Album and live music reviews from Soundblab.
[Soundblab Website has been archived and is now for sale - these are just samples now of a selection of albums I reviewed for the now defunct review website]
[Soundblab Website has been archived and is now for sale - these are just samples now of a selection of albums I reviewed for the now defunct review website]
Quicksand: Interiors
“The listener will hear aspects most like those caught on Manic Compression but without the treble-high production and disaffected agitation, and moments on Slip like the intro to ‘Transparent’ only stretched out over the majority of a song.” Published: 05 November, 2017 
Lee Ranaldo: Electric Trim
“Ranaldo is at his best when he’s not trying to be lyrically deep, but lyrically honest; when his music isn’t trying to recapture something from the past, but instead, in its simplicity, capturing something from the heart.” Published: 07 September 2017 |
Mutoid Man: War Moans
“It’s like the ugly offspring of hardcore and thrash who doesn’t care what you think but still wants to lift you up into the flames of rejuvenation.” Published: 02 June 2017 
Vast Asteroid: Self-titled
“A 46 minute, eight song, ode to 80s pop via shoegaze and psychedelia... but when it’s filtered through rock guitars, drums, and bass, I can’t help but get hooked on those catchy vocal phrases and washed out distortion.” Published: 14 November, 2017 |
Fazerdaze: Morningside
“Listening to Morningside is like having the door to a house opened for you, casually strolling in and taking your own time to find a comfortable couch to lie back and relax in.” Published: 06 May 2017 |
Mutoid Man: Bleeder
“...fuses and moulds rock and hardcore within moments of each other, juxtaposing the melodic singing and vocal screams with barely a moment’s notice.” Published: 25 June 2015 |
Gaz Coombes: Matador
“After this album, Coombes could pretty much do anything he wants - and get away with it.” Published: 27 January 2015 |
Lee Ranaldo and the Dust: Acoustic Dust
“It's an album invested in assuredness and confidence, and trusting musicians to put themselves into songs that already carry their own strengths.” Published: 01 December 2014 |
New Keepers of the Water Towers: Infernal Machine
“Maybe you need to be stoned out of your brain to enjoy this music, or surfing on an acid trip; I don’t know – I don't do drugs anymore, and I'm not going to either just so I can get more out of this album.” Published: 28 February 2016 |
Acid Deathtrip / Hangman's Chair - Split 12"
“Deserves a few worthy listens before either bands release a full-length.” Published: 16 November 2014 |
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Anathema: Live at The Kings Arms (New Zealand)
“It is impressive for a band – even if it is only half the band – to travel so far and play with as much enthusiasm and sincerity that they would for any other larger crowd. The venue was small, the crowd was smaller, but the heart of Anathema shone bright and filled the room.” Published: 03 November 2015 |
Dope Body: Kunk
“There are ideas on this album – plenty of them – but none of them have been developed (or edited) to any extent worth taking note of.” Published: 18 August 2015 |
Ladyhawke: Wild Things
“Wild Things is a good pop album, though it doesn’t stand out, but at least it’s a huge step up from the second album and almost reaches the same simple but easy fun of the début.” Published: 06 June 2016 |
Bloc Party: Hymns
“Hymns deserves to be appreciated for being brave enough to wear both the pop influences and gospel inspirations on it’s sleeves, and to continue the progression of a band trying something new and different.” Published: 28 January 2016 |
Viola Beach: Viola Beach
“There’s a real laid back charm to the singing and playing that catches the listener up in the momentum and joy. ... Viola Beach’s début is an album that will stand as a testament to a group whose potential was cut short long before their time.” Published: 26 July 2016 |
Papier Tigre: The Screw
“Well, it sounds like post-rock punk to me. I don’t like it. Hey, it’s gotta be good! ...rrrright?” Published: 16 June 2016 |
Tunes of I: Restless
“A finely produced work that bares all the hallmarks of a class act. ... uplifting vocals, positive messages and tight playing that holds it’s own with the best dub bands.” Published: 20 November 2015 |
Springtime Carnivore: Springtime Carnivore
“The album soars when it’s up-tempo and all instruments join in on what feels like a celebration of the reasons for making music. Songs bathe in the glory of Motown moving forward rather than backwards.” Published: 03 November 2014 |
