Midnight Sin – No matter

80’s hair metal is alive and well in this band and I can’t say that I’m sorry about that. I’m a total child of the 80’s so I’m always excited when I hear a band that is carrying on that awesome tradition. I think this is definitely a song that would have been right at home on MTV back in the day. I love those kinda dusty and just a little bit dirty vocals. His voice has the perfect amount of grit for the style of music they are playing. One thing that a true 80’s song has to have is big over the top guitar licks. This track has it’s fair share of those riffs with some on target moments of guitar greatness. Drum wise this is a classic rock beat that keeps a solid up beat tempo and tracks the guitars with ease.

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: Please sir, may I have another? It’s true, I still have bands like Poison, Def Leppard, Ratt and Van Halen on my music server. These are the bands I grew up with and will love forever. Midnight Sin is a great fit for any 80’s headbanger who still likes to get their hair metal on. I fully plan on adding this to my rock list as soon as I’m done with the review. If you love hair metal from the 80’s the way I do you have to get this track.

 

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Who They Are: There are a few things that make life worth living: among them, we can certainly mention “sins” and duties performed at night. And most of the times they happen together. And Midnight Sin, as the name suggests, incorporate both. The band brings back the sound of Street Rock and that kind of brazen attitude that their name perfectly sums up: the charm for the fascinating and tempting “Sin” and all those “recreational” activities that are performed after sunset. But the band really goes far beyond that. Their music is a sexy combination of Sleaze Rock, Hard Rock and AOR. Their songs are powerful and catchy, the lyrics shocking and irreverent with mindblowing choruses. And the energy and hedonism displayed in their debut album, typical of Hair Metal, are certainly for real.

The Band is:

Albert Fish – Vocals
LeStar – Lead Guitar
Maurice Flee – Rhythm Guitar
Acey Guns – Bass
Dany Rake – Drums

Website: Midnight Sin

Twitter: @midnightSinband

Youtube: Midnight Sin

Where You Can Buy It:

itunes-logo[1] spotify

 

The Last Gatsby – Coffin

I’m totally loving the intro to the song. The guitar riffs are very cool with just the slightest hint of a tongue in cheek vibe. There is a bit of an anthemic feel to the jam, I’m betting this rocks hard when played live. Vocally I dig the tone of the singers voice. It’s got a great sarcastic edge to it that lends itself handily to the lyrical content.  He’s got some really nice scoops to his singing style, love how he sometimes comes up under the notes but is never flat. So the guitar work is excellent. I love that there isn’t any over the top moments, they really aren’t needed. This guy’s skill is readily apparent with out have to “show off”. The drum line is a racing beat that just keeps on coming. I listened to this track 4 times and loved it more every time I listened.

 

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: Yes, given the pop/rock nature of the song I could place it in a list with bands like Fall Out Boy or All American Rejects or even some older Blink or Good Charlotte. Since I have a shit load of songs that fit this style I plan on getting this song for sure to put on several playlists. As far as checking out more of their material, I’m excited to see what else they have out there. The song was really upbeat and left me feeling all kinds of happy.

 

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Who They Are: The Last Gatsby blasted onto the band scene with it’s original four members of Josh, Matt, Dan and Cody, playing their first live show only 2 weeks after formation. However their good fortune was short lived as Matt and Cody parted ways with the band shortly after it’s first live performance. Josh and Dan were left without a drummer and with only one guitar but in a stroke of unforeseen luck were contacted by Jon Hoopes about coming on as their drummer and once again the boys from The Last Gatsby surged forward playing a show 2 weeks later with a brand new drummer. In time Dan took up a different roll in the band and began managing the groups affairs while Patrick Duff came onto replace his deep rumbling bass. In time the trio recruited Gary Samuelson to play lead guitar and created the line up that takes the stage today. Mission objective: Brainwash the nation with propaganda filled music. Just kidding. They don’t take anything that serious. They’re only here to get headaches from head banging too hard on the stage.

The Band is:

Chewie – Vocals/Bass
Gary Samuelson III Guitar/vocals
Jon Hoopes – Drums
Wes Winner – Guitar/Vocals

Website: The Last Gatsby

Twitter: @Thelastgatsby

Youtube: The Last Gatsby

Where You Can Buy It:

itunes-logo[1] spotify

The Gatsby Affair – Daydream

Nice poppy upbeat tempo on the intro. The vocalist has such a sweet voice, with a higher register. Love the groove in the chorus, I can see singing along with this song in the car of while I’m doing the house work. I think the song is really well written and I gotta say for a pop style ditty like this it’s very refreshing. I find most pop music to be trite at best. Well done on the lyrics guys. The pacing is damn near perfect. I love the way the music has a couple of drop outs. It’s a great way to emphasize a line in a song. Musically the drums are well done and create a nice back beat for the rest of the band. The guitar is also really nice. Not over played but very much there.

 

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: Sure. I like a well done pop song every now and then. I am not ashamed at all to admit that I keep P!nk, One Republic, Maroon 5 and others readily available and on several playlists. I think this song would go well with any of those bands. I’m planning to check out more of their stuff and if it’s all as solid as this song then I will be purchasing tracks in the very near future.

 

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Who They Are: No band situation is ever the same due to member changes, financing, and overall creative differences in the writing process. But with a newly remodeled studio located in the Pasadena area, everything is starting to take shape for these four guys from Southern California. The Gatsby Affair is In the process of recording their self-titled debut E.P. To be released nationwide by fall/winter of 2014. Stay tuned for more updates on their studio progress and tour info.

The Band is:

Ron Beem – Vocals/Guitar
James Monroy – Guitar
Matt Groves – Bass
Kevin Nahai – Drums

Website: The Gatsby Affair

Twitter: @TheGatsbyAffair

Youtube: The Gatsby Affair Music

Where You Can Buy It:

soundcloud_logo1_1_c6844f[1] reverbnation-iconblack[1]  

 

Scream Blue Murder – What Goes Around Comes Around

OH hells yeah, this is what I needed right now. Thundering drums, completely ass kicking guitars and some vocals I can’t even understand! The vocalist has an amazing range that he exercises here, going from what sounds like the higher end of his register to a deep tone with the growling.  This is what metal is all about. I’m so grooving on those screaming vocals. This is another one of those tracks where I can’t tell you about the lyrics but that’s ok. In a song like this I tend to think of the vocals as another instrument. The pacing on this track is really uptempo with some unrelenting drum work. The guitarist is also getting one hell of a work out. There is a small piano interlude in the middle of the songs that is quite perfect for the jam.

 

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: Yes. If this metal masterpiece doesn’t get your ass up and moving you better check your pulse. I would recommend putting this on a playlist with bands like Slayer.

 

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Who They Are: We are a metal band from Coventry, formed in May 2011. Recently recorded an EP with Joe and Sam graves, members of With One Last Breath at Innersound Studios! 6th December 2014 “Cut Throat Youth” EP Release

The Band is:

Aaron Bloomer – Lead Vocals
Jamie Bloomer – Drums
Alex Ablett – Guitar
Harry Goodwin – Guitar
Luke Chapman – Bass

Website: Scream Blue Murder

Twitter: @SBMmetal

Youtube: Jaime Bloomer

Where You Can Buy It:

itunes-logo[1] spotify  reverbnation-iconblack[1]

 

WEAK 13 – Joke

This is a punky kind of jam. There are all the earmarks with the staccato style drum lines and the minimal but clearly there guitar riffs. I like the vocals, they are kind of gruff and pretty clipped. Getting a bit more into it the drum work is pretty memorable and I think the chorus will be the thing that sticks in your mind. There are a couple of hardcore guitar riffs that are fun to listen to. Lyrically I liked what they had to say. I agree with the sentiment for sure.

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: I’ll be honest, I’m kinda on the fence with this song. It had elements that I truly did like, but it had a some what disjointed feel in some parts of the song. I feel like I should listen to some more of their stuff because I am curious as to what else they have out there. Not every song is going to be my cup of tea, so I’m hopeful that this one may not have been my jam but they will have other stuff that I’ll love.

 

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Who They Are: WEAK13 is a British grunge / metal / industrial act, founded in 1999 by Nick J.Townsend in Kidderminster, United Kingdom. Numerous musicians have played live in WEAK13. In 2010 the band line up became Neel Parmar (Drums), Wesley Smith (Bassist) and Nick J.Townsend (Vocals & Guitar). From 2010 artistic direction and responsibility became shared between Wesley, Neel and Nick and as a functioning solid three piece the band has developed it’s own unique style

The Band is:
Nick J.Townsend
Neel Parmar
Wesley Smith

Website: Weak 13

Twitter: @WEAK13

Youtube: 57 Studio

Where You Can Buy It:

itunes-logo[1] spotify

 

Go Radio – Go To Hell

The breaks in the lead vocalists voice is amazing. He sounds so honest with the lyrics he’s singing. The piano accompaniment in the beginning is absolutely perfect. Once the rest of the band kicks in it’s like musical bliss.  As far as break up letter songs this is perfect. I can remember feeling the same way several times in my life. I wish I had this song around when I went through some bs with ex SO’s. There is the right amount of anger in the song. It’s great in that way where it’s back in forth, kinda the way you feel when shit’s bad. You can be ok one minute and pissed or sad the next. The music is nicely understated which I feel works really well as it makes the lyrics take center stage and when a song is written this well that is as it should be. The song rests on a slightly upbeat tempo with minimal guitar work. While it’s all extremely well done, I’m glad they went with the less is more idea.

 

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: Why thank you I would love to.  I would put this on a list with my One Republic and maybe even Maroon 5. While this band doesn’t really sound like those bands, they do have very similar styles. Especially what I’ve heard of One Republic. I think Go Radio would be a great support band for them. I would certainly pay money to see that show.

 

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Who They Are: A Go Radio record isn’t so much meant to be listened to as it’s meant to be experienced. Go Radio have more in mind than just their ultra-catchy melodies. They craft songs that climb inside the listener’s heart and mind, establishing deep roots through shared experience and expression.

The Band is:
Jason Lancaster – Vocals, Piano & Guitar – @GoJason
Alex Reed – Guitar – @AlexGoRadio
Matt “Burns” Poulos – Bass – @MattGoRadio
Steven Kopacz – Drums – @StevenGoRadio

Website: Go Radio

Twitter: @GoRadio

Youtube: Fearless Records

Where You Can Buy It:

itunes-logo[1] spotify

 

Jason Manns – Vision

While not my normal fair I gotta say I like this song. Jason’s voice is extraordinary, seriously. He has this wonderful range that allows him to hit some fairly high notes with out going into his falsetto voice. He’s rocking a pretty sweet voice and I mean as in sugar sweet. I gotta admit I would get a little blush going on in the cheek area if he was singing this song to me. There is some thing about this song that makes me think of some old classic songs that I still can’t get enough of. It has moments of prog country that scream Kansas, Poco and even some Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.  I think it’s the guitar style of the track. I can’t explain it any better than that.

 

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: I knew I had to review this song because I’ve heard a snippet of it before. This song makes an appearance in the TV show Supernatural Season 4 Episode 1 I believe. If your a fan of the show you probably already know all this, so I’ll move on. I have a couple of country/pop crossover type lists that I would gladly throw this song on. The vocal and guitar work really caught my attention so I will be checking out more of this guys work.

 

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Who They Are: Since releasing his debut album in 2006, Jason has been working hard to find his niche in the music industry. This self-titled album rose to the top of CdBaby.com’s best seller list in its first week and has returned multiple times. In April of 2010 Jason released his second studio album titled Soul and he is currently working on recording his next studio album.

The Band is:
Jason Manns

Website: Jason Manns

Twitter:  @jasonmanns

Youtube: Jason Manns Playlist

Where You Can Buy It:

itunes-logo[1] spotify

 

Self Distruction – Rough Draft

I like the slow intro it works well to create a build up to the vocals. It’s a rap song but there are some harmonies. I’m hearing so me good flow and the story is compelling. I would not suggest this for work, unless you have one of those jobs where they don’t care what you listen to. There’s a lot of real life being talked about in some rather raw terms. The song leaves me feeling a bit morose. A lot of times listening to songs like this leave me with that feeling. Not that the song is necessarily a downer, but songs about the real world aren’t flowery and happy most of the time. I would love to get a hold of the lyrics to this song and examine them for hours.

 

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: Rap isn’t so much my style. So I can’t say I would put it on a playlist. I do have some Eminem stuff that I listen to from time to time. There are some tracks on his records that would match the tone and style of this track perfectly. I would recommend that if you are a fan of rap you give this and all of Self Distructions work a listen and decide for yourself.

 

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Who They Are: The elements behind the music are that of urban funk they blend the WestCoast sound with the vocals that make every track shine . Are Record Label is independent but we co-exist through the oporations of many sub-labels as all the artist are involved in different projects but come together as one to get the job done . Self Distruction is the force behind all the works of the group he oversees each project and brings his cutting edge abilites to hand to work the songs crafted into perfection . Some may even call him a perfectionist whose eager to get the right sound out of what he is listening for . Have been involved in music for his whole life .

The Band is:

Self Distruction
Reappo Seize
Anger
Randolf

Website: Self Distruction

Twitter: @arkind1979

Where You Can Buy It:

soundcloud_logo1_1_c6844f[1] spotify

 

Sans Meridian – Muddy Water

Gimme more of that funky ass bass! So love to see bass used in such an upfront manor. Thanks for that. When the vocals kick in you knees go a bit week. This guy has a way sexy voice with just the right tone and amount of grit. Reminds me just a bit of Sully Erna’s voice to be honest. Just a bit more sex in his vocals. I could listen to this guy sing a grocery list and be perfectly content.  So now that I’ve fangirled the lead singer let’s talk about the music. The guitar work is damn near perfect. It isn’t blazing fast but it’s not a slow set of riffs here. What it lacks in speed it more than makes up for in power. I’m catching some really great cord work. The drummer sets a perfect pace for the song. It’s an almost slow (but not quite) pounding beat. Your not going to be dancing to this one at clubs, but maybe in the bedroom with your SO could be awesome.

 

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: Yes, yes, yes! This song was a complete package in my eyes, so the idea that they have more/ will make more music pretty much makes my night. I have a “Sexy” list with bands or songs that I think are just sexy as well. I’m talking about songs like Fire Woman by The Cult. It that one doesn’t make you randy you really should see a doctor. This song has to go on that list A.S.A.P!

 

Who They Are: Navigating between the sounds of rock, alternative and metal, Sans Meridian is forging a new direction from a classic style. While not trying to reinvent the wheel, Sans Meridian brings that fresh inspiration with a heavy-meets-alternative sound. As a group of eclectic musicians, the chemistry created an artistic relationship that paints with emotions, sketches familiar narratives, and builds a soundscape you can’t escape from. Echoing a unique similarity to modern rock, you can hear the ghosts of ‘90’s grunge while bending your ear are the intricate harmonies and dramatic orchestration reminiscent of metal and alternative rock. Driving rhythms pulse with a sense of finesse and craft that briefly touch the soul of progressive rock. The melodies are alluring and engaging, the lyrics are haunting and poignant, and the sound, captivating and beguiling.

The Band is:

Website: Sans Meridian

Twitter: @SansMeridian

Youtube:

Where You Can Buy It:

reverbnation-iconblack[1] spotify

 

Summer City – We Were On A Break

I like the sense of reckless abandon that the music has going for it. The song takes the best elements from pop/rock/punk and nu-metal to deliver an extremely hooky tune. I love the unique quality of the vocalist, there is this slight bit of sarcasm to his tone some thing I really enjoy. The guitar work is really tight. Nice and upbeat drum line keeps it nice and light. It’s very punky in that way. Upbeat tempo makes you all happy and dancy but I can’t say the lyrics necessarily match the message. However given the hooks and the way catch chorus you can’t really label it a straight up punk song. There’s some really cool electric aspects with how they play with the vocals and almost laser style background sounds. Overall this is a pretty damn cool track.

 

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: I would be happy to give their other stuff a listen. I liked We Were on a Break well enough that I’m interested in the rest of their catalog. I could see putting this little ditty on a playlist with some Blink, Sum41 and Good Charlotte.

 

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Who They Are: Following huge success in 2013 with SUMMER CITY achieving Radio 1’s Single Of The Week and gaining high profile support from the likes of Mark Hoppus (Blink 182) and Jack Barakat (All Time Low); SUMMER CITY are back for 2014! With a debut EP called ‘Six Good Reasons’ set for release on the 1st Aug

The Band is:

Benji Adams: Guitar/Vocals/Programming
Kit Parker: Bass/Backing Vocals
Ben Reynard: Drums/Backing Vocals

Website: Summer City

Twitter: @SummerCityBand

Youtube: Summer City

Where You Can Buy It:

itunes-logo[1] spotify

 

Thirteen – Romeo Kiss

Nice guitar work man! Love it all grungy and dirty like that. Makes my girl parts get all tingly. The vocalist is bad ass for sure! She has an awesome timbre to her voice. It doesn’t really have any grit, but I wouldn’t call it a sweet voice. More siren than any thing else and with a great range. When she’s singing that “baby please” line you can feel her longing. She has fully committed to those lyrics and you can hear it. There is a sweet ass guitar solo mid song that is tight as hell. The uptempo structure is perfection in an audio form. Drum line is quick paced and lays the ground work for what is an overall awesome song.

 

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: Yes. That voice is intoxicating and the guitarist is amazing. This is the kind of song I’m always on the look out for. I generally know within seconds if it’s playlist worthy. Some songs will surprise me and make a strong comeback with the chorus. This song had me out the gate. I can’t imagine not having it on my rock playlist. Actually with the incredibly strong female vocals I would most likely put this on my “Power Chicks” playlist with Halestorm, In This Moment and Paramour.

 

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Who They Are: What started out as a hobby for Daniel Mahanger soon turned into an obsession. He started playing guitar at the age of “13″. He idolized bands such as Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Guns n Roses. As he went from band to band. He soon learned that not many people had his work ethic and then decided to take matters into his hand. Through savvy networking he began to piece together a super group that includes Savannah on vocals, Jason Spillman on bass, and PJ on drums.

The Band is:

Website: Official Website

Twitter:  @13_band

Youtube:

Soundcloud: Thirteen Band

Where You Can Buy It:

 

itunes-logo[1] spotify

 

Benjamin Bubb – Contemplative Moonwalk

While I’m not really a fan of ambient music this one has me intrigued. The music is beautifully layered so I know I’m going to need to listen to this one multiple times before I will be able to say I’ve heard it all.  Upon first listen I would close my eyes and envision a beach on a starry night. Waves crashing into one another while I lay on the warm sand and drifted. Very relaxing indeed! The synth work is really well done. It creates such an amazing network of sounds that your mind can play hopscotch on. For creative types this is a must have. Allow yourself to drift and let your mind find the creative answers your looking for.
 
Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: I think I might download this one for those day’s when I’m having a creative block. All I would need is about 5 minutes alone with this song and I would be ready to go. I don’t think I would put it on a playlist just because I don’t have any thing that this would be a fit for. If you are a fan of ambient music you really have to check this track out. I know it’s going to be one you want to keep with you at all times.

 

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Who They Are: Benjamin Bubb is an independent artist, musician, graphic designer and blog writer, amongst many other talents. Throughout Ben’s life music has been an important aspect of living, and as a kid he played on keyboards, synthesizers and the piano. He is a self-taught musician in his twenties, who looks inward to compose music, and plays from the heart, as Ben’s motto is “Music from the heart!” His professional skills include: Composition, recording, audio editing, mastering, graphic design of cover art, and more. Ben’s music is described by his fans as relaxing, calming and enchanting; and, currently has six musical offerings released (3 albums, and 3 single songs.) Ben is also a blogger who writes about the music industry, life, and other related topics. His goal in life is to touch others with his heartfelt compositions and bring peace, joy and love to the world through sound and music.

The Band is:

Benjamin Bubb

Website: Benjamin Bubb

Twitter: @BenjaminBubb

Youtube: Benjamin Bubb

Where You Can Buy It:

 

itunes-logo[1] spotify

 

Wander – Thanks a Lot

I’m about 5 seconds in on this track and I already know that I want it. Those grungy guitars make me ever so happy and then the vocals kick in. There is some thing imploring in his voice almost begging you to listen to him. The thought crossed my mind that this guy is the male answer to Haley Williams. In fact I would strongly consider knocking old ladies over for the social security checks to pay these to singers to do some thing together. I did say consider! Any who, the tempo is mid to upbeat and carried very handily by the drummer. Overall I’m taken with the music and the vocals I find myself swaying to the music as I’m sitting here writing the review.
 

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: Dear lord yes! There is a guitar solo that made me think of Rick Springfield and I mean that as a total compliment. Say what you will about Springfield he could play his instrumental. I want the lyrics to the song so I can sing along in my car. I think you could fit this song on a lot of different playlists. Depending on how edgy the artists were you could put it on a pop list, it could work on an alt. rock list or a pop/rock list.

 

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Who They Are: Alternative rock band from Frederick, MD.

The Band is:

Andy Cizek – Vocals
Jack Rentschler – Guitar/Vocals
Mack Gallagher – Guitar/Vocals
Brett Schleicher – Drums

Website: Facebook

Twitter: 

Youtube: Wander on We Are Triumphant

Where You Can Buy It:

itunes-logo[1] spotify