2015 Update

November December 2015 Update

 So you have probably noticed that this site has not been updated for the longest time for a multiple reasons but this post should detail some of the events that have happened since the start of October.

 Feed the Rhino @ Underworld 17/10/14

 In a week with three gigs and two consecutively, Feed the Rhino was definitely a stand out gig. Feed the Rhino were supported by a favorite of mine Baby Godzilla and Night Verses. Didn't take many pictures because it got quite rowdy quite quickly and it was a messy night in general resulting in a lost phone and a split knuckle. Nevertheless it was a good night and I would recommend keeping an eye out for Feed the Rhino live in the future.

.5 The Gray Chapter and Slipknot in general

 Since October, Slipknot released their first album is six years: a very eventful six years with the death of forming bassist Paul Gray and the departure of drummer Joey Jordison. Slipknot released singles up until the release that showed promise (especially The Negative One) but after a month with album I can safely say that it is as good as All Hope is Gone. .5 has some throwbacks like more samples and a darker feel but lacks the commitment to a heavier and rawer sound that was promised during the build up to the albums release, a lesson learned form Linkin Park no doubt. To reiterate, .5 is not a bad album by any stretch but it wasn't worth the hype.

New bands

 I haven't posted in a while so i have had a lot of time to regroup and discover a ton of new bands that stretch across genres that i can't wait to introduce to you in band and live reviews

Changes

 Now that I am juggling employment and studying I'm trying to create a new update timetable that I will be able to follow with ease so things might be changing with that soon so watch out for that.

Gigs I didn't write about because...

 So during my 'hiatus' i missed reviews for quite a large number of gigs which has annoyed me because i can't really remember them that vividly now that time has wandered on. To generalise, Hacktivist pulled off two great shows during their Download Frozen Over tour alongside The One Hundred and Dead Harts (although Dead Harts dropped out for the last few dates}. Crossfaith also put on a good show at the Koko Club in November which was recorded for a DVD release this year so keep an eye out for me in the pit.

Upcoming gigs

 After the can of sardines that was the last three months of 2014: 2015 shows no sign of being anything less then crammed, with at this early stage in the year a gig planned for every month. 

Apology?

 I apologise from the bottom of my heart for the past couple of months: everything decided to become urgent and needing of attention at the same time so i had to put this on hold for a while. Things are still quite hectic but I'll try to do what i can for now until something starts to give. So for now post will be thrown out as soon and as frequent as possible.

PS: I started writing this in November so further apologies if this post doesn't seem so fluent or smooth

Album Review (Subculture EP - The One Hundred)

Subculture EP - The One Hundred

 Subculture EP is the debut release from rap/metalcore/grime/electronica quartet The One Hundred. The One Hundred have been playing gigs and teasing this release extensively for some time as well as an Iggy Azalea cover released this month. We at DotDownTheFront released a Band Review for these guys earlier this month so check that out here for more info and links to their social media. Subculture EP was released through UNFD.

Notable Tracks

 Breed - Breed starts with a bass heavy metalcore intro and the electronic elements are added to the backing. Breed also features double layer vocals that give the track a complex and schizo tone. Instruments and electronics share the limelight as instruments and electronics alternate adding to the ferocity of the track. Live, this song will kick arse.

 Kingsmen - Opening with some electronica straight from sci-fi show, Kingsmen builds from the start adding each genre subtly until it explodes into one. Kingsmen features harsh primary vocals and harmonized vocals in the backing that compliment each other well. Kingsmen is complex and shows the band's potential and paths for future releases. 

 Unleashed - Opening as if it was this summers dance anthem. Unleashed unleashes its energy with distorted clean and harsh vocals and an infectious rhythm. Unleashed progresses well with a clear start and finish. Unleashed is the perfect track for the tent at a festival. 

 Tale of Two Cities - Tale of Two Cities is a no holds barred track and jumps straight into the raw energy. Tale of Two Cities is the rap heaviest track from the EP but still manages to fit a small instrumental in. The track's chorus is by far the catchiest as the instruments drop for a group vocal on the hook.  

 Downfall - The final track from the EP will definitely leave a bruise. Downfall starts with a low pitched electronic section and builds to fast and catchy chorus that will literally leave you saying "downfall" out load for hours. Towards the end of the track, the electronica builds for an awesome and abrupt ending that adds ti the attitude of the EP.

 Buy this EP now! Subculture EP offers a taste of everything with each track having a clear and defined purpose and genre influence. The One Hundred take the best bit from each alternative genre and blends it together to create what can only be described as superior. At £3.99 for six tracks, this is a steal for music of this quality. Without a doubt 2014/2015 will be the year for The One Hundred. (Watch this space for a live review coming winter time) 

 To wrap things up, here is the music video for The One Hundred's cover of Iggy Azalea's Black Widow (video linked here for mobile users)

  

Band Review (The One Hundred)

The One Hundred

The One Hundred (From L to R) Joe Balchin, Jacob Field, Tim Hider, Phil Kneller

 The One Hundred are a gender mashing quartet from London. The One Hundred have been around since 2012 but have been making music together before. The One Hundred fuse grime with metal with a helping of electronica to create a sound which is unmistakably unique and refreshing.

  The One Hundred's vocals and electronic samples are provided by Jacob Field alongside Tim Hider and Phil Kneller on guitars and Joe Balchin on the all important drums.

 Since their formation in 2012, The One Hundred have built a solid following through extensive touring in the UK and are currently waiting to release their debut EP titled Subculture. The EP is due for release at the beginning of September with a total of six tracks. 

 The One Hundred are not currently touring but have odd gigs leading up to September: This said, The One Hundred do have a tour planned during November and December as part of the "Download freezes over" string of tours. The One Hundred alongside hardcore band Dead Harts will be supporting Hacktivist (Band Review here) for 22 shows from November until December, check here for details. (I have tickets for the first show of the tour so watch this space for a review). 

  So you want to find The One Hundred on the net? Here are the links you need to know. Facebook page here, Twitter here and on official site here. Go show them some love.

 To round off, here is the video for the single Kingsmen taken from the Subculture EP. (Linked here for mobile users)