Augustines

Augustines, made up of Billy McCarthy, Eric Sanderson and Rob Allen, are an American indie rock band from Brooklyn.

With an upcoming tour due to start in the next couple of weeks - it kicks off in Phoenix - and the recent release of their second album "Augustines" this band are certainly making an impression on the current music scene.

Their debut album "Rise Ye Sunken Ships" was a great album, featuring an array of good songs including "Chapel Song," "Strange Days" and "New Drink for the Old Drunk." The first single released from the album was "Book of James." When listening to this album it becomes evident that the boys have been through some pretty dark times, however what is good is their ability to use these painful experiences and convert them into great songs.

Their second album "Augustines" was released on February 3rd and although it is not quite on the same level as their debut it is still very good. Songs from this album worth checking out are "The Avenue," "Weary Eyes" and "Nothing To Lose But Your Head." Despite their great songs I have to admit the main driving force to liking this band is because of lead singer Billy McCarthy. His voice is something else - raspy and raw, he sings in a way that leaves you utterly convinced he means every word. If I was to compare him, in terms of performance style and voice I would straight away say Brian Fallon from The Gaslight Anthem.

This band have received a string of great reviews from their previous tour dates and I would seriously urge you to check them out. If you are keen to see them I would advise buying tickets sooner rather than later as their shows often sell out.

Check out their website for further information on tickets and tour dates (incl. European) http://www.weareaugustines.com/tour/

Twitter: @WeAreAugustines

Gaslight Anthem Review

Gaslight Anthem, an American rock band from New Jersey, are one of my favorite bands.

This band has released three albums. "Sink or Swim," my favorite "The 59 Sound" and their most recent "American Slang." They have also just announced that they have began recording songs for their fourth album which they hope to release later this year. I personally feel "The 59 Sound" is the bands most successful album to date, due to their ability to combine rock n'roll with definte elements of hardcore, pop-punk and classic soul.

If you are a fan of artists such as Frank Turner, Bruce Springsteen and Brian Fallon, than Gaslight Anthem are a band you should check out!

I saw this band last year at the 02 Academy in Birmingham, UK. The two support acts Shark and Twin Atlantic, were nothing special and did little to warm up the crowd. Despite this, when Gaslight Anthem finally came onto the stage, the crowd instantly warmed up and sang along to all their songs. I have to admit, I was pretty surprised to see the wide mix of people that turned up to see them live.

The set which Gaslight Anthem performed was very good. They opened their gig with American Slang and progressed with the songs Great Expectations, The 59'  Sound, Boxer and Stay Lucky. I must add they gave an exceptional performance of Queen of Lower Chelsea and Blue Jeans & White T-shirts.

My personal highlight was watching the lead singer, Brian Fallon on stage. He looks completely in his element and sings with so much confidence and passion that the entire crowd is left captivated. 

The gig was very good and I would certainly suggest people to go and see them live.

Tour dates:
26th July. Hudson River Park - NYC
28th July. Hudson River Park - NYC
31st July. Upstate Concert Hall - NYC
8th September. The Paramount - Huntington, NY

For information regarding tickets or the rest of their tour check out:  http://www.songkick.com/artists/550811-gaslight-anthem/calendar?page=1

The Bamboozle Music Festival

Bamboozle Festival takes place every year and is certainly worth checking out. It runs from April 29th until May 1st, and has many great headliners such as Lil Wayne, Tacking Back Sunday and Thirty Seconds to Mars. I have not been lucky enough to see many of these bands live, however I have seen Frank Turner and The Gaslight Anthem. If these two gigs are anything to go by, than this is going to be a great festival.

Ticket prices work like Airlines prices, the closer the the festival the higher the price of the ticket. With this in mind, I advise you to purchase tickets sooner rather than later.

For more information on bands and tickets visit: www.thebamboozle.com/index.php

Some of the bands include:
Lil Wayne, Motley Crue, Taking back Sunday, The Gaslight Anthem, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Wiz Khalifa, Bruno Mars, Biffy Clyro, Chiddy Bang, Dashboard Confessional, Frank Turner, LMFAO, Plain White T's,  Senses Fail and Super Mash Bros.

The Airborne Toxic Event

 I am a huge fan of this band.

The Airborne Toxic Event is a five piece indie-rock band from Los Angeles. If you like bands such as Silversun Pickups, The Gaslight Anthem and The Bravery, than The Airborne Toxic Event are a band you definitely should check out.

To date, Airborne Toxic Event have released two albums; their debut self titled album "The Airborne Toxic Event" and "All at Once" (2011). It has recently been announced that they will be releasing a third album "Such Hot Blood" in April of this year - I cant wait!!

I have been fortunate enough to see this band live - to check out my review, click on the Link. I would highly recommend everyone to go and see them live, however I would stress that you should get tickets ASAP as tickets to their live shows frequently sell out.

 Tour dates:
4th April. Rescue Rooms - Nottingham, UK
5th April. Academy 2 - Manchester, UK
8th April. Cockpit - Leeds, UK
10th April. Wedgewood Rooms - Portsmouth, UK
19th April. Dublin Castle - London, UK
20th April. Barfly - London, UK
21st April. Kings College - London, UK
22nd April. Koko - London, UK
2nd May. Pianos - NYC
3rd May. Mercury Lounge - NYC
4th May. Bowery Ballroom - NYC
5th May. Webster Hall - NYC
6th May. Town Hall - NYC


For more information see : http://www.theairbornetoxicevent.com/shows