Music Discovery Monday – 9/18/17

MUSIC DISCOVERY MONDAY – 9/18/17

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)

FIFTYWATT FREIGHT TRAIN – “Hellbent Halo”

They’ve got swagger.  They’ve got groove.  They’ve got grit.  They’ve got just the right amount of dirt and sleaze to them to remind you of the glory days of hard rock.  They’ve got a southern rock undercurrent that ties everything together.  They are Fiftywatt Freight Train…and they fuckin’ rock!

“Hellbent Halo” is everything that you love about rock and roll, but don’t find often enough in one package like this.  I defy you to crank this up and not tap your feet and bob your head to this gin-soaked anthem that makes you feel alive.  From the aggressive riffs and gang vocals to the more seductive, moody moments, everything just works perfectly together.

If these Carolina rockers come to town, you can bet your ass that I’ll be there.  If ever there was a band whose sound is meant for the stage, it’s Fiftywatt Freight Train.  Jump on this bandwagon (or freight train as the case may be) early!
 

 
HINDER – “Drink You Away”

“Drink You Away” is not your mama’s Hinder.  That may sound a bit absurd for a modern band, but Hinder’s career actually dates back to 2001.  Still the new millennium, but a lifetime ago just the same.  When the band parted ways with original vocalist Austin Winkler, it was hard to imagine what they would become, especially because of Winkler’s distinct vocal style.

Now that the band is firmly entrenched with Marshal Dutton at the helm, Hinder’s sound has been redefined.  Still featuring infectious melodies and shredding guitar riffs, the current incarnation of Hinder feels like it has gone back to the future.  Active Rock radio may play this song because of the band’s history, but to me, they feel more like the heyday of Nelson (at least on “Drink You Away”).

Because Nelson is one of the most unfairly criticized bands in rock, some may look at this as an insult.  However, if you appreciate feel good songs (with beautiful vocal harmonies) that will ring in your head long after the music stops, make sure to give this song a listen.

It may not be your mama’s Hinder, but “Drink You Away” is proof positive that the band has not lost their ability to write great songs.
 

 

 

ANDY CHEUNG – HRD Music Scout

LIVING COLOUR – “Come On”

This week, I take it down a notch from my typical heavy, insane, melodic, thrash, death, grindcore scream metal to one of the most talented and respected bands that I’ve ever followed.  Living Colour broke into the mainstream as one of the best African-America hard rock/metal bands.  Most rock fans know their song “Cult of Personality” (from their debut album Vivid back in 1988).  Fast forward to 2017, and their new album Shade.  Their first single “Come On” has brought the band back to their roots in hard rock/metal/jazz fusion and funk.  The musicianship of Doug Wimbash, Vernon Reid and Will Calhoun are top notch as always, as Corey Glover belts his brand of politically charged lyrics.  Their love of the blues is heavily apparent just as much as their love of hip-hop and metal.  Shade is a great return from a legendary band.

 

LIONIZE – “Blindness To Danger”

One of my great finds is a band from Maryland who follows in the same circle of musicians as the almighty Clutch.  In fact, members of Clutch and Five Horse Johnson have guest appeared on several of Lionize’s albums.  If you didn’t figure it out by now, Lionize’s sound is deeply rooted in metal and hard rock, but they add elements of funk with heavy doses of organ and synthesizer.  Their new album, Nuclear Soul, dropped recently, and I have listened to several of the tracks so far.  It is a great blend of that “Maryland” sound that Clutch had perfected over the years.  This is a must listen for Clutch fans.
 

 

 

ROB DELL’AQUILA – HRD Music Scout

STEELHEART – “Come Inside”

Vocalist Miljenko Matijevic proves he still has some serious pipes as Norway’s Steelheart returns with a new album, Through Worlds of Stardust.  The band enjoyed some success when they debuted in 1990, and achieved additional fame in 2001 when Matijevic was chosen to be the musical voice of Mark Wahlberg in the hit movie, Rock Star.  It’s been nearly ten years since their last album, but they return in fine form here.

 

PINK CREAM 69 – “We Bow To None”

German rockers Pink Cream 69 returns November 10th with a new album, Headstrong.  Producing quality melodic hard rock since their 1989 self-titled debut, this marks their twelfth studio album.

 

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