Ryan's Gig Guide - December 2018

rgg Dec 2018 13 www.ryansgigguide.com As an album it really works dynamically; oozes raw infec- tiously catchy melodies and guitar riffs but half of the songs on this album all appeared on the Swaktang 'Happi- nessWants Me Back' EP I'd previously reviewed so for me it was weird déjà vu. Anyway; I loved fierce opener 'YEAgH Right' (Yes; that's how they spell it) which is a re- freshing no nonsense DIY pop punk rock sounding middle finger thrusting energetic picture of daily strife.The album highlight for me is 'Firebird' which for a band of this type is a complete head turner; it's a ballad but not a total softie and it's absolutely deep as hell - a real catch. I adored the EP but this is a more fulfilling release by Swak- tang that shows they are good songwriters. www.swaktang.bandcamp.com ALBUM The Woebegone Tale Of AProcrastinating Sociopath by SWAKTANG This is another fine song release from Stourbridge four piece alternative rock band Giant AndThe Georges; we're first treated to a fine piano intro then we blast off into the heavens with a to-die-for guitar and bassline. Good song writing is so important for a band and GATG appear to have that imbedded in all their tunes so far and they do it with real style.The breakdown leading to the lone bassline is a beautiful touch and this is a welcome reoc- curring trait.You can see them live at the world famous Percy's Café Bar inWhitchurch on December 28th. www.giantandthegeorges.co.uk SINGLE Just Another Day by Giant And The Georges West Midlands alternative rock punk folk artist David Young & The Midnight Chorus return with a great new single 'Over And Out' with B-Side 'Sweetheart'. I'm always honest which can really hurt me sometimes when I open my mouth but I need to say this - I much preferred the B- Side and I stand by it.They're two totally different types of songs, 'Sweetheart' is a warm acoustic number filled with commerciality and 'Over And Out' is an up-tempo guitar stab filled rollercoaster ride of a tune with an F- word bomb in it that just felt a little forced, unnecessary and out of place but what do I know? Anyway do catch DavidYoung live in Luton (15th) andWednesbury (22nd) this December. www.facebook.com/davidyoungmusic SINGLE Over And Out by David Young & The Midnight Chorus