Here’s four must-hear releases that we think you’ll be obsessed with come the Bank Holiday weekend.
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Moose Blood – Blush
Moose Blood’s journey has been somewhat rapid. From a demo of ‘Bulowski’ in late 2012 to a fantastic debut EP with ‘Moving Home’ following shortly after, to an incredible debut album in the form of 2014’s ‘I’ll Keep You In Mind, From Time to Time’. Simply put, the Canterbury have come along way in short space of time.
With a rising reputation comes heightened expectations. Nevertheless, ‘Blush’, the bands “tricky second album” tightens up on what they have produced previously and delivers more heartfelt hooks. Recent singles, ‘Knuckles’ and ‘Honey’ thrive off the bands insatiable catchiness, whilst being complimented by driving, playful guitars. Add to that a familiar lyrical trait of being an emotional “sad boy”, and you’re left with the potential of another collection of addictive emo pop-punk anthems. We’ll soon find out. (SR)
‘Blush’ by Moose Blood is released on August 5th on Hopeless Records.
Moose Blood links: Website|Facebook|Twitter|Instagram
Dinosaur Jr. – Give a Glimpse of What Yer Not
Thirty plus years into their career, eleven since the original line-up reformed , and with ten studio albums already under the band’s belt, new material from one of the most influential bands in the history of alternative rock is not to be sniffed at. With their signature sound of grungy riffing, indie pop melodies and J. Macsis’ drawled vocals and ear bleeding solos, few bands encapsulate the sound of American alternative rock so neatly.
This far down the line in their career it would be foolhardy to expect a massive change of direction, but if lead off tracks ‘Tiny’ and the infuriatingly catchy ‘Goin Down’ are anything to go by, the Dinosaur Jr formula is not only honed to perfection but sounding remarkably fresh and full of life. (EL)
‘Give a Glimpse of What Yer Not’ by Dinosaur Jr is released on August 5th on Jagjaguwar.
Dinosaur Jr links:Website|Facebook|Twitter
Apologies, I Have None – Pharmacie
London’s Apologies, I Have None remain something of a misnomer; capable of packing out the second stage at Groezrock to adoring continental fans yet remaining somewhat under the radar in the UK, despite a handful of killer releases and a work ethic that puts 90% of bands to shame.
That should all change with the release of ‘Pharmacie’, however. If you caught Apologies, I Have None on the road with The Smith Street Band, you’ll already know just how great ‘Love & Medication’ is, while ‘Pharmacie’ promises more of the same life-affirming and emotional tales from the capital.
Pharmacie by Apologies, I Have None
Backed by their buddies at Holy Roar, it’s a championship winning combination between one of the best labels in the business and one of the most under-rated bands out there. (RM)
‘Pharmacie’ by Apologies, I Have None is released on August 26th on Holy Roar Records.
Apologies I Have None links: Facebook|
Twitter|Bandcamp
Black Foxxes – I’m Not Well
Exeter trio Black Foxxes have been on our radar for the past 18 months. During that time they’ve played nearly every major festival you can think of, fine tuning their brand of impassioned alt rock along the way. For some, the release of ‘I’m Not Well’ has been a long time coming, but we’re safe to say they won’t be disappointed.
It rides on a wave of emotions; delight, rage, guilt, disappointment, drive etc. ‘Husk’, ‘River’ and the title track have been eaten up by fans and critics in recent months for their sheer force. The combination of Mark Holley’s emotionally-charged vocals with the bands broad, intense sound has proven to be beyond compelling.
Black Foxxes have that special unknown quality that is sure to be embraced upon the release of ‘I’m Not Well’. (SR)
‘I’m Not Well’ by Black Foxxes is released on August 19th on Search and Destroy / Spinefarm Records.
Black Foxxes links: Facebook|Twitter
Words by Sêan Reid (SR), Rob Mair (RM) and Edward Layland (EL).