Katalina Kicks Review

Formed in 2009, Katalina Kicks have fought hard to create a name for themselves in the Alternative Rock genre. Their ability to take the original sound of punk and fuse it with grunge is something that has put this band in a complete league of their own. 

With powerful vocals from the frontman, Ian George, combined with his powerful guitar playing, showcases his talent immediately. The bass is the centre of the formation, for most of their songs and quickly makes them relatable to rock biggest sensations, NIRVANA. The unique and memorable drumming helps to relate them to the grunge scene. It's refreshing to hear a band bringing this genre back without screwing it up!

Their first single '145' is mediocre in comparison to some of the things which they have released more recently. Despite this, it is still catchy and has a unique and vivacious chorus. Their first album has also received various 5-star ratings conveying that they obviously are a time-bomb waiting to blow up to international fame!

For me, my favourite songs by this band would have to be 'Forever Young' and 'Me'. 'Forever Young' starts of a combination of grunge and punk then kicks off into something heavier and more complex. It’s energetic and makes me want to move around, hence making it the perfect song to meet all the needs of listeners of their genre. Despite being the second single released by this band ‘Me’ is very complex and made the band sound like they’d been on a professional level for a long time. It’s catchy and the lyrics are something which could match that of the original punk bands.

From hearing about their antics on and off stage, it’s clear that this self-funded band are down to earth and ready to put all the work in needed to achieve international success! This band is diverse as we see how they have been banned from the 100 club for stage destruction yet they still have done a lot of work for charity. Good work there guys!

This band is a MUST to check out so you can say you've heard of them before they’re touring world-wide.

Website: http://katalinakicks.com/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/katalinakicks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/katalinakicks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katalinakicks?fref=ts

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/katalinakicks/videos

White Clouds & Gunfire

White Clouds & Gunfire, the female fronted pop punk sensation from Peterborough. Their EP 'Zero to Hero' is the perfect mix of light enjoyable music blended with clever riffs and the amazing vocals of Eveline. I only had to listen to the first song on the EP, 'Stand And Be The Hero' to know that I would love this band. The first band I though I could even compare them to is We Are The In Crowd. They have a similar sound but unlike most music in this genre they have been able to make it their own with an original and unique lyrics and riffs. With so many bands in the UK trying to make it in the pop punk scene this band really have managed to set themselves apart from any of the others. 

The guitar and bass create catchy riffs which really are essential within this type of music and remind us that punk is still a vibrant genre. In 'Satellite', we are once again hit with catchy lyrics and upbeat guitar riffs which will definitely get this tine stuck in your head. It also made me aware that this band will definitely be appealing to the heavier side of the genre.

As the EP progressed we see more complex guitar riffs and more complex drumming which combined with the awesome vocals create and edgy sound which will definitely attract fans to the band. This is backed up in the final song 'Turn Out The Lights' where it is evident that every member of this band is extremely talented and definitely have the ability to some day be on the cover of Kerrang! They most certainly are feisty, fiery and fun!

Personally I adore this band but check out their music and I'll leave you to make the decision.

Bandcamp: http://wcag-uk.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wcagf?fref=ts#
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wcag_uk

Bombskare Review

On 1st April 2013, 'Bombskare', Scotland’s 9-man ska juggernaut unleashed their album, 'The Day The Earth Stood Stupid' upon the world. After being recommended to check them out by several people I decided to check out their album. I must admit that I was dubious as they listed their genre as Ska on Facebook and hoped they wouldn't be a let down to this 1950's, Jamaican, reggae infused musical genre.


The first song on their album is 'Catastrofuck' and in my opinion is a great choice for opening the album. It's introduction is just long enough to introduce you to the dynamic and original sound of this Scottish band. The assortment of instruments almost combines jazz music and reggae making it a diverse sound of their own. Then when the vocals start you can hear the talent of the singer, which when combined with the unforgettable horn section of the band definitely shows how this band are a force to be reckoned with and I know that someday there will go down in history as Scottish legends.

The second song ' The Day The Earth Stood Stupid' blends nicely into the first and the immediate vocals showcase the more rock side to their abilities with the horns and percussion supporting this. However after a few seconds it returns to it's unique, jazzy, reggae and upbeat vibe highlighting why they have no competition to be one of the greatest reggae bands because simply, they are the best. This same theme continues with the rest of the songs on the album and just shows how despite them keeping each song to the same genre and basically including a bit of everything, they have still succeed to create a dynamic and diverse album.

My favorite song has to be tied between 'Question Times' and 'Do All Dogs Go To Heaven?'. The opening to 'Question Times' shows the use of techniques linked to some of the greatest rock of all time making it one of the best songs on the album. Once the jazz infuses in we get that familiar sound which will forever be associated with Bombskare. This song highlights all of the genres used and shows how there is a place for jazz, reggae and ska in the modern music era. Similarly 'Do All Dogs Go To Heaven?' is a great song which can automatically be traced to this wonderful band due to to the unique use of brass. Continuously the video to this song is clever and creative providing a visual aid to such a great song.

This is not music I would generally listen to, I have never particularly liked this genre and in the past I would never have thought of listening to it despite knowing how it is held in regard as one of the greatest music genres in the last century. If the originators of this genre could listen to Bombskare they would be proud to see how much it had progressed and how this band is creating a place for it in the modern music industry!

If you get the chance, I would highly recommend going to see this band live as from simply listening to their music it is evident they are true performers who would really put on a show. So if you live in Inverness, Glasgow, Knoydart or Carlisle go and check them out in the next few days and weeks!

4/5 stars for this this creative and extremely talented set of performers.

Good Luck!

Check them out:
website: http://www.bombskare.com/
twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/B0MBSKARE
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bombskare?fref=ts
youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/B0MBSKARE

All At Sea Review

When I first listened to 'All At Sea' I was unsure of what to expect... I noticed that their Facebook page said they were influenced by both 'A Day To Remember' and 'Young Guns' who are two of my favorite bands so I was hoping that 'All At Sea' wouldn't disappoint me. 

The first song I listened to was 'Rumors' and I absolutely adored the opening of song and it also made a good opening to the EP. When the vocals started I continued to love it and the lead singer's voice is definitely a great attribute to the band. The guitar riffs are original and create dynamics in the music which therefore give them an edgy sound as well as the drums and bass which help to add diversity to their music. Although it is clear they are influenced by some of the greatest bands in the modern day music genre, it is also obvious that they use their own ideas in order to make their music appealing to a wide audience.

Continuously I listened to '11 missed calls' and their other song 'L.I.F.E'  will be going on my iPod later tonight! '11 missed calls' makes me want to jump around my room and go crazy to their delightful riffs and strong vocals which is always a good sign for and up and coming rock/ pop punk band! 'L.I.F.E' started to get a little bit more heavy which is always good for the rock side of their genre and it made me want to grab a group of my friends and jump around to this unique song. 

The final two songs on their EP were just as strong as the ones which opened it and it is clear that the band have a great future ahead of them. In the past they have supported Don Broco, Shadows Chasing Ghosts, Fearless Vampire Killers and also Twenty Twenty. With the musical abilities of Jay, Jason, Ben, Alex and Anthony it is clear that they will from strength to strength and there is nothing I would like to see more than them having their own headline tour.

4/5 stars for such a awesome EP!

Good luck in the future!

Check them out:
https://twitter.com/allatseauk
https://www.facebook.com/Allatseaofficial
http://www.reverbnation.com/allatseaband
http://www.youtube.com/user/allatseaofficial

The Bedroom Hour Review

'The bedroom hour' consists of Stuart, Rob, Mark, Dan and Lewis who together are the perfect blend to an amazing and original sound. After hearing about the London based band on Twitter, I decided to check out there music. When I read their bio on Facebook I realized how dedicated they were to creating music and that is something I definitely admire them for. I checked out their Reverbnation and was delighted with the music that I found.

 They create a completely relaxed vibe with indie undertones making them a complete must to check out. With their guitar and synth based sound there are in a complete original league of their own especially as each of their songs keep a similar sound but are still dynamic and diverse. The vocals are clean and the lyrics completely engage the listener in conjunction with the drums that completely add to the experience of each song and just make me want to relax.The keyboards are definitely something that add the the atmosphere of all their songs and also make their sound much more dynamic and melodic. My favorite part of their songs have to be the catchy guitar riffs which are interesting and completely make each song different and therefore making 'the bedroom hour' a band to look out for! 

In my opinion they would definitely fit into the alternative category and would be more suited to people who enjoy the indie style of music as they would be more appreciative of the vibes and atmosphere which is linked to each one of this band songs.

I cannot wait to hear their new EP which is due out May/June 2013, excitement is an understatement.

4/5 stars for this brilliant band!

Check them out:
https://twitter.com/Thebedroomhour
https://www.facebook.com/thebedroomhour
http://www.reverbnation.com/thebedroomhour/