"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?