Saturday, 28 May 2011
Champions League Final
Unfortunately we were slaughtered. Rooney gave us hope but in the end Barcelona mullered us and then some. I went up to Wembley to soak up the pre-match atmosphere and took a few photos and videos.
Saturday, 21 May 2011
Pagan's Mind Live Report
My 11th gig of the year so far and I've missed a few I fancied as well but still a fairly productive year gig wise with over half the year left to go. Anyway it was my first time seeing Pagan's Mind so I had to make the effort. For once I didn't have a ticket pre-booked and paid on the night to get in. Normally I like to get tickets beforehand to save money and also the possibility of not getting in on the night but to be honest I knew that PM were not going to sell the Underworld out somehow!
They are not THAT big here basically in my estimation and so it proved. The Underworld was probably barely half full, about 250 if you're being generous although all who did turn up witnessed a great show by the Pagan boys.
I missed the first support band who went by the name of RIP Sanity. Quite like that name might have to investigate them a little. I saw most of Neonfly who played a 45 minute set. I saw these guys a few weeks ago supporting Power Quest. They are quite good. I find it hard to pigeonhole them actually. Sometimes they are power metal with an AORey sounding singer, then they have prog tendencies, then they go into complete AOR sounding tunes. There's something about them I'm not quite getting though. Maybe it's the singer. Anyway they are quite good as a support band like I said and they have an album coming out and the best way to judge them I think is on their studio output.
Finally the Pagan lads took to the stage at 8.30pm which is quite early for the Underworld but there was a 10.15 curfew because of some club running after I guess. Anyway plenty of time to listen to some killer prog/power based material from this great band. For a one guitar band they don't half pack some punch let me tell you. The sound in the Underworld last night was absolutely amazing as well last night. It was loud but crystal clear mostly. The band are quite an odd looking bunch. Two portly guys on bass and keys. A nicely hair-cutted shit hot guitarist and the small elfin screamer Nils on the mic. Didn't really catch what the drummer looked like!
As Nils explained between one song and we sort of realised after, he had broken his hip six weeks ago and they had toyed with the idea of cancelling the tour but he decided to soldier on in the end. He has walking very gingerly around the stage for sure though his showmanship and crowd geeing from the waste up was still tip top. The crowd themselves were well into what the band was doing and although this was the first night of the UK tour they were in tip top shape musically speaking if not physically. They played most of their famous hits and a couple of new songs as well of course. The new songs sounded amazing especially Intermission of course which was sung with great power by Nils especially that scream! Enigmatic Mission is also always gonna be great isn't it. Nils' voice is very powerful live although on the odd occasion he was struggling to be heard over the music. They played an awesome instrumental song whose name I don't recall I'm sure you PM fans will know which one. That was just immense.
The encore featured Through Osiris Eyes which is perhaps their most well known song and probably a song they will have to play on every live show they ever do from now until they decide to call it a day.
I'm glad I came to see these guys finally and they didn't disappoint one iota. Their live sound is not far from their amazing produced recorded output at all. They can definitely lay claim to being the best band of this style in Europe at least if not the world and they deserved a far bigger turn out as well but I guess not enough people really know about them which is a shame. Apparently the Snooty Fox gig in Wakefield in two days is going to be broadcast live on the internet. Well worth a watch I'd suspect if you have a good connection.
They are not THAT big here basically in my estimation and so it proved. The Underworld was probably barely half full, about 250 if you're being generous although all who did turn up witnessed a great show by the Pagan boys.
I missed the first support band who went by the name of RIP Sanity. Quite like that name might have to investigate them a little. I saw most of Neonfly who played a 45 minute set. I saw these guys a few weeks ago supporting Power Quest. They are quite good. I find it hard to pigeonhole them actually. Sometimes they are power metal with an AORey sounding singer, then they have prog tendencies, then they go into complete AOR sounding tunes. There's something about them I'm not quite getting though. Maybe it's the singer. Anyway they are quite good as a support band like I said and they have an album coming out and the best way to judge them I think is on their studio output.
Finally the Pagan lads took to the stage at 8.30pm which is quite early for the Underworld but there was a 10.15 curfew because of some club running after I guess. Anyway plenty of time to listen to some killer prog/power based material from this great band. For a one guitar band they don't half pack some punch let me tell you. The sound in the Underworld last night was absolutely amazing as well last night. It was loud but crystal clear mostly. The band are quite an odd looking bunch. Two portly guys on bass and keys. A nicely hair-cutted shit hot guitarist and the small elfin screamer Nils on the mic. Didn't really catch what the drummer looked like!
As Nils explained between one song and we sort of realised after, he had broken his hip six weeks ago and they had toyed with the idea of cancelling the tour but he decided to soldier on in the end. He has walking very gingerly around the stage for sure though his showmanship and crowd geeing from the waste up was still tip top. The crowd themselves were well into what the band was doing and although this was the first night of the UK tour they were in tip top shape musically speaking if not physically. They played most of their famous hits and a couple of new songs as well of course. The new songs sounded amazing especially Intermission of course which was sung with great power by Nils especially that scream! Enigmatic Mission is also always gonna be great isn't it. Nils' voice is very powerful live although on the odd occasion he was struggling to be heard over the music. They played an awesome instrumental song whose name I don't recall I'm sure you PM fans will know which one. That was just immense.
The encore featured Through Osiris Eyes which is perhaps their most well known song and probably a song they will have to play on every live show they ever do from now until they decide to call it a day.
I'm glad I came to see these guys finally and they didn't disappoint one iota. Their live sound is not far from their amazing produced recorded output at all. They can definitely lay claim to being the best band of this style in Europe at least if not the world and they deserved a far bigger turn out as well but I guess not enough people really know about them which is a shame. Apparently the Snooty Fox gig in Wakefield in two days is going to be broadcast live on the internet. Well worth a watch I'd suspect if you have a good connection.
Sunday, 8 May 2011
Champions???
Don't often post about United anymore but dare I say it....CHAMPIONS!!!
Ok I am ever so slightly jumping the gun as one more point is needed mathematically speaking but even the most pessimisitic United fan must surely admit that number 19 is in the bag. Can you believe it United fans? 19 fucking titles!!! Liverpool well and truly knocked off their perch.
Roll on the Champions League Final. What an epic night that's going to be.
Ok I am ever so slightly jumping the gun as one more point is needed mathematically speaking but even the most pessimisitic United fan must surely admit that number 19 is in the bag. Can you believe it United fans? 19 fucking titles!!! Liverpool well and truly knocked off their perch.
Roll on the Champions League Final. What an epic night that's going to be.
Power Quest LIve Report
As you may or may not know The Purple Turtle is basically a pub with a stage at one end. Alas Power Quest as a band are not big enough to play a headline gig anywhere else and so it proved as the attendance was roughly 100 or so. I talked a fair bit once again with Chity Somapala the new singer before the gig. He's a very enthusiastic and likeable fellow plus he is great at fronting the band. I also very briefly met Alessio the previous PQ singer as he was also present.
Two support bands were on show. First were Primitai who I've caught supporting already this year at the Accept gig. They are ok and the heart is completely in the right place but the songs are just not memorable enough for me.
Direct support were Neonfly who apparently have a new singer though I didn't know they had an old one until Charlie my gig going pal told me so after the gig. The new singer has a very shrill and high pitched voice. The band's music is pretty cool with some decent melodies. When their album is released I will definitely check it out.
Finally at 9.45 the PQ guys were armed and ready for action and launched straight into the opening instrumental off the new album and then into Rising Anew. The band and Chity sounded very energised. The sound was a little on the loud side for such a small venue but was clear enough especially Steve Williams' keys which were pretty clear. Chity's vocals were very powerful and in pretty good shape for the first night of the tour. The band seemed to be having a lot of fun judging by the wide grins on their faces. They played a lot of songs from the new album including brilliant tracks like Crunching The Numbers and the title track Blood Alliance.
Of course they didn't miss out some older classics as well from their previous albums. One of the highlights of the set was Another World. I love that song. Better Days from the new album was also awesome with it's gorgeous 80s keys and vocals harmonies. Fun Stuff.
Just after 11pm the band played the final song of the night and the power metal diehards went into the mild night air happy. I saw Chity again at the end and wished him well for the rest of the tour. On a side note both Sam and Herman from Dragonforce were at the show as well and Sam was getting mega pissed as usual. Good to see them turn up to support their brother band though as Sam used to be in PQ along time ago.
A cheap and enjoyable night of power metal goodness folks.
Two support bands were on show. First were Primitai who I've caught supporting already this year at the Accept gig. They are ok and the heart is completely in the right place but the songs are just not memorable enough for me.
Direct support were Neonfly who apparently have a new singer though I didn't know they had an old one until Charlie my gig going pal told me so after the gig. The new singer has a very shrill and high pitched voice. The band's music is pretty cool with some decent melodies. When their album is released I will definitely check it out.
Finally at 9.45 the PQ guys were armed and ready for action and launched straight into the opening instrumental off the new album and then into Rising Anew. The band and Chity sounded very energised. The sound was a little on the loud side for such a small venue but was clear enough especially Steve Williams' keys which were pretty clear. Chity's vocals were very powerful and in pretty good shape for the first night of the tour. The band seemed to be having a lot of fun judging by the wide grins on their faces. They played a lot of songs from the new album including brilliant tracks like Crunching The Numbers and the title track Blood Alliance.
Of course they didn't miss out some older classics as well from their previous albums. One of the highlights of the set was Another World. I love that song. Better Days from the new album was also awesome with it's gorgeous 80s keys and vocals harmonies. Fun Stuff.
Just after 11pm the band played the final song of the night and the power metal diehards went into the mild night air happy. I saw Chity again at the end and wished him well for the rest of the tour. On a side note both Sam and Herman from Dragonforce were at the show as well and Sam was getting mega pissed as usual. Good to see them turn up to support their brother band though as Sam used to be in PQ along time ago.
A cheap and enjoyable night of power metal goodness folks.
Sunday, 24 April 2011
Atheist / Exhumed LIve Report
This gig was downgraded to the far smalled Islington Academy 2 after originally being booked for the Garage so obviously ticket sales were not exactly great and so it showed as I entered the venue. The crowd numbered around 150 or so at best and Exhumed were already on stage blasting away like there's no tomorrow. I don't have any real connection with Exhumed as a band and have never really followed their albums or career. Some people like that style of take no prisoners brutal gore metal and I have been known to like the odd band of that style myself but Exhumed has never been one of them.
The sound was loud as fuck and not very clear at all unfortunately. About 10 or 20 diehards were into what Exhumed were doing and they got a reasonable response from those people, but all their songs sound exactly the same to me. Just relentless brutal battery, with screaming vocals and 100 mile an hour drum assault. Turns your brains into mush if you ask me though their fans would argue that's a good thing!
Oh well I waited for Atheist and at the very early hour of 8.30pm the guys were getting ready and played the slow intro to Unquestionable Presence. The sound was much cleaner, tighter and less noisy than for Exhumed which helped no end. The bass player which we later found out was new, was a 20 year old bearded kid with long blonde hair which he through round furiously on occasion. But man did he nail the all important Atheist bass chops. It was worth going to the gig just to see that dude alone. A fair chunk of Unquestionable Presence was played thankfully including Incarnation's Dream and the classic Mother Man and Your Life's Retribution no less. However they did omit The Formative Years as I recall which was a damn shame if you ask me.
Of course we got a couple of songs from Jupiter as well which sounded ok but again not as good as the old shit to use a boring cliche if you will excuse me. They were so tight as a band though and both guitarists and bass were in perfect intense unity. Kelly on the mic has never had a voice I cared much about and to be honest it's a bit strange to watch death metal with a lead singer who doesn't play an instrument.
From Elements they played Air and Mineral which actually were far better live than I remember them being on plastic which is pretty cool. I must come back to the bass player. That kid was just too awesome and on the money. He played so sharp and right on note for note like the albums and the sound mix allowed him to be heard perfectly.
After an hour or so the gig was over and it was time to head home at the early finish time of 9.30pm. I am glad I got the chance to see Atheist finally after all these years and it's another classic band to cross off of my list of bands to see. Cynic still remains at the head of the list of the tech death bands I need to witness along with Necrophagist. I must rectify this someday when they come calling next. For now I give the thumbs up to the Atheist live experience though I still say they should play the whole of Unquestionable Presence from start to end damn it!
The sound was loud as fuck and not very clear at all unfortunately. About 10 or 20 diehards were into what Exhumed were doing and they got a reasonable response from those people, but all their songs sound exactly the same to me. Just relentless brutal battery, with screaming vocals and 100 mile an hour drum assault. Turns your brains into mush if you ask me though their fans would argue that's a good thing!
Oh well I waited for Atheist and at the very early hour of 8.30pm the guys were getting ready and played the slow intro to Unquestionable Presence. The sound was much cleaner, tighter and less noisy than for Exhumed which helped no end. The bass player which we later found out was new, was a 20 year old bearded kid with long blonde hair which he through round furiously on occasion. But man did he nail the all important Atheist bass chops. It was worth going to the gig just to see that dude alone. A fair chunk of Unquestionable Presence was played thankfully including Incarnation's Dream and the classic Mother Man and Your Life's Retribution no less. However they did omit The Formative Years as I recall which was a damn shame if you ask me.
Of course we got a couple of songs from Jupiter as well which sounded ok but again not as good as the old shit to use a boring cliche if you will excuse me. They were so tight as a band though and both guitarists and bass were in perfect intense unity. Kelly on the mic has never had a voice I cared much about and to be honest it's a bit strange to watch death metal with a lead singer who doesn't play an instrument.
From Elements they played Air and Mineral which actually were far better live than I remember them being on plastic which is pretty cool. I must come back to the bass player. That kid was just too awesome and on the money. He played so sharp and right on note for note like the albums and the sound mix allowed him to be heard perfectly.
After an hour or so the gig was over and it was time to head home at the early finish time of 9.30pm. I am glad I got the chance to see Atheist finally after all these years and it's another classic band to cross off of my list of bands to see. Cynic still remains at the head of the list of the tech death bands I need to witness along with Necrophagist. I must rectify this someday when they come calling next. For now I give the thumbs up to the Atheist live experience though I still say they should play the whole of Unquestionable Presence from start to end damn it!
Sunday, 10 April 2011
Children of Bodom / Amon Amarth Live Report
Back to the Kentish Town Forum again after last week's rather average Paradise Lost gig and I was rather hoping for something more exciting and better but alas it wasn't to be. Either my ears are totally screwed or this venue just can't get the sound right at all. They just don't know how to mix the guitars properly. We come to metal shows to hear guitars Mr. Sound man. To be honest I really don't care about the bass and drums and as usual the bass and drums are hammering our ears into submission.
Anyway this was a way way sold out show and there was a rather large queue forming outside the venue though it was moving along well enough. I missed Machinae Supremacy altogether and they are just an OK band to me so no great loss. I had only managed to get a ticket for the upstairs seating and balcony standing for this gig and as I walked in I found the upstairs impossibly packed out already and Enisferum in full swing on stage. Luckily I managed to find a corner place to park my fat ass and start getting into these guys whom I've seen a couple of times before. I love them on record and live as well but the sound wasn't the best at all. As I've already bitched above I couldn't hear the guitars properly.
The Enisferum boys looked in good spirits and got a roaring response from the ultra packed downstairs from my vantage point. I caught about 4 songs from their set and they maybe played 7 or so. They were fun and the melodies from the guitars though hidden by mushy sound, just about shone through. Good effort but I think a smaller venue suits them much better.
Next up were the mighty Amon Amarth. They were the main draw for me attending tonight and I was eager to hear some new tunes from Surtur Rising in their set. These guys are seasoned pros but unfortunately the sound mix tonight rendered them completely devoid of the melodic aspect I was seeking. The songs were all played slickly and like a well oiled machine with their infamous unison headbangs in full effect which is a rather cool sight when you get to witness it from a high vantage point. However my enjoyment of their set was completely stifled by the muddy sonics which decreased the melodic riffing to sludge. They did however go down a storm with the kids downstairs and they have a rather large fan base in the metal community in London and basically they can do no wrong. On record I still love AA but this gig just didn't do it for me. I will have to think strongly about whether I will ever see them live again. Oh and one more thing, no Death in Fire! For shame lads, for bloody shame!
Finally it was time for Alexi's Finnish hatecrew to amble up and serve the kids up what they'd been waiting for. I think CoB is a bit of a polarising band in metal circles these days. They have a lot off fans and a lot of haters as well. The thing is a lot of the haters probably like them a bit in their heart of hearts as well however begrudgingly. They are just a fan band that makes you tap your toe and play air guitar however much you try to resist. Unfortunately I lost my seat due to attending a call of nature and on my return I had literally nowhere to sit, so I ended up in the gods of the Kentish Town Forum standing up, which was an area pretty packed out itself. For the first few numbers I was just listening to the music and not even looking as there was no hope, but luckily a few people left and I found myself right at the barrier on the balcony with a good view of the stage.
I am not a big enough Bodom fan to recognise individual songs but I remembered a few of their biggest hits such as Needled 24/7. The sound was much better than it was for AA with Alexi's guitar much cleaner though not perfect by any means. When the band plays fast songs at full blast it all turns a bit messy and you lose some of the songwriting sense. Still the band is shit hot tight after all these years and Alexi knows how to work the crowd alright, though his cursing gets tedious to say the least. I guess I'm just too old for CoB though and they are a youngster's band although there were people there who were far older than me so they do have a very wide appeal. Keyboardist Janne Warman had two keyboard risers with a set of keys on each and he swapped around between the two which was a bit epic hehe!
I can't say much about the songs, they were played well and melodic and the band went down a storm and even the haters probably enjoyed it a little bit.
To sum up the night:
Enisferum - Good
Amon Amarth - Disappointing
Children of Bodom - Professional
Overall it was an ok gig but nothing I will be waxing lyrical about in years to come. Accept is the best live band I've seen this year by far. They blew the fucking roof off the old bastards!
Anyway this was a way way sold out show and there was a rather large queue forming outside the venue though it was moving along well enough. I missed Machinae Supremacy altogether and they are just an OK band to me so no great loss. I had only managed to get a ticket for the upstairs seating and balcony standing for this gig and as I walked in I found the upstairs impossibly packed out already and Enisferum in full swing on stage. Luckily I managed to find a corner place to park my fat ass and start getting into these guys whom I've seen a couple of times before. I love them on record and live as well but the sound wasn't the best at all. As I've already bitched above I couldn't hear the guitars properly.
The Enisferum boys looked in good spirits and got a roaring response from the ultra packed downstairs from my vantage point. I caught about 4 songs from their set and they maybe played 7 or so. They were fun and the melodies from the guitars though hidden by mushy sound, just about shone through. Good effort but I think a smaller venue suits them much better.
Next up were the mighty Amon Amarth. They were the main draw for me attending tonight and I was eager to hear some new tunes from Surtur Rising in their set. These guys are seasoned pros but unfortunately the sound mix tonight rendered them completely devoid of the melodic aspect I was seeking. The songs were all played slickly and like a well oiled machine with their infamous unison headbangs in full effect which is a rather cool sight when you get to witness it from a high vantage point. However my enjoyment of their set was completely stifled by the muddy sonics which decreased the melodic riffing to sludge. They did however go down a storm with the kids downstairs and they have a rather large fan base in the metal community in London and basically they can do no wrong. On record I still love AA but this gig just didn't do it for me. I will have to think strongly about whether I will ever see them live again. Oh and one more thing, no Death in Fire! For shame lads, for bloody shame!
Finally it was time for Alexi's Finnish hatecrew to amble up and serve the kids up what they'd been waiting for. I think CoB is a bit of a polarising band in metal circles these days. They have a lot off fans and a lot of haters as well. The thing is a lot of the haters probably like them a bit in their heart of hearts as well however begrudgingly. They are just a fan band that makes you tap your toe and play air guitar however much you try to resist. Unfortunately I lost my seat due to attending a call of nature and on my return I had literally nowhere to sit, so I ended up in the gods of the Kentish Town Forum standing up, which was an area pretty packed out itself. For the first few numbers I was just listening to the music and not even looking as there was no hope, but luckily a few people left and I found myself right at the barrier on the balcony with a good view of the stage.
I am not a big enough Bodom fan to recognise individual songs but I remembered a few of their biggest hits such as Needled 24/7. The sound was much better than it was for AA with Alexi's guitar much cleaner though not perfect by any means. When the band plays fast songs at full blast it all turns a bit messy and you lose some of the songwriting sense. Still the band is shit hot tight after all these years and Alexi knows how to work the crowd alright, though his cursing gets tedious to say the least. I guess I'm just too old for CoB though and they are a youngster's band although there were people there who were far older than me so they do have a very wide appeal. Keyboardist Janne Warman had two keyboard risers with a set of keys on each and he swapped around between the two which was a bit epic hehe!
I can't say much about the songs, they were played well and melodic and the band went down a storm and even the haters probably enjoyed it a little bit.
To sum up the night:
Enisferum - Good
Amon Amarth - Disappointing
Children of Bodom - Professional
Overall it was an ok gig but nothing I will be waxing lyrical about in years to come. Accept is the best live band I've seen this year by far. They blew the fucking roof off the old bastards!
Monday, 4 April 2011
Foo Fighters - Wasting Light - Review
What a surprise this is for me. I've never been a fan of Mr. Nirvana drummer's alternative rock but this album is rather good. It's not magnificent but it's very melodic which suits me down to the ground. I also love the clean sound on the guitars and the standard of riffing is way up there with grooves and melodies everywhere you look. His vocals have improved a lot as well in my opinion with a more melodic and less angsty tone which suits me better. This album sounds quite close to Stone Sour's Audio Secrecy from last year but a little less heavy and more melodic even.
The first two tracks rock your socks off with cool heavy riffs and vocal melodies, especially opener Burning Bridge which is just an awesome way to start and hooked me right in to wanting to hear the rest of the album. I love the 3rd track Dear Rosemary with it's massive melodic hook which is possibly my fave track off the album. The following track White Limo has heavy metal influences with it's distorted vocals but very cool riffs though it does sound odd compared to the more melodic songs all round it. Arlandria has quiet verses before a melodic upbeat chorus comes into view. Not a brilliant song but catchy enough almost too sugary in fact and it reminds me of Weezer somehow.
These Days has quiet verses again before the chorus springs into life with heavy riffs and Mr. Grohl doing his more angsty vocals but still keeping the melody intact. This is in fact a great melodic song. Sounds like a softer Alter Bridge. Back & Forth is a midpaced rocking song with rocking riffs and a cool chorus. Perhaps one of the weaker tracks though it has a Nirvanaish feel to it especially the vocals. By the way Nevermind fans should really like this album, it's choc full of the same hooks and the guitar sound is very similar too. A Matter of Time uses the quiet verse/louder chorus formula. This one doesn't do a lot for me but it's still quite listenable. This one reminds me of Queens of the stone age being more melodic.
Miss The Misery is a slow stomping heavy song with a thundering riff. I get an Alice in Chains vibe from this one. The verses are once again sung quietky with minimal musical backing before the chorus is backed with heavy beats and the main heavy AIC sounding riff. This one is a little less melodic though features Grohl doing wooahh aaaahhhhs to the melody which usually makes it catchy but it doesn't seem to fit on this song IMO. The songs end on a heavy note with dirty solos and crunching riffage. An angsty tune as the title would suggest. Maybe needs more plays to grow.
I should Have Known is a ballad of sorts. This one reminds me of Oasis for some reason. No Dave doesn't sound like Liam but the vibe is Oasisy cause it's not heavy although the song soon builds to a heavier crescendo with a more aggressive end with very passionate vocals. To be honest this is not the kind of song I'm into. Too much passion and grit in the delivery. Oh and this song features a very prominent and loud bass line. Maybe my least fave song.
Finally Walk is back to what made me give this album the time of day. the vocals are very melodic with a quiet undistorted guitar playing a simple melody before the distorted riffing kicks into mid tempo in typical FF fashion. I like the double time drumming in this on the end of some lines. the song builds in intensity with Grohl cutting loose vocally and going shouty. This song will be a big hot for them no doubt though I don't really love it bit it's enjoyable.
Overall I would rate the album at 7.5/10 which for me is a very high rating speaking as a non fan bar the odd song. Mr. Grohl and his cohorts have come up with a cool set of melodic alternative rock tunes this time and if you're an existing fan, you're sure to be very happy and even if you're not, you may still find a few tunes to like here if you enjoy melodic rock music in general. If you've hated the Foos since the beginning then there's not a lot here for you, move along!
Listen to the whole album below if you are curious.
http://wastinglight.foofighters.com/
The first two tracks rock your socks off with cool heavy riffs and vocal melodies, especially opener Burning Bridge which is just an awesome way to start and hooked me right in to wanting to hear the rest of the album. I love the 3rd track Dear Rosemary with it's massive melodic hook which is possibly my fave track off the album. The following track White Limo has heavy metal influences with it's distorted vocals but very cool riffs though it does sound odd compared to the more melodic songs all round it. Arlandria has quiet verses before a melodic upbeat chorus comes into view. Not a brilliant song but catchy enough almost too sugary in fact and it reminds me of Weezer somehow.
These Days has quiet verses again before the chorus springs into life with heavy riffs and Mr. Grohl doing his more angsty vocals but still keeping the melody intact. This is in fact a great melodic song. Sounds like a softer Alter Bridge. Back & Forth is a midpaced rocking song with rocking riffs and a cool chorus. Perhaps one of the weaker tracks though it has a Nirvanaish feel to it especially the vocals. By the way Nevermind fans should really like this album, it's choc full of the same hooks and the guitar sound is very similar too. A Matter of Time uses the quiet verse/louder chorus formula. This one doesn't do a lot for me but it's still quite listenable. This one reminds me of Queens of the stone age being more melodic.
Miss The Misery is a slow stomping heavy song with a thundering riff. I get an Alice in Chains vibe from this one. The verses are once again sung quietky with minimal musical backing before the chorus is backed with heavy beats and the main heavy AIC sounding riff. This one is a little less melodic though features Grohl doing wooahh aaaahhhhs to the melody which usually makes it catchy but it doesn't seem to fit on this song IMO. The songs end on a heavy note with dirty solos and crunching riffage. An angsty tune as the title would suggest. Maybe needs more plays to grow.
I should Have Known is a ballad of sorts. This one reminds me of Oasis for some reason. No Dave doesn't sound like Liam but the vibe is Oasisy cause it's not heavy although the song soon builds to a heavier crescendo with a more aggressive end with very passionate vocals. To be honest this is not the kind of song I'm into. Too much passion and grit in the delivery. Oh and this song features a very prominent and loud bass line. Maybe my least fave song.
Finally Walk is back to what made me give this album the time of day. the vocals are very melodic with a quiet undistorted guitar playing a simple melody before the distorted riffing kicks into mid tempo in typical FF fashion. I like the double time drumming in this on the end of some lines. the song builds in intensity with Grohl cutting loose vocally and going shouty. This song will be a big hot for them no doubt though I don't really love it bit it's enjoyable.
Overall I would rate the album at 7.5/10 which for me is a very high rating speaking as a non fan bar the odd song. Mr. Grohl and his cohorts have come up with a cool set of melodic alternative rock tunes this time and if you're an existing fan, you're sure to be very happy and even if you're not, you may still find a few tunes to like here if you enjoy melodic rock music in general. If you've hated the Foos since the beginning then there's not a lot here for you, move along!
Listen to the whole album below if you are curious.
http://wastinglight.foofighters.com/
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