The recently released album by Watershed Hour, the Peterborough, Ontario alternative band, contains 6 uniquely original tracks. Filled with elements of garage, punk, and rock, From Your BestFriend offers cool melodies, nice changes and transition, and some wonderful riffs. The angst ridden songs deliver driving rhythms, pounding guitars, and wild drumming, highlighted with sweet guitar and bass solos, cool effects and dynamite vocals. There is a wonderfully dark and disturbing vibe that will pull you in. A punked up garage sound, with each track a musical free for all, a sort of well constructed jam. Favorite tracks include ‘Kristi Is My Drinking Buddy‘ , and ‘The Lone Paraders‘. Check them out on their bandcamp page, and then buy yourself a digital download, or cassette. Go on, take a walk on the wild and eerie side.
A few months ago, I was contacted by Atomic Stuff, a hard rock/heavy metal music promotions company in Italy. Shortly after Christmas, I received several CDs in the mail. I had no idea that this was going on in Italy!
I listened to”Wild Life“, a 9 track album from John Dallas, a guitar player whose real name is Luca Stanzani. The guitar centric, melodic metal sound offers slick riffs, and solos. The vocals and harmonies are wonderful, and the songs are well written. There are some nice solos, and cool production values. There is even a cool ballad. Favorite tracks: ‘Under Control‘, and ‘Freedom‘. If you like your rock hard and loud, this is 1 for you.
Red Morris, aka Maurizio Parisi released “Lady Rose“, in 2015. A wonderful insteumental progressive rock album, it offers sweet keyboards and exciting guitar.The melodies and musical themes wander in and out of the dynamite arrangements. There are cool changes and nice effects. One of those albums, that I never get tired of listening to. Favorite track: ‘My Life Blues‘, which delivers an amazingly wonderful rhythm section.
” Would You Like Something Fresh“, a release by Mad Hornet, contains 11 tracks of heavy rock, splattered with 1980s hair/glam rock sensibilities. The songs are well written, with nice changes and memorable hooks. The melodies and harmonies rock and there are some cool effects. The sound is reminiscent of something between Van Halen and Poison. Favorite tracks: ‘Dyin’ Love‘, and ‘RosesUnder The Rain‘.
So, there you have it. 3 albums and artists out of Italy, being promoted by Atomic Stuff. You can check out their web site and facebook page, and the artists can be located at the sites below.. Happy listening!
I generally don’t review tribute albums, but Erik Sitbon And The Ghost Band‘s “Taking Care Of Elvis” is an exception. The album contains an assortment of songs, some lesser known than others, that never try to emulate Elvis, but rather honor him. Sitbon gives us a wonderfully Roots/Americana flavor, with dynamite arrangements, cool vocals, great harmonies, and a unique sound that includes steel guitar and violin. Even if you are not an Elvis fan, this album will capture your heart, and your mind. Favorite tracks: ‘Moody Blue‘, ‘Early Morning Rain‘, and ‘Burning Love‘. Without a doubt, the best damn Elvis tribute album I have heard. Check it out here., and head over to the band’s facebook page to see what else they have going on.