Death To The Strange & The Cornerstones

Artist: Death To The Strange

Genre: Folk Fusion/Electroacoustic/Alternative/Indie

From: Manchester, UK

Composed of: Daniel Clarke – Guitar and Vocals
                          John Lowndes – Guitar and Vocals
                          Sam Toro – Guitar   
                          Paul Sewell – Bass  
                       Jamie Wilson – Drums

Quick Overview: Death To The Strange launches their new EP “Sign On”, April 26^th, 2013

They seem to have almost a cheeky energy about them.  There is a lot of individualism and originality in each of their songs.  Dynamics and mood are very folk fusion; the songs just make you want to get up and dance a weird hipster (folk) dance.  It almost sounds as though they could add a banjo in to a few of their songs and no one would ever notice.  Guitars are kept very light for lots of quick strumming, with the lead guitar being clean and, at times, (heavily) electro sounding.   When brought all together, each piece matches the style and shape of the overall groove beautifully.  It sounds like with three guitars, there is a lot of intricate rhythms and melodies switching on and off in the background, filling each song out fully.  The drums drive everything and keep the overall mood joyous, light, and pumping with energy. 

As quoted from Death To The Strange’s  PR/Press woman, Chantelle Warner; “The title track 'Sign On' is mocking our government as they are raising taxes, creating new taxes and hitting the poor, elderly and disabled the hardest. Sign on means sign up for government welfare-so basically the song is a tongue in cheek way of saying "fuck the government, and stop killing yourself by working a job just to pay your taxes"”

My Verdict: Like – did take a few listens to before I really got into them, but when I did the energy just ran straight through my veins.

Links: Twitter @D2TheStrange
http://www.flickr.com/photos/death-to-the-strange
https://www.facebook.com/deathtothestrange
http://www.myspace.com/deathtothestrange

https://soundcloud.com/#death-to-the-strange

 

 

Artist: The Cornerstones

Genre: Indie

From: London, UK

Composed of: Richard Ruth                          Dan Bennion                          Lewis Ewington                          Ryan Pincott

Quick Overview: The Cornerstones released their first album in 2010, entitled “Begin to End – Vol. 1”, and in 2011 released the single, “End of Everything.” 

The songs do make for great background music whilst trying to either get work done, or avoiding it completely.  The simplicity of the sound just seems to flow in one ear, wiz around the brain, and then out the other ear with great ease.  I found myself drifting off into space and thinking of far off lands, but my toes always kept tapping along to the beat.  The melodies flow with such ease, especially when doubled with the guitar and vocals; it makes for a good effect which brings more body to the songs.  There is lots of crunchy lead guitar that brings out the songs so much more, while the rhythm guitar is clean.

My Verdict: Like – Very good to lose your mind to, very good indie rock songs. 

Links: Twitter @TheCornerstoneshttp://www.thecornerstones.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/Thecornerstonesuk
https://soundcloud.com/#the-cornerstones 

Kassoma & Good Morning Chicago

Artist: Kassoma
Genre: Alternative Rock
From: Manchester, England
Composed of: James Moon – Vocals
                   

                         Will Tait – Guitar

                         Nathan Gibbons – Bass

                         Luke Williams – Drums

They have just released their debut single, “Control.”

Quick Overview: Each song feels very full, but not overly packed with musical goodness, just the right amount.  Nothing seems out of place, they have great dynamics all working towards building up energy and releasing then repeating with each song.  The keyboard and synth are great features behind the rest of the band, really helps to secure the overall atmosphere of the songs.  They describe their tunes as “upbeat, anthemic, atmospheric, intense, dramatic,” and I’d agree with all of those, but also dynamically structured and sound.  Overall shape of the music is good, intricate melodies, just all-round good feeling and sounding tunes.  It seems as though you could turn on the radio and hear any of Kassoma’s songs playing.

My Verdict: Like – I think with a bit of luck and some really good publicity, Kassoma could become a pretty well-known name.

Links: Twitter @kassomamusic

http://kassoma.com/

https://www.facebook.com/WeAreKassoma

https://soundcloud.com/#kassoma

 

Artist: Good Morning Chicago

Genre: Pop Rock/Punk

From: Hamilton, Ontario

Composed of: Marco Biundo – Vocals and Guitar

                          Corbin Giroux – Guitar and Vocals

                          Christian Cashin – Drums

                          Tyler D’Costa – Bass and Vocals

They have two singles out, both released in 2012, “Done” and “Call the Doctor.”

Quick Overview: Strong guitar, big drums, and at times you can amazingly hear the bass (which it seems like most bands now a-days almost put too far into the background).  Sounds like on ever track the vocals are giving all they can.  The studio versions sound like how I’d imagine their live performances sound.  They seem to be trying to keep that raw live atmosphere in the mix of things, which tends to be unlike most pop punk bands.  Dynamically Good Morning Chicago sounds on the fence between pop punk and pop rock; they aren’t overly pop punk and they aren’t overly pop rock.  They are worth checking out if you like the style of music.

My Verdict: Not really for me – but I think if I were more into pop punk I I’d like Good Morning Chicago a bit more.

Links: Twitter @GMC_band

https://www.facebook.com/goodmorningchicago

http://www.youtube.com/GmorningChicago

I’d like to thank both Kassoma and Good Morning Chicago, and hope that the future is friendly to both of you.  If you want to discover more new bands, don’t forget to check out my other posts and such.  Cheers.

BatAAr & Stitched Up Heart

Artist: BatAAr

Genre: Art Metal

From: Gothenburg, Sweden

Composed of: Seb – Vocals

                           Patrik – Guitar

                           Simon – Guitar

                           Jake – Bass

                           Tobias – Drums

Formed in 2010, they released their EP “Absorb” in 2011, and their newest EP “Owls and Snakes” in 2012.  Now because of the sheer complexity of each song, and the ability to sound like a few different genres, they have labeled themselves as the world’s first “art metal” band.  BatAAr stands alone compared to any other band because of the diversity of their sound.  Songs are complex and evolving throughout by adding in new melodies seamlessly creating dynamic and shape.  One song could sound like hard rock, while the next could sound like pure aggression and rage, or even a combination of the two styles at different parts in the song.  This is one mosh pit I wouldn’t like to be involved in because it would just be a bloodbath.  Everything moves flawlessly, especially while changing up styles.  Any metalhead should have BatAAr in at least one playlist.  It sounds like live it would just be a continual wave of energy being shoved down the audiences’ throat until the last note.  BatAAr is a very cool and unique band, who is totally worth taking a look at.

My Verdict: Like – amazing hard core energy filled with aggression and rage, but at the same time is able to take it down from 11 when needed at times.

Links: “https://www.facebook.com/BatAAr” 

“www.youtube.com/bataarofficial” 

Twitter @BatAArofficial

 

Artist: Stitched Up Heart

Genre: Rock

From: Hollywood, California

Composed of: Mixi – Singer/Screamer/Songwriter
                          Decker – Drums
                          Grant – Guitar
                          Derek – Bass

They have a self-title EP out, and have just released their new single “Grave.”  Formed in 2010, if you want crunchy rock guitar, pounding drums, and absolute kickass vocals, then look no further.  So much great energy from every angle; if it’s not the guitar driving into the back of your brain, or the drums getting right into your bones, it’s the amazing voice of Mixi.  The harmony of her voice and the rest of the music go together so perfectly.  In terms that may make a little more sense to some people; they’re like Paramore, except much harder, much hotter, and all round just so much better in every way.  Actually they aren’t like Paramore at all.  I think they would probably eat Hayley Williams for breakfast; it would a superb mix of bloodbath and eroticism.  Would be a good family fun time.  They just sound like they would fucking kickass live.  Get ready to cuddle up into the mosh pit and beat the piss out the guy next to you.  Stitched Up Heart is a pretty sick band who are totally worth checking out if you like hard rock, and even if you don’t, go take a listen cuz you just never know right.

My Verdict: Like – and to be honest, I couldn’t take my eyes or ears off Mixi.  She is definitely one hell of a talented singer and the band is just fantastic.

Links: "https://www.facebook.com/StitchedUpHeartRock"

“http://www.youtube.com/stitchedupheartrock”

“http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/stitched%20up%20heart”

Twitter @StitchdUpHeart

 

I’d like to thank both BatAAr and Stitched Up Hearts, and just keep on rocking to the both of them.  Don’t forget to check out my other posts and such.  Cheers.

Temples & Conor Carleton

I’m trying out a much smaller, more to the point style of review with multiple artists at a time.  Hoping this gives more of a juicy taster and will compel you to branch out and help develop your musical library further.  Obviously a smaller review does not do these artists justice, so I leave that up for you to decide on your own. 

 

Artist: Temples

Genre: Neo-psychedelic

From: Kettering, England

Composed of: James Bagshaw – guitar/vocals

                          Thomas Warmsley – bass/backing vocals

                          Sam Toms – drums

                          Adam Smith – keys

They released their debut single, “Shelter Song” in November of 2012.

Quick Overview: The guitar parts are airy and flowing, but at the same time have that iconic 60’s psychedelic crunch.  Keys laid down good harmonies and really filled the songs in nicely giving them more depth.  Drums did exactly what they’re supposed to do; they sound almost taken back a little bit to fit the aura and atmosphere.  The harp and flute sounds also add a very filling aspect giving overall depth and flavour.  They seem to have conjured the energy of a 60’s band quite well in all aspects.

My Verdict: Like – though probably best enjoyed whilst stoned.

Links: Twitter @TemplesOfficial

www.youtube.com/templesofficial
www.twitter.com/templesofficial
www.soundcloud.com/templesofficial

 

Artist: One Man War

Genre: Indie
From: London, England
Composed of: Conor Carleton – violin, piano, guitar, vocal

One Man War’s new EP “Some Things Just Aren’t Meant to Be” will be release on May 17 2013.

Quick Overview: The tracks have an assortment of instruments ranging from piano and guitar, to strings, brass, and woodwinds.  The harmonies and melodies between instruments seem to line up nicely.  For the majority of the songs, a somber-esk mood falls around them.  The accompaniment for the most part sounded great.  The usage of a wide variety of instruments and the way they were utilized was nice to hear.  The vocals did sound a bit off.  At some points, it does feel like the vocals double up a bit too much.

My Verdict: Without a doubt Conor is a very talented musician, but personally I just couldn’t get into the vocals.  To me they sounded a bit off, but I wasn’t brought up on a British accent so it could just be my North American side showing.

Links: Twitter @conorcarleton

www.soundcloud.com/conorcarleton

 

I would like to thank both Temples and Conor Carleton, and wish them both the best of luck in their future endeavors. 

Remember to follow myself at @robfletcher12 on twitter and feel free to share your comments.  Cheers.

The Boys After

This next NBSR appeals to a version of me from a few years back when I was mildly into pop punk bands.  From the moment I heard the new single “Chemistry” from the California band, The Boys After, that’s when I knew this would get my head bopping a bit.  The ensemble is composed of; Chris Begley on guitar and vocals, Brian Kirkbride on guitar, Aaron Seminoff on Drums, Robbie Gardunio on vocals, and Tyler Way on bass.

After listening to The Boys After’s first album “You’ll Be Missing Home” and then listening to their new single, it almost sounds as though there’s been a transitional phase that’s taken place.  “You’ll Be Missing Home” sounds and focuses heavier on drums and guitar, with almost the “esk” of an indie pop punk; whereas “Chemistry” sounds as though they’ve pulled guitars and drums back a bit but added in an electronic component, with almost more of a “studio” pop punk-esk feel to it.

Now because to me they sound as though they do have two different possible sounds, I’m just going to focus on the new single because that’s probably more of the direction they are headed.  This doesn’t mean in any way that you shouldn’t go and take a listen for yourself to “You’ll Be Missing Home.”  It just means that why should I tell you something if the new albums going to sound nothing like the old one.  Don’t want to be to misleading and such, but anyways.

With the double vocal harmony, a bit of wavy keyboard electronica with muted guitar, the new sounds as to how a pop punk band should sound (or at least that’s how I feel).  All together the sound builds as the band coming in a few instruments at a time helping to make full of the suspense without ever over taking dominance from one another.  The song sounds whole and continues to build up until the verse where it’s basically a short climax for a few bars, and then sets itself up for the build again.  The single sounds full but not overly crowded, as dynamics are created with the drop out and add in of instruments which really help the song to flow without any issues.  The song has lots of energy, with a great form of buildup then release and repeat. 

The Boys After seem to possess every aspect in their music that one would expect when listening to an American pop punk band.  Its big, it’s catchy, the vocals fit the style, and all together make for a really great single (at first I had to check that this wasn’t ATL or any of those other bands which are quite popular).  In the world of pop punk, I think “Chemistry” sounds as though it’s going to be quite a success with the right publicity. 

Not too sure which direction The Boys After are headed for the future, but I’m sure no matter which way it is, they’ll continue to keep writing head bopping, catchy tunes.  And if I’m 100% wrong and the rest of everything they ever do sounds like their first album, well that just means I’ll have to redo this.

To me they sound like a band you’d see at a venue in your town, and afterwards end up walking away with a t-shirt and cd, and then posting it all on twitter and facebook about how much these guys rocked.   

Their new EP is called "The Break-Up" which seems like it may be released quite soon, and you can find them at "http://www.facebook.com/TheBoysAfter" and on twitter @theboysafter.

Anyways, I’d like to thank The Boys After and can’t wait to see which direction their new album takes them.  Best of luck.

MakethisRelate

This next band is currently on hiatus and has been for the past year, but I thought I may as well start with this and then work my way to the other bands the members are currently involved with whilst being apart.  The first thing I noticed about this alternative rock band from Glasgow was the thick Scottish accent, which made me think that maybe these guys aren't for me (since I don't hear that accent very much).  But as I continued to listen, I realized that there was no other way I'd rather hear them than with those amazing Scottish accents.  With Kevin Walls on lead vocals, guitar, and piano, Aidan Scott on bass guitar and backing vocals, and Danny Kelly on drums, and backing vocals; may I present to you MakethisRelate.  In the time MakethisRelate formed in 2008 and until their current hiatus in 2012, they have released two EP’s and one other single.

Styling, they make great alt rock songs which consist of hard hitting driving drums, clean bass lines, and loud raw distorted guitar when needed with the ability to turn off the overdrive and play clean for a bit. 

Dynamically it’s soft and clean when needed, and loud and raw when needed, and when they throw that into one song all together, it makes for a great track.

It doesn't feel as though anyones competing for domanance, the roles of "lead" see to shift so frequently that they can have everything except bass or drums and vocals drop out and the songs flow like nothing ever happened.  No energy lost, just energy built up and lowered in the right places.  The way these three play just seem to always make for a winning combination whether its cranked to eleven or taken down to accoustic.

The vocals work very well; they aren't overly up in your face and they're not hidden in anyway, they just fit so perfectly with the rock style of everything that’s going on.  The harmonies between the vocals and the rest of the band are superb.  There aren't any conflicts of melody between the two, they both compliment the other.

Guitar riff usages aren’t overly used, and at the same time aren’t being overshadowed by any other aspects.

Energy levels are cranked up high enough to make you want to jump and thrash around in some songs, and brought down enough to make things personal without losing any of the build up from the previous song.

MakethisRelate are an alt band that makes it look easy.  When I listen to them all I can imagine is a stadium filled with a sea of people having an absolute blast and dancing their asses off.

Taken from the bands website about their break; "We would like to say that this won’t be the end of MakethisRelate and that we will come back, but only time will tell."

Don't forget to check out MakethisRelate at "http://www.makethisrelate.co.uk/", and their twitter is @MakethisRelate

I'd like to thank MakethisRelate and I think it goes without saying that we'd all like to see you guys back together, hopefully really soon.

Broni

What light breaks through yonder window and disturbs my sleep!  Guess that means it's time for an early morning NBSR. 

Right off the bat, anyone who gives reference to; the simpsons, mario kart, and batman, must already be an amazing person.  I'm talking about none other than the Australian singer/songwritter Broni.  Just by reading his bio it sounds as though he has a huge heart and a great head on his shoulders, with everything seeming so intimite.  Albums include; "Every Thought I've Had Since I Was 10," "To Get Her Together," EP "Live At Lestats," and a few singles.

The first song I listened to of Broni was "Made Up Your Mind," and all I could think was, ugh not another folk pop singer.  But as I listened and watched a few of his vlogs and got deeper into his music, I started to really enjoy everything that was out there.

From what I'm seeing from his vlogs on youtube, he seems very down to earth and very personal.  It was almost like the only word I could find to best describe him was "friend."  He just seems like a guy you'd wanna go grab a few pints with or watch the game with, and you'd both laugh and joke around all night without the conversation ever becoming stale.

Every song sounds as though he's putting his whole heart and soul into everything he does, whether its a love song or a song about friendship, he captures you through the beauty and simplisity of everything.  His deep emotionfilled lyrics let you lose yourself thinking about the past, and before you know it, you're half way through an album nodding along.

Most of the songs consist of an accoustic guitar and some light percussion, which brings the atmosphere back invard reflecting upon yourself.  There are a few songs (more on the second album) with a full band behind him.  And that makes the energy only shifts forward, never losing the dynamics and intimacy of when it's him.  It seems like no matter what style he's playing, he'd always be able to keep an audience upclose and personal. 

The lyrics tend to touch a deep emotional level which easily connects the audience, but also range up to the point where all you can do is laugh (especially live).  The songs are emotional, heart-felt, intimate, reflective.  Broni has captured his own soul and projects it for all the world to hear.  Without a doubt in my head, Broni is in it for the music and thats all you can say when you listen to his albums.  By taking his life and exposing it to the world, thats what makes him such a great artist.

I've only seen a few of his live performances, but he easily connects to the audience making you like family as he plays and talks and laughs and jokes and shares.  If more people in the world were like Broni, I think the world would be a better and much happier place.

All of his songs are put up on his website for FREE.  But if you want something a little more personal, (and live within 100km of him in Australia; his postcode is 3136) he will not only HAND DELIEVER the ablum, but also PLAY for you.  Of course for these, currency is exchanged, but think of the value; 15km is 30$, 25km is 50$, 50km is 75$, and 100km is 100$.  To me, that is just the most amazing thing ever.  Taken from his website, "Think about it. Everytime you play my record you'll remember the crazy way in which you received it. It's a memory that will last until you can no longer remember it."

I highly recommend checking out Broni on his website "http://www.bronimusic.com/" and following him on youtube "https://www.youtube.com/user/bronibronimusic"  and twitter @bronibroni. 

Best wishes to Broni and I hope one day to see you play live.

Famous

Seems like a perfectly good time to do another "new band search review" (or "NBSR" as it will now be refered to as) from twitter.  Famous, an alternative rock (/pop as their facebook says) band from Montreal is composed of; Michael Bellizzi on lead vocals, Devin Kelley on bass and vocals, Ricky Lovato on guitar and vocals, Myles Truax on guitar and vocals, Nick Martin on guitar and vocals, and Marc-Olivier on the drums. 

First off, they do NOT have a website and they have only a little bit of information about themselves on their facebook, which is "https://www.facebook.com/FamousOfficialMontreal" (their twitter is FamousMtl).  Also is seems as though their facebook page was only created Febuary 15th, so not even a month ago yet. (TO WHICH I LATER REALIZED WAS DUE TO FACEBOOK NOT LOADING THE BANDS PAGE FULLY, THEY'VE BEEN AROUND LONGER THAN THAT, APOLOGIES) And secondly, on their youtube channel, they only have three songs.  So this will be an interesting review of a band I've heard so little about.

Songs include; Angels, Baby I Can Keep Your Head Up, and Stripper.  This may only make sense to Canadians, but they sound very Eastern Canadian right off the bat in Angels and Baby.  I'm not going to explain what Eastern Canadian sounds like because I've been thinking about what it does mean and the more I think about it the less they sound like it, so I'm just going to move on.

In Baby I Can Keep Your Head Up, I'm really digging the bright accoustic then half way through the song the build up which out of that emurges these hard hitting few bars, then a few more of accoustic, then back to more rockesk as the few before, and that pattern kind of continues back and forth until the end of the song kind of thing.  I really like the usage and how they transitioned from one style to the next with such ease.  Plus their use of dynamics at the right times (as you can hear as the song builds and becomes louder and softer) just made the song even more pleasing to the ears. 

Lead singer Michael just fits the music and vise versa.  Great voice, great harmonies on the part of the other vocalists and other instruments.  I really enjoyed listening to these guys, but I think live will be where they absolutely blow you away (or atleast I hope so).  They seem like they'd just have a great energy to get up and dance and sing your heart out to.

Just because I only did the one song doesn't mean I don't love the other two, because that is deffinitly not the case.  You know those cheesy montages that teenagers do of the girl they love, thats what I think of when I listen to Angels, like I can see someone putting those type of pictures to the song.  But the songs more than that, it rocks hard enough to jump around to but I think also has that underline that an awesome rocker boyfriend could use for an awesome rocker girlfriend.  That last sentence probably made no sense at all, but fuck it, cuz it's actually a really awesome song that I like.  And Stripper is the hardest rockeskiest (rockeskiest???) of the three.  But as I've already said, I really hope these guys keep the energy from the album and apply it live because that would make for a fantastic show, no doubt about it.

Just by looking at the members of the band, and what they all contributed, my first thoughts were that because five of the six sing, the harmonies would become almost overcrowded.  But from those three songs, that was never the case.  It sounds like music.  That's all you can really say about Famous.  To me, they almost feel like that garage band you made in highschool, but took it to the next level.

I personally don't think they're ever going to have "stale" material.  They seem like over the years, as a band, they're going to grow and mature and just keep writting songs for the next decade or so.  That's how strongely I feel this band could and will succeed over the next years and I can't wait to heard all their material.

Taken from their facebook "Hey Everybody! We have a battle of the bands coming up Saturday March 9th at the venue O Patro Vys. We're going on at 9:00pm and playing for a half hour. Tickets are 12$ each if you get them off one of members of Famous and 18$ at the door.... Come out and help us make the semi final at Club Soda! Winner gets to go to Germany to play a festival and would give us some serious exposure which would honestly be the best thing ever! It would be amazing if you guys came out and supported us! Message us for tickets!"

My only concerns with Famous is the lack of information and songs avaliable at this current moment.  I'd really like to hear the rest of their material.  But from what I've read they do have an album set to release (hopefully quite soon) called, "The Most Alive You've Ever Seemed''
 
I truly do believe that Famous could be pretty big with the right publicity.
I would recommend giving these guys a listen and I really hope they play the roof off at Battle of the Bands.

The Glass Hearts

Just today I was scrolling through the few followers of myself on twitter and I came across GlassHeartsUK, aka "The Glass Hearts."  Assembled in 2010, the band consists of Stuart North on vocals and guitar, Michal Masnik on drums, and Martyn Gibbons on bass.  This rock (/pop punk as it says on their website) band from Tottenham, North London has just released their debut single "Caught Up." 

Never hearing them before I searched Youtube for them and found their said single; to my surprise I actually listened to the full thing without being bored, which normally never happens.  I searched them up on Google and found their website "http://theglasshearts.com" and listened to the other five songs they had on there. 

The first word which came to my mind as I listened was "simple."  Basically what these guys have done is exactly what you want from now-a-days rock; and thats lose the bullshit and get back to the roots of music, which is exactly what they've done.  They've made songs that are in essence simply a rocknroll for today, no more no less. 

Songs are straight to the point, dynamics are placed amazingly; voice, guitar, drums, and bass all seem to work together without having any struggle for domanince.  The usage of catchy melodys and rhythems work wonderfully.  It's really just an all around good feeling of actual music with no unneeded flashy extras.  Structurally the songs flow brilliantly, which is probably why I'm able to listen to them back to back without my attention drifting to far. 

Can't wait for the release of their album "Fall In From The Top."  I'm really curious to see how the rest of the album sounds, and if they keep the overall structure the same or change it up a bit for future albums. 

Having no prior knowledge of them and only discovering them today I would have to say the songs are something you could turn on the radio and rock along to.  They've got good energy, great structures, and have the feeling of an overall great band to listen to and follow over the next few years.

The only issues I would say they could run into is the simplisity of it all.  If they keep going the way they are (and remember I've only heard six songs) is that they could potentially get stuck where they are and end up having songs and albums that sound way to similar to what they've already done.

With all that being said, no disrespect in any way to these hard working musicians.  The Glass Hearts are a great band, and I can't wait to buy their album once it comes out.  I would also add any of the songs I've heard to any one of my fav playlists.  Again really looking forward to hearing the full album, and especially seeing them live.

Best of luck to everyone associated with The Glass Hearts and I can't wait to hear whats instore for the future.

P.S.  Really hope they do a North American tour (and come to Vancouver BC.)