Not Another Music Blog.: manchester

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Friday, 25 May 2018

Track Review: Basement Revolver - 'Baby'

Ontario trio Basement Revolver have released their gorgeously dense new single 'Baby'. The band are Chrisy Hurn (guitar/vocals), Nimal Agalawatte (bass/synth) and Brandon Munro (drums) and the track is the first off their debut LP released on the 24th of August via Fear of Missing Out Records and Sonic Unyon Records.

The track is a plodding, down-tempo affair with heavy reverbs and piercing lead vocals. The grandiose nature of 'Baby' is something we weren't initially expecting from the three-piece and it grabbed our attention instantly. The most striking element of Basement Revolver's sound has to be Hurn's lead vocals; her passion and tones cut through the thick, murky instrumentation perfectly.

Hurn says, 'Baby was written at a point in my relationship where I was so happy with my partner and with the things in my life at that point – but I felt an overall dissatisfaction and sadness that I couldn’t explain.'. The chorus clearly states how Hurn was feeling and the direct lyricism is perfectly accentuated by Hurn's passionate delivery.

Musically the track is brilliant. The melodic nature of the instrumentation coupled with the emotive vocals means this tune packs a punch. It's noisy and abrasive at times and could benefit from a slight shift in dynamic, but to be honest, we're nitpicking here.

This is a fantastic teaser track for Basement Revolver's debut record released in August. If you're a fan of noisy, emo-rock then this is the perfect sad track for you.

Listen to 'Baby' below.

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Tuesday, 22 May 2018

Track Review: Sauce - 'There's A Fool'

Manchester-based rock and rollers Sauce have returned with their killer new single 'There's A Fool'. This time around they've teamed up with Alex Greaves to deliver a track full of massive choruses, guitar solo's and of course, those signature #riffs. 'There's A Fool' is set to feature on the bands eagerly awaited debut EP released later this year.

Swirling, psychedelic guitars open the track before we're thrust straight into the blistering chorus. Sauce are clearly here to grab our attention and the first opening bars do exactly that. Molyneux's vocals tear straight through the lush instrumentation and dense backing vocals. The song doesn't really let up in the verses either where the vocals are still as intense and the beat drives hard. The slight dynamic contrast comes from the guitars as they take more of a back seat.

Structurally the song doesn't mess about. Sauce have favoured a simpler approach here than their previous efforts and they pull it off well. With two choruses before the one minute mark, it's clear the band are vying for a catchy, radio-friendly hit. They have also introduced added percussion and their backing vocals are much more improved. As a whole 'There's a Fool' is a massive step forward for the young Manchester band.

Finally, the highlight of the track has to be the rousing final chorus. Dean really let's rip with his vocal and his talent is undeniable. More moments like this and it won't be long before Sauce are filling large venues on a weekly basis.

With this new single, the band have clearly grown and matured. Working with Alex Greaves has been an inspired choice as he has given the band more direction and crafted a smoother sound. We're very excited about the impending debut EP and you should be too.

The track is live on all good streaming sites but you can listen to 'There's A Fool' by clicking here.

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Thursday, 16 November 2017

Track Review: Sauce - 'What Feels Better (Than You And I)?'

Hot off the heels of a run of successful live shows up and down the UK, the Sauce boys return with their massive third single 'What Feels Better (Than You And I)?'. Based in Manchester, the band have gained a strong live following and from listening to the new single, its easy to see why. Band members Dean, Henry, Lewis and George took the short trip to record the new tune with Alex Quinn (Blossoms, The Coral) at Liverpool's Parr Street Studios garnering impressive results.

'What Feels Better...' opens with distorted amp noises before the drums blast through, bringing the rest of the instrumentation with. It's here that the groovy nature of the track really comes to prominence. With group backing vocals and distorted guitar riffs, the opening few bars are enough to make anyone wake up and pay attention. In the verse we are introduced to Dean Molyneux, this time taking lead vocal duties from Henry Lewis. The chemistry of both Dean and Henry (now on backing vocals) is excellent, creating a catchy 'call and response' sound which will be more than enough to get the fans singing along. The chorus is where Dean really comes into his own. His vocal is carefully controlled, but also shows a raw passion that is sometimes hard to find in rock music today.

The instrumentation throughout the tune is heavy and noisy. Compared to Sauce's previous two singles, you can really hear their musical progression. The sound of 'What Feels Better...' is more mature, with a clear song structure and consistent, well-rounded vocal melodies. The band's psychedelic sound is brought to the forefront in the middle-eight with warped, swirling guitar riffs and a booming drum section which builds to one final vocal part from Dean.

Sauce have come through with a fantastic, sophisticated and catchy third single here. It will only be a matter of time before the word spreads about the psychedelic rocking lads from Manchester.

'What Feels Better (Than You And I?)' is out on all good streaming services on 17/11/2017.
In the meantime, listen on SoundCloud below.

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Tuesday, 10 October 2017

Album Review: Liam Gallagher - 'As You Were'

William John Paul Gallagher returns with his debut solo effort 'As You Were'. Liam was propelled to fame in the 90s as the lead singer of Brit Pop pioneers Oasis. After three line ups, seven studio albums, and hundreds of punch-ups with brother Noel, Oasis disbanded in 2009. Liam didn't waste much time before getting the band (partially) back together, forming new outfit Beady Eye a couple of months later. The Beady Eye dream didn't last long however, and after two studio albums they called it a day 2014. Now, after much anticipation, Liam is back with his first venture as a solo artist.

The album opens with 'Wall of Glass'; a rip-roaring, blues inspired banger. Produced by Greg Kurstin (Adele, Foo Fighters, Ellie Goulding), it appears that Liam is pandering to a new fan-base as much as his old one. The man means business with a strong vocal, dynamic drum beats and a gospel backdrop enough to make any LG fan well up with joy. Unfortunately, the pace and promise is instantly slowed down courtesy of second track 'Bold'. It is in these slower, down-tempo tracks where the strain of the years can be heard in Liam's voice. Third track 'Greedy Soul' is essentially a Beady Eye rip-off, whilst 'For What It's Worth' could have been a 'Be Here Now' B-side. Oasis fans will find their most nostalgic moments here, as well as potentially the best verses on the whole album.

Image result for liam gallagher

There are, thankfully, several moments of brilliance. 'You Better Run' gives us what Liam does best in the form of good old fashion Rock 'n' Roll. These more energetic tracks accompanied by heavier riffs (see also 'Greedy Soul' and 'I Get By'), allow his attitude and gravelly tone to take centre stage. The highlight of the entire record must be 'Come Back to Me'. Though his brother Noel could easily have written it, Liam's performance and vocal range remind us why he was lead singer of Oasis in the first place.

For a debut album, Gallagher has delivered something that's arguably a little obvious. Even the standout tracks sound a bit too familiar and its unlikely that the nostalgia trip will fully satiate fans. With influences appearing to come almost exclusively from past Oasis records and The Beatles (shout out to Helter Skelter popping up on 'You Better Run'), you could be forgiven for wondering where the originality is in Liam's songwriting. As the album title suggests, it's back to basics for LG x.

6/10

Best track - Come Back To Me

Worst track - Chinatown

Listen to 'Wall of Glass' here

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