Music Reviews – Page 18

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:

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:

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: @wearewander

Youtube: Wander on We Are Triumphant

Where You Can Buy It:

Lonely Avenue – Break Away

This is just a fun song! Lonely Avenue has a great rhythm going with this this song. I wouldn’t classify this as a metalcore song, though that is what they are billed as on Facebook. I would say this song is Pop/Rock at it’s best. There are some great guitar riffs that will haunt you if you don’t get the song. The drum line is just a blast! It’s fast and light, you may want to dance around in your undies while listening to it. Vocally their lead singer sounds like he’s in his wheelhouse as far as the tone and range are concerned. I love the clean sound of his voice and the nice almost clipped method of singing he’s going for. It’s perfect for a pop/rock song. The lyrics will make you a fan all by themselves. I love the message in the music, it’s a good lesson for every one.

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: For surely! I’m fascinated and confused all at the same time. I thought I was in for some Metalcore and yet here I am boppin’ around to some awesome Pop/Rock. So I gotta know if they are one of those bands that really likes to play around with their song styles. I love bands that do that. So I wanna see what else they have out there. I plan to get this song and put it on my playlist with Sum 41 and Blink 182.

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Who They Are: Metalcore based out of Sacramento, California. Just 5 guys who play whatever sounds good.

The Band is:

Casey Bayles – Vocals
Gabe Ward – Bass/Vocals
Juan Aguilar – Guitar/Vocals
Jesse Norman – Guitar
Nate Williams – Drums

Website: Facebook

Twitter: @LonelyAveBand

Youtube: Lonely Avenue
Where You Can Buy It:

CONTINENT – Wasteland

Well most songs don’t have an elephant in the intro, so props right there! Part of me is a bit scared right now. This is a hardcore metal song that has a great nearly staccato drum line and some truly interesting audio effects going on. Vocally we have entered the realm of the growly scream. In my mind that means deeper registers, an almost gutteral growl/scream that is almost impossible to understand and an evil tone. This song really drives that idea further into my nog nog. I love the guitar work there in the background. It’s there but it’s not working to compete with the vocals. Good call on that one. It makes the guitar work seem almost ethereal in a way. Or maybe I mean less tangible. What ever it is it’s really damn cool. It has a very apocalyptic sound to it.

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: I’ll be straight with you. I’m not a death metal, thrash metal fan. At least not normally, though there are a couple of bands that I’ve learned to appreciate over the years. That being said, my hubby and my oldest boy love this style of music. I’m going to make sure they both get a chance to listen to it and I promise you it will end up on both of their playlists.

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Who They Are: No bio available at the moment.

The Band is:

Evan Sennuck – Vocals
Justice Aquilina – Guitar
Adam Mclean – Guitar
Dakoda Sinderly – Bass
Chris Austin Ross – Drums

Website: Continent on Facebook

Twitter: @Continent

Youtube: Triumphant Records

Where You Can Buy It:

Rat Neck – Serpent Bitch

Good groove, funky bass, nice drum line. Ok, so you’ve got my attention. It seems what we have here is a punk/ metal baby. I mean if punk and metal had a baby it would most certainly be this band. For me this sounds like it has some influence taken from old DK and Metallica. While the drum line isn’t super speedy it keeps a fairly good clip. I love the fact that the bass line isn’t totally hidden behind the guitar the whole time. Man bassists have it bad. With out them the music seems so hollow, and yet they almost never get any love. The vocalist is all sorts of awesome. He delivers his lines in such a way that it has a storytelling feel to it. I like the mid tone with a bit of gravel he’s working with. It works well with this type of music. Guitar wise it’s very solid and has a total funk sound. I find it an interesting mix with the metal/punk rhythm of the overall song.

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: Maybe. I like this song quite a bit. I think it would work well on any number of punk lists that I have. While it has metal elements I don’t think I would put it with one of my metal lists. I like the pickups on the song with the adjustments in tempo. That really pushes the punk aspect in my mind. I don’t listen to my punk lists as much as my metal ones lately. But on retrospect I would listen to more of their stuff. After a couple of listens I find myself wanting to hear some more and put it on my DK playlist.

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Who They Are: Rat Neck are a four-piece Punk/Metal band from Dublin, Influenced by old school noise. We have just put out our first E.P. available in Tower Records and bandcamp.com. We have supported Discharge on their European tour and been featured on 2FM with Dan Hegarty

The Band is:
Unable to find a line up.

Band Website:
RatNeck.com
Where You Can Buy It:

Along Came Shifty – Walk With Me

Do you like a little reggae flavor in your music? This song is chalk full of it! From the funky rhythm to the to the hip hop song styles, you’ll be dreaming of islands after listening. There is so much going on vocally. The three vocalist seem to be able to weave their voices in and out of each other with flawless precision. I love the “rap” style, it’s not some thing I often am exposed to. This is a pretty mid tempoish track so your aren’t going to be cutting a rug to it. This is more one of those I’m going to sit ’round the house and chill with my friends. You know, doing some thing social.

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: It’s funky and fun. I would like to have it around for those day’s when I’m down for something a little bit different. I’m not sure I would put it on a standard playlist but that comes down to my personal preference. For those who like that style of music, you are going to really love it. So make sure you check it out.

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Who They Are: Bringing together Funk, Soul and Hip-Hop.
Big sound from Brighton town.

The Band is:

ILLiterate-Vocals:
Awfer-Vocals:
Daisy Drage-Vocals:
Jake Martin-Drums:
Jamie Hale-Guitar:
Reuben Laffan-Guitar:
Josh Farmer-Bass Guitar:
Miles Vernon Ward-Keys

Where You Can Buy It:

Unknown at the moment.

The Spase – Pretty In Black

Some where in between The Beatles and Rock-a-billy lies this song. It’s all retro and brand new at the same time, my head is swimming! I was/am a huge Stray Cats fan so I have a love for the totally Rock-a-Billy vibe these guitars are throwing my way. The drum work is just so much fun to listen to. The drummer has to be having a ball every time they play. Vocally that voice is working for me. This guy knows what he can do and he does it really damn well. I just wanna go swing dance for a night listening.

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: Yes please! I have a nice warm cozy spot waiting for them on my Rock-a-Billy playlist.

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Who They Are: The Spase is an indie/alternative band from Halton, between Manchester and Liverpool, who have a melodic and poetic style of music, according Tom Hingley and Loose Records. The band want to impart their music to as many people as possible. Currently producing their latest EP, The Spase will be shortly exposing their music to the world via their social media websites.

The Band is:

Wax, P & The Ghosts

Where You Can Buy It:

Agony in the Garden – In Despair We Rise

You would never now to listen to Agony in the Garden that it’s a one man band. In that aspect he reminds me of Trent Reznor, very cool. I gotta say I kinda like this jam. There is some thing about it that reminds me of the metal in the 80’s. Those guitar riffs are totally retro, but used in a way that makes it perfectly new and relevant. I love some of the hot dogging that he’s doing. He’s got the skills so show em off baby! Vocally this is one of the best metal voices I’ve heard in years. Deep, rich with a bit of grit and that just perfect range. The drum line isn’t the most complex one I’ve ever reviewed but don’t take that to mean it just lays there. This guy is obviously working his ass of playing the line. It’s not really an uptempo song but it’s not exactly slow either. You just have to listen to it.
Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: Yes. I like the voice a lot and those guitars are staying with me already. I think this song would be a perfect match to a list with some Sevendust or better yet some old school metal. Maybe some of the (dare I say) slower metal jams from the mid 80’s.

Sell your beats online at ReverbNation.com

Who They Are: Mack Perry the one man band that is Agony In The Garden (AITG). Submerged in a rich sound filled musical background ranging from Blues to Metal, Mack combines these multifaceted influences to create a wall of sound engulfing the listener at the event horizon and never letting go. A vocal enigma possessing a most exquisite range. A voice so powerful, ferrying infinity to it’s end. Wielding legendary guitar skills, rhythm and licks cold enough to freeze the flames of hell, the man is a beast on bass and ground quaking drums. Lyrics that could only be written in the stones, they will echo through eternity. Mack writes daily and practices rigorously a minimum of eight hours a day. He is the vocalist, guitarist, bassist and drummer for Agony. Agony’s music was introduced to the world in April of 2013, taking the music community by storm. Finding a position at #1 of Reverbnation’s charts and maintaining it. He has proven to be an unmovable force to be reckoned with. Fans worldwide…

The Band is:

Mack Perry
Where You Can Buy It:

Unsure at the moment.

Culver – Coup De Grace

Ooooh, I like the low dusty voice the lead singer is sporting. Just the right amount of grit to his voice to make it kinda dirty in that sexy kind of way. The guitarist is clearly following the vocalists lead cause I think you might be able to catch an std from the guitar style. You have to love that. It’s a definite rock tune and that always makes me get all tingly inside. The drum work is really good, the tempo isn’t to fast but it’s now what I would call a slow jam. There are some elements of hard rock with the drum work and the guitar riffs. I’ve listened to the track several times now and I found it was more enjoyable every time I listen to it.

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: Yes. I have to be honest though and tell you that for me it came down to the voice. While I did like the guitar and drum work it was that voice that really is sticking out in my head. I want this track and I’m way into seeing what else they have on Soundcloud.

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Who They Are: The music is heavy, make no mistake about it. But, despite its weight, it manages to soar at astounding heights all while maintaining its wall of sound feel. The music comes in loud and clear without ever feeling cluttered. While most hard rock acts have polish applied to them that makes their music sound more glossy than real, this band feels as if it has been put through a rock tumbler. Their shine has come through abrasion, friction, and lots of time. The vocals are rough and raw and don’t pretend to be anything else. From the growl found on the verses of “Line Chaser” and “Pilot Talk”, to the range-testing chorus of “Nine Count”, the singing closely mirrors the sound and feel of the music.

The Band is:

Andrew Cruz- Guitar, Vocals
Josh Spatafore- Bass, Backing Vocals
Benjamin Pedula- Drums
Where You Can Buy It:

Unknown at this time.

Byron Siren – Same Method Different Pain

I’m a bit out of my wheelhouse on this song, so I’ll just review this from the feelings I’m getting from it. It’s a nice mellow song with a lot of harmonica work. I liked the harmonica, it threw me at first but after a bit it was very sweet. Musically this is such a Dylan style song. It’s got a great folk feel to it and the voice lends this very grassroots color wash to it. For some reason though I find myself wanting to sit in a pub some where and drink a lot of beer. Overall I liked it. Once I let myself just listen I found it to be a soothing song. Just the right lilt to it.

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: I wanna put this on my Woodstock list for reals! It just has that feeling for me. I can’t really explain it. Listen to it yourself and let me now what you thought down in the comments area.

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Who They Are: After writing and performing with numerous acoustic, indie, rock and folk outfits in Melbourne’s local scene, Byron brings his DIY attitude to his solo written songs . But he’s rarely alone; friends and family help perform this blend of unrefined, melodic music. Byron Siren brings meaningful songwriting together with eclectic and sometimes nostalgic sounds of indie, rock and modern folk.

The Band is:

Byron Siren

Where You Can Buy It:

Official Byron Sirens Website

Never Let This Go – Right Now

This is a really tight sounding band. I’m loving the rhythm and groove they’ve got going on. I feel like should be pogoing all over my living room, but that would make it kinda hard to type. I like the message of the song. It’s kinda like a big finger to people who are assholes. Eh, eff em, if they don’t get you then you don’t need them vibe. The drums kick ass and keep an upbeat poppy pace. It’s the guitars that really drive home the Pop/Rock feel of this tune. Vocally we are in the zone. This guy has a nice clean voice with a good amount of range. This is really some of the better pop/rock I’ve listened to in a while.

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: I’d certainly listen to what else they have going on. I’m not comitted to putting them on a playlist right now. But that’s because at the moment I just added a bunch of pop/rock to my lists. I would like to see what some of their other songs sound like. However for serious fans of this genre I would suggest you listen to the song, then go download it to your computer and then put it on your phone. I bet this song would be really fun cranked up on a road trip.

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Who They Are: Tempe-based four piece Never Let This Go continues to bring their upbeat mix of alternative rock and pop-punk to the Valley, earning their place as up and coming talent in Arizona’s thriving music scene.

The Band is:

David Kleinebreil -Vocals/Guitar
@NLTGdavid

Austin Jones -Guitar/Vocals
@NLTGaustin

Jordan Auge – Drums/Vocals
@NLTGjordan

Vee Gilbert – Bass
@NLTGvee

Where You Can Buy It:

The Greenery Commons – I Can’t Feel (feat. Tanner Wright)

I can feel the smile spreading over my face as I listen. Over the years I’ve developed a love for scream vocals. For most of the songs I listen to removing those vocals would just destroy the song. This is an excellent example of what I’m talking about. This is considered Nu Metal I suppose. There’s some crazy change ups with the vocals and the music. While there are moments of clean singing there is a lot more scream style on this jam. Both styles are flawlessly done, I can’t pick a favorite style from this guy. Musically I love the way it’s almost understated. They could have easily gone with bigger guitar riffs, but again that would have destroyed an other wise awesome song. The drums keep a blazing pace for most of the song with the exception of what I would call an interlude. The song slows down for a minute before slowly building you back up for the conclusion. This is an excellent track.

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: Yes, yes and yes. This song is so totally playlistable! I can think of so many bands I could put them with and it would be a flawless fit.

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Who They Are: The Greenery Commons is a pop punk/post-hardcore band from Southern Indiana, dedicated to making the most melodic, and punishing music there is to offer. With the many different playing styles that encompass the guys in the band, their music is sure to draw you in to sing along or make you want to get a little rowdy.

The Band is:

Ian Davis – Clean/Scream vocals
Griffin Robbins – Lead Guitar
D’Allen Anguish – Bass Guitar
Hayden Peach – Drums/Back up vocals

Where You Can Buy It:

The Hard Ponys – Maybe That’s the Way

Good distorted guitars, heavy drum beat not to fast not to slow. I’m feeling this whole old, old school punk vibe. The production value on the copy I’m working with is a bit low, but in all honesty I kinda prefer that in punk music. Overly polished punk just sounds freaking wrong. I’m grooving to that guitar riff. It’s hot for sure! Vocally I’m trying hard not to compare him to Danzig circa Misfits. But he’s got some of the same styles. It’s wonderful to hear that sound again.

Would I Listen to More of Their Stuff: Yes please, just go a head and add that to my punk playlist. It’s all good.

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Who They Are: The Hard Ponys is a rock band from San Francisco. The music they make isn’t freak-folk, noise-core or post……anything. It isn’t art damaged. The melodies aren’t sunny, sun-soaked or sun-dappled. These guys have thought long and hard to come up with a name for what they do, and what they finally came up with is…Rock ‘n’ Roll. The kids are gonna love it. Trust us.

The Band is:

Lance Eason – Vocals
Daniel Nolan – Guitar
Robert Rohde – Bass
Jim Clenney – Drums

Where You Can Buy It: