Author: ShaneN

Down To Friend – Unauthorized Party of Destruction

At first I was totally feeling this 80’s vibe with the beat and guitars. But as soon as the vocals kicked it it was so much more! This is a really great upbeat poppy/punk style with some really interesting switch ups. So you get into the song and as it turns out there is a hell of a metal break. For reference think Sum 41’s Pain for Pleasure. The vocals are nothing short of saweeeeet! With the style change up’s you might assume that at least one vocal style would “suffer”. I gotta say that there is nothing like that. The vocal transitions are flawless. Musically it’s a great rockin’ tempo to keep you moving and all the players kill it on this track. This is one well oiled machine.
 

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: Absolutely. I love fun punky poppy music especially when it comes with such a sweet treat with those stupid cool metal moments.

 

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Who They Are: Down To Friend is a six piece pop-punk/hardcore band from Dallas, TX. With an explosive live show and a feel good party vibe, DTF brings the party wherever they go. With the release of their debut E.P. “So Awesome, It’s Stupid”, DTF has hit the ground running and gained alot of momentum and an extensive fan base from all around the nation. The self proclaimed “pop punk party kings” are hitting the road this summer in support of the debut ep.

The Band is:

Randy – Vox
Roger – Guitar
Jimbo – Guitar
Kris – Drums
SX – Brutal vox/Electronics/Keys
Danny “The Wolf Dick” – Bass

 
Where You Can Buy It:


Sweet – Ballroom Blitz

Full disclosure: I’ve been listening to this song for years. It’s one of those songs that I defy you to put on and not immediately get into a better mood and start headbanging. The vocalist has a very unique voice with it’s higher range and raspy quality. He can run it smooth when he feels like it to. And let’s face it what most people are going to remember most from this song is the voice and that always on drum line.

 

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: I already have this song, and I’ve listened to other Sweet songs. Gotta love it.

 

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Who They Are: The Sweet epitomized the UK 70s Glam Rock movement with their trademark glitter and glam make-up. The Sweet were also a force to be reckoned with in pure rock music terms too. The Hits stand the test of time and the current line-up with original guitarist Andy Scott still keep the audiences shouting for more!

The Band is:

Andy Scott,
Bruce Bisland,
Pete Lincoln,
Tony O’Hora

 
Where You Can Buy It:


Wolf Critton – China Doll

Wow. I needed to take a minute before starting this review to collect my thoughts. I’m not even sure where I should start here. He may have one of the best voices I’ve ever heard. His change ups are flawless, his tone never, ever goes flat and he has a grit to his voice that he can call on at will. The amount of emotion he can pour into his voice is almost to much to take. You can’t help but feel raw from the amount of soul he is able to put into his song. It’s amazing to listen to. He’s also a very accomplished guitar player. Loved the rhythm and pacing for the track. It works really well with the lyrics and his song style.

 

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: I’m really excited about this guys voice. I really want to hear him blow to doors off it, so to speak. I’m actively planning to check out any thing else he has out or puts out. As of right now I’m going through all my playlists to see where he best fits. Oh yes, this song will be on my phone.

 

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Who They Are: Sponsored by Luna Guitars with the new “Vista Wolf”, featured on ITunes App Magisto, after his new song “She Cry’s Wolf” hit 10,000 Views, and Featured on CT News sharing his story Nation Wide with all variations of media. A New York Based Singer/Songwriter and Iraq War Veteran. Wolf Critton is reaching thousands with his story of Pain, Loss, forgiveness and Courage. Take a minute to listen to his soulful music and know his heart.

The Band is:

Wolf Critton
Where You Can Buy It:


Moovalya – Straight Into You

Nice punk tempo, crazy guitar work and that not quite but almost flat vocal track. It’s gotta be punk music! Yippy Skippy bitches!!!! I’ve always loved the almost disjointed style that punk brings. There is a fantastic breakneck speed to the drums.  The guitar work is crunchy and distorted just like it’s supposed to be in a punk song. Lyrically if you can keep up, it’s a well written song. If your a fan of punk music you know that not all punk lyrics are good. So I gotta give em some credit for that alone. There are some names you can drop from the old school punk scene and I think before to long this guy is going to be among those guys.

 

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: Lemme drop the F bomb and say Fuck yeah! Can’t wait to listen to more of their work. It’s been a while since I found a new punk band I could get behind.

 

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Who They Are: CC2K: “Their sound and attitudes border somewhere between Anti-Flag and 30 Foot Fall. You know, that straight forward punk rock that is fun and meaningful all in the same breath. ”

EIY: ““They are punk rock to the bone, and brought out the moshpit to prove it. I was happy to see that the pit wasn’t violent, and that kids were helping each other up when they fell. Reminded me of the punk shows I used to go to back in the day.”

The Band is:

Ben – Guitar/Vocals
Sean – Bass/Vocals
Mitch – Drums
Where You Can Buy It:


Fifth Way – Lose Control

I’m so in love with the intro on this track. There is some thing about the music that hearkens back to old school STP. I’m thinking like Sex Type Thing and Wicked Garden. FANTASTIC!!   I’ve always really liked bands that have dueling guitarists. There are so many things you can do with a lead and rhythm player. The lead player is burning up those strings and I can’t quite get enough. I also like the drum work. The guy is really impressive keeping every thing running with that beat. While not the fastest drum line I’ve ever encountered it screams rock, and that’s all good in my book. Vocally this guy kicks the Llamas ass. There is a nice amount of grit to his voice and he’s rocking a slightly lower register than I’ve heard recently. He has what most people would consider to be a “classic” rock style.

 

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: I think I should put them on a playlist with my STP, Theory of a Deadman and maybe some Pop Evil. I know I need this song in my library. It’s already stuck in my head. I must have more Fifth Way!

 

Sell your beats online at ReverbNation.com

Who They Are: FIFTH – The interval or three tones and a semitone, embracing five diatonic degrees of the scale; the DOMINANT of any key. WAY – Regular course; habitual method of life of action; plan of conduct; mode of dealing. FIFTH WAY – The Fifth Way of conduct; a way of life expressed through music. THE DOMINANT FORM OF ROCK!!!

The Band is:

Tim Gossman – Vocals
Adam Trahan – Guitars
Zak Stelmaszek – Guitars
Chris Castro – Drums
Anthony Palsgrove – Bass
Where You Can Buy It:


Army On The Dance Floor – Lightning Strike

It took me a minute to wrap my head around this song. It’s got this really steady back beat that is quite relentless. I wouldn’t call this song a rapid pace peace as much as I would just a always on, steady pace. It’s got an odd almost ethereal quality about it. It might be that beat or it could be the amazing high soprano voice. I couldn’t peg if we are dealing with two vocalist or one with a lot of range. Either way the final result is a mid range almost chant that is complimented by the high soprano. They work so well together! I keep thinking this song really needs to be in a horror movie soundtrack. What a stage that would set!
 

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: Probably not. But not because the song wasn’t good. Just not my type of music. I just don’t really listen to a lot of electronic/dance music. I do have a lot of friends that I can’t wait to turn this song over to. I know they are going to love it and want to hear more. If you are a fan of electronic/dance music you have to check this band out.

 

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Who They Are: drummer (Combichrist & Nitzer Ebb) in 2009 and hunkered down in her studio to focus on her first instrument, the keyboard, and to start work on a solo project. She developed an unhealthy fascination with synthesizers and sound design. Then she joined forces with long-time pals Thessa M’loe (backup vocals, keys) and Jason Seger (drums) to form Army On The Dance Floor.

The Band is:

Thessa M’Loe
Kourtney Klein
Jason Seger

 
Where You Can Buy It:


Ashley Sofia Music – Judas

Love, love, love her voice! It’s got that almost child like quality that is impossible to replicate. You either have it or not. I always think of singers like Jewell when hearing a voice like this. She has really great rhythm and flow in an almost rap. Not some thing you would expect in a song like this, it’s almost like a regge flow thinking a bit more about it. The melody is really nice and could mislead you when it comes to the songs content. Listening to the lyrics it’s very clear that this isn’t a sweet let’s fall in love song. The person she is singing about is quite honestly a dick. I love that.
 

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: Maybe. I thought the song was really well done. Not my normal fair, but I did enjoy it enough that I would download it so I could listen when I wanted. I don’t have really any playlists right now that it would fit on. But I do from time to time get the yen to listen to pop style music. In those instances I would want this song.

 

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Who They Are: 23-year-old Ashley Sofia is making waves. In the past year alone she was featured on NME, named a Caffe Lena emerging artist, got international radio play, and went on a North East Tour. The young artist barely out of college has inspired audiences wherever she plays. Born and raised in the heart of the Adirondacks, Ashley grew up playing music and writing. When she was just 11 years old, she picked up her father’s guitar and learned everything he was willing to show her. Today, and 60 songs later, she plays acoustic, electric, the 12- string guitar, piano, and harmonica. When Ashley went away to college, she wrote her first album, “Find Some Peace.” Her fresh folk pop sound has awoken listeners from her hometown to across the ocean. Known for her ability to sing you into a memory, she makes no apology for her commitment to the lyrics. She says her songs are “poems set to music.”

The Band is:

Ashley Sofia

 
Where You Can Buy It:


New American Classic – Make You Fall (In Love)

Welcome to the wonderful world of Pop/Punk. Personally I love the genre, the uptempo beats mixed with not so nice lyrics. You know what I’m talking about. I found this to be a quintessential Pop/Punk song. The tempo is brilliant, with the constant rousing drum beat and distorted guitar work. The vocal work is super sweet! The guy has a nice clean full round higher register. He has a great ability to “scoop” notes with out his voice breaking. I gotta talk about the song lyrics for a minute. We all know the type of person he’s talking about so connecting with the song was so super easy.
Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: Oh yes. This is one of many songs that I’ve reviewed that I want to get on a playlist. At this point I think I’m going to throw this song in a new list that is primarily songs I reviewed. I could also put it on a list with my other Pop/Punk favorites like Green Day and Good Charlotte. Oh that would be so rad man!

 

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Who They Are: New American Classic is a Pop Rock band from Missouri. Their catchy hooks and amazing beats will keep you singing along and bobbing your head for weeks to come. With the release of their first single, “Make You Fall (In Love), New American Classic is sure to get you on their hook and have you coming back for more. Make sure you keep them on your list! New single “So Long So Long” to be released this coming winter.

The Band is:

Michael Stewart – Vocals and Guitar
Kyle Lamb – Bass

Where You Can Buy It:


The MidSummerClassic – Space Queen

Just getting into this song I wanna do some thing I haven’t done in years. I wanna go dance my ass off. This really is a straight up pop/rock song and I love it. Its got a great hook and the chorus is contagious. Vocally that power is kinda pissing me off cause I cant do it. Generally in my world that means it was really damn good. There is a lot going on musically but it all works together in harmony. That beat really goes to work with out you even thinking about it. I am tapping my toes and bobbing my head with out even thinking about it. My friends when it becomes a subconscious thing than you have a winning song.
 

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: If every thing they have is even half as good as this track I cant wait to add it all to my playlists. I have a couple of different lists I think I could add them to. I keep thinking some of the more upbeat Daughtry tracks would be a good match. But I think there needs to be a touch more rock in it than Daughtry tends to have. I would also put it on a list with my Good Charlotte maybe.

 

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Who They Are: Energetic songs filled with heart-felt, relatable lyrics and catchy choruses describes The Mid-Summer Classic. The band came together in late 2008 and began playing shows January 2009. Within the first year, the band kept busy with opening for national acts, such as 12 Stones, Rev Theory, Meriwether, The Vettes, Tyler Read, and Windsor Drive, as well as playing at the largest nightclub in the country, Club La Vela in Panama City, Florida.

The Band is:

Robert Dobbs-Vocals
Eric Hebert-Guitar/Vocals
Aaron Trahan-Guitar
Dylan LeBlanc-Drums
James Ford-Bass

 
Where You Can Buy It:


Lost in a Name – Buried In The Static

Love the drums and guitars right off the bat. I really dig heavy percussion in my music. When the vocals kicked in I was really pleased. I like the higher register of his voice. I works so well with their musical style. I feel like there are some Three Day’s Grace influences at work here and that is enough to make me smile. There are several moments in this song that reminded me a bit of the type of percussion you see in Slipknot songs. Man I love that. I’m not trying to compare these bands. That would be a disservice to all the bands involved but I’m feelin’ it all right now. Listening to the guitar work is a real treat. From time to time there are these riffs that are going to end up locked in your noggin.

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: Yes please! I listened to this tune a few times and the more I listened to it the more I loved it. I’m excited to see what else they have going on and at some point I would like to see them live. Are they playistable? Oh so!

 

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Who They Are: Lost In A Name is catchy, guitar driven rock with melodic vocals and big choruses. Their powerful melodies are beautifully interwoven with technical and innovative guitar riffs to bring you a rare blend of musicianship, and radio friendly hooks that are bound to get stuck in your head. Fans enjoy their guitar-driven original music as well as the unique way they “modernize” cover songs, such as “Come Together” and “Take on Me”.

The Band is:

Danny Schmitz=Guitar/Vox
Jeffro Lackscheide=Guitar
Bryce Schmidtke=Bass/Vox
Steve Lee=Drums

 
Where You Can Buy It:


Consider Me Dead – Breathe Me In

Well hello electro muisic happiness. There is such a funky beat happening in this song that you just wanna get lost in it and dance your little ass off. I’m betting this song does great at the clubs. The vocal range the singer has is really impressive. While I didn’t hear any 80’s high notes in this song there are still some rather high notes that are delivered perfectly. I’ve heard a lot of male singers who tend to get just a sconce nasally when they go into upper registers so it’s nice to hear the high notes pulled off so nicely. Musically the beat keeps you hopping and in tune with the song. If I had any detraction to this particular song it comes to the lyrics. There were a few times I felt pulled out of the song due to my lyrical snobbery. Personally I never let that stop me from enjoying a song but I admit I get a bit cranky about it.

 

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: Yes I would. I’ve already got their discography up on Amazon so I can prowl around and check out some more of their work.

 

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Who They Are: Since forming in 2011, Arizona Electronic/Rock outfit Consider Me Dead has virtually exploded onto the music scene with their Self-Titled and Up In Lights EPs, in addition to tour dates with Blood On The Dance Floor and Jeffree Star. The band’s debut full length is set for an April 8th release through Standby Records.

The Band is:

Chris Brewington – @ChrisBrewington
Brandon Pettitt – @Brandon_Pettitt
Kevin McGuire – @Kevin_McGuire_

 
Where You Can Buy It:


Sarah Peacock – Hurricane

I have so much respect for finger pickers! Oh and she has such an amazing voice. There are some amazing high notes that she lands perfectly. Her standard register is warm and full. It’s rare to find such a clearly defined voice so it’s really a joy to be exposed to it. The song itself is so beautifully written and so full of meaning. Every thing sounds so effortless when she’s singing. While this isn’t my norm as far as songs I listen to I feel like I’ve fallen in love with it. For a down tempo stripped down song it’s truly wonderful. And for what it’s worth my daughter (who is 2) has asked me to replay it twice now.
 

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: Yes I would. I really want to hear her do some thing upbeat with soaring vocals. I bet dollars to doughnuts that she can belt it out with the best of them and that I have to hear.

 

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Who They Are: The release of Albuquerque Sky proves up-and-coming country music powerhouse, Sarah Peacock, is a contender in several Nashville music arenas. A talented songwriter, she wrote or co-wrote all sixteen tracks on the recording, which smoothly melds pop country and Americana with a dash of rock, a la Ann Wilson.

The Band is:

Sarah Peacock

 
Where You Can Buy It:


Even If It Kills Me – The Sky is Falling, The Sky is Falling!

Love, love love the dueling vocals on this song! The way both voices play off each other is really nice. He has a low register growly voice while she has a nice high register that is very sweet. I like that there is zero intro to the track. They like to kick you in the balls right in the door. Nice. Musically the guitars rock pretty hard and that drummer has moments of sheer genius going on. I also like the lyrical content. I think every one has had some moments where they’ve felt like this song.
 

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: For sure! I loved they rhythm in this song! The vocals are so strong that you can’t get em out of your head.

 

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Who They Are: Even If It Kills Me is a dual vocalist band in Southern California featuring female clean vocals and male screams. The band started to take form in May of 2010. We’ve had the privilege of sharing the stage with many great bands such as: In Fear and Faith, Dream On, Dreamer, For All Those Sleeping, Casino Madrid, No Bragging Rights, Destruction Of A King, The Arcanum Effect, and Volumes. Working hard on writing and always trying to improve as a band and individuals, we strive to pull the best out of ourselves. We are looking to play the music that we love and put on shows that will be remembered.

The Band is:

Josh Vogel – Vocals
Addison Van Buer – Vocals/Bass
Scott Holmes – Guitar
Alec Doocy – Drums

 
Where You Can Buy It:

Unknown at this time.

Nicole M Alonso (Nikki) – Rock With Me

Hand in the air for some serious girl power baby! This is the theme song for the horror movie Crawl or Die, and I have to say every thing about this song screams action and adventure. It’s got this awesome pop synth thing happening musically that get’s your pulse racing. Nicole or Nikki as her music persona is known as has a damn skippy range and it has a wonderful break that shows itself when she hits the upper end of her register. That’s not all that common to find since most singers tend to fall off when trying to pull out vocal breaks. I love the warm round tone to her voice. She connect really well to the music which always makes me happy since connection matters in music. By the way, did I happen to mention that she also stars in the movie Crawl or Die? If you wanna see the flick head over to Netflix and demand they carry it.

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: I really dig her whole vibe. I’m luck enough to know Nikki (ok so I mean I’ve exchanged tweets with her) and this woman is amazing. Listening to her music I think I got a better sense of who she is and I would love to hear more of her music.

 

Who They Are: Nicole Alonso is an actress and producer, known for Crawl or Die (2014), Screen (2013) and The Battle of Tinker (2010).

The Band is:

Nicole Alonso
Where You Can Buy It:

CDBaby