EP REVIEW: Exploring Birdsong – Dancing in the Face of Danger


 

It’s uncanny when a new band emerges on the scene with as much vigor, talent, control, and singularity as it would from a seasoned act. Somehow, the Liverpool trio catapulted themselves into immediately noteworthy status. Piano-driven and guitar-less, Exploring Birdsong brings essences of progressive rock, eighties nuance, indie, and alternative pop together to create a sound that is solely their own; they’re uncategorical. 

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ALBUM REVIEW: Amber Run – How To Be Human


 

UK indie trio Amber Run has a song likely everyone has heard, whether realized or not. Their saturnine piano hit ‘I Found’ from their 2015 debut album 5AM has been used in several television shows, played immeasurable times over the radio, and of course, became a viral TikTok sound. With nearly a gargantuan 325M streams on Spotify alone, the timeless hit has covered unfathomable ground. Now with their fourth full-length album How To Be Human (TRIPEL Records) Amber Run kicks off a promising album with a short yet equally captivating piano-vocal intro with ‘Flowers (Interlude I)’.

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ALBUM REVIEW: Paramore – This Is Why


 

After almost six years since releasing music and an indefinite hiatus, beloved trio Paramore have returned with their sixth studio album, This Is Why (Atlantic Records). Much like their last two albums, this is another one that is best experienced with no expectations…meaning it is no Riot! Part 2 or even After Laughter – the sequel, and hoping so will set you up for disappointment. 

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ALBUM REVIEW: Lincoln – Everything Is Wrong


 

Arising from Cincinnati, Ohio, indie singer and zany songwriter Lincoln puts out his debut album Everything Is Wrong (I Surrender Records), the follow-up to his 2017 EP A Constant State Of Ohio. Twelve tracks dive deep into his mind and thought processes, each one finds inventive ways to stimulate the listener’s senses with their vivid ambiance.Continue reading


EP REVIEW ROUND-UP: ft. Black Veil Brides – Oversize – Sugar Horse – Bayside


 

Black Veil Brides – The Mourning (Sumerian)

There’s an underlying belief that interim releases are merely disappointing cash-ins comprised mostly of filler and cast-off material. A strong title track usually followed by cover versions, demo versions, live cuts or songs simply not worthy to make it onto a full length record. A theory to which Hollywood based five piece Black Veil Brides clearly do not subscribe.

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INTERVIEW: Devin Townsend – “Lightwork” Album Breakdown


 

We chatted once again with the great Devin Townsend  – all about his new album “Lightwork” now releasing on November 4th, 2022 via InsideOut Music! Devy discussed the last few years and releases in his life, his creative process, and then a track-by-track breakdown of the new album with songwriting and lyrical inspirations, and a hint at the next Devy album.

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EP REVIEW: Have Mercy – Have Mercy


After the worldwide lockdown began in March 2020, Baltimore indie emo quartet Have Mercy decided to throw in the towel for the band four albums deep into their career. Seeing the world through a fresh lens, frontman Brian Swindle’s life then took a whole new turn. After getting sober and engaged, he started writing songs that would reintroduce the band and their growth through some of the craziest years in recent history. The new self-titled EP via ZODHIAC Records showcases Swindle’s progression with a more upbeat sound.Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Beachheads – Beachheads II


It is always refreshing when metalheads are not afraid to show their appreciation for genres other than Metal – especially if it means expanding their songwriting chops into entirely new territories. Formed by Kvelertak guitarist and bassist Vidar Landa and Marvin Nygaard, Norwegian Power Pop and Indie band Beachheads are more than meets the ear with their sophomore album, Beachheads II (Fysisk Format). 

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NEW MUSIC FRIDAY: February 25th New Music Releases


 

Purchase and Stream all the New Music released today

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ALBUM REVIEW: Bastille – Give Me The Future


Success came quickly and early for UK indie pop quartet Bastille, topping the album charts in their home territory with their 2013 debut. Top 5 accomplishments followed for each subsequent album; a run the band is looking to continue with their fourth album, Give Me The Future (EMI), a release that arrives with a fair dose of expectation. Predecessor, Doom Days, critically, didn’t hit the heights of the band’s first two full-length outings, but the lead-off singles from …Future gave assurance that all was back on track. 

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