Jon Byrne 8/10
Built By Angels Record Label: Splitting The Atom
Released: 26 June 2013
Highlight of the album: The Bitch & Her Greed Website: http://www.jonbyrne.co.uk Reviewer: Jon Seymour
Well first up, this is a strange one. Not the usual review fodder that may find its way into the pages of Firebrand Magazine, but never let it be said that we’re not afraid to broaden our horizons occasionally.
album managed to exorcise a few demons, and has left Jon a much happier man. He’s still very much a cynic though, or at least that’s the impression I get. What this album is though, is another glimpse into the psyche of a very good musician. Every one of these songs has a story to tell, and listening to it, is akin to listening to the great story tellers from years gone by. The music doesn’t need to be elaborate, as the lyrics add enough complexity on their own, and they will keep you hooked from start to finish.
So what exactly is it all about then? Well it’s primarily a folk album if I’m being totally honest, but folk is still rock, well sort of, isn’t it? This is obviously a laid back affair, with mostly acoustic guitar and harmonica and some percussion etc. It’s very simple, in fact almost as simple as music can be.
So yes, this isn’t heavy or hard rock by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s a great little album, and well worth a listen, if only to provide you with something a little off the wall to get your ears around.
Lyrically though, it’s quite dark in places, but injected with some great tongue in cheek humour. This guy has an acid wit, and it’s something that will either connect with you or it won’t. It’s not entirely as dark as his first album though, as it would seem that
Exit State 8/10
Lets See It All Record Label: Rocksector Records
Released: 24 June 2013
Highlight of the album: Elastic Website: www.exitstate.com Reviewer: Stoodge Mc Nulty
They say that you have your whole life to write and record your first album, and so with it being three years since the bands debut that would only suggest that the guys in Exit State must have been writing air pounding rock anthems in their sleep.
transit you cannot help but close your eyes and picture yourself inside a jam packed arena throwing your arms into the air.
'Elastic' which is my personal favorite takes a more desert rock approach and with the powerful riffing, This is the bands third full length release and is their bass brooding and subtlety rugged vocals on this second on the stellar independent Manchester track it would suit well on a Fu Manchu or an Audrey based label Rocksector Records and if I was to Horne album. simply use just one word to put across my opinion on this record it would be that it is 'rocking'. It is evident throughout the album that influences come from widespread and Exit State really make it As early as the opening track, the catchy as hell work and gel fantastically without sounding like a single 'Pull The Thread' you get the feeling that these poor rip off or copy cat band. gentlemen are going to have a huge future in this profession. 'The Pain I Demand' is the longest track The World needs releases like this just to prove to on the album and is sure to be a fan favorite live. the few pessimists that music is indeed still alive and Rolling in at 5:34 this song best demonstrates just well and is certainly not going anywhere just yet. how talented this band are and how strong Roy Bright’s voice is, and whilst the whole album is in
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Firebrand Magazine