Enter Shikari are the band that keeps on giving

Enter Shikari are the band that keeps on giving. ‘Live Outside’ is nothing like their other recent releases — the heavy ‘Hoodwinker’ and grime-influenced ‘Supercharge’ — so we’re no closer to understanding what new album ‘The Spark’ is going to sound like but, after all this time, they’re somehow

Linkin Park’s ‘Iridescent’ is an anthem in times of need

As Chester Bennington left this world, Linkin Park’s ‘Hybrid Theory’ and ‘Meteora’ blasted out from speakers across the world. For a moment, it seemed that nothing would dull the pain of such a huge loss other than sticking on the albums we all fell in love with – some of

Moulding the scene with Dream Nails

Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington has died aged 41

Chester Bennington, lead singer of rock band Linkin Park, has died at the age of 41. He was found in his house in L.A County on the morning of July 20th, 2017, and he leaves behind his wife Talinda Ann Bentley and his six children. The Punktastic team would like to

Basement Revolver – ‘Agatha’

Well, this is just delightful. Basement Revolver’s ‘Agatha’ EP is a sombre affair, focusing on mental struggles and their physical manifestations, but there’s something sweet amongst the bitterness. Four tracks of poetic, anatomical and environmental imagery, it’s a dark but beautiful record and one to turn to for a

The Gospel Youth – ‘Always Lose’

The Gospel Youth have already found a place in the hearts of plenty. With heartfelt lyrics and melodies that possess that intangible ability to stir your emotions, they tread the line between pop rock and pop punk with ease and they’re a band it’s not hard to fall in love

Best Ex – ‘Ice Cream Anti Social’

Alcopop! Records are doing pretty well right now, aren’t they? Latest signing Best Ex, formerly Candy Hearts, is set to add another string to their bow with latest release ‘Ice Cream Anti Social’. Proud and poppy, it’s different to what you’d expect from the previously pop rocking group. ‘Girlfriend’ opens

“It’s my body and my choice”: Petrol Girls’ punk is empowering

Isn’t it funny how sometimes bands come along just when you need them? Petrol Girls’ Ren Aldridge’s essay for Nasty Women, I later learnt is named after this very song, resonated with me as a woman involved in the ‘alternative’ scene. Reading the chapter on a packed bus in

Reckless Intentions – ‘Lights’

The snarling vocals and lo-fi production of ‘Ghost Town’ signify straight away that Reckless Intentions have no interest in sounding polished or perfect. “Oh no,” is lackadaisically sung as grungy guitars pass by with a cool and casual effort fitting for a bunch of punk rockers. In contrast, ‘Stitches’ sounds

LIVE: Paramore @ Usher Hall, Edinburgh

“For all I know, the best is over and the worst is yet to come,” Hayley Williams sings, laying her cards on the table from the start of opener ‘Told You So’. The synth-laden, ‘80s dance-along track fills the Usher Hall; a pop-driven sound in contrast with the classical