MRG Music Reviews

Thursday, 12 February 2015

In this review, I will be looking at the EP titled "We Can Build Astronauts," by a band named, "Peur." Peur are an Alternative Rock band from Manchester, whose distinctive sound and melodic vocals could be easily recognised anywhere. The variation in super distorted bass and guitar, and amazingly clean vocals works very well and creates a really diverse tone to the overall tracks. If you are into your Alternative Rock, Indie, or Punk styles of music, you have to give this EP a listen, I promise you won't be disappointed.

MRG's Top 5 Picks:

Number 5:

In at number 5, goes to the song, "Empires," well written song with a great breakdown in the middle of the song with a well interpreted voice over that really helps to add atmosphere and emotion to the song.

Number 4:

The song I have placed at number 4 is, "Grey Blood," I love how this song starts with an almost blues riff and kicks in with the almost trademark "Peur" grungy heavily distorted guitar before dropping back to the riff, and to top it off, it has an awesome little harmonica solo before a beefy guitar solo, a very nice song.

Number 3:

In 3rd position, I have placed, "Anarchy," the simple guitar in the verses and distortion bass really help to bring out the emotion before the the big kick in the chorus. the vocals are a nice tone and also very catchy in this particular track.

Number 2:

2nd place has to go to the track, "Lights," it is the 1st track on the EP, and gets the whole piece off to a great start, the simple lead guitar riffs in the verses mixed with the distortion bass line, the constant drum beats with the quirky little fills and the higher pitch of crystal clear vocals make for a very well written piece.

Number 1:

In 1st position, and my favourite track on the EP, has to be "Pursued By Bears," this track is led by a very catchy and well written distorted bass line, that is backed up in the bridges and break down by an equally as catchy guitar riff. The song's vocals, drums, bass and guitar all help to give the song a great energy that keeps flowing throughout the song.

That's if for my review on the EP, "We Can Build Astronauts," overall I found this to be a bunch of great tracks that will definitely be going on my music playlist! Looking back on the review, I may have been slightly biased on my number 1 position, seeing as I am a bassist myself, but I stand by my decision. If you would like to listen to these tracks for yourself, please follow the link below, I would highly recommend it!

Give Peur a like on Facebook here:

https://www.facebook.com/PeurOfficial/timeline

Give Peur a listen on Soundcloud here:

https://soundcloud.com/peurofficial

Download the EP here:

http://www.peurofficial.com/music/

Thanks very much for reading my review, if you enjoyed it please follow me on Twitter, or add me on Facebook and leave comments,

Until next time,

MRG Music Reviews

Monday, 9 February 2015

During this review, I am going to look at the EP titled "Paradise," by the music artist Matt O'Brien. Matt is originally from the the town of Wadsworth in Ohio. "Paradise" is an EP packed with ripping bass lines and awesomely catchy leads which are overlaid with tone perfect vocals. If you are looking for a nicely blended mix of pop and dance music, then this EP is well worth a listen if you have a spare second.

MRG's Top 6 Picks:

Number 6:

In at number 6, I have placed the song, "Still Not Over You," this song evokes the most emotion on the EP, the tone of the vocals mixed with the piano really helps to push and make this a very nice atmospheric piece.

Number 5:

5th position goes to the song, "Bombshell," this song starts with drums and bass, and works up to a very well written breakdown and a super catchy chorus.

Number 4:

I have given the song, "Getaway," this song consists of a very distinctive lead synth and very well thought out build ups and breaks within the song.

Number 3:

I have put the song, "Apocalypse," in at number 3, this track is full of distinctive bass and a strong punchy dance beat that keeps the song's energy running throughout. The drum break in the middle of the song is also very well thought out and works extremely well to break up the song without losing any of it's energy.

Number 2:

I have placed the song, "Dangerously Apathetic," A very strong track that is lead by layers of deep backing vocals mixed with various different styles of synth to create a nice variation of sound that combines well with the vocals.

Number 1:

In my opinion, the best song is the EP-titled song, which is "Paradise," this song is full of edgy bass lines, well-toned vocals and well built up synth effects and leads that help to strengthen the song in vital parts to help to emphasise it in the choruses, build ups and breakdowns.

That's about it for this review, I would strongly recommend this EP to anybody who loves their pop and dance music! I have to admit, I am not the biggest fan of Pop and Dance music, I am more into my Indie Rock and Blues styles, but I have to say I am quite a fan of how this EP is written, thought out and the overall sound too.

To have a listen to it yourselves, here is the link to the soundcloud page:

https://soundcloud.com/mattobrienmusic/sets/paradise-ep

Or check out Matt's Facebook page and give him a "Like" at:

https://www.facebook.com/MattOBrienMusic1/timeline

Don't forget to follow me and check out some of my other reviews if you enjoyed this one, thanks very much for reading.

MRG Music Reviews

Friday, 6 February 2015

Today, I am going to review TheMisanthropists, a 3-piece indie band from London's, debut demo album titled "TM." The band manage to combine indie tones and beats with a classic 1970's blues style to create a unique and almost mesmerising and energetic mix of sound. The effortless interchange of clean and overdriven tones help to keep the tracks fresh without over compensating, in my opinion, a strong demo album.

MRG's Top 6 Picks:

Number 6:

In at number 6 is "Human Life," this song manages to combine a good use of octaves on the guitar and little jazz-syle drum fills in the breaks to complement the vocals.

Number 5:

Fifth position is taken by the song, "You've Got Potential," this song is full of over driven guitar, build ups and bags of attitude.

Number 4:

In at number 4 is the song, "g.O.D," this song kicks in straight away with high energy and pace, before mellowing into a disco beat and a clean sounding indie guitar tone, a very good indie-rock track.

Number 3:

3rd place goes to the song, "Run Away With Me," this song has a strong and distinctive bass line that manages to cut through the great grungy indie tone of the guitar very nicely.

Number 2:

In 2nd place, is the song, "Twilight Zone," this song is full of distinctive bass walks, cutting drums and awesome guitar riffs and tones.

Number 1:

In 1st place, I have placed the song, "I Want You," in my opinion, this is a top indie tune, packed with dynamic drum beats, overdriven guitar, and a strong and punchy bass line, a song that any indie fan would like.

That concludes my review on "TheMisanthropists" album "TM," hope you enjoyed reading it, if you want to check out the album for yourself, find it here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biZjBqJu0bI&list=UUG50TPp7JdUIop6gyRMFc1w

Or check out their Twitter here:

https://twitter.com/TMisanthropists

Thanks very much for reading, feel free to check out some of my other posts

MRG Music Reviews

Thursday, 5 February 2015

In this review, I am going to be looking at the debut album from the energetic and highly entertaining Indie-Rock band, The Pigeon Detectives. The album, titled "Wait for me," is full of raw and hard hitting songs, that seem to be written about everyday circumstances and situations that occur in everyday life, which helps to put the band at a level in which almost anybody can relate to them.

The album is packed full of recognisable Indie Rock guitar riffs and solos, hard hitting Indie drum beats, and the Indie Rock bass which really helps to run the song, but also emphasise the bass drum and the rhythm guitar.

MRG's Top 6 Picks:

Number 6:

In 6th position, I have chosen to place, "Caught In your Trap," a typically indie track, which manages to combine the deep barre chords with the higher octave of the chord to create a stronger sound without going too over the top. The little drum fills that are brought in throughout of the song help to break up the song and keep it interesting.

Number 5:

5th position belongs to "You Better Not Look My Way," this song starts off with a very deep and strong bass line, with the guitar entering in a dramatic fashion with a lot of distortion and feedback before the typical catchy Pigeon Detectives Indie Rock guitar riff kicks in.

Number 4:

Number 4 has to be, "Romantic Type," excellent starting song that kicks the entire album off with a fairly quick bass and snare beat that manages to set the tone for the rest of the song, and the rest of the album in essence, very well written song, catchy lyrics and an excellent guitar riff.

Number 3:

For third position, I have placed, "Don't Know How To Say Goodbye," this song may be less than 2 minutes long, but it's quick kick-in, and it's fast pace mixed with it's attitude managed to convince me to rate it 3rd best song on the album.

Number 2:

So, now for second position, it was a hard choice, but I have placed, "I'm Not Sorry," this song is a really well written Indie tune, full of everything that a successful indie song needs, it has attitude, pace, emotion and depth, if you are an Indie fan, this song is most definitely worth a listen.

Number 1:

There is no question which song gets the number 1 spot in my opinion, it has to be the amazing "I Found Out," another song that is just over 2 minutes long, but it has pace, a strong guitar and a powerful bass line that strengthens the song. What really makes this song for me is the emotion behind it and the overall view of the song, out of the entire album, I feel that this is the one that most people can relate to.

That concludes my review of The Pigeon Detectives album "Wait For Me," would recommend a listen if you get the chance, and maybe give them a "Like" on Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/thepigeondetectives?fref=ts

Thanks very much for reading, if you enjoyed this review, then please give my page a follow,

MRG Music Reviews

Wednesday, 4 February 2015

Today, I am going to be looking at a band named Boomin', and their debut album named, "Original Junkie," an album which was originally released in 2012, and in my opinion, one of, if not the best album of that particular year. If you have not heard any of Boomin's songs, you really need to listen to some of the ones mentioned in this post.

This album manages to build up, create and hold a huge amount of energy throughout the entire album, which keeps listeners enthralled right the way through to the last second of the last song. The great thing about Boomin' in my opinion is that there's at least one song for everyone on the album, they somehow manage to cover a diverse set of genres, from a pop/ soft rock style in the forms of "Shine Bright," and "2nd Star to the Right," through to more of a laid back acoustic feel, with songs such as "Send You A Postcard," to pure genius and recognisable rock riffs in songs such as "Just A Cover Band,""Wrong" and "Wigan To New York" and finally, to the punk and grungy sounds to "Kill the DJ" and "Original Junkie."

MRG's Top 6 Picks:

Number 6:

Ok, so in at number 6, I have chosen the song, "Kill The DJ," this decision will probably be quite controversial to a lot of people as to why it is not further up the list, the answer is simple, it's because there are so many amazing songs on this album. What most stands out to me in this song is the bass line, it does not follow simple root notes through the verses, this along with the clean guitar helps to give the song a diverse sound. Personally, I love what the song stands for.

Number 5:

At number 5, I have placed "Original Junkie," with it's energy and amazingly catchy chorus, it is definitely a strong song from the album, and again, to some I may have rated this song a bit low, but I do believe that these next songs deserve to be in a higher position.

Number 4:

At number 4, I have placed the song, "Shine Bright," this song is led by a very simple but well written guitar riff that will be stuck in your head for quite a while after you hear the song, if, for some reason, the guitar riff does not, then don't worry too much, because I am positive that the chorus lyrics will! Another great song by the lads.

Number 3:

Song number 3 is called, "Wigan to New York," this song takes off in top gear straight from the first note, with a massively catchy chant style of lyrics, with a guitar riff, bass line and drum beat to back it up. Yet again, an unbelievably catchy song, but in a completely different way to the previous song.

Number 2:

One of my favourite songs from the album, this song is very well written and has an amazing guitar riff in it, not to mention an awesome solo, it has to be, "Wrong," one of the best parts of the song has to be the break down, that leads to a drum and vocal interlude back into the chorus, I would definitely recommend anybody at all to have a listen to this song!

Number 1:

My Number one choice is, in my opinion, a very obvious one, the song is called "Just a Cover Band," some people may disagree, but to me this is as close to a perfect song as anybody is ever going to get. It starts off with a piano piece, which then transpires to a guitar instead, which sounds amazing. The lyrics are raw, emotional and in the chorus, are very catchy, the constant punchy bass and the intricate little drum patterns through the verse all add to the overall feel of the song.

That is my review of Boomin's "Original Junkie" album, feel free to check them out and give them a "Like" on

https://www.facebook.com/boominband/info?tab=overview

or check out their site at

http://www.boominband.com/

Thanks very much for reading, I hope you enjoyed it, and don't forget to follow me for more reviews

MRG Music Reviews

Tuesday, 3 February 2015

The Album Cover to "With Love and Squalor"

In this review, I am going to talk about the first album that We Are Scientists released in 2005. I chose to review this album as my first post because it is one of my all-time favourite albums, and the album is one of the few albums that I know of that manages to remain strong and attention gripping all the way through.

If you enjoy Indie Rock music, full of energetic guitar riffs, backed by punchy bass lines, intricate drum techniques, and witty, yet down to earth lyrics, then look no further. Each song with it's individual unique qualities, attitude and persona.

This album has a bit of everything, from the fast paced, energetic and memorable guitar riffs of "Nobody Move, Nobody Get Hurt," "Callbacks," and "The Great Escape" through to the emotionally evoked songs, such as, "It's A Hit," "Textbook," and "Can't Lose."

MRG's Top 6 Picks:

Number 6:

Chris Cain, Live from Liverpool
O2 Academy, 2010

In 6th position, I have chosen the song "Can't Lose," this is arguably one of the most emotionally charged songs on the album, it starts of with drum, bass and vocals, and slowly builds up to a climatic emotional chorus, this song is definitely worth a listen, the way that the emotion is portrayed is very unique but very effective at the same time.

Number 5:
In at number 5, it has to be "Callbacks," this song maybe the shortest song on the album, but it has to be the one with the most attitude and swagger within it. A fast paced beat, heavily overdriven guitar, constant and strong bass line and plenty of feedback, help this to be one hell of a song.

Number 4

Song number 4, "Inaction," another song which has all three instruments playing a huge part throughout it, from the distortion effect on the bass guitar helping to beef out the entire song, to the intricate drum patterns and changes, to the amazing changes in keys, octaves, lead riffs and rhythm chords of the guitar. If all of this wasn't enough, the catchy backing vocals of "Inaction" throughout the chorus will have this song stuck in your head for god knows how long after you hear it.

Number 3

My number 3 is the song, "It's A Hit," a strong and emotional song right from the start, with the guitar changing from rhythm chords to lead riff throughout with flowing ease, a very well written song and manages to convey the emotion unbelievable well.

Keith Murray, Live from Liverpool
O2 Academy, 2010

Number 2
"Nobody Move, Nobody Get Hurt," easily one of the best songs on the album, the simple but hugely effective guitar riff that will be ringing in your ears for days after you hear it, this mixed with a punchy bass line, dynamic drum beat and catchy lyrics make for a really well written and produced piece.

Number 1
Without a doubt, it has to be the song "The Great Escape," this song has everything, a well thought out catchy chord sequence to begin the song, perfect bass tone, pacy drum beat and ridiculously catchy lyrics, not to mention a comedic music video, a perfect song in my eyes.

That concludes my review of the We Are Scientists album "With Love and Squalor," thank you very much for reading, hope you enjoyed it.

Sunday, 1 February 2015

Hi,
My name is Mat, and I live in the North West of England. I have a great passion for music, and love to share my experiences with people who share this passion, and that is what brought me here. Over the next few months, I am going to be reviewing a few albums, by both signed and unsigned artists, so you all can get a brief overview of an album before you go out and buy or listen to it.
I am a member of an Indie band, but I like a bit of all music in all honesty. Please help me out by following me on here, by reading my posts, and maybe even suggesting one or two bands for me to check out and write about. Because I am new to this, any help along the way would be greatly appreciated.

Mat