"War" - Sum 41, Single Review

Above: album artwork for "13 Voices" (Sum 41/Instagram)


Sum 41 have just dropped the second single from their forthcoming album, "13 Voices". 

This track is much slower and takes a different tone altogether compared to the fist single "Fake My Own Death". This song portrays a more grown up aspect of Sum 41 while staying true to their style.

Lyrically, this track is very strong and musically? Well, musically the build in it creates an extremely effective climax and shows that Sum 41 are still a force to be reckoned with. 

The album is set to be released on October 7th.

Rating: 7/10

You can pre-order the album and get 2 tracks immediately on iTunes here and can watch the music video for "War" here. 

What are your thoughts? Why not comment below or on Twitter @TheRiffReviews?

Album Of The Week

Straight to business: this week's "Album Of The Week" is...

..."Spring Forever" by Columbus!

It was very close between this record and The Color Morale's "Desolate Divine" however, upon reflection the Aussie's took the lead. Both albums are incredible but "Spring Forever" is this week's pick.

Last week's "Album Of The Week" was "Blush" by Moose Blood and you can check out the review of that here.

To view the review of "Spring Forever" and to get more details click here.


What do you think? Why not comment below or on Twitter @TheRiffReviews?

Image: album artwork for "Spring Forever" (Columbus/Spotify)

"Spring Forever" - Columbus, Album Review

Above: album artwork for Spring Forever (Columbus/Spotify)


On August 26th, Australian trio, Columbus, released their debut album, "Spring Forever".

This album is packed full of quality guitar riffs and some killer vocals. Alex Moses, lead vocalist, has undeniable talents that give the album an original sound. Each track has it's own unique tone while staying true to the general vibe of the album. 

Musically speaking, this three-piece have talents beyond words but, in some songs, interesting lyrics are lacking. Fortunately though, this only applies to a couple of tracks and, for the most part, these guys hit the nail on the head with the quality of the music they have produced. Beyond that, Columbus have created a variety of songs which come together to form a record that is something special

"Spring Forever" is absolutely exceptional and you should definitely listen to it.

Rating: 8/10

You can listen to "Spring Forever" on Spotify here and can view Columbus' music videos via UNFD's YouTube Channel here. 

What are your thoughts? Why not comment below or on Twitter @TheRiffReviews?

"Fuzz Mutt" - Fuzz Mutt, EP Review

Above: album artwork for Fuzz Mutt EP (Fuzz Mutt/bandcamp)

Brand new garage punk 3 piece of Marysville, Washington have recently released a self-titled EP via bandcamp.

The 3 song EP features some intense bass lines and oozes raw talent. The lyrics these 3 guys have created is incredible considering their young ages. The vocals are a little shaky in places but that seems irrelevant when you hear how high the quality of this EP truly is. Every track on "Fuzz Mutt" is as brilliant as the next. 

The absolute talent of this band is something that we don't get to see often and when a band as special as this comes along; well, the moment needs to be appreciated. "Fuzz Mutt" are just starting out and have a long road ahead of them but if they continue to make music as powerful as this, that road will be a walk in the park.

"Fuzz Mutt" - remember the name.

Rating: 7.5/10

You can get hold of the EP through bandcamp here and can check out their Twitter here.

What do you think of the EP? Why not comment below or on Twitter @TheRiffReviews?

"How To Be A Human Being" - Glass Animals, Album Review

Above: album artwork for How To Be A Human Being (store.universalmusic.com)


Today, the indie rock band of Oxford released their second studio album "How To Be A Human Being".

The record strong indie vibes throughout, this album is very laid-back and an easy listen. With a persuasion towards psychedelic music, "How To Be A Human Being" provides listeners with an interesting record. It's clear that the foursome are talented but this album lacks a level of drive.

While "How To Be A Human Being" doesn't quite reach expectations, it is a very good album and blends many different elements of genres incredibly well.

Rating: 6.5/10

You can get hold of "How To Be A Human Being" here and can view Glass Animal's YouTube channel here.

What are your thoughts on the album? Why not comment below or on Twitter @TheRiffReviews?

"Spit It Out" - Slaves, Single Review

Above: album artwork for Take Control (Spotify)


Remaining loyal to the unique sound of Slaves, this new single reiterates just how talented the duo are. As the first track on their upcoming studio album, "Take Control", which is expected September 30, the song like many of their others has lyrics that are out of this world. 

The punk rock band are talented beyond words and this track is proof. From the heavy guitar tones to the frantic screaming chorus, this song defines a new wave of punk rock. Finishing with an uncontrolled yell, the song brings social empowerment as well as a lot of anticipation for the album. 

Slaves are doing something that not many other bands are and that is make music true to the current social situation no matter how ugly it may be. It is inspiring tomorrow's musicians and the next generation of lyricists and is something that we would love to hear more of.

Rating: 8.5/10

You can pre-order "Take Control" and get "Spit It Out" straight away here and can visit Slaves' YouTube channel here.

What are your thoughts of this song? Why not comment below or on Twitter @TheRiffReviews?

"You Can't Look Back" - Taking Back Sunday, Single Review

Above: album artwork for Tidal Wave (Taking Back Sunday/Spotify)

Released today, "You Can't Look Back" is the new single by Taking Back Sunday. It is featured on their upcoming album, "Tidal Wave" which is expected to be released on 16th September.

It hasn't been out for 24 hours yet, but this track has already generated a lot of media attention and buzz in preparation for the next album.

"You Can't Look Back" sees the band going back to their roots, sounding relatively similar to "You Know How I Do" (the first track of their debut album, "Tell All Your Friends" of 2002). The track is upbeat and is a fun listen. With elements of acoustic guitar as well as a solid bass line throughout - this track delivers an excellent musical quality. It hits a slight rift about 3 quarters of the way through where the standard dips slightly but it quickly picks it up again and concludes as a very good song.

The two tracks that have been released so far from "Tidal Wave" are as brilliant as each other which leaves great expectations for the album.

Rating: 7.5/10

You can get pre-order "Tidal Wave" on iTunes and get two tracks immediately here and can view the music video for "You Can't Look Back here.

What are your thoughts of the track? Why not comment below or on Twitter @TheRiffReviews?

"Dead Ringers" - Horseback, Album Review

Above: album artwork for Dead Ringers (Horseback/bandcamp)


On August 12, Horseback released their new psychedelic album, "Dead Ringers".

The album is very concept and 'out-there' so to say. In its entirety, the record features some beautiful tones of guitar and vocals however is very monotonous. The laid-back vibe is wonderful, especially when dance music is dominating the current music scene. The problem is though, that each of the songs on the album sound far too similar.

This record is certainly a piece of art and its originality is refreshing to hear. For fans of this style of music, I'm sure they'll love it but for people who are dipping into this genre - this may not be the album for them.

All in all, "Dead Ringers" is worth a listen and may very well surprise you with its quality. 

Rating: 6.5/10

You can purchase "Dead Ringers" via iTunes here and can view their music videos through Relapse Records' YouTube channel here.

What are your thoughts of the album? Why not comment below or on Twitter @TheRiffReviews?

"Equal Measures" - Milestones, EP Review

Above: album artwork for Equal Measures (Milestones/Spotify)


Mancunian pop-punk new comers, Milestones, have signed with Fearless Records and released their debut EP on July 8th 2016. Produced by Phil Gornell who has credits of All Time Low, Bring Me The Horizon and more to his name, the EP thoroughly delivers.

Packed with guitar riffs and lyrics of substance, "Equal Measures" oozes excellence. Varying in tone and tempo the five-piece have nailed it. The 5 track EP delves into deep topics while remaining catchy and nice to listen to.

"Equal Measures" has set Milestones a very high standard to live up to. Very much looking forward to the debut album!

Rating: 8/10

You can purchase "Equal Measures" on iTunes here and can view the band's YouTube channel here.

What are your thoughts of the EP? Why not comment below or on Twitter @TheRiffReviews?

"Night People" - You Me At Six, Single Review

Above: album artwork for Night People the single (You Me At Six/Spotify)

British band You Me At Six, have just announced information for their upcoming album "Night People" which will be their fifth studio album. The album is set to be released on January 13 of next year through Infectious Music.

In preparation of the forthcoming LP, the band that was formed in 2005, unveiled the title track, "Night People". This track is ferociously strong with insane guitar riffs throughout. Lyrically, the song is somewhat repetitive but as a first track on an album it doesn't matter too much. 

The single encompasses all of You Me At Six's musical talents to showcase them excellently. As a first track on an album, this song sets the tone just right and creates high levels of anticipation for this January.

Rating: 7.5/10

You can pre-order "Night People" and receive the title track straight away here and you can view You Me At Six's VEVO channel here.

What do you think of this song? Why not comment below or on Twitter @TheRiffReviews?

"What I Wish I Could Forget" - Too Close To Touch, Single Review

Above: album artwork for Haven't Been Myself (epitaph.com)

After winning the APMA for Best Underground Band in 2016, Too Close To Touch are expected to release their second studio album in September. The rock band merge post-hardcore and alternative rock in this track.

"What I Wish I Could Forget" doesn't quite match the high standard the band set themselves with their debut album "Nerve Endings" however the track has a strong musical core throughout. The lyrics of this track are absolutely extraordinary. Each component of this track is excellent, however when put all together, something seems to be missing. 

By all means, the song is good and leaves us excited for the forthcoming album, "Haven't Been Myself". It hasn't  quite reached the expectations present due to the quality of their first LP. The second track from the upcoming album "Crooked Smile" is available via Epitaph Records' YouTube channel and maintains the high quality from "Nerve Endings". This second song is much better than "What I Wish I Could Forget"; this does not by any account discredit the quality of the lead single, though.

From listening to both songs, it appears that the band are set to deliver with their new album, which is available for pre-order now.

Rating 6.5/10

You can pre-order "Haven't Been Myself" on iTunes and get "What I Wish I Could Forget" straight away here and you can view their music videos via Epitaph Records' YouTube channel here.

What are your thoughts of this song? Why not comment below or on Twitter @TheRiffReviews?

"Part Of Me" - American Wolves, Single Review

Above: album artwork for Part Of Me (@americanwlvs/Instagram)

Brand new alternative rock four-piece American Wolves released their debut single "Part Of Me" in March this year. 

With hints of EDM oozing through the predominantly alternative track, American Wolves have created their own sound which is refreshing to see and creates a level of suspense for what they will release next. Vocalist Pires' talents shine through on the track which was produced by Dan Kornoff. 

This lively track is definitely worth a listen and leaves us anticipating many good things to come from American Wolves. "Part Of Me" is to be featured on the band's upcoming EP whose release date is yet to be confirmed. This band is certainly one to watch!

Rating: 7/10

You can download the song via iTunes here and can view the music video for "Part Of Me" on YouTube here.

What do you think of the track? Why not comment below or on Twitter @TheRiffReviews?

All Killer, No Filler - Sum 41, 15 Years On

Above: album artwork for All Killer, No Filler (Wikipedia)

It's hard to believe, but this year it is 15 years since the release of "All Killer, No Filler" by Canadian band, Sum 41.

At the time of release, "All Killer, No Filler" peaked at number 7 on the UK Albums Chart and number 13 on the US Billboard 200. Since then it's gone on to be certified as gold in Japan, platinum in the UK and the US and 3x platinum in Canada, having sold over 10 million copies worldwide.

This LP was incredibly popular at the time of release and remains so today. It merges pop punk and skate punk with elements of hip-hop and lyrical magic to create a masterpiece. It's no wonder that this album had such a brilliant reception, but where are they now?

Sum 41 took a break after touring in 2011 and after some health concerns for lead singer, Deryck Whibley. Fortunately, Whibley is now in good health; the group have altered their line up and signed with Hopeless Records and are back better than ever. Having sold 30 million albums and played over 520 dates, the band are set to release their 6th studio album in October of this year.

So far the band have released the first single from the forthcoming "13 Voices". The track is called "Fake My Own Death" and encompasses everything fans love about Sum 41. From their lyrics to guitar riffs to outlandish music videos, Sum 41 are back and mean business.

The past 15 years have flown by and it's good to see that "All Killer, No Filler" is still being appreciated. This album was monumental in '00s pop punk and certainly will be for many years to come. What a 15 years it's been.

You can get "All Killer, No Filler" via iTunes here and can pre-order "13 Voices" and get "Fake My Own Death" immediately here.

What do you think of this album and Sum 41's upcoming album? Why not comment below or on Twitter @TheRiffReviews?

"Desolate Divine" - The Color Morale, Album Review

Above: album artwork for Desolate Divine (@thecolormorale/Twitter)

The new album "Desolate Divine" is the fifth studio album of post-hardcore band The Color Morale. Released just two days ago, we've been loving it! 

The album begins with the song "Lonesome Soul" which sets up the framework for the rest of the album in an excellent way. The album has a great blend of singing and screaming and merges the two in a way that only The Color Morale know how to do. 

Deviating from the band's original heavy metal core sound, this album highlights the new sound they have created; the tracks "Trail Of Blood" and "Version Of Me" really emphasise this. Lyrically, "Home Bittersweet Home" is superb and musically it blends the genres excellently.

Every song on this album is as brilliant as the next. The new direction The Color Morale have taken is one that suits them wonderfully. A strong contender for next week's album of the week!

Rating: 8/10

You can stream "Desolate Divine" on Spotify here and can visit their YouTube channel here.

What are your thoughts of this record? Why not comment below oron Twitter @TheRiffReviews?

"Blossoms" - Blossoms, Album Review

Above: album artwork for Blossoms (@BlossomsBand/Twitter)

Topping the UK Official Album Chart for the second week in a row is Blossoms' self-titled album - and it is clear to see why. The record has a laid-back vibe throughout which is perfect for summer.

Named as one of the acts on the BBC's Sound of 2016, the indie band have delivered. As a whole, the album is very good and provides an easy listen which is very important for music to have. The band are clearly very talented and, fortunately, this is highlighted through the entirety of the record.

The piano on the track "Onto Her Bed" gives the song a wonderful tone and alters the general mood of the album nicely but not too much so as to alter its character. The musical side of the album is of an extraordinary quality. While "Blown Rose" is only an average song, the general standard is brilliant. The lyrics of "Smashed Piano" are outstanding, as are those of "My Favourite Room".

"Blossoms" is an incredibly good album and it is not difficult to understand why it has been number 1 for two weeks in a row. If the band continue to make music as good as this, they'll be certain to become very successful, very quickly.

Rating: 7.5/10

You can download "Blossoms" via iTunes here and can visit Blossom's VEVO channel here.

What do you think of the album? Why not comment below or on Twitter @TheRiffReviews?

"Brand New Moves" - Hey Violet, EP Review

Above: album artwork (@heyviolet/Instagram)


Hey Violet dropped their second EP through Hi or Hey Records on August 16th. Throughout their supricingly long career considering their young ages, Hey Violet (previously Cherri Bomb) have always had a unique sound from pop-punk to hard rock and this EP encapsulates that.

While this EP is generally a lot softer than some of their previous releases, it still gives off the vibe of experience they have which is so rare for a band of early twenty year-olds. "Fuqboi" is a track which stands out from the rest as it really shows off the talents of lead singer Rena Lovelis. The quality of the EP dips slightly at "Pure" with very repetitive lyrics and a lack of musical showcasing. The addition of "Brand New Moves - Stripped" provides a nice change of tempo and shows off the band's raw talent. The EP is completed with an unnecessary remix of the track "Brand New Moves". The remix itself is okay but is entirely unneeded on the album and is the 3rd time it is featuredon the EP of only 5 tracks.

Overall, the EP is a strong standard and is definitely worth a listen.

Rating: 7/10

You can download the EP on iTunes here and can view the quartet's YouTube channel here.

What are your thoughts of the EP? Why not comment below or on Twitter @TheRiffReviews?

"KARMA SEEKER" - VANT, EP Review

Above: album artwork for Karma Seeker (@wearevant/Instagram)

The new EP by British indie rock band, VANT, was released on August 5. The EP has 5 songs each showcasing the band's musical talent.

The first track is "KARMA SEEKER" which is a very good song and leans toward the rock side of VANT's genre. "WELCOME TO THE WONDERFUL BERNERS LEE" builds the bridge to indie music although is a very short song at only 1:39. The pinnacle of the album, "JESUS WAS A CONMAN" blends indie and rock favourably. It meets both musical and lyrical talents while also presenting a unique style on top of everything else. The EP comes to an end with "BIRTH CERTIFICATE" which is an incredibly strong track lyrically. This song ends the EP fittingly.

This upbeat EP is a great listen and leaves high expectations for their debut album.

Rating: 7.5/10

You can purchase "KARMA SEEKER" on iTunes here and can view VANT's YouTube channel here.

What are your thoughts of the EP? Why not comment below or on Twitter @TheRiffReviews ?

"Blush" - Moose Blood, Album Review

Above: album artwork for Blush (@mooseblooduk/Instagram)

On August 5, British band Moose Blood released their second album, "Blush". This album is their first with Hopeless Records. 


The emo band's new record starts perfectly with the song "Pastel" and this high quality continues throughout. "Knuckles" is a stand out track as it encapsulates the band's raw talent - their musical talent and the talents of lead vocalist Eddy Brewerton. This song is catchy for all the right reasons which is excellent to see. The fourth track slows down the pace and tone of the album which provides a nice break from the previous more upbeat songs. "Glow" defines the musical talent of this band; the guitar solo is on another level and raises the quality of the song considerably.

The reminiscent feel of "Cheek" is merged perfectly with the fast beat as it just makes you want to get up on dance; for an emo band to have created tracks in this way is very rare and very welcomed. The organic sound of "Sway" is very pleasant to hear and its succession of "Shimmer" creates a wonderful change in mood and in itself is an exceptional song. The final song on the album, "Freckle", ends thew record in a fitting way, which is of a very high standard.

I could talk all day about how brilliant each individual track is but what Moose Blood have accomplished here is something more than that - the records as a whole is excellent and fits together incomparably. This emo quartet are talented in extraordinary ways and their album is a reflection of that. 

Rating: 9/10

You can get hold of "Blush" on iTunes here and can view their music videos via the Hopeless Records YouTube channel here.

What do you think of the album? Why not comment below or on Twitter @TheRiffReviews ?

"Summer Love" - TURNAWAYS, Album Review

Above: album artwork for Summer Love (@turnaways/Instagram)

Fresh on the scene, this Texan band released their first LP on July 25. 

The garage punk 4 piece's album, "Summer Love" is a fun record that is certainly great for summer. The album lacks a level of uniqueness and after the first 3 tracks, the feeling of 'this has all been done before' is evident. However, at the fourth track "Heading Out West", quality picks up immensely with the original beginning which draws the listener in and creates a considerable level of interest. Fifth song, "Huntington Beach", showcases the melodious guitar skills. The song "Uncomfortable" is a fun listen and is a nice change from the rest of the album and "Isabelle" also provides a nice change of pace. "Summer Love" comes to an end with the track "Elmquist Ave." which concludes the album in just the right way.

Both lyrically and musically, the album doesn't push any boundaries however its is a fun listen and showcases the upcoming band's talents. These guys are at the beginning of their career and if they continue to produce records in this manner, they will be making some great music.

Rating: 6.5/10

You can get hold of "Summer Love" on iTunes here and via bandcamp here.

What do you think of the album? Why not comment below or on Twitter @TheRiffReviews ?

Demo Review - rationale (Dan Lambton, Real Friends and Joe Taylor, Knuckle Puck)

Above: Lambton and Taylor (rationale/Bandcamp)


Lead Vocalists of Real Friends and Knuckle Puck, Dan Lambton and Joe Taylor, have teamed up for a side project "rationale". Last December, the duo released an EP, "Confines" which was completely written, recorded and produced by themselves. They have now released a new demo via their bandcamp and it's really good.

Lambton and Taylor's voices compliment each other incredibly well and the lyrics to this song are reflective of that. The track lacked in harmonies in certain areas but what what was missing in harmonies was made up for with the charisma and drive of their voices. The musical side of the song was standard but strong which makes it a great and easy listen.

This demo is of a very high standard and has created a great deal of anticipation for more from the duo. The two have said that all funds raised from the track will be donated to supplying Chicago Public School Attendees the supplies they require as many would be otherwise unable to afford them - so why not download and donate?

Rating: 7/10

You can download the track and donate to the worthy cause here and can find them on Twitter here.

What do you think of this demo? Why not comment below or on Twitter @TheRiffReviews ?

"Vacancy" - Bayside, Album Review

Above: album artwork for Vacancy (@baysideband/Instagram)


Released on August 19, Bayside's new album "Vacancy" is the seventh studio album by the American rock band. Throughout the album elements of guitar-driven rock are met with tones reminiscent to those of My Chemical Romance and the way they Bayside have merged the two is excellent.

"Two Letters" sets the tone for the album and sets a high level of expectation for the tracks to follow. "I've Been Dead All Day" and "Enemy Lines" are both very good songs and define the album as one that is musically driven. The fifth track of the album, "Pretty Vacant" is a stand out track particularly because of the way Anthony Raneri pushes the vocals in such an exceptional way. 

The track "Mary" breaks the theme of the album slightly by bringing a wave of positivity and is both vocally and musically sound. Upon the ninth track of the album, "The Ghost", the quality of vocals slips slightly but it is still a relatively good song; by no means the best on the album though. It is at this song that the album loses some of the initial drive and begins to fall into a rut before it soon gains energy again.

"Vacancy" is rounded off with the track "It's Not As Depressing As It Sounds" which concludes the album perfectly. It is an uplifting song which leaves listeners of the album in just the right mood; the album couldn't have been ended in a better way. For the most part, the album is of consistent quality throughout and is a refreshing change from some of their other most recent releases.

Rating: 6.5/10

You can get hold of "Vacancy" on iTunes here and can view their latest music videos via Hopeless Records' YouTube channel here.

What do you think of the album? Why not leave a comment below or on Twitter @TheRiffReviews ?

"Young & Relentless" - Against The Current, Single Review

Above: album artwork for In Our Bones (www.atcofficial.com)

On August 16th, Against The Current released the music video to the song "Young & Relentless" taken from their debut studio album "In Our Bones". The album is outstanding, as is the talent of the New York 3-piece.

This track is an upbeat song which highlights the unbelievable talents of vocalist Chrissy Costanza as well as reflecting the incredible musical talents of fellow band mates Dan Gow and Will Ferri. Lyrically, this track is driven by youth and spontaneity providing it to be a very positive, summertime track and musically, this song simply wants to make you get up, dance and seize the day.  This fun pop rock track is a great listen and presents the excellence of their album.

Rating: 7.5/10

You can download Against The Current's debut album on iTunes here and can watch the music video to "Young & Relentless" through their Youtube channel here.

What are your thoughts of "Young & Relentless"? Why not comment below or on Twitter @TheRiffReviews ?

"The Hurt Is Gone" - Yellowcard, Single Review

Above: album artwork for Yellowcard (yellowcardrock.com)

2 days ago, Yellowcard released the second single, "The Hurt Is Gone", from their final upcoming album, "Yellowcard". The self-titled record will be their 10th studio album and is expected to drop on September 30. 

This track has a laid-back beat with a solid drum track throughout. The song is seemingly reminiscent and in a way, like a comfort about the band's career and their decision to end the journey of Yellowcard. In many ways, "The Hurt Is Gone" has a melancholy, regretful feeling about things ending and change. Lyrically, this song is very strong and musically, it is very good. From the forthcoming album, Yellowcard have so far released "Rest In Peace" which takes a different tone to this song.

The two tracks currently released suggest that this album will be very good and something fans of Yellowcard will be able to hold onto forever as the band's final farewell. Both songs are excellent and have been met with pleasantries from fans across the globe.

Rating: 7.5/10

You can pre-order the album "Yellowcard" and get 2 tracks immediately on iTunes here and can view the music video to "The Hurt Is Gone" via Hopeless Records' YouTube channel here.

What do you think of this track? Why not comment below or on Twitter @TheRiffReviews ?

"Girls Talk Boys" - 5 Seconds of Summer, Single Review

Above: album artwork for Girls Talk Boys (@5sos/Instagram)

The new single by 5 Seconds of Summer, "Girls Talk Boys", features in the motion picture "Ghostbusters". The pop-rock band's track is very catchy and does just what it needs to as a song for a film. With elements of groove and pop featured throughout, this song is an easy listen. It is very repetitive in parts which is tiring and slightly disappointing as 5SOS are a good band who are capable of things much better than this track. 

Overall, the song is good but definitely lacks uniqueness and the flair that the band have created on their most recent studio album, "Sounds Good Feels Good".  "Girls Talk Boys" is a fun song and definitely worth a listen.

Rating: 6/10

You can get hold of "Girls Talk Boys" on iTunes here and can watch the music video on YouTube here.

What are your thoughts on the single? Why not comment below or on Twitter @TheRiffReviews ?

"Better Weather" - With Confidence, Album Review

Above:album artwork for Better Weather (@withconfidenceband/Instagram)

On June 17, With Confidence dropped their debut album, "Better Weather". Newly signed to Hopeless Records, the Australian band are undoubtedly one of the pop-punk bands to watch over the upcoming year. Their record merges catchy riffs with manic screams in a way that simply hasn't been done for a very long time. 

The band delve into issues of mental health in the first track "Voldemort" while maintaining a positive outlook and summertime vibe. A stand out track from the album is "Keeper"  which highlights the talent of each member of the band, particularly lead vocalist, Jayden Seeley. On the record, their is a good balance of upbeat songs such as "We'll Be Okay" as well as slower tracks like "Long Night". While being a brilliant album in itself, the four-piece choose to end it with the song "Waterfall" and the final moments of record being an automated answer machine which rounds the album off in a way that can only be felt by listening to it. 

With Confidence are a very talented group of lads and "Better Weather" is an excellent presentation of the fact. Fresh on the scene, they are bringing new ideas with them and are definitely ones to look out for. This album is an essential - the soundtrack to summer '16.

Rating: 8/10

You can buy "Better Weather" on iTunes here and can go view their music videos via Hopeless Records' YouTube channel here.

What are your thoughts on the album? Why not leave a comment below or on Twitter @TheRiffReviews ?

"Bang Bang" - Green Day, Single Review

Above: album artwork for Bang Bang via Revolution Radio (@greenday/Instagram)

Green Day dropped their hot new track on August 11 and it is incredible. The highly anticipated song was released on Thursday and the reception of it has been amazing. It is taken from their upcoming 12th studio album, "Revolution Radio" which is expected on October 7, 2016.

In its entirety, "Bang Bang" touches on some very heavy topics of deranged chaos and terrorism. It raises awareness of these increasingly important topics in a way that only Green Day know how to do: through a catchy melody, providing something for people to feel connected to. Both lyrically and musically, "Bang Bang" is a stroke of genius as it combines punk music with political direction. If the album is anything like this track, it is going to be beyond brilliant.

Rating: 8.5/10

You can pre-order "Revolution Radio" on iTunes and get "Bang Bang" immediately here and you can view the lyric video on YouTube here.

What are your thoughts on the single? Why not comment below or follow The Riff Reviews on twitter @TheRiffReviews ?

"The Chaser" - Twin Atlantic, Single Review

Above: album artwork for The Chaser (@twinatlantic/Instagram)

Freshly released, "The Chaser" is a single taken from the four piece rock brand's upcoming album "GLA". This song is a light-hearted and fun listen. Musically, it doesn't push any boundaries however it is extremely catchy and great to sing along to. This track has a much softer and more pop-like feel to it than the others so far released from the album which gives the sense that the album is going to be musically varied.

This song is very good and along with "Gold Elephant: Cherry Alligator", "No Sleep" and "Ex El" leaves me confident that "GLA" is going to be a great album.

Rating: 7/10

You can pre-order Twin Atlantic's upcoming album on iTunes and get 4 songs straight away here and can watch the music video for "The Chaser" here.

What are your thoughts on the single? Why not comment below or find us on twitter @TheRiffReviews ?

"California" - Blink-182, Review

Above: album artwork for California (@blink182/Instagram)

The pop-punk 3 piece released this album, produced by John Feldmann on July 1 of this year. It is the first album of the trio with Matt Skiba and without Tom DeLonge. This guitar-driven album portrays a more mature version of Blink than we have often seen, while of course maintaining the comedic aspects of the band that we all love, e.g. "I Built This Pool".

The first single taken from the album, "Bored To Death" essentially defines the album and is certainly a stand out track. It is within this song that fans can hear an updated version of Blink singing about mature themes while staying true to their own unique sound. The title track of the album "California" represents the album and could not have been done in a better way. This album has just the right blend of seriousness and light-heartedness to entertain fans.

Musically speaking, the album remains clearly in the style of Blink which is great because that is exactly what fans love. However, it would be refreshing to see them evolve their sound further and experiment with a wider range of new ideas. While it is favourable to many fans that their sound is the same, it would be nice to see them adapt their sound in trying new things.

All in all, this album is a great listen, particularly if you are a Blink-182 fan. It isn't the best of their work but is still very good. Through everything, Blink have stayed true to their sound which in itself is an admirable act.

Rating: 7/10

You can get hold of "California" on iTunes here:

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/california/id1107053773

and can view their YouTube channel here:

https://www.youtube.com/user/blink182