Tag Archives: Pop

Folk, Indie, Music, New Release, Pop Rock, Review

Album Review: New Natives – New Natives

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New NativesOne of the best things about attempting to run my own blog is the amazing humans I am introduced to because of it.

Years ago, I posted a review for an album called Restless Rubes.  Within days, the band reached out to me with a sincere thank you for my kind words.

I soon befriended the now disbanded Ninja Gun and even was able to house them for a couple of nights in the middle of one of their tours.  Without going into too much detail, I can tell you that all four members were  quality individuals and we’ve kept in touch ever since.

As I was a huge fan of the Valdosta, GA act, it was no surprise to anyone that I was bummed out when Ninja Gun said announced they were calling it quits in 2010.  How couldn’t I?  I loved everything that band ever had to offer and also was fully away just how bad ass each of the members of the bad were.  I was just stoked to have gotten to know them.

Jeff Haineault, Ninja Gun’s former drummer, got in touch with me recently to let me know that his new band, New Natives, were going to be releasing an album.  I was beyond stoked to listen to what he and his new band had created.

New Natives can best be described as a chill indie pop rock act with a hint of a small town vibe.  Members not only include Haineault on guitar and vocals, but also Taylor Patterson on drums, Jackson Dean on guitar, and Joe Martin on bass.

New NativesTheir self-titled debut started with the fun track “Gets Around”.  a song clearly about fun loving times.  The song really perked my attention with their upbeat indie rock style.  Had this song come out in the 90s, it probably would have been featured on the Empire Records soundtrack.  I am sure that just made no sense at all, but for whatever reason, I thought about that movie while listening to this track.

“Too Far” was an instant hit to my ears.  This radio-friendly song would be perfect to include in any road trip mix or even would be perfect to listen to at a summer shindig.

“Broke Your Heart” had Haineault resembling the singing style of Gregg Alexander at times and I loved it.  I am sure it is no shocker to many of you out there, but I was a HUGE New Radicals fan.  Guilty pleasure folks.  Don’t judge.

“Hopes and Dreams” really carried that Ninja Gun style I was hoping to hear from Haineault.  This was a definite laid back jam full of plenty of ohhs and ahhs.

Continuing was the farmland indie rock, was “Lonely Eyes”.   This song was all over the place and I loved it.  I thought from the start the song would be a country love track, but soon it morphed into an indie jam all about moving on.

Ending the album was “Take You With Me”, another track where I could not help but think of Alexander as Haineault sang.  I liked how the piano hid in the background of the song, it just added just enough extra support to an already well-written song.

This really was a refreshing album to listen to from beginning to end.  New Natives have the ability to take over college stations all over the place with their unique blend of indie and small town rock.  Original and catchy, this album is well worth the listen.

Indie, Music, Music News, Music Video, New Release, Review

Album Review: Of Us Giants – Nova Scotia

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Of Us Giants - Nova ScotiaA few weeks ago, a good pal of mine sent a text message telling me to check out a band he was digging on called Of Us Giants.  He immediately said they reminded him of Manchester Orchestra.

Seeing how I respect all my friend’s music decisions, there was no doubt in my mind that his suggestion was going to at least be worth a listen, but for some reason I held off on doing so.

Recently, Jon Jennings, the bassist for Of Us Giants, emailed me suggesting I check out his band’s upcoming release Nova Scotia. I was immediately reminded of my pal’s suggestion and decided I needed to stop dragging my feet and take a listen. I am glad I did, because by the second song in, I was looking where to place a pre-order for the vinyl release.

Of Us Giants, hailing from California, is a three piece indie rock act that is certainly going to be getting some major attention in 2014 with their upcoming first full-length release titled Nova Scotia.  I don’t say this just for the sake of saying it of course.  I was very impressed with what I heard and can only hope that I am right.

At first listen, Of Us Giants carried a certain Brand New-like feel, well kind of. I am sure they have heard that a million times already. Truth is, they also had a great unique sound to them with the lead vocalist carrying a singing style that, to me, teeter-tottered between indie, emo and even some prog rock that I just found myself digging.

There really are all kinds of styles intermixed throughout when I listened to their release.  I was reminded of  Bright Eyes to Seahaven at times and I would be lying if I did not say I even heard a little Coheed & Cambria (sans the complex sci-fi story) as well as The Early November and Taking Back Sunday. Needless to say, there are plenty of likable qualities throughout this record that just kept me captivated.

“Sycamore Tomb” was a solid track that I feel has plenty of on-air playable qualities with lead vocalist Dustin Andrews giving it his all. Add additional harmonies by Jon Jennings, and suddenly the song was trapped in my mind for hours after my first listen.

One of the songs that threw me off a little was “Iron Boat” featuring Lindsey Pavao, a former Voice contestant whom I have never heard of before (that’s the competition with Cee-Lo and the spinning chairs that look like they belong in the Knight Rider car, right?).

Don’t get me wrong, I am not against the song completely or Ms. Pavao, but I just didn’t feel that the track fit in with the rest. Not sure whose decision it was to add this happy-sounding track in the midst of a more emo-heavy album, but it is what it is I suppose. I will admit that the second and third listens were better than my first taste of this track though.

“Take It Home” started off with a Nirvana sound that of got me all nostalgic for an Unplugged session. I loved this track from start to finish and that may have something to do with the guitar styles reaching back to 90s alt-rock styles only to change it up to a heavier riff.

In “Dying”, Andrews sang a convincing “all I really know is I’m sorry, I’m sorry” multiple times in this somber track that picked things up halfway through.  I loved the spoken word at the end of this track, and honestly, feel that it made an even heavier lasting impression.

Staring off like an upbeat track, “All Of My Daughters” turned into more of a gloomy song about a father admitting his absence from the lives of his offspring. The song just kept building up and peaked just perfectly.

The album-titled track “Nova Scotia,” once again featuring Ms. Pavao singing along side Andrews, just did not do it for me. Pavao has a great voice and all, but as hard as I tried, I just didn’t care for this duet. Sadly, this was the last track on the album and I had no choice but to start over as I longed for more.

I would not be surprised if this band was taking over stages in the near future playing to sold out crowds. This is an impressive release that I can see all sorts of music lovers getting into.  Don’t sit on Of Us Giants like I did, it is too good to pass up.

If you are so inclined to pre-order the new release, head over to one of the following sites:
http://songsfromtheroad.storenvy.com/
http://flythelight.storenvy.com/ –

 

Music, Music News, Music Video, Pop, Punk, Rock

Check It Out: Trophy Lungs

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Happy New Year everyone!  2013 may have been a great year for music, but for me, it included a few too many months of solitude in the middle of nowhere.  Needless to say, I feel much better about being back in Ohio.  No hard feelings to New Mexico of course, I do miss them tacos.

Trophy Lungs - No Judgement EPAnyways, a new year brings new music and new posts from yours truly.  Last month (rather, late November), a band by the name of Trophy Lungs got in touch with me asking me to check out their 7-inch EP titled No Judgement that Death To False Hope Records dropped.  I told them I would be happy to take a listen.

2 months later, I am pleased to say I have given that EP a steady listen over the last couple months and finally thought I would take a moment out of my busy life to spread the love.

The threesome, hailing from Boston, have a fun sound to them that is more of a power pop punk approach that found myself digging a while lot.   I found myself digging the band even more when I saw the video they dropped for one of the songs on the EP (see below for that).

After watching all that bull mess on New Year’s Eve with all the crappy bands I have not heard of, it is nice to fall into a band like this.  I look forward to seeing what they dish out in 2014.

I was hoping to score me a copy of the 7-inch of No Judgement, but it looks like this blogger here waited too long and it is perhaps sold the hell out.  Oops.  I will keep searching and at least I can listen to it via the internets.

Check it out:

Check out the video the band release for their song “Dad’s Away On Business”

(nice Iron Chic shirt dude!)

00's, Cleveland, Emo, Indie, Music, Music News, Pop, Punk, Rock

The Ataris Announce So Long, Astoria Reunion Tour

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The Ataris

The Ataris made a huge announcement yesterday.  They have decided to get the old band back together to play live So Long, Astoria.

Old man moment.  So Long Astoria was released 10 years ago.  And to think, I thought I was old then… yikes.

Spite me feeling sorry for myself, I am absolutely THRILLED to hear that The Ataris are getting the original lineup together to perform So Long, Astoria in its entirety. This will be a show not to be missed.

The Ataris - So Long, Astoria

For one tour only, Kristopher Roe, Mike Davenport, Chris Knapp and John Collura will hit the road and play So Long, Astoria.  Supporting acts include: Authority Zero, Drag The River, Versus The World and Gasoline Heart.  Tickets for the upcoming tour will go on sale to the public on December 20th.

And yes, there is a Cleveland show.  March 24th at the Agora.

I don’t remember the last time they played Cleveland.  No seriously, I do not remember a single thing.  Someone apparently snuck up on me that night and got me drunk.  I think his name was PBR.  Lucky for me, I have some good friends who put up with me for the night and made sure I make it home safely.

Additionally, rumor has it that there may be a re-press of So Long, Astoria  thanks to Kung-Fu Records…

As if that was not enough, The Ataris also released on their BandCamp page 50 demos and unreleased tracks from So Long, Astoria for “pay what you want”.

Check it out:

The Ataris’ So Long, Astoria Reunion Tour Dates:
Feb 28 – Scottsdale, AZ – Pub Rock (w/Versus The World)
March 1 – Las Vegas, NV – Backstage Bar (w/Versus The World)
March 2 – Fresno, CA – Strummer’s (w/Versus The World)
March 3 – San Luis Obispo, CA – SLO Brewing Company (w/Versus The World)
March 5 – Los Angeles, CA – House of Blues (w/Authority Zero, Drag The River, Versus The World)
March 6 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues (w/Authority Zero, Drag The River, Versus The World)
March 7 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues (w/Authority Zero, Drag The River, Versus The World)
March 8 – San Francisco, CA – Bottom of the Hill (w/Authority Zero, Drag The River, Versus The World)
March 11 – Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theatre (w/Authority Zero, Drag The River, Versus The World)
March 12 – Seattle, WA – The Showbox at the Market (w/Authority Zero, Drag The River, Versus The World)
March 13 – Boise, ID – Knitting Factory (w/Authority Zero, Drag The River, Versus The World)
March 14 – Salt Lake City, UT – In The Venue (Club Sound) (w/Authority Zero, Drag The River, Versus The World)
March 15 – Denver, CO – The Summit Music Hall (w/Drag The River, Versus The World)
March 16 – Kansas City, MO – Riot Room (w/Authority Zero, Drag The River, Versus The World)
March 18 – St. Louis, MO – Old Rock House (w/Authority Zero, Drag The River, Versus The World)
March 20 – Minneapolis, MN – Mill City Nights (w/Authority Zero, Drag The River, Gasoline Heart)
March 21 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues (w/Authority Zero, Drag The River, Gasoline Heart)
March 22 – Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue (w/Authority Zero, Drag The River, Gasoline Heart)
March 23 – Detroit, MI – The Shelter (w/Authority Zero, Drag The River, Gasoline Heart)
March 24 – Cleveland, OH – Agora Ballroom (w/Authority Zero, Drag The River, Gasoline Heart)
March 25 – Pittsburgh, PA – Altar Bar (w/Authority Zero, Drag The River, Gasoline Heart)
March 27 – Philadelphia, PA – Theatre of Living Arts (w/Authority Zero, Drag The River, Gasoline Heart)
March 28 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore (w/Authority Zero, Drag The River, Gasoline Heart)
March 29 – Boston, MA – Brighton Music Hall (w/Authority Zero, Drag The River, Gasoline Heart)
March 30 – New York, NY – The Gramercy Theatre (w/Authority Zero, Drag The River, Gasoline Heart)
90's, Music, Music News, Pop, Punk, Rock

Gameface Announces First New Music in a Decade!!!

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Gameface

Holy crap.  Gameface has reunited.

It’s true.  Jeff Caudill himself sent me an email (and many others) stating the facts. Gameface is a band again and they have plans on releasing new material in 2014.

Signing to Equal Vision Records, the band is releasing a 7” featuring two new recordings – “Come On Down” and “The Only Chance We Get” – on November 5.

“Come On Down” is a brand new track, while the latter is a new recording of a previously released song from Gameface’s 1995 release, Three To Get Ready. The revamped version also now includes guest back-up vocals from Ingo Knollmann (Donots) and Mike McTernan (Damnation A.D.).

The reunited four-piece currently is working on their sixth full-length album, which is should be released by early 2014. Check out the following video that takes a personal look at Gameface’s recent decision to reunite as well as make their first new album together in over a decade:

Jeff Caudill had this to say about the band reuniting and recording new music:
 
“We’re beyond excited about the new material and a new chapter in our history.  We’re so fortunate and grateful to Equal Vision for sharing our vision and giving us this rare opportunity for a new beginning.”
 
Taken from the Equal Vision press release:
 
The Southern California-based outfit, now featuring Caudill along with Todd D. Trout (guitar), Guy Julian (bass) and Steve Sanderson (drums), originally formed in the summer of 1990 and has since released five full-length albums, each carrying the band’s dynamic, distinctive sound that has gone on to influence countless bands over the years.
 

Gameface’s debut LP, Good (1993), showcased unabashed pop punk at its purest, while Three to Get Ready’s (1995) offered redemptive lyrics and a nostalgic tone that drew fans into Gameface’s emotional triumph over tragedy following the untimely death of their drummer Bob Binckley in 1994. With Every Last Time (1999), and the addition of drummer Steve Sanderson, Gameface hit their songwriting and touring stride. During the recording of Always On (2000) rifts between members deepened and original bassist Paul Martin eventually left the band before the album was released. Guy Julian joined on bass for their final album, Four To Go (2003), before the band members decided to each go their own separate ways following its release. In 2012, the group reunited for a string of shows that eventually served as the catalyst to forge ahead towards something more permanent. It felt right again as Caudill penned their new single, “Come On Down”, sealing the deal to embark on this next phase of Gameface.

Pre-orders for Gameface’s new 7” will be available in the coming weeks, along with additional information on the band’s upcoming full-length album.  The band even announced today on Facebook that they are adding a re-recording of “Freezerburn” to the new album.  That song previously was only availble on a live recording.

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