Category Archives: Punk

Exclusive Artist Review: Blonde Furniture – “When You Sleep” & “Start The Revolution” Singles

Posted in Album, Alternative, Careers, Grunge, Hard Rock, Indie, Music Review, Press Release, Punk, Rock, Rockabilly, Single by

The veteran musicians of Connecticut-based Alt-Rockers Blonde Furniture have been insatiably active since 1983 and have put out a vast array of tunes that have drawn in fans from several Rock-infused eras. Flash forward to 2020 after an extensive career, the band recently put out their most recent record ‘Music For Early Century Modern’ which has amassed a new generation of listeners and critical acclaim. After listening to two of the album’s anchor singles, we can see (and hear) exactly why.

First single “When You Sleep” is a grungy and rockabilly-infused track with a cruising rhythm section and crafty, dirty guitars with a flavorful crunch. This catchy song is not only well written, but full of tastefully nostalgic measures that will start the mosh pit in no time. If the Dead Kennedys and REM got together for a jam session, it would definitely sound something like this. Second single “Start The Revolution” is amazingly anthemic and has knockout versatile vocals by singer/songwriter and founding member Bill Dumas, who shines brightly with all his musical glory on this track. This 5 minute song is rhythmically clever, undeniably melodic and truly has a calibre of originality that stands on its own completely. This track in particular is a game changer and will definitely entice you to listen to the rest of the record with undivided attention.

If this is your first time listening to Blonde Furniture, then these singles will win you over instantly. This band’s legacy is something to behold and this record is direct evidence of the unwavering talent they’ve brought to many ears since they formed decades ago. You can check out both singles below and the album is available on Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music and several other digital music streaming platforms.

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Exclusive Artist Review: Mary Bleeds – Self Titled Debut Album

Posted in Album, Alternative, Careers, Experimental, Grunge, Hard Rock, Indie, Industrial, Music Review, Press Release, Punk, Rock by

Few artists capture the rawness and realness like Dublin-based Alt-Rockers Mary Bleeds. Utilizing a distinctive signature sound that encompasses an aura of deep grunge grooves with post punk structures, the band proves with their debut self titled album ‘Mary Bleeds’ that they are a force to be reckoned with when it comes to today’s Rock sub genres.

Comprised of 9 versatile tracks with an authentic live studio approach, Mary Bleeds explores several facets of their artistic merit while showcasing many crucial angles of a fresh and solidified Rock unit. Their gain-driven, grungy guitar riffs are brilliantly executed with its 90s-era stylization and the psychedelic grooves of the tight-knit rhythm section are insatiably rhythmic and in-your-face with organized chaotic goodness, all topped off with a low-to-mid ranged vocal approach that is theatrical, effective and multifaceted in its performance value. Their track “Mary” is a song that explores different time signatures and grooves that encapsulates the band’s more technical-driven edge, doused in story-telling vocals that are not only outstandingly versatile but also touches on equal parts originality and familiarity, giving the audience a taste of something fresh yet still identifiable. The tracks “City of Wonders” and “Blue Spirit” also share these sensibilities but really also really add that unwavering energy that makes this album a gem in its own right. It’s a record for anyone that loves the 90s era of Rock and today’s more deep Indie and post-punk sub genres. It has more versatility than you could ask for and signature grooves that lend a refreshing feeling of nostalgia that is normally lost in today’s more digital-based production value. This is an analogue record that truly brings the raw edge of Mary Bleeds‘ authenticity right to the forefront.

This record is definitely one with everlasting staying power, where it has the power to stay with you even long after it’s over. This debut album officially releases on May 31st and will be available on SoundCloud and several other digital music streaming platforms. We cannot recommend it highly enough and you’ll be more than glad you gave it a listen.

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Exclusive Artist Review: Todd Underwood – “Upside Down” Album/LP

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

Very few artists have the veteran musicianship that Todd Underwood possesses. A man of many genres, many bands over the years, sports radio, music on Dog Whisperer and a long successful career for the past 38 years, the Prescott, Arizona-based artist hits the peak of his game with his 13-track juggernaut ‘Upside Down’.

An album about unimaginable hardships and losses, this futuristic and progressive record breathes new life into the early-mid 2000s Emo/Alt-Indie sensibilities and truly encapsulates a signature sound that is versatile and crafty. If you’re a fan of groups like Circa Survive, Story of the Year, The Used, Knuckle Puck and Taking Back Sunday’s earlier records, then this album will be a new refreshing favorite that is bound to be added to your playlists in no time. Opening title track “Upside Down” is hauntingly visceral and introduces a modern twist to the Emo genre that is diligently executed. From atmospheric dueling guitars to high range vocal harmonies, this song sets the tone for what’s to come throughout the record’s duration. Jumping into “It’s My Fault”, this track enters into a heavier territory and makes excellent use of three part vocal harmonies topped off with smooth bass lines and overall a very tight-knit rhythm section.

Anchor single “Tell Me It Will Be Okay” is a brilliantly progressive song with fascinating chord progressions and vocal melodies. This track in particular has a math-rock feel with Jimmy Eat World vibes that really stands on its own as a track that has great balance and composure when it comes to originality and familiarity. “Love Like That” has an insatiable groove with a southern guitar riff that jams and slams away with absolute precision in its calibre. However, it’s the song “Merry-Go-Round of Pain” that reaches the next level of heavy. With down tuned riffs, intricate bass measures and Todd‘s futuristic vocal harmony style, this song is definitely one of the many standouts on this record.

This album is jam packed with atmospheric guitar leads, visceral vocal harmonies, powerfully clever lyrics and a signature style that has originality at its forefront and top notch production value in its entirety. It has many modern textures that are effective and utilized in all the right places to make this the gem it really is. But it also has older Alt/Indie elements that truly compliment the overall sensibilities that Todd Underwood conjures up. If you molded into the early-mid 2000s Warped Tour and Drive-Thru Records scene, then this record will be one of your favorites.

This is definitely one of the best records you’ll run into for 2021 and will definitely entice you to delve into Todd Underwood‘s career and discography. ‘Upside Down’ is available now on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes and several other digital music streaming platforms. This is a must-hear on all counts.

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Exclusive Artist Review: Perdido Nino – “Sparky Magnussen’s Irresponsible Effervescence” LP

Posted in Acoustic, Album, Alternative, Americana, Blues, Careers, EDM, Electronic, Experimental, Folk, Fusion, Grunge, Hard Rock, Indie, Instrumental, Jazz, Music Review, Pop, Press Release, Punk, Rock, Soul by

No matter what you’ve seen in Vegas or Broadway, I guarantee you haven’t heard a multifaceted and modern show-band stylized record like Perdido Nino‘s Sparky Magnussen’s Irresponsible Effervescence. A hybrid record with spunk, funk, humor, a glistening shower of ridiculously talented musicianship and versatile songwriting techniques that really brings muscle to the hustle, right to the forefront, no apologies necessary. My friends, let me introduce to you your new favorite artist, even if you don’t know it yet.

Comprised of 11 tracks of full throttle rhythmic measures with funky guitar tones, comedic vocal outbursts, jazzy drum techniques and even punky vibes sneaking their way in, this amazingly one-man powerhouse has been a multi-musician since his adolescent years. From the age of 13, Perdido Nino picked up his first guitar and then went straight off to the races. But would definitely not stop there. He would also pick up a plethora of other instruments over the years like piano, drums, bass, and even the sitar. 20 years later, and three albums later, Perdido hits the ground running immediately with his newest effort Irresponsible Effervescence. His fourth record that truly hits the mark and showcases a vast array of his musical facets all wrapped up into one giant record of multi-genre, masterfully crafted measures all doused in multi instrumental solos that are not just finely tuned, but tightly-knit more than anyone could anticipate.

The mood swings some of these songs are quite the delight as well. “Let’s Get Stupid” and “Apple Punch” are like a dozen furies coming at you from all directions and really crank the gain settings to a full 11. These songs don’t just have balance and composure, but also a dangerously fast highway full of twists and turns without any crashes or burns. Irresponsible Effervescence is the type of record that is likely your favorite artist’s favorite record, even if they don’t know it yet. Just give it time folks. This may be Perdido‘s fourth album effort, but definitely not anywhere near his last. Take a listen for yourself and get ready for a tsunami, no matter the musical climate. Irresponsible Effervescence is currently available on Spotify, Apple Music, and several other digital music streaming platforms.

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Exclusive Review: In Your Grave – “Enemy Lines” EP

Posted in Alternative, Careers, EP, Hard Rock, Hardcore, Indie, Music Review, Press Release, Punk, Rock by

When it comes to an in-your-face hard hitting rhythm section, blistering guitars and brutal vocals reminiscent of Phil Bozeman similarities, that’s when you know you have something truly special. And that my friends, is Utah County ball busters In Your Grave. A band that not only formed throughout many other members from their respective scene, but a perfect one at that. As far as we see it – these guys are an absolute all star lineup. And amazingly, have only been active for just a year. That’s why our ears couldn’t quite believe what we were hearing.

Looking for heavy? Check. Looking for crushing drum grooves? Check. Blend in some seriously high gained, crisp guitar tones, bone crushing bass parts and fire breathing screams, and In Your Grave is in your radar. Enemy Lines, which just recently released on December 20th, is comprised of five strongly put-together tracks from ridiculously talented band members that delve into heavy territories that draw the perfect line between metal radio rock stations and a stylization that just might make it too brutal. And trust me, that’s a compliment. Intro tracks like “Mushroom Cloud” instantly give you that goosebumpy vibe of just where this track is gonna lead. Its drawn out build up is ominous, visceral and truly encompasses an aura of both curiosity and anticipation at the same time. And by the time the vocals burst in, both ends provide that satisfactory – we are going for a ride and it’s one that is not going to be slowing down anytime soon.

Subsequent tracks like “MKultra” and title track “Enemy Lines” use similar formulas but actually do more in solidifying their signature sound than anything. The pounding rhythm section really carries the band forward and assists with providing that brutality a band like In Your Grave has manifested into; except this time a lot more versatility, multifaceted vocal deliveries and guitar chord techniques have been implemented, adding to the ingredients that have already given this band their own calibre among other bands with a similar aura. But make no mistake – these guys have something going just for them, and will be a very tough act to follow after shows.

Last two tracks “Foundations” and “Establishment” are personal favorites for sure. From anvil-hitting tempo changes, synth parallels and all around additional elements, these two hit just as hard and also add levels of intrigue we hoped to hear at some point. First of all, everyone loves a furious breakdown, and these closing tracks have plenty of that. Secondly, guitar intros on tracks like closer “Establishment” is the kind of garnishment that could easily throw this record into whole new levels; and it does. What begins may end differently but everything in between ties it all together – just like this entire EP does. It’s a brutal set of 5 tracks that grab you by the throat and refuse to let go.

It’s been quite some time since we have actually run into an album like Enemy Lines, but once you take a listen yourself, that same blown-away feeling will commence. It may not be heavy enough for White Chapel, but definitely surpasses Killswitch Engage easily; even though I love both of those bands. You will not be disappointed with In Your Grave and you’ll be kicking yourself in the ass for not discovering them earlier. You can pick up a copy of the EP on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, and any other digital music streaming platforms.

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