Single Review - Love In Chains - Bam Margera & Amore Ad Lunam Bam Margera, infamous prankster of Jack-ass fame, has re-entered the world of goth-edged rock with his newest collaboration with Puerto Rican band, Amore Ad Lunam entitled “ Love In Chains. ” Harkening back to a period and style that saw Margera enjoy musical success with bands such as CKY and HIM, “Love In Chains” is a synth-tinged darkwave ballad, exploring a darker, more dangerous side of desire. The track is certainly destined to be a crowd pleasing hit for fans, not only of Amore Ad Lunam, but of the mercurial goth-skate legend Margera. And for those fans the up-tempo, head bang-inducing track will come as a welcome surprise as the stuntman-cum-skater-cum- musician looks to tap back into his creative spirit that has made him a household name over the decades. Teaming up with a band that wears its influences proudly on its sleeves, Margera’s collaboration with Amore Ad Lunam instantly brings to mind Billy idol in the prime of his pomp, the 69 Eyes (who Margera has worked with previously) and perennial dark purveyors of goth-pop The Cult. These influences are thrown into the mix to create a tune that will appeal to rockers regardless of which rung of the spectrum they find themselves. It is this knack for crossing divides in favour of catchy melodies that has seen Margera stand out for his musical prowess in the past. Indeed, it is his vocals on the track that really stand out, as the performer adopts a lower bass register a la Peter Steele that, perhaps surprisingly, seems to suit the singer well. Margera competently delivers each line and instantly reminds one of vampiric goth in romance with an edge that deftly complements Margera’s image. Margera and Amore Ad Lunam released the new track with a video to accompany, featuring lead singer Malcolm Baez and Margera sharing the vocals, interspersed with the rest of the band and a female actress who interacts with Margera, giving the lyrics a visual representation. Clocking in at about 3 and a half minutes, the song does not wear out its welcome and is certainly set to be an ear-worm that will merit numerous playbacks. Amore Ad Lunam hail from Puerto Rico and are arguably the island’s best known and most prolific rock band to emerge from its scene since their inception in 2006 and first release in 2013. The band last released an album in 2021 and it is as yet unclear if the band are planning a full-length release, featuring “Love In Chains.”

Interview With Arctic Dreams 1. What was the recording process like on the latest release? Was it in a studio or do you do it all yourselves? [ALEX_Y]: “Well, for us, the recording process is a ritual. I have a pretty good recording studio. The main principle is to write as much as possible live. So we use libraries and synthesizers in extreme cases. The recording process is different: some songs are easy, some are sweat and blood.” [SYDIUS]: “And I Watch you sleep” was a song I let Alex and Nenad do their thing and just recorded a guitar solo. [GENA]: Alex has built a great studio in Belgrade and we are the lucky band that is not constrained by the limitations of equipment or time when we are working on new material. Uh, yeah, we do everything ourselves. [NENAD]: A combination of studio work and at home recording. Beforehand of course we rehearse the songs until we all feel like it is the best representation of it. [ROMAN]: It is an unusual experiment for us. I hope you are going to like it 2. How do you guys write the songs? [ALEX_Y]: “I used to write all the music and lyrics ( at the time of the first album ). But in the new line-up we do everything together and discuss a lot about the instrument parts. This allows us to achieve more uniqueness, as there are five people with different worldviews working on the tracks. For me personally, the process of composing is like the process of wine maturation - an idea is born in my head, and then it matures in my head for a while, and then it turns into notes and lyrics.” [SYDIUS]: Been easy for me. Opened Guitar Pro and learnt the part [GENA]:The process is always different and always very interesting and challenging [NENAD]: Go through arrangements Alex made, rework them if needed and even add some parts. [ROMAN]: Usually, I start from the idea of the song. In the Arctic Dreams when I came, guys already had a lot of material ready so I changed the drums to my taste and suggested to re-invent one song so we rebuilt one song almost from scratch. That’s all that I contributed to Arctic Dreams for now. 3. What were your main influences while writing? [ALEX_Y]: “It could be anything. A book, a movie, a computer game, some catastrophe or world event.” [SYDIUS]: let it be the weather and such a lonely day [GENA]:Inspiration can strike anywhere. And it can be just the weather, a view from a window, an interesting story... anything. [NENAD]: Just to get in the mood (good or bad) and time to let the creative process bloom. [ROMAN]: Good ideas. If there is a good idea, there is no need for inspiration. 4. What is your favourite song on the new release and why? [ALEX_Y]: I love them equally [SYDIUS]: I love them equally [GENA]:They are all my children and I love them equally =) [NENAD]: Probably Letargin, Storm, or To Meet The Heavenly Light. [ROMAN]: The second circle and Letargin. 5. How did you come up with the name of the release? [ALEX_Y]: I just mixed two words, Liturgy and Lethargy, and then added an ending like some drug or medicine - “in”. The result is a wonderful play on words, which can be interpreted in many different ways, but which fit the meaning of the text. [SYDIUS]: saw in an arctic dream [GENA]:Alex is in charge of the lyrics and titles of everything [NENAD]: Alex comes up with the lyrics and the title [ROMAN]: It’s for Alex to decide 6. How did the band get together? [ALEX_Y]: Oh, it's all described in our bio . Sydius has been on par with me since the beginning of the project. And all the others joined the new lineup in Belgrade. [SYDIUS]: it’s an infinite process of getting together [GENA]:Just different people in the right place at the right time. [NENAD]: A sporadic amalgamation of meeting Alex [ROMAN]: Alex found me in some chat in the Telegram 7. How did you come up with the name for the band? [ALEX_Y]: At the very beginning of our project, it so happened that we all the band lived in one apartment, which was near the famous St. Petersburg club, where metal- artists, both local and world celebrities performed. This club was located in the Research Institute of Arctic and Antarctic and was called “Arсtiсa”. That was one of the ideas for the name. And the second is that we love Nordic, northern culture, polar nights and northern lights. [SYDIUS]: copied it from our previous release [GENA]:The band already had a name when I joined. [NENAD]: It is named after a rock club in St. Petersburg [ROMAN]: It was already there when I came 8. Have you got any gigs or a tour coming up where people can hear the songs live? [ALEX_Y]: Of course. In this year. Stay tune! [SYDIUS]: I guess some local gigs [GENA]:New releases are in the pipeline and live shows will follow [NENAD]: We are slowly planning out some shows locally. Will see for further endeavours. [ROMAN]: IDK 9. What are your plans for the next few months? [ALEX_Y]: Lots of things. We don't want to spoiler just yet. Again stay tuned for our news! [SYDIUS]: Visit some promising exhibitions here in Berlin [GENA]:Lately, my planning horizon has narrowed to a few days [NENAD]: Practice, record, play live, celebrate. [ROMAN]: Work hard Interview With Arctic Dreams

Single Review - Steride - Cober Mouth The Cober Mouth boys are back with a new single! Steride is the song I needed today hahaha. It has the sort of screaming that you have to hold onto something when you hear it because it will blow you backwards and off your feet. I love that the first few seconds sounds like you have pressed play on a dance track and then the whole band come crashing in and erupt into the song. The vocal range going from singing to full on growling from one word to the next is super impressive and takes the song to another level. I can feel it in my boots that this song would be an insane experience to hear it live at a gig. The lads are currently doing gigs in the South West but on the 21st of June they are heading to London for a gig at The Black Heart. It's the closest they have been to me so I am definitely going to see them, I need to have this song screamed in my face!! 08.03 - The Blue Anchor, Helston SOLD OUT 29.03 - Phoenix, Exeter 06.04 - Thekla, Bristol SOLD OUT 02.05 - Fuel Rock Club, Cardiff 21.06 - The Black Heart, London Go see these lads ASAP while they are still doing gigs in small venues because I don't think it will be long before these guys get the recognition they deserve and skyrocket to a bigger audience.

Single Review - Key And Stone - Purified In Blood I’d never heard of Purified in Blood prior to today, but after listening to Key and Stone (and then the whole EP that’s currently available on Spotify), I can safely say they’re onto a winner. Although the band has been going in some capacity since 2003, this track shows that they’ve still got the passion, energy and anger to make some great metal music. Backed by the fiercely independent Oslo-based rock and metal label Indie Recordings, Purified in Blood are due to release their latest album featuring Key and Stone — Primal Pulse Thunder — in March. This is the first album the group will have put out since 2012, though they have been active on the scene since; producing a range of headbang-worthy singles throughout the 2020s. Now — what to say about Key and Stone? Well, I knew I was in for a treat when the instrumental started up, as a thrash metal riff always makes me want to throw some shit around. This continues as a rolling rhythm throughout the track, and it just makes you want to attend a rage room and beat the shit out of a disused microwave — a perfect moshing track in my opinion. The band’s instrumentals are also a delight on the eardrums, and I was particularly impressed with the drummer. The singer’s death growl almost feels like you’re listening to the “Vikings invade Britain in 1066” soundtrack, which fits in nicely with the political overtones the song presents. There’s nothing like a great track that, when you look beyond the surface, has a purpose and meaning. I think Purified in Blood have nailed it with this one, and I look forward to giving their new album a listen on the 14th March. Single Review - Key And Stone - Purified In Blood

Album Review - Soundtrack For A Movie That Has Not Been Written Yet - Rikas When I was asked to review this album, I didn’t know what to expect as it’s not my typical everyday music I listen to. However, as a music lover, I’m always willing to listen to new genres, music and bands. Rikas did not disappoint with this album, each lyric, sound and base connected deeply to me and opened my eyes up to a new genre which I had never listened to before. In my review, I delve deep into each track discussing the sounds, rhythms and types of themes used which can help listeners connect to Rikas’ music. So what are you waiting for, get reading on what each song felt to me… A Little About Rikas : Rikas, an ensemble born from deep friendship, embodies a unique blend of musical prowess and distinctive style that has been evolving since their early days in Stuttgart. Now based in Berlin, this breezy alt-pop four-piece: ● Sascha Scherer- guitarist/keyboardist ● Sam Luca Baisch- bassist ● Ferdinand Hübner- drummer ● Chris Ronge- guitarist Soundtrack For A Movie That Has Not Been Written Yet, marked by brisk, easygoing harmonies and anthemic choruses. Known for their egalitarian approach where every member equally contributes to songwriting and shares the spotlight, the band channels a sense of constant motion and drive inspired by their travels. Crafted across Berlin, Los Angeles, and Amsterdam with Benny Sings, the album captures the restless spirit of a band that thrives on the energy of new cities, as Sascha explains, “I think a lot of bands have trouble staying still. When you stop touring and moving to a new city each day, you feel lost. I feel like our new album is capturing that feeling of go, go, go.” This dynamic mix of restlessness, brotherhood, and camaraderie is vividly reflected in each of the album’s videos, making Rikas a true force in contemporary alt-pop. 1. Bike in LA This song offers a journey through rich and layered soundscapes that blend soulful melodies with a beat in the background. Right from the opening, the rhythm draws you in, setting a uplifting and reflective mood. The vocals are amazing and reflect a heartfelt narrative, evoking themes of love and hope. Each element of this track has been carefully crafted and is a testament to musical storytelling. Whether you’re seeking an emotional escape or a fresh experience, this song is a fusion of artistry and technical finesse. 2. Driving Down Slow with My 505 This track invites listeners to enjoy the layered synths. The song’s lyrics explore themes of vulnerability and the bittersweet experience of personal transformation, something we can all relate to. The song allows listeners to capture the struggle and hope of a self-discovery experience. The vocals offer raw emotions and tender sounds at the same time. The song allows listeners to enjoy the musical sounds and be taken on an emotional voyage of self-discovery. 3. Barcelona (Learning to Love Myself) This track is a compelling fusion of modern pop and indie influences, drawing listeners in with its ethereal production and deeply evocative lyricism. The artist’s expressive vocals navigate through themes of personal transformation and the bittersweet nature of change as the lyrics weave a narrative of introspection, love, and loss with poetic finesse. The verses deliver vivid, reflective imagery while the chorus bursts forth with an emotional intensity that comforts and inspires. This track is a powerful reminder of music’s ability to capture the complexity of the human experience. 4. Strangers The lyrics are poetic and reflective, delving into themes of vulnerability and self-discovery with raw sincerity. Each verse unfolds like a heartfelt confession, while the chorus offers a soaring, anthemic release that resonates deeply. This track stands out as a testament to honest storytelling in music . It invites us to embrace our complexities while finding solace in its graceful harmonies. 5. Heartbreak Big Mac The lyrics are a masterful blend of introspection and poetic storytelling, delving into longing, self-discovery, and the delicate balance between vulnerability and hope. Every line is carefully crafted to evoke vivid imagery, inviting listeners to reflect on their journeys while being swept up in the song’s gentle yet compelling melody. Overall, this song is a beautiful example of how music and words can merge to tell a story that is as relatable as it is moving. 6. Passenger- Extended Version From the first note, its reflective melody draws you in, setting the stage for a lyrical exploration of love, loss, and personal growth. Complemented by atmospheric instrumentation and gentle rhythms, the song’s production enhances its raw, heartfelt vocal delivery, making each moment intimate and expansive. Overall, it's a beautifully crafted piece that resonates long after the final chord disappears. 7. Souvenir Shop This track offers a compelling blend of modern pop and atmospheric soundscapes, enveloping listeners in its emotionally charged narrative. The reflective verses and soaring choruses create a journey that feels intimate and universally relatable, inviting you to experience the highs and lows of emotional connection. Overall, it's a beautifully crafted piece that captivates with its melody and resonates deeply through its honest and heartfelt lyrics. 8. Opposite Opinions The lyrics dive deep into love, loss, and self-discovery themes, offering a raw and honest reflection on life's complexities. Each line is delivered with passion and vulnerability, resonating with anyone who has ever felt the weight of their emotions. The song is a beautifully crafted piece that seamlessly marries innovative production with thoughtful, heartfelt words. 9. Just Like Ice Cream From the first note, the song creates a warm, immersive soundscape that gradually builds into a dynamic, pulsating rhythm, perfectly framing a narrative of introspection and emotional depth. The lyrics explore themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, inviting listeners to reflect on their experiences while being carried away by the track's mesmerizing energy. This track stands out as a genuine, heartfelt journey into the complexities of human emotion, making it an essential listen for anyone seeking music that sounds beautiful and speaks to the soul. 10. Where Do You Go? This track immediately captivates with its atmospheric soundscapes and emotive vocal delivery, drawing listeners into a reflective journey of love, loss, and resilience. The production is lush and intricate, blending subtle electronic elements with organic instrumentation, elevating the introspective mood. It’s a compelling piece that marries thoughtful songwriting with a sophisticated sonic palette, making it a standout addition to contemporary indie pop. 11. Jude Bellingham From the very first listen, this track captivates with its rich, layered instrumentation and an infectious rhythm that perfectly complements the heartfelt vocals. The lyrics delve deep into themes of introspection and emotional resilience, crafting a narrative that feels both personal and universally relatable. The fusion of contemporary production with timeless lyrical storytelling creates a dynamic soundscape that resonates long after the song ends, making it a standout piece in today's music scene. 12. It’s a Beautiful World (When I’m On my Own) This track captivates with its soulful blend of intricate instrumentation and heartfelt vocals, drawing you into a reflective journey of love and loss. The lyrics are both poetic and raw, exploring themes of vulnerability and resilience in the face of emotional challenges. The composition stands out as a beautifully crafted piece that not only resonates on an emotional level but also showcases the artist’s unique ability to fuse evocative lyrics with compelling musical arrangements. Final Thoughts This album is a stunning collection that effortlessly blends innovative production with heartfelt lyricism. Each track invites you on a journey through rich soundscapes and catchy melodies, showcasing the artist's https://x.com/rikasband remarkable talent and passion. The expert instrumentation and engaging vocals create an immersive listening experience that stays with you long after the final note. A truly inspiring and uplifting musical adventure that stands out in today's vibrant music scene.

Single Review - The Speed Of Sound - A Cornucopia First off, I don’t like this single, Artificial Paradise, and I don’t like the album Bounty, which is the third of a trilogy, coming under the banner of A Cornucopia: Minerva, Victory and Bounty which is where the single comes from. However that doesn’t mean it’s not good, it’s just my opinion, and one mans nails scaping down a blackboard is another mans Dark Side Of The Moon. I read a review back in the late 70’s of Lou Reeds Street Hassle, and the review absolutely trashed it, but because of the points the reviewer didn’t like, I knew I would like it, so went out and bought it, and loved it, and still do. Artificial Paradise has a kind of Gang Of Four, or possibly Fine Young Cannibals kind of funk to it, but when words runs out which rhyme with Paradise so does the song. I think this music would appeal to uni students, stepping out into the world for the first time and trying to make sense of it all from a grown ups point of view and trying to be a bit edgy and radical. I can see the b side of the single, which is called Jaunt, being played at parties with youths throwing themselves round in spiky dance moves after a shot of Absinthe. I can also see upper middle class professionals who hold dinner parties slipping this on in between ELO and Dire Straits to show they still have a bit of radicalness around the edges worn smooth by the accumulation of wealth. That’s twice I’ve used the word radical, and that’s because, although the band want appear radical, it really doesn’t work. It’s all cliché driven on a lyric front, like a load of those Facebook posts which try to tell you something you don’t know, but actually you knew well in advance. So the band are: John Armstrong – guitar vocal, songwriting and lyrics, Henry Armstrong Johns son on keyboards, Anne Marie Crowley- guitar and vocals, Kevin Roache- Bass, and John Broadhurst- drums. They are all competent musicians. . The guitars jingle jangle, the drums sound a cross between The Cure, 3 Imaginary Boys period and Joy Division, the keyboards provide nice washes, the bass has some nice runs. But for me the songs go nowhere, they all promise to go somewhere but never do, it’s all on one level, I cant find any passion anywhere, and maybe this is intentional, and if it is then they’ve hit the nail on the head. Single Review - The Speed Of Sound - A Cornucopia Standout track for me was Glide On By, as it morphed into a spacy psychedelic jam. I am told they are for fans of Pylon, The B-52’s, Lene Lovich and The Manic Street Preachers?? Really?- not the Manic Street Preachers I have heard. Lene Lovich I can see as she was quirky and spiky, but I think they are more like Martha And The Muffins than The B-52’s, who used a lot of humour and self deprecation in their music. The Pylons I don’t know so can’t comment. The whole concept smacks of pretentiousness – the trilogy coming under the banner A Cornucopia:, the fact the original band was formed by John Armstrong in 1989, with a pre history dating back to the day Andy Warhol died in 1987. What does that mean? Does it mean on the day Andy Warhol died John Armstrong decided he was going to form a band but didn’t get it together for another couple of years. Is that of interest to anybody, or did somebody just think it sounded good. Ah but maybe in that statement is the whole concept of the band, they want to be known as an art house band, playing contemporary art music, not your common or garden rock and pop. They are a Manchester indie rock/power pop outfit, for sure but do they pop enough. They must have a following having been in existence for 35 years, and they have had some great press reviews for previous works.I wish them the best of luck, particularly John Armstrong as he has vision and is executing it. I could have liked this back in the late 70’s, but for me, I’ve got too much dirt under my nails to appreciate the clinical ness of it all, and although a veggie most of my life I like a bit more meat on the bone of my music. Single Review - The Speed Of Sound - A Cornucopia

Single Review - Loz Campbell - Hittin The Free Road Classically trained hard rocking bad girl Loz Campbell has donned a cowboy hat and boots, and hit us with a song about being on the road, in a slightly different groove than her previous output. There are plenty of songs about being on the road already, think On The Road Again, Willie Nelson, 6 Days on The Road, Taj Mahal, Wanted Dead Or Alive Bob Jovi, Moonlight Mile, The Rolling Stones, so nothing new with the idea, but this seems to a girl searching for something town to town and not finding it, so she carries on to the next place. The riffs she presents are great ones, in a slowed down Loz Campbell kind of rocking way, and the band are right behind her as usual, but she doesn’t seem quite as convinced with her subject matter as she has done in the past, and I think this comes across in the vocal delivery. There is a line, second before the last, which hits the right spot and tingles the spine , and personally I could have done with more of this delivery throughout the song, more scream and less dream if you like. Loz does play a great guitar – her fingers remind me of Jimi Hendrix fingers, very long and slender and totally in charge of, and all over, the fretboard, and I can imagine this track is going to be great live, but I’m not sure if it’s hooky enough to be a single, or if it should have remained an album track, which she is working on right now and hoping to release in 25. Loz has been gigging since she was fifteen and I think is 24, and in that time has done some great supports, appeared at many festivals, where she loves to walk into the crowd and interact with them, (see interview), and I just watched a video of her being called up to play with Cherie Currie from the Runaways on Cherry Bomb, so whatever I think of this single, Loz is a girl definitely going places, and been places a lot of people just dream of. I am looking forward to hearing

Single Review - Ryder - One Eye Open The third single from Ryder leading up to their album release on 31 st Jan, and it doesn’t disappoint - starting quite subdued, kind of Doorsish, you can picture the leather clad lizard king whirling his dervish dance - then a razor blade metal riff rips the song apart and pulls you into the narrative. A tale of learning from heartache, a self discovery by recovery with a hook line which gets you quickly. By third listening I was singing along to I pray with one eye open. Very infectious. Some changes in guitar tones make you realise these boys are pulling influences from different decades of great rock, and some nice play between the guitars and bass break the song up nicely, with some great tom tom work by Nick Bavaro on drums gives the song an almost shamanic quality. Roll on the release of the album .

Album Review - Deadly Fun Dark Devine latest offering "Deadly Fun", delivers a powerful and uncompromising experience.  From the opening track, it’s clear that the band is in top form, combining aggressive riffs, relentless drumming, and dynamic vocals to create an intense sonic assault. The album showcases a diverse range of metal subgenres, the production is crisp and polished, allowing each instrument to shine while maintaining a raw edge that stays true to the genre's roots. Tracks like "Paper Crown" (feat Bryan Kuznitz) and "Cold" (cinematic version) highlight the band's ability to balance melody with aggression, offering both headbanging anthems and moments of introspective calm. Album Review - Deadly Fun We can also enjoy a synth version of "Drown" which showcases the flexibility of the band dipping in other genre. Overall, "Deadly Fun" is a compelling addition to "Dark Devine’s discography. It’s a must-listen demonstrating both the band’s evolution and their mastery of the genre. Track Listing: 1. Deadly Fun 2. Drown 3. Cold 4. Terrifier 5. Dancing Dead 6. Paper Crown 7. Hive Mind 8. Grave Digger 9. Moving On 10. The Reaper 11. Burn The Witch 12. Digital Numb 13. Drown (Synthwave) 14. Cold (Cinematic)

This was maybe one of the hardest shows for me. I have tried to keep it light not thinking about the afterwards, about the goodbyes, the tears I saw people sharing, and yet my heart was breaking. After booking flights and hotels last minute I find myself walking towards the venue in Oulu, it's around 5am on a Saturday morning, no one is awake it feels like the city is mine, everything is covered in soft snow and we are at -13⁰, it's cold. I don't have a vip ticket for this concert but I still want to be as close as possible to the stage, Blind Channel announced their hiatus was going to be after these final shows in Finland. I got to second row, amazing, we have Rock Band From Hell to open the night. Then Blind Channel gets on stage, the room fills with they're energy, something that feels familiar now. Everyone is jumping to Flatline like our life depends on it, and maybe some how it does. We run through the first few songs, not time to breath, just jump and sing at the top of your lungs, the songs that you love. The adrenaline these guys bring on stage is absolutely unique. We reach "Balboa" and I always wanted to be in the moshpit during this song but always too worried to lose my barricade or of getting hurt. But this was Oulu, their home town, the last show before resting, my last chance. I walked back leaving the second row and I found myself in the middle of the pit trying to create the biggest circle I could around me and then people started running, I was jumping and singing, it was the last time I could do that. It felt like a movie, some of my friends even recorded me gifting me some special memories. Somehow I was able to go back to my second row spot and I was celebrating with my friends, pretty sure I saw some proud looks in my direction from the band too. Toward the end of the show we got a little speech, unfortunately I don't know what they said exactly cause they were talking finnish and my knowledge stop after "Kiitos" and "Vittu". I know, disappointing. Must have been something like "we played in big arenas, from Nokia arena (Finland) and Wembley arena but nothing is like our home", fans were cheering. We get to the intro of Dark Side, the song that put them under the European spotlight after Eurovision 2021, the last song of the set. And there it struck me, the last time I was gonna hear this song live, I thought of the first time I saw them in 2022, I knew two songs and barely their names. That day I queued up for like two hours and ended up in second row, met some people who later on would have turned into friends, fell in love with their music and lost my voice singing. Whenever it's gonna be, I'll be there to sign these songs again. All these memories, all the laughter, tears, cities, tickets, the shows and the hotels, all the drama everything got back to me the moment they started singing "put your middle fingers up, take a shot, throw it up, don't stop" And I smiled. Hopefully I wasn't the only one smiling there, I don't like the idea that the last thing they saw was crying fans, I am happy for them, I'm proud. They had the courage to accept something wasn't working and before throwing everything away choose to step back for a moment. The show ends, last few goodbyes, they get Santeri, the Tour Manager, on stage and few friends from the crew who have been working with the band for the past few years. Then another goodbye, picks and drumsticks are flying in the crowd, and they're gone. For how long? We don't know, but they'll be back at the right time. Niko, Joel, Olli, Joonas Tommi and Aleksi, thank you, until next time.

Gig Review - Steve 'N' Seagulls - Manchester Academy I have seen the light, and the light is Steve ‘n’ Seagulls . These Finnish boys sure know how to entertain. I didn’t quite know what to expect. I saw an ad in Record Collector for their tour, chuckled at their name, and saw banjos and other assorted acoustic instruments. I looked them up, a band from Finland doing covers of heavy metal songs. Oh but reader they are so much more than that. They are all multi instrumentalists, except for the drummer, who also sings, and the energy they put into their performance is uncanny, it’s like their lives depend on it. They do do covers of metal songs but they also do covers of the cheesiest of AOR songs, like Bostons More Than A Feeling, and Kansas’ Wayward Son, and even Don’t Fear The Reaper, with Iron Maidens Run For The Hills thrown in for good measure. To say I’ve never been fond of any of these songs would be an understatement, but delivered acoustically by five Finnish maniacs, and well, they turned into joyous songs, songs I liked and appreciated. This is how I want all my AOR delivered from now on. Don’t fear The Reaper was started by blowing into empty beer bottles by the accordion player and the drummer – I kid you not, and it worked perfectly. They started the set with Led Zeppelins Rock n Roll, and played the obligatory Thunderstruck, their video of this went viral. That guitar part sounds hard enough delivered by Angus Young with full on electricity in his arsenal, but to play it note for note on a banjo is something else. They also incorporated some traditional Finnish songs which, in rhythm felt Russian, but they are only a stones throw away from Russia, so I guess musically the two cultures clashed. They also did a couple of band originals, one called Ghost Town and the other a science fiction meets bluegrass song, which I forget the name of. These were as good as the covers and warmly received by the crowd, which I guess was about 2 – 300 strong. You get the idea that these boys have spent their lives eating mommas cooking to keep the cold out, and honing in their musical talent after digesting a ton of rock music. . As I looked at the stage their was a large chap in overalls and a fox skin hat, called Hiltunan who played accordian, mandolin, keyboards, a traditional Finnish instrument which looked like some relation of a hammer dulcimer, called a kantele I think, and bottles. Next along, Remmel the main vocalist who played frantic guitar balaika and mandolin, then we had the delightful upright bass player,Jamppa who also played violin,and sung and had a series of cute facial expressions, in fact he was overall cute and very camp. Then we had the slightly less rotund banjo player, Herrrrman who doubled up on guitar and vocals, and behind them Skubu a very slight drummer, but what he lacked in weight, he more than made up for in skin thumping, and vocals. I would go back and see this band any day, they should be on at every festival there is going, and I would advise the readers to get out and see them, whatever music you are into. They transcend genres in a very unique way. They were supported by a Mancunian called Robbie Cavanagh, who I am going to do a separate review of, but he was great.

Photos by Mike Burnell The Albert Hall Manchester, the new place for touring bands to play, and tonight hosting The Brian Jonestown Massacre , supported by Swedens Les Big Bird, who have apparently collaborated with Anton Newcombe on some songs, and indeed Joakim Ahlund the bands front man, joined The BJTM on stage for one song,singing in Swedish as Anton Newcombe likes to write songs in many different languages, he informed us. Les Big Bird, sounded like a cross between Hawkwind and Can, which is no bad thing, driving rhythms, surrounded by psychedelic swirls of synth, a lot emanating from Joakims footpedals, as much as the keyboards.They went down well with the crowd. And so, The Brian Jones Massacre , - this band has been going an amazing 35 years, so I am well late to the table. I have been aware of them probably most of this time, but never checked them out tsk tsk. I am going to delve into their recorded works after this live performance. Just before they came on a young person next to me said do you think they will have a fight? Rather surprised, I replied I don’t know. Maybe they are known for on stage fighting. But whatever their reputation, they played tonight to a capacity audience who were with them from the start, grooving to their soporific beats and psychedelic overtures. That’s the second time I’ve said psychedelic and that’s what the night was – very psychedelic. Looking around the crowd it looked like ageing ravers with their children, all blending together in a happening in this 18th century church hall complete with stained glass windows and ornate domed ceiling. Highlight of the night for me was Anenome, which I must have heard in the past as I recognized it’s lifting chorus, and there did seem to be a bit of friction before one of the songs when Anton seemed to be starting the wrong song, and I think Ricky Mayme had to walk over and have a few words, which I hope pleased my neighbour. They finished with Don’t Let Me Get In Your Way, which I believe is a new number, and was like an Indian Raga, without sitars, and satisfied the crowd so much they trooped out of the building on a music induced high.