Photo by Adapt Film Photography
Let it be said that you should always support your local music scene. Besides the fact that all great bands had to start somewhere, you simply never know when you might stumble across something great. After a chance encounter a few years back, it’s great to rediscover Doncaster band Retroject. It’s presents an opportunity to listen to their latest release, and reflect on the band with some fresh perspective. ‘Lesson Learned’ plays host to some bright and inviting indie riffs, while ‘Webster’s English’ captures the sound of the early noughties boom of bands such as Franz Ferdinand. ‘Hear You Say’ bears a few subtle hallmarks of funk influences, while tracks like ‘Leda’ can’t help but bright to mind fellow Yorkshire lads the Arctic Monkeys. Both bands rightly wear their origins like a badge of honour, which adds an honest charm to the vocals and lyrics, and creates a real sense of character and unique personality. Musically this is a band still finding their feet and discovering their sound, but when it comes to knowing who they are and performing with absolute integrity they could well show some big name acts a thing or two.
Fans of Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian, Franz Ferdinand and Reverend and the Makers should check out their latest release EP III.
The Lunar Year – Herodias
The days of the dynamic duo are upon us, and this pair hailing from London and Sheffield respectively are a welcome new addition to the fold. With their debut EP, rising synthpop stars Millie Gaum and Andrew Brassleay have merged retro 80s synths, futuristic electronica and polished pop production to create a sound that is very much the ‘in’ thing and is sure to find legions of new fans in no time. ‘New Skin’ bears all the hallmarks of Chvrches with its crowd-pleasing melodies and big, bold percussion. The quirky ‘Gift Tag’, with its driving rhythm and infectious chorus, is reminiscent of Grimes. The intro of ‘Together’ sounds like the lovechild of Lana Del Rey and the Stranger Things soundtrack, while ‘Eternity’ sounds like some robotic lullaby from the distant future. From Apes To Angels have a synth sound that is up there with the best of them, and with this assured and accessible first release they seem set to go from strength to strength.
The Amazons – The Amazons
Southern rock trailblazer Gregg Allman has sadly passed away aged 69 due to complications arising from liver cancer. Gregg was the singer, keyboardist and primary songwriter of The Allman Brothers Band, alongside his brother Duane who sadly died of a motorcycle crash in 1971. With such tracks as ‘Whipping Post’, ‘Midnight Rider’ and ‘Jessica’ (better known as the Top Gear theme), Gregg was a key figure in popularising the southern rock sound in the late 60s and early 70s, and remained active in the scene until his death. The Allman Brothers are perhaps best known for their album At Fillmore East, often described as being amongst the greatest live albums ever recorded. He was a deeply influential figure in rock music and will be sorely missed.
James Vincent McMorrow – True Care
Belwood Music 