Just over a decade has passed since Alexisonfire's eponymously named debut album was unleashed upon the world. Hailing from Ontario, Canada, Alexisonfire burst through the hardcore scene with rip-roaring energy, gut-busting adrenaline, and teeth-shattering noise. Their notorious live shows soon became stuff of legend, and with each album released they notched up a few more places on the richter scale of ear splitting sound.
Fans, and fellow musicians were left reeling when it was announced they would be breaking up back in 2011 — citing Dallas Green's wish to focus solely on City and Colour as one of the main reasons for their split. In true Alexis style they delivered the goods, and gave their fans one last chance to catch them doing what they do better than anyone else — putting on a huge live show, and announced a farewell tour. It wasn't long before each venue around the world was sold out, and the five metal masters would take to the stage together one last time. They performed fan favourites We Are The Sound, Boiled Frogs, .44 Caliber Love Letter, Dog's Blood, and the timeless This Could Be Anywhere In The World.
As hard as it is to see them bow out, and knowing there will be no more new Alexis albums to anticipate and obsess over, it's fitting to see them leave at the top of their game. Unrivalled when it comes to live shows, unbeatable when it comes to writing killer riffs that blow steam from your ears, and eternally unforgettable. So there it is, the only band ever — no more.
Inspired by The Cure, Siouxsie Sioux, and Depeche Mode, Brighton five-piece Dear Prudence have a powerful noir-pop sound fused with a dark and moodish stage presence, reminiscent of the 80's with their own fresh modern day twist. Singer songwriter Madi Poncia's smoky, haunting vocals are stunning and sure to leave you hitting repeat all day. Do yourself a huge favour, and check out their YouTube channel for more. Black Chandelier — Biffy Clyro
You know what I most love about Biffy? No, it's not Simon Neil's exquisite beard of Zeus. It's that after listening to one or two seconds of their music you KNOW it's them — but the magic lies in that they aren't samey. So many incredible bands create a beautiful, distinctive sound and stick with it — forever. And, yeah sure I can get behind that, if it ain't broke don't fix it right? Well, Biffy mix it up, they take risks, and they're creative. But most importantly they're always damn good. This is no exception. My Life — 50 Cent ft. Adam Levine and Eminem
It's nothing new to hear Mr. Cent collaborate with Mr. Shady — but it is a risk. It's dangerous to have Eminem feature on your track because, inevitably, it becomes his track. But the two have worked together a million times, and it's never been anything short of fan-fucking-tastic. Having said that, it was a genius move to bring the Maroon 5 frontman in — his distinctive voice juxtaposes brilliantly with the rap verses.
If this blog was a garden, it would now be an overgrown wilderness of a terrain that would need to be approached with a machete in order to hack your way through it. That is how badly I've been neglecting it. Soz.
Anyway, this blog isn't a garden so put down your watering can and let's get crack-a-lacking...
Here's a little round-up of some of my favourite new songs, cover songs, albums and music videos that have been making waves on the web over the past few weeks:
Dear Prudence — R.I.P (Rita Ora cover)
I'll admit, I hadn't heard the original before hearing this beautiful cover from one of my favourite up-and-coming bands, but I fell in love with it instantly. Lead singer Madi has a beautiful, haunting tone to her voice that fills any song with emotion and really emphasises the meaning of the lyrics. This cover captures something new and fresh from the original, and if you're anything like me, will leave you pressing repeat over and over again.
Billy Talent — Dead Silence
One of the best, and most outrageously talented, punk-rock bands ever delivers yet again with their latest studio album. Classic Billy packed with killer, slick and relentless guitar riffs, clever lyrics and songs full of atmosphere and, well, punk! Don't miss out.
No Doubt — Push and Shove
After 11 long, long years the ska-punk heroes are finally back, and as good as ever! Miss Stefani is flawless (as per), and the band's fun, funky, punky, make-you-wanna-get-up-and-dance energy is as infectious and captivating as always! Well, well worth the wait.
Alanis Morissette — Havoc and Bright Lights
You know what the best thing about Alanis is? Within 2 seconds of a song starting you know it's her - she has such a distinct, unique sound and instantly recognisable voice that it's impossible for her to go unnoticed. This album isn't quite 'vintage' Morissette — it hasn't got that angst-ridden, mad-at-the-world feel to it that she is famous for, but it's still killer.
Avenged Sevenfold — Carry On
This song was written for the soundtrack for the latest Call Of Duty game, and is pretty much classic Av Sev. Heavy, decent and catchy. Gets me all excited for their next album...
Enter Shikari — Warm Smiles Do Not Make You Welcome Here
One of the singles from their triumphant 'A Flash Flood Of Colour' album released at the beginning of this year, that stormed the 'mainstream' UK charts, and proved that rock is alive and well in the form of four incredibly cool, intelligent, and checked shorts loving lads from St. Albans. This is one of the catchiest little jingles of the record, and the video for it is genius. Enjoy.
Biffy Clyro — Stingin' Belle
My fave bearded Scots are back and rockin' the socks off the joint, and proving all that nonsense talk of them 'selling out' was in fact just that. This song packs a punch, and is full of everything the Biff do best; emphatic, heavy opener; sick, slick riffs, and catchy, unique vocals, that manage to recreate and capture the atmosphere of a live show, from (the smoking hot) Simon! Their next album, Opposites, is due for release early next year. Sweeet.
If there's one thing I love, it's a great cover song - especially when you discover something completely new about the song when you listen it to it sung by someone else. The trick to a good cover is to make it your own, and make the listener feel as if they're not listening to you sing someone else's music.
One of my favourite songs by the beautiful, and crazy talented Cyndi Lauper is, of course, Time After Time, and recently one of my favourite new bands Dear Prudence did their own stripped-down, exposed version and it's gorgeous....
"I’d like to say people can change anything they want to; and that means everything in the world. People are running about following their little tracks. I am one of them. But we’ve all gotta stop - just stop following our own little mouse trail. People can do anything; this is something that I’m beginning to learn. People are out there doing bad things to each other; it’s because they’ve been dehumanized. It’s time to take that humanity back into the centre of the ring and follow that for a time. Greed: It ain’t going anywhere! They should have that on a big billboard across Times Square. Think on that. Without people you’re nothing.”
“What I really resent most about people sticking labels on you is that it cuts off all the other elements of what you are because it can only deal with black and white; the cartoon.”
One woman it is impossible to stick a label on is the formidable English singer-songwriter Siouxsie Sioux, best known as the front woman of Siouxsie and the Banshees.
There are many women in music’s history who have exuded power and strength but none quite like Siouxsie Sioux.
Her appearance, vocal talent, and performances are unique and inspiring – her voice is as instantly recognizable and individual as her extravagant hair and make-up.Her distinctive appearance reflects her confident, and inspiring attitude as someone who is fully aware, and fully accepting of who she is ignoring any and all boundaries and limitations that may come her way.
Siouxsie has achieved a long, and successful career that still sees her performing as a solo artist today – she continues to inspire and influence hundreds of artists in the industry because there is no one else that sounds, or looks, quite like her. She is the very definition of an individual.
With her unconventional beauty, inspiring attitude, and unique music that will take your breath away Siouxsie Sioux is someone who we can all learn a lot from whether it’s learning to embrace our true self, or strive to achieve the very best we can be.
