vermillion road, “only one”

vermillion road, “only one”

Denver-based rock band Vermillion Road – which started out when Will Robinson and Hunter Heurich took the stage at 14 and 16 and from there, they never looked back – gets a hit with their new single “Only One”. From the moment I plugged my headphones in and pressed “play”, the song started to consume me. The beat is very catchy and can get stuck in your head, which is an all-too-welcoming feeling.

In the song, the lead vocalist sings about waking up alone and not knowing what is going around him, a theme of being alone stringing the song along. True to the song’s title, there are lines about being the “only one”, allowing the listener to truly relate to the sentiment. Their impactful song lyrics make the listener feel like they are experiencing what the vocalist is going through.

With a hit like “Only One” Vermillion Road will be soon taking the world by storm. Their new EP is expected to be released sometime in 2018. Keep up with them here.

listener to release being empty : being filled

listener to release being empty : being filled

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.

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wnt-al-n, “way out”

wnt-al-n, “way out”

Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, newcomer pop/hip hop artist WNT-AL-N (pronounced “went all in”) is gearing up for the release of his upcoming single, “Way Out”, coming January 26. As a globally inspired musical artist and world traveller, WNT-AL-N brings a trip around the globe into one track that anyone can vibe with. Co-produced with The Art Teacher (of Dr. Dre fame), “Way Out” brings a variety of genres to the table with multicultural sounds mixed with hip-hop/rap and pop influences.

WNT-AL-N has travelled all over during his lifetime, and brings global and local sounds to his music as he introduces his style to the world. “Way Out” is one of those songs that transports you around the world within 3 minutes and 43 seconds. The variety of instrumentation alone keeps the ear of the listener interested with various beats highlighted by reggae/hip-hop vocals by WNT-AL-N.

He may be a new artist, but WNT-AL-N is one to watch. His vocals and precise instrumentation have something for everyone within the single, which is a sure bop that should be blaring on radios everywhere this summer.

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un âne gonflable, “stupid kids”

un âne gonflable, “stupid kids”

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.

haux, “heartbeat”

haux, “heartbeat”

Alternative musician Woodson Black is doing more than his fair share of making extraordinary music. His latest release “Heartbeat” under his moniker Haux is an absolute work of art, balancing between dissonance and percussion in the most intricate and beautiful way. If you’re looking for smooth, soulful songs to add to your rotation, “Heartbeat” is 100% the song for you. It might even induce some tears if you’re not careful.

Keep up with Haux here!

primal rite, dirge of escapsim

primal rite, dirge of escapsim

Ready for heavy and hardcore?
Primal Rite 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 Primal Rite.
ferris and sylvester, “better in yellow”

ferris and sylvester, “better in yellow”

Yellow seems to be a common theme in the world of London-based folk duo Ferris and Sylvester. Following their debut EP, The Yellow Line, Issy Ferris and Archie Sylvester have released the single “Better in Yellow”, off their upcoming EP, Made in Streatham.

Filmed in 80’s-esque 4:3, the video for “Better in Yellow” is full of visually appealing shots with a sunshine yellow theme and old-timey TV feel. The simplicity of the visuals allows for a spotlight on the lyrics and instrumentation of the track. A tribute to standing out instead of letting one’s originality be sucked up by the humdrum of the world, “Better in Yellow” is sure to flood your day with hope and happiness. There’s something so heart-warming about watching someone get an egg cracked on their head, covered in yellow paint, and rained upon with potato chips.

With a unique sound combining folky tunes with hints of blues, and even a touch of trumpet, “Better in Yellow” is not to be missed. Ferris and Sylvester know how to not only work together on a musical level, but also in matters of aesthetic, and the “Better in Yellow” video is tribute to this.

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oh geronimo gets passionate with “mountains”

oh geronimo gets passionate with “mountains”

Oh Geronimo just released “Mountains”, a new single from their upcoming album titled The SledFrom 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.

killen isn’t the only one who’s “tired of being broke”

killen isn’t the only one who’s “tired of being broke”

Queens-bred Jack Killen is following up his 2017 EP, Dangerous Lunch Crowd, with his upcoming EP, Black Sneakers On Concrete, out February 9. In the meantime, fans of Killen can get excited for the EP release with a taste of what’s to come. Killen has dropped his first single for Black Sneakers On Concrete, “Tired of Being Broke”.

With city vibes partnered with an approachable, relatable rock sound, “Tired of Being Broke” will have you feeling all the frustration of an angsty young adult trying to make their way in the world these days. However, “Tired of Being Broke” doesn’t limit itself to 2018 – it could easily find a place within any recent decade. Vocally, much of the appeal of the reverb-coated track is found in the tone Killen uses throughout the song.

From the classic rock sound to the relatable chorus, “I’m tired of being broke in the land of money”, Killen brings indie/alt appeal to a familiar soundscape with devil-may-care, unapologetic lyrics. “Tired of Being Broke” will have you rocking out til the rest of Black Sneakers On Concrete drops. 

Keep an eye out for Killen’s upcoming EP and stream “Tired of Being Broke” today.
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