Page 33 - Black Velvet Rock Magazine Issue 109

BV109 albums pg 33.qxp_BV109 pg 33 10/12/2023 13:35 Page 1

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buzzing, itching to catch Hopeless' the standout their pre-album work, the and intense moments from
this genius group of individ- song of the record. It's one best is yet to come, with quick rapping and screamo
uals that are Black Water of the less heavy songs on 'Close To The End' follow- to mesmerizing vocals.
County in action, ready to this album, but the power ing immediately after. Com- This is a track you will truly
hit that repeat button until behind Chris' words will un- parisons to Alter Bridge are feel like you can get caught
you do and beyond. doubtedly strike a chord sure to come, but, when a up in, really connecting
YYYYY with everyone and the song is as good as this, with the music and lyrics.
Sammie Lynch emotional weight he lends who cares who it may or ‘Hungry For Life’, one of
to each word make this a may not sound like? This the softer tracks on the
spectacular journey. song showcases what King album, presents a real an-
‘Here's to the hopeless and Herd does best, and that is themic vibe that you can
BLACK WATER COUNTY the broken, the last ones to a brilliant ability by each of bond with, as the emotion
THE ONLY LIFE WORTH be chosen, who knows all its band members to make truly projects through every
LIVING the things we've been each other sound that note. The versatility of the
(INDEPENDENT) through. Right here, God much better together than band leaps out of the
‘The Only Life Worth as my witness, I've never they would on their own. speakers with the genius of
Living’, the third full-length been religious, but I've al- Throughout the record, the instruments like the saxo-
album from Black Water ways believed in you’. And band lift Dave's voice and phone and electronic ele-
County, truly feels as if that doesn't make you be- give it additional power and ments of tracks like ‘NDA’
though, over the past lieve in the Black Stone emotion, but what makes and ‘Say It Again’, with in-
decade of making music BLACK STONE CHERRY Cherry boys, then try this King Herd stand out is sane guitar and drums
together, every element SCREAMIN' AT THE SKY from 'Smile, World'; ‘It's Dave’s ability to return the throughout. There’s only
has seamlessly converged, (MASCOT) your world, start livin', one favour. His cries act like an one place to escape to and
culminating in a perfect There is a luxury which life is all we're given'. Black additional guitarist on the that’s this album on repeat.
synergy. Shan Byrom (vo- musicians earn when they Stone Cherry are making record and it is a joy to lis- ‘It’s You (2 Months)’ fea-
cals/tin whistle), Tim Harris have established them- the most of theirs and this ten to. At the other end of tures KILLBOY and is gen-
(vocals/bass), Bradley selves; when they have a album encourages you to the scale, these combined tler track, about finding
Hutchings-Clarke (guitar), large and loyal fan base do the same. And what talents work brilliantly on solace and refuge in some-
Gavin Coles (guitar, man- and the comfort of not hav- greater gift is there than 'Like It Used To Be', one of one or something, with the
dolin and banjo) and Ollie ing a record label breathing that? the most emotional songs hope that things will get
Beaton (drums) bring you a down their neck for the YYYYY on the record, but still one better. ‘Set You On Fire’ will
feast for the ears and the next hit record and that is Michael Coventry packed with power, while indeed set the album
soul, full of highs and lows the luxury of being them- showing a softer side. Else- ablaze, shining brightly for
in their talented storytelling. selves. And it's where Ken- where, 'Remedy' is a rip- all to see and hear, as it
The album runs full circle tucky's finest Black Stone roaring slab of hard rock, brings the journey of the
from the title track, ‘The Cherry find themselves in 'Somebody Else' is a album to an end. The
Only Life Worth Living’, to 2023. Their eighth studio spine-tinglingly showcase whole album demonstrates
the final track ‘Limelight’, album 'Screamin' At The of guitar and drumming this platinum-certified,
which, whilst beginning Sky', seems to find the skills and 'Only One' is a chart-topping band that is
with a slow acoustic vibe band not only in fine voice great curtain call, with Bad Wolves, are a force to
that lulls you into a sense and sound, but, not facing Dave's vocals on top form. be reckoned with, undoubt-
of serenity, hits you with the the pressures or weight of ‘Every day is the same’, edly coming into their own
full-on adrenaline of folk expectation they may have cries the singer in 'The with this masterfully crafted
and rock elements. Tracks done earlier in their career, Same', and, while that may full-length album. John
like ‘Cruel State of Mind’ are left free to do what they KING HERD be the case for many of us, Boecklin (drums), Daniel
demonstrate remarkably do best - and enjoy it more KING HERD the days are now more en- ‘DL’ Laskiewicz (lead vo-
light and intricate skills than ever. The title track (KING HERD) joyable and interesting with cals), Doc Coyle (lead gui-
merging the aforemen- gets the album off on the Birmingham, England. King Herd in them. tar, backing vocals), and
tioned folk and rock com- right foot and is as hard-hit- The so-called second cap- YYYYY Kyle Konkiel (bass, back-
ponents with powerful and ting a track as they have ital of the UK and, for rock Michael Coventry ing vocals) hone their
impactful verses. ‘There’s ever recorded, Ben Wells’ fans, said to be the home sound with this phenome-
something you need to guitar skills being at the of heavy metal, with some nal album with their self-re-
know’ about this album, as heart of this, while John of the finest from the genre flection, baring their hearts
the track ‘Escape’ begins Fred Young continues to be hailing from the city in the and souls, using their plat-
with a punk rock vibe, fin- the power train of the band Midlands. Looking to join form as the outlet to, as the
ishing with a voicemail behind the drum kit, and this star-studded list are band describe, provide a
message. Reflecting on Chris Robertson's vocals newcomers King Herd, space for listeners to be
moments of loneliness in the soul. 'Nervous', 'Out Of who have made a great their ride or die, to have an
the lyrics, every track ebbs Pocket', 'Show Me What It start towards that. Their open mind and be open to
and flows with its own ca- Feels Like' and 'R.O.A.R.' self-titled debut album be- growth and change as the
dence. ‘Archives’ seems hit just as hard and there gins with 'Halo', one of the band are. For those stand-
akin to the lyrical turning are many more such tracks three excellent singles ing in the way, the ‘Die
point of reaching rock bot- to be found and enjoyed. which were released prior BAD WOLVES About It’ track and album
tom with a reflective mes- However, what makes to the full-length record and DIE ABOUT IT speaks for itself. In the end,
sage embedded within. Not these songs stand out is it serves as both a great re- (BETTER NOISE) sometimes you need just
only does the album em- the emotion behind them. minder to those who have Pushing boundaries, the music, sometimes you
brace the past, it welcomes Much has happened in the already heard their skills Bad Wolves present a need the lyrics and others
reflection, change and world since 2020’s 'The and as an introduction to powerhouse album ‘Die both. This album gives you
whiplashes of energy in all Human Condition' and those who have yet to. About It’, jam-packed full of all of this and more, so
the right places, as well as Black Stone Cherry, as Rumbling into life, the com- melodies and an en- buckle up and get ready to
bringing in additional and they have done so many bined efforts of Tom Long- thralling banquet for the cry, rock and sing your
ethereally-captivating times in the past, have worth on guitar, bassist ears. Enticing you in with a heart out. Bad Wolves are
singing from Creeper’s channelled those issues, Ray Loverock and Karl short, dreamy ‘Intro’ track, going from strength to
Hannah Greenwood on emotions and fears into Brazil on drums whip up a Daniel ‘DL’ Laskiewicz’s strength, an exciting time
‘Second Guessing’ that, their songs beautifully and tornado and, when joined lead vocals hypnotise you for the band. We cannot
when coupled with the it's likely that everyone who by the supreme vocals of from the outset, before wait to see where they take
backdrop of the music, will listens will resonate or find frontman Dave Taylor, it un- transporting you full-steam us next.
leave you in an intoxicated inspiration from this work. leashes an F5-style storm ahead. The title track, ‘Die YYYY
state. This outstanding It's this emotion which on your senses. But, while About It’, has it all, starting Sammie Lynch
album will have you makes 'Here's To The 'Halo' is perhaps the pick of slowly, bringing in heavy

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