With a little bit of money in my pocket, I was able to divulged myself into spending on iTunes and acquire the first release from local Peterborough outfit, Tu Amore; the well respected debut single, ‘Joan of Arc’, which I have not stopped listening to (even to the extent of humming it in the shower and when cooking). Roughly translating to ‘your love’ in Italian, the band appears to ooze passion from their name alone and considering they are only little over a year old, their Scout sash already holds some well-respected and prestigious badges: constant gigs and a tour already under their belts, along with nabbing three endorsements: Supernova custom drums, Knucklehead guitar strings, and also Cut and Run clothing. Even dressed in the latest street wear designed by multi-talented (and envy of every man) Josh Beech, the band are incredibly humble and appreciate every moment they have, and every sale of their single.

“[Joan of Arc] was a big figure, she was very influential”, Mackereth states, almost using the concept of respected power and boldness and a target for themselves, allowing their debut single to captivate and finally engulf you as it transcends into this thrilling chorus. Also, click on the follow-through link to view the stunning music video: Joan of Arc.

Having recently recorded their first record in Southampton, with an expected release within the next few months, the band has a lot to gain from 2012. Having already previewed opening track, ‘I’m a Mess’ on Peterborough FM, I know for certain the record cannot, let alone will not, disappoint. It ultimately can be summed up as an epic, head-first crashing start, backed up by all the fury Thrice possess.

Also showcased was acoustic track ‘Charcoal’, performed live, embellishing a soft melody over sharply crafted lyrics, which scream of a well attributed infusion with Bright Eyes; a clear influence to the writing style, which is constructed mostly on personal experiences. And when asked why, “you have to really”; “life is hard”, and this is his muse to be spurred on, along with citied influences: “dead many, alive few”.

There seems to be more of a drive with Tu Amore than there was with previous projects of the members, including Silent Ground and Hex; for example, Pickles’ drumming in certainly more suited to the sound now produced than chaotic hardcore past efforts, and Mackereth has had the patience and strength to mould and master his voice. Safe to say, they are dedicated, and it seems as though they have cast their own sails in a direction unfamiliar to the standard local music scene, not necessarily venturing for broader horizons, but mores their own place in music; their own voice, and not even out of arrogance or an esoteric nature to be different – it’s just who they are, and what these four men attain.

Note: Whilst adding to final touches to this entry, Tu Amore unveiled their next music video, 'I'm a Mess', onto Facebook. Directed by Marianne Harris, and in artistic black-and-white, it contains footage of their powerful live performance at recent sceptical, Willow Festival in Peterborough. As this entry is rather YouTube video heavy, you can follow the link to watch the video, as it is being hosted by Blank TV. It is worth the click (and the mind-numbing advert): I'm a Mess.

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Early June saw Long Island chaos outfit Stray from the Path (following the release of their third major label record, which didn’t get them enough recognition as I believe they firmly deserve, but enough to tour and continue as a band) find time amidst an active Twitter account (@strayfromdapath) to upload two surprise covers onto YouTube of songs the band grew up listening to, urging them to pursue a career in music. Defying all odds, and by this I mean the band relentless tweet to stay connected to their fans, with the other half talking about current sport, and more to the point, their hate for their neighbours calling the police consistently whilst they practise and write a new record; albeit highly amusing.

The first cover they uploaded was ‘Vietnow’ by Rage Against the Machine. My initial reaction was of slight shock; I did not expect them to cover such a song, or band, but upon listening, the puzzles pieces fit together perfectly, especially considering the band’s morals and ethics. The cover itself is well timed and well rehashed, and yet despite not comparing to the original (with all respect), it is one Hell of a track to enjoy. York’s vocals are incredibly different, but allow to song to pack a different punch or a much more metalcore, and 2012, flavour, which is largely noticed for the remodelling of the “It’s all the world jails and churches” breakdown. The infectious chorus riff gets your head bopping along with the more noticeable bass line, which can only sum up a successful cover.

Roughly four days later, the band uploaded another, ‘Burnout’ by Green Day, from the glory days of Dookie. This cover seemed a bit riskier, due to the genre change, and becoming a lot heavier, which takes away the innocence and light-hearted approach to the apathetic subject – but nonetheless, the superb drumming by Bourke keeps the song on track, enough to be considered a standard cover. York, in this song, extends his screams to add a new layer to the song, and although again a good song, it holds little comparison to Green Day’s version; even with the flare of his famous and patented ‘blegh’.

As good and enjoyable, and even reminiscent, as the covers are, two song should be the limit. I personally hope there will be no EP dedicated to covers, for this has been done countless times by bands clutching at straws, and simply looked upon as lazy, and often, the record is sloppy. This can be seen as just a treat to entice fans, and allow the band themselves to approach upcoming gigs with a fresh set-list with regards to the forthcoming All Stars Tour starting late July around America.

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From the ashes of rock titans Survive Atlantica comes Eliza and the Bear, a new project with a folk-indie twist; quite possibly Essex’s answer to the Republic of Wolves, early-Death Cab for Cutie and Arcade Fire. They have merged onto social networking sites with a humble free download of their first track, a pleasant noise explosion, entitled ‘Brother’s Boat’, as a taste of what is to come with a forthcoming EP expected later this year.

The five-piece give you the impression that they have been together for years with the mature and well-structured sound, which put simply, is a delight to listen to. Besides, I’m not one to turn my nose up at a free download. All you have to do is head over to their official website for a nosey on what all the fuss is about: www.elizaandthebear.com.

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What I’ve been up to lately: You will eventually come to realise, that in the same way professional golf players have caddies, local Peterborough band We Are Fiction have me. Lucky chaps. They are some of my closest friends; sharing drinks and nights out, helping out with merch at shows when needed, tagging along, or helping out with the production of their self-made music videos. Lately, my services have been provided in the latter. With recent anticipation of their progression in sound and new single, ‘Earth Medicine’, the boys have been busy filming a new music video to help with its release.

On a recent, rainy Thursday night, I headed over to a local club in Peterborough where they would be shooting a scene. I was mere background noise, but good looking and charming background noise as that, as I sat at the bar and had a few drinks, walked off, and came back, etc. in a sped up montage as we see the rapid decline of the video’s protagonist. Unfortunately, however, due to television law (or something along those silly PC lines) we could not actually drink alcohol, and were substituted cheap coke and water.

The story line itself is somewhat of an ‘Easter egg’ for fans of the band and their recent videos, tying in ‘Sail On’ and ‘My Dreams are Haunted’ together in a very clever, touching, and very subtle, way. But I shall not say anymore just yet! If their last two videos are anything to go by, I know we will be in for something very exciting, and exceptionally entertaining.

Note: The above now seems a little in vain as the band have just released the video several days before this entry, so I’m quickly adding this paragraph. Premiered by Alex Baker on Kerrang! Radio, on 24th June only to have public release a day later, ‘Earth Medicine’ made timelines on Facebook standstill with constant sharing, linking and discussion with its stronger sound than previous two releases and darker video content, along with new features and effects. As Chambers mentions: “We also had the chance to use brand new technology lasers in the music video which have never been used before, filming our videos entirely ourselves it’s a massive privilege to be able to get our hands on stuff like this”. Every opportunity the band have had, they have put to good use.

The single is now available via. iTunes, and below, you can watch the fantastic video and roughly two minutes in, spot myself portraying the ‘most miserable man in the world; drinking alone at the bar’ look. I think I nailed it.

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In other news, a month on, I have finally severed the tie with (or rather snipped in this case) my Slam Dunk wristband. Rest in peace, an’ that.