ShaneN – Page 16 – Music Bank

World War Me – Michelle

Nice tight upbeat rhythm. I like the pace of the song. The vocals are outstanding, with a surprising range from the lead vocalist. The vocal and musical style of the verses is really quite enjoyable. The chorus is a lot of fun to listen to and even more fun to sing along to if you have a mind. There is a gritty quality to the lead singers voice that is absolutely perfect for the song. I checked out the lyrics and love em. This has to be one of the best fuck you songs I’ve heard in a long time. It makes the song ‘Gives You Hell’ sound like a children s lullaby. The guitar and drum work do an awesome job at really driving the point home with some terribly hooky lines. There is jsut the faintest whiff of punk to this song with the delivery of some of the lyrics.

I can’t wait to hear more of their stuff. in fact I’m going to take off and go download this song to add it to my phone. You know how I feel about songs on my phone, so you know this one is a keeper. I would match this with other angry songs like ‘Spare Me The Details’ from The Offspring as opposed to other bands that sound the same. I get on these theme kicks from time to time and hateful music is always welcome.

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Who They Are:

Band out of Chicago, Il set to release debut self titled album with cool features. New merch and a new tour coming later this year!

The Band is:

Stephen Krypel (Vocals)
Richard Nash (Drums)

Facebook

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Youtube

Where You Can Get It:

P Bailey – Mystery (Sava Boric Mix)

Nice! I don’t get much R&B and to be honest I’ve always kinda liked that genre. There are some songs out there by Usher and Pharrell that I really dig. P. Bailey has one of those voices that R&B upcoming singers covet. It’s a smooth as butter when he needs it to be, but he’s able to put a rough edge to his vocals to really punch up a line in the song. This may be one of the first times I wish that I had chosen a different song. Since this is a mix, there are some elements that I bet aren’t in the original track and I would love to hear it a bit stripped down. These extra beats kinda throw me off a bit. That being said, his vocals are still well worth the price of admission.

I totally want to hear more of his work. With a voice like that I can’t imagine how any one could over look this gem of a singer. Despite my deep abiding love for all things metal, I can get down with the R&B stuff. Especially with the R&B/Pop blends. For example this particular track I would match with my Pharrell, Usher and JT songs. I also have some Maroon 5 on that list as well. Adam’s just so damn soulful when he sings. Sorry, I digress… Mr. Bailey has an amazing range and I would like to explore more of it.

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Who They Are:

The human soul of a man with a 5 octave range is described by many who have heard this Paul sing and often compared to Ron Isley of the Isley Brothers fame.His Beautiful soul renditions are tear tearjerkers. Originally from the UK. P Bailey had his first taste of musical inspiration while taking part in music class in grade school.Principal Miss Johnston was so impressed by his musical sense encouraged him to continue.Early Influences were Motown and Muscle Shoals.Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson were a big Influence on him as a Singer/Songwriter/Performer.

The Early Years

With no formal training Bailey developed his singing and writing style by listening to his favorite artists of the day like,Ron Isley,Donny Hathaway,Luther Van dross, Michael Jackson,Prince and James Brown . P took part in many community talent shows and was a crowd pleaser singing and dancing to his favorite songs. During a chance meeting at a popular night club in Montreal called Checkers,Paul met members of the stone city band and forwarded a demo.Super Star ‘Rick James’ later used a sample of his song ‘Part time Lover’ on the sound track of the movie Colors.It was an exciting time and his first real break. His next chance came while doing session work P met DJ Robby Demlakian.Who Co-Produced his single a 12 inch House Mix called ‘Get on Board’.Recorded with his group Walter P.P.K which charted #3 on the house Dance charts in the UK and won him the Professional Publishers & Songwriters award from Factor a grant foundation. Currently 2010 Best Provincial R&B Soul CD Album * WINNER * P Bailey, “Find me somebody” Montreal, Quebec, Canada. P Bailey as signed many non exclusive deals with Music libraries/Boutiques Including Free Play music,Jingle punks.Organic music, to name a few.His music will be represented at Midem 2011 By Rinse the Sync music consultants. March artist of the Month Feature in main street Magazine, Just finished an album of eclectic Urban/R&B a DIY and is selling good units online through mynoisyplanet.com/PBailey and I tunes ..http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/find-me-somebody-radio-edit/id376788267?i=376788303. Also Being featured on commercial,Internet and College radio stations in Japan,Australia, Canada, and the UK, like Ore Stone Radio, USA 4 Real,Jango Radio. Hyped Digital Magazine as selected the song ‘Mystery’ for their current compilation also Boondox Records. He is again enjoying another Professional Songwriters award for the charting of the song ‘Juices’ on Jamaican charts.Spot light on CBC One Montreal program ‘Home run’, which featured the new album “Find me somebody” His Song’ Part of me’ is featured in an Independent hip hop Film called ‘Ma Passion and also received a certificate of merit from the Uni Song International Song writing competition for being in the top ten percent. The Song is licensed by Pure play music to 15,000 stores across the UK and Europe. With his new catalog of songs P Bailey is a man on a mission remember his name because you won’t forget his soul.
Web link: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/paul-bailey/a/a74/36b

The Band is:

P Bailey

Where You Can Get It:

Breaking Belief – Whispers in Silence

That voice reminds me of some thing, I can’t quite put my finger on it. Maybe like if Joe Cocker did some serious rock and roll. Either way I really dig it. It’s got a groovy rock vibe that I’m really appreciating. The chorus is great and I’m pretty sure I’ll have it going through my head later tonight when I’m trying to go to sleep. The guitar work has a great gritty edge to it. It’s not overplayed but still a key element to the song. There are some parts where Rob get’s a chance to tear it up with his ax, very nice work by the way. The drum line Jamie gives us is nice and upbeat, very much a rock style with tons of energy. As I said before I really liked Scott’s voice a lot. It’s not a common style in the rock world which makes it really stand out.

I liked what I heard enough to check out some more of it. While this particular song was fun to listen to I am not sure I want to download it. It doesn’t really fit any of my current lists but I might get it for a one off list or when I just want to throw some random songs together and see where the music takes me. I don’t mean that as a criticism to the band in any way. If it was I wouldn’t be interested in check out their library. I’m confident they have other songs that would completely bowl me over.

Sell your beats online at ReverbNation.com

Who They Are:

Norwich based Alternative/Pop/Rock band Breaking Belief reformed back in 2009 with original members Scott Slater, Jamie Slater and Rob Leman-Brown. A month after they reformed, spending 3 years apart, they wrote their debut single Whispers in Silence (Released in 2011) and their debut EP Firefights Begin (Released in 2012). The band started recording Whispers in Silence at Ashwood Studios in November 2011 and recorded, produced, mixed and mastered Firefights Begin in their practise room.
Their earlier work sounded influenced but Breaking Belief have found their own unique sound and style through writing. Every song they write expands their already diverse original vocabulary. Smooth sweeping vocal harmonies layered with powerful, gritted lead vocals is the fundamental structure. Stacked behind are loud but immersing drums, a heavy played bass with an extra order of low end and beautifully composed guitars that turns the song into a work of pure musical art.
Breaking Belief are currently recording their second single and debut album at Ashwood Studios.

The Band is:

Scott Slater – Lead vocalist/bassist
Rob Leman-Brown – Guitarist/backing vocalist
Jamie Slater – Drummer/backing vocalist

Where You Can Get It:

Eclipses For Eye – Letters

Nice steady drum beat in the intro, while the guitar slowly builds on it’s self. The pace of the song doesn’t really swing above a slow tempo which is perfect for the song. An equally easy going guitar lines really underlays the vocals. I like the restraint of the guitar as it really lest Lexi’s vocals shine. She has the same range that Lacey Mosely (formerly of Fly Leaf) has. It’s a beautiful range for a rock singer. The higher register generally leads to an almost pleading tone with no real effort. In this case that works perfectly into the lyrics. I really loved the story they were telling through the lyrics. I think we’ve all had moments when we felt just like this.

I really enjoyed this song. I would absolutely check out the rest of their library of songs. This is absolutely one for my phone. Of course I would put it on my power chicks list. Lexi has such a strong vocal style she belongs with the rest of my iconic female leads. I would also put this on a list with some of my Cold, Red and Chevelle. While those aren’t female lead bands, they do share a musical style.

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Who They Are:

‘Their music is upbeat, vital and virulent (as it pervades your thoughts long after the tunes have left your headphones), and the group is energetic and enthusiastic.’ -Shane Hunt, Ampkicker.com

The Band is:

Lexi Salazar – Vocals.
Cameron Dartt – Guitar
Allen Zettel – Guitar

Website

Twitter

Youtube

Where You Can Get More:

Lucks Lane – The Truth Behind The Lies

I was totally stoked to get the opportunity to review this song. If you read my news updates, you know that this album doesn’t drop until Nov. 21st so consider this your preview. I’m loving the vocals, they are very 80’s hair band style and for me that’s totally awesome. This song has all the makings of an arena favorite. The tempo is not speed racer or any thing but your not going to be just swaying on a dance floor when you hear it. The guitar work is really well done. Lead guitarist Steve Potter has done a great job at picking his moments to show off his skills, while Joe ‘Kenny’ Daglish keeps up quite nicely with a steady rhythm line. The bass line is simple but creates a perfect bridge between the guitar work and Pete King’s steady drum work. Steve Cairney proves that the 80’s style of singing is not dead, but just getting better all the time. While there are no trademark high pitch 80’s screams (which were not missed by the way) the stead rock that is his style is a welcome shift from the grungy/screaming vocals I’ve been hearing a lot lately. I also need to give it up to Pete Moore who writes the songs. I’m a lyric freak and I really like his style and the story he’s telling.

Because I was lucky enough to get this opportunity I can tell I’ve listened to all of Story of Our Lives by Luck Lane and thoroughly enjoyed all of it. I’ll be reviewing the full album next weekend on my Rebel Mouse blog if you want to hear my thoughts on the whole album. What I will say is I do have a couple of favorite tracks and there is one that made my phone already. It’s been hard for me not to share this with my other music freak friends, so I can’t wait for the official release. I’m telling you, listen to the songs and mark your calendar so you can buy this as soon as it’s officially released.

Who They Are:

Lucks Lane is a rock band made up from like-minded musicians. They have joined forces to collaborate on the songs of songwriter Pete Moore. All the members have brought their own original ideas and unique styles to the band. Steve Potter is the lead guitarist and is the creative genius behind the guitar solo’s and signature riffs.
Joe ‘Kenny’ Daglish is the rhythm guitarist, but is a very gifted musician who is equally at home behind the keyboard and provides backing vocals for the band. Pete King is a very energetic drummer, he is the metronome for the band and as such, he always ensures they never arrive late for the end of a song. Steve Cairney is an extremely talented vocalist, who is very much at ease with all styles of singing. He has been responsible for making the lyrics become the center point of each song. Dan Stimpson is the bass guitarist who can transform the feel of a song with a driving bass line. He can also play rhythm or lead guitar. Mikey is the bands sound engineer and has had a major influence on producing the bands distinctive sound. Pete Moore is the bands songwriter. He has been lucky enough to see his ideas take form from the talent of the other band members. He has surrounded himself with talented musicians in the hope that some of it might rub off!

The Band is:

Vocals: Steve Cairney
Lead guitar: Steve Potter
Rhythm guitar/keyboards/Backing vocals: Joe ‘Kenny’ Daglish
Bass guitar: Dan Stimpson
Drums: Pete King
Songwriter: Pete Moore

Website: Lucks Lane

Twitter: @LucksLaneBand

Youtube: Lucks Lane

Where You Can Get It:

Lucks Lane Releases New Album ‘The Story Of Our Lives” Nov. 21st.

We are extremely proud to announce that the release date for our second album ‘The Story Of Our Lives’ will be the 21st of November 2014!

The album is now available for pre-order purchase from iTunes and Amazon MP3! As a special bonus, we have teamed up with iTunes to make four of the tracks available for immediate download before the official release date! Pre-order the album, or purchase the immediate download tracks from iTunes here…. https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/the-story-of-our-lives/id933169217 Pre-order the album from Amazon MP3 here….. http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00OVVEHS0/ref=sr_1_22_rd?ie=UTF8&child=B00OVVEVXG&qid=1415405591&sr=1-22%3C%2Fa%3E Thanks everyone!

Sean Danielsen’s Food Chain Now Available

LITTLE ROCK, AR – Sean Danielsen, guitarist/vocalist of veteran hard rock band, Smile Empty Soul, has released his second solo EP ‘Food Chain’. ‘Food Chain’ can be purchased now via iTunes at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/food-chain-ep/id929829612 and Amazon.com at: http://www.amazon.com/Food-Chain-Explicit-Sean-Danielsen/dp/B00OJAMT0Q.

Unlike Danielsen’s previous solo EP ‘Enjoy the Process,’ which released in 2013 and featured six acoustic tracks, ‘Food Chain’ consists of five full-band songs recorded at Babyland Studios in Van Nuys, Calif. “My new EP ‘Food Chain’ was a fun project for me because there were really no rules or boundaries I had to follow,” Danielsen recently told Revolver Magazine. “My work with Smile Empty Soul is very free as well, but it does have to stay within the lines of the traditional 3-piece. With my solo stuff, I can just do whatever the song is calling for and take it to places Smile never goes.” A new ‘Food Chain’ track “Rescue Me” can be streamed on the Revolver website at: http://www.revolvermag.com/?p=67198.

Danielsen is currently on a solo acoustic tour throughout the month in support of the new EP.

Track Listing for Food Chain

1. Waves

2. Rescue Me

3. Beautiful Things

4. Food Chain

5. Broken Bones and Skeletons

Since releasing its debut album on Atlantic Records in 2003, Danielsen and Smile Empty Soul continue to be a relentless force in hard rock. With countless successful tours, a top 10 single and a certified gold record, Smile Empty Soul released its sixth album Chemicals last year.

Stay tuned for more information on Sean Danielsen and the ‘Food Chain’ EP.

Sean Danielsen solo dates…

11/04 – Corpus Christi, TX @ Boneshakers

11/05 – Norman, OK @ Labyrinth

11/06 – Tulsa, OK @ Downtown Lounge

11/07 – Sioux City, IA @ The Chesterfield

11/08 – Independence, MO @ The Scene

11/09 – Des Moines, IA @ House Of Bricks

11/10 – Algona, IA @ Afterlife Lounge

11/11 – Waterloo, IA @ Spicoli’s

11/12 – Bloomington, IL @ Castle Theater

11/13 – Lafayette, IN @ Hideaway

11/14 – Battle Creek, MI @ Warehouse

11/15 – Flint, MI @ Machine Shop

11/16 – Newport, KY @ Thompson House

11/17 – Akron, OH @ Rippers Rock House

11/18 – Morgantown, WV @ Schmitt’s Saloon

11/19 – Louisville, KY @ Diamonds Pub

11/20 – St. Louis, MO @ Mad Magician

11/21 – Joplin, MO @ Rock 3405

11/22 – Cape Girardeau, MO @ Pitter’s

Sean Danielsen online…

www.facebook.com/seandanielsenofficial

www.twitter.com/seandanielsen

*You can read my review of ‘Food Chain’ on my Rebel Mouse blog.

Amongst Thieves – The Lost Art Of Conversation

This is how you wake up on a Sunday morning! I love the upbeat nature of this song, This is an excellent example of the use of double bass in a more “radio friendly” format that I’ve talked about before. For those of us who were late to the Thrash/Metal party songs like this are an great introduction to a drum style normally associated with thrash. Andy must sweat buckets when they preform. Vocally I am in oceans of love with the track. There are clean and screaming vocals to this song and both are pulled off with the grace and ease of a seasoned veteran. I always get excited when I see double guitar players. These boys work amazingly well together. The guitar work is top notch.

I’m excited about this band! I have every intention of listening to more of their music. As a matter of fact I liked this track enough I want to get it on my phone. Playlist wise I kept thinking I wanted to hear them with Rise Against. They both have the same style of tight musical arrangements and clean/screaming vocals. I would also match this with Bullet for My Valentine on a playlist. I think I should leave you now cause the more I think of it the more I want to go and get this song on my phone. Make sure you listen to this song then get it for yourself!

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Who They Are:

The Band is:

Josh Nash (Vocals)
Alex Morgan (Guitar)
Rickyy Kwong (Guitar)
Jason Bentley (Bass)
Andy Ackroyd (Drums)

Website

Twitter

Youtube

Where You Can Get It:

Black Ink Breakdown – Black Sea Burn

Reviewing live songs is a chore and a hoy all at the same time. Live is always fun but listeners are at the mercy of your sound guy. So I’m thinking I may have to listen to this song a few times, but right off the bat I gotta say the vocalist has some serious Eddie Vedder moments. Loving that right there. Like I said there are moments, but he’s certainly not a Vedder clone and I like that. He’s got a great style and tone to his vocals. The music was some where between grunge and rock with a nice upbeat tempo. I liked the guitar line, it was nice and upfront. Sadly though I think that the recording causes the vocalist to get a little lost behind the line. The song is amazing and I plan to look for a studio cut of it.

I liked their groove and really want to hear more. I would like to find some studio cuts to hear the players a little better. Honestly I think we have a great band here that needs to get a little more love. You could playlist this song with just about any other grunge era song and it would play well. I know that most people immediately jump to all the lower grunge songs that came out but in truth there were tons of rocking’ ass songs that game out of the grunge groups. Make sure you check this track out, you won’t regret it.

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Who They Are:

We just love to play music! Whether it be for 2 people or 2 million..Just give us a stage and we’re 5 happy dudes…

The Band is:

Jay Rapp-Vocals/Guitar
Daniel Myre-Vocals/Drums
Ty Storm-Lead Guitar
Josh Bierly-Bass
Josh McDonald-Rhythm Guitar

Official Website

Facebook

Twitter

Youtube

Where You Can Get More:

Life Lessons – Between You, Me, & Everyone Else

I am totally into this song. The guitar work in the intro is this crazy up beak guitar driven piece of happy. This song is the perfect marriage of the 90’s grunge and today’s Pop/Rock style. The vocals are really strong with a pretty decent range and the backup vocals are kinda stellar and able to do some amazing soaring vocals. The lyrical subject matter is one I think every one can relate to so there’s some kuddos for that. I really am all about the guitar work though. Not to take anything away from the vocals, but I’m just in love with the guitar work. They are just the tiniest bit dirty and there are some sarcastic moments to the playing style.

Overall I love this song and it’s players well enough I want to hear more. I would really like to see them play live as I bet that is some thing to see. I keep thinking I would see them with a band like Red or Chevelle. The music isn’t’ really like to like, but some thing about the idea seems right. That is also probably where I would put them on a playlist. I’m talking about more upbeat songs. Who would you put this song on a list with?

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Who They Are:

“Life Lessons has an honest and gritty approach to pop punk, making their music straightforward in its delivery and sincerity. Leaning more onto the alternative/indie side of the genre, these OKC locals have pushed through lineup switches and worked through the writing process even with a member studying abroad. One listen through the raw emotions and deep, rich melodies on their latest EP Need To Know shows that it was all worth it.” – Property of Zack

The Band is:

Chris Lewis- Drums
Kaden Birdsong- Vocals
Andrew Wasson- Bass
Josh O’Dell- Guitar/Vocals

Facebook

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Where You Can Get It:

Daniel Pearson – Lost My Way

Ok, I kinda like this a lot. It’s not country, it’s not 60’s folk rock it’s actually some where in between. That makes it a fairly rare gem in my book. Daniel has such an interesting tone and an almost rough edge to his voice. He has a great cadence working for him in this track. It’s fun to listen to. I really enjoy the melody in the chorus especially. The guitar line is really well crafted, it’s very subdued through most of the song. But it kick up a notch during the chorus. I think I’m going to end up with this little ditty stuck in my head for a while.

I’m curious as to his other songs. I really like the style of this song and I hope some of his other work is in the same style. I would be equally happy to find that he writes and preforms in different song styles. I think it can be a lot of fun to listen to musicians play around with other genre’s even if it’s just adding an element or two to a song.

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Who They Are:

The past few years have seen Leeds-based troubadour Daniel Pearson quietly build a reputation as being one of the best new singer-songwriters around. Blending elements of indie rock, alt.country and classic guitar pop, his immediately accessible songs deliver the emotional connection and honesty that only instinctively great songwriting can provide.

Daniel’s soulful vocals and finely-crafted songs have found themselves on the airwaves of BBBC 6Music, BBC Introducing, XFM, Amazing Radio and Australia’s biggest radio station Triple J. Writers for Uncut Magazine, Drowned In Sound, Shout 4 Music, Pop Matters, R2 Magazine, AllGigs, Sabotage Times, For Folks Sake and No Depression have been quick to celebrate the arrival of a new voice and have drawn comparisons to Ryan Adams, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen in a series of rave reviews for his two albums Satellites and Mercury State.

Already a veteran of rock n’ roll and punk bands by his early-twenties, he had toured up and down the UK and released various singles and EPS before going solo in 2010. After deciding to maintain his artistic independence away from the machinations of a larger label, Daniel has become a very successful example of the new music industry – an artist that maintains control over every aspect of his career, has a real connection with a loyal and growing fanbase and competes for press and radio coverage with acts with huge marketing budgets through the simple strength of his music.

A compelling live performer, Pearson has shared a stage with acts like Michael Kiwanuka, One Night Only, The Bluetones, Willy Mason and Josephine as well as playing a string of headline dates of his own in the UK and USA. In an age of instant stardom, talent shows and endless media hyperbole, he is proving himself as a genuine

The Band is:

Daniel Pearson

Links:

Facebook

Twitter

Youtube

Where You Can Get It:

All That Crawls / Anders Colsefni – The Endless

Full disclosure: I am familiar with Anders Colsefni from his Slipknot days. I remember the thing when he left was about his gruff and gravely way to growly vocals. Listening to this song you would never , ever think that. Personally I love his vocal style on this song, he has such a nice range. I find his voice in this song to be really soothing and goes along so well with the slow melodic music of the song. Speaking of the music this guitar player is fantastic. I cheated and watched a bit of the video and saw the guy finger picking the strings. Props to that right there baby, respect! I love how this song allows all the players to show off their skills, yet maintain a fully cohesive sound.

So here’s the rub: This is the only song that I’m aware of All That Crawls has out. In my efforts to find more about Anders and A.T.C. I was hard pressed to find what I have listed in their band info section. I think Reverbnation actually had the largest amount of info on the band and that was scant at best. And this song wasn’t even on that list. I think it’s Painface’s music on that site. I haven’t listened to any Painface yet, but I’m about to.

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Anders Colsefni’s bands (in order with approximate time line)

Vexx (also called “Stiff Dead Dog” for one show): 1988-1992
Inveigh Catharsis (same band, different singer): 1992-1993
Body Pit: 1993-1995
Slipknot: 1994-1997
Painface: 1998-2002
On A Pale Horse: 2002-2004
Vice Grip Throttle: 2004-2007
All That Crawls: 2007 to present.
Painface: Present (2011)

The Band is:

Anders Colsefni – Vocals
Ed Henry – Guitar
Joshua Colsefni – Guitar
Rick Stuber – Bass
Brian Scoonover – Drums

Website: Anders Colsefni

Twitter: @anderscolsefni

Youtube: Anders Colsefni

Where You Can Get It:

Gandalf’s Fist – Drifter on the Edge of Time

The intro has the oddly sultry feel to it. Very simple with minimal instruments, I think a guitar and a piano is all. As it works it’s way into the song we are treated to some very soothing vocals and interesting echo effects. I have to say I’ve not heard any thing like this in years. The vocal work is nicely done with dueling male and female lines. As much as I liked the male vocalist this chick has a truly awesome voice, the perfect foil to the dude’s pleading tone during the song. The lyrics are more like a story set to music, and one that I rather enjoyed. I keep having flashes of Heavy Metal (the movie) in my head. This would have been a perfect song for a couple of the segments in that flick. The story telling aspects of this song beg for simple musical accompaniment and that is exactly what the band did. The rise and fall of the music is in perfect sync to the lyrics/story.

I’m interested in listening to more of their music, mostly because it’s so fascinating. I love the storytelling style and would really like to see if this is a style that carries over into all their music. I would most likely put this on a large random mix of music. Mostly because I don’t really have much that would match this song in terms of style.

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Who They Are:

Many new bands break onto the scene claiming that their music is unique. But few can have as much behind such claims as Cumbria’s finest purveyors of Medieval-Space-Rock – Gandalf’s Fist. The band – essentially a collaboration between old friends and musical adventurers Dean Marsh and Luke Severn – may have been formed as recently as 2005, but its origins go back much further. They start, depending on your point of view, with the golden era of Prog in the 1970s, the birth of English folk centuries before or, even in the time before time inhabited by Tolkien’s fantastical characters… And what would Tolkien say? With a pint of Mead in hand, one might suggest he would say; “Hell Yes!” And proceed to rock his socks off! However it all started, what Gandalf’s Fist did with the release of their second album ‘Road to Darkness’ was to propel the apparently old-fashioned notion of the concept album firmly into the 21st century. And for that, they should be applauded. In an age of digital downloads and instant gratification, ‘Road to Darkness’ reminds music lovers that the album is a format worth savouring every single groove of. Described by Music Street Journal as “One of the best discs of 2011”, and “one of the best progressive rock albums of 2011” byMyglobalmind.com, Road to Darkness is typical of what Gandalf’s Fist are all about. They are unashamedly English, unashamedly in thrall to the rich tradition of storytelling that snakes right through from Wordsworth to The Floyd and beyond. Musically, despite having little academic training, Dean’s multi-instrumental skill is astounding while Luke offers a unique and beguiling vocal performance. Meanwhile, their supporting cast of musicians are never anything short of top quality. After releasing three records in 2011 and currently in the process of writing their latest album ‘From a Point of Existence’, Gandalf’s fist are going from strength to strength and beginning to make waves on the national progressive scene.
Gandalf’s Fist are certainly not a band for anyone who slavishly laps up Simon Cowell’s latest production line pop princesses. But for anyone who loves music to be about great storytelling, they’re essential.

The Band is:

Dean Marsh,
Luke Severn,
Chris Ewen,
Stefan Hepe.

Website: Gandalf’s Fist

Twitter: @gandalfsfist

Youtube: Gandalf’s Fist

Where You Can Get It:

Former Tides – Young Minds

Wow, I gotta say I really, really like this song. As tired as I’ve been lately some reviews have been hard for me to write. This one is going to be very easy. Let’s start with the vocals. For one the falsetto on this cat is crazy awesome. He’s got a brilliant range when in his neutral voice, but those highs are what’s going to get you. There are perfect harmonies between the lead singer and their back up vocals guy. The guitar work is pretty damn stellar with the guitarist getting a couple of opportunities in this tune to really show off his skills without becoming overbearing. The drum track is an excellent mix of mid to uptempo beats and then there is the double bass. I’ve been really grooving on bands that are adding in double bass in their pop/rock style songs. Used to be you only heard it in hard core metal or thrash (where I first heard it), but now these newer bands are really being creative with where they include it. This song is an excellent example of this new technique.

I can’t wait to sample more of Former Tides’ music. I absolutely love their vocalist and the music is exactly what I like. It’s not every song that grabs me so completely as this one did. A lot of songs I review I give five stars to because after I listened to them a couple of times the song stuck. This was an out the gate winner for my musical tastes. I want to put this song on every list I have, the rest of the bands on it be damned. I’ve already started to look for it on my phone so I can have it in the morning for my commute to work.

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Who They Are:

Hailing from Utah County “Former Tides” a high energy five piece Rock/Post Hardcore band established in early 2014.
Musicians brought together by common interest, aspiration, and “the tides” aka former (and current) members of other local projects (Eons, Despite Despair, Silter, and We The Equinox) the name “Former Tides” was born.

The Band is:

Devin Barrus – Vocals
Tyson Clegg – Bass/Vocals
Luis Cardenas – Guitar
Trevor Espinoza – Drums
Matt Wiley – Guitar

Website: Former Tides

Twitter: @FormerTides

Youtube: Former Tides

Where You Can Get It: