Review by Peter Finn for MPM
Juliet’s Not Dead are a relatively new band, although those familiar with the NWOCR scene will be well aware of the band Twister, a popular and regular name on the gig and festival circuit. Juliet’s Not Dead, features two members of Twister, original and founder vocalist/guitarist Stevie Stoker and drummer Jack Corbett. Also, part of Juliet’s Not Dead are Dan King on guitar and completing the line-up Niall Whittaker on bass.

Using Stevie Stoker’s words, I’ll let him explain, “I started Twister when I was 13 years old and over the years we’ve achieved some amazing things with various different line-ups. We’ve been very fortunate to travel the world and play some unforgettable gigs, meeting some incredible people along the way. People who are now and forever will be part of the Twister family. We started this process nearly a year ago and so much has gone into getting us to this moment. It’s now time for us to evolve and start the next chapter. It’s time for a change. This is the first step under our new banner. Let’s begin.”
Since launching their single ‘Don’t Play Nice’ with a subsequent tour in April 2022, Juliet’s Not Dead has been delivering electrifying live performances featuring a one-of-a-kind visual display integrated into a wall of Marshall cabinets. After successfully raising over £6,000 for music charities during the pandemic, the band captivated audiences with two self-promoted headline tours across the UK during 2022.
Following on from the success of their EP ‘Only The Strong Survive’, Juliet’s Not Dead release their album ‘This World Is Ours’ on 7th February, 2025 through TMR Records/Earache Digital Distribution. The record contains 10-tracks with a running time of 37-minutes.
First out of the box is ‘Sinner or Saint’, it’s quick, punchy and energetic, Stoker’s vocal is strong and clear with a sound similar to My Chemical Romance’s Gerrard Way. Corbett’s pronounced drum-beat has the head nodding along. The mid-section momentarily slows, the rhythm section of Whittaker and Corbett trade blows with Stoker’s lyrics before heading to an explosive finish.
The first single, ‘Thrillseekers’ follows. The pace continues, as do the hard beats which are mixed with distorted riffs. The contrast of clipped verses and a flowing chorus build a clever and involved track. Dan King unleashes a solo which puts his fingers at the exciting end of the fretboard. The close will be great fun when played live.
‘Open Fire’ was the second single to be released in advance of ‘This World Is Ours’. The tempo increases until the track has some real bounce, incorporating an undercurrent of electronica sounds. The melody is a proper ear-worm, that gets you spontaneously humming. The band are toying with a more pop based sound, and are playing it well.
King’s delicate guitar sets the tone for ‘Battle Scarred’ a cross between a power ballad and a more conventional ballad sound. The flipping between the two creates a track full of emotion and atmosphere. The harmonised backing vocals caresses the ears. The band express their feelings with an explosion of sound, before Stoker soothes the senses again.
‘Notorious’ erupts in wave of fuzzy guitar and vocal distortion, reminding me a little of early Feeder tracks. Both Whittaker and King are playing with their pedal boards, it’s a high-speed track, delivered with venom and attitude. The pits will be carnage at a live show. Hang on and enjoy the ride.
In total contrast ‘Passing Ships’ is next, a rich power ballad that incorporates subtle piano notes. A cinematic piece that could easily be part of a Hollywood blockbuster, the over-lapping layers of guitars give the track a real depth.
‘Double Life’ is the shortest track on the album, a sub-3-minute round of hard-hitting riffs and drum-beat body blows. Stoker’s quick fire chanted lyrics bring urgency, Dan King bends his guitar strings in a further demonstration of his power.
The foot is to the floor for ‘Last One Standing’, it’s Corbett who propels the track forward with a heavy beat and quick hands. His rhythm is matched by Stevie Stoker’s Jepson-esque snarl. A track overflowing with energy and will have the crowd jumping.
‘King And Queen’ is probably the heaviest track on the album, metal riffs with a sing-along chorus guarantees it being a live favourite, both for the band and their audience. A classic rock guitar solo, a bruising bass line and ferocious beat lets the band off the lead, and they’re enjoying their freedom.
The final track is the ballad ‘Capsize’, Stoker narrates the story against a backdrop of gentle strumming, it really emphasises the control and ability he has. Slowly, the band join in, building the sound with respect. Vocal harmonies and Corbett’s drums increase the tempo and passion, an evocative and powerful way to close the album.
With Grammy-nominated producer Romesh Dodangoda at the helm, the band is set to create a standout project that showcases their unique sound. ‘This World Is Ours’ is not an album by a renamed Twister, this is a new band with a new style blending several different sounds and Juliet’s Not Dead’s ‘This World Is Ours’ will appeal to, and impress many.
They have a few shows to celebrate the album release coming up, those like the album, will be well worth investing in.
LINKS:
Website
https://www.julietsnotdead.com
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