Art Rock/Post PunkReview: The Pull of Autumn-Afterglow

Release Date: July 25, 2019

Label: RBM Records

Website

Less than a year removed from their debut release, The Pull of Autumn is back with Afterglow, a rich infusion of varied post-punk influences that take the listener to new places, feeling all-the-while like they’ve been there before. The Pull of Autumn is a Boston-based collective of members from Throwing Muses, Hood, Seasurfer, Orange Cake Mix, Hood, and Nick and the Bad Seeds. 

Arrangements are lush, and textures are as varied as the band’s contributors. Traces of influence from these artists’ former groups are unashamedly in the forefront. The fusion of talent evokes a vibe from decades ago when the punk rock attitude embraced by skilled musicians gave birth to post-punk and neo-psychedelia and modern new age. 

Reminiscent of Richard Butler of the Psychedelic Furs, Mark Campbell of the Nails, and David Bowie during his Berlin trilogy, Luke ‘Skyscraper’ James’ vocals are brazened if not melodramatic. On tracks such as “Trouble Time,” “Not Coming Down,” and “Hey America” there feels like an impedance mismatch between James’ vocals and the driving sonic currents flowing below. 

The most compelling parts of Afterglow are the more layered and atmospheric songs where James is not bellowing theatrically to the heavens. These are the tracks with their synth fuzz undertones and layered guitar and piano, which feel like Autumn itself. “Distance,” “They Went Up,” and “Wallow” are lo-fi works of art. “Crack the Red” sounds something from Neutral Milk Hotel while “Sitting by the Window” sounds like a lost track from Love’s “Forever Changes.” 

For me, dropping the needle on any ten seconds of Joy Division’s Unknown Pleasures stirs memories from a slice of time when the future felt frightening, yet full of possibilities. Similarly, The Pull of Autumn’s Afterglow emanates eerily into the present, bringing forth reverberations from a bygone age when fearless experimentation combined with post-punk narcissism evoked a haunting trepidation of the future. Through its highs and lows, darkness and light, and twists and turns, the end result of this listening journey is nothing short of exhilaration. 

Tom Endyke-MuzikMan.net Staff

October 16, 2019

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Tracks:
01. Injure the Swallow
02. Trouble Time
03. Distance
04. They Went Up …
05. Haunted by the Rain
06. Coming Down
07. The Stars or The Jungle
08. Crack the Red
09. Sitting by the Window
10. Sacred Ground
11. Equinox
12. Colder House
13. Stained Glass Windows
14. Hey America!
15. Wallow 

Alt-Rock-Prog-Pop Review: Sharon Lia Band-Beyond Wonderland

Release Date: August 22, 2019

Label: Sharrick Records

Website

Sharon Lia leads from the front in the epic and emotive, Beyond Wonderland, the debut album from the Philadelphia-based band of her namesake. The ever-versatile Sharon chaperones us through the album’s varying themes with her compelling lead vocals and adept piano performances. The singer is at once soulful and candid on this collection, which is an ethereal meeting point of joy and nostalgia, of a past to be forgotten and a future to be fought for. The luscious instrumentation provided by guitarist Rick Jannotti and drummer Howie Fallon bolster the touching, thought-provoking message of this work. While the trio hasn’t struck gold with this debut, it’s clear they’re not far off.

After a brooding beginning, “Sick Addiction” explodes into a badass crescendo of electrifying guitar and thumping percussion. The tormented lyrics showcase Sharon Lia Band’s talent for creating sensational, melodic rock with a twist of poignant tenderness. On the aptly named “Anomie,” Sharon’s harmonious, gentle vocals paint the portrait of a woman let down and misunderstood by her society. Over a celestial arrangement, the defiant singer highlights the power of determination, self-realization, and grit.

“Why Can’t We Pretend?” is a gorgeous, sentimental and dreamy track. It boasts a blissful string section, a triumphant drum kick, and Sharon’s vocal prowess is given the space and backing to fully flourish. On “Hanging by a Thread” the singer similarly wows with an immaculate vocal performance. This track immediately grabs attention with a cadenced organ, crisp drums, and bluesy bass. Despite the smooth, polished sound of this track, the lyrics allude to a tense precarity, an uncertain danger, an imminent threat. This sensitivity is what adds layers of meaning to the band’s particular alternative-rock sound.

The tracklisting is masterful here as the band follows the melancholic end of “Hanging by a Thread” with the confident, sexy, strutting opening of “Free to Fall.” The beat oozes tenacity made up of a quivering electric guitar, a celestial synth, and a rapping drumbeat. The singer’s soaring voice proclaims fearlessness, boldness, and freedom. Then, Sharon Lia Band gifts us their unique take on a rock ballad in “Hunter and Slayer.” It’s tinkling piano and soft string section elicit a mysterious, fairytale feeling. While Sharon’s graceful singing evokes images of a somber, smoky bar-room performance one could only find in a black-and-white film.

On the album’s finale, “Beyond Wonderland.” a lurking bass line is joined by cracking drums while an electric guitar looms in the background, waiting to emerge noisily for the sensational climax. The brazen lyrics deal with the voyage of life, creativity, and self-discovery. It generates a feeling of harmonious completion, as the outro begins, we hear birds chirping and the soft sound of rainfall.  

The ambition and confidence needed to actualize this debut album’s grand vision show Sharon Lia Band has the attributes for a bright future in music. Beyond Wonderland is sure to leave you looking forward to this band’s next adventure.

Key Tracks Include: “Hanging by a Thread”, “Free to Fall”, and “Hunter and Slayer”

Nicholas Lane-MuzikMan.net Staff

October 17, 2019

REVIEWS PROVIDED BY:

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Tracks:
1. Sick Addiction
2. Anomie
3. Why Can’t We Pretend?
4. Hanging by a Thread
5. Free to Fall
6. Hunter and Slayer
7. Beyond Wonderland

Rick Wakeman "Box Of Boots: Set of 10 Live CDs: Official Bootleg Series" Now Available For Pre-order!

The box set will be released Dec 2, 2019

Giving an official release to some wonderful historic concerts previously only available to a few people, keyboard legend Rick Wakeman is releasing Box Of Boots: Set of 10 Live CDs: Official Bootleg Series on December 2, 2019. This is a response to these concerts being heavily bootlegged throughout the years and continuing the trend of Frank Zappa, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Pearl Jam... Rick has decided to make stand against the bootleggers and supply official bootlegs which have been cleaned up in the studio, packaged in a great way at a fraction of the price saving fans from buying them off the black market!

The box set is a limited edition of 1,000 units. Each contains a signed and numbered certificate.

The box set contains:

Boston USA 1974 Live At Boston Music Hall, Boston, MA October 5th 1974

Osaka Japan 1975 Journey To The Centre Of The Earth Koseinekin Hall, Osaka Japan, 21st January 1975

Vienna, Austria 1976 Vienna Ensemble 1976 Live In Vienna Kurhalle, Oberlaa

Preston UK 1981 Live at Guildhall Preston, November 16th 1981

Sheffield UK 1981 Live at the City Hall Sheffield, UK November 21st 1981

Daphne Du Maurier Festival UK 2001 17th January 2001

Tokyo Japan 2008 Solo Performance in Tokyo 2008

Rick Wakeman and the English Rock Ensemble Cropredy, UK 2010 Live at Cropredy Festival, Oxfordshire, UK, 2010

Tokyo Japan 2014 International Forum Hall, Tokyo 1st July 2014

Osaka Japan 2014 Sankei Hall 30th June 2014

Release date 2nd December 2019

Keyboardist, songwriter, producer, television and radio presenter, and author, Rick Wakeman is best known for his work with progressive rock band YES, which spans across five tenures between 1971 and 2004 and for his solo albums released in the 1970s. Wakeman's discography includes over 90 solo albums that range from several musical styles. He has made many television and radio appearances; in recent years he became known for his contributions to the BBC comedy series “Grumpy Old Men,” “Watchdog” and his radio show on Planet Rock that aired from 2005 to 2010. Wakeman has written three books; an autobiography and two memoirs. In 2017, Wakeman was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of YES.

To pre-order Rick Wakeman Box Of Boots: Set of 10 Live CDs: Official Bootleg Series: https://www.musicglue.com/rick-wakeman-emporium/products/box-of-boots-set-of-10-live-cds-official-bootleg-series

Rick Wakeman's official website: http://www.rwcc.com/

Press Inquiries: 
Glass Onyon PR
PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US)
glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Rick Wakeman "Box Of Boots: Set of 10 Live CDs: Official Bootleg Series" Now Available For Pre-order!

The box set will be released Dec 2, 2019

Giving an official release to some wonderful historic concerts previously only available to a few people, keyboard legend Rick Wakeman is releasing Box Of Boots: Set of 10 Live CDs: Official Bootleg Series on December 2, 2019. This is a response to these concerts being heavily bootlegged throughout the years and continuing the trend of Frank Zappa, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Pearl Jam... Rick has decided to make stand against the bootleggers and supply official bootlegs which have been cleaned up in the studio, packaged in a great way at a fraction of the price saving fans from buying them off the black market!

The box set is a limited edition of 1,000 units. Each contains a signed and numbered certificate.

The box set contains:

Boston USA 1974 Live At Boston Music Hall, Boston, MA October 5th 1974

Osaka Japan 1975 Journey To The Centre Of The Earth Koseinekin Hall, Osaka Japan, 21st January 1975

Vienna, Austria 1976 Vienna Ensemble 1976 Live In Vienna Kurhalle, Oberlaa

Preston UK 1981 Live at Guildhall Preston, November 16th 1981

Sheffield UK 1981 Live at the City Hall Sheffield, UK November 21st 1981

Daphne Du Maurier Festival UK 2001 17th January 2001

Tokyo Japan 2008 Solo Performance in Tokyo 2008

Rick Wakeman and the English Rock Ensemble Cropredy, UK 2010 Live at Cropredy Festival, Oxfordshire, UK, 2010

Tokyo Japan 2014 International Forum Hall, Tokyo 1st July 2014

Osaka Japan 2014 Sankei Hall 30th June 2014

Release date 2nd December 2019

Keyboardist, songwriter, producer, television and radio presenter, and author, Rick Wakeman is best known for his work with progressive rock band YES, which spans across five tenures between 1971 and 2004 and for his solo albums released in the 1970s. Wakeman's discography includes over 90 solo albums that range from several musical styles. He has made many television and radio appearances; in recent years he became known for his contributions to the BBC comedy series “Grumpy Old Men,” “Watchdog” and his radio show on Planet Rock that aired from 2005 to 2010. Wakeman has written three books; an autobiography and two memoirs. In 2017, Wakeman was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of YES.

To pre-order Rick Wakeman Box Of Boots: Set of 10 Live CDs: Official Bootleg Series: https://www.musicglue.com/rick-wakeman-emporium/products/box-of-boots-set-of-10-live-cds-official-bootleg-series

Rick Wakeman's official website: http://www.rwcc.com/

Press Inquiries: 
Glass Onyon PR
PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US)
glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Review: Quayde LaHue-Love Out of Darkness

Release Date: November 8, 2019

Label: Adult Fantasy Records

Website

If you're looking for a record that speaks to the current struggles of society, look no further than Quayde LaHue’s Love Out of Darkness. 

Love Out of Darkness is an awesome record that focuses on themes of love, oppression, darkness, and the never-ending quest to feel part of something. 

Quayde’s lineup boat members from numerous metal and hardcore bands, most notably, Christian Mistress. While Quayde’s sound differs from Christian Mistress, their sound as a whole echo that of the new wave of British heavy metal movement of the late 1970s and early 1980s. 

The first song on the album, “Give Me Your Love,” sets the tone for the ensuing album with loud power chords, complex structures, and an all-around sense of hard rock in its truest form. The song’s lyrics mirror the instrumental track of the song. Jenna Fitton, the lead vocalist, sings earnestly and honestly about the confusion that surrounds falling in love. She asks, “Is it worth a shot? Because you think she’s hot? Then why the hell not and I can tell he likes what he sees. It’s worth a shot.” The lyrics invite the listener into the world of Fitton, one that is confused at the process of courtship. 

The rest of the album follows suit, as all the songs provide a raw sense of rock with vibes of heavy metal. On “Warrior,” Fitton belts, “I am a warrior” as the rhythm guitar provides a consistent grungy sound. The following track, “Before the Storm” continues the sound of the late 80s and early 90s grunge, reminiscent of Alice In Chains. 

For someone who is not in tune with the sounds of hard rock, heavy metal, and/or grunge, Love Out of Darkness may be a difficult album to listen to or even understand, but the beauty of Love Out of Darkness is that it is an incredibly accessible album. The lyrics are extremely relatable and the instrumental track mirrors the confusion surrounding our society right now. It’s almost as if the lyrics and the instruments are in a constant battle to properly convey the themes of love and darkness that are the backbone of this great record. 

Key Tracks Include: “Give Me Your Love”, “Warrior”, “Before The Storm”, and “Widowmaker.”

Guillermo M. Berrizbeitia

October 10, 2019

Reviews Provided By:

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MuzikMan Productions

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Tracks: 
1. Give Me Your Love
2. Man In The Purple Robe
3. Heart Of Stone
4. Warrior
5. Before The Storm
6. Widowmaker
7. Fallout
8. It Still Burns
9. Right To Rock