Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows (D.R.U.G.S.) D.R.U.G.S.. Warner

Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows is the new Alternative-Rock Metalcore project founded in 2010 when vocalist Craig Owens was let go from the Michigan-based post-Hardcore band Chiodos he had fronted since 2001. To round out the band, he selected other musicians who have undergone similar experiences: guitarists Nick Martin and Matt Good, Story Of The Year bassist Adam Russell and Matchbook Romance drummer Aaron Stern. They made their live debut in the fall in Pontiac, Michigan USA.

In February 2011 was released the quintet’s first album, “D.R.U.G.S.”, via Decaydance/Sire Records; the 11-song set is the most aggressive album Owens has made in his musical career, yet it still retains the keen sense of melody that has helped him become one of today’s most celebrated frontmen.

2011 so far has been pretty empty of good heavy rock records so this one is very, very welcome. Opener ‘If You Think This Song Is About You, It Probably Is’ really gets this record off to a storming and epic start, and comes complete with great melody, vocals, instrumental arrangement and production. There’s a threatening feel to the next track ‘The Only Thing You Talk About’ which is about love gone wrong but it’s trounced (despite its good quality) by next song ‘Graveyard Dancing’ with its mixed pace, powerful melody, pleading vocal and one of the best instrumental arrangments here. And the good news continues - no filler here friends…

This record grows on you with each play and is a briliant debut for the band.

4/5

Max Raptor PORTRAITS. Naim Edge

There is nothing remotely Jurassic about this Midland conceived 4 piece whose forthright narrative and powerful live set is spearheading a hungry horde of New Wave British Alt-Rock bands. Having cut their teeth landing support slots with The Zutons and Canadian punk-rockers Billy Talent, the Max Raptor boys embarked on a UK tour supporting British punk legends The Stranglers in 2010, to riotous applause. Playing to such a well established and specific fanbase as The Stranglers could have been risky, but time and time again Max Raptor prove their credentials in the live habitat.

It appears that punk rock is enjoying something of a revival on the evidence of music heard so far this year. This is one of the better ones with just eight songs (effectively a mini-album) of top quality with some mind-blowing performances from the band. melody is high on the list of this this band’s musical priorities as are lyrics that are both intelligent and thought-provoking. The best thing for me is that each time I listen to this a new favourite song emerges and I’m struggling to choose just one to play on our radio show… If you love powerful punk rock, this you gotta have!

4/5

Mojo Fury MOJO FURY. Graphite

This four-piece band comes from Belfast, Northern Ireland and have supported Biffy Clyro and Forward Russia at home; last year they toured the UK with Oceansize and Castrovalva, alongside shows with the likes of Foxy Shazam, whilst releasing their debut single ‘The Mann’. Mojo Fury is a modern rock band whose music features riffs galore, vocal hooks to the brim, great songwriting, and a rhythm section that motors it down all the right paths – their feet dipped in the alternative side of “popular” rock music currently being rattled across by the likes of Pulled Apart By Horses and Future of the Left.

Think a 2011 version of Oasis but heavier, much heavier and you have Mojo Fury. And what a great record this is starting from the explosive instrumental intro to great opening track ‘Mann’ - immediately one of my record highlights. Melodies here are nothing short of stupendous and there ain’t no better example than next track ‘Bones’ which also comes with a heavy serving of originality - another favourite. Sonically, there’s a fair amount of diversity with tracks like ‘Colour Of The Bear’ with its darkly rhythmic blues vibe. Then listen to the drums and guitar on the deathly-paced ‘Deep Fish Tank (Factory Settings) - sheer brilliance - topped off by glorious backing vocals!

No filler here just brilliant heavy rock - look out Grohl…

4.5/5