BRIGHTON babes Demob Happy are a four-piece taking a stand against banality and apathy, whilst making seriously sweet sounds. Formed of lead singer/bassist Matthew Marcantonio, drummer Thomas Armstrong and guitarists Matthew Renforth and Adam Godfrey. In terms of their signature sound, think super-sized brooding epics tinged with Queens Of The Stone Age style riffs and snarls reminiscent of Metallica here and there. The quintet's track 'Junk DNA' is a frenetic anthem from the minute you press play. The riffs and beats come thick and fast, there's no doubt Demob Happy could give Muse a run for their money at times. The group manage to spark a frenzy and ensure listeners will be listening long after their sub five minute track is over.
Dealing in mind-expanding material, we're excited to see what the future holds for this four-piece. If they keep up the bruising rhythms and searing guitar hooks, then it won't be long before they seamlessly transition into the band that everybody's talking about. Words Lauren Wade
The second part of our annual festive album countdown sees established rock artists make waves with 2013 releases that surprised and delighted. Part 2 of our ultimate 2013 album coverage covers #10 to #6. As always, there is a little something tucked away for everyone.
10 - Paul McCartney 'New'
Fans of ex-Beatle Paul McCartney were dubious to say the least when the music icon announced news of latest album 'New'. As his sixteenth studio album, 'New' sees McCartney cover old ground in a nostalgic manner whilst incorporating elements of a feel-good nature that'll have you bopping along, even if you're one of those annoying music snobs who thinks McCartney's past his time.
Having enlisted the production skills of four producers, Sir Macca compiled one of his greatest albums in a very long time. Stand-out tracks include the effortless 'Queenie Eye' with smooth guitar lines and understated psychedelic vibes. Soulful slow-jam 'Everybody Out There' is another highlight conveying the sparkle McCartney has never once lost throughout his extensive career (no, not even at last year's Olympic opening ceremony).
'New' was released on 14th October and charted at #3 in the UK Albums Chart.
9 - Miles Kane 'Don't Forget Who You Are' Wirral Riddler Miles Kane pulled out all of the stops on the follow-up to 2011's 'Colour Of The Trap'. The result was a strong second that proved to fans Kane is more than just Alex Turner's mate.
'Don't Forget Who You Are' is an album that sees Kane encompass a heavier sound, no doubt influenced from his time spent with the iconic Paul Weller. Big moments come thick and fast in the form of opening number 'Taking Over' and the achingly cool 'You're Gonna Get It' which aptly Weller features on.
'Don't Forget Who You Are' was released on 03rd June and charted at #8 in the UK Albums Chart.
8 - Queens of the Stone Age '...Like Clockwork' Slick desert dwellers Queens of the Stone Age returned on top form with the release of sixth studio album '...Like Clockwork'. The album features guest appearances from frontman Josh Homme's musician pals notably: Alex Turner, Dave Grohl, Sir Elton John, Trent Reznor, Mark Lanegan and ex-bassist Nick Oliveri.
The deeply immersive listen embeds swelling riffs against a backdrop of gigantic sleazy hooks. It's almost impossible to come away feeling without feeling filthy and ready for an adventure of your own; we call that 'the Homme effect'.
Every single track featured on their highest ever charting UK album is worthy of a mention, although it's tracks like 'Smooth Sailing' with it's sleazy sizzles and urgent appeal and the swelling intensity of 'Fairweather Friends' that has enabled Queens of the Stone Age to take that next step forward.
'...Like Clockwork' was released on 03rd June and charted at #2 in the UK Albums Chart.
7 - Little Green Cars 'Absolute Zero' Dublin folk-rock quintet Little Green Cars released their debut 'Absolute Zero' earlier in the year that set them up for tremendous success to follow. Having supported Jake Bugg on tour and appeared on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon the group continue to go from strength to strength - having a weapon like 'Absolute Zero' in their arsenal is one which will only propel them to greater heights in 2014.
Blending references to classic literature with melodies comparable to Mumford & Sons, their sound has been described as "post-folk in a very 2013 way". Tracks such as the kooky feel-good 'Angel Owl' and stirring previous hit 'The John Wayne' with its succulent melodies and grasping nature has only contributed to the appeal that sets them apart and allows them to exist unrivalled.
If 2013 has seen them broaden their horizons and mould into rising stars; 2014 will see them soar. Absolute Zero? Try absolute heroes.
'Absolute Zero' was released on 13th May and charted at #94 in the UK Albums Chart.
6 - Peace 'In Love'
As pioneers of the B-Town movement, the original wave of talent comprising of Peace, Swim Deep, Superfood and Troumaca took the UK by storm and proved that talent could be found elsewhere - not just Manchester.
Neo-psych saviours Peace justified the hype that surrounded them in their formative phase and went above and beyond to craft a debut that bubbled with brilliance. Last year's 'EP Delicious' signalled the start of what was to follow.
The Brummie outfit consists of brothers Harry and Sam Koisser who play alongside Doug Castle and Dom Boyce. The four-piece's glowing psychedelic debut mixes massive catchy choruses as heard on 'Wraith' and 'Bloodshake' with more tender moments on 'Float Forever' and the ground-breaking drop incorporated in '1998'.
'In Love' was released on 25th March and charted at #16 in the UK Albums Chart.
Royal by name and rich by the nature of their bass and drum soundscape - Brighton-based duo Royal Blood are showing newbies to the music scene how it's done, despite still being in the early stages of band life themselves. For those of you new to their sound, Royal Blood can only be described as that which would result if Arctic Monkeys, Queens of the Stone Age, Drenge and The White Stripes were to form a super group. They're that good.
The band caught the eye of Arctic Monkeys drummer Matt Helders earlier in the year, when the Sheffield drummer asked for a Royal Blood T-shirt a day prior to the Monkeys' headline Glastonbury gig. This caused plenty of panic for the group whose merchandise didn't even exist until Helders submitted a request.
Thankfully, singer/bassist Mike Kerr and drummer Ben Thatcher aren't ones to shy away from a challenge and twenty four hours later the drummer was seen sporting the first set of threads that was to become their official merchandise. Kerr later remarked to NME magazine "That melted our brains." Here's the deal with Royal Blood - they're brain-melting specialists.
From the opening rumbles of 'Out Of The Black' it's clear we're onto something special. Royal Blood pile straight into a major tune blanketed by sleazy bass spins that will see listeners going berserk for their creeping, yet appealing menace. Relying on relatively little is a hard task to master, but the two-piece make full use of their limitations and send out hooky thrash rock tracks such as B-side 'Come On Over'.
Exuding sheer explosive energy, from a band that are drip-feeding fans with new material, Royal Blood have proven themselves to be ones to watch out for as they head for the big league and burst out of speakers near you soon. Violently thrilling to their core, we're excited to see where their sound takes them if this glimpse of anticipation is anything to go by.
WATCH the teaser trailer for Californian desert rockers Queens of the Stone Age's forthcoming video 'The Vampyre of Time and Memory'. Enlisting the directorial talents of Kii Arens and Jason Trucco, the band have created an 'interactive' video that will be unveiled to fans on October 30th.
Made in conjunction with The Creators Project, the minute long trailer features frontman Josh Homme surrounded by a questionable amount of taxidermy. The musician also holds a cane and turns to stare piercingly into the camera - what's not love?
It was recently announced that Queens of the Stone Age will embark on a co-headline tour of Australia in 2014 with Nine Inch Nails. The headliners for each night of the tour will be decided by a coin toss to keep it equal.
An announcement on Nine Inch Nails' Tumblr page read: "The first headline band on stage will be decided each night by the toss of a coin. The eight date run is set to begin at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on 6 March, 2014 and continue on visiting Newcastle, Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland and Christchurch."
Following the release of their debut album 'Round Our Way' last month, London four-piece Burning Condors are back with the brilliant 'Last Train Home'. The track sees the group sounding like they've spent far too much time holed up in Joshua Tree with Josh Homme and co; expect a storm of frenzied beats and chest-thumping volume.
A tune that is likely to see them heighten their standing, 'Last Train Home' opens with a riff that allows them to sound like returning heroes. Whilst, we find them in stoner rock mode once more, the tired comparisons to Queens of the Stone Age can well and truly be dropped - Burning Condors craft music that is undeniably theirs time and time again and will unquestionably propel them to further success.
'Last Train Home' is released via Snakehand Records on Monday October 28th.
Expect filthy riffs, chest thumping volume and frantic frenzies of instrumentation, on London four-piece Burning Condors' debut album Round Our Way. Recorded entirely at Stainless Sound Studios in Nashville, there is an undeniable American presence spilling out - you could be forgiven for mistaking this as one of Josh Homme's early efforts prior to fronting stoner rock band Queens of the Stone Age.
As a group who have rarely missed the mark when releasing singles ahead of this storming album. Its this offering which will see them sink or soar accordingly. The latter appears to be most favourable at this stage. Bookended by an opening number that has the ability to sweep listeners up into a seductive state, with synapse-melting riffs and hooks so good you'll never want to hit play on the next track, Dirty Girl Blues is undeniably anthemic and without pausing for breath, we can already tell this album is shaping up to be epic.
The collection of sleazy sizzles ends on a high note with aptly named Bringing Back the Blues,which does exactly what it says on the tin. In just over two minutes the band succeed in what they set out to achieve, taking us down a route of uncontrolled chaos and utter distortion. Other tracks such as Polka Dot Girl we've heard before, but nothing can be subtracted here. The lyrics contain a wealth of wit that will raise a smirk from your lips, whilst a swirling guitar solo is thrown in for good measure. It's clear now - we're falling more and more in love with Burning Condors by the second, and it helps that they sound like the greats.
Tunes such as Honey Trap and Killing Time will have critics on their knees worshipping the group, the faults are few and far between. However, these numbers are punctuated with a slow pace before everything is ramped up again, just before the energy dips into dangerous territory. Title-track Round Our Way has plenty of blistering guitar hooks to guarantee satisfaction, whilst Love on the Rocks mercilessly worms its way into your mind; there's no way you're being allowed to forget this track. Beginning with a high-pitched shriek of feedback, Twisted Kind of Bliss feels a little too samey to other tracks, but it's still better than the majority of tunes polluting the charts.
It's safe to say the musical climate has well and truly been raised to a supersonic level, with this debut release. If not for tracks like Dirty Girl Blues and Love is Dead, then there really would be reason to worry about the state of guitar music, but we can assure you if Burning Condors keep knocking out albums like these, guitar music will only increase in quality and demand. Give it a listen, add it to your music library and recommend it to all your friends because Burning Condors have created music that begs to be heard.
Four days, four mega headliners, sun, sea and sand - if the mud and unpredictable weather of a British festival doesn't tickle your fancies, then Benicassim is the one for you. Located on the east coast of Spain, between Barcelona and Valencia you can catch the hottest of headliners whipping the crowds into a frenzy. Plus, if you need a break from the music the beach is literally next door.
This year's festival sees Queens of The Stone Age topping the bill on Thursday (18), whilst other headliners include: Beady Eye (19), Arctic Monkeys (20) and The Killers (21). Currently holding the crown for Best Overseas Festival (UK Festival Awards) it's not hard to see why, with scorching temperatures, a world class line up and sun kissed location.
With so much to see and do throughout the duration of the event, Rock Revolver has handpicked an assortment of acts you'd be a fool to miss. In addition, if the headliners aren't your cup of tea, or you fancy a break from the magnitude and scale of their performances - the following artists might be more of your thing.
Expect a hazy feel to take over when Kettering's psych revivalists Temples take on the Pringles Fibclub Stage on Thursday. Flower power riffs and a resurgence of psychedelic pop will ensure the masses experience feel-good moments aplenty during their eagerly anticipated set. On Friday, the Pringles Fibclub Stage also plays host to Birmingham's Swim Deep, ahead of the August release of their debut album Where The Heaven Are We. Prepare yourself for an excess of indie magic and glittering vibes.
Headlining the Trident Senses stage on Friday night, is ex-Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr. Catch his set if you're looking for an alternative to Beady Eye or if you fancy seeing a few of The Smiths hits played out almost in their former glory. The one to push your way down the front for on Saturday night, is the one and only Miles Kane. Taking to the stage shortly before his pals Arctic Monkeys, the Wirral riddler promises a storming and energetic set brimming with old hits and new wonders. Warning - it will turn into a sweaty affair.
On the final day of the festival, head over to the Pringles Fibclub Stage as baroque pop revivalist Jacco Gardner will deliver his tunes to the masses. Also, the electropop scots CHVRCHES are appearing on the same stage later in the evening.
Hopefully, this guide gives you an indication as to who to watch if you're going to the festival. Fear not, if you don't possess a ticket there's always live streaming.
Ever since Queens of the Stone Age came along and swept us in a frenzy with their stoner rock, countless bands have fallen for the sound and have brewed slices of rock so similar, with their filthy riffs and chest thumping volume. This is where London's Burning Condors arrive, along with frazzled twangs and a snarling vocal - the four-piece are a welcome break from the bands ripping off Josh Homme & co's sleazy sizzles.
Due for release on 15th July, third single Dirty Girl Blues is coloured by influence (looks pointedly at The Beach Boys). This track is one which will strip your innocence, pulling it apart thread by thread, until all you're left with is a silhouette of your former self - a rather sassy silhouette. Covered in leather head to toe, a permanent snarling expression and the ability to pull off double denim (without so much of a flinch), Burning Condors have crafted a track so corruptive; parents will shake their head with dismay, but we're having the last laugh.
Without a pause for breath, the band kick up a fuss and veer away from all other contenders. Lyrically, it's not the greatest but it is an improvement over previous tracks. If Burning Condors continue to amp it up and produce music like this - success will undoubtedly follow. Dip into this band if you're up for a bit of raunchiness.
BRIGHTON babes Demob Happy are a four-piece taking a stand against banality and apathy, whilst making seriously sweet sounds. Formed of lead singer/bassist Matthew Marcantonio, drummer Thomas Armstrong and guitarists Matthew Renforth and Adam Godfrey. In terms of their signature sound, think super-sized brooding epics tinged with Queens Of The Stone Age style riffs and snarls reminiscent of Metallica here and there. 
