the split seconds, “the dirty depth of classic punk”

the split seconds, “the dirty depth of classic punk”

Punk is a genre that has always been known for its simplicity and raw, primitive sound. Many music fans write off the genre entirely because they believe that music must be complex and polished to be great. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. In the 70’s a bunch of kids who grew up on a steady diet of classic rockabilly, pop, soul, British invasion, Motown, and ska took a look at the vapid and self-important hippies burning out on the radio and said fuck this. They cut their hair, put on the jeans and leather jackets of their early-rock-and-roll heroes, went into their garages, turned up the tempos, pushed their amps into overdrive, and invented the potent form of fundamentalist rock and roll we now know as punk rock. The following songs showcase just how much depth can be captured in a few minutes with a few chords and with some cheap equipment.

The Buzzcocks: I Don’t Mind
The unusual chord progression and surreal message makes this song the “Strawberry Fields Forever” of punk rock. Beginning with the beautiful phrase, “Reality’s a Dream” the verse starts out square but quickly gets mired in a swirling series of out-of-key chords and a disjointed melody that and builds and blossoms into short, simple, and joyful chorus about not caring. It perfectly captures the message of escaping the emotional torment of uncertainty and chaos by just not giving a fuck. During the bridge the song shifts to a minor tonality as Pete Shelley reflects on past insecurity and rejection, emerging at the end in a higher key to once-and-for-all assert his triumphant nihilism.

Stiff Little Fingers: Alternative Ulster
This song about kids caught up in ‘The Troubles’ in Northern Ireland begins with a plaintive guitar melody drenched in reverb raw and almost in-tune. The lonely major-key drone expresses a combination of sadness and optimism that Stiff Little Fingers does so well. The song explodes into short punchy phrases in the verse over a restless 4 chord vamp in which Jake Burns lays out the frustration of scraping by under a repressive regime with throaty angst. Then it stretches out into the prechorus in which he explains that nothing’s going to change because nobody in power has any reason to change it. An usual extra measure builds anticipation before the assertive chorus chords in which he gives the solution to the problem: Do it yourself. Create an alternative of your own. “Ignore the bores, their laws…grab it change it’s yours.” After a powerful bridge rapidly dispensing with the naysayers, the original guitar melody returns over a shuffle drum beat. The meandering line returning with purpose and power before delivering the listener to a satisfying final chorus.

The Clash: Death or Glory
One of the many gems on London Calling, “Death or Glory” explores how high-minded ideals and righteous conquests are corrupted by time and routine. The song starts with a round and melodic bass line and syncopated high hat accents building into a grade-A punk rock groove underneath Mick Jones channeling Mick Ronson’s brand of channeling Chuck Berry via the English Channel. Paul Simon’s baseline walks under guitar stabs as Strummer howls his verse with great lines such as “love and hate tattooed across the knuckles of his hands, hands that slap his kids around ‘cuz they don’t understand” finally breaking into one of the catchiest choruses ever penned. During the bridge Topper Headon lays down a restless funky beat that is complemented by Jones’ rhythmic octaves and Simonon’s sequenced bass line. Creating the perfect musical backdrop for Strummer to quietly but insistently express the the will to fight and raise hell. After a final chorus the band ends the song on a slightly out-of-time, and out-of-tune final hit. Just in case you thought they were getting too refined.

Dead Boys: Sonic Reducer
Whereas the Buzzcocks found release in not caring, Stiff Little Fingers found salvation in not caring, and The Clash believed we were sadly destined to not care, The Dead Boys just didn’t care. Two bold chords at the outset fade into a swirl of flanged cymbals and feedback overtop a foreboding minor-key guitar line which finally explodes into power chords and Cheetah Chrome’s brash guitar solo. The verse pummels forward as Stiv Bators lists all the things he doesn’t need including family, beauty, and the human race. It builds towards a chorus that tells you why he doesn’t need any of that stuff. Because he’s a god damn rock and roller and one day he’ll be a ten foot tall Pharaoh and you won’t be shit. The song barrels forward all the way to the end with Ohio’s trademark street-walking-cheetah-with-a-heart-full-of-napalm raw power and swagger.

The Jam: The Eton Rifles
This fantastic tune begins with an intro of crashing minor chords, splashy drums, and a catchy repeated bass figure. Then breaks in to a double verse based on a two chord vamp of clanging guitar stabs and punctuated by a two chord turnaround contained in an unusual extra measure as bassist Bruce Foxton proves that drums, guitar, and a Rickenbacker bass is all you need to fill up the sonic palette. Buried in the mix, Paul Weller cleverly tells the story of a street fight between working class protest marchers and students from the prestigious UK prep school Eton in his unpretentiously accented baritone. During the chorus his vocal line climbs and the chord changes accelerate climaxing with a repeated “Eton Rifles” hook based on a melodic figure made memorable by its widely spaced intervals. The tonality darkens to minor for the unbalanced-feeling 9 measure bridge, perfectly framing the lyrics in which Weller describes his feelings of shame and disappointment with his comrades who were more interested in posturing than repelling the attacks of the future ruling elite. An instrumental section sandwiched between repetitions of the bridge that includes organ and reggae-influenced guitar delay showcases the band’s versatility. A vitriolic final verse and extended final chorus decays into cacophony before it is tied together by several restatements of the main theme mirrored by palm muted guitar before a definitive final hit. As strong a song as was ever written.

Generation X: Kiss Me Deadly
Pre-White-Wedding Billy Idol and company turned out this masterpiece of a song which is built on a verse, prechorus, and chorus that flow into each other so naturally and evolve so organically through the song that they create a nearly inseparable musical unit. This brilliant structure provides the backdrop over which Idol paints a picture of rebellious youth in the UK in the late 70’s characterized by love, sex, fights, flights, drugs, and old-school rock and roll. It begins with delicate guitar arpeggios venturing through a chord progression that is more reminiscent of The Zombies than The Ramones. Bold drums enter during the second verse foreshadowing the huge guitar onslaught that picks up and carries the song through to its end. After a melodic guitar solo, the chorus is extended during the final musical unit repeating the memorable title, “Kiss Me Deadly.” Exploited may have gotten right to the point with “Sex and Violence” but Generation X was able to translate the eros/thanatos theme into a brilliant work of punk rock art.

Keep up with The Split Seconds here.

the dtease, “anarchy on the playlist”

the dtease, “anarchy on the playlist”

We wanted to pick a theme that relates to the type of music we played, the music that influenced our sound, and the music that speaks to each of us personally.  A couple suggestions came out that had the words glitter, psychonautic and rock, but we eventually settled on Sonic Glitter Bomb. Once we each started picking songs, we realized that not all of the songs were very glittery… Someone said, okay this is like anarchy on the playlist and thats what we ended up with! It makes perfect sense for this playlist. What you get is anarchy on any given theme. We all come from different musical backgrounds and have different influences, whether its’s metal, punk, grunge, garage or americana…but all of us unite under the umbrella of rock and roll!

Keep up with The DTease here.

amanda brown, “on the road again”

amanda brown, “on the road again”

I’ve been traveling around the world as a touring musician for most of my adult life. In recent years, I’ve compiled an eclectic list of songs that I occasionally turn to. Whether I’m on a plane, getting ready for a show, or simply hanging in my hotel room, these songs have become my go-to touring tunes. There’s no complex reason behind the song selection other than these specific songs make me feel good. Touring can sometimes be tough on the body and mind. When I’m homesick or feeling tired, good vibes are essential to surviving life on the road.

Keep up with Amanda Brown here.

brother hawk, “songs we jam in the van”

brother hawk, “songs we jam in the van”

We listen to countless songs on tour, but these are the real standout rippers. The ones all four of us love with equal enthusiasm. The cream. The real heaters. The club bangers. The upper echelon type jams. The burner herzogs. Basically 11/10 hot fire cuts. THE TRACKS.

Keep your eyes peeled for their new album, due out May 11th and keep up with Brother Hawk here.

BLACK EXCELLENCE: a playlist by annjie houston

BLACK EXCELLENCE: a playlist by annjie houston

The creative rule of thumb seems to be that with great pain and suffering, comes great art.  If that’s true, then it would appear that black music and entertainment is in the beginning of a Renaissance period.

From incredible television shows like Insecure and Atlanta, to blockbuster films like Black Panther, and undeniably black albums like A Seat at the Table, Lemonade, DAMN and 4:44, representation is gradually getting better (we still have a long way to go). With that in mind, I set out to create a playlist that transcended genre, and had only two rules: be black and be dope.  A lot of the artists featured on this playlist are relatively new and up and coming—that’s intentional. ‘Black Excellence’ is a playlist created to highlight artists that deserve to be recognized for their incredible talent, and introduce music lovers to names, and songs they may not have heard before.

This playlist is long, and is being added to continually for endless listening pleasure. Having said that, here are a few highlights:

Masego – “Tadow” ft. FKJ –  This song will catch you completely off guard with a sleek combination of sensual vocals and saxophone.

Curtis Harding – “Wednesday Morning Atonement” –  It’s 1960, and you’ve walked into a small smoky bar where Jimi Hendrix and Marvin Gaye are casually jamming together. Oh, no, sorry it’s 2018 and you’ve been introduced to the genius that is Curtis Harding.

Charlotte De Santos – “It’s Over, Bobby” – Charlotte De Santos makes breaking up sound fun against a Cubano backdrop and vocals as silky as a scarf used to wrap your newly pressed curls.

Celeste – “Milk & Honey” – A minimalist beat reminiscent of James Blake or Radiohead provides the foundation for this sultry single. Celeste has a voice like smoke and bourbon concealed by rose petals.

Brent Faiyaz – “Insecure” –  Feeling insecure in a relationship never sounded so sexy. ‘Please don’t think I’m insecure/I just feel safe by myself.’  Carried entirely by Faiyaz’s vocal performance, this track is a cut above most R&B songs permeating the airwaves right now.

Vagabon – “Cold Apartment” – The combination of vulnerability and strength in this young woman’s voice is what epic stories are made of. Subtle, quiet, determined and then all at once, powerful, commanding, and fierce.

Sterling Rhyne – “Remedy” – Music runs through Sterling Rhyne’s veins. It’s evident in the arrangement of this track; the nuances and subtle sounds that she combines to tell a story is pure genius. Not to mention her voice—not that it needs an adjective, but let’s give it one: tranquil.

Sunni Colon – “Little Things”— A classic blend of funk and R&B. Heavy bass and drums set the scene of this single. If Groove Theory, Maxwell  and Tony! Toni! Toné! raised a child together, it would be Sunni Colon.

Kadjha Bonet – “Remember the Rain” – Imagine Dionne Warwick, and Diana Ross…. Now, imagine the both of them as one single electrifying entity. Yes, that’s Kadjha Bonet and this track oozes Motown circa 1963.

Abi Ocia – “Running” – There’s something cathartic about Ocia’s voice. Any emotion you’re feeling can be found in the song. Imagine standing alone and perfectly still in a bright white room, and then closing your eyes slowly. That’s what this song feels like, infinite space that overwhelms you and suddenly reminds you of your place in the vast universe.

Justin Michael Williams – “Here With Me” – Words cannot describe the versatility of this amazing singer. This song is only a taste of what he has to offer. The track is powerful and delicate, and his falsetto is otherworldly. Only seconds into the single and you’re blown away; you think you know what to expect from “Here With Me,” but you truly have no idea.

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Keep up with the stunning Annjie Houston here!

phenix, “minor tones of triumph over 808s”

phenix, “minor tones of triumph over 808s”

I like minor keys…actually, I more than “like” them – I’m INFATUATED with them. Something about the raw darkness of the attack & sound just makes me feel like it’s about to get real – that we’re about to fight this war masks off in the mud – OVER our freedom. Whether it be for our freedom to love, our freedom to speak, our freedom to deserve, our freedom to be…..I see life staring up from the deep end, I refuse to dip my feet to play in the shallows. That has just ALWAYS been who I am. It’s either: I DON’T go in the water or I run FULL THROTTLE till I can no longer touch the ocean floor. I fuel my body like I live my life – with MOTIVATION. I used to foul out every ball game because I played that much harder than the rest & my feet stay planted and I wanted that damn ball so bad – no one or no thing could ever get in my way to stop me. I go hard because I love hard, the vulnerability of my capability flies behind me like a cape and I light fires without lighters and own it all because I’m a fighter. These songs encompass the magic of the minors, articulate voices full of angst & swag, not here to mess around. They are triumphant and LOUD & the hip/hop edge is definitely influencing this era of my life & art. I embrace it, I learn from it, & I bend it. To the next generation of sound do I march.

Keep up with Phenix here.

diem, “something to do with LOVE”

diem, “something to do with LOVE”

I am really fascinated by love, it’s no wonder that so many artists including me, need to write about it. Because it can hurt us so much, but also fulfill us to the most. Love comes in every form. It can be bright or dark, it can be inspiring or destructive, it can fuel us with hope or drag us down. These are some of the songs I like to listen to the I’m in the mood for love…

Instagram: @diemxdiem 
Facebook page: facebook.com/thisisdiem

ovtlier, “bang your head”

ovtlier, “bang your head”

Theses songs shaped my love for many levels of rock and metal. Continuously bringing me back to my roots and defining me as a musician. Reminding me why i love playing music and what its all about.
Kept my feet tapping and my head bobbing. These are nostalgia to me.

Songs:
Deftones – Nose Bleed
Korn – Blind
Orgy – Stitches
Slipknot – People Equal Shit
Ovtlier – Vice
Powerman 5000 – When Worlds Colide
Static X – Push It
Periphery – The Parade Of Ashes
My Ticket Home – Hot Soap
Papa Roach – Infest
The Finalist – Leave The Broken Hearts Behind
Novelists – Voyager
Blindside – Pitiful
Deftones – My Own Summer
Rammstein – Buck Dich
Pantera – Cowboys From Hell
Emmure – Shinjuku Masterlord
Limp Bizkit – Nookie
Eighteen Visions – Tower Of Snakes
Atreyu – Right Side Of The Bed
Ovtlier – Buried Me Alive
Marilyn Manson – The Beautiful People
Rob Zombie – Demonoid Phenomenon
Korn – Good God
Slipknot – Wait And Bleed
The Dillinger Escape Plan – 43% Burnt
The Human Abstract – Vela, Together We Await The Storm
Between The Buried And Me – The Primer
Every Time I Die – Ebolarama
Norma Jean – Charactarantula : Talking to you and the Intake of Glass

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