Sonisphere Festival 2012 Cancelled

     Due to a severe lack of ticket sales, this year’s legendary Sonisphere Festival has been cancelled. The festival anticipated the likes of Queen (with American Idol’s Adam Lambert replacing deceased Freddy Mercury), Switchfoot, Kiss, Evanescence, Cypress Hill and Black Stone Cherry to take the stage at the Stevenage festival.

     On their website, Sonisphere organisers expressed ‘deepest regrets to the artists’ and insisted that without acceptable ticket sales, this year’s event would not meet the expectations of audience and artists alike. Those who have already purchased tickets are entitled to a full refund.

      It is rumoured that ticket sales and lack of financial means caused Sonisphere’s unfortunate cancellation. Yet with many of the UK’s music festivals (and those further afield) boasting incredible line-ups with The Cure, The Killers, The Stone Roses, Paramore, Snow Patrol, Kasabian and Foo Fighters, a lack of Sonisphere should not dishearten those who hoped to attend. And without this year’s event Sonipshere Festival 2013 is set to be bigger and better than ever!

Queen

Lucy T- ‘Murphy’s Law’ EP (April/May 2012– Self Released)

        Lucy T is a five piece alternative band based in Hampshire, England who formed in early 2011. They’ve already shared the stage with Don Broco, Adelaide and Jody Has Hitlist. The band combines a blend of British style Hardcore, Pop Punk and chunky riffs and have received mentions in Rocksound magazine. ‘Murphy’s Law’ is set for release within April or May this year and the EP’s artwork is currently being designed.

Lucy T

     Although ‘For The Wreck(ord)’ mirrors Lostprophets’ tearjerker ‘Rooftops’, down to a tee, the instrumentation is undoubtedly full of potential and Thom Palser’s vocals merge with it incredibly. However, by the third chorus, the overly repetitive nature of the chorus makes it less striking each time despite Palser’s bright vocals. The input of screamo vocals at the very end of the track appear to have been thrown in to simply reflect Lucy T’s Hardcore influences, rather than any musical purpose. ‘They Fall Winglessly’, with guest vocals from Russ Merry, is everything a typical, more gentle Pop Punk song is made up of; a smoother beginning building up into a chorus with angst and heartbreak filled long notes wonderfully executed. In a similar format to early Paramore or Kids in Glass Houses, Lucy T manage to blend backing, screamo and lead vocals very well, as well as instrumentation throughout the track, until the great, very well produced faded ending.

     Despite the fact that each track begins in a generic Pop Punk format, Lucy T’s individuality shines through as they progress; ‘Exhertion’ boasts thunderous drumming, speedy guitaring and wide set, emotion filled lyrics; ‘the smile don’t come easy.’ With classic Metal riffs, gang vocals and vocal dynamics, this track is everything the band wish to illustrate, especially with their lyrics being so general, and therefore appealing to as many people as possible. Title track ‘Murphy’s Law’ begins similarly to the other tracks of the EP, which reflect how difficult it can be for band’s to discover and develop their own sound and reflect it in their work without coming across as repetitive or dull. Yet this track is quite limp due to its glacial pace and despite the Metal breakdown.

Promo: Lucy T wristbands

    With various influences and styles inputted into ‘Murphy’s Law’, Lucy T have managed to compose something very well produced, as individual as possible, with emotive lyrics and great potential.

3/5

Slam Dunk Festival 2012 is Here!

     Slam Dunk Festival, derived from Slam Dunk Records, is an annual music festival, evolving from a Alternative, Ska, Pop Punk, Punk and Emo night at Leeds’ the Cockpit venue. In 2010 the Southern counterpart to the festival held its first, very successful year at the University of Hertfordshire, creating a two day festival consisting of Slam Dunk North and South. The festival is held on the May Bank Holiday each year, staging a mixture of up and coming bands to more established bands as headliners, based around the genres of the original club night.

     The first announcement for this year’s festival, the 7^th annual Slam Dunk, is made up of Taking Back Sunday headlining (exclusively from the rest of the UK), Architects, The King Blues, Everytime I Die and loads more to be announced across several stages.  Taking Back Sunday’s lead vocalist, Adam Lazzara divulged that the band can’t wait for head over here; ‘It’s a bunch of great bands…it’s gonna be cool getting to see and meet everyone!’  Slam Dunk 2012 will take place on the 26^th of May in Leeds University (North) and the 27^th of May at the University’s of Hertfordshire’s Hatfield Campus (South).

     In the past, Slam Dunk Festival has played host to some of the Rock world’s most prestigious and successful bands and artists, with the likes of Paramore, New Found Glory, The Blackout, Fall Out Boy and You Me At Six having already graced the stage. It has also propelled the careers of bands such as We Are The Ocean, Lower Than Atlantis and Young Guns. The festival will also play host to the only UK shoes for Everytime I Die, Cancer Bats, Set Your Goals and Make Do and Mend. There will be more announcements in the coming weeks.

Taking Back Sunday are set for headline this year's festival

      Slam Dunk’s promoter Ben Ray has watched the festival expand over the past few years; ‘Again, this year has been hard work, but I’m extremely happy with how the line-up is shaping up so far. I’m confident the festival can deliver a line-up of bands that everyone will agree is amazing value. I also thought it was extra important this year to demonstrate the value so tickets have been frozen at 2011 prices!’ Tickets are on sale from 9am on Friday the 17th of February 2012 and there is a price freeze from last year’s ticket prices as well as a free shuttle bus system for the Hatfield site, which is just 20 minutes from London’s Kings Cross station.

 Tickets are priced at £32.50 in advance or £36 with access to the aftershow party!

http://www.slamdunkmusic.com/slam-dunk-festival

Years- All We Have Is Now (July 2011)

    Years, formed in Manchester boast influences from Rock and Pop Punk heavyweights such as Jimmy Eat World, You Me At Six and Paramore, and have played shows with the likes of Save Your Breath and Man Overboard. The EP, ‘All We Have Is Now’ was recorded in July this year in Stockport and the band claim they are all ‘very proud’ of the final outcome.

           Their influences are more than clear from the get go with first track ‘Here’s To You’. Although they are musically capable they fail to stand out from other emerging pop punk bands. Although vocals are strong they have yet to define themselves as a band collectively, and overall, their sound is very similar to We Are The Ocean. It also appears that the band are used to playing live shows and their songwriting is formed around crowd pleasing aspects for future performances but are currently characterless as a band.

     The introductory melodic elements of title track ‘All We Have Is Now’ are beautiful if a little repetitive, particularly because vocals do not kick in until almost a minute into the track. Again, influences are incredibly clear once again, specifically in relation to the Paramore track ‘When It Rains’(Riot, 2007). Additionally such a gentle backbone of melodic work does not bode well with such a deep, and frankly hit and miss and emotionless vocal. Yet it is clear that the band have put a great deal of time and effort into this track in particular as it is the best produced. It also depicts the vocalist’s skill better than the remainder of the EP put together.

Years' artwork: 'All We Have Is Now'

     ‘Runaway’ begins with heavy inspirations from You Me At Six, and their track ‘Stay With Me’(Hold Me Down, 2010) in particular. Although Years’ vocalist is alike to We Are The Ocean’s, Years’ sound fails to be as epic or interesting. The vocalist may also have a groundbreaking vocal range, but it is never utilised, which makes each track appear very monotone and rather generic.

      Years have done well with regards to track positions, with a good mixture of ballad based songs and their more upbeat work. However, ‘Hide And Seek’ is limp and may not highlight the band’s abilities or potential. ‘Waiting’ is a nice attempt at a big ballad finale but even with gang vocals, it fails to excite and is, in fact, monotonous.

      Overall, Years are in desperate need of discovering their identity and not relaying on their influences from such world renowned bands. Also, being more specific and personal when it comes to songwriting may help spark emotion for the listener because, ‘Call me whenever you need me...’ are dry and dreary and very conventional, but for all the wrong reasons.


2/5

Paramore @ Birmingham NEC/LG Arena (16/11/2010)

    Paramore, a pop-punk rock band from Franklin, Tennessee, formed in 2004 and burst onto the music scene back in 2005. Their debut album ‘All We Know is Falling’, 2005, was inspired by the likes of Fall Out Boy and Blink-182. Their fan base has been expanding worldwide ever since, propelling them comfortably within the mainstream scale, and with infectious lyrics, immense riffs and profound love songs, they are unavoidable.

    

     ‘Brand New Eyes’, Paramore’s third studio album was released in 2009, this year won Kerrang’s best album award. This week, it reached platinum status in the U.K, making it the band’s biggest seller to date. Lead vocalist, keyboardist and front woman, twenty-one year old Hayley Williams, collaborated with rapper B.O.B earlier this year on the track ‘Airplanes’ which reached number one in the U.K and the U.S, forming a greater fan base for Paramore. Consequently, B.O.B along with quirky pop rock band Fun, complete support for the U.K tour.

     Following their phenomenal success over the past year with singles such as ‘Ignorance’ and ‘Brick By Boring Brick’, as well as a sold-out tour last December; this was set to be Paramore’s eminent U.K visit. Regardless of the sub-zero temperature, fourteen thousand keen and diverse fans, piled into the arena at 6pm. Immeasurable anticipation was in the air as the room filled, and it became clear that every seat and space has been sold.

     New Yorkers Fun graced the stage first, armed with ironically fun tracks such as ‘At Least I’m Not As Sad (As I Used To Be)’ plus a dreadful cover of Queen’s ‘Radio GaGa’, which diabolically failed to entice the crowd. B.O.B, however, blew the audience away, with the perfect combination of performance and encouragement. His stage presence and set-up, including a DJ and dancers, were alluring and his set list was impressive, including his debut single ‘Nothin’ On You’, new track ‘Magic’, which features guest vocals from Weezer’s front man Rivers Cuomo, and of course, number one single ‘Airplanes.’ Predictably, Hayley Williams erupts onto the stage sporting her spanking new pink hair and a dreadful long puff jacket, and the single’s success is apparent when the two can scarcely be heard over fourteen thousand rowdy voices. The crowd’s energy built up in the wait for Paramore, with the entire arena participating in a Mexican wave and chanting for the show to begin.

     Eventually, Paramore took to the bedsit inspired stage; complete with a sofa, amplifiers, five screens, and swinging light bulbs, to the welcome of senselessly passionate fans. Opening with ‘Ignorance’, the set excelled as it continued incorporating tracks, ‘Feeling Sorry’, ‘That’s What You Get’ and ‘For A Pessimist, I’m Pretty Optimistic.’ The set list had clearly been cautiously structured to appeal to fans new and old, with tracks included from all three albums. The band’s passion and talent are incredible. Zac Farro’s remarkable drumming kept all members in check for the entire ninety minutes, and constantly drove the crowd’s energy.

     ‘Emergency’ and ‘Playing God’ particularly conveyed Taylor York’s and Jeremy Davis’ rhythm and bass guitaring skill, as well as how perfectly old and new tracks link, despite variations in sound and line up over the years. Jon Howard is currently touring with Paramore to assist with keyboards, rhythm guitar and backing vocals. Another aspect that aided the band’s stardom was having two songs featured on the soundtrack of the tremendously successful 2007 film ‘Twilight’; ‘I Caught Myself’ and ‘Decode’, which was performed next, displaying Williams’ haunting and stunning vocal abilities. She has the rare ability to portray bravado and vulnerability in tandem, especially through lyrics, which is simply irresistible.

     These uncommon characteristics shine through when the band begins a four-track acoustic set to illustrate their awesome capabilities as musicians seamlessly. Williams’ and lead guitarist and backing vocalist Josh Farro have an indescribable contagious chemistry, which is evident when the two execute ‘Never Let This Go’ faultlessly. Clearly, the acoustic section was included to exhibit Paramore’s soulful connection as a band and with fans, as Williams welcomes them ‘...to the family.’

     ‘When It Rains’ was flawless, along with ‘Where The Lines Overlap’ and ‘Misguided Ghosts’, after which, the audience was repeatedly thanked for their ‘...support on the journey’ and informed that 'music will never not be there (for you.')', which revealed how warm and humble the band remain, despite their capability to sell out arenas. The energy level surged, and this, Paramore’s fourth U.K show out of a full six, was unmistakably lively, but also, with the acoustic tracks, very moving. Anthems ‘CrushCrushCrush’ and ‘Pressure’ allowed firecracker Williams to reform back to head banging and surging across the stage whilst immaculately singing, as to not be overshadowed by other band members. ‘Looking Up’ utilised five screens behind the stage to show pre-recorded footage of the band specifically for this track.

     Each band member was individually introduced to the audience by Williams, but when she herself was introduced by Josh Farro, the reaction was thunderous, and did not quieten when she yelled ‘Tonight you belong to us!’ ‘The Only Exception’ depicted the band’s supreme abilities and formed a picturesque sight when every member of the crowd held up a light. The encore, ‘Brick By Boring Brick’ and ‘Misery Business’ flaunted why Paramore won Best Rock Band at this year’s MTV EMA awards, and with selected audience members being lucky enough to perform 'Misery Business' with the band, the gig came to an end.

     With infectious vigour and remarkable flair, the show ends with confetti and fireworks bursting from the stage, reflecting how Paramore have developed into an arena-filling band in just six years.  


5/5