The Blackout - Wolves EP: REVIEW

Right, we all know the score with The Blackout don't we? No? In short, one of the best live acts the UK has been blessed with in the last 10 years. They've had some extreme highs, like headlining the Camden Roundhouse and extreme lows, such as cancelling tour dates last year due to singer, Gavin Butler's neurological disorder reappearing. In October 2014, they're back. And they're back, bigger, heavier and more focused than ever. 

Aptly, the Wolves EP opens with 'Wolves' a slice of crushing rock, which could easily fit in on the radio playlists, with a massive chorus, and some fantastic guitar playing, this 5 track EP is off to a good start. Second single 'Liars' is a more technical affair, but also a lot more heavy, with unclean vocalist Sean Smith taking a more front and centre role for this song, delivering the verses and harmonising the chorus behind Gavin Butler's massive delivery. With a refrain of 'Sick, We're Sick, We're Sick, Sick of all this shit!' to close, this song was definitely built for a live setting. 

'Pieces' isn't the song to change your mind on The Blackout if you've still, somehow, not got it, but it shows off the two vocalists talents to a massive degree. Both Smith & Butler interplay their vocals to great effect and show great textures to their deliveries. 'Hold On' brings the heavy back, rapid fire lyric delivery, crushing drums and a great riff, this song encapsulates what The Blackout are all about. 

Closing with 'Chains' yet another crushing tune, with a massive, live baiting, ending refrain of 'Break from the chains', they've certainly done that. The Blackout save the heaviest and the best, song for last on this short EP. The thing with The Blackout is that they're a band made for a live setting and they've gone back to basics to create a live sounding EP on record. Every song on here sounds like it was written with a live crowd in mind, and there's no doubt every song will slay on the upcoming tour. 

The Blackout are back and they're ready to make you put your hands in the air, cause some mayhem and leave you breathless from all the singalongs. A smashing return to form. 

Mallory Knox: Asymmetry - REVIEW

Mallory Knox have been threatening to blow up since their inception. Via the Pilot EP & debut album 'Signals' they've always been a buzz band. Now comes the difficult second album and, to be honest, they've completely smashed it. 

Starting with lead single 'Ghost In The Mirror' the band set about bridging the debut with the sophomore effort to great effect. What follows is nothing short of a triumph. 'Getaway' deals with the problems of relationships and features a trademark chorus, Mikey Chapman's vocals have always been of a high standard but he seems to have found a whole new level and it's shown throughout the 11 tracks. Second single 'Shout At The Moon' is the perfect example of this, featuring a chorus made for radio and large venues. 'When Are We Waking Up' uses the quiet-loud dynamic to great effect, and is the perfect song for someone who's in distress. 

There's even time for a Led Zeppelin like long song. Clocking in at 7 minutes 21 seconds, 'She Took Him To The Lake' shows off the writing talents of the whole band. Hitting so many levels of the emotional spectrum, with so many twists and turns, the song shows a maturity and hints at bigger things to come for the band. One of the standout songs, not just for the band or the album, but possibly the year is 'Heart & Desire'. A fantastic chorus, against a background of noise, this song was written to be screamed back by crowds of thousands. 

Overall, Mallory Knox have written a collection of songs which could threaten to catapult them into the stars. 'Asymmetry' could quite easily make them the hottest rock band of the UK, and could comfortably slot them in as one of the top bands in this country today. The next tour is a big one, culminating in 2 nights at the Electric Ballroom. Next year could easily see them headlining Brixton Academy and it's fair to say that these guys deserve it. A masterclass in the 'difficult second album'. 

Marmozets @ The Fighting Cocks – ALBUM RELEASE SHOW

Album release shows are a chance to see bands in environments that you wouldn’t normally see them in and Banquet Records are quite adept at getting big name artists to play smaller venues for such an occasion. In the past they’ve had bands like Twin Atlantic and Royal Blood play special shows, but this time, it’s the turn of the young upstarts, Marmozets.

This show has been a long time coming, having released two EPs (both of astoundingly good quality) this debut album was highly anticipated, and has not disappointed. The day of the show, the album hit number 25 on the Official Nationwide Charts, a feat which is not lost on the members of the band. Becca and Josh expressing how mad it was after the show, shows maturity and a sense of down to earth which is incredible.

Now on to the show; first up were support Beasts. Sounding like a punkier, more rock and roll version of Bleach-era Nirvana, they jaunted through a 30 minute set to a decent reaction. Closest comparisons would probably be made to The Vines, and these guys are a band to watch. With a bit of polish, they could be a big shot in the arm to the British Rock scene.

Taking to the stage on a Sunday afternoon at 3.30 might not be the most obvious time for a show, but Marmozets show they can play on any stage at whatever time. Inside the Fighting Cocks, 150 people lose their inhibitions for just over half an hour, in support of Britain’s hottest young band. Opening with the song with the best chorus of last year, they rip through ‘Born Young and Free’ with the crowd going absolutely mental. Becca’s vocal chords absolute shred throughout the entire set, but there is not a better vocalist in the country right now, especially on stage. Whether screaming, crooning or softly whispering the lyrics to ‘Particle’, the band are on top form. Playing a ten song set, encompassing the majority of the album, they show why so many bands are tipping them for the top, and why they deserve to be headlining venues such as Scala. ‘Hit The Wave’ is a highlight of the day before the ending double act of ‘Move Shake Hide’ and ‘Vibetech’ brings the show to a crashing end, complete with Becca, Sam and Jack getting involved in the crowd’s mayhem, crowd surfing whilst still playing.

Marmozets are only going to go one way, and that is up. The talent in the band at such a young age proves they’re going to be a massive force. The fact they’re already writing for album two shows a commitment that not many bands actually have. This show may be the last time they’ll play a tiny stage, but that’s because they deserve to be on so much bigger stages.