Killer's Verdict

11 December 2007

Band - The Macabees

Album - Colour it In

Here is a band more and more people are starting to take notice of and once you've heard this album you'll know why.

The album starts off with the song 'Good Old Bill' and doesn't look back from there, it continues with their first release 'X-Ray' which is a stunning track that will stick in your head all day!

The first major song and surely a release on the album is 'Latchmere' and this is an instant classic. Any song on about a swimming pool has to be listened to! 'Latchmere's got a wave machine' being followed by a tide of fast guitar sounds. The next song is 'About Your Dress' and starts with the lyric 'it's just what all young lovers do' and what a song it is, with a fantastic verse and chorus combination.
For me, the album's highlights now come, in the form of 'Precious Time.' The song speeds along at pace but manages to be completely silent and still for the chorus.

The next three songs continue at brilliant speed with fantastic choruses. The album once again peaks, this time with 'First Love.' A live favourite really comes into its own on this album and the fact that it comes late in the album makes you keep listening. The final two songs cap off a great album and 'Toothpaste Kisses' actually slows the album down

One word to sum up this album - Genius!

28 August 2007

Band - Paramore

Album - Riot

With it being festival season, I decided to throw in a band that you may not be too familiar with but will be tearing up fields across the country through the summer.

I'm not one for enjoying bands with female vocals but Paramore seem to get through this by having a proper tasty bird! 18yr old Hayley Williams is a treat and recently got voted 2^nd sexiest woman in the world by Kerrang readers. I've attached a link so you can make up your own mind.  (Click here to see the lovely Hayley Williams)

Now, back to the album. The album struggles to get going up until the 4^th track - Misery Business. After that it is fast, loud and punk-pop at its best. Throughout the album you can hear some real 80's influences but with a great EMO twist.

This band is playing at Leeds festival and I for one will be in the front row.

12 February 2007

Band - My Chemical Romance

Album - Black Parade

Right, lets start by saying I've been an MCR fan for years and they are NOT a new band and EMO music is NOT new.  

I've been waiting for this album for a couple of years and was there on the day of it's release to make sure I didn't have to wait another day!

This album is nothing short of fantastic! I can find no weak songs, no fillers, nothing that suggests MCR have become commercial (although they have!)

From the way The End mixes perfectly with Dead, everything about this album oozes talent and emotion. The End is an amazing opening track with the lyrics, "If you look in the mirror and don't like what you see, you can find out first hand what it's like to be me". It is quickly followed by the upbeat Dead which is easily my favourite song.
 
Nothing you could tell me about this bands, the band or their past songs could stop me being a fan. Because of this I would like everyone to download at least 1 MCR song this year and I challenge you to not enjoy it.

15 January 2007

Band - Franz Ferdinand

Album - You Could Have it So Much Better

Right, after my deliberate error in the last Killers Verdict, I thought I'd drop in an album from a band everyone will know. I really enjoyed Franz Ferdinand's first album. I bought it on the back of them winning the Mercury prize. The first album had a raw sound and a mix of influences I could really relate too. This album fails to deliver I'm afraid.

There are a few decent songs on here but none of them really grip you and make you want to press that all important repeat button. Everyone knows how hard it is to record a 2nd album, especially when you've had the success their 1st album did. Not an excuse in my book. I personally think they were lazy on this album, knowing they had the following.

It will be interesting to see what 2007 brings for FF. There are reports of a new album in the spring and it is going to have to be a belter otherwise their already dwindling number of fans will turn their back on the Scots and another Mercury Prize winner will be left in the gutter.

14 December 2006

Band - alexisonfire

Album - Crisis

This follow up to 2004's 'Watch Out' album has been a long time coming. Knowing the anticipation was growing around the album, the record label decided to call on a few favours and brought in Bill Stevenson to produce and Gared O'Donnell for vocals. Turns out both of these were mistakes.

When the album finally arrived, I rushed to HMV to buy it. How disappointed I am. This album isn't like Alex of old but a new commercialised version. Some of the songs are good but nothing blows you away. I can see a few of the songs such as 'We are the End' doing really well in the charts but surely that's not what this band are about.

Dallas Green gives his all on vocals and it almost comes across that he didn't want the album to be this way. There is no passion and no desire in his vocals.

I'm off to see them live early next year and hopefully they'll only play the old album. If you're looking for a new band, I would recommend Alex but please don't buy this album. Go for the much grittier and underground sound of 2004's Watch Out.

19 November 2006

Band - The Cribs

Album - The Cribs

Having known Ryan and Gary from The Cribs for a few years now, I thought it would only be fair to review one of their albums. Born and bred in Wakefield, the Jarman brothers started making music about 10 years ago. What started off as a hobby has turned into large record sales and a following any current UK band would be proud of.

To say they sound like anyone would do them an injustice but they claim to take influence from people such as The Strokes. Whilst this album is poorly produced, for me it is a masterpiece. You wont believe these are a top band when you hear the album first time but you'll be taken in I assure you. The lyrics are pure genius and go through the usual range of sex, drugs, rock & roll and trend-chasers but with amazing wit and emotion. Best song on the album has to be "Hey Scensters" which tells all you trendys how stupid you look!

I've had this album for quite some time yet it is still one of my favourites but if you want to get a true feeling for The Cribs you must must see them live. The vocals sound ropey, the guitars sound strained but for some reason that I cant quite put my finger on, they'll have you singing and jumping around as if your life depended on it.

Ryan Jarman claims to be the man behind Live Aid 2 after finding Bob Geldof's number in a recording studio and texting him with the idea. I for one believe him!

Go out and buy this album. It will cost you a fiver from most record stores or from Amazon. A true work of art.

5 January 2005

Band – The Bouncing Souls

Album – How I Spent My Summer Vacation

I bought the first 2 Bouncing Souls albums and although I’m not a massive punk fan, I really enjoyed them. They have never claimed to be the best band in the world and they are not in the same sort of “punk league” as Rancid or Black Flag.

This 3rd album was bought on the strength that they released it on legendary label EPITAPH and you can tell they have had some real funding. Blowing the 2 previous albums out of the water, ‘summer vacation’ is a timeless classic that would, no should be in every music lover’s collection. I mean, the title of the album makes you realize this will be upbeat, fun, loud, fast and just enjoyable.

All the way through from ‘That Song’ to ‘Gene’ it has great lyrics that just make you want to sing along. I have spent many an afternoon in the garden with a can of Scrumpy Jack, a good smoke and this album nice and loud.

If you want to take my well-respected advice, you can buy this album on Amazon for a measly £8.99. Or, if you prefer, feel free to ask me for a lend. I will happily let you use my copied version.

3 November 2004

Band - The Killers

Album - Hot Fuss

This is the Killers debut album and what a debut! Critics out there say they sound too much like other bands but at the moment who doesn't!! Surely that doesn't stop them making good songs!

Released this year on the new 'Lizard King' label, this album will probably be purchased by most people who have heard top ten song 'Mr Brightside'. Whilst that is one of the best songs this year, it is far from being the best song on the album. The good thing about this album is EVERY song is brilliant. They are all very synth, all very catchy and every single one could be released as a top ten single. Best song on the album has to be 'Glamorous Indie Rock & Roll'.

I am going to see The Killers in November and I can’t wait. To hear this album live will be one of the highlights of 2004. Tickets can be bought at www.wayahead.com for about £11. If you don't fancy going to see them live, you can buy the album on www.amazon.co.uk for £8.99.  For you Yorkshire c**ts you can download it at £0.99 a song on most music sites.  To be honest, you might as well buy the album. I know you're not very bright but to download the album would cost more than buying it!

13 October 2004

Band - Boy Hits Car

Album - Boy Hits Car

This self-titled album was released on the label "Epic" in the spring of 2001. After gathering dust for the last 2 years I decided to give it another blast. God I am blessed with making good decisions. This album is first class and I can't believe I went without it for so long!

This 4 piece from LA are "in your face razor sharp" and are the reason nu-metal is as big as it is. A massive difference from their poor opening album a couple of years earlier, BHC combine flamboyant riffs with sick vocals. Putting these 2 arts together isn't easy but they seem to do it so naturally.

The first song on the record "The Rebirth" is no doubt the best song and whilst their is a slight dip in the middle with what can only be described as the hippy song "Man Without Skin", it is a great album as a whole. Nu-Metal meets post Hardcore and together it becomes....Boy Hits Car

You can buy this album on Amazon for a small £6.93. I still recommend downloading for you Yorkshire folk but be quick as it will soon be illegal and a reunion with the rest of your family in G wing isn't what you want!

19 May 2004

Band - Hot Water Music

Album - A Flight and A Crash

Released on legendary label "Epitaph" this record blew critics and fans away purely by the aggression. You get the feeling the band had every intention of bleeding all over their instruments come the end!

The first song "Flight and a Crash" makes you sit down in disbelief. Many bands play their best song first to try and grab your attention. This isn't the case with HWM. The first song, all be it good, is a bit of a let down compared to the rest and should really be played in the middle. This album peaks on "Sunday Suit" and stays at that high standard all the way through to the finale "Call it Trashing"

I put it to you like this...If you don’t buy or borrow this album, you are quite simply, missing out. Punk Rock is the best music in the world and HWM are the best punk rock band in the world. You don't have to be educated (as I am not) to work out that this means HWM are quite simply the best band on the planet. They have been plying their trade for many years and I expect them to be ripping stages and audiences to shreds for many more years to come.

This album is available at "One Stop Records" in Leeds and  www.amazon.co.uk for the handsome price of £6.50. Alternatively you can download it on Kazaa but being the middle class team we are I can't see anyone lowering themselves to that standard?

Thank you for all the people who have read the column. It will be back next season and I promise to do some mainstream sh*te!

12 May 2004

Band - The Distillers

Album - Coral Fang

There was a lot of 'trash talk' about this album due to Brodie's (vocals) recent split with punk idol Tim Armstrong and the fact it was being released on a major label. This was all pure bull***t! This album is simply amazing. It will easily become the best album of 2004 and probably become the best ever Distillers album.

Much different from the last 2 albums (Distillers and Sing Sing Death House), it shows the Distillers in a much more melodic mood. From the first track "Drain the Blood" you get the sensation any amazing album should fill you with. The only blemish on this awesome album is "Death Sex" which really is a let down.  Don't let this song put you off!  I only bought this album 2 weeks ago but nothing else has had a look in since!  The best song on the album is by far "The Hunger" It made the top 40 in the mainstream chart without even being released!

This album can be bought from pretty much anywhere due to it's mainstream release. I recommend you borrow this album from the Killer himself and bless your ears with this "Heaven on a CD"

28 April 2004

Band - Finch

Album - What It Is To Burn

This is one of the easiest album's i have ever had to review. Put simply, this album is excellent! There is no other band quite like Finch. I have had this album for about 6 months now and it never grows old.

The amazing quality of Nate Barcalow's lyrics means, regardless of how good the song is, every song touches you. I think the best song on this album is "New Beginnings" but with so many good songs everyone will have their own.  From their Major Label "Island" everyone thought Finch had sold out but listening to this album your mind is easily changed. I would recommend this band to anyone who likes emo rock with a heavy edge and any nu metal or hardcore fans looking for something new.

21 April 2004

Band - ill Nino

Album - 18 Used & New

This album has taken a year to produce but it was worth every minute of the wait. Their second album off their 'Roadrunner' label, this album is a must have for Metal fans across the world.

With a slight Latino twist Nino have adapted well to the ever changing world of metal. Still using some of the sounds they are known best for, they have mixed them up well with new sounds. This album goes from one extreme to the other from songs like 'This Times For Real' through to 'Re-Birth' but they have done it well. Most bands make the mistake of putting 2 different styles on 1 album but with such great vocals on this record Nino pull it off.

This amazing album can be purchased from all dodgy, underground shops for about £8 or for you cheap t**ts it can be downloaded on Kazaa.

7 April 2004

Band - Westlife

Album - Turnaround

After a great deal of pressure, I decided to give in and review a mainstream album.  I went out of my way to borrow this album off someone who shall remain nameless. After listening to this I can see why he wanted me not to mention his name.

Is this really what people listen to? This is the worst album I have ever heard. I sat alone, embarrassed by what if was subjecting me ears to.  Apparently one of them left the band recently? Was this for a public hanging and will the rest follow suit? If so I’ll buy the first ticket please!

This review shall finish here, as I am too ashamed to write any more. This album should not be purchased by anyone with ears but if you would like to buy it (c***ts), it is available on www.amazon.co.uk for £8.99.

Don't ever call me a robbing b****rd again!

31 March 2004

Band - Funeral For A friend

Album - Casually Dressed And Deep In Conversation

A fantastic debut by the Welsh quintet, Funeral For A Friend really brings together metal, punk and post hardcore emo into one breathtaking album.  Melody, aggression and pure emotion are just some of the words that spring to mind when listing to FFAF. This album has a couple of songs that can only be described as "legendary".  Casually Dressed And Deep In Conversation has been praised by every major name in the music industry including the Killer himself. Many fans of the band think that the music has been commercialised for the album but I disagree. Even the fact that these boys are Welsh hasn't put me off, they are THAT good! I have seen this band 7 times, more than any other band and every time they just get better. Every track on this album is filled with anger, sadness or just outright political views. All of which make great listening.  All in all this album is an amazing debut. It is a must buy and has already sold over half a million worldwide making massive waves across the Atlantic. Casually Dressed can be purchased at any good record store for a bargain £11.99 or can be downloaded if your dole cheque doesn't quite stretch.

24 March 2004

Band - The Used

Album - Used

The Used were my favourite band of 2003. They came in as the whole Emo/Post Hardcore sound was getting very popular but don't be fooled my good friends, these aren't just another run of the mill band. Bert McCracken on vocals is a genius who uses his screaming ability as if it was another instrument. Known for being sick on stage, Bert pushes himself to the limits to bring this pure brilliance to you. He dated Kelly Osbourne for a while but don't let that stop you buying this album! "Bulimic" is easily the best song on this album with singing and screaming bringing it together brilliantly.  This is a must buy album at www.amazon.co.uk for £10.99 or you cheap twats can download it!

17 March 2004

Band - Killswitch Engage

Album - Alive or just breathing

Once you really get into Killswitch Engage it's kinda hard to turn back. I bought this album on the strength of just one song, but find myself now loving all of them. With this album I taught myself to thrash and roar, and I'm better for it.

Alive or Just Breathing is one of those albums you'll either love or hate, but if you love it it's because you hear the guitar sequences and the lyrics and feel something powerful like I have.  There's more energy to this effort than the first album, which was evident when I saw them live at Download last year.

Adam Dutkiewski is a magician who can do anything, and he's pulled metal right out of the grave other bands have made for it. You won't be disappointed if you turn the volume up loud and get your mates round for a thrashing session with a few brewskis inside you

This album is available from all seedy record shops and a couple of decent ones too. Alternatively, for cheap ba***ds, why not download it?

10 March 2004

Band - Taking Back Sunday

Album - Tell All Your Friends

After changes to the line up at the end of 2002, TBS finally got their act together and produced this amazing album. 

"Tell All Your Friends" is a brilliant CD and will appeal to almost anyone who likes punk, emo or hardcore, as it blends all 3 styles perfectly. From emotional songs such as "Cute without the E" through to, what I think is the best song on the album, "Your So Last Summer" this album is a treat to listen to.  People like your good selves who have yet to realise what good music sounds like, this is your only chance. If you listen to this album, you'll never look back. If you don't enjoy this, you’re doomed for life.

"Tell All Your Friends" can be purchased at most good record shops and at www.amazon.co.uk.   Alternatively why not try the cheaper option and download it!

3 March 2004

Band Name - Movielife

Album Name - 40 Hour Train Back to Penn

This was Movielife's 2nd and unfortunately last album due to their shock split in November '03. After spending the whole of 2002 and the start of 2003 in the studio, they released 40 hour in the spring of last year. This is without a doubt one of the most melodic albums ever made. From personal songs such as "Kelly Song" through to the faster, rip-roaring "Scary", this album is a lyrical masterpiece.

There has been talk in recent weeks of a reunion for Download Festival (first weekend of June, £110 for weekend tickets through wayahead.com) but people in the business are suggesting these rumours are purely a marketing ploy by organisers. Much to the disappointment of Movielife fans!

This album can be purchased for £4.99 at "One Stop Records" in Leeds or for a cheap alternative, why not download it!

25 February 2004

Band - RX Bandits

Album - The Resignation

This third album from California based RX Bandits is exactly the same as the first two! It is poor, weak, quiet and unoriginal. In fact, this album wouldn't be out of place in the collection of a 14-year-old Linkin Park fan.  Their label "Drive-Thru" records have said this will be the bandits last album. Well thank f**k for that.  It cost me £6.99 to find out how poor this album was so I expect a drink for saving you all some money!

18 February 2004

Band - Poison The Well 

Album - You Come Before You

After spending the last 4 years chopping and changing band members, Poison The Well have finally released their first album from their new label 'Trust Kill'.  This album has been worth the wait. This is without doubt, the hardest, heaviest record released this side of 2000. With songs such as 'Ghostchant' and 'Zombies are good for your health', you find it impossible to put this album away.

'You Come Before You' will be a classic for years to come within the metalcore circle. I thoroughly recommend this album at only £6.99 from "One Stop Records" in Leeds.