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Best Rock Music Blog

It is almost impossible to imagine Western society without the influence of rock n roll; the artists that became renowned as (rock)gods, the aesthetic, the culture that so many live and breathe, and of course, the music that became the soundtrack to our lives. Many of the greatest artists of all time are of some rock inclination; whether that be Buddy Holly, Nirvana, or The Rolling Stones – the charts simply wouldn’t be the same without the unpredictable and volatile genre.

Rock started to emerge in the 1940s through the masterful rhythm of Chuck Berry and his contemporaries. Twenty years later, The Rolling Stones became the true face of rock n roll as they advocated for sex-positive youthful rebellion; this controversy became synonymous with rock which took the genre to brand-new cultural heights. By the 70s, artists started to push rock music into heavier, darker territories. At the same time, hard rock and metal were behind conceived; Pink Floyd gave rock trippier, more progressive tendencies with their seminal album, Dark Side of the Moon. Another major move in alternative music happened in the 70s as punk artists, such as The Clash and The Sex Pistols extrapolated rock elements and fused them into their punk sound.

The 80s was the era for sleaze rock, indie rock and college rock bands, while the 90s delivered the grunge movement with Nirvana, Hole, Soundgarden and Pearl Jam chomping at the aggressive discordant bit. Mainstream rock artists from across the globe became part and parcel of the music industry at the start of the 90s, but with the death of Kurt Cobain, the popularity of alternative music took a nosedive – despite the best efforts of Limp Bizkit, Staind, Puddle of Mudd and The Red Hot Chilli Peppers.

In any definitive guide of the best rock bands of all time, the rock artists that made their debut in the 21st-century are few and far between. But regardless of how much you want to pull the plug on the life support of rock, it isn’t quite dead – yet. For irrefutable proof, you only need to consider Black Midi, Yungblud, Greta Van Fleet, Highly Suspect, The Snuts, and Dirty Honey, who are all bringing in the new wave of classic rock – in their own way.

Contemporary rock may not sound like it used to, but that is one way in which rock has remained consistent over the past eight decades – it never has sounded like it used to. Each new generation of artists has found room for expressive and experimental manoeuvre.

Danielle Dennis glammed up blues rock with her latest hit, Fool’s Gold

Posted on 10 August 2024

With her latest single, Fool’s Gold, the rising-through-the-industry-ranks rock phenomenon, Danielle Dennis, proved that when it comes to emotional labour for those with an aversion to accountability, a woman’s work is never done.

If the indomitably raw edge of Hannah Wicklund met the creative conjurings of Stevie Nicks, the meeting point would be the affecting high-octane alchemy in Dennis’ scintillating sonic signature which ensures the singer-songwriter’s ink goes beyond skin deep and permeates the soul.

The San Francisco-born, New Orleans-based artist and producer unequivocally evinced that all of the best people would have been burnt at the stake for Witchcraft in the days of Salem; what she manifested in Fool’s Gold is almost beyond the realms of tangible comprehension.

If you can’t get enough of Fool’s Gold, pin her to your radar and await her forthcoming debut EP which will span all her influences through an amalgamation of gritty blues rock, synth-heavy pop, organic folk, and vibey trip-hop.

Fool’s Gold will be available to stream on all major platforms, including SoundCloud, on August 9th.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Shotgun Waltz filtered roots rock through a college radio rock lens in their infectiously Sink or Swim

Posted on 6 August 2024
Single: Sink or Swim by Shotgun Waltz

Boston’s critically acclaimed roots rock revivalists, Shotgun Waltz, fortified their latest alt 90s indie-adjacent single, Sink or Swim, with infectious fortitude, as an invitation to shift to a rendered-with-resilience brighter perspective.

Just one hit and you will want to rip up those invitations to your pity party for one. There’s no room for remorse in the sun-bleached production which uplifts with melodically brashy college radio rock guitar chords that shift to mellow staccato rhythms in the verses, priming the listener for the bursts of euphoria in the choruses.

Shotgun Waltz may be roots reverent, yet their cultivated approach to pushing the genre forward resounds throughout Sink or Swim, which will also feature in their upcoming 10-track LP, which will arrive on the airwaves in Fall 2024.

Fronted by Jim DeTore, the fourpiece possesses a unique ability to reach directly to you as you immerse yourself in their honed synergy which belies the fact that the powerhouse has only been playing together since 2012. The symbiotic harmony between each layer in Sink or Swim pulls you into a vortex of dynamic rhythms and melodic interplays – you can practically feel each member playing intuitively to each other’s cues.

Sink or Swim was officially released on July 29 and is now available to stream and purchase on Bandcamp.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Not From Concentrate crashed the alt-rock scene with their ska-grunge synthesis, You & I

Posted on 5 August 2024

Not From Concentrate promises the freshest sound in the NYC ska scene and the misft powerhouse definitively delivered with the release of their latest ska grunge hybrid, You & I, which showcases the group’s ability to blend fierce pop-punk bursts with tender, vulnerable harmonies, inviting listeners to experience every shade of emotion

For anyone who has ever let their walls down only to allow regret to build them again, this queer punk anthem is the ultimate consolation. Just as the artist’s moniker would lead you to believe, there’s nothing artificial about their sound; the visceral emotions mainlined into You & I are straight from the source.

By synthesising the sludge of grunge with the infectiously uplifting staccato chops of Ska, the Staten Island-hailing trio which is deeply entrenched in the NYC scene delivered a sonic revolution which shimmers with authenticity and raw power. Rounded off with a pioneeringly innovative guitar riff, You & I is a testament to their rightful place in the queer musical pantheon.

You & I was officially released on July 19; stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

A&R Factory Interview: Unveiling the Soul of Lori & the Darlings

Posted on 3 August 2024
Lori & the Darlings

Lori & the Darlings have etched their legacy into the annals of Michigan’s music scene, setting their own standards of artistic authenticity. As we await the release of their EP ‘Side Streets’, the ensemble continues to sketch new musical contours distinct from their previous works. In this exclusive A&R Factory interview, we join them on their explorative journey, where creativity springs from the familiar locales of Main Street. As revealed, the band’s lyrical and melodic evolution resonates through this project, offering a reflective glimpse into their dynamic craft. With a blend of Americana roots and bold experimentation, Lori & the Darlings stand poised at an intersection of past influences and forward-thinking musicality

Lori & the Darlings, welcome to A&R Factory! It’s a pleasure to sit down with you as you gear up for the release of your upcoming EP, Side Streets. Can you walk us through your creative process and how the B-side project thematically connects with and diverges from your last project, Main Street? 

We are just starting to work on this new project: Side Streets and I am excited to get back into the studio soon!   So far we have had a very successful process when it comes to crafting songs…I write the songs and put them on a scratch track, usually just me and a guitar, and then let the band take some time seperately to get used to the melody and changes and if there is a feel or I have any specific ideas I let them know right away although usually I hand the song right over to them and trust them to find their parts… and they always do! I have a huge collection of songs I have been writing for years…and I still write so there is a never-ending supply to pass on to them.

Our last album Main Street (released in Jan) contains a song Main Street 54.  That song got its name because I usually use my voice memo on my phone to record the scratch tracks on…and my phone labels recordings by location so that song was the 54th recording on Main Street (my address at the time) and we ended up liking that title and kept it.. actually all but 1 song on that EP were written in about 2 months on Main Street which is why I decided to name the album such…side streets is a collection of songs that were written around the same time but not at home. And I like the idea of tying them both together like I did with our first two EPs Gratitude side A and side B.

Are there any new sounds or techniques you’re experimenting with this time around?

This last time in the studio we played around with background vocals and added a lot more keys and even had a wonderful violinist come in and play.. and I would definitely like to build on that and keep making our music bigger.

How have your Michigan roots influenced the sound and storytelling of Lori & the Darlings? 

I consider myself so very lucky to have been raised by a father who found music to be of upmost importance…he too was a writer and musician…and I grew up watching him write so many songs…good songs…and record them using this four track he had bought.  He was so very picky about lyrics…he didn’t like easy or lazy lyrics. And he beat that into me.  Because of his love of music, he seemed to have hundreds of records I was allowed to listen to – artists like Jim Croce, Bob Dylan, and Donovan; artists who had mastered telling stories thru music…I think that had a lot to do with how I write.  He was in bands starting in the 60’s in Detroit..doesn’t get a lot cooler than that…he was an amazing influence and reference for me growing up.

How do these elements resonate within your latest tracks?

So that being said, I always am very careful with the words…I might revise a song 20 times until the lyrics are just right…after that though, I rely heavily on the band to mold the song into whatever it feels it should become.  There is this very cool organic thing that happens once we sit down and start playing a song for the first time….after a couple of run-throughs…things just crazy fall into place…and we all come from such different music backgrounds that there is a little bit of everything coming into each song…I love that…we are generally considered Americana but we have songs that are way more blues and songs that sound almost jazzy…I like not being able to be nailed down tight to one genre

What has your experience of the Michigan music scene been? 

I wouldn’t want to be in any other state doing this right now!  Michigan is amazing for music – whether you love listening to it or playing it!  Lori & the Darlings began a little over three years ago getting our first gig in Saginaw Michigan at this great little venue White’s Bar – they are a real deal venue that has a long legacy, history and a reputation for being huge music supporters and have had nothing but the most positive interactions on every level ever since. The other bands (Amazing bands!) we have networked with doing the same thing, the venues we have played at…and the many radio stations that make a place for indie music on their programs…so much love and support for the music community here! We love it!

Over the course of your musical career, how have you seen your artistic identity evolve? 

I can’t speak for the band but personally I would have to say that I have finally grown into a comfortable place where I am not worried so much about performing or even putting songs I’ve written out there for anyone to listen to as I used to be.  There was a time when I was so worried they weren’t good enough or didn’t say the right things the right way.  These days I write how I feel or what I know with a new confidence. It’s refreshing to not worry about that.

What has been the most significant turning point for the band?

 The band has done a lot of growth since it’s birth. If you listen to our first two albums and then Main Street you will notice a significant change in the production of the album. I think letting someone else in to help with that moved mountains when it came to a final product. I wish that would have been the case with the first two, but it’s a lesson learned. I was very stubborn and protective of the first two albums…I was worried about outside influences changing the songs too much…I’ve come to realize having help in that area is priceless and has taken our music to a new level.

How does the upcoming music video for I Want It So Bad bring the single to life?

Oh man!! I love this video so much!  We hope to wrap up editing this week and have a final product in mid-August. This will be my very first attempt at video work!  I was the director, videographer and editor all in one!  Of course, our lead guitar player Roger Marchbanks is the star of the show.  I took him all over Detroit and filmed him playing the song in front of historic and iconic locations. It’s turning out great so far and matches the song which is a playful fun fast rock n roll song! I can’t wait to release it!

Beyond the release of Side Streets, what are your future plans and ambitions? 

We have some amazing festivals lined up at the end of this year and next year as well!  A couple more music videos coming out from Main Street to wrap up that project and talk about adding a new member or two to the band…

–

Stream Lori & the Darlings on Spotify now.

Follow the band on Facebook to stay up to date with news of future releases & tours.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

Gregory Lee Pickard’s ‘Home’ is a reverent nod to roots and rebellion

Posted on 2 August 2024
Gregory Lee Pickard

In his seminal, soon-to-be-released, solo single, ‘Home‘, the illustriously revered Gregory Lee Pickard, whose career has spanned three decades and spawned countless accolades, distilled a soundscape with the culmination of his extensive experience and his ability to conjure more than sound through his panoramic vignettes.

The single melds country rock rhythms with gruff vocals, which will undoubtedly appeal strongly to fans of Dogs D’amour and The Quireboys. This cultivated ode to the concept of “home”—whatever that may signify for the listener—allows Pickard’s authenticity to shine iridescently.

The country twangs within the proto-punk-esque production allows Gregory Lee Pickard to soar above the mediocrity of artists who debase their discographies with assimilation; this is authenticity at its core. Just one hit of the single will leave you desperate to explore the treasure chest of rough-cut gems which throwback to the 70s NYC punk scene but firmly roots itself in contemporary resonance.

Gregory Lee Pickard, a storied songwriter, singer, and performer continues to lead and shape the sound of his current band, Not Las Vegas, while his foundational work with The Revelons has seen him headline venues from CBGB to the Bowery Ballroom. His broad discography spans influential releases and collaborations that touch everything from indie films to major motion pictures, cementing his place in the annals of music history.

For those who cherish musical integrity and the resonant tales of life’s wanderings, ‘Home’ by Gregory Lee Pickard offers more than just a listening experience—it invites a profound connection to the very essence of personal and musical exploration.

For more information about Gregory Lee Pickard, head to his official website.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Goatzilla – Secret Agent Man: a gargantuan monster of a punk rock anthem

Posted on 2 August 2024

The Gold Coast’s prodigal sons of Atomic Mutant Goatpunk, Goatzilla, initiated their latest single, Secret Agent Man, with a barrage of beats before the guitars lend their overdriven furore to the teeth of this gargantuan monster of a punk rock anthem.

If you like your rock with all the hinges blown off and all sense of sensibility tied to a funeral pyre, Secret Agent Man is a balls-to-the-wall explosion of sheer insanity. Clearly, it’s true what they say: madness is catching. You’ll feel your own sense of self-restraint slip away as the tumultuous, rip-roaring hit proves there’s no room for pretension in rebellion.

With their following only getting stauncher, it is time to kneel to our new overlords of snarled, gnarled, and electrifying punk rock, charged with all the technical ability and songwriting chops of Megadeth and Motörhead, and all the escapism of rock that parades under a gimmick to thematically manifest mind-melting mayhem – someone might want to tell Lordi and Gwar that THIS is how it is really done.

From the depths of the Gold Coast underground punk scene in 2015, Goatzilla has built a strong local following through relentless gigging and festival appearances around South East Queensland. Their debut album, Muthafukasaurus, dropped in 2019, featuring the off-the-wall video for DROPBear, which earned the #1 spot on 4ZZZ FM’s Hot 100.

Goatzilla boasts two shredding guitarists, a freight-train drummer, and a gravel-throated bass player who brings the fire—literally. With new material crafted during COVID-19 in the pipeline, Goatzilla is set to keep their fans thrashing for a long time.

Secret Agent Man was officially released on July 26 and is now available to stream via all major platforms via this link.

Stay tuned to Goatzilla’s TikTok for updates on new releases.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Make Groovy Shirt Club’s ‘Ultra Violet’ the soft rock soundtrack to your emotional liberation

Posted on 1 August 2024

Groovy Shirt Club’s latest single, Ultra Violet, proves there’s more to their artistic identity than their audacious fashion choices. With echoes of Pixies drifting between the guitars and basslines in the mellowly iridescent progressions, which are heightened by inventive synth touches, the Deep Blue Something-reminiscent vocals have the perfect platform to soar from.

It’s almost impossible to allude to what this emotionally liberated single does to the soul when the emotion-driven earworm is bedding in and making itself home. The sublime melodies are enough to make even the most steadfast sway, attesting to the capacity of sound to transform your entire sensibility.

If you can’t remember the last time you didn’t feel weighed down, make today the day and immerse yourself in Ultra Violet, which pushes a panoramic vision of sun rays hitting ebbing waves. For any discerning rock fan, the first proverbial spin won’t be the last.

The self-professed ‘Champions of the Yacht Rock Revolution’, are quickly making a name for themselves with their ethos to embed real people, real instruments, real music and real lyrics about life into their infectiously cultivated soft rock staples. Ultra Violet captures this quintessence perfectly, blending their signature style with a fresh, emotionally resonant sound.

Ultra Violet is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Lori & the Darlings reached nirvana with the alt-90s nostalgia in their Americana rock single, high

Posted on 1 August 2024

Lori & the Darlings’ standout single, High, taken from their 2024 LP, Main Street, is a richly rendered addition to the Americana rock canon. Lori, whose voice is naturally poised for creating instant classics, shines iridescently bright in this emotion-driven vignette, exposing the capacity of connection to lead to transcendence. The instrumentals efficaciously visualise the inexplicably sweet sensation, with shimmering organ tones stretching to nirvana, giving High oceanic depth for listeners to plunge into and swim with the rhythmically resolving tides.

Lori’s vocals deliver the grit of Courtney Love, infused with the soul of Leigh Nash and Meredith Brooks, nestling into the scarcely-occupied middle ground where artists swathe their harmonies with seraphic sentimentality and project potency to amplify evocative intensity.

No review of High would be complete without pouring plaudits on the guitars that make the track such a sense-gratifying listen. The steady ring of the chords pulls you through the euphonically stripped production until they burst in momentum in the middle eight, proving that Lori & the Darlings have earned their place among their Americana rock icons.

With more releases in the pipeline from the Detroit-based four-piece which captures the highs and lows of big-city dreamers in small-town America, do we really need to tell you to give them a follow?

Stream the Main Street LP from Lori & the Darlings on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

The Optimists prescribed the antidote for catastrophists with their explosive indie garage punk hit,  Not a Big Deal

Posted on 28 July 2024

The Optimists have been making cynics meet their match since their 2018 debut which made all the right waves in the UK indie scene. With their latest single, Not a Big Deal, the Isle of Wight five-piece cranked up the monolithic volition to exhibit their biggest hit to date and etch a new chapter in their legacy that has reached the a-lists of Isle of Wight Radio & BBC Solent.

With crescendos of garage rock antagonism in the same vein as Fidlar mainlined into the scuzzy production around the melodic indie increments that are fraught with tension, the razor-sharp hooks dig in deep enough to pierce the soul.

Not a Big Deal is the ultimate track to shed inhibition and neurosis to. By extolling the virtues of disregarding the immaterial, the juggernautical hit is an irresistible invitation to indulge in the catharsis of being carefree.

If the outfit becomes as big as their guitar and synth riffs and stage presence, don’t be surprised if you see them at the top of the indie charts in the coming years.

Not a Big Deal was officially released on July 19. Stream the single on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Urban Café Crew cruised through 80s nostalgia and became sonic heartthrobs in their latest single, Movin’ Down I39

Posted on 24 July 2024

It’s all gas and no brakes in Urban Café Crew’s latest single, ‘Movin’ Down I39’, which exudes a striking blend of 80s Hollywood glamour and heart-throb vocals that make the driving anthem impossible not to groove with.

With the opening sounds of engines revving against strident piano chords that are augmented by Blockbuster nostalgia, you’re instantly susceptible to the lyrics that compel you to seize the moment while the rhythmically magnetic progressions seize your pulses and evoke panoramic images of a guy driving to get the girl. The propulsion of the pulsating beats transcends auditory ingenuity to craft a visual masterpiece that you’ll never get tired of revisiting.

We didn’t need any more evidence of the Australian-based collective’s cultivated songwriting stripes after hearing their Christmas earworm and the eternally endearing single, Hey There Boomer, It’s Not OK. Yet, now that Movin’ Down I39 is here, it only cements their ability to produce hits that sweep you up in their infectiously soulful intensity; it’s the most syncable single I’ve heard this year.

Movin’ Down I39 was officially released on July 17; stream the single on SoundCloud now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast