Music Discovery Monday – 5/29/17

MUSIC DISCOVERY MONDAY – 5/29/17

Music Discovery Monday shines a light on artists that are not getting the radio attention that they deserve, while also showcasing new singles by established bands that are likely to get airplay in the future.

In addition to appearing on the embedded YouTube playlist below, all songs featured on Music Discovery Monday can be listened to individually by clicking on the hyper-linked song titles above each review.
 

ADAM WALDMAN – (Publisher/Editor, Hard Rock Daddy)

PAPA ROACH – “American Dreams”

It’s purely coincidental that this song is being featured on Memorial Day, but it seems appropriate, especially given the lyric…“a soldier bleeds, and a soldier dies…have you ever thought that war was a sickness?”  Although this weekend brings with it a number of happy memories for me personally, I have always taken a moment to mourn the passing of fallen soldiers.  I am grateful for the sacrifices that they have made to protect our way of life.

These days, I can’t help but wonder what these American heroes would think about what the country has become.  They fought for freedoms that are currently in jeopardy because of politicians that are driven more by self-interest than the good of the people that they are supposed to represent.

Papa Roach directly addresses the state of the country in “American Dreams”…“we’re tearing down the white picket fences…something’s wrong here (or so it seems), cause I’m not sleeping in American dreams…American lies…we’re trying to see with the smoke in our eyes.” 

Although the song has an uplifting, melodic vibe, the message contained within is a powerful reminder to see things for what they are, which is not necessarily a rosy picture.  Even though we’re a country divided sharply by our differences, the one thing that should bind us together is an appreciation for those who sacrificed their lives for others.  On this (and every other) Memorial Day, I am grateful to those soldiers (even if I do not like the direction that the country is headed at the moment).
 

 
GARDEN OF THORNS – “If This Is The End”

When I discovered Garden Of Thorns a few months ago, I wanted to pair them with another band in the same style.  With their hip-hop/rock sound, this Dallas, TX band seemed like a good fit to feature alongside Papa Roach.  Like Papa Roach, Garden Of Thorns blends rap with a modern rock sound.  Featuring a catchy chorus that hooks you in with a rock flair, the verses tell the story with a rap style that is reminiscent of Linkin Park’s “In The End.”  The band is relatively new, and there isn’t much on their Facebook profile to go on, but this “If This Is The End” definitely makes me want to hear more from the band.
 

 

 

ANDY CHEUNG – HRD Music Scout

DEAD CROSS – “Grave Slave”

I’m a sucker for a good supergroup.  The mere thought of some of my favorite musicians working together gets me all giddy.  Some supergroups stand the test of time, while others fizzle away.  Dead Cross is a unique one that will probably last for quite some time.  Featuring Dave Lombardo (ex-Slayer) and recently recruited Mike Patton (ex-Faith No More), the band is heavy, aggressive and angry metal infused with hardcore punk.  The album won’t drops until August, but several songs have been released already.  “Grave Slave,” off Dead Cross’ new self-titled album, is a great introduction for things to come.

 

WARBRINGER – “Remain Violent”

One of my favorite albums to have come out recently is Warbringer’s Woe to the Vanquished.  The entire is great, featuring heavy, headbanging, sing-a-long tunes with political undertones.  It’s packed full of tasty guitar solos, driving bass and drums, and angst-filled lyrics focused on history of world events.
 

 

 

ROB DELL’AQUILA – HRD Music Scout

GUNGFLY – “He Held An Axe”

Swedish progressive rock band Beardfish broke up last year, but their vocalist, Rikard Sjoblom, has continued to write and perform with several other projects.  The singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist has already released a new solo album and a debut album with a band called Big Big Train, and is preparing to release a sophomore album with the band.  Here he brings us a new Gungfly album, On Her Journey To The Sun.  As usual, his music is progressive and innovative, but also melodic.

 

LONELY ROBOT – “Everglow”

John Mitchell is another immensely talented singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Two years ago he released one of my favorite debut progressive rock albums with Lonely Robot (which I covered on Music Discovery Monday).  Last month, the band returned with an amazing sophomore follow-up, The Big Dream.

 

SUBMISSIONS

To be considered for Music Discovery Monday, please e-mail a link to the song being submitted on YouTube and an artist bio to – submissions@MusicDiscoveryMonday.com