6/19/2015

Cherry White – “Staring At The Sun” EP Review

Cherry White, a London based 4-piece seem to have mastered that age old combination of hard hitting songs and sublime technical musicality. Drawing from classic rock influences such as Fleetwood Mac and The Raconteur’s, Cherry White have demonstrated they intend to rise to the lofty heights of their genre defining heroes.

“Staring at the Sun” is a testament to their musical prowess and draws on a breadth of influences that make it a must listen. “Drifter” the lead single of the EP is a brooding swamp rock anthem showcasing the feral nature of Donata’s vocals and Russell’s ferocious guitar licks. Donata’s vocal tone is somewhere between Stevie Nicks and Siouxsie Sioux giving it an anthemic quality reminiscent of 70s stadium rock. “Do It Better” helps to cement Cherry White’s position as a band of the future reliant on the sounds of the past. An air of post punk by way of Tango in the Night creates a interesting mix of musicality and fierce lyricism. Cherry White is able to also convey their musical message through a softer, acoustic approach. “Angel” is one such song that evokes emotion through the thoughtful lyrics while still standing up musically. The true star of the song being Ralph on bass, showcasing a jazz element to his playing that lifts the song to another plain. The next track, “7 Days” could easily be a prime time Van Halen track, it has just the right amount of 80s shredding to make it truly enjoyable. In contrast “Blue Eyes” is supple piece with a highly effective build up, ending on a crescendo worthy of praise. On the theme of praise, “Staring At The Sun” the final track on the EP is a masterful demonstration of eloquent song writing and rhythmic technicality that further reinforces the transcendent quality of the band.

Each song adheres to the preconceived notion of classic blues rock but adds subtle twists to craft a truly unique sound. With anthems more suitable for stadiums than dimly lit clubs, Cherry White is on course to becoming a classic band in their own right .

Check them out at:

Facebook - facebook.com/cherrywhitemusic

Twitter – cherrywhitegigs

Instagram – cherrywhitemusic

1/13/2014

Christine McVie Back in Fleetwood Mac

Mick Fleetwood announced the news in Maui over the weekend

Mick Fleetwood Christine McVie Stevie Nicks Fleetwood Mac

Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie and Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac.

David M. Benett/Getty Images

The "rumors" may be true: Vocalist and keyboardist Christine McVie has reclaimed her position in Fleetwood Mac, following a 16-year absence. On Saturday, drummer Mick Fleetwood reportedly told the audience at Uncle Willie K's BBQ Blues Fest in Maui, "This is the worst kept secret there is, but Christine McVie will be rejoining Fleetwood Mac." According to Fleetwood Mac News, he made the announcement after Willie and Fleetwood played an acoustic rendition of McVie's Rumours track "Songbird." The band has yet to release the news formally.

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McVie began rehearsing with the band in late 2013 for two shows on the group's European tour. At the time, however, frontwoman Stevie Nicks shrugged off the possibility of a full-scale reunion. "I would say there's no more a chance of that happening than an asteroid hitting the earth," she said. "She is done." Nevertheless, McVie joined the band for a rousing performance of the Rumours cut "Don't Stop" at London's O2 Arena.

Two months later, McVie told The Guardian, "If they were to ask me I would probably be very delighted . . . but it hasn't happened so we'll have to wait and see." And regarding her first appearance with the group after more than a decade away from them, the self-described "music'd out" singer said, "It was amazing, like I'd never left. I climbed back on there again and there they were, the same old faces on stage."

Recently, Nicks told Rolling Stone that if she wants to come back, the door is open. "She started the damn band," she said.

In other Fleetwood Mac news, Christine's ex, John McVie has undergone cancer treatment, while Nicks has made an appearance on American Horror Story: Coven and even officiated Vanessa Carlton's nuptials with Deer Tick singer-guitarist John McCauley.