Essential Listening: "Juna" - Clairo

Clairo has been making pop bops for years now, but the sudden and swift move to soft rock on her latest release, “Charm”, finds her in some of her finest moments.  On “Juna”, one of the album’s highlights: she’s vulnerable (“I don't get too intimate/ Why would I let you in? (Why would I let you in?)/ But I think again”), she’s romantic (“Come to me slowly/ It's when you talk close enough/ That I feel it on my skin, breathe it in”), and most of all, she’s honest (I don't even try/ I don't have to think/ With you, there's no pretending”).  The heart is perfectly naked and afraid, evoking the depth of reciprocated love we search for, and in the same breath, the high heights we touch when we feel love and loved. 

Album Review - Stonechild

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In the heat of the summer season, with blaring basses and carefree lyrics, comes a euphoric change of pace with the release of Jesca Hoop’s new album, Stonechild. Her lyrics force us to pause a moment and look inward into ourselves, as we realize it’s ok not to be ok in the bright summer sun. She looks directly into the darkness of the world and challenges us to join her. 

Hoop’s history is one that reads like a 70s day dream. She was born in 1975 to a Mormon family and grew up singing folk music and hymnals. When she left her family and her faith, she decided to “put her faith into people”, and moved to northern California where she spent time living in nature: under trees, in yurts, and any other variation of wilderness living. By the time she was twenty, she was a wilderness survival guide in a rehabilitation program for troubled teens in Arizona. When she moved to Los Angeles in 2000, she became a nanny for Tom Waits’ children, and with the help of Waits and his wife, was able to meet music industry professionals and released her first album in 2007, Kismet.

Her 2019 album release, Stonechild, is one that is not to be listened to lightly. One must  take a moment alone, and melt into her angelic vocals and harmonies. The light instrumentals in each song complement her siren-like runs. Her first song is one that proclaims that humans instinctively go looking for “dark” whenever the world is not in our favor. She sings “we go look for dark, to get dark, to get free of the feeling.” To get free of the feeling is a line that rings very true in many of us, as when the world seems to get dark around us, it may be better to turn off the emotions of despair and fear, and to simply go numb. This intro is one that sets the groundwork for the rest of the album. Each song forces listeners to reflect on the perspective of themselves and the world around them.

One of the songs, “Old Fear of Father” paints a picture of femininity that is dated but present in the mind of women to this day. It tells the tale of a woman talking about her children, favoring her sons over her daughter, as the daughter only has the future of a woman like herself: one who must “know the hand that feeds her.” By Hoop singing about this, it spurs reflection in all of us, and brings forth the sad reality of the gender roles of the past. She does not sugarcoat this in the slightest and continues to sing about the realities of motherhood.

Women in folk are not known to shy away from difficult topics of life, and in a similar fashion, Hoops disregards any disposition one may have towards a challenging subject, and chooses to highlight it in a way that forces you to listen. This album is one that deserves a large spotlight that brings people together, as well as into themselves. 

Jesca Hoop is currently touring in Europe.

https://jescahoop.com/tour/

Concert Review - Greta Van Fleet

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Bras thrown on stage, smoke in the air, strangers sharing oh-so-intimate moments in the crowd. Yep. Sounds like rock and roll.

On Wednesday December 12th, a “warmer” December night in Chicago, Illinois, Greta Van Fleet played an amazing and memorable show at the Aragon Ballroom. The beginning show to their three sold-out Chicago concerts.

Doors opened at 6:03 sharp and the long line of early birds enter the ballroom, racing to get front row standing. The audience ranged more drastically than I thought it would have been. From eight to eighty, old souls to young spirits, the crowd seemed to cover it all.

Once everyone was packed into the sold-out venue, the opening band came out. The Nashville, Tennessee band, The New Respects are in a genre of their own. Pulling from rock, soul, funk, and pop, you can tell that this musical family came from a historic city of great music. The New Respects had strong demand and an aura of confidence when they came on stage. Dress in what looks like modern 70s apparel, all of us in the audience were dying to know what was going to happen. Opening with their song, We Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere, they kicked off the rock vibe.  Jasmine Mullen’s strong vocals along with Lexi Fitzgeralds smooth bass, Darius’ playful drums, and Zandy Fitzgeralds strong Jimmy Hendrix vibes, throws the crowd into a wave of uncontrollable movements and excitement. The band played a range of songs from their album, Before The Sun Goes Down; some more funky, some more slow, but all amazing. To keep with the classic rock vibe of the night, they threw in a well done cover of “Come Together” by The Beatles before finishing off with their songs “Something To Believe In” and “Freedom”. Shouting “Wakanda Forever” before taking exit to the stage.

As per concert tradition, the main act came on about 13 minutes “late” to the stage, but nobody was mad about it once Greta Van Fleet started. Clad in what looked like exquisite thrift-shop finds from the 60s and 70s, the four piece band are the living image of old rock in the modern age. Within the first song performed, “The Cold Wind”, audiences mirrored the excitement and electricity that the band brought to stage. Everyone was ready to rock all night long.

Going into the show I was a tad worried. I’ve watched videos of the band perform in previous shows and I wasn’t that impressed with Josh Kiszka’s stage presence. His voice has the power of Robert Plant but did he actually have the rock and roll spirit? I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. These 19 and 20 year olds new how to rock. Josh surprised the audiences with his magnificent vocals and his engagement. Jake Kiszka blew everyone away with his guitar skills, especially with his riveting six minute solo during “Edge of Darkness” and when he played with his guitar behind his back, making it look effortless. Girls threw their bras on stage and everyone was dancing and singing along to the lyrics when “Safari Song” and “Black Smoke Rising” were played. Everyone in the audience was close and quite ~comfortable~ with one another when “Flower Power” came on. I felt the love in the air spread across the ballroom and even I started to swoon when Josh blew a kiss in our direction of the audience. After declining a make out request from a fellow audience member, I really began to feel a strong connection with the crowd. A connection that the band made possible. Everyone was having an amazing time because the band was having a good time. They’re still young and excited about their future career, and it shows in their work. Through both their recordings and their performances, the band plays with a passion and an energy that of a kid on Christmas morning.

The band is astonishing, many can agree upon that. Within their next tours, they are sure to move up to more grand venues and snag awards within the next months. But we do have to talk about the flying elephant in the room. Or I should say, the Zeppelin. Josh Kizka has been blessed with a very special voice, even if it does sound almost exactly like Robert Plants. Josh can’t help that and he shouldn’t have to worry about that because Plant’s voice is one of the best in history. What the band can help is all of their other similarities. Their style, both musical and costume, is so close to Led Zeppelin’s. Sounding like Zeppelin probably was not the bands intention, but it definitely got their foot in the door in the world of rock. It also stirred the pot though. The growing attention towards them has both it’s goods and bads. They are helping to bring back rock-and-roll, yet it’s not truly their own sound. Greta Van Fleet is an amazing band and nobody can resist the urge to bang their head to Highway Tune. But unless they can curate a sound that is more of their own, they might fizzle out soon. And God I hope that doesn’t happen.

Interview with John Angus MacDonald from the Trews

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How was your latest album release? Talk about Civillionaire and it’s impact on you, the band, the public?

It’s being well received. It’s been like a four year break between our last studio album and that’s quite a long time. So it was a bit of a long break, and there was a lot of anticipation for it. We were definitely inching to get it out and we were getting impatient with waiting. And so that fact that it’s finally here, we feel like the fans really like it and the material is going over good live so far. So we’re all really pleased with how it’s going, it’s only been a couple of months but in this day and age it kinda feels like an eternity.

So will you be playing any music from that album on the Holiday tour?

On the train it’s a little different. It’s so focused on raising money and bringing in nonperishable foods and its such a holiday thing. So we’ll probably do a couple songs form the new album and then a couple of Christmas themed tunes. Because it’s not about us, it’s more about fund raising and taking care of our neighbors and each other at this time of year, and that’s more of the spirit of it.

But we will be doing a bunch of tour dates in 2019 for our new album so we’ll be able to play more of our songs then.

What have you heard about the Holiday Train from pervious artists who have performed on it?

From what I hear, it plays for thousands of people. The stage is one of the train cars so we just go out and we never have to get off for two weeks. SO that’s either going to be awesome or maybe we’ll all go completely crazy, but we’ll find out. It’ll be a another first for us so we’re mainly just excited for it right now.

The train is like 16 cars long and its all decked out with crazy lights and décor. The train pulls into the station, and that’s where the show is. So one of the walls comes down from the train car and that’s the show that we put on for people. The show lasts about 40 minutes and then the wall comes back up and we head off to the next stop. And we’re doing from 2-5 shows a day so it’s a pretty busy schedule

Talk a little bit about what you guys do for fundraising.

The train CP Holiday Rail and this is it’s 20th year. SO for 20 years now they’ve got this down and the numbers are staggering, it’s in the multiple millions of dollars totally that they’ve got over these 20 years. And it all stays in the community that we’re performing. When you make a donation of money or a donation of nonperishable food at a show, it stays in that community. So you’re truly helping your neighbors and that’s what’s important during this time of the year. Sometimes people get wrapped up into the materialistic world during this time, and I think it’s an important time to be more sharing and caring towards our neighbors.

What would be some advice that you would give to upcoming artists today?

I think that you have to have your eyes wide open about the state of the industry. If you’re getting into music to make a quick buck and to become a millionaire overnight then you should probably get into a different field. Like there’s a heck of a lot more money in tech. But if you love music and you’re committed to writing, performing, and playing as a lifelong endeavor, then dive in. There’s plenty of ways to figure out how to do it. You can make a good living playing music, I’ve been doing it since I was a twenty year old. It’s possible. You just have to be creative enough and if you’re committed to making music, you can do it, it’s very possible to do. You just have to have your eyes wide open to what its like out there.

What’s the biggest thing that you are looking forward to on the tour?

I mean besides the shows which will be a lot of fun… but we are playing outside so I don’t know. But I look forward to seeing the country sided by train. We’re so used to seeing countries by the window of a car on the interstate. Now this is a chance to go off the beaten path and see things that we don’t normally get to see or do. It’s going to be a great trip.

Check out the Holiday Train Tour making many stops in the Midwest!

Single Review - Trouble

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Released November 30th, Jay Putty’s single “Trouble” continues to show his musical abilities to the music world. While simplistic in style, the message is one that is sweet, romantic, and relatable. Anyone can listen to this song, nod their head, tap their feet, and just simply enjoy it. The guitar riffs combined with Putty’s smooth vocals creates a melody that one can hum along to for hours at a time. The message behind the song is clear to see that he is in love, and continues to be in love, and how all the trouble was worth them being together. It is a very straightforward message, but the way he presents it makes it feel even more special and personalized. It is the type of song that you would want someone to sing to you on your wedding day. It is hard not to have a smile on your face after listening.

Earlier this week, ITL was fortunate to interview Putty, and we discussed many musicians who influenced him. Some of the answers were Ed Sheeran and John Mayer. Hearing that while listening to the song, it is very easy to hear how Putty is influenced by these artists. He takes what he loves about two artists and uses it to create his own sound and melody. It is fantastic to listen to because he creates a style for himself that anyone can listen to and enjoy. Putty also strays from country style in this song, and elects to be more in a singer/songwriter category. This small transition seems to fit his voice beautifully, and country fans can still hear some of that style sprinkled in his new single.  

After the release of this song, Putty plans on touring different coffee shops and is actually releasing a coffee to go along with his new single and coffeeshop touring. In addition, he will be continuing his coffeeshop touring in the UK.

Interview with Artist Jay Putty

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Ashley: Where did your music start? What is your musical background?

Jay: I started doing music about 10 or 12 years ago. Not to do the pity sad story but I used to get my ass beat a lot in middle school and high school and there was one time where I got beat up and they crushed my nose and my cheek bone. I couldn’t leave my house for the entire summer. My mom didn’t want me to just sit in my room all summer. She wanted for me to have something to do so she took me to Walmart and she said, “You have $50 to spend, whatever you want to get, just get it”. And there was this little guitar and I looked at her and said “you said anything”. She thought that I was just going to pick it up and put it back down, but now the joke is that I picked it up and never put it back down.

That’s how I got started playing the guitar, but my musical background is that I was raised on the Eagles and Journey, along with some contemporary worship music. I started playing in churches in worship bands when I was twelve and then it started to grow form there. I did metal bands, I did pop-punk, and everything in between. I’ve done country music and now I’ve settled into what this is, which I feel is more of like an extension of what I am. Considering that the first album that I bought was John Mayer’s ‘Room for Squares’ and I feel like I’m kind of in-line with that now.

Ashley: Going off of that, John Mayer is one musician who has inspired you, who are some other musicians that inspire you? And Have you found any inspirations through touring/traveling?

Jay: Ed Sheeran, definitely, because I loved the writing style and how he has grown as a writer. Most of what I do now is that I’m a song writer for other people. And then Ben Rector because he’s just this goofy normal dude and that’s how I view myself. I’m not like that super star who you want to follow on Instagram because you want to see him shirtless, no I’m just a goofy dude that writes good songs that that’s just kind of what my brand is, just a goofy song writer.

Through the years, I’ve done hired tours where I’ve been the guitarist for other people and they’ve done some stuff for me. I feel like the more of the world I see, the more I can expand writing just because I feel like I’m learning, not just by my experiences but by the experiences and stories from others that I encounter. That has really helped shape who I am and shape how I write songs, because if I don’t have a perspective for a song but I have a friend or somebody who has gone through that song, it gives me the ability to write from that one because I know anecdotally how it goes.

Ashley: What’s the process for your songwriting? How did you find your sound?

Jay: It’s so weird… its relative, and it depends. It’s kind of like the mood of the day. When I try to go to the room and I write a song, I try to write a song conversationally. I’m not very specific when it comes to song writing, where it’s like these radio tracks that seem larger than life. The way I like to write, and the way I write songs with other people, is that I try to keep it as conversationally as possible, meaning that as I write the song it sounds like me and you having a conversation lyrically, that’s the way I want to go because I feel like the more you just get into that one connection from song to person, it just helps connect better and it makes it more personal. Because I know that I listen to songs that are like “I went to the club and bought bottle service” like any other pop song that is huge, it just doesn’t sound like anything that I am into or anything that’s relative to me and I feel like most people that’s pretty relative because when people go out they’re not really spending $100 on bottle service, or a couple drinks.

Ashley: Who inspires you/pushes you the most?

Jay: This is going to sound so cheesy and lame, but my wife really does. When it comes to overall perseverance and fortitude, I have watched her do some pretty incredible things just because she says she’s going to do it.  And her reliance is awe-inspiring. She inspires me when it comes to my art and as a person really because she pushes me to be better on the guitar and out at the studio just being a good husband and all that. She is the one who inspired me, her and my mom.

Ashley: What was your first gig like?

Jay: Oh my god. My first show was terrible, as everyone’s probably is. I played at a little coffee shop in my home town and I had written some really bad songs. It was trying to be metal while trying to be singer/songwriter-ie. I had a drummer on an electronic drum kit and then me. During the show, I wanted to do a cover of a song that I hadn’t learned, so I put the headphones in my MP3 Player and tried to play and sing along to it at the same time. If that doesn’t just sum up how bad it was.

Ashley: We know that “Trouble” is coming out at the end of the month, would you like to speak on that at all?

Jay: I’m really excited about that coming out November 30th, pre-orders are up now. I wrote it with some friends here in Nashville and finished it up with Kevin Gates in Springfield, MO.

Again, as cheesy as it sounds, trouble is about my wife and I. We met when we were freshmen in high school and we had a rocky relationship. I think all of it, you always go through heart aches and trouble and all of that leads up to where you need to go and it kind of chronicles where we went from the beginning of our relationship till now, after all the years together. We recently got married about 6 or 7 months ago. Trouble is our story from the starting point to where we are now. And it’s far from over, it’s just started again in a way now that we are married. The song embodies that anything worth having, you’ll go through the troubles to have it. It’s work, and real love is real hard and it’s worth it at the end.

Ashley: How has music helped you in your life?

Jay: Music was both an outlet and a safe space for me. The reason that my mom wanted me out of my room is because the since I was beat and bullied and at 11 years old I didn’t want to live anymore and that’s what my mom was afraid of and that’s why she got me the guitar. I really thank music for that because it gave me that outlet. Instead of bottling up those negative emotions and let it eat me from the inside, it let me get it out in a healthy way. Music has always been that thing that I can always rely on and really just pull from when I needed it.

Ashley: What are you currently listening to right now?

Jay: Louis Capaldi, I’ve been listening to a lot of him. He is amazing, I just randomly found him on Spotify. The dude has an unreal voice. I’ve also been listening to a lot of my friend’s music, like Johnny Zywiciel and Pagentri, she’s a rock star. My friends make really dope music and I love listening to it.

Ashley: If you could perform with any musician, dead or alive, who would it be and where would it be?

Jay: If I could perform with any… Freddie Mercury, 1983, Live AID concert. Like, Queen/Freddie Mercury, he might be the be all to end all. My music entrails a lot of inspiration from him directly because form an artist’s standpoint I can’t replicate what he does, but talking about someone I revere the highest amount is Freddie Mercury. I have been a huge fan since I could listen to music. If I could go back even just for ‘Radio Ga Ga’ or ‘When the Hammer Falls’, I would just love it.

Ashley: Any shows or touring coming up soon or through the year?

Jay: So we are playing at a lot of coffee shops. I am releasing a coffee that goes along with ‘Trouble’ and we’re going to be doing a lot of coffee shop tours and we have a three week tour set up in the UK where we’ll be traveling to a bunch of different coffee shops in August and I’m going to be hitting it a lot harder this year than I did last year. I took a bit of a break this year to get married and enjoy life, but we’re hitting it hard next year.

Ashley: Any last remarks?

Jay: Go Cowboys!

Jay Putty’s single, “Trouble” comes out this Friday, November 30th. Be sure to come back here for our review on it and check it out for yourself.

Album Review - This is It

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The Greeting Committee lives up to their name as they welcome listeners to the 40-minute party that is their debut album, “This Is It.” Released October 26, “This Is It” is jam packed with warm indie tunes that make you want to dance but are in no way lacking authenticity or emotion. The Kansas City-based band takes on topics of growing up, love, and a hint of existential crisis throughout the album.

“Is This It?” throws the listener into the album as they’re greeted by the horn section and a groovy bass line. The tone slows for anticipation-building chorus leading us to wonder if we’re about to find out if this is, in fact, it. The seemingly carefree feel of the song is thrown by the daunting question, “is this it? Is this all there is?”

The light and airy “Some Kind of Love” provides a break from the up-tempo songs the album opens with. Featuring a quiet guitar and trumpet that are grounded by the repeated piano notes, the song tells a brief story of a relationship and the fears and excitement that accompany it. Frontwoman Addie Sartino sings of the hesitation at the beginning, “you were running / afraid of what you’d find when I found you,” and the payoff of the risk, “for better or for worse but it can’t get bad if I get to say I’m yours.”

Sartino’s crisp and commanding voice helps carry the album forward. The dynamic nature of her voice allows for tender moments, such as in “Some Kind of Love,” while proving she can belt it out with the best of them in “More.”

The juxtaposition of cheerful music with melancholy lyrics continues in “Gold Star,” which brings up the pressures of not wanting to let people down. Caught up in this mindset, Sartino sings, “I don’t think I can be all I want in the hearts of others.” This ever-present desire to please shows the innocence of wanting to receive a gold star doesn’t go away with age.

“Odds of Forever” gives the listener another chance to bop to the music. The lively tune continues the discussion of growing up and how some appear to have it all figured out. Sartino admits she most certainly does not as she sings, “in some ways some may say its all coming together / as I shuffle around to the sound of unsettled.” The song reassures its listeners that they don’t need to have it all together either.

“This Is It” culminates in its closer “Don’t Go” as it ties together the musical and lyrical themes of the album. It contains all good vibes brought to you by light guitar riffs and a booming chorus. The track discusses dependency as Sartino sings, “don’t go I’ll never make it on my own.” The comfort comes as she sings, “don’t you worry I’m right here,” in response.

The Greeting Committee has created an authentic body of work in “This Is It.” The brutally honest lyrics are sure to resonate with those who give the album a spin, providing a sense of community in shared experience. With their ability to craft bright songs with genuine messages, this debut effort is certainly not the last we will see of The Greeting Committee.

Concert Review - LANY

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The best way to get over someone? Definitely dancing around with your best friends, or, in LANY’s case, with a crowd full of a few thousand friends. LANY with their chill California vibes and smooth danceable tracks got the sold out crowd at the Riviera Theater moving on November 1st. The LA based band is on tour in support of their sophomore album “Malibu Nights,” an album of heartbreak and healing.

Electropop singer-songwriter Anna of the North opened up the show full of energy that transferred right over to the crowd, preparing them for LANY. In a mess of fog, LANY entered the stage to “Thick and Thin,” the opening track of “Malibu Nights.” The track introduces fans to lead singer Paul Klein’s heartbreak, as the album is his way of processing his breakup with pop singer Dua Lipa. The crowd showed its support as it sang back every word with enthusiasm.

LANY’s dream pop sound and Klein’s dancing kept up the positive energy in the venue. The audience bopped around song after song, keeping the positivity flowing and Klein smiling. Fans even gifted Klein with a bouquet of roses, an homage to the band’s self-titled album where a rose is the cover.

Large LED screens covered the background of the stage and allowed the imagery to change from song to song. A California sunset during “pink skies” and the music video for “Super Far” were just a few of the scenes set. The screen was split in half, with the bottom half as the base for an elevated stage where guitarist Les Priest and drummer Jake Goss resided during the show.

The higher energy songs were contrasted with the more emotional ballads played towards the end of the set. Klein performed a particularly passionate version of “Hericane” that was soon followed by the piano-based track “Malibu Nights.” The touching song wouldn’t have been complete without the starry background and a single spotlight streaming across the stage falling on Klein playing the piano.

The band returned to the stage for a three-song encore starting with the lead single for “Malibu Nights,” “Thru These Tears.” The content of the song is sure to resonate with those who have been deeply hurt as Klein sang, “in the end I’m gonna be alright / but it might take a hundred sleepless nights.” Despite the sad lyrics, the catchy nature of the chorus kept fans energized. The band closed the show with their breakout hit “ILYSB.” Before leaving the stage, they expressed their love for their fans and the special place the city of Chicago holds in their hearts.

This LANY show gave fans an opportunity to dance out their feelings. Providing that healthy balance between happy love songs and embracing tough emotions, the band has proved there’s more to them than their synth-pop exterior. LANY may not be the biggest band in the world, but the dedication of their fans is evident and that dedication cannot be ignored.

Photos by Mary Grace Ritter

Album Review - Murder and the Motive

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On November 2nd, 2018, a new rock album graced the scene that forwarded the progression of the head-banging, mosh pit inducing hard rock that so many of us love. Those Damn Crows released their debut album Murder and the Motive. Hailing from Bridgend, South Wales, this five piece hard rock band is bringing the public a new sound that dares listeners to get up out of their seats and move. The band consists of members Shane Greenhall on vocals, Ronnie Huxford on drums, Ian 'Shiner' Thomas on guitar, Lloyd Wood on bass, and David Winchurch on guitar. Their mission statement is refreshingly to the point, they want to create great music, and tour the world to share it, and if their music continues to be as enjoyable and fun as their first album, they will surely achieve that mission.

The first song on the album starts off strong stating they just “Don’t give a damn.” With intense guitar and powerful vocals, pushing forward the notion that they don’t care what people say to them, they know who they are, what they love, and people can “say what they want to them.” This song is everything that is great about hard rock: a middle finger to the world, fantastic beat, and guitar riffs that would cause any casual listener to bob their head or get riled up at a concert. The next song on the album is “Blink of an eye” which lightens up only slightly, but maintains the hard rock essence. It talks of things being lost and let go in a blink of an eye. One could apply this to love, friendship, experiences, or anything else that seems to vanish almost instantly. The second shows that there is something more to this band than just mosh pit inducing songs, but lyrics like, “You go to hit the lows to feel the highs,” shows this band has brought great lyrics and ideas and has paired them with a kick-ass sound.

And finally, one of their songs on the album proclaims something that I have been saying for years, “Rock ‘n’ Roll Ain’t Dead,” where they talk about the music industry and how it is said “rock don’t sell anymore,” but they reject this notion with a song that would cause any music lover to be intrigued. This songs is them proclaiming that they will make the music they want, when they want, for who they want, even if it would just be for themselves, they want to make the music they love.

Currently, Those Damn Crows are touring in Northern Europe through February.

Album Review - Anthem of the Peaceful Army

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Ripping vocal lines, screaming guitar solos, and intense drum breakdowns. Everything you could hope for from Greta Van Fleet’s (GVF) highly anticipated first official album, Anthem of the Peaceful Army. The 11 song LP released last week on October 19, 2018 and has landed on the tops of charts across the world.

Greta Van Fleet, if you don’t already know, is a young, 4-piece Rock & Roll group from Michigan who sounds like they are straight out of the 70’s. This comes from a combination of the lead singer, Joshua Kizka’s voice which sounds incredibly similar to the legendary Robert Plant, and their production team which gives them a classic sound like they recorded in an analog studio from way back in the day.

The Album kicks with an awesome, 6-minute powerhouse of a song titled Age Of Man. This song starts out by boasting Joshua Kizka’s vocals over an intimate and peaceful violin section which breaks down into a guitar riff, setting the tone for the rest of the album. Following Age Of Man is the track, The Cold Wind. This song starts off with a rocking riff that is instantly followed by the full force of Joshua Kizka’s vocals. As much as I enjoy this track, however, it must be addressed that this is one of the songs on the album that really does lack some originality from the band. Unfortunately, due to the apparent and incredible similarities between GVF and Led Zeppelin, GVF gets a lot of criticism for trying to copy the legendary group. I don’t agree with those critics, but it is worth noting when listening to their music.

The third song on the album is When the Curtain Falls, the single they released back in July of this summer. This song is one of my favorites off the album for enjoying guitarist, Jacob Kizka’s ripping skills and control over the fretboard. The riffs which drive the song forward are unforgettable. Then comes the solo which has such a raw and authentic guitar tone which has been unfortunately lost in a lot of modern rock band sounds.

The album then pushes on with a number of other head-banging songs before taming down with tracks like You’re the One and The New Day. These two are the perfect acoustic jams to throw on when enjoying a road trip or kicking back with friends. Following GVF’s “tame” section in the album, things pick right back up with the intense tracks, Mountain Of the Sun and Brave New World.

To close the album, the band brings it back down with the acoustic piece titled Anthem. They could have ended the whole thing with this beautiful song, however, would that really be appropriate for a such an intense rock band? I think not. Thankfully, they close off with a monster, 6-minute track, Lover Leaver (Taker, Believer) which closes out the LP perfectly. It’s full of Joshua’s crazy vocals rips and the rest of the bands awesome intensity.

This entire album has such a raw and authentic sound to it. Whether you believe it’s very original or not is not the concern. GVF is currently keeping a sound alive that many have feared was lost with the arrival of fake instruments and computerized music making. This album will absolutely be in my everyday playlist for a long time. I am ecstatic that there are still groups around making legendary rock and roll like this, and I can’t wait for what is to come from Greta Van Fleet.

Concert Review - Noah Kahan and Dean Lewis

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On October 19th during a typical cold fall night, opener Dean Lewis and headliner Noah Kahan warmed the night of everyone present at the sold out show in Schubas Tavern. The venue was filled with a college-aged crowd but had younger and older faces mixed in as well and everyone was electrified with excitement waiting for Dean Lewis and Noah Kahan; I could even hear people talking about how they drove more than two and a half hours to see both artists. I had been a fan of Dean Lewis and Noah Kahan since the release of their debut singles “Waves” and ‘Youngblood’ respectively, so I was anticipating this concert to be nothing short of amazing for me. But what I didn’t expect was to be so stunned at the sheer raw talent and presence that both of these artists have that I would be on the verge of tears.

The night opened with Australian native Dean Lewis who delivers an emotionally charged opener. He showed his depth with stripped down performances of songs off of his EP ‘Same Kind of Different’ along with various singles. The audience was even privileged to hear a few unreleased songs that we can expect to be featured on Dean Lewis’ upcoming album. His performance and stage presence was nothing short of incredible; he made jokes with the audience, told personal stories, and made everyone feel as though they were at the most intimate concert with a friend. The stand out of the night for me was where he delivered a tender and heartbreaking performance of his single ‘Be Alright’ that left the whole room frozen with heartache.

From the moment Noah Kahan stepped foot on stage, everything felt electrically charged with anticipation. He opened with the energetic “Fine” where the steady beat got the entire crowd clapping along with band and singing with Noah Kahan. Between almost every song, Kahan would share a story or a joke while interacting with the audience. In the middle of his set, Kahan delivered an incredibly personal song about the passing of a friend the previous year with “Carlos Song” that left Schubas Tavern in silence and tears. After the final song “Hold It Down” Kahan left the stage and the crowd cheered and demanded an encore. For the encore Kahan sang “Catastrophize” which energized the audience for the final song. Kahan closed the show with his debut single “Youngblood” and the entire crowd started dancing and singing along and concluded the show on the highest of highs. With an almost poetical lyricism, a powerful voice, and an endearing smile, Noah Kahan managed to steal the hearts of everyone present.

Through the entire show, I was moved by the talent of each artist. Both Dean Lewis and Noah Kahan are spectacular in their own right and delivered performances that made up one of the best concerts I have been to in a long time. After the concert ended I found myself wanting to linger and hear more. I’ll be waiting for the release of new music from Dean Lewis and Noah Kahan.

Band Interview - The Spins

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This homegrown, suburban-Chicago based band officially formed in July of 2018, sets the groundwork for the future with their innate passion and deeply-rooted connection for their music and fans. I sat down for an interview with the band members, Tate Renner, Parker Bailey, Jack Biondi, and Jonathan Tatooles, at a local coffee shop to discuss all there is to know about TheSpins.

One of the first things I wondered when I sat down with the band was “How did they come up with the name?”, Parker Bailey, who is the band’s lead guitarist and vocalist, began by mentioning how the guys got together one day and started “knockin’ around some names,” in a notebook, writing whatever flew off the top of their heads. Initially, for the most part, the name was a no go. However, drummer, Jonathan Tatooles, went on to note that after a few weeks, the band revisited that same notebook and saw “TheSpins.” They came to a strong group consensus and began thinking it wasn’t too bad after all. “...It just kinda stuck on from there,” Tatooles added.

After many sips of coffee, I began to question the band’s members musical influences. Overall, from an early age, each member’s musical taste has been influenced by various spectrums of the music scene. From The Strokes to J. Cole, the band members have been well rounded in regards to their musical diversity. Additionally, rhythm guitarist and vocalist, Tate Renner, adds that he “also enjoy[s] Cage the Elephant” and “Stevie Ray Vaughan.” The mixture of new versus old allowed drummer, Tatooles, to add that vintage style and inspiration from mentioned artists reminds the band to “…listen to the essentials.” When asked about these styles and influences, Renner went on to point on that while the band has many influences, they don’t want to be “restricted” to specific genres or types of music. They want to be known for their originality, which Renner accompanies such thoughts by imperatively noting, “I think that we sound like TheSpins.”

The “essentials” concept is also something the band holds dearly to their hearts. Specifically, this is their passion and utilization of vintage instruments and gear. The band emphasizes how they utilize Biondi’s basement, a place for recording that they all prefer for all their recording needs. Tatooles admitted that “it’s not, y’know, ‘professional’ at all,” but made sure to let me know that “[they] just make it work.” However, they don’t find fault in their resources, they, in fact, believe that all the instruments they own, instruments from the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s, actually help their style of music and brings out a “character to them that’s indescribable.” Further on, the band notes that on their recently released EPs titled “The Spins,” and “The Spins II” carry on their prime characteristics, which include leaving commentary from their recordings, instead of taking them out during editing.

The band went on to add more insight into their “experimental” songwriting process, which revolves around Biondi’s mantra that he shares with the band -- “Be patient, love the process”. With this pivotal mantra comes values, time, and effort, which involves sitting in Biondi’s “basement for hours on end, playing the same part over and over again, until [they] get it right.” Lead vocalist and guitarist, Parker Bailey, added: “We don’t always strive for the perfect take, but we are always looking in the right direction.” Oftentimes, the band will utilize many different aspects from the music world. For instance, in “Meet Me in the Limelight,” the band integrate a unique jazz features which further exemplifies the versatility of the band’s style.

With their experimental music, follows the need to try out their style with the only audience readily available for them at the moment.  Being in high school comes with many pros and cons. A main challenge for the band, Tate Renner mentions “...is finding a different way for [them] to spread [their] music” in a much more public way. While social and music applications like Instagram and Spotify allow their music to expand from their suburban setting, the band is continuously searching for ways to step out of their bubble -- adding on to their thought of “The process is the challenge.” On the other hand, an obvious benefit of being in high school is that they are able to host many performances in the place where their music was born -- Biondi’s basement -- where about 50 to 60 people are invited. Performances like these allow the band to spread their main goal: To bring different backgrounds and different ethnicities together [...] through the median of [their] music,” Tatooles added. After their first basement-show, Tatooles reminisced over the feeling of having the crowd sing the lyrics back to the band. “[It’s better than any payout,” he emphasized. Not only does the high-school community enjoy their music, but Parker Bailey made sure to add how the band “…[has] a lot of support from [their] families,” as well as “a lot of adults [aside from family] who dig [their] music”. TheSpins definitely have their town, Hinsdale, on edge… spinning for more and more music.

Holistically, The Spins plan on improving their skills no matter what. Juggling the fact that being in high-school comes with educational responsibility and making sure the band performs and practices to the best of their ability is not an easy feat. However, Tatooles mentions that just like professional athletes, [it’s about] going in, [and] putting in the hours.” Additionally, adding that the band must continue by “Pushing past [their] limits.” Tate Renner jumps off this idea and focuses on “building off each other more,” in order to maintain the chemistry they still have. Nonetheless, through trial and error, the band plans to have a full album coming out sometime in early January of 2019. Be sure to check back on this up-and-coming band, you won’t wanna miss it!

Concert Review - Tall Heights

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Boston-based indie folk band, Tall Heights, performed to a sold out crowd at Lincoln Hall on October 19th. Their current tour is following the release of their 11 track album Pretty Colors For Your Actions. The band was formed in 2009 and has since released two EPs and three albums.

Opening for the band were indie pop group Frances Cone and indie folk singer Ben Cramer also known as Old Sea Brigade. Frances Cone presented the audience with beautiful harmonies and tranquil sounds. The group’s next album Late Riser is set to release in January 2019. Coming from Nashville Tennessee, Old Sea Brigade performed tracks from his debut self-titled EP. Cramer’s music gives listeners a glimpse into his life and own experiences. Both acts joined the audience after their performances and were happy to meet and talk with fans. The two-story venue was packed with eager fans. By the time Tall Heights was welcomed onto the stage by a very enthusiastic crowd.

Kicking off the show with their song “Not Like It Was” The indie duo were very interactive with the audience and even asked for the fans’ help during one of their songs, “Cross My Mind”. A factor that contributes to Tall Heights unique sound would be their choice of instruments. Using the cello, trumpet, and even cell phones and raindrops, the band is able to produce. During this song, singer and lead guitarist Tim Harrington asked members of the audience to call the person standing next to them and put both cell phones on speaker while holding the phones right next to each other. This produced a sort of feedback loop of sound that the band used as part of their song. Singer and cellist Paul Wright took a brief moment towards the end of the show to encourage fans to go out and vote this coming November, to which the audience responded with an applause.

The audience interaction at the show helped promote a positive and upbeat energy for the entirety of it. About halfway through the show, Tall Heights decided to play an acoustic version of their song “The Running of the Bulls”, which resulted in the crowd holding up their cell phone flashlights as the band performed. The sound quality was fantastic and really emphasized the duo’s harmonies. Tall Heights’ live performance was even better than listening to their recorded songs. The band also introduced the crowd to the other band members which included drummer Paul Dumas, guitarist Ian Romer, and trumpet player/guitarist Kolson Pickard. The group closed the show with an encore performance of their popular song “Spirit Cold”. Following the show, Tall Heights made sure to stick around at the merchandise table to meet fans and take pictures. The band will continue touring the United States through December. Overall, Tall Heights and their opening acts were able to put on a fantastic show that kept the audience engaged and excited throughout.

Album Review - Malibu Nights

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LANY released their second studio album “Malibu Nights” on October 5th. The second album of a band is always an important one. It is the indicator of whether a band is here to stay, or if their moment in the spotlight is gone. LANY has proved they have a lot more to offer with this album.

This album was released right after lead singer Paul Klein’s very public breakup with pop star Dua Lipa. The sorrow and heartbreak bleeds through the album. You can feel the pain Klein is experiencing and you can’t help but feel for him. You can tell he is truly heartbroken. All of these feelings of loss and depression culminate in the song “Malibu Nights.” This is arguably the saddest song in the album, and it’s hard not to shed a tear while listening to it. The song explores the raw and fresh emotions Klein felt after the breakup. The shock, confusion and despair are quite evident. When he sings “I got way too much time to be this hurt/ Somebody help, it's getting worse / What do you do with a broken heart?” these emotions can be truly felt within the listener.

 Even with the intense sorrow of the lyrics, an ounce of hope breaks through the sadness. In the song “Thru These Tears” Klein sings “In the end I’m gonna be alright/ but it might take a hundred sleepless nights/ to make the memory of you disappear/but right now I can’t see nothing through these tears.” While melodrama and pain are the main motif of the album, hope shines bright as well.  

 Fans of LANY’s first album will love “Malibu Nights.” It retains the dream-pop sound, that I have previously said about them, sounds like driving down the highway on a summer evening in California. This album will draw you in with its slow beats and its flowing melody’s. This style can be seen in the track “If You See Her”, which is my personal favorite song in the album. The vocals intertwine with the instrumentation and are backed by a very simple electronic drum beat. The song is very minimalistic, but that is what makes it so memorable. This is LANY’s classic style and they cemented it with not just this song, but with the album.

 LANY wasn’t afraid to experiment with new styles in “Malibu Nights.” The song “Run” shows just this. You can still hear their iconic style, with the fluid vocals and minimalistic instrumentation. However, some interesting styles can be heard. There is an unmistakable trap-beat in it; a broken down one albeit. Heavy bass and snapping drums give it this style. While it doesn’t sound like Migos, you can tell they got inspiration from this genre. Also, the melody is very reminiscent of 90s R&B. It almost feels like they took TLC’s iconic “No Scrubs” and gave it their own LANY twist.   

This album is exactly what LANY needed. It cemented their sound and they started experimenting with new styles. It is a raw and meaningful album, and it makes me extremely excited for the next projects they have to offer.  

Album Review - Jubilee Road

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Fans disappointed by the delayed release of Tom Odell’s new album Jubilee Road need not be disappointed much longer. While the full album was not released as it was expected to last Friday, October 12, I have managed to listen to all but two of the songs. An impassioned storyteller and a crowd pleaser, Tom Odell couldn’t help but play almost all of his new songs live at concerts over the past year. The only two songs you’ll have to wait to get your hands on are “Go Tell Her Now” and “Don’t Belong in Hollywood”. So while you won't be able to find the songs on spotify or Apple Music yet, you can find a majority of the new songs being performed live via fan recordings on Youtube. And for those of you who aren’t one of Odell’s over five million monthly listeners on spotify, and are still trying to figure out why you know his name, it might be because his song “Long Way Down” is a part of The Fault in our Stars soundtrack.

Thomas Odell, the 27 year old Indie Pop singer-songwriter-musician from West Sussex, United Kingdom, broke into the music business in 2012 when he signed onto Columbia Records UK. He started writing songs at age 13, but did so in total secrecy for years. Why? Because it wasn’t cool for a 13 year old boy, of course. Thankfully he grew out of that phase, and ended up pursuing his love for storytelling, piano, and singing at the Brighton Institute of Modern Music. His debut album with Columbia records Long Way Down released in 2013, and took the number one spot on the UK’s charts. He then followed in the footsteps of artists the likes of Adele, in winning the BRIT Critics’ Choice Award in 2013. And then in 2014, the Ivor Novello Songwriter of the Year in Britain. He was even drafted in 2016 to fill a big red chair and become a Coach of The Voice UK, but that never came to be.

His latest album Jubilee Road showcases 10 songs, written while he spent time living in an undisclosed East London townhouse. Odell grew up on Elton John, but has raw emotional power ballads have made people compare his style to the late Leonard Cohen. When speaking about the album, Tom said, “I wrote this album in a house on a quiet terraced street in East London. The lyrics are inspired by the lives of the friends I made whilst living there. I recorded most the songs in the living room of the house...I hope you enjoy listening to the album as much as I did making it.” A classically trained pianist, his songs showcase the piano just as much as his voice. A live recording of “Son of an Only Child” shows the crowd going wild as Odell breaks into the recurring motif from Für Elise. I loved that, but my favorite part of the album might have to be the soaring harmonies from his collaboration with Alice Merton on the rock-ballad love-song “Half As Good As You”

I appreciate the time Tom Odell took, living on a quiet street, gathering stories to tell. It doesn’t feel like he rushed the album, he waited until he captured the right collection of stories combined from his own experiences and those of people like the old man across the street, a widower. If you haven’t taken the time to get to know Tom Odell yet, it might be worth it to check out Jubilee Road...when it finally comes out.

Album Review - Flow State

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On August 31st, 2018, the unbelievable singer-songwriter, Tash Sultana, released their debut studio album, Flow State. They released this through their own label, Lonely Lands Records, and it has been making a statement across the world since the end of August.

If you aren’t already aware of who Sultana is, I suggest you check out youtube videos of them busking on streets of their home city, Melbourne, just a few years ago. In the time since those videos were taken, the 23 year old has made a massive name for themselves utilizing a loop pedal, an assortment of instruments, and their next level abilities on the guitar accompanied by their uniquely powerful voice.

Flow State is a little over one hour long and is comprised of 13 songs highlighting Sultana’s creative writing ability. The first four songs are classic Sultana-style vibes with Big Smoke and Cigarettes being two of my personal favorites. Their ability to use and apply so many different guitar styles and sounds into a single song leaves you speechless. For example, Cigarettes starts out as a viby and clean tune but then finishes off with a ripping solo that showcases their insane control over the guitar’s fretboard. After that comes the Album mix of Murder to the Mind which was released a while back but fits perfectly in this LP.

After that, the album takes a turn with their song Seven which is completely instrumental and gives the sense that Sultana has taken inspiration from genres such as EDM. After Seven comes Salvation, the first single that was released for the album back in June. Following that is a personal favorite, Pink Moon which showcases Sultana’s powerhouse of a voice. At the end they play a very clean and mellow guitar solo which breaks down into a screaming solo that comes out of nowhere and catches you off guard in the most amazing way. Then is their acoustic jam, Mellow Marmalade, which makes you want to kick back on a beach and listen to it on repeat. This song is the peak of showcasing how Sultana can foster so much sound and emotion with so little. The entire song is just them and an acoustic guitar, but it makes you feel like there is so much more going on.

After Mellow Marmalade is Harvest Love, the second single released over the summer. Harvest Love does the same thing as the song prior to it before getting back into a full band sound in the song Mystik. Mystik brings back the upbeat vibes similar to the first half of the album, however, in this song Tash changes things up by showing off their trumpet abilities in the solo rather than a guitar solo which is common in most of their other songs.

To finish off the magnificent album, Tash included a lovely instrumental piece titled Outro. However, prior to that is my absolute favorite song on the album, Blackbird. Blackbird is an experience. It starts out with a three minute acoustic guitar solo before Sultana comes in with their vocals to show off how delicate and powerful they can be all within one song. After the middle section it finishes off again with a large acoustic guitar solo making the entire masterpiece over 9 minutes long.

All together, Tash Sultana has made a worldwide statement with this debut LP. They are  reaching the tops of charts in so many different markets and once you listen to this album, you will see why. I am excited to see what is to come in the future from this all-in-one guitarist, vocalist, loop-pedal master.

Album Review - Past Lives

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Against the Current have embraced the pop in their pop punk roots in their newest album “Past Lives.” The band’s sophomore album utilizes far more electronic elements and poppy choruses than their previous work, but the newest effort shows growth as they push themselves in a new direction. Released September 28th, the album offers just over a half hour of danceable tracks that contain more than catchy hooks as they share experiences of toxic relationships, mental struggles, and societal pressure.

To promote the album, Against the Current released not one but two lead singles, “Almost Forgot” and “Strangers Again.” With two new tracks, fans could tell that this updated sound was the new rule not the exception. The shared release makes sense as the songs have a common thread of a failed relationship. Both speak to the severity of the situation as lead singer Chrissy Costanza sings, “it's like I've been sleeping for two years and I'm just waking up” in “Strangers Again” and, “I don’t want forever if it’s with you,” in “Almost Forgot.”

“I Like The Way” is the upbeat song that every teen romantic comedy deserves. The lighthearted and fun track gives listeners a reason to dance without worry as Constanza sings, “I don’t want to think about the rest of my life I just want the things I like.” The track could easily be a summer anthem for those who simply refuse to grow up. It speaks to the pop influences of the album with vocals similar to Selena Gomez and instrumentals similar to that of Troye Sivan.

While the album makes a case for the band’s place in the pop realm, many of the songs begin to blend together sharing common structures with layers of synth and light guitar riffs. “Voices” breaks up the monotony and stands out as an edgier song on the album with crisp notes on the guitar and short snappy percussion. While this track is most similar to their previous works, it keeps with the album with an attention grabbing bass line providing a solid grove to keep people moving. Costanza brings the attitude as she sings of her frustrations with anxiety and self-doubt. The vulnerability of “when will the voices in my head stop and let me rest” contrasts with the overall tone making for a dynamic track.

If there’s one element that Against The Current seem to have a firm grasp of its the bass. Present especially in “Personal” and “Come Alive,” the bass once again breaks up the monotony shocking the listener back from getting too comfortable. It creates a depth to the songs that intrigues fans inviting them to listen intently.

“Sweet Surrender” offers the positive, sappy closing track this album deserves. With the negative and unhealthy relationships that are discussed throughout, this love song is a refreshing take. Costanza sings of how someone can help you grow while still being a source of comfort. The slower and softer nature of the track allows Costanza’s powerful vocals to shine through.

Against the Current saw the opportunity to explore a new side of their music with “Past Lives” and they took it. From a bit of vocal layering and manipulation to deep synth, they embraced pop today and made it their own, incorporating aspects of their older music into the current musical landscape.

Concert Review - BØRNS

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When I arrived at the Aragon Ballroom, I didn’t really know what to expect. I was familiar with BORNS’ music, but I had never seen him live and I wasn’t too familiar with his personality. I watched the opening band come on Twin Shadows, and instantly felt at ease. Twin Shadows was the perfect opening band, they riled up the audience, built the energy, and gave BORNS the perfect stage to walk on and to perform. They finished their set with a slower song, which I noted to be an interesting choice as many bands tend to end their set with a “bang” but instead they chose to focus on the main singer’s vocal and musical abilities, and we were not disappointed. After a great performance, the main singer proclaimed one thing: he instructed us to “VOTE!” and then ran off stage. They foreshadowed an epic night was waiting for the audience, and you could see that on the faces of every fan in that crowd.

While I was in the pit, waiting for him to come on, fans were talking to me, and asking me to take their photos, as they were all dressed up in eclectic styles that matched his aesthetic. A bedazzled piano graced the stage, daring audiences to look at it in awe. Another really interesting aspect to the concert was that there was a woman in the press pit as well, who was signing the concert to some deaf fans. When I talked to security about it, the fans had requested through Live Nation, that there be a translator there to sign the words of the songs to them, so they could enjoy the music as well. I thought this was fascinating, as it shows that music is made for everyone, everywhere, and that no one should feel excluded from that.

When the lights turned down to indicate it was starting, the fans started screaming at the top of their lungs, and I was intrigued. He walked out on stage with no spotlight, and the mystery surrounding him captivated the audience even more, they were starstruck. He belted out his first note and immediately fans knew every word and sang along. He was dressed, head to toe, in a bright pink outfit that contrasted beautifully with the blue backdrop and made him pop even more. He walked and jumped all around stage, engaging the audience, and hitting every note in each of his songs effortlessly. Watching him perform made it look so easy, because he was that good. His smile was infectious, and every time he pointed the mic at the audience for them to sing along, you could see how happy he was to be with his fans. One could just tell performing and creating music is what he was meant to do. His energy lasted all night long, and the crowd matched him the entire way. Even though the stage was elevated quite high, his performance made you feel as though he were running around the crowd with you, singing together. When “Electric Love” started, the entire crowd erupted and one could feel the energy move from person to person. It was a moment of ecstasy that created a memorable night.

The acoustics were fantastic, as the Aragon provides a unique sound due to its ceiling’s circular nature. The Aragon is a Chicago music institution, and everyone has a story about someone they saw there last week, a year ago, or even “back in the day”. This concert is one for the books, as it is assured that it will be remembered for a long time.

Album Review - HAFBL

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Hailing from Columbus, Indiana, acoustic indie-pop band A Healthy Alternative for Better Living released their debut EP Hafbl in August of 2018. The band’s multi-instrumental members include vocalist, bassist, guitarist, and pianist Alex Kessler, electric guitarist Isaiah Smith, and drummer, vocalist, and acoustic guitarist Nathaniel Reed. Recorded over a span of five days, Hafbl consists of five tracks, one of which is solely instrumental. A Healthy Alternative for Better Living’s music is inspired mainly by indie-rock and pop-punk influences such as Foxing, Modern Baseball, and Brave Bird. Vocalist and songwriter Alex Kessler credits Max Bemis of Say Anything as one of his main influences. “Extract” from the EP was written over a span of two months back in 2017 before the band even existed. The remaining tracks on the EP were written in spring of 2018, just after the band became official. The group has always had an appreciation for artists who write very personal and intimate lyrics. This appreciation is mirrored in the band’s own lyrics. The lyrics on Hafbl are very raw and emotive, and are a representation of Kessler’s own feelings and emotions towards specific people in his life. However, the hook featured on the song “Nettles” which is “this isn’t about you”, comes from Kessler’s initial fear of releasing the lyrics to those who they are about.

Presenting listeners with personal lyrics such as those featured on this EP make the music much more relatable and accessible. Details from Hafbl such as the drum intro in “Between the Fences” and the catchy guitar riff in “Nettles” beautifly manifest the band’s acoustic style. The EP’s third track “An Elementary Introduction To Water” grant listeners with a tranquil sound. A Healthy Alternative for Better Living recently signed with St. Louis based record company Beach Cats Records and is currently working on their second EP which they are hoping to release sometime early next year. The band hopes to write and record a full length album and eventually do some touring. With a heavy social media presence and their music available on well-known streaming sites such as Apple Music and Spotify, A Healthy Alternative for Better Living is growing more popular and gaining much more recognition. Although this is only the beginning for the band, their talent and the dedication they put into their music leads the way for a bright future for A Healthy Alternative for Better Living.

Concert Review - Chvrches

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Chvrches performed at the Riverside Theatre in downtown Milwaukee on October 4th. I ventured to Chicago’s neighbor in the North to see this band and I was not disappointed. This is a band I have seen live before, and their live performance was spectacular as ever. 

Hailing from Scotland, Chvrches has made a name for themselves in the States with their Synth-pop dance music. With a high bpm and lead singer Lauren Mayberry’s Soprano vocals, this band is intoxicating to listen to. You can’t help yourself from savoring each and every beat and note as they blend together to create a purely fun experience. While the band does a superb of creating the instantly recognizable synth music, the true splendor of Chvrches comes for Mayberry’s airy and ominous vocals. Her unique voice, along with the music, creates a sound that is unlike anything else in the music industry.  

Bands who create amazing music can sometimes falter in their live performance. This is not the case for Chvrches. The show they put on was nothing sort of brilliant. From start to finish, I was exhilarated and amazed by them. First of all, the stage design was brilliant. With a background of strobe lights and light boxes scattered on the stage, it was mesmerizing. The neon light show went perfectly with the music. A futuristic “Blade Runner” aesthetic is the best way I can describe it, and it was damn cool. Mayberry’s stage presence was another factor that made the show awesome. With a transparent floor length shirt that looked amazing when she spun around and unique dance moves, she was a very entertaining and mesmerizing presence on stage.  

The banter the band took place in was also very funny to watch. They interacted with each other like they were just jamming out in their garage. They would make fun of one another, talk shit to the audience, and just be very real and down to earth. They didn’t have an air of superiority on stage. They were very humble and funny, it felt like we were just chillin’ with them. A good example of this is when Mayberry took an audience member’s record and went off stage to sign it. It was a very relaxed and fun time when they interacted with us.  

Overall, this was an amazing concert. They have proved again they are a force to be reckoned with. Their amazing and unique sound, along with their fantastic live performance ability truly makes them one of a kind in the music industry. I will definitely be on the lookout to see them live as much as I can.