Reviews

Post-hardcore/rock powerhouse Holding Absence are on the brink of greatness. Coming out of their hometown of Cardiff some six short years ago, Holding Absence absolutely stormed their ascent in the alternative music scene, with their atmospheric amalgamation of belting anthemic choruses, battering drums and big guitar riffs on their monochromatic hard-hitting debut. To follow in the footsteps of such a strong self-titled takes some beating, but the band have done it with their sonically, lyrically, thematically and visually stunning second album 'The Greatest Mistake Of My Life'.

'Loss' is proof that Devil Sold His Soul have always stood on the cusp of greatness. The world may not have noticed it up until now and frankly, it has been their loss (no pun intended). With their fourth full-length release, the band have reached the potential that they have always promised and have grown into something truly special.

The enigmatic hardcore collective return with their third album, following up the brilliant 'ONLY LOVE' from 2018. This time, they have even revealed who is actually playing on the record….or have they? Having officially stepped out of the shadows, do they deliver another boundary pushing release with 'ULTRAPOP'?

Since the beginning, Sheffield metalcore outfit While She Sleeps have been driven by their DIY mentality. Their colossal fourteen-year career has been crafted out of a brutal blend of crushing hardcore and killer metal anthems, that have been written, recorded and released on their own terms and innovation. Hellbent on not following the music industry formula, While She Sleeps’ fifth full-length 'SLEEPS SOCIETY' aims to change the way the music business works once more, whilst delivering an experimental banger of a record.

In a world where virtual concerts will hopefully be a thing of the past in three months' time, it is difficult to persuade fans that spending money on a virtual gig is worth their time. Insane production and uniqueness to get fans excited is needed in abundance – so do Black Peaks provide that in their live streaming effort?

Indie newcomers Muttering have brought us a debut EP that challenges how listeners look at the world and its fate. Posing hard questions to musical montages that will lead you straight into the watery world they’ve created. Leaving us to ask the question: will the EP float or not?

For any creative who has been honing their craft for a long period of time, it can sometimes be difficult to find growth and new avenues to express their art. So, when you have been a band for more than a decade, fans of your art may think they have seen everything you have to offer. But for Norwegian noise-rockers Årabrot, their ninth instalment 'Norwegian Gothic' is a culmination of everything they have worked towards and a sign that there is much more to come.

Despite all the artistic influences that naturally find their way into this album, The Snuts remain their biggest source of inspiration on 'W.L.'. A debut album of pure lyrical emotion and musical experimentation, W.L. encapsulates the band’s journey from four working class kids growing up with a dream in Whitburn, to becoming one of the UK’s most exciting and vital bands of the new decade.

Dry Cleaning’s debut full-length has been one post-punk fans have been waiting for ever since their first sniff of their debut EP back in 2018. So, does Florence Shaw’s observations of the world around her formulate into an album worth your time, or is the excitement for Dry Cleaning not justified?

When Saint Agnes were locked down the only way they knew to keep busy was by making music and so, 'Vampire' was born. A visceral gothic concept mini-album. They’ve invited us to join their coven, but do we want to listen to this album for our eternal life or not?