Balothizer
Cretan Smash
Louvana Records
★★★★

On the face of it Balothizer are another metal power trio: compact, disciplined with inventive arrangements which result in a layered sound that grows on you with each listening.

However, what sets them apart are their roots in a shared a passion for Cretan music and poetry, which imbues these six songs with a distinct Levantine resonance inherent in the cultural geography of the eastern Mediterranean.

Characteristic melancholy vocals — songs are sang in Greek — overlay the island ancient tonalities, syrtoi in particular, contributing to an rapturous sound signature where the traditional frenzy merges symbiotically with metal’s sound ideology.

Steven L Payne drumming is stupendous throughout while Pavlos Mavromatakis on bass ensures the pulse’s constant and rich eloquence. Nikos Ziarkas’s electric lute, however, jars the wondrous harmonies by needlessly impersonating a Fender. Despite that glitch Peace, Aleppo or Ponente & Levante are still awesome. Miss not.  

Lewis Burner
Dark Wheels Turn Above Our Heads
(Garage Recordings)
★★★★

Lewis Burner joyous youthfulness and positivity are reminiscent of Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie, so is his political clarity and nice turn in irony — always an asset when putting across a finer point about social justice.

“People like Seeger, Guthrie and Dylan all have a place in my heart, especially the way they write about individuals to make a bigger point,” he said recently.

He was brought up on bluegrass and country and his jangling guitar, aided by soulmates on a banjo, double bass and drum, delivers music that reinvigorates with infectious energy and boundless optimism.

The purpose of Dark Wheels is “lifting spirits,” he adds, whether “raising funds for striking workers and refugees, music has always played a part, it’s just a way to help causes we care about.” Trust him to lift your spirits every time.

Skinny Lister
Down On Deptford Broadway
Xtra Mile Recordings
★★★★

First released in 2015, Lister’s barnstorming oeuvre Down On Deptford Broadway saw them conquer hearts and souls with a riotous folk/punk that emanates to this day an extraordinary charge of simple passion for life, warts and all.

Who could have forgotten the panache of Trouble On Oxford Street or Six Whiskies. Now musically dusted and spit polished in the right measure the album retains the initial allure in its entirety.

Known and loved for their rowdy stage act, the sextet never do anything by halves and there is a method in the eclecticism of the sound, where the familiar is employed to explore and innovate.

Vocalist Dan Heptinstall comes up with the lyrics and melodies but the band collectively progress them into their inimitable sound always delivered with infectious gusto and singularly in tune with the fandom. Highly recommended.