April 11, 2012
Exclusive Review!Burn The Sunset - Everything Worth Loving DiesWhen i was sent this E.P i was left with only one thought “FUCK!”, that was just the name and cover which caused my palms to sweat with anticipation and set a definite precedent for what i was about to hear.
Sometimes - Burn The Sunset are a band made for live performance, within the first twenty seconds of opening roadrunner “Sometimes” my head is bobbing and a wicked grin fit for the Clown Prince of Gotham is etched into my face. The song steamrolls constantly tight with punishing drums and thick but defined guitars before singer Andy Bruce hits like an artic lorry and the true attack begins. This song packs a second haymaker punch as it’s false fade out is short lived when it hits with a truly angry and narcissistic beatdown which i can’t not imagine moshing to. (10)
Everything Worth Loving Dies - With this band the foot does not come off the gas and like a live set it cruises almost too seamlessly into the title track, what feels like two and a half minutes with Tyson is well crafted, unrelenting rage. Without doubt music to punch windows in to. Although a slower pace the fire still burns within the track powered by high octane guitars but driven home once again by the unique anger of the vocals. For the listener it works on so many levels and forces emotions from me that make me angry to the point of shaking. Ending suddenly i am left like Oliver with his bowl craving more but I’m only half way. “FUCK!” I share Andy Bruce’s thoughts. (10)
Punishment - A sure fire hit with “Defenders of Twoey” Punishment is a straight up “balls to the wall then smashed with a sledge hammer ” hardcore song, Boosting a strong mosh opening and strong guest vocals from Dougie Boyd -of Trial & Error fame- this track rides the tightrope of linking to the other tracks while sounding as different as it can, the link being more violence and hatred than the London riots. Right up to its dying moments it is a “moshXwarriors” wet dream and i cannot fault this song in any aspect except length, but you know what they say! (9)Nothing to prove - the closer of this E.P is a game changer lethargic, chuggy guitar opener subverts the ear almost to thinking we were listening to monotony. Before the riff takes you round the neck and drops you into an up tempo and much more interesting series of riffs swirling in the hate of lyrics aimed to exorcise the demons of a past. Don’t go cutting your wrists just yet mosh warriors as its still as brutal musically as it is lyrically. Again this track stands alone but side by side with the other three. It is a ballsy move in todays hardcore scene to do chug guitar with up beat mosh but when crafted this well its easy to enjoy.(9)
As an E.P Burn the sunset have set a bench mark for others to chase. So often in Hardcore it is all too easy to write just for the pit, This can lead you to only waiting for the mosh part as appose to enjoying the journey and every part of a song. Causing bands to write flat generic music which is cliche, now nothing these days is original but this release is definetly the real McCoy. (9)

Exclusive Review!
Burn The Sunset - Everything Worth Loving Dies

When i was sent this E.P i was left with only one thought “FUCK!”, that was just the name and cover which caused my palms to sweat with anticipation and set a definite precedent for what i was about to hear.

Sometimes - Burn The Sunset are a band made for live performance, within the first twenty seconds of opening roadrunner “Sometimes” my head is bobbing and a wicked grin fit for the Clown Prince of Gotham is etched into my face. The song steamrolls constantly tight with punishing drums and thick but defined guitars before singer Andy Bruce hits like an artic lorry and the true attack begins. This song packs a second haymaker punch as it’s false fade out is short lived when it hits with a truly angry and narcissistic beatdown which i can’t not imagine moshing to. (10)

Everything Worth Loving Dies - With this band the foot does not come off the gas and like a live set it cruises almost too seamlessly into the title track, what feels like two and a half minutes with Tyson is well crafted, unrelenting rage. Without doubt music to punch windows in to. Although a slower pace the fire still burns within the track powered by high octane guitars but driven home once again by the unique anger of the vocals. For the listener it works on so many levels and forces emotions from me that make me angry to the point of shaking. Ending suddenly i am left like Oliver with his bowl craving more but I’m only half way. “FUCK!” I share Andy Bruce’s thoughts. (10)

Punishment - A sure fire hit with “Defenders of Twoey” Punishment is a straight up “balls to the wall then smashed with a sledge hammer ” hardcore song, Boosting a strong mosh opening and strong guest vocals from Dougie Boyd -of Trial & Error fame- this track rides the tightrope of linking to the other tracks while sounding as different as it can, the link being more violence and hatred than the London riots. Right up to its dying moments it is a “moshXwarriors” wet dream and i cannot fault this song in any aspect except length, but you know what they say! (9)

Nothing to prove -
 the closer of this E.P is a game changer lethargic, chuggy guitar opener subverts the ear almost to thinking we were listening to monotony. Before the riff takes you round the neck and drops you into an up tempo and much more interesting series of riffs swirling in the hate of lyrics aimed to exorcise the demons of a past. Don’t go cutting your wrists just yet mosh warriors as its still as brutal musically as it is lyrically. Again this track stands alone but side by side with the other three. It is a ballsy move in todays hardcore scene to do chug guitar with up beat mosh but when crafted this well its easy to enjoy.(9)

As an E.P Burn the sunset have set a bench mark for others to chase. So often in Hardcore it is all too easy to write just for the pit, This can lead you to only waiting for the mosh part as appose to enjoying the journey and every part of a song. Causing bands to write flat generic music which is cliche, now nothing these days is original but this release is definetly the real McCoy. (9)

March 29, 2012
Don’t Hold Your Breathe- Demo ‘11
The wealth of new talent coming out of Glasgow and Scotland is an encouraging sign for a scene on a rise as more fans become musicians, is it a question of quantity over quality however?
9.15
D.H.Y.B don’t waste no time with fade ins or intros of a grand nature preferring to just slap the song in front of you, it’s heavy and a opening statement giving you a flavour of both talent and influence. The cut to what can only be assumed is a sample throws off the listener but maybe it’s an inside joke and a chance to rest our ears .the rest bite is short however vocalist Frank wasting no time in “cutting the shit” his vocals are a real change from the “scene”. Being both heavy and understandable, somewhat of a rarity in new bands. The songs structure itself is repetative but does change before it is monotonous, it is well recorded for a demo showing each persons true potential if the riffs were more interesting this could be a instant ticket to success. As with many new bands lyrical content is a tad cliche and tried and tested but song writing is an organic process. This is a strong opening statement from a young band. (8)
Don’t hold your breathe
D.H.Y.B second song of their ep is self titled, a departure from the earlier binary guitar onslaught, this outing has more rhythm and showcases a bass solo within the introduction and bridge, a stable of many a tough guy hardcore band showing this bands melting pot of influences.The drums are the rock and show real flair in not being mundane as many bands can side line their part, the build up is slow and solid when it hits its more nail bomb than tactical nuke however, fairly messy and without much of a impact. Having said that it recovers in the verse and continues strong behind a solid threatening vocal. Criticism if any follows from “9.15” the lyrics are slightly lost this time within the mix, overpowered by the lead and rhythm guitar. My only other critical point is the lack of “mosh structure”, as a song however it ticks many boxes in its stride that some establish bands are still struggling to get down to a fine art. 
(7)

Don’t Hold Your Breathe- Demo ‘11


The wealth of new talent coming out of Glasgow and Scotland is an encouraging sign for a scene on a rise as more fans become musicians, is it a question of quantity over quality however?

9.15

D.H.Y.B don’t waste no time with fade ins or intros of a grand nature preferring to just slap the song in front of you, it’s heavy and a opening statement giving you a flavour of both talent and influence. The cut to what can only be assumed is a sample throws off the listener but maybe it’s an inside joke and a chance to rest our ears .the rest bite is short however vocalist Frank wasting no time in “cutting the shit” his vocals are a real change from the “scene”. Being both heavy and understandable, somewhat of a rarity in new bands. The songs structure itself is repetative but does change before it is monotonous, it is well recorded for a demo showing each persons true potential if the riffs were more interesting this could be a instant ticket to success. As with many new bands lyrical content is a tad cliche and tried and tested but song writing is an organic process. This is a strong opening statement from a young band. (8)

Don’t hold your breathe

D.H.Y.B second song of their ep is self titled, a departure from the earlier binary guitar onslaught, this outing has more rhythm and showcases a bass solo within the introduction and bridge, a stable of many a tough guy hardcore band showing this bands melting pot of influences.The drums are the rock and show real flair in not being mundane as many bands can side line their part, the build up is slow and solid when it hits its more nail bomb than tactical nuke however, fairly messy and without much of a impact. Having said that it recovers in the verse and continues strong behind a solid threatening vocal. Criticism if any follows from “9.15” the lyrics are slightly lost this time within the mix, overpowered by the lead and rhythm guitar. My only other critical point is the lack of “mosh structure”, as a song however it ticks many boxes in its stride that some establish bands are still struggling to get down to a fine art. 

(7)


March 27, 2012
Frontline Demo ‘11
As a scene grows it brings through new blood and Frontline are one of the bands to spawn from the recent growth in the Scottish Hardcore scene. Their four track demo is available for download from their Facebook page.  
The opening gambit from the Glasgow five some is a misleading intro with drums reminding me of a four piece Indie band before aggressive guitar rains down, their vocalist Craig declaring that they are on the frontline. Hopefully this E.P can lead a charge to success for them and not get them sent to the firing squad, as quickly as it starts the intro fades out, setting the tone which many bands have embraced recently.
The second track “imaginatively” entitled D.T.S (Don’t Trust Sluts) is an exercise in Hardcore 101 and the title reflects the lyrics which are in themselves are contradicting, slightly plagirised and show the bands age, the music itself fails to pop or take any form of journey, instead it plods behind the vocals with only a key change or two to liven it up. The tracks high point is “gang vocals” which seem to have been through an effects beating, the message being one that can be found on any sailors tattoo’d forearm. The song runs on futher with a half time section which adds needed flavour to the track sadly killed by the Vocalist’s statement “don’t trust sluts”.
Power trip is a ballzy thrashy opening which finally grasps my interest and head butts it, Only for it to be dampened by the use of profanity for profanities sake in the lyrics, luckily it doesn’t continue and its left to the music to do the talking which although not groundbreaking is solid, heavy and speaks volumes.
Blind closes this E.P as a slower more melodic song it is an obvious tip of the hat to clear influence Brutality Will Prevail. This track isn’t without its faults as the drums are in places out of time and the riffs are slightly repetative but it is a welcome change which helps to show the bands influences and style. The vocals are more imaginative however like a broken down first bus, are going nowhere. I would say this song showcases a style they should pursue but with every kid in a snapback putting on a xxl t-shirt and playing this style, Frontline may need to look inside themselves to find a truly original sound.

Although this review has been quite negative, this is the beginning for Frontine and as they grow themselves their style shall evolve and i imagine create an organic sound which can be branded their own.(5)

Frontline Demo ‘11

As a scene grows it brings through new blood and Frontline are one of the bands to spawn from the recent growth in the Scottish Hardcore scene. Their four track demo is available for download from their Facebook page.  

The opening gambit from the Glasgow five some is a misleading intro with drums reminding me of a four piece Indie band before aggressive guitar rains down, their vocalist Craig declaring that they are on the frontline. Hopefully this E.P can lead a charge to success for them and not get them sent to the firing squad, as quickly as it starts the intro fades out, setting the tone which many bands have embraced recently.

The second track “imaginatively” entitled D.T.S (Don’t Trust Sluts) is an exercise in Hardcore 101 and the title reflects the lyrics which are in themselves are contradicting, slightly plagirised and show the bands age, the music itself fails to pop or take any form of journey, instead it plods behind the vocals with only a key change or two to liven it up. The tracks high point is “gang vocals” which seem to have been through an effects beating, the message being one that can be found on any sailors tattoo’d forearm. The song runs on futher with a half time section which adds needed flavour to the track sadly killed by the Vocalist’s statement “don’t trust sluts”.

Power trip is a ballzy thrashy opening which finally grasps my interest and head butts it, Only for it to be dampened by the use of profanity for profanities sake in the lyrics, luckily it doesn’t continue and its left to the music to do the talking which although not groundbreaking is solid, heavy and speaks volumes.

Blind closes this E.P as a slower more melodic song it is an obvious tip of the hat to clear influence Brutality Will Prevail. This track isn’t without its faults as the drums are in places out of time and the riffs are slightly repetative but it is a welcome change which helps to show the bands influences and style. The vocals are more imaginative however like a broken down first bus, are going nowhere. I would say this song showcases a style they should pursue but with every kid in a snapback putting on a xxl t-shirt and playing this style, Frontline may need to look inside themselves to find a truly original sound.

Although this review has been quite negative, this is the beginning for Frontine and as they grow themselves their style shall evolve and i imagine create an organic sound which can be branded their own.(5)

March 4, 2012

This gig rolls through glasgow on Tuesday. Everyone should come down and support bands and the scene 
Did i mention its By My Hands record release show?
Get off the internet and down to a show!

This gig rolls through glasgow on Tuesday. Everyone should come down and support bands and the scene

Did i mention its By My Hands record release show?

Get off the internet and down to a show!

February 25, 2012
By My Hands- “No Hope, No Escape” 7 inch EPReleased through: Purgatory Records  When the postman handed myself a thin parcel with the Purgatory Records symbol stuck to the front of it, I was pishing my frillies with anticipation. This EP Has been the talk of the Steamie since the GHC bhoys played with Brutality Will Prevail in the latter part of last year. This was the first time By My Hands debuted what was to be one of the tracks (entitled “Hollow”) off of the EP. Even in it’s roughest form, in a tiny practice room, it showed true promise. To say I was excited about this EP was an understatement.
No Hope, No Escape - As the title track fades in I’m lured into a false sense of security, before the opening message of No Hope, No Escape assaults my ears and kicks off the record in a foreboding style. This is certainly more than an introduction and sets the benchmark for new By My Hands. Every part of this song is on point from the guitar tone to the deep, well mixed drums. This will surely be a dance floor favourite in the slum venues of Glasgow.
Rust - Still reeling from the opening salvo, I am left no time to regroup and I am immediately eviscerated by the riffage. Frontman Chris Myler spits venomous anger to an unknown aggressor and everything around this vocal saturates and emanates his rage. Although not one for the twoey boys amongst us, it’s a surefire hit with anyone who enjoys mammoth guitar parts and straight-up, no bullshit hardcore.
Hollow - After the first two tracks have truly lived up to high expectations, all I’m left with is the dessert of this meaty EP. Hollow is anything but it’s namesake and is, for the first two minutes, a lesson in fast and thrashy hardcore. This is then followed by the rhythmic - often trademark - drums of By My Hands. The remainder of the track sidesteps from juicy beatdown to beatdown. An unexpected dive-bomb heralds guest vocals from Jeremy Lifeless which brings the EP to a crushing climax. As the EP slowly fades out the sample of Scottish TV legend Taggart states Glasgow is “no mean city” I’m left thinking this is one hell of a mean EP.
Special acknowledgement goes to John “Jawn” McClenaghan for an excellent set of cover photos which encapsulate not only the title but the mood of the three songs you are about to hear.(9)

By My Hands- “No Hope, No Escape” 7 inch EP
Released through: Purgatory Records

When the postman handed myself a thin parcel with the Purgatory Records symbol stuck to the front of it, I was pishing my frillies with anticipation. This EP Has been the talk of the Steamie since the GHC bhoys played with Brutality Will Prevail in the latter part of last year. This was the first time By My Hands debuted what was to be one of the tracks (entitled “Hollow”) off of the EP. Even in it’s roughest form, in a tiny practice room, it showed true promise. To say I was excited about this EP was an understatement.

No Hope, No Escape - As the title track fades in I’m lured into a false sense of security, before the opening message of No Hope, No Escape assaults my ears and kicks off the record in a foreboding style. This is certainly more than an introduction and sets the benchmark for new By My Hands. Every part of this song is on point from the guitar tone to the deep, well mixed drums. This will surely be a dance floor favourite in the slum venues of Glasgow.

Rust - Still reeling from the opening salvo, I am left no time to regroup and I am immediately eviscerated by the riffage. Frontman Chris Myler spits venomous anger to an unknown aggressor and everything around this vocal saturates and emanates his rage. Although not one for the twoey boys amongst us, it’s a surefire hit with anyone who enjoys mammoth guitar parts and straight-up, no bullshit hardcore.

Hollow - After the first two tracks have truly lived up to high expectations, all I’m left with is the dessert of this meaty EP. Hollow is anything but it’s namesake and is, for the first two minutes, a lesson in fast and thrashy hardcore. This is then followed by the rhythmic - often trademark - drums of By My Hands. The remainder of the track sidesteps from juicy beatdown to beatdown. An unexpected dive-bomb heralds guest vocals from Jeremy Lifeless which brings the EP to a crushing climax. As the EP slowly fades out the sample of Scottish TV legend Taggart states Glasgow is “no mean city” I’m left thinking this is one hell of a mean EP.

Special acknowledgement goes to John “Jawn” McClenaghan for an excellent set of cover photos which encapsulate not only the title but the mood of the three songs you are about to hear.

(9)

February 22, 2012
Vanna/Hundredth at Ivory Blacks, February 21st 2012Its a rain-drenched night in Glasgow’s city centre, tonight the air is filled with more than just the whiff of the puke in the gutter and exhaust smoke in the air. Excitement pulsed through the crowd tonight as they filed in for another night of music courtesy of Bro-motions. 
New blood kicked off tonights preceding in the form of Rainfalls. This band showed the guts and grit of hardened touring bands. The energy at its nucleus comes in the form of pint sized frontman Gary Gordon; who through it all shows poise and incredible presence onstage. Although hampered by technical difficulties it was taken in stride by the young guns. This band have crafted a brand of positive melodic hardcore and are definitely one to watch… oh did I mention it was only their second gig. (8)
The second of two local supports shoots onto the stage to the rhythmic bass of Dev classic “Bass Down Low”. This show is a bit different for chug-synth sextet My Friend the Arsonist, as their bassist Pete Hutchison is on vocals for a one off show and filling in on bass is English rose and Burn the Sunset’s axeman Jonathan Almond adding some extra sex to this sextet’s talented line-up. The nerves show for both men as the set begins, this wasn’t aided by a weak vocal mix but they fought on. Towards the end of the set with songs like “Spiderman” confidence grew. Although the frontman apologised for his short comings this was unneeded and he managed to hold onto the crowd’s attention, a decent set which was had potential to be great. (6)
The next act on the bill were a band I knew little about but everyone I spoke to seemed “stoked” to see them so I expected something, but not what I got. From the first words out of the frontman’s mouth Long Beach, California’s The Greenery hit the ground rolling with crunching guitars and solid earth-shaking drums. This is a band who made use of their soundcheck, from the first song it’s like a shotgun to the head and a swift boot in the baws. The frontman is one with the crowd, amongst it telling tales and spitting venom. This energetic five piece are the sound equivalent of the aborted spartan baby of Every Time I Die and Gallows, but the lemon in the eye is that fuck you punk-skate attitude that comes from neighbours Trash Talk. This band blew the cobwebs from the crowd’s ears and if that didn’t do the trick then the circle pit to skate anthem “Face Plant” shook the dust and dog shit from the patron’s Vans. This band were personified by their frontman in their up for it attitude which stole the show! (9)
Anticipation built as Hundredth took to the stage with their previous performance on the same stage being so explosive the question arose could they match it? This was answered with the opening of “Catalyst”. From this moment the crowd were in the palm of frontman  Chadwick Johnson’s hand and his grinning reaction was fitting, even if slightly sadistic. This set came to an explosive end with “Desolate” and the floor and barrier was alive with faces singing the words and punching their friends. Although short on songs this set was overflowing with energy. (8)
As headline act I would have thought more people would have stuck around for their set. The crowd were now half the original capacity and for an originally mellow crowd all life had now drained. And it was a small sporadic smattering of folded arms. This didn’t shake Vanna who were clearly still at their best playing a tight set of their best hits to polite applause. The frontman tried in vain to stir this crowd into movement but his attempts fell on deaf ears. Vanna’s tattoo’d vocalist clearly took umbrage to this declaring “you can do what you want at this show, walk on barrier and fight your friends, but if you’re going to stand with your arms crossed go the fuck home”. In my opinion, this was a little harsh and obviously the crowd didn’t appreciate it either as the only real movement occurring throughout the set was during the last song. They were musically tight apart from a few timing slips. Although the vocals were shaky at part, and had some minor tuning issues, Vanna managed to retained the angst of a shotgun decapitated, 20 years dead and buried Kurt Cobain. The reaction of the crowd shook Vanna’s confidence and it was visible. In short Vanna tried to beat the gauntlet thrown down by The Greenery but they Couldn’t defeat the opening salvo from the skate-punks of Cali (7)
This ruled : Discovering The Greenery.This blows: Merch prices of an arena tour  thanks to Kevin McDermott for the photograph and to Bro-motions for putting on another good night at Ivory’s.

Vanna/Hundredth at Ivory Blacks, February 21st 2012
Its a rain-drenched night in Glasgow’s city centre, tonight the air is filled with more than just the whiff of the puke in the gutter and exhaust smoke in the air. Excitement pulsed through the crowd tonight as they filed in for another night of music courtesy of Bro-motions. 



New blood kicked off tonights preceding in the form of Rainfalls. This band showed the guts and grit of hardened touring bands. The energy at its nucleus comes in the form of pint sized frontman Gary Gordon; who through it all shows poise and incredible presence onstage. Although hampered by technical difficulties it was taken in stride by the young guns. This band have crafted a brand of positive melodic hardcore and are definitely one to watch… oh did I mention it was only their second gig. (8)

The second of two local supports shoots onto the stage to the rhythmic bass of Dev classic “Bass Down Low”. This show is a bit different for chug-synth sextet My Friend the Arsonist, as their bassist Pete Hutchison is on vocals for a one off show and filling in on bass is English rose and Burn the Sunset’s axeman Jonathan Almond adding some extra sex to this sextet’s talented line-up. The nerves show for both men as the set begins, this wasn’t aided by a weak vocal mix but they fought on. Towards the end of the set with songs like “Spiderman” confidence grew. Although the frontman apologised for his short comings this was unneeded and he managed to hold onto the crowd’s attention, a decent set which was had potential to be great. (6)


The next act on the bill were a band I knew little about but everyone I spoke to seemed “stoked” to see them so I expected something, but not what I got. From the first words out of the frontman’s mouth Long Beach, California’s The Greenery hit the ground rolling with crunching guitars and solid earth-shaking drums. This is a band who made use of their soundcheck, from the first song it’s like a shotgun to the head and a swift boot in the baws. The frontman is one with the crowd, amongst it telling tales and spitting venom. This energetic five piece are the sound equivalent of the aborted spartan baby of Every Time I Die and Gallows, but the lemon in the eye is that fuck you punk-skate attitude that comes from neighbours Trash Talk. This band blew the cobwebs from the crowd’s ears and if that didn’t do the trick then the circle pit to skate anthem “Face Plant” shook the dust and dog shit from the patron’s Vans. This band were personified by their frontman in their up for it attitude which stole the show! (9)

Anticipation built as Hundredth took to the stage with their previous performance on the same stage being so explosive the question arose could they match it? This was answered with the opening of “Catalyst”. From this moment the crowd were in the palm of frontman  Chadwick Johnson’s hand and his grinning reaction was fitting, even if slightly sadistic. This set came to an explosive end with “Desolate” and the floor and barrier was alive with faces singing the words and punching their friends. Although short on songs this set was overflowing with energy. (8)

As headline act I would have thought more people would have stuck around for their set. The crowd were now half the original capacity and for an originally mellow crowd all life had now drained. And it was a small sporadic smattering of folded arms. This didn’t shake Vanna who were clearly still at their best playing a tight set of their best hits to polite applause. The frontman tried in vain to stir this crowd into movement but his attempts fell on deaf ears. Vanna’s tattoo’d vocalist clearly took umbrage to this declaring “you can do what you want at this show, walk on barrier and fight your friends, but if you’re going to stand with your arms crossed go the fuck home”. In my opinion, this was a little harsh and obviously the crowd didn’t appreciate it either as the only real movement occurring throughout the set was during the last song. They were musically tight apart from a few timing slips. Although the vocals were shaky at part, and had some minor tuning issues, Vanna managed to retained the angst of a shotgun decapitated, 20 years dead and buried Kurt Cobain. The reaction of the crowd shook Vanna’s confidence and it was visible. In short Vanna tried to beat the gauntlet thrown down by The Greenery but they Couldn’t defeat the opening salvo from the skate-punks of Cali (7)

This ruled : Discovering The Greenery.
This blows: Merch prices of an arena tour  

thanks to Kevin McDermott for the photograph and to Bro-motions for putting on another good night at Ivory’s.