Inspired by the legendary Ramones, this female four-piece – all called Donna, according to their press info - packs a pretty powerful punch. And though it has only hit the main headlines in recent months, the band has been in existence for several years, its roots stretching back to the girls’ high school years. Gold Medal, their sixth album, captures the girls at their best, dishing out a balanced offering of melody and clout that could easily pass as the American version of the 1990s Britpop movement spearheaded by the likes of Echobelly or Elastica! Lyrically informed by the “in-your-face” attitude already displayed on previous outings, Gold Medal does have its softer moments, but overall, it is the harder tracks that give the album its real character, a tougher core that remains intact despite the more commercial lean of this record! Not a winner, but it deserves a bronze!
Forsaken - Evermore revisited!
Forsaken’s debut album Evermore, originally released in 1996 on Storm Records, is being re-released through the band’s current label, the UK-based Golden Lake Productions. According to the band’s press release, the new version – which has been re-mastered by David Vell at Temple Studios – will be packaged with all-new artwork by Chris Zarb (who was also behind the artwork for Iconoclast and Anima Mundi) as well as an eight-page booklet featuring lyrics, liner notes and exclusive photos of the band. Furthermore, the new edition will also include a remastered version of Forsaken’s cover of Black Sabbath’s Neon Knights, which originally appeared on the Dehumanized Witch tribute compilation in 2000. Last but not least, German label Immortal Vinyl will also be releasing Iconoclast and Anima Mundi as a limited edition double-vinyl package. All these releases will be available at the re-launch gig that Forsaken will be performing on 5 March at Signals at Tal-Qroqq. Local metal band Stillborn will be supporting. For more information, visit www.forsakenmalta.com.
ADY working on August debut!
With his Soulful Impulse alter ego currently on hold, London-based Maltese DJ/producer ADY was recently in Cannes for the Midem International Music Business Conference. The event, which attracts over 2,000 industry professionals to the Palais des Festivals in this famous French city, is essential to the music business and offers a sea of opportunity to artists and labels alike. ADY described the experience of being there as vital to any musician, especially because the MOVE songwriting team he forms part of was offered a contract by Brooklyn company 718 Music (of Talking Heads, Roxy Music and Brian Eno fame) to develop some of its music concepts within the film sector. ADY also had the opportunity to liase with French DJ Gregory regarding a soon-to-surface remix that will be released on the popular Hed Kandi label. The remix will be a full-on 70s disco nugget that should capture the roots of dance music!
Another of ADY’s collaborators, Penny Foster, gave a fantastic performance in Cannes. Her set featured mainly material written in collaboration with MOVE Music as well as Narcotic Thrust’s smash hit I Like It, which Penny herself wrote and sang on the popular version. She has now hooked up with Bob Sinclar to work on new tunes that should be all over the charts and dancefloors this coming summer. Meanwhile, Jiant Productions, of which ADY is also a full-time producer and songwriter, has announced that it will be releasing Penny Foster’s debut album on RCA. The release will also feature new material written and produced by the Move Music team. Another of Move’s new signings, the teen female trio MAS, is currently one of the top tunes on Radio 1’s Unsigned programme. Last but certainly not least, Move will be releasing a new album called Ed & Ady in August on Jazzy Jeff’s A Touch Of Jazz label. The album features a mixture of old jazz to nu-soul as well as some nifty scratching, beat juggling and vocals from Penny Foster, the legendary Miss Jane and Move’s latest signing, Ray Montani. For more information, visit www.move-music.net!