New Generation Superstars.
We’ve featured New Generation Superstars before, so when we were given the chance to check out their spanking new record, I was looking forward to seeing what was on offer! A s band who first erupted onto the scene in 2005 and have since gone on to support the likes of Duff McKagans Loaded, The Wildhearts, The 69 Eyes, Supersuckers, Fun Lovin’ Criminals and Hardcore Superstar, this is an act that we should all be taking note of, listening to, and getting out to see on the live scene! So what of the new record…read on to find out more!
Kicking into being with Rock ‘n’ Roll Or Die there’s one thing immediately clear – we’re in for some seriously dirty rock n roll with this record! After taking a moment to build up through sounds of war, eerie sirens and explosions the track kicks in, immediately hitting home with some distorted guitar work, pounding drums and bass heavy rhythms – and then it breaks. Launching full tilt into an all out rock n roll track packed with every conceivable element required to create a rock anthem, the track grabs you by the face, pulls you in and gets you moving along. Soaring lead lines, catch vocals and an overwhelming sense of all out power, the opening moments have it all, and set the scene for one hell of an album. Bastards continues this approach further, this time launching straight into the bass heavy rhythms without any intro or lead in, straight away propelling you into a world of soaring lead lines, funky vocals and hammering drum lines. Once again forming the sort of mix which is going to get you singing, dancing, drinking and demanding more, this is a track which has been crafted for the live scene, and one which is sure to become a live anthem after a few plays. Give it a listen and you too will be singing along to ‘rock and roll bastards’…it’s impossible to resist.
Can’t Live Without Them marks a slight change in proceedings, this time pulling back from the edge and offering up a slower, more simplified track for consideration. Still managing to pack a punch and hit home with their message, the slower guitar and drum combo on offer here serves to fully accentuate everything, ensuring you’ve heard all of the different elements and that you’re firmly on board for the ride. The same sort of approach comes through in Black Heart, this time allowing the bass to take centre stage as the track begins before launching into a heavy, powerful and purely rock orientated mix. The slower beat on offer here once again serves to fully accentuate the sound of the band, allowing the lead lines to break through the riffs, the bass to rumble through the mix, and the vocals to lead you through the track bit by bit – another classic in the waiting.
Track by track, The New Generation Superstars continue to offer up their own take on rock n roll, from the stadium rock sounds of Life Of Crime, to the more raucous and raw sounds of Hell City, the comical opening moments of Guess What and altogether the heavier, almost punk sounding riffs of My Life. It’s when The Price comes about though that a new sound is shown, kicking into a track built on pure rock n roll, yet with a punky edge of attitude, almost like Rancid crossed with rock n roll – it’s a quality mix, and one which is sure to grab you. Chunky guitar work combines with the story telling vocal work to form a sound that’s off funky, off catchy, but the sort of thing which is going to get in your mind, stay there, and come back time and time again. Personally, I can see this being a single choice in the future – definitely one to make sure you check out.
Returning to their all out rock n roll approach as Rockstar kicks in we’re thrown back into that world of lead lines, rolling drums, roaring vocals and rumbling bass rhythms that made the opening moments of this album so damned catchy. Fast paced, in your face and packed with rockstar attitude, this is another track which has been designed for the live scene, the sort of thing which will get fans begging for more, beer being drunk, and everyone loving every moment of what they’re hearing – I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again –another track to make sure you check out!
Penultimate track Solid Gold (L.T.G.T.R.) once again brings about that slight punky edge, forging a sound which is more raw and in your face than some of the more polished rock n roll, still keeping that catchy edge prevailing throughout yet keeping a sense of attitude at the forefront of things. Funky guitar work combines with fast paced vocals and heavy drumming to offer up another live anthem in the waiting, paving the way towards the end of the album but keeping you wanting more and knowing that this is a band that you need to hear more of! It’s only then left to Waste Of Time to close things, finishing on an altogether calmer note, and showing that there’s more to this band than meets the eye. Soft guitar work combines with emotionally charged lyrics to close the record on a quieter note, a moment of reflection if you will, bringing the whole album full circle and letting you know that this is just the beginning, and there’s much, much more still to come.
I remember first being put onto the New Generation Superstars by Big D from Noize Level Critical who is a huge fan of theirs, and at the time, I was struck by just how accomplished they sound. This album is no different, and with each track we’re shown a different approach, a different outlook, and a different style that the guys are able to offer up. Definitely a band you should have heard if you’ve not – get on and check these guys out.
To find out more about New Generation Superstars, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
Kicking into being with Rock ‘n’ Roll Or Die there’s one thing immediately clear – we’re in for some seriously dirty rock n roll with this record! After taking a moment to build up through sounds of war, eerie sirens and explosions the track kicks in, immediately hitting home with some distorted guitar work, pounding drums and bass heavy rhythms – and then it breaks. Launching full tilt into an all out rock n roll track packed with every conceivable element required to create a rock anthem, the track grabs you by the face, pulls you in and gets you moving along. Soaring lead lines, catch vocals and an overwhelming sense of all out power, the opening moments have it all, and set the scene for one hell of an album. Bastards continues this approach further, this time launching straight into the bass heavy rhythms without any intro or lead in, straight away propelling you into a world of soaring lead lines, funky vocals and hammering drum lines. Once again forming the sort of mix which is going to get you singing, dancing, drinking and demanding more, this is a track which has been crafted for the live scene, and one which is sure to become a live anthem after a few plays. Give it a listen and you too will be singing along to ‘rock and roll bastards’…it’s impossible to resist.
Can’t Live Without Them marks a slight change in proceedings, this time pulling back from the edge and offering up a slower, more simplified track for consideration. Still managing to pack a punch and hit home with their message, the slower guitar and drum combo on offer here serves to fully accentuate everything, ensuring you’ve heard all of the different elements and that you’re firmly on board for the ride. The same sort of approach comes through in Black Heart, this time allowing the bass to take centre stage as the track begins before launching into a heavy, powerful and purely rock orientated mix. The slower beat on offer here once again serves to fully accentuate the sound of the band, allowing the lead lines to break through the riffs, the bass to rumble through the mix, and the vocals to lead you through the track bit by bit – another classic in the waiting.
Track by track, The New Generation Superstars continue to offer up their own take on rock n roll, from the stadium rock sounds of Life Of Crime, to the more raucous and raw sounds of Hell City, the comical opening moments of Guess What and altogether the heavier, almost punk sounding riffs of My Life. It’s when The Price comes about though that a new sound is shown, kicking into a track built on pure rock n roll, yet with a punky edge of attitude, almost like Rancid crossed with rock n roll – it’s a quality mix, and one which is sure to grab you. Chunky guitar work combines with the story telling vocal work to form a sound that’s off funky, off catchy, but the sort of thing which is going to get in your mind, stay there, and come back time and time again. Personally, I can see this being a single choice in the future – definitely one to make sure you check out.
Returning to their all out rock n roll approach as Rockstar kicks in we’re thrown back into that world of lead lines, rolling drums, roaring vocals and rumbling bass rhythms that made the opening moments of this album so damned catchy. Fast paced, in your face and packed with rockstar attitude, this is another track which has been designed for the live scene, the sort of thing which will get fans begging for more, beer being drunk, and everyone loving every moment of what they’re hearing – I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again –another track to make sure you check out!
Penultimate track Solid Gold (L.T.G.T.R.) once again brings about that slight punky edge, forging a sound which is more raw and in your face than some of the more polished rock n roll, still keeping that catchy edge prevailing throughout yet keeping a sense of attitude at the forefront of things. Funky guitar work combines with fast paced vocals and heavy drumming to offer up another live anthem in the waiting, paving the way towards the end of the album but keeping you wanting more and knowing that this is a band that you need to hear more of! It’s only then left to Waste Of Time to close things, finishing on an altogether calmer note, and showing that there’s more to this band than meets the eye. Soft guitar work combines with emotionally charged lyrics to close the record on a quieter note, a moment of reflection if you will, bringing the whole album full circle and letting you know that this is just the beginning, and there’s much, much more still to come.
I remember first being put onto the New Generation Superstars by Big D from Noize Level Critical who is a huge fan of theirs, and at the time, I was struck by just how accomplished they sound. This album is no different, and with each track we’re shown a different approach, a different outlook, and a different style that the guys are able to offer up. Definitely a band you should have heard if you’ve not – get on and check these guys out.
To find out more about New Generation Superstars, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
New Generation Superstars
Another band from Big D this time in the form of New Generation Superstars, a 4 piece ‘face ripping rock’ band from Nottingham. Having been sent through their details from Dave, I figured I should check them out to see what’s on offer from these guys on their Facebook page – and having seen their support slots with the likes of Duff McKagan’s Loaded, The Wildhearts and the Fun Lovin’ Criminals, I figured this could well be pretty awesome.
Opening with Wipeout, immediately you can see why these guys have gained the support slots they have over their time, the music is funky, heavy and distorted from the outset whilst keeping a real sense of punk melody going on. The feeling created is immediately of a band who are well established, very able to craft their tracks and of course, play their instruments. Catchy riffs pummel away at you throughout this track before soothing you with awesome lead snippets, then kicking back off through the gravelly vocals, there’s a lot going on but believe me when I say it works. Keeping everything right there in the mix to be heard throughout, there’s a real sense of the more melodic Amen tracks going on here, and I for one am glad to see a band bringing back the music!
Beat Em Down follows on in the same sort of style, but this time with a far funkier edge through the bass which is kept high in the mix, and god damn it’s good to hear a band doing that again! This track is insanely catchy, it’ll have you moving along within seconds of kicking off and won’t let you go until the very second it comes to a close. Personally, for me this also sounds like a live track – it makes you want to move and join in with the band, quite simply, it’s a triumph and does exactly what it says on the tin – this is pure no frills rock! Come Over continues the no frills rock theme straight off, opening bassy and heavy yet still keeping that funky edge which makes this music so appealing. Gang vocals bolster the track further before kicking back into the frantic yet melodic stylings which have made me enjoy all of the tracks so far. This is another triumph of a track, it works as a recording and is bound to be one which is seriously well received when it’s played on the live stage. Personally, this is my favourite one from the selection as well, it’s got that old skool rock feel to it which combines with the punkier side of things and creates a track which you can’t help but love – awesome.
Dopefiend is another bass heavy track, leading into the proper beginning of things through a lead line and hammering drum backing, this time almost sounding darker than previous tracks through the mix which has been created. By the time the vocals came into being I’d already made my mind up that this was a track I was going to enjoy, and I wasn’t disappointed. Sounding akin to the catchier GNR tracks at times in the chord progression, there’s a real sense that you’ve heard this track before as it progresses, yet somehow it retains that sense of being unique – plus if there’s a track which demonstrates why these guys have had the support slots they’ve had then this is it. As it closes and Always Gonna Be comes in to close the selection, you’re faced with a much rawer and less mastered sound, altogether forming a fantastic sense of what these guys sound like on the live scene. Intricate lead lines, hammering drums, pounding bass and those awesome vocals all come together to form a track which summarises everything so far and leaves you with no doubt that what you’ve just heard is something pretty damned epic.
New Generation Superstars have really caught me off guard, and I don’t really know why. I think it’s natural that sometimes you’re going to form preconceptions about what a band is going to sound like, yet these guys have smashed that mould and created a sound far beyond what you would expect. Their music is full of attitude, catchy hooks and enough filthy rock to keep even the most die hard fan satisfied – I just need to hear more now!
To find out more about New Generation Superstars, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Opening with Wipeout, immediately you can see why these guys have gained the support slots they have over their time, the music is funky, heavy and distorted from the outset whilst keeping a real sense of punk melody going on. The feeling created is immediately of a band who are well established, very able to craft their tracks and of course, play their instruments. Catchy riffs pummel away at you throughout this track before soothing you with awesome lead snippets, then kicking back off through the gravelly vocals, there’s a lot going on but believe me when I say it works. Keeping everything right there in the mix to be heard throughout, there’s a real sense of the more melodic Amen tracks going on here, and I for one am glad to see a band bringing back the music!
Beat Em Down follows on in the same sort of style, but this time with a far funkier edge through the bass which is kept high in the mix, and god damn it’s good to hear a band doing that again! This track is insanely catchy, it’ll have you moving along within seconds of kicking off and won’t let you go until the very second it comes to a close. Personally, for me this also sounds like a live track – it makes you want to move and join in with the band, quite simply, it’s a triumph and does exactly what it says on the tin – this is pure no frills rock! Come Over continues the no frills rock theme straight off, opening bassy and heavy yet still keeping that funky edge which makes this music so appealing. Gang vocals bolster the track further before kicking back into the frantic yet melodic stylings which have made me enjoy all of the tracks so far. This is another triumph of a track, it works as a recording and is bound to be one which is seriously well received when it’s played on the live stage. Personally, this is my favourite one from the selection as well, it’s got that old skool rock feel to it which combines with the punkier side of things and creates a track which you can’t help but love – awesome.
Dopefiend is another bass heavy track, leading into the proper beginning of things through a lead line and hammering drum backing, this time almost sounding darker than previous tracks through the mix which has been created. By the time the vocals came into being I’d already made my mind up that this was a track I was going to enjoy, and I wasn’t disappointed. Sounding akin to the catchier GNR tracks at times in the chord progression, there’s a real sense that you’ve heard this track before as it progresses, yet somehow it retains that sense of being unique – plus if there’s a track which demonstrates why these guys have had the support slots they’ve had then this is it. As it closes and Always Gonna Be comes in to close the selection, you’re faced with a much rawer and less mastered sound, altogether forming a fantastic sense of what these guys sound like on the live scene. Intricate lead lines, hammering drums, pounding bass and those awesome vocals all come together to form a track which summarises everything so far and leaves you with no doubt that what you’ve just heard is something pretty damned epic.
New Generation Superstars have really caught me off guard, and I don’t really know why. I think it’s natural that sometimes you’re going to form preconceptions about what a band is going to sound like, yet these guys have smashed that mould and created a sound far beyond what you would expect. Their music is full of attitude, catchy hooks and enough filthy rock to keep even the most die hard fan satisfied – I just need to hear more now!
To find out more about New Generation Superstars, check out their Facebook page HERE.
