Losers.

On Friday I took a trip to Pop Recs Ltd in Sunderland, (the record shop that Frankie & the Heartsrtrings run), to see a gig that had been organised at short notice. The band playing, Losers, I wasn't familiar with, but my hubby reckoned I'd probably like. When they took to the stage and started playing, I was absolutely gob smacked. Their sound was an electronic/indie explosion of thrashing drums and intricate, finger plucking guitar riffs, that took me completely by surprise. As I scanned the crowd, heads were bobbing and people were standing there mesmerised, me included.

At the end of the gig I was already signing up for cheap entry to the final gig of the tour, at the Cluny on Sunday. I frequent so many gigs and could not believe that I hadn't come across these guys before. I had spent the last couple of days familiarising myself with the album, '...And So We Shall Never Part', and already singing along to cracking, monumental, unforgettable tunes ' DNA', 'Azan' and 'Us vs Night'. The heady beat was intense and loud and the energy produced from singers Paul and Tom was intoxicating. The gig was possibly my favourite of the year, a comment I don't make easily and after soul searching for a band to fulfil the void left after my favourite band split, I felt I had finally reached the end of a long journey.

So do yourselves a favour, and check these guys out. Seriously, you won't be disappointed.

The Jackobins 'Ghosts' EP

The Jackobins have released their new EP, 'Ghosts', for which I have been waiting patiently. 'Prussia', the fourth track on the album is the track I very first heard from these guys, and I have to say, I've been hooked ever since. This revised version is such a strong track and ends the four track EP epically.

The first track - The Otherside, is a lively little number with a great piano intro, followed by a steady drum beat which leads into great vocals. Singer Dominic, has an impressive vocal range, swooping from high to low notes effortlessly.

Second track - She Always Says, is a great indie dance number. Notable guitar and drum beats glide along smoothly, complimenting sublime vocals. The chorus is robust and has you chirping along within seconds.

The third track, Ghosts, is the title track to the album and their latest single. The piano intro mixed with haunting drums, guitar and backing vocals is stunning. The subtle guitar riffs and drums blend with the softness of the vocals, exploding at the chorus and reminding the ears that this is a classic indie tune.

I really recommend this EP, and I can't wait to see the energy and stage presence that accompanies it. Please make the effort to see these guys play live, because you won't be disappointed.

The Jackobins

I first heard 5 piece Liverpool band, The Jackobins about a year ago and they grabbed my attention. So when I found out they were playing a gig in Middlesbrough I was stoked. The support acts all finished, it was time for the Jackobins to take the stage. When you first hear them you could be forgiven for thinking, 'another indie/rock band'. But when singer Dominic Bassnett started to sing, I was mesmerised. With an amazing vocal range, jumping from baritone to soprano, and cracking guitar riffs blended with pounding drum beats, my ears were on the roller coaster of a lifetime. As I glanced around the room, it was obvious that they were making an impact on the crowd too.

I can't wait to see these guys play again soon and look forward to their new single. You can check them out on Soundcloud and Facebook.

Puppet Rebellion

Well, the day had finally arrived and I was taking myself on a road trip to Leeds, to see Puppet Rebellion, a five piece from Manchester, who I was desperate to see live, as I was a big fan. Puppet Rebellion were 3rd on the bill and there was a decent enough crowd. Once the guys took to the stage the crowd moved forward, me right at the front and I was seriously buzzing.

They opened with 'Chemical Friends', the title track from their first EP of the same name. By the time they had reached their third song, 'Pirouette', from the second EP, No Means Yes, the audience, I noticed, were  really engaged. Singer Simon Monaghan, is such a charismatic frontman, who draws in the audience. After a small technical fault (Simon forgot the lyrics), forgivable as he had only written them that day,they played a new song, 'Chasing Fame', instantly recognisable as a Puppet Rebellion song, with the wonderful guitar riffs and noticeable bass that I associate with them. They finished with 'Greatest Lie Ever Told' and great cheers and applause from the crowd.

I was so thrilled at what I had seen, and on a real high. These guys had surpassed all of my expectations with their undeniable talent and live performance. Can't wait to see them again. To check them out head over to their Facebook page and give them 'Like', I promise you won't be disappointed.

The Otherside

After finally gaining a new drummer and bassist, The Jackobins, a five piece form Merseyside are finally complete. Having successfully released their debut EP last year, to rave reviews, they felt it was time to get back to writing new material. New single, The Otherside, is due to be released on the 18th May. Its a very anthemic tune which takes you on a wonderfully heady vocal roller coaster. This toe tapping, shake everything you got tune is a must for any summer playlist.
Check out The Jackobins on Facebook and Twitter to find out where and when you can catch them live.

Path Unknown, single release

Path Unknown are a four piece alt rock band from Southport. On 1st March the band released their single Sit & Wonder. The track opens with soft, tantalising, acoustic guitar notes and breathy, slightly bluesy vocals,  evenly paced, not what I was expecting at all, but very pleasant. Then about 1 minute in, there is a sudden explosion of drums as the tempo, pace and sound changes and it suddenly becomes the rock tune that I was expecting. The constant beat of the drums that makes your head nod and your foot tap, mixed with vibrant electric guitar riffs that completely turn this track on its head, making you want to jump about, because the beat is so intense that you don't want to keep still. The influence of old style pro's like the Eagles are mixed with the rock grunge of Nirvana to tickle and tease the eardrums.

Definitely worth checking out and I look forward to hearing more.

F.O.E.S, The Telegraph

With the release of their first EP, Ophir, F.O.E.S (Fall of Every Sparrow) set out on their first tour, staring in their home town of Liverpool. They then took their rock sound to Scotland, down to Coventry and then to Newcastle which is where I was going to check them out.

Having previously listened to the EP, it was safe to say that I was more than a little excited to see them play live. I arrived at The Telegraph, in Newcastle, moments before the second band took the stage. Shotgun Charlie played a few covers and to be quite honest, they did nothing that made me take any notice of them, they were barely background music. F.O.E.S were up next. Considering this was their first tour, they were like total pros. They started with 'Ruin Lies in the Bow and the Sword', a track I wasn't familiar with. But the explosive burst of drums and guitars, really got the attention of the crowd. They followed with 'Writing on the Wall' and ' Ningyo', both tracks from the EP. And I have to say I was blown away by the heavy guitar riffs and scintillating drum sequences. These guys were playing  heavier  than I had imagined their music was ever going to be, but with occasional softer, tender vocals blended to perfection.I was loving every minute of it, as was the head nodding crowd. They went on to play a further three tracks, the final two, 'Sewn to the Sail and Unknown' and 'The Four of Oxblood', both from the EP and both surpassing all of my expectations.

Once again the final band of the night, whose name escapes me, were boring. Although they did have a few fans in the audience. For me F.O.E.S were the beautiful rich filling between the boring bread, in a sandwich. If you haven't had the chance to catch these guys, I suggest you buy the EP and give your ears the treat they deserve.

2014. New Year, New Music

Saturday 1st February

Well what a roller coaster of a year it was for me last year. Being a real music enthusiast I was devastated when one of my favourite local bands, in fact, one of my favourite bands decided to call it a day. The Chapman Family were no more. Still, my favourite band of all time, Sound of Guns, had a gig, their first in quite a few months. After a fantastic gig in Whitehaven, my world was torn apart when next day it was announced that they too were calling it a day.

But as the saying goes, as one door closes another door opens. And so quite by accident I stumbled upon an amazing band, Exit Calm. The four piece from South Yorkshire, released their second album, The Future Isn't What It Used To Be, in September 2013, and what an album it is. The raspy vocals of frontman Nicky Smith, combined with some of the best psychedelic guitar and bass riffs that I have heard, come together to produce some memorable anthemic tunes.

I was now on a mission to see these guys play live again. A trip to Sunderland and Liverpool confirmed that I had been missing out on one of the music industries hidden gems. The release of the second single from the album, The Promise, prompted a mini tour. I was lucky enough to see the final night of the tour in Bodega, Nottingham. The two support bands, didn't leave me wanting more, I was there for one band only, and judging by the packed out venue, others were too.

With tracks such as Fiction, The Rapture and Holy War, (all from the new album) and the menacing meanderings of the singer, Exit Calm had the crowd in the palm of their hand begging for more after the last song. They came back for the encore with one of my favourite tracks Higher Bound, leaving me in no doubt that I would be seeing a lot more of these guys.