So many styles under the banner of #THENEWROCKNROLL? We would not have it any other bloody way! Go forth and DISCOVER!!
FRESH SNOW – ONE (HAND DRAWN DRACULA)
This Canadian quartet describe their music as an inventive hybrid of kraut, noise and psych rock and as an instrumental band, these references are probably some of the best one can have. The six tracks showcased on their sophomore effort reveal a dynamic blend of the aforementioned styles, which keeps the music edgy and intriguing throughout. “Olinda” has a slow-burning intensity that builds up steadily while “I Am Smitten With Your Wrath” highlights tasteful electronic treatments that compliments the visceral organic performances. Imagine a soundscape created by Hawkwind, Pink Floyd and Neu! and you are closer to the magnificence that is Fresh Snow. http://freshsnowmusic.com/
Buy now from iTunes.
MUST BE THE HOLY GHOST – OVERFLOW (CARDIGAN RECORDS)
Here’s a electronic artist that exploits his gifts with technology to produce a sound that can be best considered to be rock ’n’ roll. Jared Draughon (aka Must Be The Holy Ghost) demonstrates that its not the format or instrumentation that determines whether music is edgy or heavy but it’s the heart and soul behind it all. The contrast between the ominous blues of “Melt Down” and the bright and smart “Forest” is illuminating and is indicative of MBTHG’s range in expression. The rest of this EP is a continuing exercise in how timeless rock songs can be built up and layered with electronic loops. A crucial lesson indeed. http://www.mustbetheholyghost.com/
Buy now from iTunes.
HANDS OFF GRETEL – BURN THE BEAUTY QUEEN (SELF-RELEASED)
Revolving around the singular talents of teenage front woman Lauren Tate, Hands Off Gretel throw quite a few diverse influences into the witches’ brew e.g. Hole, Garbage & The Muffs, but at least they stir it all up pretty hard! This UK band keep the accelerator firmly floored and the grungy punk intent is never more apparent than in songs like “Queen Universe”, “One Eyed Girl” and “World Against She”, where metallic power chords grind aggressively as Tate screams out feminist angst themes over and under. Much fuel to get your rocks off here on Burn the Beauty Queen. http://www.handsoffgretel.co.uk/
Buy now from iTunes.
THE DOWLING POOLE – ONE HYDE PARK (369MUSIC)
Released earlier in the year, this obscure gem is the sophomore effort of The Dowling Poole, a classic pop-rock duo that revels in the offbeat goodness of seminal British bands like The Kinks, XTC, 10cc, Madness, Blur, Robyn Hitchcock and the Egyptians and The Cleaners From Venus. These 12 songs are brimming with cool smart pop ideas that the avid listener will glean more and more treasures from with every new aural experience. It’s fair to state that nobody is quite making songs like “Fight, Fight, Fight”, “Hope & Glory”, “The Garden” or “One Hyde Park” anymore. Even more reason to check out The Dowling Poole. http://thedowlingpoole.com/
Buy now from iTunes.
… still there’s more …