Dumb Poets – All the Ghosts: Album review

December 28, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

I received this album a couple of months ago after the band were recommended to me by a friend. Unfortunately, for several reasons I didn’t get an opportunity to listen properly and pull my thoughts together, as a result the album nearly slipped under my radar. With the holidays giving me a few days to get my shit together, I’ve been listening to this and several other albums on my must listen list, although it was hard to, move onto then others as I kept hitting the repeat button when this CD finished playing. Dumb Poets, you’ve got me.

Eleven tracks of beauty and subtle addictive hooks.… Read the rest

Aiden Moffat and RM Hubbert – Ghost Stories for Christmas

December 27, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

As a self-confessed Christmas lover, I like to buy myself a new Christmas album every year.

This year, it was the turn of Aiden Moffat and RM Hubbert and who followed up the exceptional Here Lies the Body with their triumphant Ghost Stories for Christmas. You won’t hear on this any of the saccharin sweet songs that could only be listened to at one time of year and you tire of after a few listens. This may be a Christmas album, and yes, the songs may have a theme of Christmas to them, but I know I will listen to this all year round.… Read the rest

Razur Cuts V – launch – Behindthewall Falkirk, Saturday 9th June 2018

June 11, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Razur Cuts

Saturday finally saw the launch of Razur Cuts V and the culmination of muckle hard work by Derek Steel. The latest edition of the cutting edge street literature magazine was promising to be a cracker. The biggest issue to date at 80 pages including an exclusive interview with The Stranglers powerhouse bassist JJ Burnell.

Such an issue was deserving of a bells and whistles launch and Derek and his team pulled out all the stops to make the launch go with a bang, putting on what can only be described as an extravaganza in Falkirk venue Behind the Wall.… Read the rest

Voicex – Waiting

February 19, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Voicex – Waiting…

Following on from “Never”, the Scottish post-punk super-group (Scars, Boots for Dancing, Heavy Drapes) follow up with second offering “Waiting”.

It is a jangly indie-guitar masterpiece.

Shades of 60’s buzz pop/The Primitives in the intro, and capturing the spirit of many bands of the classic 80’s era in Weather Prophets, Shop Assistants and their ilk, with shades of Bunnymen thrown in to boot.

Don’t get me wrong though, Voicex have their own individual sound when you add Suky’s impassioned vocal to the mix. Listen for yourself:

I’ve been fortunate to hear a sneak preview of another track and if you like, nay, love the 2 tracks so far, you won’t be disappointed.… Read the rest

The Lost Boys – Nosebleeds – album review

February 8, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

I’m Addicted

As the first track on The Lost Boys album says “I’m Addicted”. I’m addicted to this album, I’m addicted to its charm. I’m addicted to its powerful hook laden tunes. I’m addicted to its humour and clever lyrics.

Take a level tablespoon of the power-pop-punk sensibilities and driving guitars of The Buzzcocks, season with a bit of the abstractness of Graham Coxon, add the warm timbre of Mark Morriss from The Bluetones, mix well. Add the personality, humour and song-writing of Daniel Ash (showing my age, but no, not that Daniel Ash) and before you know it you’ve got a thrill rush that has resulted in the brilliance of Nosebleeds.… Read the rest

A Motley Mish-Mash of Melodious Musical Merriment

January 18, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Since the turn of the year, I’ve been listening to a variety of music – new and old – and in a variety of formats. I’ve never been a fan of streaming, but I’m trying to get into the 21st Century and using these formats where there isn’t an alternative.

I’ve been playing catch up on music I’ve been sent over the last few months as well as listening to Christmas presents and recent recommendations from friends.

Speaking of recommendations – I recently wrote a blog about Jason How, if you haven’t already checked him out. I’d recommend a listen, regardless of what “genre” you normally listen to.… Read the rest