Reviews

Once upon a time a fearsome beast of rock roamed the highways and byways of Gloucestershire. It was called Murdoc.

Dino, Vocals & Guitar

While this particular hell cat was on the loose nobody's eardrums were safe.

Now, alas and alack, Murdoc is no more. It has been uprooted, unseated and generally usurped by an equally fearsome creature: Nukchorris.

Where the Wild Things Are

Putting the loathsome beast references aside for a moment, Nukchorris is an exciting new band.

It is made up of two members of the now defunct Murdoc ("Dino" on vocals and "Skinz" on drums), along with a new line up of band mates to accompany them.

And with the new line up comes a new energy, a new passion and a general sense of…newness (or is that "nu-ness"?).

Skinz, drums

If it Ain't Broke

That is not to say that all signs of Murdoc have been totally removed. The tell tale Murdockian snarling vocal, scorching guitar work and chugging bass rhythms are all there in their infinite glory.

Nukchorris' website currently has two songs available for your listening pleasure, both forming a tantalising teaser of what is, no doubt, to come.

Both "Twisted" and "Violent Dreams" are high octane, full throttle, hard rock tracks guaranteed to get your head banging.

From Despair to…Gloucester

The songs are angst-ridden essays in standard hard rocking themes: pain, desolation, isolation and loss.

With lyrics like "I wanted to kill you, there's no doubt" ("Violent Dreams"), these songs are not for the faint hearted. Fans of the Kings of Convenience would be well advised to keep clear.

"Twisted" is filled with lyrics about a persistent sense of unrest and a fear of rejection. The line "Gotta find my peace of mind" runs on a seeming endless repeat through the song, like a heavy metallic mantra. It's an angry, self loathing rant of a lyric with Nirvana-ish pretensions.

Sound of the Underground

Meanwhile "Violent Dreams" is hardly any more cheery. This time the focus is on an exploding relationship: "You make my head begin to swell/I think I'm going straight to Hell" is just one of the many not-so chirpy lyrics to be found on the track.

Paul, lead guitarist

But this is as nothing compared with the opening-but-one line of "I wanted to put you underground".

I'm not entirely sure that the BBC would endorse the work of wannabe murderers, so you may find a disclaimer at the bottom of this review advising you not to try such activities at home. Or anywhere else.

Whatever their motives (murderous or otherwise), Nukchorris definitely know how to write a song that will rock your socks off.

Look forward to more songs from these angry rockers. Your life may well depend on it.

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If you're involved in the Gloucestershire music scene and you would like Stephen to review your music, please feel free to get in touch. Either email gloucestershire@bbc.co.uk or send your album and a bit about yourself to:

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This article is an external contribution and expresses a personal opinion, not the views of the BBC.