Music

2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

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This year, the annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony took place in Cleveland! I do believe this is the first time (at least in a very long time) that this has happened and who knows, maybe it will never happen again. All I knew was that with this particular class, I wanted to be in attendance.

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Concert Review: Armor for Sleep

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My middle school self continues to thrive this year! Just like Scary Kids Scaring Kids graced me with an anniversary tour last month, emo stalwarts, Armor for Sleep have followed suit. Now, the 15 year anniversary of their first major-label debut, What to Do When You Are Dead, was meant to happen last year but COVID had other plans. No worries! It worked out even better for me this year!

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Arctic Monkeys – AM Album Review

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Alright, I’ve finally gotten to the Arctic Monkeys album that seemed to change the course of their career across the globe. Sure, they saw plenty of success in the U.K. with all of their previous records, but for whatever reason, AM is the one that seemed to resonate with the States the most. Now it’s my time to take a proper listen.

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The Blue Stones – Hidden Gems Album Review

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For whatever reason, this band, The Blue Stones, keeps popping up, so I’ve finally decided to take notice. Several months back I heard a song of theirs playing on Sirius XM’s Octane, and just the other day I found out they’re playing at one of my favorite local venues this coming weekend. I may be otherwise occupied the day of the show, but it’s nice to know it’s an option. Anyway, with all of that in mind, I finally carved out a little bit of time to listen to their full-length record, Hidden Gems.

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Arctic Monkeys “Suck It and See” Album Review

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Still plugging away at Arctic Monkeys’ discography! I’ve been really taking my time working through them because I really want to appreciate what they bring to the table, and so far it’s been a success! I also learned about an indie side project the band took on with the addition of a couple vocalists, including Miles Kane, called Death Ramps – how cool! I’ve see a ring with that name mentioned over the internet whenever I look into Arctic Monkeys or The Last Shadow Puppets, but the knowledge has finally come full circle. Anyways, let’s get into what Suck It and See has to offer!

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New Music: Singles Edition

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I love new music and here’s a bunch of it!

Foster the People
“Chin Music for the Unsuspecting” – I suppose this is new to me but old to the band because it’s another unreleased track from Torches…ten years ago. It’s quite different from anything I’ve heard from the band before! It’s pretty stripped back for them. By that I mean there’s no synths or pre-programmed sounds. Most prominently is the piano, with a solid drum beat accompanying it. Despite its lack of synths, I could have seen this complimenting “Miss You” off the initial release. Something about it just feels like it would have been a natural flow. After one listen, I don’t love this song, but I love Foster the People and I know this will make its way into rotation soon.

Bullet for My Valentine
“Rainbow Veins” – For the band claiming they’re reverting back to their hardcore roots, this is a pretty light song title. And I suppose, in a way, compared to the other two singles released this is a “lighter” song. Vocally, at least. Matt Tuck is able to float effortlessly between almost whispered strained singing to ripping screams. The lyrics are quite dark, but I’d expect nothing less from this band. Feelings are always visceral for them and this entry is no different. I like how opposite this song sound compared to the others and it’s got me more eager to listen to the rest of the album when it comes out later this month. Could be a more well-rounded album than I was initially going to give it credit for.

AFI
“Caught” – New AFI?! It’s at least new to us. The band really loved this song but felt it didn’t go with the flow of the record. Thankfully they didn’t choose to scrap it, and instead they even chose to share it with all of us! We are truly blessed. I can see what they mean about it not really fitting with the rest of the album. This song is about as close to a ballad as I’ve ever heard from them. It’s bare bones with just guitar, but it’s beautiful and shows off Havok’s always perfect vocals. I do hope his song finds its way into a live setting (could give Adam’s arms a break), but it if not, at least we got it like this.

Ghost
“Hunter’s Moon” – Ghost just keeps giving us little treats and I’m here for it! Especially in lieu of a new record. Everything they’ve done recently I have to imagine has been so fun, and getting to do a song for the Halloween Kills soundtrack has to be right up there! I know the movies are taking place in present day, but this song transports me back to all of the 80s hair metal I’ve listened to in the past (sorry, wasn’t alive back then to enjoy it in its prime). Also lyrically, how can you not think of Michael Myers following you around and stalking you from a distance? This song will likely become very addictive, but in the meantime it has me pumped to go see Halloween Kills next weekend!

Miles Kane
“Caroline” – The latest single off of Miles Kane’s upcoming release definitely carries the same vibe from “Don’t Let It Get You Down.” Especially in the way the saxophone really punches it up. Plus it’s upbeat and seems very danceable. In fact, I’d much rather be hearing about this Caroline at a wedding than the typical one…just saying. It’s got a real oldies quality to it, but I find that I really enjoy it! Aside from that, there are parts of the song where my brain immediately switched to Kings of Leon’s “Supersoaker,” which I suppose is a compliment. I really like that song, so if I’m getting reminded of it, he’s doing something right without copyright infringement happening. This continues to have me excited for the full record in January.

Wallows
“I Don’t Wan to Talk” – Wallows have been hit or miss for me in the past, but did that stop me from buying a ticket to their 2022 tour? Absolutely not. Despite not all of their music resonating with me, I can still appreciate and really enjoy the songs I do like. This new single lands somewhere in the middle. I appreciate the use of the harmonica. I like seeing Cole on acoustic guitar (in the video at least). I don’t like that weird little chirpy noise they’ve got rolling through the whole track, but I can ignore it in certain parts. Sometimes Dylan Minnette’s monotone vocals get me nervous, but I think over time he’s found a way to make it work for their music and that is no exception here. Who knows, maybe after a few more listens this will click with me more. We shall see.