Tag Archives: Music

Album Review: Streaming Satellites – Slipstream

30 August, 2013 Brian Mc Leave a comment

Sometimes I find out about bands the hard way and I miss out on them. Other times, as in this case, I am given a proper heads up by someone who believes in the band and knows the world needs to hear them. It’s my turn now to follow their lead and tell you all about a band called Streaming Satellites.

Already a big deal overseas, Austria’s Streaming Satellites are about to drop their sophomore release on Monday titled Slipstream, and all I can say about it is I have a feeling it will be grabbing some attention. I really was caught off-guard with this release and was thinking after hearing they were an electronic-indie band that they would have sounded a lot different than what I was treated to.

Synth-heavy, indie rock with serious soul singing was my initial reaction about what Streaming Satellites were all about. Then I listened to them some more and started thinking about Pink Floyd, especially the female singing in many of their songs (someone please tell me you know what I am talking about). Then I picked up some Dan Auerbach howls and riffs hiding behind groovy 70s music.

I will admit, it took a moment for me to get into them and at first I was expecting more 90s Daft Punk with the opening track, but things soon shifted into an entirely different direction. I loved “Timezone” with plenty of funk groove synch music layered under catchy indie rock jams. “No Sleep For The Damned” was almost too fuzzy, but it sounded just right. “Shadows Collide” was astray from the others, but equally as entertaining.

Towards the end of the album, things get even better with a horn section playing and full out jam sessions. Seriously, what is not to like about this?

Slipstream truly is full of a unique blend of music from today and yesteryear aimed at anyone who just likes to get down. Max Borchardt really has a unique signing style that carries well throughout the release. At times his voice reminds me of a calmer J. Roddy Walston as well as a younger Robert Plant.

I usually steer clear when I hear the words “Electronic” and “Indie” put together in a sentence, but this is different, and this is good. Try not to let Slipstream sneak past you. If you are looking for something a little different to check out, but full of music and styles similar to bands you your parents playing on the good ol’ turntable, you really owe it to yourself to check out Streaming Satellites. They really are a unique band.

Music, New Release, Rock, The Awesome

Check It Out: Reverse The Curse

19 August, 2013 Brian Mc Leave a comment

Reverse The Curse is now streaming its sophomore full-length record, Existent, on SoundCloud. They were cool enough to allow everyone and anyone to share the stream the album on their own sites, so here you go:

The Hiram, OH-based post-rockers really have outdone themselves on this second album released by Paper + Plastick Records. You can pre-order the new record by clicking HERE.

Kent, Music, Music News, New Release, Punk, Review, Rock

Album Review: Banquets – Banquets

18 August, 2013 Brian Mc Leave a comment

A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of seeing New Jersey’s Banquets play a small show at Euro Gyro in Kent, OH. Having been a fan of this foursome for a couple of years now, I was really disappointed in myself to learn that they dropped an all new self-titled release back in May.

I found this out right after I said hi to the band in the back of the bar and noticed a foreign-looking release sitting on their merch table. Honestly, I was a little pissed at myself for not keeping tabs on this band like I do with so many others.

Prior to Banquets taking the tiny stage that night, my pal Aaron asked me if I had heard their new album yet and I was quick to confess to him that I had no idea they even had new material. He assured me I was going to enjoy it and that I did. The new tunes they played live that night were incredible. After their set, I made sure I secured a copy of their new release on vinyl for future listening.

It’s been about 2 weeks now since I purchased that Banquets self-titled release and I am pretty sure I have listened to it at least once a day. With 5 months left in the year, I have already moved this album up to my top 10 list for 2013. There is no question in my mind that it will remain there. This is definitely a surprise release for me this year.

All the tracks on this album were full of countless hooks and catchy lyrics that make for anthem-like jams music lovers can easily absorb and appreciate. “Call It A Comeback” proved to be one of my favorite tracks on the album with the group vocals throughout and Travis Omilian’s singing style. “Fade From Gold” was also a solid song that deserves to be heard.

I liked their prior release, Top Shelf, Bottom Shelf, a whole lot, but I absolutely adore this album. Hopefully you all are already privy to this and if not, now is the time to check them out. Think old Gaslight Anthem and Loved Ones leaning towards more of a rock sound in a good, good way.

Acoustic, Music, Music News, Punk, Rock

Tony Sly Tribute Album To Drop This Fall

6 August, 2013 Brian Mc Leave a comment

I still have a tough time believing that it has been a year since Tony Sly left this world. Sure, I did not know him personally, but I was pretty damn good pals with the music he wrote seeing how much I listened to it. To this day, I still listen to No Use For A Name as well as his acoustic material. It will forever be on my playlist.

I remember bumping shoulders with him backstage at a Cincinnati Warped Tour years ago where I was more concerned about how many beers I had consumed over taking in all that was going on around me. I was quick to apologize and he just smiled at me as he and the rest of his band headed to the stage to play some songs to a sea of fans. I recall taking in their set and telling my partner in crime that day how lucky I felt to have just seen them play live again.

On October 29th, Fat Wreck Chords will officially release The Songs of Tony Sly: A Tribute. This important release will include 26 covers of Tony Sly songs from Tony’s friends such as Bad Religion, Rise Against, Frank Turner, Anti-Flag, The Bouncing Souls, The Gaslight Anthem, and many many more. I am still waiting for more details on when the album can be pre-ordered and check FatWreck.com almost daily as I know the vinyl version of this will be something that will sell out quickly.

The good folk at Fat had this to say about the upcoming release: “We can’t express how much it means to us and Tony’s family that each of the artists and bands on this album took the time and effort to contribute such meaningful and interesting interpretations of Tony’s songs. All proceeds from this compilation will go to the Tony Sly Memorial Fund.”

Tony Sly passed away in his sleep on July 31st, 2012. He was 42 years old.

Eye Opener, Music, Music News, Punk, Rock, The Awesome

Check It Out: Nancy

13 July, 2013 Brian Mc Leave a comment

So the other day while saying goodbye to some friends at the local tattoo shop here in Las Cruces, my pal Walker asked me if I have ever heard of a band called Nancy. Of course I was quick to ask who Nancy was and before I even finished my sentence, he was jamming them throughout the whole shop.

I am completely obsessed with this band right now. Think Ramones and MC5 with some surf punk fun mixed in.

After taking a few moments to scour the internet to find out more about them, all I could find out was they hail from Wyoming. Other then that, I got nothing. Let’s hope that changes soon. In the mean time, check out this bitching band: