Brooklyn-based Stone Cold Fox – a name Inspired by Kirsten Dunst in Sofia Coppola’s The Virgin Suicides – have been on a journey of self discovery both musically and in life. Since the release of the rather different debut LP Memory Palace, two years ago, they got straight to work on the tracks that make up their new EP Tunnel Vision, which can only be considered as a step in the right direction and a tuneful coming of age. 

A considerable chunk of the band's creative force was removed with the departure of Ariel Loh, who decided to pursue other musical aspirations, but Tunnel Vision made it out in one piece and the whole collaborative input from all involved still keeps us enthusiastic about the future for Stone Cold Fox. 

‘Contagion’ kicks the EP off and serves as a good starting point for what’s to follow. It highlights the sound shift from the old and the expert mix tells us that there is no going back. Aaron Hamel’s exquisite use of the hi-hat and toms alone makes this a journey worth exploring. The snare snaps are accentuated by machine pads and, to what at one point during the creative process would have been an all out rocker, the added synths and keyboards lend way to a genre that the band themselves might label distorted disco. 

Follow up track ‘Firing Squad’ was penned by Kevin Olken Henthorn during a bout of seasonal depression in a wintry NYC and a Woody Allen movie marathon at the end of last year. Kevin says "it began as a very slow acoustic version, all miserable and shit. And I showed it to Ariel and he was like, Wait, why don’t we just make this faster? If you’ve heard the song by now, then you’ll notice it is definitely not an old sad bastard song anymore”.

It’s a concept not just fundamental to the sound of Tunnel Vision, but by the stages of the song writing process. Likely starting as acoustic before the band repositions them as rockers that are ready to undergo the process of pointed focus on retro-cool electro whilst maintaining the core principle and emotional sustenance. 

There is an altogether lighter, hazy feel to ‘Morning Light’ with the rhythm section creating dead space to let single notes ring out that attract your attention but inviting you to use your own imagination. The keyboards are more prominent on ‘Change My Mind’ which just about makes it an all out pop track from the '80s. A track that was maybe lucky to ever see the light of day had it not been for persistence. With Kevin and Ariel beginning it while tripping on acid in the sunroom of a cabin it never got past a couple of lines and having shelved it numerous times, it took the full two years to eventually complete. 

The only unreleased track from the EP is the disc curtain caller ‘Polyethlene’ and it might just be the strongest track on it. With shades of Kings Of Leon at the intro, the drums, bass and dry pulsing synths – think a late night drive by city neon signs - provide a solid rhythmic chassis allowing Kevin to manoeuvre with thoughtful guitars and airy vocals.  

Although Tunnel Vision may not be an EP that is crashing through the usual boundaries or venturing into the unknown, it does do a good job of containing warmth and subtlety and manages to never sound overblown or derivative. 

Tunnel Vision is available to stream below.

The press release bravely claims ‘There Is A Reason,’ is a six-pack sampler of all the fab sounds that have made them a cut above other ‘60s-inspired rock and roll enthusiasts’ and that the tracks are ‘performed with the energy and flair to make them 21st-century fresh and exciting’.

Disappointingly, I can only agree with the fact that it has six tracks. I was expecting great things, as Hidden Volume Records are consistently a go-to label having released singles by bands such as the excellent The Missing Souls.

I haven’t been acquainted with this band previously. The overall sound of the E.P. is over-produced. I can’t even contemplate giving it a second listen. Track four ‘You Look Unwell’, is exactly how I feel after I’ve heard the sound of that guitar solo. I very rarely; and don't like to, give negative reviews.  The band are obviously very competent musicians, but these six tracks have sadly left me cold. 

It’s 60’s influenced beat(les)-pop lite, which (for me) lacks energy, personality and passion. The sickly sweet harmonies don’t do it any favours. The band themselves, at best, even sound bored. Thankfully this E.P. is very forgettable... Release date is the 29th April 2016.

The Galileo 7 are back. Allan Crockford & co. return after the excellent False Memory Lane album (our review here) with a new single on March 25. Limited to 500 copies the first 200 will be on purple vinyl.

The disc features two toe tapping tracks which up the pace slightly from that of the previous album. A-side ‘Cruel Bird’ nips along at a nifty pace and after a few listens (you’ll have it on repeat believe me) will have lodged itself in your brain to the extent that you’ll find yourself humming at the bus stop.

Companion track ‘Nowhere People’ is, as you’d guess from the title, lyrically one of Crockford’s more socially conscious numbers yet it holds it’s end up by making you think about wider issues whilst maintaining the solid pace set up by ‘Cruel Bird’. Another fine release from a band on cracking form.

'Cruel Bird' is available from State Records here. 

The band's new "almost-live album" Live-O-Graphic is also now available for pre-order. No copies will be shipped before the 28th March. Order now from the Galileo 7 store.

Mover And A Groover is the 2nd vinyl release for The Jezebels on State Records comprising 4 toughnut tracks from the first ladies of proto-glam-punk.

Title track ‘Mover And A Grover’ is a gritty glam R’n’B stomper. ‘Lorelei’ brings the girls into the garage with a big greasy side order of power chords. ‘Ain’t Worth The Time’ gives a nod to Suzi Q; belting vocals, strong bassline, crunching guitar and pounding moon-esque drums; and then returning into the garage from whence they came, with ‘Jezebel’.   

Available now from State Records. Limited edition (500 copies only) on super-heavyweight 45rpm 7" vinyl in cool-as Chiswick-style pic sleeve—the 1st 200 will also include a killer double-sided mini poster, ONLY available direct from the band or label...the distros and mail-order muckers will NOT be getting these!

Thee Jezebels Spanish tour commences on 1st April details are here. The girls will also performing at the Medway Legends weekender in San Sebastian details here, and the Franklin Fest weekender in Edinburgh details here.