The Rockstar Reviewer (Rambling Man's Reviews)

Words by Anselm Anderson Tom Auton is a 19-year-old singer/ songwriter prodigy from Cardiff, Wales. Tom started learning guitar and piano at the age of 9, which has played a large part in his music writing. If that is not all, he won two national first-place awards at "Open Mic UK ( 2014) and " Future Music UK Song Writing Competition a year later. Tom made his breakthrough by breaking into Fender's top Ten undiscovered artists' list, which is an achievement for someone so young.  He now releases his second EP ' Big Glass Little Bowl ',  a follow-up to a highly successful debut. Tom's next single Stay  has all the swagger and bravado to be a hit. The overall bluesy sound supplements the hubris of the star's lyrical content about a song  I believe is about falling for the wrong woman. The simple guitar lines stretch and squeal along to the star's cool vibe. His vocals are not too flashy but are suited to a simple electric acoustic song like ...

Monkey Fighters describe themselves as "   Presidents of the Stone Age, or Queens of the USA". This quirky statement underlies the band's energy and strong personality that comes from a band starting off. The Bristol-based group was originally formed in 2003. However, the band soon disbanded after releasing an EP, amid a few lineups changes with drummers. They have now returned with a re-recording of those tracks and recently released their debut single  " She from Tiny Keg ", which was initially published at the tail end of last month via all good digital platforms and streaming services. Monkey Fighters play alternative- grunge- prog rock with an extra dose of Punk added to the mix.   If this doesn't pique your interest, the opening riff will whet your appetite. The combination of an edgy bassline and the opening chords of the crunchy guitar riff will instantly keep you hooked. The track manages to sustain this high-tempo riff throughout over the steady ...

Words by Anselm Anderson Folk singer/songwriter Lilith started writing songs at the age of 11 and developing her own unique writing style by entering competitions at a young age. Lilith now releases her new single "Deep Waters" via Charthouse Music Studios in London, where she recently performed at one of their showcase events.   She also recently picked up a highly commended certificate at the 2017 UK Songwriting Competition. I feel Lilith brings a breath of fresh air to an always-evolving market in the folk scene. Her lyrics are deep and poetic, with a strong message about feeling left out. I believe there are strong comparisons between KT Tunstall and Regina Spektor.  'Deep Waters' is one of those folk songs that incorporates many different textures and images that creates a feeling of walking on clouds and looking down on the world. The slow tempo build of acoustic fingerpicking gradually comes to light with the haunting and powerful vocals of Lilith. This son...

Words by Anselm Anderson The California-based Firebug is an Alternative Rock group,, heavily influenced by 70's rock and New Orleans blues. They have been generating a following amongst festival-goers and concert attendees. The band's groove-orientated rock has enlightened 80,000 fans at Sonisphere in Knebworth, England. The band released Follower ,   the first track from the new album Wandering Soul. The thing that strikes me most about the track is the high-energy riff that is maintained throughout and the soulful timbre of lead singer Juliette Tworsey. The 70's influenced vibes make this an instant favourite with its polished production values and blues-tinged rhythmic patterns. The track begins with the tantalising hook that leads into the vocals of Tworsey, a rich and tender entrance that hypnotises the listener. Her voice blends with the buzz of guitar-driven desert rock with a nice new Orleans solo that fits in with the structure of the music. Wanderi...

The Kut are a three-pronged assault of raw, '90s-infused grunge and alt-rock that is set to ignite a stage near you. The alter ego of multi-instrumentalist Princess Maha. The Kut has been causing quite a stir with their arduous touring and festival appearances that include Download and Camden Rocks, as well as appearances on national radio stations and TV stations like Kerrang!  and  Scuzz. They now release Hollywood  Rock 'n' Roll, off  their new album V alley of the Thorns, which reached #7 on the UK Rock album charts. This is an energetic ball of scuzzy guitars and hellacious attitude, which reminds me of A edgier Runaways that begins with a blood-pumping and sonic riff that inflame with choral chants of "HOLLYWOOD ROCK AND ROLL". This is a fun track that shows the girls are really enjoying themselves, which could easily be a crowd-pleaser at festivals for fans who want a good time. The production is so refined you can almost feel the fingers clim...

Nelson King is a Lo-Fi, Indie singer, based in Brighton, England. King is fast becoming a hit on the Indie scene with many describing his music as a prolific catalogue of material that navigates an array of genres with effortless versatility. He now releases Shine on, the next single off his latest album Shine . King names T he Beatles, T-Rex and Jimi Hendrix as his influences, which are none more evident than on this track. An acoustic and melodic track that would be expected to grace the airwaves of all national radio stations. The song is simple without any complex structures. which is why I believe can become a hit. King's vocals are raw and receptive to any listener taking a long drive home from work. The strumming pattern is basic with subtle backbeats with a singalong chorus and beautiful fingerpicking that blend with an accustomed backing drum track that provides a tight rhythm. You can listen to the track below

London-born Just A Jester AKA Timothy Daniel Whittaker has had an illustrious career in the music industry, having supported established musicians like Van Morrison, played with Stuart Copeland of The Police and performed 7 times at Glastonbury Festival. Whittaker now releases his second solo track Someone Like You , a charming and upbeat acoustic track enthusing full of wisdom.  Someone Like You starts off the subtle taps of cymbals that lead to the uptempo and bright tones of guitar loops that transition into a huge pop chorus. The strumming pattern and reflective lyrics produce a warm song that builds nicely to a satisfactory finish. The bridges are delightful as the vocals are receptive to new listeners. This is a track I feel shares similarities with the rock band Biffy Clyro and is understandable why Just A Jester has been a regular at Festivals. This is certainly a track that could be a successful summer track. You can listen to the track via Spotify or find more informa...