Browsing Tag

Piano Rock

G.B Rider rendered resonance into rock reverence with ‘Even Superheroes Cry’

Posted on 28 October 2024

In the raw, soul-stirring single ‘Even Superheroes Cry’, G.B. Rider—Guy Barnes’ musical alter ego—sharpens rock balladry with cuttingly evocative edges.

The standout track from his Child of Yesterday LP wields Elton John-reminiscent piano progressions in a production soaked in 80s nostalgia as the emotional tenor ascends to the raw grit found in Soul Asylum’s vocal desperation, coupled with a fierce nod to the early, unrestrained Manic Street Preachers.

So much more than just a melody that clings to your memory; Child of Yesterday is an anthem that roars for the right to be vulnerable, to be candid in the throes of emotional tumult.

Under the mentorship of the audio pioneer John Oram, Barnes has sculpted a career defined by decades of relentless creativity and emotional authenticity. His music—a synthesis of chorus-driven rock and the intimate narrative styles of legends like George Michael and Neil Diamond—is infused with the augmented energy of Jon Bon Jovi and the lyrical sincerity of Neil Sedaka. Each track G.B Rider crafts is a fortress of feeling and Even Superheroes Cry is far from the exception.

Returning from a hiatus propelled by the tragic loss of his friend and mentee Chris Hardman, Barnes channelled his sorrow into the defiant, hopeful chords of Child of Yesterday. This album is a phoenix’s cry from the ashes of despair, a testament to enduring past pain, a sonic anthology everyone will be able to find a piece of themselves within.

Stream Even Superheroes Cry as part of the Child of Yesterday LP in full via Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Joe Pallotta immortalised the fallen in his piano-driven hard rock ballad, Tears for the Titan

Posted on 11 September 2024
Feed The Fire by Joe Pallotta

In his latest hard rock hit, ‘Tears for the Titan’, San Francisco’s Joe Pallotta tackled the vast expanse of grief with an eloquent precision that almost defies belief. Putting into lyrics what few can weave into words, following the loss of a loved one, he sonically visualised how mourning can tear at the fabric of our being, leaving us frayed, disillusioned, and helplessly out of sync with a world that persists in the wake of tragedy.

The piano rock ballad pits minor key piano melodies against soaring guitar lines and a gothic aesthetic reminiscent of the Sisters of Mercy, pulling listeners deep into the atmosphere of the piece. Pallotta’s vocals echo the soulful vigour of rock legends such as Twisted Sister, Poison and Whitesnake, blending seamlessly with orchestral crescendos which rise and fall with invitations to find consolation that you’re never as alone in your grief as you think you are.

As much as Tears for the Titan is palpably a cathartic outlet for Pallotta, within the jagged shards of agony are commiserations to anyone else who has loved and lost.

 As Pallotta continues to expand his reach, aiming to touch as many souls as possible with his music, ‘Tears for the Titan’ serves as an affecting reminder of his ability to convert raw, unfiltered emotion into a soul-gripping alt-rock experience. To explore more of Joe Pallotta’s emotionally rich and resonant artistry, visit his collection at joepallotta.bandcamp.com.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Spotlight Feature: piano rock pioneer Anthony J Fink let the emotion pour in his alt-rock EP, Feel the Rain

Posted on 14 August 2022

As an extension of his commitment to advocate for mental health and spread awareness of the detriment of depression, addiction, and suicide, Michigan’s strongest lyricist and fiercest piano rock pioneer, Anthony J Fink, has released his latest EP, Feel the Rain.

Each of the five singles is a triumph of blazing piano pop-rock-inclined candour, but Fink reminded us why the EP format is so important. From the optimism proclaiming piano pop-rock ballad of an opener to the experimental baroque rock electricity of Masquerade, which gives all of the energy of a rock opera, to the closer title single, which harnesses broadsiding grungy emotion, Feel the Rain is a journey. The final destination? The affirmation that this world breeds disillusion and a tendency to numb the pain but that doesn’t eradicate your power to resist and overcome it.

Rarely do singer-songwriters, of any ilk, achieve such momentously complex and multi-layered productions that absolutely consume you. The Feel the Rain EP made an essential artist out of Anthony J Fink, especially for any rock-inclined seekers of sonic guidance through our vapidly trying times. Buy it. It’s cheaper than therapy.

In his own words:

“Feel the Rain touches on many things. Loss is a big focus. My parents passed away when I was very young due to alcohol addiction. I have struggled with relationships in general in my life and with addiction. This coming January, I will be alcohol-free for four years.”

Feel the Rain is now available to stream on Spotify or purchase on apple music.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Billy Moffat has released his symphonic masterpiece, Through the Eyes of God, featuring Davie Brockett.

Posted on 19 June 2021

Scottish-born composer Billy Moffat brought plenty of his experience touring the globe with the show, One Night of Queen, to his latest release, Through the Eyes of God, featuring Davie Brockett on guitar.

Starting with dramatic neo-classic keys, there are no hints in the production to warn that the stunning crescendos will soon give way to over-driven scuzzed-up guitar solos that easily match the furore in an Apocalyptica track. Davie Brockett’s searing solos blazon the professional instrumental score with even more virtuosic stripes.

Though the Eyes of God is, quite literally, a jaw-droppingly symphonic masterpiece that will easily leave you ensnared by the sheer nuance and Moffat’s ability to compose a score that will put your rhythmic pulses under instant command.

The orchestral release is now available to stream via SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia

Ride the sonic crescendos in Fuzz Skyler’s latest indie piano rock single ‘Recall’

Posted on 12 March 2021
Fuzz Skyler

Not only do international piano-rock powerhouse, Fuzz Skyler break the monocultural mould, but they also thrash against every restraint which rock artists need to break through to create a sound that is capable of taking your breath away.

Their latest earworm, ‘Recall’ is filthy enough to make your ear canal feel defiled as you listen to the salaciously-charged, theatrically charismatic vocals paired with vintage-inspired instrumentals which affirm, quite definitively, that modern rock isn’t ready to be buried just yet.

The sonic crescendos which nod toward the timeless styles of Bowie, Muse and Queen are simply unforgettable. Recall speaks to my soul in a language I never even knew I was fluent in.

Recall was released on February 19th. You can hear it by heading over to Soundcloud.

Keep up to date with Fuzz Skyler’s latest releases via Facebook.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

TWOFEW – Dreamin’: The Soaring Alt Rock Soundtrack to Your Escapism

Posted on 30 December 2020

‘Dreamin’ is the sophomore single from US-based newcomers TWOFEW which would definitely be worth burning your thumb for when sparking a lighter at a festival. Ahh, remember those? It wouldn’t be much of a surprise if TWOFEW were headlining them by the time they’re a thing again.

Even if you don’t venture further than the kitchen today, hitting play on Dreamin’ will give you a sanity-saving dose of escapism. The track instils a sense of optimism which reminds you that your current circumstances aren’t forever and escapism is always a possibility; the journey starts in your mind.

With an infectious chorus which could rival Bryan Adams’ ‘When You’re Gone’ and an almost overwhelming offering of whiskey-soaked soul, we’re stoked to have TWOFEW on our radar. We have no doubt that TWOFEW will continue releasing tracks which make life feel infinitely more endurable.

You can check out Dreamin’ for yourselves by heading over to SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Duelling Piano Rock Pioneer Jerry Impini Has Released Their Latest Single “Been Bad for Me”

Posted on 23 March 2020
http://jerryimpini.bandcamp.com/track/been-bad-for-me-a-dueling-piano-rock-original-pre-order

Not content with the already-established genres, Dallas, Texas-based artist Jerry Impini has created their very own. If the prospect of Duelling Piano Rock doesn’t get you excited, I feel a little sorry for you.

Alternatively, if your attention has been piqued by the pioneering take on Rock, it will definitely be stated by Jerry Impini’s raucously energetic hit “Been Bad for Me”.

In traditional Rock, keys tend to take a backseat (with the exception of sporadic solos). But in Been Bad for Me, the piano progressions which exude Jim Jones-style frenzy dominate the soundscape. The level of energy which will hit you when you hit play on Been Bad for Me is unparalleled.

It may be a niche sound, but we will always champion the artists who stretch their imaginations before orchestrating their music.

You can check out Jerry Impini’s single Been Bad for Me by heading over to Bandcamp.

Review by Amelia Vandergast