Tomorrow, musician Tony Banks – who began his career as a founder of the rock band Genesis, playing keyboard and composing music for the group – releases his sixth studio album Five. This studio album is unique because this will be Tony Banks’ third album containing classical music following Seven: A Suite for Orchestra in 2004 and Six Pieces for Orchestra.
The album holds five (no pun intended) songs on it, ranging from eight minutes to 15 minutes in length. Tony Banks is on the piano for each of the tracks, while the Czech National Orchestra, Czech National Symphony Orchestra Choir, and conductor Nick Ingman make up the orchestral arrangement.
The very first track from the album is “Prelude to a Million Years”. The song is the longest on the album, and exists at a slow tempo, led by beautiful piano chords and a blend of instrumentals. Toward the halfway mark, the music begins to pick up its pace. As the song goes on, it seems like it is taking you on an adventure. “Prelude to a Million Years” is a great starter track to the album. The second song on the track is titled “Reveille”. “Reveille” differs from its predecessor in tempo, starting off fast and then move slowly as the song gets to the middle and then begins to pick back up again. Other songs on the album are “Ebb & Flow”, “Autumn Sonata”, and “Renaissance”.
Five is out tomorrow. Keep up with Tony Banks here.
While the band appears to be straight out of a 1970’s psychedelic acid flashback, Krantz comes from the unlikely place of Nashville, TN. Best known for country, honkey tonk, and the grand ole opry, Krantz has cranked out a college alternative rock song “Run away with me”.
With a musical structure similar to that of the Killers yet an experimental flavor of The Muse, you will find Krantz has added fun to the mix with “Run away with me.” It has a sweeping back and forth medium paced beat that is fused with group vocals during the chorus and a guitar lead that provides good traveling music that will make the vast nothing of the road seem more like a runway for liftoff.
While the song itself sounds as if clean-cut and serious college kids created it, you will understand the “fun” description once you see the branded panties for sale in their “Merch” or the furry pink jacket worn by their singer in promo pics. Yes, even seasoned adult musicians can captivate a listener without taking themselves too seriously and draw a crowd by making people wonder,”whats going on over there with them?”
Like a potato chip, one song just isn’t enough to get the real feel for Krantz. “Run away with me” will spark a curiosity that will lead you straight through their SoundCloud playlist of music.
“Run away with me” is a catchy pop-ish alternative rock song, with softly sung parts that lead the way to an impressive strong note being held out while the guitar line answers back like a conversation between friends. The lyrical content begs to leave the cold weather behind and head out to a warmer location. I can’t blame them. I am here in Arizona and it’s 80 degrees of wonderful in January while the weather in Nashville shows a high in the upper 40’s. For all of you suffering in the bitter cold, time to pack it up with this hit the road anthem “Run away with me.”
Out of Rochester, NY is the best thing you’ve never heard of, Ovtlier. (Though, you may have. These guys have a pretty solid and steadily growing fan base, so excuse us if we’re behind on the times here!) For fans of Shinedown, Sevendust, and Beartooth comes this break through, rock radio-friendly tune “Break” off of their E.P. What doesn’t kill you. The music is rhythmically focused, tight, and leaves no gaps.The lyrical content is a shining moment for those who have reached that breaking point and refuse to be held down by anyone or anything. A very universal and relatable topic, the message is delivered as if it were the advice you take away from hearing the story of someone who lived it.
Just because “Break” is the pastiche of a genre they fit well into, don’t think they lack originality. Ovtlier has a very real and sincere vibe rather than the typical add-on by a major labels producer inserting commercial hooks. The chorus is powerful with a slight increase in tempo and a great unity between a punchy metal riff and applied harmony. The mixing and production quality is top notch and radio-ready. These guys aren’t missing a thing. They came prepared with a skilled arrangement, real life lyrical content, a good balance of originality and commercial appeal. They even look the part with a semi-harsh but freshly showered image. It’s not about “if” these guys will be signed and be the next big thing, it’s when. They have every right to be the ones who choose their deal and guys, don’t let any label take away that true honesty that sets you apart.
So, listeners, if you want bragging rights, “I heard them before they were huge”, here it is, it’s Ovtlier‘s “Break”.
Bowie fans of the world, rejoice! Ziggy Stardust’s influences are evident on Micky James’ debut single, “Give It To Me Straight”, his first solo project after the dissolution of his previous touring band. NYC-bred Micky James pays homage to classic rock and rollers while creating his own sound suited for the 21st century, especially during the bridge. Micky offers a delightful throwback feel for those of us who are missing some good old rock and roll. With in-your-face vocals and percussion to match, Micky James provides a distinct sound with “Give It To Me Straight”. He’s got the sound down, and is always serving looks to match.
Alongside Dirty Canvas’s Shep Goodman and Aaron Accetta, Micky James lets the beat take him where it will on this single. We can’t help but think of the 70’s with lines like “I thought I had you when/We were wasted and wasting time.” Brash, unapologetic, and oozing with authenticity, we can’t wait to hear more vivaciosu songs like “Give It To Me Straight” from Micky James, carrying on the legacy of Major Tom.
Lanterns, the full-length debut from Atlanta 3 piece A Very Loud Death opens with “Consumer” an atmospheric stage-setter for a lucid journey into a darkness that could be the background music to any Edgar Allen Poe story. Don’t question the production of a simple 3 piece band, somehow they pull off full spectrum sound that you would expect of a 5 piece. Chris Edge’s vocals are heartful and poignant, while the slow to medium paced music confirms the emotive romanticism of nurturing a heart you yourself inflicted damage upon.
The album overall has segments of dreary alternative rock, emo but not whiny, and some metal dynamics. With a vast audience opportunity, A Very Loud Death would appeal to fans of Chevelle, HIM, Mars Volta, and artists that have that hint of saddened macabre. Animated and heartfelt A Very Loud Death offers heart on sleeve honesty that you can feel with every musical change and vocal melody. “Lanterns” has a System of a down like guitar riff that takes an entirely new meaning once the chorus kicks in and tones become more epic and the vocals more desperately dyer. Applying instrument and vocal effects that expand the tonal dreariness yet cast a spooky shadow that is as perfectly subtle as a thin cloud coverage.
The vocals return with a soothing embrace on “The Ease of Absurdity”. Lightly brushed tom rolls accommodate a strong bass line that really takes the wheel and directs this track. The build-ups ad an unexpected turn that isn’t overpowering and breaks up the predictability that typically bores listeners. “The Wild” is the album’s most fast-paced song and pulls between the low dark overtone and a slight anger that cradles the ears yet instills that same uneasy feeling you get when someone shoots you an uncertain grin that you cant tell is sincere or wicked. With music that is melodic and driven to fulfill the albums intense theme, the lyrics have an offbeat obscurity that follows a rhyming pattern that kind of hints that a progressive rock influence had been tossed into the blender of sound that A Very Loud Death has inside their already genre-bending core.
In closing, the best way to describe A Very Loud Death’s latest offering is that there is enough dramatic loudness to wake up empathy in a stone-cold psychopath.
I had the opportunity to chat with Matt from Violent Revolution, a metal band based out of Phoenix, Arizona. While I am a little biased having liked a band he was in locally around 2001, I find it more inspiring to be able to pick the brain of a musician I respect. Matt is well known in this area. A scene veteran if you will. With Violent Revolution he has teamed up with some other tight players and together they have unleashed a brand of metal that not only has listeners asking “how did they do that” but keeps the mosh pit rotating like a ceiling fan.
Your name and role in the band?
Matt Ward, Lead Guitar and Vocals
What motivated you to play/create music?
Honestly, a big part of it was growing up kinda poor. My friends and I never had money to do pretty much anything so in my juvenile brain I thought shooting for the occupation of “Rock Star” would bring some cash and travel into my life… oops. Not quite the case. But also there are allot of musicians in my family and it seems to just be genetic. My Grandad was a guitar player who worked in Vaudeville and taught guitar and even worked with Les Paul for a time. Sadly he died before I could meet him so I’ve always kinda wanted to pay tribute to his memory. That and Jimmy Page.
Who are your influences?
That answer changes every few years it seems. Early days it was Zeppelin, AC/DC, Iron Maiden… Twisted Sister was actually my first favorite rock band and they brought me into the whole cosmos of metal. Over the years I have been influenced by so many things a competent list would be all but impossible. But lately I am very into Meshuggah, Aesop Rock, Opeth, Maximum the Hormone, Belphegor… and of course… a constant stream of Tom Waits flowing! He’s my god!
Describe the sound of Violent Revolution for a new listener.
That would depend on whether you hear the new stuff or the old stuff. Our Debut disc “State of Unrest” is pretty straight up Thrash/Punk kind of stuff. There has been some line up changes since then and nowadays we are quite a bit more adventurous. Imagine Nuclear Assault meets Lamb of God and The Haunted… maybe… this question I always suck at haha.
What sets Violent Revolution apart?
Another hard question to answer. I guess that may ride in the hands of the listener. It’s hard to be objective about that answer from the inside. I don’t wanna sound braggadocious or off base.
What is the story behind the name Violent Revolution?
It’s from a Kreator song. That’s really the whole story haha. Nothing too deep behind it. Just fit music that is fast and angry and somewhat politically charged.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being in Violent Revolution?
I think as of now the most rewarding thing is the new line up. We are just in a good groove with each other and the writing is flying. We all get along and we all keep each other on our toes but most importantly we all agree on pretty much everything. No bitching and moaning at each other EVER! If anyone complains it’s always me but never about them haha. It’s just actually fun playing in this band. I have been in plenty that were very far from fun.
What’s next for Violent Revolution?
We are shooting for finishing up all the new writing that is underway and then getting an EP together so we can get this stuff out to everyone. I don’t think enough people have had a chance to check out the new direction. Plus we have a ton of merch to make! It’s gonna be a busy spring for us. But we will be coming out swinging by summer. It seems as though we are on track for a really good year! Let’s hope that is the case.
Indie rock band Smoke Season recently released the official video for their new single “Wolves”. From the moment ‘play’ is pressed, the song displays a deep seductive beat. “Wolves” is a catchy song, especially when it gets to the chorus portion. The beat behind the song sounds like a heartbeat that increases speed when the song gets to a certain point in the chorus. The video is just as exciting as the track, and starts off with scenes of mountains and a rose that is prominent throughout. There is a somewhat vintage/grainy filter over the scenes which makes the work look stunning.
The music video for “Wolves” then moves to a city strip for a chorus that shows the lead female vocalist Gabrielle Wortman singing along to the chorus. The video mostly takes place out in the nature and looks like fun based off of the artists’ energy and the creativity that went into its production. With mesmerizing music videos like “Wolves”, Smoke Season will continue to have a successful career in music.
Kansas City, Missouri-based rock and roll indie band Listener is soon to release their full length album, Being Empty : Being Filled on February 2nd. Kansas City is home to a growing community of local indie/alternative artists, encouraged and supported by like-minded people, thanks in part to Kansas City being home to the largest revenue-making alternative radio station, 96.5 the Buzz. Thus, Listener couldn’t have a better place to call home and expand musically. However, they are by no means limited to the Midwest. Listener has been in the game for awhile, and has toured all over the world. A band of friends comprised of vocals and bass from Dan Smith, Kris Rochelle on drums, and guitar player Jon Terrey, Listener is a unique rock and roll band that pairs strong instruments with direct, bold lyrics.
From the first resonating notes of “Pent Up Genes”, you know that Listener is not a band that plays around. Already around for over a decade, the bandmates of Listener know their sound and own it unapologetically. Smith uses more spoken word than singing – what Listener calls “talk music” – in many of the tracks, which pairs well with the rock and roll tone of the band and allows for Rochelle and Terrey to sing through their instruments. While this idea of lack of singing in music may be something new for many, Listener makes it work. Focusing on the emotion and overall sound, at times, words are not even necessary, like in “Add Blue”. Aside from the clever title, already released single “Shock and Value” lives up to its name, filled with brash guitar and emotional vocals that at times surprise the listener (no pun intended). Place-themed tracks set right next to each other, “A Love Letter to Detroit” and “Manhattan Projects” encompass the feelings associated with those places. You can also view the video for “A Love Letter to Detroit” here. One of the most tender tracks on Being Empty : Being Filled is “Window to the World”, while maintaining Listener’s sound, with the simple yet touching repetition of “buddy, she was beautiful” and “the lights have to be bright to see anything at all”. Every track on Being Empty : Being Filled will leave with something to think about and hungry to hear more.
Listener is gearing up for a UK/Europe tour in March of 2018 with support from: Levi the Poet. Be sure to look for Being Empty : Being Filled, out February 2nd, 2018.
Berlin-based indie rock collective Un âne gonflable might be a band that always surprises with the way they pull off trilingual lyrics and catchy, quirky melodies, and this next chapter in their musical journey is something we all need in our lives. We’ve got the exclusive premiere of their music video for “Stupid Kids” right here. While the title would indicate that they are simply singing about “Stupid Kids”, the video is layered and has more of a serious and introspective tone to it. When a group of friends is no longer just risking their pawns in a game – when the game becomes real – what happens? How will they manage a life of violence in this world that have somehow ended up in?
Their self-titled debut is due out on May. It is available for preorder here.
