The MRU Archives ::: S Reviews
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Sinéad McNally
Moody Blues
Sinéad McNally is a singer songwriter from Dundalk, Ireland and the debut single Moody Blues has got great potential of being something special, Sinéad's voice on the song boasts a high injection of pop flavour to the tune, the chorus is definitely catchy, it's got one of those lines in a song that will have you singing it away in your head after listening to it, it is nice to hear some good original pop music to come out of Ireland today, without the influence today's pop divas, Moody Blues is a great debut single and I'm sure Sinéad will surprise us with many more cracking songs in the future.
Review by T.Halpin
5/6
http://www.myspace.com/sineadmcnally
Screaming For Scarlet
Five Lights
Uk four piece alternative rock band Screaming For Scarlet release their new single Five Lights, track one on the single, Five Lights almost defines the line between rock music and hardcore, overdrive guitar sounds and melodic riffs can be heard on this tune, the band creates an unique sound that will melt your ears, the vocals use some old school rock dynamics, soft verses and then increasing to screaming to the top of their lungs for the chorus,this is pure rock heaven to the non fainted rock hearted lovers Five Lights is on a one track mission! To rock.
The second track on the single is called Bridges, it does not live up to the first song but I'm sure Screaming For Scarlet has more to offer, Bridges does have a catchy chorus but does fail to offer the stamina and charisma of Five Lights.
Review by T.Halpin
4/6
http://www.screamingforscarlet.co.uk
South of Heaven
....a Beautiful Winter
South of Heaven are a three piece blues rock band from Netherlands, their album A Beautiful Winter has ten tracks, some hard rock driven while others more on the blues rock side, their opening song Room in Your Life, has got a good catchy chorus to it, just a perfect upbeat rock tune to kick in this entertaining album, the voice of the lead singer has a real strong tone, Paul Weller meets Eddie Vedder, Internet Pornography is one of the tracks on the album that stands out, fantastic vocals and I love the way South of Heaven change the dynamics of the song, super stuff from this three piece Netherland band, A beautiful Winter is a must if you like good rock music.
Review by T.Halpin
5/6
http://www.myspace.com/southofheavenholland
Sean Dempsey
Burn It Up
Sean Dempsey has it all, the looks, the voice, and a superb new track to go with it. Burn It Up is a summer smash song, perfect for that summer BBQ at a house party. Pop music to the highest factor with the coolness of club beats, this tune would be embedded into your head if you heard it while showing off your moves on the dance floor.
It's a feel good track with super catchy lyrics like 'burn it up here we go'. This reviewer can't stop singing Dempsey's new song 'Burn It Up' after the first listen, I predict that Sean Dempsey is going to be a big hit sometime soon.
Review by Jennifer Ormsby
5/6
http://www.myspace.com/seandempseyofficial
Sophie Coyle
Lift The Latch
Sophie Coyle's album Lift the Latch begins with Delirium, a lifeless song which doesn't live up to its name. Sadly it continues in the same vein throughout with the exception of E Mi Bonbon and Casting Off. These songs have a thing or two in common. They both share an upbeat tempo and they both have duets on them with male voices. And the songs work very well on the album.
The male voices give Sophie Coyle's voice a different dimension, it maybe because we have some other voices to compare with. We can hear then how strong Sophie's voice can be in the duets while on her own she sounds similar in every other song.
On this CD there is one stand out song, The Tender Notes; with this tune everything hits the mark. The lyrics, the guitar playing and the voice, her accent shines through voice on this beautiful song.
Review by Gary Woods
3/6
http://www.myspace.com/sophiecoylefromgalway
Sakis Gouzonis
The Tree of Life
Sakis is the number one electronic music composer in Greece. But the album "The tree of life" is all Greek to me. I don't get it at all. I can see where Sakis Gouzonis is coming from, there's a real 80's Jean Michelle Jarré meets Chariots of fire kind of vibe, but not quite as cool as Tangerine Dream in my opinion. So, lots of keyboards yes. If you like your guitar music then walk on, you're not going to be into this at all. I could certainly see this music in a film soundtrack (possibly starring Shyla Stylez,) maybe this style of music is big in Greece. I mean my only experience of Greek music is Zorba the Greek being played at me in some side-ally bar in Ayia Napa. But for everyone outside of Greece? I'm not too sure.
Review by Tobye Hillier
3/6
http://www.sakisgouzonis.com
Scuba Dice
The Lost Art of Romance.
Pop/ Punk/Rock band Scuba Dice are Joe-Vocals, Scanner- Guitar, Liam- Bass, Shane-Drums. With lively and memorable arrangements, plus Joe's clear and confident delivery of each number, which is packed with revved up guitars, this act are always upbeat and ooze good vibes.
This CD isn't the first of their many achievements along the way since their formation in 2004. The line up has changed. But the dynamic sound never alters with Scuba Dice. They have played support to prominent bands such as Paramore and Scouting for Girls and they joined UK bands "My Passion" and "Canterbury" on tour around Ireland. They also clocked up performances in Germany and America and have shows penned in for summer 2011 in Austria, U.K. and Germany.
This new collection of songs is upbeat and comprises five danced, energy packed numbers. Bursting into life with the opening line "Come on, come on", the first track "Not that I care" is vibrant, with backing vocals in the chorus adding to the full sound. Harmony is also close throughout the verse and guitars are distortion packed, with drums bashing away to put the finishing touches to an already explosive number. "Katie, this song is for you" The chorus of this number is catchy, with Joe belting out the lyrics; K-K-K- Katie, c- c-c-crazy, you never let me down. This song is for you so do what you do, get your feet off the ground. Scanner performs a short but excellent solo, backing vocals are superb and with lots of Woo oh in the verse, it has all the hallmarks of Scuba Dice's knack for fun, sing able songs. The title track "The lost art of Romance" starts with a twin guitar riff and has a delightful verse and a fast punk beats. It's a love song performed with youthful spark and passion. Liam's baseline is pretty special here, with those harmonies throughout the entire number making all the difference.
"She puts u down" I like the way the beat alternates a little in this number. It's my favourite of the E.P. The chorus involves a lot of No oh oh, but it's the cheeky word play that gives it and most of these numbers extra charm. Guitars as always are spectacular, with riffs and chord combinations all totally brilliant. Last but not least is a melodic, fast moving song "Nothings Free". A catchy refrain, exciting beat and quite elaborate lead behind the verse are key features. You get the feeling the boys totally let go for this number, with splashes of guitar spontaneously filtered through and the chorus loaded with energy. Joe is a front man that always sounds extremely hyper, but that's why Scuba Dice never fail to put their audience on a high!
Review by Angela Macari O?Looney
http://www.scubadice.ie
Soulcage
Soul for sale.
From the first track “flaming flowers” it becomes obvious exactly who Soulcage are influenced by.
There’s touches of Dream theatre, Yngwie Malmsteen (without the 20 minutes of fretwank per track), Faith no more, Queensryche and other eighties bands besides.
Even the production of the album seems to be an homage to the eighties
Saying that, “Soul for sale” is a great listen and will certainly be well received by people new to the genre. And for the old heads, maybe some damn good memories.
Soulcage aren’t doing anything new, they’re not re-inventing rock music, but the album “Soul for sale” has some good playlist worthy tracks.
Review by Tobye Hillier
4/6
http://www.myspace.com/soulcageband
Struck
Three cheers for lying
Struck are a young Pop/Punk trio who hail from Castlebar, Co. Mayo. Members are Sean Walsh-Vocals/Guitar, Dylan Chambers-Vocals/Bass and Ger Duffy-Drums/Backing vocals.
The lads have had a busy summer with the release of their debut E.P back in April. Three cheers for lying. They have shared stages with bands such as The Coronas, The Shower Scene, Zulu, Scuba Dice and Home Star Runner.
A distortion laden chord combination and a fast beat take you into “All I wanted”. This is an explosive number with a catchy chorus, a beat to wake you up and exciting guitar throughout.
Lots of changes in tempo and a dramatic chord riff add spice to this song. Sean’s delivery is packed with charisma.
“Owe you One”
This song involves a long instrumental intro, with the sound building up gradually. Guitars come in, bursting with energy. Dramatic beats and stop- start bits throughout add interest to this lively number. A superb lead riff is the highlight for me. Backing vocals are very effective behind Sean as he blasts out the chorus of this memorable track. There’s a slow down for the middle eight, which is sung by all three lads and then the delicious lead guitar riff returns, taking you back to the chorus.
Vibrant and upbeat, Struck definitely strike a chord for me. This is feel good music that never gets boring and would appeal to anyone who likes cheerful melody lines, excellent guitars and bashing beats.
I’ll be watching out for the three lads when they’re gigging in Dublin.
Review by Angela Macari O’Looney
http://www.struckofficial.com
Shmoe
Failure Machine
Shmoe are an experimental rock band from Los Angeles. And that’s pretty much the
only way to describe them without you (faithful reader) listening to their
album. Oh well I suppose I’ll give it a go anyway.
Failure Machine opener 180 is like someone kicking in your door at a slightly
boring party: it causes some excitement but your still a bit pissed off about
the door. Shmoe’s music instantly introduces itself as metal tinged synth
psychedelia. It is controversial, in your face and unwhistleable. But then
that’s what this music is supposed to be like!
Elsewhere on the album like on Blackjack and Code Orange Shmoe flex their
muscles across their synths and distortion pedals - lots of distortion pedals -
in a fevered frenzy. Softer track Musicbox and closer Grace (the latter
featuring female lead vocals) show the band a little bit out of their comfort
zone and sounds more than a little *gasp* uncomfortable.
Lead singer Mike Mason convincingly sneers through most of the tracks on offer
with strange lyrics galore (“boom there goes your face, boom there goes your
head!”). Unfortunately the production lacks the atmosphere that would make this
record a lot better.
Shmoe are a difficult band to categorize, which makes summing this album up
hard. The members of the band are clearly very talented and the songwriting is
of quite a high standard but they need a lot more work. Their genre of music
definitely has its fans just like anything else but they need to listen to
their own music and particularly their production a bit more.
I wouldn’t call them a failure machine, but they definitely need to tighten a
good few screws.
Review byKevin McCabe
2/5
http://www.myspace.com/shmoe
Spoonfeedas
Spoonfeedas are a South African Rock band who formed around ten years ago. They have produced 3 albums, True North 2002, Falling Higher 2004 and the new release Dance Little Sister 2010.
You are led to believe by artwork on the album that this is a fast paced, loud and in your face kind of rock band. Not so, this rock is rather sedate really.
The band have supported the likes of Metallica, muse and even Ronan Keating on tour in South Africa. However unlike Metallica their rock ballad ‘Beautiful’ just doesn’t give you shivers. Sweet lyrics like ‘when you’re with me you’re beautiful’ sit within an annoyingly pedestrian attempt to tug the heartstrings. I felt nothing from the song, there was no connection.
Dance Little Sister, the title track from the album, has quite a lot more going for it. You get the distinct sense Spoonfeedas probably shine more as a live band. In the restrained recording you get a sense the song is raring to go somewhere, and maybe live they would take it there.
The track Can’t Let Go stuck in my mind, it is quite catchy. But also because it made me realise why Spoonfeedas weren’t doing it for me. They sound familiar, pleasant and likable like something you may have heard before. Something around ten years ago. The 4 piece seem to have picked up a few tricks along their musical journey but nothing there’s no showstopper. This is also reflected in their image as a group, slightly outdated.
There is nothing distinctive, nothing fresh but they get the job done.
Review by Becky Beynon-Lewis
3/6
http://www.spoonfeedas.com
Seven Days
Outside
This new Irish band consists of Ian, Nicky, Darren and Ricky who are ready to set alight the music scene. Having already played Oxegen’s new band stage last year I was dying to hear their music. Outside is the debut single from the lads that gives us a taste of their sound. On first listen, I was intrigued by Ian’s distinctive voice that has a sultry sound to it. As the song kicks in you can hear the perfect harmony of strumming bass lines with sensational drumbeats. ‘’I’m on the outside trying to find my voice’’ These lyrics are speaking to every person who has tried to find who they are but they work brilliant as their catchy which is weighing up for a summer smash. A superb single debut form one of Ireland's most promising acts since the Script.
Review By Jennifer Ormsby
6/6
http://www.myspace.com/sevendaysofficial
Stone and Jezreel
This reviewer first discovered this duo supporting N-DUBZ on their recent Irish date. Originating from Africa but settling in Dublin this duo is the words and voice of the young generation. They combine slick beats with sweet soul making it fresh funky and appealing to every youngster across the globe. Letting Jezreel show her slick and soulful voice and mixing it with Stone’s raps shows a new way of music and a step forward in the creativity era. There track ‘’Imagine’’ is showing youngsters to believe in fairytales and there track ‘’ Choices’’ is telling them to open their eyes and make the right choice for them. Across all tracks, Stone and Jezreel are speaking to the youth through their slick beats and hard hitting lyrics. This duo has what other acts fail they have creativity with no limit. Through their hip-hop beats and raps, these guys will blow you away.
Review By Jennifer Ormsby
6/6
http://www.myspace.com/stonejezreel
Strange Glue
Strange Glue Debut EP Life in the Bus Lane, Anthem rock styled vocals from lead singer Sean Mathews works really well on the first track "Line" upbeat and melodic with thumping drum beats, it's your typical rock tune and a nice catchy number. Track two "Afraid" kicks in with some nice power strums on the guitar, builds up nicely in parts of the song, but it could be better the vocals loses it a bit. Track three "Better Deal" mid tempo song with pop styled melodies, there is a cool guitar solo on this track it is short but sweet. Track four "Sober" this is a acoustic number with soft melodic moments, with some straight talking lyrics, excellent stuff.
Review By T.Halpin
Rank: 4/6
http://www.myspace.com/strange-glue
Sullee J
American rap star Sullee J has all the right notes to make you say who is he. From upbeat song '' Make A Change'' about a new America to new song ''Pain'' seen through a female situation Sullee J deals with topics that matter to everyone and every word is said with love and meaning. There is a lyric for everyone that they can relate to. From head bopping beats to meaningful lyrics this rap star is for you.
Review By Jennifer Ormsby
Rank: 5/6
http://www.myspace.com/sulleejrapper
Scarecrow Disco
&
The Hot Sprockets
Limited edition 7" Split Single
Two bands one single no competition here they both have everything going for each other's music, track one by The Hot Sprockets "Honeyskippin" kicks in with some raw grooving bass with a blues element to it's style, most of the track has a got a real laid back feel but jumps out at you with the voice of frontman Timmy Cullen...raw and grooving! Track two by Scarecrow Disco " Your Parrots Low on Batteries" there is a real nice southern blues feel from this song, guitars and drums both have that loose blues rock theme , the unique style of vocals from lead singer Rob Kent adds a real nice chill factor to the tune..super stuff lads.
Review by T.Halpin
6/6
http://www.myspace.com/scarecrowdisco
http://www.myspace.com/thehotsprockets
Sunset Vista
Debut EP
Irish rock band Sunset Vista have the look and feel of what a rock band should be all about and their Debut EP has all the reflections of 90's bands Guns n Roses v Bon Jovi, this is pretty cool if you love your commercial rock bands and that's what you will get from listening to the new EP from Sunset Vista... even the name has rock theme, excellent stuff and my favorite track on the EP has to be Hollywood, nothing like a good old rock tune!
Review by T.Halpin
5/6
http://www.myspace.com/sunsetvista
Simon Fagan
Damn Honey review
Think of a singer songwriter, you picture a guy with a guitar, right? He's sitting strumming a hippy type song?
Simon Fagan blows these thoughts out of the water, 'Damn Honey' is a big song with big production and demands radio play. The intro builds up nicely to a chorus that will rattle in your head for hours. It's a mid tempo sing-along track that bigger acts would kill to play on a big stage,
Simon's paid his dues in various bands and it shows. His sound is mature well thought out and memorable. Damn Honey is released on March 5th and is taken from Simon's debut album due out in May. Looking forward to it.
Review by Nessy
5 out of 6
www.simonfagan.net
Sanzkrit
After The Wedding
Four piece Irish band Sanzkrit will be the highlight in Irish indie festivals in 2010 and if the band can produce the product live what is streaming from this album I'm sure they will be a hit, enforced pop with a electronic rock edge Sanzkrit has created on this album almost too good to be a debut but it's a debut album with punch, tracks like "Leave The Lights On" and "Hey Hey Hey" have almost an American teen cult sound and they compliment the album to highest degree.
Review by T.Halpin
5/6
http://www.myspace.com/sanzkrit
Saccade
See How They Fly
The last time I heard of Saccade they were playing a lunchtime gig in B.C.F.E., I was eating while they did their load in.The band have grown in stature since their debut in 07 'Choose Your Own Adventure'. The new single 'See How They Fly' is taken from their debut album 'Last Tango'. The first notes of the new single tip a hat at the current electronica phase, sounds like these wouldn't sound out of place of Delphic's album. The guitars kick in to establish the track as a great rock song. This is a well structured song and its refrain will get in your head and stay there for hours. Great guitar hooks, good vocals, massive drumming, great length for radio.
Review by Nessy
5/ 6
www.myspace.com/saccade
Sue Callaghan
"Not In Love"
This is a fine debut album from Dublin singer songwriter Sue Callaghan with blending tones of folk rock and traditional harmonising vocals "Not In Love" has got the feel and purity of a great album,
"Life at it's most" is the opening track with Sue's angelic voice caressing the melody with very soft tones, traditional folk with a spark of Clannad. Track two "Not In Love" middle of the road folk tune with a pop/rock driven rhythm, fantastic vocals from Sue especially in the chorus were it really peaks. Track three "I've Seen Your Face" this is a real flowing tune with so much happening in the melody, rock with classical tones and a sweet guitar solo thrown into the mix. Track four "Flavour of the month" if you like The Cranberries you will love this number, its got some nice catchy hooks with some great lyrics. Track five "I Remain" this song has really nice harmonies on the vocals, folk with hints of rock. Track six "All" catchy with nice traditional rhythm's, Sue can really throw her voice in this tune, there are some great dynamics in this song with a cool hook on the acoustic guitar. Track seven "Too Late" the vocals lead this song with pure felt passion in them, it's a real soft acoustic folk tune. Track eight "Without You" this has some nice grooves coming from the rhythm section rock with some traditional Irish rhythm's, Sue's sings over the melody with some soothing harmonising vocals. Track nine "The One" upbeat folk/pop with some soft metal guitar riffs, after a few listens this one will grow on you, i love the guitar solo very retro. Track ten "Throw My Chance" this tune kicks in with a power rock styled intro to mellow to soft versus that Sue smother with her superb voice, strange but i love the Irish jig almost Celtic rock, but not.
Review by T.Halpin
Rank: ***** 5 out of 6
www.suecallaghan.com
Soundproof
Debut EP Shoot Me
Four piece Rock band from Dublin,Ireland are together since 2006, three brothers and a friend know how to rock out some good tunes, they have created a superb rock fueled debut EP Shoot Me.
Track 1 "Shoot me" power rock driven vocals and a catchy chorus will have you singing this tune after you hear it, 70's style guitar work and a upbeat melody can be heard howling and some thundering drums in there for good measure... Track 2 "Chasing The Dream" Rock with a hint of indie flavored melodies, this is a nice laid back song with some fantastic vocals they really lift the chorus, catchy and very commercial. Track 3 "Come Play A Different Game" the vocals are excellent on this track they really make this song, they give it a real anthem feel to the song, there is a catchy hook in the melody that works well too indie/pop with a rock edge.
Review by T.Halpin
Rank:***** 5 out of 6
www.myspace.com/soundproof
Sean Dempsey
Self Titled Album
Sean Dempsey is a Maynooth based 17 year old Hiphop/Rnb/pop artist.
His album opens with 'I Love My Music', the production and arrangement isn't bad but Sean falls into the old self producing problem with the vocal arrangement. 'Hooked on You' seems very Tinchy Stryder influenced while Will I Am's influence can be heard on 'Let it go'. A little bit of vocal reworking on 'Red Alert' could turn it into a huge hit.
The overall on the beat making/production of the album isn't at all bad, especially when you consider Sean is only 17.
It might be an idea for Sean to try getting other backing vocalists to work with compliment his own vocals on his tracks and try mixing them slightly differently.
The next while will be interesting as Sean develops his style and blends his influences more to get his own sound but this is a good start for Sean to show his strengths and where a little bit of work is needed. I'd be thrilled if I could've done this at 17.
Review by Nessy
Rank:*** 3 out of 6
http://www.myspace.com/seandempseyofficial
Sarah Louise
Young Dublin singer songwriter Sarah Louise now living in London/UK has written and produced some very interesting songs to date and I am sure we will be hearing a lot more from this talented artist, Sarah seems to like experimenting with sound and there is nothing wrong with that.... when you get results like her song "Lust is underestimated" almost fusing rock into a laid back RnB beats, Sarah sings over the song with a radio effect on her vocals and adds a very sexy image to the track, hence the title. "It Ain't ok" pop driven by some raw 80's keyboard sound but Sarah's voice works really well and with the right producer this could be a great little number.
"Katie Don't be Hasty" here is a nice catchy number, its got flair and lots of potential, the retro pop feel from the keyboard sounds really good creating some catchy melodies, The cheeky styled vocals from Sarah adds to the character of this song along with the lyrics, I could see this one on radio playlists.
Review by T.Halpin
Rank:***** 5 out of 6
http://www.myspace.com/sarahloumusic
Stace Gill
"The Turn"
Opening with an eerie, jewellery box xylophone loop, "The Turn" by Stace Gill is a tale of uncertain love richly layered with orchestral strings, subdued electro beats and multiple loops of Gill’s own voice. The mix of electro and acoustic sound strikes a clever balance to set the tone of uneasiness in a song concerned with regretful love. Lines such as "I called your name/ I’m afraid I was wrong" complement the music to create an absorbing sense of melancholy that is reminiscent of both Damien rice in his more towering orchestral incarnations and a slightly less melodramatic Bat For Lashes. This coupled with Gill’s clean, siren-like voice and married to dreamy production suggests that with material like this, we can expect good, possibly great things to come from Stace Gill.
Review by B. Murphie
RANK:***** 5 out of 6
http://www.myspace.com/stacegill
Sliotar
Cirque de Sliotar
‘WOW!’ was my first impression when I put on this CD, people still making and pushing Irish music in this day and age amazes me! I really thought Ireland had caught up in the world wind of global modernisation and Irish Trad was out dated. How wrong I was?? The fact that this band Sliother are still playing the nations music with such originality is incredible as well as bringing in old traditional songs with modern compositions, is pure genius. The band consists of, Des Gorevan on the percussion and drums, J.P Kallio does vocals, guitar, bouzouki and kantele, while Ray MacCormac whistles, sings and plays the Uilean Pipes. They perform in the Porterhouse in Dublin regularly and tour around Europe. It is worth seeing them live. Their album ‘Cirque de Sliotar’ should be blasting from the stereos in Irish pubs up and down the country, or playing in your car whilst you drive through Irelands breath taking landscape, well what’s left of it. Well-done lads!
Review By Laura McGlynn
RANK:***** 5 out 6
www.myspace.com/sliotar
STEPHEN O'BRIEN
Baby steps of an Assassin album review
Cork/Ireland has brought us some different styles of music in the past but Stephen O'Brien has a pure punk heart with grunge hands to create this 12 track album, maybe he might be asking to much in todays music scene with bands creating images and trends to capture the fans, but Stephen has evolved a style of his own like punk bands did in the 80's trashing out lyrics and loud guitar chords, you can hear some Irish traditional roots coming from Stephen's music only slightly as he drowns it out with punk styled drums and guitars banging out in the background on this album, For once we might have another loose raw styled musician to emerge next to The Pouges and The Sultans of Ping, I think Stephen fits right next to these bands with his album Baby steps for an Assassin.
Review by T.Halpin
RANK: **** 4 out of 6
www.myspace.com/stephenobrienmusic
SATELLITE STATE
EP
Review
Guildford, London has a five piece band on the verge of something big, This four track EP has all the elements of commercial rock and each track finding its way to an anthem feel from them, maybe its the keyboard uplifting sound or the way each song is created but I feel this band could do well across the Atlantic, maybe the USA would like to hear what this London band has to offer? although they are one band that have great potential and with the likes of "Lights out" and "Sometimes/always" these are cracking songs to build on... they both have a great neat indie/pop feel from them, Satellite State are well worth checking out.
Review by T.Halpin
RANK:***** 5 out of 6
www.myspace.com/satellitestatemusic
SACCADE
Courtesy Class
Dublin has giving birth to another high class entertaining band and this four piece who call themselves Saccade have every little piece of hard working musicianship in their blood, when you listen to these guys you will here some aromatic anthem melodies along with some deep intelligent lyrics, Steve Walker is the front man in the group bagging some real hot vocals and adding some real top class talent to this band along with some pre 90’s grunge riffs and heart warming lyrics grinding with some stand up old school indie. Saccade have what it takes.
Review by T.Halpin
RANK:****** 6 out of 6
http://www.myspace.com/saccade
SPEEDMARKET AVENUE
WAY BETTER NOW
All the way from Sweden this band has released this 2 track single of flavored pop with swirls of vocal folk themes, the first track “Way better now” has a real raw pop mood to its feel, the electro piano changes the whole feel setting this song up to be a real foot tapper for festival dance fields. “The new idea” This is the B side as I would like to call it, very mellow with hints of folk but the chorus has a very sweet melodic swinging pop feel, this song has a very commercial quality about it and this might be a winner for the band.
Review by
T.Halpin
RANK: ***** 5 out of 6
www.myspace.com/speedmarketavenue
SUDDYN
LETTING GO
Suddyn have landed an epic tune with "Letting Go" after the chart success of "Gravity" this is one band on a fantastic writing streak "Letting Go" has a soft rock melodic groove with some excellent lyrics and anthem feel chorus that would shake the airwaves of todays radio, so grab the love of your life and slow set to this song.....
Review by T.Halpin
RANK: ****** 6 out of 6
RADIO CITY DUBLIN 25th oct 07
Ep launch
The atmosphere on the night was electric when Suddyn hit the stage they hit it with pure explosive passion. The flow of rhythm coming from the piano was played with some classical feel and blending tones. The front man Alan sure was worthy of the grasping presence you could hear from his vocals, his voice was very expressive with a lot of passion in them. Jarrett the guitar player showed off some great moves and played some cracking riffs with a very melodic approach to the songs, I really like his originality very bluesy style but keeping it commercial, The bass player Colly has a real upbeat punk style and can hold the backbone melodies that you can feel from Suddyn. As for Bren on drums he pulled of a stormer of a solo on the night you could here the styles of John Bonham mixed in with Art Blakey super stuff, this is one band on the scene you have to see live, hats of to Suddyn great show.
Review by T.Halpin
GIG RATE: ****** 6 out of 6
Gravity : Review
“Uplifting melodic rock with the world at their feet Suddyn have hit the spot with this tune full of inspiring guitar and synth melodies, vocals have a great subtle tone and feel to them with some great catchy lyrics, Gravity has a pull with a addictive sound very well mixed and arranged superb stuff.”
Review by T.Halpin
RATE: ****** 6 out of 6
www.myspace.com/suddyn
SOMA STATE
My roots are from a classic rock background, so Wexfords' Soma State are up my particular alley. They play some particularly pleasing (on the neck muscles) kick ass rock choons that find themselves somewhere around the Audioslave, Pearl Jam or a non rapping RATM vibe. What I like particulalry is the willingness to mix up some new metal and classic rock ideas and influences rather than resort to cliche or aping those that have gone before, making their own stamp. The latest track, 'Lies', is tight and muscular and riffs along with a carefully balanced mix of power and aggression. Other tracks (available on their Myspace) are more upbeat and looser, such as 'Mistake' and 'Lose Myself' which bang along with some considerable authority and energy, headed up by the belting, if rather buried vocals of Mark O'Connor who carries himself with the quality of a more seasoned rock frontman - a fine set of pipes fella!
On a technical point, the tracks on offer are all top drawer but pretty well dominated by the volume of the bass guitar which (especially in 'Lies') as highly competent a bassist that Conor is, its too much. Its almost overshadowing the excellent work going on around it. When the bass is louder than a great singer like Mark - its time to pull that slider down on the desk a bit! Its just a mix thing.
In the world of "guitar rock", the term 'heavy metal' has been hijacked by the Kerrang & Metal Hammer crowd for their own purposes or there's those nice young emo boys... therefore leaving a huge void amongst those of us who don't actually want to wear eyeliner or have machine-gun bass drums banging off your skull. Soma State have retaken that middle ground with some aplomb and have injected some freshness and new ideas to make heavy rock original and viable again. More please
Review by Drumhead
RANK: ***** 5 out of 6
www.myspace.com/somastate
SATELLITE STATE
A five piece band from the UK with a bright sound and very commercial tunes I have had the pleasure of reviewing a three track demo from there forthcoming EP due out in 08 although many UK bands seem to relish on indie rock and follow the footsteps of many British idols Satellite State have embraced a sound with more of an Australian sound like Crowded House and mixed it with there own home grown flavor,
One small step – very laid back with a cool kick to the melody the vocals are very relaxed the tune has a real nice and crisp feel with some good arrangement in the mix.
Clockworks – the vocals in this song really jump out at you with elements of folk to them branding a pop tune but sound great, there is a nice cool drum line in this track with a cool eerie guitar hanging in the background this tune is definitely a spinner.
Carry your own weight – the acoustic guitar brings this tune in with the vocals, this is were Satellite State show true passion in there writing every instrument has perfect execution over the melody, dragging out the chorus give this tune a real anthem feel to the song and works very well.
Review by T.Halpin
RATE: ***** 5 out of 6
www.myspace.com/satellitestatemusic
SENECA
‘Smile’ EP review
Seneca eases quite a safe sound with both of these tracks. ‘Smile’ is a soft song, while the style becomes more assured and balanced in ‘So Beautiful’ with fuller sounds and a little more drama to the technique.
The smooth vocals are easily associated with this style. Overall the songs lack much of the momentum needed for single release.
Review by Claire Rushe
RATE: *** 3 out of 6
www.myspace.com/bandseneca
SEANNIE FOY
Copyright © 2006- 2012 Music Review Unsigned All Rights Reserved