Music Discovery Monday – 8/28/17

MUSIC DISCOVERY MONDAY – 8/28/17

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)

BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION – “Collide”

One of the more positive trends in hard rock today is the emergence of young bands that are rooted in the classic blues rock of yesteryear.  It doesn’t have to be old to be classic.  That’s true of newer bands and rock legends alike.

Black Country Communion is a supergroup of seasoned veterans consisting of vocalist/bassist Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Black Sabbath), blues guitarist extraordinaire Joe Bonamassa, drummer Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin, Foreigner) and keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater).  Unlike many modern supergroups that release one album and move on, BCC is about to release their fourth studio album in the coming weeks.

Though the band was formed in 2009, and the members have all worked on other projects during that time period, BCC sounds like a band that has been together for several decades.  Given the members of the band, it’s not surprising that their sound is in the realm of Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple.

Recently released as a single, “Collide” is a powerful, mystical, blues rock song that just as well could have been released in the ‘70s.  This is high flattery, not an indication that the song is dated sounding at all.  If anything, it is timeless rock and roll performed to precision by supremely talented musicians.  Some people may find the song nostalgic.  Personally speaking, I find it inspiring that outstanding new music is still being released by artists of this caliber.
 

 
LOCUST GROVE – “Menace Of Society”

Former Anti-Mortem vocalist/guitarist Zain Smith reemerges onto the hard rock scene with authority with his latest band, Locust Grove.  Buoyed by a thunderous rhythm section, Smith and fellow guitarist Vincent Charles Lindstrom deliver a dual guitar assault on “Menace Of Society” that melds the world of thrash and stoner rock together.

With a foundation this heavy, you might expect angry, screaming vocals, but what you get instead is soulful melody, and poignant, heartfelt vocal harmonies.  Lindstrom’s bluesy leads are tasteful and nuanced, while Smith’s are a bit more aggressive, but still blues-based (think Eric Clapton with faster hands).

Locust Grove masterfully straddles the fence between classic rock and modern-day active rock.  If radio programmers are smart, they will add this song to their rotations to give listeners a welcomed change of pace from the norm.
 

 

 

ANDY CHEUNG – HRD Music Scout

THE HIRSCHT EFFEKT – “INUKSHUK”

Finding new bands is one of the biggest thrills, especially when the band creates something as beautiful and powerful as The Hirscht Effekt’s new album, ESKAPIST.  These guys (from Germany) have been around for a while, having released seven previous albums since 2009.  “INUKSHUK” is eclectic and progressive, with a little art thrown in.  It’s a mixture of metal, post-punk, indie rock, progressive metal and art rock.  If you dig bands like the Mars Volta, and Coheed and Cambira, you’ll dig these guys.

 

LAKESHORE – “Pure//Imagination”

The brothers from the band Emmure have recently formed a new band called Lakeshore, and released a new album entitled 41.  I admit, I did not care much for the Emmure sound, but this latest single by their new project impressed me.  It is full of emotion, musical talent, and a sense of cohesion, as the melodies flow throughout the song.  Bordering on the emo/punk category that Emmure was known for, Lakeshore takes things whole other level.
 

 

 

ROB DELL’AQUILA – HRD Music Scout

THE FELL – “Footprints”

Young Jack Sparrow (from Pirates of the Caribbean 5: Dead Men Tell No Tales) is all grown up and his voice is amazing! Actor/vocalist Anthony De La Torre joins forces with guitarist Mike Krompass, drummer Randy Cooke and bassist Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big, Winery Dogs) in a new alternative rock band, The Fell.  They bring on some big riffs and heavy grooves.

 

JACK STARR’S BURNING STARR – “Hero”

After a six year absence, Burning Starr returns with their seventh album, Stand Your Ground.  Jack Starr continues to demonstrate his mastery of both the guitar and the art of songwriting, as the band serves up more of the melodic metal that they’re known for.

 

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