"Golden Sun" Band Review

   Watch the name people, Golden Sun are bound to break out soon. The Indie Rock sound is a popular niche genre, spawning many #1 singles on the Alternative charts, and even getting on Billboard's Top 100 (Grouplove, Young The Giant). Golden Sun takes this evolving sound, and makes it sound misty and mysterious. Not to mention they rock a whole lot harder.
   Golden Sun is a four piece hailing from Salt Lake City. Everything they have released thus far has been written, recorded, and even produced by themselves. Their discography consists of a six song EP/LP called "Wine Country" in 2011, and a seven song self titled EP released early last year. I heard their song "Electric Ghost" last summer and thought it sounded neat and original, but lately they have been getting a great amount of buzz online. You can download both of their LP/EP albums online on their Bandcamp. Name your price. "goldensun.bandcamp.com"
   There are many bands out there attempting to make it big playing in a Indie/Rock/Pop/Alternative/Etc/BlahBlahBlah band. The titles that go onto genres now days are endless. However, Golden Sun could actually be called "Indie Rock". They rock hard, but aren't afraid to use a plethora of experimental techniques normally found in the Indie Pop genre. The main thing that stands out to me in this band is that the guitar and drums drive this band, just like a true "Rock Band" would. Normally in these "Indie Pop" bands the vocals [and keyboards] are in control. I'm not saying the vocals don't play their part, but this is absolutely a guitar/drum driven band. They're basically a rock band with indie-pop ideas.
   The lead singer even has the kind of voice you would find in a rock band. He sings with great precision, only hitting the notes he has to. It's not super fancy, but he gets work done.
   The guitarist plays extremely well; his speciality is making catchy riffs. The best in my opinion is in "Electric Ghost". It most certainly isn't his only good riff, for nearly every song has the guitar leading the band forward.
   The drums are usually spontaneous and keep the beat. They back the guitar thoroughly and help flourish the band.
   The bass does what the bass should be doing, filling things in and adding to the overall completion of the sound.
   Golden Sun is currently touring the west coast. Maybe if push comes to shove and they get enough fans, they'll come to your town. Enjoy.

  

"Staying for the Weekend" Band Review

   A few days ago, one of my friends introduced me to a local band here in Nashville named "Staying for the Weekend". Apparently, he attended high school with the band at Battle Ground Academy, and the band is now currently attending Belmont. They recently released a digital download of their new album, and the actual hard copy of their debut album "Camp Empathy" comes out around December 2nd. You can check them out at "http://stayingfortheweekend.bandcamp.com".
   These guys have the "Indie Pop/Rock" kind of sound, but they make it their own. Think "Cage the Elephant" meets "Young the Giant". Young the Giant had two top 10 singles on the US Alternative Charts in 2011. Cage the Elephant has also had similar success. This is the kind of music that is seriously starting to sell in the marketplace, and is a great genre to invest in for the future.
   When listening to "Camp Empathy", you can't help but hum along once you get a feel for each song. Their whole album is just so utterly catchy. The lyrics are simple and powerful; the music is genuine and memorable. The guitar riffs tattoo your mind and don't leave. Davis' vocals don't necessarily "drive" the songs, but they lead; he certainly makes a great frontman. Both Mays and Krafft are excellent guitarists, they compliment each other wonderfully. Occasionally, it even feels like they both play lead. The bass and drums on the album make a wonderful musical metronome that doesn't overpower any aspect of the songs. Their music is highly distinguished, it would seem like they have played long enough to find their niche. I hope this is the first of many EP's, and then eventually, LP's to come from these guys. I see some serious potential for success.
   I would recommend this band for anyone who enjoys the new 21st century Alternative/ Pop-Rock; "Cage the Elephant", "Young the Giant", "The Strokes", "The Kooks", and "Walk the Moon" all come to mind.
   By giving "Staying for the Weekend" a listen, you are not only supporting a great local band, but you are also helping yourself to one of the best new artists I've heard lately. Do everyone a favor and check them out. Happy Friday, and have a great weekend.

Killing the Recordings

   Hay guyz, I had a thought the other day. Does anyone else notice how most mainstream artists rarely put out new material? Think about it. Over the past decade, bands (or individual artists) hardly release new music. Average output of an artist is like one album every two to three years. Now look back on the previous decades, the decades before 2000. The Beatles put out an album at least once a year, sometimes twice a year. Led Zeppelin cranked out albums every year. Journey, The Who, Bob Dylan, Talking Heads, Beck, the list goes on; just hop on the internet and do the research yourself. Older artists put out significantly more materiel than newer artists.

   Why do you suppose this is? It's because new material made the most money back then. In a time before Pirate Bay, Limewire, and even Napster, the "Music Recording" revenue stream was more valuable than the "Live Performance" stream. Back then, you could release an album, and expect your fans to buy it, making you lots of money. Once again, this is the case for mainstream artsist. You know, the ones that can afford the mansions, fancy cars, and giant swimming pools. 

  Now a'days, things run a little different. I'm sure most of you have torrented something before. I'll even admit I have. It's an easy and free way to increase your music collection. If we do end up buying our music, most people just buy one song. Before the "click to buy" music stores, people rarely just bought one song. Unless you lived in the early-mid 20th century and bought a nice, heavy, 78 rpm gramophone record. New music just doesn't sell the way it used to. 

   In spite of that, do you know what you cannot torrent? You can't torrent a stunning concert, and the trendy merch that you will probably buy while you're there. Thus, an artist will stay on tour months on end. They might go back to their home city and maybe work on some new material, but then they'll head back on the road, off to make some mega bucks in a colossal stadium. "Young The Giant", a young flourishing band, has been on tour for the past year and half. They've released one album. Bob Dylan has been consistently touring for at least the past two years. Before his latest, "Tempest", he hadn't released an album ince 2009. Katy Perry has released two albums in her crazy successful five year carrer, but she's constantly on tour. Touring makes the money now. 

   There are still the enjoyable indie underground artists that aren't just in it for the money coming out with new material constantly, but the big boys, they prefer to stay on the road. I guess this is just my long, round about explanation on why the "recording" revenue stream has passed the baton to the "touring" revenue stream [financially]. 

   You probably won't remember reading this tomorrow, but if you only got one thing out of this rant I just typed out, I would want it to be this: We can help ourselves to an artist's music without paying for it by sharing and torrenting, we just need to realize that there just won't be as much. The less you pay, the less there will be.

Let's make a difference.

   Oh boy, what is our generation becoming? Nearly everything we do is for ourselves. We make plans for selfish ambitions and narcissistic schemes. 

   Cell phones, social networks, and everything inbetween. What do you find youself doing when you're waiting in the doctors office? Before class? On your break at work? Whenever you're bored? Hop on your cell phone. It's your essence; your life sustenance. Your life support. People don't think enough about their future. I'm guilty of this as well. Within 15-20 years someone our age will be president. Will he (or she) be making witty, yet snotty tweets? Or will they be publishing food pictures on Instagram? Or [most importantly] will they be posting vague, dramatic status updates on Facebook?

   Our generation will be calling the shots, making the big decisions very soon. Let that simmer for a moment; are you ready for that yet?  Either we have a whole lot of maturing to do, or this is the new way of life. Welcome to the Information Age. Or should I say Entertainment Age? Neil Postman was right. We are amusing ourselves to death. Lets change that kids, lets prove the baby boomers wrong. We can improve our lives and the future generations lives. I know it's cliche, but lets make a difference. 

Exploration, Experimentation, and Originality

   The music business was revolutionized through these three concepts. From Old Slave Songs and Big City Sounds, there was Blues. Through Blues and Country, there was Rock. From American Rock and the British Invasion, there was Pop. All original.

   Never stop trying new things. You will not get anywhere playing re-used stuff. People want new things, the next “in” sound. Make a style. Make a mark. Make an impression. Make people remember you.

Let's Wrestle Band Review

  The band “Let’s Wrestle” has been around for quite some time, since 2005 to be exact. They haven’t come out with anything too recently, but I have found myself listening to their debut full length album “In The Court of Wrestling Let’s” (which was recorded in an east London basement), with my favorite track being “I Won’t Lie to You”. Last year, they released their second album, “Nursing Home”, which I feel was a great follow up to their first. This album showed a little more maturity in both music and lyrics, but it is obvious they still had fun making it.

   Let’s Wrestle is a three piece consisting of Patrick Gonzalez (lead vocals & guitar), Sam Pillay (bass), and Darkus Bishop (drums); all hailing from London. By just listening to the drive of the band, it is obvious that they all have the same concept of what they want the band to be. The combination of driving guitar and bass, steady yet powerful drums, and genuine vocals makes Let’s Wrestle just the kind of band the industry needs now: Original and innovative, yet shouts out to British rock, pop, and punk bands from the 90’s.

   One thing I absolutely love about Let’s Wrestle, is that they have no problem poking fun at themselves; especially while they are at such an early stage in their career. The albums are filled with silly lyrics and dry humor. “I’m not about to change any time soon, so get used to this” and “I know I’m a mess right now, but bear with me, I’m working on it” are a few of my favorite lines expressing their attitude of youthful optimism, and a rooted understanding of their art. 

   In my whole hearted opinion, Let’s Wrestle is one of the best Indie Rock bands I have heard in a good while. They just might have the potential to be as successful as some of their obvious influences (The Kooks, Blur, Arctic Monkeys). Their sound is just too good to pass. I certainly believe their music has the ability to make anyone ponder if the music they are listening on the “Top 40” station is worth it. After all, Gonzalez says ”We are the most reliable guys in the world, but we got enough money to buy some G&Ts for the girls”. So it’s obvious him and his band knows how to have some fun, so why not give them a listen? Disfrutar de los amigos.