Category: Music Reviews

Where You Can Get It:

Phantom Trap – Psycho Killer (Cover)

Man I’ve always loved the original version. That bad ass bass line that is so clear and present always puts a smile on my face. I gotta give these guys their due, Talking Heads aren’t easy to cover so tons of points for even trying it. I’ll give you and extra 10k points because the cover is awesome! That voice is brilliant and while it doesn’t sound just like David’s, I love what his voice adds to the song. The vocals aren’t the only spot on part of this cover. It’s easy to see this band has a lot of respect for the song and have done it crazy justice.

I would love to hear more of their stuff. It’s a bit hard for me to judge I think because I’m a fan of the song already, but this is such a great cover! I would kill to hear this as a studio cut instead of live. If I had any complaints that would be it. They have some other cover/demo stuff on reverbnation that I will be checking out as soon as I can get the time together to do it!

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Who They Are:

Phantom Trap is a rock cover band from the PA/NJ area playing 80s rock, 90s alternative, today’s rock and some classics. Formed by former members of The Dizzy Edge and Rock Box.

The Band is:

Tom Kramer – Guitars, Keyboards, Vocals …
Tom Marotta – Drums …
Richie Allison – Guitars …
Paul Glanzmann – Lead Vocals …
Pete Dannenfelser – Bass, Vocals

Where You Can Get It:

Bad & The Ugly – Borrego Dreamer

This is one of those crazy songs that for me defy a classification. You either like what these guys are doing or you don’t. I happen to think this song is cool as hell. The midish tempo is got this beat that I feel like I could drown in. The added clapping works well to fill the empty spaces of the drum line. The guitar work is really nice and simple, but perfectly matched to the odd rhythm of the song. Vocally I’m impressed. This guy has a nice higher tenor range and works it so damn well. The lyrics are really well done. I want to learn them so I can sing along.

My thoughts on this song are pretty clear, I loved it. It’s retro in some odd way I can’t really seem to put my finger on. I call it the O Brother Where Art Thou effect. I’ve heard way more complicated drum and guitar lines, but that kind of showmanship would kill this track. I love how strong the vocals are, and laid over that musical composition you can’t go wrong. I’ve been thinking about what playlist I would put this one and I realized this is one of those nifty track that would work in just about any list. Ok, so maybe not a good fit for rap music or thrash, but everything else I would throw it on there and see how it flows.

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Who They Are:

Bad & The Ugly is a modern type of folk. Singer and guitar player Nate Hess is joined alongside Tyler Ferguson on bass (both former members of hardcore outfit A Shattered Hope) and accompanied by Eric Hesse and Travis Keane on guitar. The band just released their debut EP “Skin and Bones” worldwide on iTunes and will be performing around the states in 2014.

The Band is:

Nate Hess
Tyler Ferguson
Eric Hesse
Travis Keane
Derek Michael Hudson

Where You Can Get It:

Shoot For Wednesday – The End Of Heartache (Killswitch Engage Cover)

This may be one of the most interesting covers I’ve reviewed. I am absolutely loving it! At first I didn’t recognize the song at all, but I caught on soon enough. The guitar work on this track is so stellar. I can’t even know for sure where to start! The vocals (in this reviewer’s opinion) are just as good as in the original. I think for me, he connected a bit better with the lyrics than Kilswitch Engage did. The way they did the chorus was so damn beautiful. I’m going to have this cover stuck in my head for a long time. They way that those vocal harmonies are weaved together is worth the price of admission all by it’self.

Their cover is so amazing, I can’t wait to hear some of their original work. Shoot For Wednesday as all the building block needed to break through into the mainstream if they choose to. This cover is so original and well done you can see all the talent they possess laid out for the world to see. I will be downloading this and putting it on a playlist with more Killswitch and Mudvayne. Totally phone worthy!!

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Who They Are:

Shoot For Wednesday is a Rock/Metal band hailing from Kansas City, MO.

They deliver very strong, catchy music with technical guitar, bass, and drum work, along with well rounded vocals. Essentially, they mix the pretty sounds with the hectic sounds.

Since forming in September of 2012, Shoot For Wednesday released a demo EP to their friends and family, which soon proved to fend well on their Reverb Nation Charts, bumping them into #1 for their area for a majority of their first year as a band, as well as putting them in the top 3,000 highest ranked bands in the United States. Not only that, but in their first year, they shared the stage with a number of well known names in the music scene, some examples being Red Lamb, The Dreaming, and Taproot.

After making a name for themselves with the success in their breakthrough, they had a minor lineup change to introduce a new lead guitarist and drummer. With their current five members (Les Paul Jordan, Jake Adamek, Josh Behler, Dalton Grenier, and Shea Black), they believe they have found the key to creating a well oiled and hard working machine of a band. The band’s impressive live stage show comes with an enormous amount of energy from the band, creating a rush of adrenaline through any audience member in attendance.

After going through a spree of writing new material to impress people with, they soon had a lengthy arsenal of songs to choose from for their live show. Once the recognition from themselves that their demo EP was growing stale, they soon realized they must start working on a new album to release. Their EP, The Fear System, was in the works for nearly 8 months and a large amount of excitement for the album started growing from fans, friends, and family.

Tracking for the album was started in October of 2013 at Black Knight Studios, owned by Shoot For Wednesday’s very own Shea Black. Although there were production issues, songs were re-written and re-recorded, and some members fell ill during the recording process, tracking for the record was completed in a little less than one month, proving how diligently the band would work to release their album on time. Shea Black mixed and mastered the album in the month of November in 2013. Singer Les Paul Jordan made all of the album’s artwork.

Once the album was finished, it was released on 12/17/13. Physical copies of the album were made with additional music tagged to the end of a select few songs to add to the story of The Fear System. The Fear System has been released online through stores such as iTunes, Spotify, Amazon MP3, Google Play, Rdio, Deezer, X-Box Music, Rhapsody, eMusic, Simfy, Muve Music, Myspace Music, iHeartRadio, Nokia, MediaNet, VerveLife, Wimp, Sony Music Unlimited, Gracenote, Shazam, 7Digital, Juke, JB Hi-Fi, and Slacker.

Make sure you keep up with Shoot For Wednesday all over social media, because this band definitely has big things in store for them!

The Band is:

Where You Can Get It:

AtomB – Thank Ya’ll [The Prince ft. AtomB]

This track has an interesting flow. It is a very stripped down track with a few beats and some really nice chimes and effects going on. It’s a really mellow song, it’s much more of a hanging at the casa with friends as opposed to going out to a club. There are some harmonies in the chorus that were nice. The lyrics were well written and I enjoyed the laid back style of the vocals.

I’m not sure I’m going to download this track. I’m just starting to get into the rap scene and feel my way through what I like and what I don’t. While I liked the generally laid back feel of this track I’m not sure I liked it enough to put it into regular rotation on my playlists. When it comes to rap I find myself attracted to a bit more upbeat style. Most of what I have in the way of rap right now would be Eminem, Dr. Dre, some Snoop and I think I have a couple of ODB tracks. That being said, I think that anyone who is a fan of rap should check this one out. In face it you guys could check out the tune and drop me some comments that would be really cool.

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Where You Can Get It:

Elephant Memoirs – Dirt

The steady drum beat in the intro is a great build up to the moment where the vocalist kicks in. I’m hearing a really amazing bass line that plays well with the guitar and drum work. I like the vocalists sound a lot. It’s really unique for the kind of song this is. He has this feeling of shattered innocence in his voice. There is certainly a sense of anger with the music that plays well into the lyrics and vocal style. The song itself is a mid tempo tune with some great modulation in the bridge and chorus sections. I find this song to be really intriguing and makes me wonder about their other songs.

I liked this track enough that I would check out their library. I think that is the fun part of doing single song reviews. It keeps the rest of the bands work a mystery to be uncovered. I’m expecting a lot more awesome music from this band. I want to download this song and pair it with some of my Red and Chevelle lists. More for feeling than musical style I think that Dirt would fit well with those bands.

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Who They Are:
Elephant Memoirs were formed in Gateshead in 2013 by John Aspinall (ex-Dead Miles), Barry Drew and Carl Aspinall.

Since their formation they have been working hard on numerous original songs and have recently started performing live around the Newcastle/Gateshead area. They have gained positive feedback especially in regard to song structure and their tight purposeful sound.

Being a trio is something that Elephant Memoirs make the most of with guitar, bass and drums gelling closely to create a driving, rhythmic sound. Similarities include Biffy Clyro, Frank Turner, BRMC and Weezer.

Lyrically they cover themes such as love, prejudice, frustration and life in general. This is often purveyed through many fictional characters thrust into sometimes surreal situations.

In August 2014 Elephant Memoirs recorded their 4 tracks at Base HQ Studios, in Newcastle. Since these recordings all 4 songs have received significant airplay on numerous radio stations worldwide.

The Band is:
Barry Drew – Drums
John Aspinall – Guitar and Vocals
Carl Aspinall – Bass

Where You Can Get It:

SKYBOUND – Treachery

OMG, talk about hit over the head with a two by four! This song starts of strong and just never lets up, it’s absolutely perfect. I am in love with the vocal abilities on this guy. Some of the best screaming vocals right alongside a very clean singing style. Those harmonies in the chorus are so unexpected that they really jump out at you. I don’t think I could gush enough on their singer. He is so freaking talented! But let’s move on (sniff, sniff) to the other guys. If you have read my other reviews you know I’m a huge fan of percussion. This song satisfied my need for a seriously hard and heavy drum line. If I had balls, I would have just been kicked in them by that drummer. Fast and furious would be a great way to describe the drum movement. Extremely tight guitar work throughout the song. It almost feels like the guitar and drums are playing the most psycho game of chase you’ve ever seen. The bass is understated but bridges that gap between the drums and guitar like a total champ.

This may be one of my top 10 favorite reviews to date. It blends all the best musical styles together and delivers one hell of a jam. I’m going to download this song, throw it on my phone and play it as loud as I can in public as often as I can. My friends are going to hear this one and love me for bringing it to their attention. As far as playlists go, I think the faster the music the better the match. Due to the brilliant percussion work I would pair this with some Skipknot circa Iowa and any band the features double bass.

Who They Are:
Originating from Melbourne City on the southern coast of Australia, SKYBOUND are a five piece Electronic Post-Hardcore band birthed from a group of ambitious and talented young musicians looking to burst into the scene and send shock-waves through it. All members having recently come from previous music endeavors came together via networking to not only create something musically that would be both unique and defining, but to create a movement behind their music that’s never been seen before.

With breathtaking breakdowns, bouncy riffs, intricate synths and moving choruses the ferocious post hardcore sound SKYBOUND put forth is something that fans of major bands can grasp onto whilst simultaneously enjoying it for the refreshing sound it is. Fans of heavyweight bands such as Memphis May Fire, Asking Alexandria, A Day To Remember and I See Stars will find something for themselves in the songs SKYBOUND releases that both satisfy’s their taste in music whilst holding deep lyrical content backed by vicious screams and catchy clean vocals they are sure to connect to. It’s this fine tuned sound that lead the band to being picked up by We Are Triumphant Records for the launch of their debut EP ‘DARKFALL’ which will be released 12.16.14

Leaving great first impressions SKYBOUND are already making way in the music scene, their unshakable ambition and skyrocketing motivation standing out above many others around them, proving they’re a band to keep an eye on.

The Band is:
Jonno Newton (@jonnonewton) – Vocals
Steven Schultze (@scoobydoobysteve) – Guitar
Cameron Michel (caamtsb)- Guitar
Clark Frendon (@clarkfrendon1) – Drums
Luke Shinton (professional_bedwetter) – Bass

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Where You Can Get It:

Mayfly – Infidel Castro ft. Betsi Ford

Ok, I’m liking that strong intro! The track has a great up tempo rock rhythm that will get you going in the morning! I’m a big fan of their drum work. I love a drum line that will kick my ass, and this one does it in spades. The guitar is grungy and dirty just the way a rock/metal guitar line should be. The bass creates a perfect bridge between the guitar and the drum work. Vocals are brilliantly done with some screaming vocals and clean styles. The vocalist has a great range for rock/metal music. It’s got just a bit of rasp to it and he’s got a good range.

I like the track. It’s a full speed ahead hard rock/metal song. Listening to it really makes me jones for a concert with a mosh pit. I had a hard time catching the lyrics and unfortunately for me they aren’t on the Reverbnation site so I can’t really comment to that aspect of the song. What I can say is the vocals were spot on for the pace and tone of the song. I would love to listen to more of their stuff to see if they keep the same spirit in all their work.

Who They Are:
Few bands these days can adequately encapsulate their surroundings into their sound—but Ohio’s Mayfly manages to successfully navigate these waters. Leaping forth from the very depths of the Midwest, this dynamic group of musicians wages war on the listener with a fast-past and eclectic blend of melodic hard rock and hard-hitting metalcore that they have coined as “recycled nu-metal.” While “recycled nu-metal” might infer a sense of “already-been-done” musicianship or boring, bland modern metal, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Mayfly draws from a variety of influences—from Deftones to Underoath, and As Cities Burn to Dead Poetic—to create a fresh, forward and engaging breed of Hard rock/metal the likes of which the listener has likely never heard.

Formed in November of 2011, Mayfly has seen several iterations including a variety of line-up changes. However, throughout these changes, the group has been creating steadily more immersive and unique music the likes of which has been taking their local scene of Troy, Ohio by storm. In one part, this is due no doubt to the variety with which they reach out and snare the listener’s ear. On one hand, Mayfly has faster, more aggressive tracks like “Skylights,” which blend 90’s style hard rock and hardcore with more modern metalcore and melodic elements (think As Cities Burn meets Refused for a drink, but gets into a bar fight with Underoath). On the other hand, tracks like “Jihad” heir more towards the radio-friendly side, incorporating more melodic elements and crooned, clean singing, a la Dead Poetic or Funeral for a Friend flirting with a Deftones song. While those tracks represent either extreme of the band’s spectrum, “Eternal Respiration” looms in the dead center, with fast-paced and pummeling instrumentation that walks hand-in-hand with softly sung (and the occasional belted refrain) vocals.

While it might not be at the forefront of the band’s lyrical message, Mayfly is certainly not ashamed to represent their Christian roots and devout beliefs. “We all believe Jesus is the son of God,” says the band. “…We are messed up, and we admit it. We hope to be better today than we were yesterday.” However, even in spite of their beliefs and morals, Mayfly makes it a point to reach out to fans of all walks of life—especially when it comes to their live performance. “We’re open to discussion, but we don’t push the issue…People come to be entertained, not to be preached at,” says Joel Holycross. Rather than focus on preaching, Mayfly instead puts their energy into an engaging and energetic live performance. Whether it’s at a smaller, indoor venue or an open air festival, the members of Mayfly are absolutely sure to put their all into a memorable experience for each other and for their fans.

Speaking of live performance, Mayfly has been spreading its wings and soaring around the Midwest, playing shows both locally—at the Troy Strawberry Festival, among others—and in neighboring cities and states to boot. Planning a minimum of 50 shows per year, Mayfly is determined to spread not just their passion for Christ and music, but their unique sound across the country like butter on hot toast. On top of it all, the band is hoping to get involved with a charitable organizations – Stand True—a pro-life community—and Abolition International, a human trafficking awareness organization. With these undertakings, alongside the commitment to both playing shows and making new music, Mayfly has big plans not just for 2013, but for years to come afterward.

Whether it’s the band’s aggressive, fast paced and rough-around-the-edges take on metalcore, a commitment to their community or the dedication to an energetic and unforgettable live performance, Mayfly is a young, forward-thinking band you shouldn’t sleep on. With the Midwest in its sights, surely national domination will be soon to follow—and you’ll want to be prepared when their gathering storm finally hits home.

The Band is:
Swamp Fox: guitar/words
Bertolli: bass/vocals
Adam Thompson: drums
Jared Lacey: vocals/guitar

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Where You Can Get It:

Mike Lila – LIGAW

Awesome! I got my first foreign language song in for review. I like it! I do love lyrics so it throws me off a little bit that I don’t understand the words. What I do understand though is how it makes me feel. This is a sexy sounding song. There is this awesome horn work going on it the background that gives this track a sultry feel to it. Vocally the guys got a really smooth voice. It reminds me just a touch of Rob Thomas when he did ‘Smooth’. There is a pickup in the pace during the chorus where both the vocals and the music get a bit stronger. Overall it’s a nice track with a damn sexy groove.

I wish he had more stuff available to listen to. If I have any complaints it’s that right there. This one was enough to whet my whistle, but I would like to hear more of him. Playlist wise I would love to stick this on a list with some other songs that I find sexy. Right off the top of my head I’m thinking that Rob Thomas/Carlos Santana song, ‘Sweet Soul Sister’ by The Cult, ‘Closer’ by Nine Inch Nails and ‘Get Off’ by Halestorm. I call it my seduction list. 😉

Who They Are:
No bio found

The Band is:
Michael Angelo De Los Santos

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Where You Can Get It:

Even the Dogs – Down in Flames

Ok, I didn’t see this coming! Wow, I really mean wow. The percussion is absolutely amazing, it’s fast and heavy. The guitar work is really down and dirty and plays very well with the drum line. The guitar solo mid(ish) song has a really nice almost 80’s vibe. I’m pretty sure from time to time I’m hearing some string instrument work, a perfect touch. So now to those vocals. This guy has an incredible range. Not just as far as the notes he can hit, but he can scream, growl and still pull off clean vocal styles. I love the lyrics and the connection to the song.

I fully plan on downloading this song and many others for my personal listening pleasure. I love the percussion so much on this track, I’m hoping to get a lot more of it on other tracks. The vocalist captured some of my favorite singing styles so I know I’m going to like his style in just about any song. Playlist wise you could pair them with anything hard and heavy, old or new.

Who They Are:
Mission Statement:
Purpose: To provide a positive musical alternative

Business: Playing cutting edge hard rock and metal music for people to listen to.

Value:Being an accessible role model for those who might feel they are lost or feel like they are a social outcast. Even The Dogs classifies their music as metal, though we are Christians and our songs revolve around not only our walk with Christ, but everyday events and issue being dealt with by the youth today.

The Band is:
Eddie – Vocals
David – Bass
Christian – Rhythm Guitarist
Blane – Lead Guitarist
Anthony – Drums

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Where You Can Get It:

Nuskin – See The Colors

I love that dark slow burn intro. It sets a great atmosphere for the rest of the song. While this is not the most uplifting of all songs, it’s actually a really beautiful song. It’s a much stripped down tune, sounds like it’s just a piano and the vocals. The vocalist has a grittiness to his voice that underscores the lyrics perfectly. I have listened to this song three times now and it just gets better every time I hear it. I have had a lot of times that I’ve felt like this guy does. He connects with his subject matter on such a deep level that I can’t help be moved by the song.

I would love to listen to more of their work! I enjoyed the guy’s voice a lot. It was great that the song I chose highlighted his voice so well. I would absolutely get this song on my phone and in several playlists. I would put it on one of my downer lists. My favorite one has Smile Empty Soul, Breaking Benjamin, Stone Sour and a few others. It’s a perfect home to this track.

Who They Are:
Nuskin is a band from Delton Michigan that has seen it’s share of ups and downs and has always come back stronger than it was before and is now stronger than ever. Our fans and our passion push us harder than ever now and we thrive on the energy given as well as received to deliver our very best to everyone that’s willing to be reached. We believe that a show is not just music but a chance to give ourselves to those willing to receive us. Anyone who takes money out of there pocket to come see us at a show deserves our full attention and dedication to delivering the best show that we can provide!! We hope you enjoy what we have for you. We pour ourselves into what we do so that you will walk away with something to think about and talk about. Support your local band, they might be what defines your hometown some day.

The Band is:
Steve Maple – Vocals/Keyboard
Beau Ross – Vocals/Kaosilator/DJ
Casey Gillett – Drums
Orin Knuppenburg – Guitar
Chad Hess – Bass

Where You Can Get It:

INTERNATIONAL i – They Know My Name

like the beat. It’s a great up beat party type song. Its tempo doesn’t offer a lot of modulation which is what makes it a perfect house party track. If you’re looking for a song to get people on the floor this will do it. The guy has a really good flow with this swagger to his voice that commands attention. While I’m not the biggest fan of this genre I have to say is just as good as any rap jam I’ve heard on the radio in the last few years. I have some friends who love this rap style so I do have a bit of exposure.

As for myself I’m can’t see me downloading it. Not because it’s not a good rap song, I just don’t find myself listening to rap. That being said, for you fans of the more hardcore style of rap; this is a great rap record. The guy has a tight flow and fits the beats perfectly. I could definitely see my rap loving friends playing this in their cars loud and proud. So make sure you check this one out.

*NSFW song!

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Who They Are:

“Only Up From Here” … The newest project set for release from the Blu Print Entertainment camp. Featuring production from some of the industries hottest producers such as Jahlil Beats of Roc Nation. Working first hand on the album and a close friend, it was simply a no brainer for Jahlil and i to connect.

Chester, Pennsylvania, the city where both Jahlil and i were born and raised. Not many opportunities arise from Chester, either you’re an outstanding basketball prospect, an academic scholar or a product of the streets. Fortunately that wasn’t the case for the now CEO and artist of Blu Print Entertainment.

Entering the United States Navy after high school, college wasn’t an option for i. His love for music grew along with his will to pursue it. Putting his first album on hold to help his now NBA Star brother Tyreke Evans fulfill his dreams, i said to himself, “now its time,” meaning it was time to push full throttle on his own dreams.

Starting what is now Blu Print Entertainment, i’s dream is to turn his label into a Bad Boy/ No Limit, “like,” powerhouse. Newly signed artists, “KENEX” and Blu Print’s First Lady, “Pretty Macn,” is just the beginning of what is to come.

With the slogan, “The Future of New Music & Entertainment,” Blu Print has a signature sound along with catchy hooks that will propel International i, his artist and his label to what he calls, “the next level.” To him that next level means international! Print Dat!

The Band is:

Where You Can Get It:

Pluvi – LXA & Ryos & Petie Smallz – The Purge

Nice industrial beat and I like that repeated lyric. It’s all very cold war sounding. I liked the use of all the different alarms used. Now I haven’t seen this movie, but from what is in this song from said flick I think I need to see it. Likewise if this is Pluvi’s interpretation of ‘The Purge’ then it’s got a lot of really good suspenseful moments and is pretty damn scary. The beats are crazy and keep you on edge. I love the modulation with some crazy change ups.

While I wouldn’t normally want something like this, I think it’s really well done. I would like to put it on a list for my Halloween parties for sure, but also with some random funky songs I’ve collected over the years. They don’t seem to fit anywhere else on my playlists but I like to listen to them.

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Who They Are:
Hello all. my name is Pluvi, I started making music in 2013. I live for that bounce, Jagermiester, and dirty grimy stuff. Hobbies are music, CDJ’s making music, Dj’ing, and finding new music. Got that basement mentality.

The Band is:
Anthony Reifel