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.