They’ve just announced their return and with that comes the release of their brand new single, ‘Afloat’, their first release since their stand’alone single ‘Thoughtless’ which was released last year.
The title of the upcoming EP is named as ‘Thoughtless’ and they’re also self-releasing this!
This is also going to be the first full-length release of the band since the departure of their ex-frontman Sam Little, following allegations of misconduct last year.
But just who’s on vocals for them now?
That would be Nick Nowak, which they announced at the end of last year.
We’re so happy to have @nowakchovski step up on vocals. The guys an incredible vocalist and genuine dude. pic.twitter.com/LJHihlboh2
On the release of ‘Thoughtless’, the band have shared:
“this is something we’ve been sitting on for a long time and for a good reason. when this band started is was only ever about loving our music, making what WE wanted to hear. we’ve been fighting clouds of negativity that tried to change that for us for a while, because we love TGY and won’t let anyone or anything ruin what we worked so hard towards. So here’s ‘Thoughtless’, as honest as it comes, written, recorded & released by us. we hope you love it as much as it means to us.”
Right… I wasn’t going to post this because of the latest news on The Gospel Youth.
But I thought everyone might want to see an interview just from when just before the news broke about what the original plan was going further into 2018. This is just going to be a short post here but for the full interview, check it out below.
Jack: How’s everything going?
TGL: Not too bad a little cold, wet but it’s good nevertheless.
Jack: Oh, I’ve braved it today but I’m glad I haven’t gone over. I’m the clutz of my family. Guaranteed If I’ve not fallen up the stairs, something’s wrong with the day. So your record is getting closer to the one year mark, how does that feel?
TGL: I don’t think we’ve really thought about it honestly, but it feels good. I think this time last year we were writing the record. It’s cool but in that time since we released it, we’ve done so many crazy things that we thought we’d never do. It’s weird because when it comes to the anniversary, I think we’ll be starting to write the next album. It’s a little weird I feel like we’ve toured it more everywhere else than the UK.
Jack: But now the time has come for the UK. The tour with Tonight Alive. I’ve been keeping up with the shows they’ve looked crazy.
TGL: They’ve been good. Manchester and London have been awesome, the venue of my dreams, KOKO. And Glasgow has all been great.
Jack: and before this, you were on a tour with Sleeping With Sirens and Set it Off. That would’ve been a dream lineup if it came over here for me.
TGL: Those guys are the best and I’m a huge fan so seeing them play every night was a dream. They’re really fun people to be around and if you don’t have the energy they’ll bring the energy to it. Theipositivityty has just been great
Jack: On the record, is there anything that not too many people knows about.
TGL: There are a few Disney references. I think one of the weirdest things for me was the song tired eyes and heavy hearts was the original name of the album. It was originally called tired eyes and heavy hearts always lose which was a reference to Friday Night Lights and whilst we were in the studio we decided to scrap that. We were so rushed we didn’t have time to think of weird things. On the next one, were going to take time. We’re completely recording it ourselves and there’s going to be loads of little touches.
Jack: And looking back on the last years, what’s been the highlight.
TGL: Just getting to do this in general. Going to the states and Canada. Playing shows with sleeping with sirens and tonight alive. with every tour as well, we’ve grown a lot and feel more comfortable on stage
Jack:: And the new music videos a testament to that.Is there anything else you’re doing in 2018.
TGL: We’re working on record number two, erm a few little tours that we haven’t announced yet so it’s going to be a fun little year but this summer we’re taking time and looking after ourselves to write and for a little tlc. After that though it’s going to be a great end to the year.
Jack: And if you could sum up the band in three words what would they be?
TGL: shall we all pick a word? I don’t know any words.
Stressful
Unorganised
To quote our Instagram bio: I’d probably say, Sad Soul Punks a bit rough around the edges. We tend to be honest, maybe a little too honest at times and we’re trying our best.
Jack: And is there anything you guys would like to say before we wrap things up?
Thank you for listening. Thank you for coming down and talking to us. We really appreciate it.
Following the allegations of sexual misconduct against Sam Little (Vocalist for The Gospel Youth), the band have released the following statement.
“Thank you for being patient with us while we got our heads around this situation.
First and foremost, we’ve decided to part ways with Sam as a member of The Gospel Youth.
The allegations that have come to our attention are not something we could take lightly, nor do we condone any aspect of it.
We feel for anyone that has been affected, not only in this instance, but at any point. It takes courage to speak up and nobody should ever have to suffer alone or be fearful of the consequences speaking out may bring.
We are going to take some time to figure out our next steps, but we’re not done by any means.
Thanks for reading and hopefully understanding. Stick with us, it’ll be worth it.
Jules, Kev, Kurt & James. x”
Sam Little has also released his own statement via Instagram. It is as follows.
“I am no longer a part of The Gospel Youth. After the worst week imaginable, full of hate, twisted stories and losing everything because of my actions, the final straw has broken. Please never take anything for granted. I give my thanks to anyone who’s cared, supported or even spared a thought for me but this is goodbye. Enjoy your lives. I have a lot to say but most of you didn’t give a shit when it mattered so whatever, what’s done is done. I mean, fuck what I have to say, right?
Finally, and if this is the only thing you take from this, please make sure that band get everything they deserve. They’re some of the hardest working guys and this does not deserve to be their final chapter. They will be back with new music and if it’s the stuff we were working on, it will blow your minds.
To those of you who care: thank you, honestly. I’m gonna start looking after myself and fix the various problems i have accrued over the years.
& to those of you quick to jump to conclusions, full of hate, or not worth my time, don’t worry.
I’ll never see you again. (P.S. I’m not gonna do anything stupid, to those that have read that as a suicide note. Just goes to show you that, something out of context, makes you jump to conclusions.)”
It’s time for another roundup of music videos! There have been some fantastic ones released in the last week and here’s ten to satisfy your viewing needs.
Up first is Zand. Originally called Seafoal, they dropped that name and have now released ‘Boys Like U’, a more alternative pop number than previous efforts. Oh and this video was self-directed to!
This next video comes from Savage Hands. They’ve just dropped their debut EP, ‘Barely Alive’ and have now dropped their video for ‘Unconditional’.
Now, this is from UK up and comers Crossing The Limits. Their last video, ‘Won’t Settle’ was fantastic and now, they have just dropped the video for ‘Reverse’.
North Carolina based group, Between The Buried And Me have dropped the first half of their two-part record, ‘Automata’ earlier this week and to coincide with the release, they’ve released this video for ‘Millions’.
Going to New Jersey next with post-hardcore band Palisades as they have dropped their most recent video off of their self-titled third record! This is ‘Through Hell’.
Going to Brighton, we have Pop-Punk quintet The Gospel Youth as they have been busy on quite a few tours as of late. In their video for ‘Bloodlines//Love Stopped Me Coming Home’, we see how that went down.
Now we have some nostalgia in Black Veil Brides newest video. The video is called ‘When They Call My Name’ and have it full of old footage including their performance at London’s Brixton Academy!
Now, Scottish Pop Punkers are currently on tour in Europe supporting Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes but that hasn’t stopped them dropping a video for their newest single ‘High On You’. It’s compiled of live footage from their recent tours including Neck Deep and Seaway.
Moving forward in an emotional video from Movements is the track for ‘Feel Something’. They’ve teamed up with the Alzheimer’s Association for the tracks videos which depicts a vivid representation of the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Lastly, we have the amazing American Nightmare and a track from their recently released self-titled record. It’s one of the latest cuts which blends hardcore and gothic punk. Hmmm, sounds interesting.
And that’s it for another round of music videos this week. Be sure to check back next Friday for another selection of new music videos.
Roam have been added as the main support act for the upcoming Tonight Alive UK tour!
They’ll be joining The Gospel Youth as the supporting bands for the Aussie’s upcoming tour in support of Tonight Alive’s new record, Underworld which was released last week.
First up is Asking Alexandria and their newest track from their upcoming album. Here’s ‘Into The Fire.
Up next is Lights with a somewhat dark new track. This is ‘New Fears’.
Now, who’s ready for some Pop – Punk goodness? Then check out Roam’s new video for ‘Alive. It’s off their upcoming album, Great Heights & Nosedives’ which is due out October 13th via Hopeless Records.
Next is Bedfordshire hardcore band Canvas. This is taken from their imminent release off their album, ‘Worry’. This is ‘Haunt You’.
Now we turn our attention to the states again for Butcher Babies new single. Let’s just say this video blures the lines for Sinster in the new video for ‘Lilith’.
Now another band with a record incoming within the next month is We Came As Romans! And this is from their record ‘Cold Like War’ which is out October 20th. Here’s ‘Lost In The Moment’.
And now I’ve saved the best for last with a British band. This is an absolute banger from The Gospel Youth and it’s taken from their latest records, ‘Always Lose’ which is available via Rise Records. This is their track, ‘Kids’.
And that’s that for another round of the weeks best Music Videos. Check back next Friday for another round.
I needed a Top 10 list but I wanted to do something which celebrates some great bands who have put out amazing records (in my eyes) this year. So, without further ado, here’s my picks for the Top 10 Albums of 2017 (so far).
10.Frank Carter – Modern Ruin
Starting off with a huge record in the world of punk, a band who needs no introduction; Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes. What made this stand out for me was its blend of guitars, rhythm and voice that is Frank Carter which if anything is to go by from their last record, is even more distinct than any other projects he’s been involved with in the past. Adding to the fact that this is a quintessential record for the decade, it’s no surprise the band are a highlight for the UK’s Punk scene.
Listen to: Wild Flowers, Vampires
9. Paramore – After Laughter
Well…. I wasn’t sure what to expect from Paramore’s fifth record after hearing the first single, Hard Times because it wasn’t the same sounding Paramore but the record was loveable all the same. There was a bit of backlash to them in comments such as “another band selling out” but the lyrics are always 100% Paramore and that’s what has always drawn me to their music. Nevertheless, the album is different, energetic and an example of what evolving artists do when the band is as ever changing a group that is…. Paramore.
Listen to: Rose-Colored Boy, Grudges
8. Motionless In White – Graveyard Shift.
I honestly wasn’t sure to expect from a Motionless In White album because personally, I’m a new fan of theirs. Nevertheless, I found Graveyard Shift to be a very interesting album. I found parts not as entertaining to my ears as some fans might, but the focus of the album and emotion remained all the same. Especially on tracks such as Necessary Evil, the band are full of tracks to prove to people that they are worth listening to!
Listen to: Necessary Evil, Loud (Fuck It)
7. Linkin Park – One More Light
Firstly, may I say I hope Chester Bennington is resting peacefully and thank him and the other members of Linkin Park for creating this record. At times, this record felt very emotional. I listen to the lyrics of some tracks such as Heavy (feat. Kiiara) and on that first listen I don;’t think much but when a friend mentions this track later, I read the lyrics again and again and then again with the music playing, following the lyrics as it goes and wonder think it puts a lot into perspective of Chester’s state of mind at that time in his life. What’s more though is the record which is a gift to the fans of Linkin Park and one which will always be with us.
Listen to: Heavy. Invisible
6. Vuokvi
Scottish? Check. Rock? Check? Female Fronted Band? They might just be one of the best newcomers to the scene at the moment. Starting from their opening track; La Di Da it shows energy, perseverance and above all, a punchy debut for the Scottish rockers. Having been on the music scene since 2011, they’ve learned and learned to make a stand out album and armed with tracks such as Weirdo, it shows the fans just what they can produce from their experience.
Listen to: La Di Da, Weirdo
5. Counterfeit
So can an actor who has appeared in a Hollywood musical make a great Punk album? The short answer yes! It seems that anything is possible in the world of punk for counterfeit and to be honest, with Frank Carter, they’re up there for another album of the decade. Just take the track For The Thrill Of It as an example. It’s punchy, great vocals and a breakdown the Foo Fighters would kill to have on their music! But as a statement about it being something bigger and better to come from these newcomers? Maybe.
Listen to: For The Thrill Of It, Romeo, As Yet Untitled
4. The Gospel Youth
Rising rockers, The Gospel Youth are quite high on the list? Why is that? Oh because they made one hell of an album. I had it on repeat for a few days because I couldn’t get enough of it. The lyrics combined with the rhythm of the what the band creates blend together splendidly into all tracks to show England what they’re made of. And with a co-headlining tour alongside Milestones, they’ll show the venue’s of England exactly what this album can do!
Listen to: Wildfire, Gin and Black Coffee, Moods Like English Weather
3. Creeper
With the weirdness in an almost Blair Witch like disappearance out of the way, Southampton Horror group Creeper release Eternity, In Your Arms. This is a record unlike any other on the list because it’s from a group unlike any other. There are some different approaches which may seem odd in today’s rock world such as the added keyboard element to the track Black Rain. It makes the band in a way sound mysterious in an effort to surpass the expectations of the listener but if one thing’s for certain, the record is anything but ordinary.
Listen to: Black Rain, Suzanne
2. K.Flay
Possibly the most alternative artist on this list comes from K.Flay who sounds more R’n’B than anything but this is where the heart of the album comes from and it’s because of this, which is what makes it a great album. What makes the record is the blend of lyrics which sound quite confessional and non-restrictive accompanied with the sound on the track of Blood In The Cut to make it an edgy track to match the record which invites us in for more.
Listen to: Blood In The Cut, You Felt Right
Just Missing Out
You Me At Six – Night People
Night people wasn’t the best by some fans standards. Sure it had some great tracks such as Plus One which a few months on is a track I believe will be huge for them looking back on the album as a whole and Give which perfectly played out the album but as a whole it wasn’t a Sinners, it wasn’t Cavelier Youth and some tracks I felt were a bit mismatched in perspective to what the record was as a whole. How it will age though, is an entirely different question but this album just misses out on my top 10.
Listen to: Give, Plus One
1.As It Is – Okay
For me, this has just been the undeniable album of the year. A really strong sounding album where the lyrics are relatable to fans everywhere along with a concept through it’s driven music videos of “Pretty Little Distance’s” American Dance, as well as the apologetic “Hey Rachel” videos shows that As It Is are a force to be reckoned with only two albums into their musical career. I saw the band perform the title track Okay on what was one or their first shows with the track and their set absolutely transformed the sound of the show where it was probably their most honest lyrically sounding track as well as performance to date.
These two bands are an example of the most exciting up and comers within the UK at the moment and now they’re gearing up to hit the road in September!
That’s right, The Gospel Youth and Milestones are going to share the stage on a nine-day trek across the UK from Manchester to Glasgow to Leeds.
Here are the dates.
Don’t forget to check out Gospel Youth’s amazing debut record, ‘Always Lose’ available through Rise Records. Here’s ‘Moods Like English Weather’ below.
Annnnd…. be sure to listen to Milestones fantastic debut EP ‘Equal Meaures’ available through Fearless Records. Call Me Disaster can be viewed below.
It’s time for another round of music videos so let’s kick things off with….
A Summer High – Pretty Little Liar.
Next up is Chicago based band World War Me who’ve been finishing up their debut album and here’s the brand new single which is, ‘That’s So Yesterday’.
Now, this bands new video is inspired by the hit Netflix programme, Stranger Things, this is Falling In Reverse’s track, ‘Superhero’.
Waterparks are on a fantastic run at the moment. They’ve got an almost sold out UK tour coming and that’s only five months after destroying their sets at this years Slam Dunk Festivals. Here’s their music video for ‘Gloom Boys’.
There’s always at least one sort of weird ambitions video released every week and this week, it is no exception. This is Ocean Grove and this is the video for ‘Stratosphere Love’.
Now, if you want to see what it’s like to see what a bands been up to on the Vans Warped Tour this summer, then this is the video you want to see, here is The Gospel Youth and their track Your Love Was A Cancer.
And finally…. The All american Rejects new tracks.
It was a long wait for these two tracks, which also work as two short films, this is Sweat and Close Your Eyes.
There’s been another massive Slam Dunk Festival Announcement! This time it’s been in the form of the Rocksound Break Out Stage and the bands who will be playing!
In no particular order the bands are:
Casey
Vukovi
Sylar
Ocean Grove
Area 11
Homebound
The Gospel Youth
Makeout
Oh and there’s a competition via Rocksound to open the stage! Check out the link!
Almost Anything Music 