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The genre that refuses to die: A history Of Southern rock In 40 songs
From the late 60s until today, here are 40 songs that show why Southern rock continues to thrive -
LESS THAN JAKE Return to Australia and New Zealand This Oct/Nov
Ska-punk mainstays Less Than Jake return to Australia and New Zealand this October and November for their ‘Circus Down Under’ tour, bringing their signature mix of brass, hooks and chaos back across the country.
As a long time favourites of Australian audiences, the Floridian five piece has built a reputation that goes well beyond nostalgia. Every return visit to our shores sees full rooms, full singalongs and fun times and is a reminder of why they love to come back.
In their own words, Australia remains “one of our favourite places in the world.” and that feeling has remained totally mutual.
Across more than three decades, Less Than Jake have carved out a catalogue that sits at the centre of ska-punk’s global story. From early staples through to later releases, their shows balance energy and precision, big choruses, sharp playing and just enough edgy unpredictability to keep things interesting.
Joining them on all dates for the Circus Down Under tour are; The Aquabats! who bring their own brand of offbeat, high energy performance and Detroit’s The Suicide Machines who deliver a sharper edge. Fast, direct and rooted in punk as much as ska.
No overthinking required here.
If you’ve seen Less Than Jake before, you already know what to expect.
If you haven’t, this is the time to find out.
Pre sale starts Tues, April 14 @ 9.00am local time
On Sale – Wed, April 15 @ 9.00am local timeRegister for presale tickets here:
www.teamwrktouring.com/tours/less-than-jake-circus-down-underThe post LESS THAN JAKE Return to Australia and New Zealand This Oct/Nov appeared first on The Rockpit.
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ENTER SHIKARI Surprise Release Album!
Photo Credit Kate Hook With zero announcements or teasers from the band, Enter Shikari have today surprise released their brand new album! Lose Your Self (released via So Recordings) spans 12 tracks exploring themes of desolation, futility and complete despair at the state of the world, but with glimmers of hopefulness and optimism threaded throughout. Whilst the likes of major pop stars including Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber who have famously released albums out of the blue over the years, Enter Shikari have managed to not only release Lose Your Self digitally, but also physically, unlike their predecessors. As of right now (from midnight on Friday 10th April), this accomplished and ingenious body of work is available to stream and also buy in CD and vinyl format worldwide. Listen here.
Frontman Rou articulates, “We’re delighted to present LOSE YOUR SELF, and give people the chance to hear a Shikari record like never before – as a cohesive whole.
We want people to go on a proper journey with this album, and see where it takes them.
No lead up, no singles, and no explanation. Forcing the listener to actually listen, without being drip-fed ideas out of context, or spoon-fed explanations.
We simply present it all, for the listener to immerse themself in.Releasing in this way was also a decision to not be distracted by chart races, or accolades and “things”.
We got the No.1 album on our last record. This is simply about the music being presented in a natural way.Despite turning out to be one our darkest and heaviest albums to date, it also preaches hope and offers answers.
Shikari will always offer hope, because without hope there is no action. We’ll just always offer it with a dose of realism.”Alongside this revelationary release, the band have also announced a run of intimate album release shows! Shikari will play The Cavern in Liverpool on 23rd April, The Fighting Cocks in Kingston on 24th April and Signature Brew in London on 25th April. These unmissable shows give fans a unique experience to see the band up close and personal, and a chance to see the brand new songs live for the first time. Tickets for these shows go on sale on 15th April – follow this link for details on timings for each show.
Earlier this year, Enter Shikari announced a UK and EU headline arena tour for November, their biggest yet, a headline run around Australia in May, and also around North America in June! The EU dates kick off on 3rd November at the Sporthalle in Hamburg, and include the band’s biggest ever German headline show, at Düsseldorf’s Mitsubishi Halle, boasting a capacity of 7500! The band will then begin the UK leg of the tour in Nottingham at the Motorpoint Arena on 13th November. Gigs in cities including Cardiff, Hull, Glasgow and Manchester will follow, before ending with not one but two shows at London’s Alexandra Palace on 20th and 21st November! They will be joined by Holding Absence and The Callous Daoboys as support for both the EU and UK leg. All dates, information and tickets for all live dates can be found here.
Every ticket sold for the band’s UK arena tour dates will include a £1 donation to the Music Venue Trust, supporting grassroots music venues under threat of closure in the UK. Enter Shikari were the first artist to implement the scheme which is one very close to their hearts, with ticket sales from their 2024 arena tour carrying the donation, paving the way for the likes of Sam Fender and Coldplay to follow suit with their own generous donations.
The highly-anticipated November tour is the band’s first arena tour since their A Kiss For The Whole World tour in 2024, celebrating their album of the same name landing them their first ever UK No.1 album in the Official Charts, where they had previously scored 6 Top 10 albums! The 2024 tour included their raucous debut Wembley Arena show. The four-piece last year released Live At Wembley, the triumphant live show recorded in full available on streaming services, and on a limited run of vinyl available at only four record stores worldwide. You can also watch the full show here, which features footage from the first FPV (first-person view) drone to be flown live at Wembley Arena!
During their remarkable and celebrated career, Enter Shikari have received several accolades in the form of gongs from NME, Kerrang!, Rock Sound, Heavy Music Awards and more. They have played a whopping 3000+ live shows around the world including three headline arena tours in the UK, supported the likes of The Prodigy and Linkin Park and played festivals such as Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds, Download and Slam Dunk where they also headlined in 2023.
The post ENTER SHIKARI Surprise Release Album! appeared first on The Rockpit.
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“Hunger Strike” Cover to Raise Funds for Charities
Members of bands attached to the X Music label have banded together to record a track for charity.
Project X was the initiative of Dreamkillers/Fractured State member Damien Kechagias, pulling together musicians and singers from other label-affiliated acts including Dellacoma, Audio Reign, Wayward Kings and Whiteford, to put down a cover of Temple of the Dog’s Hunger Strike. Proceeds will be donated to organisations such as Support Act, Beyond Blue and others specialising in men’s health.
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GENERAL CHAOS Deliver Distortion and Melody on “The Idiots Have Taken Over”
Photo Credit: Hugo Genest Montreal’s sixteen-year-old punk trio General Chaos return on Stomp Records with “The Idiots Have Taken Over,” out April 10, 2026. The second advance single from their upcoming LP Can’t Please ’Em All leans into a more controlled, mid-tempo swing, trading speed for weight without losing impact. Built on a steady, driving groove, sharp downstrokes, and layered vocal harmonies, the track lands between Rancid’s punch, the snarl of Radio Dead Ones, and the hook-heavy grit of Social Distortion. Where “Busted” cracked the door open, this one plants its feet. “The Idiots Have Taken Over” is direct, confrontational, and rooted in frustration with political dysfunction and unchecked power. Lines like “There’s a problem and no one there to fix it / Shut your fucking mouth because I’m having none of it” don’t aim for metaphor. They land as blunt statements, carried by a chorus that repeats like a warning more than a hook. The band leans into contrast here, pairing biting lyrics with tight, melodic structure and harmonies that keep it grounded.
Formed in 2022 at just twelve years old, General Chaos have grown up quickly inside Montreal’s punk ecosystem, from early Pouzza Fest sets to all-ages rooms across Québec and Ontario. By fifteen, they had already released their debut LP Outta My Way with Ryan Battistuzzi, establishing themselves as more than a novelty. That momentum carries into Can’t Please ’Em All, recorded in three days at Le Stuzzio with Battistuzzi and produced by Fred Jacques of The Sainte Catherines. The record captures a band that knows restraint as well as release, with Aude Deniger’s bass pushed forward, Rémi Jacques’ drumming locked and deliberate, and Constantin Blondy’s guitar work kept tight and efficient.
Part of a Montreal lineage that runs through The Nils, The Asexuals, Planet Smashers, Banlieue Rouge, and The Sainte Catherines, General Chaos aren’t reviving anything. They’re continuing it. First recognized in La Presse as a generation “running punk on Kool-Aid,” the band quickly turned curiosity into conviction. With “The Idiots Have Taken Over,” they don’t ease in or soften the edges. They call it out plainly, loud, and without compromise. The single arrives April 10, 2026, ahead of Can’t Please ’Em All on May 8 via Stomp Records.
General Chaos Online
INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY | BANDCAMP | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE
The post GENERAL CHAOS Deliver Distortion and Melody on “The Idiots Have Taken Over” appeared first on The Rockpit.
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YAWNING MAN + THE RUBBER SNAKE CHARMERS + PSYCHIC SUN – Lalala’s, Wollongong. April 3, 2026
PSYCHIC SUN
THE RUBBER SNAKE CHARMERS
YAWNING MAN
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ANEKDOTEN Expand Their Debut Album With Demos
Six studio opuses released over three and a half decades may not seem to make an impressive legacy, yet it’s always been quality, rather than quantity, that ANEKDOTEN valued from the start, and there’s hardly a progressive rock aficionado out … Continue reading
The post ANEKDOTEN Expand Their Debut Album With Demos appeared first on DMME.net.
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Reetoxa Soliloquy Review
Reetoxa Soliloquy Review
This album immediately dives into the essence of rock with the track “REETOXA.” It showcases an unmistakable influence from the 1980s. The sound is pure rock without any constraints. Next is “INSATIABLE,” which greets listeners with a captivating guitar riff. Its vocal line shines brightly, particularly in the highly catchy chorus.
“DANCING WITH LOU” opens once more with an energized riff. The guitar’s sound is notably crunchy, complemented by an engaging rhythm. The vibes exude positivity and optimism throughout the track. Another dimension of the band is revealed in “GOWN.” This song begins with a simple yet expressive arpeggio. The sound of the snare drum is highly reverberated, creating a distinct effect. The bridge features strings played by a European orchestra, turning it into a lovely ballad.
“JADE EYES” elevates the adrenaline levels once more. What stands out in this track is the dystopian mood it conveys. “ERICA AND THE STARS” introduces another nostalgic ballad. The band excels at evoking emotion through engaging melodies. The chorus is particularly impactful, stirring deep feelings.
Soliloquy – Sound and Atmosphere
“SCHITZO WALTZ” is nothing short of epic. The vocals arrive with an oracular quality. I enjoyed the rhythm and the chorus feels wonderfully full. This artist manages to channel vibes reminiscent of Black Sabbath while also embracing more modern acts like Weezer. Certain riffs even hint at classic rock influences.
“PURPLE VEIN” is another track with a persuasive edge, showing shades of the 1990s sound. “WAKE UP LUCY” starts with an anthem-like quality, making it feel like the soundtrack of a television series or film. The album concludes with “ALRIGHT.” This song begins on an atmospheric note. It is an alternative ballad that enables listeners to travel through their imagination, carrying a hint of nostalgia.
This is an impressive collection of tracks that I would recommend to everyone. The album stands out for its variety and emotional depth, providing a fresh perspective on modern rock while paying homage to its roots. Each song, with its unique characteristics, contributes to an overall journey that feels personal and universal.
Soliloquy – Performance and Production
Reetoxa’s “Soliloquy” delivers a strong rock experience. The skillful combination of classic vibes and contemporary elements creates a satisfying listening experience. From high-energy anthems to reflective ballads, the album showcases the band’s versatility. The songwriting exudes confidence and creativity, ensuring that each track resonates meaningfully with the audience.
Diving deeper, the emotional arcs within the songs highlight their craftsmanship. “REETOXA” sets the tone with its energetic beginning. “INSATIABLE” brings catchy elements to the forefront. As the playlist progresses, every riff pulls you in further. The intricate compositions hold attention, making the album a compelling choice in today’s music scene.
“Soliloquy” by Reetoxa is a noteworthy project that marries various influences smoothly. Each track resonates with a certain nostalgia while still feeling fresh and current. This blend of past and present creates an exciting atmosphere throughout the album, inviting repeated listens.
Energetic
If you love dark music: Discover More
For fans of:
Black Sabbath • Weezer
The post Reetoxa Soliloquy Review appeared first on Edgar Allan Poets – Noir Rock Band.
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Midnite Radio Fear No Stars Review
Midnite Radio Fear No Stars Review
The band immediately immerses the listener in a unique atmospheric psychedelic ambiance through the music and the accompanying video for their single “Fear No Stars.” The rhythm is urgent and gentle, supported by a guitar that hypnotically follows the melody. As the vocals enter, they deliver a theatrical approach with an almost haunting quality. During the chorus, background harmonies expand the sonic space, evoking influences from bands like Radiohead and subtle hints of Depeche Mode.
At approximately 1:45, the band explores elements that resonate with Muse, transporting listeners into a conceptual space, perfectly aligned with the video’s imagery. The visuals feature psychedelic patterns that depict the journey of life, from cellular movement to vastness in space. This creative representation reinforces the overarching theme that we are all stardust, interconnected as part of a singular universal energy.
The refined arrangements showcase the band’s artistic vision and thoughtfully crafted compositions. Each segment of the single flows seamlessly into the next, maintaining an ethereal quality while engaging the listener on multiple levels. The juxtaposition of rhythmic urgency with delicate melody creates a dynamic experience, keeping the audience intrigued throughout.
Fear No Stars – Details
The vocal delivery exhibits a range that encapsulates emotional depth. The lead vocalist’s theatrical timbre draws listeners in, making the lyrical narrative feel personal and profound. As the song progresses, the interplay between the lead and backing vocals further enriches the texture, creating a fuller sound.
The instrumentation is equally noteworthy. The guitarist’s contributions stand out, with delicate strumming that complements the overall mood. The percussion maintains a steady pace that underlies the song without overshadowing its more vulnerable elements. Every instrument is carefully integrated, enhancing the emotional weight of the single.
Visuals accompanying the music elevate the experience further. The video’s psychedelic imagery merges beautifully with the music, giving it an almost cinematic quality. The representation of life’s creation adds a layer of meaning that resonates with the song’s lyrical content. It creates a holistic experience that intertwines auditory and visual art forms.
Fear No Stars – Performance and Production
The production quality is exceptional. Each component of the track is polished, demonstrating high production values. The clarity of each instrument and vocal layer allows the complexity of the arrangements to shine. This attention to detail is a hallmark of the band’s artistic credibility.
As “Fear No Stars” unfolds, it becomes an immersive experience rather than just a song. Listeners are invited to explore their own interpretations of the themes presented. The band distinguishes itself through its choice of lyrical topics while delivering music that is both accessible and intellectually stimulating.
“Fear No Stars” is a multifaceted work that resonates on several levels. The combination of skilled musicianship, thoughtful arrangements, and evocative themes creates an unforgettable listening experience. The band clearly aims to challenge listeners, encouraging reflection on their place in the universe.
This band manages to craft a unique sonic experience through sophisticated arrangements and a distinctive vision, ultimately delivering an exceptional auditory journey.
Transcendent
If you love this music: Discover More
For fans of:
Radiohead • Depeche Mode • Muse
The post Midnite Radio Fear No Stars Review appeared first on Edgar Allan Poets – Noir Rock Band.
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YES – Aurora (Official Video)
New single from YES, taken from the forthcoming new album ‘Aurora’, out 12th June 2026 via InsideOutMusic.
Animation Directed by Matt HutchingsYES – Aurora
Steve Howe / Jon DavisonJon Davison – vocals, electric rhythm guitar and organ
Steve Howe – Steinberger electric 12 string / Fender Telecaster / Gibson ES-175D / Variax sitar guitar / Gibsn Les Paul Jnr / Autoharp / additional keyboards
Geoff Downes – synth and chorus organ
Billy Sherwood – harmony vocals and bass
Jay Schellen – drums
Czech National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Vladimir Martinka
