Wuzi – Compromised Host
‘Compromised Host’ takes the dirty edge of 90’s grunge and envelopes it with the psychedelic rock sensibility of mid-career Muse and Queens of the Stone Age, and that’s Wuzi in a nutshell. It’s a great mix, blending some really mature, experimental ideas yet maintaining a youthful, abrasive vocal approach. Wuzi have crafted a sound that sounds like a band years into their career, so it’s exciting to hear them being so creative while still well into their infancy. Definitely one to look out for in future.
Pigs of the Roman Empire – Every Bird in the Flock
Pigs of the Roman Empire describe themselves as post-punk Fugazi mixed with the low end rumble of Motorhead, and while it’s a struggle for me to hear either of those bands in ‘Every Bird in the Flock’, I loved the contrast between heavy, downset distortion and some really clean, airy vocals. To be leaning towards those bands as key influences, they need to throw some more meat in there for further clout, but I hear bags of potential in Pigs of the Roman Empire and lyrically, they’re onto a real winner. Some stand out vocal lines during the verses make ‘Every Bird in the Flock’ easy to remember.
Shambolic – Resurrection Time
Shambolic sound like absolutely nothing I’d usually gravitate towards. I got grunge vibes, I got modern day Brit-Rock distortion, I got a lead vocalist that while focusing on melody and hooks not too dissimilar from a contemporary Paul Weller, almost threw himself into full bodied screams at times. Shambolic feel like a band just doing their own thing, and that’s why I really took a shine to them. Solid guitar work, great production, and a significantly British sound that could accompany thousands of movie soundtracks for years to come.
Careful Gaze – Wolf
Careful Gaze seem to describe themselves as Indie rock. I wish half of our Indie Rock submissions where as heavy as this, because ‘Wolf’ offers nods towards metalcore, post hardcore and emo-rock sensibility that really encapsulates a solid range of influences. More so, the twists and turns throughout ‘Wolf’ are cohesive and well put together, solidified by (what I think is) two singers who’ve got it all. There’s screams, there’s cleans, there’s a massive chorus, it’s like Turnover deciding to write breakdowns and I loved it!
Please check out the artists using the links above, or alternatively through our embedded Spotify playlists below, which covers all acts highlighted on our Singles Only series. A big thanks to the bands for submitting, and as always we value your opinion, let us know what you think!
If you’re in a band and would like to be covered in our ‘Singles Only’ feature, please head to submithub.com for more information.
