Alexx Bean – “Castles” (Video Premiere)

Adam Grundy Feb 3, 2022

Today I’m thrilled to share the exclusive premiere of Alexx Bean and his new single for “Castles.” The track was inspired by pop-punk legends like Green Day and Blink-182, with the modern flair of other up and coming pop artists like WILLOW and Miley Cyrus. The single was produced, mixed and mastered by Alexx, with a co-writing credit from Jesse Fink. If you’re looking for a pop-punk artist that pays direct homage to past legends paired with more modern elements, look no further.

Adam Grundy Feb 3, 2022

On the sophomore album from pop-rocker Kulick called Everyone I Know Will Die, he expands upon the thematic elements found on his debut and cranks the volume up to ten. As much as I enjoyed Yelling in a Quiet Neighborhood, Kulick really improves upon the best parts of his sound on this current record. The songs are immediately gripping, honest, direct, and driven by a beating heart that just wants his fans to come along for the thrilling ride. Kulick shared this connection he has with his fanbase as he mentioned, “The reason I create music has always been the same; to process, to better understand myself, to feel my emotions in a healthy way, and to connect with others. There is nothing greater.” By staying true to himself and improving his songwriting craft, Everyone I Know Will Die remains steadfast in its dedication to music lovers everywhere.

Adam Grundy Feb 3, 2022

Recently I was able to get a hold of LA-based artist, JJ Braves, for an interview regarding the music he’s been creating, including the great new single for “Jawbreaker (Future Vision).” In this conversation, I asked Josh about his core musical influences, his recent production work with other artists, his insight on the LA music scene, among many other topics. The new single hits the streets on February 18th, and I’d recommend it for fans of 80’s synth rock in the same realm as Tears For Fears with the modern flair of Jamiroquai.

Adam Grundy Feb 1, 2022

The fourth studio album from indie rockers Bad Suns was conceived as “the soundtrack to a movie that doesn’t exist yet,” according to the band’s frontman Christo Bowman. This approach to their songwriting on Apocalypse Whenever makes more sense after a few spins of the record that sounds crisp, pop-driven, and vibrant, thanks in large part to veteran producer Eric Palmquist (Thrice, Mutemath). Bowman also shared, “We also knew we wanted the album to have a through-line, a story from beginning to end,” and the “movie soundtrack” feel can be understood better throughout the complex weave of lyrical lines painted throughout the LP. The album plays out like an 80’s synth-laden dreamscape that has lofty goals from the outset, and hits its intended target more often than not as it pulls on the heartstrings of this golden era of pop music.

Apocalypse Whenever’s promotional rollout was different than the band’s approach to their last three albums, with six singles (nearly half of the album) being released prior to the record hitting the streets this past Friday. It’s definitely a different way to digest a record that is intended to be listened from front to back, in order to get the full “story” outlined by the California-based band. In between Mystic Truth and Apocalypse Whenever, the band released two singles (“Unstable” and “I’m Not Having Any Fun”) that didn’t make the cut of Mystic Truth, and ironically those tracks sound better suited for the direction on this current album cycle.

Adam Grundy Jan 31, 2022

The fourth studio album from the San Diego-based band, Unwritten Law, brought the group of ton of success in the early part of the 00’s era of pop-punk, and deservedly so. Elva is filled with crisp pop-rock gems including “Up All Night,” “Rescue Me,” “Sound Siren,” and their first chart-topping Modern Rock hit in “Seein’ Red.” Unwritten Law fought through the crowded scene of pop-rockers making a name for themselves like Sum 41, Good Charlotte, and Mest to improve upon their songwriting craft and deliver their most successful album to date in Elva. Produced by John Shanks, Miguel, Josh Abraham, and the band, this remains one of those records I look back fondly upon as it celebrates its 20 year mark. Led by the dynamic and energetic vocals of band leader, Scott Russo, Unwritten Law were starting to really make their mark in the music scene by the end of this album cycle.

Adam Grundy Jan 27, 2022

The latest single from the roots rock band Vakili Band, for “Father’s Son,” recaptures that spirit of the 70’s guitar rock era, and repackages it into a crowd-pleasing effort. The song comes from their new album, Walking Sideways, that hits the streets on February 25th, and you can pre-save it here. I was able to get a hold of lead vocalist, Lily Vakili, to provide some in-depth context on the new single. She mentions a strong Rage Against the Machine influence among many other insights. If you’re enjoying the new track, you can learn more about the band here.

Adam Grundy Jan 25, 2022

Recently I was able to get word of a new EP that was getting significant buzz in both the band’s hometown in Ontario, as well as a thriving following in the states. Last December’s Changes by Texas King is a brilliant mix of 90’s roots rock in the same realm as The Black Crowes, the pop sensibilities of Hootie & The Blowfish, with the modern polish of The Fray. Lead vocalist Jordan Macdonald truly shines on songs like “You,” “Strange Life,” and the album opener “Not Myself.” If you’ve been looking for a new band that reminds you of the 90’s Alt Rock scene with a steady heart towards the future, look no further than Texas King.

The record opens with a nice guitar groove found on “Not Myself,” and one of the first things that captivated my attention was Macdonald’s crisp vocal delivery. The band really rallies around each of his heartfelt lyrics, and they never overpower the direction of the vocals. The title track follows with a more up-tempo approach, but never loses its footing with the direction of the storytelling found in Texas King’s music. This song in particular focuses on the feeling of noticing that changes need to be made in your life, even if you have to hit rock bottom before picking up the pieces to put yourself back together.

Adam Grundy Jan 24, 2022

1997 was a huge year for the Alternative Rock genre, and music fans in general, due to the vast number of great releases coming out. Since I missed the opportunity to write about Clumsy by Our Lady Peace at the 20 year mark, I figured it was about time to revisit this Alt Rock classic for its 25th Anniversary. Sure, everyone knows the major hits on this record like “Superman’s Dead,” “Automatic Flowers,” “4 AM,” and the slow-building title track, but the depth that Mike Turner, Jeremy Taggart, and lead vocalist Raine Maida went to into crafting the songs that surround these huge singles speaks to Our Lady Peace’s ability to live on in Alt Rock-lore. Many people don’t realize that Clumsy was the sophomore album from Our Lady Peace, with their debut coming in the form of Naveed. The music landscape had changed significantly since their debut released in the United States in 1995, and it was only a matter of time before this talented Canadian band would strike the right chord of the heartstrings of music listeners everywhere. Clumsy was produced by Arnold Lanni, who also gets writing credits on the album, and he does a great job in getting the best performances out of these young rockers to create a legendary, Alternative staple.

Adam Grundy Jan 21, 2022

After releasing their debut in 2018, Consecutive Normal Songs, the Northeast Louisiana emo rock band Inside Voices have returned with their latest offering of new music on the EP titled Liminal Space. The four-piece band would be perfect for fans of the stylings of other emo bands like Title Fight, The Wonder Years, and especially American Football. By showcasing their growth on this collection of six well thought out songs, Inside Voices appear poised for the next big step in their musical evolution.

Adam Grundy Jan 19, 2022

Today I’m beyond thrilled to share the latest music video for a UK-based punk band called Weatherstate for their song “Headstone.” The song comes from their upcoming Rude Records set called Never Better, out everywhere on February 11th. The band shared this about the new single:

Probably the second softest song on the record, and not being as morbid as the name might suggest, ‘Headstone’ is about trying to make something out of ourselves in the time we have here. It’s okay to go through periods of life unhappy and that’s what makes the good bits all the better. ‘Catch me I don’t want to come down’ specifically relates to friends being around when you need a safety net, and how important it is to have the support network that can get you through those monotonous times. We’re only around here for so long, and that’s the way it is, we shouldn’t beat ourselves up too much, and it’s completely okay to sometimes just roll with the punches.

I also had a chance to catch up with lead vocalist, Harry Hoskins, before the release of Never Better. If you’re enjoying the singles that have hit the streets thus far, consider pre-ordering the record here.

Adam Grundy Jan 18, 2022

About a week ago, I was able to connect with former Yellowcard vocalist and established indie solo songwriter William Ryan Key via Zoom, and I asked him about the new EP Everything Except Desire, the legacy of Yellowcard, as well as what it means to him that so many fans still care about what he has to say in his music career. William Ryan Key has always been one of my favorite vocalists and songwriters in this scene, so I thoroughly enjoyed hearing his perspective on not only the new music, but the lessons he has learned over time. Everything Except Desire is available for pre-order from Equal Vision here.

Adam Grundy Jan 17, 2022

Coming off their perplexing third studio album, the aptly titled III, The Lumineers have returned with a more radio-ready sound on Brightside. On this record that feels almost like an EP, since it clocks in at just over 30 minutes over a nine-track span, the indie folk rockers relocate some of that early magic they captured on their debut record and Cleopatra, as well. This set of songs was recorded in Sun Mountain Studios by producer David Baron, with some additional producer credits by Simone Felice. What the band does best on Brightside is coming to terms with who they are as musicians and songwriters for one of their most accessible albums to date. Led by the trio of singles including the title track, “A.M. Radio,” and “Big Shot,” The Lumineers feel like they’re ready to take the next steps forward.

Adam Grundy Jan 14, 2022

Today I’m excited to share the latest single for indie folk songwriter Ben Auld for the song, “O Athena!” The track comes from his upcoming debut LP Lemongrass, that hits the streets on February 15th. Auld shared this about the song:

This is possibly the oldest song on the album and it stuck around because I could imagine an audience singing along to it. Sufjan’s Illinois is one of my favorite albums ever and I wanted to create something that had a similar feeling of exultation. I can’t remember where the chorus lyrics came from, I guess I felt they fit this theme of praising or elevating people. Making a new friend or founding a new relationship can make people so elated and joyous. This song tries to express that period of time before things settle back to normality. The recording process for each song is slightly different and with this I wanted it to feel like it had depth without it being drenched in reverbs. So I recorded the bass, drums and rhythm guitars to cassette and then used an 8 track to layer the keys and picked guitars. Then I bounced that all to another 4 track and recorded the vocals. Each time a layer was bounced it got pushed down in the mix and so you have this sort of stratification effect.

Your next indie singer-songwriter obsession has arrived.

Adam Grundy Jan 11, 2022

Fresh off a well-received fourth album in After Hours, paired with a brilliant performance at last year’s Super Bowl halftime show, The Weeknd has returned with his next thrilling opus called Dawn FM. The set of 16 songs, interspersed with dialogue and various interludes, plays out like a futuristic radio show meant for the dance floor. The album features a litany of producers, that includes The Weeknd, Max Martin, and Calvin Harris among many others, yet this record never strays from its utmost purpose of being a beacon of light towards its theme of being a metaphor for purgatory. In a recent interview with Billboard, The Weeknd expanded on this concept by explaining, “Picture the album being like the listener is dead. And they’re stuck in this purgatory state, which I always imagined would be like being stuck in traffic waiting to reach the light at the end of the tunnel. And while you’re stuck in traffic, they got a radio station playing in the car, with a radio host guiding you to the light and helping you transition to the other side. So it could feel celebratory, could feel bleak, however, you want to make it feel, but that’s what ‘The Dawn’ is for me.” The styles of new wave, to dance pop, all the way to funk and EDM thrown into the mix, make for an ultra-refreshing listening experience. The first major release of 2022 has arrived in a big way.

Adam Grundy Jan 7, 2022

Today I’m thrilled to share the exclusive premiere of the new single by San Diego, California’s pop-punk band Summer Years, called “Small World.” The latest single comes from their brand new EP, You Can’t Live There Forever, which was released today via Enci Records. Band member Noah Rabe shared this quote about the first ballad they have written in their discography:

Small World is the first ballad from Summer Years. Nick wrote the lyrics about his home town and the desire to keep the things you love sacred and the same, but knowing that things always change is the best way to value what you have. If it doesn’t last forever, when ‘it’ is happening, that’s the time to enjoy it. As for the video we got to enjoy a couple hot August summer days near Joshua Tree filming. We loved the cast and crew we worked with. Everyone was motivated to put together something special, and I think we did just that.

If you’re enjoying the single as much as I am, you can purchase the recently released EP here.

Alexx Bean – “Castles” (Video Premiere)

Review: Kulick – Everyone I Know Will Die

Interview: JJ Braves

Review: Bad Suns – Apocalypse Whenever

Review: Unwritten Law – Elva

Vakili Band – “Father’s Son” (Song Premiere)

Review: Texas King – Changes

Review: Our Lady Peace – Clumsy

Review: Inside Voices – Liminal Space

Weatherstate – “Headstone” (Video Premiere)

Interview: William Ryan Key

Review: The Lumineers – Brightside

Ben Auld – “O Athena!” (Music Premiere)

Review: The Weeknd – Dawn FM

Summer Years – “Small World” (Video Premiere)