Archive for April, 2012

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Sometimes, the best things in life are free! Head on over to i-Tunes now for the free single of the week from Alabama Shakes. The Southern rock band from Athens, Georgia must be thrilled that their single Hold On is in the spotlight, because that is right where it belongs. Their debut album Boys and Girls was just released to high reviews and a long-awaited buzz. If you are seeking guitar-driven, soul-rock jams, this is the band for you! Of course, we have to mention that Brittany’s voice is insane with intense range, and with the band’s beats to support it, the end result is simply real music.

Get your copy of their single now!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

In 2008, Kevin Rudolf burst onto the scene with Let It Rock, the anthemic smash which featured Lil Wayne. Now, the Cash Money Records rocker has released a single that showcases his poppier side. On the just-released Don’t Give Up, the singer-songwriter keeps it positive and chill, delivering a tune with a sturdy message.

According to Rolling Stone, Rudolf’s recent move from Los Angeles to New York City helped to inspire the shift: “When I started writing this album, I had just moved back to New York City, where I grew up. I just got out of L.A. and when I got to the city I was feeling really positive and hopeful, and that’s the place where ‘Don’t Give Up’ came from,” he explained. “And plus, since the world is ending in 2012, I thought I’d leave on a high note.”

The uplifting single drops on iTunes on April 17th.

By: Caitlin Hoffman
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

What do we think of this?

I’ve always respected Marilyn Manson, not only as an entertainer but as an individual. His interviews show him to be an intelligent, creatively charged man, one with a depth not always interpreted from his music.

His most recent single No Reflection keeps in tone with his darker pieces. He keeps the singing low, gravelly and textured, only doing the death scream when it’s absolutely necessary. Though I greatly enjoy the tune, I can’t help but feel that it’s missing a mark. Marilyn Manson always made me shiver in the spine and fist pump ‘til my muscle cells shut down. This song hit me like an emotional tranquilizer, akin to Long Hard Road Out Of Hell.

Watching the video hurt. The sequence happens so slow you can’t escape from it.

All in all, certainly not an experience for sunny days and Kodak moments. Then again, few of his fans are looking for that.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Royal Headache is a group that should be on your radar this spring. The foursome from Australia is a hyper-melodic group, combining power pop and traits of hardcore roots. They have that back-in-the-day sound — not manufactured — just raw, scratchy-throated belting. I don’t know much about them yet, except for the fact that I believe they stand out because they don’t scan as reserved. Their music isn’t just a workout in alteration or emulation.

Royal Headache really satisfies my punk retro fetish. Check out Psychotic Episode and let it be the first of many tunes you spin.

They’re on the move.

By: Caitlin Hoffman
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Thanks to Mars and Venus, I got my moshing in this weekend.

It happened at the Pawn Shop (local venue bursting with musical potential). It had been one of those nights of wandering, of new tastes and sounds. Nothing turned out as I had anticipated, but I didn’t regret a second.

Spurred on by the resonating bass, the massive magnetism in the drums, I wedged through the crowds and got a hand’s reach away from the stage. The vigour of the band had touched the edge of the audience and I went along with it, jamming with every bit of my body. (We’re talking serious head thrashing here.) It had been so long since I’d been able to feed off the jarring influence of a live show.

I watched Carlos shouting pheromone-laden lyrics from his lungs, alight with sweat and musical fever. Nathan and Craig dripped dexterity on the guitars; Jordan and Matt kept it all together in raping the rhythm section.

All were smothered in sound. Suddenly the strangers were unified, pumping our fists in time.

Needless to say, I had to reach out if only to pay my respects. Without hesitation I was given a CD and a hug. That sold me.

Their debut album Faded Maps and Winding Ways is a mature journey through the soul. Unblinkingly it delivers spiritual reverence whilst still rocking out. I’ve listened to it through and through, but the recorded tracks can’t compare to the visceral energy they encompassed on stage.

I’m glad they’re getting the attention they deserve. They’ve already won some awards and I’m sure more are to come. It’s honest, down and dirty bands like these that will save the industry we all love.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Lord have mercy! He is SO cute. I mean, just adorable, right? And a good musician to boot. It’s Monday, people. I think I’m allowed to have a post that’s written on a 5th grade reading level. Sue me!

Now, where’s my Red Bull?

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