Blues Corner - All That We Are
- English (US)
An album made for a road trip. The songs bring with them an electric charge. The gears and the genres shift together, and you know the trip is going to be a memorable one. All That We Are by Blues Corner is exactly that.
Mangy Mutt - Devils Got Your Soul
- English (US)
One for your gym playlist. There are songs that bring you an immediate bout of energy. You sense the rush, the adrenaline pushing through your veins. Devils Got Your Soul by Mangy Mutt is a song that explains this feeling best.
Gary Dranow - Mellow Drama
Gary Dranow and Jerry Manfredis’ latest track, “Mellow Drama,” is a refreshing and emotive addition to the band’s genre-defying collection of songs. The song’s poignant lyrics explore the complexities of friendship, mental health, and the struggles of living a life dedicated to art. The track opens with a powerful statement, “You think it’s easy, being your friend,” setting the tone for a candid and honest reflection on the challenges of being a supportive friend. Gary’s raspy voice drips with emotion, infusing each line with sincerity and depth. The band’s musicianship shines through in the understated yet effective arrangement, with the bluesy guitar riffs and Tommy Mars’ subtle keyboard melodies providing the perfect backdrop for Gary’s vocals. The rhythm section, composed of Sherm Tate on bass and vocals, and Marty Steinberg and Jethro DeFries on drums, lays down a solid foundation, allowing "Mellow Drama" to build and soar to its cathartic climax. A dose of blues rock from Gary Dranow “Mellow Drama” is a poignant reminder that sometimes we need to step back and take care of ourselves, even if it means letting go of a friendship that is causing more harm than good. The repeated refrain, “This doesn’t mean I’m not your friend,” emphasizes the depth of care and concern that underlies the difficult decision to distance oneself from someone who is struggling. The song would be a perfect fit for movies that represent the depths of friendship and comradery. Movies like Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants and Spiderman Homecoming would indeed benefit from the addition of this track. Gary Dranow and Jerry Manfredi have clearly won the hearts of their fans with their artistic expression and are the next big thing to look out for in the Indie rock scene.
Canning - Shortline
Canning's latest release, "Shortline", is a perfect representation of their roots in garage and blues rock. With Ricky Canning on guitars and vocals, Tom Miller on drums, and Fritz Armstrong on bass and backing vocals, the band delivers a powerful performance that showcases their authenticity, diversity, and individuality. The lyrics to the song are introspective, with a focus on self-discovery and acceptance. The opening lines, "Hide your will from your mind, find another corner deep inside," set the tone for the rest of the track, which explores the idea of running from one's problems and hiding from the truth. However, the chorus brings a sense of hope, with the repetition of "When your world turns inside out, you're on that shortline, shortline," suggesting that even when things seem to be falling apart, there is still a path forward. Canning means business The instrumentation on "Shortline" is impressive, with a heavy emphasis on guitars and drums that create a gritty, raw sound. The blues influence is evident in the guitar riffs, which are catchy and memorable, while the drums provide a solid backbone to the track. Fritz Armstrong's bass work is subtle but effective, adding depth to the sound and filling out the mix. The blues influence is evident in the guitar riffs, which are catchy and memorable. This type of sound could be an ideal match for a gritty crime thriller like "Breaking Bad" or a coming-of-age film like "Almost Famous." Overall, "Shortline" is a strong release from Canning that showcases the band's ability to create music that is both meaningful and enjoyable. The lyrics are introspective and relatable, while the instrumentation is powerful and engaging. Fans of garage and blues rock will find a lot to love here, and newcomers to the genre will be impressed by the band's talent and authenticity. Canning's commitment to exploring their music and portraying a song in its rightful place is evident on this track, and it's clear that they have a bright future ahead of them.
Charles Warren Orchestra - Too Rare!
The fresh new EP, titled "Too Rare!" by Charles Warren Orchestra, is a testament to their unapologetic approach to rock and roll. The band's appreciation for music is clear throughout their work, with an encyclopedic knowledge of the genre that is paired with the rough-edged influence of Budweiser. The EP features a collection of tracks that sail through the rapids of rock and roll with the questionable command of a deranged paddle guide. From "A Brief History of Agony" to "13th Floor" and "Everything's Alright," the songs are built around driving rhythms, catchy choruses, and snarling guitar riffs that will get your blood pumping and your head banging. The selection of songs paints a comprehensive picture of the band’s artistic vision. Take for example The Stripes, and The Black Keys, and then merge them together while adding a little extra Foo Fighters texture on top. The result is what you’d call ‘Too Rare’ to be true for an indie act. Despite the band's insistence on staying true to their garage rock roots, the mix on "Too Rare!" is surprisingly clean and polished. The guitars cut through the mix with a crisp punchiness, the drums sound huge and thunderous, and the vocals sit perfectly in the pocket without getting lost in the mix. Additionally, the unorthodox yet clean sound design is reminiscent of tape recorders with warm tube saturations. A throwback to rock and roll roots with Charles Warren Orchestra The EP is relatively short, clocking in at just over 14 minutes, but every second of it is filled with raw energy and an irreverent sense of humour. The album art, featuring a cow at a dinner table eagerly awaiting a serving of rare steak (apprehensive about becoming one itself), perfectly captures the band's playful and rebellious spirit. "Too Rare!" would be a great fit for a comedy movie like "Dumb and Dumber" or an animation movie like the "Shrek" franchise. The songs capture the youthful energy and carefree attitude that are a hallmark of the genre. The diverse energy spectrum and narratives of the record make it a good fit for a wide array of adventure or romance movies as well depending on the context. Furthermore, the unorthodox recording process only adds to the EP's charm with a stereo field studded with gnarly guitar riffs, tight drum and bass grooves, and sheer rock and roll spirit. The classics! "Too Rare!" is a fun and energetic EP that showcases Charles Warren Orchestra's talent for crafting catchy, high-energy rock and roll that will get your blood pumping and your feet tapping. It's a must-listen for fans of the genre and anyone who loves good old-fashioned no-nonsense music. In conclusion, Charles Warren Orchestra is a high-octane act that's gearing up to turn a few heads in the NYC indie-rock scene.
Kingdom Calm - In My Mind
The latest release by Aussie trio Kingdom Calm, "In My Mind", is a tour de force of indie rock that showcases the band's fresh approach to songwriting. Built around a guitar riff that is reminiscent of blues rock progressions with a hint of alternative edge, the song is an energetic and reflective journey through the inner workings of the human mind. One of the most striking features of "In My Mind" is the band's ability to seamlessly blend different genres and influences into a cohesive whole. The bluesy guitar riff is complemented by driving drums and bass, while the vocals soar above it all with a sense of urgency and emotion. Despite its energetic and upbeat tempo, "In My Mind" also has a reflective quality to it, with lyrics that delve into the complexities of human thought and emotion. The band's ability to balance these two elements is a testament to their songwriting skills and bodes well for their future releases. The impeccable mix of the song helps each member to take their individual places in the stereo field. In terms of movies that "In My Mind" would fit well into "Almost Famous" and "The Perks of Being a Wallflower". Both movies deal with themes of self-discovery and coming of age, which would pair well with the introspective nature of the song. Additionally, the energetic and uplifting nature of the song would fit well with the high-energy, feel-good vibe of these movies. Overall, "In My Mind" is a fantastic release from Kingdom Calm that showcases the band's impressive songwriting skills and ability to seamlessly blend different genres and influences. Fans of indie rock and blues rock will find much to love in this track, which is both energetic and reflective in equal measure. With their fresh approach to songwriting, Kingdom Calm is definitely a rising band to watch in the Australian music scene.
Gary Dranow - Day I Was Born
The latest track by Gary Dranow, "Day I Was Born" is a hard-hitting blues rock number that showcases his exceptional musical skills and songwriting abilities. The track kicks off with an infectious 12-bar blues guitar riff that immediately grabs the listener's attention. From there, the song builds into a full-on rock anthem, with Dranow's powerful vocals and driving guitar leading the charge. One of the standout elements of "Day I Was Born" is the mix of the track. The warm tube overdriven guitar tones cut through the mix like a hot knife through butter, giving the song a raw, gritty quality that is perfect for the blues rock genre. The drums and bass are also perfectly mixed, providing a solid foundation for Dranow's guitar work and vocals. Overall, the production on this track is top-notch, and it's clear that a lot of care and attention went into getting the sound just right. The songwriting on "Day I Was Born" is also exceptional. The lyrics tell a story of personal reflection and growth. Written in collaboration with Jerry Manfredi, the song is a part of his upcoming record titled Destiny Road. Gary Dranow and his high-octane music perfect for thrillers! If "Day I Was Born" were to be featured in a movie, it would fit well into the action or sports genres. The song's driving energy and powerful guitar riffs would be perfect for a high-octane car chase scene or a thrilling sports montage. Two specific movies that come to mind are "Baby Driver" (2017), an action-packed heist film with an incredible soundtrack, and "Remember the Titans" (2000), a sports drama about a high school football team that defies racial tensions to win the championship. In conclusion, "Day I Was Born" is a standout track from Gary Dranow that showcases his exceptional artistic vision. The lyrics are heartfelt and relatable, and the chorus is undeniably catchy. This is a must-listen for fans of blues rock, and it's clear that Gary Dranow is an indie artist to watch in the coming years.
ATOMIC BRONCO - BULL IN A CHINA SHOP
The latest album by Atomic Bronco,"Bull In A China Shop," is a hard-hitting and dynamic record that showcases the artistic versatility and musical prowess of Kyle Douglas Nuss. With a blend of hard rock and alternative rock sounds, "Bull In A China Shop" offers a fresh take on retro-inspired rock music that is sure to resonate with contemporary fans. Dissecting Bull In A China Shop > The album's opening track, "Default Settings," sets the tone for the rest of the record with its driving drums and distorted guitar riffs. Nuss's vocals are raw and emotive, adding a sense of urgency and intensity to the track. The chorus is particularly catchy, with a melody line reminiscent of dirt blues that is sure to get stuck in your head. From there, the album takes listeners on a journey through a variety of different moods and tempos. "Foolish Games" is a slower, more introspective track that showcases Nuss's songwriting skills and ability to craft a poignant and meaningful narrative. The guitar tones on this track are particularly impressive, with a warm and rich sound that perfectly complements the vocals. Other standout tracks on the album include "Lost" and "Classical Conditioning" Both songs are infectiously groovy, with infectious guitar riffs and licks that will have you tapping your feet and nodding your head along in no time. The shoegaze influences on these tracks are particularly evident, with swirling guitar textures and dreamy vocal harmonies that add depth and complexity to the sound. One of the album's standout tracks is "Nostalgia." This song is a slow-burning ballad that builds in intensity as it progresses. Nuss's vocals are particularly emotive on this track, conveying a sense of longing and desperation that is palpable. The articulate songwriting with a 'conversational' guitar-work is particularly impressive, showcasing the Austin-based "indie rock enthusiast's" technical skill and ability to craft intricate and melodic guitar lines. Atomic Bronco crafted a dose of Texan nostalgia > Overall, "Bull In A China Shop" is a fantastic album that showcases Atomic Bronco's talents as both an emotive songwriter and learned musician. The guitar tones on the album are particularly impressive, with a warm and rich sound that perfectly complements his vocals. The album's production is also top-notch, with a pristine and well-balanced mix that allows each instrument to sit just right in the stereo field without compromising the 80s vibe. The only downside to the album is that some of the tracks can feel a bit repetitive at times (which is essentially the crux of blues songwriting). While the overall sound of the album is cohesive and consistent, some of the songs can blend together a bit too much. However, this is a minor quibble and doesn't detract from the overall quality of the record. The album would be a great addition to visual work inspired by the late 80's and early 90's America. Comedies like 10 Things I Hate About You and Adventure Thriller movies like Patriot Games In conclusion, if you're a fan of hard-hitting, retro-inspired indie alt rock with an edge, then "Bull In A China Shop" by Atomic Bronco is a hard-hitting and dynamic record that showcases the artistic versatility and musical prowess of Kyle Nuss and is definitely an album worth checking out. With its infectious guitar riffs, soaring vocal melodies, and dynamic production, this album is sure to consolidate his place in the global indie music scene.
Trickshooter Social Club-Wilderness Radio
Trickshooter Social Club bring to you music that you never knew you’ll miss. These are elements from rock, pop, soul songs-you name it. All you need to know is that they are extraordinary musicians. My words won’t do anything for you, in this case you need to dive into their music. Where could you find a good assortment of styles so that you can recognize their immense talent? Well, here they have for you, Wilderness Radio. If you think you were listening to some classic rock like sound, wrong. Mainstream pop? Not a chance. Girl vs Monster is a good depiction of Trickshooter Social Club and their canvas. You get a Jack White garage rock feel, bringing some unique riffs laid down with panache. The rhythm will force you to groove, while wondering what exquisite selection of instruments you are listening to. Somehow, I was mesmerized by the lyrics, how they alter with the rhythm and are almost in a ballet of bars with them. The solo also has an unconventional tone to it, specially crafted for this kind of tone. Trickshooter Social Club vary the frequency You’re on the radio, you can’t have two songs of similar kinds together. Say Anything has an Americana ambiance that completely shifts the tone. It is like a fresh plate of a different cuisine, in an instant. The violin inclusion for the glimmer in the song? Brilliant. The magic is in how the train tracks have shifted to show you a whole new scenic route. This is one radio frequency I can remain hooked to. Get me blues rock next, for the third track on the EP is Run All Night. You’ve heard a lot of running based tracks from Thin Lizzy, AC/DC and the likes. Classic rock is saluted through this cacoethes. By the time the verse starts, you feel you’re in Tom Petty’s Mojo album. It is a switch that you could only wish you could make. Somehow, every song Trickshooter Social Club touch, they own. As the muted guitar controls the verse temperature, the moment the chorus comes is the prize. The piano can be distinctively heard in the background, reminding you of Rock and Roll by Zeppelin. I instantly added this one to my rock playlist, and will play it indefinitely till someone is brave enough to dissolve my phone in acid. Bury Me in Light has a ballad tone that is reminiscent of tones that Roxy Music used. The haunting slide guitar accents the progression, trimming it to a beautiful bouquet of notes. I could imagine this whole EP fitting perfectly in High Fidelity (2000). Trickshooter Social Club are musicians that would sample all the genres in the world if they had the time. Listen to their 2021 EP called Monte Carlo as well, ringing with a whole different energy. Remember to follow them!
MICK J. CLARK - THIS LIFE IS UNFORGIVING
The 2011 release by Mick J. Clark, "This Life Is Unforgiving," is a peppy blues rock number that reminds us of the good ol' days. The song's mix has a very tape-like quality with the typical vinyl crackle, which adds to its vintage charm. However, despite its retro feel, the songwriting is very modern, with a lyrical narrative that is truly inspiring. The conversational approach between the vocals and guitar licks in "This Life Is Unforgiving" is reminiscent of the works of blues legend B.B. King. Additionally Clark's vocals are smooth and soulful, perfectly complementing the upbeat and catchy guitar riffs. The song also has a whistling harmonic element in the background that is very memorable and adds to the song's infectious nature. Clark's impressive musical background is evident in this latest track. Mick, a singer/songwriter on the Sonorus Record Label, has written over 60 songs, with 54 being played by Emerge Music in shops and two songs on the 'Goa Chillout Zone Vol 9' album, which reached No. 1 in the iTunes Electronic Chart. His music has also received extensive airplay on many radio stations and his past releases have achieved great success, including his hit single "We Know It's True" reaching No. 3 in the UK and No. 2 in the USA iTunes Top 100 Rock Songs in June 2020. A vintage comic element from Mick J. Clark Clark's "This Life Is Unforgiving" has the potential to be featured in movies that require a blues rock number. It would be a great fit for a movie like "The Departed" or "Goodfellas," which both feature classic and catchy tunes that get audiences tapping their feet. Overall, "This Life Is Unforgiving" is a fantastic addition to Mick J. Clark's already impressive discography. Furthermore, its mix of vintage charm and modern songwriting creates a unique and inspiring sound that is sure to have audiences grooving along. The catchy guitar riffs and whistling harmonics make it an instantly memorable track that will make you want to click that repeat button from the get-go. Mick J. Clark's latest single is a must-listen for fans of blues rock and those looking for some great new indie music.
Blueburst-Amplify Me
Blueburst is your coveted guitar master-someone who will push the envelope. With his layered approach and catchy songwriting skills, he is always creating something fresh. All you have to do is look in the oven. The sounds that you’d like to loop all evening.Songs that remind you of a feeling. This song is one of them, it’s called Amplify Me. He might be going in a different direction with this, but changes it up quite well. The wall of guitar sound that hits transports you to another realm of tone. The opening riff tells you the simplest will always remain the most memorable. Blueburst features a more polished set of pipes for this song. Creating this magical overlap and backwash, the instrumentals feel like they are swaying. Catchy chorus elements feature the riff embellished with new tones. It cascades like a frothing waterfall-pristine but powerful. It is more than a song, a statement from this phenomenal artist. Songs from this songwriter remind you that all is not lost with live instrument music. If anything, it is being revisited to learn and create something special that people connect with again. Listen to the song on repeat, you’ll find more addictive song layers. I’d love to hear this particular one in the 2008 action film, Jumper. With cool action sequences and an enthralling storyline, this is where Blueburst creates sonic magic. Listen to his songs-Vanish, Train in Vain are my favourites. You’ll also find him featured on many playlists, so be sure to follow him!
Sonic Maven - Look At Me Now
The debut single by Sonic Maven, "Look at Me Now," is a compelling testament to contemporary indie blues rock, seamlessly blending elements reminiscent of The Arctic Monkeys and The Black Keys. This track serves as an exciting introduction to the band's unique sound, showcasing their ability to deliver a fresh take on the genre without sounding derivative. From the moment the song begins, it becomes evident that the mix is expertly crafted. The stereo field is effectively utilized, creating a spacious and immersive sonic experience for the listener. The instruments find their rightful place in the mix, allowing each element to shine without overpowering one another. The overdriven tube preamps add a gritty and raw quality to the guitars, enhancing the overall energy and authenticity of the track. Sonic Maven, a newly formed Indie/Garage rock band in 2023, has quickly made their mark with "Look at Me Now." While their history is still in its infancy, their debut single exemplifies their talent and potential within the indie music scene. With a firm grasp on the garage rock sound, Sonic Maven presents themselves as a band poised to captivate audiences with their relentless passion and dedication to their craft. The bassline in "Look at Me Now" truly stands out, serving as the backbone of the song and holding down the fort throughout its runtime. Its infectious groove provides a solid foundation for the track, driving the rhythm and complementing the emotive vocals and energetic guitar work. The bassline's presence adds depth and richness to the overall sound, showcasing the band's tight musicianship and cohesive musical vision. While the song stands on its own merits, keen listeners might detect a subtle nod to Nirvana's "Come As You Are" within the composition. This musical reference serves as a delightful easter egg, paying homage to a band that has undoubtedly influenced the indie and garage rock genres. "Look at Me Now" possesses an undeniable energy and rawness. It would be a great accompaniment to visual works of art like movies. Its driving rhythm and rebellious spirit would seamlessly blend with the frenetic pace and adrenaline-filled action of "Baby Driver," while its infectious hooks and confident delivery would feel right at home in the vibrant, alternative world of "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World." In conclusion, Sonic Maven's "Look at Me Now" leaves an indelible mark on the indie music scene with its contemporary indie blues rock sound. As their journey unfolds, it will be exciting to witness what Sonic Maven brings to the table next, as they carve their path in the ever-evolving indie music scene with their refreshing take on alternative garage rock.