The Darkness – UK Cakes, fresh from the oven
Setting out on another tour is a strange and wondrous thing. And, if you’ve just remembered where the important things are hat should be in your bag, a bit annoying as well. More »
Saxon release new album ‘Sacrifice’
Saxon? The name jumped out at me like a hit from the past. It’s been a long while since I listened to any of their stuff, and the band are most linked More »
Steel Panther @Norwich UEA
Just a few gems of video and photos I had lying around in my piles of stuff to do. Best gig I’ve been to for ages – metal, filth, floof and tight More »
O.W.L.S. – Fiddlers Elbow, London 16.11.12
A little time has passed since my ears were last beautifully dirtied by the nice people of O.W.L.S. , so this night out was well anticipated. A four-band dose of live music is More »
BritRockArmy
Phillip Rogers is a dedicated sort of man. Earlier this year he took his convictions in his hands, examined them closely, and found them worthy of doing something about. What followed was just More »
Motörhead – The Wörld Is Ours Vol 2
Recorded at three different 2011 festivals, this DVD and/or CD set is a memento of, an introduction to, and an ‘arse, I couldn’t make it to’ Motörhead’s live performances. With an 80,000 More »
Motörhead – Win Live DVD and CDs
Motörhead, noisemakers extraordinaire, are releasing a second live extravaganza on DVD and 2 CDs on 24th September. The Wörld is Ours Vol 2 – Anyplace Crazy as Anywhere Else was recorded in More »
ChameleonsVox – The Cockpit, Leeds – 11.5.12
The Chameleons are a band whose music has been closely woven in and out of my life since I started uni and first heard them, back in the mid-80′s. I’m not a More »
Album! The Darkness Announce…
Hot news! ‘HOT CAKES’ and will be released on… MONDAY 20th AUGUST (UK) TUESDAY 21st AUGUST (North America) (and dates either side of that, depending on your country’s specific ‘normal’ release day). More »
The Rite of Spring EP – O.W.L.S.
O.W.L.S. have an EP out today. Their first. It’s available almost everywhere, so you need to go and get it. There’s a wonderfully controlled wildness about O.W.L.S., which is rather apt, don’t you More »
O.W.L.S – Prince Albert, Brighton 24.2.12
A night eagerly awaited. A band containing both Toby Macfarlaine and Richie Edwards could only be a very good thing, in my opinion, and I know I’m not alone. Plenty of Stone More »
Foxy Shazam USA Tour
Blimey. I think that’s the best tour date poster I’ve ever seen. (and, of course, I like it. A LOT. That’s gonna run and run…) More »
Foxy Shazam – The Church of Rock and Roll
Foxy Shazam. What, you may say, is all that about? Well might you ask. For those who haven’t been baptised into this Church, settle back. Those that have, you’ll know all about the More »
The Darkness, Hammersmith Apollo, 25th November 2011
By Adrian Gray November had been a stressful month for me. This was mainly due to my unwavering desire to avoid learning anything about what songs might and might not be played More »
Pop Will Eat Itself – Norwich Waterfront 26.10.11
PWEI were a great favourite of mine back when the world was mine and my oysters weren’t polluted, so it was a pleasure to see them come to Norwich, especially as I More »
Godspeed You! Black Emperor – UEA Norwich 23.7.11
Saturday night, and I’m off to see this Canadian ‘post-rock’ band at one of the fine local establishments. This is not a band I’m at all familiar with, so I went with More »
Darkwatch #1
I thought we’d have a bit of a round up of recent Darklife. Not that anyone has missed anything, I’m sure, but someone might pop by who wants to know what the More »
Rebirth, Relaunch, Rededicate
I asked recently for fans’ thoughts on the Rebirth of The Darkness, so it’s only fair to do some work myself! So… well. Oh LORD… we are so close to the Relaunch. More »
The Darkness – 2011
The official website has a holding page – As Promised. The mailing list is up and running. The Facebook page is adding likes by the minute. THEY’RE BACK. All those months and More »
Celine and Nite Wreckage / The Savage Nomads
Alaska Studios, 20.8.2010 Nothing like a gig in London to go to – and this one was redhot, though I didn’t know it at the time of asking. I knew nothing about either More »
Ed Graham sells Gold Disc
Ed is selling his gold disc for Permission to Land on ebay There will apparently be more to follow! More »
Anders L.A. – ‘In Unison’
By Lucie. The last time I reviewed Anders’ music, he was a child. Two years later, he’s still a child, but with an increasingly and impressively adult view on the world; you More »
Karaoke For Beginners – 8.8.09
giginthepark, Halesworth, Suffolk Back in the Park again. Another hot sunny afternoon, and I love this event. It rocks! A little shopping in the town yields a pair of gold lamé lined More »
Streebeck – ‘Catch As Catch Can’
By Lucie Walker. If there’s one current band that understands the meaning of evolution, it’s Streebeck. ‘Catch As Catch Can’ is startlingly different to the simplistic ‘Without A Baedeker’ in many ways, More »
ROCKAGANDA – Parlor Mob
by Lucie Walker Once in a long while, a truly impressive band comes along. I know, they’re horribly few and far between these days, but Parlor Mob is one of them. Their More »
Soccer Six(sister) 2009
Chelsea FC, 24.5.09 I quite like Soccer Six. I like football, so that’s usually win/win. A day out, and some interesting sights on the pitch. Cool! I had a great time last More »
Hot Leg – Red Light Fever
Tongue tied is not my normal state. I do rabbit on, and when I’m reviewing something I get all flowery. I like words – but this time, they haven’t liked me and More »
Sixsister take the Temple to the Stone Gods
Wearing as many hats as I could – not least because Norwich lay under a still, cold white blanket – I set off to interview the Stone Gods. Full of LURGY, but More »
Frankie’s Strictly Come Darkness
Frankie Poullain has been missing presumed shaved for some time. But lo! Is that a book I see before me? Frankie MUST be alive, to have a cleaner… Rejoice therefore, for More »
Nemo: Your new favourite band.
Listen up Electro fans, you can get your hands on a free track from the geniuses that are Nemo. Some of you may already know them from The Mighty Boosh as lead More »
SixSister on Tour – Hot Leg and Hot Nights
Justin Hawkins’ first gig since the demise of The Darkness, with his new band. Proud Galleries, Camden, August 6th. That was my goal as I set out on an overly airconditioned More »
Hot Leg tracks – Trojan Guitar & Heroes
I know, I meant to do this earlier – but real life gets in the way of my love affair with all things begat by Darkness. However, I have a few spare minutes More »
Kerrang Radio host Stone Gods
A one off, see flyer below. Stuart Cable, ex-Stereophonics, is drumming that night but a permanent replacement for Ed is still to be confirmed. More »
Ed departs Stone Gods
From the band’s official MySpace: “It is with very heavy hearts indeed that we have to announce the permanent departure of drummer and founding member Ed Graham from Stone Gods. Unfortunately Ed More »
STONE GODS – WATERFRONT, NORWICH
29th June 2008 Saturday 28th Well…..It’s slightly out of the ordinary to start a review of a gig before you have even been to it, but I’m going to do it anyway. More »
Justin Hawkins bares his Hot Leg(s)
Justin Hawkins has quietly launched his new band onto the calm waters of MySpace and Facebook – no fanfare, no fuss. Expect, though, for this to change when all is fully revealed, More »
Stone Gods – ‘Silver Spoons and Broken Bones’ (album)
By Lucie There’s a little rockpocket full of people waiting for this album; the ones who diligently paid to see Thin Lizzy last year for a few minutes of their support, the More »
The Interpreters – True Norwich Rock.
http://www.myspace.com/interpreters The Interpreters are another band from Norwich who are slowly starting to take the music scene by storm. Similar to the indie that is dominating the charts at the moment but More »
Phantom Lacuna – Keep an ear out!
http://www.myspace.com/phantomlacuna Upon hearing this band with their heavy guitars you automatically think, ‘Oh no, not another metal band’. Then the screeching guitar kicks in and makes you feel guilty for thinking this More »
Stone Gods Live Dates – June 2008
Some Dates Save up those pennies and look after those pounds, ’cos the month after next we’ll be rockin’ your town… Stone Gods U.K. June Tour Dates are as follows, people: June More »
The Darkness -’Platinum Collection’
It’s out now, then, this… *Best Of* ? As if by magic, 18 months after the demise of The Darkness, this arrives. Both albums and the Christmas single are on it. Question More »
Oh, for the love of…
Valentine’s month. I hope you get something from someone you wished for. If not, you can have a bit of our love to keep you warm. January was exhausting – we’ve got More »
Serpico review
by Lucie plus guest writer Paula To go with our divine little interview with the Serpico boys, we’ve had a listen to the music they have on their pretty little MySpace page More »
El Policia – Future Delights
by Jo Ok, that’s 2007 out of the way. Let’s have a ponder about 2008, shall we? What’s in store? Aha! Here we are… El Policia. These teen rockers are already making More »
Stone Gods 11.1.08
by Guest – Babzz Stone Gods live @ Eurosonic festival 11-1-2008 Groningen, Holland A fan’s first Godstricken experience… It just seemed a very short while ago that I sat in a boring More »
Ten Foot Dolls
by Lucie There’s nowt quite like a little delve into the world of a grunge-goff-alt band… How are things in the Ten Foot Dolls HQ? Well our guitarist is leaving after our More »
RE: all things stoney and God-like
by Lucie Oh yes, they have arrived. After months of Darkling anxiety, The Stone Gods fell upon us in a distinctly pleasurable manner, mainly in the form of 1.14 minutes of song. More »
Led Zeppelin, 02 Arena
by Guest – Laurie Whitecloud The Ahmet Ertegun Tribute Concert December 10, 2007 The loverly Mistress Jo asked me to write a review of this gig for Optimum Impact. What could I More »
End of an era
December? Again? A sad time for us, as Lou has decided that she wants to move on to pastures new. We’d like to thank her for all her hard work and More »
December Again
Merry whotsits to you. I’m camping out under the duvet this year, am worn out with the year’s exertions. It hasn’t been a great one, the sooner it’s over the better. More »
Jeff Wayne’s War of The Worlds LIVE
by Lucie It seems like a rather bizarre thing to go to a concert knowing exactly what you’re going to hear. But that’s what I and several thousand other people did on More »
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
by Guest – ‘Plucky’ Carling Academy, Oxford. Tuesday 11th December My knowledge of SAHB is not extensive. I know that Alex Harvey himself has been dead for many years, and before this More »
Stone Gods 24.11.07
by Guest – Gill H Well it was a cold and windy Saturday evening when I and three of the lovely, and incredibly dedicated, ladies from the Stone Gods fan site walked More »
Stone Gods
by Jo 4 nights. 500 miles. a Tshirt, and a messy car… Travelling Light – Leicester 22.11.07 As one does… armed with only a choc bar, a change of boots and some More »
Gaining a new religion
by Jo – for and on behalf of all of you who contacted me about this So, been debating on whether to write this or not for ages. But, on the eve More »
AC/DC ‘Let There Be Rock’ by Susan Masino
by Guest – Terri Ingamells I’ve read a lot of books about rock and roll since I was able to read and some of them, I’ll be honest, have left me wondering More »
VAN HALEN – STAPLES CENTRE -LOS ANGELES 20/11/07
by Guest – Angie Daly I HEARD YOU MISSED US – WE’RE BAAAACK!! In the pitch darkness, the resonant wail of a single screeching, grinding guitar fills every inch of the huge More »
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Motorhead and Alice Cooper
by Guest – Gill H The Dream Fulfilled – Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Motorhead and Alice Cooper Saturday, 17 November 2007. Wembley Arena, London. In 1976, a long time ago before More »
Do it in the Dark – Justin Hawkins
by Jo Justin’s latest work for charity took us by surprise and the goolies – he kept this fairly quiet, but now it’s up on his myspace. It’s all in aid of More »
How’s it hanging?
Hope you’ve got plenty of layers on and sitting near a radiator to enjoy the autumn glories. K, a bit more action for you this month. Enjoy the peace. The world More »
ROCKAGANDA: Patchwork Grace profile
by Lucie ROCKAGANDA – Patchwork Grace We’re rather fond of PWG here at OI. If you were awesome enough to buy our album, you’ll already know the ansgty choon ‘Nancy’, and if More »
State Rock Side – or something..
by Laurie – Guest review 100.7 FM Jack Radio Fest Coors Amphitheatre, Chula Vista, CA August 19, 2007 REO Speedwagon The Stray Cats The Pretenders ZZ Top Due to a misprint on More »
Echo and The Bunnymen
by Jo 4th August – Gig in the Park, Halesworth, Sussex A fine event, this one. Local cool stuff for local people, by volunteers and other ace beings. For an entire weekend More »
Summer Nights
Throbbing with the sweat, heat and noise of festival s around Europe. The ones not being flushed away in torrents of mud and sewage, that is. To report… Juswatch Update in More »
Dolls Eye Weaver – ‘Shaving Cuts’ EP
by Lucie This record reads like a working class pop-rock Bible, the fast-paced riffage sounding like a grown-up version of Sum 41, with the vocals giving away the very English theme. Some More »
Travis live at Westonbirt Arboretum, 29/06/07
by Lucie Travis is one of those bands I’ve never been sure whether I should admit I love. Some people seem to think Fran and co are at odds with most of More »
Anders L.A.
by Lucie A tribute to – Anders L.A. Anders is a well known and equally loved figure in the world of Darklings, and no doubt in small sections of his native Denmark. More »
Muse at Wembley – 16/06/07
by Lucie Around 60,000 people were hoping for this to be the gig of the century. I haven’t quite got around to surveying all the results of this theory now that it’s More »
Motley Crue – Manchester Apollo 12th June 2007
by guest writer, Aimee Woodward So we travelled down from Scotland to Manchester (over 7 hours on the train due to lightning causing signal problems at Penrith) and prepared to see the More »
Nicolai Prowse
by Jo Betsey Trotwood, 2nd June 2007 18 months, waiting for this one. Since the much mourned demise of Do Me Bad Things, Nicolai’s been writing, working, recording, This then is the More »
Flaming June
The month of May was disregarded, terribly sorry for the omission… Summer’s here. Festivals are about to start. Fun and frolics in the sun we’ve missed so much and some ace music More »
Manic Street Preachers
by Jill Preston Guildhall, 20.05.07 The trip to this gig had the potential to be a gridlocked nightmare, falling as it did on the second night of the Radio One Big Weekend. More »
The Mission
by Jill Manchester Academy 2, 16.05.07 Reminiscence time. Twenty-one years ago I lived in a flat in Liverpool, upstairs from early Mission super-fan Ray Ramone. If the band played in town, the More »
Rockumentary + boys’ equipment on fire
by Lucie Anticipation brews on Darkling Island (shortly to be renamed?) as news of a rockumentary reaches our eyes. Aye, the as yet unnameable new band of the century (Richie Edwards, Dan More »
The Young Knives
by Jo Norwich Waterfront 1.4.07 The strange threesome attack Norwich for the first time – and love our Morrisons! Hurrah! This was something I’d been waiting for, circling and approaching with caution. More »
Nemo – Car Crash Eyes
by Lucie More people should know about Nemo, simply because they’re fucking ace (yes, I’m bringing ace back). This glorious month sees the release of the Lahndahn electro-rawk quartet’s second single, Car More »
Roadstar – Glass Mountain
by Tezza The anticipation is over, Roadstar have realised their 2nd album, Glass Mountain, and there are only to words to describe it…… FUCKING AMAZING! Anyone who has ever spoken to me More »
The Likeness
by Laura The Likeness are 4 men from my home county of leafy Cheshire. Simon Hall (Who is a hypnotherapist in his other life and goes by the moniker ‘Psy’) plays Justin, More »
Aurally pleasured by Justin Hawkins
by Jo Justin has landed! Or pounced. The Hawk has turned into a panther (silly arse, he’s a lion) and slinked his way back into our ears, causing purrs of deep contentment More »
Jeff Collins
Rockfield Rocks in Print by Jo Something of a departure, this. I don’t think we’ve done anything book related before, have we? TADAAAA.. the first, and a special one it is. ‘Rock More »
The Horrors – x2
The Horrors – x2 by Jill and Jo 24th March – Manchester Club Academy Looks like it’s pretty much OK to come out of the Goth closet these days. I mean, everybody’s More »
Travis with Brinkman
by Jill Warrington Parr Hall, 22nd March 2007 “I’m sorry that you turned to driftwood But you’ve been drifting for a long, long time” What a lot of top gigs we’re suddenly More »
Making yourself a laughing stock
by Jo The BBC, not Justin.. whatever you thought about him entering, this was a… some words fail me. After hearing all the songs, and wincing in parts, it became clear that More »
SixSister goes to Surrey
by Jo Top Gear of the Pops. A disaster in the filming? Not quite.. Thursday night. Happily plonking along on the laptop, not a care in the world beyond the next day’s More »
Confused and possibly dazed
by Jo This is an updated article.. Since this went out , the band via Richie and Toby have issued statements apologising for something that wasn’t their fault in the first place. More »
Towers Of London at Bristol Academy 2
by guest writer, Sez Towers Of London, eh? A lot of mixed reactions are often received when mentioning the Towers – often such comments as if they are a joke. Let’s face More »
The Fratellis at The Carling Academy, Birmingham
by Lucie Oh, the anticipation! The rapture! The promise of sweet sweet rock! It was one of those gigs where I wanted to rewind and start it all over again as soon More »
James Morrison – Manchester Apollo
by Jill It’s a very couply crowd at the Apollo tonight, packed to the gills with gangs of girls dragging less enthusiastic-looking male partners. The age range is huge; I spot families More »
CSS – Norwich Waterfront
by Jo CSS – Cansei der Ser Sexy Bit chilly out last Monday night, but we popped along anyway to see CSS at the behest of Mr 2. MONDAY???? first day of More »
Eurovision
by Jo Justin has got together with his mate Beverlei Brown in a bid to be the Royaume Uni’s entry into the Eurovision Song Contest this year. The decider is on Jus’ More »
Toby MacFarlaine
An e-dalliance with Toby MacFarlaine by Lucie Interviewing via t’internet is never ideal, but it can occasionally be productive. And I think this was. Never have I conducted such an in-depth and More »
Arctic Monkeys, Warrington Parr Hall
by Jill 28/02/07 Looking Good On The Dancefloor “This town’s a different town today This town’s a different town to what it was last night” The long cold queue of the night More »
Nine Inch Nails with Ladytron
by Jill Manchester Apollo, 25th Feb 2007 Black As Your Soul The first thing apparent on walking into the Apollo tonight is the a range of people that this band has attracted. More »
The Season
Marvellous stuff happening, this year. The veil enrobing <strong>THE</strong> new band is slowly and teasingly being lifted, in the manner of a seductive Arabian belly dancer of rawk. I can’t help imagining More »
Dan Sartain
Dan Sartain – The Cockpit – Leeds by Emma 4 February 2007 I had absolutely no idea what to expect from guitar-toting Alabama kid Dan Sartain, however nothing could have prepared me More »
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year from all of us at Optimum Impact! So now that we are all sick of the sight of turkey and our resolutions are mere days away from being More »
Malcolm Middleton album review
by Emma A Brighter Beat Kicking off with the ever-optimistic We’re All Going To Die, Malcolm Middleton’s third solo album A Brighter Beat delves further into the darker side of life. The More »
Sounds Like Violence
Added by Jo What’s being said about the band’s first album.. WITH BLOOD ON MY HANDS Release Date: Feb 12th 2007 ‘With Blood On My Hands’ is a fitting title for SOUNDS More »
Justin says…
by Jo Well, lots of things. He’s a well-established member of Myspace now, attracting friends like no one’s business. Conversing with the slightly shocked fans, blogging, being the silly arse we wanted More »
The Wildhearts -
Added by Jo ‘Christmas Vs The Wildhearts’ – Wulfrun Hall – Wolverhampton – 21 December 2006 This might be brief because I’m writing it two weeks after the show and am – More »
OI compilation album
by Louise Yes, that’s right. The first ever Optimum Impact compilation album “Six, Thuds & Rock n Roll” is finally upon us! For a mere £5 (inc. p&p) you can get your More »
We think it’s all over – it is for us
by Lucie and Jo Jo’s bit. Having agreed with pretty much all of what Lucie said below, here’s my very personal take.. So, this is it. It’s all over. The final act More »
Streebeck – ‘Without a Baedeker’
by Lucie Now I’m not a difficult person to please in general, but where music is concerned I’ve grown to be highly critical since becoming a rawk journo. So I surprised myself More »
Malcolm Middleton single review
by Emma Not exactly what it says on the packet, Malcolm Middleton’s latest single A Brighter Beat due out 22nd January 2007 is the first track taken from his third album of More »
Good Shoes single review
by Emma Just how cute can Good Shoes get? The Photos on my Wall due out on Christmas day is yet another impossibly delightful track from the wonderful UK newcomers. Their sound More »
Dan Sartain single review
by Emma Dan Sartain is a superb storyteller, and has a great talent for making every word that flows from his mouth sound really important, leaving the listener feel compelled to pay More »
Viva Voce single review
by Em Due for release on 11th December, Faster Than a Dead Horse is the latest single from the third album Get Yr Blood Sucked Out. Viva Voce form a tight partnership More »
This Et Al
This Et Al – Leeds Cockpit – November 28th by Emma This Et Al Interview – Leeds Cockpit – 28 November 2006 This Et Al are a hotly tipped young band hailing More »
Enter Shikari
Enter Shikari – Leeds Cockpit 7th December 2006 by Emma I always find that a great opener to any interview is when you walk in and are immediately offered a beer! More »
The Levellers
Added by Jo Victoria Hall – Hanley – Stoke on Trent – 09 December 2006 I missed the 3 Daft Monkeys. Again. I have got to start making an effort to get More »
Dan the Saviour
by Jo A fanfare for the uncommon man.. Daniel Hawkins, this week the saviour of news- and floof-starved darklings the length and breadth of the universe, blogged, and said universe partied. The More »
A letter to Hawkins
by Jo not Brezhnev… Organised and collated by Cora, this consists of Darklings’ messages of support. That thing’s 11 metres long, I hate to think what the postage cost was… More »
Latest thoughts
by Jo The following was written on a train, but much of it appeared on a thread while I was gone.. a case of like minds rather than a rehash. It’s certainly More »
At last! News!
by Jo http://www.myspace.com/thedarknessdan It’s been very strange year, everything in my personal and band life has kind of turned upside down. I’d just like to thank fans of The Darkness for More »
Tiny Dancers EP review
by Emma Lions And Tigers And Lions Lions And Tigers And Lions is the debut EP from Tiny Dancers, released on 20th November 2006 on Parlaphone records. Tiny Dancers don’t really fit More »
Juliette and The Licks single review
by Emma Sticky Honey I just don’t really get Juliette and The Licks. Sticky Honey however, is actually pretty damned good! This is the latest single to be released on 20th November More »
Protest The Hero single review
by Emma Heretics & Killers Heretics & Killers is the latest single from Protest The Hero’s face-melting debut album Kezia and is due for release on 13th November to coincide with their More »
Rose Kemp EP review
by Emma Violence No, it’s not the scary Walford Mitchell brother although the EP title would fit…it’s the honey-voiced underground musician Rose Kemp. Title track and single Violence is melancholy and edgy, More »
Senses Fail single review
by Emma Single Review: Senses Fail: Calling All Cars As Senses Fail embark upon the 2006 Taste Of Chaos tour they are due to release the first single from their second album More »
Spider Simpson single review
by Emma Heavy Metal Machine Spider Simpson release the first track from their debut album on 4th December and are set to make a dent in the rock scene, if you would More »
The Hold Steady single review
by Emma Chips Ahoy! Rather than a celebration of fast food, Chips Ahoy! Is actually a racehorse in the latest single due to be released by Vagrant records on 13th November. The More »
The Maccabees single review
by Emma First Love First Love can be yours from 13th November and is a compelling tale of, funnily enough, the throws of first love. The Maccabees with their dainty bells and More »
Streebeck – ‘Without a Baedeker’
by Davey Now I’m not a difficult person to please in general, but where music is concerned I’ve grown to be highly critical since becoming a rawk journo. So I surprised myself More »
Alexisonfire – Taste of Chaos
by Emma Manchester Apollo – 12 November 2006 From one dressing room to another… immediately after a great interview with Senses Fail, I caught up with Dallas Green, of the amazing Alexisonfire More »
Senses Fail – Taste of Chaos
by Emma Manchester Apollo – 12 November 2006 Backstage at Taste Of Chaos lives up to the name… there are like a million bands to soundcheck, a maze of winding staircases, dressing More »
Justin leaves
by Jo So, the day has come we didn’t want to see. Justin announces he’s left The Darkness. Not leaving, left. According to the short announcement, the rest of the band are More »
Where we are
by Jo So.. an odd couple of months. Justin went into The Priory, and as far as we know, is still receiving treatment. Precisely what for is also unknown, but drink, drugs More »
The Boyfriends album review
by Emma Released on October 2nd, The Boyfriends’ self-titled debut album is a collection of thoughts and wonderment by writer and frontman Martin Wallace. Bold and brave are the lyrics and subject More »
Dan Sartain album review
by Emma Join Dan Sartain Behold the new album from Dan Sartain! The young ‘Ivory Godfather’TM releases Join Dan Sartain on 2nd October 2006 to high acclaim. Dan’s slick tones and exceptional More »
Gossip single review
by Emma Standing in the Way of Control Gossip are all set to release the title track from their forthcoming album on 2nd October 2006, and are setting their sights on success. More »
Hicks Milligan-Prophecy single review
by Emma The Good, The Bad And The Iceberg Atomic Duster Records see the release of debut EP The Good, The Bad And The Iceberg on 16th October. So, what are my More »
IV Thieves single review
by Emma The Day is a Downer IV Thieves debut with EP The Day is a Downer on 9th October 2006. The Texan quartet deliver a small collection of hooky although less More »
Juliette and The Licks album review
by Emma Four On The Floor Four On The Floor is the second album from Juliette and The Licks and is released on 2nd October 2006. With the aid of rock’s favourite More »
Sean Lennon single review
by Emma Dead Meat God I so wanted to love this track before I even took the CD from its sleeve. I wasn’t disappointed – not in the slightest. Opening with a More »
Sound Team single review
by Emma Born To Please Sound Team are a six-piece from Texas and are about to release their debut single Born To Please as they embark on their first UK tour commencing More »
Sparklehorse single review
by Emma Don’t Take My Sunshine Away Sparklehorse are back after a long five years and have released three singles during September 2006, all combined on a single CD released on 18th More »
The Authentics album review
by Emma Blondes Make The Best Victims? Sleazy dirty rock ‘n’ roll anyone? The Authentics could be just what you are looking for. Opening with a crash of the drums and thick More »
Musicfinity.com – The Ultimate Site for New Music
by Jet www.musicfinity.com A new and innovative website to be launched early November by Broeknrule records is set to transform the world of marketing for bands. People are finally starting to realise More »
ROCKAGANDA: Head Automatica profile
by Davey Plugging The Best New Acts. Head Automatica in sharp focus It’s all very well and good claiming to be “different”, “alternative”, “quirky”. But it’s so often a lie. Truth is, More »
Tindersticks – 17.9.06 Barbican Hall
by Jo This was one of the ‘Don’t Look Back’ series organised by ATP, where a variety of artists play a one off gig. The setlist is the track listing of their More »
The High Society
by Louise The High Society – my second victim at Trashstock. Formed at the arse end of 2005 and boasting not one but two ex King Adora members, The High Society are More »
Devilish Presley
by Louise At this year’s Trashstock (two nights of awesome sleazy/glammy rock, held on 18th & 19th August, at Nottingham’s Junktion 7), I pinned down a few bands for interviews. My first More »
The Pleasures
THE PLEASURES by Louise At silly o’clock on a Sunday morning, five post-gig boys allowed me the pleasure of interviewing them. This was the final night of The Pleasures’ three-night UK tour More »
Five O’Clock Heroes – Bend To The Breaks – Album
by Emma Bend To The Breaks The packaging for this CD is clever and has amused me before I even touch the CD inside. Bend To The Breaks will be released through More »
The Authentics – Supercharge – EP
by Emma With grilling opening guitar and a dirty fast-rock sound The Authentics seem to be picking up where other bands have left off several years ago. They have been compared to More »
Dan Sartain – Replacement Man – Single
by Emma As if right from out of a Western Dan Sartain sings with a threateningly calm coo, distinctly dark and menacing tones seeping through. Relacement Man, out on 18th September, is More »
The Rapture – Pieces Of The People We Love – Album
by Emma Released on September 4th, Pieces of the People We Love is the second album from critically acclaimed New Yorkers The Rapture. Their mix of jazz, funky dance beats and hollowy More »
Happy Birthday OI!
That’s right, dudes, this month marks the two year anniversary of OI’s very first issue! Do help yourself to a glass of Moet. 2004 seems like forever ago now. Them were More »
Winter in July’s Heartland
by Jo A hot time, in July, and it’s a mad rush home from school to pick up the black and glittery clothes, hurl them in the boot, and zoom off to More »
Diary of a stressed-out rock fan
by Sherilee (sixsister 3) Well, July finally arrived, the month that my little darling became a toddler. I decided to cater for the birthday celebration solely by myself (yes, homemade coleslaw, potato More »
Heartbreak High’s recommendation
by Emma The delicious Scott Major tells Optimum Impact what music he’s into at the moment. Scott played lovable rogue Peter Rivers in the original Heartbreak High series, and has since starred More »
GiginthePark 2006
by Jo 5th August I’m there for the Saturday of this weekend extravaganza. Today’s running order.. Sevillian Raindance Rowan and the Crops Failed Rosalita The Kites Beamer – (who pulled out) crushdeluxe More »
The band’s comment
by Jo Taken from www.thedarknessrock.com http://www.thedarknessrock.com/forum/index.php?topic=2351.msg115492#new A message from the band « on: 16.8.06 at 04:31:34 PM » After Justin saw a doctor last week and was recommended to “cancel all professional More »
SixSister on the telly! Maybe…
by Jo It was a dark and stormy night… oops sorry, couldn’t resist.. It was, though, in Norwich, the night before this Six trotted off to London to see Justin in action More »
Very dark doings
by Jo Ok then.. only one more confirmed live date to go, this summer… The Skanderborg Festival, Denmark, 10th August, and then we’ll just have to wait.. We have something about the More »
Ilosaarirock 15.7.2006
by Heidi Few hours of sleep after Liverpool and I was on my way to see The Darkness again. I was too excited to sleep for the first couple of hours of More »
Dirty Pretty Things’ New Single
by Davey ‘Deadwood’ (single) I’m not a fan of these trendy type groups, all style and no spunk, but ‘Deadwood’ is a surprisingly vigorous offering from Carl Barat and co, bouncy and More »
Graham Coxon’s New Single
by Davey ‘I Can’t Look At Your Skin’ (single) A tad more energetic than Coxon’s previous efforts, ‘I Can’t Look At Your Skin’ is a Jam-esque Cockney jig, and a middle finger More »
Alexisonfire – Crisis – Album
by Emma Released through Hassle Records on August 21st, Crisis has a hell of a lot to live up to. Alexisonfire, known to anyone who knows me well as my absolute favourite More »
Milburn – Album
by Emma Milburn have recently released single Cheshire Cat Smile, a quirky pop-rock tune which fits nicely into the niche populated by the likes of Arctic Monkeys. Their debut album is due More »
The Needles – Summer Girls – Single
by Emma Summer Girls is released on 14th August 2006 through Dangerous Records. This is a fairly mild mannered track with a deliberate old rock style that will sit well with a More »
Good Shoes – All In My Head – Single
by Emma Good Shoes are truly delightful. The single All In My Head is a wonderful and wildly extravagent tune which rides out like a fairground rollercoaster complete with bends, twists and More »
STORM 2006
by Sherilee (sixsister 3) July was the month I went to my first live music festival in nearly two years and even though I was only able to stay for 2 hours, More »
Razorlight – In The Morning – Single
by Emma Razorlight have made an excellent choice in new single from their current album. In The Morning is an upbeat, jingly and amusing song which speaks for the majority of the More »
Adem ‘Launch Yourself’ single
by Davey Straining away from the man with the mould once again, Adem returns with his second solo single, ‘Launch Yourself’. The song is chock full of oddities, busy with percussion, half More »
Saves The Day – Sound The Alarm Album Review
by Emma It’s an accomplishment that Sound The Alarm was completed at all considering the amount of chaos and upheaval the band have managed to work through with the departure of original More »
Moneen – The Red Tree Album Review
by Emma Moneen – The Red Tree Recent release The Red Tree is an outstanding album from the fantastic Moneen, following up the Switcheroo split EP they released last year with Alexisonfire. More »
The Longcut – Norwich Arts Centre
by Jo 22.7.06 My god, the hottest night in history, and we’re indoors. The massive stone walls of this former church are not providing a chill, they’re holding the heat in and More »
The pleasures of touring with German glamrockers
by Louise Last month I went on a mini-tour of the UK with German glamrockers; THE PLEASURES. It was their first time gigging in the UK and it was cool to see More »
A perfect venom
by Louise Her name is simply; Steph. She’s a London based singer/songwriter, managed and produced by the legendary Stuart Epps, who’s worked with Led Zep, Elton John, Oasis, Robbie Williams and George More »
Trashstock 2006
by Louise If you’re looking for a weekend of rock debauchery without the camping, the mud and the hefty price tag of a festival, then look no further! Some genius has invented More »
Blast From The Past
by Davey Blast From The Past Thin Lizzy Ahh, Thin Lizzy. One of the few bands you can’t fault. A leviathan in the world of rock, an immortal force, Thin Lizzy started More »
The Basement + The Isles +Sertoli
by Emma The Basement – Leeds Cockpit – 16 July 2006 A quiet Sunday evening in Leeds, not many people around. We went to the Cockpit to check out Irish folk rockers More »
White Rose Movement
by Jo Norwich Arts Centre 6.7.06 This is a band that I saw supporting The Rakes not so long back.. was impressed then, so the opportunity of seeing them again was greatly More »
How Time Flies
Welcome one, welcome all to this, the July edition of Optimum Impact. July. Already! I can barely believe it was a whole two years ago that three of us went gallivanting More »
Sign ‘Thank God For Silence’ LP
by Davey Good god, you could just inject this kind of rock straight into your veins for an instant shuddering high. That’s what Sign’s LP feels like. Fronted by the enigmatic Zolberg, More »
Protest The Hero – Kezia Album Review
by Emma Kezia is the debut album from Protest The Hero following a couple of previous EP releases. Within seconds Protest The Hero launch a full on attack and the first thing More »
Saves The Day – Sound The Alarm Album Review
by Emma It’s an accomplishment that Sound The Alarm was completed at all considering the amount of chaos and upheaval the band have managed to work through with the departure of original More »
Moneen – The Red Tree Album Review
by Emma Recent release The Red Tree is an outstanding album from the fantastic Moneen, following up the Switcheroo split EP they released last year with Alexisonfire. Moneen have made a massive More »
Rescue The Astronauts EP Review
by Emma Your Scissors/My Seatbelt Your Scissors/My Seatbelt is the first EP available to buy from Derry sweethearts Rescue The Astronauts. The four-track disc produced by Neal Calderwood is a fine introduction More »
City and Colour – Dallas Green
by Emma Interview – Dallas Green (City & Colour) – York Fibbers – 24 May 2006 Wednesday, 24th May 2006 in York, and I was lucky enough to bag my dream interview More »
Sweet Seduction
by Louise I first saw Sweet Seduction playing at the finals of the UK Unsigned Rock event, held in Birmingham on May 26th. The classic riffs, gritty vocals, and energetic performance impressed More »
Diary of a stressed-out rock fan
by Sheri Diary Of A Stressed Out Rock Fan Well, what fun was had in June – I think not! Those who used to use the forum back in the days when More »
Monsters Of Rock!
by Vik (Spid) It’s been away for a long long time, but on June 4th 2006 it made its return, and what a return it was. Not only did they have Deep More »
Extremely Pleasureable Glamrock
by Louise The Pleasures In December I discovered a band for which I instantly fell. The glitz, the glamour, the trash, the sleaze, the pretty colours, the sparkles…it all stole my heart. More »
Instrument of the Issue
by Davey Instrument Of The Issue Gibson custom Justin Hawkins Signature Les Paul When I was struggling to think of an instrument to focus on this month, Justin Hawkins’ weapon of choice More »
Blast From The Past
by Davey Blast From The Past The Stranglers I would normally consider myself a bit of a rocker, but The Stranglers is one of those groups I’ve grown up with, all thanks More »
Rally To Hell
by Laurie (with Dori) This is an personal account of two dedicated darklings who were able to go and talk to Dan and Justin.. don’t be jealous, that’s not what they wrote More »
Rock in Rio
by Tiago Andrade The Darkness At Rock In Rio Lisboa – May 27th. 2006 When the bands for Rock In Rio festival were announced, the major band for the second day was More »
Happy June
And so far, it is! The sun is shining, the festivals will soon be upon us, and there’s a brand new issue of OI for your delectation. This month we have More »
Screaming Tarts – The Album
by Louise Volume 3 Who’da thunk one CD could be filled with such vast and varied and wholly substantial ROCK? Screaming Tarts is a fine specimen, a credit to the fanzine world. More »
The Pleasures EP
by Davey ‘Cuming Out’ EP Glamorous attention whores The Pleasures released their EP ‘Cuming Out’ in 2005. With their mini UK tour rapidly approaching, this is a naughty little taste of their More »
Robin Black Rockin’ The UK
by Louise What’s more exciting than going to see Robin Black on their first UK tour in over two years? Going to see Robin Black on their first UK tour in over More »
Nicolai Prowse
by Jo AAGGHHH! He’s back! Running up fast, anyway.. Nicolai’s been a very busy boy. Writing, recording, working hard. Let’s have a look, shall we? There will be a website shortly, but More »
Little Shop of Horrors..
by Jo Now then, amateur dramatics is not usually our thing to review, but when there’s an offer to see two of our beloved crushdeluxe in the company of another member and More »
Blast From The Past
by Davey Those Swedish kings of rawk, Europe I simply HAD to do an article on Europe. The following is an average Europe-related conversation: “Hey, do you like Europe?” “Who?” “You know…*hums More »
Kula Shaker 16.5.06
by Jo Norwich Waterfront One of my favourites! Back in Norwich after too many years. Reformed, with new songs, and a new album later this year. Right at the last minute I More »
Richard Ashcroft
by Jill Blackpool Empress Ballroom 9th May 2006 It took a heroic drive up the M6 to get us to this one on time, flying through the miles to this iconic Northern More »
TAKE THAT REVIEW –WEMBLEY ARENA – MONDAY 8TH MAY 2006
by Caroline Graham After a long ten years and countless speculation Take That are back!!! The crowd of mostly women aged between 15 and 45 had been warmed up nicely by Beverley More »
Snow Patrol
by Jill Manchester Ritz 2nd May 2006 Not much good at making it for support bands, us. Pretty good at getting in, getting a beer, finding a spot and having the main More »
The Needles
by Davey ‘Dianne’ (single) A jerky, angular single from Aberdeen’s finest, ‘Dianne’ does The Needles proud, throwing them into techno-colour light (none of this lime shit) for all the world to see. More »
The Crimea
by Davey ‘White Russian Galaxy’ (single) Oh yes, I like The Crimea. This single is cool, quirky and melodic, like the slightly rougher side of a Travis-esque emery board. Davey MacManus’s charm More »
Sisters Of Mercy
by Jill and a bit of Jo Manchester Academy 4th May 2006 “OK hippy scum, here it comes” Well, having managed to miss yet another support band we rolled up to a More »
Black Wire – Glasgow Barfly
by Keith Supported by two bands, The Ad’s (Glasgow) & Every Move A Picture (San Francisco), both of whom weren’t bad at all (indie based guitar/rock/pop), Black Wire took the stage at More »
Old pleasures are the best
by Jo News from the dark side.. Echo and the Bunnymen, the tightest band you’ll ever see, are on tour soon. Both the new single ‘Scisssors in the Sand’ and album ‘Siberia’ More »
We Are Scientists with iForward Russia!
by Jill Manchester Academy 7th April 2006 A heaving, sweaty, sold out Academy is buzzing with anticipation tonight, eager for the appearance of everyone’s current top band, the New York three-piece We More »
More of their bits
by Jo I’ll have to do a running commentary, things happen so fast… First off, Australia was conquered, and as far as we know, so was Japan.. unfortunately Dan ‘lost his homework More »
Sydney rocked
by Jessie Flamboyant rockers “The Darkness” took Sydney by storm recently on Thursday 13th April. Playing a sold out show at Luna Park’s Big Top and an hour and a half set, More »
Atlantic divide
by Dre Recently Spin Magazine published an article called One Way Ticket to the Cutout Bin. Here is a piece of that article. SPIN Magazine, April 2006 – One-Way Ticket to the More »
April Showers
Which is what’s happening right now on a cold grey day.. so i’m here in front of a cozy PC adding things on here for you all to peruse. There’ll be More »
King Furnace
by Jet Track Listing: 1. Crash, 2. Blemish, 3. Making of me. A fantastic CD, the only problem I have with it is that thyere aren’t enough songs. I was just screaming More »
EPs and Mini-Albums
EP’s and mini-albums… by Emma Good Shoes – We Are Not The Same EP Pop-punk quartet Good Shoes released their feisty We Are Not The Same EP on March 20th through Brille More »
The Levellers with Damien Dempsey
by Jill 53o, Preston Saturday 25th March 2006 It’s great catching up with old mates, isn’t it? I used to go and see the Levellers quite a lot in the 90’s, not More »
Instrument of the Issue
by Davey Instrument Of The Issue Matt Bellamy’s Laser Manson Severely underrated classical rockers Muse are famed for the tortured guitar screams they produce in their music. Lead singer and guitarist Matt More »
Blast From The Past
by Davey Dutch prog rock combo Focus Curse my youth. I keep missing out on the most awesome bands, Focus being the most recent discovery (bless you, John). Like fellow prog rockers More »
The Raconteurs
by Jill Carling Academy, Liverpool Monday 20th March 2006 This shouldn’t be happening. A new band. No album release. In fact, the only release so far a limited edition 7” single. Nothing More »
White Rose Movement
by Jill White Rose Movement with The Violets Night & Day Café, Manchester Sunday 12th March 2006 Freezing cold. Sporadic snow showers. A proper old winter’s night. The gritters are out on More »
The Mighty Boosh
by Jill Warrington Parr Hall Wednesday 8th March 2006 Don’t doubt the rock credentials of this show for a moment. There’s a huge studenty-indie-goth-glamrock element to the audience: we could just as More »
Milan 17.3.06
by Mélanie Mazda Palace, Milan, 17.03.06 Brussels was 4 days ago and we are already here, queuing, waiting for the Italian security to open the doors of the Mazda Palace… How did More »
Belgium 13.3.06
by Mélanie Ancienne Belgique, Brussels, 13.03.06 There are things you think about a lot before deciding to do them… And there are other things you don’t even think twice before saying More »
Amsterdam 23.03.06
by elusive So – the last gig of the European tour. Amsterdam. My envelope of “forthcoming gig tickets” is empty, and it seems only yesterday that it was stuffed full. Better make More »
Odd thoughts
by Jo So.. thoughts on the tour? Well, every darkling thoroughly enjoyed the shows they went to, even if one or two had issues with the sound at some venue or another. More »
Dublin, London, Brighton
by Trina Here we go again … Dublin, 4th February 2006 So, here I am again, at the ninth Darkness gig of my gigging career (ok, so I started late), in Dublin’s More »
Hamburg 11.3.06
by Eli (supported by Cora) The Darkness-Concert review The first German TD-concert of the OWTTHAB-tour took place in a club called “Große Freiheit”,a smaller venue for about 1000 people. Beginning: 19:00 pm. More »
The Darkness at Birmingham
by Davey Birmingham NEC, 19th February 2006 I nearly didn’t make it to this gig. Stood in the middle of Birmingham, freezing my scrattocks off, I was fearing the worst; that my More »
On tour with The Darkness
by Tigerlily My tour began on Friday 3rd, when I jumped on a train, then on a car and finally on a plane to go to Dublin, Ireland. Arrival at 23.45, local More »
The Darkness at Manchester
by Jo (Pics by Lou!) Manchester Evening News Arena – 18th February ’06 I couldn’t get to many of the gigs, and this is the only one where I’ll get to see More »
Humanzi – Long Time Coming (single)
by Emma Long Time Coming, released on 13th February, is the first ever full scale release from Irish rockers Humanzi. Humanzi have sparked a whole new wave of excitement with their electric More »
Fony – Waco (single)
by Emma Waco is the first single due for release from Fony’s forthcoming album Mercy After Fiction and kicks off with good twangy guitar and bursts into a strong riff and there More »
Sandy Dillon – Pull The Strings LP
by Emma The seventh album released from Avant Garde artist Sandy Dillon is due for release on 24th April, and is interesting to say the least! Title track opens the LP and More »
The Bleeding Hearts – ‘You Bring Me To My Knees’ (single)
by Davey Surprisingly upbeat and honest, ‘You Bring Me To My Knees’ is a light hearted indie pop anthem, with a subject matter everyone can relate to – saying “I love you” More »
Jeff Klein – The Hustler (album)
by Davey Jeff Klein, one of the most honest and intimate songwriters around, still riding the wave of success following his second album ‘Everybody Loves A Winner’ is all set to release More »
Robin Black
by LouisePurveyors of some of the catchiest rock tunes ever, Robin Black combine sleaze, leather, leopard print, blue hair, make-up, and of course, masses of talent to create something vibrant and raucous More »
The Boy Least Likely To – with BC Camplight
by Jill Thursday 23rd February Night & Day Café, Manchester “I’m happy because I’m stupid” A gig I almost didn’t make. It sold out literally moments before I tried to book. Then More »
Warming up and ready to go…
by Jo It was a bloody cold night, never mind dusty… home from school, where I’d taught Art all day… ever painted with a feather? Interesting. Try it. Shower, change into a More »
Introducing: Rescue The Astronauts
by Emma Introducing Rescue The Astronauts You may recall that in November we announced the untimely split of The Mascara Story, and promised you news of frontman Daveit Ferris’ new project. Well, More »
Stretch Arm Strong
by Emma Stretch Arm Strong – Leeds Joseph’s Well – 16th January 2006 Stretch Arm Strong descended with a fury upon the small but packed Joseph’s Well and what a performance! It More »
Richard Ashcroft – Break The Night With Colour – Single Review
by Louise He’s been away for a while, but now he’s back, and judging by this single he’s on top form. Richard Ashcroft has a knack of sculpting beautiful music. This, his More »
2005 and all that
by Jo 2005.. year of the breakdown – dropping down into the darkness and pinging back up It all started well enough, for them. A good rest over Christmas after that tour, More »
Blast From The Past – War of The Worlds
by Lucie Blast From The Past Jeff Wayne’s musical version of The War of The Worlds (1978) Cast list: Richard Burton as The Journalist David Essex as The Artilleryman Phil Lynott as More »
Alkaline Trio Gig Review
by Lobby ALKALINE TRIO LEEDS UNIVERSITY Waiting outside the venue in Arctic temperatures for almost an hour after the doors were meant to open is not a good start to the night. More »
Imperial Vipers – Promised Land – Single Review
by Emma Woah there – have I slipped back in time about thirty years?! Imperial Vipers have an unrushed classic rock sound unmistakeably inspired by some of the legends. Think Zeppelin, sit More »
The Bled – My Assassin – Single Review
by Emma Crank up the volume this is a track that needs to be played loud and proud! Taken from the second album Found In The Flood, My Assassin is a hardcore More »
Reggie & The Full Effect – Take Me Home, Please – Single Review
by Emma Reggie & The Full Effect is a breath of fresh air! Cracking live performances as proved by the recent slot on the Taste Of Chaos tour and majorly appealing tracks More »
Get Amped – Tyrannosaurus – Single Review
by Emma Get Amped are about to burst onto the rock scene with the release of their debut album Postcards From Hell, but up until now you may not have heard of More »
Magnet – Fall At Your Feet – Single Review
by Lucie Even Johanson (alias Magnet) continues to produce his unique brand of introspective chill-out music with this latest single, ‘Fall At Your Feet’, taken from his critically acclaimed ‘The Tourniquet’ album. More »
Athlete – Twenty Four Hours – Single Review
by Lucie Cute-as-a-button indie clan Athlete melt some hearts with this tune to brandish your lighter in the air to. Their second album ‘Tourist’ breathed new life into the band, drawing a More »
The Pariahs – Album Review
by Lucie A third helping of dirty scuzz-rock from the Toronto fivesome, as this self-titled album provides more of the same kick-arse enthusiasm for all things rawk as its predecessors. This is More »
Coldplay – Talk – Single Review
by Lucie It’s hard not to be impressed by this single, although I’m rather embarrassed to admit it. ‘Talk’ isn’t a whiny ballad, which is refreshing in itself, and it even begins More »
Diamond Dogs – Bound To Ravage – Album Review
by Lucie Diamond Dogs are just a bunch of teases. They’ve been honing their sound for over a decade, and keeping this debut UK album from us for all that time! Disgraceful. More »
Kaiser Chiefs – Modern Way – Single Review
by Lucie Being someone who would normally despise such a trendy band, I never had the highest of expectations for the Kaiser Chiefs; and ‘Oh My God’ confirmed for me that they More »
Erin McKeown – We Become Like Birds Album Review
by Emma Multi-talented and critically acclaimed artist Erin McKeown released her third album earlier this year. We Will Become Like Birds is a serene recording with a simple elegance that compliments McKeown’s More »
Serena Maneesh Album Review
by Emma The self-titled debut from Norwegian rockers Serena-Maneesh is an eerie and experimental offering, showcasing a wealth of style and variation. Both vocals and the distorted screams of the guitar float More »
Korn – See You On The Other Side Album review
by Emma Long awaited See you On The Other Side rips into play with the fantastic single Twisted Transistor and sets a precedent for the rest of the extensive album. Korn are More »
Kaiser Chiefs – Employment DVD Review
by Emma Kooky Kaiser Chiefs have taken the idea the usual format of music DVD releases and turned it on it’s head. Enjoyment is a ninety minute film with tracks from the More »
My Awesome Compilation
by Emma My Awesome Compilation – Q & A I caught up the MAC guys at their gig in Leeds on 27th November and as always had a really good laugh! I More »
Armor for Sleep
Armor for Sleep Interview by Emma Armor For Sleep Interview – Leeds Cockpit – 13 December 2005 Armor For Sleep are a band that I have an awful lot of time and More »
Funeral For A Friend – Taste Of Chaos
Funeral For A Friend – Taste Of Chaos Interview by Emma 6 November 2005 Taste of Chaos was one of the biggest and most sought after tours that the UK has seen More »
SixSister go to London
by Jo (no camping, and no Timmy the dog) We don’t get out much, but when we do, it’s for something that fucking rocks. Top Secret ‘fan’s playback’ of the new Darkness More »
Sevendust – Next – Album Review
by Emma Get ready to rawk! Thrashing guitar, heavy pounding drums and a vocalist with a menacing growl – quality! First track Hero is a great opener, although the following tune and More »
Magnet – The Tourniquet – Album Review
by Emma The Tourniquet is the second album released by highly acclaimed Norwegian artist Magnet, aka Even Johansen. Bathed in dreamy melodies, The Tourniquet features some truly moving and beautiful tracks, such More »
Tracy & The Plastics – Culture for Pigeon – Album Review
by Emma This album, out to buy now, is an electro lover’s dream. ‘Tracy’ has created her own alter egos, Cola and Nikki on drums and keyboard, who together form an eerie More »
Simple Plan – MTV Hard Rock Live – Album review
by Emma October 3rd was the release date for this live album from the Simple Plan boys. Opening with much loved pop-rock anthem Shut Up, Simple Plan are quite clearly rocking the More »
Ryan Adams & The Cardinals – Jacksonville City Nights – Album Review
by Emma Jacksonville City Nights is the second album Ryan Adams has released this year on the Lost Highway label. Ryan Adams is an acquired taste, a sweet and soulful collection of More »
Bloodhound Gang – Hefty Fine – Album Review
by Emma Funny from the very first line, Bloodhound gang effervesce right through the album Hefty Fine. The album opens with a fantastically grinding bass line and tongue in cheek lines galore. More »
Maximo Park – Apply Some Pressure – Single Review
by Emma Apply Some Pressure is a re-release as Maximo Park are high in demand! Taken from the debut album A Certain Trigger, this track is one of three top twenty singles More »
Five O’Clock Heroes – White Girls – Single Review
by Emma White Girls is the disco-tastic single from Five O’Clock Heroes, released on 31st October. White Girls is a funky disco melody with snappy vocals and an easy-going jangly riff. It More »
Millionaire – I’m On A High – Single Review
by Emma Millionaire sweep through the cobwebs like a hurricane with new single I’m On A High. This track is a nice guitar-thick tune with slick vocals sliding from high pitched to More »
Bloodhound Gang – F,U,C,K – Single Review
by Emma The boys are back in town and it’s time to cover the kids’ ears! Bloodhound Gang never hold back and will say exactly what they want, and that’s why we More »
The Glitterati – Back In Power – Single Review
by Emma 24th October was the release date for Back In Power, taken from the band’s debut Glitterati that has seen them rise up to the MTV ranks and begin to get More »
The Automatic – Recover – Single Review
by Emma Welsh quartet The Automatic are here to demand your attention with their debut single Recover released on 24th October. Recover is a funky and quick track with edgy vocals and More »
The Kills – No Wow – Single Review
by Emma Just another ‘The’ band? Nah! The Kills bring something original to the table with their eclectic mix of electro beats and funky rythms. The single is released with various remixes More »
The Fallout Trust – Before The Light Goes – Single Review
by Emma Before The Light Goes was released on 31st October on At Large. This is their second single and is quite a mellow and intelligent track. The Fallout Trust are a More »
Goldie Lookin Chain – R ‘n’ B – Single Review
by Emma Oh dear, we’re in for trouble! GLC are back with the second single from album Safe As Fuck and they are certainly on top form. R ‘n’ B is a More »
Alkaline Trio – Mercy Me
by Emma Due for release on 21 November, Mercy Me is the second single from the album Crimson. Mercy Me is a great easy-going track, upbeat and with lovely clean melodic vocals More »
Humanzi – Fix The Cracks – Single Review
by Emma Humanzi’s next single, double-A sider Fix The Cracks/Get Your Shit Together is released 7th November, and is an eye-opener! Think Alamos … if you like them you will probably like More »
Simple Plan – Untitled
by Emma I have a certain amount of respect for Simple Plan and their mild brand of pop/punk rock. It so far has proved to be a recipe for success for the More »
Fall Out Boy – Sugar, We’re Goin’ Down – Single Review
by Emma Fall Out Boy have managed to create a universally loved song in Sugar, We’re Goin’ Down. This is a pop-come-punk diamond of a track that catches the ear of listener More »
Funeral For A Friend – History – Single Review
by Emma Funeral For A Friend release History on 14th November, making an excellent choice for the third single from the huge album Hours. History is a beautiful and poignant track with More »
Korn – Twisted Transistor – Single Review
by Emma Ha ha! Korn are back on top fucking form and I couldn’t be happier to say that! Twisted Transistor is the first single from the forthcoming album See You On More »
Alexisonfire
Alexisonfire Interview by Emma Leeds Cockpit – 23 October 2005 The mighty Alexisonfire…my favourite band in the entire universe! I was pant-shittingly nervous and utterly delighted to be interviewing them before their More »
The Darkness return
by Jo The Darkness return (which means the return of the darklings. Be afraid.) YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!! At last, a huge mass of tense, nervous darklings relaxed when Rob put up the announcement that More »
OWTTHAB single reviews
by Fans! Was weeing myself with excitement this morning. Had to have the radio on as the computer was being an arse, so everyone got to watch me bouncing on my chair More »
Hallowe’en movies special
by Emma Scare yourself stupid for Halloween! Since Halloween falls on a Monday this year…not all of you will make it out, so here are a few suggestions for the perfect seasonal More »
Instrument of The Issue
by Lucie Instrument Of The Issue Angus Young’s Gibson SG Angus and his SG are as iconic as Freddie and his half mic stand, or the McDonald’s arches, and inspiring to any More »
Blast From The Past – Queen
by Lucie Blast From The Past! Queen – ‘A Night At The Opera’ (1975) As a young ‘un, when it comes to the world of rawk, I’ve had to scrabble together a More »
Zombie Fest For Halloween
by Emma What are YOU doing for Halloween? Halloween is approaching and at last the time has come to embrace all that is ghostly, ghastly and spooky! So what will you be More »
Send More Paramedics
by Emma Send More Paramedics – Leeds Joseph’s Well – 5 August 2005 ZOMBIECORE ANYONE? Send More Paramedics rock it to the maximum! I wasn’t too sure what to expect from this More »
Rob Shaw – profile
by Jo Ah, Rob Shaw. What can we possibly say about our little strawberry blond friend? A Yoda to the stars, dispensing wisdom (sometimes) and judgements to the happy bands of darklings. More »
Darkness bits and pieces
by Jo Well, not literally. It’s been quite busy in darkling land. Justin and Dan have flown off to LA to rehearse and record orchestras, then mix the whole lot so that More »
British Whale – This Town Ain’t Big Enough For The Both Of Us
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What’s On?
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Rescue The Astronauts EP Review
by Emma Rescue The Astronauts – Your Scissors/My Seatbelt Your Scissors/My Seatbelt is the first EP available to buy from Derry sweethearts Rescue The Astronauts. The four-track disc produced by Neal Calderwood More »
Gratitude – Album Review
by Emma Album Review: Gratitude: Gratitude Gratitude was released on 20th June and is the debut album from US rockers Gratitude, label mates with the fabulous Funeral For Friend. Gratitude are supporting More »
The Mascara Story
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My Awesome Compilation
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Bullet For My Valentine
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Once in a lifetime
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Rampaging with Frankie
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What’s On?
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Ben’s guitar corner
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Mother and The Addicts
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The Basement ‘I Just Caught A Face’ single
by Davey Now this is a rare thing; folk/country inspired indie pop from Ireland. You don’t much of that to the pound in this day and age, and I must say it’s More »
Funeral For A Friend
by Emma Leeds Refectory/ Manchester Academy 30 June 2005/ 8 July 2005 What a lucky girl am I…Funeral For A Friend not once but twice in a week! And what a top More »
Electrelane – Axes – Album Review
by Emma To call Electrelane experimental is one big bloody understatement. A few seconds shy of an hour, I found Axes to be hard work. Unless you are a fan of 6-9 More »
The National – Alligator – Album Review
by Emma I previously said about The National that I am reminded at times of Bowie in style. Having now listened to the third album release I now think the style is More »
The Explosion – Black Tape – Album Review
by Emma The Explosion have burst onto the punk scene and made quite an impact this year – the single Here I Am has gained regular play on radio and music television More »
Queen Adreena – The Butcher And The Butterfly – Album Review
by Emma The Butcher and the Butterfly is the third album release from Queen Adreena and is regarded as the best of the trio. Queen Adreena carry a haunting eerie feel throughout More »
FULC – Embrace.Destroy – Album Review
by Emma New mini-album, Embrace.Destroy is the latest release from FULC, up and coming UK rock metal quartet. Embrace.Destroy consists of six tracks, and starts off with two softer tracks spilling raw More »
Idlewild – I Understand It – Single Review
by Emma Released 2 May, I Understand It is a harmless ditty from Idlewild, most likely to be hitting notes with fans of REM and the like. It’s quite catchy and laid More »
Suffrajets – Sold – Single Review
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The Kills – Love Is A Deserter
by Emma Love Is A Deserter was released on Domino on 30 May is taken from The Kills’ second album No Wow. The track keeps in form with previous hit The Good More »
We Are Scientists
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The Blue Van
by Lou ‘Revelation of Love’ is the first UK single from Denmark’s hottest new export; ‘The Blue Van’. And don’t their influences shine through like a blinding light?! The Kinks, The Small More »
Switchfoot: Dare You To Move
by Emma Dare You To Move is the first UK release due 18th July from multi platinum selling US outfit Switchfoot. It will be followed up swiftly by the album A Beautiful More »
engerica: My Demise
by Emma New to the scene trio Engerica are preparing to whip up a storm. New single My Demise will be released on 25th July and is not the first taster of More »
Millionaire
by Lou ‘We Don’t Live There Anymore’ is a seductive track that’s dripping with dirty, grungy licks and an overall air of bad-ass cool. Hoarse guitars grate their way through a sleazy More »
Levellers – Truth & Lies
by Lou It’s great to see bands standing the test of time like the Levellers have. Formed in 1988 and still going strong with their trademark upbeat-folk-indie-pop-bit-of-something-for-everyone sound. Defining vocals front a More »
Electric Eel Shock – Beat Me
by Lou Being previously unfamiliar with Electric Eel Shock’s sound, I’m very pleasantly surprised and can confirm for the other EES virgins out there that it’s just as the name suggests; high More »
Funeral For A Friend
by Emma Interview – Leeds Refectory 30 June 2005 Now you will notice that this month’s zine features my review of two of the recent FFAF tour dates…well Ben and I caught More »
Bullet for My Valentine
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Funeral For A Friend – Gig Review
by Emma Funeral For A Friend – Leeds Refectory/ Manchester Academy 30 June 2005/ 8 July 2005 What a lucky girl am I…Funeral For A Friend not once but twice in a More »
KAZZA’S WEEKEND OF ROCK ™
by Kazza Green Day, Milton Keynes Bowl, Saturday 18th June My Weekend of Rock began with a hot, sweaty traffic jam into Milton Keynes. Once past the security Nazis however, the discomfort More »
SixSister go to Kirkley High
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What’s On?
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The Rogers Sisters – Three Fingers – Album Review
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The Boxer Rebellion – Exits – Album Review
by Emma Exits is The Boxer Rebellion’s debut album, following the first single release All You Do Is Talk. Exits doesn’t fit cleanly into any of the categories of current rock music More »
The Marble Index – Album Review
by Emma Canadian outfit The Marble Index are refreshingly honest in their music. They remind me of the Violent Femmes in that they are fearless to experimenting with their sound and it More »
Hulk – Cowboy Coffee & Burned Knives – Album Review
by Emma Brussels trio Hulk are knocking on the door of the big time with their forthcoming album release Cowboy Coffee… available from 27 June 2005 on Suburban Records. Hulk were lucky More »
Funeral For A Friend – Streetcar – Single Review
by Emma Released 30 May 2005, Streetcar is the sterling follow up to the forthcoming Hours, follow up to the magnificent Casually Dressed and Deep in Conversation. Streetcar is an upbeat track More »
Simple Plan – Welcome To My Life – Single Review
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Corporation Blend – For All My Sins – Single Review
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Bodyrockers – I Like The Way – Single Review
by Emma I Like The Way is a hard hitting dance and rock mix making big waves on the clubbing scene. Its more of the dance, less of the rock and absolutely More »
Darkling does Dubai!
Darkling Does Dubai! by Jo Friday 25th March 2005 (as usual, apologies for any mistakes in this – any misquotes or errors in the setlist are down to me and my over-excited More »
White Rose Movement
by Jill
White Rose Movement with The Violets
Night & Day Café, Manchester
Sunday 12th March 2006
Freezing cold. Sporadic snow showers. A proper old winter’s night. The gritters are out on the journey up the M62 into the heart of Manchester. It’s a relief to warm up in the intimate surroundings of the sweet little venue that is the Night & Day Café.
First up the Violets, a neo-punk outfit, a three piece whose lack of bass guitar is more than made up for heroic urgent choppy riffs of a single guitarist and Herculean rolling drumbeats. Vocalist Alexis, resembling Blade Runner’s Pris, barks out lyrics in a way that brings to mind Siouxsie Sioux, Poly Styrene, Karen O … and, oh, so many punk-wannabes… Their power and enthusiasm is undeniable, as they thrust their way through a 30-minute set, including singles Descend and Mirror Mirror. Attention-grabbing at first, it soon becomes apparent that this band are one-trick ponies, and they might be pushed to hold an audience’s interest for much more than this time. Although Alexis implores the crowd to step up towards the stage, a gap remains between them and us. It would be interesting to see if they are able to develop musically in the future. For all of their energy, there is only so much that a band can do with so few instruments.
The room fills up notably in the minutes before the arrival of headliners White Rose Movement, and now the crowd are pressed up against the stage in eager anticipation. The Norfolk five-piece seize control of the room with opener Pig Heil Jam; electro pop infused with power rock, overlaid with commanding vocals. Half close your eyes and it could be an 80’s edition of Top Of the Pops: a pretty-boy floppy-haired, Flock Of Seagulls bassist, a stocky, curly-haired New Romantic guitarist, an immaculately made-up female keyboard player and a vocalist suggesting (and considering the location of the gig, lets be really blasphemous) early Joy Division. Sorry, drummer, couldn’t quite see you from where I was standing. And together it works; they power through tracks from the forthcoming album Kick with the confidence of a band that know that they have the eyes of the musical world upon them. Single Girls In The Back has the crowd moving as singer Finn jumps onto the lined-up speakers, barking out lyrics while swinging from the lighting bar, filling the space between stage and ceiling as though making the statement ‘Already too big for this venue’. On we travel, building a wave of anticipation, through album tracks Idiot Drugs, Test Card Girl and early EP Love Is a Number. Finn is a powerhouse of energy: when not throwing himself to the front of the stage, he picks up a guitar to top up the dynamic industrial thrash, or assists keyboardist Taxxi with 80’s synth accents. But closing track Alsatian, although undoubtedly dramatic, seems to miss a trick. The final impression is that there could have been so much more – the build up didn’t present all that it promised. It was good, yes, it was very good… but it should have been memorable. There is no encore; as though the band simply lack the stamina to give any more, such is the level of energy sustained throughout the set. Nonetheless, I am happy, as I’m sure so many others are, to be able to anticipate saying in the not too distant future, that I saw this soon-to-be-huge band in such a small venue. White Rose Movement: watch this space.
