ALBUM REVIEW: Gasoline Outlaws outrageously passionate and powerful on Light Up The World

AHH, the tricky second album...when you've exhausted all your familiar live tracks carefully honed over years on your début and now you have to get it all straight for album number two. But Gasoline Outlaws have taken the 'tricky' cliché and shoved it into a mind-meld of pure hard rock joy.

Yep, buckle your hard rock heart in, because 'Light Up The World' is going to take your perceptions to another level, bringing compassionate, socially aware lyricism and muscular music.

Live Gasoline Outlaws have always had the chops, as you would expect from four experienced musos, and with their first release 'No Rules, No Laws, No Regrets' such a passionate statement coming up with similar for 'Light Up The World' was bound to be a challenge.

Aye, dead on - because this pure bred rocking four-piece accept the challenge and take it to another level.

Not much of a challenge with the collection of songs aired here. Fuck you second album doubts as this is strident; this is thoughtful; this has fire and tenderness; this elevates the soul; and this causes all to examine their own reactions to love, life and this fucked up world.

As you might gather we rather enjoyed it...

However, for those expecting the same instant hit as when they released their first, be prepared to give this album more time. It's not that there are not songs that grab you from the off: rather that there are so many more layers and nuances.

The opening drum and bass combo to the title track is a statement in itself before the four-piece clicks into a rage against the prevailing selfishness on Planet Earth. Adam riffing as Matt urges us all to be the better person in the field of bastards scourging daily life.

It is not the only socially aware track, but from the off the match between the music and the message has heads nodding, not like slavish morons, but as people who can form their own thoughts.

And, for this album in toto it is clear that Gasoline Outlaws have matured as a band with their own vision and the preparedness and courage to take on new sounds that complement their own drive.

Adding the keyboards and textures of John McCullough on selected tracks and the backing vocals of Amy Montgomery (on the tremendous 'Better Days Coming') shows that the band knows that they can - and must - stretch themselves to elevate GO beyond the pack.

This is best demonstrated on the closing track 'Hard Times' as Ryan beats out an almost militaristic rhythm as it builds: Adam and Chris keeping a timing that is insistent and compelling as Matt's tells a tale of woe and hope.

'Psycho' is a vehement anti-violence diatribe, while 'The System Is A Lie' opens with an almost Neil Young vibe before the band takes the screwed up political and brainwashed world to task in an unbelievably catchy commentary on where we are in 2019.

However, they also prove on 'Where We Started' that the lyrics can show that they can be introspective and tender, no schmaltz, no overblown sentimentality, just emotions, wrested from Matt's voice and Adam' balanced solo echoing the sensibility.

On a similar note 'Executed' has that same introspection that will resonate with many a listener: and let's be blunt here had this been released by some jumped up manufactured boy band it would be playlisted on Radio Two, with feature slots on The One Show and Graham Norton. Little do these numpties and bampots realise that it takes a rock band to write and record songs this good.

It is as well it is followed up with the stomp and strut of 'Breathe Again' lest you have 'Executed' on repeat and crack open a bottle or six of wine. 'Breathe Again' will have you hoisting the bottle of bourbon in the air - demanding another swig as you implore the ones you care for to care the same way; and stick a middle finger up to the doubters and chancers.

While there are so many defining moments on Light Up The World it is the defiant statement on 'Fight For One More Day' that helps espouse the ethos of Gasoline Outlaws - and all of the marginalised. You can kick us, doubt us, sneer and backstab but we'll be back, we'll kick back and we'll show our worth...as Metallica say "fuck it all and fucking no regrets".

There is a sense here that Gasoline Outlaws have been more than just 'thoughtful' in preparing this release; a maturity in the approach and a willingness to listen and learn to deliver a collection of songs that will have many baying for their live renditions.

Cormac Neeson's input, Amy's backing vocals, John's keys and, the magic touch of Frankie McClay of Einstein Studios NI have elevated Matt, Adam, Chris and Ryan to the next level.

This album will Light Up The World of every true rock fan and deservedly so.

Review by Jonathan Traynor

Pledgers will have already received their copy. Light Up The World will be released on April 5th. Pre-orders are available here.

The official launch takes place at the Diamond Rock Club on May 4th, with support from Baleful Creed.

LIVE REVIEW: Massive party night at the Diamond with Gasoline Outlaws and Massive Wagons

PACKED Diamond Rock Club? Check. Enough trade over the bar to bring a glint of joy to brewery owners' eyes? Check. Band t-shirts worn loud and proud? Check. Two bands pumping out no fucking about hard ass rock 'n' roll? Check.

All systems were go on Saturday (April 22nd) at the Diamond Rock club for the return of Massive Wagons, with local heroes Gasoline Outlaws set to pour fuel on to the fire of rock in our hearts.

Indeed the Outlaws were making their own return to the live circuit, with new tracks and obvious serious rehearsal time to sound so tight.

Their first album gives them a wealth of different tones in the songs to explore: opening with the rabble rousing declaration of 'Nothing On Me' there is clearly a sense of a band ready to raise their personal bar higher; to attain the next level of success.

New songs 'Hard Times' and 'Breathe Again' fit flawlessly into their set, earning an equally warm reception alongside established fan favourites such as 'Shrouded Wolves', 'Heart and Soul' and, of
course their anthemic trademark 'Outlaws'

No Rules, No Laws, No Regrets from the Diamond audience.

Massive Wagons have been a whirlwind of energy on stage and off, capitalising on the success of their most recent released album 'Welcome To The World'.

While they have a deepening back catalogue, it is those tracks that stand-out the most. That's not to demean any of their solid other songs - rather a reflection of songs that since their release just over 12 months ago have become ingrained in the collective fan consciousness.

Baz is always gives the appearance of a demented ringmaster, energy spilling from the stage to infect the audience with the likes of the outrageously catchy 'Tokyo', the heft of 'Nails' and the wonderful 'Ratio'.

No the "craic" wasn't just good - it was mighty and great.

What sets Massive Wagons apart from many of their ilk is that there is no pretence, no attitude, whether it's mingling with attendees or delivering high octane rock and a healthy banter.

They also have many a trick up their sleeves and know that while those who coughed up the cash to see the band also are there for a good time.

Pulling 'Teenage Kicks' from the locker gives all of a certain age a blast - "Teenage dreams are hard to beat" even if those years are long past.

The closing duo of 'Fight The System' and 'Highway To Hell' showcase the marriage and connection of why we got into rock music - to revel in the so-called classics and to see bands at their peak.

An honourable mention must also go to 'Back To The Stack' - this single is out now: a tribute to the late Rick Parfitt of the Quo, with all proceeds going to the Teenage Cancer Trust. Not only a great thought, but a track that sits well in the set.

What Gasoline Outlaws and Massive Wagons do on stage is more than just provide entertainment: they give the audience a life affirming sense that despite personal woes, work, the global crises rock will never die.

Review by Jonathan Traynor
Pictures by Lizzie Torbitt
Refreshment by Carlsberg

Underneath this a Baz lurks...

VIDEO: Gasoline Outlaws release video for new song Breathe Again

SINCE 2014 Gasoline Outlaws have been rocking their own brand of sheer class music across Northern Ireland and further afield. Début album, 'No Rules, No Laws, No Regrets' was a stomping set of top songs.

And, now the band are working towards their next step in their ascension to higher ground.

Matt, Chris, Adam and Ryan have bunkered down for some serious recording - the first result of which has been released today, October 7th. 'Breathe Again' is their first single of an as yet unnamed new album.

It is available right now on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Amazon and all digital musical outlets.

Watch the video below and rock yer asses off.

NEWS: Sinocence to celebrate 15 years of metal muscle with October show and video release

SINOCENCE will celebrate their 15th year of loudness and producing damn fine metal for fans in Northern Ireland, the UK and further afield.

With a host of great releases under their belt, and now two thirds of the way through their 'No Gods, No Masters' trilogy and the last one being recorded they have battled through a host of issues and now are stronger than ever.

With horns still raised high they are playing a birthday show on October 1st and have released a new video.

The show will see the Sinners headline a powerful line-up with Gasoline Outlaws, Two Tales of Woe and S.L.U.T.S in Limelight2.

The video is for the track 'Ascension Code' from NGNM2 and was produced by Andy Pilkington from Very Metal Art. Watch it below.

So that was 2015...my choices and I want your choices too

SITTING here, January 4th, reflecting on the year that was 2015, and before wrapping the 12 months up there are a few thank yous in order...

First to family - fuck I know it's a cliché but it's true. This site exists through a lot of things but contributors make it. Melanie Brehaut, Andy Gillen, Darren McVeigh, Andrew Pennington, take a bow.

Next my colleagues in music reporting, Mark Ashby, Carolyn Ashby, Brenda P McTaggart and all the lensmen and women. Camaraderie deserving in many mentions in dispatches.

James Loveday (The Distortion Project) and Derwin McFarland (Diamond Rock Club) and all the other promoters of rock and metal that deliver the noise for us all.

To Nigel, Davey and Phil at RockraadioNI cheers! To Rob, Jamie, Sion and Ritchie at Devils Gate Media - world domination awaits! To Dilly at Belfastunderground for letting me blast the net (now with Mark and Carolyn bringing more metal too!).



Matt - Gasoline Outlaws

To the bands - all in all thank you for the music, That is all. To the friends - Lizzie, Ruth, Ivor, Simon and many more for keeping it real and well for being friends.

Down to business. As editor of this site 2015 represented a watershed year for me. Instead of reviewing it I could write a thesis worthy of a masters degree based on the strength of the releases and live shows. (I could but I'll not...)

Here's where you come in. Below I'm posting my personal top three tracks and top three albums of 2015. Agree or disagree, they're personal choices. I want you to post in the comments box below your top track, top album and/or top show, with a sentence (just one, as to why).

Now my choices...
Top Track:

1. Stand As One - Gasoline Outlaws
2. Where Angels Fly - Trucker Diablo
3. In Kymatica - Sinocence

Why? I could and perhaps could have chosen more (Screaming Eagles eponymous song for one), but Stand As One's cry for peace was all the more poignant after standing at Hard Rock Hell and hearing the news of the Bataclan massacre. Matt's delivery and the song's structure edged it to the top for me.

Top Album:

1. The Defects - 45 Minutes
2. Rise Above the Noise - Trucker Diablo
3. Joint third: Screaming Eagles - Stand Up and Be Counted/ Gasoline Outlaws - No Rules, No Laws, No Regrets

Aidy - The Defects

Why? I cheated by having a joint third, but it's my site. The Defects selection may strike some as odd, as the album only scraped a release at the end of 2015 and has it's 'official launch' in 2016. However, it is a totally immersive selection of styles - rock, punk, pop punk, ska, dub step and reggae that it represents what is best about music, when it accepts no boundaries. [Full review coming shortly].

Now over to you...post your comments below, oh and there's a prize for what I think is the best post. [More than a pint, less than a Slipknot ticket].

LIVE REVIEW(S): Bridging the year - The Answer/Gasoline Outlaws & Ricky Warwick/Philip McCarroll

TWO gigs straddling the festive period, two fine examples of Northern Ireland's rock music scene, performed by a set of artists at their peak: The Answer's traditional Christmas show at the Diamond Rock Club and the first gig of the year at the same iconic venue headlined by Ricky Warwick.

Gasoline Outlaws emerged in 2015 as one of the most promising bands in the UK, with a début album bristling with belters, all brought to life on stage in a series of tour de force performances.

On December 19th the Outlaws rounded up the year with a celebration of hard rock in its purest form, balls out rocker, tender calls for peace, declarations of what music should be.

Matt's voice has always been great, but in this four-piece he has found the vehicle to harness its power. Aided by his amigos 'Wolves', 'Heart and Soul' are stand outs, but the simply stupendously great 'Stand As One' raises the bar to an enormous high.

The last Saturday before Christmas is when Cormac, Paul, Mickey and James bring their rock 'n' roll circus to the Diamond Rock Club. Always guaranteed a packed room of fans eager to sing along and quaff prodigious amounts of alcohol it is the sort of party you couldn't repeat too often.

With a back catalogue rammed with hits The Answer epitomise the soul of what modern rock is -one eye on the blues and infusing it with modern takes on the rock genre.

With a guest spot from Steve on 'Into The Gutter' the party atmosphere was in high gear with even the punters at the bar singing along to each track. To say it was 'Spectacular' would be an under-estimation.

Cormac remains an engaging and captivating front man, while Paul's guitar work is ask always peerless in delivery. Mickey and James are the often unsung heroes in The Answer's arsenal of talent. Rhythmic thunder or precise time changes and delicacy, they seem to enjoy a telepathic bond.

As the raucous sounds of The Answer melded into the Christmas and New Year holidays an acoustic evening on January 2nd back the Diamond seemed the right way to slowly merge back into the gigging way for 2016.

Opening the evening Philip McCarroll belayed any previously stated nerves at playing at The Diamond with easy wit and a set of both mournful and joyous songs. Drawing on his recently released four-track ep, a Payola track and a new song it was an evening for many to discover a new 'favourite' song.

Stand-outs included 'Cathedral', 'Love and Money' and 'Cassette' were highlights amidst the soundscape.

Ricky Warwick is a busy, busy boy. 2015 saw him play with Black Star Riders in a series of gigs culminating in a UK tour with Whitesnake and Def Leppard, an acoustic tour with fellow axeman Damon Johnson and while work on the next BSR album is about to get underway Ricky is releasing his own album with like-minded musos and touring with his boyhood idols SLF in the spring.

Of course any celebration of the New Year was destined to be tinged with sadness, coming a few short days after the death of Lemmy. Before proceedings got under way proper Ricky and everyone at the Diamond raised a drink to the great man and second song in Ricky led a total audience singalong to 'Ace of Spades'. That song may be a regular in his acoustic sets, but on 2nd January it was delivered with added gusto, and the audience needed no prompts, no call and responses. That many were wearing Motorhead t-shirts and other 'Head apparel said all that needed to be said about respect.

With such an array of songs to choose from a Ricky Warwick set list is always varied, and always with an added dash of panache in the tunes. True, most are tried and tested in the acoustic format; and true the familiarity of most songs is apparent in track selection, but as a celebration of the vitality of rock this is not a bad thing, it's a great thing.

Sure, we all know 'Jailbreak' 'Bound for Glory' and 'Whiskey...' as old friends, but when dozens of friends, associates and fellow ne'rdowells are gathered beneath the flag (of inconvenience?) it is the kind of bond in beer and rock that cannot be broken. We kind of think and hope that Lemmy would have approved.

Review by Jonny
(Amateur) Photography also by Jonny
All of the above (and below) are his copyright and intellectual property
Reproduction, re-use or other uses only approved by explicit permission (and asking nicely).

COMIN' ATCHA: Four feardome, mad, loud days of rock and metal

RIGHT rockers, ready yourselves because over the next four days your lugholes are gonna get a battering, your necks will be snapped and when Monday 26th October rolls around you'll be heading into work for a rest.

Starting tonight (Thursday, October 22nd) legendary - and yes he really is a rock legend - Glenn Hughes is at Limelight 1. The man who lent bass lines and vocals to Deep Purple, Sabs and a host of super groups will be on a Belfast stage with axe man Doug Aldrich and on the sticks is Pontus Snibb.

Then on Friday it's another feast, when NWOBHM legends Raven appear at Limelight2, with support from local noisenicks Rabid Bitch of the North. Then you have a choice of heading to see tribute act 101% Pantera with support from Donum Dei and Cursed Sun in Voodoo or stay in the Limelight complex for country rocker Steve Earle.

Saturday (October 24th) sees Screaming Eagles, Gasoline Outlaws and Baleful Creed in Limelight2. After that it is a quick race round to the Voodoo for cross over madness with English Dogs, By Any Means and Acid Age.

And all of that was just to get your pulse racing before the utter destruction of every ounce of your being when Deathcrusher 2015 decimates Limelight1. Yep, five acts that will mash your very soul.

Carcass, Napalm Death, Obituary, VoiVod and Herod...five acts to round up four days of rock and metal that proves, once and for all that there is a scene that is not for scenesters, hipsters or floppy fringed wannabes; it's a scene where rockers and metalheads rejoice in glorious insanity...well as Suicidal Tendencies said "Pledge Your Allegiance".

COMIN' ATCHA: Clashes, gigs and more: Beholder, Ricky Warwick, Bullet for My Valentine, Paradise Lost and much more

THERE are those that bemoan the fact that many tours bypass Northern Ireland; for example the Hardcore Superstar/Michael Monroe UK and Europe tour announced yesterday. However, with such a feast of acts already penciling in Belfast dates there are rich delights for rock and metal fans.


And we say that with total confidence after The Distortion Project confirmed Overkill's Belfast date on April 9th.


But ahead of that we have a week ahead packed with much fun and frolics for fans. Look no further than Thursday when the mighty Beholder roll into town. Their Limelight2 show will see Simon and co rock the foundations in Ormeau Avenue after Sinocence and By Any Means shake your fillings loose.
On the same night Heart of a Coward are playing the Voodoo with support from By Conquest of Consent.


If you want to mellow out and relive a guilty pleasure, on Friday Wheatus' show has been upgraded from Limelight2 to Limelight1. They'll be playing all that album in full; you know the one about Iron Maiden tickets (although we refute the idea that it is only teenage dirtbags who have the issues referred to in the song).


Saturday, it's always a good bet you'll wend your way up to the Diamond Rock Club a fair amount of Saturdays in a year: this coming Saturday Ricky Warwick and Damon Johnson will be returning for more rock, supported by the Acoustic Outlaws (that is the Gasoline Outlaws without amps).


Sunday sees Rich Robinson - ex of the Black Crowes - play The Empire Music Hall with a selection of solo tunes and BC standards.


Mondays are crap, right? Wrong! This coming Monday is the second of the big gig clashes of the autumn. In the red corner, weighing in at an impressive mighty dose of doom we have Paradise Lost and Lucifer in Limelight1. In the blue corner, weighing in with contemporary metal fandom we have Bullet for My Valentine in the Ulster Hall.


Who will win out? Well we hope it is a draw with equally packed venues. Tickets are still available for both shows, but if you're under 18 the Bullet show is your only option. [BTW - if you caught the Editor's show on Belfast Underground TV on Saturday past you'll know that Lucifer are going to blow your ears off...]


Now is that enough to wrap up September?

COMIN' ATCHA! - A week of rock and metal chaos lie ahead

SO, you didn't get out this weekend, but then again you might have been saving yourself for the week ahead - and what a week it promises to be!

Monday is a day when work seems such shit and the day drags on, and on, and on. But feck all that because The Distortion Project is making sure your Monday is gonna groove with serious intent when Mr Loveday brings Corrosion of Conformity, fresh from a soggy Download, to Limelight1.

With support from County Antrim's Skypilot it promises to be a shockingly good start to the week.

Now we all know that Tuesday is the worst day of the week, but after CoC think of it more as a wee chance to catch your breath because Wednesday - hump day - sees the awesome Black Stone Cherry bring back their bluesy, southern tinged rock to the Ulster Hall.

Since they started coming to Northern Ireland each time they've played bigger and bigger venues (as headliners) and after last time they played the Mandella Hall its going to be a cracker.

Come Friday, Midnight Transmission play the Voodoo, with Thieves of Ennui, On Parole and Serpent.

Don't even think of pausing for breath because Saturday sees even more rock....

The Distortion Project never rests - and on Saturday (June 20th) they present a diverse bill, headed by The Organ Grinders and support from Cadaver Club, Cavehill and Tragedy Vampires.

For those wanting to get yer hard core rocks off then the beer bus and various modes of transport will be heading to Ahoghill Rock City, and the Diamond Rock Club. There the Gasoline Outlaws launch their album No Rules, No Laws, No Regrets, (review here) with support from Conjuring Fate.

Had enough? Nah -  sure you'll want to round off the week with The Who at the Odyssey. Never mind the fact that there will be mods in attendance because even they know in their hearts that The Who are a heavy rock band not some pussy followers of fashion piece of disposable music - after all have you heard 'Live At Leeds'?

Tickets for all these shows are available at the doors - we'll see you there!

 

 

 

 

LIVE REVIEW: Sinocence launch Vol2 ep with a mighty supporting cast

WHEN you have a quality ep to lauch, what better way than to gather a superb supporting cast...thus when Sinocence launched their 'No Gods, No Masters Vol 2' they assembled some a varied and superb line-up.

There is no doubt that Vol 2 is a great release (see our review here) and in Limelight2 the assembled audience was in celebratory mood.

Opening with a complete hard rockin' blast were Gasoline Outlaws. And what a blast they proved to be - tight and terrifyingly good.

Matt and his crew have taken the hard rock template, added a liberal dose of blues, a dash of metal attitude, and a smattering of good old fashioned rock 'n' fuckin' roll attitude, then smashed it all up into a feel good sound that celebrates the very best that we can do on this small outpost on the edge of Europe.

'Outlaws' we be, rockers we also be...Can't wait for the album to be released!

Guitar face level seven

From the excellence of Gasoline Outlaws the mood moved to thrashing as Donum Dei drove home their message of a world gone mad.

Thomas is growing in stature as a front man, and his melody runs with Stuart only helps emphasise the band's growth as Stuart's lead solos grow and develop.

Dean may still be the bassist who appears hyperactive, but he still nails it with Alastair's drumming.

New song apart, 'Justice Fails' and 'Gravelands' are still monstrous live.

And, why not...

Speaking of monstrous, there is a ten-legged monster in the shape of Maverick, who fresh from the Blazefest V headlining slot took the Limelight stage with a real sense of purpose.

David is comfortable leading the line as favourites came pouring off the stage. 'In Our Blood' is an ode to what we all felt in younger days - how rock and metal set us apart from the rest with our dreams and desires.

With the likes of 'Got It Bad' and 'Paint By Numbers' in their arsenal Maverick always deliver it hard in a glorious manner.

In many ways Conjuring Fate should be an anachronism - playing NWOBHM inspired tunes, tales of terror and introspection. But instead of being a throwback it is a celebratory set delivered by the band.

My guitar, your guitar

'Mirror, Mirror', 'Trust No-One' and 'Backwoods Witch' achieve the distinct bridging point between the early 80s and 2015.

Tommy has a clear sense of what a front man is, while Phil, Karl, Steve and Bodgan are more than just a backing band. They are all a unit - tied together and terrifically poised.

There is no doubt that Conjuring Fate should be destined for higher acclaim than can be offered in a mere humble online set.

But, the legions of rock and metal were gathered together to witness Sinocence.

Sure, many of us had seen then seven days before in the Empire at Blazefest, but this time they were headlining, they were showcasing their ep, and they were ripping it up as if their lives depended on it.

'No Gods, No Masters Vol 2' is a deeply personal release, but it is also a release with clear purpose in what it can deliver for the band.

Scream for me Belfast

As they mount the stage with a hard hitting version of 'Long Way Down' it was clear that Sinocence were geared up, with their contemporary metal.

We've referred to the phrase 'contemporary metal' on a number of occasions in relation to Sinocence. What we mean is that Sinocence have emerged, escpaed and evolved from a trap too many bands fall into.

They could have sounded derivative in terms of 80s thrash; they could have tried to match with the modern playlists, but instead Sinocence have carved their own path and created their own sound.

'Ascension Code' and 'Valorous' are mightily good - well balanced and well delivered.

Morro is cool and confident in his delivery, Anto's solos are better crafted than ever; and Jim and Davy roll and rock with a precision that is almost perverse in being this good.

Sinocence should be in the premier division of UK and Irish metal - only the geography of being in Northern Ireland has meant that major labels haven't been hunting them down.

Overall -  a word we usually hate to use in reviews, the launch of ' No Gods, No Masters Vol 2' was a resounding celebration of what is great in Northern Irish rock and metal.

Review by Jonny

Pictures by Darren McVeigh (MetalplanetBelfast)

Sing me a song, you're a singer

You have no idea how heavy this guitar is

Losing control, keeping control

Flying V and flying on the fretboard

Passion

Relaxed and rocking

And the next line is...

Help me out with the chorus...

Leaning back to rock out