Album Review (done in a cinema!): Pearl Jam – Dark Matter

Tuesday evening past, I was getting ready to head out, (an event in itself) when my 11 year old autistic son said, “You look nice, mummy, where are you going?”, “Belfast”, I answered, dreading the follow up questions that I didn't quite know how to answer. Thankfully there were none, which was a relief, as … Continue reading Album Review (done in a cinema!): Pearl Jam – Dark Matter

Single Review: Pearl Jam – “Running”

"Running" is the second single following "Dark Matter", off the upcoming album also called Dark Matter, which is due out on April 19th. The song is very punky with Bad Religion, Ramones and Offspring vibes. The "Corduroy" riff is turned inside out while the song is very much driven by Mike (McCready, guitar) and Matt … Continue reading Single Review: Pearl Jam – “Running”

Charity Single Review: The Ups and Downs – “Downright Incredible”

Irish musicians joined by high profile guest stars on charity single released to mark World Down’s Syndrome Day 2024. Several years ago when volunteering for Northern Irish Down’s Syndrome support group, ‘Families With Ups and Downs’, I was told that the first thing this parent-led group told new parents of Down’s Syndrome children was, "Congratulations! … Continue reading Charity Single Review: The Ups and Downs – “Downright Incredible”

Video/Single Review: “Never Say” – The Black Vultures Band

Yesterday, "New Release Friday" and Forge AMP Management brought us the brand new video for recent single "Never Say" from my favourite Welsh band, The Black Vultures Band. The Black Vultures are: Huw Williams - Vocals & Rhythm Guitar Aled Owen Jones - Lead Guitar Mitch Casey - Bass Brandon Pritchard - Drums ...and are … Continue reading Video/Single Review: “Never Say” – The Black Vultures Band

Single Review: Pearl Jam – “Dark Matter”

It’s no secret that Pearl Jam are my favourite band of all time and have been since a huge musical turning point in my life on the release of Vs. in 1993 (more on that later). While I respect everything they’ve done, including the (few and far between) albums of their catalogue that I consider … Continue reading Single Review: Pearl Jam – “Dark Matter”

Gig Review: Blue October – O2 Academy, Dublin (23rd April 2023)

As I was leaving Dublin’s Academy after the Blue October show with my recently converted other half, and my new best friend, Carol that I met and passion-bonded with at the gig, I heard myself utter the words, “The best experience I’ve ever had at a gig in my life was the first time I … Continue reading Gig Review: Blue October – O2 Academy, Dublin (23rd April 2023)