From the upbeat Owl City electro warmth and anthemic peak of Rearview Mirror, the energising nature and thoughtful undertones of this album are made clear, and as we proceed into the heavier rock energy and tempo of Guitar Hero III, suddenly that nostalgia redirects us towards the Tony Hawks soundtracks and beyond – another fork in the road that’s unexpected but satisfying.
Rock
Great riff-work, a strong groove and a clear organic recording that really takes you to the centre of the live performance. Canadian band Low Winter Sun deliver a smooth-sailing blues-rock hit that’s infectious and thoughtful, with Perpetual Motion.
The UK’s own Harrison Rimmer reignites the short lines and upbeat energy of pop-rock from a simpler time. Ripped Up Magazine feels like a slept-on single from the likes of Goo Goo Dolls, but it also quickly injects its own sense of clear identity and feeling, and this becomes a true quality of the Harrison Rimmer sound and style.
French singer and guitarist Nicolas Willot pairs a likable organic groove with smooth melodies and quirky, raspy canned vocals, for a poetic and compelling take on contemporary blues-rock.
Bringing back the sheer energy and grit of rock and punk, with a vocal and production twist that’s easily distinct – Stoke-on-Trent band Whooligans deliver a distorted anthem of simple, nostalgic listing and confident scorn for the rat-race.
Six years strong and a fine testament to their unwavering passion for and increasing presence within the alternative rock realm. UK five-piece The Straights highlight the very best of their poetic songwriting, gritty and relatable vocals, and fiercely rising instrumental intensity, with the compelling scenery, sounds and ideas of Remedy.
Genre-fusion and quirky storytelling, a hearty dose of intention and some stylish free-playing – an eclectic album, inspired by all things jazz, rock, country. Paul Cann’s latest album feels like an uninhibited ode to creative freedom, and celebrates the joy of that from start to finish.
Great production lets the natural rock energy and vocal prowess of Sunrise in Jupiter shine beautifully, for the euphoric summer anthem Take Me Home.
We’re in a king of Hard-Fi realm with this voice and writing, but then as we move into the more world-music sway and bass-play of Pet Sematary, Zweng is quick to recapture his own lane. The voice is softer, the lyrics compelling and unusual, before we return to another uplifting pop-rock anthem for Goodbye To You.
An indie gem for the long-time alternative rock and pop-punk / emo fans across the board. North Carolina solo songwriter and musician Violet Wish ignites the passion and power of the past, with the energising arrangement and deeply reflective emotional heartbreak of Thanksgiving.
Funky guitar rock, a strong groove and an upbeat jazz rhythm – globally renowned bass player Derek Frank paints a colourful audio tapestry, with the organic instrumental layers of Barker’s Boogie.
Prior to their upcoming live show at Rhode Island’s iconic Conserfest, June 22nd, we dive into some classic single releases, from San Francisco rock and roll trio Taylor and the Pretty Noises.