The Union formed in 2009 by guitarist Luke Morley (ex-Thunder) and vocalist/guitarist Peter Shoulder (ex-Winterville). ‘Siren’s Song’ is the follow up to the British crew’s self-titled debut. A polished production, ‘Siren’s Song’ comes across as intelligent yet the sound is quite simple; it’s easy listening rock with a classic 70’s feel.

The title track begins acoustically, a swampy tone which grows into a chugging blues-rock piece. Stripped back songs such as ‘Orion’ and ‘Cut The Line’ mingle with the dirty riffs of ‘Obsession’ and the soulful tone of ‘Make Up Your Mind’. ‘The Remedy’ is a bluesy number that you could imagine Black Stone Cherry performing.
‘Black Gold’ brings a change of tempo and a swagger of straight up rock while the lighter, serene, ‘If I Could Make You Mine’ comes with a piano accompaniment, conjuring up pictures in your mind of a smoky lounge bar environment.

Shoulder’s vocals are strong and clear throughout; he has a remarkable voice – one that you would happily to listen to even if he was singing the telephone directory! Likewise, Morley’s guitar playing is superb. The result of the creative chemistry between these musicians is obvious to anyone who listens to this album. You need to take a listen to The Union if you are a fan of classic blues rock.

‘Siren’s Song’ is available now

www.theuniononline.com

Originally formed by Shane MacGowan (The Pogues) in 1994, The Popes have gone on to carve a career with Paul (Mad Dog) McGuiness taking over from MacGowan on lead vocals, with other line-up changes taking place along the way.

The Popes are an acquired taste. Their brand of Celtic folk-rock is not going to appeal to the mainstream rock audience but if you are up for listening to something a little different then McGuiness’ gravely, whiskey soaked drawl will soon draw you in. The rawness of the vocals is unexpectedly complimented by the background sounds of the mandolin and fiddle, enriching the punk tinged songs. Uplifting tracks such as ‘Love Shines’ and ‘A Little More’ feature a Gospel choir which works really well. The Popes certainly don’t stick to one formula when it comes to their music.

The stand out track though has to be a cover of Python Lee Jackson’s ‘In A Broken Dream’ which has been turned into a powerful duet with Jo O’Meara (formerly of pop group S Club 7).
Overall, ‘New Church’ is a grower, that’s for sure, so give it a chance and it will no doubt surprise you too.

‘New Church’ is available March 5th 2012

www.thepopesofficialsite.com

‘Waiting Out The Storm’ is the eighth album by Utah’s Royal Bliss. Hailing from Salt Lake City, Royal Bliss has succeeded to weather many storms throughout a career that spans 14 years. With topics ranging from the band’s struggles with the music industry (‘Monster’, ‘With A Smile’), death (‘Wake Up’, ‘High On Fire’) and reliving memories of days gone by (‘Sunburn’ and ‘For No One’), the songs on this release take you on a ride which presents a mixture of emotions.
The aggressiveness found in ‘Monster’ and ‘With A Smile’ showcase the heavier side of Royal Bliss but the pounding melodies bring a balance to the anger and angst while soulful pop-hooks reminiscent of Matchbox 20 are carried in the sing-a-long ‘Bleed My Soul’.
The uplifting biographical anthem - ‘Singing For Our Lives’, is a promise that the band members will always be there for each other, they will continue their journey together no matter what. Another take on life on the road is the single ‘Crazy’, about being away from family for a long period of time. The powerful number ‘I Will Catch You’ is a moving piece of melodic rock which makes you reflect on how you take for granted the fact that those close to you will always be there.

‘Waiting Out The Storm’ is packaged in a sound that provides both classic and modern rock styles, Royal Bliss’ dynamic music is heartfelt and passionate. A pure joy to listen to from start to finish – there are no fillers here. This album is well worth adding to your collection.

‘Waiting Out The Storm’ is available now

www.royalbliss.com

Are you after something that is up-tempo, catchy, bouncy and brimming with melodies? Well say hello and welcome to New York pop-punks Patent Pending who have just what you are after. Their latest album ‘Second Family’ will meet your requirements starting with the infectious opener ‘I Already Know (She Don't Give A S**t About Me)’. Ensuring that the album doesn't let you down at the last hurdle, the catchy gem ‘Dance Till We Die’ is in place to close it with an energetic blast.

Singing about who keeps what after a relationship breaks down in ‘Shake Weight & Moving Crates’ and the very catchy ‘Douchebag’ is self-explanatory; you'll find plenty of quirky lyrics within the songs. Patent Pending do have more serious moments on offer though, including ‘Second Family’ which starts slow and builds into a more up-tempo slice of pop-rock; it’s an anthem for those feeling lost and alone.

If you enjoy bands like Bowling For Soup, Simple Plan and the ilk, give Patent Pending a try. ‘Second Family’ is lightweight entertainment that will no doubt be a hit with the youngsters but that doesn't mean adults need stay away, get your dancing shoes on and just enjoy!

Single 'Douchebag' will be available on 27th February

‘Second Family’ will be released in the UK on 19th March

www.facebook.com/patentpendingmusic

Recorded in their own Superstar Studios, ‘Damned Religion’ - the latest studio effort from Brit hard rockers Dear Superstar - was mixed by Bob Marlette (Black Sabbath, Shinedown, Black Stone Cherry) and produced by David Jones (ex-Heaven’s Basement). The ten songs featured on ‘Damned Religion’ see the quintet continue to capture the essence of 80’s hair metal, modernise it and mix it with a harder, heavy metal backdrop.

The title track bursts to life with the lyrics: ‘I’ve got a message for your wretched souls, forget what you’ve been told’. From this point forward you are introduced to a darker, more mature sounding Dear Superstar and boy do they sound good. It’s like they have picked up on the lessons they’ve learnt over the past few years and are putting them to good use.
There are some great tracks on this release including: the thumping single ‘Our City Sleeps’; ‘Last Rites’, which despite its title, possesses vigour and a biting hook that draws you in and let's not forget the sleazy tone of ‘Sirens’ which is delivered as a fist-in-air, rock n’ roll anthem.

Perhaps the direction taken on ‘Damned Religion’ shows Dear Superstar have found out who they are as a band, let’s hope so as this is looking to be their best release to date.

www.facebook.com/dearsuperstar