MANIC MOSH
#01 March / April 2024
MANIC MOSH
LIONHEART – 2024 “The Grace Of A Dragonfly”label: Metalville
links: https://www.facebook.com/lionheartrock
https://www.lionheartrock.com/
Four years since the band's latest album, “The Reality Of Miracles”, the long running Lionheart has come up with an absolute treat of an album that ticks all the boxes in A.O.R / Symphonic HardRock, graced with top level musicianship and a solid smooth production. After an ominous intro, “Declaration” opens the concept album in dramatic balladry modus, layered with thumping Symphonic Rock sections and 70's styled multi-vocals choirs, all blended into a bombastic offering that sets the tone for the quality that is about to come for the rest of the set. The American A.O.R flavoured “Flight 19” reminds of the mid 80's and clearly displays the vocal abilities of singer Lee Small delivering a pitch perfect, mid-to upper vocal range with a good vibrato and an emotional undertone. Some cool, classical edged guitar action down the emotive edged Radio Rocker “This Is A Woman's War” reminding of the 80's Neo Classical thing without overdoing it. It is also here that the vocals are peaking in range, adding to the 80's vibe. The album is a mere, mid-tempo affair with the beats upped on the (album's fastest workout) “The Longest Night”, a driving track with some some nice 'duelling' guitar action), the catchy “Little Ships” and the toe-tapping, up-tempo ”V Is For Victory” with the vocals topping the scales again. The 70's sound comes resurfacing down the semi-balladry of “Just A Man” , further accented by the multiple twin guitar hooks which there is plenty of down the album. The bobbing “UXB” is just how good it gets in Symphonic / A.O.R territories, gelled with an American Radio Rock flair; bombastic yet easy on the ear. The radio-friendly “The Eagle's Nest” is one of the 'lighter' tracks on the album with the classic multi-vocal choirs counter balancing the 80's feel. Everything on this album is in the right place and right proportion, nicely diversified and a treat to listen to from start to finish.
Paulus Van
links: https://www.facebook.com/lionheartrock
https://www.lionheartrock.com/
Four years since the band's latest album, “The Reality Of Miracles”, the long running Lionheart has come up with an absolute treat of an album that ticks all the boxes in A.O.R / Symphonic HardRock, graced with top level musicianship and a solid smooth production. After an ominous intro, “Declaration” opens the concept album in dramatic balladry modus, layered with thumping Symphonic Rock sections and 70's styled multi-vocals choirs, all blended into a bombastic offering that sets the tone for the quality that is about to come for the rest of the set. The American A.O.R flavoured “Flight 19” reminds of the mid 80's and clearly displays the vocal abilities of singer Lee Small delivering a pitch perfect, mid-to upper vocal range with a good vibrato and an emotional undertone. Some cool, classical edged guitar action down the emotive edged Radio Rocker “This Is A Woman's War” reminding of the 80's Neo Classical thing without overdoing it. It is also here that the vocals are peaking in range, adding to the 80's vibe. The album is a mere, mid-tempo affair with the beats upped on the (album's fastest workout) “The Longest Night”, a driving track with some some nice 'duelling' guitar action), the catchy “Little Ships” and the toe-tapping, up-tempo ”V Is For Victory” with the vocals topping the scales again. The 70's sound comes resurfacing down the semi-balladry of “Just A Man” , further accented by the multiple twin guitar hooks which there is plenty of down the album. The bobbing “UXB” is just how good it gets in Symphonic / A.O.R territories, gelled with an American Radio Rock flair; bombastic yet easy on the ear. The radio-friendly “The Eagle's Nest” is one of the 'lighter' tracks on the album with the classic multi-vocal choirs counter balancing the 80's feel. Everything on this album is in the right place and right proportion, nicely diversified and a treat to listen to from start to finish.
Paulus Van
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General Jack photos above left , right and top right by Jim Donnelly / Anaxa Images
GENERAL JACK – 4 track CD E.P. 2023 “General Jack”
label: private press
band link: https://www.facebook.com/generaljack5
The origins of General Jack date back to the tail end of the 80's when 4 workmates and a good lot of beer laid the basis to form a band. However, it wasn't until 1997 with singer Daz joining the ranks that General Jack became 'official'. As a 5 piece, ''the band played many gigs, had many drunken late nights in the back of a van and most of all had great fun”. From 2013 onwards, General Jack had some line-up changes and eventually continued as a four piece until 2019 when it was decided to take a break from it. A few years further down the line at a local music festival, the idea to do a 'comeback gig' at this particular event was brought to life and shortly after, General Jack regrouped in a modified line up. Weeks of rehearsing followed to get the band 'gig and festival ready' and also officially materialize some General Jack originals (including 2 freshly penned songs) for the first time since its inception. The result is a 4 songer that truly captures the spirit of old-school (Hard) Rock as evidenced right from the very first notes of the up-tempo “Show No Mercy”; a head bobbing old-school HardRocker that reminds of AC/DC's “Let There Be Rock”, fuelled by a gripping lead riff and upper mid-range vocals over a driving beat. The sound and vibe that spark off the song easily make you visualize this on the stage of a denim and leather clad Rock bar at high volume, drenched in beer. Next one up, “Fantasy”, is a catchy assortment of Pub Rock, Biker Rock and (early) 70's Rock with a toe-tapping rhythm, followed by the slow groovster that is “Cold Hearted Woman”. The E.P concludes with a slowed down cover version of Dr. Feelgood's “Going Back Home” that is dressed with a slide-guitar solo to replace the harmonica of the original, adding a touch of Blackfoot to the sound. In all, a very entertaining slab of classic Rock that goes perfectly with an ice cold beer.
Paulus Van
label: private press
band link: https://www.facebook.com/generaljack5
The origins of General Jack date back to the tail end of the 80's when 4 workmates and a good lot of beer laid the basis to form a band. However, it wasn't until 1997 with singer Daz joining the ranks that General Jack became 'official'. As a 5 piece, ''the band played many gigs, had many drunken late nights in the back of a van and most of all had great fun”. From 2013 onwards, General Jack had some line-up changes and eventually continued as a four piece until 2019 when it was decided to take a break from it. A few years further down the line at a local music festival, the idea to do a 'comeback gig' at this particular event was brought to life and shortly after, General Jack regrouped in a modified line up. Weeks of rehearsing followed to get the band 'gig and festival ready' and also officially materialize some General Jack originals (including 2 freshly penned songs) for the first time since its inception. The result is a 4 songer that truly captures the spirit of old-school (Hard) Rock as evidenced right from the very first notes of the up-tempo “Show No Mercy”; a head bobbing old-school HardRocker that reminds of AC/DC's “Let There Be Rock”, fuelled by a gripping lead riff and upper mid-range vocals over a driving beat. The sound and vibe that spark off the song easily make you visualize this on the stage of a denim and leather clad Rock bar at high volume, drenched in beer. Next one up, “Fantasy”, is a catchy assortment of Pub Rock, Biker Rock and (early) 70's Rock with a toe-tapping rhythm, followed by the slow groovster that is “Cold Hearted Woman”. The E.P concludes with a slowed down cover version of Dr. Feelgood's “Going Back Home” that is dressed with a slide-guitar solo to replace the harmonica of the original, adding a touch of Blackfoot to the sound. In all, a very entertaining slab of classic Rock that goes perfectly with an ice cold beer.
Paulus Van
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SLICK CHERRY – single 2023 “Woman”
label: private press
band links:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090959707262
https://www.instagram.com/slick_cherry_band
Woman (Radio Edit) - YouTube
“Woman” is the debut single by Essex based 4-piece Slick Cherry; an all original band that is revving up the Southend scene with their 'loud and raunchy style Rock'. This single is all that, rolling on a head bobbing mid-tempo beat that is caked with an almost Punk-ish guitar tone and the snarling vocalage of frontman Justin. The music has this 'plug in and play' feel, harking back to classic, Hard Rockin (Blues) Rock the way it was done back in the 70's, and how it was integrated into the sound of the new wave of U.K Hard Rock bands in the very early 80's. Slick Cherry are the 'Rat Rod' of Rock music; down, dirty and unpolished with a full throttle delivery reviving the sound of class acts such as Blue Cheer and Mountain. “Woman” is available on multiple music platform so go check it out.
Paulus Van
label: private press
band links:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090959707262
https://www.instagram.com/slick_cherry_band
Woman (Radio Edit) - YouTube
“Woman” is the debut single by Essex based 4-piece Slick Cherry; an all original band that is revving up the Southend scene with their 'loud and raunchy style Rock'. This single is all that, rolling on a head bobbing mid-tempo beat that is caked with an almost Punk-ish guitar tone and the snarling vocalage of frontman Justin. The music has this 'plug in and play' feel, harking back to classic, Hard Rockin (Blues) Rock the way it was done back in the 70's, and how it was integrated into the sound of the new wave of U.K Hard Rock bands in the very early 80's. Slick Cherry are the 'Rat Rod' of Rock music; down, dirty and unpolished with a full throttle delivery reviving the sound of class acts such as Blue Cheer and Mountain. “Woman” is available on multiple music platform so go check it out.
Paulus Van
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SLICK CHERRY – single 2024 “On The Ground”
https://linktr.ee/slickcherry
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090959707262
https://www.instagram.com/slick_cherry_band
Following the release of earlier singles, “Woman” and “Shotgun”, awaiting their full lengther, Slick Cherry are truly rockin' it, enjoying raving feedback and a most generous amount of airplay throughout the UK and far beyond with a solid coverage om the USA! The new single, “On The Ground” employs the same rough grain sandpaper sound of the previous work, injected with a toe-tapping, mid-tempo beat and a gripping wah-wah lead riff, dressed with gravelly vocals and groovy solo hooks with the amps on 10! This thing rips, rocks and roars, gelling the likes of (post) Britpop, Hard Rock and Blues Rock. Cool!
The “On The Ground” single will officially be released on Friday the 5th of January.
Paulus Van
https://linktr.ee/slickcherry
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090959707262
https://www.instagram.com/slick_cherry_band
Following the release of earlier singles, “Woman” and “Shotgun”, awaiting their full lengther, Slick Cherry are truly rockin' it, enjoying raving feedback and a most generous amount of airplay throughout the UK and far beyond with a solid coverage om the USA! The new single, “On The Ground” employs the same rough grain sandpaper sound of the previous work, injected with a toe-tapping, mid-tempo beat and a gripping wah-wah lead riff, dressed with gravelly vocals and groovy solo hooks with the amps on 10! This thing rips, rocks and roars, gelling the likes of (post) Britpop, Hard Rock and Blues Rock. Cool!
The “On The Ground” single will officially be released on Friday the 5th of January.
Paulus Van
The Cow & Telescope - Southend-on-Sea
79 Southchurch Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2NL
Live music Friday and Saturday nights @ 21:30 hrs.
The perfect place to Rock out.
Check for gigs at the Cow & Telescope FB page here:
https://www.facebook.com/cowandtelescope
or at the live band photos website
http://www.livebandphotos.co.uk/
79 Southchurch Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2NL
Live music Friday and Saturday nights @ 21:30 hrs.
The perfect place to Rock out.
Check for gigs at the Cow & Telescope FB page here:
https://www.facebook.com/cowandtelescope
or at the live band photos website
http://www.livebandphotos.co.uk/
CRANK – 2023 E.P “Mean Filth Riders”
label: Prowler records
links: https://www.facebook.com/meanfilthriders
https://crankbikerrock.bandcamp.com/album/mean-filth-riders
This is the debut of Sweden's Crank featuring members of Nifelheim and Destroyer 666 venturing on something completely different and man, does it work! Six songs of no nonsense, down and dirty Hard Rock greased up with Biker Rock and 80's sounding German Metal! Opening tune “Rebels of The Night” sounds like W.A.S.P gate crashing NWOBHM and clears the way for the Punk Rock / Metal cocktail that is “In The Wind”. The 80's thing is all over the upbeat “Thunder Road” and the mid-paced “Mean Filth Riders” that both sound identical to the classic Euro Hard Rock / Metal concept, rolling on straight forward, riff based themes that are dressed with grainy vocals that compliment the raw edge of the whole. This is upped on the up-tempo “Shooter” that sounds like merging Motorhead with Hard Rockin' Blues. In all, “Mean Filth Riders” is an entertaining, no-frills Hard Rock affair, custom built with Biker Rock and classic Euro Metal without the polishing!
Paulus Van
label: Prowler records
links: https://www.facebook.com/meanfilthriders
https://crankbikerrock.bandcamp.com/album/mean-filth-riders
This is the debut of Sweden's Crank featuring members of Nifelheim and Destroyer 666 venturing on something completely different and man, does it work! Six songs of no nonsense, down and dirty Hard Rock greased up with Biker Rock and 80's sounding German Metal! Opening tune “Rebels of The Night” sounds like W.A.S.P gate crashing NWOBHM and clears the way for the Punk Rock / Metal cocktail that is “In The Wind”. The 80's thing is all over the upbeat “Thunder Road” and the mid-paced “Mean Filth Riders” that both sound identical to the classic Euro Hard Rock / Metal concept, rolling on straight forward, riff based themes that are dressed with grainy vocals that compliment the raw edge of the whole. This is upped on the up-tempo “Shooter” that sounds like merging Motorhead with Hard Rockin' Blues. In all, “Mean Filth Riders” is an entertaining, no-frills Hard Rock affair, custom built with Biker Rock and classic Euro Metal without the polishing!
Paulus Van
The Papillon - Southend-on-Sea
14-15 Marine Parade, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2EJ
Live music Friday and Saturday nights @ 21:30 and Sunday afternoons @14:00 hrs.
Great selection of drinks, 5 star bar staff and great bands!
Check for gigs at the Papillon FB page here:
https://www.facebook.com/thepapillonmusicbar
or at the live band photos websitehttp://www.livebandphotos.co.uk/
14-15 Marine Parade, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2EJ
Live music Friday and Saturday nights @ 21:30 and Sunday afternoons @14:00 hrs.
Great selection of drinks, 5 star bar staff and great bands!
Check for gigs at the Papillon FB page here:
https://www.facebook.com/thepapillonmusicbar
or at the live band photos websitehttp://www.livebandphotos.co.uk/
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CART & HORSES – Maryland / Stratford London E15
1 Maryland Point E15 1PF London
links: www.cartandhorses.london
https://www.facebook.com/CartnHorsesE15
THE place where Iron Maiden started out and still holds high the flame of Rock and Metal. Brilliant, refurbished combination of bar upstairs and music venue in the basement that is also fitted with a bar! Proper bar, proper food and the best Hard Rockin' music in town!
None of the content on this page or on the whole of Manic Mosh or Manic Mosh Metal is paid for; All and any promotion is entirely non-profit