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Review: AFI – Andi Coulter

AFI Book
Adam Grundy

The latest book by Andi Coulter, called AFI, takes a comprehensive look at the meteoric rise of the legendary punk band AFI whom have been no strangers to reinvention throughout their storied musical career. While Coulter mentions in the Prelude that this book is “not an all-encompassing narrative” on the band, AFI still serves as a gripping tale of a band with a clear vision for their music, style, and ethos. From the early days of AFI finding their footing in the underground punk scene, to their breakthrough into the mainstream on Sing the Sorrow, everything flows with great pacing and intricate details that even the band’s most dedicated fans will devour. In an easily-digestable 130-plus page effort, Coulter does a fantastic job of getting to the core of what made AFI such a key major label “catch,” while offering clues as to why certain records didn’t resonate as firmly with their fans. It’s a book that you won’t be able to put down, and can easily swim through in one sitting.

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Interview: 8123 Fest Preview

8123
Adam Grundy

8123 Fest, the music festival curated by Arizona rock band The Maine, is making its highly anticipated return in January 2025. For the first time ever, the festival will span two full days, packed with incredible performances, exclusive events, and more. Taking place at the Mesa Amphitheater on January 17–18 2025, the festival offers a celebration of music, nostalgia, and community that fans won’t want to miss.

To highlight everything that is taking place during this two-day festival, I thought it would be cool to connect with some of the bands who would be performing. In this article, I have interviews with members of The Maine, Real Friends, and Bad Suns. Each of the bands I interviewed shared what the 8123 Fest means to them, the new music they are working on, as well as what fans can look forward to from their bands in the new year. 8123 Fest tickets are on sale here.

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Interview: Taylor Acorn

Taylor Acorn
Adam Grundy

Recently I was able to connect with Taylor Acorn to discuss what went into the writing and recording process of her newly announced EP, Greener (Acoustic). The EP hits streaming services tomorrow, but we are thrilled to bring everyone the exclusive premiere of the two-track acoustic collection today. Featuring songs from Acorn’s thrilling debut, Survival In Motion, this EP gets to the core of what makes her such a talented songwriter. Taylor shared:

”Greener” has been one of those songs that has just gotten me through. I needed to write it, I needed to feel it, and I know there’s two versions already, but I am a sucker for an acoustic. There’s something that’s just so sweet and uplifting about the acoustic, and I’m really excited for everyone to hear it.

If you’re enjoying the early listen, you can also pre-save the EP here.

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Interview: The Clamor

The Clamor
Adam Grundy

Recently I was able to connect with Aaron Louis, better known as the solo project called The Clamor, to discuss what went into the writing and recording process of the latest single, “Staircase Stomp.” The song navigates the recognition of a sense of emptiness and unmet desires in life, coupled with an internal rebellion and the quest for comfort and connection. The Clamor are onto something great here, and more music will be coming soon in the new year.

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Interview: Shane Told of Silverstein

Silverstein
Adam Grundy

This past week I was able to schedule a Zoom call with the lead vocalist of Silverstein, Shane Told, to discuss the band’s “25 Years of Noise” tour with Thursday, as well as what went into the writing and recording process of their recently announced two new albums, Antibloom and Pink Moon. Shane dove deep into how the two records were shaped while recording in Joshua Tree, and how the vibe of that place started to seep into the new material. I also asked Shane to walk me through the “personality” of Silverstein’s last five LPs, plus much more. Antibloom will be released on February 21st via UNFD and pre-orders are on-going here.

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Review: Lauren Mayberry – Vicious Creature

Lauren Mayberry - Vicious Creature
Adam Grundy

Albert Einstein once said, “A ship is always safe at the shore, but that is not what it is built for.” Lauren Mayberry takes a brave step forward on Vicious Creature, the debut solo project from the front-woman of CHVRCHES that features a fun mix of pop anthems filled with thoughtful lyrics and great beats. Mayberry mentioned in a Rolling Stone interview leading up to their release of this record that, “So much of this process has been an exercise in empowering myself to listen to my own intuition — something I really trained myself out of. That’s ultimately why you start making things — because you felt a feeling, and you wanted to articulate that somehow. I think it was important for me to relearn that kind of independence, and recognize what I bring to any table I choose to sit at.” By crafting an album different than what she has grown accustomed to creating with her bandmates, Mayberry solidifies herself as someone willing to take creative risks to grow as an artist.

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Review: Battleviews – Two Ghosts

Adam Grundy

The sophomore effort from Battleviews, composed of husband and wife duo Ryan and Natalie Raichilson, is a heartfelt collection of songs that have a lasting impact on anyone who takes the time to listen to it. Two Ghosts was recorded in Ryan and Natalie’s home in Metuchen, NJ, and the LP was mixed and mastered by Steve Sopchak (Ice Nine Kills, Motionless in White). The themes range from the unbridled joy of parenthood, the heartache that comes when the realization sets in that your kids won’t stay young forever, to the feelings of loss plus a slight detour to an 1800’s ghost story. The warm vocals from both Ryan and Natalie are filled with a love towards Indie/Americana music, with some slight nuances to their songwriting to keep things fresh and exciting. Two Ghosts is a record you can put on as you sit by the warm glow of the fireplace during the winter season and ponder your next steps in life. The soundtrack that these two musicians have created here is a glowing testament to their dedication put towards their craft.

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Interview: Dr. Elvis Francois

Dr. Elvis Francois
Adam Grundy

Recently I was able to connect with the “Singing Surgeon,” Dr. Elvis Francois, to discuss his new holiday-themed single called “Sound of Christmas.” With joyful melodies and festive lyrics and heartwarming moments under the mistletoe, the song captures the magical sounds of Christmas—from caroling voices to the laughter of family. The feel-good anthem arrives just in time for the holidays. I asked Dr. Elvis Francois about the inspiration behind the holiday single, plus what he likes best about this time of year. This artist will also have a new EP, called Alignment, releasing soon as well.

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Review: Career Day – I’ll Always Be This

Adam Grundy

The debut EP by Queens, New York-based emo band, Career Day, called I’ll Always Be This tackles a wide variety of themes such as the current working environment, substance abuse, mental wellness, and dealing with it all one day at a time. During the span of four crisp songs that span just twelve hard-hitting minutes, Career Day quickly highlight their band’s strengths with a sound that strays somewhere between The Starting Line, Motion City Soundtrack, and Hawthorne Heights. The band is Ryan Maguire (drums), Robbie Levin (bass), Jacob Cutler (guitar), and Desmond Zantua (vocals) and were formed during the pandemic. By leaning into their core influences, Career Day are starting their musical journey on the right foot.

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Record Store Day Black Friday 2024 Preview

CD, Record Store
Adam Grundy

Turkey day is happening this week, so that means that Record Store Day Black Friday is right around the corner. This year’s celebration of indie record stores occurs on Friday, November 29th, 2024, and features a fresh slate of new vinyl reissues, exciting exclusives, and in some cases, the first pressings of many key titles. The full list of RSD Black Friday releases can be found here, but be sure to check in with your local indie record store to see what they will be carrying this Friday. In this preview, I’ll be diving into some of the most sought after releases and offer some tips for newcomers to secure these titles.

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Review: Bush – Sixteen Stone

Adam Grundy

The 6x Platinum debut by English rock band, Bush, is getting a comprehensive vinyl reissue today in honor of Sixteen Stone’s 30th anniversary. You probably know the hits by heart. “Everything Zen,” “Little Things,” “Comedown,” “Machinehead” and “Glycerine” were the five massive singles released from this album that still stand the test of time today. The album was recorded at Westside Studios, London with producers Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley, and marked the breakthrough of legendary Alt Rock frontman, Gavin Rossdale. Through his gritty vocal performance throughout Sixteen Stone, Rossdale captivated audiences far and wide on this record that if you didn’t own it yourself, you likely knew someone nearby who did. Bush had recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of Sixteen Stone with a comprehensive Greatest Hits tour that coincided with a singles compilation and put their decades-long career back into focus.

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Interview: The Afro Nick

The Afro Nick
Adam Grundy

This past week I was able to connect with the frontman of a new solo indie rock project, The Afro Nick, to discuss his electric new single and video for “Get There Before Noon.” Nick, who’s signature, ‘wild and expressive hair,’ matches his unique, carefree sound, is releasing the feel-good triumphant anthem this Friday the 22nd. This track is a hypnotic melody with psychedelic, powerful guitar riffs and Nick’s rich and soulful vocals. In this interview, I asked Nick about his process for writing new material, and the collaborations put forth on his new music.

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Review: Circus Trees – This makes me sad, and I miss you

Adam Grundy

It is my utmost pleasure to introduce everyone to Circus Trees, a relatively new emo band comprised of Finola (vocals/guitars), Edmee (bass) and Eoghan (drums/guitars) McCarthy, who are already making their mark on the indie scene. The band has been releasing music since 2018, and their latest release called This makes me sad, and I miss you is a solid collection of post-rock, grunge and lo-fi music. The record was produced by Eoghan and Finola, and it showcases their growth as musicians and artists with a clear vision for their music. Their sound is similar to the punk brashness of Bully, the lyrical depth of Soccer Mommy, and the indie emo of Momma and Snail Mail. Circus Trees may just be the next great undiscovered band, but they won’t be hidden for much longer if this album is any indication of their future plans.

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Review: Linkin Park – From Zero

Adam Grundy

After the tragic passing of longtime front-man Chester Bennington in 2017, Linkin Park were faced with an impossible decision. Should they retire the band, or find a way to carry the LP flag with a different vocalist? From Zero has a dual-meaning: Xero was the first name of the band and From Zero also refers to the re-birth of Linkin Park with two new band members in Dead Sara vocalist Emily Armstrong and drummer Collin Brittain. The new album was produced by vocalist/guitarist/band leader Mike Shinoda, and it has a familiar sound and feel, even with a lot of new elements injected into the band. Armstrong and Brittain each make their presence felt throughout the record that is filled with stadium-ready anthems that borrow key sections of past Linkin Park albums all with a renewed focus towards the future.

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