Saturday, 11 June 2016

Infected by a Spyder Byte.

Hello my pretties,

You can lay your worries to rest. I’m alive. I survived the brutal attack of university deadlines and fought off the army of assignments with minimal injuries. Primarily mentally inflicted scars, but hey I’ve never been the most sane creature. Thankfully. But I’m back (in black…oh come on you were all thinking it! And someone had to make the terribly cringe worthy remark…and that’s me all over!). There’s so much I wanted to tell you all, but due to uni I had to refrain from giving you insanely juicy details! So let me give you the short version:

·       1) Andy Black Live – no words. Unbelievable
·       2) The Great Escape – stepped up their game from last year. Unbelievable.
·       3) Slamdunk South Festival – Panic headlining! Unbelievable.

Even shorter version: unbelievable. Just the stress relief any music fanatic needs!

However today I am here to share another well-guarded secret. Not to dwell on the past. Everyone here knows my love for artists such as KISS; Mötley; Adam Ant; Poison. The endless list of Glam Rock, Sleaze Metal pioneers who aided my love for theatrics and wonderfully reckless skulduggery that accompanies it. Now everyone has specific little triggers that drive them from perfectly rational to giving a look that could send someone six feet under. One of mine being people constantly declaring that rock – specifically sleaze/glam – is dead. Gene Simmons (bassist and demon of KISS…for those less educated in this realm) being one of these blasphemers. But that’s another rant for another time. However I have living proof that this world is very much alive and thriving. Let me introduce to you Spyder Byte. Quintet hell-bent on vandalising the minds of this generation with sex, booze and rock ‘n’ roll just like their forefathers before them. I raise my glass to that. I know it’s a huge juxtaposition but I find there is something oddly innocent about that, compared to blunt and very realistic (in the sense of it insinuations being serious and that one has to ‘put out’ to please someone else) connotations within pop music, compared to the energetic, screw the rest we’ll do it our own way that Glam/Sleaze presents.

Geez, I’m highly aware I detoured this bus down bleak, solemn avenue. Let’s U-turn back shall we? Where was I? Oh yeah introductions are in order. Lovelies I’d like you to meet:

·       - Daniel Lawrence – Vocals
·       - C.C – Lead Guitar
·       - Luke Naylar – Rhythm Guitar/Backing Vocals
·       - Nathan Hammond – Bass Guitar/Backing Vocals
·       - Connor Godfrey – Drums/Backing Vocals

Back in late 2015 the group released their debut album “Addictive”. The album’s just that. The only antidote being more and more and…you’ve got it….more. Who needs nicotine or whatever else the kids are into these days? This gives you a high like no other!

Let’s take a closer look shall we? Come on you know you want to! That’s it follow the breadcrumb trail, I promise you there’s no witch at the end. Only lil ol’ me. Hey! I heard that! I’d watch it if I was you I do have a few trick up my sleeve. Few spells I’ve been itching to try.

Okay. Moving swiftly on.  

Track One: ‘Infestation’

The album opens with “Infestation” immediately starting on a high. A constant energy is emitted, something which is hard to maintain throughout an entire song at this velocity. However, Byte manage to maintain this with ease. Not floundering at any point. They strap the listener in for the time of their lives. They aren’t giving them up at the first stop. One particular element that struck me with this band is the vocalist. Typically in this genre (you’re going to hear me say that a lot so might as well start getting used to it) and any genre actually is how imperative the vocal is. One thing I have found with artists who attempt sleaze today is that the vocalist desperately tries to replicate what’s already been done. Usually failing. However, Lawrence manages to marry stereotypical conventions with his own grit and angst. If Olli Herman (Reckless Love) Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden) and M. Shadows (Avenged Sevenfold) were to have a love child, Lawrence’s voice would be it!

Track Two: ‘Heartbreak Babe’

            I immediately fell in love with this track! The guitar hook just has a mesmerising quality about it. What’s more, the catchy vocal demonstrates Lawrence’s true potential compared the first track. It’s as if they are slowly getting you addicted. Dragging you in. Making the taste linger. Leaving you begging for more. Thankfully, the track does not loose the high created in the opening song. Being a lyricist my attention is immediately drawn to lyrics first arrangement later. Like the pioneers their lyrics on the surface seem simplistic however they are cleverly written. A particular favourite of mine being “starry eyes, that hypnotise I get sucked into your lies” I don’t know why I just love lines like that. They aren’t complicated or intricate to confuse a listener, yet they insinuate so much more! If ‘Infestation’ didn’t have you hooked then this one definitely seals the deal.  

Track Three: ‘In Your Face’

            Interestingly, this track breaks the sleaze conventions formed, starting with drums rather than the complex guitars. Godfrey demonstrates his stamina as a drummer as the beat remains strong and constant. Not wavering at any point. Carrying forward the irrepressible drive and energy the band emit. What’s more, the build in the introduction illustrates ALL members’ technical abilities. Common thinking about glam and sleaze is that musicians take the “easy way out”. That is doesn’t require much thinking. However that isn’t the case at all. Personally I have found some of the most talented musicians this world has to offer to be disciples of this religion. Spyder Byte is no exception. Moreover, it is easy to get lost in individual elements that this style has to offer, between multiple guitar hooks, drum fills combined exceptional vocals; yet Spyder Byte confirm their abilities as songwriters – writing for the song not for the musician. Simple is sometimes the hardest thing to accomplish. Yet when it is has an effect like nothing else. The band also illustrate how, even though imperative to the game, lead guitar wouldn’t survive without solid rhythmic foundations provided by Godfrey and Hammond. However no only does Byte demonstrate this, they also express how rhythm doesn’t have to be straight and formal; instead throw a melodic quality about it. Last but not least, a key lyric that hit me hard enough to daze me was “misery is good for revenge”. Personally, that is just one of those lines that…it’s hard to explain…but it just leaves you in love with it.

Track Four: ‘Strip Club Blues’

Although the shortest on the album, this has to be one of my favourite (I think I’ve said that about every song on here. But it’s just that good!). It’s a quick hit that leaves you pining for more. For some reason, the introduction reminds me of Poison’s 'Unskinny Bop', more the feel rather than arrangement. Nonetheless that’s one of my favourite songs so I’m not complaining! Interestingly, there is a change in pace after the first chorus that works oddly well; with a lot occurring in the arrangement however elements don’t clash, nor does it confuse the listener in any way. Notably the vocal is at it’s clearest on this track. The name itself insinuates this, but its so typically Eighties sleaze that you can’t help but love it! There isn’t a part of this song that isn’t addictive. So far the album is living up to its title don’t ya think?

Track Five: ‘Moonshine’

Common theme so far with Byte is that they start each song so differently. Okay bear with me I know that sounds odd and y’all thinking “Well Rebel they’re not going to start each song the same now”. But there is something about this genre that, in terms of arrangement, it is easy to get stuck in a redundant routine. It’s refreshing to hear just the vocal and drums. Sleaze can become very hectic, not through any fault of its own, just an endeavour to maintain energy and drive. Although, Byte excellently manage to bring tracks to their bare-minimum whilst maintaining enthusiasm and intensity. Notably, they provide you with a break that you never knew you wanted. Signifying not only they talent as songwriters, but also they nail the overlooked talent of song placement in a set – or in this case album.

Track Six: ‘On Time’

            Remember that glorious love triangle I created in a futile attempt to describe Lawrence’s vocal? Well I am about to add another one to the concoction. Up until now I’ve been racking my brain trying to think who else Lawrence reminds me of. It seemed so obvious. On the tip of my tongue. Then it hit me! You could say I was ‘thunderstruck’ …wait…that only makes sense if I had already told you the singer…although that particular song was with legendary Brian Johnson. I am in fact talking about the iconic voice that kick-started AC/DC’s phenomenal career. That’s right. Mr Bon Scott. Now you can all laugh at my cleverness. Okay that’s enough. Lawrence manages to draw forth all the finer qualities of all the vocalists I have mentioned, intertwining them with his own technique.

            After the well-deserved break in ‘Moonshine’ Byte bring back the verve harder and better than ever. It is possible to easily misplace and over do backing vocals. Yet Byte appropriately places gang vocals, utilising them to enhance the song. What’s more, the call and response arrangement between lead and backing vocals establish how intriguing ‘On Time’ would be to hear live. Particularly for a band just starting out and carving their name into the scene, having a repertoire that literally anyone can sing along to will aid them in the future. One way to hook a new crowd is having songs that allowed them to feel like they’re part of the show. Markedly, there is an unexpected drop half way through the track, leaving drums and bass to fend for themselves in a genre where it is easy to get lost in vocals and guitars. Again Byte live up to the albums name, as they arrange a build that is truly addictive, followed by a release in the solo that the listener craves.

Track Seven: ‘Love Bomb Ticking’

            First thing that struck me with this song was how much space there is in the introduction, allowing all parts to be accented and flourish, as each rightly should. Particularly I love the call and response between the vocals and musical arrangement. Again allowing members to demonstrate their true capabilities. Specifically, ‘Love Bomb Ticking’ again brought my attention to Mr Godfrey’s incredible skill and endurance as a drummer. The entire album already insinuated this, however this particular track confirmed my thinking. It’s easy to over look drummers, while they are the ones who provide the foundations and keep the others on track. Ensuring the songs stays steady. Fella’s don’t let go of this one.

Track Eight: ‘Addictive Poison’

            Now, although I am easy to please I am extremely hard to impress, not only as a writer but also as a person. However Byte had me hooked through this entire album, ‘Addictive Poison’ being no different. Five seconds in and I’m already craving more. Notably, this is slightly heavier than their previous songs, allowing influences such as Metallica to project through the sleaze front. Nonetheless, this works surprisingly well. Leaving it…dare I say again…a favourite off the album. Every element is tight and provides the vicious cycle of a satisfactory craving for the song to continue. It wraps you in chains that you will happily commit to. But that’s just glam and sleaze at its finest. It is definitely my favourite in regards to guitar hooks. C.C. Naylar I tip my hat to you. Personally, I found this to be the best song to conclude the album on, conforming perfectly to the album title - this is an addictive poison that you can help but press repeat and put yourself through the bittersweet compulsion again and again.

Verdict?

Addictive guitar hooks. Strong, rhythmic foundations. Powerful vocals. All enhance these perfectly feel good driven songs. Whoever said sleaze was dead certainly hasn’t stumbled across these guys. They will reaffirm your faith in hairspray and tight leather/ripped denim. Happily losing yourself in the swirl of love and lust lyrics, shredding guitars and the debauched lifestyle of sex, strippers and whisky.

I’ve cleared my calendar for their next gig. Have you?

Until next time,
Unpleasant Dreams.











Check Out Spyder Byte Below:




Tuesday, 19 April 2016

Out of The Gutter and...

Hello my pretties,

It’s me again, your favourite gal with all the mind melting gossip circulating the new rock/indie/metal music scene. Yesterday my doctor let me out of Arkham on good behaviour. Safe to say that was short lived. But trust me it was worth it. Now some of the extra juicy details I have to refrain from telling you, as I need them to remain off my record. To those who are keeping an eye on this in case I admit guilty to an unproven case, IT WASN’T ME!

Gutterflower in all their glory.
Check out on Facebook.
Photo credit: Siri Crawford.
Anyway, one thing I can tell you about last night’s antics was my appearance at Brighton’s Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar. Being the radiant writer I am, I was asked to pop down to see a band called Gutterflower. That’s right I’m in demand folks.  Now the name itself was enough to peak my interest, not only are the connotations associated with “gutters” and “flowers” complete binary oppositions that are beautifully fascinating, but also the name derives from the Goo Goo Dolls less flowery repertoire (no pun intended) compared to their previous hit “Iris”. Immediately indicated the type of band this band will be. Definitely my cup of tea.

This four piece instantly became intriguing to watch through their interesting choice of staging. Typically you’d have guitar and bass on opposite sides of the stage, with the frontman in the centre, right? I’d like to think you guys have at least seen a live video on YouTube being the music fanatics you are. However, in this instance, the frontman was stage left with the bassist occupying the centre.

Now there’s one and only one word that describes this band perfectly: Grunge. Gutterflower completely embody the genre, from ambiance to aesthetics. The band as a whole captures the entirety, especially with attire as while one member checked of the black shirt, sophisticatedly edgy, while another ticked off band shirt and jeans with the frontman in ripped skinnies and baggy jumper. Like I said, conquering every corner of the grunge wardrobe.

Musically, Gutterflower demonstrated their ability as professional musicians, with intricate arrangements whilst somehow managing to maintain the sense of simplicity that accompanies the grit of grunge. Particularly, a drop in their first song grasps the audience’s attention if not already having it. Notably, they seem to have acquired a drummer who knows how to play for the song rather than himself. Knowing when to hold back and how to serve the song. The type of drummer that is extremely hard to get hold of in this genre, as most want to bang their kit senseless, leaving no vocal space or room for guitar licks or hooks. Wouldn’t let go of him boys. Speaking of guitars, hooks were simple yet highly effective with a hauntingly mesmerising undertone. There was a slight dissonant tone, whether intentional or not I don’t know, but I personally loved it! Complimented the angst and moodiness perfectly. Vocal wise, the singer reminded me slightly of Gary Moore with a slight tinge to his voice, which works remarkably well with genre.  Although there was no speaking between the songs it oddly worked with this particular set, kinda aided the grunge moodiness.

Overall, their anthemic songs utilised instruments to maximum capacity the only thing missing from there set was a mosh pit, although at one point I did half expect them smash their instruments, but being students I don’t think they can afford to be THAT grunge yet. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

For fans of:
·      Goo Goo Dolls

·      Nirvana

I will be seeing them again. Will you?

Until next time,

Unpleasant dreams.




Thursday, 7 April 2016

Doves Ready To Take Flight

(^Hmm seems that my puns are getting worse. Sorry!)

Hello my pretties, just lil ol’ me again, back with an extra special entry today. Aren’t you lucky! AWAL for a few months now I’ve been giving you so much new tasty information that you can help but love me again! Well…let’s be honest…you never stopped loving me, just missed me like crazy. Don’t worry it will be our little secret.

Let’s get down to the nitty gritty shall we? As you all know, as you all hang on my every word, I’m studying towards a music degree…see one of the many perks of attending a music university that I have access to endless amounts of new music. What’s more, I work with some of the most talented musicians this world has yet to know about. Watching them rise in a vibrant city in which competition to get yourself noticed is fierce. Yet some people defy most odds, not giving in until they achieve their primary goal. Especially after getting a taste of a life they could potentially live is a dangerously addictive one. One of these artists being a Brighton based indie rock band Dove House.

Let’s introduce them all shall we?


Photo by Olly Dolling Photography

So from left to far right we have Kieran Philbin on lead guitar; drummer boy Nick Roberts; frontman and rhythm guitarist himself Jack Peacock; Ish Hussein on the bass; and Anthony Barrett tinkling on the ivories…well keys/synth…kind the same thing (that statement is now making every pianist and composer turn in their graves and wince if they are still breathing…sorry!...maybe?) With Ish and Nick providing powerful backing vocals to compliment Jack’s lead.



This quintet are hell bent on presenting a social commentary in a powerful, melodic rock package; something the music scene at the moment is severely lacking. As their band bio suggests, they are “five alternative rockers, armed with mind-blowing sounds and killer riffs, are not ones to miss”.

Remember those perks I mentioned? Well one is that I get to see a song in its rawest, most fragile state and gradually develop into a masterpiece. See the lovely boys over at Dove House let me have a sneak peak at their new single Cheap Tricks, a song that frontman Jack Peacock presented last year before constructing his ideal band. And being as wonderful as I am I have decided to lend you some insight to the track.

I will try not to go into the technically ins and outs of the song. Nor give too much away. After all this is purely a taster for you, not a three-course meal with all the extras. Have to leave you hungry for more.

Hold on to your top hats. Brace yourselves. Here we go.

Okay so the song immediately grasps your attention with a simple yet intriguing guitar hook, shortly followed by a cutting edge synth sound provided by Anthony with the rest of the band kicking in. This band sure knows how to peak your interest within the first 20 or so seconds. Everything pulls back when Jack’s main vocal begins, with guitar and kit providing a strong foundation. This brings the listeners focus straight to the lyrical content. As I mentioned before, the band provide a social commentary for the foolish youth…we’re all guilty for fitting into this category so don’t you think you’re an exception and turn your nose up mister! Through using this idea the song instantly becomes relatable to anyone and everyone. As my trade is as a lyricist my attention is directly draw to the words of the song, and Peacock has managed to write some entertaining yet brilliant lines. What’s more, each line is powerful on its own, as a songwriter it is difficult to maintain an intensity with every line, however he has managed to compose a song that doesn’t have one weak line in it. Although a personal favourite of mine is “I spilled my drink on the floor/Everybody thinks I’m wasted/I’m just clumsy and faithless” one reason because its so simple yet effective. It’s a statement that makes the song more relatable. We’ve all dropped our drinks at a party and we are accused of drinking too much. When its just clumsiness…I mean I trip on air so dropping a drink is no drunken mistake for me. 

Interestingly, the song is packaged in a summer anthem wrapper whilst actually mocking that lifestyle, which immediately demonstrates professional and clever songwriters. Notably the song has so much space despite there being five musicians (not including vocals) anyone who knows any musicians within the 16 – 25 years old bracket knows that all they want to do it hit/play their instruments for as long and loud as they can. Dove House illustrates perfectly their professional musicianship, writing to compliment the songs rather than their instruments.  To add to this further, most people in today’s world believe that instrumental sections, and specifically solos of any kind, hinder a song, are there for the sake of it and should be exterminated at all costs. However, Dove House manages to incorporate one into their track without it feeling that way, instead it is a coherent piece that is necessary to the track.  The backing vocals scattered within the song again aren’t mindlessly placed, but have been selected to highlight imperative lines. Overall, the band couldn’t have written or produced a stronger debut single. They demonstrate their technical, writing and musical ability in a way that is enjoyable to listen to.

Okay so I think that’s more than enough for you to chew on for now. But I’d keep your eyes peeled on Dove House as:

“Thursday 23rd June will witness the release of the exciting debut single ‘Cheap Tricks’ from indie rockers ‘Dove House’. With a headline show booked at the Hope & Ruin, Brighton, and an energy infused music video to premier the single, this promises to be a huge milestone for these five eager musicians.”

You heard it here first folks, and that’s taken straight from the horses mouth. So make a note in those diaries and get yourselves down to the Hope & Ruin. Personally a favourite venue of mine…and let’s be honest I have the best taste there is so you won’t want to miss this at all. Trust me. If you do you will be lying in bed regretting that one decision. You’ll be thinking “I should have listened to the wise words of Rebel Yell, after all she knows best”. Yes, yes I do know best and don’t you forget that. So be there. If you’ve never seen this band play live before, you are in for a real treat, they are absolutely remarkable and worth every single penny. I know you guys love supporting the local scene and new emerging bands, well you might as well help out and fall head over heels for one that is actually going places.

The single will be made available, free, a week prior to the gig to those signed up to the mailing list. So why don’t you go sign up, learn the words and sing your lungs out on the following Thursday. Gigs are always made better when you can sing along and get lost in the music. You could be one step closer to that experience, so what’s stopping you? You will also have the bragging right of when they are famous and on the cover of magazines such as NME and Rocksound that you had a copy of their debut single before EVERYONE else.

Be sure to follow the boys to keep one step ahead of the game, on:


Just to add the icing on the cake, here is a small preview of the track that the boys were lovely enough to share with you:


Also for anyone out there to get their grip on the band, write about them, photograph them, book them for a gig etc. contact them at: dovehouseband@gmail.com

So I’ll see you there. (Note that wasn’t a question.)

Until then,
Unpleasant Dreams.


Friday, 25 March 2016

It's a Simple Plan...Trust Me!

Simple Plan 

Support: The Bottom Line (UK) and Ghost Town (USA)
24th March 2016
O2 Forum Kentish Town

You know what? I'm sure my post titles are getting worse...ahh well I guess you all just have to live with it.

Anyways, hello my pretties,

Would you look at that I’m back again! Aren’t you lucky being blessed with my company multiple times this month!

Well I have something extra special for you to indulge your senses on today. A little review, wait let me be more accurate, an entry to make you all jealous that you weren’t there with me. Last night I was fortunate enough to see…wait for it…waaaiiiitt...okay I can’t contain my excitement:
SIMPLE PLAN! (It's just clicked I said this post was about Simple Plan at the top of this entry...ah well!)

First things first though, a quick note about the support bands:

The Bottom Line: 



Finally a decent pop punk to emerge from the last 3 years! These guys cater to everything you could want from a pop punk band. They’re catchy, their cute and they leave you wanting more whilst giving the rest of the world the finger.

Highlight from their set was their cover of Teenage Dirtbag by Wheatus. They know how to cater for their audience. Being a support band is difficult as it is, but to be the first on to warm up their crowd, that’s another trick altogether.  

Check them out here:


Ghost Town:


Personally I fell in love with this band, couldn’t help but start dancing to their tracks. Although I will say I was surprised they were supporting Simple Plan, simply because some of their tracks were slightly heavy, can see them more appropriate to support bands like Fearless Vampire Killers. However, it was a pleasant break between the two pop punk bands, not that it’s possible to have too much pop punk, it was the best kind of surprise. Fully recommend you guys checking this band out.

Here’s a links to start you off:


Now for the main act:

Yes, that’s right I managed to witness one of the original pop punk pioneers…AGAIN! And this quintet does not disappoint. They provide a show that you can’t help but dance, jump and scream lyrics at the top of your lungs too. The energy they emit on stage is addictive, contagious that you can’t help but have a good time. If you can introduce me to someone who’s mouth didn’t pull at the corners, or at least tap a foot in time to this band, then I will…I will…okay I don’t know what I’ll do so just insert a dramatic bet because I can guarantee that that person does not exist. It’s impossible.

Purchase their new album 'Taking One For
The Team' 
on Amazon or iTunes.

Keep up to date on:
Twitter
Facebook
Here's a quick peek at their Setlist:

1.     Opinion Overload
2.     Jet Lag
3.     Jump/I Got A Feeling
4.     I’d Do Anything
5.     Boom
6.     Welcome to My Life
7.     The Rest Of Us
8.     Your Love Is a Lie
9.     I Refuse
10. Uptown Funk (Bruno Mars Cover)
11. Can’t Feel My Face (The Weekend Cover)
12. Can’t Keep My Hands Off You
13. Summer Paradise
14. Farewell
15. Crazy
16. I’m Just a Kid

Encore:

17. Shut Up
18. Perfect World
19.  This Song Saved My Life
20. Perfect

One thing that did strike me was how diverse their audience was. You had original fans that were teens when their debut album “No Pad’s” was released, people like me who discovered them in their pre-teens era, allowing them to aid you in any problems you had growing up, and have been in love with their music ever since as it etc. Younger audiences who have fallen in love with their last album Taking One For The Team and are slowly rewinding their history, discovering the tracks that helped me through an awful lot. Then the parents. The ones who want their kids to have the time of their lives, live young but aren’t quite old enough to venture into a venue on their own.

Taken by Rebel Yell
Beach balls added to Summer Paradise was a amusing touch, allowing the audience to become even more immersed into the blithe ambiance they created, encouraging their fans to simply forget about any issues or troubles waiting for them outside of the venue. That in that moment. Right then. Right there. Nothing in the world matter other then you and the music. Even with songs such as Welcome To My Life, This Song Saved My Life and Perfect the band continuously remind their followers that they will never be alone in life because they have Simple Plan to fall back on for support. That is what matters in a band I think, how you treat your fans. That understanding and connection is something that can’t be replicated in any other relationship. 15 years later and they are still one of the most sincere, considerate, humble bands I know of, and have had the pleasure watching and following over the years. It’s easy to get lost in fame and arrogance; it can destroy your career. But this band hasn’t forgotten who got them there. You can have the world’s best artist but they are nothing without the fans, as it’s the fans that carry and support the band, just like the band carry them. I say that as a musician and songwriter, not as a fan of Simple Plan. That is one of many, many reasons I have so much respect for this band.

If you ever get a chance to see them live, I fully recommend it. It’s an escapism route that is indescribable.

I'm going to leave you on that note. Seems like a deep and thoughtful note to leave you on. Something a little new from me.

Until next time,

Unpleasant Dreams.