Emotional Response has been churning out a slew of great 7”s lately, spotlighted some impressive, but oft overlooked indie pop and power pop bands. The three-song split from Linton + Stewart and The Aislers Set is more proof that their streak continues.
Alternate Ending is an act from Tiffin, Ohio that is actively working on the creation of their new album. We had a few minutes to talk with Matt (guitars), Jake (bass and vocals), Dustin (lead vocals), and Jayson (drums) and get a brief insight into a band that is ready to break it big.
“Signal Drift,” the first song on Aloha’s new record (out 6 May 2016) is arguably the most futuristic-sounding song, this side of the year 2050. The sonically quirky instrumentation create an automated piece of efficient pop perfection one would expect to hear over loudspeakers in a Jetson’s-era shopping mall. If sounds had hues, this would be bright technicolor. While the record is a huge overall nod to prog rock, there…
The actor slash musician route has always been one littered with mediocrity. Jon Patrick Walker just may be one of the few exceptions.
Thanks to a little help from current go-to producer Brendan Benson, Nashville’s MODOC (by way of Indiana) have put together their best album yet. Following up last year’s live record and 2013’s decent self-titled debut, both hinted at greater things and the payoff is definitely all over “Automatic And Voluntary.”
For the past few years, Philadelphia has been making a name for itself by churning out unpretentious punk rock, from Beach Slang and The Menzingers to Cayetana and Sheer Mag; it’s hard to escape distorted guitars in the City of Brotherly Love. Despite sharing a zip code with these bands, the four-piece Rosu Lup have opted for a very non-punk rock sound.
Pontus released his video for Felix at the end of March. Taking a different tack to the visual element, Pontus has decided to showcase the incredible depth and complexity of the constituent guitar work. Quick shots do well to keep an eye on the featured instrument during the composition, while close-up shots of the guitar riffs are essential to hammer home every lick that is laid down. Giving each side…
Erase comes forth with a sultry and dark sound that will tattoo its melodies deep into the minds and hearts of anyone that listens in. Hints of The Tea Party, Placebo, and Nine Each Nails can all be discerned with this introductory track. Never Let You In immediately hits listeners with catchy harmonies and vocals that will strike at a listener’s core. The distortion that weaves its way through the…
Light of Dawning is the first track on Sayama’s Yoga Meditations, and it creates a soundscape that immediately treads the border between timeless flute work and atmospheric recreations, a chiaroscuro of light and dark elements. Contemplating Prasada showcases Sayama’s steady hand. There are a number of different movements that are contained within this nine-minute composition but they all contribute to a cohesive and unified effort.
There have been countless articles and rock bios written about all of the British bands that were formed after witnessing the Sex Pistols live. Add Texas punk hardcore band The Dicks to the list. Garry Floyd saw the band at their notorious San Francisco show, eventually migrated to Austin and told anyone who would listen that he was in a band called The Dicks. Years later, he actually put that…
Like other wildly talented young musicians who died tragically young, there is always a move to release all unheard recordings made during their lifetime. The result is not always ideal. In the case of Buckley, who drowned in Memphis in 1997 at the age of 30 with only one studio album to his name, the recordings have all been pretty impressive, including the latest, packaged as “You And I.”
Philly’s Up The Chain self-describe their sound as “Neighbor Rock.” I honestly have no idea what in the fuck that term means, but if their latest, “The Prison Break,” is any hint, I’m already huge fan of the genre.
Stewart Francke is able to create a timeless sort of rock that touches upon the work of Rod Stewart, David Bowie, and Donovan with the first song from this sampling of tracks. Summer Soldier (Holler If Ya Hear Me) is able to shine with introspective arrangements that bubble into something engrossing and melodies that will bury themselves deep into the minds and hearts of listeners. Sam Cooke’s On The Radio…
Born To Rock starts with an expansive rock sound that takes up hints of Neil Young, Rush, and Genesis. Intense guitar work during this opening track opens up into an epic track in Wake Up America. The narrative that is created on this effort is delectable, telling listeners more over the course of 270 seconds that many bands can do over the course of a full-length album. Bits of Pink…
Can’t Go Home is a smart blend of country and rock, showcasing the technical ability of Hillbilly Vegas from the onset of their latest release, the 76’ EP. The richness of the composition ensures that one will continually hear additional twists and turns on subsequent listens. The slower tempo of Long Way Back immediately allows listeners to hear more of the nuance present in the instrumental arrangements, while the composition…
Cassius have confirmed details of their first album in ten years, Ibifornia, which will be released on June 24th via Interscope / Polydor Records. Two new songs debuting today – “Go Up” (featuring Cat Power & Pharrell Williams) and “The Missing” (featuring Ryan Tedder & Jaw) – are available immediately when pre-ordering the album, alongside the full-length version of their recent surprise track, “Action” featuring Mike D; which premiered as Annie Mac‘s Hottest Record in the World on Radio 1.
Sweet Melody starts with a very happy and hopeful type of pop music. The interaction between the instrumental and vocal side of Alicia Rae’s new EP is delightful, with each part pushing the other into brilliance.
Universe is a deliberate track, showcasing the skills of the vocals, drums, and guitars of the band. While each of the elements works well on their own, they create a haunting set of melodies that will resound loudly with listeners long after this current EP spins to a close. Hints of new wave and 90s alternative can be discerned here, all while New Mayans forge boldly forth with their own…
Loren Smith has made a special track that touches upon R&B and the beat poet style to make for something tremendously special. The inclusion of Jeremiah Blue laying down poetry alongside the tender keys of Smith establish this single as wholly different from efforts currently on radio rotation . The harmonies that Loren weaves into the first half of “Break Free” will imprint themselves deep into the minds and hearts of listeners, while…
Deadlines and Zombie Nights is a full-length release from Waterloo, Iowa’s One of Us. The album begins with I Need a Pen Name, a track that ultimately sets the stage for what will follow on the disc. One of Us kick things into a high gear with Deadlines and Zombie Nights, a track that takes up the standards of acts like Monster Magnet and Deliverance-era Corrosion of Conformity. Virtuosic guitars and stoner…