With Just A Hint Of Mayhem

Music reviews, gig reviews, fun trivia and extra added random stuff!

‘The Power’ – Evvol June 10, 2020

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 6:56 am
Tags: , , , , ,

Berlin has long been a hotbed for great music and duo Evvol, who recently released their album, ‘The Power’ can be counted as another addition to that trend. Opening track “Help Myself” immediately draws you in with its delicately phased keyboards and saccharine vocals. One of the key components of this album is an intriguing use of rhythm and “Its Ok” demonstrates this ably. “Rope Walk” is a fascinating soundscape leading into the excellent “Old Love” which has a beautiful vocal with a spoken background. “Call Me Back” has a fantastic keyboard sound with vocals slightly reminiscent of Everything But the Girl. The messed up rhythms are also present on this track.

“All I Need” which features just vocals and keyboard reminds me of Laurie Anderson’s work. “W.A.R.” features a lovely keyboard figure and echoing vocals over a neatly worked polyrhythmic background. This is the strongest track on the album and a good club track just crying out for a lengthy remix. “1994” is a short but fascinating track with experimental keyboards and superb vocals. “M29” is another shorter track which I was eager to hear develop further. “Video Tape” has a Pet Shop Boys feel and tonality and is a potential single. “The Well” has an unexpected synth opening which figures throughout the song, building, and fading. “Swallow” closes the album with quirky synth and vocals. Evvol have a plethora of ideas which can take them as far as they want to go and you should look out for what they do next. Trust me it will be interesting.

Written by Paul Bamlett.

If you have enjoyed this article feel free to follow the blog, or follow us on;

Facebook

Twitter

EMail

Are you interested in writing and reviewing for With Just A Hint Of Mayhem? If so then please get in touch.

 

‘Sovereign’ EP – Coast To Coast

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 6:43 am
Tags: , , , , , ,

It’s a fact that lots of great music has come out of the Midlands over the years. Black Sabbath, UB40, and Slade to name but three. Now you can add another name to this illustrious list, Coast to Coast! Formed in 2016 they specialise in heartfelt and honest anthems which really make the grade. What’s particularly striking to me is the way vocalist Keiran Hyland does not bow to popular taste by Americanising his accent. This is very refreshing. The band also features Alex Edge on guitar, Josh Taylor on Rhythm guitar and Zak Tyler on bass. They mesh well to produce a great sound.

Standout tracks include “The Sun Is Dim” which has a great melodic opening and builds to a fantastic vocal performance. This is an alternative version of a previously recorded track and for me, this newer version has more depth. “Sovereign” has some impressive vocal sounds. “Be Kind” opens gently and again features a lovely vocal. “Cold Buzz” is melodic and mesmerising, a good description of much of this record. Coast to Coast are described in their press as an “emo rock band”. I can see that this could describe them but you need to know that they are so much more than that. I look forward to hearing much more from this innovative group of musicians.

Written by Paul Bamlett

 

If you have enjoyed this article feel free to follow the blog, or follow us on;

Facebook

Twitter

EMail

Are you interested in writing and reviewing for With Just A Hint Of Mayhem? If so then please get in touch.

 

‘Everything Is A-OK’ – Violent Soho June 3, 2020

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 11:05 am
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Violent Soho are an Australian band who come at you with attitude and panache. Their new album ‘Everything is A-Ok’ drips with grungy slacker snarl and bite
“Shelf Life” gives off the feel of Nirvana and QOTSA. “Sleep Year” has a great atonal build up and introduces those snotty, bratty vocals that are a key and captivating feature of this record. Plus it has a great riff. “Pick It Up Again” starts with some strong guitar and builds up to be one of the strongest songs here. It’s great to hear this kind of attitude.

“Canada” has a more panoramic feel soundwise and is a touch more melodic than other tracks. There’s a definite nod to the Foos here. That’s not a bad thing at all.
“Lying On The Floor” has a lovely ascending riff which makes this song another contender for the song of the album. I imagine that Violent Soho are an amazing live band and on the strength of these excellent songs I for one will be in line to see them in action when they can hit the UK. This record is packed full of skip fulls of attitude and also makes a great sound to jump around to so push back the furniture and get some Violent Soho blasting through your speakers

Written by Paul Bamlett.

Click here to buy the album on Amazon.

Click here to listen to the album on Spotify.

If you have enjoyed this article feel free to follow the blog, or follow us on;

Facebook

Twitter

EMail

Are you interested in writing and reviewing for With Just A Hint Of Mayhem? If so then please get in touch.

 

 

‘Mustard Coloured Years’ EP – Wild Cat Strike May 28, 2020

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 10:15 pm
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

When searching the music world it isn’t always easy to find artists that are truly original but Brighton’s Wild Cat Strike merit that description. Their ‘Mustard Coloured Years’ EP strikes me as one of the most fascinating releases I have heard in a long time. Starting with Danny Byrom’s idiosyncratic and original vocals and superbly backed up by Max Boughen on guitar, Chris Whitehorn on bass and Joe Caple on drums this is a captivating band. It should be noted that all of these players are multi-instrumentalists so a truly multi-skilled ensemble.

“Mustard” combines an original sound with eccentric rhythms using light and shade with complex lyrical ideas. “Toothcutter” employs a different sound and method altogether. The lyrics are intriguing with their religious references writ large. There is a little feel of the Cure about this track but as with the other tracks this maintains its originality. This song has a second part to it which creates a more dreamy feel. “Swamp” is a mesmerising song that draws you in and is beautifully constructed. The music is inspired and intricate with a real application of lyrical thought processes and musicality. At the end of Roxy Music’s debut album, Bryan Ferry warbled “should make the cognoscenti think”. Well, Wild Cat Strike will surely have the same effect. My ears are open for more from this original group of musicians.

Written by Paul Bamlett.

If you have enjoyed this article feel free to follow the blog, or follow us on;

Facebook

Twitter

EMail

Are you interested in writing and reviewing for With Just A Hint Of Mayhem? If so then please get in touch.

 

‘Living Dead Stars’ – Living Dead Stars May 22, 2020

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 3:02 pm
Tags: , , ,

Every now and then in this strange old musical world a band crops up that makes you think, wow, these people really mean what they say and love what they do. Living Dead Stars are just such a band. The band was formed in London in 2016 but is now based in Southern California. They are influenced by such titans as Avenged Sevenfold, System of a Down, and Five Finger Death Punch and while this is clear they also bring their own touches and skills to this masterly debut.
“Redeem Ourselves” which opens the album has an intriguing introduction and then moves into an epic metallic riff laced with some outstanding keyboards. Next up is “Nightmare” which boasts another great intro. This track gives us fair warning that two of the predominant features of this album will be strong vocals and tight exact rhythms.

“Checkmate” begins with a superb drum intro and then leads into a big chunky monster riff which is topped off with some great harmonising in the vocal department. As if that’s not enough this track also shows the gentler side of the band for the first time. “Killzone” is built around a great killer heavyweight fast riff which allows the excellent rhythm section an opportunity to really strut their stuff. Track 5 is “In Pieces”. For me, this is the standout track. Gritty vocals and an excellent arrangement. This epic wide-screen feel is what this band excels at and this track also features an exquisite guitar solo and a marvelous piano coda.
“Hopeless” begins with the same piano figure as the band plays on its epic strengths. As with many albums, this one grows in stature as it progresses. After a strong start, the songwriting becomes even stronger on the later tracks. Track seven is “Escape from Heaven”. The more melodic feel continues and the harmonies are beautiful. This is once again a strong song that benefits from repeated listening.

“Fallen” moves back into slightly thrashy territory but maintains the melodic feel with strong lyrics and vocals. “Through The Fire” begins with the epic feel but moves into a faster rhythm that drives the song to an anthemic close with an army of guitars adding a touch of Iron Maiden style glory. The closing track “Northern Star” opens with beautiful elegiac guitars and strings. The rhythm picks up but sustains a gentler ballad style feel which helps to show the musicality of this band at its best. This is a truly exceptional album by a band that has clearly taken time to assemble their strongest collection of songs. There is light and shade here which makes for a fascinating and engaging listen. With Living Dead Stars you can sense the hunger to really break into the big leagues and judging by this excellent album it won’t be long.

Written by Paul Bamlett.

If you have enjoyed this article feel free to follow the blog, or follow us on;

Facebook

Twitter

EMail

Are you interested in writing and reviewing for With Just A Hint Of Mayhem? If so then please get in touch.

 

‘Armlock’ – School of X May 16, 2020

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 4:57 pm
Tags: , , , ,

Armlock is the self-produced debut album from School Of X a.k.a Rasmus Littauer. Following the acclaimed EPs ‘Destiny’ and ‘Faded Dream’ this multi-talented artist has reshaped some of his earlier work to create a collection of emotional Indie pop songs with an adventurous new and refreshing sound. Opening track “Where Do I Start” begins with a great keyboard intro which leads into a melancholy pop song with some excellent keyboard embellishments. Next up “Bad Love” is a beautiful keyboard-based song. When the rhythm picks up this has a really good pop feel to it. Third track “Believe It” has a more indie feel to it and a very appealing guitar figure. Track 4 has an intimate ballad style opening and the addition of female vocals here is a nice touch. When the two voices meet in unison they fit together perfectly. Great keyboard sounds again.

“Forgot Me On The Moon” is a great melodic and upbeat song featuring more sublime keyboards. “Collarbone” has a strong backbeat with a beautifully controlled vocal. The seventh track “Flowers” opens with a strange bass soundscape leading into a fine keyboard theme. There is a slightly more experimental feel here. Ethereal vocals with echoing keyboard and more than a taste of ‘Steve McQueen’ era Prefab Sprout. “Rivers” has a strong rhythmic feel and a lovely lilting melody
Final track “Blood Flow” has a great anthemic slow feel and is a superb closer with a reprise of the marvellous vocal sound that is such a feature of this record.
This is an appealing and uplifting album and should help to move this innovative and gifted artist to a place where his delightful melodic music is heard and appreciated by a much wider audience.

Written by Paul Bamlett.

If you have enjoyed this article feel free to follow the blog, or follow us on;

Facebook

Twitter

EMail

Are you interested in writing and reviewing for With Just A Hint Of Mayhem? If so then please get in touch.

 

‘Emanate’ – Yair Elazar Glotman and Mats Erlandsson May 15, 2020

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 6:04 am
Tags: , , , ,


This is one of the most interesting and experimental recordings it has been my privilege to review.
These two artists have been collaborating since 2015 and produced their first recording “Negative Chambers ” in 2017. They mix electronic sounds with traditional acoustic instruments. They employ an ensemble cast and various forms of displaced sound. Their music occupies a space all its own between electronic and acoustic.
The opening track of ‘Emanate’ “From Light to Refraction” begins with a single note. This builds to a somewhat discordant sound with ambient sounds beneath. The idea of shifting is strongly suggested. There are hints here of Eno’s ‘Discreet Music’ but also of modern classical composers such as Philip Glass and Samuel Barber
“Interlude 1” maintains the one-note theme with hints of rhythmic wood blocks echoing beneath the strings. Track 3 “From Reflection To Procession” has a feel of baroque sacred music. Flavours of Tallis and Purcell resonate. The ambient sounds flutter and echo through the structure as bass vibrations rumble beneath.


“Interlude 2” features a more electronic feel. The more organic woodblock sounds return. There are hints of Steve Reich and a captivating fizzing sound persists.
“Procession” continues the more electronic feel and there are hints of film soundtracks. It is possible to visualise the slow-moving procession with swaying black robes. Fading and growing by turn the music builds to eerie crescendos before falling away. “Interlude 3” has breathier sounds and the claves and woodblocks sounds return in this shorter piece. Distant rhythmic echoes persist. “From Procession To Refraction” features unnerving, shifting sounds that create an uneasy feeling with suggestions of melodies that never begin or end. Track 7 is a longer piece with multiple layers of sound. An orchestra suggests itself as if hinting at Vivaldi-like themes but the beauty is that it never manifests itself totally. “Interlude 4” once again features the one-note introduction. The woodblocks are more persistent here acting as a lead instrument rather than background sounds. The final track “From Refraction to Light” closes this brave, introspective, and deeply thoughtful record with a longer piece that takes us back to where we started with growing layers of strings slowly and elegantly drawing the piece to a close. This is a captivating recording and it would be fascinating to hear it performed live to experience the totality of the profoundly introspective vision of these two pioneering artists.

Written by Paul Bamlett

If you have enjoyed this article feel free to follow the blog, or follow us on;

Facebook

Twitter

EMail

Are you interested in writing and reviewing for With Just A Hint Of Mayhem? If so then please get in touch.

 

‘From Darkness, Light’ – Brudini May 8, 2020

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 12:09 pm
Tags: , ,

Brudini has attracted attention from New York Punk legend Danny Fields (Iggy, Doors, Ramones ) and has co-started at a sold-out Soho underground alt cabaret. Louder than War love his music a great deal and on the basis of this delicately structured and striking debut it is easy to see why. Opening track “Roselight” sets the tone. Spoken word over an intriguing backing. Next track “Nightcrawler” picks up the beat in a gentle way. The vocals sound great over the sympathetic backing of drums and guitar, the introduction of keyboards adds an extra layer. Backing vocals add still further depth. The spoken word tracks are well balanced and add an extra dimension. “Hunger” is a poetic moment.

“Reflections” leads off on a great repeated bass line. The drums have a jazz feel. Brudini’s captivating voice returns to give us a hint of Michael Stipe and the instrumental section is stunning. The strings add depth and this track ends on a beautiful piano coda. It’s easy to see why this was chosen as a single. “Female Rimbaud” is more of the spoken word over a guitar phrase leading to “Emotional Outlaw” which has a driving feel. A hint of the Doors is evident here with the rhythm and almost chanted vocals. “Pale Gold” is introduced by a tuba and features a march meets tango feel. There is a Chanson feel and the introduction of a Mariachi band adds to the tracks strange melancholy. “God Unknown”‘s spoken word introduces “Radiant Man”. This track has the feel of an ethereal Glen Campbell. The vocals are pure and laced with quality. There is a strong piano figure and for me, this is the standout track of the whole album. This is a beautifully crafted track.

More poetry leads us into “Everything Is Movement”. Found sounds echo around the wonderfully tremulous vocal. A slower piece that fades away.
This excellent album closes on the slow but interesting “Boulevards”. There is a slight tip of the hat to “Space Oddity” here whether intentional or not. The theremin sounds which have been present throughout bring the track to a falling end. Brudini has been compared to other artists such as Nick Cave and Sufjan Stevens but this is original stuff and when gigs return I will be watching the press for shows by this extraordinary new artist.

Written by Paul Bamlett

The pictures were found via Google if one of them is yours and you would like it removed or would like a credit please let me know.

If you have enjoyed this article feel free to follow the blog, or follow us on;

Facebook

Twitter

EMail

Are you interested in writing and reviewing for With Just A Hint Of Mayhem? If so then please get in touch.

 

‘That’s Life’ – Sex Cells April 19, 2020

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 8:40 pm
Tags: , ,

Sex Cells are a London duo producing fascinating angular and paranoid synth-based music. Matt Kilda and Willow Vincent seem to have turned financial disaster into musical triumph having been ripped off in a housing rental scam. With every track on this impressive debut album, they demonstrate their mastery of their chosen genre. They started out as promoters, influenced by the likes of Wendy Carlos and Suicide, and their music pulsates with menace and melancholy.

‘That’s Life’ opens with the pulsating title track which features Willow’s punky vocal over Matt’s lower vocal line. The track drifts to a spacy conclusion. The second track “Deranged” is carried along on a great rhythm and hits the mark but it is on the third track “We Are Still Breathing” that Sex Cells show what they are truly capable of. This track gives us that early Ultravox meets the Psychedelic Furs feel with a great melody. It even has the audacity to quote Lou Reed (“Satellite of Love”). A slower, less frenetic pace showcases the band’s vocal abilities at their strongest.

Next track “Human Costume” takes us back to that frenetic, pumping feel which is clearly a speciality of this group. A very effective track to which the next track “Cruel Design” acts as a coda, this is as close to an instrumental as the band gets. “Fortress” is a return to the slower more melodic feel of “We Are Still Breathing”. A strong song with a beautiful melodic duet that shows the band’s songwriting strengths at their best. Final track “Hang the Flowers” is a fitting semi- instrumental close to this strong debut. This is an excellent debut album and I look forward to hearing and seeing more from this innovative and exciting duo.

Written by Paul Bamlett.

If you have enjoyed this article feel free to follow the blog, or follow us on;

Facebook

Twitter

EMail

Are you interested in writing and reviewing for With Just A Hint Of Mayhem? If so then please get in touch.

 

 

‘Bang Bang Rock and Roll’ (Reissue) – Art Brut April 15, 2020

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 4:13 pm
Tags: , ,

This album, originally released in 2005, is described as a seminal record and it certainly lives up to its reputation. Art Brut are a Berlin-based English and German indie band with a strong following among the Indie faithful and beyond. The big brash opener “Formed A Band” is a firm fan favourite and sets out the stall in unambiguous style. The whole album gives off a definite feel of late 70s early 80s folks such as the Members but does so in a wholly original way.

Each track features the droll and biting vocals of Eddie Argos over some excellent driving indie guitar rock from the rest of the band. “My Little Brother” brings to the fore that punky late 70s feel. The effect of repeating the title of many of the songs helps to create strong statement pieces and is a key strength of the album. “Good Weekend” is equipped with a great riff and has a hint of the Buzzcocks about it which of course is no bad thing.

“Moving To LA” is a little different with a slower lighter feel and “Bad Weekend” opens with a complicated but catchy riff that will be stuck in your head for some time to come. This reissue comes complete with a shedload of unreleased material so you definitely get value for your money. This is one of those albums which inspires awkward indie disco dancing and long may it continue to do so.

Written by Paul Bamlett.

If you have enjoyed this article feel free to follow the blog, or follow us on;

Facebook

Twitter

EMail

Are you interested in writing and reviewing for With Just A Hint Of Mayhem? If so then please get in touch.