Stakeout Christmas Show (Birmingham date)

This week I was lucky enough to be at the Birmingham date of Stakeout's Christmas shows!

First on the bill was Fight The Dice.
It's always hard being the opening the band as many people don't know who you are. I was one of them, despite not knowing the words to the songs they had a good energy about them. They did a decent cover of Muse's Super Massive Black Hole my only trouble was with difficultly hearing the vocals. I could hear the guitarist backing vocals better than the lead singers! They weren't a bad opening band and I'd be happy to listen to more of them in the future.
Check Fight The Dice on Facebook here

                                                            Ben Jackson (Above)

Sam Jackson of Fight The Dice.

Second band of the night was The Last Carnival.
I last saw this band support Taking Hayley back in July on their Made Tour. So this time I knew what to expect. The Last Carnival have almost an over confident feel about them when they're on stage, a kind of 'look at us we know what we're doing.' I didn't enjoy their set, the whole thing had no impact on me. Even know I couldn't tell you anything about the songs they sung as I couldn't really hear them.
I've seen this band twice now to be honest once was enough.
If you want to listen to The Last Carnival click here

                                                 Justin Morris and Russell Williams (Above) 

                                                   Mike Marchant of The Last Carnival.

The third and final support of the night were Keep The Change!
A band I've reviewed in the past and was looking forward to seeing. Their set was energetic and fun, I sang along to the songs I knew but even when I didn't know them I had fun clapping along and jumping around. They did a good cover of Roar originally by Katy Perry which had the whole crowd singing. Keep The Change were by far the best support of the night, they really got the crowd going and made an impact.
I'd advise listening to Keep The Change here 

                                                                 Will Inns (Above)

                                                    Matt Williams of Keep The Change.

The headlining band of the night, Stakeout! 
I saw these guys back in August and loved every minute so you could say I was excited to see them again.
They started off the night with I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday, a great way to to start a Christmas gig! There wasn't a person I could see that wasn't singing along and enjoying themselves. Next they go into some of their own songs such a Heartbreak Overdue, Sing It Loud and Chelsea, it's always fantastic to be in the middle of a crowd where everyone just going mad and having fun and that's what it's like at Stakeout. They can really pull everyone together. Get Up And Go is a song they'd not played in over a year and it was great to hear them play, for the people who hadn't heard it before and the people who had. It actually has one of my favourite lyrics in 'When did we become everything we swore we'd never be?' which was sung by their resident guitarist Arthur. The Outcome Of Saying Goodbye, is Stakeout's only slow song. It's a very emotional song that's very powerful. The whole crowd was singing and holding up their phones like lighters, it was quite beautiful. With only Matt on stage you can really hear his voice and he does have such a good voice, he sounds better live than recorded. Which is something you can't say for a lot of people.  Santa Claus Is Coming To Town was another great Christmas classic, it also happens to be my favourite Christmas song. I loved hearing it live. Earthquake is Stakeout's new song, the video only premièring earlier this week was next. The recorded version of the song already a lot of energy but live it was a another level. The band was jumping around like mad, so was the crowd, it was by far my favourite moment of the night. They finished the night with Live It Up, Young and Fearless before the last Christmas song of the night Merry Christmas Everyone.
I had an amazing time watching Stakeout, and hanging out with my friends. Those boys know how to put on a great show and I'll diffidently being seeing them again!
Check out Stakeout here

                                                               Matthew Hodgetts. 

                                                                 Alex Banes. 

                         Arthur Walwin, Matthew Hodgetts, Lee Jackson and Alex Banes of Stakeout.

All these photos are by the lovely Danielle Rose Photography! Check her out here to see loads more photo's from the show: Click here

Open Sails: Breakdown (Review)

Woo! Hoo! In Canada today with 5 piece Rock/Pop band Open Sails.
This is their single Breakdown.

I've listened to fair few female fronted bands in my time but never have I heard one quite like Open Sails. They're fast paced, powerful guitar riffs, fantastic crashing drums and that's just the opening 10 seconds! Joy's voice is powerful, well she has to be to keep up with instrumental side of the song. If I'd heard Joy's voice alone I might not have associated it with this style of music but in truth it works brilliantly. The song has a great hook, the lyrics are what I'd expect from this rock/pop style of song; catchy, great to sing along to and portray a relationship and how it can make you want to Breakdown. I did really enjoy listening to Breakdown, it's great to be able to hear something fresh and unique.

I really enjoyed Open Sails, and I give them full marks for being something different. I look forward to hearing more from them.

Listen to Breakout here
Check out Open Sails here

Orchard Hill: Gravity (Review)

In Oxfordshire  today with newly named Orchard Hill, the 5 piece Powerpop-Rock band were originally Disclosure but since changed their name due to confusion with DJ's of the same name.
This is their first release since becoming Orchard Hill, this is Gravity.

When people hear a female fronted band every time they get compered to Paramore, I'm not going to do that as Tiff has her own voice.
Powerpop is definitely the right word when describing Orchard Hill, as they have a pulls you straight into the song. You know it's going to be a good song when it's three seconds in and you already want to play air guitar, the drum beat has me beating the same rhythm on the keyboard as I try to type (Which means I keep misspelling things) All the instrument and the actual music is so fantastically clear, you can hear every chord being played and every beat hit. Tiff has an amazing voice, she's powerful, so clear and she has such a great range. Her voice is quite different to anyone else's I've heard. The tempo changes through the song, giving lovely different levels to the song and different depths of Tiff's voice.  I think what really gives Orchard Hill they originally is their lyrics, there's no repetitiveness about it, all the lyrics tell this kind of story. My favouroite lyrics being "We met in a small town, we stood paralyzed in the rain" 

Now they're a few good female fronted bands out there but I think Orchard Hill stand out, there energetic songs, with fantastic lyrics all sung beautifully. I honestly can't think of a bad thing to say about Gravity!

Listen to Gravity here

Check out Orchard Hill's Facebook here

Em xxx

In Hindsight: Steal The Show (Review)

I'm back with 4 piece Pop-Rock band In Hindsight, I say back as I did a live review for the band back in July when I saw them support for Taking Hayley.

This is their since Steal The Show.

Pop rock should be good clean, with a good hook, catchy lyrics, clear vocals and guitar. In Hindsight has got that mix just right, straight away I'm tapping my foot and moving to the song. Steal The Show has a great hook, like me you won't be able to listen without dancing along. The lyrics are really lighthearted and catchy "Teach me how to steal the show" I'll be singing them for hours! Micheal has a great voice, sweet, clear and really pulling me into the song. I love it you can feel the energy in a song, the guitar riffs in this song have that energy and are also fantastically catchy.  
Now I listen to a lot of Pop-Rock bands but In Hindsight stand out, just the right balance of poppy lyrics to rock instruments.

Listen to Steal The Show here

Check out In Hindsight's Facebook here

Also check out my live review for In Hindsight back in July here

Alone Tonight: This One's Goodbye (Review)

Today I have a band from Newcastle, I don't know if I've reviewed a band from Newcastle before...
This is 5 piece Pop-Punk/Rock band Alone Tonight.

This is their song This One's Goodbye.

We all know I love pop punk so it's always good when I get to review it.
Alone Tonight have my foot tapping, and moving to the song with in seconds. Karl's vocals start almost straight away, he's quite a high singer which a style I've heard a few times in pop-punk bands. Karl's a good singer but I do find his voice can get a bit lost, and I have to focus on his voice to hear exactly what the lyrics are. Through out the song my feet were tapping along to the best, my fingers trying to play air guitar along. The guitar riffs are very clear, I'm following them all the way through. The same with the drums, I never lose the beat. The lyrics are good but I do still to the problem of them not being as clear as I'd really like.
It's not the most original song I've ever heard but it's a good song that's great to sing and dance to. Alone Tonight remind me of the American band The Summer Set, and I hope to see these guys get as far as them!

I think these guys would put on a good live show, so if you get the chance I've definitely go. Alone Tonight are a band with a lot of energy that definitely shows in their music.

Listen to This One's Goodbye here

Check out Alone Tonight's Facebook here

Through Colour: Somnium (Review)

For today's review I am in...... Wait for it.... Manchester! Today I have 5 piece Manchester Rock/Pop band, Through Colour.

Their EP Somnium.
The first song is Daydream, as this song was released as a single before the EP I knew what it sounded like. But it was the hearing of this song that made me want to review the rest of the EP as I really loved it.
I have nothing against songs that have a bit of an intro but I also love the way in Daydream you just so straight into the song. Foot tapping, fingers drumming on keys the second the songs starts. Steve's vocals are clear and stand out. Steve has a great voice as no matter how long I listen I don't get board of his voice he also makes me want to sing along,  I'm actually singing along before I've the song is over for the first time. Man I love these guitar riffs, (can I high five who came up with them?) They're sweet and I find myself trying to play along aside them! I love the way they go from something quite light and sweet to something heavier in the guitar solo. I'm really having a proper rock out to this song, someone's going to come knock on my door in a minute and complain about the amount of bad singing and foot tapping going on!

Lost
At the start I hear a slightly more poppy Through Colour, I can't help moving and getting into the song. The drums have this fantastic beat that I never lose through out the song, I can always find it be tapping along to it. Again Steve has me singing along with him before the song has finished for the first time. The song slows and I hear a softer side to his vocals which are just as good, then it jumps back to full speed. I still loving the guitar riffs, they're loud, ballsy and just have this great power about them. I'm loving the variety between Daydream and Lost, from something rocky to something with more a pop feel.

Ink
Starts slow and I'm met with some wonderful vocals until it spends up with a catchy chorus. It's another song that's more poppy, now I have nothing against that as I love pop music but I didn't like this song as much as the others. Not that it was bad, just a little repetitive and with the speed changing the way it does I couldn't follow it as well.

Broken
Is back with the rock, a heavier song that punches some power! It sounds more of an older side, I could imagine listening to similar thing a few years back. It's great to hear a another different side to Steve's vocals and just the whole difference in the song, with such a good mix of lighter and heavier songs Through Colour are no one trick pony.

Till The End
This is the only other song on the EP I've felt has been as good as Daydreaming. It's got a great power, a tempo change that really works and it makes me want to listen to ridiculously loudly and sing my heart out to it. It's one of those songs that kind of gets to you, it reminds me of My Understandings by Of Mice and Men in it's power and the way it makes me feel. One of my favourite things about Through Colour as a band is their lyrics, there is power in those words alone but mix them with the instruments and vocals and you have a recipe for an amazing band.

I absolutely loved Somnium! I do review EP's where all the songs sound very similar and it's hard to find new things to say, I did not have this problem here. Each track was different with a new twist on what I think as the classic Rock/Pop.

Check out Through Colour's Facebook here 
You can buy Somnium here

Em xxx

Forever Ends Here: 100 Times Over (Review)

All the way in Sydney Australia  with today's band, Forever Ends Here, a four piece Pop, Punk band.

Their new single 100 Times Over.
Pop punk is my genre so I always love it when I get the chance to review it and when I heard of Forever Ends Here I couldn't resist!
You know when you hear a song for the first time and straight away you are tapping along to the drum beat? Well that's exactly how I felt listening to 100 Times Over for the first time. I just couldn't help getting into the song, it's catchy but not in an annoying repetitive way. From start to finish the guitar riffs were upbeat, catchy, fact and just so amazing I found myself playing air guitar along side them! I also love the change in tempo from fast to slower, the rhythm guitar dropping out and leaving the lead and so on. At first listen, I didn't understand everything Luke was singing, and this bugged me a bit as clear vocals is important to me. Luke has a sweet almost pop-like voice that at first I wasn't sure if it worked, but my mind has been changed - the more I've listened, the more I've got into his singing style and decided it in fact works really well! The lyrics remind me of Pop Punk legends All Time Low, which is a good thing. 'It's over when the bomb drops, a ticking time bomb in a world of make believe'  is a lyric I really love. I don't completely understand all the lyrics but I don't think you need to understand every lyric for it to be a good song.
The more I've listened to Forever Ends Here the more I've become addicted to them. It's always great to find a band who put their own twist on the genre, do their own thing and Forever Ends Here definitely have!

I'll be keeping an eye out for these guys in the future as I can see them going far!

Listen to 100 Times Over here

Chick Forever Ends Here Facebook here

Paighton: Drive (Review)

Since I saw them live in August I've been looking forward to Paighton's new single 'Drive' and here it is!

Paighton are a 4 piece Country/Rock band from Nottingham.

Their debut single Drive.

Having heard Drive preformed live so I pretty much knew what to expect, but I was still looking forward to hearing the recorded version. Compered to their first EP Umbrella's Away it's a bit more country sounding and I'm not talking Taylor Swift country but the real stuff. It's really nice to hear some new country music as I think this is the first time I've reviewed the genre, rock on the other hand is something I knew quite a lot about. In this song it's just add a nice touch to the song, there's no over powering guitar or heavy beat that doesn't fit the song.
Andy and Joe's voices mix together wonderfully, Andy starts the song then Joe comes in their voices twist together and come apart again it's really quite amazing! Acoustic guitar, piano, bass and drums all work really well, I'm always either tapping my fingers or my foot to the beat. I can hear the bass which is not something I always do, I often lose in the mix of the other instruments but I don't here and it's really good to be able to hear it. I know Paighton are good with lyrics, as I've had Somebody stuck in my head since I first heard it in like May! "I see the church and crowds of people, putting faith in the unknown" There's such great meaning to the lyrics, I love hearing a band who write's like that.
I love a good original band and Paighton this great originality, I've not heard a band like them. With such a great mix of country, rock, vocals, instruments and lyrics.

Paighton come from the members of That Sunday Feeling and they're not the just the same with a new name, they're a new and improved!

Listen to Drive here

Check out Paighton's Facebook here

Also check out my live review of Paighton when they supported Stakeout in August here 

Em xxx

Keep The Change: Coming Home (Review)

Sorry I've been away but I'm back with in fact one of my friends favourite bands. 3 piece Pop/Punk band Keep The Change from Birmingham.
Their single Coming Home.
My favourite genre and one of my best friends favourite bands so let's say I was expecting something special. It starts off as very classic, fast pop punk which has me moving me feet. Will has a rather unique voice, he's quite high which means sometimes it sounds as he's fighting the music instead of singing along side it. That doesn't mean it's unclear as I always know what's he's singing. The lyrics are good and I'll be singing them for ages. The guitars are fast and catchy, the drums have a steady beat so the whole song has a great beat so you really want to get up and move to it. Not the most original piece I've ever heard but of course that's not a bad thing, it still one good song.
All together it's a great piece of Pop/Punk that you'll jump around singing for hours!

Listen to Coming Home: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x80W3AohN1Ut%3D0s
Check out Keep The Change's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeepTheChangeBand?fref=ts

Em xxx

Amaryllis: Amaryllis (Review)

Staying in England today with Rock/Alternative 5 piece band Amaryllis from London/Surrey.
This is their self-titled EP.

Vixen
The intro of the song first of all reminded me of You Me At Six, but as it goes on it seems to go heavier so even before the vocals I know I'm in for a great song. Sometimes in rock songs they can have these great intros and instrumentals but be let down with the vocals but that's not the case with Amaryllis. Sante's voice isn't too heavy  so you might think they'd get lost in the guitar but you'd be wrong, it's so well produced that everything to perfectly clear. The lyrics are what I'd expect from this kind of genre, they're not repetitive but tell a kind of story and I love it! At the end the guitars start in one ear and switch to both it's fantastic crash of guitars, drums and bass which is a fantastic way to end the song.
From the first time I heard Vixen I knew I was in for something special and I was right!

Little White Lies.
The intro starts playing only in my left ear (At first I thought my headphones had died) before going crashing into both. I love that Amaryllis have that long intro it gives the guitars and drums that chance to be own there own and not have to worry about over powering the vocals. I can't really fault this song it's another well produced, fantastically written, powerful rock song that I want to blast out of my speakers at the highest volume just so everyone can appreciate it's amazingness.

Between The Lies.
Is another great song, slightly slower compered to the speed of Little White Lies, still with great power, excellent production, clear vocals, great lyrics and two guitarist who obviously know what they're doing! There's not a lot else I can say, not because it's bad but because it's similar to the other songs so I'd just be repeating myself.

I really enjoyed Amaryllis EP with that mix of power and lighter vocals, it's not something I've really heard before but it really works. In fact it's probably the best rock EP I've heard in a while and I think you should totally check it out.

Listen here: http://amaryllisuk.bandcamp.com/
Check out Amaryllis Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AmaryllisUK?hc_location=stream

Em xxx

The Red: Fat Dancer (Review)

I'm back in England today but not just England Lincolnshire! It's not very often I get to review a band from the county I now live. Anyway this is The Red, 5 piece Fuck rock/Pop/Jazz and their debut single.
Fat Dancer.
This isn't normally my genre of music but when I listened to it for the first time I found myself tapping my foot and singing along!
Straight away it has one of those beats that you can't not tap your foot too, you'll find yourself dancing to it before you know it. The way Sam sings is quite unique to me, it's not just the same poppy voice that sounds the same as everyone else. In fact there's a uniqueness to the whole band which is one of the reason I started to listen to them in the first place. The lyrics are the kind that get in your head so you'll be singing them for hours after, they're simple and easy to learn as I was singing along before I listened to the whole song for the first time! The only thing is listening to it on repeat for so long (As I need to do) I found myself getting a little board. I've completely fallen in love with the guitar and I'd love someone to teach me to play like that!
I like the whole uniqueness about the song and it's so catchy despite it not being your normal thing you should totally listen, it's so worth it to hear these guys talent!

Listen to Fat Dancer here: http://thered.bandcamp.com/track/fat-dancer
Check out The Red's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRedPage?fref=ts

Em xxx

 

Stakeout: Young and Fearless tour (Birmingham date) Review

Recently I had the lovely pleasure of seeing Stakeout on their headlining Young and Fearless tour in Birmingham!

The night started with local supports were 4 piece pop-rock band The Callout. Not knowing them before hand I didn't know the words to their songs but they pulled off a really good performance as I was clapping along and enjoying myself. Their set wasn't long and it was all their own songs so the crowd didn't really sing along but The Callout started off a great night in style and I'll be checking them out in the future!
Check out The Callouts Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecalloutofficial

Next on the bill were Birmingham 5 piece alt-rockers Speaking in Shadows. I saw SIS back in February when they supported Taking Hayley and I wasn't that impressed with their performance but they've defiantly proved me wrong! They had a great stage presence that got the whole crowed moving, Adam's vocals sounded really good and clear compared to when I last saw them. In one of the songs the crowd was even given our own line to sing, which is always great. They finished their set with their single Sweet Gemini which is one of the only one of their songs I knew so I was really singing, clapping and having fun.
I really great set and I would happily see them for a third time.
Check out Speaking In Shadows Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/speakinginshadows?fref=ts

Third were new 4 piece country/rock band Paighton, only releasing their first EP about a month ago this is the first time many people have heard them live. The members of Paighton are made up of the old members of That Sunday Feeling, who'd seen live twice and was never that impressed with their live performance but coming back as Paighton has given them a new life. They did mostly covers and only two of their own songs, one of them being brand new. Some of the covers I didn't know but had a great time singing along to the ones that I did including The Summer Of 69, they finished their set with the song Somebody which I knew very well and sung very loudly along to. A very good first impression from Paighton and I would defiantly go see them again.
Check out Paightons Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaightonUK

Finally headliners 3 piece pop-rock band Stakeout. Due to Matt (Lead vocals and guitar) being ill their set was cut a little shorter and despite all that they were amazing! For the first time they played a mix of both their EP's mixing the old songs with new songs and some covers thrown in too. Going from their intro into Chelsea, Never End, Hero, Sing It Loud then into a cover of Demi Lovato's Heart Attack. Which sounded amazing, hearing it performed by a proper band made that crash on the chorus sound fantastic! They slowed in down for The Outcome Of Saying Goodbye which has a lot of personal meaning to the band and it showed as they played it, I was singing my heart out or I would have been crying my eyes out. They also played their new single Heartbreak Overdue which is probably my favourite song by them so I had a brilliant time jumping up and down to it. They closed the night with a cover of Sex On Fire in which all the bands came on stage for a bit of a stage invasion which resulted in a blow up palm tree being in the crowd and Lee (Bass and backing vocals) getting us covered in water. Despite Matt being ill and the chance of the gig not going ahead everything went amazingly, they couldn't have done a better job!
I will defiantly be going to see them again but a bit closer next time hey?
Check out Stakeouts Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/StakeOutOfficial?fref=ts

Em xxx
P.s No it's not possible to put amazing too many times in one review!
 

Back To November: Without Reason (Review)

I'm in Wales today, Cardiff to be exact with 4 piece acoustic band Back To November!

This is their EP Without Reason.

Falling.
I reviewed Falling a few mouths ago when it was just a recording in a garage and it was amazing then, but now it's been probably recorded it's even more so!
Two acoustic guitars and two lots of vocals, simple yet effective. With not electric guitar or drums there's nothing to cover the vocals and you can hear them perfectly, and not only can Joel and Dan sing but their voices fit together. It reminds me of Tom and Danny of McFly were they both sing lead and their voices mix so well together. I really love the lyrics as I can't stop singing them "I'm falling for you, you I knew you'd never understand the way I feel about you baby"  As it's the first song the band wrote together it shows a lot of potential.

I Won't Give Up.
Is a slower song which really shows off the talent these guys have! It's a bit Ed Sherran sounding with a bit more of a country sound. The lyrics are really fantastic "I won't give up on us even if the skies get ruff" it's honestly one of the most simple and beautiful songs I've heard and I could imagine falling in love with it.

Tickle Tears
With the add of the Ukulele I can't help tapping my foot and moving with the song. Trickle Tears is a little different to the other songs as we've also got the add of a drum, it also shows another side of Back To November that's not just a simple acoustic song but a little bit more. It's more upbeat, still as catchy, still with those fantastic vocals and a really great guitar solo from Edan. As much as I love this band I was worried I'd be getting four songs that sound very similar but I've been shown that's not the case and Back To November have more to them than it might first seem.

Hazel Eyes.
Dam it Back To November! This song is beautiful, the emotion in the vocals, the lyrics, the simple guitar and slight drum has given me goose bumps and I think I may actually cry... Which is saying something as not many songs can do that for me. Falling had me singing, I Won't Give Up had me wanting to fall in love, Tickle Tears had me dancing and Hazel Eyes had me crying. It shows a lot of talents to be able to some so much emotion in just fours songs that I can feel so different about each one.

I knew Back To November were a band to watch when I first heard that first recording of Falling months ago and now wow! They've really become one amazing band and I'm proud of them.  All I know now is I need to get myself a copy of Without Reason!

Listen to Without Reason here: https://soundcloud.com/backtonovember/sets/ep-without-reason

Check out Back To Novembers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Back-To-November/163761770394732

Em xxx

Jocelyn: Miss America (Review)

I can't seem to get out of America lately! As I'm back to Iwoa with 4 piece pop/rock band Jocelyn.
This is their new song Miss America.
I love a good piece of classic pop rock and this is a brilliant example. It's in the same style as Jocelyn older work, which is currently not a bad thing as they've build up quite a fan base with their catchy pop rock.
The guitar riffs, are upbeat, catchy and clear! I really like being able to follow the riffs and changes all the way through the song. I love the guitars so much that I'm having trouble tearing myself away to focus on the other parts of the song. The vocals are really good, I was singing along before the song was over for the first time. They're upbeat, I like how I can hear Alex's ascent as he sings and clear, if you know me you'll know I find clear vocals important and these are perfect I can hear every pitch change. The lyrics are what I'd expect from this kind of song "She's my Miss America, the one that got away, I was too good for her, now she's too good for me." But good all the same.
I only had one problem with the song, having on repeat for so long I got a little bored. A song can be great the first few times but after a few more it can get repetitive, a good song summer song all the same though.
Miss America is a great song and exactly what I'd expect from Jocelyn, so it's not the most original but that doesn't make it bad as I love the song for what it is.

Great band, great song be sure to listen! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZG3vLwAOjAU&feature=youtu.be

Check out Jocelyn facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeAreJocelyn?fref=ts

Em xxx

Rumours: Just a Kiss (Review)

I'm back in the UK with 4 piece rock band Rumours! The band only forming this year means this is their debut single.
Just a Kiss.
I always try to go into a song without knowing anything about it, so I had no idea what to expect with Rumours, I was definitely presently surprised.
I was met with a sweet, catchy rock song that had a great energy that made me want to dance and sing at the top of my lungs. I was trying to think if the guitar riff that starts the song sounds like any other band I know and I couldn't think of anyone, there's a great energetic originality about Just a Kiss.
Vocals, are not the kind that pull at your heart strings but make you smile and really get you into the song. I've listened to a lot of rocks song and I can find the vocals don't always fit the genre that is defiantly not the case here, Alex's vocals fit this upbeat song perfectly. The lyrics will be going around my head for days, they are definitely the kind of lyrics that get stuck in your head. They're quite simple but not repetitive and easy to learn so you'll be singing along before you know it.
Just a Kiss is one of those songs I could imagine hearing live and everyone jumping up and down, singing as loud as they could as it's just one of those songs that lifts your mood instantly.
It's a great feeling when you find a song that's just great, the guitars, drums, bass, vocals, lyrics all fit together in the right way that just works and Just a Kiss is definitely one of them!

At first I didn't know what to expect from Rumours but I can say if that's their debut I can't wait to see what's next!

Listen to Just a Kiss: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWVD0w9BFwI
Check out Rumours Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialrumours

Em xxx

Chase Your Words: Under Attack (Review)

From America to Canada for today's review! Chase Your Words a 4 piece pop-punk band from Vancouver Canada.

(From left to right) James Songalia, Alex Johnrden, Chris Siglos and Curtis St Louis.

This is there song Under Attack.

I love a good bit of pop-punk being a big All Time Low fan so this is right up my street. A catchy song, that's full of energy, you'll be singing along and tapping your fingers on the keyboard before the chorus. The guitar riff has an All Time Low Weightless (From their album Nothing Personal) feel about it which feels give's it that fantastic energy I love. Often in the genre lyrics are about parties and having fun, now there's nothing wrong with that but Chase Your Words have gone that little bit deeper and it really works! So don't blame your scars on me when I'm only doing my best. 
Despite these slightly deeper lyrics it's actually rather feel good song, with a great beat that I'm loving listening and singing to in this hot weather. My only bad thing I have to say and there is only one. The vocals can be a bit unclear and if I didn't have the lyrics written in front of me I may not understand what's be sung, they can sing just need to turn them up a bit.

Listen to Under Attack: http://chaseyourwords.bandcamp.com/track/under-attack
Check out Chase Your Words Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChaseYourWords
  

Taking Hayley live review

Hey guys!
This week I was very lucky to get tickets to see Taking Hayley playing in Nottingham on their Made tour!

Due to my failure at map reading we arrived late and I don't actually know the name of the opening act... I am sorry about that. What I heard of the band was good and I had fun dancing to them.

The Kaos were next!
A good bit of punk rock to kick off my night. Clapping, cheering, a bit of dancing. The band defiantly had some energy and it was great to see a band more at home jumping around the stage. Sometimes live vocals can get a bit lost The Kaos didn't have this problem and I could hear them really well even if I didn't know the words! They finished their set with a great cover of Teenager Dirtbag that had the whole crowd singing along. I'll defiantly be checking out The Kaos more in the future.
The Kaos Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Kaos/167097573323084?fref=ts

Third on the bill was In Hindsight.
My friend introduced me to this band so I knew what to expect this time. Everyone was singing along and having fun, they had great energy on stage as well as in their songs. The whole crowd was really enjoying their pop rock songs as everyone was either singing/clapping or dancing along.
In Hindsight put on a really great performance and I'll definitely be listening to them more in the future!
In Hindsight Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inhindsight?fref=ts

The forth and final support act were The Last Carnival.
I'd not listened to the band before hand so I had no idea what to expect. With two guitars, bass, drums, keyboard and vocals there was a lot going on, maybe a bit too much. The guitars were amazing and their guitarist definitely had some talent, in fact the whole band was talented and the only bad thing I have to say is I couldn't hear the vocals at all... This might have been to do with how close to the speakers I was standing but even so I should be able to hear something of what was being sung and I couldn't. Having talked to the guys after the show they're a really nice, hard working band so you should check them out.
The Last Carnival Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelastcarnival?fref=ts

The headlining act Taking Hayley.
This being the third time I'd seen Taking Hayley I knew exactly what to expect from the band, and they did not disappoint. Starting off with their second single Up All Night got the whole crowd jumping and singing straight away. That feeling when you're in a crowd and everyone is having an amazing time singing as loud as they can is something you get at Taking Hayley, everyone is enjoying themselves. They played a few of their faster songs first Up All Night, Tonight and Here I Stand before slowing into Crying Eyes. This song was originally recorded as a piano track but for the sake of tour was performed with just an acoustic guitar and vocals. It's an beautiful song to start with but live Alistair really does sing it at a new level that left me with tears in my eyes. They did a great cover of Locked Out Of Heaven by Bruno Mars which is one of my favourite covers they've done. One of the special moments for me was when they played From Now Until Forever which is a special song for my and best friend, hearing it live meant a lot to me and they played it so, so well.
Taking Hayley really know how to put on a show, you would not be disappointed going to see them.
Taking Hayley Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/takinghayleyuk?fref=ts

Em xxx
P.S if anyone has the name of the opening act I'd love to know!


   

For The First Things: The Brighter Side (Review)

Going all out in America at the moment what is this my 4th one in a row? Say hello to 3 piece pop rock band First Things First from Philadelphia!
This is their EP The Brighter Side.

Let The Good Times Roll, Kid.
Catchy, foot tapping, singing along, stuck in your head pop rock song. I love a good fast song and this diffidently is one, the guitars and drums keep that pace so my foot never stops tapping. The only problem is the speed and energy sometimes makes it hard to hear the vocals, as the vocals are sweet and quite high so can get a little lost in the power of the guitars but as I listen to it more I can hear them better.

Love Is For The__
They are an very energetic band, I can imagine them jumping up and down like little kids why playing this song live. Again it's the same great pop rock that I love. The way you can always hear the drums is the reason I can't sit still, the guitars still have that power but in this song I can hear the vocals better so I'm singing along more. So far this is my favourite song of The Brighter Side!

Queen Of Mixed Signals.
Straight away this song reminds me of a young All Time Low and being a huge fan of theirs that's not a bad thing. This song feels a little deeper, like that's more to it that the previous tracks. The vocals are at their best in this song and I don't lose them at all, the guitar solo is so fantastic I wanted to do air guitar along side it! The lyrics it's them that's made this song different from the others, all about lairs, cheats, mixed up signals, giving up and running away, it's great to see a band who can write songs like that.

Stuck On Repeat.
Is the fastest song on the EP, which is saying something as I thought Let The Good Times Roll, Kid was fast! It's one of those classic pop rocks you want to play really loud why driving down the high way (Or motorway) and sing at the top of your lungs. At the start of the EP I wasn't sure but as it's gone along each song has got better and they're all a bit different, I was worried I'd be listening to 5 songs that all sounded the same but that's definitely not the case.  

Broken Limits (We're So Caught Up In This)
I love a good slow acoustic song and wow this is one hell of one! There is something Remembering Sunday (All Time Low, from their album So Wrong, It's Right) about the song, especially with a girl featured.The mix of the girls vocals between his are great,  and the way it speeds up at the end just adds the perfect last touch. I was surprised by this song, as at first First Things First sounded like a normal pop rock band about having fun but it seems they can also write that slow song that gives you goose bumps, as these lyrics are really good these real feeling behind them.

At first I didn't really like First Things First but as I've listened through the whole of The Brighter Side I've fallen more in love with each song, they are a band you should give a chance and I can see going far!

Listen to The Brighter Side: http://firstthingsfirst.bandcamp.com/album/the-brighter-side
Check out First Things First Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstThingsFirstMusic?fref=ts

Clear Skies: #OurOwnEscape (Review)

I'm in America again! This time Springfield, Mo with 2 piece pop, rock band Clear Skies.
This is their third single #OurOwnEscape
Clear Skies is that sweet pop rock that you fall in love with the catchy lyrics, fast guitars, upbeat drums and clear, clean vocals. The way the songs slows for the lyrics 'We could make our own escape, just you and me, leave our cares behind, all I need is in your eyes' is brilliant, sometimes with this genre I find songs can be a bit shallow and repetitive but Clear Skies have got the perfect balance of poppy and that something more meaningful. The vocals have that sweet aspect about them were they get in your head and you're singing along before you know it! The guitars have I feel a slight Fall Out Boy feel about them which I love and just the way they keep the rocky feel going through out the song. That feel good song you listen to when you're feeling down, that song you really loudly because you can't get it out of your head, that song that makes you dance. All those things are #OurOwnEscape, it's a fantastic piece of pop rock that I can't stop listening to!  

That lovely little twist on the classic pop rock has got my singing this song as loud as I can without annoying next door!

Listen to it yourself and this is one of the best lyric videos I've ever seen! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUe_Zw-4Qt0&feature=youtu.be

Check out Clear Skies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClearSkiesMo?fref=ts

Em xxx

An Honest Year: Liar & A Thief (Review)

Another American band today this time in the lovely sunny Florida! An Honest Year are an 5 piece pop rockers with an alternative twist.
Their song Liar & A Thief.
It's not very often I hear a song for the first time and straight away start rocking out to it but listening to this, I couldn't sit still. The very first guitar riffs have me tapping me fingers on the keyboard and by the end of the song I want to get up and dance...I can always hear the drums which is great as sometimes I find they get a little lost. Man these guitarist are good, the riffs are sweet catchy and the tempo change in the middle is brilliant.  The vocals are clear, strong and had me singing along, you can hear the Blink 182 influence in the lyrics 'She's a lair and a thief she'll tell you what you want and what you want, she'll  chew you up and spit you out' are my favourite lyrics in the song. The song slows down for those lyrics before going back to it's fast tempo, someone people might find the lyrics a bit repetitive towards the end but I think because the lyrics themselves are good it doesn't matter if they're repeated a few times.  It's a really catchy song and I couldn't resist putting it on repeat!
I'd suggest this band to anyone who likes pop punk as well as I'm reminded slightly of the old Fall Out Boy in the song.  
I reviewed a fair few songs and yes they are times when I don't want to have a listen to the song again but here I'm going to have trouble taking it off repeat.

Have a listen to Lair & A Thief: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gv5-Jy2uubo
Check out An Honest Years Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anhonestyear?fref=ts

Em xxx

Victoria: The Lights (Review)

Today we have 4 piece Alternative pop rockers Victoria! Pop rock is probably my favourite genre so I'm really excited about hearing Victoria's spin on it.
Their EP The Lights.

Lights.
There's a long intro of just piano before being joined by guitar riff and drums. It's simple, sweet and catchy pop rock. The vocals are clear, quite soft and really make me want to sing along; the way they're sung reminds me of Matt from Stakeout. I love the lyrics 'Your flaws that make you who are are' are great, plus I can't stop singing the chorus. I really couldn't sit still listening to this song, it had my fingers and foot tapping through out.

Troubled Town.
Wow! Is my first thought. It's starts a slower, softer song with only an acoustic. The vocals are light, very clear and quite high (Not Kellin Quinn high) making me think the singers youngish! I'm in love with Victoria's lyrics they're that little bit deeper than the normal pop rock. They're catchy, beautifully sung and help make the band that little bit different. This is probably my favourite song of the EP!

Ex-lovers.
I was reminded of the Script, the mix of acoustic and electric guitars plus the lyrics have that slight Script about them. This song is the same sort, sweet, catchy style that is Victoria; when people say a pop rock band you might think of someone like Taking Hayley or Stakeout but Victoria have very much put their own spin the on genre that's really made me fall in love with them!

A great EP that I shall stuck in my head for a good while yet :)

Have a listen to The Lights: http://victoriabanduk.bandcamp.com/album/the-lights-ep
Check out Victoria's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaBandUK

Em xxx

Sweet Ascent: Wish Me Luck (Review)

Sweet Ascent, American 4 piece pop punk band with breakdowns!
Their single Wish Me Luck.
I love pop punk so this is the perfect song for me. It's fast, catchy, with great guitar riffs that keep me moving, drums have steady beat through out, the lyrics and vocals are brilliant; the vocals are clean, clear and just make me want to sing along. The unclean vocals don't last for long, they're not really my favorite thing but these are good, I can hear what's being sung which it better than some unclean vocals.  The lyrics are about chasing your dreams and saying wish me luck as I go, which I really like as it's telling more of a story. When I think of pop puck bands I think of bands like All Time Low and Fall Out Boy but Sweet Ascent have put their own twist on it so they sound different, and that keeps you listening.

A great song, and a great band for any pop punk lover!

Listen and even free download of Wish Me Luck: https://www.facebook.com/SweetAscent/app_178091127385

Check out Sweet Ascent's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SweetAscent
Sweet Ascent are also releasing a new EP soon! I'll have more on that, when they do!

Em xxx

Faltered: Fortune Favours (Review)

My amazing Welsh brothers also known as Faltered are back with their album Fortune Favours. I was really excited when I was asked to review this album as knowing how good Faltered work has been I was expecting a lot.
An alternative rock band that write brilliant songs with an original twist that'll keep you hooked.

Leave it Out. 
It's just an intro to the album but makes me very excited for whats to come. Faltered have never failed to make me love their guitar riffs and Leave It Out is no exception.  

Fortune Favours. 
I'm in love with the guitar riff at the beginning with the drums it's a great start to the song. The intro to the song is long but you don't get bored, the interments are much for the focus of the song. When the vocals do come in I don't understand what's being sung and it takes a few plays for them to go in. Intermently it's an amazing song, its fast, powerful and the best part of the song. Vocally it's a bit let down.. The vocal style changes from that sounds like a cross between sings and yelling, that I didn't really like and found I didn't understand the lyrics.

Worth The Wait, 
This song is on 2 EP's then the album and it's still my favorite Faltered song! I love the originality of the song along with the power, the way to changes from fast to slow and the lyrics "Is this worth the wait? Reality widens eyes" are really good and show the talents these brothers have. 

Pulled Over. I love the slow start to the song, for the first time I can really hear the vocals. Faltered always seem to have a power weather it's in their guitars or vocals or in this case both and that's not something you can say about a lot of bands. The vocals even take a turn for the screaming which is something I don't really know anything about but it works in the song, it's one of my favorite things about the band the way they change style though out a song.  

Please Don't Take This The Wrong Way.
Is it impossible for Faltered to write a guitar riff I don't love? Yes it is... I'm in love with the complex of the riffs, the way they change speed and keys. The vocals are raw but really stand out in this song compered to some of the others. Though the instruments still stay the focus of the song which I love as it's not done very often, Faltered aren't a band I can compare with anyone one else as no one else sounds like them.    

If This Is A Joke I'm Not Laughing. From the first few seconds you can tell Faltered are something different as I've not heard of a song start with a mix of rock guitars and something that sounds slightly jazzy... The jazzy part fades leaving the guitars to come out into there own, the vocals powerful and clear and with more screamo vocals which again are great and clear, as I've said I don't know a lot about this style of singing but even I can tell it's good. I can't really fault  this song it has everything I ask for.

Thanks a Million. softer guitar riff and vocals makes for a more relaxing song and with a drum beat that has my foot always tapping, then at about three minutes the whole song gets a heaver touch the guitar riff faster, the vocals more powerful and the drums faster. This song has the best lyrics with the most meaning but all Faltered songs have meaningful lyrics and it's one of my favorite things about the band. The song ends with a thirty second long soft instrumental.

Fortune Favours is out now! 
Go check it out on iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/fortune-favours/id687756460?uo=4 
It's also on Amazon and Spotify. 

The Fleet: Get Up And Run (Review)

Everyone say hello to The Fleet! A 5 piece rock band from Chester.
This is their song Get Up And Run.
I choice to review this song not because it's a single or anything, it's because I put it on and when back to what I was reading (Twitter okay...) but I couldn't. I couldn't stop listening to the song.
I love the mix of guitar, keys and drums at the start, it really pulls you in. The song keeps a steady beat through out that I'm always tapping my foot too, everything comes to together so perfectly for the chorus. Mickey's voice is soft, yet strong and has it's own uniqueness about it and fits the song beautifully. Normally I might find the lyrics a bit repetitive but I don't here. I could really listen, enjoy and almost get lost in the song, I've had it on repeat for so long and still love it.
I really fantastic song, when I read The Fleet were a rock band I was expecting a full on rock song but I didn't get that. Instead I got an amazing original song, that was perfectly put to together and preformed. Yes it's still a rock song but a side to rock that we forget.

Listen to Get Up And Run: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7UZOutQqGU
Check out The Fleet on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeAreTheFleet?fref=ts

Em xxx

Breach The Summit: Family (Review)

Breach The Summit are a 3 piece Indie pop band Irvine USA! Formed in 2009 the band have been playing lots of shows all over the place from there home town Irvine to Los Angeles!
This is their EP Family.

We Were Running,
catchy and upbeat guitar riffs that I can't help tapping me foot to from the first few seconds. Olen voice is bright and clear so it really stands out, I love his voice I want to sing along with him.The lyrics make me think of summer, just being silly free and running. Though they're not the deepest lyrics I've ever heard but I really like them as they're happy, light and really work for the song. I shall be singing this all Summer (If we ever get any) as it's one of those songs that gets stuck in your head and doesn't leave :)

A Little Bit,
has a rocker guitar riff to start and still as catchy! Olden's voice is sweet, upbeat and someone who can really sing, I'm picky about singers if I can't hear what they're singing I don't like it, if they fight the guitars and drums I don't like it but here the vocals fit perfectly with everything and I love it. The lyrics are really good, dam theses guys can write as well as everything else. Seriously since playing this song I can't stop my foot and fingers tapping it's just that good :)

Take Me Back (For what it's worth)
 I love how all Breach The Summit songs sound that little bit different. This one is the rockist of the lot so far, but the lyrics still have a poppy feel to them.The guitar riffs in this song are great Jacob has some skills! I really love the drums steady beat that runs through the whole song. Again Olden's voice is fantastic, really these guys can't seem to stop getting better...

Family,
has a slower steady start that speeds up when it hits the chorus again this song sounds different to the others. Going from fast to slow, but keeping to the rock more this time.Vocals, lyrics, guitars, drums everything again is brilliant. Breach The Summit keep continuing to surprise me one fantastic song after another!

Outliers.
Is a softer song to start with Olden's vocals standing out perfectly against the guitar. Though I have to admit I don't like the chorus....The vocals go too high and I can't understand them anymore. The instrumental parts are brilliant, and I really notice the keyboard! I think over all this is the song I don't like as much but it's still a great song :)

This whole EP is amazing and I really love it, they're one of the best indie pop bands I've ever heard! Really well done to Breach The Summit :)

Listen to Family here: https://soundcloud.com/breachthesummit
Their Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BreachTheSummit?ref=ts&fref=ts

Em xxx

Super73: Let It Go (Review)

Super73 are a 4 piece Alternative rock based in the Midlands.  Emerging from the Ashes of previous bands, Themselves, Ictus and Citizen Smith after less than a year together Super73 have really got the ball rolling opening for the infamous Bruce Dickinson from Iron Maiden and their dubet release Let It Go.  
Let It Go
sweet catchy guitar riff starts the song that has something Green Day about it, Mark's voice defiantly has a familiarity about it that I can't pin down... The lyrics are not amazing but they're not terrible either, they just don't really grab your attention I had to listen to the song a few times before I could get them to stay in my head. The guitars are my favourite thing about the song, they go from being sweet and catchy to hard and dramatic for me it was the real hook of the song that kept me listening. 
Untitled (What Matters?) 
Again the guitar riffs and drum beat have me hooked but the vocals don't really stand out and the lyrics again don't really go in I meant I've just listen to the song and I couldn't tell you anything about them they made no effect on me. These guys defiantly have talent and I look forward to seeing them do more. 

Listen here:  http://www.reverbnation.com/Super73

Super73 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearesuper73?fref=ts

Em xxx

Neon Sarcastic: Chemistry Was Never The Problem (Review)

Neon Sarcastic are back with new single Chemistry Was Never The Problem!

(From left to right) Jamie Flanagan, Bryce Newbold, John Wilson, Joe Pasch and Adam Abbott.
The Alternative rock/rock 5 piece from Leicester are back with new single Chemistry Was Never The Problem which is their second single after Codename: Disaster.

As a lover of Codename: Disaster I was really looking forward to hearing the boys new stuff and I'm pleased to say I wasn't disappointed!
Foot tapping and fast the guitar riffs have got the song of to a great start, this seems to be a slightly heaver side to Neon Sarcastic as they've lost the more poppy feel that was their first single. I'm liking this more rock NS though one thing that hasn't changed is John's vocals, his voice is light, energetic and you can't help sing along with him. Lyrics are catchy and will be stuck in your head for agesss but that's Neon Sarcastic their single's are two of the catchyist songs I know! Though the lyrics 'Something changed, someone changed' were repeated one too many times for me. One of the things I really like is the fact I never lose the drums, there's always steady rhythm through out the song. 
It was a bit of a wait for Chemistry Was Never The Problem but it was totally worth it and I know I'll be listening to this a lot in the future, just don't make us wait so long between singles next time okay? 

Listen to Chemistry Was Never The Problem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OQstfno4VA

Check out the bands Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Neonsarcasticuk?fref=ts

Em xxx

We Are Saviours: Years (Review)

We Are Saviours are back!

(From left to right) Jordan Ashley, Leo Ismail, Jay Adam and Brad Ransome


The 4 piece, Pop/Rockers from Birmingham have had a big re-launch at the weekend We Are Saviours have announced a new guitarist Leo and new single Years.
The first thing I notice listening to Years for the first time is how diffident it is to the bands single Take Off Your Clothes as Years is slightly more rock feel. I love the guitar riffs, there catchy and having me tapping my foot and drum beat has me wanting to get up and jump! In fact the whole does make you want to get up and move, it's quite an infections song. When it comes to Jay's vocals he has a very much his own voice, I mean when he sings you know immediately as he has a very unique voice and strong Birmingham ascent that you can hear as he sings. The lyrics are those kind of lyrics that'll get stuck  in your head and you'll be singing them for hours. They are the kind of lyrics you can imagine singing at the top of your voice at a gig and I look forward to doing so in the near future! `
Great come back, great song and I look forward to everything coming in the future.

Listen to Years: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRDJiAV3Hqo

Check out the bands Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/wearesaviours?fref=ts

Em xxx
    

CityLights: The Way I Feel (Review)

In St. Albans today with the lovely CityLights and their song The Way I Feel!  Formed in 2011 originally as a 2 piece band  have been touring all over the country, added a 3rd member and been getting ready to release their mini album in June. CityLights don't describe themselves like most bands saying pop/rock or whatever as I found out when I asked member of the band Ric "We don't describe ourselfs  we let others try and guess -we write happy songs for happy people"
Before hearing the band for the first time I knew a lot of hard work had gone  into their music so I was expecting good things. Straight away the acoustic guitar riff has me tapping my foot, as it has a happy and upbeat feel about it. I think the best way to describe Ric's vocal style would be a happy and energetic Ed Sheeran! His vocals are sweet and just really nice to listen to, plus I feel I could sing along with him with ease which just adds to my liking of the song. The lyrics do get stuck in your head or that might be because I've had on repeat for so long! Simple, sweet and catchy the lyrics just keep the whole happy thing going as I can't stop singing along!
I've really enjoyed the originality of the song as I can't think of a song as simple and so bright and lively! I've always liked simple things that are acoustic guitars and vocals and that's what this song is and is why I shall be listening to it for some time as it reminds me a lot of summer (Which with all the snow I'm missing)

Have a listen for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=pCuSMH1vJ6Y
Check out the bands Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WeAreCityLights

Em xxx

And finally the headlining act, Taking Hayley! Thee 4 piece pop - rockers from Birmingham put on an amazing show.
Even as they were setting up there was a buzz and excitement in the air.
The into plays, the boys come on stage, the lights go down and BANG the first guitar riff of Tonight starts, Levi (Guitar and backing vocals) and Tom (Bass and backing vocals) started singing and the crowd goes mad! The bands  high quality, poppy tunes with an rocky edge get everyone on there feet, jumping, singing and clapping their hands. Second song in Up All Night, Taking Hayley's second single get's everyone going. Have you ever been in the middle of a crowd singing your heart out, jumping and not having a care in the world because you're on top of the world? Yeah, that's what standing in that crowd felt like. Butterflies from the bands debut album 'Tricks and Games' means alot to Alistair (Lead guitar and vocals) as he put his heart in as he sung it. Holding On was the song I was most excited to see live and I was not disappointed! Alistair puts down his guitar and just sings, the intro already had us jumping and when Ali started singing, I sang my heart out with him, so much that my voice nearly gave up just over half way through! From Now Until Forever another one of 'Tricks and Games' and a song they've not played on tour before and another one I was looking forward to hearing, it's a song that means a lot to the band as it's about them and there journey and it's a really lovely song that really comes alive when live. Here I Stand is more energetic that From Now Until Forever so get's the crowd jumping like mad again, and I found my voice again so I was singing along too. Somebody That I Used To Know (Cover) I know what this song is like when you rock it up as I love the Mayday Parade's cover but Taking Hayley gave it there own twist making it a cover Mayday Parade would be jealous of. Better Luck Next Time this is the #BLNT tour so I knew this song was coming. The catchy guitar riffs and upbeat drums that make it impossible to keep your feet on the ground. Circles the last song in what was an amazing night. Jay (Drums) keeps up a fast beat were you just have to clap along (If you can keep time... I can't!) it's a great feeling looking at the crowd around you all clapping along in time.
An amazing night that I won't be forgetting.

 Alistair and Tom

 Alistair, Jay and Levi

 Tom, Alistair, Jay and Levi

   Levi and Jay

(All photos by my sister Rebecca Brown)

Em xxx