TOTAL VOLTAGE MUSIC
TOTAL VOLTAGE is a fresh independent live music and album review site specialising in the glorious sounds of pop-punk, rock and post-hardcore (with the occasional mainstream pop added into the mix).
Read, listen, enjoy!
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Wednesday May 14, 2013
Written by Frances Roach
After a well paced and welcoming introduction through There, There, the songs that were first to hit several media outlets a few weeks back, Passing Through A Screen Door, Dismantling Summer and The Bastards, The Vultures, The Wolves, continue the well established TWY sound gained from past releases and assuring fans of the strong quality of what is to come.
Taking a slow turn with The Devil In My Bloodstream provides a softness to the record before picking up a notch, or five, halfway through. Definitely the I Won’t Say The Lord’s Prayer of this album, with Madelyn being (loosely) the Hey Thanks of ‘The Greatest Generation’, a gentle acoustic accompanied by delicate chimes.
What I love most about this band is the complete honesty possessed lyrically throughout and frontman Dan “Soupy” Campbell has a way of successfully portraying the thoughts of what everyone else is thinking but rarely saying. This can be heard in the last and longest song I Just Want To Sell Out My Funeral, singing “I’m scared shitless of failure and I’m staring out at where I want to be”.
This 7+ minute song continues by summarising the album through a medley of the prior tracklisting, which for me, is by far the stand out track of the album.
With tight drums, particularly in Teenage Parents and An American Religion (FSF) and the infectious catchiness and consistency of guitar lines in every song, The Wonder Years are able to continue to furthermore develop their established name in the genre of pop punk.
4/5
Make sure to check out my friend’s awesome site, Top Hat Magazine!
Thursday December 15, 2011
Review by Frances Roach
Photography by Danielle Booth
Support from: Deaf Havana, Tek-One, Heights
A near full capacity Academy 2 sees Brighton metalcore five-piece Architects storm their way through a blistering set of songs old and new, with audience following suit. Starting with new single ‘Devil’s Island’ off their anticipated upcoming release, and continuing through with a pleasant mix of songs from previous albums such as ‘Learn To Live’, ‘Dethroned’ and ‘Delete, Rewind’, the centre of the crowd is at their fullest energy- pits erupting and the majority of the crowd in full participation throughout.
The highlight section of the set is when the band slow it down (slightly) before playing ‘An Open Letter To Myself’ and crowd favourite and best song of the night in terms of reception, ‘Heartburn’, where frontman Sam Carter asks for as many people as possible to get on their friends’ shoulders, reminiscent to the atmosphere seen at the typical summer festivals. This is successfully achieved, as a relatively good proportion of the crowd is elevated during the performance, passionately singing the words back to the band on stage.
Following up with ‘Day In, Day Out’, the first track off of their last release, The Here And Now, they leave the the stage with the attentive audience practically screaming for an encore. Returning with two final songs ‘Hollow Crown’, taken from the album of the same name and finally ‘Follow The Water’, it is evident that Architects have staying power. Fans seems extremely pleased, with clothing intact albeit covered in their own sweat (and most likely others).
A very energetic and exciting performance all round.
3.5/5
Sunday December 11, 2011
Review and photography by Frances Roach
Support from: Hostage Calm, Apologies, I Have None
After witnessing the high interaction and intensity seen from both band and audience via the Liverpool show at The Magnet last Friday (which was rather impressive considering the last minute venue change due to the closure of The Masque) and despite the band calling the Liverpool show “the best show of the tour so far”, I still had rather high expectations of the Manchester show at Moho.
Starting with current album opener ‘Holy Fuck’, and including a string of classics ‘New Disaster’, ‘This Is Dungeon Music’ and crowd favourite ‘Green Eyes’, taken from the self-titled album, I Am The Avalanche play their way through an enduring set- tight guitars, even tighter backing rhythm and vocals loaded with integrity.
The only disappointment was not from the band itself, who provided an exciting set that was more than pleasing, but from the abnormally lackluster crowd. Maybe this was due to the majority of the audience being relatively new listeners of the band, since their latest release Avalanche United is their first since 2005, or purely for the fact that it is a Sunday night leading up to one of the most stressful weeks of seasonal calendar.
Despite the bizarre lack of movement for a typical punk show, the audience were still fully attentive and appreciative and I Am The Avalanche continued to display their impressive collection of songs to the fullest, with constant heightened levels of energy and rawness, which subsequently encouraged the crowd to get more involved. The second half of the set was much more receptive, with singer Vinnie Caruana and the crowd singing in unison to ‘This Drink’s On Me’ and current single ‘Brooklyn Dodgers’ which received the loudest sing-a-long of the night. They continue to express their appreciation before ending the show with aptly titled ‘Gratitude’ and ‘I Took A Beating’.
The acutely solid performance from the New York five piece was definitely worth the wait and will have certainly left the dedicated fans more than satisfied and the hesitant audience members eager to return next time round. Luckily, UK fans won’t have to wait long to see them again-next up is a support slot on the highly anticipated UK Tour with Brand New in the New Year. Let’s just hope Manchester actually represents in February.
4/5
ALBUM REVIEW: I AM THE AVALANCHE- AVALANCHE UNITED CAN BE FOUND HERE
BRAND NEW UK TOUR TICKETS CAN BE FOUND HERE
Saturday November 12, 2011
Review and photography by Frances Roach
Support from: The Pretty Reckless, Me
After 5 years away from our shores and various lineup changes, the somewhat symphonic rock band are back with a much anticipated string of UK dates. Abruptly walking onto the stage with opening song and current single ‘What You Want’ and making their way through a row of new songs including ‘Made Of Stone’, ‘My Heart Is Broken’ and ‘Oceans’, the crowd seems satisfied yet relatively mild with much less movement than you would expect from a rock band that is still in high demand, which is evident in the fact that this current UK tour is completely sold out.
With a rather extensive set list of songs, it was mainly new material that covered the majority of the set, playing 10 songs from the newly released self-titled full length. This was a disappointment to many, who have been waiting to hear the band’s back catalogue for a good few years. Lighting throughout was focused on frontwoman Amy Lee, donning a purple tutu with several members of the crowd dressing likewise; it is apparent that she is the focus of the show, with chants and repetitive screaming of her name emerging from the audience.
Rolling out a piano for ‘Lost In Paradise’ and ‘Lithium’, the songs are performed with precision, with Lee playing solo before the climax into the latter half of the song including menacing guitars and bass. After slipping in old favourites ‘Call Me When You’re Sober’ and ‘Imaginary’, the most uproar, unsurprisingly, came from the performance of debut #1 single (and the official Spiderman movie song) ‘Bring Me To Life’, with every member of the crowd who occupied the sold out O2 Academy Leeds screaming back every lyric with all the strength in their lungs. Choosing to bow out with classic My Immortal provided the eerie sounds of piano and perfect opportunity for the ultimate singalong. Solid performance but fans will hope it doesn’t take as long for the band to return next time around.
3/5
Monday October 31, 2011
Review and photography by Frances Roach
Support from: DJ Skeet Skeet
Pop’s favourite 21st century Californian export Katy Perry graced the Manchester stage for a fun-filled Halloween stop on her ‘California Dreams Tour’, however this show was far from scary, instead consisting of a 2 hour set of bubblegum pop, from the candy inspired stage designs, multiple big screens, pastel-coloured outfits of the dancers, band and the lady herself, to the insane stage lighting, bubbles and pyro fireworks.
Perry is a pop powerhouse. Opening with her number 1 hit ‘Teenage Dream’ and instantly creating an atmosphere full of creativity and excitement amongst the 15,000 devoted fans, who have all opted to occupy the arena for the night over the choice of trick-or-treating or the annual house party. Good choice, as candy and candyfloss props seems to be all around the stage, with Perry throwing out candy to the lucky few close enough to catch during ‘Waking Up In Vegas’. Ever the comedian, once Perry takes time out to speak between songs, its almost as if she cannot stop. After marrying Brit comedian Russell Brand last year, the influence is apparent as Perry successfully manages to pull off some British humor and impressive accent impersonations.
Blasting through a variety of upbeat songs from both albums including breakout song ‘I Kissed A Girl’, ‘ET’ and ‘Circle The Drain’, Perry’s charm and perfect choreography engages the audience throughout, audibly and visually. The latter half of the relatively long set allows her to display her vocal ability through slower songs such as current single ‘The One That Got Away’ and old favourite ‘Thinking of You’, floating across the crowd on a candyfloss ‘cloud’, strumming an acoustic guitar that is practically immersed in glitter. Successfully providing an intimate setting to the sold out arena, it is about to get even more intimate for a lucky few.
Inviting adorned fans to share the stage during her rendition of the Whitney Houston party classic ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’, Perry continues to bring the party. Rounding off with her two biggest hits to date, ‘Firework’, receiving the loudest sing-a-long of the night, and ‘California Gurls’, it is certain that this is a show spectators will be talking about for a long time.
Take note, Katy Perry’s California Dreams Tour is the epitome of a perfect pop performance.
5/5
Thursday October 27, 2011
By Frances Roach
Six years after their last release, their debut self titled album back in 2005, the Brooklyn quintet I Am The Avalanche are back with a belter. ‘Avalanche United’ sees a significant magnitude of progress from where they left off and is apparent from the get go with opening track ‘Holy Fuck’, evidencing their objectives in the lyrics ‘shut your mouth, and pay your rent, and make a record they’ll never forget’. No doubt, this album is rather promising in helping the band get back onto the pop punk radar.
Standout tracks consist of upbeat efforts ‘Is This Really Happening?’, ‘Brooklyn Dodgers’ and ‘You’ve Got Spiders’, the latter two they have been playing live for quite some time, blasting out the perfect pop punk formula for a chorus. ‘Amsterdam’ provides an insight to the memories created from the road and the eagerness to get back out to the places they’ve conquered during past tours.
Background gang vocals add to the imminent sense of unity within the band and the strong connection they have managed to maintain with their followers despite the lack of band activity within the past few years. A solid record throughout filled with punchy choruses and melodies whilst producing a good balance of perfectly raw vocals and energetic integrity. With a newly announced UK pre-Christmas tour taking place (the first time returning to England in 6 years), this record is certain to please the fans gained from previous releases and no doubtedly will be successful in gaining another swarm of highly impressed listeners.
TOUR TICKETS CAN BE FOUND HERE
Download: Holy Fuck, Brooklyn Dodgers, Amsterdam
4/5
Friday October 7, 2011
Review and photography by Frances Roach
Support from: Your Demise, letlive.
After spending the majority of the summer out of the country and opting for an American summer on the road via the Vans Warped Tour, Enter Shikari are finally back on English soil, promising sold-out nights of absolute insanity. With a rather stellar lineup of bands on the bill, this tour is not for the faint hearted. Blood, sweat and bruises are an anticipated outcome, and crowd-goers were certainly far from disappointment.
Opening the show are Californian progressive post-hardcore quintet letlive. who have been quickly gaining much recognition across the UK and Europe over recent months, and by the energy during their live set, it’s not hard to see why. Frontman Jason Aalon Butler’s immediate presence on stage captivates the majority of the audience who are new to the letlive. experience, showing the punters how he is worthy of his recent (and controversial) #1 spot on Kerrang! Magazine’s ‘50 Greatest Rockstars In The World Today’ cover story. Displaying their best songs from 2010’s album ‘Fake History’, the audience are pumped.
Next up is Brighton five-piece Your Demise, who are eager to pick up the pace. As they kick into their set, it is apparent that quite a large section of the crowd may have come for this homegrown band. Circle pits from side to side emerge as Ed McRae and co. burst through their live favourites, ‘Shine On’, ‘Miles Away’ and ultimately round up the set with ‘The Kids We Used To Be’. By now, it feels like that could have been the entire show in itself and kids would leave happy, but they still regain more than enough energy to witness what’s yet to come.
Enter: Shikari. In the newly refurbished 1920’s theatre, the HMV Ritz is tested to its ultimate safety limits, as the the headlining band take over and the 1500-strong crowd erupts. Opening with ‘Destabilise’, the energetic pace continues with high consistency as the Hertfordshire four-piece belt out crowd favourites ‘Zzzonked’, ‘Havoc A’ and ‘Return To Energiser’.
Choosing to play smaller venues on this tour, they are eager to give back to the loyal home fan base who are keen for new music. This eagerness to provide fresh sounds is apparent as they include new songs taken from their upcoming 2012 release, ‘A Flash Flood of Colour’, churning out likely future favourites ‘Arguing With Thermometers’ and ‘Sssnakepit’.
Crowd participation is at its fullest- reminiscent to those that the band have witnessed at their Reading & Leeds festival slots over the last 3 years. Strobe lighting was also at it’s extreme, almost to the point of near blindness, adding to the notion that you are part of one big rave. Any form of air-con was sparse, heat rising to the ceiling and not a single dry brow in the building.
Now, with a newly announced Spring 2012 tour with fellow Brits Young Guns, Enter Shikari show total control and no signs of slowing.
5/5
TICKET FOR THE SPRING 2012 TOUR CAN BE FOUND HERE.
Tuesday October 11, 2011
By Frances Roach
Now with 7 full-length albums to their name, New Found Glory, one of the long standing pioneers of pop punk are back with Radiosurgery. From the first spin, it is obvious that this latest release from the Floridian five-piece has a much higher pop-to-punk ratio than previous full length release, Not Without A Fight.
Opening with the radio-friendly current single and title song, ‘Radiosurgery’, immediately gives the sense that this is an upbeat record with good potential, although it is doubtful many radio stations will choose to give it any airplay over the more generic pop songs currently out there. Nevertheless, ‘Anthem for the Unwanted’, ‘Ready, Aim, Fire!’ and ‘Dumped’ are likely to soon be live favourites, with their punchy choruses practically asking for a sing-along.
The classic NFG sound is imminent in songs ‘Drill It In My Brain’ and ‘Summer Fling, Don’t Mean A Thing’, with well crafted melodies and pop punk riffs that they are known for in the genre they have helped to expand over the past decade. ‘Caught In The Act’ features vocals from Bethany Cosentino of up-and-coming indie trio Best Coast, providing a surf pop element and harmony to the track. Although the album has no majorly outstanding track, it maintains consistency throughout, sticking to their true sound.
With their upcoming ‘Pop Punk’s Not Dead’ tour in the States and with the same release period as fellow pop punk heroes Blink 182, this record helps to support the claim that pop punk is still alive and fully relevant. Long term NFG listeners will be satisfied as it is reminiscent of previous albums Sticks & Stones and Coming Home. Not mind-blowing, but worthy of a good post-summer headbop.
3.5/5
Download: Radiosurgery, Drill It In My Brain, Anthem For The Unwanted
Friday October 14, 2011
By Frances Roach
Eight years, several rumours and post-hiatus band formations later, the ultimate heroes of the pop punk genre are back, with much anticipation and a whole deal of expectation. After delays regarding its completion and a controversial postponement of their 2011 UK Summer Tour, ‘Neighborhoods’ is finally released upon the masses.
Opener ‘Ghost On The Dancefloor’ is instant reminiscence of the well-crafted and calculated Blink sound (in case we had ever forgotten over the years) with solid drumming from Mr. Barker and catchy pop-laddened bridge. Tom Delonge’s clear influence on the track suggests this could potentially end up becoming a Angels & Airwaves part 2 soundtrack, however moving into the second song, ‘Natives’, it appears that the rest of the album could well be a +44 vs Angels & Airwaves soundtrack. ‘After Midnight’ provides underlying emotional tones showing their gradual developed serious side of the record. A fresh softer theme is consistent throughout the record, paying attention to detail rather than a fully fuelled fast-paced pop-punk infusion they helped to popularise; outstanding riffs are few and far between but this is made up for by the experience and technicality of the medolic compositions throughout.
Taken over vocals in ‘Hearts All Gone’, ‘MH: 4.18.2011’ and ‘Kaleidoscope’ is Mark Hoppus, with similarities to previous band +44 (alongside Blink drummer Travis Barker), whereas Angels & Airwaves inspired tracks ‘Snake Charmer’, ‘This Is Home’ and current single ‘Up All Night’ provide a more sonic sound to the tracklist, yet lacklustre ‘Love Is Dangerous’ is probably the main disappointment of the album.
With a staggering amount of expectation, Blink 182 have been able to create a beautifully crafted portfolio of recordings to add to their back catalogue. Many may have expected much more from eight years of near abandonment, many may still be left unsatisfied. However, the majority of fans are in it for the long haul and will be more than happy to have them back as the original three piece, picking up right where they left off.
3/5
Download: Hearts All Gone, After Midnight, Up All Night
Wednesday June 29, 2011
By Frances Roach
Whilst successfully keeping the same core values as in previous albums & EPs, there is a distinct progress in the The Wonder Years as the overall outcome & production suggests the band are musically at their tightest.
As far as the lyrics go, the album focuses on the same themes as their previous record, documenting their experiences on the road, constantly mentioning various landmarks in & around their hometown of Lansdale & Philadelphia, PA & times spent with long-time friends- lyrics perfect to set off a pop-punk summer jam.
With a strong introduction through upbeat ‘Came Out Swinging’ this sets off the pace for the next 12 songs. Stand out tracks consist of ‘Summers In PA’, dedicated to time spent at home in the summer of 2010 with additional guest vocals from fellow pop-punk front men Alan Day & Dan O’Connor of Four Year Strong.
After slowing the tone for ‘I’ve Given You All’, the pace is rediscovered through tracks such as ‘Local Man Ruins Everything’, the opinionated ‘I Won’t Say The Lord’s Prayer’, ‘Don’t Let Me Cave In’, ‘Coffee Eyes’, with ‘You Made Me Want To Be A Saint’ quite likely to be a future live favourite.
An album exploding with an infusion of melodic guitars, the ever-present gang vocals, tight drums & a strong sound from front man, Dan Campbell, ‘Suburbia…’ will please their current fleet of dedicated fans, whilst allowing them to reach a wider range of listeners. With a newly announced UK tour to coincide with this release, it is no surprise that tickets are selling rapid fast.
4/5
Download: Don’t Let Me Cave In, Came Out Swinging, Hoodie Weather
