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| Alien Stash Tin: Alien Stash Tin Great name. We were expecting Hawkwind or Gong-style antics but this album plays like a ‘Best Of 1977’ – and judging by the picture, the guys have been at it since about then. There’s punky tunes with Ian Dury-ish lyrics and a Mr Rotten drawl, pub rock, blues boogie and even a bit of smooth, Claptonesque funk. Where’s the reggae track? Soldiers tale is an eight-minute epic of almost Led Zep proportions. The live pics suggest some pretty mad gigs, so seek them out in the Bristol area and get yourself abducted. www.myspace.com/alienstashtin |
| Glyn Bailey: Songs From The Old IllawallaCurious one, this; the package suggests pure retro Americana, but what you get is a voice inspired by Bowie and a range of themes that include moonwalks, school reunions and the footballing misdeeds of Zizou. This is not an album of rock guitar solos, but the guitar supports interesting songwriting where the lyrics are genuinely thoughtful – and at times a bit disturbing. There’s a definite folky twist throughout, plus some spooky EBow on Ghost and some mock-Fripping on Kafkaesque World. . www.glynbailey.com |
| The Easy Tigers: Breathe The Life Of Strangers Propelled by the songwriting, voice and mandolin of Abigail Hercules, The Easy Tigers deliver excellent modern acoustic music. Americana, jazz and country have a stronger influence than English folk; bouzouki, dobro and double bass contribute to interesting arrangements, and subtle acoustic guitars are well placed. Hercules’ storytelling and delivery suggests that Joni Mitchell may have been a formative influence, but the songs feel original and personal. Major labels spend a lot of cash promoting lesser acts – so take a listen. www.abigailhercules.com Click here to listen... |
| Dolls House: Dolls House Great voice – but what is that accent? It turns out that Camilla Romestrand is Norwegian. Dolls House is a London-based pop rock band with genuinely hooky songs and plenty of attitude. The four tracks on this well-produced CD suggest the influence of both Hazel O’Connor and Skunk Anansie, and while the guitar playing isn’t overly flash there’s some tasteful, precise chord work and serious grunt where it’s needed. The posh press kit tells us the band is out there gigging loads, and clearly they’re making a confident bid for the spotlight. myspace.com/dollshouse |
| Ardentjohn: When The Time Comes Here’s a great record for lovers of strumbly acoustics, strong vocal melodies and thoughtful production. Most of the tracks shuffle forward with an infectious beat, and the underlying pop and country sentiments suggest this band can deliver a great night out. While Synapses carries some elaborate reverse guitar sounds and funky rhythm playing that suggests a Smiths influence, the strongest tracks are those where the clear acoustics are refreshingly elaborated with some single-note lines tasteful manipulated with a volume pedal. www.ardentjohn.com |
| Big Big Train: The Difference Machine Here’s a tasty slab of pure prog, the fifth album from a band that continues to plough its own considerable furrow without the aid of label support. This is an English garden variety of progressive rock, not the brutal 21st century insanity of LA’s Upsilon Acrux, and Genesis and Marillion are your references (indeed, Pete Trewavas can be found guesting). Expect tracks in excess of 10 minutes, fuzz guitar of every colour, serious rocking out, Beatlesque Mellotronisms, grandiose organs and perhaps just a bit too much saxophone. But then nothing’s perfect… |
| Jessicas Ghost : Return To The Start Mellow acoustic strummage and mournful cello underpinned and punctuated by double bass – that’s the sound of Liverpool-based Jessicas Ghost. The four tracks on this EP are simple, well-crafted pop songs that show a love of straightforward foot-tapping tunes, and Emma Longworth’s vocals are tasteful and catchy. Overall this recording feels like the final pre-production demo for a bigger budget session where a few remaining tuning and performance issues could be ironed out – but this said, Return To the Start stands on its own legs and will please the band’s considerable live following. www.myspace.com/jessicasghos Click here to listen... |
| Theodore Ziras : Hyperpyrexia Enough of this wimpy indie stuff – this demo eats meat! Hyperpyrexia (meaning high fever) is a solo rock/metal fest that crashes forth from the hi-fi with shredtastic abandon. Vocals? Who needs ’em. No doubt, Ziras is the owner of a mighty talent, and his precision and staying power are, frankly, a little unnerving. Overall we have to say the 10 tracks lack tonal variety, but for lovers of fast and furious instrumentals this is a artist to seek out. When a man without a deal can get players like Derek Sherinian and Brian Tichy on his side, you’d better take him seriously. Visit our website to hear the 7/8 track! Click here to listen... |
| The songwriter and bands of each track own the copyright in that demo and have licensed you to use the demo for private home use only. All other rights are reserved unless express permission has been given by the owners.
The definition of home use excludes, amongst other things, the use of this demo in clubs, coaches, hospitals, hotels, prisons and schools. Any unauthorised copying, editing, renting, hiring, public performance or broadcasting of this demo, or any part thereof, is strictly prohibited and any such action exposes you to liability for a civil action and the risk of criminal prosecution. IPC and Time Warner accept no responsibility for these demos and the ownership and copyright in them. |