The long awaited new album, ‘The Circle’ was released on November 2^nd and as a huge fan of Bon Jovi I rushed out to purchase my copy.  This album goes back to their roots of classic rock and great story telling.  The stories are however more cutting edge and socially aware, even more so than the days of Tommy and Gina who were ‘Livin’ on a prayer’.  The first single off the album ‘We weren’t born to follow’ is gritty with lyrics like ‘life is a bitter pill to swallow’ but all the time offering up hope with ‘believe that the sun will shine tomorrow’.

The rest of the album is just as edgy and informed about what is going on in society today.  So much so that it is difficult to decide what would be a good second single.  The one with the catchiest chorus is ‘Work for the working man’.  Then there is the poignancy of the opening verse of ‘Bullet’.

I have to admit that I took me a few listens but ‘The Circle’ is one of the bands best albums, along with ‘Keep the Faith’ and ‘Lost Highway’.  All I can say now is roll on June 2010 when Bon Jovi take-up Residency at 02.

Eastpak Antidote Tour - The Ghost of a Thousand, Four Year Strong, Anti-Flag, Alexisonfire

Portsmouth Pyramids – 21^st October 2009

It’s evident by the people gathered outside hoping to buy a ticket on the door that tonight’s gig is in high demand. As bad as it sounds, the disappointed looks on people’s faces as they are turned away only give ticket holders something more to smile about, as they happily stroll past and prepare for an evening of hardcore punk. The Eastpak Antidote tour is in the UK for one more night only and we’re expecting a great show.

Getting the noise going tonight is the only British band on the tour ‘The Ghost of a Thousand.’ The hardcore outlet from Brighton pretty much give as much as they can as vocalist Tom Lacey screams his way through an energetic set, keeping the crowd engaged all the way. Maybe disappointing for the select few wearing ‘The Fall of Troy’ t-shirts is the fact that they have pulled out from the tour; however ‘Four Year Strong’ are an adequate replacement. Being fairly new on the scene, they must be aware that they are very much in the shadow of the bands to come, but nevertheless they bounce about the stage and produce a fairly decent set. So with two down and two bands to go, the audience now prepare for an explosion of punk politics, as ‘Anti-Flag’ burst into their opening song. Much like all other bands on this tour, Anti-Flag have recently released a new album and they showcase this in fantastic style. Maybe not quite pleased with the Portsmouth crowd’s slight lack of enthusiasm, bassist ‘Chris #2’ does his best to get the biggest circle pits going that he possibly can. So just after ten o’clock we have the tours headline act ‘Alexisonfire.’ The Ontario based 5-piece having recently released new album ‘Old Crows/Young Cardinals’ seem as good as ever. For those who have yet to hear the new album, we are given a selection of the new tracks which go down well with the crowd. Playing plenty of songs from their previous release also, Alexisonfire make sure this show is not just about their new album with a pleasing and well balanced set. Fan favourites such as ‘Accidents’ and ‘This could be anywhere in the world’ are just fantastic to hear live. Overall a great show and proof that punk rock is not dead!