Crowns – Stitches In the Flag Cornwall quartet Crowns have only been around since 2010, but have already caused quite a stir. They released their EP ‘Full Swing’ earlier in the year and are now preparing to release their debut album ‘Stitches In the Flag’ on 15 November. Opening with title track ‘Stitches In the Flag’, the quartet drag in listeners with their quirky and sweet acoustic punk; twisting consistently tight drumming with spiky riffs creates a kooky track that’s fun to listen to. They move swiftly onto tracks such as ‘My London’ and ‘Full Swing’. Husky and gritty vocals wrap around a melodic bass line, creating depth in a sea of harmony. With raw and heartfelt lyrics exploding forth during ‘China Clay’ and ‘Safe Train Home’, Crowns are doing everything in their power to further pull their listeners into a whirlwind of emotion and harmonious melody. As Crowns finish off with ‘Little Eyes’, a rousing end to a solid debut album, the quartet have proved that they’re definitely ones to watch. JT
Departures - Teenage Haze UK-based Departures have been capturing a lot of attention recently with their emotionally-driven music. And after releasing their debut album this five-piece are getting ready to unleash their second album 'Teenage Haze'. Opening track 'Drained Out' begins with consistently tight and lightning quick drumming; with an energetic bass drum and shredding riffs, Departures launch straight into a full-out assault. Guttural vocals are drenched in emotion, and really pack a punch. And title track 'Teenage Haze' almost seems foreboding upon starting; marching drum work and quieter riffs make for an almost poignant and melancholy interval. Tracks such as singles '21' and 'Those Miles Meant Everything' throw riproaring riffs and a deliciously brutal bass line in our face, whilst their energy continues to pulsate through our veins. The gritty and grinding vocals during closing track 'Small Steps' is the perfect way to sign off this phenomenal album. Our verdict? The moment it comes out, buy it. You need to have this in your life. JT
The Hickey Underworld - I'm Under the House, I'm Dying Hailing from Belgium, alternative indie quartet The Hickey Underworld have released their latest album 'I'm Under the House, I'm Dying' via PIAS. Playing shows all over Europe, it's time to see how they've fared on their second album. And, to be quite frank, it's poor from the start. 'Untitled' consists of weak vocals that make it sound as though their vocalist is either being strangled or having his balls cut off. Their drum work is solid, but it's nothing special and it falters in places. Discordant riffs are hastily slapped together during tracks such as 'Year of the Rat' and 'The Frog' - despite advertising themselves as indie, it seems as though The Hickey Underworld are trying to throw in elements of mathcore, with their hurriedly thrown together riffs. All in all, 'I'm Under the House, I'm Dying' seems to be an album that was carelessly thrown together, creating something rather slipshod. It doesn't strike the listener with anything new and once this album finishes playing, they're an easily forgotten band. JT