So, now I've finished University I've decided that I can finally devote more time to my blog. I've decided to start a new feature, which will be every 2 or 3 days called 'New Band Alert' (or the NBA for short) which will entail me writing an entry of a band I've found, that I think need to be listened to! So, without further ado, I'd like to start with, Moral Panics...
Moral Panics are a band from Stoke-on-Trent in the West Midlands. Having gone through numerous lineup changes, they seem to have settled on this current set up of 4 members. With two guitars, their sound has been fleshed out more & allows for more intricate riffs and time changes. This gives the band a different edge and puts them in the same ilk as the likes of Foals and Biffy Clyro. Taking influence from bands like Foals, Peace & Nirvana, they combine off time riffs with pop sensibilities, but they know how to be heavy when they want to be!
Having seen this band a few weeks ago at the Sugarmill in Stoke, I can report that they've certainly become a whole lot tighter as a live band, and the new songs just work. The Stoke show could be the tip of the iceberg, of something big happening, and having already put the 'WLVS EP' out this year, they're returning to the studio in August, to record the follow up EP, which is slated for an end of 2014/early 2015 release.
'WLVS' was the second proper release from the band in this incarnation and the difference in material is staggering. The style, the swagger & the all round ability of the members is all shown here. Lead single, (video coming soon!) 'February' leans very heavily on the Foals influence but is unique at the same time, giving the band their own identity. Great choice for a lead single, showing off all the members in terms of ability and musical prowess. Even though the EP is only 5 songs long, it is very solid and for me the standout song is 'Maxim', a rerecording of a song from their previous 'Blood EP'. The chorus and emotive vocals from lead singer Daniel Stephen Johnson combine in a highly effective manner. Showing a vulnerability and a character at the same time, Johnson's vocals are top notch throughout the 5 tracks. The only criticism for the EP is that the guitar tracks could be louder in parts, but aside from that, it's a solid 4/5 for a debut effort, setting the stall for who they are but also leaving them room to spurt off in different directions depending how they feel.
Along with plans for a tour in the coming months, Moral Panics are one of the bands that you should believe the hype about. Go see them if and when you can, as they won't be playing the small venues for much longer!!
Moral Panics are - Daniel, Andrew, Thomas & Jarred
Moral Panics' latest EP 'WLVS' is available now from iTunes and for streaming on Spotify & Soundcloud.
Facebook - https://facebook.com/moralpanicsband
Twitter - www.twitter.com/MOZPAZ
Soundcloud - http://soundcloud.com/moral-panics
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