Thieves is the debut EP from Akron, Ohio alternative rock band, Keys & Corridors. Featuring an alternative sound that blends the likes of pop-punk, acoustic guitar and melodic rock, the EP is a strong release from a band who are sure to make an impact on the scene.
Thieves beings with a strong alternative rock vibe, with track “Exchange” showcasing Keys & Corridors’ energy and instrumental ability. Dual female vocals offer a vibe that’s similar to that of Courage My Love, and the track is one of the EP’s strongest. It’s followed by the melodic “Abandon Ship”, which features vocals from Atlas Uncharted’s Dommie Frusteri. Starting off slower than “Exchange”, it builds into melodic rock that’s heavily guitar driven and better shows off vocalist Kaylene Widdoes’ vocal ability.
Review: Tonight Alive - How Does It Feel? (Single)
Australian quintet Tonight Alive have released the latest single off their upcoming album. Titled “How Does It Feel?”, the song starts off with some solo, high-tempo guitar riffs until about five seconds in, when a medium-to-fast pace drumbeat kicks in, followed by backing vocals from vocalist Jenna McDougall.
Lyrically, this song holds the emotions of feeling trapped in a possible relationship - or friendship - because the other person thinks they’re always right and won’t listen to anyone else, while wanting everything to go their own way. This is shown in the lyrics “How does it feel? / How can you say? / That I’m the only one / You only want your way.”
“The Lights” is the debut single from British music producer and artist, SOLLUS. Real name Harrison Brown, SOLLUS is a solo project that melds light, electronic ambience with an indie sound that creates something that’s outside the box - something completely unique. “The Lights” is the world’s introduction to this new and refreshing sound, and is also a look into what Brown’s upcoming EP will possibly deliver.
Starting out with an ambient and light sound - one reminiscent of the type of music you’d hear during films from the 1950s or 1960s - “The Lights” builds into keyboard and electronic combinations that blend together seamlessly. About a minute into the track, listeners are introduced to Caralis vocalist Dan Frau, who provides vocals. Frau and Brown’s partnership goes back to Caralis’ beginnings and the pair’s friendship shows in “The Lights”, with Frau’s ambient and soft vocals melding with Brown’s instrumentation almost effortlessly. They stand out just enough to be heard, but not too much as to override the backing track. The addition of backing vocals during the chorus is also a noticeable feature, creating a subtle but strong aspect to the track. The track continues in the same way as the minutes pass before returning listeners to the old-timey sound they were introduced with, bringing things full circle.
Australian quintet Tonight Alive are back with another new single, “To Be Free”. The track, which is set to appear on the band’s new album, Limitless, is the second glimpse fans have been given on what to expect of the new release. It’s the first taste of new music since 2013′s The Ocean, asides from 2013′s single, “The Edge”, which was featured on The Amazing Spider-Man 2.
“To Be Free” starts off with an electric-sounding Jenna McDougall and no instrumentals until about 10 seconds into the track, when the drums and guitar riffs kick in. Matt Best alters the drum’s speed throughout the song, keeping it slower during the verses and at a medium tempo while performing the chorus, whilst Jake Hardy and Cam Adler’s guitars keep at the same tempo throughout. Instrumentally, the song could be seen as a mix of “The Ocean”, “Listening” and “The Edge”. Towards the end of it, the repetitive chanting of “I am limitless” and a slower drum pattern and guitar riffs are heard, implying the title of the album itself.
The Griswolds (by Katie Lile) Wilderness Politics Tour Orlando, FL November 7th, 2015
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With a stacked line-up, the Wilderness Politics Tour created an environment for fans of all music genres. Lolo, having performed first, warmed up the crowd with her pristine vocals, and, amidst the stage change, everyone anticipated The Griswolds’ soon-to-be-upbeat performance.
That’s The Spirit is the eagerly awaited fifth full-length from British metalcore band, Bring Me The Horizon. Described as a “celebration of depression”, it features the band bringing something new to the table, progressing into a nu-metal era that appears to be working in their favour.
Starting off the album is track “Doomed”. Instrumentally and vocally, it brings an electronic vibe that can be compared to “Sleepwalking”, which appeared on 2013′s Sempiternal. It’s followed by “Happy Song”, a track heavily showcasing drums and guitar riffs, with a beat that’ll have you pumping your fist into the air. Lyrically, it’s the perfect definition of what That’s The Spirit’s about: overcoming depression and making the most negative experiences into positive thoughts. This is seen in lyrics like “But if you sing along / A little fucking louder / To a happy song / You’ll be just fine”. Music for some is an escape and that’s exactly what “Happy Song” portrays.
After much anticipation, Knuckle Puck have finally released their debut album, Copacetic. Not shying away from the catchy pop-punk they’re known for, Knuckle Puck can easily be compared to bands such as Real Friends or Neck Deep. However, the more you listen, the more you’ll be able to tell the difference in vocalist Joe Taylor’s voice. His ability to move from rough, angry vocals to a soft, melodious sound (evident in their song “Ponder”) is what sets Knuckle Puck apart.
Copacetic is defined as something being in excellent order, which Knuckle Puck has nailed perfectly. The tracks flow effortlessly one after the other, allowing Knuckle Puck to hold true to the album’s title.
Review: Pierce The Veil - The Divine Zero (Single)
Californian quartet Pierce The Veil are back with the release of their new single, “The Divine Zero”. A teaser of their yet-to-be-announced album, “The Divine Zero” has made its stage debut on the band’s Vans Warped Tour set list. It’s the first taste fans have of new music, as the band haven’t released new material since 2012′s Collide With The Sky, which saw them tour extensively with such artists as Sleeping With Sirens, Beartooth and Issues.
“The Divine Zero” starts off slow until around seven seconds in, when guitar riffs and heavy drum patterns are introduced. These progress throughout the track. The song’s rhythm can be perceived as a mix between “Hell Above”, “I Don’t Care If You’re Contagious”, “Bulls In The Bronx” and “Disasterology”. Toward the middle, there is a breakdown around vocalist Vic Fuentes’ backing screams that allows drummer Mike Fuentes, guitarist Tony Perry and bassist Jaime Preciado to do their thing.
Review: Asking Alexandria - I Won’t Give In (Single)
“I Won’t Give In” is the latest single from English metalcore band, Asking Alexandria. Released May 27th, it is the band’s first single with new vocalist, Denis Shaforostov, who had previously been the frontman of Ukranian outfits Make Me Famous and Down & Dirty.
Beginning with lowered chanting and a light drumming pattern, “I Won’t Give In” progresses into a full-out guitar and hard rock drum beat, filled with high-pitched screams, low growls and whisper-like clean vocals. Giving fans a teaser of Shaforostov’s vocals and Asking’s new direction, the song is a throwback of sorts, allowing the band’s old style to meld with their new sound.
Columbus-based duo twenty one pilots are back at it with the release of their new album, Blurryface. Consisting of singer Tyler Joseph and drummer Josh Dunn, the group has wowed listeners and gained new followers as the result of Blurryface, which showcases a slightly more pop sound than their previous albums, but still maintains the classic twenty one pilots feel.
The opening track, “Heavydirtysoul”, is a pretty accurate representation of the group’s style, with rap verses and a catchy chorus. “Stressed Out” refers to the mysterious concept of Blurryface, referenced by the album title. Overall, the record includes subtle touches of different genres, such as the somewhat reggae feel of “Ride” while stay true to the twenty one pilots style with poetry-esque rap verses. The album also features tracks, such as “Fairly Local”, with it’s genius reverse verses, “Tear In My Heart”, “Doubt” and “Polarize”. It ends on a relatively softer note with “Goner” - an appropriate title for a final track - but the duo still manage to go out with a bang.