Opening my messages on a Friday afternoon and receiving an unknown EP is not a regular occurrence for me, but one that is very much welcomed...cheers Krystian!
The EP in question is the first release for The Bad Apples titled Fallen Far From The Tree.
So, who are these guys appearing in my message box?
In 2011 this rock duo from Norwich formed, with members Matt Neave (vocals/guitar/bass) and drummer Tom Gray offering a classic rock 'n' roll sound influenced by a bit of grunge.
This is their first EP release and with it their fans have been treated to six songs that promise an "aggressive mixture of blues, grunge and good ol' fashion rock and roll" which they have certainly worked hard to deliver.
Straight away, opening track A.C.T.A has a crushing riff that is made to be stuck in your head and exhilarate from the get go. The guitar is loud and the drums booming. Followed by Neaves raw voice and Tom Gray pounding on the drums, this band can easily draw comparisons to Nirvana.
If you don't pick up on this straight away then you will definitely notice it in "Sunshine Blues" where Neave plays around with his vocals in true Cobain style; switching from reserved to a throaty growl in seconds.
The band mix it up a bit when the album leads on to 'Space Monkey'. The duo tone down their heavy sound for this textbook indie track that you really can't find any fault with. The Bad Apples showcase their talent at again finding that rhythm that will be stuck in your head and getting you straight onto their Facebook page after the gig.
'Space Monkey' is that classic story of being the working class boy falling for the posh girl. As Neave drawls the line "the lady with the silver spoon, standing on the foot of a scoundrel" and proceeding to tell us to "fuck" those who think their better' you can't help but sing along and take this guys side. Trust me when I say, you will be shouting "fuck 'em" as well.
You can't miss the rock vibe from the band but their "mixture of blues"is one you may struggle to pick up on. It's in 'Whisky Hill' that you get to hear glimmers of it.
The White Stripes have influenced these guys and it becomes apparent as the song plays. It begins with one of those memorable Jack White-esq rifts that instantly grabs your attention. As Neave drawls "we don't know what were doing now" in his raspy voice followed by Gray banging the drums like his enemy's face is on the snare, the fast paced track manages to keep their rock sound cemented within the occasionally bluesy rifts.
They finish on demo "dune bugs" which will completely throw you off. It's acoustic, clean and very stripped back compared to what you first hear. It offers the chance to let your ears take a break from all the guitar thrashing and appreciate that the duo can actually write pretty decent lyrics.
You've got to hand it to these guys. They delivered exactly what they promised. Grunge? Check! Bluesy? listen out and you may spot it! Good old fashioned rock n roll? Absolutely! The Bad Apples are good at being loud. A band that write songs to be played to a live audience. Their a band that have stated they are known for a 'raucous' live show, and with the songs I've just heard...I 100% believe them.
Samantha Banfield
The EP in question is the first release for The Bad Apples titled Fallen Far From The Tree.
So, who are these guys appearing in my message box?
In 2011 this rock duo from Norwich formed, with members Matt Neave (vocals/guitar/bass) and drummer Tom Gray offering a classic rock 'n' roll sound influenced by a bit of grunge.
This is their first EP release and with it their fans have been treated to six songs that promise an "aggressive mixture of blues, grunge and good ol' fashion rock and roll" which they have certainly worked hard to deliver.
Straight away, opening track A.C.T.A has a crushing riff that is made to be stuck in your head and exhilarate from the get go. The guitar is loud and the drums booming. Followed by Neaves raw voice and Tom Gray pounding on the drums, this band can easily draw comparisons to Nirvana.
If you don't pick up on this straight away then you will definitely notice it in "Sunshine Blues" where Neave plays around with his vocals in true Cobain style; switching from reserved to a throaty growl in seconds.
The band mix it up a bit when the album leads on to 'Space Monkey'. The duo tone down their heavy sound for this textbook indie track that you really can't find any fault with. The Bad Apples showcase their talent at again finding that rhythm that will be stuck in your head and getting you straight onto their Facebook page after the gig.
'Space Monkey' is that classic story of being the working class boy falling for the posh girl. As Neave drawls the line "the lady with the silver spoon, standing on the foot of a scoundrel" and proceeding to tell us to "fuck" those who think their better' you can't help but sing along and take this guys side. Trust me when I say, you will be shouting "fuck 'em" as well.
You can't miss the rock vibe from the band but their "mixture of blues"is one you may struggle to pick up on. It's in 'Whisky Hill' that you get to hear glimmers of it.
The White Stripes have influenced these guys and it becomes apparent as the song plays. It begins with one of those memorable Jack White-esq rifts that instantly grabs your attention. As Neave drawls "we don't know what were doing now" in his raspy voice followed by Gray banging the drums like his enemy's face is on the snare, the fast paced track manages to keep their rock sound cemented within the occasionally bluesy rifts.
They finish on demo "dune bugs" which will completely throw you off. It's acoustic, clean and very stripped back compared to what you first hear. It offers the chance to let your ears take a break from all the guitar thrashing and appreciate that the duo can actually write pretty decent lyrics.
You've got to hand it to these guys. They delivered exactly what they promised. Grunge? Check! Bluesy? listen out and you may spot it! Good old fashioned rock n roll? Absolutely! The Bad Apples are good at being loud. A band that write songs to be played to a live audience. Their a band that have stated they are known for a 'raucous' live show, and with the songs I've just heard...I 100% believe them.
Samantha Banfield