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Ajenda
The Suomi Sessions
The Suomi Sessions' opens with the fresh and punchy ‘Drinking Games’. There is a good use of acoustic and electric guitars and trashing solos worthy of whipping the air guitar out. Vocalist Jen no doubt has a powerful voice and her irresistible tones effortlessly caress the song from start to finish. The insane comparison of a genius blend of Bon Jovi style music with the vocals of Pink hits me. Who would have thought that would work? I am more than excited about this band so it is with great disappointment that the second song on the EP ’Hotel Rooms’ comes across as dated and it doesn’t get any better with ‘Change’. The lyrics describe being faced with the exasperation of everyday life but unfortunately it is the song that ends up being monotonous and stale. ‘Hollow’ opens with a laid back, relaxed vibe achieved by the use of acoustic guitars and drum beats but as the song meanders towards the end I still haven’t found the original source of my excitement. The final track on the EP ’Ink Me Slow’ serves as a reprieve for the band. The cry to ‘pierce my soul’ is haunting and you can hear genuine emotion in the vocal.
Ajenda have definite potential and I’m open to hearing more from the band. If they concentrate on what makes them stand out they could be great. The commanding female vocal is a breath of fresh air in today’s rock scene.
Review by Maria Molloy
Ahren B
The Storm
When this song popped up on YouTube I just had to listen and as an avid rap fan I'm so glad I did. Not in all my years have I listened to an Irish rapper as talented as Ahren B, born in London and raised in Sligo, Ahren has been writing his own material since the age of 14. His track called "The Storm" is only a taste of what is to come for this artist and I'm looking forward to what's next from Ahren. In this Ahern uses lyrics talking about his dreams and chasing them and leaving things in the past, this guy has a way with words. With beats so slick it's no surprise Ahren is building a huge fan base, Ahren B has uplifting music with sheer talent.
Review by Jennifer Ormsby
5/6
Ahren B FaceBook Music Page
Our Place
Released on the 30th of November 2010, the London based four piece band's new single Our Place is one that stands out.
Lead singer Holly Rhed's haunting vocals over trundling bass guitar opens in the start of this song, until a skilful drum driven chorus kicks in to give it pace.
Our Place continues this way throughout the bands song with another drum rally at the end alongside Holly Rhed's powerful voice which reaches its height and show's her true vocal ability on this track.
Our Place is the type of single that wouldn't be out of place in a dramatic scene from any film due to the incredible emotion and power of the tune.
It is certainly a song that could take off and set April In The Shade on the road to success in 2011.
Review by Gary Woods
5/6
http://www.myspace.com/aprilintheshade
Alyshen
Alyshen is basically a pop artist, Euro pop you could even say. His album The Revolution Of Me has enjoyed some success and is bringing him to attention outside of his native Estonia. Having begun his career as a choir boy then a member of a boy band you can see that he has been exposed to very differing styles of music. The track Made Me Cry is for example pleasantly jazzy while some of the other tracks like are more standard dance music . They Don’t Know is a dance track you can imagine hearing on your summer holiday (think Cascada with ethnic sounds and Spanish guitar). Also the title track from the album has some traditional folk rhythms present.
Listing artist like Peter Gabriel, Mylene Farmer, Bjork, Isley Brothers, Jodeci, Donny Hathaway as influences you can see a range of styles admired. Alyshen states on his website that he is looking for artists from different musical styles to collaborate with. I think that reflects the album, a lack of direction and a need to try different things. However if he does collaborate with others he may well produce some exciting work.
His music whilst melodic and concentrating on harmonised vocals, is often quite over produced and electronic so you never get the chance to hear his voice as its true potential. I can see The Revolution of Me being a summer pop chart hit if picked up by a record company. But I think unless he finds a musical direction and learns to let his voice speak for itself then he may just be a one hit wonder.
Review by Becky Beynon-Lewis
3/6
http://www.myspace.com/alyshen
Alice Rock
Kill or Cure EP
UK two piece band Alice Rock at first glance you think White Stripes 'em... no this band has more of a quirky end to their style of lyrics and vocals, Kill or Cure EP has got the 80's Blondie meets The Ramones on a Friday night! The EP kicks off with 'Old Fashioned Girl' punk styled vocals and catchy rhythm's create a very nice feel in this song, almost pop music but with a bitter edge to it.
Track two 'Monopoly' upbeat drums crash in on a high and through out this song, catchy grooves with pop driven vocals, I love the voice from Alice on this song they got the' I don't care attitude to them. Track three 'Chips 'n' Gravy' the cheesy groove in the verses on this song work well with the catchy chorus that lifts the tune to a different level of music almost fused pop with Alice Rock!
Track four 'The Breeding Lady' this song has got your standard rock layout with its punk moments, it's the voice of Alice that makes this song, quirky and high pitch voice softens the heavy sound,this perfect match on this track, super stuff. Track five 'Robotic Perfection' Alice Rock have been clever on this song, using an Egyptian theme in the melody and vocal i think this would not be the strongest on the EP the use of too many changes in the melody does not work well on the ears but I'm sure it sounds great live!
Final track on the EP 'Cut Loose' out of the six songs on the EP this has more of an commercial feel radio friendly soft with good pop tones and the excellent vocal ability of Alice creates a super song, and well worth checking out I think this band will do really well on the festival circuit along with chart success.
Review by T.Halpin
5/6
http://www.myspace.com/alicerockmusic
April in the Shade
"Stop"
UK band April in the Shade have a blues rock sound on their new single "Stop" almost a cheap version of Imelda May, not convinced this is the best that this band has to offer but the song has it's limits, I feel the music does not allow the superb voice of Holly Rhed to breath or to show what April in the Shade can really do..
Review By T.Halpin
3/6
http://www.myspace.com/aprilintheshade
Alyssa Simmons
American singer song writer Alyssa Simmons releases her debut E.P titled I'm Ready. From the opening tune ''Stargazers'' right down to the last tune ''Bigger Than Us'' there is a song for everybody. It is evident that this girl has a raw talent for writing lyrics and she sings them from the heart. From upbeat catchy songs like ''I'm Ready'' to a song with meaning ''You Had To Say Goodbye'' it makes a feel good album. The hints of guitars and pianos make Alyssa soulful voice send shivers down your spine. This girl has the whole package and you will not be disappointed.
Review By Jennifer Ormsby
6/6
http://www.myspace.com/alyssasimmons
Audiokiss
Really Kind of Moving
Dublin three piece band Audiokiss album “Really Kind of Moving” is a full sounding rock album with it's moments of pop fever with a real 90's feel, the lead singer Siobhan Mahon's voice resembles Stevie nicks and Belinda Carlisle in parts, excellent voice and really comes to the forum on the album especially on "One Life For Now" slow song, but very moving and flowing rhythm with a folk/rock ballad feel from the sound.
Review by T.Halpin
4/6
http://www.myspace.com/audiokissmusic
All Nations
Acres and Acres from Nova Scotia,Canada have got folk music with it's alternative twists, this can be heard through out All Nations it's nine tracks of submerged and easy listening music, "From the Forest" this has some sweet lyrics and a very nice melody on the guitar with some catchy changes. If you like Paul Simon you will hear some similarities or it could be the influences showing through but sounding very nice indeed, change of tone and mood comes in on track five "All He Needs" gospel blues and some fantastic vocals enrich this song with some spiritual beauty, Don't come knocking and Cell Phone song would be the alternative twist on the album but still shines with folk tones.
Review by T.Halpin
5/6
http://www.myspace.com/acresandacres
Adam Wilson Hunter
Songs About You
UK singer songwriter Adam Wilson Hunter has put together nine sweet sounding tacks on his album Songs About You, the album has a very easy listening feel in which Adam controls each song very well, the third track "Do You Call This Love" has a real nice tone with a great story in the lyrics, very commercial sound and feel I think Adam has a fine edge over some singer songwriters that are emerging from the UK simple words with simple melodies but will keep the listener interested.
Review by T.Halpin
4/5
http://www.myspace.com/adamwilsonhunter
Oxygen EP
Irish born singer song writer Alan Boyle now lives in Brisbane, Australia. Oxygen is his second EP to date, it contains six songs of a beautiful musical journey fused with folk roots and heart felt passionate lyrics.... and one ghost instrumental track to bring it back home, The opening song "Oxygen" has a blend of soft rock vocals and folk driven rhythm guitar strums, the song has its peaks with flowing dynamics coming from each instrument. Track 2 "Back To Go" the feel coming from this song gives off a real country folk rock vibe..Counting Crow/ Dave Matthews almost a southern American sound with the gentle approach on the lyrics, Alan attacks the song with real passion in his voice, nice catchy number. Track 3 "This Town" minimal sometimes is always the best option when you compose a song and Alan got this spot on in this song, both vocals and instruments work in harmony on this track, the song has a real deep folk acoustic feel..excellent stuff. Track 4 "Calling You Out" this is your soft folk love song, the Violin adds to the romantic feel, Alan's voice is superb on this track almost addictive. Track 5 "All Over Again" Alan Voice in this song adds a real rock tone to the song and with the use of an electric sound on the guitar it gives a pop edge to the track, although the Violin and Trumpet gives off a real nice fusion of sound. Track 6 "Your Love is a Beautiful Thing" this is a sweet tune and Alan's voice sounds great, minimal folk song with some catchy lyrics.
Reviw by T.Halpin
6/6
Aine Duffy
Put Your Money On
Cork chanteuse, Aine Duffy isn't exactly your run of the mill singer/songwriter. She insists on rocking out. That it very much evident from the first track of her debut album.
Duffy's music can be described as a hint of Kate Bush with a dash of Janis Joplin, a cup full of Zeppelin and finished with a splash of twenty first century dance. Perhaps someone has also been listening to Sophie B Hawkins? The album grabs you, shakes you and makes sure you get your weekly dose of rock.
One of the standout tracks 'Ask John', is already released as a single, receiving airplay on both sides of the Atlantic. Duffy is quickly gaining the respect of industry and fans alike and has already a dedicated fan base in L.A. and N.Y.C.
Good musicianship, good arrangements, good beats, 'Put Your Money On' is a decent first album and a great starting point for Duffy.
Review by Nessy
5/6
Apollo’s Thebe
Self titled E.P
Apollo’s Thebe, are a five-piece up and coming band. They have somewhat of a dark electro pop sound but have their own originality as well. Since the end of 2008 this genre has come to light a lot. On their self-tilted E.P, there are eight outstanding tracks. ’Stawp’ and ‘Voice of God (clear the throat)’ are good listens. My favourite song is ‘Cape’, the singers chilling voice and the uncanny conversational talk in the background is what makes this track amazing. In the song ‘Amber’ you can hear influences from Thin Lizzy, but this is the only track I could compare with other bands. For songs that consist of vocals, guitar, the keyboard, cello and drums it can be very thin sounding, this may be due to the quality of the sound system they used or the fact they had a time frame of three days to record this. Also they tried interlinking some tracks but left gaps at the end when it changes into the next song. They might have to tighten that up for it to work. After listening to the E.P, I did a bit of research on them and was astounded to find out these lads are around 18 years of age. I thought they were much older. This definitely pushed the bar for me on the credibility of their music; if this is what they’re producing now, imagine what they could be sounding like in a few more years!
Review By Laura McGlynn
4/6
ANTHONY GIBNEY
STANDING IN THE DARKNESS
A Dublin singer songwriter and has been on the scene a few years with many bands under his belt this is your classic A+B sided EP “Standing in the darkness” has all the flavors of your pissed up funk rock melodic tune it kicks in with a wicked thumping guitar grooves and smoothes out with a catchy chorus…excellent stuff. The second track “ Ritual” isn’t too bad like most EP’s they seem to leave the bad stuff to last but this has a real anthem rock feel to the song great composure and the vocals sound pretty dam good.
Review by T.Halpin
5/6
http://www.myspace.com/agibney
ANGEL CHAMBERS
Angel Chambers (loving the name by the way) are four very young lads from Newry. But don't be deceived by the fresh faces these boys can hold their own. Strangely, they list their influences as some old-school rockers like Nirvana, RATM, QOTSA and Audioslave and despite a tiny hint at the former, I am surprised because they sound far more contemporary than that would suggest. I am hearing more Lost Prophets, Angels & Airwaves, Biffy Clyro and others but anyhow... Well lads, I have heard a lot worse than this by people who have been around a lot longer and who should know better. The phrase that shouts at me is "one to watch" because in their songs you have great potential. A great platform is given with some impressive sounding vocals mashed out by Collie Clerkin and backed up by at least two of the others, bravely going for the delicate/shout/anthem style changes, which takes some work and they do really well (and will get better at it no doubt too). To highlight the point, check out the track 'Leon' (available on Myspace) which for such tender musicians is hugely ambitious, with layers, time changes and different textures - but they pull it off and its quite an awesome track in a Deftones stylee. If I was at a record label office just now, I would be thumbing through what Angel Chambers are doing and thinking... "y'know this has got some mileage", because I would be interested in getting my hands on a young and ambitious band like this.
In the spirit of constructive criticism I would simply say this. Keep doing what you're doing you're sounding good and don't compromise. Work damn hard at practising and polishing those layered vocals because while they will sound great done well, get it wrong....ouch. Dessie is a busy and competent drummer for his age, but play for the songs Des - you have a double bass drum pedal, use it 'wisely', sometimes throwing the kitchen sink at it can occassionally throw the meter off... sometimes less is more, know what I mean? Get some gigs in and above all, enjoy what you're doing because you have a good future if you keep this up, good on yer.
Review by Drumhead
4/6
www.myspace.com/angelchambers4
ALANALDA
DEMONSTRATION
This is a Ep with plenty of musical talent with moody tones mixed with some original style with songs like " In the past" this tune creeps in with a rock a billy feel yet changes with some cool dynamics in the rythm, lyrics are excellent a good solid tune. "Always someone watching" this song has a feel of modern classical music with its driving bass and strings in the background, the vocal a very well placed over the melody a nice winding down song, very good. "Steve's shirt" good humor from the lyrics in this song with its anthem feel great vocals. "I am the law" this is a good listener with its catchy chorus and hypnotic piano very well written and composed excellent.
review by T.Halpin
6/6
www.myspace.com/alanaldatheband
ANDREW HANDRICK
THE TRUE RICHES OF LIFE
A collection of mellow tunes with elements of southern rock style melodies can be heard through out this album with the first track (Miss Califoria) kicks in with with a hypnotic grung tone on the vocals sounds a bit like early Smashing Pumpkins nice laid back strumming coming from the guitar and a pop cultured beat to gel it together, (Time) this tune has nice flowing rythem to it with uplifting vocals and a lazy groove. (Come Around) this has nice upbeat melodie, the vocals sound really well but the guitar seems to be cutting into the mix too much but sounds well, (Learning Curve) this tune has a nice feel to it vocals are placed very well with a nice ambient feel chorus has a catchy theme with a driving melodie (90 Miles An Hour) you can feel a nice summer tone from this tune a real country rock feel with some great vocals and some great dynamics in the verses. (City Man) this tune has laid back feel with some nice lyrics it's great to hear songs like this from a Dublin artist it has more of a American tone but cool. (Ground Down) there is more of a folk/rock tone with a nice melodie like a 60's San Francisco song, great vocals and composed very well. (Stolen) Andrews deep vocal in this song works really well a bit like Lou Reed, the latin rim shot is nice too and lifts to a cool rock tune again the dynamics are fantastic great song. (An Answer) this is a more upbeat happy tone song with some great vocals but the mix maybe over eq'ed. (Wendy) here is a fantastic grooving tune with a upbeat country rock feel vocals sound great with a very friendly radio tone, Overall the album sounds great for a self produced product but has the making of a fantastic album.
review by T.Halpin
5/6
AVIATOR SHADE
Lets talk about AC/DC or Whitesnake no let me tell you about AVIATOR SHADES this is a rockin band with a kickass Ep to blow your mind with the first track from the Ep "DOIN ALRITE" big drum sound and excellent gutair solo's that bring old school rock to a new level. The second track "SLICE OF PIE" perfect harmony's on the gutairs I haven't heard this played so well like this since Thinlizzy pulled it off in the 80's this tune has a mean groove to it and rockin vocals too. The third track " OTHER SIDE OF HEAVEN" get your cigarette lighters out for this one and start to wave them in the air its got that slow rock jovi feel to it but sounds really well and has nice lyrics to back it up too. The fourth track "EYE OF THE STORM" let your hair down for this tune with its melodic gutair and cruel lyrics this song will get your head banging again, this Ep AVIATOR SHADES is perfect for your rock collection so don't miss out and grab a copy quick.
review by T.Halpin
5/6
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