New Release Highlights: 30th June 2017

This week was a bit thin on the decent new release front and the ones I have listened to are a mixed bag of styles. Nonetheless, these might well be worth your while.

Band: Cellar Darling
Album: This is the Sound
Genre: Rock

I had high hopes and expectations for Cellar Darling -  formed by a trio of ex-Eluveitie musicians - and I am very pleased to report that this album was definitely worth the wait. I suppose it would be classified as Folk Rock, but that doesn't really do this album justice. The unique sound of the Hurdy Gurdy looms over the entire album earning it originality points from the off and when you add Anna Murphy's sublime voice and some solid songs to the mix, This is the Sound is a solid debut offering from one of the genres more interesting bands. That said, the album is a little too long and sometimes seems to meander, but I can forgive that.

Track: Avalanche

Band: Stone Sour
Album: Hydrograd
Genre: Rock / Modern Metal

Whatever your thoughts on Stone Sour it's hard to deny that the band can pen a damn fine tune. It's just a shame that they don't have better quality control as that one great album you just know they have in them remains tantalisingly out of reach. As with previous releases, Hydrograd has some great tracks, some decent tracks and a lot of filler. Fans of the band are unlikely to be disappointed, but for the rest of you, maybe wait for a best of.

Track:Song #3

Band: Vintersorg
Album: Till Fjälls del II
Genre: Folk / Prog Metal

Vintersorg have declared this album to be a return to their roots and have even called it Till Fjälls del II. Releasing a follow up to an established classic is fraught with risks, but Vintersorg have pulled it off with aplomb. Yes, their contemporary sound is probably more akin to Prog than the icy Black Metal of old, but Till Fjälls del II is a triumph and a benchmark album for the genre.

Track: Fjällets Mäktiga Mur

Band: Ye Banished Privateers
Album: First Night Back in Port
Genre: Pirate Folk / Punk

On first hearing Ye Banished Privateers, I  doubt that the Swedish city of Umeå would be the first place to spring to mind. This rather odd band play a Punk-tinged take on Irish Folk and pirate-themed shanties and while they are undoubtably a lot of fun, you probably won't make it past the first 3 or 4 songs. YBP are little more than a novelty act, but hey, in a small pub somewhere, with the ale and rum flowing, I can imagine that they would be just the ticket.

Track: I Dream of You