NEW MUSIC EAR : Album Reviews

"STONEFIELD" 2013 C'MON - This debut album by the female Australian Rock quartet opens with a sassy bluesy style Progressive Rock sound.  It is a blistering opener with powerful vocals and crashing guitars and drums reminiscent of the late 60s, early 70s vibe. LOVE YOU DESERVE - This track has a distinct Classic Rock vibe with a hint of Glam Rock.  Another superb track that is akin to an accomplished band of many years but for this young band its incredible.   PUT YOUR CURSE ON ME - This Led Zeppelin style track packs a punch with some awesome guitars.  Another gem.   OVER AND OVER - A cool, lid back, sleazy backing gives an almost Blues edge to this Classic Rock track.  A favourite of mine. TO THE MOUNTAINS - The first track that has a Pop Rock style and its another slice of mature Rock by the girls.  Its a radio friendly track in the vein of Pat Benatar.  Class. DIGGIN' MY WAY OUT - A genre mix of Goth, Progressive and Psychedelic Rock.  Pounding drums, eerie

"BOSSA510" 2015    BOSSA510 - The debut album from John Vargas' all star multi-talented ensemble kicks off with a funky bass and guitar intro which moves into Jazz Funk seamlessly incorporating some 90s style Hip Hop.  David Vargas (known as D-Varg and John's son) provides the cool, summery rapping while R n' b star Jamillions provides some chilled vocals.  It would almost be the perfect Pop song but the twist of Randy Merril's flugelhorn makes it just that little bit more unique.   COME WITH ME - A delightful Latin Jazz style track that again infuses Rap and the Bossa style.  A lot slower pace than the previous track with some beautiful Soul vocals from Nikki Rey fronting a lisght, laid back backing.  D-Varg again provides the Rap sections while Nikki harmonises in support.  A really nice chilled song.  Actually reminds me a little of LL Cool J tracks from the late 80s.   OCEAN BREEZE - Feeling like you are chilling out on a beach taking in the cool breeze

 "STEEL BLOSSOMS" 2019   YOU'RE THE REASON I DRINK - Sara Zebley and Hayley Prosser are Steel Blossoms bringing the Country back with their self titled album.  The opening track is a jaunty, happy number that belies its pretty harsh lyrics about becoming an alcoholic thanks to a lover! These ladies kick it hard Country style but they aren't afraid of provocative lyrics.  Great opening track of classic old style Country.   REVENGE - Such a beautiful track,  almost a 60s style Progressive Rock track. There is an element of Gothic imagery with the melancholic, moody stance.  The vocals are exquisite with such emotion and its a diverse change from the opening track.  Very cool.   TRAILER NEIGHBOR - This track takes us back to Country and a quirky, humorous description of the gossiping trailer neighbour.  Its funny and a bright song with a sweet chorus and great melodies. COUNTY LINE - Another slower tempo track, and another gorgeously sung song.  It has an almost Blue

"SCRIPT FOR A JESTER'S TEAR"   1983   SCRIPT FOR A JESTER'S TEAR - The opening track of a great debut album of six epic tracks.  This Rock experiment filled song begins gently and then gives us a whimsical almost Nursery Rhyme style backing before launching into dramatic guitars and pounding drumbeat increasing in intensity and power.  Named Neo-Progressive Rock, Marillion's style of  music has elements of all genres of Rock music and this track ticks all boxes! HE KNOWS YOU KNOW - A slow almost Pop Rock track changes after some angry, anguished vocals from lead singer Fish before the 2 and a half minute mark when the glorious anthemic guitar solos and faster drumbeats kick in.  The Medieval style vocals and chants are here that make it just a little more awesome.     THE WEB -  A slow to mid tempo Rock ballad, with some awesome keyboard and guitar solos.  More Electronic Rock than the previous two tracks but no less anthemic.  A v

 "RUSH" 1974 FINDING MY WAY - The band's debut album consists of Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and John Rutsey (soon to leave the band after this album and replaced on drums by the more familiar Neil Peart).  This opening track is atorming intro with a Led Zeppelin style, screeching vocals, searing guitar solos and pulsating drums.  Wake up, Rush are here!The first single from the set failed to chart in the UK. NEED SOME LOVE -  This track is a straight up rocker, with elements of Rock 'n Roll and deep lazy Blues.  More catchy than most Rush songs and has that "radio-friendly" appeal.  It also has a slight Punk vibe. TAKE A FRIEND - Another catchy track with more Classic Rock leanings and heavy sounding Pop.  I love the ZZ Top style bluesy guitars here.   HERE AGAIN - An emotional, powerful slow Blues Rock track until about halfway then the guitars get heavier and it ends with a crescendo of Blues, Classic and Progressive Rock. WHAT YOU'RE DOING - Another

"CALLS FOR REBELLION" 2015 PRETEND FRIEND - The debut album from Camille and Noemie Debray, two French born, South African raised sisters on a Punk mission! This opening track is what Madonna would sound like singing 90s Grunge! Great fiery, raw opener. WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD - This is a heavier Rock track, kind of Red Hot Chili Peppers fronted by a Pat Benatar/Gwen Stefani hybrid.  Angry and rocky, brilliant. VOODOO CHILD - Black Sabbath meets the Go-Go's in this almost funky Classic Rock track.  One of my favourites. HATER - Angry real Punk Rock/Alternative Rock stomper with a great chorus, awesome track!     BLOODY - Nirvana meets Amy Studt in this 90s styled Grunge rocker with a real dark, Gothic tone hitting in at just past the 3 minute mark.  Excellent track. NYMPH - Atmospheric, deep Progressive Rock/early 70s Rock track that hints slightly at 90s Grunge. HOLD ON TIGHT - Driven by a thumping guitar and drum rhythm, this is a New Wave style Pop Pun

"FAITH" 1987   FAITH - Reaching number 2 in the UK chart, this minimal Rockabilly styled track opens this debut album, although it is debatable (or obvious) that Wham! was essentially George's baby albeit accompanied by Andrew Ridgeley in some small way. This was a short, sharp funky track with just guitar, bass and basic percussion (apart from the cathedral organ at the intro) and allowed George to carry the song with the vocals. FATHER FIGURE - This single reached number 11 in the UK chart and is a Pop ballad of sorts with a slight drumbeat and had some mystical Asian infuence in parts and Gospel in the big chorus.  An emotional song and shows the more mature side of George, making the "Young Guns" days seem very far away.   I WANT YOUR SEX (Parts 1 + 2 ) - This Funk infused Disco track is a gem and reminded me much of my idol Prince in its sexy rhythm and almost lascivious lyrics.  Banned in some media outlets but it is a great slice of Pop Funk.  It is co

"ALISHA RULES THE WORLD" 1996     IRRESISTIBLE U ARE - Album opener, a sweet almost lullaby short song, gorgeous harmonies and sweet vocals with an Eastern feel and childlike kaleidoscope backing. INTENSE - The most angry and most Rock song on the album, very Alanis Morissette, would not be out of place on Alanis' own "Jagged Little Pill".  Great song. I AM, I FEEL - This was the track that got me hooked, as a fan of Wendy and Lisa (part of Prince's Revolution band), this track did remind me of their beautiful harmonies and melodies and the vocals had a hint of Alanis Morissette's croaky angry vocals, a class song.     INDESTRUCTIBLE - A mesh of Spice Girls and Sneaker Pimps with Kelli Ali, ambient sounds and almost psychedelic backing.     ALISHA RULES THE WORLD -  This title track had elements of Motown, pure Pop and was a little like The Bangles, great song. WHITE ROOM - 70s Psychedelic track with almost Cynd

"TOUCH ME" 1986   TOUCH ME (I WANT YOUR BODY) - Sometimes making a huge switch in careers can be troublesome.  Samantha Fox started as a 16 year old glamour model and became the most sought after pin-up girl in the 80s.  However in 1986 she turned to music and released this great Pop album.  Opening with this massive debut hit, number 3 in the UK chart its a great slice of Synth and Dance Pop with hints of Rock.  Catchy, saucy, sexy and memorable.  I'M ALL YOU NEED - The fourth and final single from this album only reached number 41 in the UK chart.  This is a really nice, quirky Synth Pop track epitomising the early to mid 80s Electronic music boom.  Catchy chorus and some lovely vocals from Samantha. SUZIE, DON'T LEAVE ME WITH YOUR BOYFRIEND - A kind of Motown/ R n' B simple track.  Doesn't really go anywhere to be too engaging on the ear.  Not one of my favourites and definitely a filler here. WILDA KIND OF LOVE - The intro shouts of "Wild" so

  "BLOODLINE" 2016   BLOODLINE - The opening track to this debut album by the band from Tucson, Arizona is a taster for the rest of the album.  A merging of many genres but keeping with the Latin influences and "desert rock". It is almost Gothic Rock and Punk in places with a hint of Nick Cave and Iggy Pop.  The eerie effects and twangy guitars add the Blues style and New Wave connections.  This is Rock but not as you know it, awesome.   VAMPIRO - The frenetic almost Rockabilly guitars back up a moody, desperate vocal.  It reminds me at times of BowWowWow but without Annabella Lwin's angry vocals.  Love how it incorporates the Latin and cowboy western style rhythms.  Experimental at its best and has a strange Punk danceability KILLER - This track is the most Pop styled track so far.  Its calypso and almost ska feel is usually linked to Cumbia Rock which the band have infused into their unique music.  Its quirky and endearing melody and mid tempo backing inter