Category Archives: Punk

Exclusive Artist Review: The Harmalators – “Two Great Minds Think Alike” Album

Posted in Acoustic, Album, Alternative, Americana, Careers, Emo, Experimental, Fusion, Grunge, Hard Rock, Hardcore, Indie, Industrial, Instrumental, Music Review, Partnership, Pop, Press Release, Punk, R&B, Reggae, Rock, Rockabilly, Single, Ska, Soul, Sponsor by

We’ve had The Harmalators duo on our platform before, and they have yet to do disappoint. Since that time, the elite Californi-natives have put together another plethora of colorfully eclectic songs with top notch production value and songwriting technique versatility – some which have landed them in award/charting positions. Comprised of eight amazingly blissful textures and structures that melodically soar throughout the musical landscape, the two brothers in The Harmalators have truly hit it out of the park with their 8-track collective, titled ‘Two Great Minds Think Alike‘, an exercise in innovation, thoroughness, blissfulness and so much more that’ll captivate your musical aura and ambience.

Opening track “Love On Fire” really emphasizes their vocal melody approach, all while keeping that indie feel at the forefront with several facets of different instruments playing their respective roles. Each vocalist really helps enhance the other and you can tell that their togetherness and solidification really puts the melody strength into the writing structure in its entirety. It’s a brilliant intro to the album that will easily entice you to listen to the duration of the record in its entirety.

“Where Would I Be Without You” is a much more simple listen but is undeniably a much more basic structure – and that is held to the highest regard. It’s a shorter song, one that is easily to take in as a classic, and could definitely be heard as an intro to one of those 90s sitcoms (a GOOD one, by the way). Another facet of this track is to find it impossible to get it out of your head. From its title track lyrics, addictive melody structure and just overall charming presence with its well-put-together.

Overall, ‘Two Great Minds Think Alike’ insatiably showcase both brothers’ strongest points in both production and performance value in ways that entice any listener to hear what they’ve put together over the years together and solo-wise as well. They’ve put out a small catalogue of their innovative gems in the past foür😝 its time, but this 8-track collection of highly-produces bliss will definitely turn some heads; especially when an album like this is in the band’s arsenal.

“Two Great Minds Think Alike” have also garnered them some award status. Including…

If this is the first time you’ve heard the first time you’ve heard The Harmalators, then it definitely won’t be the last!

Connect/Listen:

•https://twitter.com/hbarmalators
https://www.facebook.com/harmalators

©️ Artist Reach, LLC | ASCAP | All Rights Reserved

Exclusive Artist Review: Tony Manley – “Another Night In Hollywood” Album/LP

Posted in Album, Alternative, Careers, EDM, Electronic, Emo, Hip Hop, Indie, Music Review, Pop, Press Release, Punk, Rock by

West Virginia’s Tony Manley has been hitting the ground running since the age of 8 when he started playing guitar, and has been writing songs and manifesting his signature sound ever since. Known for his distinctively catchy style and insatiable affinity for the Rock & Punk genres, respectively, Tony’s diligently blended style touches on several Rock elements with innovative musical landscapes and a modern sensibility that truly makes him a multifaceted and multi layered standout of his calibre. And his newest 20-track juggernaut ‘Another Night In Hollywood’ is direct evidence of this.

Accompanied by several feature artists with next-level production value paralleling the strong performances on the album, ‘Another Night In Hollywood’ is an ambitious record that showcases several crucial angles of Tony Manley’s musicianship factors and artistic merit in a way that shines a bright light on his collective levels of talent. It’s an album that diligently balances originality and familiarity, giving the listener a taste of something fresh yet still identifiable. Opening track “I Miss You Here In Hollywood (feat. Zach Cook)” is a direct example of this and really sets the tone for the rest of the album. Tony’s mid-to-high range vocals are brilliantly written and structured with strong melodies in a way that’ll garner your undivided attention throughout the record’s duration. Zach Cook’s verse is very well placed, well paced and really adds a layer of depth that enhances the visceral listening experience, something made apparent from the moment this track starts. It’s a very strong opener that brings Tony’s signature stylization to the forefront in a way that is both effective and articulate.

Another notable track on this album is the more upbeat “Not Sober (feat. Rep)”, an acoustically anthemic number with a Dashboard-esque feel that really brings out the best of Tony Manley’s melodic vocals both lyrically and structurally. This one fits in perfectly with the rest of the album but also explores a whole other angle of Tony’s musicianship factors – bringing his versatile songwriting ability to the spotlight. Feature artist and rapper Rep spits some dynamic bars on this tune that parallels lyrically with the Tony in a way that not only works, but enhances the song’s concept as well. Tony especially brings his vocal A-game to this track, delivering a more charismatic performance that is engaging and crafty. Follow-up track “Chicago (feat. Saint James)” has a similar delivery but is more rhythmic with a swagger that even has R&B textures implemented into the structure. This is another song that explores the multi-genre angle of the album while still remaining true to the record’s signature style and tone.

One last highlight on this album is the more energetic “My Dear Poison (feat. Marissa Silva)”. A guitar-driven Rock infused track with a female feature that serves up excellent duel-flavors and atmospheres. This song is another anthemic effort with brilliant vocal melodies and story-telling lyrics that accompany the melodic guitar progressions and leads. This is definitely one of the stronger feature tracks as well as one of Tony’s stronger performances on the album. It’s also a song that dives deeper into Tony’s versatility as a songwriter as well. Overall, every track on this record ties the album together and really showcases Tony Manley’s distinctive melody structures, songwriting ability and performance execution. It’ll entice you to dive deeper into his discography, career as well as his future subsequent releases. ‘Another Night In Hollywood” has strong staying power, where it’ll stay with you even long after it’s over. The album is currently available on Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music and several other digital music streaming platforms. You’ll be more than glad you gave it a listen, and it won’t be your last time doing so.

Connect/Listen:

© Artist Reach, LLC | ASCAP | All Rights Reserved

Exclusive Artist Interview: Jeff Thill’s Sonic Descent

Posted in Album, Alternative, Blues, Careers, Electronic, Experimental, Indie, Music Review, Press Release, Punk, Rock, Single, Ska by

Emerging from the prominent Southern California music scene, multi-musician/producer and songwriter Jeff Thill has been an insatiably active artist in the market and has contributed his multifaceted skill sets to a slew of bands and projects since the 80s. Now in 2021, through many chapters of musical evolution and artistic manifestations, Thill has put together a project with an album of songs that are mind-blowingly versatile and futuristic; effectively named Sonic Descent. This 12-track juggernaut, titled ‘Full Throttle’, has been in the works over the past year and is about to unleash its first anchor single “Luna Tick.” With heavy anticipation in the air, we recently featured Sonic Descent in a recent article and have vowed to keep a close eye on the release until the album drops in its entirety. We’ve had the privilege of hearing the record from start to finish and can confidently say that Thill is definitely at the top of his game from all angles, integrating a nostalgically futuristic style that touches on several Rock eras ranging from the 80s/90s and mid-2000s all wrapped up into a modernized signature sound that balances equal parts originality and familiarity. So we got a chance to sit down with Jeff Thill for a comprehensive interview regarding his past, present, the near future and beyond.

•How long have you been active under your current artist name?

I created Sonic Descent a year ago and have since written 12 songs. None of the songs have been released yet.

•What music scene/city do you currently represent?

Are “Space Punk” and “Conspirapop” genres? Haha. My sound pulls heavily from 80’s pop/punk, synth-wave, ska, and surf.

•What are some of your music influences?

Bands like Devo, Buzzcocks, Ramones, and Flock of Seagulls as well as ska influenced bands like The English Beat with a touch of Dick Dale thrown in for good measure.

•The pandemic has really thrown a wrench into the live music experience and for artists altogether. How has it affected you and your career?

I was laid off from my day job and found myself with a ton of down time. Thankfully I discovered Fiverr and re-discovered my love of writing and recording music. It blew my mind that I could lay down the rhythm and vocal tracks, then easily collaborate with amazing musicians from all over the world to help bring my visions to life. Over the course of my 12 song adventure I worked with musicians from Los Angeles, Nashville, Poland, Russia, Finland, and Spain. Each song started in my head but soon became a truly organic experience that never ceased to amaze and excite me. The icing on the cake was finding an incredible mixing and mastering genius named Roman (ERMixing) who is signed with Warner Music in Poland. He gave my songs the retro vibe and punch I was looking for.

•What kind of concepts do you tend to write about as an artist? Shine some light on that.

As a former stand-up comic and lover of all-things science fiction, my music tends to incorporate high-concept themes. Almost like episodes of Black Mirror but with a touch of humor. I like to delve into fun conspiracy topics like bigfoot, UFO’s, hidden technologies and government secrets. In fact, the album was written as a 12 part “Space Opera” loosely connected by a mysterious, central figure who’s a time traveling, phase-shifting, spacefaring musician.

•What’s in store for you in 2021? Give us the goods.

I plan to release a handful of singles leading up to the album entitled, “Full Throttle.” The first single, ‘Luna Tick’, releases on May 26th with pre-saves available now. In addition to releasing songs from Full Throttle, I’ll be shooting a series of music videos that let the listeners know exactly what the songs are about. Don’t you hate it when a music video seems to have nothing to do with the song? Me too. Of course, in-between all of that I’ll be writing new songs for the next album which will follow a similar release pattern in 2022.

Connect with Sonic Descent until the single/album releases:

•Official Website: http://www.SonicDescent.com

•Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/SonicDescent

•Instagram: http://www.Instagram.com/sonicdescent

•YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYlW-ZWGruBjlNyBQo-XRg

© Artist Reach, LLC | ASCAP | All Rights Reserved

Press Release: Sonic Descent Gears Up To Release Space-Themed Debut Album “Full Throttle” For 2021

Posted in Album, Alternative, Careers, EDM, Electronic, Experimental, Indie, Music Review, Pop, Press Release, Punk, Rock, Single, Ska by

Southern California’s Sonic Descent, the new project from artist Jeff Thill, has put together a diligently crafted 12-song album of space-themed tracks that are brilliantly versatile and highly multifaceted. Thill, a veteran musician of the prominent Southern California scene, has been highly active since the 80s and has been a staple in the musical realm since his inception into the market. His work with many artists is well known and is still available on YouTube and other anchor platforms.

Now with the birth of Sonic Descent, his highly skilled musicianship factors, production value and artistic merit comes to the forefront in a way that showcases his talent effectively. As an avid fan of science fiction, Thill’s passion for space-themed concepts are brilliantly implemented and play a vital role in the authentic signature sound that this album encompasses. While the album is still in its post-production and distribution stages, his first single “Luna Tick” is slated for release this month in May and makes a dynamically nostalgic impression to set the tone for the rest of the record. The single grasps onto an acclaimed futuristic indie style with raw elements of 80s synth-wave similar to the likes of Devo, and a 90s contemporary sensibility all wrapped up in an authentically visceral approach. A lot of the album songs also garner a traditional ska/punk edge with well-integrated horn parts and rhythmic tempos. “Luna Tick” in particular really focuses on several crucial angles of today’s more modern production value, boasting a perfectly paralleled balance of originality and familiarity, giving every listener a taste of something fresh yet still identifiable.

The single has that rare catchiness from the 90s that is scarcely heard in today’s musical realm. Thill’s mid-to-high vocal melodies are effective, versatile and have diligently crafted lyrics that are cleverly executed. The duel synth and guitar parts have an eclectic approach with dynamic leads and riffy rhythms. The multi layered tempos also add a progressive edge into the song that truly makes it stand out from the common songwriting structure and really shines a light on Thill’s next-level writing. The single releases later this month and is a must-hear on all accounts. Sonic Descent will undoubtedly win you over with this single and will easily create anticipation for the rest of the album.

Connect with Sonic Descent until the single/album releases:

•Official Website: http://www.SonicDescent.com

•Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/SonicDescent

•Instagram: http://www.Instagram.com/sonicdescent

•YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYlW-ZWGruBjlNyBQo-XRg

©️ Artist Reach, LLC | ASCAP | All Rights Reserved

Exclusive Artist Review: Westwood – “Fight Or Flight” EP

Posted in Album, Alternative, Careers, Emo, EP, Hard Rock, Indie, Music Review, Pop, Press Release, Punk, Rock by

Hailing from the Chicago metropolitan area, Alt-Rockers Westwood began hitting the ground running in 2011 since their formation and since then have manifested into a multifaceted and versatile unit with an insatiable presence in the Rock scene. Comprised of three young hard working musicians with an undeniable passion for high-energy songs, the trio has amassed a loyal following and continues to raise the bar with every subsequent release since their debut album in 2011. After several years of solidifying their distinctive signature sound, Westwood has creatively evolved into an energetically crafty outfit and brings this manifestation to fruition with their newest EP ‘Fight Or Flight’.

Comprised of 6 gut-busting fresh tracks and 4 radio edits, ‘Fight Or Flight’ brings Westwood’s high-energy Rock stamina to the forefront in a way that showcases their musical diligence and melodically visceral structures that will undoubtedly please any fan of the early 2000s Rock and Post-Punk circuit. If you were a fan of the Drive-Thru Records era or the early years of the Vans Warped Tour, then this record will be a stroke of nostalgia in just about every way. Opening anchor single “The Fight” is brilliantly structured and has a hard hitting rhythm section that really kicks this track into levels of intensity rarely heard in today’s more contemporary Rock format. If this track doesn’t increase your heart rate, then we don’t know what will. “Rag Doll” and “Pop Song” aim at a more Indie/Pop-Punk angle and really shines a light on the lead vocal structures. The wholesome mix of solid power chords and rhythmic bass and drum parallels are refreshingly precise; truly bringing out the impact of the vocals in a way that is both versatile and effective. Closing track “Run Away” is another dynamically crafty song that really enhances the average Rock listening experience. While Westwood has a style that is completely their own, you can hear several crucial artist influences including earlier records from Senses Fail, Brand New, Story Of The Year, Sum 41 and other bands of a similar calibre. Overall, this EP is a true breath of fresh air that completely revitalizes the early-to-mid 2000s Rock era. It serves up endless entrees of nostalgia but still has several strong factors of originality that sets them apart from today’s more convoluted Rock spectrum.

You can find ‘Fight Or Flight’ on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes and several other digital music streaming streaming platforms. This record will definitely be one of your favorite recent releases and Westwood will easily impress you upon first listen. You’ll be more than glad you discovered them.

•Connect/Listen: https://linktr.ee/Westwoodtheband

© Artist Reach, LLC | ASCAP | All Rights Reserved