Tag: Get it or Forget it

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it indie music Reviews

Get it or forget it – Tony Lucca, Chris Jones and the Night Drivers, Lindy Vopnfjord, Mekons, Minka

We made it to New Music Friday again, and we have five brand new ones to review and share, including the latest from a former Mousketeer.  It’s been a rough week on the home-front, with an simple puncture wound turning into an infection, but we think this music is just the medicine to make things better.  Let us know what you think.

Artist Name:  Tony Lucca

Album Name:  Ain’t no Storm

Label:  Off the Road Adventures / Rock Ridge Music

Genre:  Indie Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Everything’s Changing; 2.  Come Around; 3.  One Less You; 4.  Frame by Frame; 5.  Restless Heart; 6.  Empty Headed Blues; 7.  Room with a View; 8.  Other Side of the Clouds; 9.  Frame by Frame (radio edit)

Publicist:  Skye Media

Review:  Tony Lucca is known for lots of things, including being a Mousketeer along side of Christina Aguilera, being a member of Team Adam on Season 2 of NBC’s The Voice, and being the artist who gave his slot with NSYNC to fellow Mousketeer Justin Timberlake.  But with the arrival of his latest album, it is truly evident that Lucca has definitely “arrived” as a hot songwriter and future Grammy winner.  From the upbeat opening track, “Everthing’s Changing” to the radio edit of his first single, “Frame by Frame,” Lucca hits us right between the ears with emotional lyrics and vocal delivery and incredible musicianship.  This is without a doubt his best album ever, and should finally elevate him to the level that he deserves – super stardom.  We have already featured “Restless Heart” and “Everything’s Changing” in our Monday Mashup, and think this album is jam packed with songs worthy of being released as singles.

Recommendation:  Drop whatever you’re doing – Go Get this one today!

Artist Name:  Chris Jones & the Night Drivers

Album Name:  The Choosing Road

Label:  Mountain Home Music

Genre:  Bluegrass

Track Listing:  1.  Your Remarkable Return; 2.  Letters to Brendan; 3.  Looking for the Bridge; 4.  I Can’t Change the Rhyme; 5.  Back in the High Life Again; 6.  Nyhan’s Regret; 7.  I’ll Watch her Soul; 8.  Bend in the Road; 9.  I Shouldn’t Even be Here; 10.  Who you Want me to Be; 11.  Own the Blues; 12.  Glimpse of the Kingdom

Publicist:  Crossroads Label Group

Review:  Sit down Rhonda Vincent and Alison Krauss – there’s another band in bluegrass that is ready to ascend the throne.  The new album from Chris Jones & the Night Drivers has everything you want on a bluegrass album – great story lyrics, a strong voice with perfect harmonies, and great performances on mandolin, banjo, fiddle and bass, with amazing guitar thrown in for good measure.  Composed of Chris Jones on guitar and lead vocals, Gina Clowes on banjo and backing vocals, Mark Stoffel on mandolin and fiddle and Jon Wiesberger on bass, this band should be the standard for all budding bluegrass players.  We love every song, especially “Your Remarkable Return,” their amazing cover of Steve Winwood‘s classic “Back in the High Life Again,” the sterling instrumental “Nyhan’s Regret,” the soulful “Who you Want me to Be,” and the gospel-tinged “Glimpse of the Kingdom.”

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one!

Artist Name:  Lindy Vopnfjörd

Album Name:  You Will Know When It’s Right

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Love me Like That; 2.  Standing on the Sea; 3.  Give Some Love; 4.  Our Greatest Irony; 5.  How did we get Away; 6.  Everlasting Odyssey; 7.  I’m so Hi; 8.  Love Sister (live in Reykjavik with Nydonsk)

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  Talk about dejá vu!  As soon as the album started with the first track, “Love me Like That,” it felt like classical rock artists like Tom Petty and Bob Dylan were speaking through the voice of the lead vocalist.  The songs are well written and hit the ground running.  They are perfect for radio and inspiration, beginning with the first track and continuing on.  “Standing on the Sea” almost feels like Brit Pop.  Each song brings back a piece of musical history and puts this artist squarely on a track to the top of the charts.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one!

Artist Name:  Mekons

Album Name:  Deserted

Label:  Bloodshot Records

Genre:  Indie Rock/Punk

Track Listing:  1.  Lawrence of California; 2.  Harar 1883; 3.  Into the Sun; 4.  How Many Stars; 5.  In the Desert; 6.  Mirage; 7.  Weimar Vending Maching; 8.  Andromeda; 9.  After the Rain

Publicist:  Bloodshot Records

Review:  Mekons come to us from the UK, combining elements of punk, psychedelica and indie rock to their sound, hitting us over the head with a tidal wave of sound that quickly envelops the listener.  This is rock as it was intended and perfect for those time when you want to drown out the world and totally immerse yourself in the music.  If you want some sentimental folk, they have that on “How Many Stars,” so don’t think they can only rock.  We also love the sweeping strings and “cool” feel of “Andromeda.”

Recommendation:  Get it.

Artist Name:  MINKA

Album Name:  Mysteries of the Heart

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  R&B

Track Listing:  1.  Mysteries of the Heart; 2.  Something Special; 3.  Rollerblades; 4.  Parties; 5.  You Knew I was a Freak

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  We introduced you to MINKA in April 2017 when they released their live album.  We again reviewed them in mid-February for the first of their EP trilogy, and are back again with the second in that trilogy.  While they maintain their overall R&B groove, this set if more upbeat and perfect for the soundtrack of your next party, especially if you like the sound of Prince.  The title track is a sure-fire hit, as is “Rollerblades.”  You can’t go wrong with this one.

Recommendation:  Definitely add this one to your party playlist!

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it indie music Reviews

Get it or forget it – Pikes, Whisperado, Matt Pless, Hhoogg, Comfort Club

Happy Tuesday.  We’re back with another edition of Get it or Forget it, and this one is truly unique.  We have a lot of reviews to do to catch up, so let’s get going.

Artist Name:  Pikes

Album Name:  Pterodactyl 1994

Label:  ART:ERY / Shir Records

Genre:  Indie Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Pterodactyl 1994; 2.  Weightless Tears; 3.  Trends; 4.  Pinnacle; 5.  Forgive Myself

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  We reviewed their previous EP back in January, and they’ve already got another one out.  We stand by our initial impressions, which have only been strengthened by this new EP, and we firmly believe that we are witnessing the birth of an international star.  Once again he has delivered five sterling songs that are commercially viable, as well as  radio friendly, and we look forward to the opportunity to catch him in concert.  We especially love the jazzy goodness of “Trends” and the majestic grandeur of “Forgive Myself.”

Recommendation:  Time is running out – Get this one now!

Artist Name:  Whisperado

Album Name:  Bang One Out

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Roots/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Bear Suit; 2.  Fourth of July; 3.  All the Truth I Need; 4.  Bang One Out

Publicist:  Oren Hope Marketing

Review:  Of all the musical genres we review, Americana and roots/rock are two of our favorites, and Whisperado is a first class addition to that genre.  With their first new music in six years, Whisperado delivers four classic songs that are memorable and point to more great things from this premiere band.  Included with the three original tunes is their own rocking cover of the Dave Alvin tune “Fourth of July.”  Whether original or cover, this band knows how to rock, and we can’t wait to hear the rest of the album when it is released later this year.  In the meantime, we’re just gonna put the title track on repeat.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one – hopefully it will tide you over until the full-length album comes out.

Artist Name:  Matt Pless

Album Name:  Tumbleweed

Label:  Wembleway Music

Genre:  Singer-songwriter/Punk

Track Listing:  1.  Ashtray; 2.  Piggy Bank; 3.  My Crooked Ways; 4.  Mad Child’s Lament; 5.  What You Will; 6.  The Book of You and I; 7.  Portland; 8.  Talkin’ Information Blues; 9.  The Crayon Song; 10.  White Picket Fences; 11.  My Idea of Heaven; 12.  In the Past Tense

Publicist:  TAG Publicity

Review:  Originally released acoustically in 2013, Matt Pless has returned and improved on the sheer simplicity of Tumbleweed and made it even better, keeping it fresh for today’s political climate.  Mixing the best of Bob Dylan, The Violent Femmes and Flogging Molly,  Pless finds a way to use these diverse styles to create protest music that the listener will not soon forget, especially the lead track, “Ashtray.”  He is truly the voice of this generation.

Recommendation:  Give this one a listen – we’re sure something will strike a chord with you.

Artist Name:  Hhoogg

Album Name:  Earthling, Go Home!

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Improvisational Psychedelic Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Ccossmmooss; 2.  Rustic Alien Living; 3.  Journey to the Dying Place; 4.  Star Wizard, Headless and Awake; 5.  Eaten on the Frontier; 6.  Recalled to the Pyramids; 7.  Infinitely Gone

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  If you love to listen to great rock guitars, complete with a healthy backbeat and blistering guitars, then Hhoogg has the perfect album for you.  Billing themselves as a psychedelic rock band from outer space, they provide a sound that is truly out of this world.  This songs will satiate your desire for great music, and are the perfect companion to everyday chores.  Sit back or just keep moving to these impressive sounds.

Recommendation:  Definitely worth getting.  We love their sound.

Artist Name:  Comfort Club

Album Name:  Lone Cactus Motel

Label:  Comfort Club Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Better Than Me; 2.  Kindness; 3.  Not in Love; 4.  Rearview Mirror

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Colin Tracey aka Comfort Club has a strong presence on the guitar, providing radio friendly vocals that squarely put him in an Indie Rock style.  We love the slight funkiness in his guitar and the pop feel of his lyrics that make us believe that he could have a successful radio career.  His riffs are amazing, and lift the songs to a new level, especially on “Better Than Me.”  His rock borders on roots on “Kindness,” and we think he has the chops to give that genre a run for its money.

Recommendation:  Give him a listen.

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – The Cleverlys, Taali, Kat Holland, Newscast, Blue Angels

Happy New Music Friday!  We hope you had a wonderful week and are ready to let  your hair down for the weekend.  We have some powerful music for you today which has been released today, and we are happy to share it with you.  Enjoy the mix.

Artist Name:  The Cleverlys

Album Name:  Blue

Label:  Mountain Home Music Company

Genre:  Bluegrass

Track Listing:  1,  Baby; 2.  Milkshake; 3.  Girl in the Sky; 4.  Blue (Da Ba Dee); 5.  She’s Not (Ain’t) There; 6.  Wait a Minute; 7.  Party Rock Anthem; 8.  Irreplaceable; 9.  What’s Up; 10.  I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles); 11.  Oh Death; 12.  The End of the Record

Publicist:  Crossroads Label Group

Review:  The Cleverlys are what happens when Justin Bieber and Beyonce get drunk and create a baby at a bluegrass concert.  They mix the best of pop and hip hop with comedy and bluegrass to create their signature Ozark sound.  They give that treatment to such well-known songs as Justin Bieber‘s “Baby,” Beyonce‘s “Irreplaceable,” LMFAO‘s “Party Rock Anthem,” The Zombies‘ “She’s Not (Ain’t) There,” and The Proclaimers‘ “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles).”  Even the title song is a cover of that incessant song about a world that’s blue.  This one is unique and belongs in every music collection, regardless of your favorite genre.

Recommendation:  Rush out and Get this one.

Artist Name:  Taali

Album Name:  I am Here

Label:  Rainbow Blonde Records

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Release; 2.  I Held my Breath; 3.  Hear you Now; 4.  I Have Seen it for Myself; 5.  Let the Light In; 6.  Star (ft José James); 7.  For Michal; 8.  Right Sized; 9.  Los Angeles; 10.  A Lack of Color; 11.  Peace be Upon You; 12.  Hope of my Own; 13.  Erev Shel Shoshanim; 14.  Plunge; 15.  I’ll Meet You

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  Taali is a gifted singer-songwriter who recently founded her own label, together with José James (who she features on her song “Star”), and decided to become the debut artist.  Her sound is familiar yet fresh, with upbeat and positive songs about love and life.  She shows that flair on “I Held my Breath,” and it continues through the end of the album.  We think quite a few of the tracks would sound great on radio and in dance clubs, especially “Hear You Now” and “Star.”  We also love the Jewish/Middle Eastern musical influence on “I Have Seen it for Myself.”  We can’t wait to hear what comes next from the creative genius that is Taali.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one.

Artist Name:  Kat Holland

Album Name:  Retrovision

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Jazz/Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Stay; 2.  Losing Balance; 3.  Happy Pill; 4.  The One

Publicist:  Gramophone Media

Review:  Kat Holland’s voice is husky and full and fits perfectly with her mix of pop and jazz, creating music that is radio-friendly across a host of genres.  All four of these tracks rock and will help cement her place as an artist on the rise.  Her voice is not easily forgotten, and her vibe will make you want to hear her again and again.  We already shared her first single, “The One,” and think she’s definitely The One that will make it.

Recommendation:  Don’t think about it – grab this one today!

Artist Name:  Newscast

Album Name:  5

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Synth Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Late Night Queen; 2.  Blur; 3.  Banana Smoothie; 4.  Olive; 5.  Undercover

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  Newscast is a duo composed of Hayden Boyd and Salar Almakky that hit all the right buttons in delivering a smooth, fun, upbeat sound that will keep you ready for the dance floor.  The sound is retro and groovy and will keep you interested from start to finish.  The EP is a collection of the first five songs the group wrote together as Newscast, and were recorded between April and December 2018.  We look forward to their next 500 songs.

Recommendation:  These guys belong in your library.  Go pick it up today!

Artist Name:  Blue Angels

Album Name:  Sue

Label:  UNO NYC

Genre:  Ambient Dance

Track Listing:  1.  Gil; 2.  Ceo; 3.  Dislocation; 4.  Cryin

Publicist:  Worldwide Friendly Society

Review:  Blue Angels bill themselves as “ambient dance” but the music doesn’t do it for us.  The band has no social media presence and next to nothing is provided in the press release.  The music is interesting, but does little to stand out from the crowded indie music scene.  This one just doesn’t deliver.

Recommendation:  Forget it.

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – JP Ruggieri, Dewinter, Merely, Hugh Marsh, Dimitri K

We’re back with some more new releases to review for your pleasure and enjoyment, and we have a truly eclectic mix for you today from around the world.  We hope our reviews help you when deciding where to invest your time and money in sharing indie music.

Artist Name:  JP Ruggieri

Album Name:  Waiting on You

Label:  Benafue Records

Genre:  Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Waiting on You; 2.  The Meaning; 3.  Bumble Bee; 4.  Don’t Break my Heart; 5.  Gone Again; 6.  How can a Man Live his Life Without a Broken Heart?; 7.  I Don’t Want to Grow Up; 8.  That I Do

Publicist:  PRESSED PR

Review:  JP Ruggieri is a storyteller with love on his mind.  In this beautiful collection, he opens up his heart and sings of his desire to love without fear of hurting.  These songs contain elements of his Nashville influence, with some country, folk and Americana mixed in, but they are truly works of art.  He connects with his honesty and the simple truth that we have all loved and lost and how much it hurts.  He is celebrating the release of his album with a tour of the UK and we wish him every success.  We hope he finds the love he’s looking for, and continues to bring us more treasures.

Recommendation:  Definitely worth checking out.

Artist Name:  Dewinter

Album Name:  Cold Like the Winter

Label:  Musarañas Records

Genre:  Synth Pop

Track Listing:  1,  Mayflower; 2.  A*Ny*Way; 3.  My Actions; 4.  Substitutions; 5.  You Won’t; 6.  Things I Said

Publicist:  Musarañas Records

Review:  Barcelona’s Dewinter brings their beautiful synth pop sound to the rest of the world on their latest EP, Cold Like the Winter.  These songs are upbeat, breezy and so refreshing, and are nothing like the drivel we have to endure on the radio.  They deserve serious industry attention, and we are thankful to Spain’s Musarañas Records for giving them a chance to shine.  We love the retro feel and can’t help but feel better just listening to their groove.

Recommendation:  Go Get this one.

Artist Name:  Merely

Album Name:  Hatching the Egg

Label:  Year 0001

Genre:  Synth Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Vixen’s Scream; 2.  Mystery Garden; 3.  Crazy Heart; 4.  The Magic Shrine; 5.  In the Wizard’s Eye; 6.  Sacrifice; 7.  The Sunset Beach; 8.  Oracle’s Dream

Publicist:  MOTORMOUTHMEDIA

Review:  Continuing our world-wide reviews, Merely is another of the amazing artists we have discovered from Sweden.  Her music is ethereal and light, reminiscent of the sound of Enya.  Her songs are relaxing and fresh, and will ease the listener’s mind as they chill after a long day of work.  Just don’t play them while you’re driving.  We think her music is universal and should help her become more well-known.  Definitely pay attention to this amazing artist.

Recommendation:  Worthy of adding to your collection.

Artist Name:  Hugh Marsh

Album Name:  Violinvocations

Label:  Western Vinyl

Genre:  Instrumental

Track Listing:  1.  I Laid Down in the Snow; 2.  Miku Murmuration; 3.  Thirtysix Hundred Grandview; 4.  The Rain Gambler; 5.  A Beautiful Mistake; 6.  Da Solo Non Solitaro; 7.  Across the Aether; 8.  She Will

Publicist:  MOTORMOUTHMEDIA

Review:  Hugh Marsh is a gifted violinist and composer who has contributed to numerous movie soundtracks, including The Da Vinci Code, Armageddon and The Chronicles of Narnia.  He is a four-time winner of the Jazz Report Award and three-time winner of the National Jazz Award, and has worked with the likes of Iggy Pop, Robert Palmer, Peter Murphy, Jon Hassell, Hanz Zimmer and many others.  This album is not your typical classical violin instrumental, but a boundary blurring expression by a master violinist who understands the depth of sound that can emanate from his instrument.  Enjoy this one if you like something different.

Recommendation:  If you like experimental music, then you will probably enjoy this unlikely instrumental mix.

Artist Name:  Dimitri K.

Album Name:  7/8

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Contemporary Jazz Instrumental

Track Listing:  1.  7/8; 2.  Inferred; 3.  Interpretation of a Dream; 4.  Fashion Etiquette; 5.  Blue Room; 6.  Subtle Speculation; 7.  Intuitive; 8.  Your Way; 9.  Oculus; 10.  A Day in Paris; 11.  Dusky Light; 12.  Set in Motion

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  We love jazz, and we love the sound of Dimitri K.  All of these songs have been written and performed in the “7/8” time signature, and we would love to listen to the entire album.  Unfortunately, the artist only provided us with snippets of the songs, so we were unable to completely evaluate them.  However from what we could hear, we think he is head and shoulders with his more well-known jazz peers, and definitely worth checking out.

Recommendation:  Give him a listen.

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Fantasticboom, AG Weinberger, Family Animals, Luna Neptune, Sepsiss

The new releases keep coming, so we’re back with another edition of Get it or Forget it.  We hope you enjoy these five diverse artists.

Artist Name:  Fantasticboom

Album Name:  How to Build a Hole

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Pop/Rock/Electronica

Track Listing:  1.  The Sound of Cutting Ties; 2.  Gabby; 3.  I Thought I Could Save You; 4.  All the Words I Know; 5.  this; 6.  How to Build a Hole; 7.  All of the Above; 8.  Meg; 9.  The Flavor of Regret

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Mark Cuthbertson aka Fantasticboom is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist who plays almost all the instruments on his latest project except the drums, which are contributed by Bucky Wheaton of Land of Talk.  The album was co-produced by Cuthbertson and The Besnard Lakes’ Jace Lasek.  Other than the very experimental sound of the first track, the album is pure indie pop/rock.  The songs are well written, with strong vocals perfectly mixed with the impressive musical accompaniment.  These songs would do well on college radio, and should be on the radar of smart program managers, especially “I Thought I Could Save You,” “All of the Above” and “The Flavor of Regret.”

Recommendation:  Skip the first track, but enjoy the rest.

Artist Name:  AG Weinberger

Album Name:  Reborn

Label:  BigFoot Records

Genre:  Jazz/Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Wang Dang Doodle; 2.  Sweet Little Number; 3.  On the Wrong Side; 4.  The Fool’s Lucky Day (ft Bob Margolin); 5.  It Wouldn’t be Enough; 6.  Slippery Slope; 7.  Just One Minute; 8.  Cadillac Blues; 9.  Shoot; 10.  Caroline; 11.  Reborn; 12.  I am the Water

Publicist:  Blind Raccoon

Review:  Dracula may be the most famous of all Transylvanians, but inside the country of Romania, AG Weinberger is a close second.  On his tenth album, he mixes elements of jazz, blues, cabaret, psychedelic rock and folk to create music that put him in the elite of all blues guitarists in the world.  In his spare time, he’s also a composer and playwright and has written 19 plays for the Romanian theater companies.  While Weinberger does not consider himself a blues artist, but an artist who infuses blues into everything he plays.  We tend to agree, and think his album is a treat from start to finish, especially the title track.

Recommendation:  Get it if you love the blues.

Artist Name:  Family Animals

Album Name:  The End is Mere

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Psychedelic Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Push Play; 2.  Gimme Jim-Jims; 3.  Nuclear Confusion; 4.  Voyage to Nowhere; 5.  Chivalrous Idiot; 6.  The Modern Life; 7.  Captain Z Bop’s Friendly Friends; 8.  Guitarbot 4000 + the Two Tongued Twins (Live at Magnitard’s Tavern); 9.  The March of the Megaherd; 10.  Exploding Light; 11.  A Speaker in Your Stereo

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  The sound of Family Animals is very retro, no doubt heavily influenced by The Beatles‘ Yellow Submarine and similar material.  The psychedelic undertones are almost mesmerizing and relaxing, especially on “Nuclear Confusion,” “Chivalrous Idiot” and “Captain Z Bop’s Friendly Friends” (which both sound like they could have come from The Doors), their first single “The Modern Life,” and the final track, “A Speaker in Your Stereo.”  On the other hand, “The March of the Megaherd” is more reflective of Jimi Hendrix.

Recommendation:  Definitely worth your attention, especially if you love 60’s influenced psychedelic rock.

Artist Name:  Luna Neptune

Album Name:  Reverse the Hexes

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alternative Folk

Track Listing:  1.  Sons of Adam, Daughters of Eve; 2.  Your Gods; 3.  Old Christine

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  We last reviewed Luna Neptune when she released her EP Next Automated Wave back in August 2018.  She’s back again with another three-song EP that once again proves she is an artist on the cusp.  Her vocals are heavenly and the songs conjure up memories of such great songs as Heart‘s “These Dreams.”  The sound is very retro, sort of a cross between Heart and Fleetwood Mac, and very appealing, especially the first single, “Your Gods.”  We can’t wait for her to give us a full length album, because these appetizer EPs are so tantalizing and tempting while leaving us wanting so much more.

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one.

Artist Name:  Sepsiss

Album Name:  Fair to Say

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Metal

Track Listing:  1.  Fair 2 Say; 2.  Eyes of Empathy; 3.  The Swarm; 4.  To Write Hate on His Arms

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Sepsiss has a traditional heavy metal sound with a sweet twist, the powerfully crisp and clean vocals of Melissa Wolfe, which belong in the same category as Amy Lee.  This band has the potential to go head to head with the giants of metal, and come out ahead because of those memorable vocals.  We especially love “Eyes of Empathy.”  This is hard-hitting metal at its best, and we look forward to hearing more from these monsters.

Recommendation:  If you love metal, you will love Sepsiss.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it indie music Reviews

Get it or forget it – Aiden Hatfield, Oz Noy, Wardrobe, The Lowdown Drifters, Rob Snarski

What a week is has been.  We were short-handed at work, so had to pull a few extra shifts, leaving little time to write.  As a result, we are late (again) with our New Music Friday edition of Get it or Forget It, but we hope this one will have been worth the wait.  All of these albums were released on March 15.

Artist Name:  Aiden Hatfield

Album Name:  Chapter One

Label:  In Music We Trust Records

Genre:  Alt Rock

Track Listing:  1.  This is Never Ending; 2.  Say it Again; 3.  I Never Cared; 4.  Fallen to Pieces; 5.  This Horror in Me

Publicist:  Memphia Music PR

Review:  Aiden Hatfield should be the poster child for the power of music to heal.  He has suffered from depression for years, but it is the music that helps me to live day to day.  It also inspired him to create his own label, In Music We Trust, to share the healing power with others.  Hatfield has truly achieved his mission with the five powerful songs on this EP, and we feel privilege to assist in spreading the word.  His songs reflect what he’s dealing with in  his personal life, showing others suffering from depression that they are not alone in their struggle.  Although all five songs are impressive, we felt the most powerful ones were “This is Never Ending” (his first single) and “This Horror in Me” (his new single).

Recommendation:  If you believe in the power of music, then run out and Get this one and share it with your friends.

Artist Name:  Oz Noy

Album Name:  Booga Looga Loo

Label:  Abstract Logix

Genre:  Jazz

Track Listing:  1.  A Soul Thing; 2.  Bemsha Swing; 3.  Booga Looga Loo; 4.  Boogaloo Fever; 5.  Chocolate Souffle; 6.  Eight Days a Week; 7.  God Only Knows; 8.  I Got a Woman

Publicist:  MAD Ink PR

Review:  Israeli guitarist and composer Oz Noy has long been one of the best and most sought-after guitarists and with his latest collection, his fame will only grow.  Not only does he give us four original tunes, but he reinvents four more that will totally change what you think about jazz music.  First, he adds a modern day twist to the Thelonious Monk classic “Bemsha Swing” before tackling The Beatles‘ “Eight Days a Week,” the Beach Boys‘ “God Only Knows” and the immortal Ray Charles tune “I Got a Woman.”  This is an album for every music lover, and we strongly encourage you to add it to your collection.

Recommendation:  Go Get it Today!

Artist Name:  Wardrobe

Album Name:  Giving up a Ghost

Label:  Dox Records

Genre:  Indie Alternative

Track Listing:  1.  Armchair Critic; 2.  24 Weeks; 3.  King of Clay; 4.  Someday; 5.  Live Forever; 6.  Distance; 7.  Long Gone; 8.  Back Doubles; 9.  Off the Reel; 10.  Nothing’s Ever Gonna Change; 11.  Ice Box Man; 12.  Come Back and Stay

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  This band is based in Antwerp, but is already getting noticed in America.  Their song “24 Weeks” was recently featured on the Netflix series Terrace House, and they have other songs that are equally suitable for film or television placement.  They have a bright upbeat sound that is worthy of serious industry attention, and we think they would do well on the college radio and touring circuit.  We really love the retro in their music, especially on tracks like “Someday,” “Distance,” “Long Gone,” and “Come Back and Stay.”

Recommendation:  Definitely worth your attention.  We think this band is going places.

Artist Name:  The Lowdown Drifters

Album Name:  Last Call for Dreamers

Label:  Gold Towne Music

Genre:  Country

Track Listing:  1.  Red Rock; 2.  We Three Kings; 3.  Won’t Find me Anymore; 4.  Last Night in Denver; 5.  Fire in her Eyes; 6.  Diesel Smoke; 7.  Diamonds and Rust; 8.  Between the Bottom and the Bottle; 9.  This Old House; 10.  Black Hat; 11.  Barstools; 12.  The Road; 13.  Empty Bottles

Publicist:  Gold Towne Music

Review:  The Lowdown Drifters may be from Washington State, but they are just what is missing in country radio today.  With vocals as powerful as those of Trace Adkins and Zac Brown, and a full country sound reminiscent of Jason Aldean meets Montgomery Gentry, The Lowdown Drifters truly deserve to be at the top of the industry’s list of future superstars.  Every song is incredible, and many of them would be great on country radio, including the first single “We Three Kings,” “Red Rocks,” “Won’t Find me Anymore,” “Fire in her Eyes,” “Diesel Smoke” (reminiscent of “Eight Days on the Road”), “Diamonds and Rust,” “The Road,” and “13 Empty Bottles.”

Recommendation:  Run don’t walk and Get this one Today!  This band will be filling stadiums in no time.

Artist Name:  Rob Snarski

Album Name:  Sparrow & Swan

Label:   Teardrop Records

Genre:   AAA/Folk

Track Listing:  1.  Sparrow & Swan; 2.  Robert Mitchum at Mitcham Station; 3.  All God’s Creatures; 4.  Chasing Van; 5.  Number 44; 6.  Equine Dreaming; 7.  That Whole Summer Long; 8.  Conversation with a Brisbane Cab Driver; 9.  Have you Ever Been to Helsinki

Publicist:  Penney and Logan

Review:  A founding member of The Blackeyed Susans, Rob Snarski has just released another great solo album.  With a voice laced with honey, he has that calming sound of great vocalists like Michael Bublé and Perry Como, and his songs will soothe your weary soul.  They are incredibly well written, creating picturesque stories that are easy to see in your mind’s eye.  You’ll want to listen to this one over and over again, especially after a long day of work.  Grab some wine, put this one on and watch the tension wash out of your mind.

Recommendation:  This one is a must-have.  Get it.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it indie music Reviews

Get it or forget it – Shouldies, Dean Everett Jackson, As Within so Without, Fred Abong, Sunbathers

We’re back with our New Music Friday edition of Get it or Forget it, with a pair of albums released on Tuesday and the other three released today.  Enjoy this eclectic mix.

Artist Name:  Shouldies

Album Name:  🙂

Label:  NeverNotGoth

Genre:  Goth Synth Punk

Track Listing:  1.  mother; 2.  statue; 3.  u die i die; 4.  dancing; 5.  bed; 6.  useless; 7.  leave the light on; 8.  queer american; 9.  running

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  Graveface Records has decided to launch a new imprint, and Atlanta-based Shouldies are the first artist to be featured on that imprint.  With a mixture of goth, synth and punk sensibilities, the Shouldies add a dance groove to their sound to make it more relatable.  We think they definitely hit the mark, especially on “u die i die,” and we look forward to what comes next from this intriguing imprint.

Recommendation:  Definitely worth checking out.

Artist Name:  Dean Everett Jackson

Album Name:  Her Cane Season

Label:  Church of the Good Hustle

Genre:  Roots/Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Her Cane Season; 2.  Silver Linings; 3.  Cristina (Sugar Ya-Ya); 4.  Parish Moon; 5.  Quiet Eye; 6.  Feu Follet; 7.  Take a Step Back; 8.  Send the Light; 9.  Lean into the Wind

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  On his debut album, Dean Everett Jackson throws in everything but the kitchen sink to capture the entire Louisiana music scene, from jazz to roots, blues to funk and Americana to country.  The title track gets this party rolling, and makes you miss those humid nights around the campfire, enjoying the crawfish and a cold brew.  The album is all about the stories that keep us involved in our family histories, and the music that transcends generations.  There is not a weak track on this album, and we love it from start to finish.  There is a lot of radio-friendly material here, as well as the perfect songs to set that Cajun vibe for television and film placement.

Recommendation:  Run don’t walk and Get this one!

Artist Name:  As Within, So Without

Album Name:  Into Oblivion

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Metalcore

Track Listing:  1.  Departure; 2.  Alone; 3.  A Disease Called Man; 4.  Sleepy Hollow; 5.  Anchor; 6.  The Torch; 7.  Whats Left of Me; 8.  Hate Me; 9.  What You Said

Publicist:  TAG Publicity

Review:  Just what we don’t need, another screamo metal band that sound exactly like everyone else.  Granted, there are moments when they try to break out, like actual singing on portions of the chorus on “Departure,” but all in all, this one will appeal to only the truest of metal fans.

Recommendation:  Only check it out if you love metal.

Artist Name:  Fred Abong

Album Name:  Pulsing

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Footprints; 2.  Firefly; 3.  Pulsing; 4.  Sun; 5.  Meet Me; 6.  The Wire

Publicist:  Shameless Promotion

Review:  After gaining fame as the bass player for Throwing Muses and Belly, Fred Abong took time off to pursue a Ph.D. before becoming an adjunct professor of Religious Studies, Philosophy and English.  His new EP follows his return to music last year, and commemorates his second UK tour with Kristin Hersh.  The sound is acoustic driven lyrics that dig deep to deliver his message, which never gets lost in the music.

Recommendation:  Worthy of your consideration.

Artist Name:  Sunbathers

Album Name:  A Heat Wave

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Honeysuk; 2.  Bare; 3.  Intimacy; 4.  Sugar

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  The Sunbathers are a hip indie pop/rock quartet with an amazing sound that is radio friendly and just plain fun.  This is music that belongs on the radio, and the energy emanating from the tracks would make them a great band to check out in concert.  We only wish there were more than four tracks, because this band caught our attention and we want more!  This is the first of a pair of EPs and we will wait with baited breath for the next one.  We’ll spend the time dancing to these tracks, especially the explosive “Bare.”

Recommendation:  These guys are going places.  Hop on this train now and Get this one!

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Maria Somerville, Derek Schmidt, JD Simo, Kerchief, Powder for Pigeons

Happy New Music Friday.  So good to be back with another edition as we kick off the month of March with five amazing releases that dropped today.  Let’s get going.

Artist Name:  Maria Somerville

Album Name:  All my People

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Folk/Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Eyes Don’t Say It; 2.  This Way; 3.  Undoing; 4.  Dreaming; 5.  All my People; 6.  All too Much; 7.  Brighter Days

Publicist:  Promo Jukebox/Worldwide Friendly Society

Review:  Maria Somerville transforms the listener into her ethereal soundscape with a sound that is part Celtic, part folk, part pop and post-punk, and altogether unique.  The haunting melodies speak of her Irish background and provide an intriguing backdrop for these modern-day folk songs.  These songs provide a fitting background for your periods of meditation and winding down from a long work day.

Recommendation:  Definitely worth checking out.

Artist Name:  Derek Schmidt

Album Name:  Major Arcana

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Electronic folk

Track Listing:  1.  The Fool; 2.  The Magician; 3.  High Priestess; 4.  The Empress; 5.  The Emperor; 6.  The Hierophant; 7.  The Lovers; 8.  The Chariot; 9.  Adjustment; 10.  The Hermit; 11.  Fortune; 12.  Lust; 13.  The Hanged Man; 14.  Death; 15.  Art; 16.  The Devil; 17.  The Tower; 18.  The Star; 19.  The Moon; 20.  The Sun; 21.  The Aeon; 22.  The Universe

Publicist:  EMPKT PR

Review:  Derek Schmidt is a composer and singer-songwriter who has created an intriguing album based on the Major Arcana of the Tarot, which are the 22 primary cards in the deck.  Each song is inspired by his interpretation of the message of that card.  He uses electronic samples and vocals to convey his feelings on each card.  This album is unlike anything else you have heard before in the indie music scene, and for that alone, he is to be commended.  This is definitely a niche record.  We’re just not sure exactly where it belongs.

Recommendation:  Check it out, if you dare.

Artist Name:  JD Simo

Album Name:  Off at 11

Label:  Crows Feet Music Group

Genre:  Psychedelic Blues/Rock/Soul/Jam

Track Listing:   1.  Boom Boom, Out go the Lights; 2.  Off at 11; 3.  You Need Love; 4.  I Got Love if you Want It; 5.  Temptation; 6.  Mind Trouble; 7.  Sweet Little Angel; 8.  Accept

Publicist:  Effective Immediately PR

Review:  We featured “You Need Love” in our first Monday Mashup of February, which gave us just a taste of the greatness of this incredible artist.  This album marks his debut as a solo artist and showcases the virtuosity of this guitarist at his most electric. The eight tracks are a journey through the ghosts of the blues masters, the psychedelic arrangements of the 60s, the guitar gods of the 70s and beyond.   Acid rock, traditional blues, folk, soul, and free form jazz are all brought to new life with this amazing kaleidoscope of sound.  You can’t go wrong with this one.  We really love the intense title track, which is one of the best instrumentals we have heard this year, but every track is worthy of attention.

Recommendation:  Definitely go Get it.

Artist Name:  Kerchief

Album Name:  Fluke

Label:  Mint 400 Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Evil Parts; 2.  States; 3.  Tiny Bomb; 4.  Erase Me; 5.  Bad Math; 6.  Til the End; 7.  Growing Teeth; 8.  In Between

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  Tennessee based Kerchief is fronted by the brilliant singer-songwriter Britt Hill and backed up by Tommy (bass) and Trevor (drums) Nicholson.  Their indie rock sound is perfect for college radio and placement opportunities.  The sound is smooth while the lyrics are well-written and perfect sung by Hill.  This is a band on the rise, and we expect nothing but super stardom for this trio.  You can’t go wrong with any of the tracks on this one, especially “Evil Parts,” “States,” and “Til the End.”

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one!

Artist Name:  Powder for Pigeons

Album Name:  Over & Out

Label: Tunecore

Genre:  Alt-Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Catapult; 2.  Personality; 3.  Lay it On; 4.  Shitstorm City; 5.  Expectation; 6.  Better Days; 7.  Over and Out

Publicist:  Dr. Music Promotion

Review:  This amazing Australian couple bring straight ahead alt-rock with a touch of punk energy and guitar heavy metal to their latest album, which is intended to share the Australian Outback with the rest of the world.  This one will get your heart racing and compel you to get up, jump around and enjoy life.  You won’t be able to sit still while listening to this groove, so just give in and get on the dance floor, especially their first single, “Personality.”

Recommendation:  Give this one a spin.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it indie music Reviews

Get it or forget it – James Buddy Rogers, Vandoliers, Sister John, Dominic Silvani, Misery

The weekend is almost here and the snow has finally stopped.  Today is the last day of February and we are ready for spring and the changes that are ahead.  Check out these five artists, which we think will give a kick-start to your weekend enjoyment.

Artist Name:  James Buddy Rogers

Album Name:  Everytime

Label:  JBR Records

Genre:  Blues Instrumental

Track Listing:  1.  Puddle Jumper; 2.  Come Back to Me; 3.  Everytime; 4.  Can’t get you off of my Mind; 5.  All I Need

Publicist:  ABIK Radio Promotions

Review:  James Buddy Rogers offers up some thrilling blues guitar  on his latest five-song EP.   He kicks it off with the instrumental tune “Puddle Jumper” before rocking it out with “Come Back to Me.”  This is blues at its core, and you can feel the emotion of the song in both the vocals and the smoking hot guitar.  The greatness continues with the title track.  In fact, all five of these songs are worthy of repeated listens.  This album belongs in your collection alongside the best of Stevie Ray Vaughan and BB King.

Recommendation:  If you love the blues, you will love this EP.

Artist Name:  Vandoliers

Album Name:  Forever

Label:  Bloodshot Records

Genre:  Alt-Country

Track Listing:  1.  Miles and Miles; 2.  Troublemaker; 3.  All on Black; 4.  Fallen Again; 5.  Sixteen Years; 6.  Shoshone Rose; 7.  Bottom Dollar Boy; 8.  Cigarettes in the Rain; 9.  Nowhere Fast; 10.  Tumbleweed

Publicist:  Bloodshot Records

Review:  Forever represents the label debut of the Vandoliers on Bloodshot Records.  They are Texas-based with punk roots who have ventured into the alt-country scene with a sound that is truly unique.  Their first single, “Troublemaker,” which highlights those punk roots, debuted on Rolling Stone Country, while the second one, “Cigarettes in the Rain” debuted on American Songwriter.  They have been called the future of Texas music, and we believe the hype is well deserved.  There is a touch of southern rock in their mix, and we simply love this album, from the first notes of “Miles and Miles” through the final track, “Tumbleweed.”  The fiddle is especially hot, as are the vocals.  This one is definitely going on repeat.

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one!

Artist Name:  Sister John

Album Name:  Sister John

Label:  Last Night From Glasgow

Genre:  Folk Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Eight Years; 2.  Airport; 3.  Nothing Else; 4.  Waiting for the Sun; 5.  Lost and Won; 6.  The Other Side of Love; 7.  Love me or Not; 8.  I’m the One; 9.  Where she Came From; 10.  Love me or Not (reprise); 11.  Silver Whistle

Publicist:  Rave Child

Review:  Scotland has given us a unique gift with the  arrival of Sister John on the scene.  On their latest self-titled release, they combine elements of folk songs with a driving indie rock beat to deliver a delectable addition to the indie music scene.  The music is smooth with hints of retro 70s rock and killer vocals that will give your ears a musical treat.  The songs are radio friendly, and would add depth to any film or television show they receive placement.  There is not a weak song on the album, and we love it from start to finish.  Our favorite tracks include “Airport,” “Nothing Else,” and the first single, “I’m the One.”

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one and put it on repeat.

Artist Name:  Dominic Silvani

Album Name:  The Impatience of a Sinner

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt-folk

Track Listing:  1.  Roman Road; 2.  Secrets; 3.  Always You; 4.  Focus

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  With a vocal delivery similar to Leonard Cohen, and musical accompaniment of violin and cello, Dominic Silvani shows off his incredible songwriting abilities on this short four-song EP.  It is meant to be a teaser for his upcoming debut album, Anatomy, which will be released later in 2019.  We love these alt-folk songs and will patiently await the full length album.  We think Silvani definitely has something to say and is a welcome addition to the indie music scene.

Recommendation:  Go Get it.

Artist Name:  Misery

Album Name:  Down to the Bunker

Label:  Tenacity Music

Genre:  Alt-Metal

Track Listing:  1.  Mother; 2.  Misery; 3.  The Asylum; 4.  Chrysalis; 5.  Ethics; 6.  Waves; 7.  Lost in the Desert; 8.  Machine; 9.  Alive

Publicist:  Viral Propaganda PR

Review:  Unlike most metal music, this band actually sings their lyrics, making them fully understandable, which is a good thing because they definitely have a lot to say.  When they scream it is still understandable  They sit atop an impressive drum foundation with the usual screaming guitars, creating a wall of sound that sets them apart from most metal bands.  The songs are definitely hardcore, but they retain the melodic content of indie rock   This is still music for headbangers, but other rock lovers will also enjoy their vibe.

Recommendation:  Definitely worth checking out.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it indie music Reviews

Get it or forget it – Alright, Astrophobos, Tender, About-Face, Isolated Youth

Happy hump day from snowed in Missoula!  The snow continues to fall but we have more hot music to share.  Check out these five artists.

Artist Name:  Alright

Album Name:  On the Outs

Label:  Black Numbers

Genre:  Indie Rock/Pop Punk

Track Listing:  1.  On the Outs; 2.  Ghosts; 3.  Someone Else; 4.  Flowers

Publicist:  Part Time PR

Review:  Alright has been burning up the local Charlotte music scene since 2014, and released a tasty morsel of an EP back in December.  We love the energy of these songs, and the retro feel on the title track.  We only wish this one was more than just four songs, because it only teases the listener with the potential for greatness.  We love this band, and hope that that deliver more of this amazing groove soon.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one.  It will remind you of what true indie music is like.

Artist Name:  Astrophobos

Album Name:  Malice of Antiquity

Label:  Triumvirate Records

Genre:  Black Metal

Track Listing:  1.  Fire of Catharsis; 2.  Begotten in Black; 3.  Descending Shadows; 4.  Abattoir for Flesh and Faith; 5.  The Summoning Call; 6.  The Wolves Between the Stars; 7.  Until the Red of Dawn; 8.  The Nourishing Hate; 9.  Imperator Noctis

Publicist:  Viral Propaganda PR

Review:  Lately we have received a lot of great music from Sweden, most of it in the blues genre.  Astrophobos is another band from Sweden, but their sound is definitely not the blues.  They play heavy black metal music that will tear apart the silence and usher in a darkness that is full of energy and power.  Although the vocals are screamo, at least in this case you can actually understand them as they sit perfectly on the foundation of screaming guitars and pounding drums, telling their stories of the dark side.  While this music is not for everyone, it should be very popular for fans of the heavier side of metal.

Recommendation:  If you are a fan of metal, you will love this album.

Artist Name:  Tender

Album Name:  Fear of Falling Asleep

Label:  Partisan Records

Genre:  Electronic/Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Handmade Ego; 2.  Bottled Up; 3.  No Devotion; 4.  Fear of Falling Asleep; 5.  Can’t Show my Face; 6.  When They Come for You; 7.  Slow Love; 8.  Closer Still; 9.  Tainted; 10.  More or Less

Publicist:  Practise Music

Review:  The UK’s Tender released their sophomore album last month, and we love the vibe of this album.  Sprinkled with electronica, it’s full of indie rock goodness and songs that will stay with the listener long after they are done.  This music is screaming for heavy rotation on American college radio stations, and should also receive consideration from music supervisors for music placement opportunities.  Our favorite tracks include “Bottled Up,” “No Devotion,” the title track, “Slow Love,” “Tainted,” and “More or Less.”

Recommendation:  We highly recommend you Get this one!

Artist Name:  About-Face

Album Name:  The Coming of Age

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Waste Your Time; 2.  As Expected; 3.  Sleeping Pill; 4.  Wisdom Teeth; 5.  The Optimist (Reprieve); 6.  Rollcall; 7.  As I am Now; 8.  Shrug; 9.  You Would; 10.  Ticking Time Bomb; 11.  The Optimist

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Omaha, Nebraska is home to About-Face, and we think this band deserves a much wider home.  Their music is pure indie rock, and definitely deserves serious attention from industry executives, including radio station managers and music supervisors.  We don’t think their music is a “Waste of Time,” because, “As Expected,” we believe “You Would” love their sound.  You don’t need to pull your “Wisdom Teeth” or “Shrug” to love this “Ticking Time Bomb” from “The Optimist.”  Their soothing rock sound is better than a “Sleeping Pill” and will definitely be something you can dig “As I am Now.”

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one!

Artist Name:  Isolated Youth

Album Name:  Warfare

Label:  Fabrika Records

Genre:  Post-punk

Track Listing:  1.  Oath; 2.  Warfare; 3.  Safety; 4.  Gold Lane; 5.  Seasons

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Our second band today from Sweden is neither blues nor metal, but unmistakably post-punk, although the songs are not as short as most punk songs and the energy is more intense and less frenetic.  You can still feel the angst in their vocals and the urgency in their lyrics.  The title track is especially powerful.

Recommendation:  Definitely worth checking out.