HARRISON RIMMER LINKS
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Showing posts with label music review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music review. Show all posts
Friday, November 4, 2016
HARRISON RIMMER: AWESOME UNDERGROUND ★ MUSIC REVIEW #32
I spent the day going through review requests, and I get a ton of them... daily. I heard song after song that I didn't connect with. I had decided that I would listen to two more artists and then call it a day, because my heart couldn't bare much more slaughtering. And along came Harrison Rimmer, who presents a pleasant flashback smoothie of Nirvana and Matchbox 20, with vocals sounding oh so similar to the lead vocalist of The Calling. I honestly could not believe how much of my youth I heard in this EP. And for me to say an artist sounds like Nirvana is serious, because I don't hand out that compliment lightly (in fact, I don't think I ever have). But this guy's sound bares an undeniable resemblance to the 90's grunge band that was one of the first to make me fall for music in the first place. Perhaps that was why I had an immediate emotional connection with his music. I think it was a number of things. Sometimes, I feel bad saying that one artist sounds like other artists. In saying this about Harrison Rimmer, I don't mean that he doesn't sound original or different. His blend of sounds reminiscent of these other artists is definitely something unique! Today, where the music we are bombarded with on radio is over-produced, over-synthesized, and lacking soul, Harrison's music shines through brightly with elements today's radio music is sorely missing. Maybe I'm just an old grumpy lady shouting "Back in my day, we had good music!" But I don't think that's the case. Because I see (or hear) so many wonderful things in this generation of music, but it all seems to be on the small stage. Though I wish Mr. Rimmer all of the success in the world, unfortunately, it seems that radio isn't the place for him in this time where true musicians with real talent don't belong as they once did. But with my connection to this artist with his similar-to-Nirvana sound, I can't help but think that this is a musician that Dave Grohl would be proud of.
Friday, August 19, 2016
ALL TIME LOW: RIOT FEST 2016 ♫ MUSIC REVIEW
Riot Fest is quickly approaching! Here's my review of one of the bands on the 2016 Chicago Riot Fest, All Time Low is an American rock band from Towson, Maryland, formed in 2003. The band currently consists of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Alex Gaskarth, lead guitarist and backing vocalist Jack Barakat, bassist and backing vocalist Zack Merrick and drummer Rian Dawson. The band's name is taken from lyrics in the song "Head on Collision" by New Found Glory. The band consistently tours year-long, has headlined numerous tours, and has appeared at music festivals including Warped Tour, Reading and Leeds and Soundwave.
My first experience with All Time Low was the video for "Missing You" where they're video chatting with their long time fans. And this was a fabulous first impression for me. It has always meant a lot to me that a band or artist appreciate their fan base, and this band so obviously does.
They're labeled as Pop-punk. I don't know how much I agree with the punk part. They're definitely pop mixed in with some sort of rock, but I also wouldn't call them pop/rock. I'm not sure what to call them. But I definitely have to express that I think they are foremost Pop. They're Pop... something. Maybe edgy pop? Pop with a bite?
My first experience with All Time Low was the video for "Missing You" where they're video chatting with their long time fans. And this was a fabulous first impression for me. It has always meant a lot to me that a band or artist appreciate their fan base, and this band so obviously does.
They're labeled as Pop-punk. I don't know how much I agree with the punk part. They're definitely pop mixed in with some sort of rock, but I also wouldn't call them pop/rock. I'm not sure what to call them. But I definitely have to express that I think they are foremost Pop. They're Pop... something. Maybe edgy pop? Pop with a bite?
ALL TIME LOW LINKS:
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Saturday, August 13, 2016
ROB ZOMBIE: RIOT FEST 2016 ♫ MUSIC REVIEW
Rob Zombie was definitely a youthful memory for me. He held a few of my significant pre-teen memories within songs such as "Living Dead Girl" and out of respect for certain people, I will not go into detail about those memories. But I had long since left him where I felt he belonged (for me, perhaps not for everyone), in my past. So, since I had made a valid effort to ignore anything new that came from this musician since... I dunno, 2003, the first thing I had to do before saying anything about him was to see who he was now as an artist. Because often, musicians will significantly change over such a gigantic gap in time. So, on to Spotify I went, and there I found... Rob Zombie. The same Rob Zombie I had dismissed over a decade ago (again, not because of him, but because of what he symbolized for me). Sure, he uses a little more off to the side sound effects, sure he layers his music a little more. But he still has those little bits that sound like a newscaster in his music, he still sounds like a growling giant, he still creates auditory nightmares and sells them in albums. So, basically, what I found was... He still has nothing for me. Everything I will ever get out of his music is what I have already gotten: a song to compartmentalize a seriously devastating portion of my life into. And I don't even really want to re-visit that. He still thinks very highly of himself, though, so if you'd rather go with his opinion than mine, feel free to love him.
But going just a step further, if you watch my videos or read my blog posts, or my facebook posts, or my tweets, you probably know how much I loathe excessive repetition. Is it really that much to ask that a musician take the time to write more than one verse and an extra line to repeat throughout the rest of the song? I mean, how many times do you need to repeat the same line? What is the purpose of this? His excessive repetition goes beyond excessive... on to sickening. It's a slap in the face to artists who take the time to write full songs and get paid less than a quarter of what he's making from those unintelligent one-liners.
But going just a step further, if you watch my videos or read my blog posts, or my facebook posts, or my tweets, you probably know how much I loathe excessive repetition. Is it really that much to ask that a musician take the time to write more than one verse and an extra line to repeat throughout the rest of the song? I mean, how many times do you need to repeat the same line? What is the purpose of this? His excessive repetition goes beyond excessive... on to sickening. It's a slap in the face to artists who take the time to write full songs and get paid less than a quarter of what he's making from those unintelligent one-liners.
ROB ZOMBIE LINKS:
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Rockstars Glued: http://www.rockstarsglued.com
Remnant X Radio: RemnantXRadio.com
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Friday, August 12, 2016
THE WONDER YEARS: RIOT FEST 2016 ♫ MUSIC REVIEW
The Wonder Years is an American pop punk band from Lansdale, Pennsylvania that formed in July 2005. Since their conception, they have released five full-length albums, two EPs, and several splits/compilations. The group is currently signed to Hopeless Records. Their name originates from a paper that lead vocalist, Dan 'Soupy' Campbell, read that was written by one of his after-school educators titled "The Wonder Years. Band Members Include: Matt Brasch (guitar, backing vocals), Dan "Soupy" Campbell (lead vocals), Casey Cavaliere (guitar, backing vocals), Mike Kennedy (drums, percussion), Josh Martin (bass guitar, backing vocals), Nick Steinborn (guitars, keyboards, piano, backing vocals)
Majestic pop punk. I say majestic because it's a little more than pop punk
No Closer to Heaven
This album has an actual intro track. That is magnificent.
I spent the greater part of my day immersed in this album and there were hints of so many different artists that stood out to me. But the most important thing was that this band was able to take so many elements and attributes that are present in a slew of other bands and bring them together in their own, original and glorious sound. My favorite person to discuss music with pointed out that they sound similar to Taking Back Sunday, and at first, I agreed, with the revision of "Pre-"Happiness Is"" But the more I listened, the less of TBS I heard, and the more I heard bits of influences from other bands, such as:
I noticed that the lead vocalist sounds a lot like the lead vocalist from Stereo Fuse in several moments, but not all of the time. And also, the more I listened to this band, the more I realized that they are so much more than pop punk. There's definitely a lot of pop punk in there, but I also hear some post-rock and alternative sprinkled in there.
My favorite track on this album is "I Don't Like Who I Was Then"
THE WONDER YEARS LINKS:
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DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE: RIOT FEST 2016 ♫ MUSIC REVIEW
Riot Fest 2016 is quickly approaching. Death Cab For Cutie is one of the many talented bands appearing on the line up for both the Chicago and Denver music festival. Here is a short review and comparison of their four most recent albums, "Kintsugi," "Codes and Keys," "Narrow Stairs," and "Plans" (which features their most popular hit, "I Will Follow You Into the Dark").
Kintsugi
The first thing I need to say about this band is that the vocalist has that nerdy sound going, which can really work for me, but only along with a specific sound. In other cases, it sounds overly cheesy to me and I neither enjoy it nor take it seriously.
This album sounds like it has such a grand mission, but it's not translating for me very well, and I'll assume that has to do mostly with the vocalist. The instrumentals are glorious, really. very poppy/inspirational
Codes and Keys
This album is a lot more atmospheric and dramatic than the others while maintaining a mellow sound
Narrow Stairs
This album seems to have more elements of rock than their more recent albums. And not just any type of rock, but old school rock that has a certain level of artistry to it, with glorious lengthy intros and thought provoking instrumentals throughout the songs.
Plans
(which is the album their most famous song "I will Follow You into the Dark" comes from)
I think this is my favorite of all of the albums of theirs I've heard. I like their sound better in this album. I like their lyrics better, I like their symbolism. (Specifically, I love the way Marching Bands of Manhattan ends)
Kintsugi
The first thing I need to say about this band is that the vocalist has that nerdy sound going, which can really work for me, but only along with a specific sound. In other cases, it sounds overly cheesy to me and I neither enjoy it nor take it seriously.
This album sounds like it has such a grand mission, but it's not translating for me very well, and I'll assume that has to do mostly with the vocalist. The instrumentals are glorious, really. very poppy/inspirational
Codes and Keys
This album is a lot more atmospheric and dramatic than the others while maintaining a mellow sound
Narrow Stairs
This album seems to have more elements of rock than their more recent albums. And not just any type of rock, but old school rock that has a certain level of artistry to it, with glorious lengthy intros and thought provoking instrumentals throughout the songs.
Plans
(which is the album their most famous song "I will Follow You into the Dark" comes from)
I think this is my favorite of all of the albums of theirs I've heard. I like their sound better in this album. I like their lyrics better, I like their symbolism. (Specifically, I love the way Marching Bands of Manhattan ends)
Death Cab For Cutie Links:
Playlists:
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Thursday, August 11, 2016
DEFTONES: RIOT FEST 2016 ♫ MUSIC REVIEW
Riot Fest 2016 is quickly approaching. Deftones are one of the many talented bands appearing on the line up for both the Chicago and Denver music festival. Here is a short review of their most recent album "Gore."
Deftones are classified as Alternative / Metal, but I would classify them as imagery alternative. This is definitely "feel something" music, but even more than that, it's "see something" music. It's art in various forms, with the outlet being music.
The way Gore was mixed, makes it almost inescapable. Have you ever listened to an album that just always sounded SO LOUD that you couldn't hear yourself think over it? This is one of those. And along with that miss mix is the over-exaggerated angst is not only apparent in the vocals, but is also made very clear in the instrumentation (specifically, the guitar). And where are the drums? They're there, but only if you're listening super hard for them. In addition to that, there's the immensely annoying crackling vocals on the heavier songs.This is an album that brings out the impatience in me. When I know a band is capable of greater things (and they are), it's hard for me to sit still through something mediocre. This is something I could listen to while painting, but probably at absolutely no other time.
The Deftones will forever be to me a band that has so many pieces to a puzzle with a glorious picture on it, but they either cut the edges of half of the pieces or stuff them in miracle grow before shoving them together, out of order and on an off-balanced surface.
Deftones are classified as Alternative / Metal, but I would classify them as imagery alternative. This is definitely "feel something" music, but even more than that, it's "see something" music. It's art in various forms, with the outlet being music.
The way Gore was mixed, makes it almost inescapable. Have you ever listened to an album that just always sounded SO LOUD that you couldn't hear yourself think over it? This is one of those. And along with that miss mix is the over-exaggerated angst is not only apparent in the vocals, but is also made very clear in the instrumentation (specifically, the guitar). And where are the drums? They're there, but only if you're listening super hard for them. In addition to that, there's the immensely annoying crackling vocals on the heavier songs.This is an album that brings out the impatience in me. When I know a band is capable of greater things (and they are), it's hard for me to sit still through something mediocre. This is something I could listen to while painting, but probably at absolutely no other time.
The Deftones will forever be to me a band that has so many pieces to a puzzle with a glorious picture on it, but they either cut the edges of half of the pieces or stuff them in miracle grow before shoving them together, out of order and on an off-balanced surface.
Deftones Links:
For the indie musician and indie music lover:
Playlists:
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Friday, July 15, 2016
LANA DEL REY: LOLLAPALOOZA 2016 ○ MUSIC REVIEW
Elizabeth Woolridge Grant (born June 21, 1985), better known by her stage name Lana Del Rey, is an American singer, songwriter, and model. Born and raised in New York, Del Rey embarked on a music career in 2005 and first received widespread attention in 2011, when the music video for her single "Video Games" became a viral internet sensation.
The first song I heard of Lana Del Rey's was "Video Games" and the first time I heard it, Tyler Hilton was covering it in a simple stripped-down piano performance in a hotel on youtube. It was glorious! Here's the link to that.
I can't lie, I really loved his version more. But that's probably because in general, I prefer male vocals to female vocals. I really like her story, how she changed her image and name several times until she found the one that fit for her. I really love her style (both musically and appearance) and her voice is amazing. I know a lot of people really hate on her, but I really enjoy her as a package.
The first song I heard of Lana Del Rey's was "Video Games" and the first time I heard it, Tyler Hilton was covering it in a simple stripped-down piano performance in a hotel on youtube. It was glorious! Here's the link to that.
I can't lie, I really loved his version more. But that's probably because in general, I prefer male vocals to female vocals. I really like her story, how she changed her image and name several times until she found the one that fit for her. I really love her style (both musically and appearance) and her voice is amazing. I know a lot of people really hate on her, but I really enjoy her as a package.
Video Review:
Lana Del Rey Links:
For the indie musician and indie music lover:
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Wednesday, July 13, 2016
SLEEPING WITH SIRENS: WARPED TOUR 2016 ► BAND REVIEW
Sleeping with Sirens is an American rock band from Orlando, Florida. Band members include: Kellin Quinn (lead vocals, keyboards), Gabe Barham (drums, percussion), Justin Hills (bass guitar, backing vocals), Jack Fowler (lead guitar, programming), Nick Martin (rhythm guitar, vocals)
I've never been a gigantic fan of high pitched vocals, but the band that made me realize that I actually could enjoy them was Picturesque. And the first time I heard Kellin Quinn wasn't even on a Sleeping With Sirens song, it was on a Too Close to Touch song. I found his voice pleasant enough that I knew eventually I would give the band he fronted a listen. Well, my friends, that time is now. And honestly, I'm not sure why I waited so long.
I was honestly surprised to find that this band has the most twitter followers of any of the advertised Warped Tour bands. Not because they aren't a great band, but because they haven't been around all that long in comparison to some of the other bands on the line-up. However, demographic has to play a role in that. They definitely had the largest crowd at Nashville Warped Tour, though.
A lot of their song topics are certainly relatable with what I like to call the golden demographic. Pre-teen- young adult females. Not to say that their songs aren't something that a lot of people of different ages, races, and genders can relate to, because they most certainly are. But once you grab that golden demographic, you've got a loyal fanbase forever. Because the golden demographic will love you as long as they live and you create.
On facebook, in their "Genre" box they have "Epic," which I can't argue with. I think as a lot of modern rock bands do, they touch on several different SubGenres, which is wonderful. I hear a little alternative, a little pop-punk, a little post-hardcore, a little just plain solid epic.
As far as feelings go, this band has a lot of upbeat songs, but they also have some tracks that touch on serious subjects (such as suicidal thoughts, which they executed gracefully). So, how this music makes me feel really depends on which song I'm listening to. For instance, if I'm listening to "Go, Go, Go," it feels a lot like summer, movement, and daytime driving, adventure, and new love. They also have several
This is a really good live band, and a really good live crowd to be a part of because of the previously mentioned golden fanbase.
I've never been a gigantic fan of high pitched vocals, but the band that made me realize that I actually could enjoy them was Picturesque. And the first time I heard Kellin Quinn wasn't even on a Sleeping With Sirens song, it was on a Too Close to Touch song. I found his voice pleasant enough that I knew eventually I would give the band he fronted a listen. Well, my friends, that time is now. And honestly, I'm not sure why I waited so long.
I was honestly surprised to find that this band has the most twitter followers of any of the advertised Warped Tour bands. Not because they aren't a great band, but because they haven't been around all that long in comparison to some of the other bands on the line-up. However, demographic has to play a role in that. They definitely had the largest crowd at Nashville Warped Tour, though.
A lot of their song topics are certainly relatable with what I like to call the golden demographic. Pre-teen- young adult females. Not to say that their songs aren't something that a lot of people of different ages, races, and genders can relate to, because they most certainly are. But once you grab that golden demographic, you've got a loyal fanbase forever. Because the golden demographic will love you as long as they live and you create.
On facebook, in their "Genre" box they have "Epic," which I can't argue with. I think as a lot of modern rock bands do, they touch on several different SubGenres, which is wonderful. I hear a little alternative, a little pop-punk, a little post-hardcore, a little just plain solid epic.
As far as feelings go, this band has a lot of upbeat songs, but they also have some tracks that touch on serious subjects (such as suicidal thoughts, which they executed gracefully). So, how this music makes me feel really depends on which song I'm listening to. For instance, if I'm listening to "Go, Go, Go," it feels a lot like summer, movement, and daytime driving, adventure, and new love. They also have several
This is a really good live band, and a really good live crowd to be a part of because of the previously mentioned golden fanbase.
Video Review:
Sleeping With Sirens Links:
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Sunday, June 26, 2016
RIVAL TIDES: AWESOME UNDERGROUND ★ MUSIC REVIEW #15
This is my underground music review of Rival Tides, a Los Angeles-based rock band that thrives on mixing aggression with positivity. Since forming in November 2012, the five-piece group continues to pour their hearts into their music and live performances to create deeper connections with their fans.
This was one of those magnificent surprises. I had been searching for nearly 3 weeks for a new musical act to love, and this band had fallen in my lap (or onto my Twitter) quite some time ago and I hadn't even noticed. Out of, let's face it, desperation, I decided to go through my Twitter followers to see if there was anything there worth sharing. Surprise! About four artists in I found magic. All I would like to know is where are all of the A&R guys at and what are they doing with their time? Wasting it I guess, because why aren't these guys signed?! Finding musicians like this just makes me want to go take out a gigantic loan and start up my own small label, no joke.
One thing I found that I loved about this band (aside from their amazing sound) is their level of support for artists they believe in. What I found when I stumbled over to their official website was a list of other amazing band, from which I went on to find some of my even greater loves. When I did my video review, I bought the physical copy of their album. I got it in the mail and went on with life, enjoying their music and the music of other bands they had suggested to the world. Later on, I found the envelope that CD had come in, but before I threw it away I checked inside and found a small note I had missed when I received my CD, thanking me personally for my support and saying that they hope I'm enjoying that list of bands (which I had mentioned in my video review). My point is that not only is this a clearly talented band, but also clearly a bunch of great human beings. And trust me, following them on their social media is something you won't regret!
One thing I found that I loved about this band (aside from their amazing sound) is their level of support for artists they believe in. What I found when I stumbled over to their official website was a list of other amazing band, from which I went on to find some of my even greater loves. When I did my video review, I bought the physical copy of their album. I got it in the mail and went on with life, enjoying their music and the music of other bands they had suggested to the world. Later on, I found the envelope that CD had come in, but before I threw it away I checked inside and found a small note I had missed when I received my CD, thanking me personally for my support and saying that they hope I'm enjoying that list of bands (which I had mentioned in my video review). My point is that not only is this a clearly talented band, but also clearly a bunch of great human beings. And trust me, following them on their social media is something you won't regret!
Click on the thumbnail for my video review of this band:
Rival Tides links:
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Sunday, May 15, 2016
PICTURESQUE: AWESOME UNDERGROUND ★ MUSIC REVIEW
Picturesque is a Lexington, KY based underground rock band with those "northern notes" being "crushed" by lead vocalist, Kyle Hollis (as "Alternative Press" so accurately stated).
This band is full of talent, and the thing that made them an unusual favorite for me was their vocalist, Kyle Hollis. His voice is definitely on the higher end, which isn't something I usually enjoy. But it fits so perfectly with the sound of this band, how could anyone not love it? To me, his voice embodies heartbreak, which works so perfectly with the lyrics he's shouting. He won't just verbalize your pain, he puts those feelings out into the air as if they had been trapped within him for ages. And even if you didn't start off listening to this music with a broken heart, once you finish this EP, you'll know what heartbreak truly feels like.
Casting spells on the strings in this band are Zach Williamson, Dylan Forrester, and Robert Mote. I'll not pretend to know which wizard makes what sound, because I'm just not that advanced. However, I will say they come in hard to rock your face off right before pulling the strings attached to the most recently created hole in your heart. No worries, though, I'm quite positive that it's all in the service of stitching it up, or at least aiding you in the task.
Cole Clark is the warlock slamming on the voodoo doll that is your exes head (he plays the drums, if you didn't catch that). Be sure to thank him for doing such a great job. You didn't think they had backed off of the drunk texts for no reason, did you?
I don't know when this band formed, but I can definitely say that they compose and perform such perfectly pieced together works of art that it blows my mind. Every space is filled with the right chord, the right beat, the right note. Through my brief interactions with this band, I conclude that Picturesque is a great group of immensely talented guys who were lucky enough to from a band that is full of compliments to one another artistically, whose music is sure to captivate the broken parts of your heart, and maybe even heal it, if you let it.
Click the thumbnail below to watch the video review:
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
FIVE HUNDREDTH YEAR: AWESOME UNDERGROUND ★ MUSIC REVIEW
In most cases, it is pretty simple to decide right away if a band is something I enjoy, can tolerate, or simply detest. However, when I am asked for my opinion, such quick-draw type judgment won't suffice. Why do I like this band? Why don't I like this band? What is it that they could do to sound more appealing to me? Or What is it that they do differently than the fourteen thousand other bands I've listened to this week that makes me smile and shout, "Yes!"
Had this been a band I found on my own, honestly, I would have skipped them. Don't stop reading yet. I would have skipped them because their style isn't what I normally enjoy listening to, not because of any lack of talent or fatal flaw.
The band is pushing a cover track "Talking Body," originally performed by Tove Lo and an original called "Blame."
Let's talk about that cover first, shall we?
The original version is what I would classify as bubble gum pop attempting to be badass, however not accomplishing that. This is a good song, how it is delivered by Tove Lo is substandard and mediocre. It's just "okay" but a great artist could really turn it into a fantastic song.
Five Hundredth Year covering this song is different. It's not like they're copying Tove Lo's version, they have made it their own. And I will repeat this until I can no longer utter the words: You will not do a cover song better than the original artist attempting to do it the same way as they did. If you do not make it your own, you will fail, and fail in an epic manner. We will laugh at you. Don't butcher our beloved tunes. Sorry, back to Five Hundredth year. They nailed the chorus. Fucking nailed it. They did the chorus of this song better than Tove Lo could have in an acid enhanced dream,okay? They beat her. FHY, you win.
Okay, quick intermission. I'm realizing more and more that I am extremely picky about the type of vocalists I enjoy... and those who don't fit that standard, I tend to pick apart (and I do it well). So, excuse me while I attempt to NOT do that with this band.
However, I couldn't properly call myself a critic if I didn't tell you the good and the bad, the sometimes harsh opinion more admirably known as mine. The lead vocalist is... well, his vocal chords are the doppelganger of Sully Erna of Godsmack's vocal chords, mkay? That's what I'm hearing. His delivery is okay but it tends to seem lacking a bit when he's in the spotlight. Don't argue with me, I know the lead vocalist is "always in the spotlight." What I'm getting at, is when the drums and guitars and all that magic is hanging back a bit he does not convey as much passion and enthusiasm and sense of belonging as he does when they are at closer to equal levels. Hate me for this, I know you will, but I could just do without the female vocals altogether. I do not feel like they add to any of the songs this lovely, and surely talented lady happens to be lending her pipes on. It does not seem to fit at all to me. It sounds out of place. I'm not bashing her, nor trying to downplay her gift. I'm just saying hers does not fit the sound of this band, in my opinion. I'm not sorry. *shields herself from inevitable stones thrown*
Moving on!
I stumbled upon a handful of original tracks that I actually listened to before the cover. "Blame" is the one they're pushing, but I do what I want, and I'm going to say save that for second. Why? Because "Reflection" is better. I am right about this. I believe the term "magical" was used in the discussion I had with myself concerning the guitars, the energy, and the emotional build-up. Again, I could do without the female vocals *ducks* but overall, that's the only complaint I have about this song. And if my opinion counted for anything, I would say FHY, you're pushing the wrong tune. "Reflection" is your gold star track. This is one of those tracks, you know? Those tracks that pull you out of life for 3 minutes or so and surround you. One of those that you could close your eyes and feel like you're levitating to (I swear I'm not on drugs).
"Blame" starts off high energy and immediately grabs your attention. I can't help but think of Drowning Pool in certain spots, however the song as a whole doesn't sound like any other band.What I'm saying is I see clear influences, but no lack of originality. This is another good song to find escape in... maybe not at the same level as "Reflection," but in a similar way.
This band is semi-heavy, but still manages to be melodically well structured and the lyrics are good. For the most part, the vocal delivery is good. The drummer and guitarist play well together. All in all I think this is a good band. I would advise a few changes, but what works for me does not work for everyone. And if they sit back and assess their sound and it sounds like what they want it to, then it's perfect. As for you, you should go listen to them. You can find them virtually anywhere, and you know you'll find their links below, as always. Don't forget to let me know what you think and tell Five Hundredth Year that I sent you. I'm coming back to YouTube, I have not abandoned you guys, I PROMISE.
Five Hundredth Year Links:
YouTube
Facebook
Twitter
Had this been a band I found on my own, honestly, I would have skipped them. Don't stop reading yet. I would have skipped them because their style isn't what I normally enjoy listening to, not because of any lack of talent or fatal flaw.
The band is pushing a cover track "Talking Body," originally performed by Tove Lo and an original called "Blame."
Let's talk about that cover first, shall we?
The original version is what I would classify as bubble gum pop attempting to be badass, however not accomplishing that. This is a good song, how it is delivered by Tove Lo is substandard and mediocre. It's just "okay" but a great artist could really turn it into a fantastic song.
Five Hundredth Year covering this song is different. It's not like they're copying Tove Lo's version, they have made it their own. And I will repeat this until I can no longer utter the words: You will not do a cover song better than the original artist attempting to do it the same way as they did. If you do not make it your own, you will fail, and fail in an epic manner. We will laugh at you. Don't butcher our beloved tunes. Sorry, back to Five Hundredth year. They nailed the chorus. Fucking nailed it. They did the chorus of this song better than Tove Lo could have in an acid enhanced dream,okay? They beat her. FHY, you win.
Okay, quick intermission. I'm realizing more and more that I am extremely picky about the type of vocalists I enjoy... and those who don't fit that standard, I tend to pick apart (and I do it well). So, excuse me while I attempt to NOT do that with this band.
However, I couldn't properly call myself a critic if I didn't tell you the good and the bad, the sometimes harsh opinion more admirably known as mine. The lead vocalist is... well, his vocal chords are the doppelganger of Sully Erna of Godsmack's vocal chords, mkay? That's what I'm hearing. His delivery is okay but it tends to seem lacking a bit when he's in the spotlight. Don't argue with me, I know the lead vocalist is "always in the spotlight." What I'm getting at, is when the drums and guitars and all that magic is hanging back a bit he does not convey as much passion and enthusiasm and sense of belonging as he does when they are at closer to equal levels. Hate me for this, I know you will, but I could just do without the female vocals altogether. I do not feel like they add to any of the songs this lovely, and surely talented lady happens to be lending her pipes on. It does not seem to fit at all to me. It sounds out of place. I'm not bashing her, nor trying to downplay her gift. I'm just saying hers does not fit the sound of this band, in my opinion. I'm not sorry. *shields herself from inevitable stones thrown*
Moving on!
I stumbled upon a handful of original tracks that I actually listened to before the cover. "Blame" is the one they're pushing, but I do what I want, and I'm going to say save that for second. Why? Because "Reflection" is better. I am right about this. I believe the term "magical" was used in the discussion I had with myself concerning the guitars, the energy, and the emotional build-up. Again, I could do without the female vocals *ducks* but overall, that's the only complaint I have about this song. And if my opinion counted for anything, I would say FHY, you're pushing the wrong tune. "Reflection" is your gold star track. This is one of those tracks, you know? Those tracks that pull you out of life for 3 minutes or so and surround you. One of those that you could close your eyes and feel like you're levitating to (I swear I'm not on drugs).
"Blame" starts off high energy and immediately grabs your attention. I can't help but think of Drowning Pool in certain spots, however the song as a whole doesn't sound like any other band.What I'm saying is I see clear influences, but no lack of originality. This is another good song to find escape in... maybe not at the same level as "Reflection," but in a similar way.
This band is semi-heavy, but still manages to be melodically well structured and the lyrics are good. For the most part, the vocal delivery is good. The drummer and guitarist play well together. All in all I think this is a good band. I would advise a few changes, but what works for me does not work for everyone. And if they sit back and assess their sound and it sounds like what they want it to, then it's perfect. As for you, you should go listen to them. You can find them virtually anywhere, and you know you'll find their links below, as always. Don't forget to let me know what you think and tell Five Hundredth Year that I sent you. I'm coming back to YouTube, I have not abandoned you guys, I PROMISE.
Five Hundredth Year Links:
YouTube
Click the thumbnail below to watch the video review:
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
BREAKFAST IN NEW YORK: AWESOME UNDERGROUND ★ MUSIC REVIEW #27
Everyone knows how much I love 37 Reasons. (If you don't, you could always read this to find out.)
I'll never forget the day. You know you have really fallen for someone's music when you always remember the first day you listened to it. So, I knew that whenever Mr. Brown released something new, I would feel that joy all over again. It's a special kind of excitement when you hear that news. "New music is on it's way." Well, for me it is.
Today, Sam Brown releases his new EP "Breakfast in N2ew York."
And let me tell you, it doesn't disappoint. There are obvious differences between this new EP and the last one. As a music lover, I must discuss these. 37 Reasons is beautiful and wonderful and it reminds one of being a teenager and really being in love. But with Breakfast in New York comes a whole different phase of life and of musicianship. With age comes growth: in maturity, in world views, in personality... and if a musician is truly talented and dedicated, in music. I'd like to compare Mr. Brown to a sponge. Because he has obviously soaked up as much as one can in the span between releasing these two bodies of music. I hear clear growth in Breakfast in New York... in all of the areas I listed before. With this new EP comes a much fuller sound and I am so proud of that.
Sam's wide array of instruments and layered vocals surround you and refuse to share your attention with anything outside of the song you are listening to. He ventures over the lines of standard pop into the edges of other genres, such as Jazz, in this EP. He never ceases to amaze me with his ability to perfectly piece together all of the right elements of a song to make it whole and he just keeps getting better at it! One thing I really love about this EP is that it does not fit in a box. It is not one genre. It is art.
I love that Sam just went with his instincts to create each song. I don't see a template here... each song is its own. And they are all different. But they do go nicely together. That is a talent that not every musician has. To have songs that are different from one another, yet can still pass as an arm or leg on the same body. You have to buy that the songs on a body of work are getting their life force from the same beating heart, otherwise, it's not a body, it's just a bunch of songs thrown together.
One last thing and I'll stop gushing. My favorite track is "The Motion." I guess that's rather typical of me, but I think it's perfect. There are things I love about each song on this EP, but that one, in my opinion, is the best track.
I'll never forget the day. You know you have really fallen for someone's music when you always remember the first day you listened to it. So, I knew that whenever Mr. Brown released something new, I would feel that joy all over again. It's a special kind of excitement when you hear that news. "New music is on it's way." Well, for me it is.
Today, Sam Brown releases his new EP "Breakfast in N2ew York."
And let me tell you, it doesn't disappoint. There are obvious differences between this new EP and the last one. As a music lover, I must discuss these. 37 Reasons is beautiful and wonderful and it reminds one of being a teenager and really being in love. But with Breakfast in New York comes a whole different phase of life and of musicianship. With age comes growth: in maturity, in world views, in personality... and if a musician is truly talented and dedicated, in music. I'd like to compare Mr. Brown to a sponge. Because he has obviously soaked up as much as one can in the span between releasing these two bodies of music. I hear clear growth in Breakfast in New York... in all of the areas I listed before. With this new EP comes a much fuller sound and I am so proud of that.
Sam's wide array of instruments and layered vocals surround you and refuse to share your attention with anything outside of the song you are listening to. He ventures over the lines of standard pop into the edges of other genres, such as Jazz, in this EP. He never ceases to amaze me with his ability to perfectly piece together all of the right elements of a song to make it whole and he just keeps getting better at it! One thing I really love about this EP is that it does not fit in a box. It is not one genre. It is art.
I love that Sam just went with his instincts to create each song. I don't see a template here... each song is its own. And they are all different. But they do go nicely together. That is a talent that not every musician has. To have songs that are different from one another, yet can still pass as an arm or leg on the same body. You have to buy that the songs on a body of work are getting their life force from the same beating heart, otherwise, it's not a body, it's just a bunch of songs thrown together.
One last thing and I'll stop gushing. My favorite track is "The Motion." I guess that's rather typical of me, but I think it's perfect. There are things I love about each song on this EP, but that one, in my opinion, is the best track.
Click Thumbnail for Video Review:
37 Reasons Video Review:
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