WHERE ARTISTS AND FANS BAND TOGETHER.
What’s up rockers from all across the world! Welcome to a new episode of The Breakdown! Rebecca and I will be attending Louder Than Life this year…THIS WEEK! So, in this episode we breakdown each day and share the bands we are stoked to see.
Tickets are still available HERE! Come join us and throw your horns up!
After Show Notes: Unfortunately, after filming this episode Mudvayne had to drop out due to COVID. But the DWP team works fast and Breaking Benjamin will be taking their place.
Coming out of the heart of Chicago, American Slang finally was able to preform their first home town show post COVID lockdown and celebrate their release of their first studio album in head banging fashion.
American Slang was first shown to me back in mid 2020 from fellow friend and musician, Jake Massanari (Them Evils). As soon as I heard their opening track from their debut album Death Drive, I knew these gentlemen were a raw diamond in the industrial plains of Chicago. I even put it on my top 5 album releases for the year; it that damn good.
Shortly after I became good friends with their guitarist Tyler and social media friends with the rest of the dudes in American Slang. Upon hearing their first show back, I told the guys my ass was going to be there.
For the set that evening, they played Death Drive in it’s entirety, but not in chronological order for tracks. They saved their largest streamed single ‘Holly Roller’ as the crowd finisher.
Without playing a show for 18 months, they had pent up rage to let out. Even their bassist ,Chris, was slapping so hard, his strap broke mid-set but he still kept it going as fellow friend and also playing that night in his own band, Steve Eldridge, rushed on stage to make him a makeshift strap only using tape; I hope that becomes his signature strap. Their lead guitarist Tyler, was raging hard on stage as he pounded a couple of cans of pre-workout before he stormed the stage and did not stop head banging. Second guitarist, Hunter, was dialed in & focused the entire time and his eyes never left his gorgeous purpler Ernie Ball JP Custom Shop. Drummer, Aaron, was in his groove and hit his strides in every breakdown, and finally their front man & Simpsons connoisseur, Adam, did not stop moving till the last note was hit. He had passion burning in his lungs and everyone felt it.
American Slang is one the most sleeper hit bands you can find right now, and with the right momentum, these Chicago boys will be batting in the big leagues.
Check out our full pre show interview below.
Coming out of the far side of Ukraine, emerges an artist that just like a wallflower, has blossomed into the rock & metal mainstream and shown the world female fronted metal can headbang with the big boys.
Jinjer have returned with their third studio album, Wallflowers, and deliver a perfect blend of prog metal and djent. Prior to its release, two singles were put out: ‘Vortex’ & ‘Mediator’, and to be honest, they were not completely what I was expecting. ‘Vortex’ was very much more tame in sound besides the spurts of Tatiana’s monstrous voice, and ‘Mediator’ as well had more clean melodic vocals that anticipating. Compared to the rest of album, other singles would have been much more fitting to grip fans by the throat. Regardless of this, Wallflowers delivers sound you could hope for from a Jinjer album.
Wallflowers starts with its opening song ‘Call Me a Symbol’ and you are immediately devoured by Tatianas vocals and the bands thunderous sound. It is a perfect song to project you into the rest of the album.
Songs such as ‘Colossus’, ‘Disclosure!’ and ‘Copycat’ have a mosh pit rumbling in your mind and with their rescheduled happening this year, I do not doubt that these will be a part of their setlist.
Now more so with this album than before, they dip their toes more into the progressive metal tone. ‘Vortex’, ‘Wallflower’, and ‘As I Boil Ice’ offer fans a more versatile side to Jinjer. While Tatiana’s vocals are still just as empowering, the band beautifully establishes its prog roots and maybe even gives new fans a gateway drug into the genre.
Even with this being a new album, Jinjer have successfully kept their “sound” over the years and established who they are in the metal world, while still being able to evolve and blossom their music for fans.
With a beautiful blend to progressive metal & djent, Jinjer have placed themselves as a top shelf artist and continue to be pioneers in female fronted metal.
For my first-ever interview for Banded PR, I sat down with Brooklyn-based musician and cat lover, Henry The Chap in promotion of his debut single, “Doh + Puh + Meen.” We talked all about the new single, the Studio Ghibli-influenced music video, what he’s got in the works in the coming months, and of course, his beloved cat, the one and only Princess Mae Mae!
Go give “Doh + Puh + Meen” a stream or two, and stay tuned to see what else is up The Chap’s sleeve!
In July 2020, my very first interview was with Pittsburgh-based duo, The Living Street. During my interview with them, I challenged them to learn a new song before their livestream that week. I thought they would learn a new cover, but instead, they wrote a new song. That song being “Jealous Ghosts”.
Fast forward to over a year later, “Jealous Ghosts” has finally been released as a single. So how good is the song? Well, let’s find out.
It’s no secret that The Living Street knows how to create tunes that are infectious, fun, and keeps you hooked. Their combination of indie, folk, pop, rock, and sprinkles of Americana became fan favorites and the storytelling also add flavor to those songs.
“Jealous Ghosts” just adds to that touch.
The song feels reminiscent of the indie bands I would listen to back in high school, which is what makes you want to keep listening to it again and again. The sound the song has is very soothing, melodic, and also perfect for any playlist you may want to create for the upcoming fall season.
The harmonies, melodies, storytelling and acoustics bring in something great to the table. In fact, the harmonies Nick and Edward have on display throughout the song, especially in the chorus, is nothing short of beautiful and mesmerizing.
In just four years, The Living Street has proved time again and again that they are going places and “Jealous Ghosts”? That’s only further proof of that fact. Mark my words, “Jealous Ghosts” is bound to be a fan favorite.
This is the kind of song that you listen to once and it gets stuck in your head in an instant. Not to mention, it’s almost impossible to get out of your head. You’re most likely going to want to listen to it again and again… and you won’t get tired of it.
Now that Fall is around the corner, catch us adding this song to any Halloween playlist we may create.
You can stream “Jealous Ghosts” (and other The Living Street songs) on whatever streaming platform you may use and also catch The Living Street on tour.
This album review may become a shock to those who only view me as a head banging rocker, which I am at heart, but my ears have evolved over my 32 years of life and I appreciate genuine artistic music, such as BLK ODYSSY.
Now this may be BLK ODYSSY’s debut album, but frontman Sam Houston has been preforming and touring years before this blessed our ears. I first experienced Sam Houston & BLK ODYSSY back in 2019 while he was on tour with songwriter, Shawn James, and I was immediately amazed with the raw talent him & the band had. I was actually bummed a bit afterwards to see they had no music on streaming platforms yet.
Fast forward into mid 2020, him and I reconnected and did a special IG Live Interview to talk about his music career and how he transplanted himself from the east coast into the heart of music Mecca Texas: Austin. Also that year, I flew out for one of his few performances him and BLK ODYSSY did and got to see them shine for a hometown crowd.
BLK VINTAGE, their debut album, is an absolute blessing to your ears. Even when looking at the song titles, I already knew which ones would be my favorites. Sam Houston is such a creative lyricist and I was pumped to hear his final creation.
The album starts its journey with title track BLK VINTAGE, and is the perfect warmup song for the rest of the ride. Songs such as ‘BIG BAD WOLF/SOBER’, ‘MURDA’ and ‘GHOST RIDE’ offer more upbeat fast tempo vibes and maybe get dressed up for a night out.
While others such as ‘DRINKING BLOOD’, ‘YA NO PODIA SALIR’ and ‘NINTEEN EIGHTY’ completely reminds me of Jay-Z’s 4:44 album: relaxing soul vibes, lyrics that mold right into the beat and a tone that just leaves you warm.
From a deep and empowering album artwork, to lyrics that echo long after you’re done listening, BLK ODYSSY debut album is an absolute soul banger.
Singer-songwriter, Harrison Whitford, is back with his latest indie-rock single, ‘Salvation Army’. The stripped song explores a side of emotions that are often avoided or even suppressed, but is done in a rather beautiful way.
“You had a dream that you pulled the trigger
And watched the hammer come down
We had a good run floating down the river
Until the river ran out”
Even though the lyrics are slightly dark, the music along with Harrison’s voice are both so light and soft that it doesn’t feel dark because it just sounds beautiful. In a way it is very calming and comforting, especially with the repetition of, “Nothing can hurt us now”. From what Harrison has released thus far in his career, this is a common theme for almost all of his songs.
What I love most about Harrison is the emotion in his voice. From his debut album, “Afraid of Everything”, to this new release, every single word in every one of his songs is jammed packed with emotion and as the listener you not only hear that but you feel those emotions as well. His music is raw, authentic, and real.
Hopefully this single will lead into something larger like a potential album. Whatever is next though, I cannot wait for it and I know it will be something great!
Before their last minute show at Metal Fest in Central Florida, frontman Anthony Martinez and guitarist Joseph Oharek of Cold Subject took time on their Saturday to have a fun, kick back and chat about their band.
Forming in 2018, the band had a completely different lineup than where they are now with only one original member left. But after am extensive revival, Cold Subject is coming out on fire for 2021.
Unlike the rest of the U.S., the band was very fortunate enough to be able to still play shows each month in Florida with their more lax concert restrictions. Still being active and playing gigs, they released a brand new single, ‘Polygonal’ (say that five times fast ).
This new single is the first time all band members actively put their own creative input into it, as back in 2020 for their first EP Crystal Clear, they were still in the process of structuring their final lineup and had most of the material ready to be tracked.
‘Polygonal’ kicks off with an orchestral sound and banging riff to grab your attention, and transform into a very welcoming nu-metal sound with brilliant breakdowns from guitars and singer Anthony Martinez.
Polygonal is a huge step in the right direction for future of Cold Subject. With more concert dates to finish off the year, the boys from Florida’s metal core band are definitely not having cold feet.
Perhaps best described as alternative lo-fi, “Doh + Puh + Meen” is Henry The Chap’s first step into the wild world of solo artistry, and what a step it is. You probably know Henry from his work in retro rock duo, Ruen Brothers. Yeah, this sounds nothing like that, but I find that it’s so telling of his range as both a singer and songwriter – not everyone can go from 50s and 60s flavored rock to modern lo-fi synth magic as effortlessly as he does.
Clocking in at just barely over 2 minutes, “Doh + Puh + Meen” hits quick, much like a hit of the real thing. It’s bouncy, it’s catchy – it’ll get stuck in your head for hours if you let it. Self-produced in an apartment in Brooklyn with the help of a few friends, this is the beginning of a new chapter for The Chap, and what a way to kick things off!
With animations from Brisbane-based animator, Helena Papageourgiou, parts of the music video take on a Studio Ghibli/My Neighbor Totoro vibe, while the live action portions feel very tastefully homemade, showcasing many of the things that bring The Chap joy, including many-a cameo from The Chap’s treasured cat, Princess Mae Mae. Staying true to the song’s lo-fi roots, the video was shot and edited in vertical, perfect for a quick hit no matter where you are or what you’re doing.
Different as it may be from his previous work, it still feels authentic. It speaks volumes to The Chap’s eclecticism and it’s just really fun to listen to. With a title like “Doh + Puh + Meen,” I suppose it would have to be!
Get your feel-good on and go give this one a stream or two; you’ll be glad you did!
Rock duo, Moon City Masters, never do just the bare minimum. Every single thing they release, from the music to the cover art and videos that come along with it, is a bright and beaming reflection of their passion and talent. With the latest release of ‘No Warning’, a neo-classic rock anthem, it is no different; the brothers continue to give us their all.
‘No Warning’ serves up rolling guitar riffs, toe-tapping percussion, and vocal harmonies that could fly you to the moon and back. For a two piece, their sound is incredibly robust.
Now, the tune may be upbeat and a temptress to swaying back and forth, but the topic is a little dark. At it’s core, ‘No Warning’ is about how things may get bad and we may not get a warning, so we might as well enjoy the music and live in the moment. It’s the kind of song you can keep on repeat for hours. It brings you comfort and assurance that everything is going to be ok.
If you’re ever in a slump thinking you missed the best days of rock ‘n’ roll, turn on Moon City Masters and you’ll experience your own slice of rock n roll heaven. I think you’ll agree once you give this track a listen…
The gentlemen from Palestine, Texas, Blacktop Mojo, are back! And they are here to preach the good faith of rock ’n’ roll in their self-titled fourth studio album.
From 2014 to 2021, Blacktop Mojo have been traveling the world carrying southern rock right on their back. Even though their sound and style have been consistent, they have evolved as rock musicians as well and fully demonstrate this on their latest studio album
For album 4, it kicks off groovy and hard hitting with their second single release “Wicked Woman”. The opening chant and riff to this song sets a precedence for the album as you’re taken on a ride.
Songs such as “Bed Tundy”, “Do It For The Money” and “Wicked Woman” are hard rock bangers with some of the best riffs they’ve put down, while others such as “ Latex”, “Jealously” and “Hold Me Down” are their rock ballads featuring absolutely amazing solos from guitarists Chuck Wepfer & Ryan Kiefer
Back in July, lead singer Matt James and I had an awesome interview discussing this album and other things such as Whattaburger VS In-N-Out. (Watch it below)
With creative lyrics & themes, great breakdowns, and shredding solos, Blacktop Mojo have grown into their shit-kickers, and even put on some blue suede shoes to match Matt James blue leopard pants. For their fourth self titled album, Blacktop Mojo show fans a raw artistic form with some rock ’n’ roll hits, two stepping jams, and good ol’ fashioned blues making album 4 a stand out for 2021.
Greta Van Fleet kicked off their Strange Horizons Tour to two sold out audiences - their first public shows in over a year - last week in Franklin, Tennessee. Long-time fans were chomping at the bit to get back into the GVF live grind, and many newer fans, like myself, were experiencing this band’s live magic for the very first time. I was lucky enough to attend both shows from the pit, and what follows is both a review and an account of my experiences of nights one and two of Strange Horizons!
I’ll be honest, I went into this experience just a little bit biased – I love GVF, and I knew I was going to enjoy these shows. That said, after watching several live videos in the weeks before the shows to get hyped up and reading so many fan accounts of show experiences in years past, I had pretty high expectations too. The short and sweet of it all? Greta Van Fleet met and surpassed every single expectation I had for these shows.
The venue they chose was absolutely beautiful. You could tell the band had a hand in choosing where they were playing. FirstBank Amphitheater is nestled into Graystone Quarry in the Thompson’s Station township just outside of Franklin, Tennessee, and it is unlike any venue I’ve ever seen before. I was in the pit for both shows and I found myself continuously looking around and behind me at the natural rock walls surrounding the bowl and the view above those walls as the sun set. The natural beauty of it all made it the perfect environment to take in the spectacle that was Strange Horizons.
The band also had a hand in choosing their opening acts, and man, did they make some fantastic choices. I made a point to listen to both of these artists well ahead of the show so I’d be fully prepared to take in their live sets, and I was not disappointed. Cedric Burnside took the stage first and blessed the audience with some of the richest and smoothest blues I’ve ever heard in my life. Vocally, he was spot-on; his live vocals were virtually indistinguishable from his studio work. The man has an incredible voice. His guitar playing was also something to behold, and when he would solo the audience would cheer him on and hype him up. It was so cool being able to see his reaction to that – you could tell he was having fun. Shovels & Rope, a folk rock duo from South Carolina, followed him, and within seconds they had the crowd on their feet. They too delivered absolutely incredible vocals and their harmony blend was perfect. I’ve never seen a duo more equipped to make music together than these two. They debuted a couple of new songs that were very well-received, and rightfully so. Shovels & Rope are two of the best songwriters I’ve ever had the privilege to see live, and their set was intoxicating.
What amazed me most about both openers was how they did so much with so little. Cedric Burnside performed with nothing more than his voice, his guitar, and a drummer. Shovels & Rope performed with nothing more than their voices, a guitar, and a drum set-keyboard combo that was played with only two hands and a foot. I couldn’t believe the sounds they were all able to produce; I didn’t find that anything was missing, despite neither opener using a bass of any kind. Their sets sounded rich and full, and they kept the audience enthralled and on their feet. They were very well-received, and for good reason; Cedric Burnside and Shovels & Rope are two of the most talented artists out there right now and I’m so glad GVF turned me on to them.
Watching the stage be set up for Greta Van Fleet’s set was something to behold. Their set was hidden behind a black curtain during Burnside’s and Shovels & Ropes’ sets and was finally revealed just as it was starting to get dark outside. You wouldn’t believe the roars the crowd let out as the crew pulled that curtain down, and for good reason. The entire set was marble white, very reminiscent of the “Heat Above” music video, with some fascinating standing light structures, and the Battle at Garden’s Gate logo front and center on Danny Wagner’s drum kit. It was a GVF fan’s dream, and since night one was the very first time anyone had ever laid eyes on this set, it was extra special. It was fascinating watching the crew pick up the gray carpets the opening acts played on to reveal the marble white floor below, especially when they began to Swiffer the stage (likely to ensure that Josh and Sam Kiszka, who perform barefoot, don’t step on anything and hurt themselves!). This was something I’d never seen happening before during a set change, and I was enthralled.
The vibe before the show even began was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. For the first time, I truly felt like I was at home. I couldn’t believe my eyes and ears when the people around me were also jamming out to the pre-show playlist, featuring bands like The Beatles, the Plastic Ono Band, and Jethro Tull – bands I had only ever listened to alone. Suddenly I was surrounded by people who shared my taste in music and my passion for rock ‘n’ roll. At that point I was certain, both nights, that these would be some of the greatest shows of my life.
One of my favorite moments at a show is when the lights go out right before the artist takes the stage. There was something about these shows that made that moment hit a little bit harder for me than it had in years past. I suspect this is likely due in part to the fact that this is something I haven’t really experienced in over a year and a half thanks to the pandemic, but there’s also just something in the air at a Greta Van Fleet show, something that amps up the energy and emotions in the room. When those lights went out, my heart jumped into my throat and I could hardly stand still.
Greta Van Fleet love a touch of the dramatic, but it’s always so tastefully done, and that’s how I would describe their show intro. Opening first in complete darkness with the sound of Josh Kiszka’s isolated vocals from “Caravel” delivering the line that inspired the tour’s name (“crash against wave upon wave, to strange horizons”), images of the band previously unseen by fans began to flash across the screen as samples from voicemails collected from fans on the topics of peace, love, and unity (GVF’s mantra) were heard. Following the last spoken line of the intro, the intro to “Heat Above” began to build, and like a clap of thunder, the drums kicked in and the audience erupted as singer Josh Kiszka ran out to join the rest of the band onstage. GVF started off so strong, and that strength would last all the way to the very last note.
You could see the happiness in their faces as they took the stage, especially with guitarist Jake Kiszka as he waved to the crowd. Their energy was contagious; they were just as happy to be back on stage as everyone watching was happy to be back in the crowd. People around me were screaming, laughing, singing, dancing, jumping – after all this time without live music and without GVF shows, suddenly here we were. I think I was in shock. This band that had helped me through some of my most difficult days (and there were plenty of these throughout the pandemic) playing the song that started it all for me was a bit overwhelming, though I couldn’t have asked for a better opening song. I sang along, I laughed, and I cried. It was a magical moment, to say the least.
Greta Van Fleet delivered a studio quality performance without it seeming staged or robotic. They’re just that good. I couldn’t help but be impressed at how high energy each member of the band remained throughout the show, particularly singer Josh Kiszka with his constant running and bouncing around the stage, never seeming to fall short of breath, and guitarist Jake Kiszka with his own brand of back-breaking acrobatics.
I believe the reason Greta Van Fleet is so good live is because they’re truly passionate about what they’re doing. You can see it in Josh when he closes his eyes and pours his soul into the most incredible vocal line you’ve ever heard. You can see it in Jake when he takes center stage and gets lost in a solo. You can see it in Sammy’s famous bass faces and the focus he has at his keyboards when he’s playing with his hands and feet at the same time. You can see it in Danny’s face when he walks out onto the stage and is met with rabid applause and when he takes his turn soloing. They don’t just walk out on stage and half-ass it. They care so deeply about the music they create and they have just as much fun on stage as fans have in the crowd, and it shows. Their passion for what they’re doing makes the show that much more fun. The crowd absolutely fed off of that energy, and it was remarkable to me the control Josh had over the crowd as a result. When he asks a question, you answer. When he wails, you wail. When he throws his hands up, you throw your hands up. It’s almost instinctual. I didn’t have to think about it, I just followed his lead.
Having released their latest record, The Battle at Garden’s Gate, this past April, they made an excellent effort to ensure that their set was an even blend of their older stuff and their newest. Obviously we all wished we could hear them play every single song in their discography, but it’s just not feasible. Something I especially loved was how they don’t necessarily focus all their time on the hits. Sure, they kind of have to play “Highway Tune,” and they played their fair share of radio singles, but they also weren’t afraid to leave some singles out (e.g., “You’re The One”) in favor of some deeper cuts (e.g., “Watching Over”). It wasn’t about churning out song after song just to get them played; most songs played had an extended jam attached to them, and each captivated the crowd in their own way. “Age of Man” had everyone drowning in emotion, whereas “When The Curtain Falls” had everyone jumping and scream-singing as loud as they could. “The Weight of Dreams” had everyone getting lost in Jake’s mind-blowing solos, whereas “Light My Love” had everyone falling in love – I heard that a couple got engaged during this one on night one (congrats to you!).
You can tell how much care went into every little piece of this tour. The opening acts were hand-picked by the band; they chose artists that they genuinely enjoy listening to that they also believe their fans will enjoy. The set was held back and turned into a big reveal, something the band had to know the fans would love. The venue was chosen because they knew their fans share their love of nature. Josh ran out into the pit and handed out white roses (I got one!) because he knows that doing so absolutely makes the night of anyone who receives one. Certain songs were played because the fans love them (though there were some they didn’t play that I certainly wouldn’t have been mad to hear!). When it comes down to it, GVF cares deeply about their fans and wants them to have the best time imaginable at their shows, and that concept absolutely came through during Strange Horizons.
Though most diehard Greta Van Fleet fans likely wouldn’t cite “Highway Tune” as their all-time favorite (it seems that we prefer the deeper cuts!), the energy created in the room when the band launched into that one was insane. Despite his particular but light-hearted aversion to the track, Josh had a lot of fun with it, and you could tell that he enjoyed performing it. He had the crowd eating out of the palm of his hand with this one, being met with cacophonous cheers as the song paused and he shouted “you want it?” He controlled the room, and he knew it, but he wasn’t cocky about it. He just seemed happy to be loved, and it was a delight being able to see his face as the crowd riled him up.
What I discovered about Greta Van Fleet shows that make them so different from anything else I’ve ever seen is the comradery amongst their fans. Never have I ever attended a show and actually talked to and befriended everyone standing around me. Fans who know will tell you: if you go to a show alone, you’ll have made so many friends by the end of the night. And it’s true! For Greta Van Fleet fans, seeing them live is about far more than just the show. It’s about finally meeting the friends you’ve made online from all over the world, it’s about meeting new friends at the various fan meetups planned by both fans and the band themselves, it’s about family. That’s what the Peaceful Army is – one big GVF family.
I met people from everywhere. I spent my second night in the pit with fellow solo concert goers from Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, and who knows where else. I met people at fan meet-ups from Indiana, Ohio, New York, Mississippi – I’d be willing to bet a solid 25 of the 50 states were represented at these shows! I saw that someone in the parking lot next to me had a parking tag from the university I graduated from earlier this year in Arkansas. Oh, and most importantly, I spent night one in the pit with fellow Banded contributors Baylee Avery from Texas and Kiki Gilligan from Massachusetts. These were more than just shows to us. They were the most beautiful family reunions you’ll ever attend, ones where it’s okay to get swept up in emotion, ones where it’s okay to feel every ounce of music from your feet to the top of your head, ones where it’s okay to freak out a little, and ones where it’s okay to be your true authentic self, even if it’s just for one night.
The best way I can describe it is “cosmic.” I felt like I was taken to outer space, got to see this world in a whole new way, and then taken back down to the surface. I feel recharged and renewed, I feel confident, I feel lucky, but most of all, I feel happy and oh so grateful to have been able to be a part of it. These two nights of the Strange Horizons Tour were ones I won’t soon forget, and the high I felt will be one that I’m forever chasing. I truly couldn’t have asked for a better first live GVF experience. Every mile driven, every minute spent waiting on aching feet, it was worth every bit of it. I will forever be “choosing the road” for this band, and I really think you should too.
I think the best thing I can leave you with is a quote from Josh Kiszka that made its way into both shows, something that I expect future audiences will hear again, and something that has stuck with me in a profound way:
“Live your legend through the intelligence of love. And fuck fear.
”
I think that should be the mantra for Strange Horizons, don’t you?
Last Saturday, bassist from Love The Hate, Leon Craft, sat down with me on a zoom call to discuss their latest hit single “Solid Ground”, the state of the band going forward into 2021 - 2022, how the band itself was formed and even some nerd talk on Marvel and The Witcher.
For their first single of 2021, Solid Ground provides an inspiring theme we all have faced at one point in our life: finding a solid ground. Beautifully crafted 2000’s vocals vibe, head banging guitars on the chorus and breakdown, thunderous drums beating on your heart as you soak in the lyrics, and perfectly mixed production make this a solid return for the Alabama based rock band.
Love The Hate have found their solid ground for 2021, be on the look out for their next single to be released later this year.
Our full interview is down below….
Orange County rockers Joyous Wolf are back and bringing the heat with their newest single, “Fearless”, released July 30th on Roadrunner Records.
The song, which is the first release off the band’s forthcoming album, is a high-energy anthem about living fully and unafraid, like we did as children. Frontman Nick Reese soars on this track, with his most impressive vocals to date, and guitarist Blake Allard tears it up with a fiery, in-your-face solo. Getting to hear this song live on the band’s recent tour with Dirty Honey was quite a treat, and made me even more excited for the album’s release in the hopefully-near future.
Joyous Wolf have come to develop a signature sound that is 100% their own, pure rock & roll with a raw edge, unapologetic and daring. As well, “Fearless”, from a listener’s perspective, could be described as the love child of Montrose and Boston.
Reese shares that “Fearless” is somewhat of a “wild card”, being finished during the band’s final days in the studio working on the upcoming album. During recording, he reflected on the unafraid nature most of us possess as children, and how it seems to turn into fear as life happens, and we get older. “For the most part, I like to believe we are born fearless, and we are conditioned to be afraid.”
“Fearless” is available now on all streaming services. You can check out the companion music video here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNGaY7ta8Xs) and visit joyouswolf.com for all the latest updates.
Southern California Wild Boys, Of Limbo, are back with another summer banger for you to blast on these last few months of beach weather.
Last Saturday, July 31 2021, I had an exclusive zoom interview with professional ragers & brothers Jake and Luke Davies. Fresh off a wild night and packing up for a 4 date tour with Candlebox, we had a blast discussing this new hit being released Aug 6 2021, new music to come, gear talk, being back on tour and more.
The song “ Running Out Of Time” had actually already been in the works back in 2018 when they thankfully came out unscathed in a horrible car accident. Jake discussed how this song hit a different tone afterwards when it came to recording; live for the moment while you still have the time to.
That outlook directly transcribes into this song: deep cut edgy lyrics, a thrasher lead riff from Luke, incredibly tight sounding drums, and a warm bass tone underlining it all.
From coming off a huge hit with “Get On It”, the party rockers take a different road with “Running Out Of Time” but still bring that kickass rock’n’roll that you love.
