Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Review: A Day To Remember - Norwich Waterfront - 22/02/09
Victory Records' hottest property at the moment, A Day To Remember, are finally in the UK and they couldn't of picked a better time to come. Every date is sold out, their new record 'Homesick' has just been released and the fans cannot get enough of these guys right now. The que is stretching down the street at Norwich's Waterfront venue in anticipation of the Floridian metalcore/pop punk outfit's first trip to Norwich and after tonight's display, this shouldn't be their last.When A Day To Remember hit the stage with 'The Downfall Of Us', the floor is split apart; all bodies hurl themselves at each other whilst the rest sing in perfect time with frontman Jeremy McKinnon. Tonight's set goes down a treat with old classics such as 'A Shot In The Dark' and 'Monument' as well as delivering the two best tracks from the bands latest release, 'Homesick' which are 'Welcome To The Family' and 'Mr Highway's Thinking About The End'.
The band keep the banter to a minimum and let the music speak for itself. Tonight's highlights include a Kelly Clarkson cover of 'Since You've Been Gone' which goes down a storm or the phenomenal set closer, 'The Plot To Bomb The Panhandle', which sees the Norwich crowd surfing over the barriers so fast, you would think Dominoes were giving away free pizza tonight.
A Day To Remember are at the peak of their musical career. They now have three definitive records and have established a huge fan base along the way. Six years of being a band has finally paid off. Make the most of seeing these guys in tiny venues, because they are only going to be getting bigger and bigger.
Review: The Audition - London Koko - 17/02/09
Chicago's The Audition are no strangers to the UK. They know what the crowds are to be expected but being booked as Alkaline Trio's main support on this trip across the pond means the band will have to work extra hard to win over this crowd.From the second The Audition hit the stage, they manage to have fans jumping up and down with their catchy irresistible not to dance to pop-punk style. During the course of the band's short set, they manage to churn out classics such as 'Warm Me Up' and including old favorite 'Dance Halls Turn To Ghost Towns'. The band even treat the crowd to two new songs from their upcoming new record which nothing short of promising. Sadly, like at every party we will expect to find the occasional 'party pooper' who is there to spoil everyones evening but The Audition do not let them get the better of them by gladly inviting people who have a problem to confront them on stage and tell them to their face instead of hiding. As the set draws to a close, Josh Franceschi of You Me At Six gives the guys a hand on 'Don't Be So Hard On Yourself' to the crowd delight.
The Audition have an array of catchy tunes, a good following, a new promising album on the horizon and can tackle any problems which come their way. We can rest assure knowing that we will be seeing more of these guys in the future.
Review: The Arusha Accord/TheSafety Fire/Biolith - Winchester Railway Inn 22/01/09
With the amount of up and coming talent emerging from the metal underground in the UK it’s always a good feeling seeing the bands that are just about to hit the big time. This gig tonight is one of those times. Despite the headlining band Anterior pulling out at the last minute the show as always must go on.Up first are Winchester’s own Biolith, who pull out all the stops for the home town crowd. Their sound is tight and taking influence from the Gothenburg scene with cookie monster vocals to boot. The set is delivered furiously and without compromise. The icing on the cake is a well and truly nailed cover of Devildriver’s 'Hold Back the Day'. Awesome stuff there from a grass roots band.
London’s The Safety Fire impress just as equally. Their own blend of mind boggling math metal blows peoples head off. Think of the Dillinger Escape Plan tussling with a pissed off Meshuggah whilst From Autumn To Ashes plays referee and your almost there. Its jaw dropping the musical skills these guys have. The intricate guitar work is astounding and carries well throughout The Safety Fire's eye watering set The band’s chemistry is electric with equal elements of melody and aggression administered to a stunned audience that are left wanting more.
With the void left by the departure of the much missed Sikth, The Arusha Accord have quite easily have taken over the crown of UK’s most technical and most bonkers metal outfit. The Reading sextet, despite being bumped up to headliner rise to the challenge effortlessly. The twin headed attack from vocalists Alex and Paul Green hit you from so many angles. From the word go Arusha Accord’s set is intense as they open up with 'The New Face Of Revenge'. This is band who aren’t afraid to move or shed blood for their music as bassist Luke Williams busts open his thumb for slapping the hell out of his bass. Its easy to see why this band has fans afar a field the boys from the Dillinger Escape Plan. A complex set that baffles as much as it blows away. The Arusha Accord are definitely one of the hottest things going in the UK metal scene.
A true showcase of technical metal talent that runs rings around the American counterparts. If this is what’s to come then people should be excited.
4/5
Matt Rich
Review: Metro Station - London Electric Ballroom - 29/01/09
The Electric Ballroom tonight is fully packed to its capacity with tickets being sold in weeks in advance. The que is stretched down past Camden market in anticipation for Metro Station's second ever London appearance.Metro Station have all the correct boxes ticked on how to be successful on pop/rock circuit. Irresistable catchy choruses, they have the look, support from bands such as Fall Out Boy, Panic at the Disco and Good Charlotte and the fact your sister is Hannah Montana helps (but its an added bonus).
Despite the fact the band are not headlining tonights show, you wouldn't know that unless you look at the bill. As soon as the lights go down and the band open up into 'Disco', Metro Station have the crowd eating out the palm on their hands. Half way into the set, the crowd are chanting for the band's platinum hit, 'Shake It'. Frontman Trace Cyrus is just in awe when commenting, 'I didn't think you guys have even heard of that song!'. As soon as the song starts, the crowd turns into a dance party/rock show with everyone jumping up and down on there feet. You can't help but wonder if it wasn't for the internet, no one would even of heard these guys, considering their self titled record hasn't been released in the country. Afterwards, the band bid their farewells but say to the crowds excitement, they will be returning.
It won't be long now till Metro Station will be filling bigger venues. As soon as they appear on MTV and hit the teen magazines, there will be no stopping them.
Review: All Leather - Los Angeles The Smell - 11/01/09
If you took one look at Justin Pearson's resume, you would be pretty impressed. At the age of 33, Pearson has played in a variety of established underground hardcore/punk bands, including Some Girls, Swing Kids, which the majority are signed to his own record label, Three One G. As of today, he is still playing bass in The Locust and now his latest creation, All Leather. The other two members of the band (Nathan Joyner of Some Girls and Jung Sing of Maniqui Lazer) are no strangers to playing music and this being their third show as a collective, a support slot at a small venue like The Smell in downtown Los Angeles should be a piece of cake to handle.
With only a handful of songs under their belts, All Leather impress from the second they arrive on stage. The crowd realize from the moment they start, the style of music is different to the band members back catalogue. You cannot pinpoint a genre or style except that it's a mixture of early Black Dice with scattered drumming but still keeping Pearson's style of vocals.
The band plays a short but great set. Notable mentions have to go to the incredible drumming of Sung's, as well as the bands take of Ida Corr's 'Let Me Think About It'. Whilst The Locust are taking some time out, we can rest assure knowing we can expect to be seeing more of All Leather.
Review: The Locust - London Astoria - 08/12/08
San Diego foursome, The Locust, are back in the UK for an appearance at All Tommorows Parties but still find the time to squeeze in a handful of shows and tonight is a support slot for Mike Patton's Fantomas at London's Astoria.The band are no strangers to opening up for bands at venues of this capacity. In 2004, they opened for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Every night resulted them in being bottled, booed and to a lesser extent being escorted out of the venue by police escort. Tonight, they are playing for a crowd of people who in majority haven't seen or heard of them before. It could go either way.
Despite the change of sceneary of a small club stage to a venue of this size, the band have encircled themselves around their own equipment in the middle of the stage. They arrive on a burst into the first two tracks of their recent release, 'New Erections' which to hear in a venue of this size, sound nothing short of incredible. A lot of the crowd seem intrigued but the band manage to conjure up a round of applause after each song. They managed to squeeze enough back catalogue to satisfy any fan in the space of just over 30 minutes. Highlights of the night were to hear the whole 'Safety Second, Body Last' EP in full as well as 'We Have Reached An Official Verdict...Nobody Gives A Shit'.
As far as creativity is concerned, The Locust are one of the best live bands out there. If you have just heard them on record, you really need to see them with your own eyes to believe it.
Review: New Found Glory/Four Year Strong - Nottingham Rock City - 29/11/08
New Found Glory's 'Easycore' tour has finally hit the UK. Despite their new record not being out till next year, this line up has still managed to pack out venues across the country.The stars of tonights proceedings have to be Massachusetts own, Four Year Strong. Their mix of pop-punk, hardcore and melodies turn Nottingham's Rock City into a dance floor mixed with circle pits. Songs of the night without a doubt were 'Heroes Get Remembered, Legends Never Die' and 'Bada Bing With A Pipe'. Four Year Strong are the upcoming band that you need to watch out for. If things continue this way for these guys, they could be Decaydance Records new hot property.
New Found Glory had promised that this tour was going to be one to remember and they deliver on that exact promise. The band deliver over an hour of pop-punk perfection with a setlist packed with enough classics to please all. Tracks like 'Understatement' and 'Dressed To Kill' will never go out of fashion. New Found Glory prove tonight that they do love their fans. The highlight of tonight was when they pull one of their hardcore fans out of the crowd (who has attended every date of this tour) and let him choose their encore. Not a lot of bands are this down to earth.
This band always pulls out all the stops when it comes to their live show. Everyone who buys a ticket always gets their monies worth. Bands like New Found Glory and Four Year Strong prove that pop-punk will NEVER go out of fashion.
Review: Kevin Devine/Jesse Lacey - Music Hall Of Williamsburg - 25/11/08
The Music Hall Of Williamsburg in Brooklyn couldn't of been the best choice of a venue for tonight. The sound, lighting and layout can only be described as incredible of this intimate club and the choice of booking this amazing line up here is a job well done. Tonight is a local show for both artists. Family and friends are here to show support only two days before thanksgiving. Tickets sold out only in a matter of minutes for this exclusive stripped show. With tickets exchanging hands for $100+, everyone is feeling a sense of privilege to be here.
As soon as the doors open, the Music Hall fills up to capacity in seconds. After a great set by Brooklyn local Brian Bonz, Kevin Devine takes the stage. Opening up with the self titled track from his forthcoming record, 'Brothers Blood', it leaves you with chills, and this only the first song into his set. Devine's set is a mixture of songs from his upcoming album and classics such as 'No Time Flat' and 'Another Bag of Bones' are a treat hearing live in person. During the set, with the help of Brian Bonz and another musician, they launch into an impromptu cover of Guns N Roses' 'Sweet Child of Mine' with the first verse and chorus. Devine brings his set to a close with Jesse Lacey, who accompanies him on guitar with tracks, 'Tomorrow's Just Too Late' and 'Ballgame' which they mix into Brand New classic 'Tautou'. This is possibly the highlight of Kevin Devine's set.
Up next is Brand New frontman, Jesse Lacey who kicks off with new album demo, 'Untitled 01' and goes straight into Deja Entendu classic, 'Boy Who Blocked His Own Shot'. At this point the whole venue turns into one giant sing-a-long. After a terrific performance of 'Luca', Kevin Devine joins Lacey in a duet of 'Play Crack The Sky'. To hear this fantastic song with Devine's incredible vocals is nothing short but moving. The duo treat the crowd to Bruce Springsteen cover 'Thunder Road' which is possibly one of the best covers done to date. The highlight of Jesse Lacey's set is when Brian Bonz rejoins the duo for a stripped down version of 'Jesus Christ'. Talent doesn't come any stronger than this.
Line ups like this do not come any bigger than this. Tonight's show seemed more like a few friends hanging out and jamming to a small local hometown crowd. Kevin Devine is one of the best singer/songwriters going at the moment. His mix of acoustic/political/melodic rock is underrated. When 'Brothers Blood' comes out, sooner the better, it could be the record which makes his career and at this point in time, touring is the priority. Jesse Lacey on the other hand, is going to have his hands full with the forthcoming Brand New album out next year. The only thing you say to yourself is, 'its not fair the UK doesn't get shows like this!'
Review: Uh Huh Her - London Koko - 18/11/08
If you haven't seen the hit television show, 'The L Word', your going to stand out like a sore thumb tonight. Despite their latest record, 'Common Reaction' not being in the UK yet, the indie/electro duo still manage to sell out London's Koko with ease.As soon as they hit the stage, the crowd do not seem to get into it. We hear the few cheers between songs but even big numbers like, 'Explode' don't seem to get the crowd going. It's only when Hailey and Camilla come back for the encore, they finally get the crowd on their feet when they launch into their hit single 'Not A Love Song'.
In just over an hour, Uh Huh Her manage to serve up as many songs as possible from their EP and new album. The band as a whole are talented without a doubt but if it wasn't for Hailey’s character on the L Word, Alice Pieszecki, they will still be playing the small clubs.
Review: The Secret Handshake - London Astoria - 01/11/08
Its going to be a hard night for Luis Dubuc aka The Secret Handshake. He is billed as the main support for British metal group Bring Me The Horizon alongside two other heavy support acts on this tour across the UK and for his genre of music to go down well with a crowd like this is going to be a challenge.As soon as Dubuc arrives on stage (accompanied by a drummer and bassist), he launches into his rendition of Skee-Lo's 'I Wish' from the 'Punk Goes Crunk' LP which goes down like a storm. Two songs in, the crowd has turned into a dance party with hands going up and down in the air with their host, The Secret Handshake. You wouldn't think you are at a metal show tonight. We are treated to new song 'Saturday' which sounds like an 80's song about a child waking up on Saturday mornings waiting to watch the morning cartoons and eat their breakfast cereal. Crowd pleaser of the night, 'Summer of '98', goes down like a treat to end a great set.
With the exception of a few narrow minded fans who can't accept anything different, The Secret Handshake win over the London crowd. You can tell Dubuc when performing gives it 110% and to wow over a crowd at a 2,500 capacity venue of the Astoria is nothing short of impressive.
Review: The Banner - Kingston Fighting Cocks - 29/10/08
Its been a two year wait, but The Banner have finally made it back to the UK. Tonight's stop is The Fighting Cocks in Kingston, a small 80 capacity room at the back of a pub. It's small, intimate and the perfect place for a hardcore show.As soon as The Banner hit the stage with 'Venom and Hope', the New Jersey five piece give it their all. Spending most of the time of their set performing in the crowd, the hardcore kids get completely into it. Despite the fact Joey's voice is going and has busted his lip on the microphone, this doesn't stop him for putting on an incredible live set. We hear a mixture of tracks for all their records, to hear new track 'The Wolf' live is something everyone needs to see for themselves. After a short 25-30 minute set, the band close the set by telling the crowd, 'if you like what you hear, message us and we'll send you all of our albums for free' when launching into 'Funerals'.
The Banner are possibly one of the best hardcore punk bands going. They are not making music to make money or be the biggest band in the world. They are not trying to be huge rock stars, its their life. New Jersey hardcore doesn't get any better then this.
Review: Underoath - Terminal 5 - 26/10/08
The line up tonight makes the statement, 'only in America' only more true. Tonight we have The Devil Wears Prada, Saosin and Underoath. You know your getting your moneys worth tonight.When The Devil Wears Prada hit the stage, it felt like the same song over and over. Breakdown after breakdown. They are talented musicians but very repetitive. Saosin on the other hand, have the crowd eating out of the palm of their hand as soon as they hit the stage. On this trip they are selling, for this tour only, a new EP, in which we are treated to in hearing, which goes down well but it all goes wild when the band launch into '7 years' where Terminal 5 turns into one giant circle pit.
When the lights go down, the crowd are deafening for when Underoath hit the stage. Launching into amazing album opener, 'Breathing In A New Mentality', the crowd surfers go wild. Frontman, Spencer Chamberlain, is Moses. The circle pits open like when Moses parted the red sea. We are treated to songs old and new. Just to hear 'A Boy Brushed Red' live can give the newest of Underoath fans goosebumps. New songs such as 'Desperate Times' sound nothing but incredible live. They keep the banter short and let the music do the talking, and in the space of an hour, you only feel wanting more.
Underoath are a band where you have to see it to believe it. The music speaks for itself but its the live experience you need to see which can only make you think that they couldn't get any better. They have a new album under their belts, so these guys are going to be on the road for quite sometime. The only question fans leave tonight asking is, 'When are they next coming to town?'
Review: Zebrahead - London Astoria 2 - 17/10/08
Get up, get up, let the good times roll, Zebrahead have finally made it back to the UK with the release of their new record 'Phoenix' and show London what they do best.They are no strangers to London, as its their 16th time here and know exactly what the crowd wants. As soon as they hit the stage with crowd pleaser 'Rescue Me', the fans goes crazy with pandemonium. We are treated to classics such as 'Playmate of the Year' and 'Set Up' and treat us to some of the new songs from 'Phoenix'.
Zebrahead are not just fantastic musicians, they are genuinely nice guys. They bring a girl on stage who's birthday it is and get the London crowd to sing happy birthday to her but it doesn't stop there. The crowd participation factor is another key factor for the success of their live show. During 'Jag Off' they manage to get everyone to sit down during the song's breakdown until it kicks back in and even manage to get men taking off their shirts for them. The biggest cheer though is reserved for the encore of the night where the band reappear with excellent support band, 'Kids Can't Fly' to accompany them for the brass section of 'Anthem'.
These guys have been together for more than a decade and it shows. They know how to work the crowd and make sure everyone gets their moneys worth. Zebrahead are still one of the best pop-punk bands out there and everytime they come back to the UK, they only get better.
Review: Maps & Atlases - London Bardens Boudoir - 14/10/08
The wait is over. Four years and two EP's later, Alter The Press favourites, Maps & Atlases have finally arrived in the UK. Tonight is the final date of the UK tour and it goes out with a bang. Starting in Aylesbury supporting Foals up and down the country, the band have finally made it to London's Bardens Boudoir venue where its very hot and very crowded.The second the band launch into first song from their latest EP 'Witch', the term 'musician' has a whole new meaning. To witness the guitar wizardry in person of Maps & Atlases is incredible. The timing, drumming, bass and even xylophone skills just goes together so well. They keep the banter to a minimum and let the music speak for itself. Despite a 40 minute set, they cover the majority of both EP's and satisfy the crowds needs.
If you didn't make it to any of their shows, you really are missing out. If you haven't heard them, now is the time because next time when they come back, armed with a new album, you will be glad that you had a head start before the general public knowing who these guys are whilst they still play in such small clubs.
Review: You Me At Six Album Launch - London HMV Oxford Street - 06/10/08
It's wet and cold, but regardless of that, there are 200+ fans in line who want to get a glimpse of the Surrey pop-punk five piece at London's HMV on Oxford Street. Today though is a special occasion, the band's debut record has finally been released, 'Take Off Your Colours', and stakes are high as the wait is finally over.
The band receive a roaring welcome as they play a short but to the point set consisting of new single 'Jealous Minds Think Alike' and 'Take Off Your Colours'. During the set, the sound cuts during one of the songs but the fans continue to sing along to every word until the power comes back. Highlights include during one of the songs breakdowns, frontman Josh says at the shows usually they usually go wild and tells the crowd jokingly to do just that, and on demand we see hundreds of fans jump up and down as well as one fan who gets a little too into it. His friends pick him and at the same time manage to trash a CD display at the same time. Rock and Roll. The band close on the crowd favourite, 'Save It For The Bedroom', and leave the fans on one final sing-a-long where passers-by can hear chants 'SAVE FOR, SAVE IT FOR THE BEDROOM' echoing onto Oxford Street.
You can only be amazed how a band so young, can be this talented. The question is, are You Me At Six the kings of the UK pop-punk circuit? Pick up 'Take Off Your Colours' today and you decide.
Review: Kaki King - London ICA - 03/10/08
Tonight is the last stop of Kaki King's trek of Europe in London, a city she is no stranger too. King has played two sold out nights at the Camden Roundhouse to return later to play London's ULU and now returning to an intimate setting at the Institute of Contemporary Arts where a packed crowd wait to catch a glimpse of the talent which is Kaki King. The crowd is made up of middle age to young (including a six month year old baby believe it or not).As soon as King hits the stage, only to be accompanied by Dan Brantigan on EVI and trumpet, just by looking around at the faces of the crowd, people are in awe. Jaws are dropping and you can even hear a few people saying to each other 'oh my god'. What springs to mind as she combines fret-tapping with slap bass techniques and using her guitar for percussion beats, is The Who's Tommy's 'flipper fingers who sure plays a mean pinball'.
Kaki keeps the banter short and lets the music speak for itself. Whilst playing she seems very calm, cool and collective, every inch of the musician she is. Later during the set, King becomes more talkative to crowd as she regales us with the story of how she beat Justin Timberlake in an online poll with her cover of 'Lovestoned'. After mass persuasion from the crowd, she caves in and plays to a roaring response. The set tonight is mostly comprised of songs from 'Dreaming of Revenge' but still touching on a few from her back catalogue, including 'Playing With Pink Noise'. Between cheers for 'Montreal' and 'Jessica', King declines requests thrown at her but promises she will return with her band to play all the fan favourites. We can only hope its not in the too distant future.
If you haven't seen Kaki King live, your definitely missing out. Next time she is in town, make sure you get your ticket fast because the demand is going to be very high.
Review: Enter Shikari - London Camden Underworld - 30/09/08
Tonight is Enter Shikari's warm up show before they embark on a huge tour across the UK. They haven't played the Underworld for a good few years and for a band of this caliber to return to a venue this small, you know there is going to be chaos and thats exactly what happened. Shikari haven't played a set for a while and it shows. Technical difficulties play the biggest part of their performance. Broken microphones, faulty amps and monitors do not help but its not their fault, once again this is a warm up show, its expected but the fans do not seem to care, they just feel grateful that they can see Enter Shikari in a small venue once again.As soon as the band hits the stage, all hell breaks loose in the crowd and the band egg the crowd on for more. Frontman Rou, the ringleader of tonight shouts for the two-steppers to do there thing and for the crowd to join them onstage, and this is only during the first couple of songs, and they are ones no one has heard yet live. We are treated to new songs such as 'The Jester', 'Hectic', 'Kickin' Back' and already crowd favourite 'We Can Breath In Space'..this only leads everyone in much anticipation for the new record but the old school fans leave the mayhem reserved for 'Return For Energiser', 'Sorry Your Not A Winner' and 'Enter Shikari' where we see human pyramids evolve from the crowd and people climbing on the pillars and lights on the ceiling.
Despite the technical faults of tonight, the band kick off the first night of their UK tour with a bang. The wait is over, Enter Shikari are back, and about time.
Review: Forever The Sickest Kids - London Underworld - 22/09/08
This is Forever The Sickest Kids' first trip to the UK. Despite what was supposed to be originally a support slot for Cobra Starship (pulled out due to recording commitments), the band still kept there promise to come to the UK and to fulfill their commitment to play and meet as many of their fans as possible.Tonight's support comes from UK based bands, All Forgotten and Kill The Arcade. All Forgotten, even though it being their hometown show, they fail to impress with anything that hasn't been done before where Kill The Arcade show the UK has some up and coming talent.
When the Texas outfit finally hit the stage, from the first note played, the venue turns into a house party rather than show. The band feel very much at home and have the crowd dancing when they launch into 'My Worst Nightmare'. After the first couple of songs, you wouldn't think this is the first time they have been to the UK, they have the crowd eating out of the palm of their hands. The band show off their comical side and treat us to their rendition of Will Smith's 'Men In Black' which goes down like a storm. The dancing at this point comes to a halt to when they launch into 'Believe Me I'm Lying' where the crowd surfers and mosh pits open like Moses' parting the Red Sea. The chaos continues especially for when the band open a Pandora's Box when they play new single, 'She's A Lady'. The kids launch themselves on stage by singing into microphones, stage diving and girls throwing themselves at the group.
After a 45 minute set, FTSK close their UK tour with a bang. Cobra Starship cancelling can be seen as a blessing by giving the band the spotlight and the attention they deserve.
Review: The Academy Is - London Islington Academy - 17/09/08
It's been too long since The Academy Is have graced our shores but tonight has proven that it had been worth the wait.Openers, The Maine hit the stage to an already packed crowd to a good response but the sound tonight does not do them any justice. Next, good friends and soon to be co-headlining a tour in the US with TAI, We The Kings recieve a huge response from the crow. Songs like 'Check Yes Juliet' make the London crowd go wild and want more. They do announce on stage that they will be returning next year to the crowds delight.
As the lights go down and as the fans scream, The Academy Is take the stage. As they launch into fan-favourite 'Neighbors', the venue turns into one giant sing-along. During the course of the night, we are treated to tracks from the latest record 'Fast Times at Barrington High' with stand outs such as 'About A Girl' and 'Summer Hair = Forever Young' which sound incredible live but the cheers of tonight were reserved for oldies such as 'Classifieds', 'Slow Down' and even the ever-so-catchy, 'We've got a big mess on our hands'. As the set draws to a close, first album favourite 'Almost Here' brings the night to a fantastic end.
The band kept the talking to a minimum and let the music speak for itself. As frontman William Beckett tells us, they have missed London and its great to be back. The feeling is defiently mutual guys. If you havent seen The Academy Is live, you will not be disappointed. The band live up to all expectations and more.
Album Review: Valencia - We All Need A Reason To Believe
Valencia are a rock/pop-punk band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and have just released their second album, 'We All Need A Reason To Believe' . The band is made up of Shane Henderson on vocals, on guitars are JD Perry and Brenden Walter, bass duties are taken up by George Ciukurescu and Maxim Soria is on drums. 'We All Need A Reason To Believe' is the band's first release since moving to Columbia Records from I Surrender and the band's first album in nearly 3 years. The record begins with 'Better Be Prepared' starts off a nice steady pace before kicking into a catchy chorus. This is followed up with 'Holiday', which the album's title comes from and see's Henderson searching for someway of getting away. 'Where Did You Go?' consists of a good beat and breakdown with melodic female backing vocals.
The start of 'Carry On' reminds me of an old Ben Folds Five song before it breaks into a rock-type ballad with an epic feeling chorus. 'Safe To Say' has a nice punk-esqe singalong, which sounds very familar to Hit The Light's recent 'Stay Out'. For The Starting Line and Person L fans, Kenny Vasoli makes a guest appearence on 'Listen Up', which makes a nice break from Henderson's vocals but by this point the album seems to flow and many songs sound to similar to one another, with the penultimate track, 'The Good Life' stopping this idea.
Overall the follow up to 2005's 'This Is Could Be A Possibility' is a good enjoyable record with well-crafted pop-rock songs but at times it is difficult to tell the difference between some songs. However it is an improvement on the band's latter album and will sure bring them more fans in the near-future.
7/10
Links: Official Site
Myspace
For Fans of: Hit The Lights and The Starting Line
