Unsigned Saturdays

Hope Over Glory - Story Lines

Story Lines are a five piece local band who consist of Tom Buxton, James Fradley, Josh Eardley, Jordan Wright and Richie Abell. Unfortunately I’ve only been able to link this live track to the review however this seems to be of a decent quality for a live track.

This track starts with a lovely rhythmic bass and guitar riff. They seem almost eery when together before distorted guitar continues throughout the chorus of the track. The vocals aren’t the most clear but are alright through the quieter sections of the track. The drums add depth. The recorded version of this track appears poorly produced with the levels not seeming right.

I wish I could say more about this track without being critical but to me this band needs a lot of work. However it might be your cup of tea but it isn’t mine. If you feel like checking them out they’re playing at the Sugarmill on 22nd February.

2.5/5 - Torii Unsigned Saturdays on KUBE Music are a chance for local or unsigned bands from in and around Stoke-On-Trent to showcase their talent to Keele and beyond. If you are interested in being a featured band please contact us via the KUBE Music website

Unsigned Saturday

Tussk - The Devil Rides Out

  Tussk formed in late 2010 and are a 4 piece local band who consist of Sean Beck, Kris Capewell, Luke Springett and Mat Massey.

  This track is very well produced, a lovely drum rhythm and guitar riff to begin the track. The vocal are decent and clear through the track even when varying in styles. A very nifty upbeat track. Even when the depth of the track reduces the tempo and overall feel continue through, it’s something you can continually listen to without getting bored, picking up on little bits you don’t notice on the first listen. There’s a  nice solo concealed within with some lovely bends and harmonies.

Overall I’m impressed, the track is well produced and written. Looking forward to hearing more from this local band. If you want to check them out, Tussk are next on live in Derby, The Hairy Dog on the 5th February, but definately keep an eye out for them to appear again locally.

 4/5 - Torii

Unsigned Saturdays on KUBE Music are a chance for local or unsigned bands from in and around Stoke-On-Trent to showcase their talent to Keele and beyond. If you are interested in being a featured band please contact us via the KUBE Music website

Unsigned Saturdays

Goldwaite - Time Waits For No One   

Goldwaite are a five-piece band originating from Cheshire/Staffordshire. They consist of Chris Myatt, Nick Farr, Tom Hall, Thom Pugh and Matt Hall.

The eerie guitar sets off a lovely intro to an all round well produced and constructed song. The vocals aren’t to my taste but fit within the track well, the only want i can describe them is growled shouts. The drums add nice little fills within the almost empty verses, but it works. Then theres a wall of sound that hits you in between each verse. Theres a lovely use of guitar riffs and drumming to add depth to this track.

Overall this track isn’t really for me, but theres plenty of people out there who will like and enjoy it. This is seen by their current following. Look out for them soon, they currently have no dates booked, but I’m sure they will be around soon.

4/5 - Torii

Unsigned Saturdays on KUBE Music are a chance for local or unsigned bands from in and around Stoke-On-Trent to showcase their talent to Keele and beyond. If you are interested in being a featured band please contact us via the KUBE Music website

Unsigned Saturdays

Of Legions - Black Valleys

Of Legions are a local Stoke-on-Trent band who consist of Luke Mansfield, Dom Hitchener, Sam Morrey, Alex Dodd, Xanda Rorbach and Connor Wells.

Black Valleys opens with an immense sound, a simple distorted guitar riff and very technical drumming. While the rhythm may not seem much through the track it fits great throughout. The vocals are rather deep growls, however fit with the theme the band are looking for within the track. Theres a nice variety of depths throughout the track, although some areas do seem to repetitive.

Overall the track was alright, not really for me but you can see why they have become popular. Technically there are really good element within the track and it could be interesting to see what else they can create. Be sure to check out Of Legions when they support Continents on the 25th March in Stafford.

3.5/5 - Torii

Unsigned Saturdays on KUBE Music are a chance for local or unsigned bands from in and around Stoke-On-Trent to showcase their talent to Keele and beyond. If you are interested in being a featured band please contact us via the KUBE Music website

Unsigned Saturdays

Rebel Attire - Dancing With the Devil

Rebel Attire are a 4 piece band who were founded at the start of February 2013 after months of experimenting as a 3-Piece. They consist of Craig Key, Jovi Duvnjak, Ross Fallows and Lauren Atkinson.

Dancing With the Devil opens with energy, instantly drawing your attention with the catchy, blues guitar riff. The vocals themselves remind me a bit of Oasis fitting in nicely with the rhythm and depth of the track. While lyrically its very simple and easy to sing along with after a couple of listens. There’s a lovely guitar solo contained within, showing how technically good this band is.

You want a slightly different local band, not your normal rock group, then this is definitely a band to check out. Such a lovely sound, bluesy with a rockier edge.  You can see this band locally at the Full Moon in Newcastle on 24th January, and if once isn’t enough you can see them again at The Sugarmill on the 7th of February.

4/5 - Torii

Unsigned Saturdays on KUBE Music are a chance for local or unsigned bands from in and around Stoke-On-Trent to showcase their talent to Keele and beyond. If you are interested in being a featured band please contact us via the KUBE Music website

Unsigned Saturdays

Firstly I apologise for last week and there not being any reviews, however I hope this week’s awesome tracks make up for this.

We Fight Like Kids - Falconer

We Fight Like Kids formed in 2013 and consist of Nathan Proudfoot, Gianni Basi, Jacob Ford, Sam Capps and Dominic Dallali. The band have managed to create a unique and professional sound, consisting of many different elements and techniques from multiple genres.

I have been privileged by this band to review their track prior to its release, and I’m definitely recommending that you waiting to hear the full track, the teaser does not give it justice. This band is full of talent. The vocals and how they alter in style through the track is a credit to Nathan (the vocalist), they work so well through the track and its varying rhythm throughout. While the guitarist’s Gianni and Jacob are very talented individuals, fitting punk chords and other picking styles within a track like this is extremely impressive.  

We Fight Like Kids are currently recording their first EP, which is due for release in 2014, which I can’t wait for. I definitely recommend looking out for this band and you should certainly check out the full track when it has been released.

The full track gets 5/5 - Torii

Unsigned Saturdays on KUBE Music are a chance for local or unsigned bands from in and around Stoke-On-Trent to showcase their talent to Keele and beyond. If you are interested in being a featured band please contact us via the KUBE Music website

Modern Baseball- Sports

This band has given me everything I and I hope many other people have been desperate for so long. Finally a band that just want to make music for the sake of making music, making a connection with an audience and perhaps even establishing a relationship between their songs and their audience. Modern Baseball have a sound that blends Midwestern-emo music; bands like Cap’n Jazz and Sunny Day Real Estate; with Pop-Punk. Thus creating a sound that should be familiar with fans of The Promise Ring, Jawbreaker and in particular Jimmy Eat World before ‘The Middle’ happened. Modern Baseball have ventured out into the danger zone of producing... fun music. Finally a band brave enough to access the equilibrium that exists between creating individual intelligent music and enjoyable music. Everything about them is so relaxed and that is in itself creates a sense of originality; finally a band that isn’t overly concerned with taking themselves too seriously. A band that takes us through and from the Wu-Lyf era where bands can finally accept their status as a human physicality instead of trying to create an extra-human entity from of four middle class men from Manchester.

‘Sports’ is just such a refreshing album. In an era where each new album seems to be an absurd yet desperate expression of senseless, meaningless, frantic individualism and a desperation towards achieving some artistic credibility, Modern Baseball have created an album that is so effortless in both music and lyrics that opens up a naturalistic, home-made aspect to music that has been amiss since as far back as Bloc Party’s Silent Alarm. An album like this has been needed for very long. Lyrics will without a doubt come in to criticism for being very teenage and an perhaps not all that insightful; particularly ‘@Chlo3k’, and I have to admit that personally I am surprised I have let myself to album that previously I would have dignified as another pulped out pop punk album but yet I feel Modern Baseball have really produced something here. The songs are personal and yet universal, the sound is accessible and yet intelligent, the lyrics are relaxed and yet innovative. Really great album, came out in US 2012 but only reached the UK in 2013, Modern Baseball are definitely ones to watch.

9/10

Kieran

Unsigned Saturdays

This Game of Ghosts - Force Fed

This week seems to be full of the more alternative heavier tracks. However I like it (must be the mood I’m in)! Another local band, another awesome track.

Some very talented musicians within this band.  The drummer, bassist, vocalist and multiple guitarists are technically very impressive. The official video for this too is very professional. This week’s tracks seem to be getting better and better. The rhythm throughout is diverse yet keeps your attention, drawing you into the song and the lyrics.

I just can’t wait to hear more. Definitely check this band out if you get the chance. Can’t wait to hear any new material that they produce.

4.5/5 - Torii

Unsigned Saturdays on KUBE Music are a chance for local or unsigned bands from in and around Stoke-On-Trent to showcase their talent to Keele and beyond. If you are interested in being a featured band please contact us via the KUBE Music website

Unsigned Saturdays

Betrayal Within the Ranks - She Cries Wolf

Last week this review took a break for Christmas, however it is back to normal service now, and what a cracker of a track to get 2014 underway. Betrayal Within the Ranks are another local band with big ambitions, but man their professionalism is faultless. The track is produced and created to a very high standard.

If you’re looking for something a lot heavier to add to your music collection then this is one of the bands to look out for. Lyrically, She Cries Wolf is very simplistic, however there is plenty going on to keep your attention throughout. There is a lovely guitar riff continuing throughout, I just don’t seem to find a fault with this. Maybe it’s just what mood I’m in while listening but I really can’t wait to hear more.

Keep an eye out for this band, there are currently no shows announced but I’m sure we will be seeing them again soon.

4.5/5 - Torii

Unsigned Saturdays on KUBE Music are a chance for local or unsigned bands from in and around Stoke-On-Trent to showcase their talent to Keele and beyond. If you are interested in being a featured band please contact us via the KUBE Music website

Best of 2013

Skillet - Rise

I’m pretty new to this band, I saw they were supporting Nickelback on their Hits Tour, so I decided to check them out, and I wasn’t disappointed. It’s safe to say I’m sorta addicted to them now. They are also amazing live. You can tell they wanted to be there and also feel privileged for being there, it was hard to believe that when I saw them it was their first gig within the UK. The female drummer, Jen Ledger definitely impressed me, playing in heels!? Not what you normally see, but her vocals are amazing also, as are John and Korey Cooper’s. The main guitarist, Seth Morrison, is very talented. On another note, there really needs to be more orchestral instruments used by rock bands live, it proper adds to the atmosphere.

This album is the band's newest release. With 15 tracks, it can easily get you through a road trip (as I demonstrated to my boyfriend on the way to the Nickelback concert we attended). I thought as Skillet are my band of 2013 and their album Rise is my album of 2013, I will add a brief review of my favourite couple of songs from the album.

Sick of it

Wow, this song is awesome. The whispered chant at the start and towards to the end over a sort of techno rhythm is superb.  Before the drums and powered rhythm hits you. They lyrics are amazingly well written, and relatable. “ Are you over it? Bored to death? Have you had enough regret? Take a stand, raise your hands, if you're sick of it”. This was my favourite track of the night when I saw them perform.

Good to be Alive

A slightly softer track on the album, but still as good as the rest. It’s definitely got radio track written all over it, shame you never hear it.  Such a simple love song about two people being together and being thankful for it. “We hold onto each other. You are everything I need. You feel like forever. You’re a second chance for me”. I love this song so much it so needs to be listened to.

Personally I adore this band now, their new and old stuff. Since I found them they have taken over my playlists and are constantly being played. The energy in their live performances is phenomenal and I cannot wait to see more and hear more off them.

Torii

Best of 2013 - Sound City

2013 in music, for me, was the The Breeders 20th anniversary Last Splash tour, the release of several spotless albums (think Arctic Monkey’s AM, Arcade Fire’s Reflector, Disclosure’s Settle) and the reform of Neutral Milk Hotel. Sound City was Dave Grohl’s directorial debut released earlier this year (18th January), and it managed to withstand these events and remain the best thing that happened to music this year.

The documentary delves into the making of a Sound City record: Producer giants, English Engineering, Runners, alcohol, cigarettes and Rick Springfield’s dog. All of these depicted outstandingly with a extensive resource of exclusive interviews, aged footage and an obviously great soundtrack. We see it’s humble beginnings with artists from Fleetwood Mac to Tom Petty, the crippling debt it underwent and the album, Nevermind, that saved it, through to its final moments before being drowned with the demand of the digital age. The flash montages between 90s Grohl and present Grohl pounding away at Smells like Teen Spirit will make your spine shiver and there are some definite tears to be shed from the dedication people had to this musical abode.

This film is exactly the antidote needed this year to remind us that the music industry isn’t just one huge, money fuelled publicity stunt. Although a small operation, there are still bands out there working tirelessly with their albums on record like their great predecessors, rather than saying something catchy into a mic and letting the technology do the rest of the work.

I hope the inspiration that oozes from this documentary will inspire more artists to do the same as we move into 2014, here’s to another year of great music, movies and record.

- Gina

So 2013 is drawing to a close and the whole world is out partying... apart from KUBE's deputy head of music who is sat on the sofa surrounded by dogs and drinking a rosé spritzer. At least it gives me some time to reflect one my personal music highlights from the year.

Best Single

This one has to go to Zedd - Clarity featuring Foxes. It's an amazing song our former head of music, George, reviewed for us, and it's ended up being my stand out tune of the year. I'm at a loss of how to describe it really as words always fail me when I really fall for something, but it's just lovely and Zedd's latest collaboration with Hayley Williams is equally as epic.

Best Album/Artist

For this I'm going to have to go with Bastille and Bad Blood. There are a few different artists I would happily have chosen for this section but these guys just about do it for me. I've not come across anyone who doesn't like them really and it's a respect well deserved; to unabashedly go with a completely overused expression Bastille are a breath of minty-fresh air into modern music charts and they've a sound that can't quite be matched by anyone else.

If you've not already seen it this Abbey Road recording of Flaws needs to be on your radar. Again, I'm terrible at describing things I really love but this is just drop dead gorgeous. Trust me.

Best News Story

I'm sorry, but I have to go with Fall Out Boy's return for my best news story. With denials of a reunion continuing till the day before the release of My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark this was kept massively hush hush and made for a brilliant surprise.

I know quite a few people are really not a fan of the new album but personally I am quite enamoured with it. This was big news for FOB fans of which I am proudly one of.

And there we have it! A small round up of my favourite music-related items of the year. The KUBE team will be weighing in on their 2013 highlights over the next few days taking us into the new year; applications are also currently open to join any part of TeamKUBE or have your own radio show so if you fancy a crack at a bit of student media in 2014 then go ahead and click right here.

And with T minus ten minutes to go, it's time to wish you all a happy new year from the KUBE Music team!

- Megan

The KUBE Christmas Countdown - Christmas Eve!

This review has been ready and waiting to go since day one, but I just couldn't let it have anything other than the top spot. Everyone loves this song to pieces and it's guaranteed to bring out the Irish in everyone, especially my drunk dad... but enough from me! It's time for me to leave you in Kieran's very capable hands for his unique spin on (what is in my opinion) the best Christmas song to have ever existed - Megan

The Pogues and Kirsty Macoll- Fairytale of New York

So this year the KUBE music committee have been asked to review their favourite Christmas song. Now this proved difficult for me and with much reluctance to do so, I decided that I would concede that The Pogues and Kristy McColl’s ‘Fairytale of New York’ is my favourite Christmas song. I say reluctance to do so because the song is not a Christmas song.

The classification of a song as a Christmas song is something that, to so many songs, provides a magical nostalgic festive novelty and helps attribute to it a sentimental value not accessible by any other genre or classification of song. But when you class a song like Fairytale of New York as Christmas song, it just doesn’t allow the song the justice it is entitled to. The song no longer becomes a song in its own right but a song that relies on the spirit of Christmas.

The Fairytale of New York is not a novelty. It does not present a magical ‘Fairytale’ Christmas where love and dreams and anything is possible, McGowan instead presents a real Christmas, a human Christmas. He gives us a Christmas that isn’t concerned with advertising and recirculating the theme love and happiness, that can only be accessed by means of buying the new line of perfume, necklace, filth to be fed to that special someone this Christmas time. The song transcends the world of the corporate Christmas to a real respectable moment on which we can recognise what a real Christmas is. A moment to pause and reflect on life no matter where you are, no matter who you are a drug dealer, an alcoholic, an Irish immigrant in New York away from home on Christmas.

Somewhere in the guttural carelessness of Shane McGowan’s voice and the stark realism of his, the vindictive relationship between McColl and McGowan’s characters, the conflict between a sweet folk ballad and Christmas time this song generates an unreal feeling of timeless recognition among all generation. Now not a person will ever feel alone as long as the NYPD choir are still singing Galway Bay. Merry Christmas your arse and a happy new year.

Kieran

Merry Christmas and a happy new year from everyone at KUBE radio!

The KUBE Christmas Countdown - 2 Days To Go!

Wham! - Last Christmas

A classic for all the lovesick KUBE listeners following the countdown. What si there to say about Last Christmas? A look into George Michael's sensitive side, but this time with a festive twist alongside those very fetching 80s hairstyles.

It's the Christmas song you find yourself drunkenly singing along to in the pub with your old school mates, really showing that lass who ignored you in maths (and who happens to be sat across the room) how she made you feel.

As far as musicality goes I can't say this is technically the best Christmas song out there but if we're talking the best song to whip out for karaoke then Wham! will most certainly have your back.

The KUBE team are counting down to Christmas with our favourite festive songs. With daily posts until the big day be sure to keep up to date with this year’s Christmas playlist!

The KUBE Christmas Countdown - 3 days to go!!

Rage Against The Machine - Killing In The Name

Okay, not very Christmassy but hear me out. Do you remember the race to the Christmas number one? The anticipation of who would get the most coveted number one spot of the year? Nope? Well apparently that's what used to happen before the Simon Cowell media machine took over.

The X Factor winner getting the Christmas number one spot every year was the most boring thing to ever happen to music so when in 2009 the Rage versus Joe McElderry battle commenced it brought the fun back into it a bit. This was the first year since Shayne Ward's X Factor win that we genuinely didn't know who was going to come out on top and, not going to lie, when I heard the intro to that dodgy Miley Cyrus cover chime it at number 2 I pretty much jumped off my seat.

In 20011 and 2012 the X Factor winner failed to grab the number one spot but this year the crown is back on the head of Sam Bailey who's chart longevity is unlikely to even extend till next years battle.

The aptly named Rage Against The Machine took back the fun in the UK music charts and for that, it'll always be one of my favourite 'Christmas' songs

The KUBE team are counting down to Christmas with our favourite festive songs. With daily posts until the big day be sure to keep up to date with this year’s Christmas playlist!

The KUBE Christmas Countdown - 4 Days To Go!

Mariah Caery  - All I Want For Christmas Is You

It wouldn't be Christmas without this song. Having recently sold 1 million copies since it was first released in 1994, where it was beaten to the Christmas number 1 song by East 17 - Stay Another Day (Yesterday's Song). It is all about the declaration of love and being with your partner over the holidays rather than having "presents underneath the Christmas tree". 

Another guilty pleasure song, I can't help but want to dance when it comes on and it definitely gets me in the Christmas spirit!

The KUBE team are counting down to Christmas with our favourite festive songs. With daily posts until the big day be sure to keep up to date with this year’s Christmas playlist!