So if you haven’t figured out the play on words, Coasts’ self titled album is our album of the week. The vocals sweep and roll smoothly like the Ocean. If you are looking for a chill album to keep the stress away, the beachy vibes will transport you to a island far from school and work! The songs have received a lot of attention worldwide as the album has had over a million views on its Soundcloud account! Many of the songs are also being redone with various dj edits on YouTube, so chances are you have already heard the cool beats! Either way, Coasts is definitely worth a listen!
This week we are highlighting a new punk band out of Milwaukee; Awktopus has just released their 4 track demo to bandcamp. The band is mad up of Amy (our station manager) on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Ben on lead guitar and vocals, Josh on drums, and Conner on the bass. Their track “We’re Coming to Your Party” is a punk party jam for sure and has a catchy tune that you may find yourself singing to. The track “Bitch” really shows Amy’s influence from the punk band Sleater-Kinney with her lyrics and tone. “Youth In Revolt” brings the Vibe of the Ramones and the Dead Kennedys and also is the only track in the demo where Amy is not the lead on vocals. “Wish You’d Come Back” shows the more emotional side of the band and also shows Amy’s more soulful sound.We are excited to see what this 4 piece band comes up with next!
As many of you know (unless you have been hibernating for winter) Early Monday, January 10th, reports of the Goblin King, David Bowie made his way among the stars. After 18 months of struggleing with cancer, Bowie passed away surrounded by family. Just a week after Bowie released his final album, “Blackstar.” The album was released on his 69th birthday just two days before he died, and his producer said that the album was much intended to be a final masterpiece. Here is what Signe had to say about several of the tracks:
“Blackstar” begins slowly as a haunting rock and roll track that is soon taken over by his vocals which enter the song slowly. The title track comes in quietly and is one of the longer songs on the album. This song sets the scene for the album since it signals to the listener that Bowie has a new sound.
“Lazarus” begins with just music before Bowie’s vocals take over. Bowie’s vocals sound familiar to when he sang in the 1980s. This song is one of the easier ones to listen to next to the others on the album and it is long like the title track.
“Sue (Or in a Season of Crime.)” shows why Bowie is a rock artist with its driving beat throughout the song. Bowie’s vocals bring the listener back to the title track while he sings during the song. This song is one of my favorites from the album with its rock and roll flavor.
“Girl loves me” slows down from the previous track but still keeps the rock feeling going. Bowie sings the title within the song nicely.
The final track, “I Can’t Give Everything Away” puts on a jazz perspective for the album with the instruments used along with the upbeat tempo. Bowie’s vocals sit nicely on the track itself and he sounds a bit like Tony Bennet.
This album showcases a true rock artist whom we will greatly miss though his music is still great and “Blackstar” will remind us why he’s great.
With their second musical release, after their debut EP “Unity” in March of 2014, Pangaea explores the Metal genre in different ways than lots of progressive bands. This EP has tasteful vocals, complicated drumming, diverse breakdowns, keys, and dual lead guitar passages. Not only does this EP hit you right in the musical ears you’ve always wanted, but it is a concept album that flows with the idea of their name. The title track off of this EP, “Roots” is an orchestrated masterpiece, with many different instruments and melodic counterparts. It is an instrumental track full of genius acoustic guitar lines, violin accompaniment, piano lines, and really brings the listener into a peaceful state of mind. Songs off this EP consist of:
This band is influenced by bands such as Between The Buried And Me, Architects, Veil of Maya, Meshuggah, Protest The Hero, The Contortionist, Norma Jean, The Dillinger Escape Plan, August Burns Red, and Killswitch Engage. Their blend of musical tastes, create an epic flow of progressive and inspiring metal which brings the listener on an adventure. Pangaea strives to write songs that are authentic and inventive, with hopes to guide heavy music in a new direction.
Currently looking for a new, touring drummer, Pangaea is hoping to tour in 2015-2016 in support of their new release of “Roots.” They have numerous play-through videos of their complicated music, and the fans couldn’t get enough! Check them out on YouTube, Facebook, iTunes, Bandcamp, Spotify, etc. to keep up with their fun-filled musical adventures!
“The Incredible True Story” by Logic is killing the game and his newest album a definite contender for album of the year. H Here are some of my favorites from the album even though every song is great.)
1. Fade Away – Fantastic opening song to the album and really lays the groundwork for how the rest of the album will sound. The instrumental is unbelievably catchy and has been on repeat on my phone all day. Logic does not disappoint and brings his incredibly versatile flow and great lyrics. Definitely would be a big hit on air and doesn’t need much censoring.
2. Like Woah – Logic brings the wow factor again and leaves your ears in a trance, such a dope song. Woah was exactly my reaction when I heard Logic get into his zone and kill the flow with no hesitation. The hook gives the song a moment to breath before Logic jumps back in with his unreal flow.
3. Young Jesus (Ft Big Lenbo) – One of Logic’s label mates and one of the few artists featured on the album. His flow and sound reminds me of Big Pun and made me a fan. Logic does what Logic does best and slays this track with easy. His second verse is bonkers and this song definitely deserves some radio air time.
4. Paradise – My ears are in paradise after hearing this song. Love the effects they added to Logic’s voice at points. He paints a vivid picture of his youth and struggle while delivering it all at classic Logic break neck speed. The song switches up around part way through and works very well. -Kyle B