Up, Guards And At 'Em!

Back with a brand new album, Up, Guards And At‘Em!, are Leeds based five piece, The Pigeon Detectives. The rockers have returned with a slightly more refined sound than the scruffy, scrappy indie rock we’re used to. With the addition of a synthesiser, the band are clearly developing their musical sound, and in the process possibly broadening their appeal. But with the danger of them going all dance-pop on us, admittedly this new sound did come as a bit of a shock to the system. Opening track, She Wants Me, shows the band experimenting with the addition of a dance beat; a sound that’s worlds apart from what we’re used to hearing from these guys. But don’t be put off if this style of music isn’t really your thing – the lads soon kick back into that signature ‘Pigeon’ sound that fans are so familiar with.

      Lead single, Done In Secret, is certainly one of the strongest tracks on the album, and is indeed most reminiscent of the band’s older sound. Songs  What Can I Say? and What You Gonna Do?  show off the bands signature blend of scrappy, energetic rock, and the undeniably catchy, belt-it-out lyrics are still within the mix. Yet in places, the album seems to lack that energy and drive which The Pigeon Detectives have always had in heaps.

      Admittedly, I was expecting a bit more of a punch in the face from this album if the title is anything to go buy, but sadly it was distinctly less upbeat in comparison to the jaunty, cheeky hits of the past, such as big hitters, Take Her Back, I Found Out and I’m Not Sorry. That being said, this isn’t a bad album, and the band still show they can deliver that foot stomping, hand clapping music which they have become so well known for. Up, Guards And At ‘Em! shows the band maturing their sound and giving more depth to their music, instead of just knocking out catchy hits, with those typical don’t-give-a-damn lyrics – but if I’m honest, I did miss that a bit: it was just so darn fun.

      With their distinctive ballsy Yorkshire accent, teamed with the driving, chant-worthy choruses that prompt raucous crowd sing-a-longs, the band have acquired a distinguishable sound, with an in-your-face type attitude that suits their character and perfectly captures their approach to live shows – just get bloody at ‘em!


**As seen in The Motion Online**

Hold Your Ears, It's Gonna Blow

Two years since their last release, The Blackout are back making noise with a brand new album, Hope. It seems the journey to complete the album has been a bit of a rocky one, as the band were no longer signed to a record label and so had the momentous task of coming up with the money to record themselves. But it seems that the Welsh sextet have come out on top, delivering possibly their best album to date, and with the appropriately named album, given themselves hope for the future.

     The songs are vibrant, catchy and exciting, with huge guitar riffs which gives this album drive, and makes you want to get on your feet and bounce around like a raving lunatic. Indeed, the band have perfectly captured the raw energy, thrills and excitement of their live performances, as that all-guns-blazing, kick-‘em-in-face style attitude is undeniably still there.

     Tracks Ambition Is Critical, Never By Your Side, and lead single, Higher And Higher, kick off the album in spectacular style and seem idyllically suited to sending a mosh pit into a stark raving frenzy. But the band do unleash their ‘softer’ side on this album, with unquestionably more personal and heartfelt lyrics, particularly in tracks Hope (Scream It Out Loud) and The Last Goodbye, which are likely to appeal to wider audiences. Across the album, Gavin Butler, one half if the singing duo, carries his vocals beautifully, whilst Sean Smith fulfils his role in…well, screaming bloody murder (but in a tuneful way!), serving to give the band that hard, gritty edge; creating a blend of metal, punk anthemic-like melodies that will leave you uncontrollably belting your heart out. Even if you hate this band, you might find it hard to refrain from singing along, or find yourself stuck with these songs buzzing through your head.

     It seems the band have poured their heart and soul into this album, but from it, they have shown themselves to be developing, well-rounded musicians, and a force to be reckoned with. Expect to see great things from these guys in the future – this is just a starting point. Look out world: The Blackout is coming for you.

Catch The Blackout in a city near you on their upcoming headline UK Tour in October and November


**As seen in The Motion Online**

Marching On Together

The Pigeon Detectives – Up, Guards And At ‘Em! Tour – Leeds Met University 12/4/11

Local heroes The Pigeon Detectives certainly ended their UK tour with a bang, playing a sold out show to their home crowd at Leeds Met University.  Cheers began to rise as the opening drew closer, and crowd chants of “Yorkshire! Yorkshire! Yorkshire!” broke out, later bursting into a sing-along of Leeds United anthem “Marching On Together,” which even frontman, Matt Bowman, joyously joined in with. Indeed it was quite like being at football match, with fans delightedly showering the local Leeds boys with support, and appearing proud as punch that at least one Leeds team were doing well for themselves (let’s not mention the Leeds United game that night!).

    Bursting onto the stage (quite literally in singer Matt Bowman’s case) to what was like a heroes welcome, the band wasted no time in getting the crowd going. Kicking off with the lively, in-your-face style track I’m Not Gonna Take This, it was clear that this was going to be no quiet night. As frontman, Matt, excitedly danced about, leaping off everything in sight, and whipping his microphone round like a skipping rope (and invariably dropping it in the process!), the crowd quickly followed his lead, breaking into a frenzy of pogoing lunatics. The show was a mass of mayhem, chaos and bloody good fun!

    The band delivered a set packed full of fan favourites, and soaring hits from their back catalogue, including This Is An Emergency, Take Her Back and I Found Out, as well as a selection of songs from their newly released album, Up, Guards And At ‘Em! – a title which seems to capture the ballsy, don’t-take-no-prisoners attitude of the band perfectly! Although the new songs have a slightly different sound from what we are used to hearing from these guys, due to the addition of a synthesiser, the cheeky, witty and undeniably catchy lyrics are still at the heart. And the band certainly did a great job of selling their new music to the crowd, as fans already showed their support as they sang and danced along.

Throughout the show, the band showed no signs of slowing down, with frontman, Matt, incessantly dancing leaping about as they powered through hit after hit. This guy literally cannot stand still. It was like he had OD’d on sugar which had sent him a bit hyper – either that or he desperately needed the loo! I must admit, I was rather expecting him to run out of steam at some point with the way he was bounding about, but if anything he just picked up the pace. I have to commend the energy and enthusiasm he throws into his performance – there’s no denying that this guy gives it everything he’s got. He even took to diving into the crowd during classic hit Romantic Type, much to the delight of the crowd – it’s lucky he managed to get out of there in one piece, getting off lightly with a bit of a scratching and a ripped t-shirt. But he didn’t appear to be the slightest bit bothered, and later took to inviting fans to come on stage during the final song of the night, I’m Not Sorry, luring them with the offer of a tenner for being the first one up. Indeed it appears that he doesn’t take himself too seriously, as he invariably took the mick out of himself for frequently dropping the microphone, wearing a  ladies t-shirt from H&M, and some of the (and I quote) “shit holes” the band have had the pleasure of playing over the course of this tour.

    Indeed this is certainly a band who are full of life, and are amazing fun to watch. With their characteristic bawdy Yorkshire accent, they have acquired a distinctive and instantly recognisable sound, which is suited to their somewhat cheeky and mischievous character. Let’s hope it isn’t long until the band take to the road again – these are shows you won’t want to miss.

If you haven’t already, get your hands on a copy of the latest album, Up, Guards And At ‘Em!

A few video clips from the show

I'm Not Gonna Take This

Romantic Type (Matt dives into the crowd!)

Take Her Back


**As seen in The Motion Online**

Back On The Horizon

When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes

A massive three years after their last release, Yellowcard are back in business with a brand new album, When You’re Through Thinking, Say Yes.  Indeed, the wait has been a long time coming, but it seems it was definitely worth it. The band certainly haven’t lost their flare for writing catchy, melodic and deeply infectious songs, that guarantee to have you singing along within the second playing; leaving you wanting to play the album over and over.

     Kicking off with a flurry of pounding drums and raging guitar riffs, along with the band’s distinctive use of a violin, they have certainly set the tone for the rest of the album: high energy, full throttle and undeniably loud. Yellowcard are back; and they mean business. As they surge through hit after hit, they show off their uncanny ability to write contagious, witty lyrics that are sure to unite masses of fans in a bout of enthusiastic sing-a-longs. The album effortlessly weaves between the upbeat, fast-paced tracks, including lead single For You, And Your Denial, and then progresses through to calmer, slower numbers, such as Sing For Me and Hang You Up, which show off the band’s softer, more gentle side. There is quite simply something on here for everyone.

     With the band’s signature blend of pop-rock riffs, intertwined with the slightly unorthodox inclusion of a violin, Yellowcard have established themselves as original and unique, and have set themselves apart from the dull and uninspiring hits that are continually churned into the mainstream every day. This is a band who are a far cry from unoriginal, and are daring to be different, so open your ears to something new and get your hand on a copy of this pop-punk, riff-tastic album, that won’t fail to disappoint. With the fun, cheery, upbeat sound that runs throughout, When You’re Through Thinking, Say Yes,  makes the ultimate summer soundtrack, designed to be blasted from car stereos as you cruise along in the summer heat - so do yourself a favour and give it a whirl.

Keep a look out on the bands homepage for upcoming tour dates – www.yellowcardrock.com

**As seen in The Motion Online**