Browsing Tag

rock

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

ARCTISKY – My Relief: Romance & Raw Alt-Rock Ingenuity

Posted on 11 September 2024

With his latest single, My Relief, the soul conduit ARCTISKY orchestrated an alt-rock single that resonates with the romantic intensity of the 80s while pulsating with contemporary vitality and standing as a testament to his worthiness of the highest industry accolades.

From the Maldives to Melbourne, ARCTISKY channelled a voice so warm it could thaw the coldest souls into a sonic landscape which weaves swoon-worthy melodies that suspend in the air and pirouette through the world-class production.

My Relief is a flawless fusion, serenading listeners with vocals reminiscent of Bryan Adams, and orchestral crescendos that ensure your heartstrings are inseparably combined with each progression. To subvert the arcane accordance, a surprising shift comes with the middle eight; gruff, voicemail-esque tones akin to Tom Waits introduce a jarring yet brilliantly conceived contrast, showcasing ARCTISKY’s determination to boldly assert his sonic identity.

Safe to say, the track is one of 2024’s most emotionally impactful releases. If you want the burdens stripped for your soul, sink in.

My Relief debuted and salved the airwaves on September 6th; stream the single on SoundCloud and Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

SugarFüt – Mirrors: Where UK Alt-Rock Hits Its Peak Power

Posted on 10 September 2024

In their sophomore release, Mirrors, the UK’s most promising emerging powerhouse, SugarFüt, reasserted dominance on the alt-rock scene with a kinetic anthem of sheer visceral innovation.

If you’re still mourning the loss of She Burns Red after they disbanded, this Hull-based four-piece is here to fill the void with a sound that is veritably their own. With scuzzy alt-rock riffs and chameleonic progressions, which splices the frenetic with the melodic Mirrors defies predictability. Just as you start to recognise pop-punk echoes, SugarFüt storms into fresh territory with each progression, pushing boundaries with every bar, leaving heads in a subverted spin.

Vocally, the track oscillates between imploring vulnerability in the verses and soaring dynamism in the chorus, seamlessly transitioning to illuminate the emotive depth of the timbre and the dualistic pull of Jack Moxon’s vocals. When paired with the interstellar peaks of their guitar-driven crescendos, Mirrors is enough to leave your heart in your throat. SugarFüt’s ability to riff with the same fevered energy as Thee Oh Sees while capturing the immersive melodicism of Jimmy Eat World’s Futures era creates an addictive earworm which demands repeat attention.

Formed in Kingston-Upon-Hull in 2023, SugarFüt brings together frontman Jack Moxon, drummer Calvin Casey (formerly of Kira Mac), bassist Rory Myers, and guitarist Dave Measom. Their collective history in the Hull music scene and shared love for rock, pop, and punk culminates in an auditory assault that blends raw, emotionally charged vocals with gritty riffs, pulsating basslines, and thunderous drums.

By the time their debut album drops, they’ll be one of the hottest acts on the UK rock circuit. Keep them on your radar.

Mirrors was officially released on August 16 and is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Ignition of the New Hard Rock Era: ‘Thrillseekers’ by Juliet’s Not Dead

Posted on 9 September 2024

Juliet’s Not Dead, formerly known as Twister, blasted the UK rock circuit with ‘Thrillseekers‘, a formidable first release under their new moniker; the meteoric entry sets the stage for the hotly anticipated forthcoming LP which is being teased for an early 2025 release.

For anyone who has been following the Durham-hailing prodigal juggernauts, expect a seismic shift in their sonic signature with this release which unravels as an electrifying departure from their previous hits.

To juxtapose the scathed snarls of the straitjacket tight instrumental arrangement which pits growling basslines against distorted to the degree of aural debauchery guitars and frenetic pulse-pounding percussion, the vocals push sticky-sweet magnetism into the explosion of high-octane energy as they embed romanticism into the choruses which elevate the track into an anthem of visceral emotion.

Produced by the esteemed Romesh Dodangoda, the track not only kicks off a new chapter for the band but also sets a precedent for the genre itself. As ‘Thrillseekers’ paves the way for the upcoming album, Juliet’s Not Dead is poised to ascend to the ranks of hard rock royalty alongside bands like Florence Black, Massive Wagons and South of Salem. With a UK tour lined up this Autumn, the stage is set for Juliet’s Not Dead to conquer hearts and charts alike.

Thrillseekers took the airwaves by storm on August 30th; stream the single on Spotify and keep up to date with news of the upcoming LP from Juliet’s Not Dead via Facebook and Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Ami Leigh salved the souls of the romantically jaded with her pop-rock anthem, You’ll Find the One 

Posted on 8 September 2024

‘You’ll Find the One’ is undoubtedly an expression everyone has heard in their darkest hours of romantic despair; yet, with her latest single which carries that mantra, the chameleonic singer-songwriter Ami Leigh augmented the consolation with soul-infused, rock-licked conviction.

By carrying the same artful visceralism as The Last Dinner Party in the pop-rock crescendos which drench the anthem in 80s nostalgia and entwining the high-octane elements with tender echoes of introspective 90s indie pop, You’ll Find the One will leave your heartstrings in knots while liberating you from anxiety and assumption you will die alone without another soul to call home.

You’ll Find the One may be a sonic departure from the artist’s previous hits, but with the same sense of affecting soul running through the veins of the single, it is yet another attestation to Ami Leigh’s ability to unify and heal through sound.

You’ll Find the One hit the airwaves on August 23rd; stream the single on Spotify and YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Mercy Vibe alchemically occupied the rock scene with her instrumental track, Peaceful Med

Posted on 5 September 2024

Mercy Vibe may be a nascent presence on the rock scene, but her seminal instrumental single, Peaceful Med, established her as an artist worthy of adoration.

The Midwest-originating artist’s background in traversing genres and her adventurous approach to music production pull through with veracity in this track, which subverts conventional guitar-led instrumental pieces by defying expectations with cultivated use of special effects. You could hear a pin drop in the production which creates a palpable tension and anticipation for each successive note.

Mercy Vibe doesn’t just set a mood with her work, she commands it with the guitars which act as a narrative force in the expansive sonic space. Yet, it is the percussion that truly energises the track, delivering bursts of intensity that ensure the listener’s engagement never wanes.

With Peaceful Med, Mercy Vibe made it clear she is here to innovate and inspire. Save a space on your radar for her future releases which are in the pipeline.

Stream Peaceful Med on YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

The Every Glazer has unveiled a piercing post-rock depiction of the tragedy of losing autonomy with ‘Running Downhill’

Posted on 1 September 2024

As a drastic departure from his previous releases, The Every Glazer has unveiled a brand-new sonic guise with his latest single. Running Downhill, fuses synth-pop and Slowdive-reminiscent guitars into a downtempo electronic score, underpinned by post-rock aesthetics and a sense of lament which tenderly encapsulates the tragedy of falling away from autonomy.

In a similar vein to Blue October, The Every Glazer pulls you into the emotional nucleus of the single with the emotionally weighted magnetism in his vocal delivery. When the track shifts pace and picks up momentum resulting in a frenetic depiction of the frustration and fear felt when you’re painfully aware of the path of descent you’re taking, the true ingenuity of this release starts to manifest.

Every new release from The Every Glazer is a fresh attestation of his talent in visualising phenomena through melody, yet Running Downhill may be one of the most striking testaments to his songwriting chops to date. It’s a release that consumes you within its compassionate handling of the raw and relatable thematics.

Running Downhill will be available to stream on all major platforms from September 1st; watch the official music video on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Unleash your demons and dance on the edge of madness with Patrice AorMelodicRock’s future-forward dance rock anthem, Crazy Night

Posted on 31 August 2024

Patrice AorMelodicRock’s new dance-rock anthem, Crazy Night, is an electrifying testament to the enduring power of rock, infused with a futuristic edge that makes every modern rock outfit sound positively antiquated.

With a pop-hooked production so slick it’s hypersonic, the track propels you into a sonic universe where the expansive presence of the vocals, which could lead a rock opera, meets the cutting-edge innovation of bands like Bring Me The Horizon.

The vocals soar just as high as the guitars which blaze through the synthetics of the track, embodying the futurism of a rock scene reimagined a century from now. Imagine what Shinedown would sound like 100 years from now, and you’ll get an idea of what the solo artist achieved with this hit which electrifies the mind, body and soul.

You’ll want to relive Crazy Night time and time again with its intoxicating synthesis of raw energy and sleek production which invites you to dance on the edge of madness and unleash your demons.

How Patrice AorMelodicRock, who started earning his rock stripes in the 80s, isn’t already at the top of the rock charts is one of the great injustices of our era.

Stream Crazy Night on YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Find the inspiration to cut out the static and reconnect with Mikey Wayne’s indie Americana serenade, Back to You & Me

Posted on 31 August 2024

Nashville-based rock troubadour Mikey Wayne has followed on from the success of his critically acclaimed EP Echo Mountain Sessions with his serenade, Back to You & Me. The indie Americana ballad is sonic kryptonite for the diehard romantics with its sweeping orchestral crescendos and equally as lush harmonies which deliver the raw emotion and warm melodicism of Bryan Adams.

The authentically affecting release brings back the energy of a full band, tied to the roots of Wayne’s Nashville country sound and echoing the influences of his Southern California roots and Alabama upbringing, resulting in a potent mix of open-hearted lyrics and passion-driven progressions.

The ornate orchestral motifs pull you right into the core of the unfeigned sentimentality of the single which implores listeners to turn away from distraction, tune out from the static of the world and lose themselves within the sanctuary built by connection. In an era where it is seen as more entertaining to stare at the selfies of strangers on Instagram instead of the eyes of one they love, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most, which will never be found on an Instagram feed.

The official music video for Back to You & Me will premiere on August 31st; stream the video on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Robin Lewis space-dusted rock n roll with ‘Still the Same’

Posted on 31 August 2024

South Carolina’s prodigal rock n roll son, Robin Lewis, is a seasoned sonic architect who has cut his razor-sharp teeth through decades of fronting bands and exploring diverse genres. His discography may dip into rock, post-punk, and reggae, but his eclectic style never strays too far from the aural fingerprint he’s honed over the years.

In his latest single, Still the Same, Lewis filters Bowie’s space-dusted sonic signature through a rugged and raw rock lens. The brash guitar chords sweep through the lo-fi garage production like a tsunami as Lewis’ vocals charismatically take command of the single which embodies the overdriven soul of rock n roll.

If you kneel at the altar of rock, Still the Same is a more than worthy hit to get on your knees for. With swathes of distinctive production and distortion effects adding depth to the intricately mastered release, Still the Same wrestles the psyche into a vice-like grip which doesn’t relinquish until the outro which follows soaring rock virtuoso guitar solos.

Still the Same, taken from Robin Lewis’ Lost Mix Tape LP, is now available to stream on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast