As we have previously mentioned (ok, quite a lot!), this year has been a great one for the resurgence of both classic rock and bluesy rock n roll; The Cartellos fit into the latter.

Their biography is short but sweet, and a bit like their music description; no nonsense. Heading back to influences of the 60’s, the quartet are fuelled by blues hooks and rock n roll riffs. Ben Riley’s vocals are raw and gravelly; compelling to listen to. The addition of a harmonica is always a personal favourite element and it is utilised well. They have that unmistakable blues groove that you can’t help but move to!

If rock n roll is what you like, you will love The Cartellos!  Check out their music here.

Laura Woodhead

Rising up from Guildford are a group of 4 lads by the name of Sons Of Icarus; yet another group brilliantly contributing to the return of that typical classic rock sound.

They have gained themselves recognition with Classic Rock Magazine and even played both Download and Sonisphere festivals this year. In high demand, they have joined the likes of The Answer, Rival Sons and Hayseed Dixie on tour and found themselves winning audiences over left, right and centre. It isn’t difficult to see why when you hear their catchy riffs and raw vocals from Andy Masson, and if you catch them live, their energy is infectious.

For fans of The Black Spiders, The Answer, Chickenfoot and classic rock, they are well worth checking out!

Facebook

Twitter

Laura Woodhead

Originating from the North in the city of Leeds, Gentlemans Pistols have been around for a lengthy 7 years. Originally a 3 piece band, they are now a quartet of pure rock. Not only do they look like a throw back from the 70’s, they definitely have the 70’s blues sound of Zeppelin.

So why have they not become a familiar name? I can’t say I know the answer, but I have a feeling they will be a name thrown around a lot in the coming year. They will hook you with their killer blues riffs and James Atkinson’s strong, clear vocals. If you catch them live, they have plenty of charisma and character to keep you entertained with Atkinson prone to the occasional shimmy!

having played this years High Voltage Festival and currently supporting The Answer on tour, they are well worth checking out. I like to think of them as the UK’s answer to the emerging Rival Sons!

Myspace

Laura Woodhead

Boddickers hail from Manchester, a city well renowned for the many great bands it has produced. Boddickers are no different.  Drawing a mixture of influence from the likes of Deftones, Faith No More, Hundred Reasons and Foo Fighters, they produce melodic tunes with fuzzy guitars and harmonic vocals.  They are set to release an EP soon, but at the minute you can find a couple of samples from this on their facebook page, ‘Solace’ and ‘Think On’ which are both brilliant examples of their alternative sound. You can also go down and check them out at Grand Central in Manchester on 6th October.

For more info and to listen to the tracks go to http://www.facebook.com/boddickers 

Caris Smith

Introducing… Citizen Death!

Another band representing how fantastic the Glasgow metal scene is, Citizen Death have been together since late 2007 and have since brought out an EP, Generation of Digression. 

The talented foursome have been added to the ever-growing Mayhem Underground roster and from what I’ve heard so far, they’ll be perfect for it. They are tight, they are absolutely bursting with talent; each song is played with the precision of true professional musicians.

If you’d like to check them out, go to their Reverb Nation page (http://www.reverbnation.com/citizendeathuk) and keep an eye out for my review of their EP and hopefully a live review!

Sarah-Louise

Picture courtesy of band’s Facebook page.

Hailing from the West Midlands, Cheap Thrill rock, and they rock hard. Old skool punk missed with good classic british rock and roll, and a twist of metal they have their sights set high.  Reminiscent of early LA Guns mixed with the fire of Motley Crue , they are likely to become a name you will be seeing a lot of. They fit in nicely with the new breed of sleazy, dirty rock and roll that seems to be sneaking its way into the mainstream, and with open arms we welcome them! Their first EP is to be released on 5^th September, and they already have a few sneak previews on their site to get you started. I particularly love ‘Faster Than A Loaded Bullet’ and ‘Crash and Burn’ and I look forward to hearing the rest! Well worth the listen, do yourselves a favour and check them out!

For more info and for upcoming gigs head to http://www.facebook.com/cheapthrillbanduk and www.reverbnation.com/cheapthrill88

Caris Smith

Hailing from Nashville, America, Blackwater James are a combination of straight up rock n roll infused with the blues and a dash of swagger to complete their musical cocktail. Stating influences such as Guns N’ Roses and The Black Crowes, the bands combination of genres works to create a captivating hard rock sound. The heavy riffs mixed with the raw vocals of Christopher James perfectly compliment each other drawing you in from the opening notes.

Their self titled debut album was met with great enthusiasm and gained them exposure in Classic Rock Magazine. First single Blackheart, captures the bands exciting sound and proves their future is nothing but bright.

Yet again, another new band contributing to the revival of classic rock, something that makes us extremely happy!

Songs I’d recommend: Closer To Free, Blackheart, Midnight Train.

Official website

Laura Woodhead

Based in Glasgow, The Girobabies are on their way up into the forefront of the music scene, gaining celebrity fans such as Rhys Ifans along the way.

Having recently supported Proud Mary (founded by Noel Gallagher) and earning themselves air time on the BBC, they have a big underground following.

Countdown to Tinnitus follows their mini-debut album Socially Not Working and is the first single off their upcoming album Bus Stop Apocalypse. 

This track screams alternative with a psychedelic edge. There is heavy use of distortion, both in guitar and vocal. Whilst the track is fairly repetitive, its not necessarily a bad thing as it is far from boring.

Sure to only grow in popularity, keep The Girobabies in mind. We’ll certainly be keeping an eye on them!

For more information and to listen to the track, here is their website.

Laura Woodhead

Based in LA, Vintage Trouble typify the original bluesy rock & roll sound. Wanting to combine a love of traditional soul and rhythm & blues, vocalist Ty Taylor and guitarist Nalle Colt formed the group. The additions of Rick Barrio Dill on bass and Richard Danielson on drums gave the band their authentic and modern edge.

Their intentions and influences are clear right from the beginning of debut album The Bomb Shelter Sessions, starting with opener Blues Hand Me Down. The album is full of blues hooks, syncopated drum rhythms and improvised vocal bursts, all typical blues characteristics. Ty Taylor’s vocal is enticing with his raspy and charismatic edge.  The bands raw energy and enthusiasm shines throughout the album, even in slower more lyrical tracks such as Not Alright By Me.

There is a perfect mix of upbeat and softer tracks  showcasing the bands talents in both areas. The album is truly a joy to listen to and with glowing live reviews, the band are certainly one to watch.

For more info, check out their website.

Songs I’d recommend: Blues Hand Me Down, You Better Believe It, Nobody Told Me.

Laura Woodhead

It’s no secret that I have a weak spot for Scottish unsigned metal bands and the guys who started this obsession were Balloch’s very own What’s The Damage?! Forming in 2008, WTD?! have played alongside the likes of Fallen Fate, Sworn Again, Katatonia and Freak Kitchen. Continuously leaving the crowd’s ears rattling and pining for more.

With bloodthirsty vocals, screeching guitars and a whole lot of ball breaking attitude, WTD?! do not, under any circumstances adhere to the ever-growing popularity of bands such as Bring Me The Horizon and instead look to metal Gods such as Lamb of God, Children of Bodom and Devildriver for inspiration.

WTD?! are not only a fantastic band, they’re a great group of friends who genuinely love playing together. When they’re on stage you can see the chemistry between these guys, there’s an immovable sense of respect between them and they seem to have the foundations to be huge in the metal scene.

2011 is the year for this band and I suggest you catch them now, they have a small but loyal fan base that only looks set to get bigger and better. They hold a lot of promise and I wholeheartedly believe that they have the tools to get far with their music.

Catch them on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/whatsthedamageband

On Spotify

What’s The Damage?! – Rules Of Revenge

Or go see them in action!

On the 22nd of April, What’s The Damage?! will be playing The Vale Bar, Glasgow along with Let’s Play God (http://www.facebook.com/LetsPlayGod )and Scarcinogen (http://www.myspace.com/scarcinogen) only £5 a ticket for three great bands and one brilliant venue!

-Sarah-Louise Kelly