Weapons

Its no wonder the likes of Kerrang, Steve Lamacq, XFM and Total Rock Radio have been salivating at the mention of Weapons (formerly Weapons of Mass Belief). From the Welsh sleepy seaside town of Penarth comes enough noise to wake the rest of the world. But wait, noise alone will never spark my musical plug, so its just as well that they have so much more to offer. Punk rap, hip hop rock, call it what you will, but their brand of 'noise' has vocal raptitudes so addictive and an underbelly with its roots firmly in pop, that it could possibly appeal to any fan base from Rage Against the Machine to Beastie Boys, Cypress Hill through to Led Zep! Recent single Love Is Thunder drives the album out of the starting blocks with intent (see music-news single review). Terrorist Youth, the awesome Blackline Ninja, and the vital Panic, are all examples of rap used in its best funk rock manner. Produced by Graeme Stewart (Radiohead) and Damian Taylor (Prodigy, Bjork) and Yoad Nevo (Jem), all efforts have been successfully made to create an exciting yet accessible edge. The Thieves features Jem (the sister of Weapons vocalists Justin and Georgia Griffiths).

Weapons are Justin, Georgia G and Mo-laudi (vocals), Blair Macann (guitar), Pete Cherry (bass) and Tasha Bayliss (drums). They're on tour throughout October and if their live show captures anything near the excitement of the album, then the entrance fee will be a small price to pay.

Check their website for details. www.weaponsmusic.net

Rob Barnett, Music News