A new live version of Strawbs‘ legendary 1972 album, Grave New World, is to be released as a limited edition live release through Witchwood Records on October 9 as part of Strawbs’ 50th Anniversary – the only ever concert rendition of the band’s landmark record.
Today marks the first anniversary of mainman Dave Cousins‘ passing, and the label have shared a live video of Benedictus, one of Cousins’ own favourite Strawbs songs from the band album of which he was most proud,
The recording comes from a live performance from the Lakewood Theatre, New Jersey on April 27, 2019, and features John Ford and Blue Weaver, both of whom played alongside Cousins on the original album, along with Brian Willoughby, Cathryn Craig, Tony Fernandez and Eric Bazilian, and with Wesley Stace as Narrator.
All of Cousins’ royalties resulting from this album will be given to the University Of Leicester and Bangor University, in accordance with his wishes as expressed in his Will, to further the opportunities for musically talented young people.
Grave New World Live will be available as a limited pressing, just 1,000 for the world, gatefold LP with booklet – presented libretto-style, as was the original studio album.
Cole Naylor‘s Cruel is a captivating slice of modern indie rock, balancing shimmering melodies with heartfelt songwriting and a polished, cinematic production. The track effortlessly blends emotional weight with an infectious groove, while Naylor’s expressive vocals give every lyric a genuine sense of urgency. Complementing the song is a beautifully crafted visualizer that enhances its reflective atmosphere without overshadowing the music itself. Both intimate and instantly memorable, Cruel is another strong preview of what’s shaping up to be a promising full-length release.
Mastodon returned in June with “Your Ghost Again,” a tribute to their late ex-bandmate Brent Hinds. Hinds, arguably the most visible member of Mastodon over the years, left the band last year, quitecontentiously. Less than half a year later, he died in a motorcycle crash. His bandmates had already carried on without him, but his death recontextualized that effort.
This week’s Tracks Of The Week contest was a titanic North vs South battle, as London’s The Heat Inc took on Macclesfield’s Virginmarys in a rock’n’roll skirmish that to-and-froed, wove, and wavered, and was finally settled in the former’s favour. So congratulations to them.
Congratulations also to Australia’s Airbourne, who repped the Southern Hemisphere and romped satisfactorily into third place. And now, we go again.
Massive Wagons – Story Of My Demise
Flying back into our lives with a box-fresh banger in tow, Massive Wagons make this next chapter of theirs (complete with a new record deal, new European webshop, German dates this autumn and their biggest ever UK headline dates after) look most appetising. Story Of My Demise is one high-octane yet heartfelt lil’ number. Complete with a video in which the band tackle one of those slightly scary military assault courses, under the eagle eye of an actual paratrooper, it sounds and feels like a metaphor for what they do best – facing the odds honestly and turning them into something joyful.
Triggerfinger – Through The Beam
“Amid the relentless flood of material and sensory temptations that compete for our attention, it may take more effort than ever to recognise the beauty already before us,” observes singer Ruben Block, of the inspiration driving this oozingly cool, suave swirl of alternative rock – all mystique, sorrow and slinky bass, set to an enigmatic vocal melody that pulls you in. “Yet there remains a unique pleasure in pursuing even the most frivolous and seemingly pointless gadget, finding joy and satisfaction in the chase itself.”
Kris Barras Band – Monsters We Made
One of those rockers who could literally crush his enemies if he needed to, MMA fighter-turned-blueser-turned-hard rock swashbuckler Kris Barras adds further teeth to these roots on Monsters We Made. Accompanied by a video full of actual hi-spec monsters, it combines the beefiness of his recent records with the blues-infused feeling and melody of his earlier work – not least of all in that gorgeous guitar solo, adding soulfulness and nuance to punchy foundations. Like the sound of that? He’s got an album of the same title coming next month.
Getdown Services – Cha Cha Slide
The rapidly rising Minehead duo’s new single (the latest from their much-tipped album Massive Champion) packs a disarmingly emotional punch for something named after a 2000-era dancefloor hit/enduring wedding playlist staple. Built on gauzy, bouncing synth lines, beats and funny yet tender kitchen-sink tales of insecurity and social awkwardness – with a giant Minion dancing by the sea. Deadpan observation with a warm heart, its lo-fi ingredients add up to something expansive and quietly profound.
Juliet’s Not Dead – Passing Ships
Juliet’s Not Dead look like any other fun, hairsprayed, leather-trousered band you might find at your local tribute night. Don’t be fooled, though; on Passing Ships they make a much bigger and more striking sound. Less throwback sleaze, more stirring, expansive ‘Big Music’ power ballad, its 80s stadium-filler heft gets an extra kick with notes of punky grit. “As a band you come up against so many challenges,” frontman Stevie Stoker says, “and we wanted this album to reflect all of the emotions, difficult decisions, and strong bonds we’ve made over the last couple of years.”
Ferris & Sylvester – Tiny Little Love
On this soft yet mighty ballad from their next album, the British folky americana duo spin a delicate, deeply moving ode to their son – who was born several weeks premature as they embarked on final shows in Nashville. Issy Ferris sings with a magnetic mix of glassy poise, worldly soul and vulnerability (‘Tiny little, terrifying love, we’re gonna be alright,’ she sings, ‘cling on for dear life, my tiny little love’) warmly accented and elevated by Archie Sylvester’s sumptuous guitar lines. Watch out for the aforementioned album, It’s A Joy To Be Alive, coming out in August
Alabama Shakes – I Feel Hope Coming On
Alabama Shakes have had an unusual career timeline, going on a decade-long hiatus after just five years in the business of rock. Now third album I Must Be Dreaming is looming, and new single I Feel Hope Coming is elegance personified, a soulful slice of contemporary cosmic Americana that’s as smooth as it is soulful. “This younger generation makes me feel hopeful because they can see through all the political lies,” says Brittany Howard. “That song’s about holding onto that hope, and refusing to give up.”
Twisted Teens – Florida Water Blues
Sitting somewhere near the centre of an unlikely Replacements/Strokes/Kinks/Canned Heat/Rolling Stones-circa-Sticky Fingers Venn diagram, New Orleans’ duo Twisted Teens’ third album Florida Water Blues is threatening to turn the band into the kind of underground critical darlings who’ll end up in multiple Album Of The Year polls, and we’re thrilled to be clambering aboard the bandwagon. The title track is a ragged chunk of acoustic southern country rock’n’roll, packed with grit, groove and joie de vivre, and everything about it suggests that the fuss is warranted.
Mastodon have announced their first studio album since their split with Brent Hinds and unveiled a new song called 'Snakes for Dinner' with a guest turn by Josh Homme. Continue reading…
This past weekend, Jay-Z returned to the stage for three massive hometown headlining shows at Yankee Stadium. The first night celebrated the 30th anniversary of his landmark debut Reasonable Doubt, and it included guests like Beyoncé, Nas, and Jay’s old mentor Jaz-O, finally squashing a long beef between those two. The second night commemorated the 25th anniversary of Jay’s classic The Blueprint, and it had guests like Slick Rick, Eminem, and Pharrell. Last night, Jay finished out the trilogy. The third “extra innings” show wasn’t tied to any particular album anniversary, and it included a fair amount of vintage New York chaos.
After Nations enter a bold new chapter with Vajra, the band’s first track to feature vocals, and the result is nothing short of compelling. Fusing progressive metal precision, doom-laden heft, and cinematic post-rock expansiveness, the song unfolds like a carefully crafted journey, evolving from hypnotic, meditative passages into towering walls of sound. The dynamic vocal performance moves seamlessly between visceral aggression and ethereal harmonies, adding a powerful emotional dimension to the band’s already immersive sonic palette. Both crushing and transcendent, Vajra marks an ambitious and exhilarating evolution for After Nations.
Chicago, the rock band known for hits like “25 or 6 to 4” and “Saturday in the Park,” are joined by soul legend Al Green in this 1973 performance. Green sings his own hit “Tired of Being Alone,” with Chicago’s horns locking into the pocket behind him.
Black metal often builds its own world from the history, traditions and darker memories of a particular region. The French band Galibot, however, does not draw inspiration from frozen forests, pagan myths or medieval battles, but from the former coal mines of northern France. Their music brings to life the depths of the shafts, the […]
Marshall have revealed the details of a new amp which they have made in collaboration with Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong.
The 1959BJA is a build on the brand’s iconic 1959HW platform, with a custom “Dookie Mod”, which has been inspired by the tone of the band’s 1995 album, built by the band alongside producer Rob Cavallo.
It is also baby blue in colour, which is a tribute to Billie’s first guitar, Blue.
Marshall’s Culture Marketing Director Steph Carter had this to say about the team-up:
“Billie Joe’s guitar sound is instantly recognisable. From the moment you hear those opening chords on Dookie, you know exactly who it is. Working with Billie to create an amp that captures that punch, aggression and clarity was an incredible project for our team.”
Whilst Billie Joe himself had this to add:
“I’m so overjoyed to have my own signature Marshall amp. These amps have been a part of my musical life, from my heroes down to little old me. Turn it the f**k up!!”
The amp will be available to buy from July 21 at www.marshall.com
