Album, Single & Live Reviews

1. Live Reviews: Stasi, Grey Horse, Kingston

   1 Jan 1970 // Rating: ****/5
2. 

   
   First of all, although this "revival" of grunge has been about for a while now with the likes of Nickelback and Creed being the main exponents, both the aforementioned have a pop-like tinge to them (probably a by-product of the nu-metal that sired them), the result being a sort of mutated grunge - something a little more polished and evolved than one might expect. The fact that Seether have not done this is to be at once commended and condemned. Modelling themselves on a blueprint so old clearly shows their affinity with the genre, almost making them honourable throwbacks to that golden age, yet the downside is that it also makes them less accessible to a modern audience.
   
   Tracks such as 'Gasoline', 'Immortality' and 'Remedy' are among the best examples of this "grunge dilemma" but all are solid, proficiently written songs. However, the real stand out tracks are the likes of 'Diseased', 'Truth' and 'Tied my Hands' which show a definite sonic step up and are, to my mind, almost reminiscent of Tool with some interesting guitar counterpoint between Pat Callahan and Shaun Morgan and some nicely unexpected modulations.
   
   Only two songs on this record are new, the rest featuring on the bands previous releases, 'Disclaimer' and 'Karma and Effect'. I think that Seether would have been better focusing on a new record and honing an individual style as opposed to recording a homecoming record before theyve even left. Many of the songs just dont suit the acoustic treatment and sound at their best “plugged in” on the previous albums (one exception to this being the excellent pop song, 'Sympathetic'). This live album also shows a distinct lack of interaction with the audience. Aside from the occasional “thank you” from Morgan and the sporadic “whoop” from a drunk crowd member there is nothing to indicate this album was not recorded in a studio.
   
   Overall, this is a solid record, and definitely worth picking up for fans of Seether (or fans of Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, Mudhoney and Screaming Trees – we darent mention the N word), but everyone else should wait for the next release of new material to see if Seether have progressed into something a little less retro.Guy Jones">Album Reviews: Seether - One Cold Night

   Released 1 Jan 1970 // Rating:

   ***

   /5

3. Live Reviews: A Reason To Be, The Market Tavern, Bradford

   1 Jan 1970 // Rating: ****/5
4. 

   Album Reviews: Gallows - Orchestra Of Wolves

   Released 1 Jan 1970 // Rating:

   ****

   /5

5. Live Reviews: Juliette & The Licks, ABC, Glasgow

   1 Jan 1970 // Rating: ****/5
6. 

   Album Reviews: The Mules - Save Your Face

   Released 1 Jan 1970 // Rating:

   ***

   /5

7. Live Reviews: The English Channel, Hoxton Bar and Grill, London

   1 Jan 1970 // Rating: **/5
8. 

   sung repeatedly, it's guilty of getting stuck in your head.
   
   Another standout track on this album is 'Signals'. Much quieter than the other tracks, it shows a more melodic and sensitive side to the band. It does eventually kick-in to a much more 'rock' sound, but it takes its time in doing so.
   
   Being an instrumental track, you'd expect some technicality in the guitar and bass work on 'The Incident', but think again. It's nothing but boring and repetitive - something you'd fall asleep to. The album's title-track is also something slightly different to the norm this band seem to offer, but nothing that you'd actually enjoy listening to.
   
   It's hard to say where one song ends and another begins on this record. If David R Black decide to carry on their career, then they're going to need to step-up on their game, otherwise they'll be left behind in the dust.Zach Redrup">Album Reviews: David R Black - Hearts And Stars

   Released 1 Jan 1970 // Rating:

   **

   /5

9. Live Reviews: Cute Is What We Aim For, The Cockpit, Leeds

   1 Jan 1970 // Rating: ****/5
10. 

    is screamed almost from the first second.
    
    But Send More Paramedics seem to sing only about the same or similar subjects; they like zombies, goblins and old horror movies all too much. There's little variety. For fans of the Sex Pistols and The Misfits this may not matter, sounding similar to both bands but with their own touch.
    
    From opening track 'Everything Is Not Under Control' to the ending of final effort 'Transmission', 'The Awakening' is a good punk album, and something different to the norm. They even find time to slide in a guitar solo here and there, always a good thing.
    
    Hopefully noone will have to send more paramedics after you give this a listen.Zach Redrup">Album Reviews: Send More Paramedics - The Awakening

    Released 1 Jan 1970 // Rating:

    ***

    /5
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