Review: Foster The People – Paradise State Of Mind

Adam Grundy Aug 20, 2024

The fourth studio album from Foster The People is their first new LP in seven years and finds the band exploring the depths of their sound in a disco-infused collection of songs. Paradise State of Mind features a vibrant cover image that meshes well with the overall aesthetic of the music that comes pouring through the speakers. The set was produced by Chrome Sparks, Paul Epworth, Isom Innis, and band leader Mark Foster. Foster The People also went through a couple of band member changes since this album has released, including the departure of drummer Mark Pontius (who left in 2021) and guitarist Sean Cimino (who departed three months prior to the LP release). With all of these changes going on, it’s truly a wonder of how Foster The People were able to still craft a cohesive record that hits its intended target more often than not.

Adam Grundy Aug 13, 2024

This past month I was able to schedule a Zoom call with Dan O’Connor and Alan Day of Four Year Strong to talk about everything that went into the writing and recording process of their new album called Analysis Paralysis. In this interview, I asked the two guitarists/vocalists about how they crafted these songs, what they did differently in their creative process for this album, as well as what they’re looking forward to on their recently announced headlining tour. Analysis Paralysis is out today on all music streaming services, and there are still some vinyl options available here.

Adam Grundy Aug 13, 2024

Today I’m thrilled to bring everyone the latest single from hard rock band, Alffa, called “Breathe Free.” Hailing from the rural village of Llanrug in North Wales, Alffa are the dynamic duo of guitarist/vocalist Dion Wyn Jones and drummer Sion Eifion Land. The band shared about the new track, “This song invites you on a journey of self-discovery, reminding us all that embracing and celebrating our true selves is the key to true freedom. ‘Breathe Free’ is not just a song for us; it’s a call to break free from internal struggles and celebrate the power within.” Alffa plans to release their sophomore album this November. If you’re enjoying the latest single, you can check out the streaming options here.

Adam Grundy Aug 8, 2024

This past month I was able to catch up with RobbieTheUsed to discuss everything that went into his upcoming solo album. I also asked him about The Used’s latest B-sides record called Medz, The Used’s plans for celebrating their 25th anniversary as a band next year, what led him to explore this solo project, and what he likes best about pop music. Tomorrow, RobbieTheUsed will be releasing his second single from his solo album, called “The Feels”, and you can pre-save the track here.

Adam Grundy Aug 6, 2024

Today is a great day to share the new music video from indie folk artist, Kylie V, called “Lucky Streak.” On this heartfelt single, Kylie V blends an operatic voice with the songwriting chops of Halsey and Phoebe Bridgers to make their mark on the music scene. Kylie V shared:

I wrote ‘Lucky Streak’ during the excruciatingly complex process of getting over someone, while everything else in my life seemed to be speeding up and getting better at a surreal pace. When I started this song in my notes, I was one one hand feeling lost and empty, and on the other hand it felt like all my dreams were beginning to come true–later in the month I wrote this song I played my biggest venue to date, and then flew across the country for another show. ‘Lucky Streak’ started as a folky breakup ballad, but as I worked on it with Josh (Eastman, my producer and friend), it began to blossom into what I think is one of my most fun songs, and took on an entirely different significance to me in the process.

If you’re enjoying this talented artist’s new single and video, please consider supporting Kylie V here. I was also able to catch up with Kylie V for a brief interview below.

Adam Grundy Aug 6, 2024

Today I’m so excited to bring everyone the new single from indie punk band, Massive Nightmares, called “Back to the Beach.” Formed in the fall of 2023, indie-punk band Massive Nightmares is composed of members of bands Great Lakes USA, No Trigger, Save Ends, and David New Joy. After a brief stint as three-piece, friend (and being in as many bands as possible, addict) Tom Ciesluk joined on bass, rounding out the four-piece with Myke Doyle on drums, Alex Heinz on lead guitar and Pat Lavalle moving over to rhythm guitar, helping to achieve a riff-heavy mix of hooks and harmonies. Massive Nightmares blends influences from melodic 2000’s punk with 80’s indie and alternative reminiscent of The Lemonheads meets the Bronx. Alex Heinz shared, “‘Back To The Beach’ is the first song I wrote post Great Lakes USA going on a hiatus, after years of chaotic riffing and screaming I wanted to change course in both my songwriting and vocal performance to something that felt more in touch with who I am now. Keeping the structure of the song very simple and focusing heavily on layering melody and harmonies (and with a massive assist from our producer Trevor Reilly) we found ourselves with breezy summer jam ready for radio. Lyrically the song is about how rad it is to go to the beach.” If you’re enjoying the early listen, please consider pre-ordering the band’s self-titled EP that releases on September 6th here.

Adam Grundy Aug 2, 2024

Today is a great day to share the latest single and lyric video from Frank Viele called “Necessary Evil.” Viele takes us behind the scenes to describe the meaning behind his new single saying:

’Necessary Evil’ is a song that came from a special place in my own journey and became a story of self doubt through the main character’s eventual embrace of empathy. Human existence brings both monumental joy and crushing heartache…Love becomes real, nature speaks differently, music can bring tears to your eyes, an embrace from the one you cherish can truly make your knees tremble. Honest empathetic connection with other living beings is the greatest thing this planet has to offer but it comes with a lot of sadness and heaviness sometimes. One might say that it’s a heavy heart to carry but a necessary evil

If you’re enjoying the latest single from Frank Viele, please consider pre-ordering his new LP called The Trouble With Desire here. I was also able to catch up with this talented songwriter for a brief interview below.

Adam Grundy Aug 2, 2024

Most bands would give their left arm for the type of viral success that Glass Animals experienced on their last LP, Dreamland, that spawned the massive single called “Heat Waves.” In an interview with Clash Music, frontman, songwriter and producer Dave Bayley shared about this experience: “Life can change dramatically, but sometimes you aren’t able to change as quickly on a personal level. You end up feeling like a spectator. And then you are asked and expected to be a certain type of person, a different person. But…I wasn’t sure how. It confused me to the point of not knowing who I was or if anything was real.” What came off of this success is the logical follow-up album that sounds like a band leaning into that rewarding experience with a bit of a swagger, and possibly a chip on their shoulders, to prove that they aren’t a one-trick pony. I Love You So F***ing Much is Glass Animals’ fourth studio album and it vividly explores what it means to be a small part in an enormous universe that is ever-changing. What we’re left with is a smooth collection of ten songs that play off of each other majestically and is the most complete artistic statement that Glass Animals have created to date.

Adam Grundy Jul 29, 2024

The debut LP by Team Goldie, called Trailblazer, is a solid mix of pop-punk, emo, and overall nostalgia towards the scene of music most of us grew up on. Team Goldie comes from the mind of multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Matt DiStefano, and the new album was produced by DiStefano and John Browne. What comes through the speakers is a blast of energetic pop-punk songs filled with passion and knowledge of this genre. On the name-dropping single of “One & Only,” DiStefano rhythmically sings, “She was standing there in mom jeans and a plain white tee / With confidence, yelled “what’s good, Charlotte?” / Sand in my hand and we got to talking / She said “What’s your sign, boy?” I’m all Aries no Taurus / Just an absolute punk jumping straight to the chorus like…” before jumping into a crowd-pleasing chorus. While Team Goldie may just be happy to be a part of this scene of music, Trailblazer plays out like a record that you’ll want to revisit during the care free days of summer.

Adam Grundy Jul 29, 2024

I’d like to introduce everyone to Artless Jesus, a new pop-punk band that features members of Record Heat (Spirit Animal), Cal Stamp (vocals) and Paul Michel (guitars). The lead single from The Assorted Grievances of Artless Jesus EP, “U HATE ME,” also has Pat Gerasia (Red Sun Rising) on drums, and features a nice combination of crunchy guitar riffs, shimmering pop-punk vocals from Cal Stamp, and a cool all-around vibe built for those summer drives to the beach. The band shared, “We shared the EP with some industry types and they hated it, so we posted their feedback on our website. After a decade-plus of kicking around the lower-middle class of the music business, we don’t really give a shit anymore. Fuck ’em.” With a sound that sounds similar to early New Found Glory paired with Four Year Strong, Artless Jesus may just be the next great discovery in the pop-punk genre.

Cal Stamp’s smooth vocals in the verses bleed well into the pre-chorus build-up, before admitting, “But you hate the way my voice sounds when I’m singing you to sleep / And you hate the way I stumble trying to sweep you off your feet / You hate the shape our bodies make at night between the sheets / But the only thing I’d change in you / Are all the countless ways that you hate me.” It’s a pretty solid introductory statement from some talented, and under-appreciated, musicians who are looking for a new avenue for their creativity.

Burr Oak – “No Time To Dream” (Video Premiere)

Adam Grundy Jul 24, 2024

Today I’m so excited to bring everyone the new single and video from indie rock band, Burr Oak, called “No Time To Dream.” This is the second single off the band’s EP, Annabelle, that will be released on September 20th via Easy Does It Records. Burr Oak explains, “This track outlines and emphasis how Annabelle spirals down into a deep, dark depression after she gives birth to her baby. Otherwise known as a serious postpartum depression. As the lyrics go, She has ‘no time to read, no time to sleep, and no time to dream.’ All of her time is taken up by taking care of her newborn without any help. She feels lost and hopeless. She contemplates what life would be like if she ended things. The only thing keeping her going is the will to survive for her baby.” If you’re enjoying the new video from Burr Oak, please consider supporting this artist here. I was also able to catch up with the band for a brief interview below.

Adam Grundy Jul 24, 2024

Today is a great day to share the new single from punk band, Vicious Dreams, called “Too Tough.” Vicious Dreams are a power-pop influenced punk trio from Orlando, FL. Heavily influenced by the likes of the Buzzcocks, Nasty Facts, and other fun 70s/80s rock n’ roll. They tune into the middle-ground between harmonic vocal melodies and hard-hitting, slightly melancholic, chord progressions and lyrics. Their newest full-length record (Turn Off My Brain aka T.O.M.B.) explores the daily struggles of dealing with ADHD and anxiety while trying to keep your head on straight in a world that often feels majorly bizarre. The songs aren’t searching for any answers, only trying to make light, with a little three-chord rock, of how weird it is to be here. Guitarist/vocalist Amanda Little shared, “‘Too Tough’ is about macho guys who think being rude and shitty make them cool. They try too hard, and their pseudo-toughness ends up making them look foolish. The antagonist of the song reminded us a lot of Johnny Bravo, which is why we picked that name for the character.” If you’re enjoying the new single, please consider pre-ordering Turn Off My Brain here.

Adam Grundy Jul 24, 2024

Today is a great day to share the latest music video from José Lobo called “Pajarita.” The track comes from Lobo’s debut album, In All Good Hope, that released this past May. “‘Pajarita’ is about a long distance relationship,” Lobo explains. “The lyrics are about the reality I imagined my partner at the time was living, how her mornings were, her walk to work everyday, a time during which I was asleep.” If you’re enjoying the latest single, please consider purchasing In All Good Hope here.

Adam Grundy Jul 23, 2024

Recently I was able to catch up with lead vocalist/guitarist of Highly Suspect, Johnny Stevens, to discuss the band’s great new album that released today, called As Above, So Below. In this interview, I asked Johnny about where the album title originated from, the lyrical inspiration behind key tracks, and the songs he feels will translate best to the live setting. Today, Highly Suspect has released a music video for “Plastic Boxes,” and the band will be on tour starting this September with tickets on sale here.

Adam Grundy Jul 23, 2024

The second studio album from Eliza & The Delusionals is a stunning collection of songs that play off of each other brilliantly and put emphasis on the songwriting improvements from the band. Make It Feel Like The Garden was produced by Oscar Dawson (Holy Holy, Amy Shark) and lead singer Eliza Klatt shared, “It was interesting to see how working in a different part of the world, outside of the comfort of our home studio and Australia in general, has influenced our writing and the process of demoing the songs. Recording the album with Oscar Dawson was an incredibly collaborative experience. He continued to push us out of our comfort zones which led us to feeling really free creatively. I think this also made us write in our most honest and genuine form.” The album is built around several different flowery interludes, including “Iris,” “Marigold,” “Dahlia,” “Arabella,” and lastly “Violet” that help set the stage for the music that comes flowing after. By creating an authentic record that plays into a sound similar to bands like The Aces, Wolf Alice, and The 1975, Eliza & The Delusionals prove that they are here to stay.

Review: Foster The People – Paradise State Of Mind

Interview: Dan O’Connor and Alan Day of Four Year Strong

Alffa – “Breathe Free” (Song Premiere)

Interview: RobbieTheUsed

Kylie V – “Lucky Streak” (Video Premiere)

Massive Nightmares – “Back To The Beach” (Song Premiere)

Frank Viele – “Necessary Evil” (Video Premiere)

Review: Glass Animals – *I Love You So F***ing Much*

Review: Team Goldie – Trailblazer

Review: Artless Jesus – “U HATE ME”

Burr Oak – “No Time To Dream” (Video Premiere)

Vicious Dreams – “Too Tough” (Song Premiere)

José Lobo – “Pajarita” (Video Premiere)

Interview: Johnny Stevens of Highly Suspect

Review: Eliza & The Delusionals – Make It Feel Like The Garden