Not just a nod to the future, but a sterling advertisement for the bands recent past, I think Hey Colossus can consider their dark works to be done. – By Chris Ball

New York City ‘pop cock rock’ sensation Mother Feather are about to release their début album on Metal Blade Records. Front woman Ann Courtney kindly agreed to talk to Chris Ball, despite him comparing her to Shania Twain.

The very best way to hear Mother Feather would be to hear them, unannounced, on the radio, for if you have a single pop-loving bone in your body you will fall for their irresistible tunes. – By Chris Ball

Filthy, psychobilly-tinged garage rock from Stockton On Tees. All your favourite deranged alt-rock weirdos are represented. Play spot the influence bingo or party until you puke – the choice is yours: Age and experience dependent. – By Chris Ball

This isn’t supposed to be tasteful, it’s supposed to be rock ‘n’ roll. Job done. – By Chris Ball

The record has a very drum heavy sound, which works out well for the John Bonham-aping caveman wallop of ‘Exorcist Everything’, but in general leaves you with the feeling that some passion is being held back. If Byers voice was lunging from the speakers, ripping your face off, this set of songs would get by on nutty charm alone, but as it is it’s rather Beige, Beige, Beige. By Chris Ball

What Iggy has done on Post Pop Depression is given himself the best opportunity he can to create one last successful rock album. In turning to Joshua Homme, one of the most well connected and talented guys currently working in rock, and huge fan of Iggy’s work, is surround himself with sympathetic group of collaborators who would do whatever it took to make a great Iggy Pop record. By Chris Ball

In a genre perhaps blessed with more great songwriters than any other, Willy Vlautin is still a rare and impressive talent and Richmond Fontaine have produced yet another set of memorable, deeply human songs. By Chris Ball

What these guys have come up with is a very palatable mix of plaintive, soulful melody, strong commercial hooks and pounding, progressive metal. – By Chris Ball

It is a very interesting, incident packed album, which reflects the styles of all parties concerned and does nothing to diminish their stellar reputations. Perhaps though they were all too pumped up by their own talents and vast potential and got just a bit too excited. If it’s profundity was as obvious as its musical excellence, we would be talking about a future classic. – By Chris Ball

There is certainly enough about ‘Endless Flight’ to entice even the most jaded of stoner fans to check them out and I look forward to catching them at Desertfest – I suspect that if you add volume and alcohol to their might grooves then you are in for a very good time indeed. – By Chris Ball

There’s little here to merit your attention and that is a real disappointment. However, I have faith in a Piney Gir – she’ll bounce back, she’s tough, too smart and too talented not to. By Chris Ball

Repeated listens have revealed the impressive breadth and invention Gum Takes Tooth have managed to summon from their potentially meagre and limited resources. Definitely one for those who live in the freak zone. By Chris Ball

The Atomic Bitchwax released their new album ‘Gravitron’, which Chris Ball described as “the biggest no brainer of the year thus far.” With TAB about to start their European tour, which kicks off at London’s Desertfest, Chris asked bassist/singer Chris Kornik some questions.

This album is life affirmingly good and ‘Gravitron’ is one of those records that rekindles your love affair with rock all over again. – By Chris Ball

Stick with Mojave Lords – these guys know what they’re doing. Stoner satisfaction guaranteed. By Chris Ball

Several of these tunes have a sort of quiet majesty, not dissimilar to Jeff Buckley. However, that air of fuzzy-headedness seems to prevent any of it truly tugging at your heart. That guitar playing is an absolute delight throughout, though. By Chris Ball

‘Songs From The Ashes’ sounds like a rebirth, but is actually a celebration and imitation of a fine chapter of metal’s past. – By Chris Ball

We Are Undone’ is both an immediate, hook-laden attention grabber and a quiet and masterful ‘grower’. Although shot through with the San Francisco duo’s usual flaws this is perhaps the band’s best work to date. By Chris Ball

For now Italian stoner rockers Kayleth are stuck in very familiar territory and their cake is going stale. – By Chris Ball

Musically this is an interesting diversion down a rarely travelled musical by-way for me it has limited appeal. – By Chris Ball