Futures - The Holiday (2010) - Re-issue

After the sudden crash and burn of Buckinghamshire's own 'Tonight is Goodbye', three members out of the quintet carried on with thier passion for music. Ant West kept the position of vocals and took on rhythm six-stringer, the band took on new-comer Christian Ward on bass and Casey Roarty and George Lindsay resumed their previous posts from TIG as lead guitarist and drummer. Thus, 'Futures' was born. A hard rocking, alternative pop-rock four -piece, with the similar banging riffs and breakdowns as Tonight is Goodbye but with a more "mature" sound to it.

Within less than eight months of the band's formation, we saw the release of their debut album: "The Holiday". With some tracks intended to be released in TIG's upcoming album.

The seven track album opens with the great, melodic riff of "16", which was originally set on being released on the TIG album. Catchy hooks and lyrics about growing up already gives off a nostalgic vibe. "It's not where I've been, it's where i'm going to go" shouted by the band like an orchestral choir sends chills down spines. Carrying on with the catchy hook phase, second single "Sal Paradise" shows that feel good music is what these guys are about. Best played roof down in a half broken Chevy, speeding down a U.S highway. Failing that, in your back garden during a BBQ would suffice. "If you just take me by the hand and talk about our souls" isn't always interpreted as such. Maybe a more mindful selection of lyrics wouldn't go a miss.

Other tracks include album-titled "The Holiday" which screams summer with a belter of a chorus and album finishing track: "Thank You" It's lyrics thanking the band's family, friends and fans signifies how far the band have come, and will go.

All in all, this is a brilliant debut and sets high hopes for the band. This should definitely be part of everyone's summer soundtrack collection, just goes to show good music isn't that hard to find. The future looks very auspicious for Futures...see what I did there?

8/10

Daniel Mburu - March 2010

Max Raptor - Portraits (April 2011)

From the Midlands hail Max Raptor and no, it's not a new toy. Bringing back energy filled performances, in your face attitude and ballsy riffs - these guys prove that punk isn't dead.


Opening track 'The King is Dead' is packed with a driven bass line and that just want to make you kick things. It's fast paced lyrics cried out by front man Wil Ray really sets the tone of what's to come from these boys.
'The Great and the Good' gives you all you need to know about Max Raptor. It's energetic attitude makes this one of the favourites. The rallying cry "I pin this badge upon my chest" shows the band's defiant attitude which is an occurring theme throughout the album. Similar to the "Carolina-na-na!" chant in their fourth single 'Carolina' The 'Woah-oh' sung backing gang vocals finish off the belter of a track.
Other tracks include 'Beasts' which is like the kid who still carries a packed lunch, as opposed to the other tracks who head over to Maccy D's for lunch time. A more melodic track which cuts back on the shout vocals and energetic lyrics and points in quite an obscure direction compared to the rest of the album. It's overlaying lyrics and alternative yet still heavy riffs show that the band aren't just stuck down one path. Although, maybe a few more tracks of that variety would've ensured packed lunch kid wouldn't have been so secluded.


All in all, this is a lively and energetic punk debut. They execute the album with brilliance live, spending half the time touching the roof, and spurring on everyone to just go mental. This album is definitely worth a buy for all you punk lovers, even for those not.


6.9


Daniel Mburu