Simon Says: Catch Up On These 2015 Albums

Words: Simon Opie

We’ve been rather quiet of late but I like to think that is a reflection of the quality of the music that’s been released so far in 2015, which has demanded serious attention. To bring things up to date we’d like to share seven albums that should be heard, and so to leap straight in…

Album Review: Sleater-Kinney - No Cities To Love

Sleater-Kinney – No Cities To Love (UK Release: 19 Jan '15) // Words: Simon Opie

Ten years ago 'The Woods' established riot grrrl heroines Sleater-Kinney as one of the very best rock bands around – of whatever gender; but the tour in support of the album was followed by an indefinite hiatus for the band. Now they’re back, and 'No Cities To Love' was worth the wait.

Year In Review: Simon Opie's Top Twenty Albums Of 2014 [Part Two]

Words: Simon Opie

10: Pink Mountaintops - 'Get Back'

We reviewed this one in springtime and it has remained a firm favourite all year. Stephen McBean’s side project exudes freedom and this loose format conveys a wonderful sense of friends together making the kind of music they really like to hear. Borrowing from a host of influences it’s just so, well, unpretentious. Best cover art of the year too.
Buy only one track: 'The Second Summer Of Love'

Year In Review: Simon Opie's Top Twenty Albums Of 2014 [Part One]

Words: Simon Opie

20: Slipknot - '.5: The Gray Chapter'

After the death of Paul Gray, Slipknot’s future seemed unsure and when Joey Jordison, their talismanic and talented drummer, was fired, well the game seemed up. But '.5: The Gray Chapter' shows enormous resolve in the face of adversity and whilst it may lack some of the sheer bombast of previous albums it is undeniably a fine effort and a very fitting tribute to a fallen comrade. Buy only one track: 'The Devil In I'

Live Review: Devil Sold His Soul @ The Underworld

Devil Sold His Soul live at The Underworld, London (3rd Oct '14) // Words: Simon Opie

If you are looking for a proper gig review then it’s probably not worth reading any further. This piece is actually about why I think music matters. Friday’s Devil Sold His Soul gig at The Underworld was billed as an EP launch and they played quite a bit from their upcoming November release. They also played a selection of older material mostly from the last album 'Empire Of Light' including the live staple 'No Remorse, No Regrets' and the epic 'End Of Days'. Both new and old material was delivered with a raw energy and commitment that I find totally inspiring.

Simon Says: In The Woods Festival 2014

Words: Simon Opie

A few weeks ago, I went to the most boutique of boutique festivals at a secret location in the woods. In fact it was not far from the secret location where I live. At first glance the In The Woods line-up didn’t look to be exactly my kind of thing but the weekend turned into a very rewarding voyage of discovery. It really is in the woods and the laid-back vibe and smallish, friendly crowd make this a festival I can highly recommend.

Simon Says: Four Records In Retrospect

Words: Simon Opie

We’ve been sweeping up new releases in 2014 in batches and with the first half of the year now out of the way, we have four diverse, quality offerings from Black Bananas, Liars, Feed The Rhino, and Down.

Simon Says: Orange Goblin Rock Camden Rocks

Words: Simon Opie

Camden has developed several indoor festival-type events, each very different in character, including last Saturday’s eponymous Camden Rocks. Following April’s terrific Desertfest, Camden has rocked significantly of late and Camden Rocks showcased a plethora of bands in one day across 18 venues with headliners such as Johnny Borrell & Zazou, and The Subways. But for the ultimate headlining slot there was only one place to be at the end of the day – crammed into the sweaty and intimate Barfly for a truly great performance from one of this column’s very favourite bands – Orange Goblin.

Simon Says: Then Five Come Along At Once [Album Round-Up]

Words: Simon Opie

Yes that’s right, just like buses 2014 bursts into life with five albums worth checking out so straight to business with some mini reviews - including the return of The Black Keys and side projects from members of Super Furry Animals and Black Mountain.

Simon Says: Three Great Escapees

Words: Saam Das

There’s not been a great deal that has excited this column thus far in 2014. So with the excuse of the anniversary of the Great Escape (WW2, not Brighton), we’ve been looking back at 2013 and unearthed three great albums (courtesy of Magik Markers, The Black Angels, and ASG) that tunnelled under our observation towers the first time around.

Simon Says: Catch Up On Sunday Selections

Words: Simon Opie

Returning to the UK after a break away, I opened the altrock inbox to some very pleasant surprises. I don’t think the Sunday Selection has ever been so closely fought, as it has of late, and so I thought it only right to bring in the new by featuring three excellent new tracks. We’ll also pick up on the terrific new single from the recently hyped Girl Band, a previous winner of the FG weekly accolade.

Year In Review: Simon Opie's Top Sunday Selections Of 2013

Words: Simon Opie

We started to nominate a weekly Sunday Selection from the Altrock inbox in February 2013, which was posted to facebook.com/fadedglamour and the FG Twitter. Some of the Sunday favourites have been featured here already. Overall, it’s been quite a voyage of discovery with a very international flavour. Bring in the new year with my definitive playlist of 2013, as provided by the very best of the Sunday selections...

Year In Review: Simon Opie's Top Albums Of 2013 [Playlist]

Words: Simon Opie

We'll be collecting together favourite albums (and more) of the year from the FG team soon but to kick things off, here are my top fifteen albums of the 2013. Listen to tracks from each album (including the likes of Pearl Jam and Clutch) in the YouTube playlist below.

Buried Treasures: Humble Pie - Performance: Rockin' The Fillmore

Humble Pie - Performance: Rockin' The Fillmore (UK Release: 28 Oct '13) // Words: Simon Opie

In the 1970s, live albums became highly popular and hence profitable. So labels started recording almost everything by way of live performance, although much has leaked out over the years and is often of questionable quality. Back then, rock music still retained some common roots with jazz – bands played more than one set per night – and both genres exploited the live album as a way of capturing the dynamic quality of the music that often did not come across in studio recordings.

Album Review: Jesu - Everyday I Get Closer To The Light From Which I Came

Jesu – 'Everyday I Get Closer To The Light From Which I Came' (UK Release: 23 Sept '13) // Words: Simon Opie

Justin Broadrick played in Napalm Death, pioneered industrial music in the UK with Godflesh and numerous side projects, and now has a solo project, which is sometimes also a band, called Jesu. In addition, he has produced a whole host of big name artists and started several record labels. Many, including me, think he is a genius and if you’re as yet unconvinced, then try listening to Jesu’s new album 'Everyday I Get Closer To The Light From Which I Came'.

Live Review: Devil Sold His Soul @ The Borderline

Devil Sold His Soul live at The Borderline, London (17 Oct '13) // Words: Simon Opie

Favourite bands come and go but the band I admire the most is Devil Sold His Soul. We’ve reviewed them previously but three albums into their career - with more surely to come - they continue to astonish. The departure of vocalist Ed Gibbs earlier this year might have signalled a terminal decline but recruiting Paul Green has seemingly left them stronger than ever. Last week they came to The Borderline and stormed it.

We Need To Talk: Sharkmuffin [Interview]

Words: Simon Opie

A few weeks back, all girl Brooklyn three-piece Sharkmuffin were my FG Sunday Selection. OK, so I admit that I was drawn in by three hot looking ladies playing self-styled slutcore (sic) with song titles such as the excellent 'Mermaid Sex Slave', 'Shit Talk' and 'Femebot' – all off an EP called 'She-Gods Of Champagne Valley'. Well, I’m only human after all. But we also wanted to delve deeper, and have a Q&A with Tarra Thiesen from the band.

Album Review: Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - Fly By Wire

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - 'Fly By Wire' (UK Release: 16 Sept '13) // Words: Simon Opie

Yes, someone still loves you SSLYBY, ‘cos we definitely do and all the more because 'Fly By Wire' is a triumphant return from a relatively quiet period, creatively speaking. In fact the last Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin album was 2010’s ‘Let It Sway’, although we did review the 2011 B-Sides compilation 'Tape Club'.

Simon Says: Sunday Selection #2

Words: Simon Opie

Last one was in June so it’s time for a sequel to the first Sunday Selection column. Some damn fine recent winners are headed by the quartet of Burning Condors, Black Onassis, Flash Bang Band and last week’s selection The Ten Thousand.

Live Review: Clutch @ The Forum

Clutch live at The Forum (11 July '13, London) // Words: Simon Opie

So how many bands are in their 23rd year and release a 10th Studio album that is good enough to be played almost in its entirety in their live set. That’s right, just one – Clutch. The band headlined a sold-out Kentish Town Forum on Thursday night – in itself a welcome event since most of their recent gigs in London have been in support or festival appearances.