HAZMAT are a dynamic grunge/dreamo band hailing from the dragons’ nest Wrexham, Wales but are currently based out of Liverpool. HAZMAT is composed of Iwan Douglas (vocals/rhythm guitar), Luca Visetti (lead guitar), Owen Brown (bass guitar) & Matt Birnie (drums). Drawing inspiration from the classic alternative sounds of the 90’s and infusing it with heavy shoegaze fuzz riffs, the HAZMAT blend creates a captivating and dark dreamscape. Having made a mark on numerous hot venues across the UK scene, HAZMAT has performed in multiple cities across the UK, captivating audiences who share their love for heavy & spacey noise.
HAZMAT’s release ‘Pulling Away From Me’ is the first of eagerly anticipated material from HAZMAT since 2022’s ‘DOOM’ EP. Moving towards a more melodic and ambient sound, Pulling Away From Me’ encapsulates and develops the established HAZMAT sound, with cavernous verses, intricate guitar layers and a gargantuan chorus. ‘Pulling Away From Me’ delivers a message of raw emotion, exposing feelings of being trapped inside a decaying relationship, allowing that person to fade away. The track came to life in Liverpool’s prestigious Motor Museum studio, produced by Ben Harper and mixed by industry heavyweight Al Groves (Bring Me The Horizon, Blanket, The Mysterines) The band’s partnership with Groves is a match made in heaven for this track, with Groves’ passion and ability for larger than life rock productions elevating the band’s sound to new sonic heights.
‘Pulling Away From Me’ marks a sea change in HAZMAT’s artistic journey and captures the energy and sonics presented in their recent live performances across the UK. This release is sure to set the stage for a new, more refined era of the group ahead of what will be an explosive set at this year’s FOCUS Wales, where they will be performing on the main stage in support of The Mysterines.
‘Pulling Away From Me’ is available to listen to now across all streaming platforms!
In the heart of the South Wales valleys, where the rugged landscapes meet the spirit of rebellion, there lies a band that embodies the essence of rock ‘n’ roll like a wildfire waiting to ignite. They are The Dead Flowerz, a six-piece powerhouse of raw energy and untamed creativity, breathing new life into the alternative rock scene. The band consists of Kyle Coombes (lead singer / guitar), Alex Morgan (lead guitar), Lucy Davies (guitar), Michael Hill (bass), Carly Hutchinson (vocals) and Dylan Clarke (drums).
Their mantra? “Rock & Roll – straight from the soul.” And believe us, they mean every word. With their roots firmly planted in the rich soil of musical history, The Dead Flowerz channel the spirit of the late 60s and legends such as The Rolling Stones, The Doors, The Who, and Creedence Clearwater Revival, yet, they seamlessly infuse their sound with a contemporary edge, drawing inspiration from modern titans like Black Sabbath, Guns N Roses, Nirvana, The Libertines, The Black Keys, and The White Stripes.
The story of The Dead Flowerz began like a fateful chord progression echoing through the valleys. It was toward the end of 2023 when chance encounters at open mic nights around Cardiff brought together kindred spirits with a shared passion for creating sonic magic. But it was Kyle, the band’s visionary songwriter, who ignited the flame that would set their journey ablaze.
Picture this: a restless artist, grappling with the void of inspiration, decides to take fate by the reins. Armed with nothing but his guitar and a thirst for adventure, Kyle boards a flix-bus to Paris, a city pulsating with artistic fervour. There, amidst the cobblestoned streets and the whispers of poets, he found his muse. For nearly three months, he soaked in the essence of Paris, drawing from its mystique to craft the soul-stirring melodies that would define The Dead Flowerz debut EP.
But Kyle’s odyssey was only the beginning. Back in Wales, he reunited with his bandmates, each bringing their own unique flavour to the mix. Together, they forged a sound that defies convention and electrifies the senses. From the punchy guitar riffs that grab you by the collar to the infectious melodies that linger in your mind long after the music fades, The Dead Flowerz sonic tapestry is a testament to the power of collective creativity.
The band released their debut single ‘Woke’ in February 2024 to critical acclaim from the likes of This Is The Music who cited the release as being “HIGHLY INFECTIOUS ….THE BAND’S ENERGY WILL INSTANTLY GRAB YOUR ATTENTION” and Tits Upon Tyne who observed “ A HIGH-VOLTAGE BLEND OF INDIE AND ALTERNATIVE ROCK THAT HITS LIKE A SONIC PUNCH TO THE GUT. FROM THE MOMENT THE GUITARS KICK IN, YOU’RE TRANSPORTED TO A WORLD OF RAW ENERGY AND UNFILTERED EMOTION.”
THE DEAD FLOWERZ are now back with their follow up single which succinctly showcases that this is a band who intend to stay the course and clearly demonstrates that they are way more than just one hit single. The upcoming release of ‘Cheers To The Weekend’ ups the ante once more being an even stronger release than the first single. With its rhythmic, blues inspired melodies and anthemic chanting chorus hook lines, this track is a sure fire winner which will appeal to the masses and we can see it being a firm favourite when performed live.
Indeed the track has already been picked up and featured by BBC Introducing and we’re sure that this is just the tip of the iceberg!
The band have said of the track:
“Cheers To The Weekend is a cryptic expression about the frustrations of a survival to live at the weekend mentality that I found myself in for so many years, disguised as a party anthem. It explores the perils that come with living such a hedonistic lifestyle and the toxic relationships and habits that came with it. Most importantly, I’d like to think that its overall message is to hang in there and don’t quit on your dreams.“
‘Cheers To The Weekend’ was written by Kyle James Coombes , was recorded at Leeder’s vale (Nick Brine’s studio in Ebbw Vale) and was mixed and produced by Jon Constantine and Mastered by Nick Brine.
DEATH X DESTINY returns with a fierce new single “DREAMWALKER” and a captivating music video for the electrifying track.
Their latest creation, infused with the spirit of T.A.T.U, serves as a testament to their musical evolution. With pulsating beats, haunting melodies, and poignant lyrics, the song not only pays homage to their influences but also charts a bold new course in the realm of contemporary music. “T.A.T.U. has always been one of my biggest influences and this song really showcases that,” explains Jonny McBee.
The hard rock and ethereal dichotic single transcends boundaries, blending the raw power of hard rock with the ethereal allure of arena rock, and is infused with industrial elements. Thrashing guitars cut through synthesizers layered with vocalist Moon’s sensual vocals serving as the centerpiece throughout the track. From start to finish, “DREAMWALKER” immerses listeners in its irresistible energy, with the brutal and the ethereal entwined giving both depth and emotion with a raw intensity from both vocalists. DEATH X DESTINY continues to push boundaries and redefine the landscape of electronic-rock, captivating audiences with each electrifying note.
DEATH X DESTINY is an electronic-rock duo founded by The Browning frontman Jonny McBee and debut singer, Moon, in 2023.
Rapturous are the Kent based five piece genre defining, alternative Rock/Hip-Hop outfit who are quickly set to become your new favourite band.
Made up of lead singersLuke Barratt and Ashton Lilburn (who also plays Guitar), Luke Davidson on Lead Guitar, Nathan Cooke on Bass Guitar and Adam McVey on Drums.
The band have been bringing their high octane sell out live performances to major cities across the country leaving a trail of excitement in their wake as they set pulses and eardrums alight with their unique brand of showmanship and explosive soundscapes.
Rapturous released their debut single ‘Lion’s Den’ in 2021, followed by ‘In Vain’ in 2022 and their debut EP ‘Future Of Nothing’ in the same year. After spending 2023 on the live gigging circuit and in the studio perfecting their sound, the five piece are now buzzing to be back with their first offering of new music in 2024 with the explosive, highly charged anthem of ‘Repeat After Me’.
‘Repeat After Me’ is nothing short of pure brilliance with its skilled spits and rhymes delivered at 100 miles an hour coupled with those rock sensibilities and contrasting second front man vocals adding layer upon layer to this rich musical tapestry. The drum beats keep the rhythm and vibe of the track throughout with some heavy, crashing skins and cymbals in the chorus, mixed together with some truly epic guitar riffs – ah, this track is a positive melting pot of influences coming together to make for something entirely fresh and undeniably exciting.
Having already been a staple and fan favourite in their gigging set, we know that this track absolutely goes off when performed live!
The band have said of the new track:
“The song was inspired by the old blues style of call & response, we wanted to create something that could be easily sung back to us by the crowd. The song is about being free from anything that is getting you down, be it your job, finances, the world, or the weekend’s football scores. Freedom from misery, that’s the idea.”
With an arsenal of new music already stacked in their locker, the band now have their sights set on further developing their unique sound, and taking their music to new audiences and new heights across the globe.
‘Repeat After Me’ was recorded at Strongroom Studios in London, and it was produced/mixed by Dan Lucas of Joplin House, & mastered by Dave Greenberg of Sonopod Mastering.
Upcoming Gigs
25th April – The Lighthouse, Deal (‘Repeat After Me’ Single Release Show)
18th May: The Font, Brighton (Great Escape Festival Fringe Event)
Showing off their versatile abilities to hop between genres Beyond Unbroken have released their latest single, “My Life” a pop-punk anthem of new hope and moving forward.
“My Life” flips a complete 180 degrees emerging out of the darkness from “The Madness.” Beyond Unbroken combines infectious melodies, heavy rhythms, and thought-provoking lyrics to create a powerful anthem exploring the nuances of the human condition. Their latest single captures a message of hope and renewal through energetic guitars, pulsating synthesizers, and driving rhythms, the track invites listeners on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
In their own words, “My life is about living in the present and embracing life as it is, learning to let go in order to move forward instead of holding onto all our grudges. Time is precious, and “life could be better” “if I stop to see” and realize that these are moments we should all cherish. We want listeners to come away with a positive outlook on their own lives, realizing that all time is precious. If we stopped to consider this, we might see that our lives could be better by seizing the moments we have and simply being in the present.”
In a world of boundaries Beyond Unbroken refuses to be defined by one genre. Founded by former Escape The Fate members, brothers Monte and Michael Money, the band habitually crosses the lines, mixing genres the way an artist mixes paint with results that often defy expectation.
They released their first single “Under Your Skin” in 2015 and debuted their first independent EP Don’t Wake The Dead in 2017 with producer Matt Good of From First To Last. The EP was well received with the animated video “Overdose” earning millions of views upon release. Their first debut album, Running Out of Time, followed in 2020 with singles earning millions of streams and premiering on Alt Press.
On April 29, 2020, the band covered Lil Peep and Twenty One Pilots mashup, “Falling Down + Heathens” and it remains the band’s most streamed track to this day. In 2021 the band released a one-off single “With Or Without Me” on the FiXT Radium Compilation which eventually led to the band signing with the label in 2023.
UK power trio TEMPLETON PEK return to the musical fray with the frantic earworm of a new single “SAVAGES.” Taken from a brand-new album coming in the autumn/fall of the same name, the band are back and they have something to say.
“It’s been a long time since we released music, and we didn’t want to come back with anything less than the strongest material possible. ”Savages” is the perfect advert for what to expect from the new album. It’s big, it’s loud, and it isn’t afraid to say what it thinks.” Explained vocalist/bassist Neal Mitchell.
Produced and mixed by George Perks (Enter Shikari, Skindred) at Vada Studios in their hometown of Birmingham, and mastered by Andy ‘Hippy’ Baldwin (Oasis, The Who) of legendary Metropolis studios in London, UK.
“Savages” explores the complexity of human nature and is written from two different perspectives, the left and right side of the political spectrum, reacting to world events with each side proclaiming to either “Break out the guns!” or “Move with the times!”
The song is reflective and asks uncomfortable questions about ourselves, whether we have really actually learnt anything in the last 5 years: Are we not better than this? Is the best we have? Are we more than savages?
Guitarist Kev green said “we wanted to push ourselves across the board with writing this record. The way in which we write and produce, lyrically and vocally, performance wise and ultimately music wise. We’ve played with structure and style and every part of this record is there for a reason. George really pushed us and allowed us to go for something special, and we truly believe we have.”
On recording in the UK for the first time in over a decade, drummer Jon Keen said, “we were originally slated to return to the states where we recorded the last 3 albums, then the pandemic hit, and we essentially scrapped what was to be our next album. We kept writing and re-purposing ideas then decided to stay local because having the luxury of taking our time and developing the songs has meant we have a stronger album for it.”
Tom Killner who straddles the line between genres with soulfully infused blues, southern rock, country, and americana is proud to release his new album ‘Borrowed Time’ on CD, vinyl available direct from Tom HERE and on all digital platforms. The excited 28 year old award winning singer/songwriter free spirited Tom states with an infectious smile, “It has been a long time coming but it will take you on a rollercoaster that is life with hooky riffs and heartfelt songs and I assure you it’ll all have been worth the wait!”
Accompanying the release is the uptempo feel good, sing-along video ‘Light It Up’, which with the changing season evokes images of warmer nights to come peppered with blistering guitar work and the bands engaging live show. “It’s one of the songs that’s been with us for a few years, it’s grown overtime and is super fun to play! The main theme is that it’s a good time song about being stuck in the 9-5 and you can’t wait for the weekend to down tools, kick off your boots, or put them on for a night out, and let your hair down!”
The 10 track collection bears an overarching story and is truly that of a modern day troubadour and to be aurally enveloped in a single sitting each listen, “I’ve always been around music from an early age and I really wanted to tell stories of characters you meet in life, relationships both good and bad, and of events and emotions that have moved or affected me in some way. For the first time in my life I experienced some mental health challenges in lockdown, like so many did, I partly used that as a catalyst to create and for those listening to relate to.” The Rotherham UK born award-winning powerhouse vocalist and guitarist goes on, “Some of the songs go back a way’, some were wrote in lockdown like ‘Cosmic Sounds’ which came to me in a moment of stillness and reflection with it swirling around my head and I just couldn’t let it go. ‘One Day At A Time’ is one where you may feel that you’ve lost it all but there’s something that spurs you along the road.”
From the opening first notes the listener is swept along on a sonic journey that encompasses a myriad of styles, instrumentation and songwriting from the honky-tonk good time ‘On The Other Side’ to the simultaneously heartbreaking and uplifting ‘No More’ through to the foot tapping and thoughtful title track ‘Borrowed Time’, “The band and I were jamming and it just flowed out. We’re only here once, and in this moment as the past doesn’t exist. We can’t waste time and life is long if you spend it right as it’s all just borrowed.” The album features the esteemed Sam Wood (Black Star Riders, Wayward Sons) on pedal steel and backing vocals are breathed throughout by the acclaimed musician Oli Brown and highly talented Kier with co-production/mixing and mastering handled by the much in-demand Wayne Proctor at his House of Tone Studios (King King, Aynsley Lister, Ben Poole, Nine Below Zero).
Winning over audiences across the UK and Europe with their highly dynamic show, Tom and the band features Wes Brook (keys, Hammond), Callum Houghton (bass) and Rich Hunter (drums) who throw down a memorable showcase of guitar slinging, emotional and foot-stomping hell-raising songs. Aligned with the new album release, it’s Tom’s busiest year to date having recently played the world famous 100 Club London for the first time to a rapturous reception. “We’re on tour during April supporting the new album and have a good number of festivals this year in Call of the Wild, Rockwich, SOS Festival, NWOCR Livefestand more to come. In May we hit the road in a double header with southern rockers American band Hush Moneyand then the legendary Preacher Stone from North Carolina in July. You’ll be seeing plenty of us that’s for sure as playing live is where it’s at for us with new songs, new venues, making new friends and having even more new experiences!”
Eager for all to hear what he passionately believes to be his best work to date, Tom states, “I’m very grateful to all those who backed the new album Kickstarter campaign so I have to be true to them and all. I’ve really stuck to my guns with this album and haven’t once thought I had to conform to a specific style or way of writing and I’ve grown a lot as a person as a result.It’s my most honest and revealing album and I hope the listener can take something away from it for themselves.” Saddle up and join Tom Killner for a tapestry of a trip through ‘Borrowed Time’.
AK & The Red Kites are pleased to release the hook-laden debut single ‘Devil’s Stomp’ available now on all digital platforms. Pulling inspiration from a myriad of modern rock and legacy bands, the dark and brooding song would not be out of place on a hit dramatic TV show such as ‘Yellowstone’ or Marvel’s ‘The Punisher’.
A modern rock band with a retro infused vibe, AK & The Red Kites bear big riffs and vast melodic soundscapes. The cornerstone of this new exciting venture is frontman/guitarist Andrew Knightley, rising from the ashes of his previous band blues rockers Trident Waters. “‘Devil’s Stomp’ came about from a bunch of trips to the US and images of wastelands in the old Wild West, of a nefariously natured preacher man passing through taking his self-entitled dues from the local town folk.” Accompanying the single is the cinematic and sweeping video, “The original plan was to shoot in Joshua Tree US, but we ended up on the UK Yorkshire Moors with amazing weather conditions which really enhance the emotional charge of the song and the drone shots reflect the name of the band.”
Having eloped to the Chiltern Hills UK during the global pandemic, Andrew began writing songs that would shape the project to come. “I wrote most of my new music looking out the window onto the woods and the Red Kites are always circling overhead. I felt a connection, that they were part of my inspiration, as they glided across the sky crying and going about their business. I wanted to honour that sense of freedom and protection that they have provided me with. AK & The Red Kites is a direct reference to my creative process and where I am now as a person.”
Working with multi-platinum award winning producer Mike Krompass (Everybody Loves An Outlaw), the forthcoming releases will showcase Knightleys eclectic range as a songwriter and musician; ranging from full on high tempo hard rockers to panoramic swamp vibes with incursions into country and blues rock territory in the vein of Rival Sons, Greta Van Fleet and ZZ Top.
“There were about 25 tracks demoed and initially there were only going to be 10 recorded. As the process went on we decided to stretch that to 16 as there were too many strong tracks to whittle it down. It’s a really exciting project and I can’t wait for the world to hear what’s been cooking!” With audiences also promised a visually striking experience when the full band take to the stage, AK & The Red Kites is perched to soar throughout the rest of the year and beyond.
Daring, dynamic and devastating, it’s West Lothian’s Dictator with their fantastic, brand new single ‘Stan Smith’
Dictator never disappoint, each single more fun and exciting than the last. The band create non stop indie-pop anthems, the four piece refuse to be pigeon-holed as they emphatically strut through a sonic landscape of alternative indie licks, electrifying electronics and perfectly prodigious pop grooves. Each new single is an ear worm that you just can’t get out of your head, extremely infectious!
This year sees the band play Scotland’s Stag and Dagger Festival at Edinburgh and Glasgow on Saturday the 4th May and Sunday the 5th of May. Get your tickets through the link below:
Hailing from East Lothian, Scotland, THE RAH’S unveil their new single ‘I’ve Never Been Wrong’ and brand new album THE COMMON GROUND via their own EH32 Records with digi distribution by Emu Bands.
‘I’ve Never Been Wrong’ is the second taster of the quintet’s second album, THE COMMON GROUND, for which they have a physical release with Assai records in super blue and pink vinyl editions!
THE RAH’S formed in 2020 in East Lothian, Scotland and released their debut LP in 2021. After a deliberate radio silence they are back, grown up, angry and focused on their goal of becoming an alternative rock sensation.
After success from their self/crowd-funded debut album WHEN DOES IT BECOME REAL?, with the singles ‘Time Is Now’, ‘If You Never Try’ and ‘She’s Not’ being played on BBCR1, Radio X, KROQ, RTE 2FM.
The Rah’s have already played Iconic venues and festivals; Glasgow Barrowlands, The O2 Academy Leeds, Isle of Wight and YNot Festival, and sold-out back to back headline UK tours.
Of the new single band frontman Jack says, “I’ve Never Been Wrong’ was written with confrontation in mind, arguments with partners, friends or colleagues. When you fully believe your point of the discussion cannot be wrong and the receiver hasn’t a leg to stand on. The guitar intro sets the mood with its turbulent and aggressive tone with the backing vocals adding layers to the channel minded perspective of the aggressor. The raw emotion of the track floods straight into the chorus, lyrically mimicking the thought process whilst in heated debate”.
On the accomplishment of having their sophomore album THE COMMON GROUND ready to unveil to the world singer Jack says, ‘“This album has been an incredible experience from start to finish. As a band, we’ve gained confidence and momentum from the release of our debut album. Learning from it, we approached this second album with a lot more depth and attention to detail. We packed this album full of hard hitting swagger and attitude, blood, sweat and tears. Resulting in a body of work we are all extremely proud of and delighted to be releasing. As a band, we have different styles and tastes in music, which, when combined, works wonders. The production and process involve meticulously, fine-picking every lyric, key, note, or drumbeat to ensure this album has the qualities to be among the very best. We are overwhelmed with accomplishment to finally be getting the album out and showcasing what we have achieved.”
‘I’ve Never Been Wrong’ is out now on all streaming platforms!