Showing posts with label Rock. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rock. Show all posts

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Rogue Sounds- Jupiter and Beyond the Infinite (Free Album Download)

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Rogue Sounds is an established instrumental rock trio from Anaheim, California with a desire to make instrumental rock more accessible to music fans. Combining the post-metal cinematic sludge of Isis, the astral and ethereal soundscapes of Junius, and the grandiose instrumental schizophrenia of Russian Circles, Rogue Sounds is an amalgam of experimental noise from some of the most respected mad scientists of moody metal.

On their new album, Jupiter and Beyond the Infinite, Rogue Sounds deliver an onslaught of constantly evolving compositions that orbits one corner of the rock and roll universe to another in a matter of minutes, cycling from metal to industrial to space rock to drum and bass and back again. Songs like "Wormsign" and "25th Parallel North" illuminate the band's best attributes, which are soaring compositions laced with spacey guitar work and punishing hard rock percussion.


Jupiter and Beyond the Infinite is available as a free digital download, but can also be purchased (pre-ordered) on vinyl. From the same store, Rogue Sounds have a few awesome t-shirts and other records available for purchase.


Tuesday, March 20, 2012

This Week on BandSoup (3/5-3/19)

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Another week in the books and yet another week of great uploads here on BandSoup! Here are a few of the bands that you must hear according to an unanimous vote from the BandSoup blog team. Remember, new bands pop up on the site 1-5 times per day, so check back in with us. You might be missing out on your new favorite band!

* Click the band's name to hear their music.

We had a SXSW week last week, so here is a post with two weeks worth of our best new uploads.

Typhoon (Indie Rock)--  Check out our recent blog post for more info and videos. Typhoon's music has always been marked by complicated arrangements and careful orchestration. Live performances routinely involve 12 or more band members playing at once. "The group masterfully combines indie rock instrumentals and vocals with violins, percussion, hand claps, xylophone, horns and a choir of other instruments, making for inspiring and catchy songs." 

This Means Nothing in Mexico (Indie Rock/Pop)--  Vancouver trio that dares you not to groove to their single "Spirits" off of their brand new unveiling, Year of Thunder, now available as a free download.

Rogue Sounds (Instrumental Rock)-- Formed in the summer of 2008 to create more accessible instrumental music. The band currently resides in Anaheim, CA and has released 2 EP's, 2640 & Transmission. Most of 2011 was spent writing & recording 'Jupiter And Beyond The Infinite' which was released for free download/no minimum donation March 10th 2012.

Max & The Moon (Indie Rock/Pop)-- Max & The Moon's "Out of My Head" was our Soup of the Week last night. Check out the blog post and get your free download!

Coast Jumper (Indie Rock)-- Songs from their debut album, which is currently available as a "name your own price" download.

Literature (Indie Rock)-- Songs from the debut LP from Austin TX power pop madmen. Purchase here.

Tokyo Raid (Garage/Psych Rock)-- Serving up a ferocious, fuzzy, Rohyphenol-laced cocktail that fuels the bloody collision of neo-psychedelia, garage, post-punk and glam, San Francisco’s mercurial Tokyo Raid effortlessly pull off the difficult trick of being simultaneously iconic and fresh.

Equals (Instrumental Rock)-- "The densely layered songs all have their distinctive storyboard of moods and textures, each one a lovely surprise yet all five somehow melding together to form a cohesive, cinematic whole." Click here for a free download of their self titled EP.

Planet Asia (Hip Hop)-- New music from underground hip hop legend Planet Asia's latest record, Black Belt Theatre.

More awesome new bands/solo artists on the flip side!

Ben Rector- I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Whitney Houston Cover)

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If there is one artist that proves musicians do not need major label aid to find success in the digital age, it's Nashville's Ben Rector. Rector pummels the iTunes charts with every release and has built an enormous fan following by doing what he does best-- sing and perform. Combining influences from John Mayer, Ben Folds, and Bruce Hornsby, Ben Rector is the multi-talented poster boy for the new era of digital DIY artists, where talent and close connections with fans reign supreme.


Here is a Whitney Houston cover that was recorded by Ben before her untimely death. Rector's latest album, Something Like This, is available now on iTunes and other online retailers.
Rector is a 24-year old nobody. He's never been on a label, he's never spent a dime on promotion, he's never been on national television, and he's literally topping the iTunes charts. There's no catch; just listen to the music. With a rich voice and skillfully crafted songs that both befall his age, it's no wonder he's no longer a secret. In a world where everything is only a click away, the opportunity for a uniquely talented artist to take off is unprecedented. And so is the success of this up and coming Singer-Songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee.

Rector released "Into The Morning" in February of 2010, and it quickly climbed to #5 and #10 on the iTunes Pop and Overall charts. In a year and a half, the record went on to sell 15,000 albums, and over 60,000 singles independently, due solely to word of mouth and consistent touring. Rector is no stranger to the road; he has toured incessantly the last four years, rapidly growing a legion of fans and selling out most dates on his previous two headline tours. This rapid growth culminated in the release of "Something Like This" on September 13, 2011. The record was the #1 Singer Songwriter album 5 minutes after its official release, it climbed above Lil' Wayne's "Tha Carter IV" to the #4 spot on iTunes overall album charts, bested only by Lady Antebellum's same-day release, Coldplay, and Adele.

Friday, March 9, 2012

The Ghost Wolves- Curl Up & Dye (Video)

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Turn the White Stripes inside out and you have The Ghost Wolves-- Carley "Carazy" Wolf on the mic and guitar and Jonathan "Little Hammer" Wolf on the drums and backing vocals. This new Texas based duo blend gritty backwoods blues with hints of Pyschobilly and folk that are conjuring up garage ghosts from the 60's and demons from the Delta. Known around the city for their energetic live show and infectious on-stage chemistry, The Ghost Wolves have been relentlessly touring their debut album, In Ya Neck!, bringing the raw and rabid rock and roll sound from their digitally unscathed record to dive bars across the plains.


With songs like Curl Up & Dye (above video), Gonna Live, and The Snake and Jake Shake, The Ghost Wolves prove they are separate commodities not to be lumped in with The White Stripes, The Dead Weather, and other known blues rock hybrids. Carley and Jon are in their own swamp-world building their own boussilage of organic punk-blues blight. Now all that's left for us to do is get drunk, dirty, and dance.

The limited edition white vinyl of In Ya Neck! will be available on March 21st. You can pre-order it here (or grab the digital copy).

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Green River Ordinance- Under Fire (New Album)

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Listen to Green River Ordinance on BandSoup 

Forth Worth, Texas' Green River Ordinance recently chopped their major label chains and decided to do it themselves. The success of their new album, Under Fire, is a testament to the band's talent, dexterity, and durability, as they climbed to the top ten of the iTunes album charts on release day and remain steady today at #27.

On the new record, GRO continues to flex their strong foundation of beautiful vocal harmonies, infectious instrumental arrangements, and sincere lyrics, but with an expanded repertoire of instruments including the banjo, mandolin, accordion, lap steel and upright bass. These instruments add a dash of folk and alternative country to their pop rock stew, giving the band more depth of flavor. 

Many comparisons are made with Green River Ordinance and other popular radio friendly bands like Train, Matchbox 20, and The Fray, but GRO's genre-morphing abilities give them an edge on the aforementioned. Your ears are now under fire.



Over the decade-long journey from their first incarnation as kids in Fort Worth, Texas to the upcoming release of their latest album, Under Fire, Green River Ordinance has evolved steadily. The powerful five-piece’s message on their upcoming release evokes the challenges and triumphs of its members as they continue to grow personally and artistically. In 2007, GRO’s intensity and strong fan connection prompted EMI to sign them to Capitol Records. In 2009, Out of Our Hands, the band’s debut album shot to No. 10 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Chart and catapulted two singles, “Come On” and “On Your Own,” into the Top 40. GRO shared stages with Bon Jovi, Train, Counting Crows, Gavin DeGraw and other headliners; earned press coverage from CNN, Billboard and Alternative Press and got their music played on 56 network and cable shows along with three films.

And then, in July 2010, they walked away to start anew.

Working with producers Jordan Critz, Chad Copelin and Jarod Evans, GRO recorded Under Fire at studios in Texas and Oklahoma. For this album, the band wrote all songs built on a foundation of strong, solid, high-impact music – walls of guitar, hushed and intimate acoustic moments and rousing harmonized vocals. Their search to find and communicate answers will guide GRO through years to come, beginning with their Under Fire North American Tour beginning Feb. 29 in Houston. But wherever their explorations take them, Under Fire may be the star that charts their course.

Monday, March 5, 2012

2 Free EPs from The Foot.

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I guess once you are hailed as one of Denver's top rock acts and one of URB's "15 acts you wish you saw at CMJ 2010" you can toss a period next to your band's name. The Foot., an absolute fucking nightmare for bloggers with severe punctuation OCD, is an emerging west coast band with a spirited live show and genre bending sound that has been captivating audience's since their unveiling in 2010. The lifelong musicians are old schoolmates, brought together at university from all corners of the country. They immediately took their shared love of 60s and 70s classic rock, early 90s alternative rock, modern pop and r&b and began rehearsing earnestly in a basement that seemed to flood on a weekly basis. The results of these aquatic sessions were what would ultimately become their critically acclaimed debut release, 2010's Primary Colors.
Last week the band continued their onslaught with the release of TWO free EPs, The Crowd Control and The Cloud Control, each spotlighting a different vibe and expertise from the foursome. The Crowd Control EP features more of an accessible alternative rock ethos in the first two tracks-- The Day We Danced Around is a sultry and soulful alt-pop nod while Dark Dark Ways contains a lot of Red Hot Chili Peppers-esque 90s radio rock influences-- but quickly takes a turn into the modern folk realm with the sleepy yet endearing mood of A Parting Lesson. 
The Cloud Control EP continues the schizophrenic trek through rock and roll and features The Foot. messing with funky acapellas in Ignorance; a more modern take on alternative/indie rock with the Black Keys-like Daisy Baby; and ends comes full circle into another infectious alt-pop cut like the opening track of The Crowd Control EP in The Huntress.


Judging by these two EPs, Jeff McCollister, Phil Barrett, Noah Shomberg, & Drew Sowell are obviously onto a something. By providing a masterful blend of the past, the future and everything in between, The Foot. has forgone the mess and confusion of genre and scene and has instead focused on fun and connecting with their audience. That's why these guys are worth a listen. Period.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

This Week On BandSoup (2/20-2/27)

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Another week in the books and yet another week of great uploads here on BandSoup! Here are a few of the bands that you must hear according to an unanimous vote from the BandSoup blog team. Remember, new bands pop up on the site 1-5 times per day, so check back in with us. You might be missing out on your new favorite band!

* Click the band's name to hear their music.

Leatherbag (Indie Rock)--  Leatherbag is an American power trio from Austin, Texas. After relocating to Austin from Houston in 2005, Leatherbag was formed by songwriter/guitarist, Randy Reynolds. The band's new and final form finds Drew Emmons wired on bass and Danny Blanchard wild behind the drums. The band has performed at the Austin City Limits Music Festival and at the SXSW Music Conference.

The Foot. (Alternative Rock)-- Hailed as one of Denver's top rock acts, The Foot. entered the national scene at New York City's CMJ 2010. Urb Magazine declared them "one of the 15 acts you wish you saw at CMJ" alongside such acts as Das Racist and Two Door Cinema Club. After making several swings across the country, playing some of the most prestigious venues at home, and playing with some of the most respected artists on the national stage, The Foot. has begun work on a series of EPs, the second and third which will be released in early Spring 2012. 

Funktion (Funk/Hip Hop/Jam Band)-- Funktion, the 7-man band based in Kalamazoo, MI, delivers their blend of funk-rock and soul with a hip-hop beat.

IG88 (Electronic)-- Branden Clarke, otherwise known as IG88, would maybe like to fool you into believing that he and his buttons are buried somewhere in between a spray of ambient elation and the sands of a remote desert planet – but there’s something else here. Something tangible and soulful, something raw and quick. Something like the full breath of a thunderhead, the shards of sparks following a blunt and sonic hit to the nail on the head.

Acid Baby Jesus (Garage Rock)--  ABJ represents the future of heavy psych'n'roll from an isolated, ancient civilization. Combining the ruthless elements of American outlaw roots music and celestial glam rock, like fellow deconstructionists Demon's Claws, "LP" suggests the Rolling Stones at their wearied best, with the electrifying hi-jinks of Brian Eno bulldozing the swagger into the darkest corners of the cosmos.

James London (Singer Songwriter/Folk)--  Hailing from Portland, Oregon, James London’s debut EP, “Where Do We Go From Here,” soars with memorable melodies and complex, layered arrangements. From the lush, spacioussplendor of the opening title track, to the moody ... swaggering conclusion of “Bad Seed,” the songs onthis record provide a shimmering, sometimes psychedelic, sonic landscape in which to get beautifully lost.

Beecher's Fault (Alternative Rock)--  In their first year, Beecher’s Fault has become a key player in the local music scene of Astoria, NY. The pop/rock band has played an impressive amount of shows at prominent NYC venues that include The Bitter End, Sullivan Hall, and Pianos. Though only a trio, their live performance has frequently been described as a “wall of sound” that captivates audiences as they light up venues with an energy that is more akin to that of a six-piece ensemble.

Mofo Party Plan (Indie Pop)--  It's fancy and "Dancy".

Muffler Men (Alternative Rock)--  Muffler Men is a power trio from Ghent, Belgium with an alternative rock sound that leans towards stoner rock.

Louder Space (Reggae Rock)--  Louder Space formed in San Luis Obispo, CA on October 5th, 2011 when bassist Oren Ben-Joseph and drummer Philip Tyler joined up with singer Chris Kaye and guitarist Clayton Daly. Meeting each other at a party, the group instantly connected on similar music tastes and the desire to jam together. Since then, the group has been rocking out and working hard to make new exciting music.

The Ready Aim Fire! (Synth Pop)-- Synth-driven indie rock from Walnut, CA.

Kung Foo Grip (Hip Hop)-- Eff Is H & Greg Cypher. Two MC's making that fresh coast hip hop that never gets old. Relevant, independant, & definitely dope! Lyrical, classic, hungry, and versitile.

Zombie Western (Instrumental Rock)-- The aptly named Zombie Western is a four piece instrumental post-rock band based in Waco, TX. The band's influences are clearly apparent in their music, their name, and the intensity of their performances. The careful blending of the dramatic elements of film with the subtlety of layered instrumentation come together to create their textured sound.

Tea Cozies (Garage Pop)--  Steeped in garage rock and british indie, Tea Cozies take influences from guitar-driven pop bands as Blur, Elastica, and the Pixies.

La Palma (Instrumental/Modern Jazz)--  Modern Jazz, soundscapes, and classical instrumental music.

Circus Town- You (Video)

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Here is Circus Town's latest video off their 3 EP, which is now available on iTunes.


Formed in late 2009, Circus Town are Gavin Morris (vocals & guitar), Paul Cooper (bass guitar) and Andrew Gibney (drums). The self proclaimed "dirtiest three piece band to ever be allowed to leave the shores of Birmingham" boast a sound full of bluesy guitars, thundering drums, and vocals that sound like a mix of Jack White, Neil Young, and Nathan Willet.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

This Week on BandSoup (2/13-2/20)

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Another week in the books and yet another week of great uploads here on BandSoup! Here are a few of the bands that you must hear according to an unanimous vote from the BandSoup blog team. Remember, new bands pop up on the site 1-5 times per day, so check back in with us. You might be missing out on your new favorite band!

* Click the band's name to hear their music.

Shiny Penny & The Critical Shoes (Alternative Rock)-- Often known for their "musical chairs" on stage, SPCS rotates instruments every few songs on stage to produce multiple styles and sounds. Also known for their wild, funky breakdowns, combined with Dean's strong yet melodic vocals, Brad's bluesy yet heavy guitar solos, and Dustin's tasteful beats and bass lines, SPCS looks to be a force to be reckoned with in the music world.

Afterlife Parade (Indie Rock)--  Raw and deeply triumphant, Afterlife Parade is a Nashville based indie rock band that's sound combines life's hard fought wisdom with the roar of street cadences and ticker tape; music that beckons hearts to march.

Matt Wilson Band (Rock)-- Matt Wilson Band, a four piece highly versatile rock n roll band, is fronted by piano/singer/songwriter Matt Wilson. Matt is an incredible entertainer, band leader who tailors each show for his audience. It's a wildly entertaining night that keeps audiences on the dance floor to the very end.

Dot Square (Indie Rock)-- Devised in 2005 by singer/songwriter Jason DiBartolo, "Dot Square" is an ambitious outlook on the contrary side of the world today. With swirling guitar textures, subtle driving melodies, & dramatic rhythms, "Dot Square" tackles the mind and aims straight for the mood.

The RainDoggs (Blues)-- Click Here to Hear our Soup of the Week and The RainDogg's awesome Snoop Dogg cover of My Medicine.

Scott Ramsay (Blues Rock/Instrumental)-- Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Scott Ramsay is a blues rock guitarist and sound engineer student working on his new album entitled ‘Route 66′ set to release around April-May of this year.

The Enemy Within (Hardcore/Punk)-- Former members of Boston bands Beware, Milo's Syndicate & Blood for Blood team up to form a super squad of hardcore rockers.

Color Me Blind (Hardcore/Rock)-- Color Me Blind has established a unique sound that highlights both their musicianship and utter love for music. From brutal head-banging licks to catchy choruses, there is no doubt this band loves to test the realm of Hardcore and Alternative Rock.

Karvel (Alternative Rock)-- Karvel are a three piece alternative rock band from London, Twickenham. Karvel have achieved so much in so little time. Having only been together a year, they have worked with the likes of Jim Abbiss (Bombay Bicycle Club, Adele and Kasabian) and Adrian Bushby (Foo Fighters, Muse) as well as performing a live acoustic session on BBC Radio London.

Runaway Brother (Alternative Rock)-- Fueled by a wide range of bands from Say Anything to Death Cab for Cutie, and Third Eye Blind to Tegan and Sara. Released their first two EPs: Mr. Saturn & The Bull Moose Party and have been working on their debut full-length album. Split EP with The Pattern Traced out this Fall. 

Pola.A (Electro Pop)--  Pola.A, from the Flexible Friends label out of Versailles, France, is a multifaceted artist that can be best described as pop meets electronic folk.

Tha Geeks (Hip Hop)-- Tha Geeks are three MC's from Cleveland Heights, OH who spit dope rhymes on their own original beats.

Blak Lyons (Rock)-- Rock and Roll quartet from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Patrick Dodd Trio

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Who is the man with the voodoo voice that lures both the strange and square into Beale Street water holes? Who is the old soul with the fiery lung reminiscent of Albert King, Marc Broussard, Johnny Guitar Watson and Mississippi Fred McDowell? Who is the one with the commanding voice that's strong as a horse and immediately grabs you with its hoarse beauty? 


Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Patrick Dodd was brought into this world with the gift of the blues and cultivated his talent on the outskirts of the genre, while adding in his own contemporary color. Dodd had a successful run with his band a decade ago, but put aside growing his musical career to grow his young family. Now, along with seasons veterans Harry Peel and Landon Moore, the Patrick Dodd Trio are back in the saddle shelling out soulful vocals, whispering lyrics and knee-bouncing bass and drum beats for perfectly timed full throttle progressions.


The trio's latest release, Future Blues, is quite an accomplishment. The simplicity and straight forwardness of the arrangements allow Dodd to shine bright but still give off a much larger sound than what you would expect from a trio. Their mix of vintage blues, southern-style rock, gospel, and jam music is accessible for both the blues enthusiast and virgin ear alike, mainly due to Dodd's hypnotizing rasp and modern swagger.


Sparkle Gross- Sparkle Gross EP (Free Download) & Smell My (Video)

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Sparkle Gross is a five piece blues rock band from Madrid that pride themselves on their "Les Paul sound and robust rhythm section". Taking influences from The Black Crowes, Gov't Mule, and The Faces, Sparkle Gross' first EP as a band forays into swamp rock, classic rhythm and blues, and roots rock and roll. Peet Nollan bounces from Cocker to Chris Robinson to Warren Haynes and gives a schizophrenic display of vocals over emphatic audio dust from the cowboys firing off the rhythm behind him. Their debut EP is yet another fine display of blues rock in a country (Spain) that has absolutely fallen in love with the genre.



Download Sparkle Gross' debut EP on their website below and check out the video for Smell My above.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

This Week on BandSoup (2/6-2/13)

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Another week in the books and yet another week of great uploads here on BandSoup! Here are a few of the bands that you must hear according to an unanimous vote from the BandSoup blog team. Remember, new bands pop up on the site 1-5 times per day, so check back in with us. You might be missing out on your new favorite band!

* Click the band's name to hear their music.

Death Rattle (Electronic/Indie Rock)-- Check out our blog post featuring a free download and Death Rattle music video. Heavily influenced by Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, and Fever Ray, Death Rattle splashes their dreary innards over what sounds like a futuristic factory machine hard at work. The femme fatale on the mic glides over the industrial synths and pounding percussion perfectly, as the grinding, seductive bass drives her kiss of death into the heart of your cortex.

Skyways Are Highways (Alternative Rock)-- After ten years and a handful of demos under their belt, Skyways are Highways have officially recorded their debut double single of the same name.
Mixed by ARIA award winning Producer & Engineer, Steve James (www.steve-james.com), whom has spent the last ten years investing his time in Skyways Are Highways, so much so it seems like Steve is another arm of the band. Check out both singles on the main site.

Saint Jude (Rock)-- Check out our recent blog post featuring Saint Jude's latest video and free downloads. 

Orange Grove (Reggae Rock)-- European based Reggae rock band that have been around for over ten years but are about to release a special project unlike anything they have released before. Stay tuned.

Quiet Hounds (Indie Rock)-- Some sounds just command the ear when created with honest pursuit; such is the case with Quiet Hounds. These are gentlemen of various talents unexpectedly united with the unabashed desire to produce pure, authentic music with only spontaneity as a guide. Stepping out of familiar cages and unleashed to create something that had been stirring within for quite some time.

Patrick Davy & The Ghosts (Rock)-- Patrick Davy and The Ghosts are a three-piece group from Detroit, MI. Their music is influenced by Radiohead, Led Zeppelin, Ryan Adams, and Crosby Stills and Nash. Whether they are performing electric or acoustic, the music remains a blend of crafted, artistic melodies and powerful fundamental rock grooves. The Ghosts have a number of recordings and are now expanding beyond their hometown.

Patrick Dodd Trio (Blues Rock)-- Often compared to Albert King, Marc Broussard, Johnny Guitar Watson and Mississippi Fred McDowell, Dodd's soulful style is a fiery mix of passion, melody, rhythm and soul. He is the bridge between the roots of blues music and the contemporary influence of southern rock, roots and jam music.

Bob Dean (Alternative Rock)--  The title of their debut album describes it best "Volcanic Music" Bob Dean have set out to create something new in the Manchester music scene. This international 5-piece have been gigging for just over a year, they have been praised for their explosive live performance and have been compared to The Mars Volta, Muse and Coldplay with hints of classical and Icelandic influences.

The Province (Pop Rock)-- Female fronted pop rock band from Hermosa Beach, California. Their new album Skeletons & Keys was released last week.

The Golden Troubadours (Acoustic/Folk)-- The Golden Troubadours are a dreamlike acoustic band from Nottingham who write unique soulful songs with shades of flamenco, folk, soul and blues performed with passion and feeling, which leave the heart-strings lovingly played.

Tensei (Hip Hop)--  The Chicago based production crew, Tensei, is comprised of Simple X and Midas Wells. The two met in college at Southern Illinois University with a shared love for hip hop and together formed the group Tensei, meaning 'heaven star' in Japanese. This EP brilliantly showcases Tensei's production style, forfeiting traditional use of samples and instead, using live musicians to create and produce their tracks.

Whales in Cubicles (Indie Rock)-- New band out of London.

The Soviet (Indie Rock)--  Check out Doug Foley's Hot One of the Week/Interview with the band.

Slow Suicide- Ghost (Gost') (Free Album Download)

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When I first listened to “Snow Fall (Snova)” by Slow Suicide, I immediately envisioned innocent children playing in a wintery landscape. Despite the brooding and cynical feeling to the song, I also felt a feeling of hope for a better world peak through. The second song featured on Bandsoup, “Black X (Chernoe)”, is another story. It is a haunting soundscape that begins with noisy, hissing sounds that will either immediately turn you off or hypnotize you into continuing. I chose the latter to see where the song would go after the mechanical noises faded and soon after the song transitioned into a smooth and cinematic sea of guitars. That's when I found out Slow Suicide's m.o. is finding the beauty in the unusual.


I found their latest album, Ghost (Gost), and fell in love with their intimate instrumental music that's deeply influenced by rock and roll and moody electronic music, but with an absurd noisy twist (I hear Brian Eno and Glenn Branca). Ghost (Gost') is available as a free download and is a must listen for fans with an open mind and those that can find beauty within the madness.

- Jesse Van den Eynden

Friday, February 10, 2012

Hot One of the Week & Interview: The Soviet

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As I contemplated my blog this week, I wanted to do something different and give readers (and listeners) a chance to meet the artist rather than just read what I wrote about them. A perfect act for me to cover this week is The Soviet, a quartet from northwestern New Jersey who just released their debute EP. So without further hesitation I give you my interview:


First, before we get started, would you please introduce yourself and tell us your previous experience with music and your largest influences?

My name is Joshua Perna. I'm a multi-instrumentalist; I started playing jazz drums in my pre-teens, eventually moving on to study bass. I eventually taught myself how to play guitar, and, for this project, how to sing. I've done session work with all of these instruments, and been an actual member of only a couple of bands up until this point. Since I play different instruments I'm influenced from all over the place, but as of right now I'd say my biggest are Thom Yorke, Guthrie Govan, and Darren King.

Tell us the story behind The Soviet: a. why the name, b. who else is in the band, and c. goals you have for this project.

We originally got the name from mewithoutYou's song of the same title, but chose to keep it since it's just an interesting ad authoritative word (it translates to something along the lines of "the council", I think.) I have the blessing of working with a few really talented guys. I started the band with a long-time friend of mine, Aaron Brown, who plays lead guitar. We later found Alex Long, a jazz guitarist who picked up bass for the project, and Kevin, our drummer. Our goals are pretty simple and sincere: we just want to perform the music we're creating and get it out to as many people as we can. I feel as if many people get too wrapped up in fantasies of fame and lose sight of the fact that a band should be about a love of music, and we're really trying to hold onto that.

Your first EP is on its way out soon. How long as this been in progress and what was involved?

Wherewithal EP was written in a matter of months. We only really started as a band in Summer of 2011, and just recorded the record in January. Writing it, though, had a lot to do with finding our sound. We had all come into this project from different places, musically (primarily from a progressive/metal music scene.) So a large part of writing this was the trial and error of really agreeing what sort of sound we wanted to orient ourselves around, since this genre was entirely new to us.

Take us through the content of Wherewithal. What makes this record special, both musically and lyrically?

The EP is basically a walk through different situations and junctions in a person's life and how they choose to cope with them. Having the wherewithal (which means capability, for those who don't know) to do something is a daily struggle, and lyrically that's the emotion that the EP is centered on.
Musically, the EP is varied. We write under the pretense that no two songs should sound the same (while keeping a cohesive sound, of course.) So even though it's only a 5-track record, it covers a lot of musical ground in terms of dynamic and energy.

Do you have any closing remarks regarding the release of Wherewithal, the future of The Soviet, and your fans out there?

Just to get a copy of our music, by legal means or otherwise, and keep an eye on what we're doing. I hope our music is something everyone can get excited about, because I can honestly say this is one of the most meaningful projects I've ever been a part of, and I'm very excited about the future. Thanks!

Check out “Wherewithal” here and go like The Soviet on Facebook.



-Doug Foley

Saint Jude- All Ways Were Lost (Video) + Free Downloads

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Melbourne's Saint Jude play gospel tinged blues-pop-garage-country dug up from the 70s. They really do.


What started out as a Black Keys-like two man band has now blossomed into a five man fueled force with Bill Deeble (drums/vocals), Brooke Penrose (vocals/guitar), Ryan McCarthy (lead guitar/vocals), Brendan McMahon (keys/vocals) and Mick Stylianou (bass/vocals). After Bill and Brooke released The Mountain EP in 2009, the duo went on the hunt for a fuller and fatter sound, which can be heard on their latest singles, All Ways Were Lost and Rain is Falling Down, that will appear on their first full length album set to release in March of this year. 

Above is the video for All Ways Were Lost, but if you head over to their bandcamp page, you can download both singles free of charge.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

This Week On BandSoup (1/23-1/30)

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Another week in the books and yet another week of great uploads here on BandSoup! Here are a few of the bands that you must hear according to an unanimous vote from the BandSoup blog team. Remember, new bands pop up on the site 1-5 times per day, so check back in with us. You might be missing out on your new favorite band!

* Click the band's name to hear their music.

Ben Crane (Folk/Acoustic)-- Hay Fever is Crane's first full-length release. The recording took place in his bedroom and classrooms in the Tufts music building. At its core, it's a folk album. But, he tried out lots of different styles and ended up with a pretty eclectic mix of tunes.

Daniel Whittingon (Folk/Blues/Country)-- Daniel has been performing since age 11 and spent the first few years of his music career touring with his father's blues band. In 2008 Daniel began work on a solo album and performing acoustic shows in Hollywood, CA at venues like the Rainbow Room, the Roxy, and the Pig and Whistle. After 3 months of working on the album, he moved to Austin to continue pursuing a solo career and to complete the album in Texas.

Makeshift (Regggae)--  An emerging Chicago based reggae/blues band that's reminiscent of O.A.R. and Slightly Stoopid.

Xperimento (Latin/Funk)-- Xperimento is a bilingual, multicultural band that blends world sounds such as Cumbia, Reggae, Merengue, Ska, Salsa, and Funk with elements of Rock, R&B, Hip Hop and Dancehall. Their songs are rhythmically driven, melodic, and catchy, making their live performances upbeat and fun, weather playing at clubs or big festivals. Xperimento's line up includes a horn section, percussion, drums, electric guitar, bass and a multifaceted singer.

The Ocho (Psych Rock/Jam Band)-- The Ocho is a 4-man Instrumental band who is stationed in Landskrona, Sweden. They play a mix of progressive and psychedelic Rock with hazy synths and funky soundscapes.

Pat Hull (Folk/Singer Songwriter)-- "The Brooklyn based songwriter's alto and his intimate melodies are evocative of Luke Temple's solo records before he started Here We Go Magic, and although the instrumentation, cadence and atmosphere of this material scream "country", Pat's melodies and guitar parts go in the direction of gently reinventing the genre rather than obeying to its exhausted axioms" - Deli Magazine

Wilbur By The Sea (Folk/Singer Songwriter)-- Wilbur By The Sea, the moniker of indie-folk songwriter Sean Knisely, is from a chance encounter along a road far from home. Placed curiously on a Florida road sign with no further explanation, it came to embody the wanderlust that later led Knisely to leave his hometown in West Virginia and follow his passion for music. After recording a collection of earnest and vulnerable acoustic songs in his apartment, he left his TV director job and hit the road to start following his dreams.

Symbol & Surface (Folk/Indie Rock)-- Read our Hot One of the Week feature on Symbol & Surface.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Decortica- Shinkansen (Video)

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Here is another video from Auckland alternative rockers Decortica off their 2011 album, Love Hotel, which you can order/download in various different ways here.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Red Fang- Hank is Dead (Video)

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Here is the video for "Hank Is Dead" taken from the album 'Murder The Mountains' - available now on CD/LP/Digital via Relapse Records.



Check out our past coverage of Red Fang: "Prowling through the progressive pines of the Pacific Northwest are independent metal's best kept secret-- Red Fang. This uber talented quartet took their collective talents and experiences from their former bands and formed like Voltron to create a new powerhouse in Portland's rock and roll scene. Instead of regurgitating past methods and influences, Red Fang agreed to build their sound around what initially inspired them to become musicians in the first place-- heavy, galvanizing hard rock and roll that is accessible and straight forward, as well as sophisticated and layered. This infectious form of metal is consummately displayed in their latest record, Murder The Mountains, released April 2011 on the acclaimed Relapse Records label."

Friday, January 20, 2012

The Honey Pies- Henny Penny (Video)

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Official music clip for The Honey Pies' single HENNY PENNY.

Triple J Unearthed Big Day Out rascals The Honey Pies proselytise Adelaide's infamous mall street preachers in a cheeky new music clip from their second album 'Carpe Carp'.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Kasium- Exhale (Free Album)

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Hailing from Auckland, New Zealand, Kasium is an alternative rock trio causing quite a stir in their homeland due to their nostalgic blend of 90s era hard rock and metal. On their debut album, Exhale, the band pinches the best ingredients from classics such as Alice in Chains' "Dirt", Tool's "Undertow", Silverchair's "Frogstomp" and early Chevelle, stirring up a stellar mix of crunchy guitar riffs, throaty hooks, and hard hitting drums.


The band and lead singer Kieran Cooper shine brightest when they dig deep, down tune their guitars, and show their dark side. Songs like Halo, Wasted Years, Drowned, and Exhale reveal Kasium's heart and the epicenter of the band's talent. When Kieran's anguish and raw emotion is at the forefront, the rest of the band thrives around it and sound whole. That's not to say the other tracks on Exhale won't please, but those four tracks are what make the album and will show the rest of the world that these Kiwi's have what it takes.



Drowned Video


Kasium have their debut album up as a free download on their website, so click below and get ready to fire up those finger horns.

 
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