Review: MUNA – Dancing On The Wall

MUNA - Dancing On The Wall
Adam Grundy

In the history of music, there have been very few artists who have come out of the gate so strongly that it feels like they can’t miss. MUNA are one of those artists. Dancing On The Wall is the fourth studio album from the band, and was produced by MUNA’s own Naomi McPherson. The set is filled with underrated production, infectious melodies/harmonies, and crisp songwriting that somehow continues to get even better as the band releases each record. The songs on Dancing On The Wall are sure to get your body moving, as the LP features a club-ready atmosphere to it and continues to accentuate the best parts of the pop rock genre. MUNA are a rare breed of an artist who are willing to take big swings for the chance to become you’re favorite band and achieve world domination. They may just have pulled off both tasks here.

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Crow and Gazelle – “The High Road” (Song Premiere)

Crow and Gazelle
Adam Grundy

Today I’m thrilled to bring everyone the latest single from Texas folk duo, Crow and Gazelle, called “The High Road.” The track comes from the band’s new album, Truth Be Told, that will be released on streaming services on May 15th. When speaking on the direction of the new single, the band shared:

We believe we have a soul contract together. As a couple, as friends or comrades, we have reincarnated together before, many times – millennia and centuries before and after, always seeking the higher road to find and feel real freedom. For us, that high road means we’re here to balance and harmonize the feminine and masculine for divine love. And we see the characters of Truth Be Told as the same. Remembering, when one is empowered, we both are. When one is oppressed, we all are. So we need to work together. In a place of balance, time itself is non linear, not a rigid straight line. Time, and life herself folds in and upon itself, giving us another chance (if we’re lucky) to take the high road to freedom. We set this as the first track to set the tone, that perhaps we’ve all been here before – our ancestors certainly have – in this place of being able to right the course and bring love and life back to the center. Into focus. This was the last song we wrote for the album; it came in a flurry to Mike, one night in our last days of recording the album.

If you’re enjoying the track, please consider pre-saving the album here.

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Princess Goes – “Stranger” (Song Premiere)

Princess Goes
Adam Grundy

Today is a great day to share the latest single from NYC-based rock band, Princess Goes, called “Stranger.” Princess Goes features Michael C. Hall (vocals), Matt Katz-Bohen (keys/synths/bass/guitar) and Peter Yanowitz (percussion/additional instruments). The band explains: “‘Stranger’ is song about meeting each other with kindness and curiosity. A seminal 90’s grunge bass intro lead us into 90’s Britpop dance blur. We finally meet each other in the massive, epiphanic, glorious, and soaring finale, no longer strangers, but as….friends.” If you’re enjoying the track, please consider following the band’s updates here.

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Pluralone – “Ranting and Raving” (Song Premiere)

Pluralone
Adam Grundy

Today I’m so excited to bring everyone the latest single from songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Josh Klinghoffer, known as Pluralone, for ”Ranting and Raving.” The track comes from the project’s new forthcoming LP, A Drop in the Ocean, out everywhere you stream your music on June 12th via Org Music. If you’re enjoying the new single, please consider pre-ordering the new album from this talented artist here.

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Review: Social Distortion – Born To Kill

Social Distortion - Born To Kill
Adam Grundy

There is a real sense of urgency and purpose on the eighth studio album from Social Distortion. Born To Kill was co-produced by frontman and primary songwriter, Mike Ness, and Dave Sardy (Fall Out Boy, Bad Suns) and the new music marks Social Distortion’s first full-length record in 15 years. While the predecessor of Hard Times & Nursery Rhymes seemed comfortable in doing a “victory lap” of the band’s historic career, Born To Kill knocks the listener on their ass and showcases that Mike Ness and his bandmates have plenty left in the tank. When speaking on the multi-year delay between records, Ness shared, “Although this record is out, I’m going to continue the process of writing so maybe there won’t be such a large gap between records. Even when the record’s done, it doesn’t mean the creativity of writing is.” With material this strong, it’s a great sign that we can expect even more Social Distortion in the near future.

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Revisiting HIM’s Final Album, ‘Tears on Tape’

HIM
Ashley Perez

As a lifelong HIM fan, I can easily recall their album cycles. I remember the fervor surrounding Dark Light, the premiere of “Wings of a Butterfly,” and Ville Valo’s new haircut (fangirls wept). Listening to Venus Doom brings back memories of dissecting the album on the fan message boards, debating which song was the best. Yet, HIM’s final era feels like a blur. I don’t remember much about the release of Tears on Tape. No memorable performances or interviews come to mind. I remember struggling to buy the Metal Hammer fan pack edition of the record at work and being anxious about interviewing Ville Valo for the first time. He called me “Darling.” I still swoon thinking about it. When I finally got the album, I played it for weeks, waiting for the moment when it clicked with me. It never did. I didn’t think it was bad, just decent. Then I forgot about it and moved on, already looking forward to HIM’s next record. What I didn’t know was that Tears on Tape would be their final album.

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