Kids in Glass Houses to Split!

Welsh rockers Kids in Glass Houses revealed last week that they will be going their separate ways after a final farewell tour in October.

 “These shows are a celebration of what we've accomplished and the countless unforgettable nights we've spent in your exceptional company, in venues the world over.” the band tweeted.

The Bridgend boys explained they would be splitting up “amicably and on their own terms.” They also revealed info about their tour plans in the message.

After getting together in 2003, the quintet have enjoyed top 40 albums Smart Casual, Dirt, In Gold Blood and Peace so it has certainly come as a shock to long-standing fans. Their biggest hit ‘Undercover Lover’ featuring The Saturdays’ Frankie Sanford reached no.62 in the charts.

Kids in Glass Houses have also toured with the likes of Fall Out Boy, Paramore and Thirty Seconds to Mars.

Frontman Aled Phillips’ tweet also said “It's a surreal and daunting moment when you realise that you're contemplating bringing to an end something that has given your life unquantifiable joy, satisfaction and meaning. Something that is so personal that it embodies who you are or who you have been perceived as for so long. You start to wonder what you'll be without it. It's a near impossible void to comprehend filling, but we feel that now is the right time for us to do move on and do just that.”

“This is the end of Kids in Glass Houses. Amicably and on our own terms. The way we always promised ourselves it would be.”

Frontman Aled Phillips

05 - PLYMOUTH White Rabbit
06 - EXETER Phoeix
07 - PORTSMOUTH Wedgewood Rooms
09 - NOTTINGHAM Rescue Rooms
10 - LIVERPOOL Academy II
11 - MANCHESTER Gorilla
12 - SHEFFIELD Corporation
14 - LEEDS Cockpit
15 - ABERDEEN Tunnels
16 - GLASGOW Garage
17 - CARLISLE Brickyard
18 - NEWCASTLE Academy II
20 - BIRMINGHAM Institute
21 - COLCHESTER Arts Centre
23 - NORWICH Waterfront
24 - BATH Komedia
25 - GLOUCESTER Guildhall
26 - OXFORD Academy II
27 - READING Sub 89
29 - LONDON Koko
31 - CARDIFF Great Hall
05 - PLYMOUTH White Rabbit
06 - EXETER Phoeix
07 - PORTSMOUTH Wedgewood Rooms
09 - NOTTINGHAM Rescue Rooms
10 - LIVERPOOL Academy II
11 - MANCHESTER Gorilla
12 - SHEFFIELD Corporation
14 - LEEDS Cockpit
15 - ABERDEEN Tunnels
16 - GLASGOW Garage
17 - CARLISLE Brickyard
18 - NEWCASTLE Academy II
20 - BIRMINGHAM Institute
21 - COLCHESTER Arts Centre
23 - NORWICH Waterfront
24 - BATH Komedia
25 - GLOUCESTER Guildhall
26 - OXFORD Academy II
27 - READING Sub 89
29 - LONDON Koko
31 - CARDIFF Great Hall

The band and their management have planned the tour right down to a tee with it coming to an end in Cardiff and a setlist to please fans old and new. The tweet even ended with the boys saying thank you for the support their fans have given them over the years.

“We're as unified in this decision as we have been with any that we've made together, and we're excited by the prospect of ending things in the best possible spirit at the end of the year!”

The tour will kick off on October 5 and it’s understood the set will consist of Smart Casual and Dirt in full, “as well as hits from In Gold Blood and Peace for the last time." said Aled. 

It’s safe to say the decision has been mutual between all members of the band and when they hit the road for the final time, it will be a celebration of the achievements of Kids In Glass Houses and a thank you to their fans.

Tour dates are as follows:

OCTOBER

What's the Lowdown with All Time Low?

Formed just over a decade ago in suburbian Baltimore, All Time Low started life as the perfect little Pop-Punkers. The four boys grewqup together, went to High School together and even decided on their band name using lyrics from another Pop Punk band's song, namely New Found Glory's track 'Head on Collision'. All Time Low's fifth studio album 'Don't Panic' was released in September 2012 and followed the same Pop-fuelled formula as 'Dirty Work' (2011) before it. So what're the foursome planning to get up to this year?

 

It's already been rumoured that All Time Low are set to release another album as soon as possible. They're reportedly currently recording with Mike Green who produced their last two albums and has worked with the likes of Forever the Sickest Kids, Cassadee Pope and Every Avenue. So they're in safe hands if they want their new album to sound similar to their most recent work.

 

Frontman, lead singer and guitarist Alex Gaskarth has always stood by his mantra of only writing or recording new material when the timing feels right, so that time must've arrived. In fact, their new stuff has been rumoured to hit shelves this Summer. It's also rumoured that All Time Low will be touring the US this Spring with Man Overboard.

 

All Time Low's latest album 'Don't Panic' was even re-released as a special edition record and re-titled 'Don't Panic: It's Longer Now'. It was even madeover with four brand new tracks making it clear that All Time Low are desperate now to lose their fans' interest in a hurry.

 

The boys are definitely keeping themselves busy to say the least and taking no time out from their hectic working sheduales to take a break. For their European fans, the band not only supported Green Day through the continent from May to August last Summer, but are also set to hit the road with Tonight Alive in the UK in March.

 

 

It's clear All Time Low are doing everything they can to stay on top of their game following their more mainstream success over the past couple of years.

The King Blues Split

     Britain’s most successful Punk Ska band, the King Blues officially announced their split via their website this Monday, the 2^nd of April 2012. The band was formed in 2004 and was a cutting-edge political hybrid collective.

     In their official statement, the band expressed ‘great sadness’ and told fans that ‘The King Blues are no more. We are all immensely proud of our body of work. We will be releasing the last The King Blues album entitled ‘Long Live The Struggle’ as the final chapter. The album will be released in early July 2012.’

     The King Blues simply feel they’d gone as far as they could as a band and felt it would be unfair to continue if they were just ‘going through the motions. We all believe strongly in what the King Blues stand for.’

    They also gracefully thanked fans for all their ‘support, love and passion’ through the years. The band brought political awareness into the minds of their fans, many whom are teens. Growing up in rough areas, with frontman Itch even selling the Big Issue and living on the streets at one point, the band sure know what it’s like to earn success. And with fifteen past members of the King Blues, there’s been many a line-up change over the past 8 years.

The King Blues

    With their Folk, Punk Rock and Hardcore influences, the King Blues are a great example of decent, politically driven music. They had heavy influences from the likes of The Clash, The Specials and Black Flag and incorporated rap, vocals and great musical ability.

Visit www.kingblues.com for the band’s official statement in full. 

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

YELLOWCARD Says YES Again... Unplugged Acoustic Version of Latest Album Released Next Week!

     Yellowcard have unveiled a surprise this week for their dedicated fans, by releasing an acoustically reworked version of their latest album ‘When You’re Through Thinking, Say Yes’. It is available to download digitally now and will be released physically on 31^st October.

     The band will be back touring the UK on a run of co-headline shows with Saves The Day in November and December.

    As a perfect cap to round of the last twelve months, the acoustic version of ‘When You’re Through Thinking, Say Yes’ is a testament to Yellowcard’s songwriting prowess. The unplugged record, with manages to retain the same soul and spirit as the original, takes the music to a whole new level for listeners to appreciate the band’s astonishing musical abilities. It retains the same soul and spirit as the original album and is fundamentally a thank you for the ‘amazing support’ fans have given them to help rebuild their career.

Yellowcard

         Yellowcard claim to have always taken pride and enjoyment in performing their songs in an acoustic setting, which is what pushed them to record a few B-sides acoustically. They soon picked up on the incredible response, particularly on the acoustic version of ‘Sing For Me’ was getting online.

    The band began to use every free day or night in early 2011 to complete the recording of all ten songs acoustically, ‘…one of the things we are most proud of is that we produced and mixed this entire record on your own…’. Along with producer Ryan Mendez’s sleepless nights behind the computer and the band’s hard work, they have created something they have wanted to do ‘for a very long time…’ and have been ‘looking forward…’ to surprising fans.

The acoustic album artwork

  2011 has been a banner year for the Hopeless Records artists Yellowcard. Their seventh studio album has welcomed them contently back to older fans, and introduced them to brand new devotees. Its high chart positions worldwide, including #1 in the Indie Album Breakers Chart in the UK and #19 in the US Billboard’s 200 Albums Chart, have brought Yellowcard a taste of the exposure they deserve. They have also released their back catalogue on vinyl, toured the world over.

          Kerrang Magazine said of the release ‘…sees its creators rediscover their mojo and embrace the kind of seemingly effortless songwriting qualities that made them so popular in the first place.’

     Rock Sound stated that, ‘When You’re Through Thinking, Say Yes’ ‘marks their integrity being upheld far further than naysayers could ever have imagined.’ They also awarded the record 8/10 in a review.

     Yellowcard will also release new single ‘Hang You Up’ on 31^st October.

YELLOWCARD / SAVES THE DAY UK DATES (The Wonder Years in support)

28^th Nov                 Glasgow Garage                                   

29^th Nov                 Birmingham HMV Institute                

30^th Nov                 Manchester Academy 2                    

1^st Dec                    London HMV Forum        


   The album is currently being streamed here: http://www.absolutepunk.net/artists/showlink.php?do=showdetails&l=1533

Watch the brand new music video for ‘Hang You Up’ here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qndx2CNGeo&feature=youtu.be

www.yellowcardrock.com                 

Blink-182- ‘Neighborhoods’ (Deluxe Edition) (26/09/2011- GDC/Interscope)

      As the world’s biggest pop punk band, Blink-182’s sixth ‘comeback’ album ‘Neighborhoods’ was highly anticipated my fans the world over. The band was formed in 1992 in and have sold twenty seven million singles worldwide to date. The band consists of vocalist and bass guitarist Mark Hoppus, vocalist and guitarist Mark DeLonge and completed by champion drummer Travis Barker, who was not part of the line up until 1998. The threesome have inspired musicians the world over, including the likes of Busted and You Me At Six, despite their humour filled undercurrent and comedic stage banter. Blink-182 became notorious for their use of quirky toilet humour, which is often regarded as immature and therefore inappropriate for ‘serious’ musicians, as well as simplistic melodies and teen angst. In 2005 Blink-182 went on infinite hiatus to work on individual projects such as +44 and Angels & Airwaves.

     After performing for the very first time since 2004 at the 51^st Grammy Awards ceremony the band embarked on a reunion tour around North American with support from Weezer and Fall Out Boy. After a spectacular performance at 2010’s Reading and Leeds Festivals the completion of ‘Neighborhoods’ was delayed several times and the band stated that they would not tour until the completion of the album. The record begins with ‘Ghost On The Dancefloor’ which begins with a progressive drumming build up into a The Killers esque studio produced violin section. However, the general instrumentation is familiar but it is clear that DeLonge’s vocals have progressed thanks to his work with Angels & Airwaves. Yet his signature exaggerated American accent is still in session, as well as repetitive lyrics, ‘I saw your ghost tonight...’, but harmonies and the blending of elements is much more advance than previously produced by Blink-182.

'Neighborhoods' Artwork

     ‘Natives’ immidately picks up the tempo and illustrates the chirpy Blink-182 vibe that is yearned after by so many and found in back catalogue tracks such as ‘Everytime I Look For You’ (Take Off Your Pants And Jacket, 2001). It is obvious that the band and their producers have worked very hard to extract the best components of Blink-182 to create a mature yet loveable record suitable for their wide range of fans and live shows, ‘...maybe I’m better off dead.’ Third track ‘Up All Night’ was released as a single from 14^th July 2011 and it was a perfect choice for single sales because of how commercial and infectious it is ‘...and all these demons they keep me up all night’. The various tempo changes and epic Angels & Airwaves infected vocals merge very well, proving that the band’s hiatus actually improved their musical skill somewhat.

     The cleverly light drumming and punchy guitaring that open ‘After Midnight’, if nothing depict that Blink-182 have aimed to compose a record made up of explorative songwriting, and ‘Snake Charmer’ proves what unusual sound effects can be added to rock songs without tarnishing them. ‘Heart’s All Gone’, which flows the ‘Heart’s All Gone Interlude’ illustrates the incredible skill that lies with Travis Barker and his swift drumming speeds. It can often be difficult to write a captivating chorus at speed, but it is something that Blink-182 have always done well. Each track from ‘Neighborhoods’ has the potential to be played live and receive a rapturous reaction from the crowd. ‘Wishing Well’ and ‘Kaleidoscope’ reflect the fact that all three band members worked on producing ‘Neighborhoods’ because of how varied they are, having said that ‘Wishing Well’ has a rather similar sound to Angels & Airwaves and the latter to +44.


     Musically speaking, this is Blink-182’s peak which must be why release was delayed so much. Tenth track ‘This Is Home’ is the conventional ‘welcome back’ to older fans and is very sentimental lyrically, ‘Do you wanna let go, ‘cause this is home...’. But the song is far from mind-blowing, although that has never been what Blink-182 are about. Interestingly named ‘MH 14.18.2011’ is noted as the date when the band cancelled their main reunion tour, and expresses what has come from that cancellation, ‘...the worst is yet to come.’ It could have easily been featured on an older album due to its innocent sound and optimistic essence. The chorus is catchier than the common cold but cannot account for the loss that fans experienced with the postponed gigs, which gives the band no right to preach, ‘Stop living in the shadow of a helicopter!’.

Blink-182 reunited (2011)

     ‘Love Is Dangerous’ portrays once again how heavily influenced the record is by Angels & Airwaves but the shared vocals prove that Blink-182 intended to remain just that. It has a very progressive rock tone to it and the wonderfully instrumental ending contradicts the somewhat immature theme. Penultimate track ‘Fighting The Gravity’ has an ominous introduction due to the input of the bass and builds into light speed drumming unique to Travis Barker. It is quite a dark track for the band and conveys their various capabilities with regards to songwriting to create certain emotions through themes. ‘Even If She Falls’ is the perfect rock song to conclude ‘Neighborhoods’ as it reverts back to Blink-182’s young boys’ perceptions of life and love, through magical melodies and simplistic lyrics, ‘there she was like a starry night...’

     

     Blink-182 have been battle-scarred and resurrected into more mature and frankly better musicians, but their undercurrents remain to be relationships, hardships in life and occasional light humour. Despite personal challenges and commitments, all three members have come together to create a very good, classic pop punk record.

4/5

You Me At Six– Lover Boy (25/09/2011 Virgin Records)

 You Me At Six, a pop punk band from Weybridge, Surrey are set to release their third album on 3^rd October this year. The first single from which, ‘Lover Boy’ will be released 8 days prior and an official music video is expected over the next couple of weeks.

     ‘Lover Boy’ is fans’ first taste of what is to come from up-and-coming ‘Sinners Never Sleep’, and if it is anything to go by they will not be disappointed! Firing up with somewhat bland gang vocals, the track takes off when the thumping blues bass line begins. Despite it being simplistic, it sets the stage perfectly for a gritty and intense first verse. Written by the band themselves, this track is personal and bitter without being over the top. It defines some progression from the band’s previous compilation ‘Hold Me Down’ without varying their sound completely, which can be difficult to achieve.

'Lover Boy': Artwork

    The verses of ‘Lover Boy’ illustrate frontman Josh Franceshi’s astounding vocal abilities, proving the possibility of being an earth-shattering singer without being technically flawless. Serious You Me At Six fans will spot Franceshi’s live techniques shining through within the chorus, such as a trace of his Weybridge accent, ‘Don’t you feel bad, don’t you feel bad?’, as well as an insinuation of the original, post-hardcore You Me At Six, ‘of course I would...’.

     Overall, the likeability of this debut single from ‘Sinners Never Sleep’ is unquestionable and the temper filled edge of it lacks sentiment, which is something that adds to a worthy catchy song, ‘this is the night you’ll regret in the morning...’. If nothing else, the band prove opportunity for more artists and bands to write and release memorable material that is not pop based. You Me At Six have done well with regards to writing a relatable track for their fans, without being whiney, soppy, heartless and without screeching about sex, drugs and booze every other lyric.

You Me At Six

     With the gritty and grainy guitar solo and gang vocals, the track is also gig-perfect, particularly for an opener. Additionally, the boys have managed to avoid default pop mode like other bands of a similar genre and have successfully charted their progress as musicians, and undoubtedly people from previous work, despite ‘Lover Boy’ being described as the most similar to the sound of ‘Hold Me Down’.

4/5

Listen to the track here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1slKomFgYBI