Hell Here

Higher And Higher music video - The Blackout


In their new music video, Higher And Higher, The Blackout get themselves caught up in a bit of bother. Whilst loading their equipment back into their van, an over enthusiastic (and slightly psychotic) fan seizes her moment and locks the door, leaving the band trapped inside as she speeds off - well, we all have our bad days. But have no fear, hot on their heels is the bands manager, who happens to be a bit of a dab hand at acrobatics and giving chase on foot - lucky that. As the song kicks in, the video then launches into a full throttle, high speed, frantic chase, full of thrills and spills - which is actually pretty damn exciting!
     The fast-paced speed of the video suits the tone of the song perfectly, as well as capturing the excitable characters of the band. Only The Blackout would manage to get themselves kidnapped, yet still make the best of a bad situation. Unlike most people's instant reaction to fly into a blind panic, the band instead burst into life and rock out as if performing to a shed load of fans. They seem to be in their element, and clearly show themselves to be exciting and captivating live performers. As Gavin Butler, one half of the singing duo, frantically leaps from wall to wall, Sean Smith breaks into his trademark move of swinging his microphone around like a lasso, whilst the rest of the band jam away behind them. Indeed, there is quite simply never a dull moment.
     The rapping section in the song, performed by Hyro da Hero, serves to further pick up the tempo, whilst also reflecting The Blackout's musical progression and versatility, making this song one of their best to date. And I'm sure there's a lot more to look forward to with the new album, Hope, due to be unleashed unto the world on 4th April. And even if you didn't enjoy it, I guarantee you won't be able to stop yourself from joining in with the "woo's" by the end of the song.

Watch the official music video Higher And Higher

     You've got to hand it to them - The Blackout know how to write catchy, melodic songs that become instantly addictive. These guys have certainly got their spirit back and are ready to take on the world.


Don't forget to grab your copy of the new album, Hope, on 4th April, and keep a lookout for the band in a city near on their headline UK tour, commencing 29th March.


**As seen in The Motion Online**

Above The Noise

McFly - Above The Noise Tour - MEN Arena 19/03/11

Returning back for their first arena tour in two years, the wait has been a long time coming. Following the success of their previous radio: ACTIVE tour, expectations were running high. Bursting onto the stage to raucous screams and cheers from the crowd, fans certainly sounded pleased to have their beloved McFly back where they belong.
     Opening with a string of hits from their new album, including Party Girl, Nowhere Left To Run and If U C Kate, its clear McFly have revolutionised into a new genre of music; ditching their former pop-rock sound for a cheesy dance-club style beat (although the tour programme claims new producer, Dallas Austin, “doesn’t do cheesy!”). It appears the band are heading in a new musical direction, leaving their rock-pop roots behind, in order to appeal to the ‘X-Factor pop-twenty’ crowd. It’s certainly a far cry from their former edgy, infectious rock past that oozed originality and excitement; whilst the ‘new’ McFly appear to be transmitting the sounds of a manufactured product that fails to set them apart from competing artists. Although the new material was received warmly enough, it wasn’t until the band launched into their older hits, including crowd favourites Star Girl, Lies and All About You that the audience ignited into an excited frenzy as they delightedly sang and danced along.

There is no denying that McFly put on a good show, and always come with a few tricks up their sleeve. Unleashed unto the sea of fans were ginormous beach balls, each baring a band member’s name, whilst a giant perspex walkway was lowered down to the stage, allowing the band to walk out above the adoring crowd below. But it all felt as if these antics had been seen before – the flying stage from the radio: ACTIVE tour, the t-shirt gun, the ticker tape, the fire and the fireworks (all stunts performed by Green Day on their recent world tour – and in a far more spectacular style). It’s a shame the band couldn’t build on these ideas, rather than deliver inferior imitations. It seemed as if their creativity had dwindled somewhat this time around, and after much of the hype surrounding Super City, and the promise of a superhero inspired show, sadly it all felt a bit more Clark Kent than Superman.

Indeed, it was hard not to notice the distinct difference between the 'old' and 'new' McFly, as the dance-pop, club beat sound seems so unsuited to their character. As the band jammed enthusiastically through the set, it was clear to see that these boys want to rock – it’s what they’re good at. With their personal musical influences comprising of the likes of Green Day, Bruce Springsteen and Blink 182, admittedly it seems strange that McFly appear to have abandoned what they love most. In the past, they have successfully covered classic rock artists including Queen and The Beatles. On this occasion they treated fans to a rather embarrassing rendition of Pass Out by rap artist (yes rap), Tinie Tempah, whilst singer Danny Jones pranced about in dark sunglasses – I wasn’t sure whether this was meant to be serious, or just a bit of pantomime. Even the bands most popular hit, Five Colours In Her Hair, that set them on the road to success was scrapped from its usual home place in the encore, being replaced by new single Shine A Light. Does this mean the old songs aren’t good enough any more? Will the pop-rock infused sound of McFly eventually die out?

Having always been a creative, exciting and original band, it’s sad to see McFly heading into the world of the manufactured. With a newly revamped sound, they could quite easily be compared to any other dance-pop artist in the charts. Their songs lack those characteristic cheeky lyrics, infectious and driving riffs, and above all, that authenticity and originality which has always set them apart. But with the influence of new producer, Dallas Austin, their usual creativity seems to have been compromised, and sold out to the disco beat. Interestingly, the complete top tier of the arena was not sold out, and ticket holders were being offered complementary upgrades – is this a sign that McFly are losing some of their audience to their new sound?

I can’t help but feel the dance-club style sound will limit the bands longevity. Fans are likely to grow out of this genre of music at some stage, and the ‘club culture’ is certainly limited to a restricted audience. It appears as if the band have allowed themselves to be manipulated by outside influences, resulting in a product that sounds nothing like the band we know and love. But will they ever return to their pop-rock past? I certainly hope so, as I want to see McFly live on, and not die out with the world of ‘X-Factor has been’s,’ because these guys actually have the talent to stick around.                                

A few video clips from the show

Opening to the show - Party Girl

Lies

Falling In Love

Yellow Fever

Yellowcard - O2 Academy, Leeds 7/03/11 (supporting All Time Low)

Returning after a two year hiatus American pop punk band, Yellowcard, are back to take on the world. Hitting venues all across the UK with headliners, All Time Low, it’s clear to see that the band haven’t lost their touch. Taking to the stage amongst an eruption of cheers and screams, they could easily have been mistaken as the headline band. Delivering a short, succinct set, covering classic hits including Ocean Avenue and Lights and Sounds, the band had the crowd at their feet. Frontman, Ryan Key, had no trouble in getting the crowd going, prompting the breakout of mosh pit circles and audience sing-alongs at full volume. Promising the crowd the “the best rock show of their lives,” the band threw everything they had into their performance, and they delivered with ease.

     With the inclusion of a violin, the band are understandably likely to raise a few eyebrows, yet through this radical, unique musical direction, they have certainly put their own stamp on the genre. Admittedly, the sound is a little strange on first hearing, yet you can’t help but be drawn to it and despite pre-conceptions, it works extremely well.

      During the set, the band delighted fans with performances of two new songs from their upcoming album, When You’re Through Thinking, Say Yes. And after four years of waiting, it’s unsurprising that fans were more than a little pleased by the news. And with hints of a UK return later this year, its clear Yellowcard are well and truly back in business.

Keep an eye out for the new album When You’re Through Thinking, Say Yes, due for release March 21st

A clip from the show: The band showcase their new single You And Your Denial

The Sound Of Anarchy

All Time Low – O2 Academy, Leeds 7/03/11

 Kicking off the show with a slightly unusual, yet creative start, with a sound clip taken from the movie Home Alone, the young Baltimore four piece hit the stage. The tumultuous screams and cheers emanating from the waiting crowd signalled the band’s presence – they were welcomed like heroes. Opening the show with Keep The Change, You Filthy Animal (perhaps a Home Alone inspired title), the band continually knocked out hit after hit, covering a wide range of material from their back catalogue, including old favourites Jasey Rae and Six Feet Under The Stars, to newer material, including the massive single, Lost In Stereo. The set was delightfully upbeat, keeping the atmosphere alive throughout the whole show. Only towards the end of the night did the band begin to slow things down, leaving frontman and lead singer, Alex Gaskarth, alone on stage to close the set with Remembering Sunday, before returning for the encore.

    During the set, the band showcased their first single, Time Bomb, from their upcoming album, Dirty Work, which went down a storm. Fans excitedly sang and danced along to the new number, with many already knowing the words. Indeed, All Time Low have certainly acquired a rather devoted following over the years. With every one of their UK dates sold out, I have no doubt that they could have quite easily played in an arena setting. This band look set to well and truly break into the mainstream, and with the promise of a more serious and grown-up record on the cards, they have the potential to broaden their appeal to wider audiences. Currently, they do appear to be attracting a mass of young, screaming girls, appealing to a predominantly teen audience, and despite claims of ‘growing up,’ their antics on stage seem to explain their teenage appeal. With the light-hearted, jokey banter between sets, and the adorning of half a dozen bras around the microphone stand, it’s clear this band are 

still embracing their youth.

There’s no denying that the members of this band put 100% into everything they do. They throw so much energy and enthusiasm into their shows, never stopping to pause and stand still. Most of their time is spent bopping and jumping about, as well as frequently yelling at the crowd to join in – although fans didn’t need much encouragement. The bands roadies occasionally took to the stage to take over guitar, giving lead singer, Alex, the freedom to run and dance around, as well allowing guitarist, Jack Barakat, to greet some luckily (and seemingly thrilled) fans at the front of the crowd.

As you can imagine, All Time Low’s shows are extremely lively, with a huge emphasis on simply having fun. With their catchy, vibrant, sing-along style songs, this band just makes you want to join and party. And that’s exactly what people did.

Look out for All Time Low’s upcoming album, Dirty Work, due for release in May.


Some video clips taken from the show:

The New Single, Time Bomb, from the upcoming album Dirty Work

Weightless


**As seen in The Motion Online**

Scrap Metal??

The Summoning

Three long years after the release of their self-titled EP, Glamour Of The Kill are back with their debut album, The Summoning. After such a long wait, I can't help but feel a sense of disappointment. Is it bad? No. Terrible? No. But is it really great? Well, if I'm honest, no it isn't. After a good few listens of this album, it has still failed to deliver the 'wow' factor I was hoping for: something that makes your ears prick up and really take notice – an album that you just want to play again and again.

     It’s clear that Glamour Of The Kill are extremely talented musicians, with the potential to go onto greater success. Their songs are catchy, tuneful and melodic, making them perfect for crowd sing-alongs, as well as a spot of enthusiastic headbanging. Although, after a good few listens, they do start to feel quite repetitive in places, particularly when some songs clock up to almost six minutes long, leaving you feeling slightly bored, with that oh so familiar sense of deja vu. This isn't because the songs are particularly bad; they just lack that extra bit of star quality and uniqueness that other bands within this genre seem to have mastered.

On a negative point, the consistent screams and roars, which appear on a good half of the eleven songs, detract from what are reasonably good melodies and quite frankly, seem extremely pointless. This cringe-worthy screamo sound provides no added value to their music, and I can't help but feel this incessant screaming has been incorporated in an attempt to establish themselves as a Metalcore band – but for me, it just doesn’t work.

     That being said, there are some great songs on this album, including If Only She Knew, Supremacy, and the first single release, Feeling Alive. With a sound that blurs between pop rock and screamo metal, it’s easy to see why Glamour Of The Kill have a broad appeal. The energetic melodies infused with that hard, heavy thwack of the guitars helps give this album drive.

    As a first album, it’s not a bad effort. Ditch the screaming and these guys may be onto something good.

Headbangers and Metal fans might want to check out Glamour Of The Kill at The Cavern Club, Exeter on March 17^th and form their own opinion.


**As seen in The Motion Online**