Reviews roundup – Hells Fire Sinners ~ Never Again ~ The Lost Trades ~ Darryl Way ~ Meltdown Yellow
HELLS FIRE SINNERS
The Dead Sunshine
independent
What have got here on the fourth album from Ohio band Hell Fire Sinners?
Well, it seems like rough and ready indie punk. Granted it’s got some gutsy riffs as if the Ramones had decided to become a metal band. At times they head off into Supersuckers territory which is always a good thing so ‘Sweet Mary’ made me a happy man. Apart from the fact that the title has my loathed female name ever. DM for details.
The rhythm section of Neff and Neff is a real highlight as they crash through every song as if in a desperate hurry to get to the bar whilst demolishing everything in front of them. Always a good sound. It’s not all hell for leather as they have some mid-tempo chuggers in there. Which annoys me because I prefer the vocals on them as opposed to the faster tunes. But I prefer the music on the latter. Damn it. But regardless of whether they’re breaking the speed limit or not there are is top quality riffage wherever you end up.
I didn’t really pick up on the seventies glam rock influences despite holding out for a Slade like stomp. But when they go all Rose Tattoo on ‘What If We’re Already Dead’ it gets my juice on the loose. Add in some crackers like ‘Fuck It All’ and ‘We Die For Rock N’ Roll’ on a well produced album and your rock’n’roll needs for today should be sated.
https://hellsfiresinners.bandcamp.com
NEVER AGAIN
Void In Black
Rock CD
Well Lilith and Fenrir seem really angry about stuff. And don’t mind exacting retribution on whoever crosses them. Mind you anyone who names themselves after the devilish first woman and the demon wolf offspring of Loki isn’t likely to be cheery.
And they’ve chosen to bring their tales of demons, necrophilia and pain to life via the medium of symphonic metal. Which can be a good thing. Because there are a lot of terrible symphonic metal bands out there trying to get a taste of that Nightwish / Epica / Within Temptation success. Luckily, Never Again aren’t one of the shit ones.
It’s the usual clean female vocals / dark male vocals thing that most bands of their ilk do but Never Again seem to have brought a wee bit of industrial metal to the party, something that works very well. Now let’s talk drums. I don’t know whether Fenrir plays actual drums because they sound programmed. That’s normally something I’m 100% against but with the hint of industrial they bring to the game it, oddly, fits. Who’d have thought. They also aren’t averse to throwing is some Lordi type riffs which isn’t a surprise given the image they’ve chosen to present.
It’s their debut and although there a couple of lesser moments they’re bringing something really good to the party. Tune into the title track, ‘I Bring HATE’ or ‘Church Of Pain’ to get an inkling of what could be something really good. They’re ambitious and currently working on a graphic novel representation of the album. Get in on the ground floor.
https://www.facebook.com/neveragainmetal/
THE LOST TRADES
The Lost Trades EP
independent
Those of you who have been paying attention will have seen me frothing slightly when I first heard the “Gypsy Blood” album from Tamsin Quin. So it was inevitable that I would end up with the EP from her trio EP with Jamie R Hawkins and Phil Cooper.
You won’t be surprised to learn that it’s still folky pop but with added three part harmonies. Which is one of the best things ever. They should be out and about promoting this about now but the Chinese bat pox has put paid to those plans. But they’re very active on Facebook and whatnot keeping the troops entertained.
And the music is delightful. Melody drenched folk pop with everyone taking leads and chucking in those delicious harmonies. ‘Wherever You Are’ is my absolute favourite but then rumour has it I can be a big softy. There’s no-one left alive who can verify this so you’ll just have to take my word for it. Seems the five songs here were all recorded in a day which is how it should be. None of this fannying around for three months getting a drum sound. Or maybe it’s because there isn’t a drummer. Just beautifully performed songs.
Get some now and don’t forget your hand crafted fridge magnet.
https://thelosttrades.bandcamp.com/releases
DARRYL WAY
Destinations
Right Honourable Records
Well you might be stuck in the hoose for the foreseeable but here’s ex Curved air fiddler Darryl Way either a) taking you on a mindful journey around the world or b) pissing you off that you can’t actually journey around the world.
It’s actually rather good. You’d expect instrumental prog rock from Mr Way and that’s what you’re getting here. What you might not expect is some tasty guitar runs on tracks like ‘A Rainy Day In Vienna’, one of my favourites here.
But there is still plenty of violin for the fans. Some of the music could soundtrack a dystopian sci-fi movie. That would be the opening ‘Downtown L.A.’. But he can go full on 70’s Meddle when the occasion demands. That would be ‘The Stars’. But I really like it when he takes things easy. Something that surprised me. I’m not usually an ambient chap but ‘Mystic Mountain’ and ‘Riviera Blue’ really touched a nerve.
It’s another fine release from Mr Way and highly recommended not just to prog fans but those looking for something a wee bit different in their ears.
MELTDOWN YELLOW
Secret
independent
Any Foo Fighters fans out there looking for a new fix?
I mean I can’t stand them myself but what passes for stadium rock in the new millennia isn’t intended for the likes of me. But Meltdown Yellow tick all the boxes if that is your sort of thing.
This is the third album from a band who ply their trade around the Carolina’s and they’ve got all the requisite post grunge influences in there. So there is a wee bit Stone Temple Pilots, some of the aforementioned Foos and (whisper it) Nickelback. Who I always liked and who, I’m sure, enjoy your derision from their platinum plated swimming pools surrounded by mountains of cocaine and Mr Whippy machines.
‘Wash Away’ is the one that could have earned Meltdown Yellow some serious airplay while ‘Do What You Want’ is the one for the rockers out there looking to justify buying a ticket for their 20th anniversary show at the EnormoDome. Because they’ve got the potential to be there. The production leaves a wee bit to be desired but that’s not uncommon on indie releases. Certainly it’s nothing to stop folk giving them a chance. Hell, even I liked half the songs here so genre fans will be very happy bunnies.
https://www.facebook.com/meltdownyellow/
____________________________________________________________________________________________
St Columba’s Hospice Tribute Fund for Linda Hamilton
http://linda.hamilton.muchloved.com/
The Rocker - The Artist Formerly Known As Zeitgeist. TAFKAZ 
Leave a comment