ONSLAUGHT “Power From Hell” (1985)

You know, even if I was a big Heavy Metal listener in the mid-late 80’s, it doesn’t mean I listened to them all.  We didn’t have Internet and I was living in a small village (300) near a small town (40000).  This week while listening to a classic Slayer record on Rdio I looked to the similar bands suggestions and clicked on Onslaught, which I only knew by name.  My very first reaction was, Wow! I really wish I knew this band in the 80’s! Totally my genre.  And further in the album I thought, this guy sings like someone I know very well.  Then it came to me.  Paul Mahoney sings like GBH singer Colin Abrahall!  In fact, Onslaught sounds like GBH but plays their instruments like a Thrash Metal band…or vice versa…you know what I mean?  Huge Punk influence, perfect blend of Thrash and Punk. Great record…btw!

2:54 "2:54" (2012)

I am such a Shoegaze fan. When the first note of "Revolving" began, I just knew it would be my kind of music; Atmospheric guitar, Ethereal woman's voice, heavy bass, simple drums...no synthetizers here. This album brings me back to the best years of Shoegaze in the early nineties. Don't get me wrong, 2:54 doesn't sound old, I'm just happy to find a brand new Shoegaze album to drop in my ears. If you like Shoegaze, this album is simply a must in your collection.

 

My favorite tracks in order:

• Revolving
• Scarlet
• Sugar
• You're Early
• Ride
• A Salute

SAINT ETIENNE "Words And Music By Saint Etienne" (2012)

Saint-Étienne: I love them since their first album "Foxbase Alpha" in 1991. I'm also a big fan of their 1998 "Good Humor" album. I was very anxious and excited to hear this new one. When the first track started I was like "Oh! This is going to be good". Then when I heard the second track I told myself "Ohhhh, I'm not sure anymore". THEN, this third track: another wow! So you see, this is the kind of album. Outstanding songs and so-so songs. It's really good but not equally good all the way.