A series about what it's really like to start a business.

New album Physical Thrills out now! 
Listen & grab exclusive vinyl: https://sspu.lnk.to/physicalthrills

In the four years and countless shows since the release of their acclaimed full-length debut album Free, Twin Atlantic has become known as one of the UK’s most exciting live bands. They’ve toured with 30 Seconds to Mars and Kings of Leon, played Glastonbury, T in the Park and Reading and Leeds, and wrapped a headline tour of the UK that saw them headlining Brixton Academy London and the SSE Hydro Glasgow. “Heart & Soul,” The first single off their Gil Norton and Jackknife Lee-produced album Great Divide, won the AIM Independent Music award for Track of the Year and was shortlisted as one of Zane Lowe’s Hottest Records of 2014. 


Fuelled by an uncertain future and conflicting feelings towards the connectivity and intensity of the modern world, the lyrics on Press to MECO’s new album, ‘Transmute’, wrestle with the idea of change. Drummer/lyricist, Lewis Williams asks “can we make a significant change for the better, in ourselves, in our relationships and as a society. That’s why I liked the title Transmute. Positive change can sometimes feel like you’re trying to find a way to turn lead into gold”
 
After 2018’s critically acclaimed ‘Here’s to the Fatigue’ and tours with Don Broco, Shinedown, Arcane Roots, SikTh and a hectic festival season, those highs were quickly followed by the niggling doubts of industry success and real-life commitments. 
 
“I didn't want to be depressing. Even if the band breaks up, my girlfriend dumps me or artificial intelligence takes over the world, that's still not the end of all things,” says Williams. He admits that any of those events would be the definite end of a chapter, but that should only motivate you to start another. “It’s a positive record,” he explains. “There are parts where it gets heavy but there’s always a glimmer of hope.” 

“Addressing the negativity is a positive thing,” adds new addition Jake Crawford (bass/vocal), who joined the band after years of being a friend, a fan and a member of their touring crew.

Taking inspiration from Twenty One Pilots’ ‘Trench’, Paramore’s ‘After Laughter’ and Daughters’ ‘You Won’t Get What You Want’, Press to MECO move away from those juxtaposing moments of “musical trickery” prevalent on their previous albums, “every element on ‘Transmute’ feels much more defined,” says Luke Caley (guitar/vocal).
 
Despite the sprawling themes of nature versus technology, ‘Transmute’ is a record driven by everyday emotion. “When we started this album, it felt like a farewell,” admits Caley. “But being in the studio felt so euphoric, we remembered why we started making music, we love doing it… this band is the thing that actually gives us purpose. There's a reason we've dedicated our lives to it. Without music, we’d all feel very empty.”
 
“Everything about Press to MECO feels fresh. For the first time ever, everything feels right. I don’t think we’re done yet.”

Royal Blood are a two piece band formed in Brighton, UK.

TYPHOONS. Out 30th April 🌀
https://royalblood.me/typhoons

ARCANE ROOTS set to release debut mini album, the awesome ‘Left Fire’ on Feb 21st

ARCANE ROOTS are a very new London based 3 piece who came together in 2009 and are now already set to release their quite incredible debut mini album ‘Left Fire’. Influenced by the likes of Fall of Troy, Foals, Refused and At the Drive-In/The Mars Volta this stunning record manages to be ambitious and pop, heavy and epic, comfortingly familiar and something completely unique - fresh in equal measure and all at the same time.

As Andrew (vocals and guitar) explains, the meanings behind the songs do vary, but have a common thread of working out how to understand the world around you. ‘’In this town of such weather’ is about change, starting again and finding something/someone new to put your energy into. The lyrics were written in Amsterdam (hence the Dutch titled intro) during Autumn 2009. The autumn and winter months are always so inspiring and exciting, it’s about being in such a beautiful place at that time of year and finding a new sense of clarity and direction, and not wanting to lose it.’ While he goes on, regarding ‘You Are’, ‘When this song was first written, it was about trying to figure out what you want from a relationship and how futile that is. But it eventually became (after being re-written more than once) a manual of finding what you want by not looking for it and building something strong from the beginning’. And on the awesome ‘Rouen’, ‘The demise of a relationship in a small town in France, and everything that comes along with it’.

The 5 main tracks are ‘book-ended’ by 3 smaller musical pieces (marked i/ii/iii). These blend musically and thematically throughout the whole album, making it more of a seamless journey and far more than just any regular debut record. Mile-high choruses clash against angular 3 way vocal screams and shouts, packed full of hooks and driving, piercing guitar riffs and a rhythm section constantly changing its mind where to drop you off at. A stunning and brilliant release, one where you hear something new and exciting on each listen. ARCANE ROOTS are a band to cherish and be excited about, and this first release is just the tip of their massive potential.
2011 should be prepared for something very, very special.

Live wise, even though they have only been a touring band for a small while, the band have already toured and played shows with the likes of To The Bones, Sucioperro, Tangled Hair, Hold Your Horse Is and Pharaohs. Look out for headline dates and more support tours before and around the mini album release (all TBA in the coming weeks).

"There are so many genres blended together on this new album from...Arcane Roots that it's almost im
possible to describe their sound...One thing's for sure; the quality rarely dips and the delivery is captivating". “Arcane Roots sound so fresh, special, and deliciously unpredictable. Wherever they go next... It’s sure to be a fascinating listen.” [Rocksound] 8/10 

“Arcane Roots are all about the musical muscle, blending their own brand of At The Drive-In grit with massive Biffy hooks...The production of their latest tunes is ruddy huge...” [Total Guitar]

“Surrey Trio with an ear for melody and appetite for destruction...They look set for a big 2011” [Kerrang!]

 “...Had a damn-near fit explaining exactly how brilliant these dudes were. ...after hearing the bands’  metalled-up At The Drive In-esque and anthemic-yet-weird-time-signatured guitar driven erruptions on record we were well and truly hooked.” [Killing Moon Records]

“Arcane Roots have stumbled onto the perfect combination of pop and rock to create a truly awesome sound...the band have done well to catch their musical power on record, having said this it is live where the band really show their true potential, with a blistering show that leaves you mesmerized and begging for more.” [Alter The Press!]

“...Bulldozing it’s way through... the almost math rock nature past the 3 minute mark, where it all seems to lose control, juddering and flailing everywhere like the ghost of Meet Me In St. Louis.” [Keep It Fast]

Well Defined Foe is following