Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Shinedown's Smith & Myers Strip It Down With "(Acoustic Sessions)"

When you think of Shinedown, you think of supremely produced albums, stage explosions, and just pure "bigness" in general.  Well, singer Brent Smith and guitarist Zach Myers have just released a project that is quite the polar opposite of what we've come to expect of the hard rockers during their decade-plus existence.

The project bears the name Smith & Myers and their just-released album is called (Acoustic Sessions)(Acoustic Sessions) is a six-song acoustic covers EP that's about as stripped down as music gets, with all tracks having only one voice and one or two guitar tracks.  No dozens of layers of instruments, no overdubs, no trickery...just music.

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Album Review: Sister's "Disguised Vultures" Sure To Get Horrorpunk Fans To Flock To The Swedish Band

Our last album review covered the latest release from Pretty Wild, a band from Sweden.  As a total coincidence, this review also shares the good word about another Swedish band, Sister, and their new album, Disguised Vultures.

However, aside from being from the country with the distinctive meatballs, those bands share little else.  Whereas Pretty Wild is a bit squeaky clean with their brand of resurrected hair metal, Sister has a sound that is about as grimy as you can get.  And, yes, I say that like it's a good thing!

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Album Review: Sweden's Pretty Wild Keeps The Hair Metal Flame Burning In 2014 With New, Self-Titled Album

Do you still listen to your old Firehouse, Trixter, and Slaughter CD's from back in the day?  Do you wish Steel Panther could be serious for just one album because you like the music but you don't want to feel like listening to it would make you the butt of what might be a joke?

If so, you are squarely in the target market of new-ish hair metal band, Pretty Wild.  That Swedish quartet are out to earn your love with their new, self-titled album.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Album Review: Fist Fight In The Parking Lot Fires Up 2014 With "Year of the Ox"

Fist Fight In The Parking Lot began getting national attention in 2012 as their debut, self-titled album began circulating among fans of stoner rock.  The Pittsburgh-based band has returned to satisfy the cravings of their growing fan base with their newest release, Year of the Ox.