Saviour - Let Me Leave

After the break up of Saviour in 2014, which brought heartbreak to us all, they announced their return last year. Okay, so they weren't gone for too long, but it sure felt like long enough. Because there was something about this band that just screamed they had so much more to give, and that we hadn't even seen the best of them yet, that's how I felt at least. 

This album is like a new chapter for Saviour. There are some changes to their sound, which isn't so much of a change that they might as well scrap the band name and start again, but in a way in which it is subtle and somewhat refreshing. 

The most obvious change to note, which isn't as such different but more emphasised is the voice of Shontay Snow. The permanent arrival of Shontay I think in fact is used to it's advantage. I absolutely love her voice, and if you have heard any of Saviours previous releases where she makes appearances, I think you will agree when I say her voice adds a touch of beauty and delicacy.

My only downfall is that now I feel like I want more of Bryant and a little less of Shontay, as I feel like Saviour sounds more like her band, where Bryant is adding to the songs, rather than the other way around. 

Don't get me wrong though, I think this album is fantastic, and I appreciate it for that it is, just like I do First Light To My Death Bed and Once We Were Lions. I'm glad to see them back, and I'm even more glad to see that they've still got it, and have come back with a fresh take on their sound. 

New Music You Must Hear, Right Now.

I think this should be an official thing, because music is constantly coming out, and I just can't keep up. I end up forgetting about it. 

Apart from the Ocean Grove album that I still am very much in love with, (if you are reading this, and you don't know what album I'm on about, go listen right now) there's been a few songs lately that have just been a notch above the rest, worthy of being given a mention. If you'd like to read my review on Ocean Grove, click here.

So lets quit rambling and get to it.

Commonwealth - Father(s)

I must admit, this is the first song I've heard from these guys, I'm yet to hear more, but boy am I eager. There's a rare moment when a song grabs you and fills you with excitement, I instantly got that feeling from this song. I don't know if it's his voice, the guitars, a combination, but It reminds me of Embracer, and I like that. 

Sorority Noise - No Halo

I have heard of these guys for some time now and I've given them a few plays, but they never really grabbed me, until now. No Halo is one of them songs you just can't wait to hear live, fortunately for us Brits they will be attending Slam Dunk Festival in May.

A few days ago they released a new song called A Better Sun, which you should also check out. It's from their upcoming album  
You're Not As _____ As You Think which is due out in March. I think It's more of a grower for me, but an upcoming album that will be getting my attention. 

Saviour - Forget Me

A band that should have been on my Australian Bands You Need To Hear post. A band who pack a lot of talent and have grown musically.  This is a band who we thought we lost in the musical world after announcing their break-up in 2014, but just a year later, they came back. Which I myself am extremely delighted with.

I must admit, I will forever be a First Light to My Death Bed fan, and 'pre break up Saviour' more so than I am with their new more mellow sound, but that's okay, because like I said, they have grown up and expanded their sound. 

I am a major supporter of the fact Shontay Snow, who'm is also a solo artist herself has more been given more of a limelight now, as her voice is just beautiful and really makes them unique. Keep your eye on these guys.

Emmure - Flag of the Beast

Okay, so a familiar band I'm sure. Though one to either annoy you or fill you with joy, I'll hold my head high and admit I am proudly an Emmure fan. But lets not discuss who's a fan and who's not. And if you're not, hold up for a second.

I know a lot of people lost interest from Speaker of the Dead onwards. But with the new line up, brings a promising sound. We've been given three songs so far off the upcoming album Look At Yourself. And as for Torch - absolutely insane. 

Four Year Strong w/ Chunk! No Captain Chunk // London Koko 17/02/2017

Well, that was awesome.

If you're a dedicated Four Year Strong fan, you will know that they have been undertaking a 10 year anniversary tour of their debut album Rise or Die trying. An album that many will agree, was a complete diamond of an album. I must admit even if they were just doing the casual / usual tour, I would have still gone, as I try to see them every time they come over, but this was just that bit extra special. 

Back in 2008, I cast my mind back to what was probably one of the best tours I have ever witnessed, the easycore tour featuring New Found Glory, Set Your Goals, Four Year Strong and Crime In Stereo. Four Year Strong were still quite fresh and only had one album (this album) under their belts back then, and seeing them play these songs for the first time having loved the album so much, was a hell of a lot fun. 

I must admit, I missed the first two bands, and I missed a song of Chunk! which annoyed me, because I'm a sucker for Chunk. Also there is this running thing I have with them, where ever time I plan to see them something goes wrong**..

**First time I went to see them at Slam Dunk, they were in the small room, I WASN'T ALLOWED IN, TOO MANY PEOPLE APPARENTLY..WELL..MAKE ROOM. Second time I had tickets to see them at The Borderline in London, I was ill on the day. Slam Dunk 2014, couldn't get anywhere near them because it was on that stupid stage near the bus stops (worst idea SD has ever had). When I saw them at the Ayslum in Birmingham, I did however make it which was a success..HOWEVER, on the way I lost 20 pound and during In Friends We Trust, we got on the stage, coming off the stage when they had finished I tripped over a speaker and landed flat on my face. I got up and ran hahaha. I did however manage to see them again at SD.

So, seen as we are being honest here, I was anticipating something to go wrong. Like I said, it kinda did, but it did not ruin it. I was a bit disappointed that they decided to not play as many of their older songs, but I guess that's what you're going to get from a support band. It's understandable they want to promote their 'new' album more, and with a limit of 7ish songs, somethings gotta give.

Four Year Strong - the main event, the big boys. It's been a while since I've had THAT much fun at a gig. One thing I've decided though - I don't like the Koko. I was at the Koko when FYS played their the first time around, and it was insane.. It felt like their was TOO many people, as if they oversold. It's the only time I have ever had to move from the crowd, and actually take a step back. 

We left the crowd after the encore to go get our bag to avoid the rush, then stood on the balcony, and their was a gang of older people moshing to themselves, and it was one of the greatest things i've ever seen haha. As always, great crowd. 

I need to start taking at least one photo to back up these stories, pretty pants at this.

Next gig - Touche Amore and Angel Dust, let's do this. x

Birchbox - December 2016, January 2017 & February 2017

One of my Christmas presents from my lovely boyfriend was a Birchbox subscription. I've been part of Birchbox before a few years ago, but I cancelled after a few months as I wasn't very impressed. After following for a few months now, I thought I'd like to try it again to see if there has been any improvement. 

Today I received my 3rd box, so I thought I'd put a review together of my thoughts so far, and show what I got in my Birchbox, for anyone who is interested in having a nose, or who is debating whether to sign up themselves. 

December 2016

The idea behind this box was you are use the two different parts as brush holders, personally not for me, but handy for other storage. I use old/used pretty candle glasses for my brushes that is a bit nicer. 

In December I received:

• Ciate London Fierce Flicks Eyeliner (FULL SIZE)
• Percy & Reed Perfectly Perfecting Wonder Balm (for hair)
• Elemis Hydra-boost Day Cream
• Anatomicals Coconut & Mango Body Lotion
• Benefit Benetint

The Products from this i've tried so far have been great. The Elemis Day Cream is lush for my skin, making it feel all soft and moisturised. Benetint - I'm probably never going to use. The Anatomicals body lotion smells AMAZING. I would buy this again. All in all - not a bad start!

January 2017

So first things first, I love the box. I'm hoping that a lot of the future boxes I get are going to be draws, because they will stack on top of each other and look cute. 

In January I Received:

• Merci Hand Cream (FULL SIZE)
• Lord & Berry Concealer (FULL SIZE)
• Kebelo Clarifying Shampoo
• Whish Shave Cream
• Nails Inc Galaxy Nail Varnish

I must admit, this has been my favourite so far out of the three. Again, not all products have I tested, that is because I am a hoarder and don't like opening things. (Yep, I'm that person who buys things they like but doesn't use them because they are too good to use). 

However, I have used the nail varnish and I loved it. It's a glittery layer that goes on top of a colour. I wore mine over a nude, it looked awesome. The Wish shaving cream, may not be enough to even go over a shin, but it smells like grapefruit and I just want to sit sniffing it.

February 2017

Oh Birhbox, you really are a man in disguise after my own heart. FULL SIZE SPECTRUM BRUSH PEOPLE. I was happy on that alone. Another pretty draw design, to stack on top of Januarys, very happy.

In February I received:

• Spectrum Eyeshadow Brush (FULL SIZE)
• Pop Beauty Eye Shadow Trio
• Keeome Hydration Therapy Mask
• Beaver Daily Moisture Conditioning Spray
• Sebamed Clear Face Care Gel

I am definitely going to try the mask tonight which is a korean face mask, i've heard a lot about them so this intrigues me. The eyeshadow trio has 3 beautiful shimmery colours which I would wear, but again I haven't tested them yet. There is a sneak preview in the box for next month - we get to pick a shade of a Benefit lipstick. If that isn't enough for me to stick around, I don't know what is! 

My thoughts overall - so far is it's worth the money. 

Surprises! I love the thought of having a box of random cosmetics coming to my door every month, It's quite exciting. And an excuse to pamper yourself with new things!

The box is tailored to you. When you sign up to Birchbox, you are asked to fill in a questionnaire about your skin types and preferences etc, this helps them pick which treats they think you would like in your box. I'm still indifferent about this one - so far I've had not received anything that isn't suited to myself, but I did the first time around. I've also seen a lot of reviews where people have had this happen to them too.

Not to mention the points you get every month by reviewing the contents and your box itself. For instance, every month months you will have enough points to redeem a 10 pound voucher, so that works out at getting 5 pound back every month. These vouchers are to be spent on their store, so MORE MAKE UP *dribbles*.