Category Archives: Rock

Exclusive Artist Review: West Of House – “Drown The Wind” Album

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

We’ve reviewed and featured West Of House before and these guys do not disappoint. With 2021 in full force nearing the end of summer, the alt-rockers have put out a subsequent album release that surprised just about everyone that knows them, and intrigued a plethora of new listeners as well. And that release is their newest album ‘Drown The Wind’, which is easily their best effort to date that really brings their signature sound right to the forefront.

Comprised of 11 anthemic and atmospheric songs, ‘Drown The Wind’ is an alt-rock album that encompasses the band’s artistic merit while combining crucial elements from 90s industry heavyweights like REM, Coldplay and Oasis. Anchor single “Entwined” is an excellent example of this and really delivers the production and performance parallels that set the tone for the rest of the album. The song begins with some dynamically executed time signatures, showcasing the band’s driving rhythm section and dueling guitars that bring out the brilliance of the well-written vocal melodies. It’s a very multi layered mix that shines a light on each band member where you can easily hear each of their individual contributions into one precise unit. Another anchor track on this record is “Fall Down”, featuring a glistening mandolin intro that is anthemic, melodic and insatiably versatile. This melody-driven track really showcases the high-range vocals that once again really encapsulate into melody choices that are very next-level. The song is hauntingly ominous, ambient and really adds a layer of magic to the album that puts the band at the top of their game. This is a song that sustains a standout all on its own and will easily be one that people will be talking about.

One more track that needs mentioning is “Where To Begin”, another atmospheric tune with visceral synth parts that implement alongside the chord progressions and add a layer of detail that is crucial and effective. This one is a little more rhythmic and has climactic measures that really serve up a wholesomeness not heard often with independent artists. This track also embraces melodic structures like the previous song, but also diligently blends more atmospheric guitar swells and smooth bass lines. This will easily be a favorite on the album right alongside the sensibility we heard with “Fall Down”. Overall, West Of House have really set the bar higher for themselves and continue to manifest magically with every release. You can hear the evolution of their own signature sound but still get a dose of nostalgia from great callbacks to the 90s alt-rock sound that we’ve come to know and love over many years. ‘Drown The Wind’ from start to finish is brilliantly crafted, melodically visceral and really explores the depths of combining originality and familiarity. You can get your copy of the album now on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes and several other digital music streaming platforms.

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Exclusive Artist Interview: Nightbird Casino

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

Rogue Valley, Oregon-based quintet Nightbird Casino emerged onto the scene as a duo and in the last six months have manifested into the fully functional unit they are today. Known for their ambient and cohesive indie signature sound and inspired by prominent 90s artists like Hum, Interpol, Silverchair and Radiohead, the band formed in 2017 and quickly began hitting the ground running, putting out a handful of prominent releases since their inception into the market and proving that their artistic merit is more than deserving of your undivided attention.

Now in 2021, with their highly anticipated upcoming LP ‘Russian Carpet’ slated to release in two days on September 5th, we got a chance to sit down with the members of Nightbird Casino for a comprehensive interview where we got to discuss the past, present and future of the band.

•How long have you guys been active under your artist/band name?

Nightbird Casino has been around in some fashion since mid-2017. The band was started by myself (James Moore, lead vocals/guitar/piano) and Don Shepherd (guitar/piano/backing vocals). We met in a tribute band and branched off to start writing our own original music. It took until 2020 for us to get serious and actually write a full album. It wasn’t until early 2021 that we recruited our other three members (Oliver Orion – drums / Amanda Moore – ondes martenot/keyboards / Patrick Manville – bass) and really took off.

•What music scene/city do you currently represent?

Currently we live in Medford, which is in southern Oregon – but there’s not much of a music scene here at all. We’re originally from LA, so ultimately I’d say we have much more of an LA vibe than a rural Oregon vibe.

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

It’s been a mixed bag for us. On the downside, we haven’t been able to tour, which has been frustrating of course. It’s pretty difficult to build an audience without playing any shows. On the plus side, it’s allowed us an enormous amount of time to write and record. I doubt we would’ve finished two full LPs, a live album, an EP, and four singles in just over a year if it weren’t for the pandemic.

•What are some of your music influences?

There are five of us in this band and we all draw from different influences. Some of those might include some more indie/alternative rock artists: Interpol, Radiohead, The National, King Krule, Modest Mouse … a lot of early 90s grunge i.e. Nirvana, Bush; The Beach Boys are a big influence, lots of classical music too.

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

I don’t have a particular subject matter I plan out when writing lyrics, but I think most of our songs have themes of alienation and anxiety running through them. I tend to use intimate personal stories and dreams as metaphors for more big picture concepts about what’s happening in the world. Frequently I’ll find out what I was writing about after the song is finished… lyrics are usually the last part I finish. I’ll write down words and phrases and stream of consciousness ideas and then I look at it all and think ok, what is this about? What was my subconscious trying to say through these lyrics? There’s also a pretty prominenttheme of psychedelia and the psychedelic experience that comes up again and again.

•If you could put together a dream show or tour, what bands/artists would be on the bill?

Oh gosh, that’s a hard question. We’d love to tour with Radiohead or Modest Mouse, I think our style of music would make sense with those bands.

•When is your next release coming out?

Our 2nd LP, Russian Carpet, will be released on September 5, 2021. (on all streaming services everywhere, physical copies available to purchase via our website nightbirdcasino.com).

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

So much. Our second LP Russian Carpet will be released in a few days as I mentioned. We also have a live album / video series that’ll be released in some fashion later this year. Also, with a full band in place and some covid restrictions easing, we’re finally able to start playing shows and touring. We’re currently planning a west coast tour as we speak. Also also, we’re in the beginning stages of LP3 – we’ve just started putting together some ideas for new songs and we’ll be recording that in – hopefully – early 2022 with Matt Talbot of HUM.

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Exclusive Artist Review: Perdido Nino – “Fallen From The Sky” Album

Posted in Album, Careers, Hard Rock, Indie, Metal, Music Review, Press Release, Rock by

Metal/Rock recording artist Perdido Nino has graced our platform before when we reviewed his previous album ‘Sparky Magnussen’s Irresponsible Effervescence’ about eight months ago – and we were completely blown away. True to form, Perdido is back with another full length banger, ‘Fallen From The Sky’, comprised of ten hard hitting tracks that encompass his uniquely multifaceted signature distinctive sound he is known for.

If you could see yourself listening to a crossbreed of Iron Maiden, Slayer and System Of a Down, then you will lose your mind to this record. Perdido, a multi musician that plays just about every instrument on this album, comes out swinging with in-your-face tour de force alongside his gain driven guitars, pounding rhythm section and multi layered high ranged charismatic vocals with perfect doses of chaotic screams and three part harmonies. Opening track “Black Shadows” is a prime example of this sound coming to fruition with a subtle ethnic acoustic guitar intro that eventually thrusts us into the metal onslaught that is Perdido Nino. Follow up track “Rising Stars” continues to unleash the fury and delivers more of the shreds, shrieks and melodically visceral vocal melodies. The double kick drum on this track is off the chain in several measures and Perdido’s distinctive finger tap leads really add character to this track along with more of his bombastic beats and blood curdling screams. He also serves up a Joe Satriani stylistic solo on this track and really adds several layers to the guitar work as the song’s duration plays out.

Another track worth mentioning is the cruising and chugging “Children Of The Moon”, a song with a boat load of vocal harmony leads with excellent chord and tempo parallels. This one is very catchy and crafty, utilizing the same signature metal formula but kicking it into high gear with well-executed guitar chugs. You’ll be thoroughly impressed with Perdido’s vocals on this song. One last song to shine a light on is the more upbeat “The Storm”, a much faster track where you can hear every music influence that Perdido harbors make its appearance with innovative implementations. This lightning fast banger is climactic and completely explosive, carrying the chaos from beginning to end with guttural screams, harmonized finger tapping and wailing tempos consisting of that furious double kick we’ve heard throughout this record deliver the fireworks. For all you true metalheads looking to raise the bar, this track will satisfy you. It’s the climax of the record – the eye of the storm!

All metal fans, no matter which era you hail from, would be insane to sleep on this record. It’s unique, distinctive, flashy and takes no prisoners when it comes to musicianship factors. All ten tracks ooze with unmatched talent and brings many classic elements to a full fledge metal sound that also isn’t afraid to explore many innovative ideas. This might be your first time hearing Perdido Nino, but after you give this record a listen, it certainly won’t be your last either. Prepare to have your mind blown to bits. You can get your copy of ‘Fallen From The Sky’ now on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes and all other digital music streaming platforms.

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Exclusive Artist Review: Cory M. Wells – “The River” & “Change Of Heart” Singles

Posted in Acoustic, Alternative, Careers, Indie, Music Review, Press Release, Rock, Single by

Denver’s Cory M. Wells began hitting the ground running in the music realm during his early teenage years, diligently mastering his craft in guitar, piano and violin as his weapons of choice. And soon enough, he began writing his own material and also formed his well-known rock outfit Falling Through April. But on top of his band efforts at the time, Wells in 2016 officially launched his solo career and quickly began taking the scene by storm. At age 17 he won the prestigious “Queen City Idol” competition and also began working alongside prominent producers like Rene Moore (Michael Jackson, Jay-Z) as well as performing opening slots for industry heavyweights like Third Eye Blind and many others. Now in 2021, Cory M. Wells has established a promising career for himself after several successful releases, including his track “Change Of Heart” and his most recent single “The River”, two diligently crafted tunes with distinctive flavors that showcase two very effective angles of Cory’s signature sound.

“Change Of Heart” is very atmospheric with multi layered drums, blissful acoustic guitar swells and ambient keyboard leads that tie the anchor melodies together. Cory’s mid-to-high range voice is right out in the forefront of the mix and really delivers passionate measures of melody. His performance value parallels the production value almost perfectly and really captures his biggest strengths as a songwriter and performer. This song serves up quite the visceral journey and you will be instantly impressed with it upon first listen. Which brings us to Cory’s most recent single “The River”, a piano-based anthem that captures the same musical essence as his previous track but also brings a more traditional flavor to the table. This beautiful song really shines light on Cory’s writing ability and really delves deep into his vocal melody structures. This track will easily get stuck in your head, but it isn’t some kind of pretentious Pop sensibility or one-trick method, this song delivers solid hooks that bring out every melodic measure from start to finish. It’s performed with a very natural approach, impressively embracing more traditional production methods as opposed to today’s tendency to have producers throw in overproduced studio theatrics. “The River” truly captures Cory M. Wells’ authenticity and his overall artistic merit – bound to leave a strong impression on anyone who comes into contact with this single.

Both singles are very strong releases that really deliver solid performances from Cory M. Wells’ craft. If this is your first time hearing him, then it definitely won’t be your last either. You can find both singles now on Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music and several other digital music streaming platforms.

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Exclusive Artist Review: Randy Wilde – “Rise Up” & Whatcha Gonna Do” Singles

Posted in Alternative, Careers, EP, Funk, Gospel, Indie, Music Review, Press Release, Rock, Single, Soul by

LA’s Randy Wilde is no ordinary artist, but more of a manifestation of both passion and musicianship alike. The bass guitar and songwriting pioneer over many years has diligently made his rounds in the industry, garnering a two-time nomination for the Best Bassist category at the LA Music Music Awards and has worked/performed alongside industry heavyweights like Chaka Khan, Louis Johnson, Boo-Ya, T.R.I.B.E. and many others. Now with his solo career off the ground, Randy has brought his masterfully crafted signature sound to the forefront and quickly began hitting the ground running after the release of his first single “Whatcha Gonna Do”, an anthemic, multi layered Alt-Rock track with a 90s sensibility that delivers both nostalgia with its aura and freshness with its innovative textures.

Released last year as his debut single, “Whatcha Gonna Do” comes out swinging with Randy’s smooth bass lines and punchy slaps, giving the rhythm section a strong foundation to really put the song into cruise control. Inspired by the many controversial events of 2020, Randy’s message in this track speaks for itself with the song’s anchor hook “whatcha gonna do when you make a change?” It’s an upbeat chorus that really has that staying power to stay with you even long after it’s over. It’s an inspiring song that could influence change. But the song is also just as strong with its many crucial musicianship factors. Randy’s distinctive mid-range vocal style diligently parallels the multi layered and well-put-together melody choices. Every lead instrument from guitars to keys plays a vital role in this song and effectively showcases several angles of Randy’s songwriting ability. It’s a next-level single that really proves just how next-level Randy is altogether

So with Randy setting the bar high for himself, he knew he would have to deliver on the goods once again, if not more so this time around to maintain the momentum and enhance it at the same time. So he did just that with his recent follow-up single “Rise Up”, another strong track with a strong message of unity, positive change and rising up to make it happen. Randy again serves up his signature crafty bass riffs and really shows an effective sense of subtlety in the verses. We again have an anthemic chorus that has several crucial layers and a vocal delivery of catchy melody choices and diligently structured measures throughout the song’s duration. It’s an exceptional follow up to Randy’s debut single that really brings out his musical authenticity and artistic merit.

Both of these singles will be on Randy Wilde’s upcoming EP, which has garnered strong anticipation since the songs hit the market. His influences include Prince, Jimi Hendrix and his love for Funk and Rock is a major presence in both songs, but is executed in a way that encompasses Randy’s authentic approach. These tracks will leave an undeniable impression on you and will definitely entice every listener to delve deep into his career and discography for many years to come. You can listen to both singles now on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes and several other digital music streaming platforms.

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