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.
PrimalRite comes from San Francisco, an area that is known for cranking out metal (and any sub-genre of it) awesomeness. This crossover (metal with punk attributes) 6 piece began in 2016 and have released 3 singles and an E.P. throughout 2017. There can’t be a better way to bring in 2018 than by releasing their debut full-length album Dirge Of Escapism set to release on January 26th via Revelation.
The album begins with “Chapter Zero” a wind swirling intro that lands upon a beat fit to send the troops into battle. The introductory guitar riff induces a metal trance that will find you thrusting your upper torso back and forth. With a rawness similar to that of Sepultura’s Schizophrenia album there is no shortage of leads that squeal like an air raid siren.There are metal grooves with dynamics that offer each transition a welcome pass to slide on in.
“Interference” possesses a classic thrash/speed metal feel that is sure to gain the respect of any true metal head, “Sensory Link to Pain” shows some serious in the pocket groove and stomp that will have you pumping your fists to the sky. You can hear an influence that is a conglomeration of classic 80’s bay area thrashers with a hint of East Coast punk/hardcore.
If there is anything you need to know before you head over to their Bandcamp and pre-order your copy of “Dirge of Escapism” it’s this, it’s heavy, it’s brutal, it’s reminiscent of a sweaty nightclub of clashing moshpitters and hardcore dancers. The album as a whole captures the energy of what a live show would be like. As a bonus, if you pre-order Dirge of Escapism, you get 3 tracks now (streaming via the free Bandcamp app and also available as a high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more), plus the complete album the moment it’s released.
I almost forgot to mention, those guttural vocals, no it’s not Martin Van Drunen from Asphyx, it’s Lucy. That’s right a female. Don’t even think there is a moment of weak, pretty, “hand me my skirt” moments. This chick has raised the bar and proven when it comes to metal, it’s not just boys that can lay it down. Horns up to PrimalRite.
Oh Geronimo just released “Mountains”, a new single from their upcoming album titled The Sled. From the moment the song begins, strings from the guitar begin to consume you. As the beat picks up, drums are added in and the sound of the lead vocalist’s voice takes over the track.
“Mountains” is a song about pursuing your dreams and what you are passionate about. The song shows that although everyone longs to be successful, you must climb over obstacles that may get in your way to achieve your dreams. The theme of “Mountains” is to never give up despite what may get in your way.
Along with the single, Modern Me also released the video for “Mountains”. It is not only colorful but also very vibrant. As the song plays in the background, lyrics from the song play across the screen while colorful video clips are being shown. Not only is the song awesome, but the video for the song is amazing too!
The Sled is scheduled to be released February 9th, 2018. Keep up with the band here.
If you appreciate the sounds of The Beatles, Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and The Rolling Stones, Lady Blue Beard is the newest band to add to your collection. Songwriter, singer, and guitarist Klaus Fischer immaculately creates a folk-soul sound with the band’s debut album titled Picture of an Elephant. He flawlessly combines speaking, mild scat singing, and whistling with modern rhythms to create a polyphonic pop sound that radiates vitality and raw musicality. The musicality of each instrumentalist is showcased in each song through guitar breaks and vocal riffs. Picture of an Elephant manifests a brilliantly cohesive sound with each song driving the next, sounding similar yet impeccably powerful on their own.
Lady Blue Beard excites listeners with the first track titled “Breaking Your Heart,” a catchy, high energy track that screams hit single. It has the perfect blend of memorable lyrics, melodious instrumentals, and foot-tapping beats guaranteed to subconsciously play in the heads of listeners for days. “Road to Heidenau,” the album’s fifth track, buries beautifully written lyrics among a vibrant melody featuring a loose, dance-worthy rhythm. “Nestling” is the epitome of cohesion, a song that begins with a lullabye-like energy and continues to grow throughout. A guitar break, scat singing, and the addition of the drums morph this song into an unexpected, energetic piece. The final seconds of the song illustrate the inner spirit of the band giving listeners a glimpse in the creative songwriting process; voices simply continue scatting on creating a fun and entertaining atmosphere.
The title song “Picture of an Elephant” features a euphonious guitar and vocal mix that is both unrefined yet soothing. The ambiance of street sounds, birds, and wind in the background adds a new layer of authenticity to the song. Soul is dripping from this simple, lyricless song that epitomizes the heart of Lady Blue Beard’s music at the core.
The final song, “Where the Blue Wind Grows,” supplies the album with a perfect resolution; taking qualities of each song to construct meticulous cohesion. It begins with delicate harmonies and somber lyrics yet picks up as drums and guitar carry the song in a new direction. The vocals follow suit with new intensity generating dynamic excitement. The final chords mimic the song’s opening as the ferocity slowly fades to a final few strums of guitar, magnificently bringing the song full circle
This album passionately embodies emotion and vitality through tranquil vocals and calming instrumentals while retaining an energy that leaves fans humming, scatting, and tapping along.
Picture Of An Elephant is available now. Keep up with Lady Blue Beard here.
Exploding out of Madrid, Spain, the indie rock girl group Hinds has released the official music video for “New For You”, a single from their upcoming album I Don’t Run, out April 6th. Comprised of vocals and guitar from Carlotta Cosials and Ana Perrote, Ade Martin on bass and backing vocals, and Amber Grimbergen on drums, Hinds has been around since 2011 and already has a devoted fan base.
The video is, thematically, based on Hinds (and friends) playing football (American soccer), and full of feel-good, “I don’t care” vibes. Tossing around feelings and fun sounds as well as a ball, the authentically youthful and carefree Hinds bring their unique sound to a fun-loving video, amping their followers up for the release of I Don’t Run. While definitely not as staged and structured as some of their previous videos like “Warts”, the video for “New For You” perfectly accompanies the song. Full of 90’s-esque vibes and a vibrant color scheme partnered with the bold vocals of the girl group, “New For You” will have you bopping along to it in now time.
Hailing from the United Kingdom, upcoming singer-songwriter FØNX tugs at your heartstrings with his new single, “Don’t Feel Like Lovin”, which he produced alongside Grammy award winner Tommaso Coliva (Muse). “Don’t Feel Like Lovin” is a follow up to FØNX’s well-received last single “Can’t Get Enough”.
FØNX first learned how to play the guitar at the ripe age of seven. As he got older, he learned how to write lyrics and produce music. FØNX continued to sharpen his writing and production skills by performing at festivals around London. Citing some of his influences as Pharrell Williams, John Mayer, Frank Ocean and many more, FØNX brings an R&B vibe with a little flare of pop to his latest single “Don’t Feel Like Lovin”. He uses the sounds of his influencers to bring soul to his music.
The song starts off with a nice drum set and an upbeat guitar tempo that joins forces with an electronic beat giving the listener something that he or she can dance to. From the moment the song plays, it begins to capture the listener in its grasp. And the listener is completely on board.
“Don’t Feel Like Lovin’” is just the beginning of music from FØNX. This year expect to hear a lot more music from this independent artist. Keep up with him here.
From Austin, Texas four man band Dryspell brings a new approach to the term ‘pop rock’ with their latest. “You Without Me” is the first single from the band’s new EP entitled More, which will debut on March 1st. Dryspell consists of band members Chad Doriocourt on guitar, Hunter Thompson on vocals and guitar, Samuel Jacobson on bass, and Hugh Vu on drums. The foursome formed and got the idea of their name after experiencing heartbreak.
From the moment “You Without Me” starts, the song will immediately grab the attention of the listener with the beginning guitar intro. The single sounds like true rock as the band pulls from the roots of garage rock.
“You Without Me” has a hint of pop underneath all of its rock sound. The song is about a relationship that is slowly disintegrating with the lead singer Thompson, hoping that it will overcome any differences that they may have. The song is very catchy. Not only is the beat memorable, but the lyrics are exceptionally well written.“You Without Me” is an exceptional starting single to the bands EP.
Dryspell’s new EP More will debut March 1st. Keep up with the band here.
Cue raw, psychedelic vibes and soothing vocals with FormerFaces’ latest single “Forc# Fi#lds” from their debut full-length album Foreign Nature. Vocalist and founder Ryan Parmenter explains the meaning behind the song stating, “it’s about letting your guard down and being wide awake to new relationships, ideas, and endeavors.” This description seems fitting as the groove-indie rock quartet was rejuvenated just last year when Parmenter added three new musicians to the band.
“Forc# Fi#lds” creates a groovy vibe within seconds of the music beginning; the first strums of the guitar are reminiscent of a classic 1960s indie anthem. Rock meets ethereality creating the quintessential tune for an epic adventure.
Parmenter also describes the song as “steeped in sentimentality,” which flawlessly depicts the energy emitted from a song that I feel is dripping in nostalgia yet somehow generates feelings of majestic escapades and explorations.
FormerFaces’ first full-length album Foreign Nature is set to release in Spring 2018. Keep up with the band here.
Some artists have difficulty reinventing themselves or putting out new content after being in the world of music for awhile. However, in James Mercer’s lengthy music career, this has yet to happen. Following the 2017 release of Heartworms – an album five years in the making – Albuquerque-based rock group The Shins just dropped The Worm’s Heart on January 19. The Worm’s Heart is a flipped album that discombobulates the track listing, instrumentals, and mood of Heartworms. The Shins as a band has always metamorphosed throughout the years, and The Worm’s Heart is only more proof of Mercer’s ability to appeal to a variety of genres and ears while maintaining an authentic sound.
It ends with “Name For It”, while Heartworms starts with that track. “Fantasy Island” changes from nostalgic and slightly morbid to a completely different, upbeat sound – almost as if Buddy Holly and David Bowie remixed it together – and it totally works. As one might expect from a guitar rock group, the guitar on the flipped version of “Mildenhall”is absolutely spectacular, and is one of the best reinventions on The Worm’s Heart. It’s the perfect jam sesh song, whether you’re stuck in traffic or rocking out with friends. “Name For It” is flipped from an upbeat bop on Heartworms to a moody, synth-filled track on The Worm’s Heart. The flipped version of “Cherry Hearts” sounds Beatles-esque, while the original on Heartworms is a definitively 21st century, light electronica song.
By retaining the original lyrics but providing each track with a completely new sound, The Shins display their versatility, talent, and ability to put forth quality content to appeal to a variety of ears. If you already had trouble picking a favorite track on Heartworms, get ready for even more competition for your most-loved song on The Worm’s Heart. The Worm’s Heart is a treasure trove of synth, retro vibes, and a touch into various genres. It’s an absolute treat for the ears, and a fantastic tribute to The Shins’ ability to reincarnate their own music. Last, but certainly not least, the album art for both Heartworms and The Worm’s Heart is AMAZING! Who doesn’t love a good ol’ dark-floral-and-skulls thematic landscape? Mixing the perfect amount of edgy with wistful, The Worm’s Heart is sure to please both old and new fans of The Shins.
The Worm’s Heart
The Fear (Flipped)
So Now What (Flipped)
Heartworms (Flipped)
Dead Alive (Flipped)
Half a Million (Flipped)
Rubber Ballz (Flipped)
Mildenhall (Flipped)
Fantasy Island (Flipped)
Cherry Hearts (Flipped)
Painting a Hole (Flipped)
Name For You (Flipped)
Check out The Worm’s Heart now, available to stream on Spotify and for purchase on iTunes.
