This week’s selections have been carefully screened and are here to take you by the hand and lead you through the promised land. Of ROCK.
Baroness - Shock Me
This is the first we’ve heard from Baroness since the awful tour bus crash that eventually led to two members departing the fold, and it’s a triumphant return. A low-key synthesiser introduction gives way to a crashing, soaring tune with hints of gaelic melody in the guitar lines and a chorus that makes the heart leap.
Electric Eye - Bless
Thought Norway was all angry black metal? Think again, and consider the hippie-tastic freakiness of Bergen spacecakes Electric Eye. Droned out psych-rock, merging blues and trippy Indian tones, create a commandingly oddball experience.
Deap Vally - Royal Jelly
Royal Jelly. Royal Jelly. Royal Jelly. However you say it, it’s a funny name. The video stars Georgia May ‘daughter of Mick’ Jagger and a disappointing lack of actual jelly, but this is a steamy, stylish teaser for the scuzzy rock duo’s new album (due in 2016).
Desert Mountain Tribe - Runway
There’s a touch of early Black Rebel Motorcycle Club about these Londoners – and their darkly woozy, garagey rock’n’roll. Preceding their debut LP (due out in March) Runway provides a sharp, yet atmospheric taste of what’s to come - built on groovy, classic-sounding riffage.
Megadeth - The Threat Is Real
Dave Mustaine recently described the world as “a really good place with some bad people in it,” and we’re certain that this epic chunk of slickly-performed thrash will improve things a little. Thanks Dave.
Hidden Charms - Love You Cause You’re There
Engineered by Shel Talmy — who worked with The Who and The Kinks back in the day — LYCYT lurches along like The White Stripes but with a distinct London R&B snarl. Cock-sure and swaggering.
**Bonfire - **Nothing At All
If we’ve learned anything from witnessing the new video from German rockers Bonfire, it’s that all bands would probably benefit from filming a promo on a clifftop in Greece. For while Nothing At All races along in a most pleasing fashion, the perilous location gives the song an epic, dangerous edge.
Red House Glory - Pray Now
Taken from the band’s forthcoming All Out Of Love EP, Pray Now has a pleasingly Pixie-ish riff and the type of soaraway chorus that Ash’s Tim Wheeler specialises in. Nice.
