The Kut-Valley Of Thorns

Criminal Records/Cargo Records
2018

The brainchild of vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Princess Maha, The Kut is a female alternative rock/grunge band that will release it's full-length debut on May 4th, 2018. With ten tracks in all, "Valley of Thorns" is a strong release that finds Princess Maha handling all of vocals and instruments. In a live setting (which more than likely offers a sweet sonic assault to the eardrums!) it is Princess Maha and a few of her female friends. With that piece of information out of the way, "Valley Of Thorns" deserves it's time in the spotlight. Let's take a look at the tracks one at a time. Starting things off we have the single "Mind Games" (see official video below). Falling somewhere between Melissa Auf der Maur's first solo album and a poor man's Hole, this three minute plus number wouldn't be my first choice to open an album, but it is decent enough to get the job done. From there we jump straight into the punk rock and roll track, "Hollywood Rock n Roll". Now this is more like it! Clocking in at just shy of three minutes, "Hollywood Rock n Roll" is a damn fun number that I could easily see G N' R covering! It's short and it's sweet. Slightly more punk than dirty rock and roll, this wicked little jam would have been my first choice to open the album. Next up we have "No Trace"". No doubt inspired by the band Hole, this one runs close to four minutes in length. It's a so-so number that is followed by "I Want Your Maniac". This one has L7 written all over it. From there we move on to "Rush Hour". Weirdly enough this rock song reminded me of Chrissie Hyde. As someone who likes her solo work and the cool stuff that she did with  The Pretenders, "Rush Hour" offered a nice change of pace. "I am Vain" is next and we are treated to L7-styled grunge rock that almost crosses over into heavy metal territory. The Hole meets The Murderdolls/Marilyn Manson track, "Alekhine's Gun" comes next. Personally I've got mixed feelings about this one, but I honestly see a lot of people liking this twisted track. Moving forward we have "X-Ray Eyes". Here we have classic Hole merging together with Soul Asylum and (early) Goo Goo Dolls! That might sound bad on paper, but in real life it is a vintage-sounding rocker that most certainly would have charted back in the day! "Bad Man" comes on next and it is a blast!! Take Motörhead and cross it with The Runaways. Next up you'll want to give it a bit of a modern vibe. Finnish it off with some harsh vocals that take a step or two the punk/hardcore scene and you get a number like "Bad Man". Towards the end this heavy rocker cranks up the urgency and the anger! All in all this one slays!! The last track is called "Mario". This one starts off with some love for Lemmy and the boys before it turns into a grunge-light rocker with a rather boring chorus. Ultimately it never really goes anywhere. While that is a shame, "Valley Of Thorns" has more going for it than against it. There are some fantastic riffs on this album and Princess Maha is a killer lead vocalist. As someone that just loves powerful women who know how to rock the living daylights out the stage and studio, Princess Maha's alter-ego gets major props for their first full-length album. This one gets a 7 out of 10 with the added bit about how I simply cannot wait to hear more!!

Saturday Singles: Awaken Shepherd-"Speed"

NRT-Records
2018

Awaken Shepherd is a (hard & heavy) alternative rock band from Austria that takes it's cues from both heavy metal and pop-rock. The group is fronted by Harald Johann Zettl (aka: "Johnny Paper") and includes Werner Jauk (lead guitar), Heinz Schwarzäugl (rhythm guitar), Mathias Rak (bass), and Nino Markgraf (drums). Due out on March 16th, "Speed" is the 2nd single from the group's upcoming debut album, "Into The Light". It is a (short & sweet) foot-tapper with graceful vocals and a catchy chorus. At three minutes in length, "Speed" sounds as if it is destined for airplay on both alternative rock and (modern-day) rock radio stations. You can check out the official video for "Speed" below.

Ann my Guard-Ourania

Rock'N'Growl Records
2017



Ann my Guard is a buzz-worthy Hungarian alternative heavy rock/hard rock band that was formed in 2007 by multi-instrumentalist Eszter Anna Baumann-Toth. Due out on January 17th, "Ourania" is Ann my Guard's second full-length album and it comes some two years after the release of the band's well-received debut, "Innocence Descent ". The nine-track, which is as energetic as it is melodic, finds the skilled Eszter Anna Baumann-Toth (bass and lead vocals) backed by a set of equally-impressive musicians in Krisztián Varga (guitars), Benjamin Bárkányi (guitars), and Norbert Tobola (drums). With the official video releases of "Callisto" and "Hekate" already available for your viewing pleasure (see below), fans and first-timers alike can get a brief look into what is already bound to be one of 2017's BEST alternative rock albums!

The beauty and the beasts behind Ann my Guard!

 "Novae" (a brief intro piece that shows off the killer pipes of Ann my Guard's awesome lead vocalist!) and the alternative rock-like "Asteria" open things up on Ann my Guard's forthcoming release before the catchy hit in the making, "Callistro" really gets this party going! From there we have another brief moment in "lo" and the melodic "Breathe The Sun". As the fifth track on "Ourania", "Breathe The Sun" is a reflective moment before the storm that is "Obsidian Tears". Along with the creative "Hekate", this rocker is a stand out moment for Ann my Guard. Sandwiched into "Obsidian Tears" and "Hekate" there is the short "Serpent". The soft and slow (and yet rather excellent) "The Serpent" ends this album on a high note and makes this album all the more worthy of recommendation. Well, maybe calling this release a "album" is a bit of a stretch. Not that it really matters or anything, but seeing as "Novae" (0.45), "lo" (0.54), and "Serpent" (0.55) are so short in regards to their run-times, "Ourania" is more like a EP....or maybe even a expanded EP. That is just so that people know what they are getting into. Otherwise, "Ourania" is a slice of alternative rock heaven that warms the heart and comforts the soul.  





Official video for "Callistro":

Official lyric video of "Hekate":

Incidentally the promo for this album was sent off with the following note: "Ann My Guard can be proud - a harder edged Paramore or Avril Lavigne would probably be a good reference but on the whole Ann My Guard have a strong identity of their own." While that first part is somewhat fitting (A harder edged Paramore? Sure, why not?) and I can see that second bit applying to the opening song "Asteria", Ann my Guard is absolutely rocking their own way to the top of the charts! Undoubtedly fans of Paramore will like this Hungarian lot, but then again so should anyone who likes to jam out to woman rock and rollers! 

Megan Rüger-Rockstar

Broad Horizon Records
2016

Serving as her first recording of all original compositions, "Rockstar" is a brand new studio release from  Nashville, Tennessee' singer/songwriter (and one-time American Idol and The Voice contestant!) Megan Rüger. This well-produced EP features seven diverse songs which range from country to guitar rock and it shows off the amazing range of this former TV star. These songs include the title track and the two singles, "Red" and "Hey! Hey! It's Okay". Recorded and mixed by guitarist/keyboardist/programmer Jamey Perrenot (Taylor Swift / Leann Rimes), "Rockstar" starts things off with some good old fashioned pop rock in "Sorry, I'm Not Sorry" and then moves from country (the solid title track) to the Halestorm-like rock of "(Why Does Your Bad) Feel So Good"! From there you'll experience some splendid modern alternative rock in the form of "Again" (think Paramore) and then Megan return's to her roots with the country rock "White Flag". The previously-mentioned singles ("Red" and "Hey! Hey! It's Okay") close out "Rockstar" in grand fashion while further showcasing just how talented this spunky singer is! On the first single, "Red", Megan Rüger ends up channeling the heart and soul of Joan Jett as well as the wild spirit of the artist Pink!! With it's great rock and roll guitars and sweet alternative rock vibe it's a fun song that should get plenty of airplay if it's marketed correctly. Even if it isn't quite as strong as "Red", the same thing can be said of  the EP's last song, "Hey! Hey! It's Okay". Picking up where "Red" left off, "Hey! Hey! It's Okay" also sounds as if it had Pink in mind...or at least quirky personality.  More pop than rock, "Hey! Hey! It's Okay" offers yet another (positive) angle by which to judge this highly-versatile singer and it ends things in such a upbeat manor that you can't help but want to hear more! Now out on Broad Horizon Records, "Rockstar" is the sound of one legitimate artist that is actively seeking proper recognition in a field full of imitators and flat-out fakes. With any luck Megan Rüger will find true success....

Last Insane-Demo 2016

Self-Release/Independent
2016


Last Insane is a unsigned three-piece garage rock/alternative rock band from Vallejo, California. The group  is comprised of three longtime friends and the four-track EP "Demo 2016" looks as if it is Last Insane's only release to date. Words like "lose" and "laid back" come to mind when listening to "Demo 2016" and as far as I see things this unsigned trio it could easily be a part of the garage rock revival scene that is now flourishing throughout the US and Europe! While their one song, "Narce", reminded me a bit too much of Jet's "Are you Gonna Be My Girl", Last Insane's "Door", "My Feet Smell", and "You Drive Me Insane" make up for this small misstep thanks to the wonderful combination of witty lyrics and enthusiastic garage rock. For a first effort this short EP certainly hits plenty of high notes and it does this while simultaneously achieving this young band's goal of bring old fashioned rock and roll back to the forefront where it belongs! With "Demo 2016" Last Insane is off to a promising start....

Dead Behind The Scenes-White-EP

Self-Release/Independent
2015

Born in 2010 (and originally known as The Scream), Dead Behind The Scenes is a Italian five-piece that hails from Milan and just released it's debut EP, "White-EP", at the tail end of 2015. The band is comprised of Dave Bosetti (vox, guitars), Marco Tedeschi (guitars), Lorenzo Di Blasi (keyboards), Valerio Romano (bass), and Chris Lusetti (drums) and from what I've been able to gather these rather unique individuals all range in age from 18-19. In an impressive move for their young age the five members of Dead Behind The Scenes recorded & produced the quirky "White-EP" all by themselves! Later on it was mixed & mastered by Lorenzo Cassi & Alessio "EgoP" Cristiano with the end result being a five-song EP that defies easy classification. Of course when you take into account all of the different ingredients that have been thrown into the mix on this almost-whimsical EP (alternative rock, death rock/goth rock, hard rock, jazz, pop rock, post-punk/post-rock, reggae, etc.) it's not too difficult to understand the daunting nature of such a task! With that being said, "White-EP" gets plenty of points for it's creativity and overall delivery. Add to that it's well-structured narrative and you have a five-song recording that makes you want to hear what else this young Italian band is capable of. Hopefully that question will be answered sooner than later. 







As a side note it's quite obviously that a group like Dead Behind The Scenes will not be suited to everyone's tastes. But as for those who still seek out creativity in alternative rock? Well, you'd be hard pressed to find a band that has as much potential as this young band does! With time and a little nurturing this Italian act could get really interesting.... 

Double Experience-Unsaved Progress

Colfax Music
2016

Active since 2011,  Double Experience is a Canadian trio with three release to it's name thanks to the forthcoming "Unsaved Progress". Self-dubbed Nerdy Neo-Rock and featuring a solid line-up of Ian Nichols (vox, lyrics), Brock Tinsley (guitars, bass, lyrics), and Dafydd Cartwright (drums), Double Experience is also a band that answers one of life's oldest and most persistent questions. And of course that would be: "What would Fall Out Boy sound like if they were less emo and more rock?". What, you've never asked that question before? Am I the only one who has wondered that? Wow, who knew? Anyway, this is pretty much what you get when it comes to the quirky Double Experience and/or "Unsaved Progress". With eight original compositions and a fun cover of the B.O.C. classic "Godzilla", "Unsaved Progress" is an easy enough album to get into so long as you enjoy alternative rock & pop-infused heavy rock. Double Experience's new release has a due-date of April 8th and lest I forget, "Unsaved Progress" will be printed with classic video game-inspired packaging! That's rather righteous don't ya think? Well, at least it is to me. I grew up loving the video game culture and I now have the pleasure of watching my own children teenagers enjoy the same games that I did when I was there age! And speaking of my teens (or my family of three!), "Unsaved Progress" has a good chance at becoming a new family favorite thanks to it's catchy mash-up of pop rock, alternative rock, pop punk, power rock and heavy rock! While it might not appeal to all of our readers, "Unsaved Progress" still deserves a fair chance so if your musical tastes are a little more open why not give this one a shot? You've got nothing to lose....

Blue Matches-Fear the Truth

Self-Release/Independent
2015

Based in Tennessee and blessed by the presence of a strong lead singer named Michelle Marston, Blue Matches is a highly-infectious and undeniably catchy alternative rock/power pop band with two studio recordings to it's name. "Fear the Truth" is this four-piece band's latest release and it was recorded by Jordan Logue at Dark Horse Recording in the band's hometown of Nashville. Highlighted by the first two numbers, "Cranes" and "Down and Out", "Fear the Truth" was produced by the band's guitarist/vocalist, Steven Edwards and this 5-track EP serves as the natural follow-up to the group's 2013 debut album, "Starting Over". Bassist/vocalist Stephen Smith and drummer Phillip Brown round out this punk rock light quartet which is as melodic as it is heavy rocking! The heavy rocking part comes courtesy of guitarist Steven Edwards whose carefree style of playing gives "Fear the Truth" a bit of a gritty garage vibe. Steven's performances on these five numbers gel splendidly with Michelle's powerful voice and that helps to add extra spice to the likes of "Solipsism Syndrome" and "This Life". With the rhythm section of Smith and Brown providing that "oh so perfect" back beat, "Fear the Truth" works as a both mini-album and a title track. For this up-and-coming indie rock/alternative rock a EP like this will go a long way towards turning heads and making people stand up and take notice. It certainly did both of those things to me and I hope it does the same for all of you!

Go Primitive-100 Ways

Horus Music Distribution
2015

Produced by Romesh Dodangoda (Kids in Glass Houses, Funeral For A Friend, Twin Atlantic, Motörhead, The Blackout, Bullet For My Valentine, Lower Than Atlantis, Bring Me The Horizon), the forthcoming "100 Ways" is a five track EP from the UK's own Go Primitive. And for those who might not be familiar with that  name yet (with the key word being "YET"), Go Primitive is a guitar-driven four-piece whose commercially-viable sound falls somewhere between alternative rock and traditional heavy rock. Not that there is anything particularly traditional about this band (or for that matter Go Primitive's huge rock riffs and the gnarly way in which they crush everything by way of rippers like "In a Band" and "Save Your Self"!! ). But we'll get to that shortly. For now here's the skinny. Go Primitive is based in Warwickshire, lead by vocalist/guitarist Tomm E Williams and rounded out by Adam White, Dan Teale, and Ben Goodwin. Got that? Good! Now we can talk about this EP in more depth. :Available for pre-order at places like Amazon and iTunes, "100 Ways" opens with the (rock) radio-friendly "Breathe In, Bleed Out" (which you can hear for yourself thanks to it's official video!) and has a run-time of around seventeen minutes. In-between that lead-off single and the album's other radio-friendly number, "What You Pay For", "100 Ways" features other sweet moments like "In a Band", "The Sun Will Rise" and "Save Your Self". Of the EP's five songs my personal favorites would have to be the aforementioned "In a Band" and "Save Your Self". While I don't mind the friendlier vibes of "Breathe In, Bleed Out", "What You Pay For", and (to a lesser extent) "The Sun Will Rise" (with all three songs equally good in their own right!) I do think they sort of pail in comparison to "In A Band" and "Save Your Self". These two numbers are bit rougher around the edge and they seem to lean more towards the alternative/underground side of this band. In a way they are punchier and they almost feel more real. Does that mean the other cuts feel artificial? Absolutely not! I just happen to prefer the edgier side of this band's punch-rock sound. If anything it just adds to the overall dynamite nature of this EP! I'll admit to being more than a little curious as far as what this band can deliver live, but as the first set of studio songs that I've ever heard from Go Primitive I have to say good job! You've hooked me with "100 Ways". What's next? 

Lunar Electric-Lunar Electric

Electric Maiden Recordings
2015

Originally known as Resin Gypsy, with guitarist/vocalist Dre DiMura and drummer Kaleen Reading serving as the connecting factor between both projects, Lunar Electric is a L.A.-based rock and roll power trio whose sound could best be described as equal parts classic rock and alternative rock. On the group's debut release, "Lunar Electric", we find DiMura and Reading paired up with bassist Geena Spigarelli and this self-titled EP features three songs from Resin Gypsy's old catalog along with the brand new number and lead single, "Crossfire Child". A video for "Crossfire Child" can be found below and of the four tracks featured on the group's first release it is arguably the strongest cut of the lot! This 17-minute EP opens with a radio-edit of "Bread & Circuses" and while it's a fine enough number in it's own right things get better on "Moonlight". Featuring a interesting mix of Cream and (early) Soundgarden, "Moonlight" is as sassy as it is swaggered with the number slowing building in intensity and intrigue. From there we have "Sleepwalker" and as the last number left-over from the band's Resin Gypsy days it is every bit as bluesy and gritty as "Moonlight" is. The EP "Lunar Electric" actually ends where we began this short review. Naturally I'm talking about the feisty "Crossfire Child" which is arguably this EP's heaviest and most well-rounded number. If there's a default defect to be found on "Lunar Electric" it's this EP's most glaring red flag. And that would be the lack of distinction between tracks one through three. Given time to properly evolve a power trio like Lunar Electric should  shake loose it's ties to the past and move on to the greener pastures of full-fledged originality and creativity. As it stands now this L.A. band shows promise. Maybe with a bit more time under their wings and a clearer objective we'll find that Lunar Electric are the real deal. Dre DiMura and company have the potential and the skill-set is there so I can see this happening eventually. The key word being eventually. For now "Lunar Electric" should be enjoyed for what it is. It's heavy rock and roll with a alternative mindset for those who are into that kind of thing. And now as promised here is the official video for "Crossfire Child". Enjoy!

Fractal Mirror-Garden of Ghosts

Third Contact
2014

A year removed from the critically acclaimed "Strange Attractors", Fractal Mirror returned with this inspirited 11-track recording. Unfortunately I missed the initial gathering and it is only now that I find myself swept up in this post-rock/progressive rock sound-scape which serves as this intellectual band's sophomore release. Composed around the concept of relationships in the 21st century, "Garden of Ghosts" is as much a message of love and hopefulness in a brilliantly colored world as it is a bitterly tragic reminder of the hopelessness of man when he's left alone to his own devices. Depending on the day and the time and one's frame of mind it's an overly-observant album that can lift you up as easily as it can let you go. It's sweet and sad. Happy and haunted. Really it's whatever you want it to be. All of which makes it just as brilliant (if not more so) as Fractal Mirror's "Strange Attractors". That is if you abide by rule of thumb that the best kind of recordings are the ones that are wide-open to interpretation and grant you free range. Given the opportunity to roam freely and to indulge your senses a release like "Garden of Ghost" can give you hope as much as it can validate your loneliness. Sometimes it can even do both. For those of us who walk between the bright sun of daytime and the shadow's of night it's hard to find such an understanding voice as what "Garden of Ghost" offers. If that doesn't describe and the idea of filling in the blanks with your own colors isn't your thing then don't worry. The great thing about "Garden of Ghost" is how easily it can be filled with exotic ingredients or simply digested as is. In other words you can just take this one right out of it's package, plug it right in and enjoy Fractal Mirror for who they are (a well-seasoned/cleverly-crafted post-rock band overflowing with enough creative energy to run hundreds of after-school musical programs!) and what this album is (a smooth and smart mixture of post-rock, progressive rock, alternative rock and dream pop!). It's that simple. Not that the album is simple of the talented people involved with it's creation are. No, it's just nice to be able to offer a release that can be enjoyed as a one time event or over the course of repeated listens. Either way you can't go wrong so be sure to check this one out friends as it's too good to be kept hidden!

Last Day's Pay-Pink Slip

Self-Release/Independent
2014

Punk rock, cheap beer and sniffing panties. It's the small things in life that count and help ensure that rad rockers like Last Day's Pay are able to keep on keeping on. Now, thanks in no small part to the band's James Couts-produced 14-track album and the fact that it's every little boy and ghoul's favorite spooky holiday of the year(!), each and everyone one of us can partake in the sugary sweet treat that this Ohio four-piece has to offer! For the unlighted amongst you, Last Day's Pay are a Canton-based punk rock/alternative rock band that was formed in the summer of 2013 (hence the group's love of cheap beer and pantie sniffing as those two things are staple items when you are talking about Ohio's few sunny months!) and is made up of vocalist/guitarist Randy, guitarist/vocalist Chris, bassist/vocalist Joe and drummer Jake. "Pink Slips" is this (no last names please) band's first stab at the big time and given the wide range of influences that show up to party here (it's not just punk rock and alternative rock, but classic rock, hair metal, grunge, blues and so much more!) this is one debut album that really keeps you on your toes! Opener "Away" is all about 90's alternative rock and catchy pop punk as is the angrier "Identity". And angry just about sums up the Blink 182 meets old-school punk number "Home Is Where The Heartache Is"!  Then there is "Pubcrawlers Anthem" where these Ohio natives converge in Dropkick Murphys/Flogging Molly. That's just the first four tracks mind you so "Pink Slip" is anything but dull! Officially-speaking and all Last Day's Pay  run down the likes of Rancid, Ramones, Sex Pistols, NOFX, Alkaline Trio and Billy Idol (as well as 80's hair metal, heavy metal and the blues) as influences but if that's not enough of a hint as to what is in store when it comes to an album like this one then I'll toss out a couple of  other names as reference points. Like Sum 41, Green Day, The Cure, The Misfits and Mucky Pup? You say that's just more punk? How about Jimi Hendrix then? Yes, that is the kind of extremes we are talking about with "Pink Slip" and that goes from opener "Away" to this album's rock-steady closer, "With Our Past". Hell, with a few twists of the old nob and the spit-shined overinflated sense of self-worth that comes from being a radio rock artist a number like "With Our Past" could be a real hit for someone like Staind! Thankfully Last Day's Pay offer integrity as opposed to a made up image which makes a record like "Pay Day" pass the smell test and live up to it's title! You can check this one out for yourself friends right here: https://lastdayspay.bandcamp.com/releases

Birdie Num Num and the Spirit Squad - Subject To Change

Robot Recordings
2014

"Subject To Change" is the sixth full-length release from Bucks County, PA-based rock band Birdie Num Num and the Spirit Squad. Engineered by Nick Cislak (Commonwealth Choir/Eric Venuto*) and band leader/singer/multi-instrumentalist Joe Ujj at Ujj's own Robot Recordings studio, "Subject To Change" was amazingly enough recorded over the course of a mere three days during which time time Birdie Num Num and the Spirit Squad put a full five hours worth of material to tape! Naturally this nine-track album features only the best moments from the three-day session with Joe Ujj and his companions (drummers Todd Mason and  J.P. Wasieko, bassist/vocalist RJ Gilligan and keyboardist Joe Montone) navigating the long divide between eighties college rock and mid-period Radiohead! With it's slow build-up and psychedelic after-effects "The Creek" is simply an inspired choice as far as opening numbers go and as the listener comfortably drifts into "Lipstick Hate" the truly dream-like structure of Birdie Num Num and the Spirit Squad comes to life. Guest guitarist Chris Halford appears on both numbers (as well as the excellent cut "Infinite"!) and his lead work on the album's first three tracks makes "Subject To Change" feel inspired! Of course there is plenty of life to be found beyond the limits of these first few songs. The slightly-charged (ragged) garage rocker "Everyone Deserves The Same Thing", the feed-back heavy "Storm Witch" and "Ride The Pony" (with it's Radiohead on LSD, space-rock greatness!) all offer different perspectives of Birdie Num Num and the Spirit Squad. And the same goes for melancholy track "Lucky Old Sun". The dreariest moment on "Subject To Change", "Lucky Old Sun" aches with pain and sorrow so it is good fortune that Birdie Num Num and the Spirit Squad's sixth full-length studio album ends on a more positive note with "Token Of Home". A devilishly-cleaver song, "Token Of Home" combines this band's love of early to mid-period Radiohead, "Their Satanic Majesties Request"-era Rolling Stones, "Maggot Brain"-era Funkadelic and the dynamics of post-grunge into one guitar-heavy cut! With that kind of a number closing out "Subject To Change" there is literally nothing to complain about when it about Birdie Num Num and the Spirit Squad's latest album. Be sure to head over here to find out more about this band: https://www.facebook.com/birdienumnumandthespiritsquad/info

* Eric Venuto (percussion, vocals and noises) is actual a guest musician on Birdie Num Num and the Spirit Squad's "Subject To Change".

Suburban Myth-"Crashed And Burned" Single

Self-Released/Independent
2014

"Crashed And Burned" is the second single from Suburban Myth's new album "Welcome (If Only)". It is also the second number that I've had the pleasure of covering from this alternative rock band. The last time I heard from Suburban Myth the band had issued the hit-single in the making "Welcome (If Only)" (link to that coverage posted below). While that number found Suburban Myth rocking out sweetly to the sounds of Matchbox 20-style radio rock (hence the hit-singing in the making comment!) this new single paints a slightly different picture of this Charleston, SC/Nottingham, UK act. "Crashed And Burned" is a nearly three-minute slab of near-punk alternative rock/guitar rock! Notice I said near-punk as Suburban Myth is still very much a radio-friendly kind of band, but the group's admitted Goo Goo Dolls influences are more clear-cut where a song like "Crashed And Burned" is concerned. And for that matter I have to say that I am impressed by such a discovery! To these ears "Crashed And Burned" came out of nowhere making me all the more curious as to what other "secrets" this alternative rock has in store for listeners. I wonder....

http://metalmark.blogspot.com/2014/06/suburban-myth-welcome-if-only-single.html

My Own Ghost-Love Kills

Secret Entertainment
2014

My Own Ghost is a female-fronted band from Luxembourg, Germany which was founded in 2013 by guitarists Fred Brever & David Soppelsa and bassist Joe May. The 13-track "Love Kills", which will be released on October 10th, is the band's full-length debut and with vocalist Julie Rodesch (Providers, Seven Days On Fire) and drummer Michael Stein (Red Circuit) rounding things out it has the potential to turn My Own Ghost into a buzz-worthy/must-hear act! Due to the five musicians' different backgrounds, reportedly ranging from pop to metal, and the fact that each and every member of My Own Ghost contributes to the songwriting (a rare feat in this day and age!) you end up with an album that is chock-full of variety while marvelously consistent. Again, this is not something you see everyday but when it comes to the melodic yet powerful My Own Ghost and their alternative/modern rock (by way of electronic, classic, pop and heavy rock) sound it's not only attention-getting it's downright special! The strong songwriting here on "Love Kills" is nearly overshadowed by the amazing performances from all five members with extra points be awarded to vocalist Julie Rodesch and the guitar playing of Brever and Soppelsa. If My Own Ghost gets a chance to move beyond their home country and then all of Europe one could almost envision this band and their radio-friendly rock making a real run towards worldwide recognition and admiration!

Us Amongst The Rest-Follow The Truth

Two Star Records
2014

Heavy metal and hard rock. Emo, alternative rock and (melodic) post-hardcore. And finally, modern, radio-friendly and (nothing short of the potential to have single after single just lying in the wait on this 12-track LP!) heavy rock. Picture all of that packed into the shape of a young, enthusiastic and passionate four-piece from York. After a quick intro track we jump right into the action with "Fields Of Fray" and for Us Amongst The Rest it's history in the making as "Follow The Truth" is nothing short of a brilliant debut debut! First there was the beast of a single "Bring The Fuel" which brought them nothing short of universal praise. Well-deserved universal praise! A video for that beauty can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TxSs9VBMiY. Next there was the album's 2nd single, "Love is the Bull". A hook-heavy MONSTER of a single, "Love is the Bull" brings together the best essences of melody and metal while featuring the fantastic chorus "Happiness is the China Shop, Love is the Bull"! The video of that song can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyYXHvGXGd0  . Now Us Amongst The Rest (or UATR for short) have this full-length album to add to their resume and things couldn't be any brighter or more promising  for these York hard rockers! Recorded with Sam and Joe Graves (Axewound, Glamour of the Kill, Asking Alexandria) at InnerSounds Studios, with the track "Falling Skies" even featuring the services of Sam Graves (vocalist/guitarist for With One Last Breath*), "Follow The Truth" features 12 fantastic tracks with not even one filler in site! For a full-length debut album that is something special indeed (especially when you take into account that UATR has only been together for about two years now!). Lead by the captivating voice of bass guitarist Karl Sandor, UATR (who supposedly took their name from the song title of two of the group's members former band) has had it's fair share of line-up changes since their initial formation with the current line-up featuring the additional skills of  Dan Beardmore (guitars/vocals), Paul Fernandez (drums/vocals) and Dan Stockdale (guitars/vocals). Filled with pride and purpose and equipped with strong songwriting ability and enough natural talent to fuel four or five additional hard rock entities, UATR are (dare I say it?) masterful at what they do! For this young band the choice of influences (Atreyu, Thin Lizzy, Alter Bridge, Avenged Sevenfold, Metallica, Black Stone Chery, etc.) is one thing. Taking those vastly different influences (as well as hints of group's like Taking Back Sunday, Seemless, Coheed and Cambria, 30 Seconds to Mars, Underoath and Straylight Run) and building on them to make sure that your own personal adventure is as creative as humanly possible is another thing all together. Thankfully UATR pulls out all the stops while utilizing the big guns (amazing songwriting, fantastic performances and remarkable chemistry being just a few of the strengths of this UK act!) at their disposal. All of which insures that softer moments (the tender hit single in the making "Angels" being a full-out favorite moment!) work just as well as the sonic thunder that is "Blood In Me", the sweeping "Silver And Lead" and "Horizons" (a graceful alternative rocker just made for today's modern rock radio!). Ending perfectly with "Falling Skies" (another hit in the making for this York bunch and yet another favorite moment of mine on "Follow The Truth"!), Us Amongst The Rest has given the alternative rock crowd a reason to rejoice and a surefire fan-favorite for years to come! Don't walk, but RUN when this one drops as it's simply too good for words and another release that should climb into 2014 Best-Of lists long before this year is over and done with!

You can find the band online at here:http://www.uatrband.com/  and https://www.facebook.com/UATRBAND


*A metalcore band from York, With One Last Breath also released their full-length debut album, "The Fearless Ones", this year on Small Town Records.

The Mcooleys-Empty Blue Skies

Self-Release/Independent
2014

The Mcooleys are a British born but Mallorca based indie rock/alternative rock trio featuring brothers Adam (vocals, lead guitar) and Matthew (drums) Booley. Along with their best friend Jake McCann (bass) the Booley brothers (who are inspired by the bands of the 60s and 70s as well as the early punk scene) have built up a (loyal) local the island of Mallorca thanks to a heavy dose of live shows. Now The Mcooleys have taken the next logical step in their development with the release of "Empty Blue Skies". With their 60's/70's guitar-driven rock and the interesting post-punk/new-wave voice of Adam Booley working hard at setting the band apart from indie rock/alternative rock crowd this EP has a way of getting to the very heart of the matter. Obviously passionate about their music, with the early single "What Happened Tonight"* having all the tell-tale signs of a band unwilling to conform to traditional (hard) pop standards, The Mcooleys write intelligent, reflective and colorful rock with strummed guitars and perfectly-time percussion! Between the somewhat somber notes of "Blackbox" (Material Issue meets The Smiths?) and the pop-punk punch of the quirky "Blonde Hair" this highly appealing Mallorca-based trio has plenty of room to roam and the proper space needed to fine-tune their innovative take on indie rock. With the right push and a proper label to support them one could easily see The Mcooleys taking that next step. All the tools that are needed are right within arm's reach. The Mcooleys need to build on the success of this EP and continue to highlight their energetic presence up to and including the distinctive vocals of lead singer Adam Booley! Between the voice of Adam and the 3-2-1 Go! pop-attack of their sincere and satisfying music it is quite possible that The Mcooleys ARE the next big thing waiting to happen when it comes to alternative rock radio! Hopefully some label (one with the proper vision to see that all this trio needs is a proper full-length and the right kind of press) will come along and see that...

https://www.facebook.com/EmptyBlueSkies


 

*Oddly I got a UB40 vibe from this one!

The Fireflies-The Fireflies

Self-Release/Independent
2014

Harry Shearer (lead vocals, guitars) and Luca Serino (guitars) are The Fireflies and this charming London-based duo might just represents one of pop rocks best-kept secrets. That might sound like a bold proclamation to make, but this poetic EP more then backs up that claim thanks to it's soulful take on pop rock and roll. Having first sampled the track "Silver Leaflets" (the lead off single from this delightful EP) I jumped at the chance to hear more music from this dynamite new act. Especially seeing as Harry Shearer's great voice channels the spirit of James Taylor! Needless to say I was not disappointed! With "Silver Leaflets" The Fireflies offer up a blissful take on (radio-worthy) modern day adult contemporary rock/alternative rock. Meanwhile those wonderful James Taylor-like vocals give extra charm to the number  "Leaving Home" which, besides featuring some wonderful interplay between voice and guitar, is folk-rock for today's enthusiastic youth! More folk-leanings come into play on refreshing cuts like "Rise and Fall", "She Walks" and "Stop Running" although each and every number on this EP appears as if plenty of attention was paid to pop rock sensibilities. The Fireflies excel at creating meaningful songs that are soft and sensible and if I was to make a judgement call as to what party in particular would benefit the most from this near-perfect collection I would have to point towards casual, everyday folks who enjoy great conversation and a nice glass of wine at the evening's end!

Suburban Myth-"Welcome (If Only)" Single

Self-Release/Independent
2014

Suburban Myth is an alternative rock band out of Charleston, SC (vocalist Derek Daisey's home base of operations) and Nottingham, UK.( the hometown of lyricist Phil Wormall). Rounded out by bassist Nicholas O’Kelley and drummer Nick Lomma the band draws their sound from both adult contemporary (Matchbox 20) and alternative rock (Goo Goo Dolls, Shinedown, etc.). The band's latest single, "Welcome (If Only)", which will be released July 28th (with the album of the same name following the single release on August 11th), follows in the footsteps of the band's debut EP, "Plastic Souls'' and has hit single written all over it! "Welcome (If Only)" features the same kind of captivating vocals that made Matchbox's Rob Thomas such a star in his own right and musically this melodic piece is the very definition of smooth rock! Custom-built for radio airplay, Suburban Myth have a winning formula going for them and they are holding onto a lottery ticket with the payoff of a lifetime! Look for this act to be in the spotlight within no time!

https://www.facebook.com/SuburbanMythMusic

Amy Yates Wuelfing and Steven DiLodovico-No Slam Dancing, No Stage Diving, No Spikes: An Oral History of the Legendary City Gardens

DiWulf Publishing
2014

Authored by Amy Yates Wuelfing and Steven DiLodovico, "No Slam Dancing, No Stage Diving, No Spikes: An Oral History of the Legendary City Gardens" is a (recently-released) book covering the history of New Jersey's unheralded music venue, City Gardens. As someone though who has amassed quite the collection of post-punk and alternative rock encyclopedias, history books, reference sources and even pocket companions, and (incidental) someone who actually lived through the time period this covers (eighties to nineties), I will say that whether or not you were at all familiar with the (should have been legendary!) City Gardens is of little to no concern when it comes to this exhaustive novel. For "No Slam Dancing, No Stage Diving, No Spikes" makes you see City Gardens as if it could have been any club in any city. Or rather your favorite club in your local town! And even if it wasn't your club, authors Amy Yates Wuelfing and Steven DiLodovico make you feel as if you are right there, right in the heart of the action as they have crafted a work of art in regards to an era that many of us will always hold firm to and consider to be the defining moment in the history of punk, hardcore and heavy metal! Working your way through the pages of this book you find yourself transported back to a time when music was exploding and the scene, both national and local, held endless possibilities and there was always some new sound to discover! As far as actual coverage of this well-loved and highly-respected club is concerned the book is broken down into different time periods even if the sentiment is all the same! Through interviews with a who's who of the alternative rock, punk rock and hardcore scene (as well as club workers and club goers!) we're given insight into a live venue which hosted some absolutely amazing talent during it's run! And yes it wasn't just about post-punk rockers and slam-dancing hardcore kids as this was a club which never discriminated (music-wise). Whether it was the punk and hardcore scene, heavy metal or hip-hop, pop-rock or reggae it was all fair game and treated equally! And in the confines of this book it's all entertainment as you read about a club which would go on to become the life-blood of New Jersey. No spoilers of course, as this one should be read in the comfort of one's own home (suggestively-speaking) with a glass of wine for maximum enjoyment, but the huge array of interviews (from the Butthole Surfers to Black Flag) and personal memories from shows (everyone from the Lords Of The New Church to the Circle Jerks played there and man alive, what I wouldn't have given to have seen both!) is just crazy making "No Slam Dancing, No Stage Diving, No Spikes: An Oral History of the Legendary City Gardens" another book that I will be adding to my personal collection  as soon as humanly possibly! This is one book which deserves special mention and should hold a special spot in any self-respecting collection of music-related material. With that I say kudos to Amy Yates Wuelfing and Steven DiLodovico for what amounts to a well-researched and highly-informative book and one which I have no reservations whatsoever about recommending!