Friday 4 December 2015

Reading & Leeds Release First Bands on 2016's Lineup

Can you believe it?!

After years and years of rumours and speculation, Red Hot Chili Peppers will FINALLY be gracing the main stage over the weekend at both Reading and Leeds Festivals. The time has come to don your silver body paint, conception art and runaway taxi driver costumes to mosh along to classics like Give It Away Now, Californication, Under the Bridge, Can't Stop and Dani California.

To get you excited, here's Snow -


Other bands to get excited about include R&L first timers Twenty One Pilots. With a huge surge in their popularity after performances at MTV awards shows and fans spreading the word online, TOP are set to bring incredible energy to R&L.

If you've never listened to Twenty One Pilots, check out their most popular song off their new album, Blurryface, Stressed Out - 


The 1975 are back on the festival scene this year after some time off working on material for their new album. With Love Me already dominating the indie charts, I am looking forward to seeing what else they have to offer before hitting the circuit in 2016. After many successful festival performances with their debut album, I am sure they will be welcomed back to R&L like an old friend.

To give you a taster of the new album, here's Love Me -


It's been one crazy year for punk duo Slaves with a Mercury Prize nomination, and winning a number of other awards including Kerrang's Spirit of Punk award, they are promising an even bigger and better show than this year's performance at R&L. Expect shouting, mosh pits and tons of celebrity fans mulling around the stage.

Here's Feed the Mantaray from the critically acclaimed Are You Satisfied -



Other acts announced so far are Courteeners, Boy Better Know, DJ EZ, Crossfaith, Hinds and Rat Boy. Tickets are available now from the official Reading and Leeds websites.

Thursday 18 June 2015

Top Gifts For Your Music Loving Dad

In case you have forgotten, it's Father's Day on Sunday and I have hand selected some of the best music-based gifts to treat your dad to. Whether he enjoys strumming his guitar or revisiting the past, these gifts will make this Sunday the best Father's Day yet.



If you have a bit of money saved up in order to wow your dad this Sunday, treat him to this incredible piece of kit. As well as allowing your dad to play his old vinyl on the felted, three speed turntable, he can also tune into his favourite radio station, dig out some CDs and also play the most recent MP3s. This turntable is great for dads who love to go back in time and let music transport them to their happiest memories, whether this was last week or 40 years ago. 

I received this turntable as a gift a few weeks ago (after months of begging before my birthday) and I have no complaints at all. The design, usability and sound quality are all impeccable and at £139.99, it's worth splashing out a little extra.



Losing plectrums is an everyday occurrence to any guitar player, so if your dad still enjoys rocking out, help him keep track of his favourite picks, and let any lurking plectrum thieves know that they are not up for grabs! This keyring is only £9.95 and is great for those who want to show their dad they care, but also need to keep a close eye on their wallets. 



For something a little more subtle and classy, let your dad wear his music on his sleeve. There are so many sets of music-related cuff links out there, but these vinyl records look amazing and will keep a shirt and tie looking smart. These cuff links may look expensive, but at only £16.16, they are a great affordable choice for a vintage-loving dad on Father's day.



Does your dad like making a lot of noise in the office? Does he get easily bored at work? Let him irritate his coworkers with a desk-sized drum kit. The rest of the office may hate it, but your dad will love being able to take his drum kit to work with him to make all the noise he wants at his desk. Who knows? Your dad could be the next drummer to go down in history, that's if he's any good...

If all else fails, go with your gut. His favourite album he lost years ago, a print of his favourite lyrics or even concert tickets are all great for dads who still love music. Have a great Father's Day and treat your dad to a well earned day off.

Sunday 31 May 2015

Top 5 Things To Do At Download Festival


There are only a few days before the gates of the biggest festival for the UK rock scene open. It feels like forever since last year's festival, but this year the organisers of Download have gone above and beyond to create the ultimate rock experience. Yes, there are some amazing bands like Kiss, Slipknot and Muse who are ready to blow your minds, but there are also some great activities for you to try out while you're bathing in rock goodness, or mud.

5. Laser Tag

Is there really much of an explanation needed for this one? You'll run around, shooting people with lasers. It will be amazing. You'll probably be very drunk. And is there really anything better than that?



4. Wrestling

This year's dress up theme is pro-wrestling, so expect to see fully grown men walking round in just a mask, a cape and speedos. To fit in with the theme, Download ramping up the wrestling at Donnington by making some amazing additions to the programme, including the country's best independent wrestlers, Progress wrestling and continuing the long standing tension between the reigning champion Jimmy Havoc and Download's own figurehead, Download Dog.

3. Dog's Bed Stage
Have you ever dreamy of playing to the masses at Donnington? Got your own band who need a few extra fans? Download's Dog's Bed Stage lets YOU become the star of the festival with their fully equipped open mic experience. Just try not to be too bad.

2. KISS Face Painting
Kiss are set to close the festival with a bang on the Sunday night, but let's face it, are you going to be alive enough to paint your own face like the band? Visit Download's face painting station to get your Kiss look expertly applied. Don;t forget to bring your own tongue!



1. Love
A heavy rock festival is probably the last place you expect to be going on blind dates, but Download have teamed up with Heavy Metal Dating to bring speed dating to all the single festival goers. If it all goes well, why not pay a visit to the inflatable chapel where you can marry whoever and whatever you like? Will it be that certain someone you've been with for a while now, that random person you bought back to your tent last night, your beloved case of beer, or if you're lucky, your favourite band member? Just remember it's not actually legal, so you won;t end up in court a few months down the line filing for a divorce.

Don;t forget you can also watch your favourite bands at this music festival, so try not to get so caught up in marrying everything and shooting lasers at your mates that you miss your favourite band! Have an awesome time and stay safe.

Sunday 24 May 2015

Weekly Roundup

It's been a busy week in the music world with some huge releases and the start of the festival season! Here's 4.3.5's highlights of what has been an incredible week.

New Releases

We have seen 2 huge new albums from Victory Records this week. On Monday Broadside and Victorian Halls unleashed some incredible new music, and neither band has disappointed. Broadside's Old Bones has the power to transport any pop punk defender back to the good old days when the movement was first starting. They have also released their brand new video for Damaged Kids off the album, be sure to check it out.


Victorian Halls have released Hyperalgesia (I have no idea how to pronounce it either!) and have impressed here at 4.3.5 HQ. Their style is very difficult to pinpoint, but they sound like the musical lovechild of Enter Shikari and Fearless Vampire Killers with their electronic undertones with a gothic, creepy aura provided by some killer vocals. These are really worth a listen if you are a fan of anything from the most popular indie bands to the heaviest of rock.


Festivals

It really excites me when festival coverage starts popping up on my TV, and the extreme mixture of genres at Radio 1's Big Weekend means it is the perfect way to get everyone hyped for the British festival season (one of the best in the world). With amazing bands like Fall Out Boy, the Foo Fighters and Muse, the weekend is bound to set the standards high for the rest of the summer.

Discoveries

I have been doing a bit of digging this week and found some little crackers for you all to soak up and enjoy over the next week. The first song comes from a group of guys hailing from Cheshire in England. Indigo Shores are a relatively new band with some big plans for the future. If this band don't take you back to the summers of the late 2000s with their indie riffs and catchy lyrics, are you sure you sure you lived through them?!

A little bit of credit must go to Spotify this week for throwing this amazing cover of Dark Horse at me. I was (unfortunately) a bit of a fan of the original when it first came out, but like most pop songs it became tired and overplayed. Listening to Our Last Night's over of the sugar coated anthem was like listening to a completely different song and actually brings a whole new level of darkness to Katy Perry's hit.


Let me know what you have been loving this week and if there is anything I should feature in next week's round up!

Sunday 10 May 2015

Storytellers

You could be forgiven for thinking this band were part of the revolution that founded what we now know as pop punk, but you couldn't be more wrong. Broadside were formed just under 5 years ago, bringing the heart and soul of classic pop punk back to a current audience.

It's easy to see how their influences have shaped their music. With influences like New Found Glory and Comeback Kid, it becomes obvious why their prominent classic pop punk guitar riffs and melodies are a major part of their music. Andrew noted that the band would love to work with New Found Glory because they have managed to stay relevant for such a long time in the game, and here at 4.3.5, I think Broadside are fully capable of achieving this themselves years down the line.

Warped Tour has inspired so many pop punk bands on the scene today, and it's also where Broadside's dreams of creating a band started. Finding each other online, and even stealing Dorian from other bands, Broadside have strived to create the best music they can, and were honoured to be featured in Alternative Press' '100 Bands You Need To Know' feature a few months ago. A list that has predicted the insanely huge careers of the likes of A Day To Remember, Simple Plan, Fall Out Boy, Paramore, Panic! At The Disco and so many others who have gone on to find worldwide recognition.


The band do admit that they face their challenges. 'One of the hardest things I feel like we have had to face is balancing a life between being in a touring band and still having a manageable personal life' is an answer we hear in interview after interview with bands like Broadside, especially as they are still at that stage where they have to 'work dead end jobs' just to live when they are back at home, which I honestly hope is a life they do not have to live for much longer.

While finding the time to have a personal life can be tough, the guys love touring and love the connection that touring with other pop punk bands can provide. They feel they 'automaticallt have that connection' with the other bands they tour with, making each trip on the road a lot more fun. Sometimes that could lead to too much fun as the band admitted they have had their rock and roll moments, before even hitting the big time! Touring with a band called Challenges. the guys threw some 'insane parties' in their practise space which led to a trashed rehearsal room and evictions, but we're sure this isn't the behaviour they will be bringing over to the UK.

Stay tuned to 4.3.5 to find out when the band will be playing a British tour (which we hope will be soon). Be sure to preorder Old Bones which is released on May 19th.


Photography:
Hannah Verbeuren

Sunday 12 April 2015

5 Feelings Every Music Lover Knows Too Well

1. I don't have enough money for all of this
Band merch, gigs, festivals, albums, streaming subscriptions, meet and greets, travel costs; it all adds up. Supporting your favourite bands and even local bands can cost so much money, but we still do it anyway. Why? Because we love them, that's why!


2. They're not playing anywhere near me
It's a bad feeling when your favourite band have been teasing at a tour in your country for a while but when it is announced, they're not playing a show anywhere near your home town. The solution? Pay a lot of money, have time off work or school and spend a lot of time on public transport. The reality? Sitting at home and weeping over songs.


3. They didn't play my favourite song/the only song I know
You've heard of the support band, but you're not a huge fan. You know the words to one song and you're ready to go wild, but they thank you, tell you to enjoy the rest of your night and disappear. It's a disappointing feeling.

Even worse when you're waiting for the headliners to play your favourite song. It doesn't get played during the show, you hope for the encore but it's not there either. Damn you set list!



4. I want to meet them but I have no money for meet & greet
It's every fan's dream to meet their idols, however, adding an extra £40+ to a ticket may be completely out of your price range, a little gutting, right? Wrong. If you have the time. go and wait round the back of the venue, near the tour busses. You'll never know who you could meet.


5. None of my friends listen to my favourite music
Nobody to go to gigs with, nobody to discuss the new album with, nobody to obsess with? No problem. Get yourself on Tumblr and Twitter and make new friends who love the same music as you and will be more than happy for you to tag along at gigs. No more missing out, and new awesome people who understand you.

Picture Sources:
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Monday 6 April 2015

Pierce The Veil & Sleeping With Sirens World Tour

Thursday 2nd April
Manchester Academy 1

Since the announcement of the world tour, we have had to wait patiently for their sold out UK leg, but honestly, it was completely worth the wait.

Issues kicked the night off with a string of hits which really got everybody going. I wasn't expecting much from them (I had only known one song and it wasn't even guaranteed that they will play it), but although not many people knew more than a couple of songs each, they had no problem laying the foundations for the rest of the gig. Their stage presence really is something to be rivalled from quite an unknown band and their music is better live than it is recorded, I can't wait until they come back to Manchester for round 2.

Thursday saw Pierce the Veil taking to the stage first (the bands alternate night by night), but not without teasing us first. It's not the first time I have seen the white curtain trick used at a gig (Fall Out Boy, March 2014), but the San Diego quartet knew exactly how to get everyone on edge.


Hit after hit, blow after blow, Pierce the Veil delivered what could be the best show I have every seen. Vic Fuentes' beautiful acoustic rendition of  I'm Low On Gas And You Need A Jacket allowed everyone to rest and sing their hearts out for just a few moments, but in those few moments, we really saw how versatile his voice is. It was great to hear such popular songs such as Hell Above, Bulls In The Bronx and even the true version on King For A Day which saw Kellin Quinn joining the band on stage for a very rare experience for the fans.


Sleeping With Sirens played next and used their time to show off their new material. I was disappointed at the lack of old classics; choosing A Trophy Father's Trophy Son over Do It Now Remember It Later is a decision that is still confusing me. However, the guys put on an incredible show, proving that they deserve the screaming fan base that flooded the Academy on Thursday night.

The highlight of their set was when the band took a break for an acoustic session. Rodger Rabbit is one of Sleeping With Sirens' most popular songs and the crowd's singing often overshadowed Mr. Quinn and his microphone. However, during the opening bars of Kellin's cover of Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls, he admitted the crowd may as well sing it alone and told us that Thursday was the best night of his life ("Seriously, go home and YouTube this because I haven't said it on any other date, this night has been the best night of my life, thank you"- Kellin Quinn).


Yes, there were moment when we had no clue what was going on (Kellin breakout out into an acapella version of Sunday Bloody Sunday during the encore was a bit weird) but this world tour is a force to be reckoned with. I truly hope the bands tour together again in the future and I will be the first to buy a ticket.





Thursday 2 April 2015

#TBT: April 2nd

On this day in 1977, Fleetwood Mac reached the top of the US album charts with their most successful album, Rumours. This album saw the release of huge songs such as Dreams, The Chain and the super-hit Go Your Own Way.


Sunday 29 March 2015

Ahoy Mateys: Rusty Shipp

Hailing from the city music created (Nashville TN if you didn't already know), Rusty Shipp are creating incredible music that has the ability to transport anyone back to the 1990s. With heavy and obvious influences from bands like Nirvana, the Foo Fighters and Queens Of The Stone Age, they create amazing riffs and that are laced with traces of lank hair and ripped clothes, almost as if they were handed to them by Kurt Cobain himself.


Their first and only EP to date, Hold Fast To Hope, can only be described as awesome and although their influences can be dated to 20 years ago, they are creating current music that is worthy of a place in today's rock charts.

With most bands, having a theme can be slight gimmicky. Looking at Lordi, Steel Panther and even Kiss to some extent, can convey a band who take their image more seriously than their music, however, Rusty Shipp's nautical theme is not reflected by their attire, but is hinted at in certain guitar riffs that feel like heavy sea shanties sang by pirates and sailors alike. 'Davy Jones Ain't Got Nothing On Me' is a perfect example of this. Mixing classic shanties with their inspirations proves that the guys know exactly what they are doing and deserve ways more than <1000 listens on Spotify.


We cannot wait to hear what Rusty Shipp have stored for the future and we wish them the best of luck for any projects they go to work on.

You can buy the band's EP and band merch from their Big Cartel page.

Thursday 26 March 2015

#TBT: March 26th

Classic rock is probably one of my favourite things in life, and on this day in 1986, one of my favourite vintage bands signed their record deal.

Guns N Roses are the epitome of classic rock and have creates some of the most iconic songs in general. Back in 1986, they were signing their contract with Geffen Records. An action that led to the creation and popularisation of songs like Sweet Child O Mine, November Rain and Paradise City. 

Slash is playing a set on the Sunday at Download Festival this year, and it will not be one to be missed!


Monday 23 March 2015

Music Crush Monday: Pvris

A girl and two guys.

Nope, not Paramore, but Pvris. Lyndsay, Alex and Brian have appeared from nowhere and have created a huge stir in the indie and rock worlds.

The band are currently supporting Pierce the Veil and Sleeping with Sirens on the second US leg of their huge world tour and are then supporting Lower Than Atlantis almost immediately after for their sold out UK tour during April.

We hope to see the band on their own headline tour in the future and we can't wait to see them continue to dominate the rock charts.

Have a listen to their song St Patrick and let us know what you think.


Sunday 22 March 2015

5 Bands We Can't Wait To See This Year

We have been to some incredible concerts over the years and this year looks like it's going to kick their asses. We have some amazing tickets lined up, and some that we've unfortunately had to miss out on. Let us know which gigs you're planning on going to this year, we might even see you there!

5. Twin Atlantic

These Scottish beauties have gotten me through a lot over the past two years and after narrowly missing out on seeing them during their last tour, I have secured tickets to their UK tour in May. Get ready to sharpen your Scottish accents because this tour is going to be a belter.

Song I'm most looking forward to hearing live: Free


4. Lower Than Atlantis

The Watford pop punk quartet are touring the UK during April just in time to launch us all into the summer with their catchy lyrics and summery riffs. Get ready to sing your hearts out and dance your socks off!

Song I'm most looking forward to hearing live: Emily (obviously)


3. Crown The Empire

Okay, so this might not technically count because we have already been to see them, but we are hoping to see them again later this year. Possibly some of the nicest guys I've ever met and as an added bonus they create incredible music. Crown The Empire are one of my favourite bands to watch live and their often intimate gigs just make the atmosphere even better.

My favourite song to hear live: Makeshift Chemistry



2. Fall Out Boy

Returning to the UK this October after their incredible Save Rock And Roll tour last March, the guys are now touring with their new album American Beauty /American Psycho. Do they ever rest?! After last year's honestly emotional performance seeing the guys recover from technical difficulties and a gorgeous acoustic session that only the first 2 rows could really hear, I can't wait for another magical night.

Song I'm most looking forward to hearing live: Uma Thurman



1. Pierce The Veil

The top spot has to go to my favourite Mexicore rockers from San Francisco. I have been waiting for a very long time to be able to see these guys live and after securing presale tickets before Christmas, the very long wait is almost over. After watching their Yahoo live stream from the US last month, I am so excited to see what Pierce the Veil have to offer. They promise to put on an incredible show and I know they will live up to their word.

Song I'm most looking forward to hearing live: A Match Into Water


Sunday 15 March 2015

EDM Dreams: Miika Weimann

Positivity, inspiring lyrics and romantic promises. Not things you usually find in music these days, especially not in EDM, but Miika Weimann, otherwise known as Above Stars, is changing the face of electronic music slowly but surely. Taking inspiration from EDM geniuses like Owl City, Breathe Carolina and Avicii, he is not only working on his own music, but is also helping those who want to break into the music business.

Coming from a musical background, it is no shock that Miika has found himself creating music for a living. His father is a classical musician, his mother is a singer and his grandfather was also a classical musician and composer which he said has 'played a big part' in him wanting to pursue a career in music.



Creating music obviously came naturally to Miika, and he loves having the 'freedom to do whatever [he] wants'. He is not often found 'playing something someone else wrote' as he fully appreciates the chance to write his own material, unless he can find a way to inject his upbeat energy into another artist's track.

As well as working on music for his main project, Above Stars, Miika is also working on 'a side project for fun, that is completely different' from his EDM roots that we here at 4.3.5 cannot wait to hear. The positivity from his music honestly reflects Miika as a person. He is always looking for talented musicians to work with. It doesn't matter what their background is like, just as long as they speak English, Miika is interested. Being so flexible can only work in his favour, and he thanks the Internet for allowing him to connect and work with a multitude of musicians around the world. No matter the project, he always looks forward to making music.



He has promised us that his new music is even better than the last EP he released If The Sun Burned Out (which has now become my favourite EP to get me in the mood to party). If Miika can live up to his promise, get ready to fall in love with EDM again.

Giving up is not something Miika believes in, and he left us with some advice for everyone who wants to make it into the music industry: 'Practice hard, get help and study. If you are good at what you do and your dream is to do something with it, then never stop trying and pushing and being creative.'

You can download Above Stars' music here or check him out on Spotify. Miika is looking to work with artists from all over the globe, contact him to arrange a session.

Tuesday 10 March 2015

Review: Smoke & Mirrors

It's been three years since Imagine Dragons bust onto the scene with Night Visions and it's delightful to hear from them again. Their light electro-pop vibes are here in time for the Spring and I can guarantee that at least one of these songs will become your summer anthem.

Just like Night Visions, a lot of the lyrics from the songs on Smoke and Mirrors are very deep which contrast beautifully with the chilled out aura they project, which makes this album perfect for both dancing around in a field and the angsty rages in teenage bedrooms.


I couldn't help but notice a slight shift away from the heavy drums used in their previous songs and a jump towards indie rock, with what sounds like influences from Jack White and The Black Keys. 'I'm So Sorry' sounds a lot like it would not be out of place if it was thrown into the middle of a White Stripes set. Don't get me wrong, their indie lightness is still there in places. 'The Unknown' makes you realise that yes, Imagine Dragons already had a strong sound set out in Night Visions and fully intended to bring these sounds into their second album, however, it is fully obvious that they have grown as a band and know their influences.


Imagine Dragons are touring in November and I can't wait to see what they do with this album. I loved the drum build ups and the staging that came with Night Visions and I really hope they do something similar for Smoke & Mirrors. A magic theme would be brilliant if you;re reading this lads!

Photo Credit: Eliot Lee Hazel