"Fight to Survive" - Cold Summer, EP Review

Above: Cold Summer (image courtesy of Cold Summer)

Released earlier this year, the 4-piece band Cold Summer of Leeds, released their EP "Fight to Survive". They are a post-hardcore quartet who have supported the likes of Milk Teeth and Sorority Noise and have also played Long Division Festival. 

This self-released EP encapsulates everything that post-hardcore music is about. Through maintaining originality, it's energetic nature is melodic while having angst and passion. The EP is driven throughout and there isn't a moment in which it lulls. 

Not only does "Fight to Survive" present high quality vocals, but it has a strong foundation of finessed musical ability which matches the excellent lyrical content. "A Time Imagination Forgot to Inspire" is undoubtedly a stand-out track but "Something, Nothing, No-one" provides fierce competition and concludes the EP in the perfect way.

Cold Summer have produced something very special in this EP - they are a band which need to be followed as they have an incredible level of potential. Every track is polished to perfection and there is little debate that the content they've produced themselves is strong competition to any label on the scene.

'Cold Summer' - remember this band because they are one to watch.

Rating: 7.5/10

You can get your own copy of "Fight to Survive" on iTunes here, can view the music video for "A Time Imagination Forgot" here and can listen via Spotify here.

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

The Black Parade - My Chemical Romance, 10 Years On

Above: album artwork for The Black Parade/Living With Ghosts (Twitter)


Yesterday marked the 10 year anniversary of the album that has been described as the one to "define a generation". At the time of its release, My Chemical Romance's "The Black Parade" reached number 3 in Australia, number 2 in the US, UK and Canada and topped the album chart in New Zealand; 10 years on it is still inspiring the next wave of musician and continues to heavily influence the scene.

In honour of the decade it's been since the album first hit the shelves, Rock Sound Magazine produced "Rock Sound Presents The Black Parade" in which they got current bands to cover each track of the original album. The entirely positive reaction to this shows exactly how passionate MCR fans continue to be - but even more to the point, how the music of this band continues to be at the heart of the industry.

Rejoining for the first time since their split, My Chemical Romance re-released the album as "The Black Parade/Living With Ghosts" and met with Rock Sound for a feature and interview.

While the band have gone their separate ways they still continue to push creative boundaries in various ways: Gerard Way has focused on his solo career but has also continued to pursue his comic writing, Frank Iero has continued with music through 'Frank Iero and the Patience', Mikey Way is currently killing it with his new band 'Water Parks', Ray Toro has begun to prepare for his solo debut and James Dewees has continued to pursue music.

Even after all these years, the fact that this album continues to be as adored as it is proves just how wonderful it is. It's incredibly rare for albums like this to come around and when they do, we must cherish them for a long time to come.

You can purchase the original release of "The Black Parade" on Amazon here and can get hold of the re-issue "The Black Parade/Living With Ghosts" here.

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

"Send Them Off!" - Bastille, Single Review

Above: album artwork for Wild World (@bastilledan/Instagram)

Staying true to the Bastille sound, the new single of the four piece is a love song with a slightly dark twist. This track will feature on the band's upcoming studio album, "Wild World" which is set to be released September 9th.

As with all of their music, the talents of lead singer, Dan Smith, is showcased throughout. Musically, the standard is consistent as with their previous releases. This consistency is a high quality however it does suggest a lack of progression and suggests a strong similarity to their old work.

This single is Bastille all over - one that will be great to sing along to when it's on the radio.

Rating: 7/10

You can pre-order Bastille's new album on iTunes and get "Send Them Off!" and two other tracks straight away here and can check out their VEVO channel here.

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

"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?