Boston Manor - Desperate times, Desperate Pleasures EP

 I have been in two minds whether to review the latest EP by Boston Manor - Desperate Times, Desperate Pleasures.  I got into the band in 2020 through finding an EP on Spotify called "Plasticine Dreams" which had 5 tracks on it.  It was unbelievably good, and I only had to wait a month for their next album "Glue" to come out.  This contained all of the tracks released on the EP.  It was on that day I learned that when artists release songs on Spotify in the build up to an album it ends up calling itself an EP even when it’s really getting people exposure to the next album.  

For "Desperate times, Desperate Pleasures" though it is looking more and more like this is a standalone EP. One of the reasons for this is because it did get released on tape and also it has been out a fair while now with no proper announcement for an album yet.  So hopefully next thing we'll here from Boston Manor is a new album announcement with unreleased music. Fingers crossed!  So what do we have with this EP.  Well, I think the songs on here are a lot more straight up and simpler than songs on their last album "Glue". "Glue" went in all sorts of directions and the structures of the songs felt so ambitious and imaginative.  Overall, it was my top album of 2020 because of this.

"Carbon Mono" was the first single released off this EP and it rocks hard.  It's definitely one of those songs which has grown on me over time.  "Algorithm" was next and this has probably been one of my most played songs of last year.  Again, it feels really simple but it’s so effective.  Even when you look at the vocal performance. He doesn't really seem to fully stretch his vocals through most of the song.  But after the bridge he takes it up a gear and it just makes the song so wonderful. The bridge on here and the climb out of it is my favourite part of the whole EP.  It just strips back to the vocals and single guitar. Then everything else gradually comes back in for a thundering finish.

You can tell the EP was recorded during the pandemic as the overall feel of the EP is quite gloomy and downbeat.  You don't really need a private investigator to work it out. Songs like "I don't like people (&They don't like me)" kind of give the game away instantly.  That song also starts with "I haven't left my bedroom, for 16 days, and i don't see why I would do, when everything is so grey". I think in this EP they capture the mood of the nation through these troubled times and a lot can relate.

The title track "Desperate times, Desperate Pleasures" is another rocker.  I have noticed that Boston Manor are good at finding well known sayings and integrating them into their lyrics seamlessly.  "Bad Machine" being a good example of this from their second album.  "Let the right one in" is the last song on the EP and it’s a slower moving one but has just as much oomph and grandeur as the other songs.  

Overall, this is a fantastic EP which is looking like a stop gap as they make a new album which I am looking forward to tremendously.

Slothrust - Parallel Timeline

 

"Parallel Timeline" is the 5th studio album by American alternative rock band Slothrust.  The Boston based band seem pretty underground and have only gone on my radar in the last month due to them appearing on You tuber Spectrum Pulse's end of year lists both song and albums. Out of all the songs and albums on those lists this was the one that stood out for me the most and I checked out the album immediatley.  And I have been listening to it ever since.

The album was released in September 2021 and a month before hand they had to part way with their bassist due to allegations against him.  Which may have tared the album release build up, but this is an album that, regardless deserves some attention.  The first two tracks really pull you in and are such a fantastic one, two punch but do so in their own totally unique ways. First track "Cranium" creeps in with a slow beat and feels like a pretty standard indie track. Well would be if it wasn't for Leah Wellbaum's exquisite vocals.  But then at three minutes the song takes a direction which is both refreshing and the first time you hear it pleasantly surprising.   From this point it goes into a 1 minute, 40 second guitar solo which is so mesmorisingly amazing.  It's not trying to be technically amazing.  Its raw and moves along at a relaxing pace before winding up the track. An excellent start to any album.

Next up "Once more for the ocean" turns things up a notch and is wonderfully upbeat singalong.  "The next curse" features none other than Lzzy Hale from rock heavyweights Halestorm.  The two complement each other well and will hopefully turn more attention on to Slothrust having someone on this track like Lzzy Hale.  The song builds nicely and has another fine guitar solo.  This one is more purposeful than the one on "Cranium" and also more pure sounding.  But just as good.  I would say that after the first 4 tracks the rock element of the album is really done, and the rest of the album is more downbeat and at some points epic.  Both styles really seem to suit Wellbaum's voice.  "Strange Astrology" in particular is such a dreamy, spacy track which is so beautiful.

While guitars are present early on, piano and synths shine through on tracks like "Waiting" and "King Arthur's seat".  "A Giant Swallow" turns to the acoustic guitar in another low key, exquisite track. I think this album could have finished on either of the last two tracks.  "White rabbits" and "Parallel Timeline have that ending, climatical feeling about them. And both great in their own way.

Overall, this is an absolutely cracking album which I hope will get the attention it deserves.  It's so refreshing and is one which keeps you on your toes as it goes in all sorts of directions.  They are very talented band with a unique view on song writing which separates them from the crowd.

Coldplay - Everyday life

"Everyday life" is the 8th album by UK rock pop outfit Coldplay.  Released in 2019 this saw a pattern forming in their album releases. "Mylo Xylto" was their commercial rock pop record, then "Ghost stories" was more ambitious and experimental. Then "Head full of dreams" was back to being the commercial rock and pop record. Now with "Everyday life" it's arguably their most ambitious album to date.  And it was quite unique the way they released it. It is dubbed a double album, one side being "Sunrise" and the other being "Sunset".

On the day of release, they played the first half of the album live on you tube at sunrise in Jordan. Then did the second half at sunset at the same venue. This live set is now combined and can still be seen on You tube.  And the setting and performance is quite incredible, and I must admit I much prefer watching the live experience than listening to this on CD.  Mainly because you can fully appreciate exactly what has gone into this record.  There are many session musicians and backing vocals dotted throughout the album that maybe you would miss on CD but really come to the forefront on the live performance as you can see them.

But that's the thing, the live performance they did in Jordan was the only time they would perform "Everyday life" as they chose not to tour the album. At the time they cited that the next time they tour they wanted to do it in the most environmentally friendly way as possible.  They then listed ways they were going to do it but maybe at this stage the research was still in early stages.  Or the cynic in me thinks that they didn't tour it because the album isn't really built for stadiums and doesn't have the same commercial appeal as say "Mylo Xylto" or "Head full of Dreams".

The singles they released off the album were excellent, "Orphans", "Champion of the world" and "Everyday life".  But the absolute standout track for me was "Arabesque".  This song stands as one of my favourite Coldplay songs ever.  It is just so different and has such a great swagger about it.  The saxophone totally dominates this track which is the main reason it stands out so much and this was actually my track of the year in 2019.  

Overall, I think that although there is some diamonds here, it's' not their best album and I think if they believed in it themselves they would have toured it regardless of their morals.  But I think the Jordan performance is magical and is definitely the way I would recommend listening to this album.  

 

Albums I am looking forward to in 2022

 Alter Bridge - Despite members being busy with their own projects at the moment, the plan is to meet in April and start the process of writing an album and get it out Autumn/winter

Asylums - This albums done and will be released in 2022.  Keeping the pattern going by releasing an album every 2 years. Hopefully this one, being their 4th will give them the recognition they deserve.

Avengned Sevenfold - This has been quite a long time in the making as I think it was about 2016 when their last album "The Stage" came out.  They have been getting into the world of NFTs recently and seem on the brink of the album being ready and with festival dates booked for the summer it looks like the album will drop in 2022

Boston Manor - After an EP in 2021.  And saying they have been busy in the studio. Does a new album loom for 2022? or will it be the year after?

Bring me the Horizon - Not exactly sure of timescales but they have another 3 releases due in the Post Human series so would expect 2022 to see one of them

Ghost - They have already dropped a few singles in 2021. Although no album announced yet, they have a tour booked for spring so it can't be long before an album is annonced.

Mars Volta/At the drive in/Omar - Omar has released so much in his career but 2021 seemed like quite a quiet year for him. Yes Mars Volta did release the box set but as far as my memory goes that was it. I would be surprised if one of Omar's projects didn't release something in 2022.

Muse - This one is pure speculation but I think it was 2018 since "Simulation Theory" came out so would not be surprised if they released an album in 2022.

Nosound - Giancarlo Erra has been busy on solo projects but has said to expect a new Nosound album in 2022

Porcupine Tree  One of the few albums I am looking forward to that actually has a release date which  is June.  This came out of nowhere as I thought Porcupine Tree was done and Steven Wilson was quite happy with his solo stuff. But this material has been around a while and is going to see the light of day.

Red Hot Chili Peppers - Semi speculation.  They do have a stadium tour booked and I would be very surprised if it was a greatest hits tour. Hopefully a new album to go with it with Frusciante back in the fold.

Shinedown - Seems like a new album is in the can. American tour booked called "Revalations Tour".  Wonder if the artwork and name is going to be the same as the unannonced album.

Slipknot - They did release a single 2021, and have got plenty of gigs booked for 2022 so new album could very well be on the way.

Taylor Swift - She has now released 4 albums in the last 2 years. 2 new ones and 2 re-releases.  Would be nice to get a new album again but the gems she is unearthing with these re-releases, something is better than nothing.

Tenille Townes - She released a few singles in 2021 so quite possibly her second album could be on the cards in 2022.

Those Damn Crows - Guitars and Vocals done for their 3rd album.  Sounds like its almost in the bag so just waiting for release date to be announced

White Lies  -  Couple of singles already released and album and tour coming early in the new year

Wombats -  Last mentioned but this one is due out first.  3 singles already released and a release date in January

6/12/21 - Myles Kennedy @ O2 Academy, Glasgow

 

Myles Kennedy is the lead singer of Alter Bridge and also Slash's band.  But tonight saw him take the stage under his own name on the back of his second album "The Ides of March".  While he toured his debut album "Year of the Tiger" in Glasgow and Edinburgh on separate UK tours.  I didn't make it along to either of those shows.  But I did rank "Year of the Tiger" in my top 10 albums of the year, the year it came out.  In those shows he went proper solo with just him on the stage.  This time he had a drummer who was a friend he grew up with along with a bassist whose actually his manager too.

But first up tonight was Cardinal Black, a band whose story began over 10 years ago.  They were in the process of writing their debut album in American but as you can read on their debut album but things didn't go to plan and they disappeared.  Fast forward to 2021, re-formed and some single releases. Who knows, hopefully an album is around the corner.  The Academy was pretty full for them coming on and Cardinal Black certainly didn't disappoint.  Tom Hollister on vocals delivers such a heart-warming performance with his emotive and powerful vocals.  Chris Buck on guitar is a serious talent, one which Myles himself acknowledged during his set later on.  Not often I have been to a gig and the audience gives a round of applause after a guitar solo during a song. But tonight, it happened twice in total awe of Buck's genius.

I think many would probably be wondering about Cardinal Black only having a half hour set when there was only one support act but I think tonight the quality more than made up for it.  Plus having a second support act only adds to the risk of having someone test positive. Which is the last thing the tour needs.

Myles came on to the stage with Tim and drummer at 9pm sharp and played a variety of songs stretching out from his illustrious career.  But most of the songs were from his 2 solo albums.  With one Alter Bridge song - All Ends well on the acoustic guitar which probably got the best ovation of the night.  He also played "World on Fire" which comes under his Slash repertoire, and he played one Mayfield Four song too.  But the rest was all his solo stuff.  And one thing would be clear is that as much as Myles is known for being one of the nicest, friendliest guys in rock.  He still can't please everyone.  It just shows his talent and the strength of his 2 albums that there were strong songs that he had to leave out.  Most notably 2 of my favourites, the title track from "The ides of March" which is a total rock epic.  And also "The great beyond" which I think he didn't play because to fully do it justice you need the string section.  On another date after this one Myles did actually play "Ides of March" and admitted he didn't play it much because its more challenging to play but he totally nailed it. I'm just glad I got to see the video!

But take nothing away from not playing these songs.  There were plenty of songs played tonight that were so, so good.  And with the likes of "Haunted by Design" and some others he did even do some extended jams to mix things up a bit.  Which is something Alter Bridge, to my knowledge don't really do.   I think Mark Tremonti may have some influence over this in Alter Bridge as Tremonti normally keep to the core of songs too.  Which is fair enough on both accounts.  One thing you really notice about Myles during the gig is just how insanely talented he is, not just as a songwriter but a guitarist too.  When you work alongside some like Tremonti, you could be forgiven for blending into the background due to Marks talent.  But you can see that Myles is just as much of talent as Mark is.   

I do love the latest Myles record.  There are so many warm, upbeat songs like "In Stride", "A Thousand Words" and "Wake me up when it’s over".  Then you have the likes of the slower more brooding "Moonshot" and finishing the encore with "Worried mind.  It really was just an excellent gig and I'm so glad I went to see him this time round.

Photos by Craig Graham and Campbell Hunter

Taylor Swift - Red (Taylor's Version)

 "Red" is the 4th album by country pop sensation Taylor Swift.  Originally released in 2012, fast forward 9 years to 2021 and she is re-releasing it as "Taylor's version".  This is the second album to get this treatment with her second album "Fearless" being the first back in April 2021.  Interestingly she didn't release any singles off "Red" in the run up to the release. Like she did for "Fearless" when she released "Mr Perfectly Fine".   But what she did release in the run up was "Wildest Dreams (Taylor's Version)" which is on "1989" which I saw as I very strange decision.  I think it was down to fan demand, but you would have thought she would release something off the album which was due out first.  

I'm not going to lie, athough I am a big Taylor Swift fan and have been for a long time.  When Taylor's version of "Fearless" came out it was exciting to get all these tracks that I hadn't heard from before.  And don't get me wrong when this release came out, I was again looking forward to all the new tracks again.  But at the same time, I am getting a wee bit more sceptical of the whole thing.  I get that she fell out with her old label and is doing this, so she has all the master recordings of the tracks.  But what this could mean in the future doesn't seem good for the music industry in general.  What if all the big acts start re-releasing their albums every 6 months.  It would make it harder and harder for new acts to breakthrough as big acts stay at the top by giving people slightly different versions of what they are familiar with.  And we all know these fans can be very loyal to big artists.

It's not just that though, Taylor is getting appearances on TV shows and all over the music press for this album.  Again, she is getting all this attention for an album that has gotten all this attention already 9 years ago.  All this press she is getting could have been for artists who are bringing out new music now.  And the thing is Taylor still has 7 albums which could give this treatment to.  There is something about it which doesn't seem fair.   But I guess from a TV/music press point of view they see dollar signs with whatever Taylor does and it is in the public interest.  

In a way it may be slightly unfair to single Taylor out.  It's not her fault she is that big an artist.  And I know there are plenty of artists who re-release albums and celebrate anniversaries for albums.  For me it just seems unfair to take attention away from artists who are bringing out albums now.  
But what about this album.  For me the re-recordings need a bit of over analysis to compare them and it's not the way I like to listen to music.  I don't listen to one version of a song then listen to the other and detail the differences. I just don't see the point.  The point for me is that the core of these songs feels the same.  And whatever the intricate differences are "Red" is still a great album and was always a great album.

The extra tracks "From the vault", like the "Fearless" additions" are tracks I am glad she released, there are more country style tracks than I would expect as, after all, "Red" really was Taylor's pop album.  But there are still a few upbeat pop numbers which would have fit quite nicely on to album if it wasn't slammed with hits already.  "Message in a bottle" is my favourite track at the moment.

But in terms of what track has taken all the headlines from this re-release is "All Too Well" 10 minute version.  When I found out there would be a 10 minute version of this song on the album I have to admit I was hoping for a winding guitar solo or a nice piano section.  Afterall bands which do songs of this length that is what you usually get.  But Taylor is not your usual artist.  Taylor has transformed this song and added more versus and extended the outro.  But there are no long instrumental sections, far from it, this is Taylor going into more detail with a story.  With what we found out on "folklore" and "evermore", it's what she does best.

I think what makes the 10 minute version so good as that new versus fit into the song so well and so easily. It's no surprised that this is Taylor's top song on Spotify and has had over 75 million streams, compared to the second highest streaming off this version of red which is "Red" itself with 25 million streams.  I do hope that this has knocked down barriers with pop artists who will be encouraged to write longer songs now with seeing the success of this track.  Coldplay also did one of similar length with their latest album and it was also epic.  

Overall, "Red" to me, will always be a classic album. What she has done to it here has not changed my mind.  I refuse to analyse the differences and take it on the surface. It is essentially the same album with tweaks that don't alter it enough to force my opinion to change.  The extra tracks are most welcome and the 10 minute version of "All too Well" is the cherry on top.  In hindsight I wonder if she wishes she was brave enough to put the 10 minute version on the actual album in the first place.  Instead, now it’s basically listened to as a standalone track.  But I suppose it’s better that than not to see the light of day at all.

Ed Sheeran - = (equals)

 "=" is the 5th studio album from English singer songwriter Ed Sheearn.  Ed rose to fame pretty quickly.  I remember watching Glastonbury coverage the year before his debut album "+" came out and he did "A-team" especially for the coverage. It was clear back then he was talented and also different to what was out there.  Back then he was by himself with a guitar and a loop peddle.  Since then, he has grown to become one of the biggest acts in this decade.  You just have to look at his Spotify streams, "Shape of you" has over 2 billion streams while "Perfect" is 1.8 billion streams and I'm sure there are plenty of other songs too with ridiculous stats.

But to be honest, although liking some of the singles, particularly "A-team" and "Sing". I've never been the biggest Ed Sheeran fan.  I have tried listening to his albums in the past and there has never been enough to bring me back for repeated listens. Yes, he has good singles but there has never been enough depth of quality going into the albums.  That was until I listened to this album "=".  I really feel this time there is a lot more going on with the music here and bringing in other musicians has added some depth and variety to his sound.  Just look and "The Joker and the Queen". A slow-moving piano ballad, which is absolutely majestic and the strings later on make it even better.  

But I think the balance on this album between ballads and more upbeat tracks is where Ed really has nailed it.  The upbeat tracks on here are some of the best he has done.  "Bad Habits" and "Overpass Graffiti" are two of my favourites of the year.  It's difficult to decide which ones better.  The first track "Tides" I thought sounded a bit like Snow patrol from the guitar intro.  Then I found out one of the producers on the album, Johnny McDaid is in Snow Patrol.  The influence is clear but there is more to this track.  The pace changes work well. 

Overall, this is a really solid album and did take me by surprise.  I am still not desperate to see Ed live but I will certainly be listening to this album for a time to come.