Is It October Yet?

Dear Coward is a four piece grunge rock band with a post-hardcore flare. Having been in the shadows, perfecting their craft and stage show, their first single "October" shows exactly what the band is capable of. This track is full of heated emotions, broken strings and stadium chants. Perfectly recorded, the drums are tight, the bass is locked with the kick and the guitar has so much crunch that you would swear Captain Crunch is playing on this track! This band reminds me of Stella mixed with Foo Fighters that had a baby with Alexisonfire. Their bombastic sound should go over well with the heavier crowd as well as the more straight rock crowd. This song is truly meant to be played in stadiums though!

When Dear Coward hits the scene with their full force, it will be a quick rise to the top if every track has the energy of this! Don't miss any of their shows. Check out more of the band on their Facebook page HERE.

Straight To Your HEAD

HEAD is a Vancouver rock band who just released their debut album "Afraid To Sleep". Their stage show is fantastic and the characters they have created for their on stage personas are epic. Reminding me of a mix of Nighwish, Kamelot, Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson. Their album shows their dreams for each track realized into an epic sonic package for listeners.

Each of the tracks shares great production value. Every instrument is beautifully recorded and the transition between different ideas flows like wine. I would have loved to see the writing process while they worked their ideas into this orgasm of sound. Something very sensual stems through each song. A certain sexuality in each song just like someone whispering in your ears. It reminds me of a lot of older tracks from the 80's. Almost a Madonna feel on some tracks. On a dime the lead singer can switch that sensual feeling into a dark mysterious vibe, and even at times take it even further into an almost stalkerish tone. The vocals on every track are so full of emotion and depth. The effects are well placed and really fill out the track. This is one band that I hope they have vocal effects for their live stage show. Since a lot of call and response or harmonies really play a key part in the track then I hope the rest of the band fills out the sound in a live setting.

Diving into the guitar on the album. Fantastically placed parts. Not overall busy, but not simple at all. Each riff just beautiful compliments the energy of the track at that time. Really filling out the tracks. At times I wish it was a bit louder in the mix, a little more even with the synths just to give it a bit more edge, but thats just the metal head in me speaking. A lot of the tracks remind me of a very Alice In Chains feel. Some great guitar tones are on the album. In "Darkness" there is this almost sitar feeling guitar. The crunch on some songs is nice and thick but yet you can still hear great distinction on the chords.

The bass and drums are perfect for this genre. Just adding a thick level of groove or drive. Either pushing the song forward with some tension and pushing the beat. Or, sitting back and letting the songs have a nice swing feel to them. At times i wish the drums got a little crazier, allowed to be a little more in the forefront. If this album was being mixed for TOP 40 then I would have liked to hear a thicker kick drum so really get that drive that some of the songs seem to lack. Sometimes the synth's lower end just seems to take over where the thickness of the kick drum would be. I really enjoyed the track "Save Me" but wished it was either a bit faster or a bit punchier.

The synth/keyboards are a real leading force in these songs. They really add so much depth to each song. If the rest of the band was a cake, then the synth would be the icing. Not necessary, but it makes the whole thing taste so much better! It makes HEAD stand out from so many other bands on the scene. It adds a sound that can either push the envelop or bring back some flavours from the past.

The album as a whole is a fantastic piece of work. Full of dynamics, hooks and well written songs. I could easily see me playing the entire album on a road trip with the windows down. A lot of these songs have some radio potential but I'd have a hard time picking one song to be their leading single. Each track has a unique take on the band, when you listen to the album as a whole, each track stands with each other quite nicely. I would really recommend going over and touring in Europe or Asia. This bands sound would just thrive over there. It would be harder to break into the North American market with this sound as its almost a very niche sound now a days. A lot of people are tending to listening to harder stuff or lighter material and theres not much middle ground on the radio now a days. I can't wait to watch to see where the bands takes their music next. It was a pleasure listening to the album in its entirety and I recommend anyone listening to their music do the same.

Check out their website and social media links below:
www.headmusic.ca

www.facebook.com/The.band.HEAD

https://twitter.com/headmusic_band

http://headmusic.ca/afraid-to-sleep-the-story

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtDD8FrPLv0

Usain Bolt dances in music video for 'Be The Fastest'

‘BE THE FASTEST’ 
 WATCH THE VIDEO FEATURING USAIN BOLT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mpkURoTZSE
OUT NOW
 

London production duo Arch Birds have revealed the video for their debut single ‘Be The Fastest’, featuring Usain Bolt – the fastest man on the planet.

‘Be The Fastest’ is an immediate adrenaline-fuelled pull on the senses, with a pulse-raising mix of steel drums and big rolling bass lines alongside the empowering vocals of Vanessa Haynes; all channelling the energy of the world-record-breaking athlete the song was inspired by.

The track pushes forward with the grit, determination and power befitting such an addictive slice of attention-stealing dancefloor magic. Filmed in Jamaica, the video sees Bolt leading a cast of dancers in a glorious carnival celebration, as the pounding beats and grinding synths provide an explosion of intense feel-good energy.

The musical masterminds behind ‘Be The Fastest’, Arch Birds, are a dexterous multi-instrumental production duo. The track is their debut single and is a riotous dancehall anthem that’s due to set light to dancefloors and closing parties across the world.
 

STREAM THE TRACK HERE
https://soundcloud.com/arch-birds/be-the-fastest

Brand new British pop act Club Drive release debut single 'Dangerous'

‘DANGEROUS’
Debut single
Released September 9^th on NUA Entertainment
Taken from their debut EP out the same day

APPEARING AT FUSION FESTIVAL
SEPTEMBER 4^th
 

London 4-piece Club Drive have unveiled their debut single ‘Dangerous’, the title track from their forthcoming EP, due out September 9^th on NUA Entertainment.

Listen to the track HERE
 

Fusing pop hook sensibilities with an inspired funk edge, ‘Dangerous’ drips with charisma. It’s a thunderous slice of pop, with the band showcasing infectious melodies wrapped up in big guitar riffs, topped off by singer Aaron Trowbridge’s falsetto vocals. Channeling the crossover potential of Maroon 5 and The Script, they also have the rock punch of You Me At Six and 5 Seconds Of Summer

On September 4^th, Club Drive will bring their already impressive live show to this year’s Fusion Festival at Liverpool’s Otterpool Promenade on September 4^th. The performance will see them play the main stage alongside the likes of Olly Murs, Busted, The Vamps and Ella Henderson.

Already making a name for themselves, they’ve captured the interest of Radio 1's BBC Introducing team and have featured across the introducing network as 'Track Of The Week' as well as performing live sessions.

They also turned heads with their remarkable debut headline show at London’s Islington O2 Academy in May having been a complete sell-out courtesy of an already fervent fanbase.

With an incredible catalogue of songs soon to be revealed and the ear for a perfect smash hit, Club Drive are one of the most exciting new British pop bands in years.

VAN HALST Kick Off Western Canadian Tour Dates

Canadian goth rock / metal band VAN HALST will be hitting the road for a Western Canadian tour presented by PureGrainAudio.com. The tour will kick off at OurFest in Nevis, AB on August 20th and include a performance at this year's Metalocalypstick Festival in Valemount, BC on August 27th to wrap up with a hometown show in Edmonton, AB on September 4th. 

About:
A fierce, empowering force of hard rock fused with metal with strong socially conscious lyrics and advocacy for female rights, VAN HALST recently released their debut album 'World of Make Believe' on March 4th, 2016, which is now available on iTunes and Bandcamp.

VAN HALST, a project that first began as a solo endeavour for whom the band is named after -- Kami Van Halst, has since become a full group producing socially conscious, lyrical tracks that focus on disenfranchised and marginalized populations. The band’s influences stay true to goth rock with Kami Van Halst demonstrating an agile vocal delivery in combination with pummeling growls. Lyrically, the band draws from black metal due to its focus on people suffering from isolation and rising to overcome the preconceptions of a judgmental society. In This Moment’s industrial fusion remains a primary influence for Van Halst, employing a sampler, synthesizer, and distorted vocals.

 

Kami Van Halst dominates as the vocalist performing both growls and soaring vocals (Surviving Suzanne), Scott Greene (Derina Harvey Band/Dirty Pool) and Strathon J. Bajowsky (Havok Way) craft the guitar work while Brendan McMillan (bass) (My Darkest Days) and Brett Seaton (drums) (Cultured by Fire) drive the rhythm section of the band. Kami’s range and virtuosic vocal ability always captivates an audience and her attitude on stage truly delivers the meaning behind the songs. The main writing forces for the band are Kami and Scott working together to give listeners a vivid image of social injustices. The band’s live performance is a theatric experience as the utilize full-costumes, make-up and stage props.

CHARIOTS OF THE GODS Premiere Video 'Ages Unsung' via New Noise Mag

Ottawa, ON's CHARIOTS OF THE GODS have posted a new teaser video for their upcoming album 'Ages Unsung' due out on September 16th, which can be viewed at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgqh7tpLaec 

After a small hiatus and line up change, the quintet return in 2016 full force ready to follow up their 2013 debut album 'Tides of War' that was produced by music legend Glen Robinson (Queensryche, Gwar, Annihilator). Creating a kickstarter / pre-order campaign (thank you video), COTG surpassed their goal of $3,000 and recorded 'Ages Unsung' at The Grid with legendary Montreal producer Chris Donaldson (Cryptopsy, The Agonist, Beyond Creation, Neuraxis).

COTG is currently streaming the two first singles off 'Ages Unsung' at the following links:

'Ages Unsung' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjYLT_GWXzM

'Into Oblivion' ft. Pascal Jobin of The Agonist - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bv1s5Nhpu8c 
Album Pre-order available at https://chariotsofthegods.bandcamp.com/album/ages-unsung 

OUT NOW! NO LIST RECORDS SPLIT: The Great Sabatini / Godstopper

Out now! NO LIST RECORDS unleash the new split from Montreal sludge metallers THE GREAT SABATINI and Toronto noise rockers GODSTOPPER.The split is available digitally plus on cassette at the following link:  http://store.nolistrecords.com./album/split-5.

"...hails from further out in left-field with more peaks and valleys than the heads-down-tits-up sludgy rock they fire at you from the stage...these dudes have a 90s alt-rock edge grinding against their love affair with riffs that crash bolts of lightning into stacks of Orange amps in delivering a rumbling calling card of hellacious noise." - Decibel

"In 2012, the unpredictability and wickedness of Matterhorn and the gritty violence of the companion release The Royal We established the group as one to watch closely; Dog Years confirms that attention was well worth it." - Exclaim

"The Great Sabatini are not just playing by-the-numbers sludge, but rather mixing things up, and transposing their punk attitude into new forms of musical expression beyond what you might be expecting." - The Sleeping Shaman

A Good Night For The Rebellion

Yes, I made a Star Wars reference. But it might as well have been a party for the Rebel Alliance. The level of camaraderie of this show was fantastic. It really felt like a music scene, all the fans there enjoying some awesome bands. Thanks to Rednyne Productions for putting on the show and thanks to Studio Records for hosting it.

 

The night opened up with Robots And Gods. For having the most extensive gear set up it was surprising to hear them open up the night. This band had everything down tight. Their sound was fantastic, everything was balanced for having guitar, bass, drums, vocals AND synths. A lot of times with bands like this, I always hear the guitar to loud and it buries a lot of the synth work and the vocals. I hear a lot of comparisons to Match Box 20, Faith No More, and even Collective Soul. I thought it was fantastic having everyone in black and their lead singer in red. Really had a image going for the band. They had CD's to hand out which was brilliant, I love when bands give you something to remember the night by.

Up next was Luki Fero. This bluesy grunge rock band had all ears perked when they started playing. The conviction each member put into each song was fantastic. They really showed what a three piece can do in the ways of being super dynamic and just nice and raw at times. Their track "The Devils In The Details" had some excellent slide guitar work. Their sound at times reminded me of Seven Nation Army. At times the guitar work was a little busy and obscured the vocals a bit. I think having some shouts as back up vocals by both the drummer and guitarist wouldn't be a bad thing, it would really help add even more dynamics. They have a strong Youtube presence so go check out some of their tracks online HERE.

Taking the energy up a notch was The Dramatic Finish. Reminding me of bands like The Comeback Kid and Atreyu, even Good Charlotte and Blink 182. I was excited to see the level of enthusiasm they brought to the show. Their tracks seemed like great head bangers and I even put my camera down for a bit and just rocked out. Being a fairly new band, there were a few things I noticed that Im sure they will iron out with more shows and more time being together. First, the lead guitarist was playing with a digital head, where as the singer/sometimes rhythm guitarist had a full tube head. For those who aren't guitarists I'll just say that a digital head is great, but when stacked up next to a tube head it just gets buried. When the singer had his guitar out you just couldn't hear any thing from the lead guitarist. I saw him doing some awesome tapping work and some sweet solos, but a lot of times it was just buried by the bass and rhythm guitar. So maybe for future shows just switch heads? The rhythm guitar should be there as texture where as the lead should be right-punch-you-in-the-face in a band like this. The gang vocals were fantastic. It sounded like everyone knew their parts and could really get into enjoying playing the show which was a blast to see. I can't wait to see this band grow and they have a killer lyric/music video out on Youtube right now, check it out HERE.

Wrapping up the night was Bone State Rebellion. I know we've been plugging them a lot, we interviewed them and even got a sneak peek at their new singles before they were released, but we wanted to see them live and really give our honest opinion on the band in a live setting. They lived up to all the hype. Their performance was so crafted it seemed like they've been playing together for years. These guys are tour ready. They opened up with their single "Road Less Travelled" and just blew the doors off the venue. The whole band seemed like one machine and the interactions between band members on stage was great. Everyone was having fun and just rocking out a great set. The singer put his heart out and got out on the speakers and rocked out to the crowd at points in time. Everything that you expected at an epic rock show happened, heads were banged, fists were raised, even panties were thrown on stage! They ended their set with their track "Wicked" which I swear should be on the Fox playing on constant rotation! So the end message here is, join the rebellion and continue to support local music!

Wildwood Kin reveal video for new single 'Warrior Daughter'

PLAYING CAMBRIDGE FOLK FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND 
ON TOUR WITH THE OH HELLOS

Exeter indie-Americana trio Wildwood Kin have revealed the official video for their powerful new single ‘Warrior Daughter’, due for release on September 2^nd.

The video sees Wildwood Kin exploring an alluringly haunting, abandoned building set deep within the forest. The rich history that seeps from the grand building, and the perils that lay within its walls, reflect the song’s stirring themes.

‘Warrior Daughter’ is a call-to-action for female empowerment and tells the story of a passionate mother sending her daughter into battle as a headstrong leader and foreboding force.
 

WATCH ‘WARRIOR DAUGHTER’ HERE

The mystical harmonies of Wildwood Kin – sisters Beth and Emillie Key and Cousin Meghann Loney – seduce the soul whilst stirring the heart, alongside the driving rhythms of strings and percussion. The track is taken from their forthcoming EP, which is produced by Jamie Evans (Mexicolas) and mixed by Brad Spence (Radiohead, Passenger, Coldplay, Alt J).

‘Warrior Daughter’ is the first taste of new music from the trio since 2015’s Salt Of The Earth EP, which achieved substantial success at BBC Introducing and Radio 2 and the track ‘Hold On’ is now approaching one and a half million plays on Spotify after being added to the Spotify Acoustic Afternoon Playlist.

Wildwood Kin were shortlisted for the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards last year and recently played the BBC Introducing showcase at The Phoenix, Exeter as part of Radio 1’s Big Weekend as well as headlining the BBC Introducing stage at Somersault festival last summer.

Wildwood Kin tour extensively and recently completed a headline tour in the picturesque settings of the Alps at the start of the year. Not resting on their laurels, the band have been playing across the UK recently, including a number of performances at Glastonbury, with Larmer Tree Festival, Cambridge Folk Festival and many more upcoming as they prepare for the release of their new EP later this year.

The trio have also captured the hearts of iconic modern folk star Seth Lakeman and production extraordinaire Ethan Johns (Kings Of Leon, Joe Cocker, Laura Marling), who have enlisted Wildwood Kin’s heart-warming harmonies throughout Lakeman’s forthcoming new album. The trio will be playing with Seth Lakeman on his headline tour at the end of the year.

Wildwood Kin will also be heading out as the supporting act for critically acclaimed Texan duo The Oh Hellos on their UK tour next month, which features a London show at Bush Hall on August 17^th.

WILDWOOD KIN LIVE DATES
28/07 – Cambridge Folk Festival, Cambridge
03/08 – Sidmouth Folk Festival, Sidmouth
10/08 – Creation Fest, Wadebridge

12/08 – Electric Circus, Edinburgh (supporting The Oh Hellos)
13/08 – Centre For Contemporary Arts, Glasgow (supporting The Oh Hellos)
14/08 – The Cluny, Newcastle (supporting The Oh Hellos)
15/08 – Brudenell Social Rooms, Leeds (supporting The Oh Hellos)
16/08 – The Deaf Institute, Manchester (supporting The Oh Hellos)
17/08 – Bush Hall, London (supporting The Oh Hellos)

19/08 – Beautiful Days Festival, Ottery St. Mary
26/08 – The Plough Arts Centre, Torrington
09/09 -  Redruth Regents Theatre (supporting Seth Lakeman)
23/09 -  The Factory, Barnstaple (supporting Seth Lakeman)
28/09 – Looe Festival, Looe
08/11 – RNCM, Manchester (supporting Seth Lakeman)
09/11 -  Cheltenham Town Hall (supporting Seth Lakeman)
10/11 – Bridport Electric Parade, Bridport (supporting Seth Lakeman)
11/11 – New Theatre, Portsmouth (supporting Seth Lakeman)
12/11 -  Octagon Theatre (supporting Seth Lakeman)
13/11 -  Corn Exchange, King’s Lynn (supporting Seth Lakeman)
30/11 – Corn Exchange, Cambridge (supporting Seth Lakeman))
01/12 – St George’s Church, Brighton (supporting Seth Lakeman)
02/12 – Town Hall, Birmingham (supporting Seth Lakeman)
03/12 – Derngate, Northampton (supporting Seth Lakeman)
04/12 – Oxford Town Hall, Oxford (supporting Seth Lakeman)
06/12 – Philharmonic, Liverpool (supporting Seth Lakeman)
07/12 – Sage, Gateshead (supporting Seth Lakeman)
08/12 -  Winding Wheel, Chesterfield (supporting Seth Lakeman)
09/12 – Colston Hall, Bristol (supporting Seth Lakeman)
10/12 – St Mary’s Church, Ashford, Kent (supporting Seth Lakeman)
11/12 – Open, Norwich (supporting Seth Lakeman)
13/12 – Union Chapel, London (supporting Seth Lakeman)
14/12 – G Live, Guildford (supporting Seth Lakeman)
15/12 – Theatre, Malvern (supporting Seth Lakeman)
16/12 -  Lighthouse, Poole (supporting Seth Lakeman)
17/12 – Cathedral, Exeter (supporting Seth Lakeman)
18/12 – Arts Centre, Warwick (supporting Seth Lakeman)

Five Alarm Funk Release Live Video "May The Funk Be With You"

JUNO nominated group Five Alarm Funk have released a new live video for their high energy anthem “May The Funk Be With You” today via VENTS Magazine. Watch it now here. The new video, a clip from the recently released DVD album Live in the Moment, offers a glimpse into Five Alarm Funk’s psychedelic sound and legendary, wild performances already familiar to the band’s fans.
 
Live in the Moment, filmed last summer at The Vogue Theatre in their hometown of Vancouver, is currently available for purchase on PledgeMusic and will continue to be for sale at the band’s merch booth throughout the last leg of their summer tour. View the teaser here.


Five Alarm Funk have been touring North America since early June, with stops in Calgary, Winnipeg, Montreal, Toronto, and more. Next month, lucky fans out west can catch Five Alarm Funk at Shambhala Music Festival in Salmo, BC, and Robson Valley Music Festival in Dunster, BC.

ABOUT FIVE ALARM FUNK 

The nine-piece Vancouver-based band are over a decade into a career that has seen them release five acclaimed albums and burn up stages across the country on five national tours. Their catalogue includes Anything Is Possible (winner of Instrumental Recording of the Year at the 2011 Western Canadian Music Awards) and Rock the Sky (which was nominated for Instrumental Recording of the Year at the 2013 WCMAs and Instrumental Album of the Year at that year’s JUNO Awards). Their fifth studio LP, released in 2014 is the hard-rocking Abandon Earth, a concept record about the destruction of Earth by a giant tyrannical robot. Last fall,Abandon Earth won the WCMA for Instrumental Recording of the Year. The band will head into the studio this fall to record their 6th studio album. 



TOUR DATES
July 29 @ Nectar Lounge, SEATTLE, WA
July 30 @ Element Festival, THOMPSON-NICOLA, BC
Aug 06 @ The Northern, FERNIE, BC
Aug 07 @ Shambhala Music Festival, SALMO, BC
Aug 13 @ Robson Valley Music Festival, DUNSTER, BC

Snur

What is Snur you may ask. Well, Snur is a Grunge band from Lake Country, British Columbia. This duo reminds me of what the raw grunge sound coming from Seattle must have sounded like in the beginning. I admit, Snur is quite progressive but this is what the sound from the jam rooms of Mother Love Bone, Temple Of The Dog and Soundgarden back when they first started.

The musicianship on their self titled demo album is fantastic. These two really have a solid groove and sound locked in. At times reminding me of Led Zepplin in the tightness between the drums and the guitar. The drums are never overly busy, just filling out the sound and adding depth and groove. The guitar does a fantastic job at adding all the grit and melody. Where as the vocals sit between the two, almost adding more attitude than melodic hooks. The intensity of the vocals do a great job at making things very dynamic and never stagnant. This band can go full bore and then soft at a drop of a hat, which really helps keeps the interest of the audience.

I can't wait to see how the band develops and hopefully adds a few more members, I think a solid bass player would just make the sound so much thicker and add a whole new flare. Specially if the bass player wasn't just playing root notes all the time. In the demo I can hear some bass through the demo but I think finding a more progressive bass player might really add something to the band. I also would love to see the drummer do some back up vocals. Just adding more depth to the sound. With a smaller band, each member part is so much more important. Even just doubling some of vocals during the chorus would make such a huge difference.

I will be keeping my eye on his band and I suggest you do the same! Be sure to catch them at one of their upcoming shows. Check out their Facebook page HERE.

Get Your Bones Ready For The Rebellion

Earlier this week, we interviewed Bone State Rebellion about their new EP. We managed to get an early release of their EP and have had it on repeat ever since!

The first track "War In Me" starts off with this gritty bass line that just demands your attention. Your mind enters a post apocalyptic world as the vocals fill your ears. Their words creep into your brain as your mind wanders through the wasteland. When the chorus hits, the sound is just mesmerizing. This track reminds me of a mix of Fu Manchu and Mastodon. A deadly combination of heavy riffs, dynamic vocals and thick drums. Matt Di Pomponio did a fantastic job at making this mix heavy but also radio ready. Not too heavy for the Fox, but still fantastically dirty. The band sounds like they have been playing these songs for decades. Everything just flows and the song is never static for too long, but not too progressive. This song will be perfect for finishing up a great night's set.

"The Road Less Travelled" is just a smash, all around. Huge thick riff that instantly gets you headbanging. The calm and collected vocals just float over the chaos below. Reminiscent of Soundgarden's "Jesus Christ Pose", the vocals have a very Chris Cornell sound. The drums are just a monster of sound devouring your ears as they relentlessly beat your ear drums. Both the guitar and bass are locked into this huge heavy riff that reminds you of why you love rock music in the first place. After brief bridge, a space age solo comes on through, bringing it back to the desert rock feel of the previous track. I would love to see this song has as much energy live as it does on the record. This is rock and roll.

Overall the two song EP sounds great, Matt did a great job in the studio, the band really put their best foot forward with this EP. I hope they do a killer video for BOTH tracks and start shopping around to labels and get out there on the road! Bone State Rebellion has what it takes to be the next big Vancouver band based on their sound alone. So go check out their EP release show and see them live! Support the band by buying the EP, trust me, its worth it.

Check out Bone State Rebellion's Facebook page HERE.
Check out the event page for the EP release HERE.