Yes indeed, if you’ve released a new rock track or video, we salute you. And high-five you. And make you a nice cake. Well, maybe not literally – you might have sensitive hands, or gluten allergies. Either way, here’s our selection…
Killing Joke – New Cold War
Just as night follows day, if the world’s in turmoil, Killing Joke will be on blazing form. With long-time KJ collaborator Mike Coles’ uncompromising promo clip reflecting a global meltdown increasingly familiar from nightly TV news bulletins, you might expect more bands to rise from their complacency to reflect upon the madness. Then again, not all bands are Killing Joke.
Ulysses – Law And Order
Chirpy title track from the Bath pop rockers’ upcoming new album, merging psychedelic touches with Supergrass-tinged joie de vivre. All rooted in jolly acoustic strumming. One to get you prematurely excited for summer. Mmmm summer…
Band Of Skulls – Killer
We loved the British trio’s last album, Himalayan, and this nicely jagged, bass-thumping new number makes a promising case for the follow-up – By Default, due on May 27. Cool stuff.
The Heavy – What Happened To The Love?
What did happen to the love? God knows. Still, at least we can enjoy this while we figure it out. Razor-sharp, soulful rock’n’roll is the order of the day with this Bath-based group – mixing suave retro sensibilities and jutting indie rock. Not so much ‘heavy’ as ‘stylish’, it bodes well for their new album Hurt & The Merciless. Which comes out today, incidentally. Check it out…
Katatonia – Old Heart Falls
The Swedish doom metallers-turned-brooding progressive types return in May with a brand new studio album; from which this pensive, absorbing piece stems. Complete with olde video of an analogue typewriter speedily typing out lyrics, Jonas Renske’s voice is as moody and compelling as ever.
Doro – Love’s Gone To Hell
Because what Friday isn’t improved by a big ol’ riffy anthem from the Metal Goddess herself? Exactly, NO Friday! Judging by the end Doro meets in this high drama video spectacular, love does indeed seem to have gone to Hell. Apart from when Doro and her band are grooving in Bückeburg Castle, where everything looks rather lavish – in a Renaissance-meets-black leather kinda way.
Vukovi – Animal
Propulsive, fiercely catchy piece of pop rock – from a group of Scottish musos covered in body paint. If Royal Blood teamed up with RATM and Florence & The Machine (yes it’s an odd thought, but stay with us) the ensuing racket could sound rather like this. We like.
Left Lane Cruiser – Bloodhound
A fresh serving of filthy boogie-blues rock’n’roll from LLC – a band for whom garagey scuzz and early blues depth make harmonious bedfellows. Taken from their wonderfully named new album Beck In Black (due out later this month).
