Profane And The Sacred - Chapter 1 - A Long Time Coming (2015)

Genre - Stoner Rock

Label - Cargo Records

Track listing:

01 - Bench

02 - Bleed That Stone

03 - You Know

04 - Weather The Storm

05 - From The Top

06 - All For None

07 - Just A Little

08 - Words

09 - A New Leaf

 

‘Chapter 1 : A Long Time Coming’ is the debut studio album by stoner rock band PROFANE AND THE SACRED.

Featuring gigantic doom laden riffs that unashamedly smother you in nostalgia but waste no time in lacing prog tinged instrumental breakdowns into a 9 song musical journey. Showcasing time progressions that shift gears but never let up on the momentum - allowing the raspy, gritty vocals of singer Luke Alleeson to cover the organic soundtrack.

'A Long Time Coming' is an album specifically recorded to sound alive and not manipulated to the point of sounding ‘cookie cut’ -  the warm acoustic notes of album opener ‘Bench’ gives way to down tuned riffing with ‘Bleed That Stone’ and ‘You Know’ demonstrating the armoury of this band. First single ‘From The Top’ showcases Profane And The Sacred in a 5 minute classic stoner rock track, with the latest single 'Words' demonstrating fast pace and groove that hits you right between the eyes during its chorus.

The subtle tones of closer ‘A New Leaf’ captures the melodic side, with keyboards, acoustic and bass complimenting each other in this instrumental piece, leaving the listener in a soothing,  melancholy reflective mood.

Now I have to be completely honest, I am not the greatest fan of heavy stoner rock / southern metal bands, finding many of them to be just heavy for the sake of being heavy, with vocalist's that just shout scream and growl as opposed to singing, but this album is different. Profane And The Sacred are not only talented musicians with a penchant for heavy bone crushing riffs, but they also have an ear for a great melody, that together with their ability to pen some great songs makes this a great album!
 The riffs come thick and strong courtesy of guitarist Rick Spooner whilst the rhythm section of Rob Taylor and Kieran Smith keeps everything nice and tight, but the real highlight here is vocalist Luke Alleeson. This guy has one hell of a set of pipes on him! He has the range and power in his voice to really make the songs come to life, as can be heard on tracks like "Weather The Storm", "Bleed That Stone" and "From The Top".
This exciting debut album showcases Profane And The Sacred as one of the best UK based heavy music bands out there at the moment, and proves that they can more then hold their own when compared to their international contemporaries.

Very Highly Recommended

Rating - 10/10

 

 

 

Profane And The Sacred will release a new single / music video 'Words' in February.

 

Cargo Records Release: 23 February 2015

DONNIE VIE (Enuff Z'Nuff) - The White Album (2014)

Genre - Hard Rock / Melodic Rock

Label - Cargo Records

 

Track listing:

Disc One:
01. I Wanna Do It To You
02. Handy Dandy
03. For Your Pleasure
04. Happy Days
05. Crash And Burn
06. Light Shine On
07. Better Love Next Time
08. My Love
09. When Will You Love Me Again
10. Haunted
11. Unforsaken

Disc Two:
01. 25 Or 6 To 4
02. You're My Favourite Thing To Do
03. Almost Home
04. Imagine
05. Angel Eyes
06. Without You
07. Big Brother
08. Freaky Deaky

Enuff Z'Nuff singer/songwriter DONNIE VIE is releasing his brand new solo album "The White Album" via Cargo Records UK. The double CD album contains seventeen all new classic Vie cuts as well as covers of the Chicago classic "25 Or 6 To 4" and John Lennon's "Imagine".
At the present time Enuff Z'Nuff tour still and get out to their audiences playing shows but without Vie at the helm. He's been replaced most admirably by another fine talent in the form of Johnny Monaco. This situation only applies to live responsibilities as Vie remains firm favourite for studio-related activities.
On this weighty double album we find Vie in his comfortable studio surroundings showcasing the various well-trodden musical paths he has travelled in the past.
The Enuff Z'Nuff vibe is still here, as for me, this is an Enuff Z'Nuff record... maybe not in name but certainly on the songwriting aspect for sure. All are lovable pieces of melodic music, with the typical Donnie Vie's melodic power pop and classic rock touches.
As example, "'Better Love Next Time" is a glorious slice of Donnie Vie in his prime, writing a song full of life, love and musical hope, as far I'm concerned anyway. "Handy Dandy" gets back on track with what Donnie does best - melody and harmony all inside that Donnie musical intelligence.
There's an obvious piano ballad included here in the shape of "My Love" (a highlight), something Donnie has perfectly executed musically over the years in one way or another and this track is up there alongside some more of his other balladry masterpieces.
CD 2 starts with the first of two cover versions on the record, this initial one a live rendition of Chicago's classic "25 or 6 to 4" in a very classic rock vein with lots of guitars.
A pair of songs follow on, "You're My Favourite Thing To Do" and one of Donnie most perfect compositions, "Almost Home" - beautiful musical creations that stand up there alongside so many tunes that litter his unique songbook of life.
The second cover crops up, this time a rendition of John Lennon's "Imagine" - yeah of course, Donnie sure took his time getting to this point and it's worth the wait. In all honesty I was unsure on first listen but once I opened up and shrugged off my lazy tiredness I accepted the brilliance of the version.
"Angel Eyes" and "Without You" continue the musical intelligence: maybe not everybody will get this record or for that matter Donnie Vie as an artist, but if you simply listen intently to the songs here in front of you, you cannot doubt the ability of the man as a songwriter.
The opus ends with "Big Brother" and "Freaky Deaky"', more tunes that yet again remind me just why I have adored the songs and the vision of Donnie Vie for a quarter of a century.
Donnie Vie has created a wonderful double album in "The White Album", a true musical delight.
The melodies throughout are so exquisite and admirable, an almost jealous attitude comes over me for the man who seems to make this ever so easy to achieve his musical standards.
The record is co-produced by Donnie and Lewis John - a Donnie fanatic - who has also mixed the double opus and added additional guitars rather elegantly. The mastering is at charge of Andy Pierce, from the Rock Candy headquarters.
This release is absolutely essential for all Enuff Z'nuff and melodic / classic rock fans. It may be Vie's last release for some time... who knows? But for sure it's a really nice 2014 Christmas present.
Rating - 9/10

Note: incredibly, the album was badly submitted to digital retailers, with most tracks wrongly tagged / named. Besides, there's cuts on many track intros. So be sure to get (at least for the moment) this physical CD version at Cargo Records.

ROMEO'S DAUGHTER - Alive (2014)

Genre - Hard Rock / AOR / Melodic Rock

Label - RD Enterprises/Cargo

Track listing:

01. Trippin' Out

02. Attracted To The Animal

03. Keep Walking

04. Lightning

05. Perfect Plan (Previously Unreleased)

06. Talking Love

07. Bittersweet

08. Dancing Slow

09. Velvet Tongue

10. Cannot Be The One

11. Alive

12. Stay With Me

13. Will Be

14. Inside Out

15. Cry Myself To Sleep

16. Heaven In The Backseat

17. Wild Child

"Romeo's Daughter are one of Britain's finest AOR mainstream rock bands fronted by Leigh Matty, recently voted Number 5 Lady Rock Singer of all time in Classic Rock Magazine. Alive is a live DVD filmed at the Derby Guildhall and is packaged with a live CD. The fans have been requesting a live DVD for years and they can finally get one! The band's last album Rapture , was released in 2012, has been critically praised worldwide for its astounding song writing, performance and production and the first single from the album, 'Bittersweet', is in Classic Rock Magazine s 'Top songs of 2012' chart. The band's pedigree is second to none, with each member having previously worked at the highest levels with artists such as: Bonnie Tyler, Whitney Houston, Roxette, Meatloaf, Tom Jones, John Parr, Dexy's Midnight Runners' Kevin Rowland and, Ex GoGo, Jane Wiedlin! Their eponymous debut album released in 1988 was produced by Mutt Lange and John Parr and released on the Jive label. During a promotional tour of the U.S.A the first single Don't Break My Heart, leaped up the US Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. The calibre of their songs attracted many established artists; Heart covered the single Wild Child on their 3 million selling album Brigade, achieving No. 2 on the Billboard Rock All Play chart. Eddie Money, Bonnie Tyler and the recently reformed Steps too, have had recording successes with other Romeos' titles. Their track Heaven in the Backseat was also the opening track for the film, Nightmare on Elm Street 5 . This album has subsequently been remastered to 24 bit standard from the original source tapes and released on Rock Candy records. It includes 3 bonus live tracks, the story of the making of the album, previously unpublished photos, all spread out over a 16 page full colour booklet. Their second studio album, Delectable was released in 1993 on Music for Nations and was much more like a live album in its feel. It was produced and recorded by the band and Andy Reilly, and was later mixed by Steve Brown (The Cult, Manic Street Preachers and Wham). Delectable too has been remastered to the same quality and released again by Rock Candy records. It includes one bonus track, details about the making of the album, an interview with the band and additional photos spread out over a 12 page full colour booklet. Their 4th album, Spin, will be released in 2015 to coincide with their performance at HRH. The DVD is NTSC Region 0 Power and Sophistication Kerrang! / Romeos Daughter trample most of Britain's melodic rockers underfoot and deserve success on their own terms. Steve Beebee, Kerrang! 14th November 2014 Yardbirds, Grimsby 15th November 2014 The Railway, Bolton 21st November 2014 - The Borderline, London 22nd November 2014 - The Rescue Rooms 14th March 2015 HRHAOR Festival May 2015. "

Regarded as one of Britain’s finest AOR mainstream rock bands, ROMEO'S DAUGHTER are releasing "Alive", the first full live concert footage of Romeo's Daughter on stage, available as a double pack containing both a DVD and a live audio CD of the show.
Fronted by the sexy Leigh Matty - recently voted Number 5 ‘Lady Rock Singer of all time’ in Classic Rock Magazine - “Alive” was recorded at Derby Guild Hall in October 2013 as part of the 'Rapture' tour, their great comeback album.
The band’s pedigree is second to none, with each member having previously worked at the highest levels with artists such as Bonnie Tyler, Roxette, Meatloaf, John Parr and more.
Romeo's Daughter eponymous debut album released in 1988 produced by ‘Mutt’ Lange and John Parr was a big success, followed by the wonderful 'Delectable' in 1993.
After a long hiatus, the band’s last album 'Rapture' was released in 2012 and has been critically praised worldwide for its astounding song writing, performance and production.
“Alive” is not the typical live record, it's more like a greatest hits played live, as there's few crowd noises and the overall sound is pristine and clear.
The band struck out early with material from last album Rapture, which still captures all of Romeo’s Daughter’s style and verve with a little more besides. The easy charms of the melodies and Craig Joiner’s understated guitar worm their way deep inside your brain.
The new songs as the tuneful "Bittersweet", the jumpin' "Keep Walking", the catchy "Talking Love" and the superb ballad "Lightning" (played in a more mid-tempo AOR manner here) are mixed with the classics like "Attracted To The Animal".
There's also a previously unreleased track called "Perfect Plan", a melodic rocker with a contagious chorus. The set also included the rarely played "Dancing Slow" from album Delectable, and one of my favourites from the band.
We have an intimate, acoustic version of "Will Be", just with Joiner on guitar and Leigh delivering an emotive vocal performance.
The back end of the set is chock full of gems from the wonderful, heart-wrenching "Cry Myself to Sleep" to the hit "Heaven in the Back Seat", all played in a more rocking versions than the originals.
The last song was the full-on rock of "Wild Child" which drew a fanatical response as it reminded us how it was ‘poached’ by Heart for their Brigade album.
"Alive" is a very good release by Romeo's Daughter, where more than a 'live crowd' record the band offers different versions of their songs into a live stage context. They are so polished that at places sound like a studio album.
However there's a different vibration emerging from these great songs, a rocking spirit which fit the melodies really well. An enjoyable CD from start to finish while we wait for the new studio album 'Spin' to be released next year.
"Alive" is available with the first 200 copies housed in a unique limited edition presentation box, so be quick.

Very Highly Recommended.

Rating 10/10

Buffalo Summer - Buffalo Summer (2013)

Genre - Classic Rock / Hard Rock / Southern Rock
Label - Cargo Records

Track listing:

01 - She's All Natural
02 - Down To The River
03 - Truth From Fable
04 - A Horse Called Freedom
05 - Rolls On Through
06 - Ain't No Other
07 - Keep On Runnin'
08 - Typhoid Mary
09 - Ol' Duke

So you like your music of the classic hard rock with a southern flavour variety? Me too, and I'd wager that you are going to love Welsh rocker's, Buffalo Summer's self titled debut album just as I do!
This album just throws great song after great song at you, with the band effortlessly delivering future classic after future classic, which is really suprising considering that Buffalo Summer are a relatively young band!
Great songs, executed to perfection, with a bright and crisp clear production.
To be honest I just can't find words to praise this album highly enough.
A great feel good classic hard rock record, just about sums it up!

You must check this album out!

Rating - 10/10





The up n' coming Welsh classic rock band tour the UK in October with KADAVAR (Nuclear Blast Records) have just announced German shows supporting THE QUIREBOYS in November and will play Planet Rock's ROCKSTOCK December 2013.



Kadavar dates
Oct 23rd London - Borderline
Oct 24th Wolverhampton - Slade Rooms
Oct 25th Glasgow - Cathouse
Oct 26th Nottingham - Bodega
Oct 27th Manchester - Deaf Institute
Oct 28th Bristol - Exchange



Quireboys Germany dates

Nov 11th Nachtleben - Frankfurt
Nov 12th Blues Garage - Hannover
Nov 13th The Rock Cafe - St Pauli, Hamburg
Dec 7th Planet Rock, Rockstock - Great Yarmouth

POLAR FOR THE MASSES - SILENCE

Genre - rock / punk / garage / experimental / indie

Label - Black Nutria Independent Label / Cargo

Track listing -
01. Consequences 

02. Rust 
03. DIsmembered 
04. Sailing Away 
05. U.T.W.
06. The Last Man 
07. Ignorance 
08. Guilty

"This Italian trio have been a band since 2003, pursuing an essential and minimal “ice cold” approach to their music: an eclectic and unpredictable brand of post-punk that doesn't overlook the genre’s minimal approach and essence."
With a stripped down sound, and some fairly solid songs, Polar For The Masses pretty much acheive their goal with Silence. With an almost idie grunge feel  with a punk / post punk approach these guys do offer something a little different, and rather enjoyable. All the songs are pretty solid, with Sailing Away, The Last Man and Guilty really standing out to my ears. With comparisons being made to Placebo, Brian Molko, Foo Fighters and Dave Grhol the band are getting alot of relavent attention. Silence is the bands third album, and their experience shows in the tightness of the band, but I feel the production is just a little too flat for me, robbing the songs of some of their attitude and agression.
On a whole not a bad album, worth checking out, but I would love to see what the guys could come up with, by enlisting the aid of a top producer!

Website - Polar For The Masses
rating - 8/10