Tag: Vol. 2

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it – Formosa, Andrew W.K., Reichelt, This Way North, WhoMadeWho

Happy hump day!  Yesterday was a wild ride, but at least we had some great new music to check out.  Today we’re back with five more artists for you.  Let’s get started.

Artist Name:  Formosa

Album Name:  Sorry for Being Sexy

Label:  Sweepland Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Bad Boys; 2.  Mañana; 3.  Sorry for Being Sexy; 4.  Fuck up Your Liver; 5.  Sugar Daddy; 6.  Love on the Highway; 7.  Proud to be Loud; 8.  Pull Away; 9.  Johnny the Beaver; 10.  Never Stop Rock-n-Roll

Publicist:  Sweepland Records

Review:  These German lads have a good rocking sound, reminiscent of many of our 80’s hair bands.  The songs are heavy on guitar with a driving drum beat, and soaring vocals about various topics, usually associated with being bad.  They could definitely teach a thing or two to some of our American rock bands who seem to have forgotten their roots.  Their music is on par with that of such groups as Poison, Quiet Riot, Guns n’ Roses and others of that time period.  Best songs include “Bad Boys”, the title track, “Fuck up Your Liver,” “Sugar Daddy” (a beautiful ballad), “Love on the Highway,” “Proud to be Loud,” “Pull Away,” and “Johnny the Beaver.”

Recommendation:  If  you are a hot-blooded rocker, then definitely check this one out.  We recommend it.

Artist Name:  Andrew W.K.

Album Name:  You’re Not Alone

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Arena Rock

Track Listing:  1.  The Power of Partying; 2.  Music is Worth Living For; 3.  Ever Again; 4.  I Don’t Know Anything; 5.  The Feeling of Being Alone; 6.  Party Mindset; 7.  The Party Never Dies; 8.  Give up on You; 9.  Keep on Going; 10.  In Your Darkest Moments; 11.  The Devil’s on Your Side; 12.  Break the Curse; 13.  Total Freedom; 14.  Beyond Oblivion; 15.  Confusion and Clarity; 16.  You’re not Alone

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  Andrew W.K. has the kind of sound that fills a stadium.  His rock is more modern but includes the prog rock influence of such bands as Kansas and Rush, with the central theme of partying.  The music is as grandiose as the cover, and we believe it does not disappoint.  There are also some 80’s new wave influences, especially on “Ever Again,” but the overall sound is power rock.    This album is jam packed with songs that belong on the radio, and that are memorable enough to be heard over and over again, such as “Music is Worth Living For,” “Ever Again,” “Party Mindset,” “Keep on Going,” “The Devil’s on your Side,””Total Freedom,” and “You’re not Alone.”  “Break the Curse” is a full-blown prog rock song.  In addition, there are three spoken word pieces:  “The Feeling of Being Alone,” “In Your Darkest Moments,” and “Confusion and Clarity,”

Recommendation:  We highly recommend you give this one a try.  It has something for just about everyone.

Artist Name:  Reichelt

Album Name:  Seduced by the Light Side

Label:  A & R Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Seduced by the Light Side; 2.  Same as Me; 3.  Don’t Need it Here; 4.  You at Last; 5.  This Fire; 6.  The Place Where we Sing; 7.  Solid Gold; 8.  You are a Song; 9.  Spire; 10.  Heavy Hearts Live in Hell; 11.  Don’t Know

Publicist:  The A&R Department

Review:  Reichelt is an Australian multi-instrumentalist who we featured last month, and are very happy to be able to review his entire album.  His Indie Rock sound incorporates several other genres, including reggae, rockabilly and electronic.  His songs are well written and musically arranged, and his voice is silky smooth and uplifting, regardless of the lyrical subject matter.  This is an artist we would love to hear more of on American radio, as well as see him perform live.  We simply love the title track, “Same as Me,””Don’t Need it Here,” “This Fire,” “Solid Gold,” and “Heavy Hearts Live in Hell.”

Recommendation: Definitely Get this one.

Artist Name:  This Way North

Album Name:  Vol. 2

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Nothing to Say; 2.  Head Above Water; 3.  Make it Work; 4.  Pressure; 5.  Fading Out; 6.  Put Your Mind at Ease

Publicist:  Penney and Logan

Review:  These Australian ladies offer up power pop with driving drums and heavenly harmonies that are begging for airplay on American radio.  This is a band that NEEDS to come to America, because unlike the first track, we believe that have a lot to say.  We love every song on this EP, which leaves us wanting so much more.  This one should be played in an endless loop on repeat.  It will definitely lift your spirits, get your toes a tapping and provide audio relief to your aching eardrums.

Recommendation:  Don’t hesitate – Get this one now!

Artist Name:  WhoMadeWho

Album Name:  Through the Walls

Label:  Embassy of Music

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Neighborhood; 2.  Crystal; 3.  Dynasty; 4.  I Don’t Know; 5.  Putpie; 6.  Goodbye to all I Know; 7.  Through the Walls; 8.  Belong; 9.  Funeral show; 10.  If This is Your Love; 11.  Surfing on a Stone; 12.  Keep on

Publicist:  Guerilla Music Promotion

Review:  From the first notes, you just know this is going to be epic, and WhoMadeWho lives up to the expectation, with interesting electronic sounds, amazing harmonies, and the feeling that they are singing directly to you.  The beat is funky and uplifting, and the songs easily become earwigs, living on in your mind ever after the song is over.  They have an 80’s feel that definitely draws the listener into the music.  You don’t want these songs to end, so don’t forget to put them on repeat.  You’ll be on your feet dancing before you know it, because there isn’t a weak song on the entire album.  American Radio Stations – this one belongs on your playlist immediately!

Recommendation:  You don’t want to be caught without this one.  We highly recommend you Get it Today!

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it – BB and the Blues Shacks, Matthew Battle, Case Garrett, Laini and the Wildfire, Red Hymns

Hope you all survived the NYE festivities.  We’ve been sick for the past two days and only beginning to feel back to normal.  We’re back to plow through the remaining 22 requests we need to finish before we can assemble the nominations for the LA Music Critic Awards for the second half of 2017.  Enjoy these five and we’ll be back soon with the remaining 17.

Artist Name:  BB and the Blues Shacks

Album Name:  Reservation Blues

Label:  Rhythm Bomb Records

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Reservation Blues; 2.  Lay Some Shuffle Down; 3.  Mad About You; 4.  I Can’t go On; 5.  Year of Strife; 6.  From now On; 7.  Angry Cat; 8.  Not Much to Loose; 9.  Honeycomb; 10.  All About That; 11.  My Time Ain’t Long; 12.  Little Secrets; 13.  Things Won’t Change; 14.  Why Can’t I go Home

Publicist:  Airplay Direct

Review:  BB and the Blues Shacks are a European band that has been putting out quality blues for the past 28 years.  Their current album returns the quintet to their vintage blues roots.  The gravelly vocals provide the perfect authenticity to the screaming blues guitar accompaniment.  From the first note of the title track, it becomes quickly apparent that the blues are alive and well and in great custody of a European band that seems to have mastered this purely American genre.  The second track brings in some dynamic keys and horns action with a 50’s Chicago blues style, while the third track replaces the keys with organ and keeps the 50’s vibe.  The keys are back on the fourth track, and the feel is pure 50’s style, plus they have added some harmonica to spice it up.  You get the picture – this one is a true keeper.  All 14 songs on this amazing album deserve the attention of blues lovers everywhere.

Recommendation:  Don’t think twice – Get it now.

Artist Name:  Matthew Battle

Album Name:  What’s the Difference Between a Book and Your Self

Label:  Southend Records

Genre:  Folk/Indie Rock/Pop

Track Listing:  1.  There’s Always Something in the Way; 2.  Nothing Much More Left to do; 3.  Buddy Holly’s There; 4.  Music Saves; 5.  What’s Right is Right, What’s Wrong is Wrong; 6.  Dylan Fan Blues; 7.  What’s the Difference Between a Book and Your Self; 8.  Our Island; 9.  Our Bodies; 10.  So sad I’m Leaving; 11.  Blowing; 12.  Witching Stones; 13.  World Goes Round; 14.  We are Fiction; 15.  Time; 16.  Out Here in Space; 17.  You’re too Good to Me

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Matthew Battle does not have the best voice, but he writes such incredible and thoughtful lyrics and melodies that it is easy to ignore the tonal qualities and just focus on what he is trying to say in his song.  His songs run the gamut from folk to indie rock to 60’s pop.  Best tracks include the title track, “Our Island”, “Our Bodies,” “Witching Stones,” “World Goes Round,” and “Out Here in Space.”

Recommendation:  If you can look beyond the vocals, you should take a chance on this artist.  If you require perfect pitch, then you might just forget it.

Artist Name:  Case Garrett

Album Name:  Aurora

Label:  Suitcase Records

Genre:  Alt-country

Track Listing:  1.  What can I Say?; 2.  Long way Down; 3.  Going Down to Mobile; 4.  She Never Liked Elvis; 5.  Call me the Breeze; 6.  The Thought of You; 7.  Fill ‘er Up; 8.  Going Down to Mobile (Alt Mix)

Publicist:  KG Music Press

Review:  On his debut album, Case Garrett brings hints of classic country, great fiddle, well-crafted storylines, and a steady beat for all the cowboy dancers out there.  Whether they be two-steppers, waltzers,  or line dancers, Garrett’s music has something for everybody.  Every country saloon/dance club should definitely add this album to their collection.  His voice has a hint of Willie Nelson on most songs and a Jimmy Buffet vibe on “She Never Liked Elvis.”  We really love the lap steel and cajun feel of “Call me the Breeze,” while “Fill ‘er Up” has an authentic gospel feel and impeccable harmonies.  He closes out with an alt-country mix of “Going Down to Mobile,” which we like more than the earlier version.

Recommendation:  If you love country music, or country dancing, this is your album.  We recommend you go out and Get it.

Artist Name:  Laini and the Wildfire

Album Name:  Wandering

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Wandering (Radio Edit); 2.  Copilot; 3.  Bricks in the Water; 4.  All the Love in the World; 5.  Good Night is not Goodbye; 6.  Thunder; 7.  Outside the Norm; 8.  Sound of Change; 9.  Sunday

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  This is the band’s first full length album, and we are truly pleased with the result, which has drawn critical praise and comparison to the sound of Florence & the Machine meets Adele.  Trust us when we tell you this band not only lives up to the hype, but raises the bar beyond that hype.  Their first single, “Wandering,” is a first class hit that should do well on radio.  The band adds some great soulfulness into the mix on “Copilot,” with just a touch of vintage Elton John.  The Adele comparison is obvious on “Bricks in the Water” ‘All the Love in the World,” and “Good Night is not Goodbye.”  The vibe returns to Florence & the Machine on “Thunder,” “Outside the Norm,” and “Sound of Change,” before closing out in Adele mode on “Sunday.”  This is a solid album from start to finish.

Recommendation:  Truly one of the best of 2017.  Run, don’t walk and Get this one!

Artist Name:  Red Hymns

Album Name:  Vol. 2

Label:

Genre:  Alternative Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Callisto; 2.  Vultures; 3.  Terra Preta

Publicist:  Earshot Media

Review:  Not only has the band found time to release its second EP, it has also collaborated with Barrier Brewing Company to produce its own beer, Endless Sky IPA.  If it goes down as tasty as these three tracks, then it is a fine brew indeed.  These songs might be good placement material in film, as they have a hard edge but a great story, and the accompaniment is first-rate.  We would appreciate it if one of our east coast readers would check out the IPA (available in New Jersey and New York) and let us know what you think.

Recommendation:  If you like rock music, this is the perfect band for you.  Check it out.