MUSIC DISCOVERY MONDAY – 12/11/17
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)
EUROPE – “Walk The Earth”
When you think of Europe, the first thing that probably comes to mind is the infectious hard rock that made them famous in the ‘80s. Despite their early success, and a song that actually wove itself into the fabric of society in an unexpected way years later, Europe still flies below the radar to some degree.
The title track off of the band’s eleventh studio album shows a maturity and depth that goes beyond what most envision with “hair metal” bands. This song has depth, soul and a fair share of mystique. In fact, if you didn’t know any better, you might think that Joey Tempest joined yet another incarnation of Deep Purple.
Unlike the heavy synthesizer sound of “The Final Countdown,” the still important keyboards in this song are more about added nuance and layers of depth. Combined with impressive guitars, the Deep Purple comparisons seem appropriate.
It’s unusual for bands to get heavier as they age, but “Walk The Earth” is prove positive that bands like Europe can evolve in unpredictable ways. Like Deep Purple’s “Perfect Strangers,” this song has mastered the seamless blend between uplifting and haunting.
If you’re a fan of Europe already, you’ll love this song. If you have a preconceived notion about what the band has to offer based on the past, I strongly suggest opening your mind and experiencing the 2017 version of the band.
THE DARKNESS – “Happiness”
Those who have a healthy appreciation for irony will absolutely love this song! The band name – The Darkness…the song – “Happiness” …but the irony doesn’t end there. This upbeat, feel-good song has a distinct “summer song” vibe. In fact, the song actually references the summer directly (even though it was released on December 1st).
Is this deliberate irony, a band that marches to the beat of their own drum, a nice change-of-pace as we head into winter, or the work of mad geniuses who realize that the song grabs your attention more when it’s out of season? I suspect that it’s a combination of more than one of these factors.
Regardless of their intention, the end result is the same…the best summer song of the winter of 2017/2018! Making the song even more enjoyable is the brilliant animated video that shows the band’s sense of humor.
Years from now, I suspect that this song will become a summer staple alongside classics like Y&T’s “Summertime Girls” and David Lee Roth’s “California Girls” (to name a few).
KEVIN GRAYSON – HRD Music Scout
CAGE9 – “Bird Of Prey”
Cage9, a Los Angeles rock band, was started in Panama City in 1993 by the talented Evan Rodaniche (guitar/vocals). The band has amassed eight albums (one of which was released in Spanish), one EP, and one acoustic album. Not only has Cage 9 toured all over the globe with some of the greatest acts out there, they also have had songs featured on game soundtracks, in movies, and recorded a song for WWE’s Stone Cold Steve Austin. Rodaniche was the guitar player known as Evan9 for the band Powerman 5000. In Cage9, he is on lead vocals and guitar. His vocal range is very similar to Myles Kennedy from Alter Bridge. Bass player Gustavo Aued (aka x51), also played in Powerman 5000. His slamming bass style is a driving force in every song. Mathew Borowski shreds on lead guitar, and comes up with some really different and catchy riffs. Rounding things out is the artistic drumming of Abel Vallejo.
ANIMAL DRIVE – “Tower Of Lies (I Walk Alone)”
Animal Drive is a new band from Zagreb, Croatia. If you have been on the hunt for that next big thing (or band with that something special) you found here! Right out the gate, you have an amazing, young, soulful vocalist in Dino Jelusic. He has power like Jeff Scott Soto, and hints of Ronnie James Dio in his vocals. The band also features heavy, driving bass riffs, a twin guitar attack, and a tight drum sound similar to Avenged Sevenfold.
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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