Maybeshewill - Critical Distance single review

Maybeshewill - Critical Distance

Described by Thrash Hits magazine as 'more DIY than B&Q,' Maybeshewill have a lot to live up to. Their first two albums both received glittering reviews from the likes of Kerrang! Rocksound and BBC Radio 1 and the band have recently been hard at work crafting their follow up LP. Critical Distance is the first single to be taken from the EP and is due for release on March 7th.

Having never heard Maybeshewill before; I was pleasantly surprised, their DIY ethics have created an uplifting and heartfelt track full of soaring guitars, a dance-a-long melody and thrilling beats. After the piano intro I quickly realised that no vocals were included in the track at all and not once did I feel that there was anything missing, if anything I believe the track would be ruined if vocals were to be added to it. Critical Distance is all about the music and the imagery it creates in your mind. The track is a total show-stopper, a sharp intake of breath and a tune that you could get lost in for hours.

Review by Cherry Pullinger

My Chemical Romance - Na Na Na single review

Reviewing one of your favourite bands is possibly the worst and hardest thing to do but I feel I succeeded in it. :)


My Chemical Romance - Na Na Na

It’s been a long time coming. Over 4 years to be precise, since we heard anything in the way of new material from this little band from New Jersey.

Now as a foursome, the ferocious My Chemical Romance kick off their return to the scene with the release of their new single ‘Na Na Na,’ taken from their upcoming album ‘Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys.’

Returning to their punk rock roots, this single is as wacky, thundering and eye popping as their new -futuristic, colourful-as-hell style. It’s surprising that a band of this stature still has room to grow but it’s clear that they have progressed and their confidence shines through the punching guitar solos and humorous lyrics.

My Chemical Romance aren’t afraid to push the boundaries and for them to release something as bold and brash as ‘Na Na Na,’ proves that this band are capable of pretty much anything. Like all of their releases before, their new sound will divide fans in half, and whether they love it or hate it, they will have to admit that this band know how to keep it fresh and exciting, leaving everything else in the dust.


Review by Cherry Pullinger.

Thomas Tantrum - The Last Kiss

Thomas Tantrum - The Last Kiss

Southampton is brimming with wonderfully talented bands at the moment and Thomas Tantrum are the latest four-piece to release an anthem fit for the summer.

Since the band’s debut album release in 2008, the band have been locked away creating its follow up, and ‘The Last Kiss’ is a sneak preview of what is soon to come. The track is full of breezy power pop melodies, but what makes this band really stand out amongst the childish power poppers currently on the scene is their more grown up, mature sound.

Megan Thomas’ vocals are strong and powerful against the tidal wave of delicious, sunny pop music that will not only appeal to those loving the current Southampton scene, but also to the masses.

Review by Cherry Pullinger

Zola Jesus - 'Night' Single Review

Zola Jesus - Night

Zola Jesus are flying the flag for Berlin based record label Souterrain Transmissions, as new single ‘Night’ is the very first UK release from the label, out on June 21st.

‘Night’ begins as a tortured soul. It’s dark and eery, leading you to believe you’re in for some gothic sounding treat but it slowly develops into a hauntingly delicious track that wavers into alternative pop territory.

Singer Nika Roza Danilova’s vocals are like velvet as they weave through the music and large chunks of inspiration from Kate Bush can be heard throughout. Female fronted bands are very popular at the moment and Zola Jesus could be compared to the likes of Florence and the Machine but on a much darker and more alternative level.

The new single could be the launch pad for Zola Jesus, throwing them into hearts of gothic tinged music lovers.

Review by Cherry Pullinger