Firestarter Release Acoustic Cover of Everything You Want

Firestarter have released an acoustic cover of 90's song Everything You Want, originally by Vertical Horizon. The cover is to accompany the release of acoustic songs from Firestarter's EP, Forget The Past, which can be downloaded for free here.

Get a free download of Everything You Want here. 

Forever After - Just Another Year - Track By Track Guide

Inspired by a plethora of musical backgrounds, Forever After have spiced newly released EP ‘Just Another Year’ with suitable diversity. “We all have different influences, from grunge to folk, blues to pop punk and metal. So, we wanted to write a EP that we felt had a little bit of each influence in it,” says vocalist Dom Littler. Indeed, from the aching 90’s nostalgia of lead track ‘Inhaling, Falling’ to the riff infused punk of ‘Miles Away’ and the grungey pop rock of the title track, Just Another Year is buoyantly reflective of the band’s broad palette. The Essex lads additionally describe themselves as having “British geezer vocals”! Following the release of the EP on Monday the 25th, Dom guides you through it track by track now…

“When we started writing this new EP Dom, Sam & Harry had all started new jobs, so there was a lot of struggle when it came to all getting together and writing. Sam & Harry also had relationship troubles on the horizon, which later lead to break ups. This is what our new EP is mostly about. 

She's Leaving: We finished this track the day before we went into the recording studio, so it was a massive rush, but I think it was a risk that payed off! I wrote the lyrics about Harry's (Bass/Vocals) relationship with his ex-girlfriend,who left him earlier in the year. I watched him fall apart and it was horrible, I was so sorry for him and it inspired the lyrics for the Chorus “I'm so sorry, Shes leaving this town”. 

Miles Away: We wrote Miles Away earlier in the year, but didn’t get around to adding lyrics until later. We wanted to add a more punky feel to this track with the drums being up beat and fast! I wrote the lyrics about starting a new job, one of his closest friends going travailing to Australia, and a couple of other friends moving out to new cities or Unis. The line 'Just another year' in the chorus is also the title of the EP, as it is relevant to everything that has happened in the last year and also how long it took for us to write and record the new EP!

Inhaling, Failing: Harry came up with the main riff on guitar and we loved the sound, so 90's grunge. I wrote the lyrics about my addiction to sugar and my bad habits. It was shortly after the New Years and I had rapidly failed at all of my New Year’s resolutions: Stop Biting my nails, Smoking, Cutting down on sugar!

Throw It Away: Harry wrote all the guitar parts, he has a very metal background and so we decided to spice things up a bit. I wrote the lyrics about a couple arguing, who always put the blame on each other… basically I was watching too much Jeremy Kyle that day.

Twenty Two: I wrote this song about my Girlfriend, who I met in September 2012, while out for my friend’s birthday.I thought she was leading me on and that I had no chance with her but after I gave her my chair we sat together chatting all night, one thing lead to another and.. yeah! I remember showing her the demo for the first time and being so nervous/embarrassed, but she loved it, and now I get to embarrass her at every gig of ours she attends.

Forever After's new EP is out now!

Forever After's Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Bandcamp

Up and Coming Pop Punk Bands That You Need To Hear | The Coast Is Clear

Today for our up and coming UK pop punk bands we have The Coast Is Clear, who recently released their debut single Summer Nights. If you like awesome vocals and your pop punk with a touch of easycore then The Coast Is Clear are definitely a band you should listen to you right now. Make sure you check out the free download of Summer Nights at the end of this post...

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
UK 

DESCRIBE YOUR SOUND IN FIVE WORDS.. 
Fun, Fast, Exciting, Emotional and Young.

WHY SHOULD PEOPLE LISTEN TO YOU? 
Because we're bringing back old school pop punk with easycore influence and we don't have American style vox 

HOW DID THE BAND FORM? 
The drummer and vocalist have always wanted to bring there own style too the pop punk industry 

HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE BAND NAME?
We've grew up on the coast line 

RECORDING OR PLAYING LIVE? 
Live 

TOP FIVE FAVOURITE POP PUNK ALBUMS? 
In no order because they are all equally sick: 
Blink 182- Dude Ranch 
The Wonder Years- The Greatest Generation 
Hoser- Seaway 
Gnarwolves - Cru 
Four Year Strong- Go Down In History

Download Summer Nights for free on Bandcamp here. 

The Coast Is Clear's Facebook | Twitter | Bandcamp | Youtube

Knuckle Puck Release New Song 'Oak Street'

Knuckle Puck have released a new song entitled Oak Street, which is taken from an upcoming EP that will be released later this autumn. The EP will also have a song called Home Alone. Have a listen to Oak Street here:

State Champs Stream Acoustic Version of Elevated

Kerrang! are streaming the acoustic version of Elevated from State Champ's new EP The Acoustic Things. Take a listen here.

A Loss For Words Breaking Up at the End of 2015

At a hometown show in Massachusetts A Loss For Words announced that by the end of 2015 they will no longer be a band. However, they stated that they will be releasing another album by the time they break up. Matty Arsenault later confirmed the break up with a statement that read:

"Thanks to everyone who came out to the show last. We had an amazing time as always with you. As we announced last night that we will be doing one last record and close the final chapter of @ALOSSFORWORDS journey at the end of 2015. We will announce more in detail the next few days as we gather our thoughts on how to even attempt to explain our love for this band and the support you have all." 

Up and Coming Pop Punk Bands That You Need To Hear | Cardinals

Today for our up and coming UK pop punk bands we bring you Cardinals, who have recently released their EP, Feels Like Home, which you can listen to above. If you're a fan of The Wonder Years, Title Fight, The Movielife or Basement, then Cardinals are definitely for you...

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

Newport, South Wales, UK.

DESCRIBE YOUR SOUND IN 5 WORDS... 

Real honest raw pop punk. 

TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEW EP FEELS LIKE HOME...

I guess 'Feels Like Home' is just as bunch of honest songs about the shit people have to deal with. The record deals with issues like family, friends, death, break ups, jobs & anxieties. It's hopefully just a really simple, relatable record. 

It's an accumulation of a lot of work & experiences from over the past few years. 

I think it also marks a new maturity in our sound. Hopefully it's something that not many other people are really doing & we're really pleased with it. 

FAVOURITE SONG FROM FEELS LIKE HOME?

 'The Aquarium Bitch, You Know I Like Fish'. We couldn't agree collectively so took a vote on this one.

RECORDING OR PLAYING LIVE?

Both recording & playing live have their merits. Being able to sit down as a band, working out the songs & watch them become the finished product is great. It's cliche, but it's awesome seeing the process of a song going from an idea you wrote in your bedroom to the something you'd put on record. 

However, the energy & atmosphere of a live show can't be beaten. Especially when you've got a packed out show in a small independent venue. Plus you can't hide your fuck ups, I guess that's both good and bad. 

TOP FIVE FAVOURITE POP PUNK ALBUMS?

We definitely couldn't agree on this one, but roughly this is what we agreed: 

New Found Glory - Sticks & Stones

The Wonder Years - The Upsides 

The Story So Far - From Under Soil & Dirt

Blink 182 - All of them. 

The Movielife - Has a Gambling Problem. 

IF YOU COULD PLAY WITH ANY BAND IT WOULD BE...

 Kiss / Toto / Queen Latifah. Because... Well, why not. 

Make sure you check out Feels Like Home

Cardinals' Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | Bandcamp | Youtube

Neck Deep Announce Intercontinental Championships Tour

This Morning Kerrang! released the info about Neck Deep's upcoming UK tour. Incase you haven't got a copy we have your back! The tour will include support from Knuckle Puck, Seaway and Trophy Eyes and if that isn't enough, it also has a wrestling themed name: The Intercontinental Championships Tour. We think we can die happy now. 

Dates:
Jan 26th - Cardiff Solus
Jan 27th - Birmingham, O2 Academy2
Jan 28th - Newcastle, O2 Academy2
Jan 30th - Glasgow Garage
Jan 31st - Leeds Cockpit
Feb 2nd - Manchester Academy
Feb 3rd - Bristol, O2 Academy 
Feb 4th - Norwich Waterfront
Feb 5th - Brighton Concorde II
Feb 6th - London, Camden Electric Ballroom.

Firestarter Release Deluxe Version of Forget the Past

Firestarter have released a deluxe version of their EP, Forget the Past. The EP contains 4 new acoustic and alternative versions of songs found on the original. Forget The Past will be available fore free download for a limited amount of time. Get your free download here.

Up and Coming Pop Punk Bands That You Need To Hear | Sunken Monkey

This week for our up and coming UK pop punk bands, we bring to you Sunken Monkey, a band who draw influences from the likes of Rise Against, Four Year Strong, NOFX and The Menzingers. Luckily for us, the band are releasing a new album this October entitled Party Scars from which they have already released a video/ song named This Town's Too Big (For Th Both of Us) which you can check out at the end of this post.

The band states that they 'don't conform to the stereotype of singing punk rock in fake American accents, having silly hairstyles or worrying about our image, we just get on with doing what we love. Recording and performing music we love and hope listeners can relate to'. The band kindly agreed to answer some questions for us about their new album, whether they prefer recording or playing live and their top five favourite pop punk albums...
WHERE ARE YOU FROM? 

Burnley, Lancashire

DESCRIBE YOUR SOUND IN 5 WORDS  

Cathcy Northern booze fueled punk.

WHY SHOULD PEOPLE LISTEN TO YOU?

Because we like to think we offer something a little bit different! Something for everyone, a mixed bag of punk, rock and pop all blended into relatable songs.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEW ALBUM PARTY SCARS

We're very proud of the songs and we believe each tune has character. It is a relatable,  autobiographical album. If you have ever drunk too much beer and not remembered where you have been, been screwed over or woke up in the wrong bed there is something everyone can relate to.

HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE NAME PARTY SCARS

 "Party Scars" is a song from the album. The song basically puts in a nutshell what we are and what we are about so we decided to go with that as the album title.

RECORDING OR PLAYING LIVE?

LIVE! We definitely prefer the banter and just rocking our balls off on stage! 

TOP FIVE FAVOURITE POP PUNK ALBUMS?

Blink 182 - Dude Ranch

New Found Glory - New Found Glory

NOFX - Punk in Drublic

The Swellers - Ups and Downsizing

Green Day - Dookie

Sunken Monkey's Facebook  | Twitter | Bandcamp | Soundcloud | Website

On My Honor Call It A Day

On My Honor have unfortunately decided to call it a day. Earlier the band released a statement which you can read here: 

Friends,
On My Honor has been a band now for nearly 8 years. For some of us, On My Honor has been the majority of our adult lives. Since 2007, we've gotten to do a lot of great things. We've made music that we love, with people we love, we've gotten to meet a lot of you, and we've been able to see a lot of the world that we never thought we would.

When we really started getting going as a band, we always talked about how our main goal was to make other people feel how our favorite records made us feel. Although we've made some mistakes along the way, we did our best to keep sight of that goal. We hope that we did this for some of you. With that being said, we've decided it's time for On My Honor to come to an end. There was a lot that went into this decision, but most of it just comes from an overwhelming feeling that it's time for us to move on with other parts of our lives. We'd like to thank everyone that's ever been a part of this. From everyone that's booked a show for us, played a show with us, let us sleep on your floor, helped us put out a record, helped us record a record, helped us with press,or anything else thank you for helping us make On My Honor something we can look back on and be proud.

We will be booking one last show in our hometown for anyone that
would like to see us and it will take place early next year. We'll have more information on that as soon as it is available.

Our bass player Jake and drummer Tobias are actively seeking new projects. They can be reached at jjonesyfh@gmail.com and tobiasomh@gmail.com. Both of these guys are beyond great guys and great musicians, and any band would be lucky to have them.

thank you,
On My Honor

We wish them all the best for the future

Major League Release New Song From Upcoming Album

Major League have released the lead track, Pillow Talk, from their upcoming LP 'There's Nothing Wrong With Me'. This will be the bands first album without former vocalist Nick Trask who left in January of this year. Instead, vocals are being taken over by guitarist Brian Joyce.
Speaking to Alternative Press Joyce Stated: “Pillow Talk is about a very long-term relationship I was involved in where eventually the leaving and touring became too much for her to wait any longer. This song ties in with the last song on the record as failed last ditch efforts to try and save what was already done". Major League's new album is released November 4th on No Sleep Records. Listen to Pillow Talk over on Alternative Press here.

Me vs Hero | I'm Completely Fine Review

It has been four years since Me vs Hero released their debut album, Days That Shaped Our Lives, and we have missed them a hell of a lot. Speaking to Rock Sound, the band have said that the album, who’s title started as a joke paraphrasing Alan Partridge’s immortal line – Yeah I’m Completely Fine, nearly ended them a number of times. However, the four year wait and the apparent trouble the album seems to have caused appears to have been extremely beneficial as Me vs Hero are coming back stronger than ever...

The opening track, I'm Completely Fine, is a foolproof intro which gives foresight into what the next twelve songs consist of. While the track starts off slowly, it builds up creating an array of anticipation that recklessly leads into the rest it the album. I'm Completely Fine steers into Opposites, a song about people who are handed what they have on a plate. The chorus really ingrains this idea as Sam sings 'No one could have picked two other worlds so opposite, you take yours I'll take mine, I know what hard work is'. The chorus, which is incredibly catchy, is also accompanied by a signature Me vs Hero guitar hook and first-rate drums.  

The next track Skin and Bones has all the elements of a flawless pop punk track; fast paced drums, an appealing and memorable chorus and impressive guitar hook. This then leads into track four, Rush for Gold, which has the finest chorus on the album. The verses are a dejected tale of becoming older which is then contrasted against an extremely upbeat chorus, filled with an exceptional hooks and energetic gang vocals.

Virtues is another stand out track from the album. It combines all the best things about Me vs Hero: riffs that are engraved into your memory, vigorous gang vocals, indelible lyrics and a breakdown so good you have the song on repeat all day. Home Alone is only 52 seconds long but in no way is this a debilitating factor; the gang vocals will leave anyone dying to hear this played live. Marks of a Slave is the next track and the place where the lyrics stand out the most. The song states 'we're all born defined by our cultures, set loose to be caught and stripped of our thoughts.Another possession of monsters, worked to the core to feel safe and secure in our walls' conveying the dissatisfaction and pressures within the working world.

Heisenberg is next up, which also has an Interlude - Truth. The song channels the idea of a bad relationship and the lyrics are also flawless and identifiable. The  gang vocals on the chorus will leave it stuck in your head all day. Hang In is a beautiful acoustic song, the kind that has the ability to give you chills all over. The chorus is complimented by awesome harmonies and even here gang vocals can be found. 

Things we Know, is the song most reminiscent of earlier Me vs Hero songs and the easycore roots are evident. The riff is especially gratifying, exalted by a mix of chugs and gang vocals. Next up is These Past Five Years, the last song on the album. The song provides a powerful close, another song that would sound great live.

Overall, I'm Completely Fine is an extremely impressive sophomore album. While it is pop punk at its core, Me vs Hero have returned to their roots and added their signature easycore take to the album. Although it's been a long wait, I'm Completely Fine is totally worth it...

Make sure you pick up a copy on September 1st or preorder here.

State Champs Release New Song From Acoustic EP

State Champs have released a new song from their new EP, The Acoustic Things, which is released October 7th. Take a listen to Leave You In The Dark here:

State Champs Releasing Acoustic EP

State Champs are releasing a new acoustic EP on October 7th. The EP is entitled The Acoustic Things and will include five acoustic versions of songs from The Finer Things as well as two brand new tracks.
Track List:
1. Elevated
2. Deadly Conversation
3. Hard to Please
4. Simple Existence
5. Easy Enough
6. Leave You In The Dark
7. If I’m Lucky

Man Overboard Announce European Tour

Man Overboard announced a European tour today. The Heart Attack Tour will commence this November and the support acts include Roam, Hostage Calm and Front Porch Step. Justin stated on the tour website that "The Heart Attack Tour in America was a blast so we will be bringing in to Europe and the UK this fall with a sweet lineup including our old friends Hostage Calm and our new friends in Front Porch Step and Roam. We will be visiting some of our old favorite cities as well as playing a few places for the very first time! Stay in tune with our social networks as we'll be posting a song voting poll and all kinds of other rad things!"

The UK dates are:

13th Nov - London at Underworld

14th Nov - Leicester at Scholar Bar

15th Nov - Manchester at NQ Live/ Pinky Swear Fest

16th Nov - Wolverhampton at Slade Rooms

17th Nov at Clwb Ifor Bach

18th Nov - Newcastle at Think Tank

19th Nov - Glasgow at Audio

20th Nov - Leeds at Cockpit

21st Nov - Bristol at Exchange

22nd Nov - Liverpool at East Village Arts Centre

24th Nov - Dublin at Fibber Magees

25th - Belfast at Sub Bar

Tickets go on sale this Friday at 10am. For a free sampler of all the bands playing and complete tour info head here.

Sunken Monkey | This Town's Too Big (For The Both of Us)

Today we bring you Sunken Monkey from Lancashire in the UK. Make sure you check out their video for This Town's Too Big (For The Both of Us) from their upcoming album Party Scars, due for release in October.


Follow them on twitter here
Give them a like on facebook here

Yellowcard | New Album Details

According to Absolutepunk.net, a Yellowcard twitter page in Indonesia has lifted the track listing and artwork from Yellowcard's new album from Indonesian Itunes. Here's what the artwork for the album (which is called Lift A Sail) looks like:

Also, here is the track list:
1. Convocation 
2. Transmission Home 
3. Crash the Gates 
4. Make Me So 
5. One Bedroom 
6. Fragile and Dear 
7. Illuminate
8. Madrid 
9. The Deepest Well 
10. Lift a Sail 
11. MSK 
12. My Mountain 
13. California

Fireworks Release New Video For Bed Sores

Fireworks have released a new video for their song 'Bed Sores', which is from their record 'Oh, Common Life'. Watch it here:

New Found Glory Release Album Details

New Found Glory will be releasing their new album, entitled 'Ressurection', on October 7th. This will be their first release via Hopeless Records and the first record without their former bandmate Steve Klein. Check out the track list below:

1. Selfless
2. Resurrection
3. The Worst Person
4. Ready and Willing
5. One More Round
6. Vicious Love
7. Persistent
8. Stories of a Different Kind
9. Degenerate
10. Angel
11. Stubborn
12. Living Hell
13. On My Own

New Found Glory have also released a music video for Selfless:

Nathan Detroit - Peace Of Mind Review

From Wiltshire in the UK, Nathan Detroit are already on their third release. Peace of Mind, which is released on August 16th, is a mix of catchy choruses, immense riffs and a lyrical advancement throughout which portrays that everyone has the ability to overcome problematic times... 

The opening track,The Way Down, is a delicate intro to the EP. The riff is a gentle inauguration for the next ten minutes of songs about overcoming everyday challenges and coming out as a stronger person. Most of the songs on the EP start off subtly and become energetic and memorable, complimented by remarkable riffs. The gentle openers offer an interesting dynamic to the Peace Of Mind. It adds extra intensity to the EP and helps to disclose the overall message. Way Down is an example of this; while it starts gently, it becomes a hard-hitting, infectious and melodious anthem. The second track, Never Enough is an upbeat, bold track. The tempo increases on the verses and choruses, creating an adventurous pop punk melody. Never Enough conveys that you should never give up and always be yourself, a message that resonates strongly with the listener. 

Similarly to The Way Down,  the third track, I Will Always Be Part Of This World, starts off with a soft and delicate riff. The vocals are powerful and vocalist Jamie’s voice compliments the placid riff with the right balance of power and melody. The harmonies within this section, which although short, add a captivating dynamic to the track. A third of the way through I Will Always Be Part of This world, the track changes and it becomes a punchy, riff-laden composition with a chorus that will leave any listener dying to sing along.

Every Heart is another stand out track about  The lyrics state 'I know there's room in every heart, I know you'll see this one day when you least it expect it'. It displays a message that every one has the right to feel empowered and accomplish something. This is the perfect ending and really enforces the positive message from the EP. 

Overall, the EP is a tremendous assortment of catchy and melodic songs. The lyrical progression also makes the EP stand out; the songs start with 'The Way Down', a song about when daily life becomes too much and ends with Every Heart, a positive message which illustrates that everybody has the ability to make a positive future. As well as this, each track is complimented by a vigorous riff that will make the EP be the center of attention in your record collection. Make sure you pick up a copy of Peace Of Mind on August 11th. 

Lit Announce UK Tour For 15th Anniversary Of A Place In The Sun

Lit have announced a UK tour for the 15th anniversary of their album 'A Place In The Sun' which will be played in full. Tickets go on sale August 4th, check out the dates below:

Yellowcard Release New Album Teaser

Yellowcard have posted a short teaser video for the release of their new album. The video ends with New Album, Fall 2014. Is the announcement coming out then? Is the album coming out then? Who's playing drums? Only time will tell. Watch the teaser video below:

Post by Yellowcard.

I Call Fives Release Statement About The Future Of The Band

Drew, from I Call Fives, has released a statement about the future of the band. From the statement we can gather that I Call Fives have not technically broken up but will be touring a whole let less. Read Drew's Statement from Facebook below:

"I’m writing this today - one week from my 26th birthday. 8 years ago, in 2006, on the week of my 18th birthday, me and some friends had just graduated high school and decided to start playing music in a basement. We would play around 4 hours a day, 4-5 times a week. It was this one thing that we all really wanted to do; we didn’t think much beyond that. We just wanted to play – and we hoped that maybe it could lead to recording a demo and playing some shows.

I read something from The Swellers yesterday that talked about the future of their band and the decisions they had made. It was an honest piece of writing and it kind of helped me realize some things. One part stuck out in particular, “You can question yourself forever, but it won’t change a thing. I like the choices we made.” There’s a reason why not much light has really been shed on ICF over the past year..

Over the years, we went through a lot of member changes. Not long after the beginning months in 2006, when we were called Remedy, we began to take the band more seriously and do what we thought it took to become a “real band.” Over the years, this amounted to constant touring, often times playing to less than 20 people, and at the expense of being away from home, being broke, and whatever else. We did a 35 day tour in my car in 2008 with The Wonder Years. It was great..but we were 20 years old. We didn't make any money, didn't play to a ton of people..but we were doing "it". Fast forwarding to the summer of 2012, we released our first LP and played over 2 weeks on the Vans Warped tour. It was sort of the peak of my expectations; at that point, we had already toured the UK, been to Australia, toured the U.S. countless times, and then played the Warped Tour and had our record chart on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart. Shortly after that tour, we went back out, once again headlining our own run, followed immediately by a co-headlining tour with our long time pals, With the Punches. This time period sort of shaped what would become the future for this band; it was probably our 10th tour to California and we saw the same results. We couldn't afford to pay our cell phone bill from touring. Money, stress, and whatever else eventually add up – the constant van break downs, member changes..it was difficult after 6 years of regularly touring.

When we came home from that tour, at the end of 2012, the band agreed to stop touring and to begin doing different things. I went back to finish school and the other guys went to work full-time. It wasn't exactly what I wanted to do; I always wanted to play music. Our booking agent and I kept our ear out for shows, still trying to occasionally play. We ended up playing Skate and Surf 2013, which was considered to be the final thing for the band. A few months later, we were offered to go back to Australia – this time for Soundwave Festival with Green Day, Korn, and a bunch of bands we never could have imagined playing with. The band agreed to go, we played a couple shows around New Jersey, and we spent 2 insane, surreal weeks in Australia. 
Now that it’s been nearly six months since the last time we played, I wanted to make a post about it. I’ve always tried to make light of the situation when people ask about the future for I Call Fives. I quote one of my favorite movies – The Shawshank Redemption.

The future for I Call Fives will remain uncertain, but I can say certainly that we will never be in the position to tour like the band did for so many years. The opportunities that people gave us make it very hard to ever say it’s done forever. Unfortunately, the reality is that we’ve had to work jobs full-time, finish school, and do whatever it is we found best for the next chapter of our lives. It has been so hard to admit or write this for me because this band became all I knew, all I thought about, all I put myself into. We met so many bands, many that have grown to be very successful and are still doing it. So many people that let us sleep on their floor..or donated money when our engine blew up and we were stranded in the middle of nowhere, Pennsylvania. From Sydeny to Toronto to Dublin to Richland, WA…I know I speak for all of those ever involved with this band when I say that we will never forget this. We will forever be grateful for what you guys allowed us to do. 

To wrap this up, there’s a good chance you won’t see us play again. It took me a long time to accept that and write this, but I’ll continue to quote Andy Dufresne: 

“Remember Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.”

Continue to settle for nothing, I’ll never forget what this band gave me.
-Drew"