The Review
Gold Coast newcomers Strangers show promise, but also room for improvement on their demo release. Black Flag’s influence on the band is undeniable, but fellow hardcore punk legends Minor Threat are more prominent to Strangers sound due to their mixture of shorter track times, and thrash metal-riffery grinded against rough vocals. However Strangers also experiment and tread into power violence territory, with the endings for “Demons” and “No Man is an Island” shifting gear into an onslaught of screams, sounding reminiscent of power violence band Charles Bronson. Strangers are not without their flaws however, sometimes the thrash metal inspired guitars sound subdued; the solo at the end of “Depersonalised” sounds like it pleaded to go longer, but was denied. “Third Eye” begins with little instrumentation accompanied by screamed vocals, and although the vocalist is consistent throughout most of the songs, it’s hard to bear- especially due to the majority of the demo being musically driven. Strangers strongest songs are when the bass hits full groove, such as in Sycophant and Depersonalised, and the band choose to incorporate other genres such as power violence, which will surely create mosh pit mayhem.
Stand-outs
Depersonalised
No Man is an Island
Overall Rating
6/10
Friday, January 21, 2011
Thursday, November 18, 2010
People Rain, The Matador and Ghost Town 19/10/10
People Rain
People Rain’s style is undoubtedly influenced by the hardcore punk movement from the 1980s. The band mixes fast chord progressions, alongside thrash metal riffery which pays homage to bands such as Black Flag or D.C hardcore favourites Bad Brains. Unfortunately People Rain’s energy on stage doesn’t represent the genre of music they wish be indentified with; and this is most visible when the band members don’t face the crowd. People Rain are at their strongest when the vocalist belts out hardcore punk shouts, but drunken slurs almost take away credibility from the aggressive shouting. People Rain does have potential, and energetic unity by the members is the key to achieving this.
Venue
Elsewhere
Overall Performance
5/10
Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/peoplerain
The Matador
The Matador are a difficult band to define. The band utilises experimental melodic sections which help create a landscape of atmosphere, and serve as progression to a later chaotic climax of sounds. Both instrumentally and vocally, the Matador are brilliant. The vocalist's screams hit ear-piercing highs and are always on pitch, and when the band is in full effect, they sound reminiscent of earlier Norma Jean. It’s also fresh to hear a band that uses the bass for more than just an added element underneath the rhythm guitar. Overall, the Matador’s experimental nature of Isis, blended with later day metalcore should not be missed.
Venue
Elsewhere
Overall Performance
9/10
Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/thematadornoise
Ghost Town
Ghost Town play modern day hardcore similar to many of the bands on the Resist Records roster, and after witnessing Ghost Town live, it’s clear why they were the headliners for the Elsewhere show. The band plays with intense energy that only subsides once their set is over, and the band are at their strongest when heavier groove metal-inspired riffs are in command. Ghost Town overall are tight as a unit, with each member serving their purpose well, especially the drummer with his unrelenting tempo’s, and the vocalist with his harsh vocal delivery, accompanied by dark lyrical content. Ghost Town was the only band to achieve a mosh pit throughout the event, which is undoubtedly due to their notorious live shows earning them a dedicated fan base.
Venue
Elsewhere
Overall Performance
9.5/10
Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/thisisghosttown
People Rain’s style is undoubtedly influenced by the hardcore punk movement from the 1980s. The band mixes fast chord progressions, alongside thrash metal riffery which pays homage to bands such as Black Flag or D.C hardcore favourites Bad Brains. Unfortunately People Rain’s energy on stage doesn’t represent the genre of music they wish be indentified with; and this is most visible when the band members don’t face the crowd. People Rain are at their strongest when the vocalist belts out hardcore punk shouts, but drunken slurs almost take away credibility from the aggressive shouting. People Rain does have potential, and energetic unity by the members is the key to achieving this.
Venue
Elsewhere
Overall Performance
5/10
Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/peoplerain
The Matador
The Matador are a difficult band to define. The band utilises experimental melodic sections which help create a landscape of atmosphere, and serve as progression to a later chaotic climax of sounds. Both instrumentally and vocally, the Matador are brilliant. The vocalist's screams hit ear-piercing highs and are always on pitch, and when the band is in full effect, they sound reminiscent of earlier Norma Jean. It’s also fresh to hear a band that uses the bass for more than just an added element underneath the rhythm guitar. Overall, the Matador’s experimental nature of Isis, blended with later day metalcore should not be missed.
Venue
Elsewhere
Overall Performance
9/10
Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/thematadornoise
Ghost Town
Ghost Town play modern day hardcore similar to many of the bands on the Resist Records roster, and after witnessing Ghost Town live, it’s clear why they were the headliners for the Elsewhere show. The band plays with intense energy that only subsides once their set is over, and the band are at their strongest when heavier groove metal-inspired riffs are in command. Ghost Town overall are tight as a unit, with each member serving their purpose well, especially the drummer with his unrelenting tempo’s, and the vocalist with his harsh vocal delivery, accompanied by dark lyrical content. Ghost Town was the only band to achieve a mosh pit throughout the event, which is undoubtedly due to their notorious live shows earning them a dedicated fan base.
Venue
Elsewhere
Overall Performance
9.5/10
Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/thisisghosttown
Saturday, October 9, 2010
4 Dead in 5 Seconds and the Lost Cause 09/10/10
4 Dead in 5 Seconds
For a first show, metalcore outfit 4 Dead in 5 Seconds were surprisingly impressive. The band plays a popular form of metalcore, that is- melodic death metal inspired guitars thrown into a melting pot of blast beats, and a mixture of both harsh and clean vocals. Although first show nerves were undoubtedly present, the band seemed to overcome this throughout their set and this paid off. The crowd were quick to realize this newfound confidence alongside their technical musicianship and honoured the band with a mosh pit, which is a rare occurrence for a bands first show. There are improvements to be made of course, the clean vocals although catchy, did seem off pitch on occasion. Overall, the band has left a great first impression. If you’re looking for a mix of brutal lows and ear-piercing high screams, harmonized guitars and anxiety-pumped rhythms, you’ve found your band.
Venue
Shed 5
Overall Performance
7.5/10
Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/4deadin5seconds
The Lost Cause
Having recently toured Australia, four-piece punk band the Lost Cause show no sign of fatigue. The bands adrenaline injected live show (under the influence of alcohol too, of course) immediately started a mosh pit. This indicates how tight the band is as musicians, as they’ve obviously earned themselves a dedicated fan base. The band also embarks on crossing genres, fusing the unrelenting speed of punk chords and beats with Pantera-esque riffs, harsh, quickly yelled vocals, and bass lines inspired by punk rock legends Rancid. Although it’s hard to make out the words being shouted by the lead vocalist, there are enough Oi’s and beer on stage to make their roots in punk rock proud.
Venue
Shed 5
Overall Performance
9/10
Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/thelostcausegc
For a first show, metalcore outfit 4 Dead in 5 Seconds were surprisingly impressive. The band plays a popular form of metalcore, that is- melodic death metal inspired guitars thrown into a melting pot of blast beats, and a mixture of both harsh and clean vocals. Although first show nerves were undoubtedly present, the band seemed to overcome this throughout their set and this paid off. The crowd were quick to realize this newfound confidence alongside their technical musicianship and honoured the band with a mosh pit, which is a rare occurrence for a bands first show. There are improvements to be made of course, the clean vocals although catchy, did seem off pitch on occasion. Overall, the band has left a great first impression. If you’re looking for a mix of brutal lows and ear-piercing high screams, harmonized guitars and anxiety-pumped rhythms, you’ve found your band.
Venue
Shed 5
Overall Performance
7.5/10
Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/4deadin5seconds
The Lost Cause
Having recently toured Australia, four-piece punk band the Lost Cause show no sign of fatigue. The bands adrenaline injected live show (under the influence of alcohol too, of course) immediately started a mosh pit. This indicates how tight the band is as musicians, as they’ve obviously earned themselves a dedicated fan base. The band also embarks on crossing genres, fusing the unrelenting speed of punk chords and beats with Pantera-esque riffs, harsh, quickly yelled vocals, and bass lines inspired by punk rock legends Rancid. Although it’s hard to make out the words being shouted by the lead vocalist, there are enough Oi’s and beer on stage to make their roots in punk rock proud.
Venue
Shed 5
Overall Performance
9/10
Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/thelostcausegc
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Eagle Fang and Iron Bird 19/06/10
Eagle Fang
There’s no doubt in Eagle Fang’s ability as musicians. They play heavy, fast and at times, technical glam-inspired music, but this all falls behind the shadows of the inabilities of the vocalist. The vocalist seems more focused on amping up the crowd and attempting to seem political rather than his singing or “screams”, neither of which he does well. A fine balance must be met and soon, otherwise the band may find themselves underneath the same scrap-heap that buried their glam-metal heroes in the 80s.
Venue
The Swirl Tavern
Overall Performance
3/10
Myspace
www.myspace.com/eaglefangrock
Iron Bird
On the other hand, Iron Bird has that balance. The band all work together as one and their music is clearly enough to stir movement in the crowd without falling upon stereotypic crowd pleasers. The band's brand of hard rock/metal in fact sounds better live than on their recordings, and the lead guitarist pulls off stage moves that would perfectly fit in a music video. Iron Bird’s E.P is good, in fact, it’s great. But their live performance overshadows it, and that defines this band.
Venue
The Swirl Tavern
Overall Performance
10/10
Myspace
www.myspace.com/ironbird.official
There’s no doubt in Eagle Fang’s ability as musicians. They play heavy, fast and at times, technical glam-inspired music, but this all falls behind the shadows of the inabilities of the vocalist. The vocalist seems more focused on amping up the crowd and attempting to seem political rather than his singing or “screams”, neither of which he does well. A fine balance must be met and soon, otherwise the band may find themselves underneath the same scrap-heap that buried their glam-metal heroes in the 80s.
Venue
The Swirl Tavern
Overall Performance
3/10
Myspace
www.myspace.com/eaglefangrock
Iron Bird
On the other hand, Iron Bird has that balance. The band all work together as one and their music is clearly enough to stir movement in the crowd without falling upon stereotypic crowd pleasers. The band's brand of hard rock/metal in fact sounds better live than on their recordings, and the lead guitarist pulls off stage moves that would perfectly fit in a music video. Iron Bird’s E.P is good, in fact, it’s great. But their live performance overshadows it, and that defines this band.
Venue
The Swirl Tavern
Overall Performance
10/10
Myspace
www.myspace.com/ironbird.official
Monday, June 14, 2010
Rampage! 12/06/10
The Review
Rampage plays a hybrid of Hardcore, Deathcore and other heavy metal genres, most notably those popular in the 80s. They offer an energetic live performance, riddled with breakdowns, an orchestra of screams, as well as they occasional technical guitar fill or melodic death metal inspired guitar harmony. At times the vocalist recalls Ed Butcher from I Killed the Prom Queen fame, minus the melodic, clean singing delivered by other members. Overall the band performs a promising live show, and their technicality is to be admired. However Rampage still do require the experience that will only come with more shows under the belt.
Venue
The Tempo Hotel
Overall Performance
7/10
Myspace
www.myspace.com/rampagegc
Rampage plays a hybrid of Hardcore, Deathcore and other heavy metal genres, most notably those popular in the 80s. They offer an energetic live performance, riddled with breakdowns, an orchestra of screams, as well as they occasional technical guitar fill or melodic death metal inspired guitar harmony. At times the vocalist recalls Ed Butcher from I Killed the Prom Queen fame, minus the melodic, clean singing delivered by other members. Overall the band performs a promising live show, and their technicality is to be admired. However Rampage still do require the experience that will only come with more shows under the belt.
Venue
The Tempo Hotel
Overall Performance
7/10
Myspace
www.myspace.com/rampagegc
Friday, June 4, 2010
Ironbird "Hit the Limit" E.P
The Review
In their first effort "Hit the Limit", Ironbird mix and match genres into their own, bearing an undeniable Motorhead-esque sound. The E.P begins with "Wild and Waiting", a song characterized by an unrelenting punk-rock tempo and an anthemic chorus, which calls for a bottle of Jack or horns to be held high. The band next shifts gear to "Beneath an Iron Sky", one of the clear stand-outs. Showing no signs of slowing down, the song boasts an even catchier chorus, while still keeping things heavy. "Beneath An Iron Sky" keeps the listener mesmerized by an impressive guitar solo, foregrounding the bands ability as a unit. The title track "Hit the Limit" utilizes thrash metal riffery and centring the song is a solo that wouldn’t feel out of place on a Black Label Society album. Showing no intent on shifting down a gear, the band keeps things quick, heavy and short for "Shotgun Suzy". The E.P is wrapped up by "Outlaw Run", which is an appropriate end. Ironbird successfully utilize their influences and stand out from the pack, unlike many of their contemporaries, who are quick to photocopy the formulas from their favourite 80’s metal bands.
Stand-outs
Beneath an Evil Sky
Hit the Limit
Overall Rating
9/10
Myspace
www.myspace.com/ironbird.official
In their first effort "Hit the Limit", Ironbird mix and match genres into their own, bearing an undeniable Motorhead-esque sound. The E.P begins with "Wild and Waiting", a song characterized by an unrelenting punk-rock tempo and an anthemic chorus, which calls for a bottle of Jack or horns to be held high. The band next shifts gear to "Beneath an Iron Sky", one of the clear stand-outs. Showing no signs of slowing down, the song boasts an even catchier chorus, while still keeping things heavy. "Beneath An Iron Sky" keeps the listener mesmerized by an impressive guitar solo, foregrounding the bands ability as a unit. The title track "Hit the Limit" utilizes thrash metal riffery and centring the song is a solo that wouldn’t feel out of place on a Black Label Society album. Showing no intent on shifting down a gear, the band keeps things quick, heavy and short for "Shotgun Suzy". The E.P is wrapped up by "Outlaw Run", which is an appropriate end. Ironbird successfully utilize their influences and stand out from the pack, unlike many of their contemporaries, who are quick to photocopy the formulas from their favourite 80’s metal bands.
Stand-outs
Beneath an Evil Sky
Hit the Limit
Overall Rating
9/10
Myspace
www.myspace.com/ironbird.official
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