Last summer we picked up on Jacobs Run, a trio from Melbourne, Australia. We've been playing their singles "Hold On a Minute" and "Use" and waiting to hear more. Now their third single, "Sleepwalking," is about to be released, and we've got an early copy in our New Music bin. It's a tale of insomnia caused by relationship angst: "I'm churning up inside my head / wondering what it is I should have said." This is a polished piece of pop/rock - not surprising since this "new" band is made up of veteran musicians. They cite as influences fellow Australians The Church as well as Oasis, Snow Patrol and Tom Petty.
Another indie artist we've featured before is Danielia Cotton, who blends elements of rock, soul, gospel and other genres with thoughtful lyrics and rich, emotive vocals. Her recent release, The Mystery of Me, encompasses a wide range of moods. We've been spinning the very upbeat "4 Ur Life" and now we're adding the more laid-back "Forgive Me" -- which to our ears would blend well with some of Sheryl Crow's songs.
Veteran guitar master Joe Satriani is about to release his 16th studio album, What Happens Next. For this all-instrumental outing, he formed a power trio with Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith and bassist Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple. They set out, he says, to make "pure rock and roll." We're featuring "Energy," which Satriani told Guitar World demonstrates "the power, fun and excitement of true and spontaneous musical chemistry. Chad, Glenn and me rockin’ out, not holding back, reveling in the moment.”
We're not very familiar with California's Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, although they've been releasing records since 2000 and are about to roll out out their eighth studio LP. The single "Echo" caught our attention and earwormed its way into our New Music bin. It's an atmospheric, meditative track. Rolling Stone said the song, "as the title suggests, echoes the enthralling sound of Eighties rockers like Echo & The Bunnymen." The album, Wrong Creatures, was produced by Nick Launay, who has worked with Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Arcade Fire.
Blue October is another band that we're late to discover. This Texas outfit has been turning out alternative rock since the late 90s and is about to release its ninth album, I Hope You're Happy. The title track is an upbeat post-breakup song that sends sincere, if bittersweet, good wishes to an ex: "I hope you're happy / Even if you're not mine."
What bands - new or old - do you think we should "discover" and introduce to our listeners? Give us your recommendations by commenting on this page, contacting us on Facebook or Twitter, or sending us an email. Thanks!
No comments:
Post a Comment