single review ~ the sass ~ "get around"

by 17:38
(The Sass are currently gigging around Belfast...)

When I first heard 90's inspired indie rockers "The Sass" in Voodoo, Belfast, the most surprising aspect of the gig was that it was their debut. A roaring set filled with melodic riffs, an already developed sound and the panache of a band that have been together much longer than themselves, highlighted their maturity and created a big first impression. Since then they have recorded their debut single, "Get Around" and so, understandably, we couldn't wait to take a listen.

Opening with an uptempo drum beat The Sass begin as the intend to go on, setting an immediate energetic tone. "Get Around" is an uplifting tongue and cheek tale of the trials and tribulations of one night stands and complicated love. The vocals, reminiscent of a young Richard Ashcroft, blend harmoniously with the Glasvegas style guitar riff in the verses and the cheeky nature of the lyrics only add to the songs hedonistic feel. (We've all went out with a psycho named Lucy at some stage of our lives right?)

The chorus has all the hallmarks of a classic indie anthem. Alex James of blur once claimed that he knew if a song was destined to be a hit if the audience sang the chorus back to them on it's first play and with such a triumphant sound and catchy lyrics, with "Get Around" it's impossible not to. Uplifting and optimistic, it gives the song the driving force necessary to be the bands first hit.

To sum up, the overall feelgood factor of this tune is intoxicating, catchy enough to be popular while retaining an indie edge. The Sass have written a real gem here and if they can continue to write songs of this quality they could be destined for great things.

Just the tonic recession hit Britain has been crying out for!

~Review by Taylor Johnson.

If you like: Glasvegas, The Libertines, The Twang
You'll love "Get Around"

Check out the official video here, complete with a brilliant cameo from UTV's very own Julian Simmons;


~update

by 16:55
Hello folks,

Just an update, firstly my apologies at the lack of reviews recently, it's been extremely difficult to keep up with writing while studying for my a-levels ~ thankfully they're nearly over now and i'll have alot more time to write!

Things haven't completely ground to a halt though, I've had the pleasure of attending quite a few local gigs recently and I've also had the pleasure of reviewing this years fantastic "spectrum festival" for bbc's across the line ~ which was incredible and showcased some amazing bands such as runaway GO & mojo gogo.

We'll be back with a lot more reviews and gig news soon, so thanks for your patience and keep supporting local music!

cheers,

~Taylor

live review ~ the sass ~ voodoo, belfast ~ april

by 15:53


Voodoo, Belfast
The Sass
 Belfast’s latest gem from the growing new Rock 'n' Roll revival scene is "The Sass", an energetic, pulsating unit of screaming guitars, rhythmic bass lines and effortless charisma. They opened proceedings with "Jukebox", an upbeat, exuberant affair with the lyrical quality of Stereophonics played to a Cribs style riff, incorporating a Kelly Jones-esc vocal. They followed this with "Sonny's Daughter" an anthem which again highlighted the groups solidarity and synergetic qualities. Another tune which radiates optimism, reminiscent of the Libertines in their prime. Perhaps the highlight of the slot came towards the end of the set, when a note perfect rendition of The White Stripes classic, "7 Nation Army" was blended seamlessly into 80's cult smash "Sweet Dreams" by Eurythmics. An inspired mix, which worked perfectly and drew a great reaction from the audience, highlighting the intelligent musical minds of The Sass. Front man Colm Donnelly showed his composure by adding, almost ambivalently, "That’s a tune I wrote last week", again working an already impressed crowd. The most surprising moment of the set was learning that this was the groups debut gig, a rather remarkable testament to a band with a bright future. To reiterate the words of The Sass front man, we "don't think it went too bad" either. Brilliant gig!
Review by Taylor Johnson.
Check out The Sass on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/thesassmusic?fref=ts

The Sass ~ Full of attitude & stomping riffs

encore on facebook...

by 14:11
Hi guys,
Just a quick notice to inform you that Encore NI has finally entered the world of social networking! So please like the page to help us continue to grow and support local talent. Hopefully this will allow us to connect to as many undiscovered talent as possible.
Thanks for your continued support,
Cheers,
~ Taylor

Check us out here: https://www.facebook.com/EncoreNI?fref=ts

website coverage ~ the skin we're in ~ #1

by 01:07


Yet more good news to report from us here at Encore ~ our review for contemporary rockers "The Skin We're In" has been featured on the Newry Times website. Nice one!

It's great exposure for a very original outfit, with a mature and captivating debut.

You can check out the debut & other "Skin We're In" news here: http://www.breakingtunes.com/theskinwerein

Read the article here: http://newrytimes.com/2013/04/11/ep-review-the-skin-were-in-1/

Brilliant news ~
More to come

Cheers,
~Taylor

#1 ~ "Contmporary rock infused with soul, jazz and funk licks" 

echo raptors get newspaper coverage ~ "she's so free"

by 11:51

Raptors in the telegraph!


Encore is proud to announce that another one of our articles has been printed in the Telegraph!
The review for Echo Raptors EP "she's so free", will be printed tomorrow.

Nice one ~ It's brilliant coverage for a fantastic band we have already tipped for great things.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank all of the bands, artists and organisations that are continuing to get in contact with the website. It's greatly encouraging both for the music industry in this country and the website to have so much potential coming through.

More reviews and news on the way,

Cheers,

~Taylor

Check out the fantastic "she's so free" ~ https://soundcloud.com/echoraptors




single review ~ welcome pariah ~ "neither here nor there"

by 17:34


Single Review
Welcome Pariah
“Neither Here Nor There”

This week Encore had the opportunity to listen to alternative English outfit “Welcome Pariah”. The Southampton lads have already gained significant appraisal from critics across Britain, earning rave reviews from newspapers such as The Guardian and gaining much sought after support slots for alternative indie Idols such as Chris Helme from The Seahorses and Ocean Colour Scenes Steve Craddock. Now armed with a brand new single and a string of gigs in various London musical hot-spots, “Welcome Pariah” look ready to take on the big boys of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

A melodic riff kicks off the track with a distinct Stone Roses sort of feel, (like a psychedelic “Waterfall”), which soon erupts in a vivacious explosion of energy and vibrant guitars.  The influence from the Britpop tidal wave which swept the 90’s are on show here, but it’s the bands ability to take this inspiration and make it their own which shows a creative spark many have failed to light in the wake of what was truly a special time for British music. The optimistic vibes from the track are allowed to thrive through the upbeat rhythm, in a musical formula highlighted by bands such as The Enemy. Clever vocal delivery from John Waghorn are reminiscent of a young Damon Albarn, perhaps tinged with the assured swagger of Arctic Monkey’s Alex Turner.
The bands almost hypnotic lead riff blends perfectly with a primal drum beat to pave the way for A “(What’s The Story) Morning Glory?” era Oasis jam towards the end of the song, radiating a passion and genuine emotion not often heard since the days of the legendary Mancs.
“Neither Here Nor There” opens with the background noise of a city in desperate need of a wakeup call to the exponential world which surrounds them. Welcome Pariah have delivered just that.
Cool, calm and filled with belief, this tune promises to be a festival favourite.
If you like: The Manic Street Preachers, Oasis, The Verve, The Cribs
You’ll like Welcome Pariah.

Review by Taylor Johnson.

Check out “Neither Here Nor There” on the Welcome Pariah official bandcamp: https://soundcloud.com/welcomepariah/neither-here-nor-there
Keep up to date with them on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/welcomepariah
Follow the lads on Twitter here: @WelcomePariah


"Neither Here Nor There" promises to be an explosive live tune ~ catch them live at  "This Feeling" in London on 26th April
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