Where were you when the world stopped turning? Those words were written by Alan Jackson as he tried to wrap his head around the events of 9-11. On the 17th anniversary of that fateful day, please stop and take a moment to reflect on how this country came together in the aftermath, and how we can get back together again. Regardless of your politics, let’s find a way, before it’s too late.
For our first Get it or Forget it of the week, we have some new artists to check out, as well as one of the best alt-rock bands from Los Angeles with their long-awaited new EP. Let’s get going.
Artist Name: NEVERWONDER
Album Name: NEVERWONDER
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock/Pop/Funk
Track Listing: 1. Give it All; 2. Moving On
Publicist: Doug Deutsch Publicity Services
Review: We have known brothers Andres and Vincent Ramos since before they left Exploiting Eve and founded NEVERWONDER. The band has been through a lot of changes looking for that special something, which they seem to have found with their new additions of Jay Wise on guitar and classically trained Swiss vocalist Fabienne Grisel on lead vocals. Grisel reminds us of another powerful female vocalist, VK Lynne of The Spider Accomplice, and we expect that she will lead NEVERWONDER to the promised land with her amazing vocal abilities, and the incredibly relatable lyrics and stunning musical track. Both tracks are about love, and what we all must decide about it – to “Give it All” or be “Moving On.” This EP shows us just a taste of what’s to come from this new version of NEVERWONDER, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.
Recommendation: NEVERWONDER never fails to deliver, and the new EP is no exception. Definitely jump on this bandwagon and Get it today!
Artist Name: Jacki Stone
Album Name: Like Hell It’s Yours
Label: Self-released
Genre: California Country
Track Listing: 1. Crazy Man; 2. On a Real Lonely Night; 3. Like Hell It’s Yours; 4. Wishful Drinking; 5. Victims of Comfort; 6. Country as Fuck; 7. California is Country, Too; 8. This Side of Blue; 9. Slow Down Easy; 10. Red Light Fever; 11. I Never saw it Coming; 12. I’m Here (Cause I’m not all There)
Publicist: Effectively Immediately PR
Review: Jacki Stone is proof that you don’t have to be from the South to play traditional country music. Unfortunately, she has retained the California tendency to pepper her lyrics with explicit language. Thank goodness the music makes it all worthwhile, including some driving southern rock and great horns on the title track, and a folksy, bluegrass sound on “Wishful Drinking.” Our favorite tracks were “On a Real Lonely Night,” “Wishful Drinking,” “California is Country, Too,” “Slow Down Easy,” and “I Never saw it Coming.”
Recommendation: This one is for all the “country” folk thriving on the west coast. Enjoy this version of California country – it will fill the hole in your musical library.
Artist Name: Social Room
Album Name: Brightstar
Label: Self-released
Genre: Indie Rock
Track Listing: 1. Brightstar; 2. Let’s Talk; 3. Kiss Me; 4. When Will I Dream; 5. Not Asking for the World
Publicist: Send to Media
Review: Social Room is a UK-based indie rock band with a strong new wave/britpop feel that delivers on so many levels, vocally, lyrically and musically. They could easily take on the American radio scene and do well, especially in the college community. They have a decidely Top 40 vibe, and we bet they would be amazing in concert as well. We love all five of these tracks, and can’t wait to see what comes next.
Recommendation: These guys are definitely worth taking a chance. Get their EP soon.
Artist Name: Brent Butler
Album Name: L I L A C
Label: Self-released
Genre: Hip-hop/Rap
Track Listing: 1. Ready or Not; 2. Baby, We Were Born to Riot!; 3. Vybrent (ft Crimdella); 4. Selective Memory; 5. Watching me Closely; 6. In the Desert (ft Lauren Renahan); 7. Never Give Up (ft Sonia Rose); 8. IDNY (ft Deascent)
Publicist: Effectively Immediately PR
Review: Like Eminem, Brent Butler makes his hip-hop in such a way that it has serious cross-over appeal to the pop scene. His beats are sick, and despite the occasional explicit language, the lyrics are worth listening to. The first track describes his music perfectly, because “Ready or Not,” Butler is coming to a radio dial near you. We can see his music having a tremendous appeal to the college scene.
Recommendation: While we are not the biggest fans of hip-hop, we would definitely add this one to our library, and recommend you do the same.
Artist Name: Guilande
Album Name: Live
Label: AWAL
Genre: Classic Rock
Track Listing: 1. Looser; 2. No More; 3. Mighty Eagle; 4. Gate of Hell; 5. Run, Run, Run . . .; 6. Love (Nature’s Way); 7. Too Late; 8. Freed Myself Today; 9. Queen of Spades
Publicist: ABIK Radio Promotions
Review: Guilande is named after lead singer Orlanda Guilande with a classic rock vibe that brings back great memories of 70’s rock and roll. This live album captures their amazing sound and energy and makes the listener want to get out and see their perform in concert. There is not a weak song in this collection, and we could easily listen to them over and over again. We love the sound of Guilande’s voice and the musical chemistry with her band is perfect, resulting in songs that reasonate with the listener, especially if they are a fan of bands like Lynnyrd Skynnrd, Jefferson Airplane, Credence Clearwater Revival and the like.
Recommendation: Definitely Get this one! It belongs on repeat.