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Sharp Practise’s new album Banging The Rocks is out now on the Ryeharbour Records label. It is available from the band’s website at www.sharppractise.com, CD Baby, and various outlets worldwide either as a CD or by download.
Early reviews of the new album say:
If this is the notoriously difficult third album, the first two must have been a breeze. Sharp Practise play classic English rock, with more than a nod towards folk and blues. The emphasis on Banging The Rocks is on songs, hook laden and heartfelt. One song in particular sticks out, Girls Don't Look, which bemoans the way that female sexuality has started aping that of the blokes, more concerned with numbers rather than relationships, generation x not getting generation y especially where the xx chromosome is concerned. An album of ideas and concepts.
Fatea Magazine
Sharp Practise are Wigan's best-kept secret. Formed in 1999 they have released three albums, Hiya (2000), Radiocity (2005) and Banging The Rocks (2009) winning several awards, including a Kweevak Award in 2006 and a UK New Music Award in 2007. Not to mention selling thousands of copies along the way. With an interesting mixture of all rock styles (and rock they do on the latest album), no matter if classic rock, blues or folk the one thing that sets them above almost any band in the country, never mind Wigan, is their insanely catchy melodies. Banging the Rocks is rammed full of all the above. Beautifully played, sang and produced it's the ideal travelling companion for both trips to away matches in the car and contemplative moments while sat at home with the missus and a glass of wine.
Vaughanmedia
And in the recent past the press have said:
Sharp Practise is a classic rock band but not an over the top screaming yelling rock n' roll monster. They have the sound of a band who like to keep things quiet and wouldn't say no to an acoustic set, but not tonight: tonight they wanna rock. And rock they do, with a pure rock 'n’roll feeling.
Sharp Practise have proven themselves to be adept at loud'n'hooky rockers, brash and moving anthems, and plaintive guitar pop, with clean hooks and lyrics filled with imagery. They stand for an interesting mixture of all rock styles, no matter if classic rock, blues or folk. And they stand especially for one thing: insanely catchy melodies!
Reserved undertones but good rock tunes? Check. Sounding like more members than there probably are? Check. Big atmosphere from a simple band combo? Check. Songs to back it up? Check and mate. Sharp Practise are a classic rock band but not an over the top screaming yelling rock n' roll monster, this is the sound of a band who like to keep things quiet and wouldn't say no to an acoustic set, but not tonight: tonight they wanna rock. And rock they do.
The Dukester, UK
The songs are very melodic, with strong catchy choruses and impressive vocal work as well as some high quality guitar work, so all together this is a highly recommended. The band also reminds me very much of Jadis, especially on a song like “No Thanks”. One of the best songs is definitely the catchy uptempo melodic rocker “Choice Not Freedom” which should be an instant hit here in Europe! No fillers included - a great original classic rock record.
Strutter Magazine, Holland
Sharp Practise bring ten songs that are both catchy, but also have depth…somewhat of a rarity in today's world. Therefore, 7.5 of 10 Rock Times watches honestly earned.
Rocktimes, Germany
Do you believe that there aren't any more bands from England that play the classic rock that we all love? Then you surely haven't listened to the latest album from Sharp Practise… you will experience a modern band playing classic rock tunes with a fresh air. Their compositions are well worked, with some really interesting ideas and the band has imbued their record with a pure rock 'n’roll feeling.
Antonis Maglaras, Beyond The Veil, Greece
I very much enjoyed the album - fantastic music indeed! Without cdbaby people like me could hardly discover great bands like yours!
Rainer Knietzsch, Germany
"Radiocity" showcases a tight and focussed band with an unfailing ear for classic radio-friendly tunes. It's emotional, well-played music for adults that brilliantly never lapses into AOR territory. Sharp Practise prove themselves to be adept at loud'n'hooky rockers, brash and moving anthems and plaintive guitar pop, like on "No Thanks" - which with its acerbic lyrical stabs (e.g. "I've been in tighter spots than this/ falling out with you is a lifetime study") - is the kind of thing Neil Finn has made his trademark over the years.
Whisperinandhollerin’, Ireland
Radiocity is a kind of hit collection, all tracks could be singles, and they could be radio and TV hits as well.
Kronosmortus, Hungary
"No Thanks" and "How Katie Feels" are the most obvious hits from the record, as both carry catchy enough choruses to grab a spot at the radio airwaves especially here in Denmark - this is exactly the type of music P3 plays all the time.
Rockfreaks, Denmark
‘No Thanks’ and ‘Bed Of Rhythm’ are two rock gems in which the addition of female backing vocals elevate the choruses to epic proportions… Where this album undeniably does well is serving up big poppy choruses that have already invaded radio playlists the world over
Herts & Essex music review, UK
This kind of music will go far on the radio/charts, no doubt... clean hooks, well-played & full of great energy... This one gets a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Improvijazzination Nation, US
Radiocity is their ten-track epic of travel on various levels. Sharp Practise's lyrics are filled with imagery and their production is crisp and clean. Sharp Practise's music is focused and the band is well rehearsed to take the UK and the world by storm!
Laura Turner, Kweevak.com, US
“No Thanks” has a heavy Counting Crows sheen to it, with the vocals in particular reminiscing of Adam Duritz, whilst other tracks on the album have a much more mainstream rock feel. Special mention must go to album closer “How Do You Take It” which manages to successfully marry both styles and end the album on a beautiful note. If you like melodic soft rock then this will be an album you shouldn’t ignore.
Rock Something, UK
Sharp Practise stand for an interesting mixture of all rock styles, no matter if classic rock, blues or folk. And they stand especially for one thing: insanely catchy melodies! Radiocity is an album with soul and feelings. From the first time onwards, you can sing along to tracks like Morgan..s Creek, Bridge across the Harbour or No Thanks. This is actually a perfect album for dreaming!
Stalker magazine, Germany
Saw Sharp Practise on their recent tour and was very impressed. Great album that doesn't let you stand still.
Ian Hollis, UK
Sharp Practise are a cool and inspiring outfit. They are doing the whole rock thing just as they see and feel it. These guys aren't just following trends, they're setting their varied stall out and saying 'hey, we're Sharp Practise, come inside, sit down, relax and enjoy what we do'. Well, I'm really enjoying 'Radiocity'.
Toxic Pete – rhythm ‘n’ booze rating 9, UK
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