ROBB BANK$ & CHRIS TRAVIS - SOLID

This is such a pleasure for me to write and I'm going to enjoy this a lot. As an avid lover of both Robb Bank$ and Chris Travis, this team up only makes sense if you're aware of the discographies and backgrounds of these two prestigious rappers. Besides that, they're simply also two of the hardest in the game right now, so if you're new to the rap game and you've stumbled upon this; feel blessed because you've just fell upon something special. Robb and Chris have just dropped their new single: "SOLID".

The beat is dark and eery, setting the atmosphere as soon as you put your earphones in or your speakers on. The trappy drums are militant, the bass kicks harder than steel toes to the balls and the piano creeps up on you like the shadows of your past. It's a masterpiece for an instrumental. My hat's tipped.

Chris Travis barks at you first, throwing lines at you like Shurikens. He's fast, he's angry and he's not holding back. The delivery is on point and the punches are lethal. The only criticism I have is that it doesn't go in for long enough in my opinion! It flies by as fast as it hits you in the face. By the time he signed off the mic, I only craved more. As an artist, I would be pleased with this; as it had me rewinding time and time again just to catch those lines once more.

Robb Bank$ holds the rest of the track down and makes his presence on the track known. His "tell it how it is" attitude makes for a solid performance on the track. If the pre-verse bridge and chorus doesn't do it for you then I'm sure the rest will when he drops pipebombs all over the track. For the record; I'd be surprised if the chorus doesn't get stuck in your head. It's catchy, it's memorable and it's a solid club banger. Robb has killed it once again. 

I could sit here and review this track in-depth all day and tell you all how much I love it, if you haven't gathered that already; or you could do me, Robb and Chris a favour and listen to it yourself so you can make up your own mind on it. Robb Bank$ and Chris Travis are two of the best and Solid is one of the best tracks I've listened to by both the two artists and in the current hip hop scene overall . This is where it's at right now.

You can check out Solid by Robb Bank$ and Chris Travis below:

Until next time folks, don't drop your double cup.

Let me know what you thought of this track in the comments below!

GUCCI MANE - DOWN ON THAT (FEAT. YOUNG THUG) SINGLE REVIEW

Being behind hard bars doesn't stop Gucci Mane spitting hard bars. Guwop has yet again teamed up with Young Thug to bring the fans more fire. This time, they've released: "Down On That".

The Cassius Jay produced beat is the perfect weapon to Thugger and Guwop's arsenal of lyrics and flows with Young Thug delivering a catchy verse and chorus in his signature whiny voice and Gucci firing out a verse with his Codeine coated vocals.

If the simple fact that Gucci Mane had a new banger out wasn't enough for you then Young Thug featuring should be, being that he's one of the best in the game right now.

This track is straight up heat and should leave you cooking like you're a trap lord. Gucci Mane and Young Thug are killing it, even whilst Gucci is locked up. Down On That is my favourite hip-hop single of 2015 so far. 

You can listen to Gucci Mane featuring Young Thug - Down On That (Prod. By Cassius Jay) below:

Until next time folks, Free Gucci.

What did you think of the single? Write your opinions in the comments below.

THE CHARLATANS - MODERN NATURE

If you were wondering who the next big Glastonbury killers were going to be, or the next big headliner for all reputable festivals across the UK then look no further as I have found the answer; and that answer is The Charlatans. The Britpop rockers, who haven’t released anything for 5 years, have finally recorded their new album: “Modern Nature”

For fans of The Charlatans, times have been tough since the loss of their drummer Jon Brookes in August 2013. The drummer was commemorated by bands such as The Verve, Beady Eye, The Vaccines and Manic Street Preachers. Due to the loss of Jon, the band had to bring in session drummers for the new release, with contributions from Pete Salisbury (The Verve), Stephen Morris (New Order), and Gabriel Gurnsey (Factory Floor)

Modern Nature behind the scenes has been constructed very impressively, being produced by both the band and the legend Jim Spencer as well as being mixed by Craig Silvey who has worked with the likes of Arcade Fire and Portishead. A brass courtesy was even extended from Jim Paterson of the one and only Dexys Midnight Runners.

Although not being all TOO into the British indie, Britpop and ‘Madchester’ scene, I can still enjoy the music when played and respect their place in the UK music industry. The Charlatans bring a, what sounds to me like, Stone Roses vibe on the new album mixed with a vocal style that would be similar to Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. I find Tim Burgess to be an amazing singer whilst his band do an exceptional job instrumentally.

It’s not everyday that I will be listening to music and a song I don’t know will really perk up my ears and catch my undivided attention. However, Let The Good Times Be Never Ending did just that. The keyboard’s melody at the start is very groovy and the overall feel of the song to many of the listeners will be very nostalgic and late 70s/80s like. It’s upbeat, it’s funky and I can almost guarantee that everyone who hears this will be either dancing, humming along or smiling at the very least. This is definitely my new favourite song.

The band released Talking In Tones early as the main single for the album. This happens to also be the first song that you’ll hear when you spin Modern Nature. For me, it’s captivating and beautiful, putting you in a peaceful trance. The energy is kept quite low on this track but don’t let that fool you; the slow melody is magical.

On the Deluxe version of the album, fans are brought an extra four tracks! My favourite is We Sleep On Borrowed Time. The bassline and the drums are what do it for me. The sound is chilled out but it’s also groovy. Tim’s vocals and lyrics are both amazing. Keep your ears open for this one!

The Charlatans have really proven themselves to me and they’ve gained a new fan. Modern Nature is a fantastic album and for long-time fans, this is going to make a great start to the year for them. Payday is finally coming up after Christmas so why don’t you go out and buy this CD? You won’t regret it!

You can purchase Modern Nature by The Charlatans right here.

You can also find this same blog post over at Backstage Pass where I guest blog! Check it out!

Until next time folks, Let The Good Times Be Never Ending.

Voice your opinions in the comments below!

ENTER SHIKARI - THE MINDSWEEP

Nobody ever expected a quartet of boys from St Albans, Hertfordshire would blow up just as big Enter Shikari have. No full lengths had been released since A Flash Flood Of Colour in 2012. After 12 years of 4 albums, 2 compilations and 5 EPs, Shikari have yet again let the floodgates open with their new extraordinary relase: “ The Mindsweep”

Spending years experimenting with post-hardcore, metal, electronic sounds and trance; Enter Shikari have perfected a sound like no other. Rou Reynolds’ unique blend of delivered aggressive vocals are the perfect mix to the background of earth shattering ingenius instrumentals played by some of the most talented musicians in the UK right now.

Enter Shikari first released The Garrison as a single for the album. The words “CAN YOU HEAR THE WAR-CRY” ring through your ears, urging you to mosh like no tomorrow before the mood changes to a more chilled out, poppy dance vibe. The drums are pounding, the guitars are crunching and the vocals are fantastic. Give this a listen to.

The One True Colour is without a shadow of a doubt in my mind one of my favourite songs from the album. The drums are fast and the vocals are roared before progressing into more slower melodies and then picking up the pace again. About two minutes in Rou gives the listeners a fantastic spoken word verse which fits in perfectly before the band cause a ruckus.

Anaesthesist carries a Prodigy influenced dubby beat over Rou’s rapping. All of a sudden, everything goes from quiet to loud with just one line: “YOU FUCKING SPANNER!” From here on the track feels grimier, dubbier and heavier.

My all time favourite track from The Mindsweep is The Appeal & The Mindsweep II. The guitars are crunchy, the drums are rolling like thunder and Rou is screaming like there’s going to be no tomorrow.  This one will have you in the pit. Mosh.

Enter Shikari have yet again jumped through hurdles and brought out another fantastic album.

The Mindsweep from start to finish is an exciting album to listen to and one you won’t get bored of anytime soon. Shikari have already made their mark worldwide, this album is just them putting their stamp down. Shikari are just going to keep getting bigger and bigger; watch this space.

You can purchase The Mindsweep by Enter Shikari right here.
Alternatively, you can also purchase it on iTunes.

You can also find this same blog post over at Backstage Pass where I guest blog. Check it out!

What did you think of The Mindsweep? Let me know in the comments section below!

until next time folks, just remember that Anything Can Happen In The Next Half Hour.

TURNSTILE - NONSTOP FEELING

Turnstile are a band that have always been rated big in my books ever since the first time I heard Pressure To Succeed in 2013. Step 2 Rhythm came along next and that was just as big. Now, in 2015; Turnstile have finally released a full length debut album. That album is the all killer, no filler, groove-filled: "Nonstop Feeling".

From start to finish, you're hit with nonstop fresh riffs and it's full steam ahead. The Baltimore boys come with an attitude like they're here to prove they're on top of their game, and it pays off. The blend of crunchy funky metallic and hardcore riffs mixed with the unique trademark aggressive vocals, and even some singing makes for a very sweet sound. Be ready for the pit to be in full swing with this one.

Just like we have a First Footer here in Scotland at New Year who is meant to bring good fortune to our year; Gravity first foots the album bringing good stead to the album. The head's are bumping instantly as the bouncy riff catches the eardrums before chopping and changing it up with a more straight on, punchy jam that'll leave you itching to start doing rapid push-ups and toughen up. The vocals are snappy, and have that unique hip-hop influenced vibe that have been brought on previous material. Before you know it, the lyrics are getting stuck in your head and you won't be able to help yourself shouting them out loud.

Fazed Out is a must listen to, for me. It's fast, It's fun and there's no time to relax. What does it for me is the funky solo a minute and a half in just after the first chorus. It feels like you're riding a musical wave, right before being hit with the heavy goods again. Hereon, the instrumental keeps a heavier tone before peaking with a climatic New York style breakdown. Just what you're after!

Bad Wave is another thriller which'll have the mosh coming from the very first few chords strummed. It's definitely a favourite song for me. Being only 2 minutes and 16 seconds long, it's enough to quench a thirst but it leaves you still looking for more, which I like. The words to this one quickly got imprinted in my mind and even now while I'm writing this I can hear them. "Still, I can't shake it!"

Addicted is one for fans with lots of energy, because you're going to be pushed trying to keep up with this lot. If you're not running fast in circles and jumping on top of peoples heads when this is performed live, you'll be throwing fists and doing cartwheels for the last push at the end. This is exciting music and I would love to hear even more of this, There's always plenty of room for songs that'll leave you sweating your ass off!

If a band can manage to bring out a new album, keep their signature sound and still manage to surprise you then as a band; they're doing good. Turnstile have done exactly that for me. This record has blew me away and from the moment it started until the minute I took my earphones out, I was on the edge of my seat with excitement. These boys are on another level and I can't stress to you enough that you absolutely must listen to Nonstop Feeling.

The album will be officially made for sale on January 13th so to avoid disappointment, I would recommend pre-ordering the album via Reaper Records.

You can stream Nonstop Feeling by Turnstile over at Noisey.

Until next time folks, try and keep Out Of Rage.

What did you think of the album? Are you a Turnstile fan after hearing this? Whatever the opinion, fire it in the comments.

KANYE WEST - ONLY ONE

First of all, let me say a belated Happy New Year to you! I hope that your festive season was cracking. 2015 has finally dawned upon us and already we're being blessed with fantastic gifts. One of these is the new single by our beloved Kanye West: "Only One". 

What makes this even bigger is that it features the legendary Sir Paul McCartney. Never in a million years would I have expected the ex-Beatles member to collaborate with someone such as our Yeezy. Nevertheless, Sir Paul provides a very beautiful instrumental. The minimalist approach with the piano chords certainly compliments the song and gives Kanye yet another chance to shine on a different platform, changing up his sound again. 

Personally, I don't think the auto-tune was needed. I reckon that he could've sung the lyrics just as good, and he might have even sounded better. However, I don't find it too out of place. The lyrics are still very much clear, and the words are all so beautiful. The lyrics should definitely be focused on more here rather than how Kanye is voicing them. It's very humbling from the perspective of the audience to feel like Kanye is easier to connect to on an emotional scale when such lyrics are written. It develops an insight into who he really is and allows us to visualise the real Kanye behind the voice.

An idea about the auto-tune perhaps could be that, since the song is from his mother's perspective as she looks at Kanye from heaven, he uses the effect to mask his own voice and sound distorted as if it is a voice coming from the golden gates above. This is just a theory.

This is a must hear. It's beautiful, it's soul touching and it's a Kanye West that I want to see more of.

Dr. Donda West would be so proud of her son if she were here. Rest In Peace.

Only One has made 2015 special already and I can't wait to hear the rest of the material Yeezy has planned for release.

You can buy Only One by Kanye West Featuring Sir Paul McCartney right here

Until next time folks, David; over and out.

What did you think of Only One? Let me know your opinions in the comments below!