MUSIC DISCOVERY MONDAY – 11/27/17
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)
PRETTY BOY FLOYD – “We Got The Power”
Pretty Boy Floyd’s career dates back 30 years, back to a time when the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles was all about sex, drugs and rock n’ roll. Being the quintessential L.A. band, Pretty Boy Floyd was in the right place at the right time (sort of). Their 1989 debut album, Leather Boys With Electric Toyz, put the band on the map with two hit singles. Little did they know that bands like theirs would be cast aside with the emergence of grunge. It wasn’t long after they made their debut that they were without a label, and eventually broke up.
There would be a series of reunions, break-ups, and lineup changes, but the band soldiered on. Still, there discography is relatively small given their longevity.
On Friday, December 1st, Pretty Boy Floyd will be releasing their latest album, Public Enemies. Based on “We Got The Power,” it sounds like the album will be met with open arms from a generation of hard rock fans that still miss the hair metal days.
Listening to “We Got The Power” takes you back in time to the early days of sleaze and glam rock. The song has everything that you loved about early Motley Crue and the carefree days of the ‘80s. Rather than writing a pissed off song about the unfair treatment that they received from the industry (and critics), Pretty Boy Floyd embraces the feel-good vibe that made so many of us love this kind of music in the first place. Although there is an heir of defiance, the song is more of an uplifting, us-against-the-world anthem. If you’re a fan of ‘80s metal, you will absolutely love this song!
THE FIFTH – “No Going Home”
Though this North Carolina rock unit’s origin dates back to the beginning of the millennium, I only discovered them recently through a social media connection to frontman Roy Cathey. What drew me to Cathey originally was his insight about life in America today. Although he and I are in lockstep about the current political climate, it’s not the reason that his band is being featured in this forum.
Cathey’s vocals, however, were a big motivating factor to feature The Fifth. As is the rest of the band.
“No Going Home” begins with a Red Hot Chili Peppers vibe that carries throughout the song, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Other bands that come to mind are Led Zeppelin and Great White (especially the song structure). From a vocal standpoint, Cathey’s soaring vocals bring back memories of Ray Gillen (the Badlands singer who passed way before his time). The groove of the rhythm section provides an excellent foundation that allows Cathey and guitarist Justin Womble to shine. Womble’s bluesy guitar work takes you back in time to the great classic rock (and guitar god era) of the ‘70s.
KEVIN GRAYSON – HRD Music Scout
BLACK WATER RISING – “Payback”
I’ve been following Black Water Rising since the beginning, being drawn in by the band’s unique sound. The almost muddy pop of Mike Meselsohn’s drums, the heavy bottom chug of Oddie Mclaughlin’s bass, the dirty, heavy, sludgy blues infused guitar riffs of Dennis Kimak, and the powerful, soulful vocals of Rob Traynor. These Brooklyn rockers have released three records to date. “Payback” is off of the band’s latest release, Electrified.
VSCRL – “Malice”
VSCRL was formed in Denver, Colorado in 2010. They finally seem to be gaining some traction as they prepare to release their first full-length album. “Malice” is one of several new singles that the band has released recently. VSCRL are progressive metal excellence, featuring heavy, driving riffs complemented by a layering of clean and heavy vocals. The sky is the limit for these guys, who should find a home on Active Rock radio.
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
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