Author: ShaneN

Greg Freeman – Dance With The Devil (Breaking Benjamin Cover)

I was concerned about doing this review when I saw the list of covers. I shouldn’t have given it a second thought at all. This guy has an amazing voice and the thing I loved most it that he didn’t try to “be” Benjamin Burnley. There were several not so subtle differences in performance. I’ve seen Breaking Benjamin twice so I know where of I speak. Greg has a fantastic voice with nice round tones and a solid range. There is a point in this song where a singer can really open up his throat and let it rip. If you know the song you know where it is. This was the moment I was waiting for and it didn’t disappoint. There were a few rough spots on the cover but I suspect he was thinking to much, as I noted a tightening to his voice. All in all this was a wonderful cover of a song that I dearly love.

 

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: There are a couple more covers I want to listen to. But to be honest I would really like to hear some original music. I did see he is on soundcloud with additional covers.

 

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Who They Are: A mix of tunes I have recorded. I have raw/live acoustic stuff and hip hop stuff. I am all over the map. Hope you enjoy.

The Band is:

Greg Freeman

 
Where You Can Buy It:

Unknown at this time.

Red Light Runner – Better Left Unsaid

I like the upbeat tempo they are working with. It’s a very uplifting beat. I’ve come to think of this style as an emo, punk pop. Lyrically it’s kinda punky with the not so happy lyrics backed by a poppy musical style. I’m rather fascinated by the bands out there doing this type of music. These guys know the genre they are working in and doing it really well. Their tight musical composition is really well done.  I thought there were moments where the vocalist sounded a bit nervous, but there were equal moments where his style was amazing.

 

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: I thought there was enough great in this song that I’m down to listen to more. While I didn’t fall head over heels for this track right off the bat, I have a sneaking suspicion that this song was an off one for me. So with that in mind I intend to listen to more of their music. I would suggest any one who is into bands like Fall Out Boy check them out.

 

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Who They Are: Old man emo pop punk. Reliving our youth.

The Band is:

Russell
Lee
Dan
Joe
Where You Can Buy It:

Red Light Runner on Bandcamp

The Curse Within – Out of Time

Are you ready for some thrashy speed metal? Then it’s time to queue up this song and prepare to piss off your neighbors! I’ve heard a lot of sloppy thrash and thankfully this song does not belong in that category.  I love the guitar work, nice and tight just like I like it. There are some grand hot dog moments with that instrument, don’t hate those moments belong right where they are.  I’m also pretty sure that the drummer loses about 20 lbs every time he plays this song. My legs ache just from listening. It’s awesome. Vocally I dig what’s being thrown down here, a good midrange register for the harmonies and a perfect gravely growl for every thing else.

 

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: I’m not a huge thrash fan most of the time. This song though I would put on a playlist. I like their vibe enough I would listen to more and I intend to share this with all my thrash loving friends. I know they will be able to appreciate this song for sure.

 

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Who They Are: The Curse Within melds thrash, metalcore, and straight up heavy metal. Technical guitar riffs, soaring leads, powerful speedy drumming, and clean/screamed vocals are TCW’s signature sound. Combining genres of the past and present, The Curse Within finds a unique way to modernize the style of music that started the genre.

The Band is:

Eric Favot – Guitar/Lead Vocals
Johnny Mele – Drums/Vocals
Spencer Andrews – Guitar
Francesco Giuliano – Bass/Vocals
Where You Can Buy It:


Asphodel – Clandestine

I want every one who reads this to listen to the song right now. Then and only then will you understand the true awesomeness of Asphodel. It starts out nice slow and sweet, but boy as soon as the song really kicks in it’s kicking in your teeth. Again it looks like we are dealing with 2 different vocalists. Their sounds are as different as night and day but they compliment each other completely. There are some sick melodies followed by some of the best growly vocals I’ve had the privilege to listen to in a while. I don’t want the band the think I forgot them! The guitar work is slick. Nothing to flashy(thank you), but certainly memorable. The drum beat has some truly amazing moments. And in all this wonderfulness they managed to add some sweet keyboard work in as well.

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: I’m kinda hoping that the guys will send me this mp3 so I can add it to my playlist. Regardless I am going to listen to more of their stuff and I may even spend some cash on this band.

 

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Who They Are: Five Piece Post-Hardcore/Metalcore Band From Northamptonshire, Est. November 2012.

The Band is:

Jay Croucher – Vocals/Keys
Chris Denton – Guitar/Vocals
Craig ‘Brophy’ Boyd – Guitar
Jordan Pugh – Drums
Will Croucher – Bass

 
Where You Can Buy It:

Unknown at this time.

Sanguine – Given Up

I love the carnival music at the beginning. Its so creepy, or may that’s just me. When the song kicks in we are treated to some sweet guitar work, a nice tight rock drum beat and really cool vocals. I like the production value hear. Every thing is really clear so you can hear and enjoy all the aspects of the songs.  There is a break in this song that you don’t see coming and it floors you. A second vocalist kicks in with this totally sinister voice and all the sudden this song hits a new level of cool. Between the two voices on this track I was taping my toes.

 

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: Yes. I spotted a cover of Rebel Yell on their soundcloud page and I am going to check that out as soon as I’m done here.

 

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Who They Are: Sanguine: 4 piece female fronted rock/metal band from the UK

The Band is:

Nick Magee – Guitar/Vocals
Ross Andrew – Bass
Matt Feld – Drums
Where You Can Buy It:

Unsure at the moment.

City of the Weak -White Fire Alarm

Dude I love this intro! I’m a huge fan of blazing guitars and this song has that in spades. The vocalist sounds similar to Haley Williams but dare I say better. Love it! Listening to this song a second time I was able to focus a bit more on the lyrical content of the song. You know me, I love lyrics! Lyrically I’m a fan of this tune, it’s got a message and the vocalist is so good at connecting to what she’s singing which in turn makes me connect to the song. That’s the key man, getting people to connect on an emotional level with your song. So kuddos for that. I gotta show some love and respect for the band to. I know I mentioned blazing guitars and I mean that whole heartedly. I liked that there weren’t any big hot dog moments. It wouldn’t work in this song. Then let’s give it up for the drummer, who certainly has his work cut out from him with the speedy tempo the song relies on.

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: For sure. For me this song was a big win. I can’t wait to hear more of their stuff.

 

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Who They Are: City of the Weak is modern rock ‘n roll that is so perfectly defined, combining catchy pop melodies with rhythmic riffs and moving bass lines to create a sound of their own. They are best known for their intensity on stage, as well as their big personalities off the stage. Their persistence and hard work has been paying off since the release of their first EP, “White Fire Alarm,” in April 2013. Receiving much-deserved attention from White Fire Alarm’s two music videos, both White Fire Alarm and In a World of Bottles & Bedsores were featured on BlankTV, Bryan Stars, & Rormix.

The Band is:

Stef w/ an F-Vocals
Twitter: @StefwithanfCOTW
Instagram: @stefwithanf_cotw

Jackson-Guitar/Backing Vocals
Instagram: @jackson_cotw

Brent-Guitar
Twitter: @Sir_Brentalot
Instagram: @brent_cotw

Cody-Bass
Twitter: @CODYoftheWEAK
Instagram: @CODYoftheWEAK
Where You Can Buy It:


The Blue Cry – Cause I Love You

Oh the sweet soul! We have double vocals here a male and female which works so well for the lyrics of the song. Both vocalist have really strong sensibilities with their styles. They area perfect compliment to each other. I love the tones that the male vocalist has. He sports a nice deep voice that is very memorable. The female vocalist rocks a perfect alto range and is also very soothing to the ears. I think the musical composition takes a back seat to both vocalists, serving as a backdrop to their voices and the story that they are telling.
 

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: I saw they have several entris on Vimeo that I plan to listen to.

 

The Blue Cry: Cause I Love You from Ian Black on Vimeo.

Who They Are: That’s the way adult alternative rock artist Ian Black describes his music—it explores the range of human emotion, and seems to come right from the heart. Black’s songs are infused with decades of great music, rock, folk and, of course, the blues. His passion for music composition can be heard in every song he performs. Anyone can connect with the feelings that emanate from his songs.

The Band is:

Ian Black

 
Where You Can Buy It:

Unknown at this time.

There You Are – Fell At You

I love the groove of the intro, very funky sound! The vocalist has a very soothing voice with just a touch of rasp to hit. Kinda reminds me a bit of Josh Todd.  Musically the song is very uptempo and offers up a solid guitar solo. There is bit of a ska vibe going on once the song kicks in so for fans of Tom Morello this is your jam. I also can’t shake the feeling that the guitarist is holding back a bit. Drum work is also nice and solid on this track. Overall it hits me as a mash up on Soundgarden lyrical style along with Rage’s guitar style and Buckcherry’s vocals.

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: I’m fascinated by how they have mixed styles up in this song. I’m very curious to find out if this is a one off type song or if they maintain their unique blend in other tracks. So I do plan to listen to more of their stuff.

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Who They Are: There You Are is an American Rock&Roll band consisting of 4 members too dangerous behind the wheel of an instrument. But really, we originated in Pittsburgh Pa (2013) on the muddy banks of the Monongahela River; founding members Tom Chorba (vocals/ guitar) and Matt Bean (drums) found themselves with uncontainable powerhouse after members Ryan Drish (guitar) and Justin Trevis (bass) completed the unit for the start of 2014.

The Band is:
Matt Bean
Tom Chorba
Ryan Drish
Justin Trevis

Where You Can Buy It:


Symfinity – Growing Younger

I am really impressed with the flute work in this song. Yes, you heard me there is flute work. This song is not your typical track by any means. There are some really surprising vocal soars and and almost fairy tale atmosphere in this song. I really feel like this song could have been included in a Disney movie and it would have been perfect. I hope you don’t take that the wrong way. It’s got this very sweet quality to it that you really just have to hear. The vocal work is really nice. The guy has a good range and really works those rising notes.

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: I’m interested in how they work that flute into other songs.

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Who They Are: We are a symphonic rock band, founded by symphonic rock solo artist Seann Branchfield with the help of flutist, Nicole Schroeder in late 2008, known as “Seann Branchfield and the Unnamed Band” from summer 2009-summer 2010. Occasionally known as “Seann Branchfield and the Unnamed Orchestra” during the same period. We have performed with over 40 guest musicians since the founding of the band. All of the music is original and arranged for orchestra.

The Band is:

Seann Branchfield – Vocals/Guitar/Arrangements/Orchestration
Lynette Ford – Flute
Crystal Kim – Piano
John Schwartzberg – Bass
Rob Montemarano – Drums

Where You Can Buy It:


Fades Away – Not Ready to Run

My first impression is I love the rhythm of this song. We’ve got a solid driving beat behind rushing guitars and a really nice bass line. One of my favorite things about this song is the dueling vocals. I am really into the lead vocalists work already. He’s got a really good range and a gravel that he can access seemingly whenever he wants.  The back up vocals are worth noting as well because he so beautifully compliments the lead. Back to the musical arrangement. There is a riff here that is just killing me! It’s kinda dirty. grungy and all manor of hot. Overall I love the energy to this song.

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff:  I need this song on my playlist right now! So yeah I would listen to them again. Looks like they are 2 albums deep and I plan to check out both of them.

 

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Who They Are: Over the years of trying to be a “successful rock band,” we’ve come into the mentality of being truly and eternally grateful for every opportunity to share in the gift of music and worship. We believe that human beings were created for one reason: to glorify their Creator. If we in any way can facilitate someone coming closer to that goal, our job here is done.

The Band is:

Dave Erickson: Vocals
Steve Daniels: Bass
Matt Mahlen: Drums

Where You Can Buy It:

ITunes

Jim Morris – Race For Humanity

Oh my there are some powerful guitar skills at work here. This is some mega metal instrumental beauty. I would say that this guy is every bit as good as Eddie Van Halen back in the day. I brought Eddie out because there is some hot dogging going on here and if you aren’t good at what you do that kind of playing just comes off as bad. The pace is incredible my fingers are on fire just listening to it. The drum work is also equally phenomenal. That guitar is shredding and the drummer is keeping up in stride.

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: That was amazing for sure! I would like to hear more of his stuff though I’m not sure where I would put it on a playlist. Perhaps I need to put together a really guitar heavy list.

 

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Who They Are: Jim Morris is an enigmatic guitar player and composer who is making his mark on the shredder scene with his unique style of instrumental rock fusion. With the release of his powerfully melodic third album “Melodrama,” Jim celebrates instrumental rock with power and precision.

The Band is:

Jim Morris
Al Towle – Drum work

 
Where You Can Buy It:


Alice Sweet Alice – M.I.A.

Love that voice so much. It’s nostalgic, sweet and warm. There is an elegant edge to her voice that really grabs your attention. There is some thing decidedly folksy about her singing that just seems to work with the musical composition. The tempo isn’t breakneck by any means but I did catch some really nice drumming techniques at work. Both the guitar and bass players are really good at what they do in setting the mood for the story their singer is telling.

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: I think so. I thought the song taken as a whole was really compelling. They are local to me so I think I want to go see a live show as well.

 

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Who They Are: Fuse fearsome dedication with four diversely talented musicians, a mind-boggling work-ethic and a positive mission, and you’re facing an unstoppable force. Welcome to Alice Sweet Alice (ASA), a Kansas City alt rock hybrid, whose tasty tunes, stylistic diversity and passionate live show are paying dividends with a hard-to-ignore street buzz

The Band is:

Scott Martinez, Bass/Vocals
Ali Kat, Keys/Vocals
Billy Brown, Drums/Vocals
Ron Bales, Guitars

 
Where You Can Buy It:


The AK Band – Moving On

First thought: I really need to watch a John Hughes movie while listening to this track. This is a classic 80’s New Wave style song very much in the same vein as The Breakfast Club and Simple Minds. That makes it really kinda fun for me. I keep getting these vocal flashbacks of Simon Lebon from Duran Duran. I feel like I should get up and do the white girl dance. There is a really good guitar solo in the middle of the song that is worth a listen. The vocals are in a higher register and are clean and round. There are some awesome sound effects in the song as well.
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Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: I can’t lie, I have all of the above bands on my server. I do still listen to them from time to time as well so this would fit in nicely.

 

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Who They Are: The ‘AK Band’ was formed in the 80’s by ‘Johnny AK’ Guitar, with ‘Nev’ on Vocals & Bass and ‘Maz’ on Drums. Our music has been categorized as ‘Power Pop’, but we prefer the term ‘Rock/Reggae’. The band has released several records, mostly on the RCA label and toured major venues, i.e. Hammersmith Odeon, Rainbow Theater, The Apollo’s etc. We’ve played with the likes of Steve Gibbons, The Kinks, Brian Robertson, Chris Thompson, Joe Cocker and worked with some great people

The Band is:

Johnny AK
Nev
Maz

Where You Can Buy It:

Unknown at this time.

The Madden Brothers – We Are Done

I like the groove already. It’s kinda spacey in a cool way. Wow, once they really kick it in it’s amazing. Vocally we are talking super smooth voice tones. These boys have always been able to bring it but this is a whole new level. I read some other reviews that talked about their matured sound and I have to agree. This is not what I was expecting from the Madden boys. You have to be ready to put your preconceived notions aside and really listen to the song. It’s lyrical content is well written and allows for some vocal maneuvering I’ve not heard from them before. From a fan point of view it can be hard to distance yourself from what these guys have done before. If you can do that this is a song you’ll love.

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: I’m thinking about checking out a few more of their tunes and if I like them I’m going to buy their album. This track is certainly playlist worthy.

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Who They Are:

The Band is:

Benji Madden
Joel Madden

Where You Can Buy It: