MUSIC DISCOVERY MONDAY – 4/9/18
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 AMORETTES – “Everything I Learned From Rock N’ Roll”
The opening riff of “Everything I Learned From Rock N’ Roll” is reminiscent of Mott The Hoople’s classic, “All The Way From Memphis.” It’s that feel-good, ballsy riff that gets the blood pumping through your veins. When the heaviness of the rhythm section kicks in, it surprises you that The Amorettes are a three-piece band. The bombastic vibe of “Everything I Learned From Rock N’ Roll” takes you back in time to the bands that laid the groundwork for the genre.
If The Amorettes truly learned everything from rock n’ roll, then you’d have to say that they are exemplary students. Interestingly, the tone of the story is set by a student that didn’t like teachers, school, leaders or rules. Like many other rebellious rockers, this song references musical influences by name. In this case, Sex Pistols, Beatles and Rolling Stones. They have a Sex Pistols edge, a Beatle-esque sense of melody, and the swagger of the Rolling Stones, but if there is one band that you think of most when you listen to The Amorettes, it’s The Runaways. In fact, Joan Jett also gets mentioned in one of the verses.
Because there aren’t a ton of all-female rock n’ roll bands, there’s a natural tendency to compare bands like this to the female rockers that came before them. And though The Amorettes do conjure up memories of The Runaways, there is a lot more to their brand of rock n’ roll than meets the eye (or ear).
Gill Montgomery – the vocalist/guitarist of the band – lets the spirit of AC/DC flow through her with some Bon Scott type phrasing over Angus and Malcolm Young style riffs. Montgomery also has a unique blend of rock n’ roll sleaze to go along with an upbeat sweetness. The backing vocals of sisters Hannah and Heather McKay in the chorus gives the song a larger-than-life theatrical feel that is similar to Jim Steinman’s most iconic work.
Everything that you love about rock n’ roll is exactly what The Amorettes deliver with this kickass tune. The band is making their mark in Europe with some high profile supporting gigs. Hopefully, it won’t be long before they become just as big in the United States.
MIXED COMPANY – “Turn It Up”
Once upon a time, image played a much bigger role for rock artists than it does today. That’s not to say that a good image doesn’t help, but it’s not as important as it once was. These days, knowing how to market your band is more important than image. Was it a stroke of marketing brilliance that Mixed Company’s artwork for their Turn It Up album is the band’s moniker on a Marshall Amp Head, or just a stroke of luck that the image resonates so well? I honestly don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. The point is that it made the band stand out among a crowded field to make me want to listen.
Sometimes, judging a book by its cover (so to speak) is a worthwhile endeavor. Mixed Company instantly delivers what their artwork promises from the first note of the title track and never lets up. The thunderous drum opening by Shane Madsen combined with the crunchy riffs of Glenn “Nubz” Morrison gets your pulse racing and adrenaline flowing. Often times, the bass playing gets lost in today’s rock songs, but Redo Ianni makes his presence felt early on with a heavy groove that helps the intensity build and carries throughout the song. Power mixes with beauty when Brittany Pie’s vocals kick in, giving Mixed Company a distinct sound.
This Kenosha, WI quartet offers further proof that there is a classic rock revival going on these days. You have to appreciate any band that references Spinal Tap in their lyrics (“crank it to eleven”), all the while playing their instruments with the musicality and proficiency of yesteryear. If you’re a fan of Eric Clapton, you’re going to love some of the nuances that Morrison brings to the table.
In a perfect world, bands like Mixed Company would be all over the radio with anthemic rockers like “Turn It Up.” Radio or not, this is a band that should absolutely be on your radar!
KURT ARFT – HRD Music Scout
THEM EVILS – “She Got Nothin'”
I was introduced to the music of Them Evils a couple years back when I caught their set at the Louder Than Life festival in Louisville, KY, and have been a fan of their music ever since. I’m really loving the resurgence of the ‘70s vibe and swagger in music these days.
Them Evils is a three-piece band out of Huntington Beach, CA. They have made a quick splash on the scene, having played with the likes of Zakk Wylde, his Black Sabbath Tribute band, Zakk Sabbath, Alter Bridge, and The Pretty Reckless. They’ve also played some of the bigger festival stages like the aforementioned Loud Than Life, Aftershock, and others.
With their high energy, gritty live performances, the band – consisting of Jordan Griffin (Guitars/Lead Vocals), Jake Massanari (Bass), and David Delaney II (Drums) – is winning over new fans everywhere.
“She Got Nothin’” is a re-recording from a previous effort that will be featured on their upcoming EP (dropping in May). It has all of the elements of the great ones from the ‘70s. Their music combines Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin influences, making it a unique combination of soul, blues, and rock. These guys could have easily opened for either one of these bands back in the day. Yes, they are that good!
Them Evils is currently running a PledgeMusic campaign in support of their new EP, so if you like what you’re hearing and seeing from these guys, please give any support you can. They are currently on tour, and I highly recommend going to see them if they come to a venue near you!
DEAD CITY RUINS – “Bones”
Another band with that ‘70s jam band vibe is Dead City Ruins from Melbourne, Australia. They are absolutely killing it on their single, “Bones” with Jake Wiffen’s wide vocal range, a HUGE hooky chorus, and a guitar sound to match.
Dead City Ruins have mostly been bouncing around the UK and their homeland of Australia, but I am sure it won’t be long before the rest of the world embraces them. I think that this quote from Skid Row’s Dave “The Snake” Sabo sums them up best:
“They’re just these young, broke kids who don’t give a fuck except to play music in front of people. I love it and it’s inspiring on a daily basis. That’s the spirit of rock and roll in those kids.”
Band introduction time: Jake Wiffen (VOCALS), Tommy TBone (GUITAR), Sean Blanchard (GUITAR), Nick Trajanovski (DRUMS), and Matthew Berg (BASS). These boys tear it up every time they pick up their instruments, both in the studio and on stage. Listen for yourself and enjoy the power and energy that is Dead City Ruins!
They have a new album coming out April 13th. Be on the lookout for these guys. Support this music if it’s what you love. Bands like this cannot survive without the attention and support needed to continue on their musical journey.
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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