MUSIC DISCOVERY MONDAY – 3/5/18
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)
THE PROFESSIONALS – “Going Going Gone”
Within a two week period a few years ago, the world of rock and roll lost two of its greatest icons in Lemmy Kilmister and David Bowie. Though they were both English legends who staked their claim in America’s two largest cities, their musical similarities are virtually non-existent. Still, the gut punch that they delivered by dying in such close proximity to each other will keep them forever linked.
This duo is also linked in a much lesser known way that inspired The Professionals to write “Going Going Gone.”
Like the two legends that this song is about, this band has an interesting back story. Formed from the ashes of the Sex Pistols (guitarist Steve Jones and drummer Paul Cook), The Professionals were active from 1979-1982. The band reunited in 2015 (albeit without Jones on guitar) for some live shows, and then went on to record their first new album in 35 years (a gap that puts even the likes of Boston to shame). The time away did not diminish their abilities. Their new music has a timeless quality to it.
Back to the origin of “Going Going Gone”…
According to an article in Classic Rock magazine, the song is about both Bowie and Lemmy having their equipment stolen from the Odeon. Guitarist Tom Spencer shared the story…
“I worked at the Odeon as a 16 year old. Got to see a lot of bands. When Motorhead played, someone stole their bomber lighting rig! This song ties to Steve Jones’ infamous theft of Bowie’s gear on the Ziggy shows. We lost two icons within about a month of each other – sometimes fate hands you a reason for a song!”
Though the reason for the song is based on bad experiences and painful losses, “Going Going Gone” still has a bit of an uplifting vibe. It’s hard to describe it in the context of today’s music, but I’d say that it’s melodic punk that makes you want to hoist a few during happy hour at a pub. Come to think of it, that description sounds like a mixture of Bowie (the melodic) and Lemmy (the barroom punk edge). It’s a fitting tribute to two iconic talents whose music will live on long after their time on earth.
NOTE: The Professionals were featured on Hard Rock Daddy’s Top 100 Hard Rock Songs of 2017 with another killer tune called “Rewind” (featuring a guest appearance by Phil Collen of Def Leppard).
LATE NIGHT SAVIOR – “Photograph”
I can’t tell you exactly when I discovered Late Night Savior, but I’m fairly sure that it was on social media. Most times, when I discover a new artist, there is one song that draws me in and inspires me to feature them in this forum. In the case of Late Night Savior, I saw them pop up a number of times in my notes with different songs. I don’t really know why I didn’t feature them sooner, but it certainly wasn’t a lack of quality music. In fact, I had a difficult time deciding which song to feature, but after some serious consideration, I decided upon “Photograph” to introduce Hard Rock Daddy readers to the band.
Aside from the fact that this four-piece Utah rock unit features two brothers, and has been creating original music since 2015, there isn’t a lot to be gleaned from Late Night Savior’s biography. No matter. The music does the talking in this case.
“Photograph” opens with a southern rock picking guitar intro, transitions to a heavy active rock sound, and then goes right back again to their southern influences. The song is in the same wheelhouse as Black Stone Cherry, classic Hinder and Tremonti. Quite the interesting mix if you ask me.
It sounds like this band has been together for much longer than they actually have. You can never say which bands will breakout at radio, but Late Night Savior is one whose sound is certainly deserving of airplay. Those reading this will likely get on the bandwagon before radio does because of all the competition. Make sure to check out Late Night Savior’s other music as well. If you dig “Photograph,” you’ll like the rest of their music as well.
KURT ARFT – HRD Music Scout
THUNDERMOTHER – “Whatever”
One of the greatest feelings as a music fan is when you unexpectedly stumble upon a band or artist that you’ve never heard of, and when you hear them, you are STOKED! While searching for something else on YouTube, the name Thundermother caught my eye.
When I hit the play button on the song “Whatever,” I was totally blown away by these ladies and their music. This is old school, turn the amps up to 11, “we’re gonna conquer the world,” rock n’ roll. My jaw hit the floor when I listened to the music and watched the video. Needless to say, I’m thrilled to share this with you on this week’s edition of Music Discovery Monday!
Thundermother is a group of young ladies out of Sweden bringing their raw, rippin’ brand of rock n’ roll to the masses. They have just released their new self-titled album on Swedish independent label, Despotz Records.
Their sound can be described as a throwback to the ‘70s/‘80s heyday of AC/DC…a steady groove hard rocking music, and a voice that delivers a rock n’ roll message with such conviction and rawness, that it’s impossible to ignore. Combine that with the attitude, of say, Motorhead, and you have the essence of Thundermother.
These ladies get back to basics in a big way, and would easily give any boys a run for their money. It’s great to hear such awesome music like this, created by a band with a vision and a mission.
“Whatever” may just sound like another rock song to most, but that’s far from the case. You can feel the energy and the message that these girls are delivering. It hit me like a ton of bricks.
Thundermother has several other albums under their belts, but they have really stepped it up a notch with this one. I defy anyone to give it a spin and tell me that I’m wrong.
BLACK WIZARD – “Feast Or Famine”
A random search for music resulted in my discovery of Black Wizard, a cool, heavy metal band out of Vancouver. They have just released their latest album, Livin’ Oblivion. Black Wizard’s sound can best be described as a combination of Metallica’s And Justice for All album, the guitar melody/lead work of Iron Maiden, and for good measure, a bit of Bullet For My Valentine and Children of Bodom. These cats ooze the essence of what real heavy metal music is. “Feast or Famine” definitely captures that sound and feel.
It’s so cool to see the younger generations of bands embrace that old school heavy metal vibe and turn it into their own thing. Their image backs that up as well. You can tell that they breathe, bleed, and sweat heavy metal music.
Black Wizard features some accomplished players that have only just begun to scratch the surface of their abilities. Their playing is on point. They are still a relatively newer band (having formed in 2009), but it’s evident that they have worked hard at their craft. Their previous work also has great hard rock elements, with some definite Deep Purple influences.
What’s the lesson here this week? There’s nothing more exciting than finding new music “by accident.” Discovering new bands (or bands new to you) is a great gift. Make sure to tell all your friends about the music that you discover to help spread the word.
Ultimately, Music Discovery Monday is all about turning you on to new music in the hopes that you will embrace it and share it with others. These are bands or artists that I feel need to be heard and supported. So, get out there and share guys and gals!
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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