Posts Tagged ‘Headbanging’

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

I always scope out the free song of the week on iTunes, sometimes finding myself disappointed, while other times finding myself in the middle of a cost-less revolution. This week, Rival Sons’ track Pressure and Time, taken from their debut album (due July 26th via Earache Records), blew me out of my seat.

This supreme-machine rock quartet from L.A. is providing the music world with something ferocious. They are breaking down walls with an across-the-board retro sounding, funk reeling, ass shaking style. Not to forget the vocals are so raw and untouched, while still being irate and thick; it’s a great balance.

Keep Rival Sons of your list of artists to watch.

Do yourself a favor and go get this track, for sometimes the best things in life are free.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

I love me some kick ass rock and roll, hence why Red Jumpsuit Apparatus are high on my radar. No strangers to BTB, the boys are back with a new single entitled Reap, and I must warn you, the headbanging to the air raid that will occur could cause neck injury.

While parting with Virgin Records (in chase of victory under an independent label), fans wondered what their production and music quality would be like in the future. Wonder no more fans, they’re cool. The recent independent The Hell Or High Water EP pleased fans as it showed that the band had resorted back to their novel pop-punk sound with a dusting of screaming (it’s ok to sing along, btw).

Reap is the first release since the EP and it offers a taste of what to expect from the new album. So far so great.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

[Download the entire album for free by clicking here.]

Words cannot explain how much Bryce Avary’s music has affected my life. During every high and low I’ve faced over the past couple years since discovering his music, the sound of his voice has been there, creating a beautiful backdrop to the bittersweet bliss that has been my 20s.

I usually like every single record The Rocket Summer releases and play it on a loop for months on end. It’s incredibly honest and filled with a substance that makes ordinary pop seem lackluster: heart.

God bless you, Bryce! I freakin’ love your music!

Please never stop. Puhlease.

Watch a video from Bryce explaining the new free acoustic album + two of my favorite tracks from his previous discs — the stunningly heartfelt Walls + the music video for Do You Feel following.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Album of the decade? Sorry, Gaga. That feat belongs to Adele. The whole CD for .99 cents? The label might as well put the damn thing in Happy Meals. No, this isn’t happening. I just liked the headline.

This might sound harsh (not the intention), but I’m strictly going balls to the wall with my opinion on Gaga’s overexposure & unapologetic shameless promotion. Why? Because I respect her. Because I appreciate the substance beneath all the starvation for fame. Because I think the way she’s crafted herself (shock value galore) is taking away from the music.

For the record, I actually like several songs on this album, especially You and I. No, I don’t like You and I, I fucking love it. That’s saying something since I’m not a big Gaga fan. I just feel like all this cheap promotion (including Gaga on Farmville, Grindr, Words with Friends & countless others) is extremely desperate. Hello!

Strip her of the hysterics & what is she? A seemingly manufactured pop star. A product that her label clearly has no problem pushing down people’s throats. Literally. (A friend recently told me about Gaga day at Starbucks. Oy!)

However, stripped is where I like her the most. Cue You and I, a more pop rock driven ballad in the vein of Elton John, but on a caffeine high.

This, to me, is where Gaga shines.

Without the layers upon layers of synth electro beats & repetitious slang.

Unlike Adele, who sells millions of albums effortlessly by being no one but herself, Gaga has to parade around and give birth to glitter on stage to get people to talk about what? Not her music. Her stunts. It takes away from her music big time. Genius? I disagree. Perhaps a marketing genius. Sellout is the term I’d label her at the moment.

Nothing wrong with using different types of media to market an album, however the .99 cent card is basically what record labels pull to ensure the album goes to #1. It’s basically cheating. Why? Because tons of people will buy an album for a buck, even if it’s not someone they would normally support. Why? Because it’s cheap. That’s the desperate part. I wish she would’ve earned it the old fashioned way. By selling actual albums at a normal price point. I think her label was scared due to the fact that there was a backlash over Judas and this was the easy route to breaking records the first week.

Good luck, Gaga. Just know (since you’re a businesswoman and all) that there’s a huge non-sequined chunk of people out there who just can’t swallow the contrived stunts you pull (à la eggs & meat), whom you’re abandoning.

With (tough) love.

[PS: I would kill to direct/conceptualize the music video for You and I. Yes, I'm serious! If you're reading this Gaga, call me. No, seriously. Call me! Or email. Or send messenger pigeons. Rainbow smoke signals? Whatever works for you.]

By: Caitlin Hoffman
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

People laugh when I say I like Christian Rock. They get this image about idealized Sunday school teachings crushed into awkward, archaic pop. Well, screw that! First of all, I think it’s brave when a person is keen to rock out about their values, no matter what those values may be. (Unless, of course, their values involve kitten bashing or other uncool things.) Second of all, anyone who thinks Christian Rock sucks hasn’t heard Hawk Nelson.

They will do whatever it takes to make you stand up and jump. They don’t care if they get called geeks, and if anything, they’d use such a mantra to their advantage. Also, I’ve met them, and on a scale of sweetness from 1 to 10, they’re a 12.

I guess I’m a little late on this, but their latest album (released in February) totally blows my mind. Crazy Love, the lead single off the album, gravitates to a new sound that I didn’t anticipate from them, which made it all the more fun. It’s much more dance rock than pop punk, but still had me headbanging by the time it was over. The chorus will grab you hard and refuse to let go until you start singing along. This is the best kind of song to dance crazy to in public, because who gives a damn what people think? Plus, they’re going to be at YC this summer, a youth conference that is the source of many nostalgic memories of mine.

Get a load of the cuteness in their video and then top off the cute factor with a potentially stoned Jason (their lead singer) philosophising on e-mail and butterflies.
　

By: Caitlin Hoffman
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Everyone knows that Silverstein ranks high on the hard-core list. Anyone with ears, anyway. Their melodic tampering with screamo vocal effects and acoustic patterns is nothing short of artistic exploration. Therefore, it seems apt that their most recent single happens to be titled The Artist. It has exactly the kind of kick you hope (and expect) from Silverstein, those luscious Toronto boys with their thrashing skills and huge hearts.

The Artist has come just in time for me to land my hands on their new album, coming out in a mere few days. You can pre-order the dish on their website, and I’m not usually one to vouch for commercialism, but these guys deserve official sponsorship.

Can’t spare a buck? No matter. Dig into the delectable appetizer below.
　

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

I think it is safe to say that everyone knows the Foo Fighters are rock and roll legends, and their newest release does nothing but back up that statement. Wasting Light is without a doubt one of the tightest releases by the group ever, and one of the most sought out albums of this year. Recorded to tape on analog equipment in front man Dave Grohl’s garage, Wasting Light sounds nothing like anything the band has ever done previously, in the best way possible. It’s fascinating to see a back-to-basics recording method being used by a man who pretty much has achieved everything. The deep, pristine environment inspires the integrity of a stadium groove, combining all forms of hard, college, and down and dirty rock.

Sometimes I can’t help but feel that rock and roll gets lost in a music biz conquered by image and packaging, neglecting unadulterated raw talent. Luckily, bands like the Foo Fighters grab my hand before I fall off the ledge; for the sound on this release revives rock and roll to the state it should be in. Just as tracks such as White Limo (hardcore as hell feel) and Rope (first radio single) will leave you jumping and punching, the boys turn tables with love, emotion and melody (in the lyrical content) on numbers like Back and Forth, I Should Have Known and Arlandria. Not to forget probably the best, melodic record ever, Walk (closing out the album). Every track on this record brings something different to the table, for fans of all types of music.

I am not here to review this record and tear it down piece by piece, but simply want to bring it to your attention. Wasting Light will take fans to a dimension where music is rooted in the rock and roll tradition; showing that you don’t need million dollar studios to create a psychological, emotional, physical, musical triumph.

Long live the Foo Fighters.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

I’ve said it once.

I’ve said it twice.

And I’ll say it again: I fucking love every video Fefe Dobson touches.

Watch the beautiful ballad explode below.

By: Caitlin Hoffman
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

A woman should never take the stage unless she knows how to move, knows how to sing, and knows how to riot, one way or another. Taylor Momsen knows this well, and gives it all when leading The Pretty Reckless. They have an edge hot enough to cauterize your arteries, primed to slice up your ears. Sometimes I feel like they put a little too much hard into hardcore. They could turn it down five notches and still bust your chops!

For the record, I don’t care what you have to bitch about Taylor Momsen. I don’t care if she’s not your choice for a leading lady, I only care that she owns the stage and has a voice that rocks my socks off. I’m not here to talk some chalky celebrity gossip- I’m here to talk about music. And their music is something worth talking about. Who cares what a musician does when they’re not on stage?

It’s dark, but splices of light have a tendency to slip through. I can picture them touring with Die Mannequin, or anyone else who knows the truth of grit. Taylor always said the point of this band was to give people something they didn’t expect, something that would give people a double-take while they’re on stage. All about shock value, trashy truths uncovered in the dark corners of the night. Not only do I feel the passion behind their rock, but I feel the intense honesty in the songs, and that’s what keeps me listening. I know the dark dress, heavy bass, and whisky shots before showtime is a formulaic vibe, but The Pretty Reckless takes it and makes it their own.

Taylor’s voice is real, and so is the band backing it. That’s what I love: the reality, the integrity of it all. That’s what real rock should be. So mercilessly honest it breaks your heels.

Come on down to the basement of your brain. The Pretty Reckless is setting up shop here, and they’ve got a good party going.

By: Caitlin Hoffman
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Is it too soon to rave about these guys again? Nope, didn’t think so.

Hollywood Undead’s new music video for Been To Hell is coming to an eye socket near you. I’ve already had the pleasure of it splattering across my eyeballs, and now it’s your turn.

In case you’ve forgotten, Been To Hell is a ruckus of sound, terror, anguish, and paralysing strength. Now it’s got the visuals to match.

A word of warning: the story behind the vid is a pretty disturbing one. It jumps headfirst into the hard reality of how big cities can corrupt, exploit and destroy. It leaves no nerve uncut.

[Related Post: Hollywood Undead Rumbles On]

By: Caitlin Hoffman
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Hollywood Undead is the master of hard core rap metal, unafraid to explore the darker sides of pain and loss. Anyone with scars under their belt will feel a chill when listening to this act. Whether you like it or not, pain is a viable, palpable part of being human, and they embrace it. They don’t back down in the face of emotional adversity, they choose to fight. Hollywood Undead are true soldiers of the musical world, guitars taking the place of guns.

The lyrics for Been To Hell cut like a knife in the soul- the perfect antidote for salting your wounds. Bitterly they mock the pie-crust promises and celebrity scandals of Hollywood, and everything that it stands for. It cramps you like fire right under your chest, slowly eating its way into your rib cage. It floods you with an anger, a righteous anger that empowers you to speak up and to refuse to sit down.

Ready to rumble?
　

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

A party is defined as a group of people congregated together for pleasure. A funeral is defined as a ceremony marking a person’s death. What do you get when you combine the two? Complete opposite ends of the spectrum that mixes for something that goes down smooth, a combination that allows your ears to hear the influenced tunes that substitute the pessimism with boogie-inducing beats and a punk chi.

Funeral Party is an Indie/Rock/Alternative crew from California, whose name originated from The Cure song of the same title. They seem to have industrialized in an otherwise antagonistic stratosphere of metal and hardcore music, where the east outskirts of LA are more known for headbanging and grimacing anthems of the stiff edged music scene, but FREEZE. Funeral Party gravitates towards absolute sounds of newfangled wave and fashionable indie vibes, so get ready to party.

The way they pull off their combination of genres and sound is rather cool. When their music comes on you have many options: dance, rage, rock, bang, or search for in-depth meaning beyond one’s own control. Album Golden Age of Nowhere is due out at the end of March with high expectations and reviews. With mass-market hit potential, I’m excited to see what they have in store. While the band name itself may lead your mind to a downhearted idea, don’t let it sucker you or throw you into a state of metal confusion. For these dudes are full of sunlight.

Despite never seeing Funeral Party live, I really feel this band is over the top. After watching several videos, I’ve witnessed what is an implausible energy that seeps through holes that I didn’t even know existed. It’s palpable that all of these guys are predisposed by diverse styles of music, sampling in a bit of each. Their style is buoyant and catchy as all hell.

Until the album drops, check out the video for single NYC Moves to the Sound of LA.

Invite yourself to the party on March 29th, and buy the record.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Remember the boys who took us for a whirlwind down Ocean Avenue, while telling us we were the Only One? Yellowcard is back from their hiatus with a vengeance on the release of their new single For You, And Your Denial. This song touches all the treasured pop punk angles of Yellowcard that we have grown to love. With the powerful opening violin solo by Sean Macklin being backed up by Ryan Key’s ultimate powerhouse vocals, fans will quickly adore the rejuvenated lyrics and sound.

Get your fix now before the album embraces the world in March. After all, there’s nothing more exciting than a comeback.

Take a listen to a live version of For You, And Your Denial now.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Stutter nutter butter!

That’s it. I’m dropping the bomb announcement, proclaiming what you may already know: Fefe Dobson takes the crown when it comes to pop breakup jams. First, she seethed in her attitude-y (yes, I said attitude-y) Ghost vid and now she’s back for a second dosage of breaking walls with Stuttering. Clearly, the girl has a thing for bad ass cars and bad choices in boys. But we don’t mind. Bring it on, it obviously suits her well.

Check out Dobson in action below with a live performance + the music video following of the undeniable pop record, Stuttering.

[Related Post: Fefe Dobson Seethes In 'Ghost' Vid]

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Rock and roll veterans Social Distortion will be dropping a new release, Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes, on January 18th. For any music enthusiast in the genre, this has been long awaited and anticipated; six long years to be exact. Single Machine Gun Blues is an appetizer to the main course that is exceptionally filling; a contemptuous, up-to-date desperado anthem which incorporates the album’s insubordinate attitude. Mike Ness is hands down one of the tightest guitarists in the world, and this is the first Social Distortion album produced solely by the front man. Ness has explained in several interviews that it’s something he has always wanted to do. Well hell, Mike, we’re right there with ya, buddy.

Although I have only heard a few tracks, I am sure the band’s unique vintage sound will syndicate with their modern-day vision to create quite the banger. Their new record label has associated Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes to the “loves of Hank Williams and Exile-era Rolling Stones” — not the vilest company, if I do say so myself.