Review: Life's Too Short For Us - Everything's Fine (EP)

First of all: Considering this as the first blog post in months, I guess I would have to say sorry to all the regular readers who keep coming back to the page and continuously keep being disappointed about not seeing any new reviews. So here we go: I'm sorry, and seriously annoyed with my work morals. As some of you might know, the main part of New Rock Reviews is in German and I'm (in contrast to the German counterpart) the only one writing reviews on here which makes it quite hard to stay up-to-date with it. I'll try and improve in keeping the posts more regular from the start of next year onwards. Call it a New Year's pledge.

Anyway, the good news is: This informational post isn't going to stand here as the last post made for the next ten or so weeks. There's actually a review coming up. A review! Incredible! Or as the reviewed band (possibly) would say: ongelooflijk! Excuse my Dutch.

Band: Life's Too Short For Us

Album: Everything's Gone (EP)

Style: Skate Punk

Release: 29^th October 2013

Label: none

From: Holland

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LTSFU

LIFE'S TOO SHORT FOR US recently released (well, I say recently and mean October...) their new three-track-EP Everybody's Fine and with that is the first band to enjoy their record getting an English review first on New Rock Reviews! How about that?

Unfortunately, the whole record is only about ten minutes long; but it's quality not quantity that counts, right? In terms of production, I think about one of my favourite ZEBRAHEAD albums ever: Playmate of the Year. In other words: Production? Ongelooflijk good!

But the ZEBRAHEAD influence doesn't just stop in matters of production. It's the songwriting, too. I used to skate (and I mean on a skateboard not with those stupid little rolls – or even worse: blades! – beneath your feet, that might make you look interesting when you're a girl but also make you feel kind of weird as a guy...) a little bit – and I failed big time – when I was way younger and these songs kind of make me want to buy a new skateboard (although, considering my ability to actually use it, this would be kind of a waste on money) as I gave my old one to my little brother. Kind of obvious if you suck in skating, right?

Now, back to the music: “Where We're From” starts with a bass intro and turns into a really good classic skate punk track with a catchy chorus and everything you'd expect. Could it be any better? Well … maybe, if the song wouldn't be three but 45 minutes long! Just kidding, of course.

“Your Approval” has a similar structure, although the chorus isn't quite AS catchy as the one in “Where We're From”. The song is kind of diverse with a few changes in rhythm from time to time. Quite nice and definitely a nice opportunity to start a mosh pit during a live concert.

The same's true for “Not Gonna Play”. What a tune! My favourite part about this powerful, melodic, and ongelooflijk good track is the little “breakdown” (if you want to call it that) towards the end. Fair play, guys. I love it.

Everything's Fine, although being way too short for my tastes, is absolutely recommendable to everyone into BLINK-182 (although I managed not to mention them up to now), ZEBRAHEAD, and all other bands who're active in this kind of music genre. However, a couple more songs would have been nice; and then we could talk about some more points...

6 out of 8 points

Tracklist:

1. Where We're From

2. Your Approval

3. Not Gonna Play

Members:

Vocals, Guitars: Stefan

Guitars: Kevin

Bass: Jasper

Drums, Backings: Sean

Review: The Aqualung - The Aqualung

Info

Band: The Aqualung

Album: The Aqualung

Style: Alternative Rock

Released: 2013

Record company: none

From: Germany

Facebook: www.facebook.com/theaqualung

Website: www.theaqualung.de

When I first heard the name of that band, I immediately heard a transverse flute and the beginning of the Jethro Tull song of the same title. However, The Aqualung don't really have much in common with that progressive rock band from the 1970s. Everybody can make up their mind whether the lacking transverse flute is an advantage or disadvantage; meanwhile, I put my focus on their debut album “The Aqualung”.

As well as the sounds of the sea in the first moments of the instrumental opener “Immersion”, the first musical sounds create a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere. Towards the end of the track, the listener recognizes the first louder guitars which show to be a good preparation for “My Anxiety”. This song has a rocking intro and chorus and the only time you can actually take a breath is the verse. All in all, a very nice track.

I don't know why, but there are so many bands whose style reminds me either of Lostprophets or of Funeral For a Friend lately. “Breaking” makes me think of both. When the verse also could have been on the first Prophets album, the melancholy chorus could have been composed by FFAF. “... But We Will Never Surrender” is somehow similar to the previous track although there is a little break in the middle of the song which gives me a little break and, to me, seems very surprising. Well done!

“A Way Out” gives the album a little rockier twist. Like its preceding songs, there are a lot of progressive influences. The especially nice things about the song are the effects on the vocals and the drive in the chorus. Again a very good track. “On My Own” is a song I can only recommend to listen to. A very tranquil intro seems to suggest a ballad and the song's whole atmosphere stays balladic. My favourite part is the interlude with its little knick-knacks of effects which sometimes nearly sound like the singing of whales. That song is my absolute favourite on the record.

After so much balladic tunes, we have to get back to rock! And that's what's happening in “Our Oceans”. Again the cool, dark, and progressive interlude, which would have reminded me of Opeth had there been a little more gain on the guitars, is my favourite part in that track. Just great. However, I think the song is a bit too long towards the end as there aren't any vocals any more. That's for the record as well, as the last track, “The Aqualung Part I”, is the second instrumental after the opener on this record. The band's progressive twist is more than obvious in this one which becomes even more obvious if you take a look at the track's length. However, throughout the whole of its 11:19 minutes running time, there isn't the slightest hint of boredom for me. And that is the greatest praise I could give for the instrumental songwriting!

All in all, “The Aqualung” is a very interesting debut album which, however, is a little too predictable for my tastes of a progressive rock band. The exception to the law are the two instrumentals: “Immersion” and “The Aqualung Part I”. A little more change in the structure of the songs here and there and I could definitely predict a successful future for that band.

Listen to: “My Anxiety”, “On My Own”, “The Aqualung Part I”

7 out of 10 points

Tracklist:
1. Immersion

2. My Anxiety

3. Breaking

4. … But We Will Never Surrender

5. A Way Out

6. On My Own

7. Our Oceans

8. The Aqualung Part I

Members:

Guitars, Vocals: Daniel Höft

Guitars, Vocals: Johannes Schwitalla

Bass: Claas-Henning Dörries

Drums, Vocals: Cornelius Laube

Review: Congoroo - No, Monkey no!

Info

Band: Congoroo

Album: No, Monkey no!

Style: Alternative Rock

Released: 2012

Label: none

From: Germany

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Congoroo/130494203628041

Website: www.congoroo.de

It is well known that concept albums are always a little more difficult to understand. To release a concept album as a debut is even more audacious. Usually. German band Congoroo have tried exactly that and put us onto their rash experiment. Let's see if they succeeded.

“Don't End Up” is the first song on “No, Monkey no!” and purveys a slightly melancholy mood by using spherical riffs and emotional vocals. A nice rock song for a start which is followed by a complete change in atmosphere. “Gibbon” has a little reggae twist to the verse and African-like backings in the chorus. This shows that the band's influences seem to be very extensive. If you didn't recognize the theme of the album by its name, you will here it in this song.

“One Day” is again completely different to the previous tracks. This time, the band goes Punk which definitely brings some change to the record. Variation is always a big plus in my eyes. The break at the end of the song is surprising and makes this track one of my favourites. The tranquil intro, that slightly reminds me of Lostprophets' “Last Summer”, supplies a mysterious atmosphere to “Welcome to Hell”. The song itself is the first more emotional and ballad-like track on the record, which I can only recommend to listen to for more than one time.

“Good Luck” is a little more rock-like again. It comes up with southern rock guitars and a great drive during the chorus. Adding to that, you play a great solo and there you have the next hit song. “Ape of Hate” is one of my absolute favourites of “No, Monkey no!”. Heavy metal tunes, underlined by the breakdown, follow the intro's jungle sounds; but still, even that track surprises with the sudden change of style after the hardcore-like chorus. What a song!

Time for a break, now. The piano-intro to “So Small” already indicates an opportunity to catch some breath. An emotional chorus and slightly bluesy guitars during the verse make it a great rock ballad. Add the explosive beginning of the solo to it and you get my next song recommendation. A track in the style of Metallica's “Nothing Else Matters”. “Pray for Rain” offers some more bpm and typical skate punk style riffs which you could find again when listening to old NOFX or Zebrahead records. That song could definitely be used for the beginning of one of these teen-comedy-films (you know the ones: Golden Gate Bridge, convertibles, sunshine, that kind of thing).

Following that is “Monkey Revolution”, again more ballad-like and with great guitars, songwriting, and a really emotional chorus. Another song recommendation. “You Say” is a very varied track. These guys do not just know what “balance” means, they live for it. The bass melody in the verse creates a great groove. The guitars make it rock. The song moves on to a punky rock song later and has a great solo to offer after the break. If I would recommend you to listen to it? Sure, but it's really hard for me to think of a song on this record that I wouldn't recommend.

Just when I thought there couldn't be any style of music these guys didn't cover, I am taught otherwise. “Hypnotize” is a typical nu metal track at first: rap during the verse and heavy, grooving guitars; but suddenly, all this collapses and I feel as if Congoroo passed me on from Limp Bizkit to Johnny Cash. People who whinge about songwriting here, really should question their knowledge of music. That must be every style of modern music covered, now. The only thing that's missing, I thought, is an acoustic track. Boom! That's the moment when “Hollow” began. Exactly, an acoustic track and with that, a very emotional and thought-provoking ending to the record. My last song recommendation, as well.

Variety, balance, extensive influences, and great songwriting are more than just convincing. The album's concept is pretty easily audible to everyone and although I never give more than 8 points for a debut, “No, Monkey no!” just deserves more than that.

Listen to: “One Day“, “Ape of Hate“, “So Small“, “Hypnotize“, “Hollow“

8,5 out of 10 points

Tracklist:
1. Don't End Up

2. Gibbon

3. One Day

4. Welcome to Hell

5. Good Luck

6. Ape of Hate

7. So Small

8. Pray for Rain

9. Monkey Revolution

10. You Say

11. Hypnotize

12. Hollow

Members:

Vocals: Matze

Guitar: Stefan

Guitar: Max

Bass: Marcel

Drums: Gregor

Review: Salut the Sergeant - Heavy Walk

Info

Band: Salut the Sergeant

Album: Heavy Walk (EP)

Style: Alternative Rock

Released: 2013

Label: none

From: Germany

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Salut.The.Sergeant

Being amateur musicians ourselves, every one of New Rock Reviews knows how hard it is to find your own sound as a band. A sound that makes you happy and somehow also makes you sound unique. Leipzig newcomers Salut the Sergeant tried exactly that on their debut EP “Heavy Walk” – successfully?

The first song “Steve” reminds me of The Velvet Underground due to the strong pre-punk elements; however, the band doesn't destroy the song in the end as VU would have done. Especially because of this atmosphere and that cool time change in the end of the track, this song is my absolute recommendation to listen to.

“Heavy Walk”, the EP's title track, has a funky and jazzy touch to it. Definitely a great song. The range of the vocals varies between Bob Dylan and Lou Reed – possibly not everybody's taste, but I don't feel too bad about it. I mean, there were times when everyone said that Neil Young and Lou Reed couldn't sing and they're still here, touring the world nowadays.

The EP's last track is called „Down at the Bar“ and starts pretty alternative and a little jazzy. The verse makes me think about one of those old-fashioned detective films and I really like the atmosphere created by that. It doesn't take long and the song finally starts. What I mean is the part in the middle which then goes back to that jazzy verse again. There's no lack of variation in that one as well.

Salut the Sergeant successfully demonstrated that they've found their style. 60s production, the songwriting, the style that they already found for themselves, plus a little time while listening to the EP are definitely a positive thing. Still, I can't give Salut the Sergeant more than 6 points as there are only three tracks on the EP (although I know how hard it is – especially financially - to record more songs).

Listen to: „Steve“

6 out of 10 points

Tracklist:

1. Steve

2. Heavy Walk

3. Down at the Bar

Members:

Vocals, Guitar: Markus Lindner

Bass: Christoph Kürz

Drums: Georg-Maximilian Bielfeldt

Review: Cold Acid - Cold Kids Don't Need Acid

Info

Name: Cold Acid

Album: Cold Kids Don't Need Acid

Style: Alternative Rock

Released: 2012

Label: none

From: Germany

Facebook: www.facebook.com/coldacidmusic

Web: www.coldacid.com

50s/60s rock'n'roll meets Foo Fighters and DAD – that's how I would describe Berlin newcomers Cold Acid after listening to their debut “Cold Kids Don't Need Acid” for the first time. That's supposed to sound good. And I'll say one thing straight away – it does.

There's nothing bad to say about the LP in terms of production. A little garage band sound here, a bit typical 70s rock production there and I don't have the slightest reason for criticizing anything. That's leading me to focus on the songs in detail.

“I Got You” starts with the chorus and stuns me right away. The driving rhythm and just mentioned chorus lead to this song being a real catchy tune. First song, first hit song – that's what I call a good start. And it doesn't stop with “Can't Make It Up”. There couldn't be more rock'n'roll in this song: the song's length of 2:30 minutes, the riffs, and the subtle DAD influence are the main reasons for that. This beginning is already worth the money for the whole album.

And it just doesn't stop. I feel as if Cold Acid want to devastate my room with their first three songs. Although I do have some time to catch some breath due to the more tranquil and groovy verse of “36 Hours”, I can't do so for long as the parts following the second verse are filled with brilliant rock riffs and an awesome old school rock solo. The chorus gets stuck in my head for weeks especially as I need to listen to this song every day. Finally, the band gives me a break from all the rock'n'roll dancing that I just had to perform during the first three songs and offers me “Story to Pretend”. The song somehow reminds me of Foo Fighters' “White Limo” which is especially the case as the vocals are produced in a similar way. It doesn't have the same potential as FF's track but it still gives the album a little bit of a change.

And back to the roots with “Nothing Left” and its pretty groovy verse. Unfortunately, the chorus doesn't have as much power as what I would have liked it to have; however, nobody should skip this song. The same is definitely true for “City Breakdown”, which, in my opinion, is the coolest song on “Cold Kids Don't Need Acid”. I'm absolutely impressed by the bass intro, the groove which gives me no other option than dancing to it, and the classical rock song structure. It's a shame that the track doesn't last for 45 minutes (maybe you could think about a live version of that length, guys – at least 20 minutes would be cool). It doesn't matter which songs you did listen to on this record as long as you listened to “City Breakdown” (although you absolutely should listen to the other songs as well)!

“Dead City Walk” doesn't impress me as much as the previous songs. Although the track's got an awesome solo again and I can sing along to the chorus, it misses something special. The tranquil intro to “Another Place” is exactly what I mean there. I like this track because of its off beat verse which makes it sound a little like something I would call reggae rock. This is definitely a nice experiment and a successful one as well.

“Thief!” again stuns me completely. To me, this is the best song with “City Breakdown”, although it is really hard (one or two exceptions excluded) to name one which I wouldn't love to write down as a recommendation to listen to. But this songs' guitar play is brilliant, the chorus sticks again (not at last due to the lead melody of the guitar) and there's no lack of surprises (with surprises I mean the little break and the following solo). “Thief!” has got everything I would need for a great rock song: a little surprise, cool riffs and groove. “I've Told You” starts a little bit more tranquil again. The vocals somehow remind me of Metallica's “Low Man's Lyric” and although it's going to bore you by now: that solo is amazing!

The album's last track is “Can't Save My Soul” which again surprises me. Why does it surprise me? Well, it's acoustic! I can hear a little Cash influence which makes the 50s/60s sound come alive. The second surprise is only available for owners (woohoo!) of the physical data medium (yes, I'm talking of CD's). Let me put it that way: It's worthwhile waiting after the song's ending.

“Cold Kids Don't Need Acid” is a brilliant first record of an interesting band that definitely deserves to play bigger stages. To everyone who reads this: There's a link to their facebook page in the info section above. You will find some of my recommended songs on there. And to Cold Acid: perfect work, keep it coming!

Listen to: „I Got You“, „36 Hours“, „City Breakdown“, „Thief!“, „Can't Save My Soul“

8 out of 10 points

Tracklist:

1. I Got You

2. Can't Make It Up

3. 36 Hours

4. Story to Pretend

5. Nothing Left

6. City Breakdown

7. Dead City Walk

8. Another Place

9. Thief!

10. I've Told You

11. Can't Save My Soul

Members:

Vocals, Guitar: Daniel Prenzlow

Bass, Backings: Christopher Koch

Drums, Backings: Eric Köckeritz

Review: Incus - Lifelike

Info

Name: Incus

Album: Lifelike (EP)

Style: Rock

Released: 2013

Label: none

From: Germany

Facebook: www.facebook.com/incusband

Website: www.incus-band.de/

When Million Sleep impressively made clear that we can expect good German newcomers, who deserve to get a review on New Rock Reviews this year. Now, German band Incus wrote us a mail to ask us for a review about their first EP “Lifelike” and, of course, we couldn't deny our interest.

I don't have to wait long for the record's beginning as “Carry Me Away” starts right away with the chorus. I like the progressive twist, the tranquil and slightly dark verse and (for all the Velvet Underground fans amongst us) the slightly atonal singing during the chorus. This song is a great opener and, coming after that, “Colours” immediately holds the position as my favourite track on the EP. The songs starts with a slightly darker intro and reminds me (especially because of the vocals) of Lostprophets' first album during verse and chorus. The great time change after the first chorus and a slide solo that really surprises me in this moment, make that song absolutely worth the money. Great song. Full stop.

“From Scratch” is again a darker track. I like the balladic verse and can't help but think about early Lostprophets during the chorus again. Still, this track is another good song. “The Equation” confirms my opinion of this EP having a slightly darker atmosphere. Especially the tranquil verse, the screams during the centre part of the song, and the little breakdown, which reminds me of Canadian progressive metal band Protest the Hero, make that clear. Incus definitely convince me with their creative songwriting and “The Equation” definitely is another song that I can only recommend.

“Blind Spot” makes me forget about Lostprophets' first album. However, this time I can hear a slight System of a Down influence (especially because of the vocals during the chorus). The track ends with a rock breakdown and, again, I'm not disappointed. Unfortunately, “Masquerades” already is the last song on the record. And nobody could not like the cool rock riff during the intro that repeats itself now and then during the song. The hard rock sound, screams, and a breakdown that some metalcore bands couldn't have composed in a better way, make this song another recommendation on my list.

With great bass lines without exceptions, very good and creative songwriting, good production (especially for fans who like it old school), and a little time to get used to the sound, Incus can definitely convince me. If you asked me for a recommendation, “Lifelike” is definitely worth the money and achieves very good 7.5 points for a debut!

Listen to: „Colours“, „The Equation“, „Masquerades“ (!)

7.5 out of 10 points

Tracklist

1. Carry Me Away

2. Colours

3. From Scratch

4. The Equation

5. Blind Spot

6. Masquerades

Members:

Vocals, Bass: Johannes Möllers

Guitar: Josa Wollheim

Drums, Vocals: Cornelius Laube

Review: When Million Sleep - Earth to Air

Info

Name: When Million Sleep

Album: Earth to Air

Style: Rock

Released: 2013

Label: n.a.

From: Germany

Facebook: www.facebook.com/whenmillionsleep

Website: www.whenmillionsleep.com

Alright, off the British Isles and back home for now. German newcomers When Million Sleep asked us to review their debut album “Earth to Air” and we didn't need to think twice about agreeing to do so. Let's hope that we won't regret it.

“Wolves and Bones”, the opener, makes me want to listen to more. Although it kind of reminds me of Funeral For A Friend (with somehow better lyrics), the chorus already stays in my head after the first time of hearing it. A great track. “Human Bomb” is a little rockier but ends a little bit to sudden for my taste. Still, pretty nice.

The first ballad on the album is “Movers and Makers” and as you would expect it, the song is a little more emotional than the first two. Again, the sound reminds me of FFAF (especially in “History”) which is not a negative point as they are one of my favourite bands. Although it brings a little change to the album, “The Sound Of A Thousand Wings in the Sky” is a little too much pop music for me. It's a song that you could always play on the radio; but in my opinion, it doesn't really fit on the album.

“Abandon All Ships” is a little more ballad-like again. The song somehow slows the album even more down (although it's a little rockier towards the end) and would possibly fit in at another place on the album. “At Last” is finally a rocker again and – after the first two – one of my favourites on “Earth to Air”. Singer and guitarist Thomas Buck again gives it the FFAF touch that I'm already used to.

Somehow, the bands that I want to write reviews about in this year seem to like the name “Empire” for one of their songs. And somehow, none of these bands disappointed me with these tracks. When Million Sleep's “Empire” is one of my favourites on the album as well and I just can't forget the lead guitar sound during the chorus. Simply good. “The Provider” is an absolutely catchy tune and here especially the intro riff which is repeated here and there throughout the song again. I can even enjoy a little rock breakdown towards the end which is a real highlight for my metalcore roots. This is definitely a favourite!

The guitars in “ Inhale ≤ Exhale” seem to have been influenced by metal bands as well. But again I can hear a lot of FFAF. The last title's name is “Sleeping Awake” and is of the same quality as the first two songs. The song is a little louder than some other songs on the album but the ending in my opinion is again too abrupt (especially as it is the ending of the album).

This is a pretty good debut album, When Million Sleep! The guys should try and sound a little bit more independent from other bands, although it is pretty normal for a debut to sound like the band's main influences. Anyway, with certain improvements the band could stay on my playlist for a little longer with their second album.

Listen to: „Wolves and Bones“, „Human Bomb“, „At Last“, „Empire“, „The Provider“

6,5 out of 10 points

Tracklist:

1. Wolves and Bones

2. Human Bomb

3. Movers and Makers

4. The Sound of a Thousand Wings in the Sky

5. Abandon All Ships

6. At Last

7. Empire

8. The Provider

9. Inhale ≤ Exhale

10. Sleeping Awake

Members:

Vocals, guitar: Thomas Buck

Guitar, vocals: Alex Walde

Bass, vocals: Jörg Junker

Drums: Stefan Peil