Need a little pick me up as this winter drags on? Check out the new record from John, Jack, and Charles of Monsterwatch! The Seattle-based punk band is soon to release their sophomore four track EP called Z O T, featuring “Brain Twist”, “I Don’t Get It”, “Lost My Car” and an already-released single, “Big Sin”. Z O T was produced and engineered by Steve Fisk and displays the flexibility of Monsterwatch’s music following their previous record, Blabbermouth, and a few other singles. From a classic, intense punk song like “Brain Twist” to a more mellow, but still upbeat track like “Lost My Car”, Monsterwatch has created a treat for fans and new listeners alike.
“Brain Twist” is the leading track on the EP, and will do just as the title suggests for the listener. With authentic screamo-punk sound and emotion, it is reminiscent of Carbon Airways’ “Razor Edge”.
“Brain Twist” is followed by “I Don’t Get It”, which follows the vein of the previous song. If you’re feeling angsty, this is the track for you. Filled with “you just don’t understand” vibes and a head bobbing beat, this is punk at its purest.
“Lost My Car” is one of the most approachable songs for those not used to heavier punk, tinged with some perfectly placed piano moments. “Lost My Car” has a slightly nostalgic sound to it. If The 1975 were a punk band, this is a song they’d put out; however, it is still 100% Monsterwatch’s own sound. It’s a great transitional song into the next song on the EP, a single which has already been released: “Big Sin”.
“Big Sin” has a bit of a Talking Heads sound to it, and along with “Lost My Car” definitely fits what Monsterwatch labels itself as: groovepunk.
Every track is filled with killer guitar and screamo vocals that are controlled yet unapologetic. We can’t wait to see what Monsterwatch does next.
If you’ve been searching for funkytown, look no further. Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics are gearing up to release “Call Out My Name”, a brand new single full of soul and authentic funk, in winter 2018. Finding success after the release of their debut LP, “It’s About Time” in 2012, Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics have been been making waves with their own unique sound. Originally created in Florida in 2006, the now Atlanta-based band is composed of Ruby Velle’s vocals/writing, Spencer Garn on keys, and guitar from Scott Clayton, as well as four additional members to create the eight-piece group.
“Call Out My Name” is teeming with classic funk and evident care put into the track. Whether you’re there for the instrumentation or the emotion-packed vocals, “Call Out My Name” will make you a new (or more ardent) fan of the eight-piece band. Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics know how to take their time to create the most authentic and inspiring tracks possible.
Long Island’s Cloud has released a new album following his debut EP Comfort Songs. The latest album, titled Plays With Fire, will be released in March and consists of nine songs, clocking in at 32 minutes in total.Pulling form influences such as Jonathan Richman, Panda Bear, and Leonard Cohen, Cloud is able to captivate the listener throughout his EP.
“Wildfire” is the lead single from the upcoming album. The song is mesmerizing and talks about everyone wanting to be a wildfire. The song is filled with colorful vocals and background music that is sure to take the listener on a joyous occasion.
“Two Hands Bound” is another song from the album. The song is very catchy and filled with percussion, guitar and the vocals of Cloud. The song is about working hard and is one of the lighter tones in the album.
Plays With Fire is a month away, but in the meantime, keep up with Cloud here.
The Jacks – a rock n’ roll band from Southern California featuring Jonny Stanback on vocals and rhythm guitar, Scott Stone on bass guitar, Tom Hunter on lead guitar, and Josh Roossinn on percussion and drums – has just released their new single “Hello My Friend” from their upcoming self-titled EP. The song is about watching someone close to you, such as a friend or family member, go through a lot of life changes. The song is about that person getting prepared for the unknown. “Hello My Friend” gives the listener a taste of 90s rock n’ roll. If you are into that rock, this song is just for you.
The Jacks are poised to have a long career in music. If you enjoy “Hello My Friend” check out The Jacks’ self-titled EP coming this March. Keep up with the band here.
Ontario-based fourpiece The Crowleys have just dropped their brand new EP, Colours Change Their Tone. The Crowleys is made up of high school friends Cohen Wylie providing lead vocals and guitar, drums and backing vocals from Stuart Downie, Kaulin Horlick’s bass, and Justyn Horlick on keys and guitar.Recorded at Threshold Recording Studio, Colours Change Their Tone represents a big step into the future for the Crowleys. Known for their signature psychedelic pop, The Crowleys have a unique sound that fits well into the evolving soundscape of the 21st century.
Colours Change Their Tones starts off with the mellow, inescapable attraction of “Pink Rainbows”. After “Pink Rainbows” is “Midnight Blue”, the namesake for the album. A psychedelic, synth-packed track carries the EP well and provides a smooth transition into the next track, “Stargazer”. Midway through Colours Change Their Tones is “Girl What”, a groovy, sassy track that indubitably shines on the EP. Laced with even percussion and Following “Girl What” is “L.A. Sunsets, which again highlights the psychedelic aspects of The Crowleys while maintaining an approachable sound. Colours Change Their Tones closes out with “Pansy Party Extravaganza”, which sounds just as the name implies.
The Crowleys on their new EP: “The title comes from a corny little line in Midnight Blue, “The colours change their tone when I hear her on the phone”. It’s about how a significant person or event can change how you perceive everything around you. Small or dull things that you never notice are suddenly bright and very much in the foreground. Or like a character in a film that falls upon tough times and has literal storm clouds roll overhead. Related to that is how terrifying it is that sudden and small things or occurrences – in the grand scheme of your life – can have huge impacts.”
We are thrilled that Colours Change Their Tone is out in the world, and you should definitely give it a listen.
Now that she has dropped out of Berklee College and left Boston behind to pursue her career in music as an artist, STEEGS has burned a path of success in front of her that is sure to lead her where she want to go. Not only is this passion and enthusiasm for music shown in her actions, but also in the songs that he has produced. Looking forward, there is a lot of hype that surrounds her upcoming release of, “Come Through” which was released on February 8, 2018. What has been marked as a “tenacious,” this single packs a punch at every turn and ends with an explosive last chorus. The art behind this song, however, is deeply rooted in her raw-guitar work and honesty driven lyrics. Like she has shown in the past, holding back is not an option which is clearly expressed in her music and choice of words.
Although “Come Through” is one of the first singles that STEEGS has released to the public, it is not her first experience with performing and brining music to her fans. While participating in a dark pop-rock band with two of her three sisters, she was able to win over the hearts of those on the Santa Monica Pier as a street performer. Since then, this artist has evolved and grown into herself and is ready to take the music industry by storm, with nothing standing in her way.
California’s Robert Vickers of The Incredible Vickers Brothers is truly a man for all seasons. Having dabbled in just about every aspect of the music world over the yearsand dealing with midlife crisis, he’s come around to putting out his own music that he wrote over the years. The result of years of musical sojourning is The Incredible Vickers Brothers. The latest single, “In Memory”, is off the album Torch Songs for Swingers, which is produced by Allen Clapp. The song oozes bittersweet nostalgia, acknowledging the past and learning how to cope with what is to come. Laced with smooth saxophone and dreamy guitar, “In Memory” pays tribute to heartache in an honest, mature, and beautiful way. If you’re looking to be entertained musically while still wanting to hear a specific message, “In Memory” is the track for you. It’s the perfect song if you’re in your feels on Valentine’s Day. Fun fact: “In Memory” even features a vintage 1978 drum machine for all you retro aficionados out there.
Keep an eye out for “In Memory”, off Torch Songs for Swingers, out March 9th via Mystery Lawn Music.
Welsh quartet Kidsmoke debuted their latest song, “Sister Sadness” earlier this week which is the perfect follow-up to their 2017 EP Save Your Sorrow.
With an upbeat, optimistic melody and melancholic lyrics, this song bode feelings of summer and promise. The song features a confident and fresh guitar melody blended flawlessly with the bands signature mellow, calming lyrics and hazy, dream-like vibes. While the lyrics express heartbreak and a tender sensation, there’s a tinge of optimism, a trademark to Kidsmoke’s signature sound.
The inspiring indie sound, pulsating drum, and driving guitar creates bright, buoyant feelings of hope which is perfect any setting. Whether a winter bonfire or summer road trip, this song is must for any playlist. Its diverse sound allows listener to experience a variety of feelings while listening. Each time I listened, a new feeling was awakened in me both morose yet exhilarated. With “Sister Sadness” being featured on BBC 6 Steve Lamacq’s Music Recommends Track of the Week and a previous track being featured on Netflix’s Black Mirror, it’s safe to say Kidsmoke is a band to watch if you’re not following them already. If you’re a fan of The Beatles or The Smiths, this is a song to check out!
Milwaukee-based No No Yeah Okay, an electronic/pop/hip-hop/punk band is dropping their sophomore EP, Cabal, on February 9. Comprised of Mark Gage (producer), Christopher Quasius (guitar), Colin Plant (vocals) and Joshua Paynter (bass), the group, founded in 2014, signed to LA-based indie label Little Assembly last year. No No Yeah Okay came together to combine their music as one group, releasing their debut EP, Dual in 2014. They have already released their single, “Make Believe” and an accompanying music video. You can check it out here. It has been well received, being added to Spotify’s New Music Friday and streamed over 114K times, as the group has been growing in both recognition and popularity.
Kicking off Cabal with “Boulevard”, a synth-filled track that is highlighted with streams of even vocals. “Get Lost” provides more of a soft-punk sound with electronica that is not over-the-top, but perfectly present. “Make Believe” blends soft pop with hip-hop beats, while “That Ain’t You” is an upbeat, catchy track melding tight pop sounds with clear vocals. “What Can I Say” is one of the most hip-hop/electronic of the tracks, combining snappy beats with flowing vocals. Cabal shows No No Yeah Okay as more experienced, synced, and mature.
