Talk is a real vehement track with its Math Core haunting every angle. The deliberating melody is quick to add in an unusual flavour along with the controlling vocal edge that is mean and untamed. Eau De Vie has a natural bounce that is quick off the mark and literally screams vengeance for its sins! Quixota has a sneaky melody running through its veins that hold plenty of fuelled aggression and possesses an addictive quality. Torso, the Idol one cannot help but feel the tongue in cheek vibes reading this title, well Metal heads usually don’t hide their sense of humour especially when writing tracks and it would seem that this one is no exception to the rule! Although it does seem rather flat in comparison to the previous tracks… Yoghurt there’s that sense of humour again! This it would appear is a very angular and screechy, it doesn’t sit well on the ears vocally, although the sneaky rhythms do redeem the track somewhat.
What the Contestants don’t know is another rowdy composition that is irritable and cranky, no other words can describe it, and it is only a filler track of one minute twenty-nine seconds! The Grass is always greener in Kreuzberg whether it is or it isn’t I will take the band's word for it. The maniacal vocal rantings are loud and brash accompanied by some superb drumming. Increasing in venomous rancour the track has some good moments that pique with excellent and impressive melody. Miller possesses more sneaky little choppy melody but it sounds like the groove is stuck! This slow amble is not a very interesting track for sure and sounds like nobody is enjoying themselves. White moves back into its comfort zone pronto! It invites a strange madness that is quite riveting along with a hellish rhythm that douses the flames nicely, although the excitement is somewhat short lived with a vocal that slips into a black hole!
This is a rather strange album that can in one breath excite and at the same time, I am sorry to say bores. The melodies when they strike are the bands redeeming feature, but sometimes vocally it sounds like they are suffering from a devilish hangover as on ‘White’ and ‘Torso, the idol’ is flat and wouldn’t win any prizes for being particularly exciting so it is a real push me pull you of an album!
Black Orchid Empire lure you into this false sense of security, starting off with a very soft take on things that make you think ‘lame’ and then what kicks in is a very haunting rhythm that is purely addictive. The harmonies are tempered and really superb. Black Orchid Empire certainly seem to have a lot of tricks up their sleeve, managing to produce a good solid chugger on ‘God is Awake’ reaping its reward for being catchy. ‘Here’s to you’ offers a very run of the mill track that sounds quite mainstream although the lyrics are heartfelt – magically, it turns everything on its head and opts venomous, goes to show you can’t trust anything in this game! ‘This City’ again sounds quite tame but I am not falling for this again and so sitting back and waiting for the ferocity to kick in – perhaps this is where the band have the last laugh!
‘Melancholia’ is what it says on the label so I doubt there will be any surprises here.
‘Rabbit in a Snowstorm’ sounds more like bees in a honeypot! But at only 35 seconds long can’t think why the band have put this on their album as a filler at all. ‘Riches and Rags’ are pretty much the same with their lure of kicking things up a notch but returning to their softer roots, although far too mainstream for me to enjoy fully.‘Riff of Death’ finally something to really get your teeth into. With a great fast pace and the sound of urgency with great rhythms pulsing through its veins, it has to be my favourite track! ‘Speed of Sound’ doesn’t really get off the ground so to speak, staying grounded and quite melancholy. ‘Walking Disaster’ is quite unusual, as it holds some superb vocals and riffs which pique the interest and catchy for its sins! ‘Medicine’ possesses some thunderous riffs, a solid beat and feisty rhythms along with strong harmonies helped along by a meaty chug – perhaps another favourite on the album? ‘Mountain’ is quite soft in approach and almost dreamy – predictable, if you like. ‘Ended up like this’ drags its feet in a very hap-hazard way and is yet another unnecessary filler.
This slips into far too many strolls and not enough cantors for me, with an odd couple of tracks that go all out to please! Blowing more cold than hot for me.
Yes, it is that time again. The time when bikers get together and make a truly awesome effort to bring smiles to the faces of disabled children by donating hundreds of toys to the Springbrook home in Southport, and in charge of it all was Charlie and Jan Brown of the Original Cruisers.
Just a little note from Adam & Co:
Who knew that in the planning of this event that it was going to be so amazing. A massive thank you to Zoe Stanmore and Janet at Dobbies for asking us to bring Santa in, in style. A huge thank you to the clubs Cat Mcc, Millenium Mcc, Southport Coasters and friends of the Original Cruisers who took the time out for a few hours to be a part of it. Huge thank you to Sonja Alker for bringing the amazing Trike out to make sure Santa had a safe arrival. Leaving Dobbies to make the annual journey to Springbrook Children's Home in Ainsdale, we had a car full of toys to donate to the children, their faces were a picture. The Original Cruisers would like to thank all that took part for making it something great yet again. Thank you and we hope you all have a Merry Christmas.
The Bikes started off the run and then cars were added at Dobbie’s Garden Centre where lots of things were happening. People dressed in various outfits, Donkey rides, gift stalls and more – it was certainly the hive of activity and a great place to meet up before heading off on the procession.
The place was heaving with people all buying presents for loved ones and friends it was an amazing sight.
After meeting up, and bikes and cars decorated we all set off just after midday – the long winding procession began and the sun shone down on us all. As we made our way to Springbrook, disaster struck as some inconsiderate driver pulled in front of us and we got caught at some traffic lights and watched as the last biker turned a corner and disappeared from view.
As the lights changed we turned the corner but everyone had vanished so we had to try and follow as best we could, however, Darren Oc was travelling behind with Jackie and Leanne so after some phone calls we finally caught up with the procession outside Springbrook, much to all our relief.
Outside Springbrook Children's Home
Charlie & Jan's Bike
Graham RoadKing and Mick Cook
The toys were carried into the house and laid out on a table and everyone was given either a hot or cold drink, whichever they preferred and caught up with various friends to discuss the ride.
Some of the children were already eyeing up the toys and some were even playing with them, but you couldn’t blame them really!
Photographs were taken of the riders and the children outside the home, and then it was time to head back to the Falstaff for another catch-up.
The Falstaff Pub was warm and inviting as always and everyone took to a corner and discussed the day’s events.
At the Falstaff
A warm and special thanks, to the lovely Mr Graham Roadking Oc for allowing me to get my leg over his Harley Davidson Bike! That meant a lot!
I could get used to this....
Me and Mr Roadking
Awesome meeting up with Charlie Brown Oc, Jan Brown Oc, Adam Brown Oc, Tracey Oc, Amy Longworth Oc, Hana Doyle, Steve Barfoot, Leeanne New, Jackie Meadows Oc and Loraine Latham and Billy. Mick Cook Oc and Darren Oc. Love you people! And a special hug for my Oggy for taking the photo's and for getting us to the venue! x
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The next toy run is on the 4th December and I believe a much larger event than last year with floats, buses and cars. Adam Brown certainly knows how to throw an event. Already the Brown household is filled to the brim with donations from willing participants and there's still more to be added.
The atmosphere for these toy runs is just phenomenal. Everyone gets involved and works hard to achieve the best possible time for these deserving children and it is a pleasure to be a part of it.
Please do what you can, if it is donating gifts or just turning out to see the procession – do your bit! It all adds to the magic of Christmas!
PS: Hope Adam Brown is feeling a lot better today after suddenly being taken ill at The Falstaff. Speedy recovery Adam x (I do love you more!) x
After being unable to attend the Fox and Goose in Southport last week, due to chronic back pain, I made a concerted effort to attend The Victoria gig and was so pleased I did. On entering the venue I was approached by a guy named Pete who manages the Vic about seating and a table, (as the high stools and tables are just inaccessible for me – being a short-ass) and was placed right at the front of the stage, as we all know the Fox and Goose isn’t exactly made for comfort, but having a table and comfortable chair made all the difference.
Due to the location of the venue, nestled between residential accommodation, it isn’t a late gig, finishing at 11pm, but Roadhog more than filled the time with some classic tracks from the past.
The band started their set with some lighter tracks like Sweet Home Alabama, I just wanna make love to you and Tush, just to lull the crowd into a false sense of security J and then when the second set began they went head first into the nitty gritty and rocked the pace up, which always works!
Everyone was happy and contented and joined in the ensuing banter that usually follows between tracks. Roadhog are famed for doing it and it’s a good move – nobody feels left out at one of their gigs for sure.
With just a quick five minute break the band were back on the small stage at the Vic and bombarding the audience with some powerful renditions of songs from yesteryear.
Oggy tried his best not to swear, but in usual Oggy mode a few little un-savouries passed through the mic that apparently suffers from Tourette’s - much to the delight of the audience, but let’s face it, Oggy without swearing is like fish without chips, and anyway, we all expect it now! Plus the obligatory changing of the lyrics to certain songs such as Hot Blooded, Whisky in the Jar and of course Alright Now, when the band stop playing as Oggy reveals the words “and I rubbed my nob all over her face!” Even I find it difficult remembering the right lyrics once the band start playing those tracks.
The audience always gets a good ear bashing at a Roadhog gig but together they make a good strong formidable team.
With time running out the band changed a few tracks to allow for a couple of requests from the ever-eager audience and quite unusual for them nobody was dancing although space was at a minimum, however for the final track Born to be wild which is always played in honour of bikers everywhere, the rule was broken and two women immediately took to the floor and went wild! Especially when the mic was handed to them to join in the chorus! A great end to the night!
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Jane - Thanks for your continued support and friendship
Neil and Jan - Glad you are an item now! It's official x
Special mentions to Pete the Manager of the Vic for sorting out the table and chairs, Jane Craig for instigating everything beforehand, so the night was made a lot more relaxed and comfortable, plus the bar staff at the Vic, Neil Hastie and Jan Hull for their stories and banter which made the night a lot funnier, more than usual, and travelling the furthest to see the band – we love you both! Sandra and Dave who always make a concerted effort to come and support the band, and to the Physiotherapist who offered help at the end of the night with my stick – much appreciated. And also to the rest of the punters who stayed until the very end and joined in. Not forgetting Roadhog for putting on another fun filled night’s entertainment that we all enjoyed immensely! Cheers Oggy, Kev, Neil and Pete.
Genre: Symphonic Folk Metal with medieval music influences
Not myth just pure legend - Serpentyne
Biography:
“Serpentyne were formed in 2010 by Maggie Beth Sands and Mark Powell. That year they released their first album, “Stella Splendens,” based on medieval music and mythic themes, featuring Maggie Beth’s vocals and Mark’s hurdy-gurdy. 2014 saw the release of “Myths and Muses.” Which added world and dance music elements to the band’s sound. The third album, “The Serpent’s Kiss,” is a change of direction for the band, still in keeping with their mythic themes of earlier albums, but presenting the music in a symphonic rock context!”
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As if playing the hurdy-gurdy and singing about myths and legends isn’t enough Serpentyne have now taken on a slightly new direction using a symphonic rock to guide them on their way. Having reviewed their second album “Myths and Muses,” last May, and experiencing something wonderful and so expressive I had to give the album a score of ten because it was so fresh and unique, and the use of such unusual instruments being played so beautifully certainly, had me gripped throughout the album. Now with baited breath, I am getting the chance to hear the band’s third album, the wonderfully inspired Serpent’s Kiss and wondering if it can beat their second!
Starting off with Spirits of the DesertI can safely say the goose-bumps are working overtime as the music, so symphonically bounces with creative juices along with Maggie Beth’s haunting lyrical voice. It is most definitely a dream theatre as the whole sound envelops the senses and brings a new aspect to the word medieval.
Words & music Sand & Powell
c&p 2016, all rights reserved.
“One could be forgiven for thinking that these musicians are actually reincarnated from medieval times as everything is done to sheer perfection that only a King or Queen would demand!”
The second track The Dark Queen is very majestic and haunting with its organic and rural feel as the track opens. It hits like icy shards of rain. This was the track I clicked on a few days ago and was completed flummoxed by its magical spell. Once heard this track won’t be forgotten and neither will the video that accompanies it. Maggie Beth’s angelic voice will haunt your dreams forever!
Words & music Sand & Powell
c&p 2016, all rights reserved.
Helen of Troyclearly possesses a darker edge with the superb use of instruments that gives it a bristling, catchy anthemic roar that simply attacks the senses and ignites already soaring flames. It is fresh and beguiling with heaps of passion for backing it up.
Words & music Sand & Powell c
& p 2016
Filmed at Resident Studios, London, UK
Even darker and certainly more predatory is the formidable track Jeanne d’Arc it casts a dark magic with resounding ambience and once more another track bounces with rippling hooks and grooves that want to dance. It's perpetually exciting and eager to please the ears and deliciously flirtatious and magnificent!
Lammas Night sounds like it is giving the hurdy-gurdy a run for its money although half of the unusual musical instruments I can’t even pronounce let alone know what they sound like, however, it is clear that Serpentyne know what they are doing and do it with utter confidence. A very captivating and I would go as far to say an exceptional track indeed.
The Serpent’s Kiss the band's title track sounds slightly eastern in flavour which adds yet another string to their bow. Each track is a welcome surprise because you never know what you are going to hear next. Slower paced, it still manages to utilise your goose bumps to the max!
Bass hooks galore with a feverish bounce and awesome medieval flavour Saltarello magically adds potency to the mix and is a supersonic instrumental that rages with passion, embarking on a full-on compelling seduction! Hard not to tap your feet or fingers to this, it is pure magic!
Viking Blood opens with the sound of pouring rain and a lavish rhythm that carries the ears to distant times. Nigel takes to the vocals written by Mark Jenkins for this track, telling a thrilling story of Viking shenanigans to some powerful electric frets by Matt Damian with great use of extra sounds which is more than fitting for this mighty saga.
Words & music Mark Jenkins c & p
2016
Filmed at Resident Studios, London, UK
Brigantia invades the audial with a predatory vault, kicking back with bristling melodies that involve the listener as they get sucked more and more into the fantastic union of simmering emotion and splendour of such an infectious undercurrent of rhythms.
Morrighan’s Jig what can I say but it just makes you want to get up and dance the day/night away! Highly infectious and addictive it flurries with an abundance of melodies and emotional fever, very absorbing and seductive!
Game of Thrones not that I know much if anything about Game of Thrones, and nor do I want to, but this passage is all engaging and simmers with musical conformity. Its lilting flames are rich in good vibes and co-operate well with the aural cavities so much so that when it ends you want the experience it brings all over again.
Summary:
Serpentyne are the band that keep on giving and reward with the seduction of unusual instruments played to perfection and also sung with high esteem.
Each track brings new and exciting stories to the imagination and simply involves the listener in so many ways other than creative thinking but implores the body to react to the delicious sounds that befall the listening devices.
One could be forgiven for thinking that these musicians are actually reincarnated from medieval times as everything is done to sheer perfection that only a King or Queen would demand.
I never thought the band could go one better than ‘Myths and Muses’ but they have exceeded that goal just by adding a symphonic sound which makes all the difference.
I am truly hooked on Serpentyne’s magic. I hate it when a track ends and love it when a new one starts. Each one is a gem of emotional turbulence and passionate spirit, with a sprinkling of melancholy, however, short-lived, and obviously more rousing but it is still one hell of an album – hold on to your feet because this album will run away with them, for sure!
