British rockers Mallory Knox have released their second full-length album, Asymmetry. Overall, the album shows little change in the band’s style, maintaining the mixture of heavy rock with occasional softer melodies they are known for. Asymmetry shows how Mallory Knox have perfected this signature sound of theirs while introducing new, unseen sides.
Singles “Ghost In The Mirror” and “Shout At The Moon” display the band’s intentions for this album, with “Ghost In The Mirror” showing how they’ve perfected their heavy rock sound and “Shout At The Moon” mixing what they’re already good at with something a bit different.
Review: Major League - There’s Nothing Wrong With Me
There’s Nothing Wrong With Me is the sophomore album by New Jersey alternative rock/punk band Major League. The band’s first release after the departure of former vocalist Nick Trask, it features guitarist Brian Joyce taking the lead, but does it stack up to their previous releases? Keep on reading to find out.
There’s Nothing Wrong With Me begins with the rock-esque “Wallflower”. Right away, listeners are introduced to Joyce’s edgier voice, throwing all pre-conceived notions out the window. It’s followed by “Graves”, one of the album’s stronger tracks, which sees Major League moving toward a melodic pop-punk sound, something that’s present throughout the record’s duration. It’s quickly contrasted by the heavy “Pillow Talk”.
“Drown” is the new track from British metalcore five-piece Bring Me The Horizon. A definite step in a new and fresh direction, the single showcases the band’s continued journey to a new sound and I can personally say I enjoyed every second of it.
The track begins with a light alternative-rock sound that later transforms into a solid rock melody. A far cry from their first three albums, it looks like Bring Me The Horizon are channeling a vibe similar to that found on Sempiternal. Vocalist Oli Sykes ditches his signature raspy screams, instead opting to sing and showcase the song’s lyrical content (which speaks of the world sometimes being too heavy to handle), and the overall instrumentation isn’t as anger-filled or loud as it has been in earlier releases.
New York pop-punkers State Champs recently released their new EP, The Acoustic Things, making it their third release via label Pure Noise Records. The EP is a selection of five acoustic tracks previously featured on their debut full-length, The Finer Things, and two new songs, giving the right combination of both old and new favourites.
“Elevated” is the first track on the EP. The original version of the song was the lead single off of the band The Finer Things and is one of the ones that defines their sound. Nevertheless, this new version doesn’t fail to deliver, even with the high expectations surrounding it. It starts off the EP perfectly, with the guitar parts really showing through and frontman Derek DiScanio’s vocals finally being showcased.
Lift A Sail is the ninth studio album from pop-punk pioneers Yellowcard. The most melodic release of the band’s career, it seems they’re beginning to experiment more with their sound, and I can guarantee I’m not the only one who’s liking the direction they’re taking.
The album begins with the Sean Mackin’s violin taking center-stage on “Convocation”. It’s a beautiful intro and allows you to picture what the album’s title is all about. It’s followed by the loud and in-your-face “Transmission Home”. The transition between the two tracks is a little abrupt, but the journey taken throughout its four and a half minutes make that easily forgettable.
Every once and awhile, a band will come along that breaks down the walls of what rock music is. They won’t follow the rules or incorporate the riffs everyone else does and will instead show that different can hold its own. Well, Hands Like Houses are one such band and the Australian six-piece have blown everyone away with their most recent release, Reimagine EP.
Reimagine is a remake of five songs from the band’s sophomore album, Unimagine. Taking an acoustic and alternative view to their usual rock sound, the songs are each reinvented and placed in a spotlight filled with beautiful instrumentation and melodic vocals. While some might miss the loud instruments and screaming vocals, I can tell you that nothing is lost by toning the songs down. Rather, something is added, something that shows a dimension and beauty not noticed before.
“I Want Out” is the lead single off of Young Guns’ upcoming third album. The rock five-piece, who have a solid following across the pond, are teasing a sound that’s lighter than their previous works and I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s loving it.
Before I jump into this review, I would like to state that Bones, Young Guns’ second album, is one of my all-time favourites. Two years after its release, I still can’t get enough of it and I don’t see that fact changing anytime soon. Due to my love for that album, I was a little bit worried about Young Guns’ follow up. Would they keep the sound on Bones or would they alter it? Would the melodies still be catchy or would the band do a complete 180° with their sound? Obviously, I had a lot of questions, but if “I Want Out” is any indiction, then I’m more than sure I’m going to absolutely fall in love with album #3.
Pop Psychology is the third studio album from Utah new wave rockers Neon Trees. In comparison to their previous releases, 2010’s Habits and 2012’s Picture Show, this new album is definitely more mature both lyrically and musically. On first listen, you can’t help but bob your head or tap your foot and if it came on at a party, it would definitely get people on their feet.
The album starts off with the upbeat track “Love In The 21st Century”, which describes just that, the perils of falling in love in the digital age. With lines like “Your kisses taste so sweet, but then you click ‘delete’” and “I check my four different accounts just to end up mad”, most young people can relate. The theme of love and technology also continues into track two, “Text Me In The Morning”.
Recently, Anavae released a new EP, entitled Parallel Dimensions. Basically the alter ego of their last release, Dimensions EP, it is a new look at the band and the songs fans have fallen in love with. Here is my review.
The EP starts off with “Parallel Hang Man”, a song which right away brings to mind VersaEmerge – a good thing, in my opinion. Anavae have always had the ability to create beautiful rock and electronic music, and this song is just the beginning of an elctro-journey. “Parallel Hang Man” is softer than it’s original version, “Hang Man”, and shows that the duo has the ability to transform their music in ways most can’t. The electronics allow the lyrics to hold their own and vocalist Becca Need-Menear’s voice is something you can easily get lost in. In summary, “Parallel Hang Man” is an excellent way to start off the EP.