Outlander - The Bookhouse Sessions

Labels: Self-Released/Pelagic Records

Formats: Digital

Release Date: 12 Jun 2026

Tracklist:

1. Lye Waste / Habituation (Live)

2. Want No More (Live)

3. Sinking (Live)

4. Orbit (Live)

Today has been one of those days where I've just wanted to sink into something more instrumental, and more spacious maybe? It started very differently though, as my walk to work began with the new Holding Absence album, which will take some adjusting to after what I've heard of it so far. Switching onto Slow Crush soon after was a good choice and set me up for the day. This is where Birmingham, UK's Outlander came to mind. 

I first came across them thanks to the Pelagic Records pressing of their 2019 LP The Valium Machine (in early 2025). Their combination of post-rock, shoegaze and glorious instrumentals captivated me, so to see that they had released a special live session earlier this year was a treat. Containing one song from their 2019 release and three (but actually four) from 2024's Acts of Harm, it stands as a showcase of their sound.

This feels so perfect this evening, as the night draws in around me. Beginning with ‘Lye Waste / Habituation’ (which is two songs into one essentially), Outlander build instrumentally from pensive to cinematic, while vocals sit amongst the swirling tones without breaching them. Even when the dual-vocal melodies float in and out, they don’t threaten to overtake the music itself. Percussion, bass and guitars working as one whole, beautifully in a live setting. I only wish I was there to experience it.

There’s a slightly different feel to ‘Want No More’, which sways from indie, to post-rock/post-punk and toward heavier pastures too. It’s a strikingly catchy song, which is an odd thing for me to say maybe, but it’s mainly down to the melody created by the lead guitar(s). Either way, it’s another great piece of music delivered with true sensitivity.

Listening to this release is really encouraging me to get my music room sorted out. I need a bigger place first though! ‘Sinking’ is the only song here from The Valium Machine so it represents an earlier point in Outlander’s career. A point where they were developing their cinematic sound and honestly, it’s as grand as you’d expect, especially here. There’s so much warmth on this recording, where years ago it would have sounded muddied.

The aptly titled ‘Orbit’ closes out this live session in dream-like fashion, as Outlander let their instrumentation take full control, creating an atmosphere that’s truly spellbinding. It does sound like there are some harsh vocals backing things up, but that could be a trick of the senses. Whether my description of the song is right or wrong, it really doesn’t matter. What matters is that this release exists.

I really hope this gets a physical release of it’s own at some point, as not only does it showcase an extremely talented band from the UK, but it also gathers together a great set of songs. Outlander make special music that deserves a wider audience.

Right now, you can stream and purchase the release digitally via Outlander's bandcamp page below:-

Outlander Instagram - @outlandertheband 

Pelagic Records Instagram - @pelagic_records

Hillsboro - White Trash

Labels: Self-Released/Softseed Music

Formats: CD/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 23 Aug 2024

Tracklist:

1. POV

2. Sleep Dealrr

3. White Trash

4. Fell

5. White Trash (Demo)

6. Fell (Acoustic)

Canadian five-piece alternative/shoegaze band Hillsboro released their latest EP White Trash last month. They self-released it on CD, tape and digitally (containing six tracks), while Softseed Music also handled a limited tape pressing as well (containing four tracks). This EP is described as being Hillsboro's transition from an indie-rock sound to a more alternative, shoegaze approach that might appeal to fans to Title Fight and Superheaven (amongst others). I'm going to be reviewing all six tracks here.

White Trash opens with ‘POV’, which is a noisy, sample-filled intro. First song proper ‘Sleep Dealrr’ is a blossoming modern rock song brimming with melancholic vocals that straddle the line between grunge and indiemo. They were name-checked alongside Deftones in the promo e-mail I received and the similarities are there during the heavier moments.

The title-track ‘White Trash’ has more of a garage-rock approach early on before morphing into a more distorted cross between alternative rock and shoegaze soon after. It switches between the two throughout it’s short-ish playing time, keeping the momentum high. ’Fell’ reminds me of the pondering yet beautiful early sounds of Time In Malta and even Antenna-era Cave In. I love how catchy and accomplished it sounds. An absolute joy.

Onto the additional tracks starting with the demo version of ‘White Trash’, which as expected sounds a lot rawer than the final version above. That being said, it’s not too different from the final version. Ending the EP with a dreamy acoustic version of ‘Fell’ is classy, especially as soothing violin comes to the fore. It’s an easy-going way to close the release.

As if this wasn’t enough, they’ve recently released their self-titled album on vinyl via Softseed Music too. We all know that “exposure” doesn’t pay the bills, but getting your music out there for sale on various formats goes some way to help. It’s been a whirlwind couple of months in that regard for Hillsboro and long may it continue.

You can stream White Trash below where you can also purchase directly from Hillsboro on all available formats:-

Hillsboro - https://www.facebook.com/hillsboroinc

A limited amount of Swirl and Clear tape copies are available from Softseed Music here:-

https://softseedmusic.bandcamp.com/album/white-trash

Softseed Music - https://www.facebook.com/softseedmusic

Modern Rifles - LP + B-Sides

Labels: Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Tape/Digital

Release Date: 18 Jan 2019

Tracklist:

1. Introplane

2. Terroplane

3. Lie To Me, Ian, Lie To Me

4. Feck Me If I'm Wrong, But Is That A Ham Sangie In Your Hands?

5. United Lead

6. Man The Ramparts! Bananalyze The Trade Winds

7. Illegal Dracula!!

8. Kip Winger

9. Say A Prayer To St. Happenin'

10. Manbird

11. Chuck Woolery Is Leviathan

12. Enter The Craptagon

13. Hot Stone Meat Party

14. Broken Wings Make Broken Things

I've had a surprisingly productive day so I thought I'd ride on the coattails of my momentum and try to at-least nail another Zegema Beach Records roster review. This write-up focuses on US band Modern Rifles and the (I guess) discography release that ZBR put to tape in early 2019. Modern Rifles existed between 2006 and 2009 and then 2011 to 2014 (source: OPENmind/SATURATEDbrain). This tape gathers together the songs from their 2008 album I Was Young, It Was Dark in addition to some extras for the completists. 

CanaDave wrote in his post linked above that Modern Rifles will appeal to those who listen to the likes of Jimmy Eat World, Recover, Hot Snakes and Russian Circles (amongst others). Any band that covers that range of sounds has gotta be good!

With fourteen songs, you’ll definitely get your money’s worth here (hint: at the time of writing there’s one copy still for sale on the ZBR bandcamp page!). ‘Introplane’ kicks things off with some excellent emo/alternative instrumentation that sounds way more cinematic than it should. Modern Rifles definitely had a penchant for expressive music. What an opening! ‘Terroplane’ switches gear and takes things in a more rocking direction, albeit with a heart on the sleeve. I’m getting the Jimmy Eat World/Recover comparisons for sure here, but I’m also hearing subtle nods to Boysetsfire and The Mars Volta too (but maybe that’s just me). I’m going to do my best to refrain from name-dropping now because this has already blown me away.

What’s clear when listening to ‘Lie To Me, Ian, Lie To Me’ is that I’ve been too focused on way too much heavy music lately. This song has such a nostalgic feel and structure to it, that it takes me back to when I was discovering more melodic bands back in the days of the Rock Sound Magazine sampler CDs. Sadly, that UK music mag went a bit downhill and then disappeared altogether. It helped to shape my love for alternative music, for which I’m forever grateful. ‘Feck Me If I’m Wrong, But Is That A Ham Sangie In Your Hands?’ takes on an indie form for a little bit, albeit with a proper upbeat tempo and strong vocal delivery. Even the introspective latter-section is anthemic as it flows into the driving, gang-vox filled ending.

The drums that open ‘United Lead’ sound so raw and you’d be forgiven for thinking that Modern Rifles are about to go full-on screamo but that’s not the case. Instead, you’re presented with a slightly melancholic ballad of sorts. It’s a change of pace from what’s come before but as it builds in volume, it also builds in intensity (as you’d expect). Another thing that’s evident on this release is their way with song titles. ‘Man The Ramparts! Bananalyze The Trade Winds! Is one such title that will probably leave you guessing (as it does me) but what won’t is the classy indie-rock instrumentation and clean vocals, which have been a mainstay of this record.

‘Illegal Dracula!!’ Is one of those danceable tracks that will bury itself in your head thanks to the catchy rhythm and urgency. It’s one of the most furious songs here too, yet it gives way abruptly to ‘Kip Winger’, which itself contains an abundance of off-kilter tempos and lovely melodic guitar, that nods to the mathy end of emo to these ears. Talking of Catchy, ’Say A Prayer To St. Happenin’’ is the epitome. It’s abundantly clear just how good Modern Rifles were when listening to this. It’s criminal that they didn’t reach more people.

Their music was so anthemic and ‘Manbird’ goes the extra mile in that respect. There’s an undertone of genuine angst but also so much elation flowing through it. For me, it sums up everything about Modern Rifles as a band. The pure instrumental wanderlust that emanates from ‘Chuck Woolery Is Leviathan’ is out of this world. This song closed out the I Was Young, It Was Dark and what a way to do so!

I really hoped ‘Enter The Craptagon’ would be a musical commentary about the circus that is UFC, but it’s nothing of the sort. It’s actually another great alternative/indie song with enough curb appeal to reach beyond genre lines. That’s what is so good about this band. Penultimate song ‘Hot Stone Meat Party’ gives off extra experimental vibes without being too weird, because we all know that can frighten some people off. Brooding post-punk fills the speakers on collection closer ‘Broken Wings Make Broken Things’. It rounds things out in majestic fashion.

Over 16 years after the original album was released (and over five since this tape release), the music performed by Modern Rifles is still pure class. Thanks to the Internet, it hasn’t been lost to ages. If you’re unfamiliar, please remedy that now. Let’s cause a renaissance like never before! Awesome and genuinely uplifting. 

The full collection can be streamed and purchased digitally below (where a sole physical tape copy also exists, waiting to find it's forever home):-

You can also still grab tape copies from ZBR's US store here - https://zbrusa.com/collections/zbr-releases/products/modern-rifles-lp-b-sides-cassette

Modern Rifles - https://modernrifles.bandcamp.com/album/i-was-young-it-was-dark

Zegema Beach Records - https://www.facebook.com/zegemabeachrecords

Sarin - Darker Lakes

Labels: Arkan Records/Dead Punx Records/Dingleberry Records/R.I.P In Peace Records/Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 25 Jul 2017

Tarcklist:

1. Ice Wrought

2. Amber Guide

3. Darker Lakes I: Moraine

4. Embers Circling Downwards

5. Darker Lakes II: Crater

6. Bloom

7. Ocean Burn

8. Darker Lakes III: Glacial

9. Low Moon

It seems that I'm (unconsciously) focusing on Canadian bands right now. I mean Schedule 1, Terry Green and Seven Nines And Tens all come from Canada (three out of the last five bands I've reviewed, if I'm correct!). Make that four out of the last six with Toronto, Ontario's Sarin. This is also the latest in my ZBR roster review series and focuses on their 2017 full-length Darker Lakes, which turned out to be the last before they went on to work with Prosthetic Records, though ZBR's sister label Tomb Tree did release their follow-up You Can't Go Back on tape in 2021, the same year it was released via Prosthetic on LP/CD.

Somebody needs to update Sarin’s Discogs entry for this release, as it says there are only six track on the record when there are nine. I guess whoever wrote it ignored their ‘Darker Lakes’ trilogy here. Sarin are a self-proclaimed doomgaze/shoegaze band, which are also sub-genres that I’ve been delving into recently. Album opener ‘Ice Wrought’ is a very grandiose song, with mountains of riffs, lingering feedback and dramatic percussion. The mix of clean and harsh vocals compliment each other perfectly and help to open up the album even at this early stage. 

On ‘Amber Guide’, you’re whisked off to a dreamy island at first before reality comes crashing back down again in the form of truly crushing dissonance. It’s way more doom-like when the heaviness kicks in but it’s punctuated for large passages by more gentle instrumentation. The vocals sit deeper within the harsh parts, making it a song of true twists, turns and introspection. 

The first of the album’s ‘Darker Lakes’ trilogy comes in the form of ‘I: Moraine’ and it’s a haunting instrumental complete with whispered, unnerving vocal tones. It breaks up album but doesn’t break up the mood at all. Sarin has garnered a lot of praise for this album and it’s easy to see why. As a band, they’re not afraid to step out of the shadows to create music that crosses over into more mainstream alternative echelons. You might get a sense of that on ‘Embers Circling Downwards’ (despite my attempt at using more words than were needed in the previous sentence). Either way, what is true is just how good it sounds.

‘II: Crater’ is the second of the ‘Darker Lakes’ trilogy and once again in proves to be fraught with danger as it’s bass-heavy, sample-laden tones ring out and guide you into ‘Bloom’, which signals the album’s second half. As it started, it continues with clean vocals and a distant, almost grunge-like atmosphere. No gloom though, just waves of sound that herald a slower burning side to Sarin. Rhythmically on point and led by a rumbling low-end, it promises no safe haven while still inviting you into the sheltered bay with it’s siren song. 

You get a feel that the album is coming to a close with ‘Ocean Burn’ but don’t be fooled, it’s a long way from over yet. The spacial atmosphere of the song looms large as the layers build and the anticipation fizzes along with Sarin’s post-metal majesty. The final part of the ‘Darker Lakes’ trilogy, ‘III: Glacial’, feels just that. Not cold in any way but truly expansive and awe inspiring for such a short song, as it leads into album closer ‘Low Moon’.

Ending with a ten+ minute number is genius because it allows you to cling onto Sarin’s beauty for a little longer than you otherwise might have. I realise that this review has turned into a bit of a mammoth read, but I regret nothing. Music (and writing about it here) are the only things truly sustaining my interest right now (aside from my family and friends of course). Overall, ‘Low Moon’ mainly exists in instrumental form, with sporadically used vocals. That’s perfectly fine as it allows their breadth of song-writing skill to really shine through.

Five years may have passed since this release but it still stands up hella well today and deserves all of the praise it gets. Sarin may have fallen off people’s radars recently but I hope that this review might draw people back to them. Fantastic from beginning to end!

You can stream and purchase Darker Lakes digitally from Sarin below:-

Physical copies are still available from the labels below:-

R.I.P In Peace Records - https://ripinpeacerecords.storenvy.com/

Zegema Beach Records USA Store - https://zbrusa.com/collections/zbr-releases/products/sarin-darker-lakes-12

Arkan Records - https://www.facebook.com/arkanrecords/

Dead Punx Records - https://www.facebook.com/deadpunxrecords

Dingleberry Records and Distribution - https://www.facebook.com/

R.I.P In Peace Records - https://www.facebook.com/r.i.p.inpeacerecords

Zegema Beach Records - https://www.facebook.com/zegemabeachrecords

Dream Drop - Sometimes You're Gonna Feel Like A Loser But That's Alright + Interview

Labels: Self-Released

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 10 Sep 2021

Tracklist:

1. Loser

2. We Will Go Down

3. Livestream My Suicide

4. Unpure Thoughts

5. Come Apathy

6. You're Sleeping Alone Tonight

7. Come And Sit With Us

8. If I Were To Disappear

9. Growing Pains

10. Reckless Demon Youth

11. Winter Star

12. I Can't Remember

The roots of this post go back to September 2021. I was contacted by my friend Jesper about Swedish band Dream Drop, who released their debut album at that exact time and he asked if I wanted to interview them for the blog. Anyway, six months on (everyone's been busy dodging a pandemic while keeping everyday lives going) I've received the completed interview. For those wondering, Dream Drop are a band that have embraced nu-metal/alternative music, in a similar vein as bands like Tetrarch and Code Orange.

It’s surprising when musical influences and sounds come back round after being saturated or forgotten, though it really shouldn’t be given the cyclical nature of music in general. Dream Drop are a band that fuses nu-metal into their own sound, influenced by pop-sensibilities and chunkier riffs, while having a broader palette as well. Album opener ‘Loser’ is a prelude of sorts and one that’s melodic and clean, both in instrumentation and vocals. It’s use of electronics give you a clue about what’s coming, but it’s subtle. 

‘We Will Go Down’ is minimal at first, reminding me of the album I recently reviewed by Formants. It’s not long though before Dream Drop hit their stride and deliver a varied collage of technical nu-metal, rap-like vocals and emo. Obviously, this is just what comes to my ears so make your own judgements. ‘Livestream My Suicide’ is a harrowing song-title that might be a nod to a real life example, where somebody actually did just that on a popular social media platform (if the Internet is to be believed that it!). The music is mid-paced and angsty with plenty of clean vocals and modern pop-sensibilities, though a heavier section later on gives the song a menacing edge.

One thing that’s certainly true of this band is their groove-laden approach to songwriting and ‘Unpure Thoughts’ will be welcomed by plenty of ears, especially those who’re familiar with Twenty One Pilots. It has the same catchiness. I was nervous about making this comparison, but it fits in places I think. Moving on from that though, there’s a lot more to this album than meets the eye (or ear). ‘Come Apathy’ provides a place for the band to experiment further with electronics and harsher elements, though the latter are sparingly used. Not sure if I’m doing this album justice but I’m gonna keep going.

None of Dream Drop’s songs here are overly long, meaning that they keep their catchy appeal and momentum. ‘You’re Sleeping Alone Tonight’ is really upbeat. Again, it’s pop influences come to the fore but the added bite of metal isn’t too far away. Dream Drop hold up well alongside bands like Sleep Token. This is a side of the Swedish music scene that I didn’t think I’d be writing about but I have no complaints at all, as I can really get behind songs like ‘Come And Sit With Us’. After all, we need a break from extreme music once in a while. Right on cue as I say that though, things get heavier!

This review’s gonna stretch on a bit, sorry. The songs and overall message delivered on You’re Gonna Feel Like A Loser But That’s Alright are very relatable given what we’ve all been living through of late but songs like ‘If I Were To Disappear’ provide hope and solace, in their own way. Proving that even in the darkest of times we can still pull through. Listening to ‘Growing Pains’ gives you a new perspective on the album and merely saying that the music here is a modern take on nu-metal is wrong. Dream Drop are much more than that.

High-octane tempos and energy make up ‘Reckless Demon Youth’, which may aptly describe the members of the band themselves. What it does do for certain is propel the album forwards, before giving way to the powerfully emotive penultimate song ‘Winter Star’, with it’s self-deprecating lyrics that we can all relate to. Album closer ‘I Can’t Remember’ with it’s clean and clinical (programmed?) beats, help to create one final memorable song that allows Dream Drop’s lyrical and vocal style to flourish. 

Concluding a review like this is always difficult because I already feel like I’ve said too much. Revisiting this album after a couple of months has given me a new appreciation for it. It’s an album that might divide people but that’s fine because the best album do that anyway. Not so long ago, Dream Drop lost a lot of records due to a break-in at their storage facility. Please help them out if you enjoy what you hear below. It would be appreciated for sure.

1. I first heard about Dream Drop through a good friend on mine. I listened to your 2016 EP and it floored me. Can you give us a bit of background into the band and how you formed?

 

Zorro, Joar and Olle met in highschool and Fredrik came in contact with us later through a friend.  Martin joined us last year but he and Joar have known each other for a long time. 

2. As well as the obvious heaviness on that EP, the turntable scratches are a retro nu-metal addition to your sound. How much is nu-metal an influence on Dream Drop and if you had to stick your necks out, who are your favourite bands from that sub-genre/era?

Nu-Metal isn’t so much of an influence anymore as it was during the time we wrote the ep. But at the time Deftones and Linkin Park were our biggest influences. 

3. Five years on from the release of your debut EP, you’ve just announced your debut album Sometimes You’re Gonna Feel Like A Loser, But That’s Alright. Can you tell us about the writing process for the album? Was there a reason for the big gap between releases?

We did release singles and a second EP between those two releases. We just took the best songs/ideas we wrote during this time and finished them.

4. Your album launch was very different to that of other bands because it took place on Discord. What was it like and why did you decide to use that platform to showcase your new album?

To get close to the fans.

5. Following that question, I’m really interested in hearing what bands think of the state of the modern music industry. What is your impression of it and do you see the way bands publicise themsevles changing? If so, how do you think that will change?

The music industry as it is now is very difficult to make it. There are so many bands now that want to make it big so you have to really stand out. 

6. Moving back to the present; now that you’ve released the album and with restrictions easing in some countries, do you plan to tour and do you have any plans in the works for 2022?

We have had a lot of plans but everything so far has been postponed or canceled  so as soon the restrictions ease off we will tour as soon as possible. We have our biggest hometown headline show on the 12/3 and it's going to be amazing. We're gonna play the new album and maybe a few new songs together with Sweden's rising stars Envyyou, Those Without and Set To Wake.

You can stream the album on Souncloud below:-

You can also stream the album via other major streaming sites via the link below, where you can purchase the album on vinyl alongside other merch - https://dreamxdrop.com/.

Dream Drop - https://www.facebook.com/dreamxdrop

All I Live For - We Are The Angels

Labels: Self-Released

Formats: Digital

Release Date: 27 Aug 2021

Tracklist:

1. Intro

2. See My Soul

3. Godspeed

4. We Are The Angels

5. Set Me Free

6. Awaken

7. Breathe Me In

8. Rise Again

9. Brand New Day

10. Here We Belong

11. Spirit

12. Save Our Hearts

I read a mind-blowing statistic the other day that said there are 62,000 new songs uploaded to Spotify every day! That means there are 62,000 songs and countless bands competing for listeners each day. It's tough out there in the age where anyone can upload their music to the Internet and be heard instantly. The same can be said for online music sites/blogs (ironically, like this one!), where people can publish their opinions on music at the push of a button. Some are good and some are bad, but for bands any publicity can turn out to be good publicity. That's just my very general assessment of the state of things currently.

Moving on from that thought to a band that I recently featured in an introductory piece last weekend. Leeds-based alternative rock/metal band All I Live For released their debut album We Are The Angels yesterday on all digital platforms. They've been quite brave in releasing a full-length as their debut recording, as the majority of new bands tend to test the waters with shorter EPs in my experience. That's just an observation though. Another one is the fact that Bandcamp recommends that you listen to the likes of Baroness, Boris, Torche and Red Fang if you enjoy All I Live For, which is pretty encouraging in comparison terms this early on. Let's see if the album backs that up...

Beginning with a clear and melodic Intro, We Are The Angels kicks off properly with 'See My Soul', which is the album’s lead single. It features a mix of harsh vocals and clean singing, as well as similarly heavy guitar and percussion. There’s something quite progressive about it, which helps it to escape the trap of just being another modern-day rock album. All I Live For have their own influences, which are spread throughout their sound. On ‘Godspeed’ there are glimpses of those influences including well-trodden approaches borrowed from the likes of Metallica, Trivium and Alter Bridge. That’s a guide for new listeners and not hyperbole. There’s a lot more going on here and instrumentally the band are a lot stronger than I was expecting initially. 

They also achieved a major coup prior to the album’s release by working with Grammy award winning mastering engineer Gavin Lurssen. That experience shows through here and helps give the record an edge in terms of final delivery. The title track ‘We Are The Angels’ takes on the hard rock genre without sounding generic. It’s soaring chorus standing out in a really well-written song. More of that classic/hard rock vibe flows into ‘Set Me Free’, which is slightly minimalistic compared to the songs it follows, but there’s nothing wrong with keeping it simple. All I Live For maintain a chuggy metal sound too that serves them well, while not being too aggressive, meaning that they remain approachable to new listeners who might not have ventured to the heavier side of the genre just yet.

They’re never too far away from a proper rock ballad and it comes at the album’s mid point, in the form of ‘Awaken’. It sounds like All I Live For are playing it somewhat safe here musically, but then again they’re not trying to sound showy either. The addition of choir/group vocals towards the song’s conclusion, joining a more than solid guitar solo show good awareness of variation. As you reach the second half of the album, there’s much more assurance about the band’s sound. ‘Breathe Me In’ is mature and again not over-complicated. Some people would call it inoffensive and they’re right, but that doesn’t have to be a criticism. It’s certainly radio-friendly and that could prove to be important for such a new band.

One thing that I have noticed about the album’s latter half is that the songs become shorter and punchier as a result. ‘Rise Again’ is a case in point, with a more urgent tempo from the drums, more excellent guitar/bass work and vocals to match. The upbeat tempos also match the positive lyrics. ‘Brand New Day’ is a song that twists and turns it’s way through four minutes of melodic metal and even some punk-like guitars too. It’s actually really well put together. ‘Here We Belong’ is one of the more off-kilter songs on We Are The Angels, mixing time-signatures with a dramatic vocal presence. At first I was a little bit unsure about the guitars being so far back in the mix, but it adds a layer of subtlety that’s quite pleasing. They’re loud and up front when they need to be but don’t overpower the recording. 

By the time penultimate song ‘Spirit’ begins, you’ll know what to expect from All I Live For. I know the album’s not over yet but the musical familiarity that builds throughout it is very consistent. To complete the record, final song ‘Save Our Hearts’ comes full circle with the chorus that was used briefly during the Intro track, leading into one final highly charged yet controlled rock song. Mike Pearson, Anthony Frith and Dave Williams have pulled off a really strong debut album. Stronger than I was expecting given it’s twelve songs. So the Bandcamp recommendation algorithm was a little out, but don’t let that put you off. All I Live For are only beginning their musical journey but they deserve their chance. I’ll be watching their progression with real interest.

You can stream and purchase We Are The Angels digitally via Bandcamp below, as well as on all other major digital platforms:-

Visit their website and social media profiles below:-

Website - https://allilivefor.com

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

Twitter - https://twitter.com/AllILiveFor / @ALLILIVEFOR

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/ALLILIVEFORBAND

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/allilivefor / @allilivefor

Wendigo - Heresy

Labels: NitroAtmosfericum Records

Formats: CD

Release Date: 10 Feb 2021

1. To Evil Enemies

2. Revelation

3. On The Blade Of Destiny!

4. The Pit Of Your Nightmares

5. Descended...

I'm still suffering from sporadic writer's block, so please forgive me if things are still a little slow for a few days. I'm testing the notion that I might almost be over it with a review of another release I received earlier this year, as part of a package from Russian label NitroAtmosfericum Records and longtime blog supporter SiN. SiN is otherwise known for the ambient black metal band Astarium, but here he reappear's in Wendigo, a band that veers off in a more grunge/punk/alternative direction. Heresy is the band's second release and it was put onto cd back in February. Also I need to mention that everything on here is in Russian, so I've had to use Google Translate for the song titles. I hope they're correct, but please let me know if not.

As with Astarium, much of Wendigo’s music is captured using synths and midi instruments but it’s very skilfully done. EP opener ‘To Evil Enemies’ is very up-tempo and catchy, with the odd bit of heaviness thrown in as well. Sometimes, the recording does seem to break up/skip in places and I can’t quite figure it out if that’s a defect with this cd or with the release overall. Thankfully, it’s minimal though and doesn’t effect your enjoyment too much.

‘Revelation’ is a lot more menacing in it’s tone and even the clean vocals add to that feeling. This is definitely one to file under alternative, as in truth it will only appeal to those who like truly alternative music and those not afraid to take a punt every now and then. I’ve got a lot of respect for the work that SiN has done over the years, as he’s doing something I would never have the guts to do so I can’t sit here and criticise it.

I do like how Wendigo keeps this music very true to it’s Russian homeland, not taking on more familiar Western influences. ‘On The Blade Of Destiny!’ is another up-tempo song that features cleverly programmed drums with pretty organic sounding bass and guitar work too. The vocals once again are clean, sometimes almost delivered as spoken-word. More extreme vocal patterns do emerge at times, but they are few and far between. In fact, I don’t recall the self-titled EP having this kind of crossover of styles.

There’s more of a minimalistic approach to penultimate song ‘’The Pit Of Your Nightmares’, which given it’s title, is definitely darker. It’s has a post-punk/industrial feel and despite it’s longer playing time, it doesn’t overstay it’s welcome at all. EP closer ‘Descended…’ continues in the way it’s predecessor finished. It seems to go by in a flash too.

Heresy is pretty varied overall. Wendigo doesn’t stick to one formula, choosing to mix faster songs with slow ones, upbeat music with gloomier tones. With alternative music being so broad in style and delivery, this is definitely worth a listen. It looks like Wendigo will be a very productive band going forwards.

This release isn't streaming online. I think it's about time NitroAtmosfericum Records created their own Bandcamp page so that more people can hear releases like this, but that's just my opinion.

Physical CD copies can be purchased here - http://www.nitroatmosfericum.ru/eng/

NitroAtmosfericum Records - https://www.facebook.com/nitroatmosfericum

Fauna Timbre - Altering Echoes EP

Labels: Red Orchard Records

Formats: CD/Digital

Release Date: 31 Oct 2018

Tracklist:

1. Heart Murmurs

2. Violent Waves

3. Turn The Sun

4. Umbra

5. Memory Leak

As another Friday evening rolls around it's time to start thinking about becoming more consistently productive (from a writing point of view anyway), which is why I'm committing to writing at least 3-4 times (and hopefully more) from now. I need to for my own sanity and for the love if it. Tonight I'm focusing on new Norwegian doom band Fauna Timbre. The band started in 2016 as a duo, but are due to release their debut EP at the end of this month, as a trio. 

Fauna Timbre’s take on doom rock is cleaner than most. The opening song Heart Murmurs is melodic and mournful, but it never becomes truly heavy. The vocals feature that ever so slight hint of autotune, while the instrumentation is sensitively delivered so it doesn’t take too much of limelight from them. The layered and progressive nature of Faun Timbre is really endearing as the slow march of Violent Waves takes over. They’ve been compared to the mighty Katatonia and I suppose that’s an adequate comparison given the clean nature of their sound. They are very good at what they do on here and they do add more crunching riffs to the song, but that level of name dropping only adds to the expectation. The abrupt end to Violent Waves is clearly inspired by the title itself. 

Turn The Sun is the most expansive song on “Altering Echoes” and it’s at this point that Fauna Timbre’s sound begins to truly click. They’re dreamy composition style really comes through and whisks you off to a completely different place with almost no effort. The melody is back with Umbra, which is a minimal number to begin with. It’s a flowing ballad but it features bass lines that could easily be mistaken for harsh vocals at times. EP closer Memory Leak is the psychedelic piece that Fauna Timbre’s been threatening to deliver throughout and while that may not be exactly the sound they’re going for here, it works thanks to some great guitar/bass effects. It’s also the longest song on “Altering Echoes” and at times it becomes ambient, avant-garde and subtly jazz-like. Less doom-like then and more alternative, but it works extremely well as a whole and shows that this trio aren’t afraid to experiment. There’s lots of promise within these five songs. 

You can stream Heart Murmurs below:-

Pre-order "Altering Echoes" digitally here - https://faunatimbre.bandcamp.com/

CD copies can be pre-ordered here - https://www.redorchardrecords.com/shop/fauna-timbre-altering-echoes/

Fauna Timbre - https://www.facebook.com/faunatimbre/

Red Orchard Records - https://www.facebook.com/redorchardrecords/