A Rocket To The Moon - 'Wild & Free' Album Review

Type – Album Review
Artist – A Rocket To The Moon
Title – Wild & Free

A Rocket To The Moon recently released their follow up album ‘Wild & Free’ to their 2009 release ‘On Your Side’. The band teamed up with producer Mark Bright on their new album and they channelled their classic rock and country influences, from Jonny Cash and The Eagles to Tom Perry and The Heartbreakers to Brad Paisley. With the band saying “We wanted that good ol’ rock n roll fell, almost that southern rock vibe to this album,” and from what I heard the guys have definitely accomplished their goal

‘Wild & Free’ is somewhat of a departure from ‘On Your Side’ but hopefully fans of the band will notice and appreciate the seemingly natural and genuine progression of their sound and the maturity in their song writing. Plus, vocally, Santino knocks it way out of the park on this record. Their anthemic title track and fun loving sing-a-longs, “Going Out” and “Whole Lotta You,” A Rocket To The Moon pulls from their various influences for some solid country/folk/pop-rock fun. On their swoon-worthy, nostalgic and beautiful love song, “First Kiss,” the band incorporated more country flavour.

Lyrically, the band’s latest single, “Ever Enough,” a heart-wrenching ballad about devotion, and the closing track, the piano driven “Lost and Found,” are easily the two most emotionally gripping songs on the album. The honesty and vulnerability in the lyrics hit you in such a way that you can’t help but hang on to every word.

‘Wild & Free’ definitely has a large variety of songs. It jumps around from slow country-like ballads with rather deep lyrics to upbeat quirky summer loving songs. A Rocket to the Moon were known for that more pop-rock edge to their music. But this album doesn't fall into that same category. ’Wild & Free’ has something for everyone. It has smooth transitions and may be the new beginning of A Rocket to the Moon. The band tried something new and it’s definitely worked.

Make sure you head over to iTunes to get your copy of ‘Wild & Free’ and if you haven’t already go check out A Rocket To The Moon on their social media sites. Much love.

@GillianLIMTV

Kid Cudi - 'Indicud' Album Review

Type – Album Review
Artist – Kid Cudi
Title – Indicud

Kid Cudi has never been the kind to hold his tongue or boast modestly, in fact he is infamous for his onstage rants and mid-performance meltdowns. So it came as no surprise when he likened his fourth studio album ‘Indicud’ to Dr. Dre’s classic 2001 album. Straight off the back of his announcement of an amicable split with Kanye West’s G.O.O.D Music, Kid Cudi serves up his latest offering to his fans. Originally the album was meant to drop April 23^rd however the release date was moved up a week due to the entire album being leaked online.

Coming off the back of Cudi’s bold comparison to Dre, Cudi has since has clarified that on the album that he would be the puppet master behind the scenes with Cudi tweeting – “Some things I’ll produce, others I’ll feat&/or play songwriter”. Cudi’s fans are all too aware of the rapper’s affinity for things from outer space. The signature feel of his debut album ‘Man on the Moon’ and its sequel, felt like an acid trip through our solar system. After his foray into the rock world with last year’s album ‘WZRD’, Cudi is once again reaching for the stars with ‘Indicud’. This time he is the captain of the spaceship has handled most of the production himself.

One of the standout tracks from Cudi’s debut album was “Solo Dolo” and Cudi blesses his fans with a sequel and this time he has recruited Kendrick Lamar. As always, K.Dot steals the show, which is hard to do since Cudi is as razor sharp as ever. The award for weirdest collaboration goes to “Afterwards” featuring Michael Bolton and King Chip but unsurprisingly on a Kid Cudi album that already took a left turn straight out of the gate, this unusual 'gathering of the minds fits snugly in place.

‘Indicud’ is a natural transition from ‘WZRD’ back into the hip-hop realm. Cudi has never been one to remain inside the box and his fourth studio album further proves he will never be contained. ‘Indicud’ has a crossover appeal that other music genre lovers will enjoy. Cudi seamlessly weaves hip-hop, punk and alternative rock into an 18-track odyssey through space. Though he may not be the wonderful wizard that is Dr. Dre, he’s Kid Cudi and that’s good enough. 

This new album from Kid Cuddi is utterly fantastic and we strongly recommend that you head over to iTunes and grab yourself a copy. Also if by any chance you haven’t heard of Kid Cudi before make sure you go check him and his music out. Much love.

@GillianLIMTV

Deez Nuts - 'Bout It' Album Review

Type – Album Review
Artist – Deez Nuts
Title – Bout It

Deez Nuts are somewhat of a ‘marmite’ band. The band began in 2007 as a one-off project for ex-drummer JJ Peters, they have since polarised opinions all over the hardcore scene. With their music being a mashup of hip-hop and hardcore that the band describe as ‘fun’, ‘simple’ and ‘catchy, the band have also made quote the name for themselves touring all around the world over the past 6 years.

‘Bout It’ is Deez Nuts third full length album. From the opening catchy hardcore riffs of ‘Bout It’, accompanied by the heartfelt rap vocals of the bands front man JJ Peters, it is already clear that Deez Nuts plans to stick to their guns on this new album. However, there aren’t many surprises as the album continues in an assault of hardcore punk riffs and odes to partying. Charmingly names tracks such as “Go Fuck Yourself” encapsulate their outlook perfectly.

On the other hand, ‘Bout It’ does offer some attempts at changing their dynamics slightly, a lot of those new dynamics came from their collaborations with bands such as Architects and Suicide Silence. Tracks such as “What We Eat Don’t Make You Shit”, “Call To Arms” and “True Colours” are all shorter, faster and punkier than the bands previous efforts whereas “Unfuckwithable” brings some metal elements in the guitar that brings the song to an end.

All in all this new album from Deez Nuts is great and could possibly open up new horizons for the band. Make sure to grab a copy of the album on iTunes and if you haven’t heard of Deez Nuts before go check them out, much love.

@GillianLIMTV 

Anthrax - 'Anthems' Album Review

Type – Album Review
Artist – Anthrax
Title – Anthems

Anthrax has always been much more hit than miss when it comes to covering other artists’ songs. Quite often, the NYC thrash icons think way outside the box and they aren’t afraid to cover songs by acts as disparate as Public Enemy, the Smiths and the Police. Early in their career, however, they were far less adventurous, choosing instead to lazily record near note-for-note renditions of popular metal or punk tracks, from Alice Cooper’s “Eighteen” to Black Sabbath’s “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” to the Sex Pistols’ “God Save the Queen.” And once every thirty years or so, they simply struck out.

'Anthems,' the band’s brand new EP, unfortunately adds several tracks to the negative side of this equation. Instead of covering songs by lesser-known bands (Trust, Celtic Frost, Discharge) or by non-metal acts (Joe Jackson, the Chantays, Beastie Boys), the six cuts here are all classic rock gems originally recorded in the 1970s by some of the biggest bands at the time. Half of the selections are still FM radio staples which 95% of Anthrax’s fanbase has undoubtedly herded nauseam. Even worse, these new versions sound almost exactly like the originals. Instead of making these songs their own, Anthrax is content to just plug in and grind them out, almost as if they were merely warming up.

It is obvious that the band was looking to have some fun with this collection of covers that ranges from the expected (given Scott Ian’s affinity for AC/DC, “T.N.T.” feels like its almost overdue) to the unexpected (the Hammond B3 organ-laced Boston cover “Smokin”). The sense of fun definitely carries over into the listening experience. As was the cast for the band’s last “serious” album, “Worship Music,” the MVP is definitely Joey Belladonna, with a vocal performance the widely exceeds expectations. Sure, he’s always had the Steve Perry thing going, which makes the Journey cover “Keep On Runnin’” feel natural. Less expected is the way he hits the helium heights of Geddy Lee’s vocal part in the Rush cover “Anthem,” or the way he channels Bon Scott on “T.N.T.” his swag on “Jailbreak” is pure Phile Lynott.

Some of this EP is predictable and the rest is somewhat unpredictable which all in all creates a great EP. Make sure to check out the album on iTunes and check out Anthrax if you haven’t listened to them before, much love.

@GillianLIMTV

Josh Kumra - 'Good This Come To Those Who Don’t Wait' Album Review

Type – Album Review
Artist – Josh Kumra
Title – Good This Come To Those Who Don’t Wait

Josh Kumra has already had a chart-topping success when he featured on Wretch 32’s number one single "Don’t Go", but now Josh Kumra is hitting back with his debut album.  After being catapulted into the spotlight in 2011, Josh Kumra has been touring with artists such as Labrinth, Gabrielle Aplin and One Republic. But most importantly he’s been working on his debut album ‘Good Things Come To Those Who Don’t Wait’. Inspired by the likes of Tracy Chapman, Jeff Buckley, Bob Marley and Ray Lamontagne, the album has elements of blues, folk, pop, acoustic roots and soul while at the same time still sounding very modern.

Kumra’s album begins with his single, “The Answer”, which is smooth and very well produced. The ballad is light and touching with that comes a catchy chorus. While “Reckless Love” is a little heavier than the opening track, we love the combination of Kumra’s soft vocals and the edginess to the chorus. -“Keep On Walking” is a beautiful ballad and is one of those tracks that you better have a box of tissues at the ready for listening to it. The track is perfect if you are nursing a broken heart with its big chorus and a positive message, to keep on walking to get out of it.

“Don’t Go” is Josh’s collaboration with Wretch 32, the collaboration topped the charts and catapulted Kumra into the limelight. The album version doesn’t feature Wretch 32 but although different it is still great. The track is one of the strongest on the album. “Find My Way Home” is another one with its raw, southern American sound it hits all the right notes to create a beautiful sound. “Brave Face” shows how extremely versatile Josh Kumra is and gives the album a slight religious element. “Waiting For You” also has a strong choir at its core but this is completely different. The track instantly catches your attention with its fresh and familiar sound. We love the way that the track unfolds and gains more and more power until it reaches its climax.

“Be My Light” is another track that catches our attention, with its catchy melody, it is a brilliant pop song with its big chorus. It instantly stands out on the album. “I’m Not The One” is really good fun with its blues influences and the tongue and cheek lyrics really are the icing on the cake. The album ends with White and Black, another tongue and cheek track with a great melody at its core. Maiday joins Kumra on this beautiful track the combination of both female and male vocals add a new layer to Josh Kumra’s music.

Good Things Come To Those Who Don’t Wait is a fantastic album, which very well crafted and produced with lyrics that are easily relatable. Some of the music is a little generic but it appeals to fans of the genre. Make sure you get a copy of Kumra’s album on iTunes and make sure to check out Josh Kumra if you haven’t heard his music before, much love.

@GillianLIMTV