Mick Birchall Reviews

Some bands take a while between releases while others go all-out guns ablaze. The latter applies to the fierce Italian power-metal act, Frozen Crown . Since their inception seven years ago they’ve already pumped out four records and this year 2024 they’re coming out with their fifth album, War Hearts —the sheer work ethic to keep putting out consistent music while on the road on multiple tours. You can just feel their passion for the metal world come through in their music. It also takes a lot to make music within the same genre feel fresh and new, but they’ve certainly found a way. This new record has been an exciting addition to my year with forceful music and passionate, emotive lyrics all simmered down to a tight 41 minutes and 16 seconds. Ten songs that are filled to the brim with epic tones, blistering riffs and captivating performances from all involved. I have to say as someone who has listened to a lot of power metal and has run the gambit of its highs and lows. This is a gre

Long-time readers of this blog will know that I’m no stranger to the southern rock outfit, The Outlaw Orchestra . I have spoken about them on this blog, from album reviews, to gig reports to interviews . I have always had an affinity for their music. Their unique blend of rock, bluegrass, and country has always caught my ear the right way. You’d think I’d be running out of things to write. Nope, not by a long shot! Their new album La Familia is another stepping stone for them and I’ve had the chance to listen to it, yeah I like it that should be a surprise. I think what makes this band work so well is their sheer insistence on making this concept work. It somehow feels rough and dirty yet clean and polished simultaneously. There’s something so simple and charming about this record. Like all of their music, they managed to have this down-to-earth relatability that lets the listener gravitate to their lyrics, while still enjoying some of the lighter tracks for what they are. There’s a c

Photo by Mark Lear It’s autumn when the cold starts rushing in, the rain pours and bands come out in full force. There seem to be bands touring by the masses full and concert-goers come out by the dozen. This one was going to be a special one for me. Last year, I got to see this band in Liverpool and this year they dropped their new EP. Caitlin Krisko and The Broadcast are fast rising to be one of the premier blues rock bands set to take the 2020s by storm. Led by their eponymous vocalist Caitlyn and filled with blues soul to the brim. Their new EP, Blueprints has been a highlight of the year for many blues fans and their singles have been rattling around in my head for some time. After seeing them as a support act last year, I was rather interested to see what they could do as headliners. So I headed out to the Night and Day Cafe in Manchester, a good little venue a short walk away from Piccadilly train station. I was taken in by the ambience of the room and I waited for the music