J-KEYS Releases New Single Wreckless

Featuring a killer hook and a lively party atmosphere, ‘Wreckless’ is the new fun single from Essex-born, Bournemouth-based rising UK hip hop star, J Keys.

The rapper started writing music 10 years ago, his debut album ‘When Idols Become Rivals’ dropping a couple years back, receiving much praise from fans.

With a new LP in the works, J plans to slowly drip-feed us a new track each month, ‘Wreckless’ being the first taster. It comes accompanied by some vibrant action-packed visuals.

Links:

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/JKeysOFFICIAL/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jkeysofficial

Soundcloud:  https://soundcloud.com/j-keys-official

The Breaking Pattern Reinvent Emo Rock With Incredible New Album "There Are Roadmaps In Our Veins"

‘The face of the Phoenix emo revival movement’ – The Huffington Post

Taking influences from Real Friends, Man Overboard and The Wonderyears, The band are quite literally breaking the pattern of emo rock by delivering a euphoric and almost ethereal sound through the reverb bathed guitars and heartfelt lyrics. 

The album challenges the personal struggle of a failing relationship. The band’s frontman explains: ‘The album is somewhat of a break-up album, chronicling the various stages of a doomed relationship from the moments leading up to the split until the resolution and recovery. I say “somewhat” because it is not a concept album. The songs do not tell one specific story, but are a compilation of personal experience and the stories I’ve witnessed from friends who had their own hearts disintegrated into red dust.’

That being said I feel it's a catalyst through which those feeling less than ecstatic can vent and learn from, whilst also revelling in the bands clear flowing wealth of musical knowledge and experience.

My favourite track, "Let Love Go", is a strong opening to the vibe of the album and has an awesome mix of melodic guitar lines supported by complex atmospheric riffs which complement the nostalgic theme perfectly.

Having sold out many shows since their formation, their album is an opportunity to get into the loop if you've been unfortunate enough to miss out on them.

Links:

Www.TheBreakingPattern.Bandcamp.Com

Www.Youtube.com/TheBreakingPattern

 Www.Facebook.Com/TheBreakingPattern

Www.Twitter.com/TheBreakPattern

The Fresh And Enlightening Psychedelic Inspired Sound Of Young Malak Is Sure To Make Waves On Te Scene

Watch the video here:

Young Malak's music is an honest rendition of how accurately music expresses an artist's personality and experiences. Reminiscent of the sounds of Tyler the Creator, Earl Sweatshirt, Flatbush Zombies and Joey Badass, The Virginia Beach phenomenon expertly communicates his experiences of self discovery after having a severe phase of writers block and self disbelief. The outpouring of emotions embedded into the mixtape are sure to make you experience thoughts and feelings that you never felt music could evoke inside of you.

Young Malak talks about his lyrics: ‘One point in my life I was lost stuck trying to figure myself out as well as my self-purpose and the more I searched inside myself I began to overtime breakdown my thoughts and feelings to help me remember me. The more you understand your own self the more you will understand this world, and if you can understand this world you realise everything in the universe is one.’

His performance at the Shaggfest of 2015 communicated his message through his performance and we urge you to see him perform live.

Young Malak is a personification of passion, with activities other than music including spinning poi fire, meditating, enjoying nature, reading spiritual books and indulging in the creative benefits of THC from the well known herb oregano.

Media Links:

https://soundcloud.com/the-keyz-3

https://www.facebook.com/The-Keyz-1631478267103846/

https://twitter.com/the_keyzz

Newborn Are Getting Down To Earth With 'Gravity' Taken From Self Titled EP - Out 14th July

Newborn's nostalgic yet surprisingly uplifting anthem 'Gravity' features grungy guitars and heartfelt lyrics. With an almost harrowing opening guitar riff, as soon as the vocals come in you are lulled into a hazy state leaving you feeling the raw emotion behind the song without even thinking. 

With the mesmerising EP scheduled for release on June the 14th it's a tantalising wait to hear the rest of the tracks. Quoting the frontman Allen 'Music ... It really does heal people.’ so particularly if you are in need of a little boost, watch their social media religiously in order to hear them first.

Links:

Website: http://www.newbornband.com/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/newborn-6

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newbornrockmusic/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/_Newbornband

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_newborn/    

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/user/thenewbornband

Role Model Challan Charmichael Presents His Fresh Single 'Step by Step'

"Nottingham's next MC Hammer" - The Nottingham Post

"Step by Step" boasts a catchy and feel good hook supported by a smooth and sleek production. Featuring local children from his church to sing along with him adds the extra freshness, originality and true inspirational nature of Challan's music. Taking influence from artists such as Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Whitney Houston "Step by Step" has all the ingredients of a chart topping summer track youd hear whilst basking in the summers glorious sun.

Challan explains the feelings behind music: ‘I love good wholesome music and am very aware of how music can help you to motivate and uplift. In the current climate with so much negativity in the world it is very easy to be bombarded with negative images and messages continuously. Sometimes it is good to focus on the positive side and also positive messages so that we can remember it is not all doom and gloom.’

Purchase now: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/step-by-step-single/id1093444648?ls=1

The single will be available on Spotify, Tidal, Bandcamp, Datpiff.com, Soundcloud, Reverbnation, and Youtube for free

Links:

https://soundcloud.com/challancarmichael

https://www.facebook.com/challancarmichaelmusic/

https://twitter.com/ChallanC

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCexVQanNA09bzBSj6P4T9ig

https://www.instagram.com/challancarmichael/
www.challancarmichael.co.uk

Big Zero 'Tear It Up And Start Again' New Video Feature

Recently came across these guys and absolutely loved the new video for their brand single 'Tear it Up and Start again' Check it out here:

Gigs
June 10th - Sub89 (playing with Bis), Reading 

Links:
www.twitter.com/bigzeromusic 
www.youtube.com/bigzeromusic 
www.facebook.com/bigzeromusic 
www.instagram.com/bigzeromusic

Big Zero Release New Retro-Flavoured EP ‘Mainstream Propaganda’

Influenced by late-70s/early-80s New Wave Punk, upcoming band Big Zero release this exciting new EP ‘Mainstream Propaganda’. It’s a politically-charged anti-establishment record for the modern age.

There are hints of Talking Heads and Blondie in the guitars and lyrics, whilst ‘Turn Up Your Radio’ could even sports a vocal style similar to The Police’s Sting.

The EP is colourful and proof of a band with a clear and promising sound and vision.

Watch the video for ‘Tear It Up And Start Again’ below:

Links:

www.twitter.com/bigzeromusic 

www.youtube.com/bigzeromusic 

www.facebook.com/bigzeromusic 

www.instagram.com/bigzeromusic 

www.soundcloud.com/bigzeromusic

Energetic New Funk-Rock Track From Dubai One-Man-Band Bull Funk Zoo

Funk rock singer, guitarist and producer Assaad Lakkis (aka Bull Funk Zoo) is Dubai’s latest brilliantly balmy one-man-act. His latest single ‘Would You’ is a psychedelia-infused mixture of raw guitar grooves and slovenly vocals.

Taking influence from artists as wide-ranging as Earth Wind and Fire, Frank Zappa and Megadeath, the artist has crafted his own unique sound. The Middle East have already embraced him, crowds of up to 30,000 people attending his shows. An album in the pipeline, the musician now turns his sights to the rest of the world.

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/bullfunkzoo/

https://twitter.com/bullfunkzoo

https://www.instagram.com/bullfunkzoo/

https://www.youtube.com/user/BullFunkZoo

 https://soundcloud.com/bullfunkzoo

https://bullfunkzoo.bandcamp.com

‘Space Metal’ Outfit, Orca, Release New Debut Album, Universe

New genre alert! ‘Space Metal’ is the fresh new label being pushed by these UK-based alt-rockers.

Influenced by bands such as Tool and Deftones, Orca’s latest album contrasts planet-sized riffs with softer moments of eerie zero-gravity ambience. Frontman Christian Edwards provides soaring vocals over the top. The result is both atmospheric and hard hitting.

Highlights include lead single ‘Amber’, with it’s plummeting chugging mid-section and epic outro, and ‘Swimming Upstream’, which starts with brooding clean guitars before exploding into a climax of dissonant riffs, including some groovy bass slides.

Each track is well-paced and excitingly unpredictable.
Check out the single ‘Amber’ below:

Links:

http://www.orcaband.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfc2c5RQ1oHYu8EmZ-TNSsQ/videos

https://twitter.com/orcabanduk

The Soft Shades "Keeper Of The Groove" Album Review

This is an instrumental post rock project done right in almost every way; the ambience is subtle in places and at other times leaves you on the edge of your seat and questioning what is coming next. It is a cracking record that truly embraces everything an instrumental rock band should encompass, this is evident on tracks like “The Flare” and “First September Weekend”

My overall favourite track which feels like the lead track is “When this Day comes” and this is definitely a track that makes you think and allows your mind to wonder with possibilities.

That is the exciting element with instrumental bands, as a listener you can create the ambience and mood yourself, regardless of what the bands initial intentions were, everyone who listens to this album will take something different from this.

It is an absolutely stunning piece of work and music project and definitely a musical experience I would recommend!

The album is set for release on 22nd April

Links:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thesoftshades/

Bandcamp - http://thesoftshades.bandcamp.com/

Debut EP, ‘Science’, From Dazzling Singer-Songwriter Rachel Myalls

Following the break-up of her previous band Cymbeline, London-based artist Rachel Myalls has chosen to pursue a solo career as a singer-songwriter.

This delicate blend of folk and blues serves as her first solo EP and sees her exploring the complications of being in a relationship to an intimate backdrop of acoustic guitars. Myalls draws influence from singer-songwriters such as Dolly Parton and Tim Buckley. Her lyrics are vivid and heartfelt, sung in a refreshingly British-accented tone. Highlights include lead single ‘Science’, which touches on the explosive chemistry of a short-lived relationship and ‘Horses’, a track about proving one’s love set to some driving percussion.

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/rachelmyallmusic/?ref=hl

http://www.rachelmyall.com/

https://rachelmyall.bandcamp.com/

Nigel Thomas - Travelling Man Review

Nigel Thomas’ is making Britpop for the modern day. Drawling vocals and powerful guitar builds are striking on this brilliant new album from Nigel Thomas named ‘Travelling Man’.

Listen here:

Powerful and emotive sounds run throughout this fresh collection of songs that not only give an insight into Thomas’ personal reflections on life but give a relatable view of day to day life in a beautiful way that evokes the passion of legends like Oasis and Blur. 

The title track is a dreamy song full of waves of The Beatles with brilliant guitar work and nostalgic harmonies sweeping the listener along.  Songs like ‘Drift’ use strings reminiscent of Nick Drake but with biting lyrics that perfectly counteract the soft melodies.

Overall the album is a gripping listen that demands attention and respect, with plenty of great songs to get your teeth into.

Links:

https://soundcloud.com/nigelthomas

https://www.facebook.com/nigelsongs

https://twitter.com/Nigelsongs

http://www.nigelsongs.com

https://www.youtube.com/user/nigelsongsuk/videos

Orca New Album 'Universe' Review

Alternative metal band, Orca, are releasing their hard hitting album ‘Universe’ and it has us in awe. Their music gracefully twists and dives through a unique blend of heavy riffs with disarming melodies, soulful atmospheres and an edge of prog.

 ‘Amber’ starts the album off with foreboding sounds which draws you in before the heavy rhythms kick in hard. The fact that this album is self- produced shows the skills of these musicians as the track are beautifully layered, really transporting the listener into the stars with the band.

The strident metal sound of the band is contrasted well by vocalist Chris Edwards’ Jeff Buckley sounding voice that guides the album along. The band have live dates in London that are by the sound of the album- bound to be a real experience not worth missing.

The single ‘Aquarium’ is out now from the album Universe out April 1st

LINKS:

http://www.orcaband.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfc2c5RQ1oHYu8EmZ-TNSsQ/videos

https://twitter.com/orcabanduk

https://www.facebook.com/orcaband

https://soundcloud.com/orcaband

https://orcaband.bandcamp.com/

Upcoming gig dates for 2016:

April 1st - Rigger Stoke-on-Trent

April 8th - Barfly, London

April 18th - Surya King's Cross, London

Marcus Nand Album Review

After recording guitar solo for Rod Stewart, Marcus Nand is back with own solo album ‘Time And Tide Wait For No Man’. With sweeping melodies and delicate guitar rhythms this album whisks you along into whichever land Marcus is venturing to this time.

The title track offers Marcus’ heartfelt thoughts and reflections on life, luck and love which, as commented on by Rami Jaffee (Foo Fighters), is performed ‘in an honest way, which is rare these days’.  Marcus brilliantly mixes this in an uplifting way, allowing you to be taken with the melody.

Listening to the album, you can hear Marcus’ mixed influences being drawn upon. The track ‘Everything’ features beautifully intricate flamenco guitar work which fits perfectly with the passionate vocals. The eerie track ‘You Become My World’ reveals another side to Marcus Nand’s eclectic album with Indian influences being prevalent here. In fact, the album gives you an insight into the man behind the music; with travelling, motorcycling and sailing being his passions, the songs definitely create the feeling of enjoying the journey of life. 

Overall this album is a heartening, as well as catchy, performance of Marcus’ skills in both songwriting but most strikingly, in his pure talent as an experienced musician. 

The album ‘Time And Tide Wait For No Man’ is out on 22^nd April 2016

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/MarcusNandMusic

https://twitter.com/marcusnand

https://soundcloud.com/marcus-nand

http://marcusnand.com/

Free From Gravity Are Set To Release New Single

Portsmouth rockers Free From Gravity are about to release their wonderfully positive message of overcoming life struggles in a melodically addictive new song called “The Long Road”.

Blending in perfectly elements of classic rock from the 60s and 70s with the more chilled out 90s interpretations a la Bluetones the song has already become quite a sensation in the online community. Music blog Go Hard Magazine has described the lyrics as “emotional, compassionate and inspirational” while music website JamSphere reads: “I don’t know if Vince Barnes has studied music, but he is clearly evolving from a songwriter into a true composer, and the result is extremely satisfying.”

Listen here: 

“The Lond Road” was inspired by Vince’s mum’s battle with cancer which she bravely overcame. As a reminder of the hardships life can put on people, it is ultimately a confirmation of positivity and optimism, encouraging anyone who is in recovery to stay strong. Many of the band’s fans can relate to the lyrics and singer Vince remembers a sober alcoholic coming up to him once after gig, telling him how much the song means to him.

Free From Gravity are no strangers to great live performance, having played in front of up to 4000 people in the past and getting a couple of hundred Spanish fans singing along to their songs at a gig abroad. Apart from the success they have accomplished with their own concerts, the four-piece, consisting of Vince Barnes, TJ Jackson, Jason Gray and Lewis Trickett, has supported bands such as the Pat McManus Band or Mark Morris of Bluetones and worked with people such as Andy Mitchel of The Yardbirds. 

The band, whose name was inspired by a WonderBra advert which said “Free Yourself From Gravity”, is showing

resemblance to some of the major players in 20^thcentury music ranging from The Eagles to The Who. Next to being excellent songwriters, instrumentalists and performers Free From Gravity are a group that adopted an approach to getting their music heard which is driven by passion and a go-getting spirit. “We perform guerrilla gigs where we pitch up and play at a venue or on the street. We are handing out flyers as we play”, explains Vince who is a professional when it comes to DIY and self-promotion.

With a combination of this kind of work ethic and a dedication to good songs the lads are on a steady and way up!

Live Dates:

July 2nd - Hoefest in Waterlooville (near Portsmouth)

LINKS:

https://soundcloud.com/freefromgravityband

https://www.facebook.com/freefromgravitymusic/

Instrumental New Age/Ambient Review: Tom Eaton-Abendromen

Release Date: February 8, 2016

Label: Riverwide Records

Website

Abendromen is Tom Eaton’s latest release. The title comes from the Dutch. It is actually two words combined, "Abend" is evening and "Dromen" is dreams. Tom is a very busy producer collaborating constantly with Will Ackerman in his Imaginary Road Studios to help New Age artists find their sound. Somehow he found the time in December 2015 and January 2016 to get this recording completed.

This is an album about dreaming and the different forms it can take on a daily basis. Some sweep you away from reality and some become reality. Listen to the music and create your dreams.

Tom composed, mixed, mastered, engineered and produced the recording using textural electric guitars, fretted and fretless basses, synthesizers and piano miniatures. All the piano, keyboards, guitars, basses and percussion where played by the artist making this a true “solo” work.

The ever important opening track draws the curtain back and sets the tone for any recording. And Tom introduces his style of music perfectly by easing you into his world with “Sunday-Slow Rotations.” It is atmospheric and features ambient textures with keyboards floating on top, promoting the traditional day of rest. It is the face of magnificence and elegance found in music all packaged in one track. The elements of new age and classical are injected with some ambient chill to make for delectable treat for the senses. 

Oddly enough “Monday-Midwinter” is exactly where we are at in the northeast. Usually every year we have those nightmare days with the weather but it has been a winter only imagined by those hoping for warming temperatures and a lot less snow and ice. That dream came true. 

“Tuesday-The Compass” is one of my preferred tracks. It reminded me of some of my favorite artists over the years like Tangerine Dream (Le Parc). The dreamy floating on cloud effect is there except the pace picks up a bit more right at the start. There is lovely melody weaved into the fabric of this track. It has inspired me to start listening to some of my favorite music again that I have not heard in so long. Tangerine Dream, Jean Michel Jarre and Mike Oldfield come to mind right away. The compass showed me the way.

I think the one track I could relate to most was “Friday-Patience.” The saying T.G.I.F. comes to mind and how you need to be patient and work your way through the day looking forward to the weekend to do what you really desire. It does require patience to make it through to Friday each week, some weeks require more than others. That is how the title hit me and the music felt right as well. The pace is even and peaceful while carrying the hope of a new day right around the corner.

I knew Tom Eaton was an incredibly talented producer and now I know for certain that the music is in every molecule of his being. With Abendromen his gives proof positive that his fingers hold the key to capturing the imagination of an audience in desperate need of unwinding and appreciating a relaxing atmosphere to decompress. It worked for me. 

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Monday-Slow Rotations, Friday-Patience, Tuesday-The Compass

Tracks: 
01. Sunday: Slow Rotations
02. Monday: Midwinter
03. Tuesday: The Compass
04. Wednesday: In Stillness
05. Thursday: For Orion
06. Friday: Patience
07. Saturday: Long Lonely Light

Bonus Tracks:
08. Wednesday Night
09. The Eighth Day
10. Saturday Night
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

February 27, 2016

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Jae Franklin Single Review 'Weary'

‘Weary’ by the fantastic singer Jae Franklin is a song that everyone can relate to. It stresses the way that we can feel when we’re lost or unsure about what is to come. Underpinned by her amazingly clear and powerful voice, Franklin delivers a message of kindness and affection that is much needed in modern times. 

With a singing style that reminds of singers like Mariah Carey or Whitney Houston, the Dubai based musician is demonstrating an immense talent and a maturity that certainly makes her ready for the world’s big stages.  ‘Weary’ is a track to put on repeat.

‘Weary’ is out on 26^th March 2016.

LINKS:

http://www.facebook.com/jaefranklin

http://www.twitter.com/jaefranklin

http://www.soundcloud.com/jaefranklin

The Truebelles Single Review

The Truebelles are a refreshing new girl band  who are certainly putting girl power on the map and are set to shake up the pop scene with their catchy new single ‘if your heart is there’The Truebells are a London based three-piece who all about girl power, these girls have the spirit and determination to bring femininity back , Grace Talullah and Lorena comprise remarkable vocal skills, this is a supremely up-tempo burst of pop, full of hooks that just make you want to jump out of bed in the morning and Seize the Day

The single ‘If Your Heart Is There’ is out on 12^th February 2016.

 

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/The-Truebelles-920344594701415/

https://twitter.com/ttruebelles

http://thetruebelles.com/

Healthy Junkies 'Box of Chaos' Review

Healthy Junkies are a band that lives, breathes and suffers punk rock. This is most evident in their latest album ‘Box Of Chaos’, a truly magnificent ode to the manic depression that plagues the residents of a 21^stcentury world.

Although full of social commentary about how screwed this planet is in songs like “Watch Out” or “Captive” Healthy Junkies don’t drown into a nihilistic kind of self pity. Instead, they are punk rock enough to scream “I don’t give a damn” and “Je suis free”, demonstrating that our day and age isn’t necessarily an easy one to live in but that ultimately they’re going their way regardless – and that’s brilliantly inspiring!

http://www.healthyjunkies.co.uk/

www.soundcloud.com/healthyjunkies

https://twitter.com/HealthyJunkies?

https://www.facebook.com/healthyjunkiesband/

Elaine Blake - 'The Back Door Man' Review

The Back Door Man’ by Nottingham musician Elaine Blake is a song as joyous as the singer herself. Elaine is a wonderfully quirky newcomer who has previously worked with various jazz bands and girl gospel groups. With ‘The Back Door Man’ she is now entering the realms of pop in the most rosy and cheerful way. The song is a great pop track that lifts the spirits and manages to put a smile on everyone’s face. With this kind of music we’re definitely ready for springtime!

Listen here: 

The new single from Elaine Blake is out on February 12th

Links:

https://twitter.com/blakeisaac2

https://www.facebook.com/elaine.blake.589