Post by Woody on Jun 1, 2010 18:00:03 GMT
The back end of May saw the first Birthday of Midlands Rocks (although we've had to wait til this coming weekend for the piss up!).....
Here's a rundown of some of the Live reviews, album reviews and Interviews from the past month....
EP REVIEW - Darksite -Viscous EP
Darksite are a 4 piece rock / metal band based in Wales who are forged on the heavy riffing foundations laid by previous ‘face melters’ such as Metallica, Megadeth and Pantera. Their sound however boasts a modern twist adding elements of bands such as Five Finger Death Punch and Meshuggah.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/album-reviews/darksite---vicious
EP REVIEW - Ajenda - Vicious Circle EP
According to the blurb, Ajenda are a power pop / rock band from Northern Ireland, who are an eclectic mix of individuals who boast a sound based on huge melodies and ‘groove-laden’ anthems... so what do they sound like on CD?
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/album-reviews/ajenda---vicious-circle-ep
INTERVIEW - FM - Pete Jupp
FM recently returned to the UK rock scene with the excellent album, Metropolis.
Having undertaken their comeback gig at FireFest a couple of years back they returned to the Midlands to play to a packed Academy 2 in Birmingham.
Peter Keevil caught up with drummer, Pete Jupp before the show.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/features-interviews/articles/fm-petejupp
LIVE REVIEW - Eric Bibb @ The Robin , Bilston
Reknowned guitarist Eric Bibb brings his traditional brand of acoustic blues to the Midlands' Premier rhythm and blues venue. Midlands Rocks' Rob Stanley heads to Bilston to catch the show.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/ericbibb_robin2_21may2010
LIVE REVIEW - Fozzy @ Nottingham Rescue Rooms
Huge Rock Stars Fozzy blaze across England in support of their new album "Chasing the Grail". Midlands Rocks' Liam Booth and Sarah Payman-Shaw head them off in Nottingham to see how the UK crowds are reacting to the new material.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/fozzy-the-rescue-rooms-nottingham---friday-14th-may-2010
ALBUM REVIEW - Carnypig - The Cautionary Tale Of The Carnypig
Midlands Rocks' John Colson immerses himself in the emotive debut release from this Midlands-based one-man alternative rock outfit (if one man can comprise an 'outfit'...?) and emerges from the experience somewhat impressed...
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/album-reviews/carnypig_cautionarytale_cd
LIVE REVIEW - Crowded House @ Symphony Hall Birmingham
Midlands Rocks' Dean Pedley heads along to one of Birmingham's premier live venues as Crowded House play two consecutive nights for their Brum fans.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/crowdedhouse_symphonyhall_
LIVE REVIEW - Gypsy Pistoleros @ Cheltenham Night Owl
Midlands Rocks' John Colson heads to the Southern reaches of the Midlands Rocks stomping ground, as the self-styled kings of Flamenco Glam Rock arrive in Cheltenham - Wrathchild and SmashCandy in tow - intent on having a damned good time...
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/gypsypistoleros_nightowl_22may2010
ALBUM REVIEW - 4Bitten - No More Sins
Check out this album review from MR's Dave Evans of the debut album from Greek rock outfit 4Bitten, just before their weekend of Midlands gigs - they support Michael Schenker at the Wulfrun on Friday night, and the other Dave Evans at Rock City on the Saturday...
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/album-reviews/4bitten_nomoresins_cd
PHOTO FEATURE - Behind The Scenes with Magnum
Midlands Rocks photographer Ian Harvey was back in the studio with Magnum as the perennial Midland rockers rehearsed for a festival appearance in Norway.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/features-interviews/articles/magnum-behindthescenes
LIVE REVIEW - Bolt Thrower @ The Asylum Birmingham
A couple of weeks ago, a very tasty and exceedingly heavy line-up - headlined by the mighty Bolt Thrower - was more than enough to tempt Midlands Rocks' Chop down to the Asylum in Birmingham.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/boltthrower_asylum_6may2010
LIVE REVIEW - Fuzz Box @ Birmingham O2 Academy 2
Midlands Rocks' Heather Broome overcomes the heatwave, train delays and god knows what else in order to see her childhood heroes Fuzzbox perform, as Vix, Jo, Maggie and friends arrive back on home ground.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/fuzzbox_bhamacademy_22may2010
LIVE REVIEW - Jaded Heart @ JB’s Dudley
Woody capitalises on the rare opportunity to see Jaded Heart live and he wasn’t missing it for anyone. The crowd was loud and the metal shook the rafters of JB's in Dudley. He also gives us the run-down on Seven Dayz, the opening band, that was flying the flag for British melodic rock.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/jaded-heart-jb-s-dudley-sunday-may-16th-2010
LIVE REVIEW - Pendragon @ The Robin 2 , Bilston
Dean Pedley and Russ Powney head to The Robin 2 in Bilston to immerse themselves in the splendour of prog rock sensation Pendragon.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/pendragon-the-robin-2-bilston---sunday-16th-may-2010
LIVE REVIEW - Dinosaur Jr @ Birmingham O2 Academy
Midlands Rocks' John Colson subjects himself to the raw power and unremitting volume of the seminal Dinosaur Jr, as J Mascis and Lou Barlow (but sadly not Murph) arrive in town as part of a double-header bill with Built To Spill...
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/dinosaurjr_o2academybrum_16may2010
LIVE REVIEW - Pennywise @ O2 Academy 2 , Birmingham
US punk legends Pennywise go on the road to show off their new frontman. Will the fans welcome Zoli as Jim Lindberg packs away his mic after 20 years at the helm? Cath Holland puts on the boots and raises the mohawk to go and find out.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/pennywise-strike-anywhere-a-wilhelm-scream-templeton-pek-o2-academy-2-birmingham-saturday-15th-may-2010
LIVE REVIEW - Oli Brown + Joanne Shaw Taylor + Virgil & The Accelerators @ The Robin 2 , Bilston
Our Dave Evans emerses himself in some young talent as a part of the New Generation Blues Tour. It appears the blues are in safe hands as he recounts a night of soul and astonishing guitar solos
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/oli-brown-joanne-shaw-taylor-virgil-and-the-accelerators-the-robin-2---thursday-13th-may-2010
LIVE REVIEW - Band Of Skulls @ The Slade Rooms
Having recently played Birmingham, the critically acclaimed Band of Skulls return to the Midlands with a visit to Wolverhampton.
Midlands Rocks is there again to sample their diverse delights.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/band-of-skulls-thomas-tantrum-black-fangs-the-slade-rooms-wolverhampton-tuesday-11th-may-2010
LIVE REVIEW - Phillp Sayce @ The Robin 2 , Bilston
Following up Dave Evan's review for Sayce's latest release "Innerevolution", Rob Stanley pays Philip a visit in Bilston to see how the guitar wizard handles his new material in a live scenario.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/philip-sayce-stefan-schill-nicole-fermie-the-robin-2-bilston---wednesday-5th-may-2010
ALBUM REVIEW - Phillip Sayce - Innerevolution
Midlands Rocks' Dave Evans steps in to review Welsh born singer/songwriter Philip Sayce's new album "Innerevolution".
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/album-reviews/philip-sayce---innerevolution
LIVE REVIEW - Matt Schofield @ The Robin 2 , Bilston
Midlands Rocks own Rob Stanley heads off to the best venue in town for Blues and in the process discovers a new favourite band and also whether the title of the "new Clapton" that's been tagged to Matt Scholfield is justified.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/matt-schofield-the-grey-goose-blues-band-the-robin-bilston-wednesday-28th-april-2010
INTERVIEW - Vains Of Jenna
You can read our live review of Vains of Jenna's Nottingham gig here, but before the show we caught the guys for a little chat about the latest album and bedding in the new guys (oo-er!)
sites.google.com/site/midlandsrock/features-interviews/articles/vainsofjenna
LIVE REVIEW - Vains Of Jenna @ The Central , Nottingham
In our first visit to The Central in Nottingham, Katt Ball & Alexx Peace step out to sample the delights of Vains of Jenna.
An interview will follow but in the meantime check out Katt's thoughts where it counts... up on stage!
sites.google.com/site/midlandsrock/reviews/live-rock-reviews/vains-of-jenna-the-central-nottingham-8th-may-2010
LIVE REVIEW - Gogol Bordello @ Birmingham O2 Academy
A night of Gypsy Folk with a little bit of punk/ska/dub reggae and metal thrown in for good measure? It can only mean one thing, Gogol Bordello are back in town and mean business. Midlands Rocks Tony Gaskin headed off to Birmingam's O2 Academy to cast off the election blues and listen to the purple manifesto
sites.google.com/site/midlandsrock/reviews/live-rock-reviews/gogol-bordello-o2-academy-birmingham-tuesday-11th-may-2010
LIVE REVIEW - Thrash & Burn Tour @ Birmingham O2 Academy 2
Fast forward a week from the Karma To Burn gig and Midlands Rocks' Chop is back at the Academy as the Dying Fetus-headed Thrash and Burn Tour arrives in town. This time Sarah Payman-Shaw is on camera duty.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/thrashandburn_brumacademy2_30apr2010
LIVE REVIEW - Karma To Burn @ Birmingham O2 Academy 3
We're still playing catch-up a little here at Midlands Rocks, so let us take you back a few weeks to Karma To Burn's Birmingham debut at the Academy 3. Midlands Rocks' Chop was there to soak up the action, and Samantha Knight captured the images.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/karmatoburn_brumacademy3_24april2010
LIVE REVIEW - Hammerfall @ The Slade Rooms , Wolverhampton
Power Metal Monsters HammerFall & Dream Evil let the hammer fall on Wolverhampton, smashing the Slade Rooms to pieces with an evening of maniacal metal. Accompanied by Yorkshire quartet Tribe, the Swedish showmen aim to rearrange the faces of their adoring fans by means of firey riffs.
Will they succeed?
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/hammerfall-dream-evil-tribe-the-slade-rooms-wolverhampton---wednesday-5th-may-2010
ALBUM REVIEW - Newman - The Art Of Balance
Multi-instrumentalist and legendary songwriter Steve Newman is back with his latest release
"The Art of Balance". Top-notch Reviewmeister Woody sinks his teeth into it to see if it's an improvement over Newman's previous efforts.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/album-reviews/newman---the-art-of-balance
LIVE REVIEW - Metal 2 the Masses @ Nuneaton Queens Hall
Three more bands line up to have a crack at progressing to the semi-finals of M2TM - Battle for Bloodstock! This week sees Chemikill, Point Blank Fury and Obalisk doing their best to convince the crowd and the judges that they should be the ones to go through. Who was the best on the night? Read on and find out
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/metal-2-the-masses-round-8-the-queens-hall-nuneaton-09-05-10
LIVE REVIEW - Kill Hannah @ Birmingham Academy 2
Midlands Rocks' Belle Watson heads up the stairs at the Birmingham O2 Academy, to the number 2 stage, for a night of energetic performances and more guyliner than you can shake a lipstick at...
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/killhannah_brumacademy2_8may2010
ALBUM REVIEW - Sky forger - Kurbads
Latvian Folk Metallers Skyforger dust off their bagpipes for their long awaited folk hero epic. Mark Davies digs out his Latvian/English dictionary to discover the legend that is Kurbads!
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/skyforger-kurbads
LIVE REVIEW - The Aurora Project @ The Robin 2 Bilston
Two relatively unknown to the UK prog bands put on a fascinating and thoroughly entertaining set full of serious riffs and electronic gadgetry. Midlands Rocks' Paul Quinton describes the night and rubs it in to all of us that didn't make it
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/the-aurora-project-area-39-the-robin-bilston-sunday-18th-april-2010
EP REVIEW - Captain Horizon
Debut EP from Birmingham based rebel rousers Captain Horizon. The Captains on board but is it mutiny or full steam ahead?
Four tracks for you to decide whether they sink or swim
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/album-reviews/captain-horizon-captain-horizon-4-track-ep
EP REVIEW - Martyr De Mona
A three track taster of things to come from this exciting young band from Dudley in the West Midlands. Can they carry the mantle of Metal Heros from the heart of the Black Country?
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/album-reviews/martyr-de-mona-promo-ep
ALBUM REVIEW - Enochian Theory - Evolution
A concept album from this fast emerging Prog Metal trio from Portsmouth. The title literally translates as “Creator out of Nothing” and as we listen to it we ask ourselves those age old questions “where did everything come from?”, “is the universe finite?” Read on and maybe find your own answers.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/album-reviews/enochian-theory-evolution-creatio-ex-nihilio
LIVE REVIEW - UFO @ The Assembly , Leamington Spa
Midlands Rocks' Dean Pedley steps into "venue of choice", Leamington's Assembly Hall to check out iconic English rock band UFO and see if they still have what it takes to captivate an audience
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/ufo-assembly-hall-leamington-spa---wednesday-28th-april-2010
LIVE REVIEW - The Black Spiders @ The Slade Rooms Wolverhampton
Black Spiders scuttle to Wolverhampton, followed by a parade of Slaves, Voodoo and Lies.
Midlands Roc
ks' Jason Guest dives into the thick of it. Read on to immerse yourself in the evening of sleaze-rock, Brit Rock and free Jägermeister.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/black-spiders-slaves-to-gravity-voodoo-johnson-liberty-lies-the-slade-rooms-wolverhampton---monday-26th-april-2010
ALBUM REVIEWS - Serpentine - A Touch Of Heaven
and then Woody's back on the case, finishing off his jaunt to Sweden with the second album from Crazy Lixx, before skipping back over the North Sea to review the debut album from UK AOR hopes Serpentine...
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/album-reviews/serpentine_atouchofheaven_cd
ALBUM REVIEWS - Crazy Lixx - New Religion
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/album-reviews/crazylixx_newreligion
ALBUM REVIEWS - Snake water - Dirty Rock N Rolla
We have a mixed bag for you here, first up there's some British blues rock from Manchester-based three-piece Snakewater who are unleashing their debut album...
Review by Paul Broome
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/album-reviews/snakewater_dirtyrocknrolla_cd
INTERVIEW - Al Barrow & Mark Stanway (Magnum)
Midlands Rocks' Dave Evans catches up with Magnum's Al Barrow and Mark Stanway to get the lowdown on the next album, the recent deluxe reissue of On A Storyteller's Night, and the promised boxed set of goodies that's on the way...
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/features-interviews/articles/magnum-albarrowmarkstanway
LIVE REVIEW - Toyah Wilcox @ The Birmingham Asylum
Midlands Rocks' Chop satisfies his curiousity and spends an evening with homegrown gal, Toyah Willcox. Read on to get his take on the legend as well as the three local acts that opened for her...
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/toyah-willcox-gundogs-last-3-victims-deadfilmstar-asylum-birmingham-friday-23rd-april-2010
LIVE REVIEW - Kiss @ Birmingham LG Arena
The mighty KISS return to Birmingham invigorated by their latest, critically-acclaimed album - SONIC BOOM.
Midlands Rocks' Editor, Peter Keevil got front of stage to witness the return of a Rock dynasty (pun intended!).
And by all accounts was lucky to leave with his eyebrows intact!
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/kiss-taking-dawn-lg-arena-birmingham---wednesday-5th-may-2010
LIVE REVIEW - The Levellers @ Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall
In 1994, Glastonbury Festival goers witnessed one of the all time great performances
on the Pyramid Stage, 16 years on and
Midlands Rocks Tony Gaskin was intrigued
to see if The Levellers still had that magic touch as a live band.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/the-levellers-the-last-republic-wulfrun-hall-wolverhampton-friday-30th-april-2010
LIVE REVIEW - Cathedral @ Birmingham O2 Academy
And God said, "Let there be light" and there was light. And God saw that the light was good;
and God separated the light from
the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he
called Cathedral. Jason heads into Birmingham to hear a sermon on the virtues of Doom Metal
from Coventry's premier exponents of the genre. Was he converted?
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/cathedral-church-of-misery-the-gates-of-slumber-o2-academy-birmingham-saturday-1st-may-2010
LIVE REVIEW - The Bluetones @ Birmingham O2 Academy
Mark Morriss and gang roll into the second city on a bank holiday Monday, and help ease those pre-work blues - in support of sixth album 'A New Athens', which is released later this month. Midlands Rocks' Paul Broome double tasks it.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/bluetones_academy2brum_3may2010
LIVE REVIEW - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club @ Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall
Heading into the region for the first of two visits this year (they'll be back again in November), Black Rebel Motorcycle Club arrive at the Wulfrun touring the recent release of new album Beat The Devil's Tattoo. The enigmatic and emphatic Dark Horses provide support. Midlands Rocks' John Colson is the man to check things out...
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/brmc_28apr2010_wulfrun
LIVE REVIEW - Sorry & The Sinatra’s @ The Asylum 2 , Birmingham
This night of entertainment organised by Scandal Promotions and headlined Sorry and the Sinatras, also featured Vincent and the Onepotts, Obsessive Compulsive and a solo performance from Chris Catalyst. Midlands Rocks' John Colson headed back to his old haunt to check it out...
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/sorryandthesinatras_asylum_25april2010
LIVE REVIEW - The Reasoning @ The Robin 2 , Bilston , Wolverhampton
Midlands Rocks' Paul Quinton rounds off his weekend with a visit to the Robin 2 in Bilston, to catch The Reasoning who are touring hard in support of their latest album 'Adverse Camber'...
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/reasoning_robin2_
Woody
Here's a rundown of some of the Live reviews, album reviews and Interviews from the past month....
EP REVIEW - Darksite -Viscous EP
Darksite are a 4 piece rock / metal band based in Wales who are forged on the heavy riffing foundations laid by previous ‘face melters’ such as Metallica, Megadeth and Pantera. Their sound however boasts a modern twist adding elements of bands such as Five Finger Death Punch and Meshuggah.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/album-reviews/darksite---vicious
EP REVIEW - Ajenda - Vicious Circle EP
According to the blurb, Ajenda are a power pop / rock band from Northern Ireland, who are an eclectic mix of individuals who boast a sound based on huge melodies and ‘groove-laden’ anthems... so what do they sound like on CD?
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/album-reviews/ajenda---vicious-circle-ep
INTERVIEW - FM - Pete Jupp
FM recently returned to the UK rock scene with the excellent album, Metropolis.
Having undertaken their comeback gig at FireFest a couple of years back they returned to the Midlands to play to a packed Academy 2 in Birmingham.
Peter Keevil caught up with drummer, Pete Jupp before the show.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/features-interviews/articles/fm-petejupp
LIVE REVIEW - Eric Bibb @ The Robin , Bilston
Reknowned guitarist Eric Bibb brings his traditional brand of acoustic blues to the Midlands' Premier rhythm and blues venue. Midlands Rocks' Rob Stanley heads to Bilston to catch the show.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/ericbibb_robin2_21may2010
LIVE REVIEW - Fozzy @ Nottingham Rescue Rooms
Huge Rock Stars Fozzy blaze across England in support of their new album "Chasing the Grail". Midlands Rocks' Liam Booth and Sarah Payman-Shaw head them off in Nottingham to see how the UK crowds are reacting to the new material.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/fozzy-the-rescue-rooms-nottingham---friday-14th-may-2010
ALBUM REVIEW - Carnypig - The Cautionary Tale Of The Carnypig
Midlands Rocks' John Colson immerses himself in the emotive debut release from this Midlands-based one-man alternative rock outfit (if one man can comprise an 'outfit'...?) and emerges from the experience somewhat impressed...
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/album-reviews/carnypig_cautionarytale_cd
LIVE REVIEW - Crowded House @ Symphony Hall Birmingham
Midlands Rocks' Dean Pedley heads along to one of Birmingham's premier live venues as Crowded House play two consecutive nights for their Brum fans.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/crowdedhouse_symphonyhall_
LIVE REVIEW - Gypsy Pistoleros @ Cheltenham Night Owl
Midlands Rocks' John Colson heads to the Southern reaches of the Midlands Rocks stomping ground, as the self-styled kings of Flamenco Glam Rock arrive in Cheltenham - Wrathchild and SmashCandy in tow - intent on having a damned good time...
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/gypsypistoleros_nightowl_22may2010
ALBUM REVIEW - 4Bitten - No More Sins
Check out this album review from MR's Dave Evans of the debut album from Greek rock outfit 4Bitten, just before their weekend of Midlands gigs - they support Michael Schenker at the Wulfrun on Friday night, and the other Dave Evans at Rock City on the Saturday...
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/album-reviews/4bitten_nomoresins_cd
PHOTO FEATURE - Behind The Scenes with Magnum
Midlands Rocks photographer Ian Harvey was back in the studio with Magnum as the perennial Midland rockers rehearsed for a festival appearance in Norway.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/features-interviews/articles/magnum-behindthescenes
LIVE REVIEW - Bolt Thrower @ The Asylum Birmingham
A couple of weeks ago, a very tasty and exceedingly heavy line-up - headlined by the mighty Bolt Thrower - was more than enough to tempt Midlands Rocks' Chop down to the Asylum in Birmingham.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/boltthrower_asylum_6may2010
LIVE REVIEW - Fuzz Box @ Birmingham O2 Academy 2
Midlands Rocks' Heather Broome overcomes the heatwave, train delays and god knows what else in order to see her childhood heroes Fuzzbox perform, as Vix, Jo, Maggie and friends arrive back on home ground.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/fuzzbox_bhamacademy_22may2010
LIVE REVIEW - Jaded Heart @ JB’s Dudley
Woody capitalises on the rare opportunity to see Jaded Heart live and he wasn’t missing it for anyone. The crowd was loud and the metal shook the rafters of JB's in Dudley. He also gives us the run-down on Seven Dayz, the opening band, that was flying the flag for British melodic rock.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/jaded-heart-jb-s-dudley-sunday-may-16th-2010
LIVE REVIEW - Pendragon @ The Robin 2 , Bilston
Dean Pedley and Russ Powney head to The Robin 2 in Bilston to immerse themselves in the splendour of prog rock sensation Pendragon.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/pendragon-the-robin-2-bilston---sunday-16th-may-2010
LIVE REVIEW - Dinosaur Jr @ Birmingham O2 Academy
Midlands Rocks' John Colson subjects himself to the raw power and unremitting volume of the seminal Dinosaur Jr, as J Mascis and Lou Barlow (but sadly not Murph) arrive in town as part of a double-header bill with Built To Spill...
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/dinosaurjr_o2academybrum_16may2010
LIVE REVIEW - Pennywise @ O2 Academy 2 , Birmingham
US punk legends Pennywise go on the road to show off their new frontman. Will the fans welcome Zoli as Jim Lindberg packs away his mic after 20 years at the helm? Cath Holland puts on the boots and raises the mohawk to go and find out.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/pennywise-strike-anywhere-a-wilhelm-scream-templeton-pek-o2-academy-2-birmingham-saturday-15th-may-2010
LIVE REVIEW - Oli Brown + Joanne Shaw Taylor + Virgil & The Accelerators @ The Robin 2 , Bilston
Our Dave Evans emerses himself in some young talent as a part of the New Generation Blues Tour. It appears the blues are in safe hands as he recounts a night of soul and astonishing guitar solos
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/oli-brown-joanne-shaw-taylor-virgil-and-the-accelerators-the-robin-2---thursday-13th-may-2010
LIVE REVIEW - Band Of Skulls @ The Slade Rooms
Having recently played Birmingham, the critically acclaimed Band of Skulls return to the Midlands with a visit to Wolverhampton.
Midlands Rocks is there again to sample their diverse delights.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/band-of-skulls-thomas-tantrum-black-fangs-the-slade-rooms-wolverhampton-tuesday-11th-may-2010
LIVE REVIEW - Phillp Sayce @ The Robin 2 , Bilston
Following up Dave Evan's review for Sayce's latest release "Innerevolution", Rob Stanley pays Philip a visit in Bilston to see how the guitar wizard handles his new material in a live scenario.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/philip-sayce-stefan-schill-nicole-fermie-the-robin-2-bilston---wednesday-5th-may-2010
ALBUM REVIEW - Phillip Sayce - Innerevolution
Midlands Rocks' Dave Evans steps in to review Welsh born singer/songwriter Philip Sayce's new album "Innerevolution".
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/album-reviews/philip-sayce---innerevolution
LIVE REVIEW - Matt Schofield @ The Robin 2 , Bilston
Midlands Rocks own Rob Stanley heads off to the best venue in town for Blues and in the process discovers a new favourite band and also whether the title of the "new Clapton" that's been tagged to Matt Scholfield is justified.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/matt-schofield-the-grey-goose-blues-band-the-robin-bilston-wednesday-28th-april-2010
INTERVIEW - Vains Of Jenna
You can read our live review of Vains of Jenna's Nottingham gig here, but before the show we caught the guys for a little chat about the latest album and bedding in the new guys (oo-er!)
sites.google.com/site/midlandsrock/features-interviews/articles/vainsofjenna
LIVE REVIEW - Vains Of Jenna @ The Central , Nottingham
In our first visit to The Central in Nottingham, Katt Ball & Alexx Peace step out to sample the delights of Vains of Jenna.
An interview will follow but in the meantime check out Katt's thoughts where it counts... up on stage!
sites.google.com/site/midlandsrock/reviews/live-rock-reviews/vains-of-jenna-the-central-nottingham-8th-may-2010
LIVE REVIEW - Gogol Bordello @ Birmingham O2 Academy
A night of Gypsy Folk with a little bit of punk/ska/dub reggae and metal thrown in for good measure? It can only mean one thing, Gogol Bordello are back in town and mean business. Midlands Rocks Tony Gaskin headed off to Birmingam's O2 Academy to cast off the election blues and listen to the purple manifesto
sites.google.com/site/midlandsrock/reviews/live-rock-reviews/gogol-bordello-o2-academy-birmingham-tuesday-11th-may-2010
LIVE REVIEW - Thrash & Burn Tour @ Birmingham O2 Academy 2
Fast forward a week from the Karma To Burn gig and Midlands Rocks' Chop is back at the Academy as the Dying Fetus-headed Thrash and Burn Tour arrives in town. This time Sarah Payman-Shaw is on camera duty.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/thrashandburn_brumacademy2_30apr2010
LIVE REVIEW - Karma To Burn @ Birmingham O2 Academy 3
We're still playing catch-up a little here at Midlands Rocks, so let us take you back a few weeks to Karma To Burn's Birmingham debut at the Academy 3. Midlands Rocks' Chop was there to soak up the action, and Samantha Knight captured the images.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/karmatoburn_brumacademy3_24april2010
LIVE REVIEW - Hammerfall @ The Slade Rooms , Wolverhampton
Power Metal Monsters HammerFall & Dream Evil let the hammer fall on Wolverhampton, smashing the Slade Rooms to pieces with an evening of maniacal metal. Accompanied by Yorkshire quartet Tribe, the Swedish showmen aim to rearrange the faces of their adoring fans by means of firey riffs.
Will they succeed?
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/hammerfall-dream-evil-tribe-the-slade-rooms-wolverhampton---wednesday-5th-may-2010
ALBUM REVIEW - Newman - The Art Of Balance
Multi-instrumentalist and legendary songwriter Steve Newman is back with his latest release
"The Art of Balance". Top-notch Reviewmeister Woody sinks his teeth into it to see if it's an improvement over Newman's previous efforts.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/album-reviews/newman---the-art-of-balance
LIVE REVIEW - Metal 2 the Masses @ Nuneaton Queens Hall
Three more bands line up to have a crack at progressing to the semi-finals of M2TM - Battle for Bloodstock! This week sees Chemikill, Point Blank Fury and Obalisk doing their best to convince the crowd and the judges that they should be the ones to go through. Who was the best on the night? Read on and find out
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/metal-2-the-masses-round-8-the-queens-hall-nuneaton-09-05-10
LIVE REVIEW - Kill Hannah @ Birmingham Academy 2
Midlands Rocks' Belle Watson heads up the stairs at the Birmingham O2 Academy, to the number 2 stage, for a night of energetic performances and more guyliner than you can shake a lipstick at...
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/killhannah_brumacademy2_8may2010
ALBUM REVIEW - Sky forger - Kurbads
Latvian Folk Metallers Skyforger dust off their bagpipes for their long awaited folk hero epic. Mark Davies digs out his Latvian/English dictionary to discover the legend that is Kurbads!
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/skyforger-kurbads
LIVE REVIEW - The Aurora Project @ The Robin 2 Bilston
Two relatively unknown to the UK prog bands put on a fascinating and thoroughly entertaining set full of serious riffs and electronic gadgetry. Midlands Rocks' Paul Quinton describes the night and rubs it in to all of us that didn't make it
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/the-aurora-project-area-39-the-robin-bilston-sunday-18th-april-2010
EP REVIEW - Captain Horizon
Debut EP from Birmingham based rebel rousers Captain Horizon. The Captains on board but is it mutiny or full steam ahead?
Four tracks for you to decide whether they sink or swim
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/album-reviews/captain-horizon-captain-horizon-4-track-ep
EP REVIEW - Martyr De Mona
A three track taster of things to come from this exciting young band from Dudley in the West Midlands. Can they carry the mantle of Metal Heros from the heart of the Black Country?
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/album-reviews/martyr-de-mona-promo-ep
ALBUM REVIEW - Enochian Theory - Evolution
A concept album from this fast emerging Prog Metal trio from Portsmouth. The title literally translates as “Creator out of Nothing” and as we listen to it we ask ourselves those age old questions “where did everything come from?”, “is the universe finite?” Read on and maybe find your own answers.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/album-reviews/enochian-theory-evolution-creatio-ex-nihilio
LIVE REVIEW - UFO @ The Assembly , Leamington Spa
Midlands Rocks' Dean Pedley steps into "venue of choice", Leamington's Assembly Hall to check out iconic English rock band UFO and see if they still have what it takes to captivate an audience
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/ufo-assembly-hall-leamington-spa---wednesday-28th-april-2010
LIVE REVIEW - The Black Spiders @ The Slade Rooms Wolverhampton
Black Spiders scuttle to Wolverhampton, followed by a parade of Slaves, Voodoo and Lies.
Midlands Roc
ks' Jason Guest dives into the thick of it. Read on to immerse yourself in the evening of sleaze-rock, Brit Rock and free Jägermeister.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/black-spiders-slaves-to-gravity-voodoo-johnson-liberty-lies-the-slade-rooms-wolverhampton---monday-26th-april-2010
ALBUM REVIEWS - Serpentine - A Touch Of Heaven
and then Woody's back on the case, finishing off his jaunt to Sweden with the second album from Crazy Lixx, before skipping back over the North Sea to review the debut album from UK AOR hopes Serpentine...
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/album-reviews/serpentine_atouchofheaven_cd
ALBUM REVIEWS - Crazy Lixx - New Religion
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/album-reviews/crazylixx_newreligion
ALBUM REVIEWS - Snake water - Dirty Rock N Rolla
We have a mixed bag for you here, first up there's some British blues rock from Manchester-based three-piece Snakewater who are unleashing their debut album...
Review by Paul Broome
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/album-reviews/snakewater_dirtyrocknrolla_cd
INTERVIEW - Al Barrow & Mark Stanway (Magnum)
Midlands Rocks' Dave Evans catches up with Magnum's Al Barrow and Mark Stanway to get the lowdown on the next album, the recent deluxe reissue of On A Storyteller's Night, and the promised boxed set of goodies that's on the way...
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/features-interviews/articles/magnum-albarrowmarkstanway
LIVE REVIEW - Toyah Wilcox @ The Birmingham Asylum
Midlands Rocks' Chop satisfies his curiousity and spends an evening with homegrown gal, Toyah Willcox. Read on to get his take on the legend as well as the three local acts that opened for her...
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/toyah-willcox-gundogs-last-3-victims-deadfilmstar-asylum-birmingham-friday-23rd-april-2010
LIVE REVIEW - Kiss @ Birmingham LG Arena
The mighty KISS return to Birmingham invigorated by their latest, critically-acclaimed album - SONIC BOOM.
Midlands Rocks' Editor, Peter Keevil got front of stage to witness the return of a Rock dynasty (pun intended!).
And by all accounts was lucky to leave with his eyebrows intact!
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/kiss-taking-dawn-lg-arena-birmingham---wednesday-5th-may-2010
LIVE REVIEW - The Levellers @ Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall
In 1994, Glastonbury Festival goers witnessed one of the all time great performances
on the Pyramid Stage, 16 years on and
Midlands Rocks Tony Gaskin was intrigued
to see if The Levellers still had that magic touch as a live band.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/the-levellers-the-last-republic-wulfrun-hall-wolverhampton-friday-30th-april-2010
LIVE REVIEW - Cathedral @ Birmingham O2 Academy
And God said, "Let there be light" and there was light. And God saw that the light was good;
and God separated the light from
the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he
called Cathedral. Jason heads into Birmingham to hear a sermon on the virtues of Doom Metal
from Coventry's premier exponents of the genre. Was he converted?
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/cathedral-church-of-misery-the-gates-of-slumber-o2-academy-birmingham-saturday-1st-may-2010
LIVE REVIEW - The Bluetones @ Birmingham O2 Academy
Mark Morriss and gang roll into the second city on a bank holiday Monday, and help ease those pre-work blues - in support of sixth album 'A New Athens', which is released later this month. Midlands Rocks' Paul Broome double tasks it.
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/bluetones_academy2brum_3may2010
LIVE REVIEW - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club @ Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall
Heading into the region for the first of two visits this year (they'll be back again in November), Black Rebel Motorcycle Club arrive at the Wulfrun touring the recent release of new album Beat The Devil's Tattoo. The enigmatic and emphatic Dark Horses provide support. Midlands Rocks' John Colson is the man to check things out...
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/brmc_28apr2010_wulfrun
LIVE REVIEW - Sorry & The Sinatra’s @ The Asylum 2 , Birmingham
This night of entertainment organised by Scandal Promotions and headlined Sorry and the Sinatras, also featured Vincent and the Onepotts, Obsessive Compulsive and a solo performance from Chris Catalyst. Midlands Rocks' John Colson headed back to his old haunt to check it out...
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/sorryandthesinatras_asylum_25april2010
LIVE REVIEW - The Reasoning @ The Robin 2 , Bilston , Wolverhampton
Midlands Rocks' Paul Quinton rounds off his weekend with a visit to the Robin 2 in Bilston, to catch The Reasoning who are touring hard in support of their latest album 'Adverse Camber'...
www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/live-rock-reviews/reasoning_robin2_
Woody