Parallel Redemption – Existence

Parallel Redemption

I am always keen to encourage and promote new and up-and-coming talent. One such band to cross my radar recently are Parallel Redemption.

This five piece band, who hail from the Glasgow area, recently released their latest single “Existence.” It follows hot on the heels of their 2014 debut EP “Not Everything Not Yet.”

Parallel Redemption describe themselves as post hardcore/metalcore. I’m not sure that the genre definition is accurate having listened to “Existence”.

This is an instantly enjoyable track. The opening lyric section and intro are reminiscent of Nothing More. Musically and vocally these teenagers sound older and wiser than their years and are oozing talent and energy.

“Existence” showcases some excellent drumming by Luke Brown and some superb guitar work by both Ross Homer and Joe Kelly. For me this single would benefit from a heavier bassline from bassist/vocalist Callum Renfrew. Vocalist Jonny Cann, with support from Callum Renfrew, does a sterling job. Personally speaking, I felt the growls, approximately one minute into the song were a little overbearing. The second growling segment a minute or so later was more toned down and in keeping with the overall feel of the song. All in though, a solid mix of melodic rock and dark growls. One minor constructive criticism – watch your pronunciation and diction, guys.

Loved the lyrics to this one. The opening line of “Existence” sums it up succinctly – “I am the voice inside your head.”

Yes, Parallel Redemption you are! Very catchy tune. Excellent effort all round

8/10

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Halo Tora – Omni/One

HaloTora

I stumbled across Halo Tora by chance when they supported Tremonti back in June at Glasgow’s O2 ABC venue.

What immediately struck me, apart from their talent, was the fact that the venue was almost full – a rarity these days for support acts but a very welcome sight! These boys from Glasgow played a blinding set before handing the crowd over to Mark Tremonti.

Halo Tora are a five piece band from Glasgow and this month release their debut album Omni/One on East End Records. Their Facebook bio describes them as alt/prog rock but, having had the pleasure of hearing them live and of obtaining a copy of Omni/One ahead of it’s release date (signed – thanks guys!) I’d beg to differ. There’s a whole kaleidoscope of musical influences omni-present here – some prog rock, some grunge, a bit of blues and more.

The album opens with Trans/ Zero, a haunting instrumental track that gradually builds to a climax before sliding effortlessly into Permanent Revolution, the current single from the record. This track is quite symphonic in its structure and showcases Halo Tora’s talents.

Personal highlights if this twelve track debut for me are The Bones That Rock The Cradle. For me there’s hints of Shinedown about the intro but this is Halo Tora at their finest. Controlled powerful vocals. This song will be a monster played live!

Another highlight and a complete contrast in style is Needles. With a distinctly bluesy/jazz feel to it, this perhaps the most commercial track on the album. Radio stations will love it!

A second instrumental track Red X Is Mandatory is slotted in as the penultimate offering. At a mere forty six seconds in length it feels a little superfluous – sorry, boys.

Title track, Omni/One, brings the album to a close. Perhaps lacking a little in lyrical content, this song is truly beautiful.

If I could sum up this album in one word it would be controlled.

Each and every track is perfectly controlled to the extent that Halo Tora maybe sound a little reined in.

As a debut album Omni/One hits the mark. Having seen these guys live, I know they are more than capable of delivering onstage. As the lyrics to Omni/One say “I will be watching you.”

9/10

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Welcome to The525ToGlasgow

Welcome!

this is a newly launched music review blog page.

Over the coming days, weeks, months, years the aim is to post  reviews of both new music and favourite tracks from back in the day.

As the “gig calendar” dictates, there will be reviews of live shows too.

There’s no set format here and we’ll go where the music takes us on the525toGlasgow.

Welcome aboard!

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