by Kayla Hutton | Mar 14, 2018 | singles, videos, wolf tracks
the lampshades, a trio from Pittsburgh, are getting ready to release their album Astrology on March the 23rd of 2018 through Mint 400 Records. As a teaser, the guys, that have been playing together since they were teenagers, have released a video to accompany their teaser single release, “Civilization and its Discontents” via YouTube.
A traveling video with plenty of the cities views with some cool effects added to the sequences. Wait for the 0:38 mark as the guys are squished together singing in unison looking just as the song says, discontent. It’s a little humorous. I definitely got the vibe of a mundane, in and out, everyday, routine where they city just becomes so blah.
Behold, as comes the ending and images of nature in flight. Maybe it represents the ability to be free and fly away, or maybe its a look at the everyday beauty of things we often take for granted as we shrug off passing the same skyscraper every day.
Either way, this indie-alternative-grunge sounding band has something to offer both visual and auditory. The Lampshades will be playing some local shows in support of the album release. HEY PITTSBURGH, get out and support your homegrown boys. For the rest of the world keep up with the lampshades by visiting their website.
by Meredith Schneider | Mar 7, 2018 | 5 to 7
Los Angeles-based alternative indie band BADTALKERS is at it again, their new track “No Pity” slaking any thirst for high energy summer beats by seducing its audience with easy-going, feel good vibes. Simultaneously, the lyrics themselves are incredibly serious and topical.
“‘No Pity’ touches on the gun violence and drug epidemic in the United States,” drummer Christian Edusada explains. “We wanted to reflect on our daily experiences living in urban communities, as well as current events involving police brutality, protests, and acts of terrorism within the country.”
We caught up with the guys, and here’s what they had to say:
How did you all meet?
We met through mutual bands and mutual friends, a few years back and decided to partner up to do something different.
At what point did you know that this is what you wanted to make a career out of?
We realized at a young age that music is what we’d love to make a living doing. We understand how far of a reach it can be in this oversaturated market, but we’ll see how far we can go.
Who influences you musically and non musically?
Musically, we have a wide range of influences from NWA to The Smiths. Non musically, Anthony Bourdain.
“No Pity” touches on personal experiences…was it difficult for you to share that in a public sense such as a song?
It wasn’t very difficult to share, as it’s something we’ve become used to. We understand how difficult it can be for certain listeners that have been affected personally, and can heavily relate.
As a young person in America do you feel it’s harder to be taken seriously on stances such as current events and national issues?
It’s always going to be tough, because everyone is different. Some people are open to having a conversation, while others will believe what they want to believe. Whether people take BADTALKERS seriously or not, we’re just utilizing the opportunity and platform we have to voice what we experience daily.
Your music has a political point; Do you believe it’s easier to create a dialogue through art such as your music?
It’s much easier for us, since music and writing is what we we’re best at.
What impact do you want to make for your listeners as an artist?
We want to prove, as minorities, that we can grow and be successful in a market that’s overpowered by artists fabricated with attraction and conventional music. We hope this inspires others to work hard towards their goals, and not let others decide for them, whether they can make it or not.
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Keep up with Badtalkers here.
by Kayla Hutton | Mar 7, 2018 | albums, wolf tracks
“How can I believe” is the first track from Steve Barton‘s latest album Tall Tales and Alibis. “How can I believe in God when you’re the one who’s divine?”, that line is absolutely brilliant. Part 1 of this 3 album release is filled with predominantly acoustic, folk-ish style music with a lot of great vocal harmonies. “Shadow of the Bride”, even with it being acoustic has a hint of some old punk influences as the song speeds up and states, “I don’t know what to do, I don’t know what to do, about you.” There are some elements of surf rock, old punk, and David Bowie. Steve’s vocal range produces a low, soothing, yet haunting tonal quality similar to Johnny Cash.
His diversity comes as no surprise when you start turning the pages of his resume. Having a publishing deal at the age of 14, touring in a Beatles cover band, and in 1979 forming the band Translator. Some would go as far to say Steve and Translator were the first actual “alternative” band.
Part 2 of the album is more melancholic. It’s as simple as a man and his guitar. A more serious and emotive feel that opens the door to explore his depth a little further. “Haunt me tonight” being the most upbeat track on part 2, shows no shortage of Steve’s amazing way with words that really paint a picture you can see and feel.
“Promises and miracles pour like honey down the street.” Grim yes, but man, why didn’t I think of that. He is truly the master of analogies.
“Wake up in roses” begins Part 3 and does it full on. Horns, full band, rawk, and roll. It’s astounding this is the same guy. Like a change of season, this 37 song triple album release covers every spectrum you could ever desire. For me, the true shining moment on Tall tales and Alibis is “She is the girl.” Returning with a blues style that is complemented by an organ creating a nicely dusted and subtle psychedelic aftertaste. The beat is straightforward, simple, and that perfect repetition that makes you just zone out into the song. So I was little disappointed when the song ended, that so could have kept going.
Seriously, if you have never heard of Steve Barton, let “She is the Girl” be the track that opens the door. He has captured the fantasy and reality of “that girl” far better than Sting did with “Roxanne.” The entire album is loaded with actual storytelling style songs that do not skimp on originality or brilliance.
Don’t be put off by the 37 tracks, you can purchase each song for only $0.99 from Steve’s Website or get the entire 3 part album for only $14.95.
by Jai'Tyria Hatton | Mar 6, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
“Blue Pigz” Is the latest track to come from rock band King Shelter off of their debut album $hame, a follow up to previous singles “Pick Your Poison” and “Teeth & Claws”. “Blue Pigz” is a combination of sounds from both previous singles, a mixture of alternative and grunge.
“Blue Pigz” is a song about people’s perspective on things and how they feel about certain situations. While the song does not identify one particular issue, the song does state issues going on and people and their pride. The song goes in about people’s values and why they should value other things that are not materialistic. “Blue Pigz” shows how people should focus on more important things in life. The song gives a look onto the darker side of society and why we admire the things we do.
Keep up with King Shelter here.
by Madison Blom | Mar 2, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
NY-based alternative rock project Snow Villain has just released the new single ”Torches”, ahead of the upcoming EP 1 which is scheduled to be released April 27, 2018. All of the music that has been released by this group has featured raw, real sounds that highlights an honest view of central figure Grant Goldsworthy’s life while writing all of the music. Not only are the vocals perfectly adapted to match the rawness of the instrumental artistry, but the guitar riffs radically enhance the listening experience and bring exhilarating energy into the room. Unlike their other releases in the past, “Torches” has made the group dig deep inside themselves in order to portray the emotion behind the lyrics of this track.
Not only is their music lyrical genius, but is also highlights personal struggles that are faced by the general -public. Namely, self discovery and redefinition of the self. Although this band prides themselves on being, “often misunderstood, but appreciated,” there is something is this song for everyone and has the potential to reach a very general and wide audience. Currently, the band is looking forward to the EP release in April, but fans are hoping to hear more from them as soon as possible.
Keep up with Snow Villain here.
by Jai'Tyria Hatton | Mar 1, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Rayvin Moon – a musician who creates a mixture of dark alternative pop – debuts with the release of her track “Tyler Durden”. This song sounds like it could be from the soundtrack of a movie. It pulls from a lot of dark influences, electrifying and mysterious. “Tyler Durden” was written about Rayvin Moon’s personal experience with someone who helped her come back to life after many trials and tribulations. The song talks about wanting to heal and be perfect for Tyler so he can accept her.
“Tyler Durden” is an amazing song about love helping you come back together. The song is not only great, but helps establish Rayvin Moon as an artist.
Keep up with Rayvin Moon here.
by Veronica DeFeo | Feb 28, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Two-piece band The Lagoons (brothers Joey and Ryan Selan) are back at it again with a perfect single, “Close My Eyes (And I Wonder)”. Originally from Los Angeles, they moved to Austin, TX and started The Lagoons together. After the success of their 2016 track, “California”, the duo is gearing up to release their EP, Escape, on April 6th. Now, they have released “Close My Eyes (And I Wonder)”, which will appear on Escape.
Full of smooth-synthy indie pop vocals and sax, The Lagoons have cooked up quite a fantastic track with “Close My Eyes (And I Wonder). Fans of Fitz & the Tantrums or COIN will definitely vibe to this song, as well as fans who are new to alternative/indie music. One of the best aspects of “Close My Eyes (And I Wonder) is its universal appeal to a variety of ears. Older listeners will appreciate the 70s nostalgia of the track, while a younger crowd will inevitably dig its on-trend indie sound. Keep an eye out for The Lagoons’ new EP, Escape, out April 6th.
Stay connected with The Lagoons:
Instagram – Twitter – Facebook
by Jai'Tyria Hatton | Feb 26, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
LINES is a band from Stockholm – comprised simply of Erik, Fred, Nisse, and Johan – who just released their new single “Lockdown” as a solid follow up to their previous single “You”. The band’s sound is alternative pop, which is evident especially in their latest release.
“Lockdown” starts off at a slow pace and then begins to pick up as the song progresses. The song makes you want to get up and dance to its beat, boasting pop sounds and a hint of guitar. The song is catchy, with fun lyrics and a grooving beat.
Be careful, the “Lockdown” chorus is bound to get stuck in your head.
Keep up with LINES here.
by Madison Blom | Feb 26, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Indie folk duo Belle of the Fall has come out with a new airy and luscious single that is blowing all of us here at Imperfect Fifth away. It features intimate harmonies and chord progressions that highlight the talent of fantastic artists Tracy Walton and Julia Autumn Ford. These two artists are able to weave together several different instrumental pieces alongside vocals that are all beautifully wound together. Lyrically, their music speaks to the public and tries to pierce the very heart of our society. Uncertainty, hardship and facing the unknown are all topics that humanity have to combat and this song, perfectly written, inspires the weary and mends the broken soul.
After having their start in the heart of Connecticut and being brought together to produce Julia’s solo album in 2014, this group has taken off and taken control of indie pop rock alternative scene. Although both of these artists wrestled with continuing as solo artists, they decided to form a duo and have since then found the success that they couldn’t have found apart. Now, more than 150 gigs later they are getting ready to release their next full-length album Rise Up on April 6. This duo is for sure headed in the right direction.
Keep up with Belle of the Fall here.
