Tag: This Way North

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!