I stumbled across this band last night in a once-in-a-lifetime kind of way, and was honestly surprised that my wayward searching overturned something this eclectic and enjoyable.
Artist: Creature Feature
Choosing to talk about this group now couldn't have come at a more perfect time (except maybe on October 31st), because the best way I can describe their sound is a combination of all of the creepiness and theatrics of Tim Burton/Danny Elfman with the synthesizing of Pendulum, the band I just highlighted a video from. The result is something sounding new wave horror rock-esque, combined with horror movie-like lyrics, to create the perfect creepy (and catchy) sound.
Some of their standout tracks include;
• The House Of Myth
• A Gorey Demise (a sort of parody of Edward Gorey's "The Gashlycrumb Tinies" alphabet)
• The Greatest Show Unearthed
• Such Horrible Things
• Mommy's Little Monsters
• Grave Robber At Large
• It Was A Dark And Stormy Night...
Warning: The lyrics are rather dark and somewhat disturbing, but really to that point where it's in a typical, corny/silly Halloween-type style. However, you have honestly been warned. There's some... interesting morbid imagery described in every song that truly might not be for everyone. And if stuff like that doesn't sit well with you, regardless of how over-the-top cheezy it may come off, I strongly recommend passing this one over, or at least proceeding with caution.
One last note: If you find yourself liking this group, make sure to spread the word, because from what I've read, it seems like these guys could use all the extra support (monetary and otherwise) they can get!
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Propane Nightmares
Stretching the definition of "alternative," today's suggestion comes from the genre of "drum and bass," with a little bit of a rock vibe to it.
Song: Propane Nightmares
Artist: Pendulum
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPbeEtjo70g
The video is thematically based around a religious cult that apparently closely resembles Heaven's Gate (an American UFO religion). While the band performs at the front of the shack where the cult is meeting, two individuals are more spotlighted than others, and they wind up escaping from the shack during the cult suicide. This begs the question, "Why would you book a band for a mass suicide?"
But although the video is odd to say the least, the song itself is ridiculously catchy. I've never really listened to much electronic rock, but to start I feel this was a great sampling. Complete with a grooving instrument backing, the vocals complement the track as even they've been autotuned to the point of sounding synthesized. However, this is far cry from standard dubstep or techno. There's also a very poignant melody to go with the beat-heavy rhythm.
Song: Propane Nightmares
Artist: Pendulum
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPbeEtjo70g
The video is thematically based around a religious cult that apparently closely resembles Heaven's Gate (an American UFO religion). While the band performs at the front of the shack where the cult is meeting, two individuals are more spotlighted than others, and they wind up escaping from the shack during the cult suicide. This begs the question, "Why would you book a band for a mass suicide?"
But although the video is odd to say the least, the song itself is ridiculously catchy. I've never really listened to much electronic rock, but to start I feel this was a great sampling. Complete with a grooving instrument backing, the vocals complement the track as even they've been autotuned to the point of sounding synthesized. However, this is far cry from standard dubstep or techno. There's also a very poignant melody to go with the beat-heavy rhythm.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
We Don't Need to Whisper
In the mood for a quick detour out of the land of hard rock, I took to Google and after a few searches I found myself at this alternative gem.
Album: We Don't Need to Whisper
Artist: Angels and Airwaves
When I first started into this record, I had no idea I was stumbling upon such a great number of connections to other bands I know and love. Namely, the vocalist is Tom DeLonge of Blink-182, the drummer is Ilan Rubin formerly of Nine Inch Nails and Lostprophets, and the bassist is Matt Wachter formerly of 30 Seconds to Mars (although he was not in the band at the time this album was recorded - he joined about a year later). Not to mention, their guitarist David Kennedy is from a number of different bands himself, they're just ones that I hadn't heard of before. But needless to say, I'm more than a little disappointed in myself that it took me as long as it did to give Angels and Airwaves a listen.
To paint you a quick picture of their sound on this album, imagine if you will combining the electronic sound of Nine Inch Nails, the punk drumming of Blink-182 and the overall upbeat rock vibe of Lostprophets with the ambient synthesizing of 30 Seconds to Mars. Although those stylistic influences aren't consistent by any means, the idea is that there are a lot of interesting elements that have been combined here to varying degrees for a unique alternative sound that has callbacks to some of the bands that the individual members hail from.
Some standout tracks include;
• The War
• The Adventure
• It Hurts
• Start the Machine
• Distraction
Although the presence of Delonge's distinct voice gives off a strong Blink-182 vibe throughout, this album is truly a standalone masterpiece. All the small things were done in great detail and the work put into every aspect shows through absolutely brilliantly. The songs are catchy, but not overbearingly so, which lends itself to a record you might want to come back to time and time again.
Album: We Don't Need to Whisper
Artist: Angels and Airwaves
When I first started into this record, I had no idea I was stumbling upon such a great number of connections to other bands I know and love. Namely, the vocalist is Tom DeLonge of Blink-182, the drummer is Ilan Rubin formerly of Nine Inch Nails and Lostprophets, and the bassist is Matt Wachter formerly of 30 Seconds to Mars (although he was not in the band at the time this album was recorded - he joined about a year later). Not to mention, their guitarist David Kennedy is from a number of different bands himself, they're just ones that I hadn't heard of before. But needless to say, I'm more than a little disappointed in myself that it took me as long as it did to give Angels and Airwaves a listen.
To paint you a quick picture of their sound on this album, imagine if you will combining the electronic sound of Nine Inch Nails, the punk drumming of Blink-182 and the overall upbeat rock vibe of Lostprophets with the ambient synthesizing of 30 Seconds to Mars. Although those stylistic influences aren't consistent by any means, the idea is that there are a lot of interesting elements that have been combined here to varying degrees for a unique alternative sound that has callbacks to some of the bands that the individual members hail from.
Some standout tracks include;
• The War
• The Adventure
• It Hurts
• Start the Machine
• Distraction
Although the presence of Delonge's distinct voice gives off a strong Blink-182 vibe throughout, this album is truly a standalone masterpiece. All the small things were done in great detail and the work put into every aspect shows through absolutely brilliantly. The songs are catchy, but not overbearingly so, which lends itself to a record you might want to come back to time and time again.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Mad Caddies
As if the brilliance that is Pandora® hadn't been highlighted on here enough already, today's suggestion comes straight from the heart of some exploring my friend and I did on there recently.
Artist: Mad Caddies
These guys are about as ska-punk as you can get, combining the best elements of each genre with flair. Their unique sound also has callbacks to such genres as swing, reggae, jazz, Spanish, polka, cowpunk and sea shanties. Needless to say, they're a very eclectic group, and it truly shows in their music.
Some of their standout tracks include;
• Coyote
• Just One More
• Last Breath
• Lay Your Head Down
• Reflections
• Save Us
• Souls for Sale
• Tired Bones
Even if you're not as inclined to give ska in general a fair chance, you might not want to ignore this one. Between all of the interesting genre directions they've taken, their ska-roots have consistently been laced with punk. And hand-in-hand with punk naturally comes a little bit of a rock taste.
If none of that convinces you, how could you possibly justify ignoring a band whose live album is entitled "Live from Toronto: Songs in the Key of Eh!"? That's what I thought.
Artist: Mad Caddies
These guys are about as ska-punk as you can get, combining the best elements of each genre with flair. Their unique sound also has callbacks to such genres as swing, reggae, jazz, Spanish, polka, cowpunk and sea shanties. Needless to say, they're a very eclectic group, and it truly shows in their music.
Some of their standout tracks include;
• Coyote
• Just One More
• Last Breath
• Lay Your Head Down
• Reflections
• Save Us
• Souls for Sale
• Tired Bones
Even if you're not as inclined to give ska in general a fair chance, you might not want to ignore this one. Between all of the interesting genre directions they've taken, their ska-roots have consistently been laced with punk. And hand-in-hand with punk naturally comes a little bit of a rock taste.
If none of that convinces you, how could you possibly justify ignoring a band whose live album is entitled "Live from Toronto: Songs in the Key of Eh!"? That's what I thought.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
I Come Alive
There's something to be said for top ten lists, especially those of the "Top Songs of 2012 (So Far)" variety.
Song: I Come Alive
Artist: The Used
Okay, the list I read was on Loudwire.com, so it was more or less the top rock/metal songs of 2012 (so far). This track came in number 5, and after listening to it, I've come to the conclusion that those four songs that supposedly bested it must be ridiculously amazing in order to beat this gem.
To picture what this song sounds like, imagine if you will, taking the creepiness of "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and combining it with a post-hardcore sound, in addition to a little bit of a catchy pop vibe. Oh, and you can't forget the lovely "wubwubwub" of dubstep. I kid you not, there is literally a dubstep beat within this song, used very tastefully as a matter of fact. All of those elements combine to create a very striking piece.
In this song, Bert McCracken's vocal range has found that perfect balance between melodic, desperate and heavy. The outstanding rhythm section follows the trends of the song, through all the various themes of the verses, choruses and the haunting bridge section.
The Used is a very unique band, so it seems only fitting that they were able to compose a track with a number of interesting instrumentation choices that could theoretically please the ears of a diehard rock fan while at the same time also pleasing those of someone with more poppy inclinations.
This is only the first single from their upcoming record Vulnerable which drops on March 27. If this track is any indication of what is to come later, I will be counting down the days to their release with eager anticipation.
Song: I Come Alive
Artist: The Used
Okay, the list I read was on Loudwire.com, so it was more or less the top rock/metal songs of 2012 (so far). This track came in number 5, and after listening to it, I've come to the conclusion that those four songs that supposedly bested it must be ridiculously amazing in order to beat this gem.
To picture what this song sounds like, imagine if you will, taking the creepiness of "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and combining it with a post-hardcore sound, in addition to a little bit of a catchy pop vibe. Oh, and you can't forget the lovely "wubwubwub" of dubstep. I kid you not, there is literally a dubstep beat within this song, used very tastefully as a matter of fact. All of those elements combine to create a very striking piece.
In this song, Bert McCracken's vocal range has found that perfect balance between melodic, desperate and heavy. The outstanding rhythm section follows the trends of the song, through all the various themes of the verses, choruses and the haunting bridge section.
The Used is a very unique band, so it seems only fitting that they were able to compose a track with a number of interesting instrumentation choices that could theoretically please the ears of a diehard rock fan while at the same time also pleasing those of someone with more poppy inclinations.
This is only the first single from their upcoming record Vulnerable which drops on March 27. If this track is any indication of what is to come later, I will be counting down the days to their release with eager anticipation.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
System...
After having this song in my head on repeat for a few days now, I felt it was highly deserving of its own post on here. My apologies in advance if like me, you can't keep this out of your head for more than 10 minutes at a time.
Song: System...
Artist: Enter Shikari
I'd been toying with the idea of mentioning this post-hard/metal/electroni core band on here for a while, and when I was exposed to some of the songs off of their recent release, I knew I would be mentioning at least one. Basically, this song is above all others unlike anything I have ever heard. It's only a couple minutes long, but those are two very poignant minutes to say the least.
Whether or not the orchestral tracking is real or just synthesized, it aides extremely well in the creation of a very deep mood that helps to paint a very striking image in your mind. Complemented very well by the range of different vocal techniques and subtle guitar strokes, this song has a building sort of feel to it, and the intensity ratchets up a notch with each note played/sung. Personally, I can't listen to it without being completely drawn in, partially because of the intricate metaphor it, and the rest of the record as well, seems to be based around.
And, for any and all fans of the British accent, Enter Shikari is a British band, and there is a spoken word part in this track. Just letting you know.
Song: System...
Artist: Enter Shikari
I'd been toying with the idea of mentioning this post-hard/metal/electroni core band on here for a while, and when I was exposed to some of the songs off of their recent release, I knew I would be mentioning at least one. Basically, this song is above all others unlike anything I have ever heard. It's only a couple minutes long, but those are two very poignant minutes to say the least.
Whether or not the orchestral tracking is real or just synthesized, it aides extremely well in the creation of a very deep mood that helps to paint a very striking image in your mind. Complemented very well by the range of different vocal techniques and subtle guitar strokes, this song has a building sort of feel to it, and the intensity ratchets up a notch with each note played/sung. Personally, I can't listen to it without being completely drawn in, partially because of the intricate metaphor it, and the rest of the record as well, seems to be based around.
And, for any and all fans of the British accent, Enter Shikari is a British band, and there is a spoken word part in this track. Just letting you know.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
This Is War
Seeing as I am fond of music videos that play out more like short films, what better band to watch videos from than one whose lead singer also doubles as an actor?
Song: This Is War
Artist: 30 Seconds to Mars
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zcps2fJKuAI&feature=related
It's honestly been a while since I have been seriously moved by a music video, and I literally cannot make it through this one without getting chills. I've seen many music videos where the backdrop of war is utilized, so when I say that this is probably the most moving use of such a theme, I kind of have a base I'm coming from.
The filming techniques they used in this video are astounding, and they really add to the overall ambiance of it. There's nothing in particular I want to call out, but you'll hopefully see what I'm talking about if/when you take this suggestion seriously. Also, the addition of real-life footage, such as mini-clips involving JFK and George W. Bush, provide a cultural reference for the meaning of the video, as well as that of the song itself.
Speaking of the actual song, I haven't heard enough of 30 Seconds to Mars' music to formulate an educated opinion on their sound, but I can say that for at least this song Jared Leto's voice is absolutely perfect. Going along with that, the instrumentation behind him also aids in the climax of the pre-chorus into the chorus, which comes off as powerful to say the least.
Although the second half of the video or so strays away from reality, the message it contains still pertains to real life, past and present. Personally, I can't listen to the song itself now without drawing from it the meaning that was derived from this video as it is so compelling.
Song: This Is War
Artist: 30 Seconds to Mars
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zcps2fJKuAI&feature=related
It's honestly been a while since I have been seriously moved by a music video, and I literally cannot make it through this one without getting chills. I've seen many music videos where the backdrop of war is utilized, so when I say that this is probably the most moving use of such a theme, I kind of have a base I'm coming from.
The filming techniques they used in this video are astounding, and they really add to the overall ambiance of it. There's nothing in particular I want to call out, but you'll hopefully see what I'm talking about if/when you take this suggestion seriously. Also, the addition of real-life footage, such as mini-clips involving JFK and George W. Bush, provide a cultural reference for the meaning of the video, as well as that of the song itself.
Speaking of the actual song, I haven't heard enough of 30 Seconds to Mars' music to formulate an educated opinion on their sound, but I can say that for at least this song Jared Leto's voice is absolutely perfect. Going along with that, the instrumentation behind him also aids in the climax of the pre-chorus into the chorus, which comes off as powerful to say the least.
Although the second half of the video or so strays away from reality, the message it contains still pertains to real life, past and present. Personally, I can't listen to the song itself now without drawing from it the meaning that was derived from this video as it is so compelling.
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