New Music Round-Up: 8th July 2014

It's been a while since I (dis)graced this blog page with one of my "weekly" round-ups, but after a short break due to lack of inspiration, physical problems, being on holiday and so on, I'm now back in my flow. Some of the stuff here may well be old news to some of you and if that is the case, then I apologise. As always, it's a bit of a mixed bag, so whatever your tastes, be it Industrial, Sludge or even upbeat Hip Hop, there should be something here that you haven't heard and that may be of interest to at least a few of you

Mastodon

Mastodon are essentially a Prog Rock band for people who don't like Prog Rock. As accessible as they are complex, Mastodon never disappoint with their quirky yet catchy anthems. Admittedly, after the initial few "spins", the new album seems to be lacking the punch of their previous effort 'The Hunter', but that is no reason to dismiss it as it is still so far ahead of the rest of the pack, that Mastodon must be almost embarrassed for their peers.

Sonic Syndicate

The 4 year wait is over and the second Sonic Syndicate album to feature the impressive pipes of Nathan James Biggs (formerly of Shropshire-based The Hollow Earth Theory) is finally upon us. After what, for me at least, was a disappointing debut with the band, I remained hopeful that this, the follow-up, would be a huge improvement and thankfully it is. Nathan has been given chance to shine, both vocally and as a song writer and it would appear that the band have released the reins they had him on last time and have unleashed the monster we all knew was in there.

Corrosion Of Conformity

Still going strong after all these years, COC show very little inclination to mellow or to grow old gracefully. No, this isn't the cutting-edge Crossover of yore, but it is still brimming with groove and raw energy. It is very apparent that after so many years of playing and writing together, the 3 current core members of the band are very comfortable with each other and with themselves as a unit and although the angry youths of the 80's are long gone, the music remains vital and energetic. The distorted guitars crunch and the vocals wail throughout the duration of this Grunge-tinged Southern / Sludge Metal  monster of an album. All in all, yet another consistent album that is more than worthy of the COC name.

Deathstars

After what seemed like an age, Deathstars are back again to fill the dancefloors of Rock and Metal clubs the world over with their upbeat Rammstein meets PAIN via Sisters Of Mercy Gothic / Industrial stomp. Not a lot has changed if I'm honest, but that isn't really important as despite my own lazy comparisons, Deathstars have a distinct and catchy sound all of their own and when they are on form as they are here, they are pretty much unstoppable.

Alestorm

As I've said before, what's not to like? Ridiculous song titles and subject matter (Surf Squid Warfare, anyone?), a tongue in cheek gimmick and alcohol fueled silliness all wrapped up in a Folk Metal package...complete with keytar. That this pirate schtick still hasn't outstayed its welcome after 6 years and 3 albums is to the band's credit. Storming out of the blocks with the first "single" from their upcoming fourth album 'Sunset On The Golden Age", Alestorm defy the odds again and make me want to drink and party like it's 1699. The band's 'gimmick' shows no sign of getting old so enjoy the rum-soaked anomaly that is Alestorm, raise your glasses high and 'Drink'.

Professor Elemental

How to describe Professor Elemental? With his Steampunk-influenced character gimmick and music which makes use of samples of Lounge, Jazz, Swing and more combined with both old and new-school Hip-Hop, Elemental is pretty much in a class all of his own. There is nothing else out there that sounds like this sharp-dressed fellow and with his upbeat music and seemingly unlimited positivity, his new album 'The Giddy Limit' is the perfect summer soundtrack.