Album review: ‘Fair City Riots’: TiTORS iNSiGNiA make a noise and cause a stir with unaltered, rough yet thrilling and inspired rock music

Coincidence or fate, I distance myself from deciding on this, but one thing is certain: the run of events that led to writing this review appeal at least to me inevitable and can be traced back to a moment in my life I still recall as a very precious and defining one: it has been the day that I started writing song reviews. And it has been the day I was introduced to remarkable and refined rock music, genuinely embodied by the St. Helens based four piece indie rock set TiTORS iNSiGNiA. 

Can you feel the blues? - The Ganders grip with grungy, grand and ambient sound. EP review: 'Hurricane' (2011) & 'Slipping In' (2013)

Never change a working concept:  The Ganders’ music relies on the thrusting and edgy vocals of Darren Jordan, as well as on its bluesy but vibrant and imposing instrumental arrangement that hits the mark by combining hooking guitar, blurry yet brisk bass (Dan Hickman) and dynamic drum (Paul Byrne) sound. With songs as energetic and forceful as theirs, the listener soon finds himself  under a spell of grungy and enigmatic vocals, fascinated by a sonorous and vigorous instrumental staging: rapid, rousing drums bond with  precise, strident still striking guitar riffs and ravishing, obscure bass melodies. Concisely, these are the defining tonal elements which enhance both EPs  - ‘Hurricane’ (2011) and ‘Slipping In’ (2013) - of the 3 piece, Birmingham based bluesy rock band.

Album review: The Nursery - 'Carnival Nature'. A multi-layered, colourful and surprising musical event

It’s a magical, inspiring moment. A moment of anticipication. Of expectation and excitement. Eventually of belief. One believes in those people who are involved to create something worthwhile and wonderful, expects them to conceive something which is memorable enough to linger on one’s mind, to leave a lasting impression, still expects them to come up with something unique enough to take its listener by surprise, to stir his mind and soul. The longing for something notable and new is in the air, intangable for now, but noticeable. One’s waiting to embark on what is currently merely but a concept, one’s yearning to indulge into what is yet nothing but a draft, ready to open up to it, to make memories based on what the people behind a composition entrust one to hear, entrust one to connect to.

It’s a magical and inspiring moment indeed when you’re told that music is in the making. Especially when the time has come to debut music to an audience, to strike a new path - musically. It’s this ‘intimate’ moment I recall in respect to The Nursery. What’s now known as the canadian indie pop foursome, all began with Alex Pulec’s endeavour and desire to write and compose songs on his own terms, what eventually made him leave The Ruby Spirit (spirited and experimental, striking pop music well worth checking on: http://www.therubyspirit.com/) and search for a way to express his views on and approach to music in a more personal manner.

'Hostage, hostage, I swear, it's gonna hold you hostage' .... Reasons why to be fascinated by Midnight Hour's sound

It’s said the core of every composition are the lyrics. It’s them to appeal to the listener and to make them relate to the story told. And the one who’s telling the story, who’s puting all his heart and soul into painting a vivid and haunting picture with the words  spoken, better said sung, is the vocalist. He is  the band’s front man for a reason -  most likely he’s the one who has composed and ellaborated the lyrics therefore the song’s message and deeper meaning, he’s the one to reach out to the listener’s heart with the words his inspired and receptive mind, lastly his very own heart have originated.

The instrumental parts on the other hand breathe life into a song, let the listener find melodies to linger on his mind, melodies to move along to as the lyrics move him inside. The sound of the instruments back  the vocals, strengthen, stress and amplify them - at times they even outshine the vocals. The moments they do, it shows each and every band member has his value, the right to be in the band as he contributes to the music created, as he helps to let the sounds evolve and unfold. 

„Is this coincidence or is this fate ..“ - Midnight Hour. The process of becoming an established band

                                                                          

                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                   'Can’t Get Away From You'

Midnight Hour. The first name the band members could agree on. A name that brings countless great memories to mind - for them being in this band, for me being a fan of their music almost ever since the very beginning of their emotional and inspiring journey as musicians. A name that stands for so much more than like-minded, gifted artists coming together in order to compose authentic and deep felt music. It stands for growing into being friends, family, it also stands for music enthusiasts like me, who have found the core of Midnight Hour’s compositions, the one reason (actually there are plenty) to show support to them whilst they try to make it worth one’s effort. And believe me, it is. But what does Midnight Hour mean to you? In general, individually? After reading about their story, after reading what made me connect to the name, the band’s music, hopefully it’s gonna be connotations like these that linger on your mind every time 'Midnight Hour' sounds, both the name and the music: soulful songs. heart-warming vocals. energetic instrumental backing. authentic and passionate live performances. Southern California. Alternative Rock. Modern Love. KROQ. Brad. Dan. Tim. Jeff. Mark.

But who are the people behind Midnight Hour?