06-12-2009Artist focus - Wasted Angels
Warringtons answer to Rock and Roll
Formed in 2007 'Wasted Angels' are a 5 piece rock band from Manchester, UK. Playing what they call 'Decadent Rock n Roll' they have so far taken their energetic live show around 6 different countries and thousands of people across Europe. With influences coming from all directions of rock and metal they are described as a Hard Rock Band with catchy choruses, great riffs, with an old school vibe.
EP REVIEW:
Opening up with 'God' kicks the Wasted Angels EP right into an era of better days gone by, injecting classic sensibilities and languid vocals that ooze sleaze, grit and good time rock and roll. Even down to the bridge section and the obligatory 'oh yeah' sections that are expected and warranted this is more than just a homage to acts of the past. Accentuated by vocals that are not shy in their search for range and a plethora of raunchy guitar solos makes this a most promising introduction to the Manchester rockers EP. Into 'Mothers a Sinner' which opens with a walking like harmonised riff before the vocals begin, in terms of groundbreaking it isn't anything that wasn't done 15 years earlier, the resonance is that there Isn't many people willing to revert to the classic formula anymore. 'Wild Child' is this time lead by bass as opposed to guitars but soon enough they come in and shred their way through a mix of licks and riffs. The main qualities of this band are that they don't pretend to be something they're not, also they don't try to fit too much into the songs. I feel as the breakdown kicks in and leads to a solo as if I have the makings of an early AC/DC and pushing through to modern terms of Airborne with slightly more panache.
Backyard is again similar in its structure and patterns but is still rocking throughout. The fact that this is just a four song EP makes it powerful songs and kick ass rhythms although if they were to expand they may need to do further work in manipulating structures and attempt to gain slightly more diversity. Until then I'll keep listening and I am in no doubt they will be tearing venues apart.
Interview:
1. How did you guys get together?
"Well the first signs of the band forming was just over 2 years ago when Jim (Bass) and I (Power, Guitar) got together with Gazco (Guitar) and our former drummer and singer at university, they were then replaced by Danger (Drums) and Pops (Vocals) about a year later and the line up was all set to rawk.
Everything felt right at our first rehearsal together as a band, and the just music seems to write itself! So it's all been sweet for the last year or so!"
[b]2. For anyone who has not heard Wasted Angels how would you describe your sounds?
"A lot of people seem to compare our sound with old style classic rock bands like ACDC, Motorhead, and G n'R, but I guess we would call ourselves a good hard, rock your socks off, thrust in your face, slap on your arse type of band really, not to be too precise! We just like making proper rock music and love seeing people rocking out to it, that's what keeps us going!"
3. What is it about classic rock and roll that you guys like?
"There is no music like it.....you can dance to it, fight to it, drink to it, make love to it... can you do that with Bach!? I don't think so! Try punching someone while listening to a string section; you will be discussing your feelings over a nice spot of tea before you know it! Maybe we should get some for Jim......"
4. Who are your main influences?
"I guess we could all agree on ACDC but we all have different tastes... there's some Iron Maiden, QOTSA, Dream Theatre, GnR, Pantera, Avenged Sevenfold, the list goes on... there's a few others were too embarrassed to say in there as well! We could all defiantly say our influences are pretty much all Rock or Classic bands. So our music is a product of what happens when all those sounds combine, God Help us all!!!"
5. How has everything gone for you guys this year and what are your plans for the rest of it?
"This year has been brilliant for us, we got back from our tour of Europe, only to get straight into Longwave Studios in Cardiff, and banged out our debut EP "Sinners"; so we are currently in the process of getting it into your ear holes!
We've also got new management recently with Alert Artist Management down in London which we are made up about!!! We are currently booking for our tour which should be kicking off over the summer, so look out for that. We will hopefully be destroying some stages and ear drums near you soon!
6. How are you guys finding the touring circuit in Manchester and the UK?
"Well we're currently getting as many gigs around the UK as we can to raise our profile, so it's great, were getting to do what we love doing. The UK and particularly the Manchester scene at the moment doesn't seem to have too many hard rock bands up there at the top, and it's all a bit samey for us so were just looking forward to hitting as many people as possible with our music and converting them to the ways of good ole' Rock n' Roll!!"
7. Live or on CD what is your preference in music?
"For us, the live show is what it's all about, there's nothing quite like it. Going to see a band play live where it can really hit you in the face with force is better than listening to a CD any day. Our music is written to be played live because the energy and spontaneity you can get from a live show can give you so much more than a recording."
8. What bands are you currently listening to?
"There's a lot of great bands out there at the moment, some of our current favourites are: Avenged Sevenfold, The Bronx, ACDC, Queens of the Stone Age, Racer X, Dream Theatre, Stolen Babies, Kiss, Biffy Clyro, Sufjan Stevens, Living Colour, Ben Folds, and The Answer. We all listen to a really wide variety of stuff generally, but you have to go back to the classics once in a while."
9. If you can explain to the Rocksnail readers just why they should check out wasted angels?
"Because we'll play you some fun songs you can get wild with and we'll give you a game of table tennis, and maybe even a private serenade from Danger if you're lucky."
