Having missed so many shows these past weeks. I decided to go back to a couple of recent invites to take a listen to some of the acts I missed. And while I recently ranted about steering clear of Bandcamp. I figured it couldn’t hurt to do a little digging. Below is some insight and reaction to what I found. JD
I Love Your Lifestyle – We Go Way Back
The Swedes are coming. The Swedes are coming. Sweden’s I Love Your Lifestyle write smart and uplifting melodies met by rawkus vocals and choruses. ‘We Go Way Back‘ lifts the spirits as it washes over you with its warm and danceable pop brilliance. As welcome as a cool breeze on a hot summers day. I’ve had this on repeat for days on end. Fourteen songs in all. Music that seem to get better with each listen. Warm, infectious and totally necessary . Available Here
Secret Stuff – This is Fine Nashville Tennessee’s Secret Stuff bring a sense of cheer and wonderment to the table that feels honest and at times, almost effortless. Five emotionally tuned in tracks that leave the listener wanting more. ‘This is Fine’ displays the bands kean ability to fuse melody with inspiring rythms and intricate key changes that give the somewhat subdued songs extra life and energy. Available Here
Yes, Yes, A Thousand Times – Not Once, Not Ever When taking your bands namesake from an epic tale as large as ‘Pride and prejudice’. You better be good. Luckily, in the case of this aptly named act. They kind of are. Both diverse and eclectic. Not Once, Not Ever offers rhythmic blasts of quick and energy fused dream pop spinkled with a jangly punk loosness that adds dimension it’s dreamy, atmospheric, emo inspired soundscapes. Yes, Yes, A Thousand Times add a unique twist to dream pop while managing to evade any specific genre trappings. This one took a few thorough listens to fully appreciate. However, in the end. It was those crazy rhythms and dreamy vocals that inevitably won me over. Available Here
Fire In Motion – Days 8-14 Union New Jersey’s Fire in Motion fall short on they/his namesake with two offerings of folky, acoustic dream pop that failed to keep me interested. Musically dull with sleepy lyrics. ‘Days 8-14‘ never really establish themselves. While the recording and production are quite good. It was the songs and their delivery that left me bored and unimpressed. Available Here
Whiner – Forever Demo While the calender clearly states it is the year 2016.
Whiner sound as if thye’d be just as comfortable sitting amongst decades old new wave, synth pop and electronic genius. All of which come off sounding fresh and current. Being a bit older myself. I couldn’t help but feel echoes of pioneers such as such groundbreaking acts as Kraftwerk, Gary Numan and perhaps most closely, The Pet Shop Boys. And while my personal favorite Between You and Me‘ seems to channel the subdued brilliance of The Pet Shop Boys’ Neil Tennant. It’s the following track ‘Ooze‘ that might draw comparisons to ‘The Bends’ era Radiohead. As far as demos go. This is about as good as it gets. Available Here
Shimmers features six new songs from the Denville four piece Scary Stories. Recorded in April 2016 at Backroom studios and mixed by Scott Moriarity. Scary Stories sound is both vicious and savage. Featuring elements of hardcore, punk and screamo with an added metallic guitar sound the gives the bands overall sound the depth it otherwise lacks. A characteristic which gives them the EP some much-needed credence musically. With most of the songs sounding marginally similar. It was the sixth and final track ‘Diorama’ that left the best impression. Decent stuff, but nothing special or groundbreaking that would set it apart from the pack. ‘Shimmers’ is currently available for download on bandcamp 
My God, someone needs to remind me to steer clear of bandcamp. Not that I was looking for trouble. It’s just that after I was invited by a friend to attend this bands show. I thought it might be wise to see just what I might be getting into. With a name like Clam Jam. I knew it wasn’t likely readying myself for anything other than childish and gimmicky schtick. Low and behold. I might have been over reaching with that description.
o the point and up in your grill with a fast paced, raw Hardcore sound that’s sprinkled with elements of Speed Metal. (Most evident in the bands potent guitar assault.) With six of the seven songs coming in at under two minutes. There’s really little room for any break downs or mosh parts, which is fine. Not bad for what it is. Still, nothing that would really inspire more than a casual listen. On the down side. Power Face have some of the worst vocals I’ve seen in quite a while. Something I would have most likely missed if the actual lyrics weren’t included. “Come with me if you want to live. Walk the road of fire and sin.” Lead me to think this band is either in middle school or just don’t have a lot to really talk, or in this case, sing about. Not that I’m saying a Hardcore bands lyrics should change the world. Personally, I just prefer a little less role-playing in my Hardcore music. Not bad, but nothing special either. Proceed with caution. Power Face don’t really offer much in the information department on their social media pages. Regardless, I’m leaving a link to the bands music. This way, you can form your own opinions. JD
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