Tag: New Artist

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Band of the Week

Band of the Week: Sherwood

Sherwood is indie pop-rock at it’s best. With their catchy music and arena-friendly choruses, it is no wonder that they’ve been selected to tour with Hanson and Hellogoodbye this fall.

While their last release, A Different Light received rave reviews and even garnered a top spot as a favorite independent release by music critics, their upcoming album is bound to do the same. Due in stores October 13, Que is Sherwood’s third release and will be distributed via MySpace Records.

What’s particularly enjoyable of Sherwood’s music is that it’s often unexpected. For example, a song like “Around You” starts out ballad-like before picking up mid-song. In fact, it’s hard to place Sherwood into one genre. With a mix of pop, punk, and rock, songs like “Maybe This Time,” have an anthemic feel with soaring guitar features and fitting percussion accompaniment.

While they’re not entirely reinventing a genre, “Song In My Head” brings to mind early 90s pop-punk bands like The Ataris and Jimmy Eat World with their wear-your-heart-on-your-sleeve lyrics and summer anthems. Additionally, Sherwood continue to leave room for the unanticipated. “Not Gonna Love” (see video below) features soft piano, taking a backseat to the percussion on the track with airy vocals.

For more on Sherwood, visit them on MySpace where you can listen to a full album premiere of Qu on October 12th. Meanwhile, watch a video of the making of “Not Gonna Love” below. Be sure to visit their MySpace every day until the album release as they’re revealing a new webisode each day!

Qu Video Sneak Peek Video #1 – Not Gonna Love
http://mediaservices.myspace.com/services/media/embed.aspx/m=63885272,t=1,mt=video

Recommended: For fans of Jimmy Eat World, Mae, The Ataris, Yellowcard.

Related Links:
• Band of the Week: This Century
• Artist of the Week: Glass Pear
• Band of the Week: Only Living Boy
• Band of the Week: The Ramblers

Categories
Band of the Week

Band of the Week: This Century

With their pop-punk choruses and fitting musical accompaniment, This Century is a band to keep on your radar. Having played for three weeks as part of the Vans Warped Tour, not to mention previous tours with Hellogoodbye, Secondhand Serenade and Lydia, This Century is well on their way.

In fact, the indie band has sold over 10,000 tracks since January 2009 without any label support. Additionally, This Century has also been featured on PureVolume’s front page twice and held the No. 1 unsigned CD on SmartPunk.com, among many other accomplishments. Not always an easy feat for an unsigned band.

Tracks like “Battling a Heavy Heart” and “No Way Out” have a familiar sound, at times bringing to mind bands like the Plain White T’s. With their catchy lyrics (“‘Cause I’m a lover/Not a fighter”) and arena friendly singalongs (take their endless whoa-oh’s throughout “No Way Out”) it is no wonder how this band has been impressing audiences throughout their countless national tours.

Piano infused tracks like “Hard To Get” portray an older side of the band while frontman Joel Kanitz’s vocals are warm and endearing. An accurate description, their music has been referred to as “dreamlike and melodic, at times fast-paced and captivating.” Once you take a listen, I think you’ll think the same.

For more on This Century be sure to visit them on MySpace and catch them currently on tour.

Recommended: For fans of Plain White T’s, Parachute and to reminisce some of your favorite Warped Tour memories.

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Artist of the Week

Artist of the Week: Glass Pear

Glass Pear is Welsh-born singer-songwriter Yestyn Griffiths. Having previously collaborated with his sister, Jem, on her popular debut and sophomore releases, Griffiths eventually decided to record tracks of his own. While his debut album, Streets of Love, is due in stores tomorrow, you may already recognize his voice from first single “Last Day Of Your Life.” Mixed by Coldplay producer Danton Supple, the song has been featured in episodes of “Grey’s Anatomy” and “90210.”

In a press release, Griffiths explained the story behind his stage name, Glass Pear:

“A lot of the songs I write are about the fragility and transiency of life and love. So I wanted to find a name that expressed that. Apparently the ancient Chinese believed that the pear was a symbol of immortality (pear trees live for a long time),” Griffiths said. “It’s also a symbol of affection in other cultures. In Chinese the word li means both ‘pear’ and ‘separation’ and for this reason, tradition says that to avoid a separation, friends and lovers should not divide pears between themselves. So for me a glass pear is a pear that is fragile, breakable, needing protection, just like love.”

Streets of Love is a solid release filled with catchy, uplifting lyrics and moving musical accompaniment. On “Last Day Of Your Life,” Griffiths sings, “If this was the last day of your life/What would you do to make things right?/If this was the last day of your life/Who you gonna call to make things right?”

The emotive lyrics combined with soaring guitar and string features leave an impact. Additionally, many of the tracks have piano interludes that bring to mind bands like Coldplay and The Fray while his introspective and questioning lyrics recall that of Switchfoot.

Standout track, “Streets of Love,” is bound to get stuck in the listener’s head. The most upbeat song on the album, Griffiths sings along fitting guitar and percussion beats, “Thinking of the one you love who doesn’t know it just because/You’re too afraid to be a fool again/People punch and people bruise on these streets of love/Stand up on your own two feet there’s more to life than memories my friend.”

While the album starts off slowly, with each repeated listen there is something new and unexpected. Griffiths’ voice has that familiar and comforting quality to it as he confronts the confusion and heartache of life through continuous questioning within his songs. “What’s the point of being human if we’re not alive?” he asks on moving ballad, “Colours.”

Ending with the captivating “My Ghost” (see video below), Griffiths proves his versatility as a singer-songwriter on his debut release. For more on Glass Pear, visit MySpace and if you like what you hear, be sure to pick up Streets of Love tomorrow.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMj5yPDp32Q]

Recommended: For fans of Coldplay, Radiohead, The Fray, Switchfoot, Better Than Ezra.

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Band of the Week Concert Reviews

Band of the Week: Only Living Boy

This past Friday I caught Only Living Boy‘s performance at The Court Tavern in New Brunswick. Performing a 45-minute set, the Jersey-based band impressed with their ear-grabbing guitar riffs and infinite energy. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I’ve been at a show when a band’s improvisation was so captivating.

The three-piece, which consists of frontman Joe Cirotti on guitar, bassist Eric Curley and drummer Trevor Newcomb, had the room packed as they played songs from their self-titled debut release. While their alternative rock brings to mind classic 70s acts, it is perhaps no wonder that their name was inspired by Simon & Garfunkel’s 1970 song “Only Living Boy in New York.”

Not new to the music scene, Only Living Boy has been playing together in various forms, perhaps most familiar as Rabid Roy. About to embark on an East Coast tour, the band has shared the stage with notable acts like the New York Dolls.

Only Living Boy has a sound that stands out from other up-and-coming acts today. Niki Coate of WNTI described it best: “a combination of the psych rock inherited from their parents’ vinyl and the alternative rock of their own MTV adolescence.”

“My Friend,” a song Cirotti said is about his dog, brings to mind the Woodstock era and guitar-centric jams of legends like Jimi Hendrix and Carlos Santana while “My Heart Is Burning” has an edgy, almost country rock vibe to it. Cirotti’s vocals are captivating as the accompanying percussion and guitar interlude portrays his ongoing angst told within the story of the song.

Additionally, tracks like “How Lovers Have a Ball” continue to exemplify the band’s versatility and timelessness. While some songs transform the listener to another era, others maintain a certain charm and relevancy, continuing to keep Only Living Boy on the cusp of a constantly changing music industry.

For more on Only Living Boy and upcoming tour dates be sure to visit their MySpace. To listen to a stream of current single, “Worthless,” click here. To listen to “Homesick,” click here.

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Band of the Week

Band of the Week: The Ramblers

Their music takes the listener on a journey. While some songs have that classic jazz feel with piano accompaniment and soulful harmonies, others embody more of a laid-back country vibe. They refer to their music as American roots, or for a more descriptive explanation, Jim Croce backed with Booker T. & the M.G.’s. An interesting comparison, but after listening to them I think you’ll agree.

Having been compared to The Band in many press reviews, Brooklyn-based band The Ramblers are well on their way to making a name for themselves. It can’t hurt that they were selected to open for Levon Helm either.

I caught The Ramblers’ performance last Thursday at Joe’s Pub where they featured songs off their debut release as well as some new numbers. The captivating four-piece wowed all in the venue with their versatility as many around me could be seen dancing in their seats.

First track, “Ride This Storm,” a classic and memorable rock ‘n’ roll song, was just a glimpse into what the rest of the night would bring. Playing just under an hour, vocals alternated well between guitarist Jeremiah Birnbaum and pianist Scott Stein while the band was rounded out by Shawn Setaro on bass and Steve Purcell on drums.

While Birnbaum’s guitar interludes captivated concertgoers, Stein’s soulful and jazzy vocals gave each track a new, and at times ethereal feel. The way the band segued from heavier rock ‘n’ roll to soul, country and folk was impressive. One moment the listener felt he was in a small, New Orleans jazz club and the next, Nashville at a dirt-filled honky tonk — no small feat for a band.

Alternating from soulfully emotional “Hard To Love” to country-esque, “Whiskey Blues,” The Ramblers had much to offer their audience. Whatever music you favor, The Ramblers are sure to please one of your desires. Watch below as they play “Always Another Way to Be Gone” live at Joe’s Pub.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_hz4dgw0Is]

For more on The Ramblers, be sure to visit them on MySpace and stay tuned for my interview from Thursday’s show.

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Artist of the Week

Artist of the Week: Zack Borer

Zack Borer‘s voice is laid back and familiar. Accompanied by acoustic and electric guitar, fitting percussion and at times piano, his music is refreshing and enjoyable. A versatile musician, his style is sure to win over any listener.

In fact, the New York-based, Canadian born artist has been garnering more recognition lately. Having recently received a slot on the Side Stage at Jones Beach for Jason Mraz’s tour stop, even G-Love tweeted about enjoying his performance. No newcomer to Jones Beach, he was also featured at the Dave Matthews Band show earlier this summer (watch his performance below). Additionally, Borer was in the running to be named the MTV Video Music Awards’ “Best Breakout Artist in NYC.

Having similarities to contemporaries like Jason Mraz and Matt Nathanson, Borer’s music encompasses a twist and uniqueness of its own. His MySpace showcases his talent well. “Everytime I Go” has a catchy chorus and fitting guitar accompaniment. “Everytime I go/You say to me I can’t believe you’re leaving/’Cause you just want to know/What’s the basis for my motivation,” Borer sings. After just one listen, you’re bound to be humming along.

Whether it’s light Caribbean beats throughout “That’s The Way” with his soulful vocals or pouring his emotion out on edgier track “White Sheets,” Borer has the listener hooked. Hard to put his music into one category, each song intertwines different genres, whether it’s rock, blues, country or jazz there is something every listener can latch onto.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgZ6Ms53ED0]

Check out Zack Borer on MySpace for more songs and if you’re around New York be sure to catch his show this Thursday at The Bitter End.

Recommended: For fans of Jason Mraz, Matt Nathanson, Eren Cannata.

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Artist of the Week

Artist of the Week: Shara Strand

With her sultry and soulful vocals, singer-songwriter Shara Strand is well on her way. Making her debut on Broadway at 12, Strand began vocal training and honing her sound at an early age. Additionally, having garnered an opening slot for Pat Benatar as well as a performance at Apollo theater in New York City, her childhood dream is now becoming a reality.

A mix of pop and soul, Strand’s music is radio friendly. In fact, soon to be released track, “Can and Cannot Do” is sure to be a hit. Catchy with a soulful and jazzy vibe, Strand sings: “I don’t feel sorry for you baby/But no one is ever perfect/I mean, sometimes I’m wrong/Sometimes I’m right/But you won’t admit it any day or night.”

Well on her way to being played in clubs and radio stations everywhere, Strand has that Christina Aguilera classic feel while remaining to make each song her own. While some songs are reminiscent to the pop bands of the late 90s (think Max Martin hits), other tracks have an ageless quality.

“Handcuffs” is a straight up pop track. “He’s got all the things a man would want/All you ever dreamed/He can have anyone he wants/Anything out of a magazine/And you would think with all that stuff, it still wouldn’t be enough/’Cuz he would give it all up just to be in handcuffs,” Strand sings with fitting musical accompaniment.

Other songs are more angst-ridden. On “I Need A Moment,” Strand sings, “I need a moment to understand/Why you gave up this love we had/Even though I missed you so bad/Can we be sure this time it will last.” Currently label shopping and playing shows throughout New York and New Jersey, Strand’s demo’s are only a hint of what’s to come from this young songstress.

Visit Shara’s Web site here. If you like what you heard, be sure to catch a show when she’s in town. Shara will be playing in Hoboken this Saturday at Saints and Sinners.

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Artist of the Week

Artist of the Week: Jer Coons

Jer Coons impresses on his debut release, Speak, due out September 29. Mainly a pop-rock album with hints of country and soul, Speak is a versatile disc with radio friendly appeal. In fact, the title track is just a hint of what’s to come for this talented musician.

At first listen, comparisons abound. While no musician wants to be put into a box, Coons’ similarities only help to amp his appeal. Jason Mraz with a mix of John Mayer and soulful vocals that recall breaking band Parachute are a few accurate descriptions.

First single, “Legs” encompasses sing-along choruses that stay stuck in the listener’s head long after the last verse is over. “Forget the who the what the when/The question here is why/You set the bar so high and then you dropped it for this guy/You’re into insincerity/It’s scary that I wonder/Perhaps the bar was raised so high that he just walked right under,” he sings.

If “Legs” sounds familiar, it might be because it was featured on the Hollister June in-store play list. Incredulously, as the song played throughout the day in 6,000+ stores, Coons’ MySpace reached over 4,500 hits per day. As a result, Jer became the third most popular Vermont artist on MySpace trailing behind none other than Phish and Grace Potter.

Throughout the accompanying album tracks, Coons touches upon unrequited love, regret and loss. Always with a unique personal twist, he intrigues the listener with his storytelling. While “Boxing the Cold” showcases Coons’ soulful vocals, mid-song he distinguishes himself with an electric guitar interlude, balancing out the slow ballad. Additionally, tracks like “Girl In My Head” are pleasantly unexpected with a slight country feel.

A solid release, Speak, is sure to find it’s place in the music scene. In fact, it is only time that Coons will have his own headlining shows.

For more on Jer Coons, be sure to visit him on MySpace and check him out live, now currently on tour. Listen to a free MP3 of “Legs” here and watch Coons’ comical music video for the song below.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piqgNUcDfyY]

Recommended: Rather than giving you my comparisons, Jer’s Web site has an epilogue worth reading. See below:

Jer often receives comparisons to many singer songwriters and performers. Before jumping to make one too quickly take a look at these facts:

Jason Mraz
Similarities: They both have a huge vocal range and can sing many words in a short amount of time with few pauses
Differences: Guys actually listen to Jer Coons

Howie Day
Similarities: Both play killer live shows with full bands, or solo acoustic with many loop pedals
Differences: Jer has never been addicted to heroin, gone to rehab, or dated Britney Spears in rehab

Damien Rice:
Similarities: Jer has traces of Irish in him
Differences: You don’t need Zoloft to listen to Jer

Bono
Similarities: Jer can count in Spanish
Differences: Jer’s real name is good enough to be his performance name unlike Paul David Hewson

John Mayer
John Mayer is probably better than Jer Coons

Cat Stevens
Similarities: Jer plays acoustic guitar
Differences: He is not on the U.S.A. terrorist watch list

Kanye West
Similarities: Kanye now tries to sing, which we can only assume is because he wants to be like Jer
Differences: Jer is totally modest

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Artist of the Week

Artist of the Week: Rapper Steph

Boston-based Rapper Steph tells it like it is. Her politically charged lyrics are intelligent and talk of corruption, greed and the downfall of the American Dream. An inspiration to women everywhere, Rapper Steph is better than half the male rappers out there.

“There ain’t no way us folks can ever succeed/Because corporate greed keeps us down on our knees/And we’re still supposed to believe red, white and blue/But our HMO’s won’t cover the blood we spew,” she raps on “The American Dream” over a light percussion beat.

“The American Dream” continues to talk of Wall Street fraud, involuntary international invasions, the Patriot Act, and democracy among many other topics. Mid-song the beat picks up as does Rapper Steph’s vocals. The listener can sense the anger in her voice, and who doesn’t feel the same way about the issues she’s rapping about? Her unique and in-your-face perspective sheds more light than the topics discussed on the evening news. She raps about things people talk about but the media ignores – the truth and ongoing questionable actions made by our government officials. “Fight for your rights before freedom’s death/Because soon there will be none left,” she concludes.

Next track, “Robots,” talks of corporate greed. Aggressively taking a stand, Rapper Steph raps, “I won’t stay complacent/I will not sit down and take this/I will stand up and say shit/So my voice echoes off the pillars on Wall Street/They think they got us all beat/I guess they’ll all see/We are not their robots/We are not their clones/We will not do what we are told.”

“Present State of Mind” tells the story of everyone’s subconscious fight. Exhaustion, stress, failure, madness, optimism, success and passion are a part of everyone’s daily struggles. Rapping about overcoming obstacles and uncertainties, she comes to a positive conclusion: “Even through the shadows/I can see the light/And I won’t give up/’Till my soul throws the fight.”

Politics aside, Steph shows her humorous take on “Public Transportation Infatuation,” a tale of finding love on a train. “Your sin is only that you leave me breathless/You creep into my head so I can’t finish my sentence/Damn where was I, what was I talking about?/Got me head over heels with my foot in my mouth,” she raps over slick, seductive beats.

As can be heard on her five-song EP, Rapper Steph’s talent is undeniable. The topics she discusses throughout each track leave the listener questioning our government, policies, and standard of what we uphold as the American Dream. And, in the end, isn’t that what music is truly about? Making a statement while offering the listener to make his own conclusion.

For more on Rapper Steph, check her out on MySpace.

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Band of the Week

Band of the Week: Mourning District

If single, “Bullet and a Bright Side” is any indication of the future for Mourning District, the band is bound to sell out concert venues in no time. It doesn’t hurt that their arena friendly pop-rock brings about comparisons to Jimmy Eat World and The Ataris (probably because most in the band were former Ataris members). Sure to garner attention from indie lovers everywhere, my bet is for this band to become huge within the next few months.

“Bullet and a Bright Side” does what the first song on every album should do — beg the listener for more. Paul Carabello’s vocals have that familiar quality as he easily captivates his audience. Mid-track includes a solid instrumental buildup to the close and fadeout of the song. After just one listen, it’s hard to imagine why this band hasn’t blown up yet.

Whether they’re blending electric guitar features or pounding on the drum kit, Mourning District brings a fearless energy that I haven’t seen in many releases this year. With songs this good, one can only imagine what they’re like live.

“Say It’s Alright” encompasses solid guitar playing and percussion beats blending well with Carabello’s vocals, never overpowering, but remaining to leave a mark of it’s own. “Pont Rouge” is a slower track with emotional lyrics. “Fall is over/I look back at nights I created/Through an aching smile/Under snowfall I stare at the lights/Willing them to turn into blue eyes/Into another moment/I’m on your side/Under pont rouge lights.” A nice breakup from the more energetic tracks, Mourning District proves they’re able to switch gears without losing their signature style.

Displaying just four songs, the band’s MySpace is a glimpse into their forthcoming debut, due out this winter. And, if these four songs are any indication, Mourning District just may be New York’s breakthrough band of 2009.

To listen to “Bullet and a Bright Side” click here. If you like what you hear, you can download the single for free on SendSpace and be sure to visit Mourning District’s MySpace for upcoming tour dates.

Recommended: For fans of The Gaslight Anthem, Jimmy Eat World, The Ataris.