PARKWAY DRIVE Horizons 6/10
CHEF’S CHOICE PARAMORE Riot 9/10 Tennessee quintet Paramore are a rapidly emerging pop-punk band hitting the music scene with their second release Riot. This young band (one member being only sixteen) has toured with big names such as Simple Plan, and have also played at the major music festivals/tours Warped and Bamboozle.
Nothing beats a hiddenmessage in a song … The first single off the album, Misery Business, proves that “guys”. Singer Haylee the punk industry is not ruled by the “guys” Williams’ vocals in this track are at their best, and show that the girls do have the ability to pull off the punk genre. For A Pessimist I’m Pretty Optimistic is a tad more pop than punk, but is still well worth a listen. Zac Farro is the talent behind the drum kit, and really excels in this track. The pulsating beats stand out and make you become totally engrossed in the track, showing the raw talent of
such a youn young ng musician. This track is one that would sound amazing live. Possibly the best song off the album, Let The Flames Begin is one track that shows just how much emotion is put into not only performing, but also in writing the lyrics. It is a feel-good song in the way that it is telling you to never give up, no matter what happens. Nothing beats a hidden message in a song … SHANNON STEVENS
REGURGITATOR Love and Paranoia 7/10
Finally it is here! Brutal screams, deep riffs, earpiercing double-kicks, fast and unpredictable hardcore metal … well, don’t we wish it was? After weeks of recording and months of waiting, the expectations of this album for me were pretty high.
Love and Paranoia is the sixth album released by Regurgitator in the past eleven years. Yeah, OK – you may not have liked their previous work, but don’t think that is a good enough reason to not listen to their new album.
I was greeted with a slow, uplifting track that I was expecting to flow right into a fast-paced, brutal explosion, but, sadly, it was a fast-paced come-down. After listening to the first four tracks, I had a feeling that it just wasn’t going to live up to my expectations, and yet, out of twelve tracks, Carrion was the only one that really made me say, “Fuck yeah, that was a sweet song”.
During the past year, Regurgitator spent time in Brazil to record this trendy, pop/rock collection, and have once more demonstrated that they will not be defined! Love and Paranoia delivers an interesting compilation that you will refuse to turn off.
Even with a disappointing start to the album, the closing track Horizons shows that even a fast-paced band like Parkway Drive can master the art of melodic riffs, and combine them with fierce breakdowns. It still has the same brutal Parkway Drive sound from their first album Killing With A Smile, with deeper vocals and an overall more melodic sound. But with that said, Horizons – for me – sounded very predictable, and too similar to their previous release. Honestly, I think that this album will be one of those that you listen to a few times and then just place back into the dusty corner of your CD collection. Maybe Parkway Drive should continue to set their sights on bigger and better Horizons, because this album clearly isn’t there yet, for me. CHRIS TITMUS
BEN LEE Ripe 8/10
DARDANELLES Mirror Mirror 5/10
VARIOUS ARTISTS Parklife 8/10
Well, Ben Lee is back. With Ripe hitting stores this month, he has again proven why he is such a flourishing artist.
After releasing their highly acclaimed self-titled EP, the Dardanelles have just produced their first full-length album Mirror Mirror.
For those of us who weren’t lucky enough to make it to Parklife this year, this is a great rundown of the festival, and has some great party tracks.
His career as a singersongwriter has been, so far, one of outstanding accomplishments for someone who is, it seems, yet to reach his prime. With prestigious awards from the 2005 ARIA’s (such as Best Male Artist, Single Of The Year etc.) under his belt, he yet again illustrates his unique talents in this collection of work that adds a slight twist to today’s pop culture. He is not trying to redefine pop, but take you back the roots, and remind you what a well-written and delivered pop song truly has to offer. Alongside pop princess Mandy Moore, Rooney and Benji Madden, Ben has proved that his abilities stretch much further then his own musical talents. I cannot pinpoint one song that stands out from the rest because, honestly, it is a great collection of work overall. It clearly illustrates where he has been, and stencils the path to where he is going. Filled with meaning and emotion, Ben delivers each song passionately, and helps us feel where he draws his inspirations from as an artist. The word “ripe” is defined as “something that has reached its potential”, but Ben has only begun to stamp his name into the pop culture. Even after six albums, this latest release is reassuring to us all that he has plenty more to offer.
The album starts off with an unusual introduction that sounds like it should be off Doctor Who. The song has a hypnotic groove about it, and makes you feel as though you have been taken back in time, to when the word “groovy” was actually used with a straight face. The introduction then moves into Alone Is Not, a spinetingling track that will leave you wondering what the hell you are listening to. At one stage you have to question whether you have hearing problems (when listening through headphones). This is a very peculiar track – even if you do not like it, you will still be quite amazed by the extensive instrumental work put in by the band. Once And Future Child is a more … “normal” song. The soaring vocals of Josh Quinn-Watson work well for the song, and really contrast with the intensity of the drum beats. Unlike the previous song, this one does not have that insanely creepy feeling to it that gives you shivers down your spine. There is even a bonus track from the EP sessions on the album for your listening pleasure. One Plus One has a very garage-rock feeling to it, and is one of the best tracks off the album. Mirror Mirror is an unusual choice for a debut release, with some of the song choices. SHANNON STEVENS
LISA HOWELL
MICHAEL FRANTI SPEARHEAD Yell Fire! Live 7/10
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PYROMESH Omnia 6.5/10 Apathy opens the album with a pummeling, jarring volley of angular riffage and drum rolls – it’s nastier than a lot of mainstream metal these days, and it’s the album’s high point.
The latest album is a mix of live tracks from the Pukkelpop concert, Belgium in 2006.
Pyromesh stalk sonic terrain that I can best describe as “Devildriver doing a duet with Blindspott”.
Together, Michael Franti and Spearhead blend hip-hop with jazz, reggae, folk, funk and rock to create a very original style of their own.
Death metal with a slight – ever so slight – ear for the mainstream, the Perth troupe merge downtuned riffage with elements of the Gothenburg sound (re: In Flames) and what seems like a nod to contemporary hard rock, and on Omnia, the results are mostly very good, but unfortunately not too consistent.
The relaxed drum and percussion work in this track are a real highlight and help to redeem the song and make it worth listening to. I Know I’m Not Home is an emotionally-charged song that relates back to the decision of taking military action in Iraq and Palestine (yet another band that wants good old George Bush out of office before more damage is done). The song is a slow number where the hip-hop aspect of their music is nearly non-existent in Michael’s vocals. It is a standout track and possibly the best off the album. With most live albums, you can really feel the passion that is put into a live performance, and this album is no different. It shows the quality of their music, and is a true highlight to the band. SHANNON STEVENS
There are also some artists on there that you might not expect to hear, but they do combine well to give you a great range of what’s hot at the moment. It’s good to see that electronica doesn’t fall in the trap of only playing in clubs here in OZ; to see diverse bands that are able to play these festivals where the punters want a good beat to move to. From the get-go, this compo is a really happy mix. It does tend to move up and down with the tempo and style – it would travel a bit better if they had worked up to some of the harder tracks towards the end of the album. Standout tracks would have to be the Scratch Perverts’ Drop, Stereo MCs’ Connected and DJ Delicious’ Let it Drop. If you’re into dance with a big sound – and you aren’t a club-head – this is a great mix that still has an instrument in the artist’s hand. Bring on the summer and outdoor music!
John Cusack told us on High Fidelity that an important rule of the mixtape (and, really, any album or compilation) is to not open so strongly that you blow your load too early. It’s something that’s always been hard to gauge for the artists themselves, but for the listener it’s much easier, and this is a weakness that stands out on Omnia too strongly, too early on. The progression of tracks that follow the storming opener aren’t entirely without merits, but they aren’t entirely memorable either. Still, this is only the band’s opening salvo, and the good thing about debuts is that they give you a base to work from. So while Omnia isn’t the most impressive specimen on its own, I’m interested to see where they go from here. TOM WILSON
As each song plays out, they deliver more energy, intriguing lyrics and beats to the mix, which always makes for a classic Regurgitator sound experience. One word will not describe these guys; they are unique, deep, creative and quirky. But a point that should be made about this band is that they hold consistency in style throughout this album. This is another reason for you to go and buy it. LISA HOWELL
FREESTATE Surrender 7/10 The passionate combination of raw power and melody make Freestate one of the Australia’s most powerful up-and-coming rock bands. Their debut release Surrender was inspired by Karnivool and The Butterfly Effect (whom they were touring with whilst recording the album) and it is taking heavy rock to a new level. Necessary, the first single off the album, is the perfect track for a first release. It displays a mix of powerful vocals, extreme guitar and bass riffs and melodic drum beats. The bridge of this track sounds almost Egyptian-inspired, and then pounds back into the heavy rock of the beginning. Freestate officially formed five years ago, but the band’s members have been friends since high school, and had written many songs by the time 2002 came along. They initially started out as just a few kids having a big of fun in their lunch hour and after school, then they grew into one of Australia’s most promising acts. With a slower tempo and much more relaxed instrumental work is The Man Who Couldn’t Lie. It borders on the pop/rock side more than the band’s main heavy rock sound. The lyrics to this track are quite deep and meaningful, standing out in comparison to some of the others on the album. Surrender is one of those albums that is a necessity for all rock enthusiasts – definitely worth a listen. SHANNON STEVENS
NEESH PEACOCK
VARIOUS ARTISTS Masif Hard Dance Anthems Vol 1 7/10
Yell Fire! Live is the latest release from one of the greatest collaborations the music industry has seen in the last ten years: Michael Franti and Spearhead.
Time To Go Home is a long track, clocking in at just under seven minutes and tending to get a tad too repetitive (which is also the case in the title track of album, Yell Fire!).
If you’re a Triple J fan you will know a majority of the playlist; Digitalism, The Herd, Lyrics Born and Riot in Belgium, just to name a few.
From the moment the first track starts, Blood and Spunk, you are instantly treated to the awesome sound that can only be described as, well, “Regurgitator”. It is an awesome song to get the album started, and will give you a great taste of what you are in for!
OK, if you’re planning to listen to this whole compilation before a night out, then you may want to start early.
FREESTATE Surrender 7/10 The passionate combination of raw power and melody make Freestate one of the Australia’s most powerful up-and-coming rock bands.
With three discs clocking in at over three-and-half hours, there’s plenty of hardstyle/ trance and harder trance to get you going. First CD, mixed by Steve Hill, is an absolute slammer with plenty of great tracks, including Vincent De Moor’s Fly Away, Pillseekers’ Techuador and Steve Hill Vs Technikal’s I Have A Dream. This is the longest CD, and works through a great pack of new tunes and remixes.
Their debut release Surrender was inspired by Karnivool and The Butterfly Effect (whom they were touring with whilst recording the album) and it is taking heavy rock to a new level.
The second disc, mixed by Luca Antolini, is the more tranceorientated of the three and the standout, with the choice of tunes putting forth the harder side of the genre.
The bridge of this track sounds almost Egyptian-inspired, and then pounds back into the heavy rock of the beginning.
Antolini has eight of his own tracks on the disc, and they’re not disappointing either. There’s plenty of uplifting tracks on here. Tunes like Antolini’s Heat, In My Dream and 2Life with Ricky T’s Cape York are the standouts, sure to get any crowd going. By the time you hit the third disc you really start to know what you like, and what doesn’t really do it for you. It’s still got the hardstyle, but with a bit of a tech-y edge to it. They also tend to have doubled-up on three of the tracks over the course of the compilation, which can put you off a bit, and make you wonder why they just didn’t leave a few out.
Necessary, the first single off the album, is the perfect track for a first release. It displays a mix of powerful vocals, extreme guitar and bass riffs and melodic drum beats.
Freestate officially formed five years ago, but the band’s members have been friends since high school, and had written many songs by the time 2002 came along. They initially started out as just a few kids having a big of fun in their lunch hour and after school, then they grew into one of Australia’s most promising acts. With a slower tempo and much more relaxed instrumental work is The Man Who Couldn’t Lie. It borders on the pop/rock side more than the band’s main heavy rock sound. The lyrics to this track are quite deep and meaningful, standing out in comparison to some of the others on the album.
There are endless amounts of tracks out there that can be used for these CDs, so maybe a bit more versatility wouldn’t go astray.
Surrender is one of those albums that is a necessity for all rock enthusiasts – definitely worth a listen.
NEESHA PEACOCK
SHANNON STEVENS PAGE 15