Happy hump day! Chugging through these final 25 submissions for this award cycle, and anxious to announce the nominations. Don’t miss the announcement on December 7. In the meantime, here are five more artists to check out.
Artist Name: Band of Silver
Album Name: In Space!
Label: Self-released
Genre: Indie Rock
Track Listing: 1. Streetlight; 2. World Domination; 3. I Follow You; 4. Welcome to Hollywood; 5. El Magnifico; 6. Money; 7. Space
Publicist: Effective Immediately PR
Review: We introduced you to this band a couple of weeks ago when we featured the music video for their first single, “World Domination.” There’s just something special about siblings and music, and Band of Silver has it in droves. They are on a mission to save rock and roll, and we think they will be successful. Taking a page out of the 80s pop/rock soundtrack, they deliver powerful upbeat songs that not only entertain but also educate with timely lyrical content and amazing music. Lead singer Avery has a powerful voice that meshes perfectly with the amazing sound of her siblings’ musical accompaniment. This one is a winner.
Recommendation: Rush out and Get this one – it belongs on repeat!
Artist Name: Sci-Fi Romance
Album Name: Dreamers & Runaways
Label: Self-released
Genre: Alt-Folk
Track Listing: 1. Dreamers & Runaways; 2. Long Ways Left; 3. A Beautiful Prison; 4. The War in Me; 5. Voices; 6. The Fight; 7. Gone Wrong; 8. Wooden Jesus; 9. Sunrise; 10. A Hymn for the Invisible
Publicist: For the Win Media
Review: Critics have compared Sci-Fi Romance to bands like The Decemberists, but we think they stand alone in their uniqueness. Mixing elements of folk, Americana, punk and metal, they have forged a new blend of alt-folk affectionately known as Steamfolk. Composed of Vance Kotrla on guitar and vocals, Mr. Mike on drums and Jody Stark on cello, they give us intellectual music with a memorable musical soundtrack. These songs need multiple listens to capture all the nuances of the lyrics and the intricacies of musical brilliance, but it will be time well spent. The lyrics were heavily influenced by the 2016 election cycle, and are powerful reminders that we don’t have to sit idly by and watch the destruction of what’s important to us.
Recommendation: If you like amazing music and intelligent lyrics, this is the album for you – go Get it.
Artist Name: Lana Blac
Album Name: Nocturnal
Label: Self-released
Genre: Dark Rock/Metal
Track Listing: 1. Suck you In; 2. Pick Your Poison; 3. Recipe for Disaster; 4. The Game; 5. In the Darkness; 6. Blac Ice; 7. Soul Stalker; 8. Crave
Publicist: Effective Immediately PR
Review: Lana Blac is a self-confessed vampire who has been inspired by the likes of In This Moment, Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie and Evanescence. While musically she is on par with her influences, she doesn’t quite have the powerful voice of either Maria Brink or Amy Lee, although she definitely has the gothic look down. She has created some amazingly dark music, and if she converts that into an incredible live show, then she definitely has a chance in this genre. We think her debut album is a worthy effort, but we would like to see what comes next before jumping on this train.
Recommendation: Worthy of checking out.
Artist Name: Linda Marie Fischer
Album Name: Arc of Love
Label: Self-released
Genre: Adult Contemporary Pop
Track Listing: 1. Blasted, Bombed, Being in Love; 2. Racing to the Moon; 3. Love in the Ages; 4. Map of Ice; 5. Blue in the Heart; 6. Trails in my Life; 7. Locking us Forever; 8. Slow, Slow, Quick, Quick!; 9. Little Words; 10. Thinness of the Air; 11. Holiday Wishes; 12. Arc of Love (teaser track/video)
Publicist: Behind the Curtains Media
Review: Bursting on the scene in her later years, much like Bonnie Raitt, this debut album from Linda Marie Fischer blends elements of jazz, blues, R&B and pop into an easy listening, adult contemporary format that is both relaxing and comforting. These songs reflect on the universal truth of love and all its phases, and the gentle musical accompaniment helps the words sink in. Fischer has picked the proper format for his well-crafted songs, which should lead her to a successful career. We think this is a great start, and look forward to what comes next.
Recommendation: Truly worthy of your attention, especially if you like the music of Ingrid Michaelson, Sara Bareilles, Vanessa Carlton or Barbra Streisand.
Artist Name: WHOLE
Album Name: Bias
Label: Blackjack Illuminist Records
Genre: Indie/Post-punk
Track Listing: 1. Lust/Terror; 2. Get Away; 3. Tides Made by our Hands; 4. What Scares You; 5. Bombs Will Drop; 6. Evenwicht; 7. Tongue to Machine; 8. Berghain; 9. Amsterdam
Publicist: Blackjack Illuminist Records
Review: German band WHOLE brings a new take to post-punk with their electrifying performance on Bias. They combine elements of multiple genres, fastened together with Bono-esque vocals, dreamy guitar riffs, synthwave electronics and a driving beat that will keep you interested and invested in their sound. They have an 80s retro/ new wave sound obviously inspired by the likes of Depeche Mode and The Cure, demonstrated to perfection on “Tides Made by Our Hands.”
Recommendation: This one is binge-worthy. Get it and enjoy.