In our next edition ‘Singles Only 2019’, we will be jetting off to the around the world to the likes of Holland and America to find the best new music. So chill out, read the review whilst listening to them on our Spotify playlist at the bottom of the page. Don’t forget to follow it to keep up to date with the best and brightest in rock!
Wolf City Radio- To Cast A Spell
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Wolf City Radio was conceived when vocalist Laura Wren, drummer Mike Lawson: and guitarist Max Hodes met at a karaoke bar in California. This conception brought the brilliant single ‘To Cast A Spell’ from their debut album ‘Take That Remains’. ‘To Cast A Spell’ combines strange time-signatures with heavy Tool influenced riffs whilst having a pop-like catchiness to it. Wren’s vocals remind me of a young Lzzy Hale (Halestorm), gritty and grungy whilst capable of producing memorable hooks. This may be a nod to the 90s alternative scene but it feels like the future of rock.
Mor Loud- Rib Cage
Mor Loud is a singer/songwriter, whose love for rock was fueled by such influences as Ozzy Osbourne, Zakk Wylde, and Jimi Hendrix. Not one to get stuck in the past, he started to work with Asi-C to bring in some new electronic influence. The result is ‘Rib Cage;’ a mid-tempo rocker which combines classic rock riffs, modern production with post-grunge style vocals similar to Tyler Connolly (Theory of A Deadman), perhaps unsurprising with producer Chris Baseford (Nickelback, Rob Zombie etc) on board. Mor Loud had the potential of falling into the trap of trying to fit in too many influences but they’ve held the balance of classic and modern in perfect tension creating a very interesting and catchy song.
Black Suit Youth- Stalking in Memphis
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Also from America, Black Suit Youth formed all the way back in 2004 in New York. Originally called The New York Dynamite, they changed their name to Black Suit Youth in 2007. After taking a hiatus in 2014, they are back with a new look line-up and released their latest album’ False South’ in December last year. An album which features ‘Stalking in Memphis’; a no-frills, energetic punk rocker with staunch guitar work, a pounding rhythm section and a sterling vocal performance from frontman Bryan Maher, which vocals are similar to Rise Against’s Tim McIIrath but Maher adds a grittier flavour. This is a very exciting punk band, if they can stay together, they could go far.
Two Too Many- Got My Rock n Roll
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The idea of Two Too Many came about in the backrooms of Amsterdam’s seediest bars in 2017. Last month they released their first ever original track ‘ Got My Rock n Roll’ is a hard rock track with a distinct metal edge. Vocalist Damien Coughlin feels like he’s summoning Lemmy with his gritty, classic rock inspired vocals. This is a simple rock n roll track, that’s not a criticism, some of the best things in life are simple. It’s a track that is designed to get you up and headbanging and it does that to perfection.
Weekly- Sunrise State
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Indie Rock group Weekly bring out their latest single ‘Sunrise State’. I’m not someone who would define themselves as a big Indie Rock fan so it was a pleasant surprise that I enjoyed ‘Sunrise State’ as much as I did. The rhythm section keeps it tight whilst the vocals are sweet and melodic and incredibly catchy. It helps uplift your mood and has a real summer vibe. I look forward to listening to it lying in the sun with a glass of cold cider.
Paragon- Giving Way To Something Beautiful
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Rounding this edition off is the new kids on the block Paragon. Fusing the positive vibes of indie music with a heavier post-hardcore style, they have produced an EP which will uplift you as you rock out. ‘Giving Way To Something Beautiful’ is about “fighting against the anxiety of giving all of your creative self for no outcome.” It encourages you to ‘stop worrying about it, and let yourself shine through’ and if you do that it will give way to something beautiful. These are sung about with a combination of clean verses and screamed heavier choruses. Everything about this track feels modern from the vocals through to the production. It’s a glimpse into where alternative music is heading and fortunately it’s an exciting one.