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ALBUM OF THE WEEK- BRIDGET KELLY BAND- DARK SPACES

Blues aficionados The Bridget Kelly Band return with their sixth studio album in 8 years, since their inception in 2012.  Dark Spaces  comprises 13 tracks of Memphis/Texas blues blended with Southern rock and plenty of gusto. The Bridget Kelly band were formed in Gainesville by the charismatic charms of the aforementioned Bridget Kelly and the award-winning guitar wizard Tim Fik. They have forged a firm fanbase across the States with extensive airplay on SIRIUS XM, as well as regular features on SPOTIFY, DEEZER, PANDORA etc. They combine strong songcraft with riff-driven blues and emotive vocals to create a settling atmosphere for the musically inclined. The album starts ablaze with the scintillating Free Me. Kelly t ypically delivers a sultry performance on vocals against the picturesque backdrop of 12- bar blues so pleasantly mastered by Fik; which subsequently explodes into a flurry of blues notes. The punchy Sky's The Limit i nstantly follows suites wi...
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SONG OF THE DAY- KING'S COUNTY- I RAN

Floridian Hard rockers' King's County returns with a nod to their past, paying homage to their 80's influences with a cover of " I Ran" by New wave band A Flock of Seagull's . The Liverpudlians played a role on them early in their careers. King's County frontman Rob Dexter explains the reasons behind the choice to record the track as " We've always been fans of the 80's new wave bands and their music really converts nicely to hard Rock. Whether the meaning of "I Ran" is someone running towards or away from something, Kings County's version will have you banging your head while grabbing for a can of aquanet." King's County has created a rockier version of the track with added panache behind the music. I Ran instantly begins with a howling wind like something newly arrived from the Antarctic before the resonated chimes of the guitar tremble along the melodic lines. Dexter's distorted melodies are warm and introspecti...
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Song of the Day- Campbell Harrison- The River

Nashville-based singer/songwriter Campbell Harrison is an emerging talent on the Americana scene. He recently enjoyed a twelve-week run on the Apple Featured Hot Tracks chart in April with new single "The River", A melodic song about typically facing the struggles of everyday life with good intentions. Harrison combines deep lyrics with an upbeat tone that will leave you tapping your feet, as well as reflecting on life's issues. He has been compared to Jack Johnson and Ray Lamontagne and winning praise from national radio stations for his distinct voice and songwriting. The River is another entranced example from the deep roots of Americana. Harrison compares neat guitar work with simple strumming patterns and a fingerpicking style, along with a harmonious singing voice to create an easy-listening track. Harrison's storytelling relates to many people in that situation of finding escapism through life's struggles. The percussive beats on the guit...
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EP REVIEW- KINSTRIFE- INTERVENTION

Words by Anselm Anderson Hereford - based hard rockers' Kinstrife, named after a civil war in The  Lord Of the Rings , is a four-piece collective content on merging the border between classic rock and contemporary metal. The quintet now unleashes their debut EP Intervention , on priming ears fro the first time on July 31st via Forge AMP. The label has a knack for discovering talented unsigned artists, and Kinstrife is no exception to the rule. The ensemble's penchant for personal lyrics, combined with massive choruses and strong songwriting share similarities with bands like Shinedown and Inglorious. The group formed in 2003 by Lead guitarist Alan Kaye and Bassist Dave Richards, The duo was promptly joined by vocalist Mike Hoskins and drummer Simon Richards. 2020 seems to be a critical breakthrough for them with extensive international airplay and interviews including crucial exposure to their increasing popularity. The four-song EP combines 80's ballads with aggre...
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ALBUM REVIEW- THE TEN TON TINNIES - TONS OF TINS

Queensland - based country-punk rockers' The Ten Ton Tinnies are a band that featured heavily on these pages back in May with "Bad Gas Travels Fast in a Small town", a fun take on town gossip, served with a hint of the band's raucous humour and hard-hitting rock. The trio will finally unleash their debut album Tons of Tins on July 31st to an army of new followers. The LP is ten songs of their unabashed humour mixed with country grooves, punk attitude and some drinking tales. Part-Time Hillbilly is a punchy opening track with plenty of guts and energy. Vocalist Luke Turley seems intent in this narrative about leaving home. He delivers with panache against a backdrop of thunderous drums and jangly guitars that feel like this could be a future hit. Down in the Country is an energetic punk song reminiscent of bands like Simple Plan if they were born in the south. An introspective lyrical style of life in the country combines to create A singalong chorus and huge pop hooks...
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Song Review: Alchemy Divine - I'm in a Rush

Hard Rock act Alchemy Divine released the high-octane " I'm In A Rush", taken from the recent album  Crushed. The Italians are enjoying a meteoric rise with their blend of classic rock riffs and soaring vocal melodies. The band were formed in 2015 under the pseudonym Alchemy but chose to rename themselves to avoid confusion with Dire Straits cover bands. I'm in a Rush s tarts off with an energetic buzz segue into the lung-busting vocal styles of Francesca Mantovani. Her operatic palette is rich and dynamic, towering over the screeching guitar breaks of guitarist Mauri Belluzzo. The band come together in the chorus in a joyful cry of I'm in a rush. Mantovani can dictate tempo through her varying levels of tone, accompanied by the thunderous pounding of drummer Michael Kostka and the rumbling bass of Luca De Mare. Alchemy Divine seems to have the right formula with this retro roar of pure rock. Words by Anselm Anderson Alchemy Divine,  Crushed is available...
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Grace Solero- Awake- SONG OF THE DAY

London born singer-songwriter Grace Solero releases latest single Awake, taken from her forthcoming album,  Metamorphosis  due out next year. Solero moved to London to assemble her own band and has achieved considerable success in the process. She has enjoyed extensive national airplay, including appearances on BBC Radio 6, and heavy TV rotation on My Jam Music Network in New York. Solero and co have further enhanced their budding reputation with supporting roles to rock veterans ' Th e Crazy World of Arthur Brown. Motorhead guitarist Phil Campbell & Slade frontman Noddy Holder.  The band's unique brand of instrumentation and tender vocals naturally produce dreamy-like grunge rock for the modern generation to typically enjoy. The Chris Brown ( Radiohead, Muse) - produced track promptly begins with Solero purring over an aggressive guitar sound. The musical arrangement builds up creative tension before the aspiring singer gently pours her soul out in the chorus. ...
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Single Review: Allan James- Our dreams

Words were written by Anselm Anderson for Rambling Man's Reviews Allan James  is a much-accomplished singer-songwriter, based in Northern Virginia, USA James is a self-taught musician, who began playing guitar and singing songs aged 8 and by the time he reached his early teens, James had started to record and perform his original music for school, dances, and charities. James returned to the US following a successful stint as host of his own guitar TV show in Iceland, whilst living over there. Allan James achieved critical acclaim following the release of his debut single on local radio stations, as well as releasing  6 albums to date. James has always been at the forefront of utilizing technologies and using the internet to build a fanbase.  He now returns with " Our Dreams", the latest single off his forthcoming new album. A beautifully structured track that captures the soul with its succinct guitar play and poetic lyrics. The track conjures feelings of serenity...
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Review: Stereophobia- Choke on This

Photo Credit: Eclipse Records   Words written by Anselm Anderson Last week, Stereophobia released their highly anticipated sophomore album, Choke on This , through Eclipse Records. This album follows their 2023 debut, No One Cares, and features a straightforward blend of alt-rock and grunge influences. Stereophobia is a power trio based in Lisbon, Portugal, consisting of guitarist and vocalist Mike Rocha, drummer Daniel Antunes, and bassist Bruno Santos. Produced by Miguel Camillo and mixed, mastered and recorded alongside Stereophobia at MC Studios. Choke on This consists of thirteen tracks filled with musically unsettling tones, angst-driven lyrics, and sonically enriching riffs that cut deep. Photo Credit: Rodrigo Vargas The album opens with an unsettling monologue that transitions into the intense cries of 'Maggots', which combines frenetic riffs and frenzied harsh vocals, propelling this album into a dramatic surge of grunge. The album maintains a grunge essence, echoing ...
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EP Review: Virtue in Vain-Nothing is All I Am

  CoverArtwork Courtesy of San Pr Words Written by Anselm Anderson Today marks the final chapter of an emphatic trilogy by British Metalcore Heavyweights , Virtue in Vain . Nothing is All I Am ' is the third instalment exploring human emotions and psyche.  The trio began their journey in 2015 with their debut EP,  For All You Know is the Mask I Wore ,  focusing on the loss of identity, before 2019's   Dusk//Dawn looking at the consequences of a terrible night out, whilst 'Nothing is All I Am ' focuses on rebuilding a fractured mind. The trio of lead vocalist Hywel Thomas, guitarist Mason Williams, and drummer Daniel Bryant hail from South Wales deliver another dose of metalcore that hits like a sledgehammer to the head. The band replicates what many other British bands of the genre do, but they bring a story behind their music. Their emotional cries blend with powerful riffs and down-tuned instrumentals that resonate long after the music has stopped. Their...
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