It's no big secret that I like music that's heavy on the distortion, with loud drums, throbbing bass, and vocals that carry the emotion of the words they are singing. Nirvana, Hum, The Flaming Lips, D-Generation, Soundgarden, Mother Love Bone - the list is longer than the early 90s fad that made it popular, yet somewhere around 1997, it was nigh impossible to find the genre as radio stations switched to bands with a more "produced" sound.
Seeing a band like 46 Clicks made me happy in very irrational ways.
46 Clicks is a Sydney Australia-based power trio, and they have just released a new single, "Home." This is rock. This is saying to hell with conformity - even on a musical level - to tap into raw energy and let emotion and rock use you as their instruments - and that what 46 Clicks does so well: Music with reckless abandon. Rock in its purest, unrefined form.
46 Clicks (Wes, Doc, and Nicky) are self-described as "Sydney's first ever street rock band." They have worked hard to get where they are, and "Home" is the latest release from their larger project The Cuttin' Loose Experience, which they have been working on for the past year.
If you want more from 46 Clicks, you can visit their official site, or follow them on YouTube, Twitter and Instagram for the latest news, show dates, and videos.
It's not often that I get a chance to review punk bands, which is why I've been chomping at the bit to write this article about Suburban Vermin.
For some background: I grew up in New Jersey when Glenn Danzig was in The Misfits and The Ramones were playing public access shows on The Uncle Floyd Show (and let's not forget Wendy O. Williams and the Plasmatics). In the 90s, I was in Philly and going to see bands like The Fiendz, 7 Seconds, Weston, Face To Face, Blanks '77, and Submachine. Once the 2000s hit, finding decent punk music was very difficult.
After listening to Seattle-based Suburban Vermin, I can say punk is back. Not 3-chord power pop. I'm talking full sneer, padlock n' chain necklace, lace up your boots, you haven't had fun unless you left the show with a few bruises-style punk.
Do you hear that? We NEED more of this!
With their upcoming album, Headless Over Heels, the frenetic pace is non-stop, from the eponymous track to their cover of 4 Non-Blondes' "What's Up." Suburban Vermin don't try to be anything other than what they present, and you can neither deny nor ignore that punk never left, once you hear the fast tempo, crunching chords, and rasping vocals that evoke archetypical street-level punk in all its steel-toed majesty.
You can check out Suburban Vermin over on their official site, and you can keep up with the latest news, show dates, and album info over on their YouTube channel, Facebook Page, Twitter, and Instagram.
I was lucky enough to interview Suburban Vermin - Amanda Gamino (Vocals/Guitar) and Jason Vermin (Vocals/Bass):
AG - Amanda Gamino - Vocals/Guitar JV - Jason Vermin - Vocals/Bass
What moved you to music instead of, say, financial statistics? AG: Well we aren't the traditional musicians with a big heart and a dream who quit their jobs to live in the car until they make it or can't afford gas anymore. Jason and I both have day jobs, because the bills have to get paid, but don't get me wrong.. this isn't just a hobby, we have hopes and dreams to making it big so we can call this our day job! JV: Free beer. Or discounted beer.
How long have you been doing this? AG: Ive been in the band since 2008, so ive spent 7 years of my life dedicated to this band and I enjoy every minute of it. JV: There was a very short period of time before Amanda joined the band. It wasn’t very good.
I'm not going to ask about your influences (because everyone asks that), but who are you listening to when you're not making music? JV: I have a hard time listening to full songs let alone albums so short, fast stuff like the Ramones is always good. My favorite bands are They Might Be Giants, Nerf Herder and The Clash. I also really enjoy everything Buddy Holly ever did, The Mountain Goats, Pulp, Young Fresh Fellows, Alkaline Trio, The Buzzcocks, Cheap Trick, Doug and The Slugs, Pain, Social Distortion and Prince’s Batman soundtrack. AG: I love listening to heavy, loud, screaming music like Lamb of God, Slayer, Asking Alexandria, but I also listen to some Kpop and the classic stuff like GnR, Led Zepplin, Stevie Ray Vaughn.
Plans for the future? AG: LONG TERM GOAL.. GET A RECORD DEAL THAT WILL PAY US ENOUGH TO QUIT WORKING! haha , BUT for short term, go on tour, play more shows, get our name out in the world as far as we can! JV: Long Term, I definitely agree that I’d like to be able to support myself and any future family purely on music. I’m not sure in the future a record label’s gonna be the way to do that, but I’d like to think we’d be able to adapt. I really just want to play in as many basements and enormo-stadiums that’ll have us.
If you wanted to impress something on your listeners (or the readers of this article) what would it be? AG: That we aren't that douchey band who sounds just like all the others on the radio. We are loud, not really punk, but most definitely not pop, and really enjoy making and playing music for people...ALSO we would love to drink with you! JV: This is tough. I guess, always practice safe sex, don’t drive drunk, respect people no matter their gender or sexuality (or lack of), race and religion (or lack of), including yourself and please buy our record/comic book or we will starve.
*******
In closing, you NEED to pick up Headless Over Heels when it comes out. Fantastic bands don't make this stuff for free, and if you want them to continue making stuff (like I do) you should buy their music. If you can't do that, then at least spread the word to your friends so that they can pitch some money their way. Label scouts? If you're reading this (and I know a few of you do), get Suburban Vermin a contract! I want to hear what they can make if they have the time and funds to focus solely on the music!
Back in the mid/late 90s, I went headlong into the world of classical music - attending performances at Tanglewood, various symphony halls, and universities throughout New York and New England. I fell in love with the classics, and it wasn't too long before I discovered artists reworking those pieces (as well as composing original works) on the electric violin. It has such a grand and engaging sound, and in the right hands, will keep me rapt forever.
Enter Linzi Stoppard: Electric Violinist
Linzi attended the prestigious Suzuki Violin School at a very young age. From there, it wasn't long before she caught the eye of producers who convinced her to front Tattoo of Pain (a spin off of Lords of Acid), after which Linzi Stoppard took her talent to form Babe Instinct (the track "Disco Babes From Outer Space" was a Top 20 Hit in the UK, and "Fade To Grey" was a dance hit that swept Europe).
After much success Linzi Stoppard focused on creating her own sound as an electric violinist, which led her to form one half of the music sensation Fuse. In listening to Fuse's 2010 eponymous album, I was blown away. The way Linzi Stoppard uses the electric violin to transform classic rock anthems into driving and epic pieces is nothing short of amazing.
Do you hear what I mean?
Whether you are taking on an army, flying over the Azores, or folding laundry - Linzi Stoppard's electric violin mastery will make everything seem like a grand adventure and triumphant victory! I want to hear Linzi Stoppard playing an electric violin during everything I do throughout the day. The sweeping sound of her electric violin is simultaneously soothing and inspiring. Linzi's sound is the type that should come with its own cinematographer.
Here, check out Fuse's take on the music of James Bond:
Did you just buy something on sale? Did you snag a great parking space when you were out shopping? Was the train on time for you to get to work, this morning? Did you go out for coffee and end up recovering missing Hapsburg treasures from criminal masterminds? That medley should have been playing the whole time!
After watching a number of performances, Fuse is also visually captivating. Linzi Stoppard (and her music partner, Ben Lee) play on $1 M electric violins covered in Swarovski crystals. As if the music and Linzi Stoppard's playing weren't enough to fully capture your attention, there's a beautiful, gleaming gem encrusted electric violin thrown into the mix.
Still can't get enough?
You can check out Linzi Stoppard, electric violinist extraordinaire at the official Fuse site, and get the latest news on Linzi's own site and Facebook page. You can check out more of her videos on YouTube, and download Fuse's music directly from Amazon.
I like good relationship songs. Let me rephrase that. I like songs about relationships that are good - as in the lyrics don't keep saying "baby, baby, I love you, I love you!" ad nauseum, but rather convey a depth (sometimes uncomfortable) that strikes a chord or memory.
I've been listening to this song all night, and between the vocals and lyrics, which remind me of the alternative Grrrrl Rock of the 90s - and the unique sound of her guitar, which manages slight distortion which still having a very clean and crisp sound - and a chord progression and voice that get caught in my head, I want more. I want more songs! I want albums! (Can you tell I like Kelley Karas' work?)
Kelley Karas is a guitar playing songwriter that hails from the American desert. Current and Former Bands Include: The Negative Nancys (all girl punk!/power pop), Asterionella (shoegaze) and Robot Nixon (Pop Punk.)
Major influences include: Sunshine, Cacti and Highway Signs.
Weird? You betcha. Why be serious when there's fun to be had?
I like fun music with smart lyrics. Mix some rock, some electronic grooves, and callbacks to my nerdy youth (not to be confused with my nerdy adulthood), and your have The Digital Lizards of Doom (DLOD for short). Yesterday, they released their video for their song, "I Don't Know How To Dance."
This song is all too reminiscent of my awkwardness at clubs (and yes, I've been not-so-politely told to leave many times, while the bouncer hit on the people I was with), but the best part is how damned infectious the song is, and how I can't keep from moving to it!
With intricate layers that have slight hints of Queen, Thomas Dolby, Daft Punk, and Grand Buffet - with vocals that have that lilt of Chuck Mosely, I keep finding more nuances each time I listen. Throw in lyrics that paint a relatable (and funny) scenario, and I'm completely sold on DLOD's material.
If you want to find out more about DLOD, you should check out the official Digital Lizards of Doom site, where you can watch episodes of the DLOD webcast. Still can't get enough? Then follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
However, the very best move you can make is to buy DLOD's new EP, Dizzy Eko Makeover over on iTunes, Amazon, Beatport, and directly through their own site.
In closing, check out DLOD now!
Author's Note/Rant:
Once again, I'm going to remind you that artists love creating things, but if you don't show the love in return and support them - be it buying their music or spreading the word to your friends who might also enjoy their stuff, then the scene for new music is just going to get smaller. I'm not just saying this as someone straddling between Austin and New Orleans - but as someone who loves to hear new material and wants to encourage more people to get into music.
There's a certain type of music that I yearn for, on occasion. This thirst typically results in me digging out my Jesus & Mary Chain albums or hunting down specific songs from Smashing Pumpkins or Siouxie & The Banshees. What I'm saying is, in order to satisfy that itch, I have to look back and cannot find it in the present.
That is, until now...
Versus Shade Collapse has just released their new single and video, Straight Lines:
Minimalist yet philosophically poignant in its lyrics, and complemented by rich musical composition, Straight Lines is a great song, and the visuals bring me to a place my mind has not visited in many years. You should definitely check out Versus Shade Collapse on Facebook, YouTube, as well as their official blog.
Versus Shade Collapse, a solo project from Colombian native, Los Angeles resident, mother, former high school teacher and wife. Versus Shade Collapse has been making songs without any formal musical education and rather uses melodies and lyrics that come into her head to take over and thus fulfill on her fantasy of making music.
In a quest to overcome fears, doubt, insecurity, and uncertainty. Following a new found passion for making music and videos, and with the intention of drinking life to the lees!
Versus Shade Collapse is poised to release a full-length, 12 song debut album on November 2015.
The Straight Lines video was shot in Medellin, Colombia on January 2015.
I look forward to seeing what else Versus Shade Collapse has in store for us, and want to hear more of their tracks!
Zamp Nicall’s new music video “Big Business - Propaganda and the Subconscious Mind” takes a look at the perplexing and insane changes to earth’s environment.
The Big Parade, a multimedia music & film company founded by critically acclaimed Songwriter/Music editor Zamp Nicall. He is currently making waves with his artistic political statements that are anything but conventional. Placing over 300 songs in primetime television as well as providing music editing services for such shows as: Nip/Tuck, The Closer, The Shield, Major Crimes, The Big Parade has produced over 30+ music videos with unique artistic statements based on current events.
Blurring the lines between art and politics, Zamp Nicall's 'Big Parade' aims to expose veracity within politics and socially relevant issues to a new generation of Millennials via music videos and social commentary, all while continuing to break boundaries.
With Avant Garde music videos like “Big Business, Propaganda and the Subconscious Mind”, “The Last Train Home, Earth on the Edge", and "Under the Midnight Sun, Nightmares in the Nuclear Age”; covering such topics as political corruption, environmental destruction, social injustice and the proliferation of the military economy, just to name a few, The Big Parade aims to diffuse consciousness of socially accordant topics, while visually stimulating their audience.
"The Last Train Home- Earth on the Edge" examines the state of our environment and the health of our planet earth, leaving viewers questioning what THEIR role is in protecting our planet, in efforts to provoke listeners to become proactive.
At present, The Big Parade continues to produce relevant and important messages through film and music media, expanding their followers while captivating new and progressive activists. New videos are slated to be released soon.
