Twelve months ago red hot US rockers Tesla walked away with the 2008 rushonrock Album of The Year and this year’s race to the top has been just as compelling.
There have been some cracking releases from established acts and some surprise hits from hitherto unknown bands.
And while we haven’t always given them the credit they deserve at the time, several albums released earlier this year have really grown on the rushonrock staff.
So get ready for our list of the 20 best records we’ve heard in 2009 and feel free to respond with your own! Read the rest of this entry »
Filed Under (rushonrock Rider) by simon on 12-05-2009
It’s back – the behind-the-scenes snapshot of the stars as we delve deep into their lives of perfect domesticity and discover far less sex, drugs and rock and roll than the myth would have you imagine.
This week the spotlight falls on that fantastic Ulsterman Andy Cairns, riding high on the back of his band’s brilliant Crooked Timber record and gearing up for what promises to be a demonic set at Download 2009. Read the rest of this entry »
Filed Under (News) by simon on 11-05-2009
Another week and another heavy slab of rock is coming your way as a potentially cracking summer of live mayhem prepares to get into full swing.
Kicking things off is Wildheart Ginger at Newcastle’s o2 Academy tonight and what better way to start your music week?
But if that’s not enough then how about this for a heady rushonrock line-up? We’ve got the latest look at our favourite rockers behind the scenes as Therapy?’s Andy Cairns (pictured) features in the rushonrock Rider. And Whitesnake are under the spotlight as The ‘Load Down continues to fucus on this summer’s hot Donington acts. Read the rest of this entry »
Filed Under (News) by simon on 28-04-2009
It is more than a decade since the death knell was sounded for one of music’s best-loved formats but vinyl is back.
In an age when downloads dominate the marketplace, the very antithesis of the digital age is alive and kicking. Read the rest of this entry »
Filed Under (News) by simon on 27-04-2009
Reborn NWOBHM stars Saxon (pictured) return to the fray with a live show in Newcastle on Friday – supported by the delectable Doro Pesch.
But if you like your rock more youthful then check out the fantastic Fightstar at the o2 Academy on Wednesday – a gig which goes head to head with funk rock favourite Dan Reed at Trillians.
The man responsible for the superb Rainbow Child finds support in the shape of rising US stars 4Bitten and we’re hoping to bring you news on both. But if that platter of rock isn’t enough then Sunday sees Therapy? entertain the Academy riding high on the back of latest release Crooked Timber. And as for the rest of this week’s highlights… Read the rest of this entry »
Filed Under (News) by simon on 23-03-2009
Northern Irish irascibles Therapy? have confirmed they will add a riotous edge to the first of this summer’s May Bank Holdiays by bringing their new live show to Newcastle.
Crooked Timber hit stores today and with the limited edition white vinyl to follow next week these are exciting times for fans of the thoroughly disreputable threepiece. Recorded at Newcastle’s Blast! Studios last year, it is perhaps fitting that Andy and the boys have opted to kick off the UK and Ireland leg of their latest tour in the city which spawned such a skewed metal beast. Read the rest of this entry »
Filed Under (Reviews) by simon on 22-03-2009
If you’re searching for some music to test your mind and try your patience this week then look no further than the latest – and some might say greatest – work from uber cool Ulstermen Therapy?.
It’s quite a contrast to this week’s other hot release as Deep Purple frontman Ian Gillan delivers his first album of original material for 12 years. We give you the verdict on both and if you’re wondering why there’s no Mastodon CD to review – so are we. As soon as it crosses our path we’ll bring you the lowdown on the prog metal superstars’ seemingly excellent Crack The Skye. Read the rest of this entry »
Filed Under (News) by simon on 10-03-2009
Hot news for fans of Global Music/DR2 faves Hydrogyn – the band fronted by rock diva Julie Westlake will play Newcastle next month as part of a five-date UK tour.
Hot on the heels of 2008 debut UK album Deadly Passions, the Kentucky crew will headline a gig at Legends on April 25 with Rise To Addiction in tow. The quintet are touring their home country now and are expected back in Britain later this year. Read the rest of this entry »
Filed Under (News) by simon on 02-03-2009
While we’re still enjoying the touch of The Answer on vinyl it has come to our attention that fellow Irishmen Therapy? have a retro treat of their own in store for fans who grew up salivating over the band’s various forays into our favourite format.
With latest long player Crooked Timber out this month it seems Andy and the boys want to celebrate their first release for Global Music imprint DR2 in style. And the way to do it is by offering fans a 12-inch white vinyl version of the album on March 30.
It might be a week after the album proper hits stores but, hey, we’re prepared to wait another seven days to further enhance our Therapy? collection. Read the rest of this entry »
Filed Under (Reviews) by simon on 02-03-2009
Every so often there’s a new record which demands more than the Rock Solid treatment, more than a few paragraphs and more than a snap verdict.
In this case we’re talking about one of the first true great rock records of the year as The Answer kick so-called ’second album syndrome’ into touch and confidently strut towards global superstardom with what can only be described as a classic in the making. As befits an album steeped in 70s blues and 80s hard rock we’ve reviewed the limited edition gatefold vinyl version and that, in itself, boasts its own warm and comforting sound. Read the rest of this entry »