The Dreaded Sophmore Slump

Many artist in modern music struggle with the idea of their second album.  Pondering things such as maturity of their music, staying true to their roots but still putting out some new material.  Release an album too soon and be labeled a sell out or wait too long and have people forget you exist.  These questions have always crossed my mind when thinking about The Lumineers who blew me away with there debut album.  Capturing unique sounds of an old time folk band but with the ability to spin it in a way to be enjoyable to the modern music listener.  I was delighted that my fears regarding the Lumineer's new album were proved to be nothing.  Their single Ophelia, which was releases earlier this year, unearthed the same feelings I had when I first listened to their debut.  Their unique abilities to capture the past through old fashion piano riffs and simple, yet room filling, percussion.  I hope that the rest of Cleopatra follows suit as it is set up to drop on April 8th.  A well rounded sophomore album would really spring the already noteworthy folk-rock group to the top of the charts yet again.

 

Artlu Bubble & the Dead Animal Gang

Hey all! Its been quite sometime since the last post, I'll just blame the weather.
                                     

 This next band in a mouthful to type, let alone pronounce - Artlu Bubble & the Dead Animal Gang. Hailing from Bern City, Switzerland. With an upbeat edgy grunge sound, while easily taking a 180 spin to an alternative acoustic feel,  its sure to get you movin' and groovin'. I would have to say my favorite song off their self-titled album would be "Leave It To The Kids". The playful lyrics and rhythm are just catchy and fun. The music video is just as entertaining, I have a hard time not replaying it. What do you think?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LTbM4MkDB4&feature=youtu.be

- Jake

Shakey Graves

This dude rocks. I'm just going to start right out and say it. I'm having a hard time not listening to his works of art. His name is Alejandro Rose-Garcia and hails from The Lone-Star state of Texas. His down to earth acoustic style coupled with an upbeat feel really captures that "cowboy and campfire" feel. Personally, I just found myself so engaged in his story and his sound within the first five seconds. Shakey Graves is quite the artist! So, without further ado, I'll show you the song titled "Late July". What do you think?


                                                                                                                             - Jake

Coffee And Cakes For Funerals

It's been far too long without a post! But alas, here comes a whole slew of bands. First is Coffee And Cakes for Funerals. Right off the bat, it reminded me of some pop-singer rebirth single, but I was wrong. Ha ha! This fantastic voice with a more fantastic range is backed by a jazzy and bluesy accompaniment is such an amazing combination. It's really fantastic. Its like something out of Justin Timberlake meeting Frank Ocean at the bar for late night drinks. So, I'll show you guys my favorite song, although they're all real good.The song is titled "I'm Fine" which is probably my favorite tune. This song really encompass an emotional tie to their lyrics and the music the play.

What do you think?

- Jake

NightBox

As far as my excitement goes for music, it gets pretty high.  I see loads of bands come through my email that are pretty decent and have some potential.  But few strike me as future big time artist.  However Nightbox have manage to peak my excitement track after track.  Hailing from Toronto, Nightbox offer a nicely mixed sound, which catchy riffs and chorus's which I find myself humming for days at a time. Highlighting Groovy base and synth lines, Nighbox offers a sound somewhat funky and nontraditional.  However this original sound is what seems sets them apart, in my mind from many similar artist like The Wombats and Two Door Cinema Club.  Their most recent EP titled "The Panic Sequence" dropped in mid April and i am expect a solid sale. If your looking for your song of the summer, look no further than Nightbox's burning, it is sure to be a hit at whatever party you attend. As always i love to hear your comment or inquiries from artist, so shoot me a line at km41897@gmail.com .~Kevin

Boy Jumps Ship

Normally, these heavier bands I tend to steer away from. I'm not sure what it is about them; it could be their repetitious manner, or song subject, but a lot of them never really do it for me. But Boy Jumps Ship is a little different. For some reason, their music is uplifting and gets your head nodding in agreement. It's your perfect nostalgic song just waiting! A bass heavy band, but driven by a steady drum, is real easy to enjoy the track. The one I enjoy the most is called "Better Days". Give it a listen and a look!

What do you think?

                                                                     - Jake

The Districts

After a long six month hiatus, and 1000 promo emails later I'm back to tell you about The Districts.  A refreshing mix of folk-rock with a southern twist.  Unlike many alternative artist these days, these guys are pure musicians, blending awesome modern guitar solos with a blast from the past folk twist. The melodies are perfectly matched by the lead singers fluctuating voice between songs. The central PA band recently released a 5 song EP, which I probably listen to at least once a day. It's like a road trip of emotions going from slow melodic guitar to jamming in a matter of seconds. One of my favorite songs of the album, Funeral Beds, is a sure fire hit.  Give these guys a look they are sure to impress you.

- Kevin

The Jungle Giants

Sorry guys! It's been quite some time since our last post. But, being it spring, and a new year, expect some great bands coming your way! Up first to lead up our 2014 year are The Jungle Giants. These guys are packed with such an energetic sound that just makes you tap your foot, as cliche as that seems (But I wont lie to you, my foot is making quite a raucous as I write this). Their tunes, "She's a Riot" and "Skin to Bone" are two of my favorites. The both capture this upbeat feel, heavily-influenced but the array of guitars and basses used. Take a listen!

What do you think?

                                                                                    - Jake

The Griswolds

Straight of of the outback, from down under, the group of Aussies are known as The Griswolds! I'd also like to say that last sentence was pretty impressive. But not as impressive as these guys! Their EP, Heart of a Lion, is something else! Sure, its only four songs, but they all have a different style and taste to each track, yet each seem to fall under a "Griswold" like sound. My two favorite tracks are "Heart of a Lion" and "Red Tuxedo", but "The Courtship of Summer" and "Mississippi" are great tunes, too! The track "Heart of a Lion" is a bit more edgy than their other songs, but man, does it work. It's a catchy, fast-paced, and a well composed sound. While another one of their tracks, "Red Tuxedo", reminds me very much of Vampire Weekend. I expect a quality album coming in early January of next year! So give a listen!

What do you think?

Enjoy!

- Jake Savitz

Black Taxi

Guess whose back, back, back? Back again, gain, gain? Kevin and I are! So tell a friend! I bring to you from the Big Apple, Black Taxi. In my opinion, a certain diamond in the rough. I wish there was information to give to you, but all I've got is that they're a four-man band, born in raised in the bustling melting pot of New York City. Their music has a certain upbeat feel. I'd compare it to maybe Spoon or the Arctic Monkeys. The song "Tightrope" and "Hand" especially peaked my interest while listening to their album We Don't Know Any Better. Needless to say, it's rockin'. Give it a listen!

What do you think?

-Jake

Robinson

As Kevin said before, it's been a while! No need to fret, Kevin and I are coming back strong and feeling good, especially after hearing the music from Robinson. All the way from the UK, Robinson captures fast-paced acoustic styles and really fuses old and new sounds. In all honestly, it's really hard to put a finger on this dude. I can tell you for certain that this is upbeat, joyful, and a catchy experience. Many of his songs are based off the long history of the Robinson family name and their ancient family troubles. Below are two of my favorite tracks off Robinson's 3rd album, Willamina Robinson, "Superlove" and "Waiting on Cinderella". Also, we are waiting to do an interview with Robinson! What do you think?

-Jake

The Front Bottoms

Wow! Its been a while.  Sorry for the long break between post, I've been real busy with the start of football and school, and I could only really manage to update the song of the week.  Which leads me to my next featured artist, The Front Bottoms.  Fresh out of New Jersey, the front bottoms originally formed in 2006 under the lead of Brian Sella (Lead Vocals and Guitar).  Initially a three man band, the former keyboarder, Brian Uychich (and brother of the current drummer), left the band in 2010.  In 2011 they signed with Bar/None Records, and the following fall they released their debut album off that label.  In May of this year they released their second album off of Bar/None Records titled Talon of the Hawk.  The Front Bottoms give listeners a laid back rock with punk and folk sounds elegantly mixed in.  In my opinion, the best part of the band is the almost storytelling lyrics of bad break ups, fun times, and the not so fun times.  The video I have included underneath is titled "Twin Sized Mattress", and it highlights the many style of The Front Bottoms.
  Hope You Enjoy
               ~Kevin

The Rebel Light

A small band hailing from the big Los Angeles, The Rebel Light is perfect example of a talented small band. Their single "Jukebox Dream" radiates that summer feel that makes us remember good times with good people. If I had to put my finger on them, I'd say The Rebel Light is a mixture of The Beach Boys and The Beatles. I know, those are some big names. But give them a listen! "Jukebox Dream" has become a quick favorite of mine. Below there is a link to the song itself and a MP3 download, respectively. What do you think?

-Jake Savitz

https://soundcloud.com/therebellight/jukebox-dream-1

http://www.hightail.com/download/bWJvek9qVEh6NFBMYnRVag

These Reinging Days

One great thing about technology is the expansion of communication. Communicating to this blog, or any other, can help bands get their feet off the ground! A email containing any promise of new music can go either way, but these guys are good. Hailing from the UK, The Reigning Days offer a synthesized feel, with climbing crescendos and intense percussion that can really get you going! One song "Stand Down" is a tale of   some battle of sorts, but the clashing cymbals and up-beat guitar help with its' mood. Another song, "Living It Up" has that same up-beat feel. Give them a listen!

                                                                                                                                          - Jake

GENERATIONALS

Playing out of New Orleans,the indie- rock duo first got together in 2008 around the talents of Ted Joyner (Vocals/ guitar) and Grant Widmer (also guitar and vocals). They are the remnants of a group called, The

Eames Erara, who got some notable exposure on a 2005 episode of Grey's Anatomy and Abercrombie & Fitch's website. When the other three member no longer wanted to pursue musical careers Grant and Ted branched out forming what is today called Generationals.  I was quite entertained after first listening to many of the tracks off of their latest album titled "Heza".  Many of the tracks like " Put a Light On" gives  fun quirky vibe to listeners, with the combinations of subtle synth lines and numerous bell sounds.  The only word that I can really describe the band with is enjoyable, all of their music just brightens up your day and gives you a little boost.  You can get their 3rd full length album now on iTunes and check out their website for tour dates,  both of which links are listen below. As always, Happy music~Kevin  

Generationals Website

Album "Heza"

 

The Musgraves

Brand new band everyone! After receiving an email for Ok! Good Records (http://okgoodrecords.com) I was a little skeptic if this could be a diamond in the rough, not knowing how these guys sounded. I was very surprised, to say the least! Riddled with deep messages, this upbeat and groovy band from the UK can really get you moving. In their press released, they were well described as "...something like The Beach Boys meet Mumford and Sons." Well said, if I do say so myself. The songs below, which have achieved some popularity across the pond, are some of my favorites. Below are "So Sofia" and "The Way You Make Me Want You".
What do you think?

-Jake Savitz

Wavves

I have been waiting a while to write about these guys because my opinion on the band has changed everytime I listen to their album "Afraid of Heights" .  Coming off first as just a run of the mill indie-punk, they did not really entertain me.  However as I kept listening I saw how there style was somewhat revolutionary and had a 60 rebel sound.  They are a bunch of guys who play what ever they feel like and don't care how the media or people say about them.  Much along the lines of FIDLAR and a little softer than the Japandroids Wavves offers a laid back style of what appears to be a revival of punk rock, mixing fast past guitars in some songs and a heavy mellow bass in others.  One thing is for sure, with their kick-ass personality they have sure gained a loyal following and will continue to please those looking for something new and upbeat.  Personally I like their tunes "Afraid of Heights" and " Thats on Me"Check them out Below.As always happy Music!~Kevin

The Royal Concept

The Royal Concept seem to be gaining much earned attention. Being published on many notable watch lists ,along with having their hit track (and my favorite) "World on Fire" featured on EA sports Fifa World Cup the Synth-Pop band looks to be making their big push.  Hailing from Stockholm, The Royal Concept offer their take on on a modern indie sound, complete with a scratchy synth guitar and heavy bass lines.  There sound is comparable to that of WALK THE MOON, Atlas Genius and Phoenix  just to name a few.  However there lead singer has the voice almost exactly alike that of the lead singer of Two Door Cinema Club's Alex Trimble. I am sure this band will continue to rise to the top of the indie charts riding the steam of of there debut work "Royal Concept EP". Until Next Time! ~~~~Kevin

You Won't

The young Boston band really surprised me when I saw them last Saturday along with Joy formidable at the Union Transfer in Philadelphia   They have a familiar Americana feel like that of the Lumineers with a rustic edgy guitar to complement the keyboard and drums.  The first thing that struck me as the entertained the crowd in Philly was the fact that it was only a two man band, but they managed to play 3 instrument along with some harmonica here and there.  The lead singer, Racky Sastri, plays the guitar along with the Mandolin and has an unusually high pitched voice, but it makes the band.  On the other hand we have the combination drummer, keyboarder, harmonica player  Josh Arnoudse who manages to play all three at once during many of the indie rockers songs.  You Won't recently released a twelve song album titled "Skeptic Goodbye" , and if you're a TRUE music fan you will get this album.  I listened to the album several times through and there is not a single song I don't like.  It goes from an upbeat indie jam with "Three Car Garage" and then lays back to a piano and kick drum in "Television", along with many folky guitar jams like "Realize".  You can get there album at band camp http://youwont.bandcamp.com/ for only 10 bucks! They are on tour now with the Joy Formidable and Blood Red Shoes you can see the concert calender at  https://www.facebook.com/youwontmusic/app_123966167614127
Check them out an tell me what you think on twitter @alt_indie_music ~ Kevin