Reviews

Now in its sixth year, StrangeForms is a celebration of all things math-rock, post-rock and post-hardcore, from the legends of these alternative rock sub-genres, to new bands looking to make a name for themselves. 2018 was a landmark year for the Leeds-based festival, as it moved across the city to a larger venue at the Brudenell Social Club; evidence of the event’s growing popularity and ambition. After a successful debut year in its new home, allowing for its largest audience yet, StrangeForms is back for another instalment at the Brudenell.

'Born A Cynic', the first full-length from Bristol’s Weatherstate comes with the caveat of reputation based pressure, but has all of the touring led them towards a standout debut?

It's been a whirlwind six months for UK five-piece Employed To Serve. The end of 2018 saw the band ink a deal with Spinefarm Records, with the first half of 2019 preparing them for the release of their third album Eternal Forward Motion. After the success of 2017's The Warmth Of A Dying Sun, is this highly anticipated release going to propel Employed To Serve even further or leave them stagnant?

Lord Dying are back with their third full length release 'Mysterium Tremendum', an album that sees the band searching for solace in their art following the untimely passing of guitarist Chris Evans' sister.

Reforming, returning and reigniting a music industry revival, The Damned Things release their second studio album 'High Crimes' via Nuclear Blast Records. The follow-up to first full-length debut 'Ironiclast', 'High Crimes' results in a record relishing in each individual member's essence, erupting in an energetic sonic dynamism.

Norwegian indie rock band Beezewax are back after five years with new album 'Peace Jazz', an exploration of their own live sound that takes a contemplative look on their past few years on the road.

2015’s BBC Introducing upcoming band of the year, SPQR are here with their new heartfelt art-rock EP, 'Low Sun Long Shadows'. Short and to the point, this EP reaffirms the band’s talent within the post-punk realms and leaves you scratching for more.

Ohio rockers Nine Shrines' spirited intent to dominate the rock realm pursues in their latest record 'Retribution Therapy', broadly blending between the extremities of metalcore and euphonious melodic songwriting. Surfacing in the music scene in 2014, the Cleveland cohort is derived of members from nostalgic noughties alternative artists Attack Attack!, Downplay, Life on Repeat and Strangers to Wolves, arising as the new Nine Shrines moniker. Now, the band are stepping out with repressed angst, articulated in their ruthlessly incendiary new record.

It can be very easy once you've been a band for a while to basically phone it in, play some 7/10 tracks and just do the bare minimum to please your base audience and keep the ticket sales flowing. After The Burial have not done this. Their new album 'Evergreen' is an absolute must listen for anyone who likes their metal technically accomplished.

Veteran hardcore stars Polar return with 'Nova', their fourth full length, and by their own account, most personal work to date. A newfound maturity and experimentation sees the band build on their last effort with mixed results.