New Blog

It's been a minute since I've posted here really hasn't it?

Due to my new university course and the writing I've been doing for various publications I haven't had much time to publish anything on this blog, however, I've recently started up a Tumblr blog where I'll be posting all my writing from now on so if anyone actually reads this and is interested the link is below.

https://phoebecnstable.tumblr.com/ 

A Tribute to Chester Bennington

Hearing the news of Chester Bennington’s death on Thursday evening truly left me at a loss for words. Linkin Park were the band for me, like many others, that acted as the gateway into rock music. When I was eleven I received a copy of ‘Meteora’ for Christmas. Listening to that record for the first time is still an incredibly vivid memory for me even now, ten years later. I can recount repeating every song more than once on that first listen because I was completely astounded with what I was hearing. The combination of Mike Shinoda’s rapping and Chester’s vocals, as well as the honest lyrics had me enticed. It was a sound I’d never heard before and it blew my mind. In the years that followed my admiration for Linkin Park only grew, I got my hands on a copy of ‘Hybrid Theory’ soon after Christmas and was again completely in awe. On my thirteenth birthday, a friend bought me a copy of ‘Minutes to Midnight’, I also got given a Linkin Park t-shirt, the first band shirt I ever owned. I still remember how cool I felt getting to represent my favourite band, even cooler when family members or friends would ask what the logo on my shirt meant I got to explain. I can say with complete certainty that if Linkin Park had never entered my life I’d have no idea where I’d be right now, they were the band that shaped my early music taste and who allowed me to discover a world of brilliant music.

The outpour of love and tribute for Chester Bennington over the past few days is a testament to the impact and importance he had amongst his friends, family, fans and the entire music industry. Chester’s vocal talents were extraordinary, with his ability to both scream ferociously and deliver incredibly delicate vocal melodies, his range covered everything from the nu-metal of Linkin Park’s earlier material to their more pop-orientated later album’s absolutely perfectly. I personally never got the chance to see Linkin Park live, something I will now especially regret. However, even through watching live performances on YouTube; Chester’s command of the stage as a frontman was unrivalled, always executing his vocal performance to the best of his ability while truly connecting with the audience.

As I write this I’m currently listening the live album ‘Road to Revolution’ and while feeling incredibly saddened I also feel so thankful to have grown up with Chester’s voice and lyrics as my soundtrack. I am beyond thankful for the power that his music has and the positive impact it has and will continue to spread across countless people’s lives.

R.I.P Chester Bennington and once again, thank you.

 I have attached below a number of charities that act in support of mental health. Please never be afraid to speak up and seek help.

To Write Love on Her Arms - https://twloha.com/

MIND – https://www.mind.org.uk/

Sane - http://www.sane.org.uk/

Together - http://www.together-uk.org/

5 Must See Bands at Slam Dunk 2017

Over the last 11 years Slam Dunk Festival has become a strong staple for alternative music and now easily holds it's own compared to the bigger UK festivals. Taking place over the May bank holiday weekend in Birmingham, Leeds and Hertfordshire, Slam Dunk offers a day packed with everything from acoustic artists to metalcore. In recent years the festival has seen bands including You Me At Six, Taking Back Sunday and Panic! At The Disco headlining. With 2017 offering over 60 bands you're bound to be spoilt for choice, however, if you're still deciding on exactly who to catch I've compiled a list of 5 bands I think everyone should at least keep an eye on throughout the day.


Frank Iero andthe Patience

Frank Iero stormed back onto the scene last October with the release of his second full length album 'Parachutes', under the new name 'Frank Iero andthe Patience'. An album that stings with raw emotion, angst and honesty 'Parachutes' was met with critical acclaim and just one listen is enough to understand why. The Patience throw their hearts into their live show, translating every emotion that can be heard across the album flawlessly and making for an eclectic experience. Having recently finished a UK/Europe tour in support of Taking Back Sunday, Iero's return to our shores is sure to be a triumphant moment that you won't want to miss.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxSIvXBYY-Q


Madina Lake

In July 2012 alternative-rockers Madina Lake announced their final UK tour that spread across 8 dates in which they performed their debut album 'From Them, Through Us, To You' in it's entirety. This January, to much delight, they officially announced their reunion tour, including three dates across Slam Dunk Festival.

With three brilliant albums under their belts, all underlying the fantasy world and story of 'Adalia' Madina Lake were quick to become a much beloved part of the alt-rock scene. Whether you're a long time fan, just find yourself jamming along to 'Here I Stand' occasionally, or, have even discovered the band since their reunion has been announced, do not sleep on the chance to see them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmE3sBfKaJE


Trophy Eyes

Hailing from Newcastle, Australia, punk outfit Trophy Eyes made their way over the to UK for the first time in 2015 in support of Neck Deep, alongside Knuckle Puck and Seaway, and, have built themselves a strong UK following since. The band's second album 'Chemical Miracle' was released in October 2016 and was met with rave reviews, critics particularly praising the diversity of the record. With the success of 'Chemical Miracle' it's clear that Trophy Eyes are set to become front-runners in the pop-punk world. Ahead of their performance at Slam Dunk the band are embarking on a run of co-headline shows with Canadian pop-punkers Like Pacific.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oMzcu0b5rY


Milk Teeth

Forming in 2013, punk-rockers Milk Teeth were quick to release their debut EP 'Smiling Politely.' After signing to Hopeless Records and releasing follow-up 'Sad Sack' in January 2016 they finally unleashed their much-anticipated debut album 'Vile Child'. Since the release the band have performed at 2000 Trees, Reading & Leeds, and, have made their first trip to the US supporting Sorority Noise, Citizen and Turnover. They've just burst back with new single 'Owning Your Okayness' from their upcoming EP 'Be Nice', due to be released July 28th, via Roadrunner Records, Milk Teeth are bound to be headlining festivals in years to come so you better come along for the ride.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sollle3EAZ4


Homebound

Featured on the Rock Sound Breakout stage this year are Farnham natives Homebound. The band have been making strides in the pop-punk scene since the release of their second EP 'The Mould You Build Yourself Around' in February via Rude Records. Having supported Four Year Strong on their 'Rise or Die Trying' 10th anniversary tour alongside Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! and Boston Manor earlier this year. Homebound bring a refreshing burst of energy with their live performance making it easy to see why they're consistently gaining fans. They're one upcoming band you won't want to miss. As well as their performance at Slam Dunk, Homebound are set to support Set It Off and With Confidence on a series of dates across the UK.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGUv_lBMw4k

The Music Behind: Persona 5

Persona 5 has been one of the most anticipated games in recent years. The follow up to the incredibly successful Persona 4 released in 2008, fans have been itching for a chance to re-enter the world of Persona for nine years. Released to worldwide critical acclaim earlier this year it’s safe to say it was well worth the wait for Persona 5.

A role-playing JRPG, the game follows the protagonist as they move to a new town and begin adjusting to life in a new high school. Leading your high school life in the day and choosing how to spend your time in the evening, whether it be hanging out with your pals, heading to the batting cages or studying, gives the game a quality similar to the SIMs series. The action kicks in as the story unfolds and you’re introduced to the metaverse – a twisted take on the real world – where you, along with your friends and Morgana, a talking cat who appears to have avid knowledge of this other world, embark on missions as a phantom thief to steal people hearts and uncover their greatest desires.

With a brilliant story-line, an array of well-written characters and utterly beautiful presentation (even the menu selection screens are filled with graphics bursting with style and colour) it’s no wonder Persona 5 is a big contender for 2017’s game of the year. The music, however, personally makes the game for me.

Composed and arranged by Shoji Meguro, the sound director for the entire Persona series. Meguro has described the soundtrack as a ‘single continuous work’ mentioning that it flows a lot more in comparison to the past two games in the series. The opening theme ‘Wake Up, Get Up, Get Out There’ is sung by jazz/soul musician Lyn Inaizumi, who also contributed vocals on numerous other songs, it is her first performance in a video game.

The games soundtrack was released in Japan on January 17th, 2017. The album featured 110 songs in total, spanning three discs. A special addition of the soundtrack with selected tracks was later released in North America and Europe, included as part of the collector’s edition of the game. The release is titled ‘Persona 5 – Sounds of the Rebellion’.

Meguro focused heavily on incorporating acid jazz elements to the score to express the mood of the game, this is displayed throughout the upbeat main theme ‘Wake Up, Get Up, Get Out There’. Other highlights of the soundtrack include the haunting ‘The Poem of Everyone’s Souls’ that scores one of the game’s most prominent aspects, The Velvet Room. Meguro also bought in a hard rock influence for the games boss battle’s as he felt this would convey the struggle between the protagonist and a powerful enemy, this shines through most in the song ‘Last Surprise’. 

Filled with fire, wonder and variety the music brings an enriching element to the game that seems would be lost otherwise and only enhances the already brilliant gaming experience. Not only is Persona 5 one of the strongest game releases of 2017 but the OST is one of the best composed game soundtracks in recent years. 

                                              'Wake Up, Get Up, Get Out There' 

'The Poem of Everyone's Souls' 

'Last Surprise' 

The Music Behind: ‘Wentworth Prison’

Music within visual media is something that has always played as a big interest to me. Knowing that even the simplest piece of sound has the power to completely change the atmosphere of a scene, create brand new elements for the viewer such as suspense and fear, and, to make an already emotional story-line hit even harder. As it’s something that’s peaked my interest for quite a while I thought the best thing to do would be to combine it with my writing, so, with this piece I’ll be starting a series of articles that dissect and outline some of the music heard throughout various TV shows and films.

Since the long-awaited and hugely anticipated fifth series of Australian drama Wentworth Prison, one of my personal favourite shows, aired on Tuesday night; it seemed like the perfect show to start with.

Note: this article WILL contain spoilers.

On the Inside – Lynne Hamilton 

Originally written for Prisoner Cell Block H, the drama series that Wentworth is based on, ‘On the Inside’ was cleverly slotted into the first episode of Wentworth as the audience are introduced to antagonist Jacs Holt for the first time. Holt is heard singing a verse of ‘On the Inside’ as Bea Smith is first placed into solitary confinement. The song was initially used as the main theme for the original Prisoner series.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TC38KlmnSo

Walking into Doors – Archie Roach

‘Walking into Doors’ was recorded by Australian singer-songwriter Archie Roach and released on his 1992 album ‘Jamu Dreaming’. The song details the experience and emotions felt by a woman who is involved in an abusive relationship, much like the relationship Bea has with her husband in the show. The track is played as Bea reflects, and the viewers see for the first time, on how and why she ended up inside.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zsxbe1jtE8U

Who Shot the Bird Down – Kathryn Rollins

Kathryn Rollins in a recording artist from Melbourne, Australia. ‘Who Shot the Bird Down’ is taken from her debut EP ‘Reckless’, released in 2013. She followed this with her second EP ‘Slow Traction’ in 2015. ‘Who Shot the Bird Down’ is played during the end of the third episode of season one, in an emotional scene where Franky Doyle confronts her past and her relationship with her father.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvAnJrGUTSk

Jungle – Emma Louise

‘Jungle’ was released on March 31^st, 2011 by Australian singer-songwriter Emma Louise. It was taken from her debut EP ‘Full Hearts & Empty Rooms’. The song went on to chart is various countries including number 5 on the UK singles chart and number 3 on the French singles chart. ‘Jungle’ is played during episode nine of season one, as the inmates of Wentworth are holding a memorial service for Bea’s daughter, Debbie.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oy6k9U5E8UQ

Home – Daughter

Daughter are an indie-folk band from London, England. Formed in 2010 they have currently released four EPS and two albums. ‘Home’ is taken from the band’s second EP ‘The Wild Youth’, released in 2011. The song is used during the final scenes of season three as it is revealed that Kaz Proctor is now a new inmate in Wentworth as she shares a standoff glance with now top dog Bea.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNQASi28tIg

Top Five: Musical Theatre Cast Recordings

Musical Theatre has been a strong point of interest for me for the past few years. Upon recently learning that I’m taking a trip to New York for my birthday (thanks mum) where it’s beyond guaranteed that I’ll be catching at least one Broadway show, this seemed like the perfect time to write about some of my favourite musical theatre albums.

Waitress: Original Broadway Cast Recording

Based on the 2006 film of the same name, Waitress tells the story of Jenna, a waitress stuck in an unhappy marriage to her bullying husband Earl. After unexpecting falling pregnant Jenna sets her sights on a pie contest and its grand prize to escape and make a new life for her and her baby.

Opening just over a year ago, Waitress is currently one of the most successful Broadway productions. Waitress is the first production to have an exclusively all-women’s creative team behind it with music and lyrics by singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles. Starring tony-award winner Jessie Mueller, Waitress originally made its Broadway debut in April 2016 with the original cast recording following in June.

With a magnificent score including ‘Opening Up’, ‘Everything Changes’ and the heart-wrenching ‘She Used to Be Mine’ the Waitress cast recording is a must-listen for any musical theatre fan.

School of Rock the Musical – Original Broadway Cast Recording

School of Rock the Musical is Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most recent venture. An adaption of the 2003 hit film starring Jack Black, the story follows Dewey Finn, an out-of-work rock musician who ends up pretending to be a substitute teacher at a very prestigious school. Dewey is quick to form a band with his students and attempts to win a battle of the bands competition.

The production opened on Broadway in December 2015 and made its West End premiere in November 2016. The original Broadway cast recording was released on December 5^th 2015, just a day before the musical’s opening night. Featuring Alex Brightman and Sierra Boggess as Dewey Finn and Rosalie Mullins, respectively. One of the standout elements of School of Rock is that the show features a children’s ensemble who play instruments live throughout the show, members of the original Broadway cast recorded several instrumental parts on the cast recording.

Including songs such as ‘You’re in the Band’, ‘Where Did the Rock Go’ and ‘Stick It To The Man’ School of Rock’s cast recording is bound to get you rocking.

Miss Saigon: Live from the Prince Edward Theatre

Miss Saigon tells the tale of Kim, who was orphaned by war, and, an American GI called Chris. Soon after meeting the two fall in love but their lives are quickly torn apart by the fall of Saigon. With music and lyrics by Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boublil, the team beside Les Miserables, Miss Saigon is one of the most renowned productions around the world.

The West End revival premiered in May 2014 at the Prince Edward Theatre. The revival cast included Eva Noblezada as Kim, Jon Jon Briones as the Engineer and Alistair Brammer as Chris. A 25^th anniversary gala performance was held on the 22^nd of September 2014 which featured many members of the original West End production joining the current cast for a special finale. The performance was recorded and released in its entirety on News Years Day 2014 with a live DVD released in late 2016.

Featuring stellar performances of songs including ‘The Movie in my Mind’, ‘Last Night of the World’ and ‘I’d Give My Life for You’ the definitive recording of Miss Saigon is an incredible listen, and, with the production just opening on Broadway featuring Eva Noblezada, Jon Jon Briones and Alistair Brammer reprising their roles America is definitely in for a treat.

Wicked – Original Broadway Cast Recording

Wicked is the untold story of the witches of OZ, based on the Gregory Maguire novel; The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. With music and lyrics by Stephan Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman. The story is told from the perspective of two unlikely friends; Elphaba; the wicked witch of the west, and, Glinda; the good witch of the north. The story begins before Dorothy’s arrival in Oz and continues after.

Wicked opened on Broadway in October 2003 starring Idina Menzel as Elphaba and Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda. The West End production opened three years later, in September 2006. As of 2017 Wicked is one of the most long-running productions on both Broadway and the West End, running for 13 years in New York and 10 years in London. Since its inception, the production has toured in many places across the world including Australia, Manila, Singapore, the UK and North America.

The original Broadway cast recording was released on December 16^th 2003. Featuring the likes of ‘The Wizard & I’, ‘Dancing Through Life’ and the anthemic ‘Defying Gravity’ it’s no wonder Wicked has achieved such critical acclaim.

Kinky Boots – Original West End Recording

Kinky Boots, based on the 2006 film of the same, follows the story of Charlie Price who inherits a shoe factory from his father and in-lists the help of drag queen Lola to produce a line of high-heeled boots for men and save the business. In the process, Charlie and Lola discover that they’re not so different from one another. With music and lyrics by two-time Grammy award winner Cyndi Lauper. Kinky Boots opened on Broadway in April 2013. The production went on to received 13 Tony award nominations and went on to win 5.

The West End production opened at the Adelphi theatre in September 2015. Featuring Killian Donnelly as Charlie, Matt Henry as Lola and Amy Lennox as Lauren. The production won numerous WhatsOnStage and Olivier Awards following its debut. The show has recently celebrated its 600^th West End performance.

The original west end cast recording was recorded during a live performance at the Adelphi theatre and was released on the 1^st of April 2016. The album went on to be nominated for a Grammy Award for ‘Best Musical Theatre Album’. Featuring incredible performances from Killian Donnelly and Matt Henry on the uplifting ‘Everybody Say Yeah and ‘Raise You Up/Just Be’ as well as the heart-breaking ‘Not My Father’s Son’ and ‘Hold Me in Your Heart’ Kinky Boots’ West End recording is an album that everyone’s sure to enjoy. 

EP Review: No Insight – ‘Chasing Memories’

London based pop-punkers No Insight, consisting of Gian Astacaan (Guitar/Vocals), Joe Papworth (Bass/Vocals) and Rich Alexander (Drums/Vocals) have been gigging around the south-coast since forming in early 2016. Having shared the stage with bands including Better Than Never and Fierce Morgan. The band are currently gearing up for the release of their debut EP ‘Chasing Memories’ which is set to be released on March 30^th through Shipwreck Records. Clocking in at just 10 minutes long No Insight have delivered a short, fast-paced introduction to their nostalgic energetic brand of pop-punk.

Debut single and EP opener ‘These Days’ starts off with an early Green Day style guitar riff before breaking into a full-band driving rhythm to carry the verses. Papworth’s punk-style vocals contrast with Astacaan’s throughout the verses, and, are at their most effective as the song kicks into a catchy chorus that’s bound to get sing-a-longs started.

Title track ‘Chasing Memories’ sees a more pop-rock orientated direction with a sound that’s reminiscent of early Busted, with the rhythm section pulling the verses along as Astacaan talks about the classic pop-punk cliché of wanting to get out of your hometown. The distortion is amped up for the chorus and a guitar solo is introduced the second-time round. The track comes to a close with a final chorus featuring an array of gang vocals.

EP closer ‘If I’m Rick, You’re Morty’ (who doesn’t love a good Rick and Morty reference?) kicks in similarly to ‘These Days’ with a standalone guitar riff before bursting into a full band instrumental with a melodic guitar melody. The verses see Papworth taking a lead in with the vocals while Astacaan delivers supporting lyrics in a call and response style. The chorus continues to deliver what the previous two tracks have, in a short fast burst of energy. The song takes a dynamic shift as the lyrics ‘We can last forever, better late than never’ are repeated before jumping into a final chorus to close out the record.

‘Chasing Memories’ is due to be released on March 30th via Shipwreck Records.

No Insight are also scheduled to perform at the Asylum 2 in Birmingham on April 29th.

Keep up with the band on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/NoInsightUK/