ENTRANCE

RELEASE DATE 9 FEBRUARY 2004 - CATALOGUE NO MR054

Speeding into action next we have the powerful dark sonic rock gods DEAD DRIVER from Lincoln with the speedy, ferocious, sonic rock anthem "The Biker Tune". This dark, noisy and up tempo Indie rock band combine Queens of the Stone Age tendencies with retro guitar riffs, pounding drums and extremely melodic, dark and catchy vocals. This great song takes us on a trip through sonic rock, classic rock and Indie rock and back again. The guitars are nice, dirty and fuzzy and they screech along with the vocals. The chorus sticks in your head and reminds us of some Sabbath moments but the now deceased drivers have their own powerful sound that is thick, fast and makes you want to party hard in a very decadent way. The band have not disclosed  full details about themselves to us making the whole band aura more mysterious and intriguing. I don't think you want to met these guys in a dark alley but play their records very LOUD. We think it's brilliant. 

The Powerful DEAD DRIVER above 

Shooting stars BULLET above 

Staying in retro rock territory we get shot by hot band BULLET who license the dirty, sleazy, bluesy rock beast that is " Edge of Town". There are walls of feedback, screeching decadent guitars, powerful vocals and hard drums here that make the listener want to jump up and down and party hard all night. Bullet are a 3 piece rock band from Dorset. They aim to make blow you away music and they have succeeded with flying colours. They combine elements of rock, country and blues to create a great sound that is filled with energy and chaos. This song would be perfect for a scene in the texas Chainsaw massacre and is sinister at the same time as being catchy and rocktastic. Bullet rock. 

The very rock n' roll AFAKTOR ( above ) scaring Britney Spears fans with a wall of potent rock/metal sound at Camden's Dublin Castle. 

Staying in rock territory we move over to Mill Hill's fabulous AFAKTOR. These guys are not your normal rock band but a well produced monster 3 man unit of power and sonic glory. They license the powerful, anthemic, mosh pit fave " Soul Snatcher" to entrance in it's full metal laced rock glory. This song continually grows all the way through and comes with build in rock riffs, mammoth drums and potent vocals that infect the soul. This track is dark as hell, loud and very stadium like. The music is inventive and doesn't just stick to one riff but instead it changes and metamorphosis into a serious contender for 2004's " Rock song of the year".  "You stole my soul" screams very talented lead singer Fil Ross. The full line up is : Fil Ross ( Vocals, guitar ), Stretch Edwards ( Bass and vocals ) and Rafi Utudjian playing drums. Afaktor are a living example of  a hard playing rock n' roll band and are so hot they are literally on fire when they play live. Frontman Fil Ross is a highly unpredictable, emotionally driven character. You never know what you going to get... always memorable. He is the Punk connection. The towering Stretch Edwards, with 70's Rock Star looks, gives the bottom end. Solid as a rock, he will never have a hair cut again and Rafi Utudjian is a distant relative of System of the Down and literally gets into his drums when playing live. Hot, thick, fast and stunning. They will never go away. "Soul Snatcher" gets requested everyday on Matchbox Radio 24 by listeners all over the world. http://www.afaktor.net 

Charting dark melodic rock heroes SERENITY above 

Following next and sticking to ultimate rock values we have the powerful and young rock band SERENITY from Ivybridge near Plymouth. When we say young we don't mean they have just formed. They are all approx 21 years old but have been together for 7 years and it shows in their brilliant musicianship. Serenity are:  Alex Jennings ( guitar/vocals ) , Ant Smith ( Bass ) and Ross Williams on drums. They license the very emotional, decadent and powerful " The Wave" to Entrance. Expect sonic rock riffs combined with dark mammoth drums and distorted sinister bass riffs. The vocals courtesy of Alex Jennings are smooth, melodic and catchy but also erupt into a strong rock chorus that is classic as hell. This dark, energetic track rocks like hell but also hides an underlying sensitivity and some seriously strong melodic values. The band have played live with the likes of Muse and Lost Prophets and have played at many festivals including The Maker Festival, Plymouth Festival and the Filham festival. They have also been at the top of the Manilla chart with over 200 votes at present and look set to win a full feature in the top magazine. Try visiting their website for more updates and news. "F...g blinding and Sporadically brilliant" - Scene Mag, "Excellent musicianship" - Evening Herald, "Cool Tunes" -Twenty.4 Seven The press love em as well as us and soon the whole world. Watch this space and also http://www.serenity-official.co.uk 

CASE having fun in their "Soundarc Studio" above

Appearing next we have the groovy rock gem that is " Help Save The Day" by CASE. CASE is actually the brainchild of a one WILL CASE who has been playing original songs over seven years of busking around Europe. Will has played with many different people in various styles of guitar, including rock, folk, flamenco, reggae, rai and zook. He now combines all of his musical knowledge and prowess to create this catchy, uplifting, up tempo and very well produced rock stomper. Will Case and his band include Andy on bass, Neil on guitar, and Martin on drums. They are a collaboration of fantastic musicians in their own right. They were painstakingly sought after, and have been working hard on their live act, which has resulted in a unique and explosive psychedelic rock sound. This track grooves all the way through with powerful chugging and atmospheric lead guitars, pumping bass and massive stadium sized drums. The vocals are strong, melodic and experimental and the production is full of echo and lovely dreamy effects. Excellent. It's like a rock Happy Mondays on holiday with a melodic Fall. Check out their website www.soundarc.co.uk/case. 

Appearing next we have the unique and extremely talented STILL AUTOMATION. S.I is the brainchild of pop voyeur DOUGLAS WIGGINS. Douglas has put out 5 tunes through Matchbox in the last year and has been a constant favourite of Matchbox Radio 24 listeners. He licenses the very different and mellow " An Afternoon in the sunshine" to Entrance. This lovely and extremely well produced song has elements of modern R&B, dreamy Neil Tenant-esq vocals and an extremely delicious string section that touches the soul. The acoustic guitars flow like a meandering river underneath the funky electric guitars and melodic vocals. Douglas Wiggins records, plays all the instruments, writes all of the songs and is the producer. He is the epitome of the perfect Indie musician and his music holds a sadness and warmth that will live forever in the world of underground proper pop. He can change his style like a chameleon going from very 80's esq new romantic like songs to R&B tinged modern ballads but he always keeps his early 80's pop values. This makes him cool and a cut above the rest. A pioneer and a pop saint. Long live Still Automation they are different, unique and brave in a hard world of music. Excellent and inventive. 

Douglas Wiggins AKA Still Automation above 

Sliding gently into gear next we have the lovely, lo-fi and superb sound of WORMWOOD. This great new proper pop outfit license the beautiful Kinks crossed with Terry hall-esq pop groover " Summer Sun". Wormwood are: Patrick Bailham ( Songwriter/Vocals and guitar ), Nicky (vocals) and Clint Herbst with a little help from Marc Elliot ( guitars ), Richard Keeling ( Guitars ) Dave Brunbell ( Drums ), Colin Crowther ( Harmonica ) and Simon ( Guitars/Bass ). This lovely sensitive and very melodic song reminds us a lot of Terry Hall "Home" era but it also twists gently into Kinks-esq melodies and even a bit of a mellow Ash . Saying all that Wormwood really don't actually sound like anyone but themselves with a few good influences shining through. Expect warm acoustic guitars, sing a long 60's esq melodies and a lovely twee pop swagger. " I do love to rock in the summer sun" sings the enigmatic Patrick with style and grace. Everything is not all cheery in Wormwood camp as they have a poppy but melancholic sound and sing about real life. They sing lovely songs about love, panic attacks, depression, bus companies and landmarks. These guys take their inspiration from life alone and they sing songs from " Shakespeare's County". They tell a brave story that the whole world will oneday want to hear......or at least all sensitive pop people. Wormwood are superb.

The excellent Indie/folk outfit ROSWELL appear next with the stunning, warm and folky " Longtime". This great song is classy from start to finish with inventive countryish jangly acoustic guitars and lovely vocals from Rachel Garmory. In fact we have now re-named her Rachel Harmony as her melodies are heavenly and very catchy indeed. The full line up consists of: Richard Mulryne ( drums and percussion ) , Rachel Garmory ( vocals ), Gary Field ( electric guitar and back vox ), Dean Kennedy ( bass guitar ), Trevor Row ( vocals, acoustic guitar and electric guitar ). "I won't be alone and I won't be home" sings Rachel as the drums and bass groove with style under the lovely shimmering electric guitars and picking acoustics. Very Nice it's Roswell. 

Swedish born acoustic Folk pop artist Jenny Beck above 

25 year old singer songwriter JENNY BECK joins the ranks of Entrance next and stays in melodic acoustic territory with the seriously infectious and catchy " Morning Rain". First of all Swedish born Jenny has a great voice with a very warm folk tinged quality. This mixed with her mellow, melancholy but uplifting sound is pure bliss for genuine music lovers. It's like a cross between The Cranberries and Susanne Vega on holiday with The Corrs and Cheryl Crow. BUT She also mixes a lot of 60's influences in to create her own warm acoustic sing-a-long vibe that takes the country roads to melodic heaven. " Im' pure and free mothers natures child". Jenny has recorded, written and produced a  full album in her own home studio with a little help from " Ian Latimer ( Lead Guitar), Simon Bright ( Bass ), David Burman ( Bass ) and Mitch Deighton on drums, synth and percussion ). At the moment she is recording a fully acoustic/unplugged album so watch this space for more. Beautiful, touching country tinged songs from the heart from a rising new talent. ( Lovely - ed ). To visit the wonderful world of Jenny Click Here. 

OMNIBLOB

Hot new driving rock band OMNIBLOB appear next and stay in 60's esq territory with the bouncy reverb drenched pop gem that is " Pretty Special Thing". "How does it feel when your not real ?" sings the vocally blessed Tom Lambert with emotion and pure melody. This epic 60's esq pop stomper is full of warm chiming guitars, massive bouncy drums and those huge vocals. This great Scottish band consists of: Tom lambert ( vocals ), James Grant ( guitar ), Malcolm Moyes ( Bass ) and John thompson on drums. This top song comes jam packed with glowing melodies and even has a chilling pulp fiction-esq guitar solo that sends ominous shivers down your spine as you get up to dance on the sofa and scream out "Omniblob Rule". ( I'll just dance on the floor thanks but they're great -ed ). Their self produced “omniblobious ep” has now sold over 250 copies at gigs across Scotland. Early reaction from the industry has been positive, and the band are now looking for a label to take them forward, develop their studio sound, and take the live show out to a wider audience. Well we think regardless of a major label these guys should carry on producing their lovely big shiny rock sound and then the sheep will come running. Omniwonderful. Check out their site. 

Rocking into orbit next we have the garagey Indie rockers DAILY DOSE with the punk fuelled Indie rock track " Leave This Girl". This fast moving track rocks it's way right out of the speakers and has a lo-fi rock feel that gets the listener jumping up and down. In fact this would be a perfect drunk mosh pit filler. There are elements of early 90's angst here mixed in with bluesy rock guitar riffs, rolling drums that crash and bash, energetic bass riffs and vocals that stick in your head like a splinter in the brain. "Gotta Get out of Here and find another Girl". Fast, furious Indie rock at it's best. Make sure you get your Daily Dose. 

Riffing and crashing on the red carpet next we have the retro Indie rockers SIDE EFFECT ( great band name-ed ). Expect loud screeching guitars ala Oasis but more Deep purple and tunes that never leave your head. This is energetic, bouncy, boppy and rocks like heaven and hell combined. This hot track " Making It" has a lot of Indie elements ala Oasis and Boo Radleys Cmon Kids-era but it also boasts an almost classic rock feel that makes it epic, mammoth and superb as hell. The band are from Woking and were formed by brothers Mathew Phillips ( singer/bass) and Keith Phillips ( Lead guitarist ). Watch out Liam and Noel. They teamed up with Craig Lewis ( drummer ) , Justin Thomas ( bass ) and Jamie Ryan ( rhythm guitarist ) and Side Effect as we know it was born. "Don't you bring me down" screams Mathew Phillips with emotion and decadence while his brother Keith riffs away with pure vengeance and hope. Rocks and rocks and rocks.....excellent. 

Last but not least we have the leftfield pop princess VOCODER with the alternative underground ballad " Interaction".

Vocoder mixes lo-fi jangly guitars with dreamy Stereolab-esq vocals to create an underground ballad that takes the listener on a journey of lost love and rejection. " I already knew you were the one" sulks Vocoder over ominous jangly, dark and raw  electric guitars. She's like the long lost cousin of PJ Harvey on holiday with Stereolab. This is lo-fi twee pop delivered in a different, unique and alternative manner. Sweet, jangly, pure, honest and a bold modern love song that sticks in your head like a nursery rhyme. A lovely end to a lovely album. Vocoder.