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Artists Worth Checking Out Reviews

Get it or forget it: Chrome Pony, Save the Clocktower, Night School

After a crazy weekend of work and football, it’s good to be back writing more reviews in our Get it or Forget it series.  We are once again featuring artists submitted by Noisy Ghost PR, and we still have seven more to review.  Sit back, enjoy your Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples Day holiday, and learn about these amazing indie artists.

chrome-pony

Artist NameChrome Pony

Album NamePast Lives

Label:  Seagreen Records

Genre:  Psychedelic retro Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Road Dope; 2.  Eugene; 3.  Mr. Mister; 4.  Ragged Child; 5.  White Witch; 6.  There he Goes

 Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  Unfortunately, the publicist only sent me six of the ten tracks on this album, but what she sent gives a strong indication of the type of material this band has to offer.  With a throwback sound to the psychedelic music of the 60’s with a touch of grunge, these boys know how to rock.  Fronted by brothers Tyler and Kyle Davis, Chrome Pony has amassed a strong Nashville following which has encouraged them to take their music to Europe, where they recently completed a tour with Cage the Elephant.  This album would have been a great soundtrack for the Austin Powers movies, especially the “Ragged Child” track.   Listening to “Mr. Mister,” I almost expected the voice of Mick Jagger, since this track has the unmistakable sound of being under the influence of the Rolling Stones, just as “White Witch” sounds influenced by the Doors/Rolling Stones.  This band is just plain fun.

Recommendation:  If you have a  hankering for a modern day approach to the music of the 60’s, then you should definitely check out Chrome Pony.  In our humble opinion, definitely Get It.

save-the-clocktower

Artist NameSave the Clocktower

Album NameTaboo

Label:  None

Genre:  Electronic indie Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Taboo; 2.  Something Different; 3.  Twenty One

 Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  Chicago based Save the Clocktower have recently released a short three song EP.  The EP follows their 2011 debut album Carousel and their 2012 follow-up Through the Glass, which collectively garnered music placements with NPR’s World Café, MTV, E!’s Keeping up with the Kardashians and in Victoria Secret stores nationwide.  The band has a unique sound that while electronic, is dreamy and sufficiently non-mainstream as to immediately make it different enough to stand out.  Best friends Greg Newton, Sean Paras, and Jimmy Shenk reunited with their own friend James “Umbrella” Washington to create this rich sound that will keep your toes tapping and encourage you to get up and boogie.  Enjoy.

Recommendation:  If you like cutting edge music that throws caution to the wind, then this is the band for you.  Enjoy the soundtrack of your life and definitely Get It.

night-school

Artist NameNight School

Album NameBlush

Label:  Graveface Records

Genre: Indie pop/rock

Track Listing:  1.  These Times; 2.  Last Disaster; 3.  Casanova; 4.  City Kiss; 5.  Misty and Blue; 6.  Airplanes; 7.  Hypnotized; 8.  Teen Feelings; 9.  Lost; 10.  Pink 

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  This first thing you notice when listening to these three ladies from Oakland is amazing organic guitar riffs that provide the perfect backdrop for their amazing harmonies.  Even though the band has only been making music since 2014, they sound like they were born performing together.  Their sound is so rich and multi-layered and their harmonies are so tight, we can see a long career ahead for  Alexandra, Baylie and Cheyenne.  Check out how much fun they have in the video for their second track, “Last Disaster.”  Blush is their first full length release, and we believe there will be many more.  Best tracks include  “Last Disaster,” “Casanova,” “City Kiss,” “Airplanes,” and “Lost,” although quite frankly the entire album is kick ass.

Recommendation:  Night School is an amazing collaboration, and Blush is a trendsetting release that should make these ladies a household name.  We highly recommend you get off your ass and get out to your favorite record store and Get It.

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Artists Worth Checking Out Reviews

Get it or forget it: Starlight Girls, TW Walsh, Hospital Ships

As a reviewer, we love to create relationships with publicists, and no publicist has shown us as much diversity as Noisy Ghost PR.  In fact, sometimes we get so many requests, it takes a while to get to them all.  But we intend to review every artist submitted, and we are starting to catch up by reviewing three of the artists submitted early in 2016.  We apologize for the delay in reviewing these albums, but we have been a little overwhelmed lately with so many new releases this year.  We will do our best to catch up as quickly as possible, and hope that our readers will enjoy learning about these dynamic artists represented by Noisy Ghost PR.

starlightgirls_fantasm_coverart

Artist NameStarlight Girls

Album NameFantasm

Label:  none

Genre:  Retro Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Intrigue; 2.  Lodestar; 3.  Lion in a Cage; 4.  Hero; 5.  Inhibitionist; 6.  Cobra; 7.  $9,000,000; 8.  Red Rover; 9.  La La Lune; 10.  Fancy 

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  Starlight Girls call their style of music “spy-rock,” but even a casual listen can hear the influence of 80’s new wave in their tracks.  Listening to their songs one can only imagine how much energy the band must exert during a live show, as the beat is intense, the mood is upbeat and the lyrics are memorable.   By the third track, the style and intensity turn dark and gothic, but no less enjoyable.  This band has a way to transcend genre and create music that should appeal to all true music lovers.  It’s hard to pick any tracks that stand out because they are all good, but we were particularly impressed with “Intrigue,” “Lodestar,” “Hero,”  “Inhibitionist,” $9,000,000,” and “Fancy.”  This is one of the finest Noisy Ghost PR albums we have reviewed to date.

Recommendation:  This one is a no brainer.  If you love music, and especially bands that make music without trying to fit into any particular genre or style, then you will love Starlight Girls.  We are proud to give Fantasm a rating of Get It or Else.

tw-walsh

Artist NameTW Walsh

Album NameFruitless Research

Label:  Graveface Records

Genre:  Retro-futuristic techno pop

Track Listing:  1.  Public Radio; 2.  Shallow Water; 3.  Young Rebels; 4.  Body-Mind; 5.  Fundamental Ground; 6.  Monterrey; 7.  Counting Cards; 8.  The Bright Void; 9.  Chocolate Milk; 10.  The Glow 

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  Musically, this album is all over the place, with obvious influences of bands like ELO, The Fixx, and The Beatles, to name a few.  This is one of those albums that you cannot in a million years put into a box.  It defies categorization, and evokes true musical freedom and artistic vision.  TW Walsh is a musical genius, and that brilliance is played out in these diverse 10 tracks.   Our favorite tracks were “Public Radio, “Young Rebels,” “Monterrey,” “The Bright Void,” and “The Glow.”  This entire album is a true work of art.

RecommendationFruitless Research is an audiophile’s dream release.  With its myriad of styles and influences, every music lover should be able to find something they can identify with.  As such, we are proud to give this release two thumbs up and a definite Get It rating.

hospital-ships

Artist NameHospital Ships

Album NameThe Past is not a Flood

Label:  Graveface Records

Genre:  Impossible to describe – must be experienced

Track Listing:  1.  You and I; 2.  Long may You; 3.  Oh my Light; 4.  All in Time; 5.  Little Flower; 6.  Nothing to Hide 

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  Hospital Ships is the moniker used by Jordan Geiger for his solo projects, when not making music as part of such groups as Shearwater, Des Ark and Minus Story.  The Past is not a Flood is his fourth release as Hospital Ships, and his sixth record recorded with producer John Congleton (St. Vincent, The Walkman, Modest Mouse).  It is a true collaborative effort with many of his friends contributing to the project, including Thor Harris of Swans.   The result is an eclectic musical mix that spans the decades.  This album doesn’t feel like it has individual tracks, just movements in a grand symphony.   As such, we don’t feel that singling out any particular track would do this album justice.

Recommendation:  This album is unique in its approach, and as such, will probably not appeal to everyone.  If you have an eclectic musical palate, then you will probably enjoy it, but if you just want to hear a quick song, it probably not appeal to you.  We are happy to give it a Get it rating.

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Artists Worth Checking Out Reviews

Spiritual Rez new release brings reggae sunshine

Over the years we have had the pleasure of working with various publicists who have brought us numerous indie masterpieces, but no one has been more consistent in championing the best of the best than Laura Goldfarb of Red Boot PR.  Her latest client may be one of her best and we are proud to review the new cd for reggae fusion sextet Spiritual Rez, which drops on Friday, October 7.

Setting in the West is the fourth studio album for the boys from Boston, and is produced by Kenny Carkeet, the founding member of AWOLNATION.  The album also features Duddy B of The Dirty Heads, HIRIE, and Billy Kottage of Reel Big Fish, as well as co-writing with John Feldman of Goldfinger, and co-producing by Max Collins of Eve 6.

Composed of Toft Willingham on vocals, Ian “Meat” Miller on drums, Jesse Shaternick on bass, Mohamed Araki on keys, Quinn Carson on trombone and Julian Dessler on trumpet, Spiritual Rez takes reggae music further than it has ever gone before.  Check out their music video for the first single “Sober” if you doubt me.

Spiritual Rez has embarked upon a torrid tour that will take them to Oregon, Washington, Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, New York, Connecticut, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Maine before culminating in a show at the Ardmore Music Hall in Pennsylvania on December 16, where they will perform with Badfish, a Sublime tribute band.  The band has previously shared the stage with such greats as George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, Steel Pulse and Jimmy Buffet.

The album opens with the aforementioned “Sober,” and takes off from there.  “Red Room” features Duddy B, “Together Always” features HIRIE, and “Bad Girl” features Billy Kottage, and that’s just the first four songs.  Talk about taking the listener by storm.  Check out the just released music video for the second single “Together Always.”

Speaking of “Bad Girl,” this song is a true homage to some of our favorite ska bands like No Doubt and Reel Big Fish, which is only fitting since it features Fish’s Kottage.

The best tracks of the rest of the album include “Whiskey,” “Tidal Wave,” and “Surface Tension.”  This is truly a great album for anyone who loves cutting edge reggae or ska.

Indie Voice Blog is proud to recognize the talent of Spiritual Rez and to highly recommend you immediately grab yourself a copy of Setting in the West as soon as it becomes available on October 7.

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Artists Worth Checking Out Reviews

Get it or forget it: Ray & Remora, Riddle & the Stars, Earwig

Happy Monday – it was a very busy weekend between my full-time job, ushering at the Griz game (which we won), and auditions for A Christmas Story, the Musical at MCT.  But we’re back with another edition of Get it or Forget it, and we think you will love these artists as much as we do.  Grab your coffee and let’s dig in.

rr

Artist NameRay & Remora

Album NameStartle it Up

Label:  Aeronaut Records

Genre:  Indie Pop, Electronica

Track Listing:  1.  The Happening; 2.  Hearts do Change; 3.  It’s Just; 4.  Startle it Up; 5.  Soft Brown Heart; 6.  Don’t Shoot me Down; 7.  Histories; 8.  Honey Beware; 9.  Creep Up; 10.  Skinned Knees; 11.  Baby Please 

Publicist:  Redeye Worldwide

Review:  It is a rare feat for a band to have a killer debut album, but Ray & Remora have achieved that difficult task.  Composed of Dan Crane (Ray) and Amanda Walker (Remora), along with new additions Jeff Liffmann and Damon Kellard, Ray & Remora have created a sound that is the perfect soundtrack for your day.   Remora’s vocals are the treat of this duo, spread across the delightful package of the band’s extreme musicianship.  This CD will have you doing the happy dance, as every song is wonderfully produced by Jon Joseph (BØrns) and mixed by Bryan Cook.  Best tracks include “The Happening,” the title track, “Don’t Shoot me Down,” “Histories,” and “Honey Beware.”

Recommendation:  By any means necessary, you must obtain this CD for your collection.  Indie Voice Blog is proud to give Ray & Remora’s debut album a very strong Get It rating.

rs3

Artist NameRiddle & the Stars

Album Name New Coastline

Label:  Songs & Whispers

Genre:  Alt-Country Rock Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Running Back to You; 2.  I may Never Know; 3.  Long way Down; 4.  Apples & Knives; 5.  New Coastline; 6.  Mexican Home; 7.  Valentines Day; 8.  Tracks; 9.  When we Ride; 10.  When the Weight is Gone 

Publicist:  None

Review:  Orange County, California based duo The Fallen Stars met Australian singer-songwriter Ben Riddle last year when they were both touring in Europe, and the result was the creation of a new and dynamic band which is currently touring Germany.  Their latest release New Coastline has been garnering critical praise, and this reviewer agrees with the hype – Riddle & The Stars is an amazing band.   Riddle’s smooth voice is the perfect addition to the rocking musicianship of Bobbo and Tracy Byrnes, and creates music that spans the genres of alt country, indie rock, country rock and Americana.   All three share the lead vocal duties, resulting in an album that never gets boring.  Best tracks include “Running Back to You,” “I May Never Know,” “Apples & Knives,” the title track, and “Valentine’s Day.”

Recommendation:   German label Songs & Whispers recognized the greatness of this band, and signed them to their label.  America needs to wake up to this international American-Australian treasure, and cherish their music as well.  We are proud to give this album a rating of “Get your ass out and get it now.”

earwig

Artist NameEarwig

Album NamePause for the Jets

Label:  Anyway Records/LFM Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Wisdom Teeth; 2.  Lover’s Chords; 3.  I Don’t Want to Go; 4.  Bring Yrself 2 Me; 5.  Silverheels; 6.  Medusa Head; 7.  High Wasps; 8.  Holy Ghost Letter; 9.  Wasted on you (ft. Lydia Loveless); 10.  All my Sins are Blotted Out; 11.  Shine; 12.  Badr Moon 

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  This latest album from Columbus, Ohio based indie rock band Earwig won’t be released until October 14, although you can get a sample of what’s in store with their latest music video for “Wasted on You.”  The band has joined with Americana darling Lydia Loveless (currently on tour with Drive By Truckers) to create a fun and exciting single that gives just a taste of the awesomeness contained in the full album.

Led by the amazing guitar and vocals of Lizard McGee, Earwig is one of the best indie rock bands you need to know and follow.  Add to that the incredible bass lines from Constantine Hondroulis and the percussive base of drummer Nick Nocera, and you have a sound that is truly worthy of major attention.  Best tracks include “Lover’s Chords,” “I Don’t Want to Go,” “Wasted on You,” “Shine” and “Badr Moon.”

Recommendation:  What starts out as a solid indie rock album morphs into something strangely different in the middle before returning to its indie rock roots at the end.  Despite this shortcoming, there is enough juicy material to make it worthwhile, and to earn Pause for the Jets a rating of Get it.