​The tried-and-true cliché "not to be taken for granted" seems to have been invented for Daan Stuyven. His work defies conventions and ticks multiple boxes. His ‘Housewife’ is a benchmark in Belgian dance history, he evoked Johnny Cash with 'Icon', provided soundtracks for various films, composed a blazing indictment of right-wing political parties with 'Landmijn', et cetera. In April 2023, he surprised and baffled all by covering 'Intro' by Metejoor as a spoken word parlando for TV show 'Liefde voor muziek'. On paper it sounded like a recipe for disaster, but in Daan's hands it became an instant classic.
 
New album 'The Ride' is vintage Daan. In 'High' one can recognize the click track from 'Da da da' by the German Trio. The Casio VL-1 drum computer is one of Daan's favorite working instruments, which he buys at flea markets. 'Morning Sun' resembles a slowed-down 'I Want to Break Free' by Queen, although that was anything but the songwriter's intention. 'The Dancer' is described by the maestro as 'the evil beastie, an annoying song,' but it's refreshingly cool. The absolute highlight of ‘The Ride’ however, is the opening track of the B-side, ‘16 Men’. In the song, Daan apologizes to women for not being able to be everything. He very generously replaces himself with sixteen other men. The song's close harmony is reminiscent of The Temptations’ or The Four Tops’ best work. An incredibly catchy, danceable song that will haunt your head for weeks to come. Today alone, I sang it out loud four times.
 
'The Ride' lives up to its title. It's quite the ride. Great record

​John Lindberg Trio is a Swedish band led by guitarist John Lindberg. On bass and backing vocals he is assisted by Nathanael Marcusson and behind the drums is Olle Tjern. On the Swedish Enviken label, owned by Patrik Staffansson, they release their new album 'Are You For Real?'. An album consisting of 14 tracks, to which 5 more songs from EPs and singles are added and which mainly contains own work. The John Lindberg Trio stands for solid, oversized rock, which is also the case on this album. On a solid foundation laid by Nathanael and Joakim, John showcases his fine guitar skills. Incessantly he shakes one riff after the other from his snare board and solos that it is a delight. In addition, he also has the talent to pen catchy songs, such as 'Bad Loving' and 'Get It On!' which definitely have hit potential. The trio slows down a bit with the beautiful 'Back At It', but with 'Bluebird' the gentlemen are back at cruising speed. A hell of a song is certainly the rousing 'Crying, Lying, Denying', while 'Wishbone' and 'Not Like The Other Guys' contain a wonderful rockabilly feel. Giving your own interpretation to classics is no problem for Lindberg. He does that excellently with Charlie Rich's 'Goodbye Mary Ann', which Stefan Nykvist provides with a nice piano tune. The gentlemen do that again in Chuck Berry's 'Promised Land'. Closing is done with a completely own version of Little Richards 'Keep A Knockin'' where Lindberg's guitar takes over Penniman's piano part.
With 'Are You For Real?' the John Lindberg Trio proves that they are ready to make it international. Something this band certainly deserves.

​‘The Price Of Progress’ features ten narrative rock and roll songs about people trying to survive in this modern age. It’s a great way to celebrate there 20 years as a band. Great! 

​The Anatolian Dragon breathes enchanting fire into your mind.  Great album!

​One of his best albums with strong lyrics and passionate songwriting.

​Very strong and recommended debut from the Czech band Damask Rose, written and sung by the Scottish musician Steven Johnston.  Absolutely one of the best singer-songwriters of the century.

​Guitar driven songs with narrative lyrics.  Some groovy and catchy sounds make it all worth discovering.

​The band Novelty Island from Liverpool promote their debut album 'How Are You Coping with This Century?'. It is a very rewarding journey through a sunny and psychedelic songcraft. Most of the songs also have a penetrating alt-pop reference. Would a music city like Liverpool and his  ‘Beatlemania’ have something to do with it…

​Although the chance that a German-language rock album ends up in your mailbox is extremely small, it is certainly not zero. After all, Till Kersting's 'Cirkuskind' is one of those. His previously 3 albums were in English, but now he does it in his native language. You can also take the title of the album literally, because Kersting really grew up in a circus family. The often hard life there has certainly not done him any harm as an artist. During his 20 years as a guitarist, he even lent his skills to the grandfather of German rock, legend Peter Kraus.
During 8 songs, including beautiful ballads, Kersting clearly shows what he is capable of. He displays his weathered voice and his versatile creative guitar work with verve.

Jan Jaspers (vocals, guitar), drummer Gert Servaes, Patrick Louis (vocals, guitar) and harmonica virtuoso Fabian 'The Lord' Bennardo form the basis for that exciting sound. The third release 'Love Me Some' is packed with twelve delicious and honest songs. The bonus tracks 'Howl' and 'Mine All Mine were even mixed in the studio by Jim Diamond, known for his work with The White Stripes. Boogie Beasts open in their appropriate blues style. The rough swampy harp and slide guitar, pounding bass lines and drum punches make this all so recognizable. And that is the identity of this band. Highly recommended release !

​Like the bandname suggests: it bangs and it takes you not only by the balls.  Great melodic rocksongs with a lot of catchy rhythms and soulful emotion.

​Jackson Browne always brings a message without preaching, makes a statement, loves people and the world.  Downhill From Everywhere is an soulfull album about desire!

​Powerful and hard-mouthed debut from Belgian guitarband Generator.  One word: great!

​Enjoy the Joy Machine of Mark Rechler’s Circus Mind.  Steamy groovy funky songs with excellent guitar players.

​Shortly after the live album 'Green Room Rumble', Endrick & The Sandwiches come up with a new record. Their third full-length 'Sunny Soul' is now on the shelves. The nine songs were recorded during the pandemic and serve as a reminder of sunnier times. Blues, rock and soul form the divergence. This is music to make you happy..!

Sixt birth in the Intelligent Music Project series from composer Milen Vrabevski.  Hopefully the last creation. Time for a change!

The raw sound of Husky Tones, with that exciting mix of rock, blues and punk sounds, is now exchanged for a more intimate setting. The tandem Bourne / Harper has a new project with Hangover Square. The band Hangover Square is essentially a duo formation, but with that added rhythm section an idyllic spectrum is effected. Together with Andy Edwards (drums) and Mat Sampson on bass guitar, Victoria is responsible for those polychrome sound. Her piano, synthesizer, percussion and vocality are splendid. Chris is very skillful on guitar, in orchestration, percussion and some backing vocals. They made a good use of the lockdown, write a lot of songs and musical arrangements. All this has emerged, as it were, from a colorful darkness.
The release "Painting With An Open Heart" diverges with its harmonic ingenuity and rhythmic resilience. The record sounds contemporary. We were pleasantly surprised, we are a fan, so now it’s up to you ! Handsome.

​As a production manager, Jamie found none other than Phil Andrews. The company went to the NAM Studio in Holt, Wilshire and recorded ten imperfect blues rock songs. It has become an exciting mixture of instrumentals and vocal numbers. But luckily, guitar wizard Jamie doesn't get into that, all too often narrow-minded and one-sided blues rock corner. No, this album is so much more. Variation is one of the strong points of culmination. The blues rocker "Aces And Eights" may open the dance. It would immediately guide the release. Handsome…!

​Although Greg is from Brooklyn, New York, he is one of the hottest newcomers to the Philadelphia blues scene. His success story is also largely due to the three Philly blues and rock veterans who can look back on a more than successful career with an extensive resume. And then we're talking bassist Garry Lee, guitarist Allen James and drummer Tom Walling. The album was recorded in the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia and was co-produced by Garry Lee and Mike Tarsia. It's a six-track EP, firmly rooted in the British blues boom, a sound that was so lush in the early 1970s. And that is almost immediately characterized in songs like "Wake Up".
Greg Sover crosses his musical swords with heavy guitar work and blazing solos. The release ends with "Never Gonna Stop", a Jimi Hendrix inspired rock song. Well, the circle is so full for Greg Sover Band. 

​Great versions of even greater songs.  Lovely collection!

​Scott toured first through Europe with the message "Not My President" on his guitar strap.
A political statement with a real message. And that now also translates into these eight songs. Mickelson does not mince words and syringe unsalted his opinion. An opinion that we gladly share. His roots inspired voice and the tight backing are a constant in the song list. Rock and folk inspired songs, some bluegrass and even some Irish tunes. So, highly recommended release…!

After the search in your sorcery mind, you will find an evolution towards ‘Life Motion’.  So far his best creation.  But it’s still waiting for the Bulgarian influence.

​This sophomore album by Nick D’Virgilio must be listened to as a concept album. And in that he succeeded very well. 

​A switch from folk to rock? Benjamin Winter succeeds with this debut as Wolfhunt, thanks to the cooperation with guitar player Jeroen Ligter and his mates of Love Supreme. Interesting debut indeed!

​The album ‘It’s Later Than You Think’ from this Oxford, Mississippi band dates back to 2018. The twelve tracks were recorded in the Dial Black Sound studio in Water Valley, MS Teardrop City is a rock n roll band with a classic country and blues tinge. George Sheldon, Laurie Stirratt, Wallace Lester and Tyler Keith form the basis for this success formation. Innovative sound all this anymore, but who loves a young Stones band or The Kinks, will like this sound also.