by Meredith Schneider | Oct 31, 2019 | show review, snapshot
If you haven’t experienced KONGOS live yet, it’s really high time you should. The South African quartet — comprised of brothersJohnny Kongos, Jesse Kongos, Dylan Kongos, and Daniel Kongos — boasts incredible vocal harmonies and layered, striking instrumentals (hello, accordion!). Their captivating stage presence is no surprise, as their musician father must have had quite the influence on them. Just a few days after spending time in the studio with Hanson in Oklahoma, the brothers performed compellingly to an audience in Kansas City, MO. Nothing could have been more beautiful than the full moon on October 13th, shining brightly over this collective crooning to the patio stage at Riot Room.
Through every track, there was a sense of belief in the story that was being told. At times the vocals were raspy and rough, while at others there was a smoothness you almost didn’t expect from this handsome group of men. Regardless of its delivery, each song felt so effortlessly inspiring. For example, during the more tropical-infused track “I Am Not Me”, the audience sang at the sky, as though every individual was having the same existential realization at the exact same time. It was such an intensely beautiful moment, illuminated by the red stage lights, that by the time we got to crowd favorite “Come With Me Now”, I felt like most of the audience had become family. Litter percussive tracks like “Birds Do It” and “I’m Only Joking”, and you’re in for a night of blissful camaraderie with strangers, no matter your surroundings.
What was perhaps most notable was the friendliness with which the group welcomed the crowd and shared anecdotes to introduce their songs. I’m not certain what it was, but a sense of magic surrounded this performance that I wasn’t altogether expecting. Charming, incredible musicians with a lot of love and fire for their work. And simplified, that’s the experience KONGOS creates.
Keep up with KONGOS here.
by ImperfectFifth | Oct 30, 2019 | singles, soundtrack
A 50 track grab bag of Indie Rock’s most rambunctious outings with less synths and more sizzle. Don your black leather jackets and add a bit of swagger & strut to your day with this Indie Rock REVIVAL Playlist from FOXY MOJO.
Keep up with Foxy Mojo here.
by ImperfectFifth | Oct 30, 2019 | singles, soundtrack
Through the years lyrically and musically these songs have sculpted our imaginations. Thinking outside the box, but staying true to rock and roll is what The Revel is about and what this playlist emulates. These songs have been a constant inspiration for our writing, recording, and overall sound.
1: Remedy – The Black Crowes
2: Back in the Saddle – Aerosmith
3: Can’t You Hear Me Knocking – The Rolling Stones
4: Lyla – Oasis
5: Consolers of the Lonely – The Raconteurs
6: Black Dog – Led Zeppelin
7: The Fly – U2
8: Maggie May – Rod Stewart
9: Stay With Me – The Faces
10: Cold Hard Bitch – Jet
11: No. 1 Party Anthem – Arctic Monkeys
12: Tie Your Mother Down – Queen
13: Out Of The Black – Royal Blood
14: Fame – David Bowie
15: It’s So Easy – Guns N’ Roses
16: Lust for Life – Iggy Pop
17: Are You Gonna Go My Way – Lenny Kravitz
18: Steady – The London Souls
19: The Stroke – Billy Squier
Keep up with The Revel here.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 29, 2019 | premieres, singles
For Denver-based garage rockers Danny (vocals, guitar), David (bass, vocals), Chris (drums), and Zach (keys, vocals), running a punk-tinged collective named …And The Black Feathers seems strangely easy. Their new song “Scandalous” brings the kind of high octane energy that this autumn so desperately craved, and the soulful, edgy guitar drives us right into a new troublemaker mindset.
Try to stop us.
Keep up with …And The Black Feathers here.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 29, 2019 | premieres, videos
Do you appreciate music videos packed to the brim with humor? How about smooth vocals, eighties vibes, and soft lighting? If you checked all of the “LOVE LOVE THIS THING” boxes next to those items, then go ahead and take Minneapolis musician Lady Lark‘s “Bad Thoughts” video for a spin. Actually, since we have the exclusive premiere and we’re totally into showering this hilarity and musical genius in views and shares, why don’t you go ahead and watch it several times? We are anyway, because the song is so damn catchy. While you’re at it, why not show all of your coworkers?
Thanks!
Keep up with Lady Lark here.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 28, 2019 | singles, wolf tracks
Memphis-based psych rock outfit Spaceface — comprised of Peter Armstrong, Jake Ingalls, Eric Martin, Matt Strong, Daniel Quinlan, and Miles Young — has produced an intricate and whirring track that we could easily see being played both in a slow motion montage of a romance film, as well as for nostalgic ambiance in shows such as This Is Us. (But we aren’t here for music supervision YET, now, are we?)
We’re big fans of the relaxed vibe that accompanies this track, the high pitched melodies and reverb that makes you feel like you’re melting into the night sky. It’s time to pull those high waisted pants out of hiding and give yourself a chance to let the past inspire you, too.
Keep your eyes peeled for the video premiere this week! Keep up with Spaceface here.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 22, 2019 | singles, wolf tracks
Toronto-based indie synth rock outfit Zinnia may be comprised of Rachael Cardiello, James Burrows, Chris Pruden, Connor Walsh and Mackenzie Longpre, but it feels as though their new track “Requiem” is made up of stardust. With that classic ethereal, synth-infused soundscape that we have come to expect from this act, Cardiello’s vocals serve as an anthemic reminder to the song’s listener. Add this one for a fun, psychedelic boost at your next autumn party, or sink deep into it surrounded by candles as Halloween approaches!
Keep up with Zinnia here.
by Kira Cappello | Oct 21, 2019 | singles, wolf tracks
California indie-pop duo Ruby Red have dropped a sultry smooth single that can be described as deeeply vibey. New track “Superbloom” is boiling over with chunky beats and thick bass, suavely melded with nostalgic synth that invites a contemporary indie spin.
Like waking up to an electro-pop disco dream, the first few seconds of “Superbloom” are washed out, before bursting forth into stunning clarity. Wavy, texturizing synths envelop echoing vocals into a hazy vacuum, their syncopation weaving as glittery guitar riffs pepper the remaining space. For all its pleasantries, the song is also lyrically hyperconscious, featuring lines like “I can’t help but feel the heat of the moment controls me / I can’t help but feel like my shoulders are weighed down by truth.”
Not to submit to cliché, but “Superbloom” truly does deftly blend many current musical styles; including chillwave, electro-pop, indie rock, hip hop, and disco. This track is what happens when Toro Y Moi meets Tame Impala – with just a dash of Post Malone-reminiscent vocals – yet it still feels innovative and brand new.
Multi-instrumentalists Daniel Laner and Fernando Fine of Ruby Red have been longtime friends since elementary school, officially forming the band in early 2018. The group released a 5-track EP in 2018 titled “LOVELOCK”, with “Superbloom” as their second single of 2019 following previous release “How It Should Feel”.
Keep up with Ruby Red here.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 21, 2019 | albums, review
Alright, we are way overdue for stepping back in time with a killer soundscape to aid us. Packed to the brim with disco-era synth flare, Delores Galore‘s new album New Growth sounds a little more old school than one might assume when dissecting the album title, though it has a fresh spin with relatable lyrics and a fun, carefree feeling. (Truly, this is exactly what we needed to help us along through these slightly-more-serious months as we all meet year-end goals and continue to kick ass to end this decade right.)
“One Touch” gets us in the mood with husky vocals, glittering reverb and a vocal spoken breakdown that is equal parts honest and soulful. “Corpse Inside” has more of a psychedelic tone to it, a track that brings the tempo down, and the feelings out. “Still We Stay” follows it, much more 80s in nature, and just as magical as its predecessors. This one has an instrumental tempo that is slightly off-kilter when lined up with the vocals. This slight difference creates an otherworldly atmosphere for the duration of this dance track.
“Don’t Stop Me Now” has a very techy opening, with a soundscape that makes us feel as though we have been dropped inside an original Nintendo console to fend for our lives. The frantic feeling the instrumentals create is only slightly offset by the smoothness of the vocals, creating a balance similar to the song before it. Delores Galore rounds out the release well, with the slower tempo’d “Circles”. It feels epic, and should we find it placed in a Stranger Things-esque period piece, we wouldn’t think it out of place.
Get a sneak peek of New Growth below with “One Touch”, and keep your eyes peeled for more!
Keep up with Delores Galore here.
