has released off this album and is one of the more kick back songs mentioned and shows off her incredible vocal range.  One artist which springs to mind as an influence, particarly on this track, is KT Tunstall.  Two other tracks worthy of mentions  "Going Gone" and "Side effects".  "Going gone" is your classic counting song which builds up nicely as it goes on.  "Side effects" is another classic which should really be released as a single.

Overall a really solid debut by debut by Jade Bird and one to watch out for in the future for sure.  If you like the likes of KT Tunstall or Amy MacDonald you need to check this out.  While it's always easy to name influences for artists its clear that Jade Bird has got her own thing going on hear. Something which should be commended.

The Fallen State - A Deadset Endeavour

"A Deadset Endeavour" is the debut album by Devon, UK based hard rockers The Fallen State.  I first came across The Fallen State last year when they supported Tremonti. They impressed live and after I bought two of their EPs - "View from Ruin" and "Crown Shyness". Criminally I still haven't really listened to "Crown your shadows". But the "The View from Ruin" EP I listened to a lot and as it is absolutley brilliant. So much so the anticipation for their debut album became greater. I did wonder how and if, they were going to match my ever growing expectations for their debut album.

Well 2 tracks dropped before their debut album - "Torn" and "American Made".  My intial first impressions of the tracks were that I felt slightly let down.  They were good songs but I felt they weren't quite up to the standards of the songs on the previous EP and my expectations were sky high. But on the run up to the album I gave them more of a listen and found that these tracks are real growers. Once you start learning the words and the tunes get stuck in your head I actually really like these tracks now.

When the album playback was done the night before the release I was still wondering if the album was going to be any good. As track by track went by, I am not joking when I say there was not one track on it that I would have skipped.  I could instantly see this was a very strong album and one I can see myself listening to for a long time to come.  In fact it only came out yesterday and I have already listened to it about 7 or 8 times including the album playback.

I would say the majority of the album is all out hard rock songs.  I would say my favourites out of these songs would be "American made" and "Attitude". But then you look at the likes of the amazing guitar solo in "Open Wound" and the change up in vocals in "Lovers and Psychos" also showing that there really is no let up in the quality in this album.

There are 2 tracks on the album which while still being hard rock, mix things up a bit are "Paradox" and album closer "Fragments".  They have played about a bit more with the structure of the songs on these tracks and been a bit more adventourous and in both tracks they have pulled it off magnificently. They are like the heavy rock ballads of the album showing off a bit more of the lead vocalists range.  When I was listening to "Fragments" for the first time I wasnt sure how many tracks were on the album and was praying that this was the last track. Not because I wanted the album to be over but because this was they way that the album should finish! It is an epic album closer. A long build up then just keeps on ramping up to a climax.

Overall this is an absolute classic of a debut album that the rock community need to know about.  There is not a duff track on this and moreover the quality is so high they have set the high bar for the next album. But mind you I wondered how they would better the "The view from ruin" EP and they did.

Mark Morton - Anesthetic

In March 2019 Mark Morton released his debut solo album "Anesthetic". Currently he is the guitarist with Metal act Lamb of God and formally to that guitarist in Burn the Preist.  To be quite honest I have never heard a single track by either bands.  But it is clear these bands are well established in the metal community, particularly Lamb of God whereby although I wouldn't recognise the music, they name is familiar. 

But what brought Mark Morton to the forefront of the metal fraternity and the wider music public in the last couple of years and particurly this year was the release of "Cross off" which is his collaboration with Chester Bennington.  I don't think the story of Chester Bennington needs any replay here so lets focus on the song itself.  This shows off Chester's vocals back to Linkin Park's early days with that heavier/angrier feeling.  The song itself is well crafted and shows Mark Morton not only to be a talented musician but an excellent songwriter. It's only 4 minutes and 14 seconds long but it feels like they have packed in so much into the song and it really is great.  Quite rightfully the song has seen the light of day. To me it shows what Linkin Park would have sounded like if they went in a heavier direction.

So a great start to the album but what about the rest of it?  Well Mark Morton certainly seems to have a lot of friends in high places as there are a number of big names on here.  For example Myles Kennedy from Alter Bridge in "Save Defiance". This is another highlight of the album for me but probably this time down to Myles's sublime vocals rather than the guitar work.

When you say someone has a solo album out, you often think that, that person will be the main person on the album. But for me that is a difficult thing to say about this album. Sure Mark Morton was involved in writing all the songs. But Josh Wilbur the producer also gets writing credit for writing most of the songs too along with the singer who sang on each song.  Moreover there are 22 different musicians who appear on this album! Which to me is incredible.  And for me turns this from a solo album into a solo project. Now there is absolutley nothing wrong with a solo project but of course it would lead to difficulties in making this into a live show.

Although 11 different vocalists appear on the album, Mark Morton himself does take lead vocals on "Imaginary Days".  He has clearly proven himself as a guitarist through his previous bands and his guitar work on here. But I think this song is a tester whether he can truely make a successful solo career. Personally I think he has a good, solid rock voice.  While standing alongside the likes of Myles and Chester it does blend into the background a bit. But he is by no stretch of the imagination a bad vocalist and combine that with his songwriting and guitar work I think he has loads of potential to go solo properly.

I think the most interesting track on the album is saved for last and is called "The truth is dead".  There is like a war during this song with light against dark. With vocals from Randy Blythe who is the vocalist from Lamb of God and Alissa White-Gluz from Arch Enemy.  Randy's vocals are heavy and growling which is complete contrast to Alissa's angelic like vocals. The song bounces back and forth and works well and great way to end the album.

Overall I have focused on the highlights of the album. To be honest the rest of the album is ok, not bad, but not brilliant. I feel that Mark Morton has made a very intelligent move in his career by collaborating with these artists. Although he probably did it because he wanted to rather than seeing it as a career move.  By doing this he turned the heads of fans (like myself) from bands like Linkin Park, Alter Bridge, Papa Roach, Arch Enemy etc...  And turned their heads not only towards this album but I'm sure people will look into his other bands because of this as well. Although going by Randy Blythes vocals I probably won't be investigating Lamb of God. But I do think Morton himself is a pretty good vocalist and I hope his next album focuses more on him. This album is a very good effort all the same.

Sigrid - Sucker Punch

To be honest I am not really aware of the Norwegian music scene in any shape or form.  But one artist who have discovered very recently is new pop sensation Sigrid who hails from Norway.  "Sucker Punch" is the 22 year old's debut album.  I actually started listening to Sigrid just last week due to a tweet to a review raving about this album so while I didn't actually watch the review it did make me spin the record.

And what a good choice that was!  "Sucker Punch" is a delightful piece of modern pop and shows an artist who already writes quality material.  I would say the songs can be divided into 2 categories; Predominatley all out, upbeat pop songs and some gentler songs which show another side to her.  Firsly lets talk about the all out, upbeat pop songs.  The likes of album opener "Sucker Punch", "Mine Right New", "Strangers", "Don't feel like crying", "Sight of you" and "Don't kill my vibe" I would say all fit into this category and that is like half of the album.  There are more like this on the album but I think you get the jist! These songs will put a smile on your face.  There is so much energy running through these songs and you really feel peformance wise she is giving it 100%.

These songs to me have the potential to become summer anthems this summer. I know she is already down to play Glastonbury and TRNSMT at least this summer.  And these songs are just so catchy and easy to sing along to I can imagine there were will be more than just a few moments during her set were people just go "Wow, this is amazing".  She even brings these songs to life through her videos where they also show off her personality.  The way she comes across is a care free, young and happy person just enjoying singing her music and dancing about without a care in the world. A very engaging character.

Then we have the other side of the album. The slower songs which do the job of mixing things up and making the album balance out a bit in terms of tempo.  None more so than album closer "Dynamite". This song is a piano ballad and Sigrid's vocals really come to the fore in such a tender and poignant way.  "In Vain" is another slower song, well for the first half of the song anyway. Then this really cool drum beat kicks in and the song bursts into life. The build up then the change in beat really works well here.

Overall if you like upbeat pop music which is slightly different to what is out there at the moment by an exciting and emerging talent, this album is definitley for you.  I think by the end of the year there may be a sitution where Sigrid could quite easily become a household name and festival organisers maybe bumping her up bills if they get a hold of this.

Bring me the Horizon - amo

"amo" is the 6th studio album by rock/metal lords Bring me the Horizon.  Released in early 2019, this review has been a month in the waiting as I try to put into words how I feel about this album which is unusual for me.  To be honest Bring me the horizon are a band which have passed me by since their formation in 2004.  A couple of years back I did discover the video for "Follow me" which I thought was excellent but I only really skimmed over their back catalogue as none of the other tracks really grabbed my attention in the same way.

Well that was until "Mantra" hit the airwaves late last year which was the first single to be taken from "Amo".  This track is so good its actually my favourite track which was released by any artist in the whole of 2018.  Its an all out rock song with such a catchy chorus.  For me it is a total anthem and a track which really drew me into the band and I had such a high level of anticipation for "Amo" due to hearing this song.  The Grammy awards commitee even agreed with me to an extent as the song although it didn't win it was nominated for best rock song.

But how did I feel when I first listened to the album?  To be honest apart from "Mantra" and "Medicine" I felt a bit let down.  I think I was expecting an album full of similar all out rock songs like the two singles and the rest of the album just passed me by and I didn't get into it all.  I did persist with this album though and gradually I have warmed to it more and more. I can see why I didn't like it for starter but now I can see why I do like it.  

This is a very adventourous move for the band as they move their music in different directions on this album. So much so some of the songs don't even sound like Bring me the horizon songs. For example "Nihilist blues" featuring Grimes has this dance beat running through the track. A dance beat! For a band that it is known for its heavy rock metal roots. I imagine some fans would be terrified by this. But the track works. Instead of big riffs it feels like this could be played in a club in Ibiza. "i don't know what to say" is another track which takes a different direction - a softer songs with violins and acoustic guitars.  Now I know Bring me the horizon have done a concert with an orchestra but I don't think they have fitted a song like this onto an album before.  But again it works.

"fresh bruises" is another track which is so refreshing.  This time they have gone for a bit of chilled out electronica.  This is another track where by if it came on the radio for the first time and you hadn't heard "amo" previously. I wonder how many people would guess that it was Bring me the horizon? Not many I don't think.  My favourite track off the album at the moment is "Mother tongue".  I just think on this track lead singer Oliver Sykes shows off his vocal range to its full potential. The delivery is excellent and its just a really good pop song.

Overall I think Bring me the Horizon were very brave with this album as its one of those ones when you go into other genres you risk losing fans but at the same time I think they will gain some new fans through this.  I have grown to really like this album and I know its only the start of March as I write this review but this is my favourite album of this year so far.  

White Lies - Five

White Lies return with their imagitively titled fifth album "Five". I have followed this band near enough right from the outset. In fact I have seen them live 3 times, all round about the time of their first album "To Lose a life". The one thing which has really struck me about this band through there first four albums is the consistentcy shown through all the albums.  They are a band which many of their fans would argue are very underrated considering the quality they deliver time after time. But what about "Five"? Does that meet that bar they have set so high through their previous albums? Let's get into it!

"Time to Give" was the first single to drop from this album and is also the first track off the album.  One thing which grabs you straight away is the fact this is a 7 minute tracks which must make it one of their longest and arguably most ambitious tracks to date.  By releasing this track first it must be of the mindset that you aren't going to get much radio play and relying on the existing fan base you have already built to spread the word about the quality of this track.  It did take a while for me to get into it but now I love it.  The one key thing for me that shows the sign of a good long song is that it doesn't feel like a long song and that time seems to fly by. This is what this track does and to me that shows what a good track and thus what a good album opener this is.

One thing I got the impression before this album came out was the band were building this record up to how different the album was and how it was the best album they have ever done etc. I understand that bands do this to sell records and they probably are genuine and do believe in what they are doing and that it is the best thing they have ever done. But in my opinion, while this is a good record, I wouldn't say they have gone off the beaten White Lies track in any shape or form. Yes they have made a track on this which is slightly longer. Yes they have made tracks which differ from tracks that they have made in the past. But it has that White Lies sound all over it which they have been honing more and more over the years.

2 of my other favourite tracks off the album are "Finish Line" and "Tokyo" which they also released as singles/videos.  "Finish Line" has a lovely acoustic opening and the vocals in places are spot on.  "Tokyo" is an absolute tune and has a good feel to it all the way through.  Overall again the consistency/quality of the songs is a good standard but one track I find a bit of a let down is album closer "Fire and Wings".  To me here they are going for the epic album closer. But it just doesn't quite get going and ends up a bit stale. Another slight gripe is that its 9 tracks.  To me unless its a track full of 10 minute plus songs, then albums should be 10-15 tracks. So slightly short changed but maybe I would have been talking about another not very good song on this album if they had made it 10 tracks so lets leave it there.

Overall this is a strong album and I would say they have just about kept there consistency going. There are some real classics on here and it is an album I will come back to for more listens.  I must also give kudos to the band for raising money for RNIB and producing a lyric book in brail.  A nice touch.