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Logic(il)logic geeft Italiaanse acts een kans om buiten de landsgrenzen hun muzikale kunsten te tonen. Het label doet dat veelal met bands die melodieuze rock met een metalen randje maken. Motorfingers is zo’n band. De band brengt met Black Mirror zijn debuut.

Black Mirror bevat negen pakkende rocksongs boordevol makkelijk in het gehoor liggende riffs en zanglijnen. In de promo loopt de band te koop met invloeden van onder andere Velvet Revolver, Nickelback, Metallica enGuns ‘N Roses, maar het is vooral de gepolijste metal (of is het rock?) van Alter Bridge die ik terughoor binnen de muziek van Motorfingers. Het gitaarwerk springt er op Black Mirror ten positieve uit. Het is hoorbaar dat de heren Barbolini en Spezzani een geschiedenis met elkaar hebben in verschillende (cover)bands. En daar zit hem ook het euvel van de band. Motorfingers komt nergens origineel uit de hoek.

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In 25 words or less: “With enough rock chops to mix it with the hard rockers, they have enough catchiness and hooks for those who simply appreciate catchy rock.”

Sydney rockers Neon Heart have been plying their craft for a few years now and on this their second EP, they deliver five tracks of some pretty addictive kick ass rock.  Basing their reputation upon their energetic live show, (which being from Melbourne, I haven’t had the opportunity of witnessing yet) Out Of My Hands certainly sets about trying to catch that raw energy and live feel on disc.

TODAY!

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Reverse Grip is a Canadian rock band made up of three brothers and influenced by the party anthems of the eighties. Like those earlier bands, they wear their bad attitude on their sleeves for all to see and sing about it for all to hear. Their debut four-song EP is titled Nasty Reputation.
It takes only two listens for the title track, “Nasty Reputation”, to stick in your head. Catchy is a gross understatement of the bands ability to marry a hook and melody, and this song proves it. Dru Broda‘s vocals switch from melodic to classic rock with a hint of punk, all with ease. The guitar solos from Sean Broda and even the cowbell, played by Dylan Broda, mixes well, creating a recipe for an addictive tune. The band released a video for this first track that accompanies the song nicely, showcasing the band in action without taking themselves too seriously.

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A diverse collection of hard rock guitar instrumentals, influenced by 80’s guitar hero’s George Lynch, Eddie Van Halen, Yngwie Malmsteen,Steve Vai and Joe Satriani.

After many difficult years trying to find a creative outlet for his musical ideas, Huntsville, Alabama based guitarist decided to form “Project Gemini” a guitar driven instrumental project that has local guest musician’s appearing on the material. To give credit to these musician/friends that perform their magic on these tracks, Jeff decided to give them a name to represent their contribution. The moniker “The Space Donkey’s” was coined. Jeff has been writing,recording and engineering music for 27 years, Project Gemini will be his first official release. Release is Scheduled for 8.18.12

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Former Dirty Tricks vocalist Kenny Stewart is back with his 2nd solo LP, a full band, including former Dirty Tricks mate and Rogue Male Johnny Fraser Binnie on guitar, in tow this time. A lot of what I had to say in the review of his first offering that can still be found here at Hellride would hold true for this release to. There is a back and forth between quite enjoyable catchiness and almost irritating repetitiveness, thankfully more weighted more heavily toward the former. There is a very real and palpable organic quality to this; you can tell he and the band really mean it. No pretentions here, just letting fly with their musical inclinations, for better or worse and all else be damned.

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There is a raw, down and dirty feel to a lot of the rock music that finds its way out of Australia and Heaven The Axe are no exception. What separates them from the herd is that they are fronted by a blonde, in your face force that is Phoebe Pinnock (strewth, a Sheila!). She appears all the more glamorous when you see her surrounded by the rest of the hairy bearded blokes that make up the band. While the novelty might pique people’s interest at first, it’s the music that counts. Does it deliver? Well, yes and no. Certainly, they have a sound that has appeal. The guys have been in various metal bands down under and their craft and graft shines through. The result is scuzzy, sleazy riffs that are cranked out hard, fast and sharp enough to give you a buzz cut. In Pinnock they have a singer who has a lusty voice that’s the equal of the metal around her. Vocally, she’s very reminiscent of Alanis Morrisette and, to a lesser extent, Linda Perry of Four Non-Blondes fame. While those artists in the 90s pushed the fact that women didn’t need to dress like Britney to sell records, Phoebe takes the Britney route and straps on a leather bra and would slide down a greasy pole to get your attention.

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August 14 at the Cleopatra Records will yield tribute album “Songs Of The Century: An All-Star Tribute To Supertramp”, which was attended by musicians from ASIA, YES, KING CRIMSON, THE DOORS, DEEP PURPLE, XTC, TOTO, MR. MISTER, DREAM THEATER, NEKTAR, PORCUPINE TREE, GENTLE GIANT, RENAISSANCE, and RAINBOW.

Produced by Billy Sherwood: «There are a lot of cool and unique moments, such as Annie Haslam, singing” Dreamer “, or one of the most exciting experiences for me – solo Rick’a Wakeman’a in the” Crime Of The Century “. And Joe Lynn Turner sang “Bloody Well Right” just a killer! Richard Page has created a delicious version of “Give A Little Bit”, srhranivshuyu all sweet charm of the original. Well, as a bonus – a composition from Chris’a Squire’a and Tony Kaye of YES ».

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Thin Lizzy, BFMV, Maiden, Skin and Whitesnake Fans!, look no further as Tattooed Lies are proud to present their debut album Spread your Wings. Written, recorded and produced themselves this is just the beginning for the four melodic rock band from Norwich. From the hard hitting groove of Hunting Love to the powerful Memory of You and as DJ Beerman from Top Rock Radio says about Revenge “These guys grab you by the balls and refuse to let go”. For more information about the band check out Facebook.com/Tattooedlies or www.tattooedlies.co.uk.