Some bands are great at combining various sub-genres of rock into their own cohesive sound. Aways Away is one of those bands. Coming from the great state of New York, a state that is never short of good music; the band can be best described a fusion of punk, indie, and good ol rock n roll. The four piece band composes of Evan (Vocals, Guitar), Joe (lead guitar), Silvano (bass), and Dana (drums). Their sound reminds me of great bands such as; Vampire Weekend and The Strokes.
Some people like to say that Rock N Roll is dead and has been taken over by Indie and Screamo music. Well, they’re wrong! The Young Royals are here to make sure that Rock N Roll continues to strive through today’s industry.
The rock song “Falling Off The Bone” could very well be the anthem of a life time. The straight forward song is to anyone who can’t appreciate what they have and take everything for granted. The chugs and epic guitar solo will make you want to pump your fist high in the air. The lyrics “you don’t have what you don’t have, you don’t want what you don’t got you’ve given it all away” are brutally honest.
Born and raised in Faytteville NC, Bad Newz is a young 22 year old MC making a name for himself. Make no mistake, Bad News does his own thing and plays by no one rules. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t care about the critics and criticism he may receive which he uses to only better himself as musician. I’m just saying he doesn’t let the world influence his music.
With hard knock songs like “Currency” and “Step On The Scene” we can tell Bad News mean business. The auto-tune used on “Currency” isn’t done in the phony way that is has become known for, it actually fits perfectly with the song. It also provides a nice transition into Bad Newz powerful vocals as he describes his talents and dreams. “Step On The Scene” has a softer beat where the drum is at the forefront and synthesizers add a nice backdrop. Other tracks that caught my attention were “Flex” and “It’s A Party.” He definitely makes songs for the clubs which showcase his lyrical talent.
The Southbound Suspects’ compose of 6 talents friends that have finally come together to do something they have always dreamed of, to be rock-stars. So many of us have dreams that seem impossible to accomplish due to life and its never ending changes, but these friends were determined to make it happen someday and they have.
The self-titled debut album is a mixture of contemporary folk, country, rock, and Americana music. It reminds me of a melting pot, just so many elements put into one CD. Taking cues from legends before them the band’s sixteen song album takes us on a trip though shady back alleys of broken hearts, love, life, and even the occasional hopeful heart, while making sure to take some much needed detours to dive bars to play some music with like minded folks. From the good feel sounds “Good Times” to a slow dancing tune resembling the sounds of Tom Waits “Somewhere Down The Line,” each and every song stands out on its own. The instrumentation and raw vocals of The Southbound Suspects are ground breaking.
Traveling Mercies will soon become one of the most respected groups in contemporary American folk and roots music. Their vocals are smooth as butter and hugely passionate, and their song $5 Bill is packed tight with familiar folk sounds with a new twist to give it a special kick.
The song has a beautiful arrangement of instruments. The brightness of the guitar balances out very well with the contemplative drum beats and with what I’m assuming a harmonica or some sort of brass instrument being played through out the song. The vocals are powerful and clever as they sing “I know I had it coming, but I couldn’t guess then I come home drunk with a pink slip in my hand, new lock was on a door with a note that read…Dear Bill you don’t live here no more, here’s 5 dollars it’s all I had in my purse.”
Written by Dylan Gallagher
Gigi is a new young hip-hop artist who loves a beat and knows how to sing around one. Her ability to write and produce her own music adds to her talents, and she sings beautifully with a firm grasp of what it takes to vocalize an emotion. She has produced her music quite well, and it has a full, even tone. While it is usually difficult to base an artist’s talent off of one song, it is clear by listening to Gigi’s single that she is ready for the next step.
Written by Dylan Gallagher
An exotic new flavor to the rap scene, Di Peruvian is spitting rhymes all over the web, having produced the music himself. Di Peruvian is originally from Peru but moved to the United States and now resides in the humble New Jersey. The quality of his music is decent and makes for a good listen, especially because Di Peruvian is more about the truths behind life than the lies. By his logic, Di Peruvian makes songs about the things that matter in life, and he stays away from the fluff. So I pat him on the back for that one, especially after I heard his music.
Another hip hop group is emerging from the West, capturing the heat and excitement of their infamous hometown with an exciting blend of rap and R&B. Vegas Made is a three-headed monster of hip hop fury, relying on stripped down beats and raw production values which create a catchy indie vibe that makes listeners thirst for more.
With a laid back flow and party-infused lyrics, Vegas Made makes an honest contribution to the local music scene, becoming a relevant force throughout Las Vegas. Top tracks include “It’s All About Liven” and “Sexy Lil Shorty.”