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OK. Everyone that is on Altsounds.com listens to music avidly. So why not post a review of your newest CD, a gig you visited or even just a track you like on altsounds.com so that you can get your voice heard??
Unlike other websites, Altsounds.com is built for our users by our users and everyone on the site can help build more content by reviewing CD's, Live shows etc whenever they can.
This is a quick guide on how to physically post a Review on Altsounds.com:
1. Click here to open up the newthread file for the Reviews section.
2. Enter the title of the album as follows: 
Views: 1,946
Comments: 1
Last Activity: 10-23-2006
by GlockMeAmadeus
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| | |  La Digit
Off the back of a triumphant set on the BBC Introducing Stage at Glastonbury comes The Brute Chorus’ second single. Released for download on the 6th of July and as a limited edition vinyl on the 14th of July, “Grow Fins” is the follow up to the gloriously gothic “Chateau”. The East London four-piece were formed over a year ago and the indie hierarchy have already tipped the band for big things. With influences ranging from Captain Beefheart to The Talking Heads it’s hard to pinpoint exactly who it is the band sound like.
“Grow Fins” has a sound in keeping with the current ska-tinged indie of Vampire Weekend and The Arctic Monkeys. The bluesy, country feel to the song gives it different niche and makes it standout from the crowd. Singer James Steel sounds like James McCabe of Zutons and Edward Larrikin of Larrikin Love in this tune. There is a very unsubtle, but ultimately, fun build-up though the song and as a kazoo dirtily rumbles in the background you realise there is somethi
Views: 11
Comments: 0
Last Activity: 9 Hours Ago
by tommmy
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| | | at Cardiff, Barfly. 30th June '08
All I can say is..wow!! InnerPartySystem are one great band to see live.
The Pennsylvania four-some toured the UK and one of those dates had hit Cardiff. Only playing in Barfly, but that’s understandable considering this is the first time they had travelled to Britain. This didn’t stop InnerPartySystem producing an electrifying set with half of the venue full of a Topshop window display kids.
With a little help from InnerPartySystem’s sound man, the band was able to pull off live granular synthesis. This, I never thought was possible to do live and had left me speechless. I have to admit I was focusing on the sound guy producing live backing vocal mixes and shredding up the music more than the band themselves at certain points. InnerPartySystem wouldn’t be InnerPartySystem without this guy who was placed behind the crowd and I have to push most of the credits towards him.
I’m not saying the band members were shit and had to rely on the secret fifth member. Patrick (vocals), Jar
Views: 21
Comments: 0
Last Activity: 11 Hours Ago
by helloimclaire
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| | |  Heavenly
Fourth album from the Sussex-born singer songwriter. Arguably his most accomplished peice of work
Views: 54
Comments: 0
Last Activity: 1 Day Ago
by tommmy
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| | |  Brighton Electric
Elle Milano have definitely listened too much to The Killers while writing/recording their third single Laughing all the way to the plank.
Thoguh what they seem to miss from their US alter-ego is the ability to build up their own songs in their own recognizable style, but still around melodic chord sequences.
The title song Laughing all the way to the plank has it's good yet brief moment in the full-chorus... If you hadn't to wait a minute and a half to get there, it would've been nicer though.
The very beginning of the second song Killin' Time I think has a willingly reference to the Mr. Brightside distinctive guitar sound, but again... a good chorus in the middle of nowhere, and sadly the last track Chess Tragedy doesn't escape this either with a quite pointless and repetitive instrumental intro that goes more than one whole minute into the song. It would've made more sense maybe to make it just an instrumental song... I could've tried to find a meaning there at least...
B
Views: 38
Comments: 0
Last Activity: 2 Days Ago
by LondonerGroupie
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| | | Visible Noise
This album sees these Sheffield lads take their hardcore and metal roots and do something a little more interesting than most up and coming bands.
This album takes the time to let you breath and appreciate the musicianship and writing of these young lads. It’s so sad when a band develops a really great sound but ruins it by having an album where all the tracks sound the same and ultimately end up over doing it.
These guys manage to throw in that sharp edged hardcore sound that cuts through but they step back on the guitars and obey the rule that where you don’t play is as important as where you do play. This means that they can develop a great contrast across the album but without ever stepping out of genre.
This album is punk, Hardcore and metal all thrown in and churned to be the way that they want it to sound. The one thing that I like is that there are lots of style references without very many actual artist references. So many bands sound like other bands but The Legacy ma
Views: 41
Comments: 0
Last Activity: 3 Days Ago
by Marcymarc
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| | |  Island Records
I see why someone at some point might have decided to make a whole bunch of remixes of Bring You Down by Attic Lights. The original song itself gets my praises, an unbeatable 10 out of 10, and my continual almost loop based listening of the track. Thes song is based on such a good melody that no one listening could truthfully say that it doesn't sound nice. It reminds you of the 60s, Phil Spector and The Beach Boys.
The only remix that really does the original song any justice is the Camera Obscura Mix (I assume Camera Obscura themselves are involved as they share producer Francis MacDonald). This version may as well have been an alternative radio edit as it goes emphasizes the heart and soul of the song: the harmonic voices and excellent instrumentation.
All the other remixes (in my opinion) just try to play on the fact that the song sounds good itself, adding some electronic effects, altering the vocals (as in the Mogway remix making them all completely robot-like) a
Views: 41
Comments: 0
Last Activity: 3 Days Ago
by LondonerGroupie
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| | | Island Records
Wait a second here. We have all missed out on something special here as it has taken the Attic Lights signing to Island Records for them to begin to get the attention they deserve. I base this off the most important thing of all: the sound itself.
I have no idea what these guys look like, how old they are, and so far, I enjoy their music too much to even care. I WANT MORE OF THEIR MUSIC! People need this right now! They need some "woo-woo", some hand clapping rhythm, some harmonic phased voices. People need music which is easy to listen to and instantly familiar yet new and exciting all rolled in to one. Something they can be dedicated and interested in.
Bring You Down is addictively pleasant to say the least and will make you wish for more backing "hoo-hoo" vocals and coordinated voices in other bands you hear in the current music scene. The drums are almost directly borrowed from the Ronettes masterpiece signature track, but that's fair enough.
The Attic Lights actual
Views: 64
Comments: 0
Last Activity: 4 Days Ago
by LondonerGroupie
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NXNE SECOND HALF. I squeezed in as much possible some just didn't make the cut!
Views: 81
Comments: 0
Last Activity: 4 Days Ago
by FRIDAE
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| | | A-F Records
What kind of name is Incommunicado? I entered their band name into Wikipedia to do a little bit of research and Alex Smoke who produces Techno style music was the only match. Hmm…
The "Losing Daylight" CD cover is not very appealing to me and gives off the impression that "Losing Daylight" isn't going to be the best album I have ever heard. The album is described as having hardcore beatdowns. It’s safe to say there isn’t any beatdowns as far as I can tell anywhere on this album. It’s a shame because I was looking forward to seeing how they had approached the beatdown.
I don’t know if Incommunicado aimed for the raw punk sound or it happened to end up like this due to a bad choice of recording studio or producer. Either way, I am not a fan. I have never been a fan of the raw punk sound be it a deliberate use or not.
With the production quality being low and dull it makes for many boring songs one after the other. This 12 track album feels as if it is one long 29 minute trac
Views: 38
Comments: 0
Last Activity: 4 Days Ago
by helloimclaire
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| | |  JOS Records
Apart from having a quirky surname, there isn’t much else I can say I know about Ben Onono. After quickly researching, Onono is a Welsh lad but has been raised in West Africa and ‘Count to Ten’ is the latest single from the fresh sounding artist.
The smooth whistling introduction with added kazoo sets off this bouncy 3 minute track before Onono’s vocals slide in. During the chorus, drums and trumpets gives this single a jazz feeling making my foot tap along. Somewhere in the middle there’s a little cheery piano solo which is made up of roughly 3 chords. (I say roughly because I don’t play piano and I might be hearing it wrong). I guess the solo breaks the song up a bit but it’s not amazing. I’ll admit that ‘Count to Ten’ is a decent song but I can’t say it’s one of my favourites and that I will keep playing it over and over again.
On the CD, there is a Tayo remix of ‘Count to Ten’ but I have to admit I don’t hear any difference and I wonder why it’s included with the single. Y
Views: 51
Comments: 0
Last Activity: 4 Days Ago
by helloimclaire
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| | | Unsigned
This EP ‘Show Us Yours’ comes with an 8-track live demo, called ’Eight Tracks in Eight Hours’ according to the band’s myspace. It is punchy mainstream rock ‘n’ roll, the songs providing short sharp bursts of catchy tunes with attitude.
The six songs which make up the EP are strong and grow on you. Stand out tracks include ’English Lass’ which sees its live version unnamed at the end of the CD. The vocals keep the song fresh throughout and this, unlike the majority of tracks on the album which are under 3 minutes, follows the familiar structure of a pop tune. ‘Annie’ is also a good track with a stronger electronic influence, and ‘Just A Number’ makes good use of tension and variation. What comes through on this EP, particularly on ‘Hands Are Tied’ is a sense of fun and enjoyment, and it’s refreshing to hear a band focus on their music without taking themselves too seriously.
Strong tracks on the live demo part of the CD include ‘Hot Cold Sweats’ which has a punchy beat and rock ‘
Views: 70
Comments: 0
Last Activity: 5 Days Ago
by G.Rodriguez
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| | | Dreamworks
Now.... I'm not the biggest dreamworks fan, I'm more of a Pixar man personally (Bring on Wall-E!!!), but Kung Fu Panda is a great film. Its got bright colours and funny looking animals and bit slap stick comedy thrown in for good measure to entertain the kids but it has a dark brooding story of revenge and abandonment for the adults. If I'm being honest, I liked both parts. hahah!
I think, its better than the Shrek films to. They seemed to be played more for the jokes and adult humour where as Kung Fu Panda doesn't rely on that and can hold its own with a good story line and compelling visuals. The animals have a cartoon-ish feel to them but still look real unlike the characters in Madagascar who look more caricature than real creations.
Jack Black, as you can probably imagine, plays the unconventional kung fu hero Po very well and his personality really shines through. As with all the actors, they add a certain flair to each character and you soon stop trying to guess who is w
Views: 78
Comments: 0
Last Activity: 5 Days Ago
by XgavedgeX
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| | | Distiller Records
The Brighlights. The word "Light" seems over-used lately in relation to band names, however, in this instance I definitely see the need for the "Bright" prefix! If you can picutre the word "Bright" as a sound at all it would sum up the musical sound and style of these guys.
There is something in their sound -be it the unusual eclectic singing voice or the pleasantly acknowledgeable and recognizable guitar sound, be it the (serial) ways the drums come in and out- that has meant that this early on they have already built their own specific and recognizable style and sound. I could tell at the beginning of the second song I listened to (Another Night, b-side to 3 but just equally worthy, for some fine details even better than the main single, but we'll get there) that it was a Brightlights song, even if my playlist was set on shuffle.
These 4 kids (the words kids goes along with my own personal jealousy of them being so good and all under or round about 20) are fun. I ended
Views: 74
Comments: 0
Last Activity: 5 Days Ago
by LondonerGroupie
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| | | Reflections Records
Straight Outta Cardiff Wraith’s self titled EP -released on Reflections Records (home to some big names of Hardcore including; Terror, Modern Life Is War and Blacklisted)- is a coarse offering of beautifully melodic, yet bone crushingly heavy Hardcore that is catchy and full of conviction.
It comes as no surprise that they started a UK tour on only their second show with this solid material that has surely set the foundations for a gargantuan future.
From the opening onslaught of “Next In Line” right through to the abrupt ending of “Half Way On The High Road” this infectious, chaotic mix of Hardcore, Punk, and a slight hint of Metal is contagious enough to leave you feeling that the 10.50 running time isn’t enough to quench the listeners thirst for this meaty slab of emotively moving Hardcore.
Overall this EP is rough around the edges sound wise but this only adds to the Hardcore splendour of it and certainly delivers enough of a punch to convey the strong dynami
Views: 53
Comments: 0
Last Activity: 5 Days Ago
by ROSSJONES
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| | | Warner Bros
Well he’s back with a new single and album. It’s not very often that a parody is more famous than the actual person that it is based on, but in Craig’s case Bo Selector really did take over. But never the less he and “our Kes” are back with more soulful pop sounds.
This song is very typical of his sound with everything being simple and melodic. The sound is very crisp and very well produced. All the instruments and frequencies are accounted for and make this a very full sounding recording.
The song itself is simple with the lyrical content being based around, you guessed it, a female and a relationship. It was this topic and sound that gave him the strong recognition and following that he found many years ago. If his fans haven’t grown out of him then I’m sure they will welcome this latest release.
Officially yours has a very summery sound and I’m sure will be played repeatedly on radio throughout our summer months (or what we call summer). It’s also has a touch more class to
Views: 74
Comments: 0
Last Activity: 1 Week Ago
by Marcymarc
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| | | Zerodeo
This self-titled effort from Zervas & Pepper showcases the different sounds and songs capable of being produced by the Welsh band, named after vocalists Paul Zervas and Kathryn Pepper.
The first track ‘You Must Be Doing Something Right’ led by Zervas sounds like the soundtrack to one of those über-happy, über-chilled adverts which have recently been en vogue. On closer inspection, the lyrics are not as happy but before you get the chance to get down, track two comes on. ‘Out Dancin’’ is the best track on the EP. It is reminiscent of 1960’s folk in both content and sound. Vocals by Pepper, who has a relaxing and pleasant voice, make it hard not to smile and hark back to times probably before your birth.
‘Don’t You Go Anywhere’ switches back to Zervas as lead vocal. This song definitely has more of a country vibe to is whilst the final track ‘King of the Skies’ is probably the most laid back, in the same way that Incubus’ ‘Aqueous Transmission’ is, like a journey.
Fans of the
Views: 52
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Last Activity: 1 Week Ago
by G.Rodriguez
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| | | Big Scary Monsters
Losing your original front man is generally something that most bands never truly bounce back from. Some try to carry on without, not unlike Secondsmile’s former label mates Meet Me In St. Louis who after losing Toby Hayes attempted to keep the flame alive as an instrumental band. Unfortunately things didn’t really pan out and eventually they had to call it a (very early) day.
Thankfully Secondsmile survived the departure of original singer Olly Goodland and went on to make one of the best breakthrough albums of 2006 in the shape of ‘Walk Into The Light And Reach For The Sky’, an honest and powerful LP filled with pure post-rock majesty and an utter discontent for the music of the mainstream that surrounded them.
2008 sees the band release second album ‘Years’, proof that when a formula is worked on precisely, you really can produce something special. Where ‘Walk Into The Light And Reach For The Sky’ left many windows for opportunity, ‘Years’ leaves nothing more than a lasti
Views: 107
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Last Activity: 1 Week Ago
by cassette
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| | | Universal
I don't even know where to begin with this review. With so many great aspects in this film its hard to tell you about it without giving to much away. Take the best effects from The Matrix and 300, the violence and attitude of Fight Club, the comic book style of Sin City, the musical talents of Danny Elfman and throw it all into the mix and you will get Wanted.
The film is based on the graphic novels of the same name by writer Mark Millar and directed by Timur Bekmambetov, the mastermind behind Nightwatch. Of which the style of Wanted leans very heavily towards. Its dark and moody with a soul underneath. And the only way to get to that soul you have to shoot the outer layers off at high velocity.
The story is centered around the life of Wesley Gibson played by Scottish actor James McAvoy (who pulls of the American accent with ease). His father left him when he was a week old, he has a shitty job that he hates and a boss to match and not the best life at home with his girlfrien
Views: 77
Comments: 1
Last Activity: 1 Week Ago
by helloimclaire
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| | | Sleep It Off Records
Less Than Jake are recognized by most bands and musicians in the pop-punk scene as a highly influential act, so they must live up to their reputation, and this record does. Although I think it’s nowhere near as good as their last album, it’s still a pretty rockin’ record.
The album is focused around their home state of Florida, and consists of the same Less Than Jake formula we’re all too familiar with, ska, pop-punk and old school punk. The opening track clearly shows the ska influence, although only being 1.53 long, ‘The City of Gainesville’ is a great opening track, it really sets the mood of the album and has that ‘Florida sunshine’ feel about it. I’m a big fan of cleverly written lyrics and in ‘The City of Gainesville’ Roger sings the line, “I may be going broke, but I’m never broken down”, which is paying homage to student life. Not enough bands sing about little things in life and do it well, Less Than Jake aren’t the greatest lyricists in the music industry, but they’
Views: 115
Comments: 0
Last Activity: 1 Week Ago
by Richard Meyrick
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| | | Live at Cardiff Barfly, 20th June ‘08
Los Angeles’ boys, The Outline are setting out to blow your mind with their funky, experimental, rock rhythms. Hearing their music on myspace, on your mp3 or stereo is one thing but hearing them live is another. These days with bands you always wonder if they can live up to your expectations when seeing them live. You’re either disappointed from what you had just seen or you are grinning from ear to ear and rather pleased with the outcome of seeing them on stage in front of you.
The Outline are proving they are more than ‘just some other band from America’. They have recently toured with Say Anything in the UK and are about to support Melee and The Rocket Summer over here too in this next month and I have to say, I have to get to one of those shows because I know it will be one night not to miss out on.
You would think if only 20 people (that’s including some of the other bands who were performing that night and the venue staff) had turned up to a gig, a band would just give u
Views: 67
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Last Activity: 1 Week Ago
by helloimclaire
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