REVIEWS FOR "ALWAYS IS NEVER THE SAME"

Classic Rock Magazine

Rating - 7/10

Assured post-grunge collection that matches the seductive melodic maturity of prime Foo Fighters with the dramatic dynamism of full-tilt Placebo

Roomthirteen.com

Rating - 12/13

The Scottish music scene has reveived a rather large shot in the arm courtesy of Franz Ferdinand and others. Glasgow's Dead City Riots seem to be riding that wave. Formally known as Freeview, they plugged away scoring gigs with everyone from Biffy Clyro to Kasabian. With debut album "Always is never the same" being released on up and coming label Casket Music, the Scottish quartet are sure to get the coverage they deserve.

Opening with the abrasive "Kerosene" theres a jarring garage rock edge of Seattle's own Mudhoney and dirty groove of MC5. Vocalist David Cunningham has an impressive set of pipes on him. "Whiskey Summer Junkie" sounds like a cross between We Are Scientists and Stone Temple Pilots - an odd combination but it works. "Say Nothing" has the loud/quiet dynamic of Nirvana.

"What's My Pill?" has the down and dirty sound that dates back to the days that Dead City Riots were still known as Freeview. "Control" has the Queens Of The Stone Age (the vocals seem alike but the song is a lot more danceable). "Something's Got To Give" has the grace of a Pearl Jam song. Guitarist Paul Clark is versatile in his playing and making songs this damn catchy. Rhythm section Cameron Smart and Chris Coll gel well with each other. Closer "Real Time" is a bluesy accoustic number that releases the steam of the rock n roll groove carried through the album.

The word Grunge may be a swear word to some but the blend of the Seattle sound mixed with mid 90's hard rock and touch of Punk translates well to record. It's upbeat whilst being raw at the same time. An awesome piece of homegrown alternative rock that takes props from the past without trying to imitate them ridiculously. These guys are gonna be huge.

Rockmidgets.com

Rating - 4/5

It'd be easy enough to tarnish Dead City Riots with the same ol' post-grunge brush that's tainted so many up-and-comers of late. The squealing riffs, the thudding drums and the overly pained vocals... hell, this might as well be Pearl Jam. But no, for DCR offer up much more than your everyday post-high school band. Formerly known as Freeview, the quartet batter and bruise their way through 12 cuts of melodic rock goodness - and with comparisons abound to the likes of Audioslave and the aforementioned PJ - these guys seem to be cutting from the right cloth, for this is extremely good stuff indeed.

Musically the album flits from one end of the spectrum to the other - bruising rockers 'Bridge Jumping' and 'Whiskey Summer Junkie' sit aside aping power ballads like 'Something's Got To Give' and 'Say Nothing' - the kind of stuff Nickelback would be making if they weren't so goddamn awful. Whilst most will find the bands platform largely generic, there's something about frontman David Cunningham's vocals that just sells it. Achingly subtle one minute and nigh-on pissed off the next, Cunningham's range - whilst reminiscent of Eddie Vedder, and at times, Chris Cornell - is the ultimate factor behind DCR sitting above their fellow UK hopers.

Live favourite 'What's My Pill?' makes a reappearance from the bands previous EP - a brutal little number, the crashing drums and wailing guitars make for what can only be termed as the musical equivalent of a train wreck, and with the likes of 'Control' and 'Pass It On' filling out the disc more than adequately, Dead City Riots have a debut release to be very proud of. Very proud of indeed.

Dead Earnest

Oh yeahhhhhhhhhhhh……………….now this cooks! Right from the opening immediacy of “Kerosene”, you are hurled headlong into a wickedly driving, fast-paced set of songs that made me want to forget typing this out and just leap about the room doing air guitar. The sheer energy that this band unleash is absolutely addictive, and the fact that they can write some incredibly strong songs, too, is nirvana itself. Speaking of Nirvana – neat link, huh!!! – there’s more than an element of that band’s grunge trademark to this, while their vocals and style provide a follow-up that is pure Foo Fighters in many places on the album, a shining example being the amazingly commercial rock action that is “Whiskey Summer Junkie” while “Say Nothing” slows things down and becomes more of a Pearl Jam styled smoulder, with vocals that aren’t a million miles from Vedder, but they add an extra layer of emo-quality passion, as the song then takes off and follows that path to perfection, the whole thing mixing Foos and emo, positively seamlessly. It’s so good that you simply have to listen to all of it in one sitting – song after titanium strength song pours out with a sense of arrangement and immaculate production that brings the best out of the band’s abilities all round. “Bridge Jumping” is a song that the Foo Fighters would have killed to produce a year or two back, as it simply hammers into your skull with the commercial intensity that only the best rock writing can provide. There’s so much adrenaline flowing here, you’ll not sit down for a week once you’ve played this album, and the feeling you get is so invasive, that there should be a government health warning on the thing to prevent you from overdosing on it – yeah, it really is THAT hot. Think I’ll give it another go – I can take it – I won’t get hooked – maybe……….. fan-fuckin’-tastic – this could be album of the year in my books – it’s certainly up there with the best of them – you HAVE to buy this album!

One louder radio UK

Described on the press release as "a cross between grunge and hard rock with a bit of punk thrown in for good measure", I think "rock n' roll" may label them a little bit better.Its a surprisingly unthreatening and easy listening record, remeniscent of classic 60's rock album. I'm not saying that the music is dated, I just mean that you can sit through it and enjoy it even if its not normally your thing. I didn't even realise I was enjoying it until I remembered I had to review it and was forced to draw opinion.

I think it does this because it is not trying so deperately to capitalise on what's "in" right now. The music just kind of guides you through, it dosen't try to force you into liking it. I think this album will appeal to a suprising amount of people, with very different musical tastes. It's the type of album that you hear at your friends house and after a couple of songs you find yourself asking "who's this? it's quite good, can I lend it?".  And you should.

 The song variety is good so it is fresh all the way through and the band are really good in a strangley subtle way. It's not as tough as it makes out, but there is a lot of quality here. An ideal chill out record

LIVE REVIEWS

(Please note the band was formerly called Freeview)

Noize Market, ukbands.net

Freeview @ Plough Inn, Perth

By Nick Elson

We heard of rumblings from north of the border....dark whispers in conspiritorial tones....was an invasion afoot? We sent our intrepid reporter, Nick Elson, to brave the inhospitable weather of Perth to find out what it was all about....we weren't sure if we would ever see him again, but it appears he may have had an epiphany....and seen the light.

Friday night in a cold and windswept town, stumbling through the door to The Plough , the poster beckons us in to catch Freeview, Glasgow's finest exponents of...well....what exactly? I'd heard the terms Grunge, post Grunge and plain old "Rock " bandied about as the listings struggled to shoehorn their sound into a suitable slot....the lights wash out the stage - ready, for Freeview.

From the opening chords it's clear that this is really something different. While all the usual rock sensibilities are there - theres a particular twist to the whole ensemble - that credible, loose fit kit - dreadlocks swirling, as the bassist collides one crunching bar into the next. And theres something else lurking too....David Cunningham's vocals cut straight through the noise and rise....and rise again, soaring above the songs in a way not heard on their last outing (on Glasgow's fledgling Chicken Physics label) and never more so than during the night's highlight, the anthemic and pleading "Something's got to give".

What makes this work - what makes it rise above the identikit post grunge masses - is the unique blend and texture of the sound. With a guitar that pulls in style and influence from just about everywhere (and I mean everywhere; rock, punk, indie, grunge, you name it - theres a hint of it in there somewhere) pulsating drums and throbbing bass.... and those soaring, searing vocals.

In the midst of the thrash ond glam of "Car crash", with heads down - all at once grasping at and grabbing withwrithing strings and lurid power chords - shards of incandescent white light fence everything in around you, and then you get a flash of the Freeview yet to come, and when they grab the Buzzcocks classic "Ever fallen in love..." by the scruff of the neck and make it their own, you truly start to realise the sheer breadth and depth of what this band can - and do deliver.

Freeview's time is coming, and theres plans for a major U.K. tour in 2006 that will surely see them take their place as the band who challenged post grunge to step out of it's comfort zone - and start taking risks.

Glasswerk.co.uk  Glasgow

 It’s reassuring in this day and age of teenage bands to know that you still can't teach your granny how to suck eggs - or in this case how to put on a good live rock show. Freeview offered a slick, highly enjoyable performance that rescued the audience from a night of bad set-ups and a group who can only be described as 'McFly does Rock' (yes that bad!).

Hailing from Glasgow and making a not-often-enough jaunt to the East coast, Freeview are a four piece Rock/Grunge outfit. It’s far too easy to immediately label them with a Pearl Jam clone label. Lead Singer Dave Cunningham’s vocals draw a strong likeness to Vedder’s but with a harder edge to them.

From the moment they kicked off into 'Pass It On', it’s clear that these guys have been playing together for a long time now. The playing is confident and effortless. The driving rock track immediately had crowd members jumping, and Cunningham’s vocals immediately get attention.
His laid back stage presence is an enjoyable break from the myriad of rock singers who insist on jumping around at breakneck pace until they're a bag of sweat.

New track ‘Kerosene’ followed. A speedy track with some hectic drumming and good riffs. If the rest of the new E.P. sounds as good as this, fans have something to look forward to – it definitely had an early Metallica sound to it. Old tracks, ‘Car Crash’ and ‘What’s My Pill?’ closed off the set.

‘What’s My Pill?’ is a perfect lesson in how rock should be done. Screaming vocals, thumping drums and some catchy riffs. It sounds like a missing Pearl Jam/Soundgarden track. Catchy and full of energy it begs to be unleashed on the charts, and has to be heard to fully appreciate it.

The performance tonight offered up a well crafted group. All members of the band showed that they were more than competent in providing what was expected of them. The chemistry they show on stage re-enforced that impression – Drummer Chris and front man Dave happily stopping to light up a smoke half way through the gig. The live performance is certainly the way to be introduced to Freeview; studio tracks that are available on the web sound good, but the live aspect adds a whole new dimension to them. The response of the crowd certainly seemed to justify this statement.

After seeing them live, you have to wonder why they are still placing smaller venues such as The Subway. Everything you would expect from a top band seems to be in place; Well written songs, played with great vigour and good skills; Good live; An Interesting band, with a frontman who can hold your attention; Enough marketability.

So why aren’t they there yet? You have to wonder if the 'grunge' tag hinders them somewhat. Cunningham’s vocal do immediately draw to obvious comparisons. And with the bands metal, grunge-esque direction it’s easy to label them a clone band left over from the early 90’s. And surely it will be at least another five years before we are due a grunge revival?

But it would be unfair to label them in that way. Listen to a good mix of their tracks and you realise that there’s a consistent quality to the work they have produced, and it covers a good mix of the rock genres. The best suggestion is to go and see them live. And don’t be surprised if you hear 'What’s My Pill?' on your radio sometime soon.

 Ukbands.net

Gill Brammer

Freeview @ 13th Note

So, from a night full of disconnecting cables, snapped strings, dodgy sound and a few dodgy haircuts, it was quite refreshing when Freeview took to the stage.

It was a long wait for these guys, I think it was about 10:45 when they came on, but, as everyone there that night would probably agree with me here... it was worth the wait.
This 4 piece from Glasgow came on with what looked like the attitude of 'Right, lets show them how the big boys do it' and they did.
Not to say these guys were coming across arrogant, but it was clear that they were more professional of the bands that night and that's what came across in their performance.
Not only did Freeview look the part of a good rock/grunge band,  their sound was similar to some great bands such as Alice in Chains and Pearl Jam.

Now, these guys play frequently up and down the country, which might explain how comfortable they looked performing, especially in front of such a small crowd, as some bands are fazed by this, but not this lot, they were there to entertain us and I for one was entertained.

I did feel however, their set was quite short, so I came home and had a wee listen to the 3 tracks they have uploaded on their My Space site (http://www.myspace.com/freeview).
The first track 'What's My Pill' reminded me of the bands energy that night and may well be the grungy track that helps them on their road to success.
The first thing I noticed on this track were the vocals, they reminded me of someone, but it wasn't until the 3rd track, (my personal favourite) Somethings Got To Give, that I realised the vocals were similar to those of Chris Cornell from Soundgarden, only a little deeper.
The intro was what caught me on Somethings Got To Give, the bass and guitar were so so good, I  must have played it about 6 times, then thought the best thing to do was just put it on my ipod.

So, if like me you wished you had been part of the 'Seattle Music Scene' in the 80's/90's when Nirvana, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains and the rest of that mob were belting out the best of 'Alternative Music', then get along to see Freeview, one of the bands who are making a good name for the 'Glasgow Music Scene'.

Roomthirteen.com

 Silkfest, Basingstoke

Rating - 12/13

 And so, half way through the evening, Freeview arrive on stage complete with instruments and drunken staggers. These lads are drunk but they're certainly capable of putting on a good show. Freeview are brave though because they're playing to an unknown crowd at the other end of the UK. Without their Scottish following, the room appears a little empty and lacking the support that Freeview deserve.

Their music is as wild and energetic as the bands who have played previously, but there's a tightness about this and the feel that Freeview are bigger than the venues they're playing at the moment and they're easily one of the most professional sounding bands playing today. Talented and a pleasure to watch despite the amount of alcohol consumed, they deliver an unyielding blend of melody and heavy guitar work. The elements making up this bands noise are balanced and manipulated effortlessly to allow those roughed up vocals to soar above. The equipment might not be doing them any favours tonight, but Freeview couldn't care less. They know that they're big enough to rise above such petty problems and by the time their second song is through the crowds reaction has increased.


By the time Freeview pull out the ace- the stunning 'What's My Pill?', their crowd is a little more responsive although nothing compared to the dancing that occurred during The Dirty Great's set. Freeview's music is darker though and offers the audience something a little deeper to think upon. On record 'What's My Pill?' is a brilliantly addictive song and their live rendition is not a letdown. Heads are nodding, feet are tapping along. It's a reserved reaction, but for a band who've not begun to break the south of England, it's a start- and a promising one at that.

 Live Music Direct

 Freeview's website proudly announces that their guitarist, Paul, and his wife had a baby boy just two short months ago. But don't worry, despite newly charged fatherhood and no doubt countless lullabies to the little 'un, this is not dadrock.

It's just rock.

As the first band on tonight, Freeview have something of a task ahead. The Barfly's fully booked tonight, and upstairs, a crowd of young energetic punky kids are already pounding the dance floor in response to that gig, which started earlier. So Freeview have got their work cut out if they want to compete with the noise that's drifting down the stairwell.

Two seconds into their first song, though, it's damn well impossible to hear anything but the band. Upstairs might have all gone home, for all I know of them.

There's a simple equation behind enjoying Freeview's music. Basically, rock+melody+loud+riffs=Freeview. If that's your kinda thing, you're probably in the right place at one of their gigs. True, it's not too much of an innovation, but it's a perfect classic formula and they really make it work for them, so who cares? You just have to listen to their track Kerosene to hear this, one that's belted out particularly well tonight: a drums pounding, guitars wailing, all out rock song.

Freeview, like all good rock bands, know how to rock out - guitarist Paul and bassist Cameron both swinging in that great headbang-style motion from the waist, providing a sort of frame around the lanky figure of imposing singer David, whose strong, smooth voice is more than enough to grip the audience.

It's the drums, though, that pick out this band for me. With Dave Grohl based influences in the band, drummer Chris has a lot to live up to. He pulls it off admirably, never losing a beat, and driving the band along.

All in, they know how to turn in an impressive performance together. Those dancing around in front of the stage seem to agree.
For those about to rock, they're just the right kind of band.

podboyrecords.co.uk

A great choice of opening act – people were singing and the cheers were loud and well deserved. Everyone was definitely put in the right frame of mind for the evening of delights ahead. Think grungy punky rock with hints of Nirvana with a twist of Pearl Jam and BANG!! You have Freeview. They performed a variety of new and old tracks, from the more laid back ‘pass it on’ to the catchy EP title track ‘what’s my pill?’ Freeview are tight, precise and intense, wicked guitars a strong singer and a rather fantastic drummer. It cost the rather princely sum of five whole pounds to go and see them, bargain!!!

 Sunday Mail

Rating 4/5

 Judging by their most recent ep “What’s my pill?” it won’t be long before Freeview climb to the top of the musical ladder. The tight 4-piece went through their set with purpose and passion. The grungy rock riffs and vocal impact of “Pass it on” had a Stone Temple Pilots vibe but never seemed contrived or derivative. Frontman David Cunningham’s voice accentuated the brooding, melodic “Real time” while the scuzzy guitar intro and marauding bass on “What’s my pill?” made it the highlight of the night. “Car crash” rounded off the set in slick fashion.

 Sunday Mail

Rating - 4/5

 Starting off with an in-your-face version of “Pass it on”- built around Paul Clarks menacing guitar riff and Chris Coll’s intensive drumming- this rock outfit never lost momentum. Highlight “Real time” showcased singer David Cunningham’s emotive, grungy vocals., while Cameron Smart’s ominous bass gave the track a distinct Pearl Jam feel. A spiky and clever cover of the Buzzcocks “Ever fallen in love….” And finale “What’s my pill?” were crowd pleasers, the latters no nonsense, full-stomp-ahead style aptly illustrating this groups approach to music.

 Glasgow Caledonian University student magazine

Battle of the bands

 The last band on the bill was Freeview, who much to my surprise are actually named after the first ten minutes of the Adult Channel. They were also incredibly nice people and turned out to be a lot heavier sounding than I expected. Charged by ultra loud, ultra exciting punk chords and crashing drums they simply rocked. Their fantastically individual singer and high energy attitude gave them a very fresh sound and definitely made them stand out from all the others. Being last on is always tough because the majority of the crowd (usually made up of the other bands mates and relatives) never seem particularly bothered about you, which was a shame because Freeview were a lot better than their predecessors.

 How they sounded? A lot better than they made themselves out to be. Searing Sex Pistols guitar riffs meet fantastic high altitude vocal lines and it’s all gloriously cranked up to 11.

 “They are kind of late Pearl Jam sounding, really good though, I think they got a bum deal going on last”.

EP REVIEWS

REVIEWS FOR "WHATS MY PILL?" EP

The lick Magazine

 Woah! Dust down the flannel and get the shears to the jeans!Heavy Rokkin Melody ™  is back and sounding at it’s best since it’s early 90’s heyday! Freeview aren’t backing down on this one – the guitars are out to kick your arse and the drummer’s probably using a couple of hefty logs instead of your puny, run-o-the-mill sticks. The song writing is spot on too – at times aggressive but rarely straying from a gentler Eddie Vedder vibe. “Something’s got to give” is a genuinely lovely song, while “Car Crash” has exactly the impact and immediacy the title hints at. A band that, live, will knock your boots off.

Rockpulse.co.uk

Phillipa Mcmahon

Rating - 9/10

 Freeview formed in 2001 but they're not letting that stop them. Having already toured with the likes of Kasabian, King Adora and Chikinki, Freeview are slowly but surely making a heavy impression on the soft foundations of the rock world. Sounding like a freakish cross between Foo Fighters and a roughed up Biffy Clyro amongst many other bands, their 'What's My Pill?' EP is a sure fire sign that bigger and better things are bound to come from this talented group.

Title track 'What's My Pill?' begins with that oh-so-attractive sleazy feel before bouncing into grungy vocals guaranteed to make your spine tingle. Obviously this isn't a band lacking in talent. Second track 'Pass it On' provides concrete evidence that their astounding lead in track isn't a fluke. Slightly darker and much more flamboyant, 'Pass It On' already compares to the current offerings of well established bands bouncing around the alternative charts at the moment. David Cunningham's voice is reminiscent of so many others out in the rock scene at the moment but rather than sounding like the vocalists of last week regurgitated into a new shell, his voice is pulled into dynamic shapes thanks to the powerful band behind him.

'Something's Got To Give' is darker still and fully displays Freeview's angstier, melancholy side. Despite this, the EP doesn't suffer from this slowing down. In fact, it gives the final track 'Car Crash' a greater push that heightens the already dizzy levels of excellence to something rarely seen in such a young band. A pleasure to listen to, 'What's My Pill?' hints at far, far more brilliance to be offered from this Scottish four piece.

 Rock 3 radio

Rating - 3.5/5

Freeview have released a 4 track EP with the title track being the 'single', 'Whats my Pill' is a rumbusteous pop power single, brash with a guitar led uptempo song that is noisy and catchy enough to attract the attention of most mainstream chart watchers. The band use the EP to display their wares and the other three tracks on this EP are not just stocking fillers but have there own qualities and are certainly decent enough to be used on the forthcoming Album.

 the-mag.me.uk

Andy Reilly

Rating - 7/10

Glasgow band Freeview have been building up a name for themselves on the local music scene and have supported acts such as Kasabian, Sluts of Trust and Chikinki. Their no-nonsense approach to gigs has helped build up a fanbase and it was with a fair bit of anticipation that "What`s my pill?" hit the CD player.

Opening with the title track, a heavy riff and virtually straight into the vocals, Freeview are clearly not for hanging around. Like the heavier moments of Soundgarden, "What`s My Pill?" combines punishing guitars with an extremely melodic vocal. The song features a good insistent chorus, which nags away at the listener and remains firmly lodged in the head.

Second track, "Pass It On" is just as fast and carries the EP further down the rock line. Again, the grunge influence shines through, with the vocals being more reminiscent of Cobain, offering a different feel to the opening track.

One of the more pleasing aspects of the EP was the high production quality. Bands who rely on pace and power can sometimes find their attempts to recreate this sound on record losing something but there was no cause for concern on this release as it represents the band`s live show fairly well.

"Something`s Got To Give" has a change of pace and brings a better balance to the record. The song is no less powerful or loud than the previous tracks but the change in tempo and feel adds a lot to the overall vibe of the EP. And so, as not to let anyone off easy, "Car Crash" returns to the uptempo rockier style of the opening tracks.

With three out of four tracks bludgeoning their way out of the CD, Freeview should easily appeal to any fan of hard, fast and melodic rock.

Clearly the band have spent time on their craft and this 4 track EP highlights a melodious style of playing, in a genre which captivates many fans.

 Beat 106 Beatbreakers

 Glasgow band Freeview create a fine brand of punked-up classic rock with influences ranging from Pearl Jam and Soundgarden to REM and Nick Cave. The groups latest ep “What’s my pill?” contains some of their strongest material to date

 Zeitgeist-scot.co.uk

 Glasgow band Freeview have produced their 2nd EP What’s my pill? They sound a lot dirtier and heavier and before. A powerful EP with lots of guitar and drums combined with very smooth vocals. It’s fast paced, edgy, their style has grown up and is a lot tighter. It consists mainly of mid – heavier rock tracks with very catchy beats, Third track – Something’s got to give catches you unawares, it’s a really soulful, melancholy number and rather gorgeous, it’s one of those songs that means something to everybody who hears it. Freeview have an indie/grunge quality about them, there is a bit of Pearl Jam and Alice in Chains in their influences. All in all this EP is a good all rounder and would go down well at a party. Check them out for yourself on Saturday 2nd October at The Barfly.

 The List

Rating - 3/5

 ….much better is “What’s my pill?” from local noiseniks Freeview, unreconstructed pre-rock riff-laden mayhem, it ain’t rocket science, but it’s definitely  rock n’ roll

Daily Record

 One listen and it’s clear, Freeview just love their guitars. The driving, pounding power of opening track “What’s my pill?” relies on the storming duet between guitar and bass. It’s almost classic rock, but it’s saved from spandex oblivion by an edgy, new wave feel. Second track “Pass it on” sounds like late 80’s gothic showmen Bauhaus duelling with Nirvana. Capable of reflection as well as hard rock as “omething’s got to give” proves, although it strays too far into soft rock territory. Freeview have clearly got the potential to hone their sound into the righteous rock monster it is so clearly destined to be.

 Is this music? Issue 7

 This self released 4 track ep from the Glasgow 4-piece has a crisp, clean feel to it. Freeview aren’t breaking any new musical ground, mind, the title track is fairly standard “rock” for want of a better cliché (I’m hesitant to use “Grunge” but there’s a throaty Seattle twang to the vocals at the very least) However, “Pass it on” has more going for it, chord changes and general exuberance reminiscent of a laid back Foo Fighters. 

 REVIEWS FOR COMING DOWN EP

 Greater Glasgow Music Magazine

 “Radio edit” is so huge it could straddle the stars and “Where’s Richey?” is all Wildhearts punk-metal. If anthemic rock is your cup of tea then Freeview may just be your can of cherry Coke.

 Is this music? Issue 3

 This 5 track demo was ok, maybe even more than, their songwriting is straight down the line indie-rock, but it has something – I think it’s just the loud guitars – which saves “Perfect day”, that and a throatily anthemic vocal. The 5 songs go fast one, slow one, etc, and truth be told the slowies aren’t really my cup of tea and might be best put away for future stadium use,  but “You think you know” and “Where’s Richey” are like old school new wave, rip along at a fair old pace, best experienced live, I suspect.