Mick Birchall Reviews

I’ve been in love with the sound of country and southern rock since I was a small boy. So, I’m always on the hunt for that next sound that brings back that sense of nostalgia. There’s like the dulcet tones, the southern drawl and the heartfelt lyrics that just brings that sense of comfort for me. This year has given me some great records and another one to add to the collection is this record. I first came across The Georgia Thunderbolts from a recommendation. Their new single “Rise Above It All” had just dropped and I was immediately in love with this sound. I quickly learned that this single was building up to the release of their new album of the same title, Rise Above It All . This is their sophomore release acting as the follow-up to their 2021 album, Can We Get A Witness . I took a listen to all of their music, including their EPs and fell into a bit of a rabbit hole. They have all of the soul of the outlaw country but beefed up with hard rock elements that would make the most s

I’ve been following the Greek metallers, Project Renegade , for some time. I have adored their music and feel like their two albums; Order Of The Minus and Ultra Terra are some of the best metalcore we’ve had in the last 10 years. Their music is awesome and speaks to me on an emotional level. I’ve wanted to check them out live since I first heard them, and I thought I would have to head over to Greece to do so. Well in the year of our lord 2024, it turns out that I wouldn’t have to. Earlier this year they announced a full-on UK tour in the run-up to their appearance at Depravation Festival in Swindon. You better believe I bought a ticket quicker than Speedy Gonzalez. The nearest date to me was the Preston show at a little venue called The Ferret. Fast-forwarding to the night of the show. I rocked up to the venue (a little early). I had never been to this venue before and was surprised at how cosy it was. Sat on top of the hill that was Fylde Road, I wouldn’t say there was a tonne of

So, this one came out of nowhere. Since I first heard Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast in Liverpool last year ( click here to read ) I have been spinning their music consistently. I knew they had new music in the works, I was just surprised when their new EP hit my inbox. They have been bubbling under the surface for a while now. Their music is a modern rock interpretation of classic soul music, with big vocals and a smooth AM-rock feel. It’s just great music to chill out to. It’s something to experience with all of your soul. This new EP, Blueprints shines as a beacon in this new era of blues-infused rock ‘n’ roll. There are a lot of bands in this space at the moment, so it takes something special to stand out. This is an EP that I have consistently kept listening to since it landed in my inbox. This six-track EP is a solid release and does what it’s designed to do, it gives the audience a little taste and tests the water for ideas and concepts that can be taken forward onto a fu

You know, sometimes I find bands in the weirdest of ways. Ways that start month-long obsessions with music. It’s always bands that are nowhere near me here in the UK. For the longest time, I have loved southern rock, country or anything that vaguely reminds me of the style and genre. As far as music goes it was my first love and one that I have never and will never let go. That brings me to this band, Old Heavy Hands . The five-piece rock band hailing from North Carolina has captured my imagination this year. I found them while scrolling through the new “samples” feature on YouTube Music. I quickly looked them up and found they had a new record, Small Fires . It hit me right in my soul, the first few songs played and I completely fell in love with the sound. Imagine the soul of Shooter Jennings mixed with the raw style of Drive-By Truckers and you’re somewhat imagining their sound. This new album ventures more into the rock territory of their sound but certainly has that good ol'