Album Review – The Bad Flowers – Starting Gun

Jan 25, 2018 by tidy touch domestic cleaning services tagged Be Your Man, City Lights, Dale Tonks, Dave Briggs, Dave Briggs - Gig photographer, Deb Gardner, Hurricane, I Hope, Karl Selickis, Let's Misbehave, Lions Blood, Mark Varney, Noble PR, Rich Man, Secrets, Starting Gun, The Bad Flowers, The Rock Asylum, Thunder Child, Tom Leighton

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Photo courtesy of Mark Varney

***Information taken from press release***

Midlands based hard rock band, The Bad Flowers, are set to release their debut studio album Starting Gun on Friday 16th February 2018. The album is a follow up to 2016’s self-titled EP and shows the great progression of song writing and musicianship of The Bad Flowers over the past two years. The band will play an exclusive album launch show at the Birmingham Asylum 2 on Saturday 17th February 2018, playing all the songs from the new album plus more surprises. To dovetail the release of the debut album, The Bad Flowers will be special guests on Stone Broken’s nationwide 12 date UK tour that starts on Thursday 22nd of February at The Haunt Brighton. The tour also includes an appearance at Planet Rock’s Winters End Festival.

Following the September release of their recent single Thunder Child, The Bad Flowers we’re named as one of Planet Rock Radio’s “Ones To Watch”. Thunder Child, the first single taken from the Starting Gun, gained heavy airplay and was described by the station as “pure, dynamic, riff-heavy rock ‘n’ roll delivered with passion and prowess.”

Starting Gun was recorded at Vigo Studios, near the band’s hometown of Cannock. The band chose this studio because they wanted to make a record that sounded like their roots and had the chance to work with long-time friend of the band and producer Adam Beddow, who has recently helped produce Diamond Head’s most current work.

The members of The Bad Flowers reflect on what the new album means to them:

Tom Leighton – Vocals & Guitar

Photo Courtesy of Dave Briggs Photography

The whole process of recording this album has been a huge labour of love, it’s come at the right time in our progression, we originally wanted to record an album two years ago but shelved the idea at that point, and I glad we did! The last two years have seen us play some shows with some amazing artists and we’ve all been though some ups and downs as everybody does, but it think it’s helped us to write some of our best songs. There’s all out songs with monster riffs and big chorus’ down to a song with just one acoustic guitar and vocals and plenty in between, I think this album will show that we have more than one trick up our sleeve and I’m really excited for people to hear what we have made. We plan on hitting the road as hard as possible in 2018 to get this music into everyone’s ears, we have a full UK tour the week after the album comes out, and a few festival appearances already in the diary and plenty more things in the pipeline!

Dale Tonks – Bass

Photo Courtesy of Dave Briggs Photography

Recording the album and getting to the point where it ready to be unleashed to the world is an exciting, yet scary, thing to try and grasp. To me it’s like a time stamp on everything we have done up to now, how the band, sound, style and us as musicians have developed. It’s also been one hell of a ride in the making. It’s been hours in the practice room and studio slugging away and sometimes giving each other a constructive kick up the backside trying to better ourselves and mold the songs into what we want them. We never wanted to over complicate the songs or lose the meaning and passion that has gone into them. We’ve put everything into every single track. It’s been such a rollercoaster of emotions that I know we have all gone through at points, but when I’ve listen back to the tracks I think, man, we make some damn good noise together, that’s not me being big headed but I just love it and love playing these songs with what are now my brothers, I just can’t wait for others to be able to hear them and hopefully enjoy and get their groove on as much as I do.

Karl Selickis – Drums

Photo courtesy of Dave Briggs Photography

It’s been a year-long process with the writing and recording process that’s resulted into the Starting Gun album. We’ve all encountered many different emotions. There’s been highs, and a lot of lows, but as an end product I can happily say without being too cliché, that I’ve never been happier. Starting Gun shows our raw talent enthusiasm and professional attitude to our craft.

The album itself I think shows true dedication to a new generation rock revival. True to our word and influences! Not apply has it had us work our knuckles the bare bone it has made us tighter as a unit as friends and as a family! I am truly proud to call this our debut album and hope that everyone else feels the way we do come February 16th.

The Bad Flowers – Starting Gun

Album Tracklisting

1. Thunder Child (3:59)
2. Lions Blood (3:49)
3. Secrets (3:44)
4. Rich Man (3:14)
5. I Hope (3:24)
6. Let’s Misbehave (5:40)
7. Who Needs A Soul (3:17)
8. Be Your Man (2:56)
9. Hurricane (3:44)
10. I Dont Believe It (3:16)
11. City Lights (4:44)

Produced by Adam Beddow and Tom Leighton
Recorded and engineered by Adam Beddow at Vigo Studios
Mastered by Fabian Tormin at Plätlin Mastering, Hamburg, Germany

Full review by Dave Briggs and Deb Gardner of The Rock Asylum

So, before getting into the review of this Black Country trio’s debut album a little history of how we came to find them in the first place. We had visited a number of charity gigs across the West Midlands during 2017 and, although we had heard good things about them, we always found ourselves in a different room watching other notable bands whilst they were doing their set. We kept saying that we needed to catch their

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performance. That opportunity came about in October 2017. After booking to see The Picturebooks at The Flapper in Birmingham we were delighted to discover that The Bad Flowers were supporting them. Up until that point I’m ashamed to say that we hadn’t heard any of their tracks properly. That said I was thoroughly looking forward to witnessing them live (and as it turns out, up close too). The set they delivered was awesome. (If The Picturebooks had decided not to play I’d have still been over the moon with the night.) I can honestly say that I was a fan before they’d finished their first track.
We got a second opportunity to see them headlining at The Giffard Arms at the beginning of December 2017. Another blistering performance which cemented our firm appreciation of this faultless trio. Having been featured on Planet Rock and receiving thoroughly deserved rave reviews this was their final gig of 2017. I have to say they appeared to genuinely enjoy performing and treated the assembly of fans to an early Christmas present. They received thunderous appreciation from the crowd and quite bloody right too. Easily one of the best gigs of 2017, hands down.

On to 2018 and with the upcoming album release is looming over us, I thought I’d chance it and message Tom to see if there was any chance of the little old Rock Asylum reviewing the album. “Yeah, no problem, get in touch with our PR and they’ll send you a copy”, was his reply. Feckin’ awesome, I couldn’t wait. Now, I wanted to do this review, and the lads, justice, so was taking my time to soak in the awesomeness of the albums contents. Meanwhile, I was considering a relaxing Saturday night in front of the TV (knowing that I was up at 6am the following day) when I noticed a Facebook post from Tom stating that they were doing a gig at the Stumble Inn, Cannock. Just up the road. And to put just a little bit more icing on the cake it was free!!!! I couldn’t believe my luck. So off we went. Needless to say we were presented with another incredible performance. These guys always give 100%, without exception and they never show any hint of arrogance. They are totally down to earth, chilled and grounded. Considering their successes last year you would be able to excuse it if there was a hint of cockiness, but no, not in the slightest. Makes you like them even more.

Right then, onto the review of the album, ‘Starting Gun’.

The opening song is Thunder Child. As the title suggests it’s a thundering track. This is everything that we could expect from the lads – great lyrics and excellent composition. The exclusive sound of Toms voice sets this track up to be a blinder, but when coupled with the top notch guitar work, powerful, incomparable drumming, and hefty bass lines this track jumps out and demands your attention.

Lions Blood is another thumping rendition which clearly displays Karl’s blistering ability on the tubs. The musical prowess is further emphasised by Tom’s incredible guitar work, neatly blended together with Dale’s faultless bass lines. Tom has a voice that you hope you will never stop hearing. Secrets delivers another welcome dose of The Bad Flowers signature sound. It is peppered with amazing guitar work and superb lyrics, perfectly delivered with those unmistakable vocals. That chunky riff that’s present throughout the track is insane, not to mention some of the clever guitar motifs displayed which bring power to the track. The drumming from Karl puts him out there with the best, this man could have his own show with the amazing talent he possesses. Rich Man has an evocative opening from Tom and his guitar. The song builds slowly as the story unfolds, then you get that massive slap to the face when those piercing vocals take their place. This track takes the opportunity to exhibit the immense qualities of this great band, giving something a little different to what we’re used to, and it really works. This is a stomping track that you will not be able to switch off once you’ve heard it. The last part of the track is just a massive showcase of immense vocals, intricate guitar, incessant drumming, and massive bass lines, an absolute showstopper. I Hope is an acoustic track that really showcases Tom’s lyrical expertise. The story relayed will likely strike a personal cord with many a listener with its sentiment. Let’s Misbehave starts off with an almost eerie calmness and has you wondering when the power will kick in. Tom dishes out another masterclass in lyrical proficiency whilst the intensity of the track builds. Then you’re taken on a rollercoaster of pace, this song is packed solid with intensity and power, and delivered seamlessly and effortlessly by every member of the band at one point or another. It’s definitely a significant number on this stellar album. Who Needs a Soul is another signature Bad Flowers production. With its groovy bass lines, the lads have found the perfect recipe to create brilliance once again. This is a really strong member of the collection and, not that it’s needed, proves why these guys are destined for much bigger things. Be Your Man has a great blues rock tone to it that will certainly get you going, and an explosive drum display towards the end, coupled with powerful vocals. Yet another cleverly written and exceptionally performed track. This is as good as blues rock gets. Hurricane is another dose of brilliance with Tom and the boys building it up then slowing it down a little before catapulting you back into the thick of it. We’re treated to yet another slice of stunning guitar work during this track.

I Don’t Believe is a seductively heavy, blues rock number that jumps pace frequently and hooks you from the beginning. Once again, the astounding musical prowess of each member is thrown open for all to witness. City Lights was previously released on EP, but is a very worthy edition to this incredible album. This gives a humble story of desire to succeed in life. It’s a fitting final track as I firmly believe that this trio are unequivocally destined for those very bright city lights.

In Summary

As debut albums go you would certainly be hard pushed to find another to stand against this one. I’ve rarely listened to a band where each instrument is clearly evident in every track. The material is very cleverly composed and the vocals delivered by Tom throughout the album are exquisite. Dale’s base playing is unusually entertaining and solid throughout every number, and Karl’s drumming ability is off the scale. As I said earlier, he is up there with the best in my opinion. To see these guys live is a pleasure to behold and to hear them perform any song at all in a live setting will set the place on fire, without a doubt. They have a huge stage presence that few other bands can match. Extremely charismatic and engaging to say the least. Tom is an exceptional guitarist, while Dale’s passion for what he does is clearly evident. And I have seen very few drummers that can throw down like Karl does. For a three piece band the sound they produce is exemplary.

I urge you to go buy this album, I guarantee you will be blown away. If you have a love for blues laced rock then your music collection should definitely contain Starting Gun!

Rating

If you like what you’ve heard about The Bad Flowers, why not follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram?

Music Review – Third Angle Projection

Jan 9, 2018 by tidy touch domestic cleaning services tagged Arron Tipper, Charlie Brotherton, Coming Down, Dave Briggs, Dean Tipper, Deb Gardner, Disarray of Time, Laura Duddy, Matt Whittock, Nothin To You, The Rock Asylum, Third Angle Projection

THIRD ANGLE PROJECTION
are a 3 piece rock band from the Midlands. First established with the current line-up around 2 years ago. Arron Tipper on guitar/vocal, Dean Tipper on bass and Charlie Brotherton on drums. Influences are REM, Stone Temple Pilots, Nirvana, Black Sabbath, and The Doors to name a few.

I asked Arron to tell me more of how the band came about and this is what he told me.

“Me and Dean (bass player) are brothers. We’ve always been 3 piece band, although we did try guitarists out but didn’t seem to work with how we played. We have had about 100 drummers 🙂 not really about 10, most of time searching for a good drummer that gets us, and 2 years ago we got one, Charlie is a great drummer, also he doesn’t hold back when playing live, so by the time we have finished our gig, we are almost dead. Dean our bass player also helps out with the writing of the song’s (when his not sunning his ass in Australia about twice a year !) He plays bass like a guitar and is a bit mental on stage. He’s alright at times. I (Arron) do most of the booking of gigs and promotion. We do most things DIY, releasing song’s, videos, gigs etc That way we can do what we want 🙂 “.

I asked Arron what the band has been up to. “Yeah we feel like we have just started, we have been playing live gigs for around 9 years, but the last couple of years something has changed. We’ve done a few demo recording sessions and decided to start recording an E.P. So that took up most of 2017. We also went on Tour in Germany summer 2017 that was an amazing experience our good friend Nico Rubner from Marburg Records arranged the gigs and even put us up on our stay there, great bloke We are looking at going back again sometime this year. In the time we have been together we have toured Germany twice and put a number of successful festivals and gigs on throughout the UK. We are going to France in February on tour with She Wolf and Black Jump, heading to Paris for our first gig 10th February. Then later in the year will be heading back to Germany again.”

Third Angle Projection have just recorded their new E.P Nothin to You, which contains 3 studio recordings available on iTunes, Spotify etc. The video for Nothin To You is below.

Disarray of Time is a fantastic track about loss, which has elements of Seether throughout, but with a dirtier grungier feel to it. The thick guitar riffs accentuate the power to the track which then leads to a mix of acoustic guitar and melodic vocals, just before smacking you between the eyes with the massive voice of Arron, and again the thunder of heavy guitar riffs and imposing drum beats. My favourite track of the EP.

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Photos courtesy of Laura Duddy and Matt Whittock

Coming Down has a more classic rock intro but without losing the signature grunginess. Soon you get dragged back into the full-on power and dirty guitar riffs of the song. The striking vocals and intense lyrics deliver another powerful addition to the EP. “Coming down, is about 10 years old, one of the first songs I wrote, has a lot of anger, pain and rejection” said Arron.

Nothin To You is an impressive, fist pumping, head shaking, foot stomping track that you feel compelled to rock out to. The thunderous beat throughout demands you to respond. A striking track which finishes the EP in fine form. “Nothin to you, we have had in our set for about 10 years. The theme is blind leading the blind and drug addiction” Arron told me.

The Nothin’ To You EP is an awesome example of the talent we have in the midlands, and I would recommend that you take time to listen to it. A fine start for Third Angle Projection which excites me to think what is still to come. These are definitely a band to look out for. It’s scary to think that such talent has gone unseen by many (including me) for so long! For any fans of Seether, these guys will be right up your street!

I’m going to see Third Angle Projection at Route 44 Birmingham on 16th February 2018, where they will be part of an awesome line up not to be missed. Hopefully see you there!

Rating

If you want to know more about Third Angle Projection, why not follow them on Facebook

Special Feature – Last Bullet by Dave Briggs

Nov 11, 2017 by tidy touch domestic cleaning services tagged Can't Move On, Carefree, Cowboy, Dave Briggs, Gimme Time, Girl's Gone Wild, Jet, Last Bullet, Rock 'Til We Die, Sin, Southern Lips, State of Confusion, Toronto, What Is Meant To Be

I was first made aware of the Last Bullet through a YouTube recommendation for ‘Gimme Time’. My first listen made me stop what I was doing. I listened to the track several times – blown away. I immediately looked them up and spent the rest of the evening going through their other available material. How the hell had I missed these guys? I soon after went to their website and downloaded their amazing EPs, their first and self-titled being ‘Last Bullet’ released in 2011. Their second offering in the form of ‘Love. Lust. Illusion.’ which was released in 2012. The band’s latest is ‘80-69-64’, unleashed in August of this year. Since then they have been on constant rotation in my car, on my phone and my go to soundtrack while spending the hours editing my photos. Have I said these guys are good? Every track elicits a rock orientated response with its energy and intensity. If someone was to ask you to choose the clear standout track on each EP, you’d seriously struggle to pin point one, such is the calibre of their work.

So, a little about the band. Hailing from the Canadian city of Toronto, the band was originally the creation of Michael Silva and a school friend, Leo, who met lead guitarist, Brendan Armstrong, through mutual friends, back in 2008. They spent some time just jamming together for fun before putting an ad out on Craigslist for a bass player. The one and only response was from the current band member, Will Shannon. They then decided they needed a singer. After around nine months and a few disappointing auditions they were contacted by Bryan Fontez, who completed the line-up. They worked together for around five years before drummer Leo decided it wasn’t for him, subsequently being replaced by the current stick man, Chris Galez, in the summer of 2014.

Last Bullet live by the metaphor of the band name, playing every show like it’s their one and only shot to impress. There’s certainly no question of their conviction. Whenever you look at any of their live footage it’s always an energy charged full on assault which never fails to stir the crowd. Having supported some notable bands they are now carving a formidable path for themselves. They are very much a DIY band, believing in having a say in where they are going and how they are getting there always putting 100% into everything. They’ve had definitive input in the videos that have accompanied their releases to date, with frontman Bryan even directing and editing on projects.

So, let’s roll back the clock to the band’s first release, ‘Last Bullet’. I can imagine that this stellar first production announced the group’s intent to muscle into the rock scene and flex some musical muscle with a solid line up of 5 tracks. The first, Can’t Move On, you’re treated to an infectious beat and some licks of intricate guitar work that combine very well with Bryan’s gritty vocals, producing a solid track. The next track, Carefree, gives an insight into the bands ethos of taking things as they come and doing their own thing. There’s a slick bluesy feel to this offering. Next on the list is Girl’s Gone Wild. With its dirty rock’ n ’roll sound – something that would become an established undertone with Last Bullet in their forthcoming ventures. The track is kicked off with some excellent guitar riffs that instantly get your head bobbing and foot tapping. The theme of the song fits the ‘dirty’ sound, telling the story of the less than desirable behaviour of woman whose partner appears to ignore the facts, almost in denial.

The penultimate song, What Is Meant to Be, is made up of heart felt lyrics and superb supporting drum and guitar work, building things up for the chorus’ and levelling out in between. The now customary riffs supply the finishing touches to this song. The final piece on the EP is a great serving of upbeat rock n roll in the form of Rock ‘til We Die, a statement rendition from the band. To sum up, this is an excellent first venture and for anyone hearing this close to its release they must have been excited at the prospect of what could follow.

Fast forward a year and we have the second EP release, ‘Love. Lust. Illusion.’ As the saying goes, ‘what a difference a year makes’. If I thought the first EP was good, then I was in for a real treat with this release. Seven songs make up this thunderous instalment in their musical journey. The opener, State of Confusion, immediately grabs your attention. An extremely well balanced arrangement of drums, enticing riffs and excellent vocals. Retaining the ‘sleazy rock n roll’ element from their earlier sound, the results clearly display a step up in production and the band’s maturing resonance. The pace picks up for the next track, Jet. A real solid piece that begs to be blasted out of the speakers at a ferocious volume. I would have said it was a statement track, but the whole Ep is.

The third number is Forget the Rest, another concrete edition to an ever growing catalogue of impressive rock tunes. This song delivers lyrics that epitomise the rock n roll lifestyle, cemented together with gritty vocals and impressive musical accompaniment. After a clever musical interlude we are launched into Cowboy, a great song that delivers a message of standing tough and a distinctive, ‘don’t fuck with me’ message to it. Another statement from the band, maybe, letting us know they really do mean business. The next production, Running Out of Time is a no nonsense track that jumps pace from calculated vocals to fast guitar, presenting another outstanding effort.

The final slot of this outing is taken by what is as close to a ballad as we’ve heard from these guys so far, Love Song to Rock. That said it is still heavily immersed in Last Bullet’s sleazy style of music, their acknowledgement to the wonderful sound of filthy, hard hitting, pulsating, rock n roll.

Jump forward five years and we are presented with the latest production, ’80-69-64’. The meaning of this title is yet be disclosed, but according to Bryan, all will become clear in due course. This EP boasts six stand-alone tracks, each one capable of release as a single, such is the strength of this collection from this impressive bunch of musicians. First on the playlist is Sin, a gritty, impacting number that’s got a heavy edge to it, but doesn’t lose that sleazy undertone. Next up is a stunning endeavour, both simple and amazing, Gimme Time. This bass heavy edition possesses strong vocals, accompanied by thumping drum beats and effective guitar work that delivers a track that will have you reaching for the repeat button. This is destined to become one of the band’s stand out numbers and live performance favourites with fans.

Straight off the back of this you’re treated to Bright Lights, a great track, thick with a lazy blues taste to it. This showcases the artistic cohesion between the guys with everything blending beautifully. Next up is another stunning display of the sordid, luscious style of rock that Last Bullet effortlessly deliver in the shape of Southern Lips. Dirty and seedy lyrics and solid vocals combine wonderfully with stimulating riffs and pulsating drums to great effect.

Record number five is another helping of the band’s delightful style. Smoke and Ashes showcases Bryan’s rasping vocals to perfection, wrapped in a seductive permutation of drums and weighty guitar riffs. The EP is brought to a close with Little Miss Filthy. The theme of this track needs no explanation. Evocative lyrics partnered with a hard hitting chorus cleverly trimmed with some awesome guitar skills fuse together superbly to put the exclamation mark on this hugely impressive collection.

Last Bullet are destined for global stardom, I can’t see how they will fail. As with many amazing bands that seem to fly just under the radar, it seems a frustratingly long time for them to achieve the recognition they rightly deserve. With their reputed live performance leaving the increasing crowds in awe of what they have just witnessed, it’s merely a matter of time before these guys explode into the worldwide limelight. By their own admission, they approach every live show wanting to leave the crowd feeling they should have been paying more for what they had just witnessed. The band’s passion is undeniable, the by-product if which is amazing music. I can’t wait for this band to visit the UK so I can immerse myself in their brand of rock music.

Rating: 5/5

‘If someone was to ask you to choose the clear standout track on each EP, you’d seriously struggle to pin point one, such is the calibre of their work.’