Artist Spotlight of The Year: Last One Out

It was a thrilling contest right down until the very end, but Last One Out trounced the competition to win the 4th Annual Artist Spotlight of The Year award! The band were perennial mainstays here on the site from the very beginning, making their first appearance back in August when they conducted an interview for the site in the midst of a hectic touring schedule. Coverage heated up going into October when they were featured as an Artist Spotlight, and I reviewed their fantastic Still Life Moves EP just a week later. I had the honor and privilege of checking them out in concert at The Middle East Upstairs this past fall, and they nearly brought the house down with an incredible performance that was the best first impression of an artist I can remember in recent memory with their stage presence being completely impeccable, and I was also able to interact with a few of the guys after the show and they were extremely gracious and thankful for being featured on the site, which has garnered them much attention and adoration from fans and other music critics alike, with one fan having their logo tattooed on their arm which just goes to show the undying devotion and love that the band have received up until this point.

And with that, this is my final post on the site for the year. Thank you guys so much for all the support of the site in 2013, it means so much to me and I'm constantly humbled by all the positive word of mouth that I received by e-mail and in person which has made this site totally worth doing. I wish all of you a very happy holiday season and I look forward to seeing all of you in 2014!

Top Music News Stories of 2013

Scores of headlines made waves in the music world this year, and they all definitely provided for some memorable moments as we begin to close out 2013. From the sudden closing of Boston Phoenix and WFNX.com to the horrific moments of the Boston Marathon bombing, to more happier times like the Boston Calling festival, this has been a truly eventful year to say the least. And without further ado, here are the top music news stories that I covered on the site this past year:

Boston Phoenix Shutters, WFNX Dies A Second Time

On March 14, I broke the story of the sudden closing of the Boston Phoenix, and with it the unfortunate demise of the new WFNX.com stream, which launched just five months prior. The news sent shockwaves throughout the Boston community as there was now no station from which to have a local beacon to inform the public about shows, events, and the latest music from area bands. WFNX will still live on though in the hearts and minds of every music fan currently living in the city, and I myself owe an enormous deal of gratitude to them for influencing my music tastes over the years, and I probably would not be writing this article if it wasn't for them.

 The Boston Marathon Bombings

On April 15, 2013 the entire landscape of the City of Boston was shattered at 2:50PM when explosions rocked the finish line at the Boston Marathon, killing 3 people and injuring over 200. The events of that day and what was about to transpire over the course of the entire week forced me to do something I had never done in the 4 year history of the site: suspend all posts until further notice. In my first post about 2 days after the bombing happened, I said that music was the only thing helping me get through the entire ordeal and allowed me to look at things from a different perspective. After the perpetrator was apprehended, life slowly started to return to normal and we all carried on with our lives and the site returned to its duty of covering music from Boston, the city of champions.

The Death of Caspian Bassist Chris Friedrich

Over the summer, fans of the Beverly, MA based group Caspian were shocked and saddened to hear that their beloved bassist, Chris Friedrich died unexpectedly. The band has just played a street festival in their hometown in the time leading up to his death, and this was a major blow to the core foundation of the group whom I had the pleasure of interviewing here on the site earlier this year. The band soldiered on after taking the intervening time off to aid in the grieving process, and the band will continue on but Chris's memory lives on in the hearts and minds of all of his bandmates, but most notably his fans.

Boston Calling Music Festival Arouses Area Concertgoers

The much anticipated Boston Calling Music Festival made its debut over Memorial Day weekend this past year with fun., The National, Of Monsters and Men, and Silversun Pickups anchoring the inaugural edition of the festival that was a rain soaked event at Boston's City Hall Plaza, but a number of people braved the elements to watch their favorite indie acts take their talents on a mass stage gathered right in the heart of the city. The festival returned just 4 months later on Labor Day weekend with Vampire Weekend, Passion Pit, and Local Natives among the plethora of acts gathered on a idyllic summer day where yours truly was able to deliver the goods and report on all the happenings at the festival, which went way beyond my expectations and only made my heart grow fonder for this city and all of the people that live in it.

MusicBoxPete Presents: Towering Over London Released

My sophomore Bandcamp compilation, Towering Over London was released in November and immediately became a smash hit here and across the pond where all of these bands were bred and raised. I had high hopes going into the making of this compilation as I was convinced that this disc would be something special and one that would be well received by the general public. In the end, all the hard work paid off from contacting all of the bands to gathering all of the recorded material, everybody came through in the clutch and what results is one of the most cohesive and eclectic compilations I've had the great pleasure of handling. Acts such as Alexander, Lower Lands, and Maycomb are among some of the most gifted and talented acts I've ever come across, and I'm blown away at the reception of this disc from the general public.

Top Songs of 2013

Time for my annual recap of the top songs of 2013. This year was an outstanding one as scores of songs were heard in all facets of the world, and all had a positive effect on the listener that made the song a constant presence in their everyday lives, whether it be Daft Punk's "Get Lucky" at your summer barbecue, Vampire Weekend's "Diane Young" at a raucous house party in your backyard, or The Neighbourhood's "Sweater Weather" unwinding after a long day at work. These songs all in one way, shape, or form helped those special memories seem more enjoyable and pleasant, and with that here is my personal playlist of my favorite songs of 2013:

Vampire Weekend - Diane Young
Red Star Super Giant - Geisha's Garden
The Mowgli's - San Francisco
Daft Punk f/ Pharrell Williams - Get Lucky
Capital Cities - Safe and Sound
Abadabad - Take It Slow
Lower Lands - Canvas
Jake Bugg - Two Fingers
All Time Low - Somewhere In Neverland
Gentlemen Hall - Sail Into The Sun
Sea Wolf - Old Friend
San Cisco - Awkward
Lorde - Royals
The Neighbourhood - Sweater Weather
Imagine Dragons - Radioactive
Mumford & Sons - Lover Of The Light
Alexander - Say Hello
Bastille - Pompeii
Avicii - Wake Me Up
The Bynars - Dancing On A Dream
Fitz & The Tantrums - Out Of My League
Maycomb - Dynamiter

Were there any songs from this past year that you enjoyed that are noticeably absent from this list? Let me know and I'll be sure to include them as a honorable mention here on the site as we start to close out the year in style!

Top 10 Albums of 2013

It's that time of year again where I unveil my personal list of the Top 10 albums of 2013. This past year was an amazing year for music where so many terrific collections were released including Daft Punk and Vampire Weekend just two weeks apart of each other in May, a return to form effort from Eminem, and a host of others that I really gravitated towards immensely over the past year. And without further ado, here is my list of the Top 10 Albums of 2013 handpicked by yours truly:

Daft Punk - Random Access Memories

Paris, France's EDM superstars creating a mind bending, genre defying smash with their latest album, Random Access Memories. The album featured the quintessential song of the summer "Get Lucky" featuring Pharrell Williams, who also contributed to "Lose Yourself To Dance", and Julian Casablancas offered up his talents to "Instant Crush" that was a non-stop smorgasbord of EDM paradise with energetic rhythms that hearkened back to the late 70's early 80's era of music emanating from L.A., and officially put the helmet wearing duo into the stratosphere of stardom.

Vampire Weekend - Modern Vampires of The City

NYC's indie superstars Vampire Weekend returned to their roost with their third effort, Modern Vampires of The City. The effort further cemented the band's status as the perennial indie rock poster boys of our generation, and pushed themselves even further to craft a rapturous, sonically penetrating effort that peeled off different layers of each of the member's individual personalities as well. Tracks like "Diane Young", "Unbelievers", and "Ya Hey" are the highlights of Vampire Weekend's best studio effort to date, and one of their most cohesive as well.

The Mowgli's - Waiting For The Dawn

So Cal's own The Mowgli's made their presence known with their full length, debut studio effort Waiting For The Dawn. This upbeat, jolly collection of tunes really put a smile on everyone's faces, and enabled them to take charge of their lives and enjoy whatever comes their way. Amazing songs featured on this collection include "San Francisco", "Slowly, Slowly" and "Hi, Hey There, Hello" evoked their carefree, positive image that they sought out to cultivate and has gotten them into the hearts of countless listeners already.

The Bynars - X vs. X

Boston's own dance rock sensations made a hell of a first impression with their effort X vs. X. The eclectic, dance infused effort featured a wide ranging collection of jams that infused a great deal of spirit and enthusiasm into a burgeoning scene that is constantly evolving and changing at this very moment. Some amazing tracks that came from this effort include "Dancing On A Dream",  "Tired Of Hooking Up With You", and "Every Little Thing You Love". A band that is already well embedded within the Boston music scene and is ready for prime time.

Pat Brown - In My Room EP

Bloomington, MN based singer-songwriter Pat Brown stepped out on his own with his debut solo EP In My Room. The former Sing It Loud frontman made his solo debut this year with a heartwarming, earnest collection of tunes that really tugs at your heartstrings and makes you appreciate the breadth of talent that is pouring out of this man's lungs. Some amazing songs for you to fall over include "iPod on Shuffle" "In My Room" and "Who We Are". An amazing, undiscovered talent that has a very promising future ahead of him.

Maycomb - I Opened My Heart To Caustic Things

The Wolverhampton, U.K. based group Maycomb washed up on the shores of American music listeners with this amazing debut effort. The collection is reminiscent of mid '00s pop-punk that has a unique and streamlined sound that allows the members to find their collective identity, while still maintaining their individual aesthetic that has them stand out prominently from the other British upstart acts currently making their way through. Highlights from this one include "New Storms", "Dynamiter", and "I Am A Constant Variable".

Eminem - The Marshall Mathers LP 2

Detroit's native son Eminem continued to build upon his impressive resume with his new album. A sequel to 2000's classic The Marshall Mathers LP, this effort finds the rapper in a more mature state of mind and making peace with his past and moving on forward with his best overall studio effort since that fateful album. Amazing compositions from this one include "Bad Guy" "Monster (f/Rihanna)", and "Berzerk". One of the preeminent rap geniuses of our time that only gets better with age and shows no signs of slowing anytime soon.

Body Language - Grammar

Brooklyn's dance rock sensations Body Language made their mark this year with their new effort titled Grammar. The indie group enthused listeners with their upbeat blend of electro guided dance tunes conjured upon an energetic framework that definitely turns heads the second you hear it, and you can't help but to fall victim to its wants and desires. An enticing effort from an on the rise act looking for their second wind. Recommended tracks include "The Chasing", "I'm A Mess", and "Well Absolutely". The future has never been so fun to dance to and welcome with open arms.

Troy Cartwright - Bull Run

Dallas, TX based singer songwriter Troy Cartwright expanded his audience a bit with his new one titled Bull Run. The effort is a folk rock based effort, with a strong lyrical mindset that makes you appreciate the authenticity and clear mindset that he is expressing with clear lyrical fluidity throughout that you can clearly relate to and apply into your own life. A great album featuring standout tracks like "Sixteen", "Coffee In The Morning & Whiskey At Night", and "Paris, TX". An extremely talented and authentic singer songwriter that is carving his own musical path right in front of him.

Ryan Harris Brown - Wave Goodbye Wave Hello

Nashville, TN's own Ryan Harris Brown made a clear impact with his all new EP Wave Goodbye Wave Hello. The effort has a clear folk rock mindset, but it's his musical maturity and depth of talent that will really strike you and you can hear how comfortable he feels pouring his heart out in each and every song on the album that will make you drop you jaw in awe and be amazed that you're in the presence of such a talented and gifted songwriter. Songs to check out from this one include "Begin", "Let It Go Easy", and "Forever Means For Good".

What were some of your favorites that didn't make the cut on this list? Let me know via the Comments section as to what albums you just couldn't get enough of this year.

Rebuilder Release Special Limited Edition Christmas EP

Boston's own Rebuilder have released a special, limited edition Christmas EP. The 4-song collection is a harmonious effort of holiday tracks designed to get you into the spirit of the season with a pop-punk leaning collection of tunes that will really put a smile on your face and makes you look forward to Christmas that is approaching ever so quickly. Here is the track listing for the effort:

1. Antarctica
2. X-Mas Punx
3. Exhaustion (Acoustic)
4. When I Grow Up (Acoustic)

The band made handcrafted Christmas cards with a special download code embedded inside that were personally signed and numbered by the band members themselves! Only 50 of these were made, and to get your copy of the exclusive EP before they run out, head on over to the band's Big Cartel site right here and unwrap the spirit of the holidays from a prominent, on the rise Boston act.

BREAKING: Steve Klein Departs New Found Glory

Developing story just coming now, Steve Klein, the founding member and guitarist of New Found Glory has officially departed the band. The group broke the news just a short time ago on their Facebook page. Here is the full text of their statement:

To All Our Fans,

It is with heavy hearts that we must let you know that Steve Klein is no longer a part of New Found Glory. We’ve had our differences with Steve over the years that have led us to this decision. We love Steve however personal differences have guided this decision and we no longer feel we can work with him. Rest assured that New Found Glory will still go on! After the Parahoy Cruise we are planning to write a new record and start this new chapter for our band. We have not decided on who will fill Steve’s position however we will let you know our plans as soon as we figure that out. We love you, our fans, so much and appreciate your dedication and loyalty to our band. We hope you stick by us during this difficult time.

We love you,

Chad, Jordan, Cyrus, and Ian

This is shocking and sudden news from the NFG camp, who have been a mainstay in the Coral Springs, FL music scene ever since the group was founded in 1997. For him to have been ousted from the band indicates that there was a growing rift developing between Steve and his bandmates, and it came down to a group vote that he had to leave. We'll see where this takes the band moving forward, and no word yet on his replacement just yet, but we'll be sure to let you know once it becomes available.

BoyMeetsWorld - Merry Christmas, Ya Filthy Animal

Cincinnati, OH's own pop-punk sensations BoyMeetsWorld have released their first Christmas album titled Merry Christmas, Ya Filthy Animal. The disc is an energetic and fast paced collection of holiday tunes designed to get you into the spirit as the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season is fast upon us, and this disc will provide the perfect soundtrack as you rush to get your holiday shopping done on time.

"Christmas Time Again" kicks off the effort with an intense, frenetic blast introducing you to the lead vocals of Craig Sulken who adds a certain distinct element to all of their songs that is hard to miss and can't possibly be ignored as we delve deeper into the album. My favorite tune off the collection is "Rather Be But Here", a toned down acoustic number that is the perfect accompaniment as you relax by the fireplace with your hot chocolate admiring the warmth of the holiday season and the sheer, unbridled beauty of this little musical nugget totally exemplifies the holiday spirit that all of us seek to find year in and year out. "Alone For The Holidays" does an exquisite job of accentuating the heartwarming spirit of the holidays as you put your stockings up by the fire, drinking your hot chocolate and basking in the warmth and glow of those you love with this indelible number providing the backdrop for the whole scene.

The disc's latter portion features "Home For The Holidays" a relaxing, merry number filled with top notch, chestnut wooded acoustic guitar riffs that give off the aura of the Christmas season so acutely that you can practically smell the wood burning from the fireplace and see the band play right in the comfort of your own living room. The title track is a gritty but reflective number that features deep and punctuating guitar riffs and poignant, introspective lyrics that make you feel the emotion pouring out of the band, and you can feel the heartfelt sincerity as well that goes along with the message embedded within the walls of this album if you listen really closely. "O Holy Night" concludes matters here on the album, and the band do a solid job of putting their all into this Christmas staple that totally exemplifies the Christmas magic and spirit that will warm you up and surround you with great fervor and anticipation as you sit back and watch the magic unfold right before you. This is the first time I've reviewed a Christmas album on my site before, and I was a little hesitant to review holiday albums in the past as all of them sound the same to me, but this holiday album in particular really struck my fancy as it kept things simple and straightforward, and gave us an introduction to the band and the musicianship and camaraderie that they exemplify on this effort is uncanny and a marvel to see unfold musically right before your ears.

All in all, a spectacular Christmas album from BoyMeetsWorld, a band that you should pay special attention to in the New Year as they bring their unique blend of pop-punk to the masses with a blast, and this Christmas collection should tide you over until the new year rolls around with bountiful musical gifts aplenty awaiting on the other side.

                                                                                                                            Album Score: 3.5/5

Track Listing:

1. Christmas Time Again
2. Rather Be But Here
3. Alone For The Holidays
4. Home For The Holidays
5. Merry Christmas, Ya Filthy Animal...
6. O Holy Night    

Music Inspired Sports Team Logos

Combining the worlds of sports and music today with a rundown of my favorite music inspired sports team logos. Some sports teams from across the country have adopted logos that take their influence from the world of music, and I managed to round them all up today to show the vast influence that music in general has had on the logos of professional sports teams from across the country. Here is a list of some notable designs:

 Utah Jazz

The NBA's Utah Jazz have an awesome, snazzy music note shaped in the form of a 'J' with a multicolored basketball representing the team's youthful and dynamic image. The team originally resided in New Orleans where jazz music was popularized, and the team eventually moved out to Salt Lake City in 1979 where they continue to reside today. This is probably my favorite of all the music inspired sports logos as it has the perfect name and logo to match that totally encapsulates the bond between sports and music that has the most spirited color representation proudly displayed here. The team has been to the NBA finals twice in 1997 and 1998, losing both times to Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls. Their musically inclined image has kept them grounded and the people are proud of them and what they represent as a whole to the city.

Philadelphia Flyers

The Philadelphia Flyers of the NHL have sported a flying 'P' logo in the shape of a vinyl record that has embodied the class and spirit of the City of Brotherly Love ever since their creation in 1967. The team has won 2 Stanley Cups so far in their history, once in 1974 over my beloved Boston Bruins and again the next year over the Buffalo Sabres. This logo has an overall simplicity to it that I can appreciate and identify with and take something away with me in the process as well. While my B's were able to exact revenge on them two years ago by sweeping them in the playoffs and avenging the epic collapse from the year prior, I always have a soft spot in my heart for Philly who are alot like in Boston in most aspects due to their rich and cultured history that goes back a long way and continues to resonate to this day. 

St. Louis Blues

Another team from the NHL that has some musical influence with its logo is the St. Louis Blues. Also founded in 1967 during the league's expansion from 6 to 12 teams, this ultra seek blue music note with a gold trim has been the cornerstone of the team ever since, and they initially obtained a great deal of success in their early years with 3 straight Stanley Cup Finals appearances, all ending in losses most notably with the 1970 Finals where they were swept by the Boston Bruins in one of the most memorable clinching games in history that occurred in overtime when Blues defenseman Noel Picard tripped Bobby Orr that allowed the winning goal to be scored just 40 seconds in overtime, with that image now represented in a statue just outside the TD Garden in Boston. This team can take pride in the fact that they contributed to one of the most memorable games in history, while still pursuing a championship to call their own to this day but still have an terrific logo to show for it.

  

The Bottom Line Gets Down To The Bare Essentials In Exclusive Interview!

                                             

Recently featured on my Towering Over London compilation, the lovely lads of The Bottom Line just did an interview with Critical Wave UK that turned some heads (including mine especially)! The interview was conducted in the bathtub by British comedian Andy Field, with the band members completely naked with only their legs sticking out of the bathtub in an extremely weird and compromising position for the band to be in. Luckily, no genitalia made a guest appearance in the shot, but it was an terrific way for the band to gain exposure both figuratively and literally, and the mag has conducted a score of interviews with artists in varying stages of undress that gives them an opportunity for everyone to see what they're really like flesh and bone. While I won't be conducting any naked interviews with bands anytime soon, I thought it was a cool way for the band to let loose and have some fun while putting it all out there for everyone to see.

To check out the full list of interviewee subjects along with their videos, head on over to Critical Wave UK's website right here and click on 'In The Tub' to feast yourself in some eye popping shots of up and coming Brit bands showing some skin and arousing some attention as well.

Jake Miller - Us Against Them

Weston FL's Jake Miller has arrived on the scene with his full length debut release titled Us Against Them. The rapper has slowly been making a name for himself with his cutting edge rhymes featuring insightful lyrics that are devoid of the traditional stereotypes associated with other hip-hop artists, but his music has a pop sensibility to it that will carry him a long way in this business.

Things get off to a rousing start on "Collide" a thick, upbeat track featuring a colorful array of beats and electronically guided effects that make this song a good way to start off the album and sets the stage for what's about to come later on in the effort. "Hollywood" is a party friendly track featuring standard issue rhyming schemes and Jake's insightful lyrical wisdom being the strong suit here as it represents a different blend of hip-hop that is vastly different from what we're accustomed to. "High Life" features the musical stylings of Jeremy Thurber, and features some neat acoustic guitar melodies that blend in together quite nicely with the beats and music images it instills in us after we're finished listening to the track. My favorite song off the album is the stripped down "Homeless", an intensely personal track about living without a roof over your head, and Jake completely hits it out of the park here and with this song reveals different facets of his personality and his musical mission coming to fruition on this well composed and musically deep track heard here.

The second half gets underway with "Carry On" a eclectic, uptempo track featuring an assortment of mid tempo beats that lean in a more pop direction this time around, and there is nothing wrong with that. "A Million Lives" touches on youth issues that are plaguing today's youth, from bullying to suicide attempts, this song deals with societal problems head on and puts a positive spin on all of it that makes their problems instantly disappear within the sound of his voice. The disc begins to conclude on "Puppet", a more darker and complex tune that deals with the squabbles that usually plague a musician and big wigs at major record labels who think they know what sells albums these days. The album concludes on "Number One Rule" a high velocity, breezy tune with Jake's lyrical skills once again providing ample opportunity for him to take center stage and shine among all the other similarly accentuated artists currently out there today. It's quite refreshing to hear a different breed of hip-hop that is slowly becoming extant right now as we speak. Other artists like Macklemore are ushering in an idea of social change and positivity that takes away the negative connotations that are traditionally associated with hip-hop, and puts pressing social issues into the forefront, whether it be bullying, gay marriage, or insecurities. Jake Miller has the passion, drive, and enthusiasm to have a positive impact on today's youth, and that's pretty much the main goal of any musician, regardless of genre.

Overall, a terrific and intriguing effort from Jake Miller, who is starting to make a name of himself in the rap game with his strong lyrical abilities that put him in a different class among all the others that will allow him to go the distance in this game.

                                                                                                                             Album Score: 3.5/5

Track Listing:

1. Collide
2. Hollywood
3. Me and You
4. High Life (f/ Jeremy Thurber)
5. My Couch
6. Homeless
7. Carry On
8. Heaven
9. A Million Lives
10. Puppet
11. Number One Rule   

Arcade Fire - Reflektor

Montreal, Quebec, Canada's finest Arcade Fire have returned with their fourth studio release titled Reflektor. The follow up to 2010's Grammy winning Album of the Year opus The Suburbs finds our neighbors of the north continuing to bring their orchestral wave of indie rock back with a sharper and direct focus that will continue to expand their ever growing legion of fans, and attract some new ones in the process as well.

We start things out with the title track, a sprawling seven minute opus that reintroduces you to the lead vocals of Win Butler, who contributes a great deal to the band's style and charisma that is omnipresent on every Arcade Fire effort up until this point, and is represented well right here. "We Exist" is a full featured, melodic blast that is syncopated with rich musical delights and the lovely backup vocals of Regine Chassagne contribute a great deal to the band's style that is already well known to this point. "Here Comes The Night Time" features an neat piano arrangement coupled with a strong musical focus from Win and everyone involved to create a high energy and whimsical piece that will leave you spellbound before all is said and done. "Normal Person" features an array of distortion before settling into a straightforward rock groove that deviates slightly from their prior musical mission, but works to their advantage beautifully right here. My favorite song off the album is "You Already Know" an upbeat, jazzy tune featuring colorful musical arrangements and top notch instrumentation that makes you stand there in wonder of these musicians, and watch the magic unfold right before your eyes and ears, just an amazing track all around.

The second half begins with "Here Comes The Night Time II", complete with a vocal refrain sung in unison between Win and Regine that accurately portrays their musical relationship, and shows the capabilities of a group that work far behind the confines of the musical spectrum, and in another dimension as far as I'm concerned. "It's Never Over (Hey Orpheus)" finds the band delving into some light electronic instrumentation that works its way through the musical foundation, and trickles in ever so softly and eventually breaks through in a deluge of sharp instrumentation and a honed in focus that shows the band is in their element and at the top of their game as well. "Porno" features an array of instrumentation including fingersnaps and an eerie synth wave working its way in and shares some similar musical characteristics as the prior ones exhibited. "Supersymmetry" concludes our musical stay here with a 11 minute downtempo number that is markedly different than the other tracks, and features a certain level of ambiance that will make you appreciate the band that much more, and what they can do for you musically. Arcade Fire is a band that has quickly grown on me in recent years, and they have brought a new sense of musicality and ambition that I haven't seen from a musical act in quite some time, and it has made me extremely hopeful for the future of current musical acts out there looking to expand their musical horizons.

Overall, an extremely creative and ambitious effort from Arcade Fire who are continuing to spruce up their musical resume with a sea of musicality and unbridled musical syncopation between all musicians that will definitely impress you upon first listen.

                                                                                                                                Album Score: 4/5

Track Listing:

Disc 1

1. Reflektor
2. We Exist
3. Flashbulb Eyes
4. Here Comes The Night Time
5. Normal Person
6. You Already Know
7. Joan of Arc

Disc 2

1. Here Comes The Night Time II
2. Awful Sound (Oh Eurydice)
3. It's Never Over (Hey Orpheus)
4. Porno
5. Afterlife
6. Supersymmetry

Boston Manor/Throwing Stuff - Split EP

A wonderful new split EP has just made its way from a voyage across the Atlantic from merry old England courtesy of Throwing Stuff and Boston Manor. This raucous and ambitious new effort has a unheralded and youthful spirit attached to it that makes it unique and a wise music decision if you're looking to start your holiday shopping a bit early this year.

Throwing Stuff gets us started right away with "Five Pound Beers" a blasting, no stone unturned effort with piercing and shrieking vocals that put you on notice right away and gives you an idea of what to expect for the duration of your stay here. "Token Beef" features much of the same musical characteristics as the prior one exhibited, and may take some time getting used to but if you're a hardcore punk fan, you've found your calling and will feel right at home along with all the others gathered in the mosh pit.

Blackpool's own Boston Manor cool us down a bit with some pop-punk rhythms to get us into gear right off the bat. "July" is an amazing, musically adventurous track that takes me back to my high school years with some New Found Glory esque melodies and hooks that you have no choice but to surrender yourselves to right away. "Wolf" ends it all here with a fast paced, rigorous effort that totally encapsulates the band's sound perfectly, and does a great job of closing things out to give us a preview of the best of both worlds with these two bands and where they intend on going musically from here. You may remember Boston Manor from my recent Towering Over London Bandcamp compilation, and bassist Dan Cunniff was responsible for mixing, mastering, and recording this entire effort that has proven that he is an exceptionally talented musician with skills that run the gamut all over the map, and has given his band creedence as to having what it takes to be known beyond the confines of their home country and into the hearts of American music listeners.

Overall, a terrific split EP from Boston Manor and Throwing Stuff, who have sent out a warning call to us letting us know what amazing and thrilling music is heading onto our shores right now as we speak. Now available for streaming on Soundcloud right here.

                                                                                                                               EP Score: 3.5/5

Track Listing:

1. Throwing Stuff - Five Pound Beers
2. Throwing Stuff - Token Beef
3. Boston Manor - July
4. Boston Manor - Wolf

Interview w/ Highly Suspect

Starting things out with a brand new interview to add to my ever growing collection! Today, we touch base with Brooklyn's own Highly Suspect. You may remember them from my Artist Spotlight post I did on them a few weeks back, and drummer Ryan Meyer was gracious enough to sit down and do an interview with the site that allows us to get to know the guys a little bit better up close and personal, and get a sense of where the influences of their music lie and gain a better perspective about them as regular people and musicians. Here is my transcript of the interview I just did with Ry:

Give us your names and what you guys do in the band?

Johnny Stevens - guitar, lead vocals

Rich Meyer - Bass, vocals

Ryan Meyer - Drums

How did you guys all meet and when did the band form?

Richie an I met in the womb and had to spoon for 9 months. You get to know a guys after that. We both knew Johnny from high school, but we didn't end up becoming friends till years later. Rich and Johnny met at a party, both had motorcycles and acoustic guitars and got along famously.  Johnny and I on the other hand had a rough start...and did not get along for a while. but in the end we got over it and we all moved in together about 8 years ago. We've all been roommates ever since, for the exception of a few years when i went of to school. The band formed in 2007-2008 ish.

How did the name Highly Suspect originate?

A band name generator. Johnny's dad said "Ya gotta have highly in the name".  so...Highly Suspect came up and stuck.

How would you describe the sound of the band to those who may not be familiar with you guys?

Rock n' Roll.

What were some bands that you listened to when you were younger that may have or not influenced your sound in some way?

Everything and everyone has been an influence. but the great British rock bands i.e. Zeppelin, Floyd, Beatles were huge. as well as Nirvana, Foo Fighters, 90's rock etc. Hip hop is a huge influence as well, especially for beats, tempos, and lyrical content.

Take us behind the recording process of your EP "Black Ocean" and what that whole process was like?

Black Ocean was made in a few different studios. "Bath Salts" and "The Go" were made entirely in Studio G (Brooklyn) with producer Joel Hamilton. Also originally from Cape Cod. Joel has worked with everyone, from Pretty Lights to Black Keys and Wu-Tang. He's the man.

"Fuck Me Up ", "Guess What", and "Lydia" were recorded for the most part in our apartment with producer Joe Duplanter (Gojira). Drums were tracked at Spin Recording Studios in Queens. These recording were much more intimate, not only did we record in our living room, but Joe is a close friend of ours and brought along his 1yr old girl for us to baby sit during the process. We also discovered click tracks just don't work for us, and ditched them completely.

How has your audience responded to your music and how big of a role do they play in your success?

Oh man without our fans we would still be playing music in a basement...they play a huge role in our career! They love us and we love them back!

For fun, what do you guys like to do for leisure away from making music and playing shows?

We all work. Johnny's a bartender, Richie builds custom furniture, and I'm a freelance front of house engineer. 

What's coming up next for you guys, any upcoming shows or such that we should be aware of?

A lot is happening here in New York we cant talk about just yet, but fans can look forward to a new music video/single coming up soon!

Lastly, why do you think people should check out your music?

Because.... its not Justin Bieber.

Thanks once again to Ryan for being so gracious with his time in his ever increasingly busy schedule to do this interview. I'm happy I stumbled across these guys randomly, as they have a special and unique talent that deserves to be shared with everyone and value the creative wisdom that each of they guys emanate constantly on a routine basis, and how hard working they are in providing for their fans. For more information on Highly Suspect, 'Like' them on Facebook here and follow them on Twitter right here.

Covey Releases Music Video For "Comes and Goes"

British born singer songwriter Covey has just released his debut music video for "Comes and Goes". The exceptionally talented artist who currently goes to school here in the Boston area at Berklee College of Music has brought his exceptional talents from across the pond, and has adorned us with a thoughtful and inquisitive track that allows us to get a sense of who he is a person and what his music hopes to accomplish as well. I was impressed with what he brought to the table musically, and he is an immensely talented individual who is honing his talents into something that is truly special and one that people will instantly gravitate towards. Check out his brand new music video that came out yesterday to see the visual stimuli that he has put on top of this layered composition.

For more information on Covey, head on over to his Facebook page here and give him a well deserved 'Like' if you enjoy what you hear! You can follow him on Twitter from this location here and download his new single "Comes and Goes from his Soundcloud site at this spot right here.

Academy Releases New Song "Backyard Haze"

Originally from Rhode Island but splitting their time equally between Boston and LA, the duo known as Academy have just released their brand new single titled "Backyard Haze". The reggae infused track has an ethereal and easy going nature to it that I felt entranced by right from the get go. The easy going and melodic nature had me feeling calm and collected almost instantaneously, and has a real musical state of mind and knows what it wants to achieve, showing that Evan & Eli have a strong musical cohesion that results in these fine musical concoctions being whipped up. A terrific track that really makes you yearn for the days of summer while stuck in the cold.

To check out "Backyard Haze" for yourself, head on over to Academy's Soundcloud page right here and hear for yourself what they have recorded for your listening pleasure. 'Like' them on Facebook over here to receive an instant download of "Backyard Haze" and follow the boys on Twitter here to stay in touch with them on a direct basis.

Did The Kansas City Royals Inspire Lorde's Hit "Royals"?

Were the Kansas City Royals the inspiration behind Lorde's breakout smash "Royals"? Apparently it is, and it isn't about the hierarchy of kings and queens like we so thought. The song has been virtually inescapable this year, spending weeks on end at #1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 chart and the Hot Alternative Songs chart, and it seems that a certain Royals player inspired Lorde to write her breakout smash. In an interview she did with VH1 back in September, Lorde explained that she had seen a picture in National Geographic of a man signing baseballs wearing a jersey that said 'Royals' and she really gravitated towards that word and thought it would make for a fitting song title.

The man who she saw in the photo was none other than George Brett, who spent his entire 21 year career with the Royals and led the team to a 1985 World Series Championship over their in state rivals, the St. Louis Cardinals. I'm amazed that the song is actually about the baseball team as I'm a huge MLB fanatic, and I was actually rooting hard for the Kansas City Royals to make the playoffs this year since they haven't made it to the postseason in years and I constantly played the song as a way to subconsciously root for them to win. While they didn't make it to the postseason, I think the song is a fitting way to pay tribute to a team that has an underdog characteristic to them that is a huge quality that I admire about sports teams, and their constant undying quest to win and go against what is expected of them.

Wild Card Round Underway For MuzicNotez Battle Of The Bands

The wild card portion of the MuzicNotez Battle of The Bands just began last week, and features a slew of bands competing for the last spot remaining to head into the Championship round. The competitors hail from all across the globe, and are converging on this one stage to have a shot at competing for the grand prize. The artists that will be taking place in the Wild Card battle include: Haesemeyer, England's own Little Brother Eli (a former Artist Spotlight feature here on the site), J. Wellington, Boston's own 4 Point Restraints, Noah, Ariff AB, The Hook Up, and Sun. Masquerade.

For more information on each of these artists and to cast your vote, simply go on over to MuzicNotez's Wild Card Battle page located right here to make your voice heard as to who you think should go on and deserve this amazing opportunity!

2013 Artist Spotlight of The Year Nominees

Proud to finally unveil the nominees for my 4th Annual Artist Spotlight of the Year Awards! This yearly award is given to a band that has stood out among the pack of Artist Spotlight features here on the site in the past year. This year's crop of nominees runs the gamut from all throughout the local Boston music scene to give a wide representation of the depth of talent emanating from the Boston area, and runs the spectrum as well to give a host of different genres that accurately portrays the best local talent currently active out there today. And without further ado, the nominees are...

Red Star Super Giant

The Relevant Elephants

Last One Out

Friendly People

Abadabad

Voting for this contest begins right now and will continue until December 19th. Voting is limited to one vote per computer, but you can also vote from your mobile phone if you'd like to get a second vote in for your favorite artist. The winner will be announced on December 20th and will be bestowed upon with the prestigious Artist Spotlight of the Year award and will be featured prominently on the site and be given full bragging rights as a must see artist in the Boston area right now as we speak. Get your votes in for your favorite Artist Spotlight feature right now!

Interview w/ Mikey Ruth of Kansas Bible Company

Proud to bring you another edition in my ongoing series of interviews with recent Artist Spotlight subjects! Today, we sit down for a chat with Mikey Ruth of Kansas Bible Company. The Midwest based act was featured as an Artist Spotlight a few weeks back, and they have quickly grown on me due to their insatiable style and cutting edge rhythms that can't possible be confined to one genre, and jumps all over the map to get an exquisite musical taste that will whet your appetite almost instantaneously. Mikey was able to clue us all in as to their beginnings, life out on the road, and what inspires them to get up out of bed and play music each and every day. Here is the transcript from that interview:

Give us your names and roles in the band?

James - Trumpet, Vocals

Isaac - Bass Trombone

Mikey - Guitar, Bass

Nathan - Guitar, Bass

Jeff - Guitar

Cazz - Guitar, Vocals, 

Raffael - Keys

Charlie - Trumpet

Luke - Aux. Percussion, Drums

Klink - Drums

Yagu - Alto Saxophone

Jake - Tenor Saxophone

I think that's everyone.

How/where did you guys meet and when did the band form?

We met at Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana. This huge version of the band formed in the fall of 2010. Cazz came back from a weird summer in New Mexico and dreamed up an 11-piece band. We practiced every day and moved to Nashville a year later.

Describe the sound of the group to those who may not be familiar with you guys?

Psychedelic, eclectic rock n' roll with a 5-piece horn section. A little bit like Terry Kath-era Chicago, but not much.

When did you first get interested in music and how has it helped shape or enrich your life up until this point?

That's a difficult question to answer as there are so many of us. I will say though that we have all grown up around music whether it be from choirs, school bands, church, or playing in other bands. As of the last few years I don't know if any of us truly believe that music would occupy our lives this seriously. It's pretty incredible to be so consumed and surrounded by music and I think that we all feel that.

Take us behind the recording process of your latest album "Hotel Chicamauga" and what that whole experience was like?

The whole process of making Hotel Chicamauga was an intense, lurid, beautiful experience for all of us. We moved to Nashville together as an 11-piece band into one house that we named the Hotel Chicamauga. The house is huge and was in terrible shape when we found it. We wrote and developed the songs in the house communally, usually after we would all eat together. We then tracked the entire album in the hotel, which provided an interesting feel for us as musicians. The album represents an incredible year of all of our lives that was ripe with hope, struggle, and close community. Being in this band has those elements still, we've just figured out how to deal with them.

How has your onstage presence evolved the years and how has your interaction with fans developed as well?

After extensive touring and playing repeatedly in the same city, I think we've just managed to latch onto what works and what doesn't. A lot of times now, we'll have themed shows where we all where something similar (sweaters, dresses, suits). We've also gotten better at attempting to cater to a given audience. If we're playing to a crowd that we know will interpret dissonance and improvisation, we love to play a set that's heavier on the weird. Other times we'll play weddings and big outdoor things that middle-aged women love. We try to be a chameleon like that. It doesn't always work. The horn section comes up with some pretty sick dance moves too. 

What is your favorite song that you guys have recorded and how does it speak to you personally?

Personally, I would say my favorite is "Jesus the Horse Thief." It's sort of become one of our biggest and best songs to play live and I think that the recording holds up really well. The whole song was written around this triumphant major melody, has no real hook, and then goes into a weird Steve Reich section in 7/8. I think it's maybe the most representative of what we are as a band.

What are some of your musical influences that have helped shape the overall sound of the group?

That is a really complicated question as we all write together. One of our biggest strengths is that we have 12 different sets of influences coming to any given thing that we write. Most of us listen to pretty different stuff. There's never been a moment where all 12 of us (or even like four of us) were like yeah we want the band to sound like so and so. We want people to draw a blank when they compare us to things. The one artist we completely can all agree on is Gorillaz and maybe Frank Ocean now. Others that have influenced us would be Pixies, Frank Zappa, The Beatles, Brian Eno, The Blues Brothers, Bowie, Hank Williams. We also realized much later in the game that probably the closest thing to us is early Chicago. None of us were really into them at all, then we all started getting into Chicago Transit Authority. Now we embrace the comparison. That shit is awesome.

For fun, what do you like to do in your spare time when not out on the road or making music?

Well a lot of us work on other music stuff when we're not too busy with KBC stuff. Some dudes get real into intramural soccer. Some of us are real into old Pokemon games. I spend too much money buying records and old synthesizers. Some of the dudes work on a cool sustainable farm. We all love to travel. Some of us take trips abroad when we can squeeze it in and afford it. We all love to party too.

Lastly, what can we expect next from you guys, any new music that we can look forward to sometime soon?

Yeah, we have a lot coming up here. A really cool new website called Feedbands is releasing an exclusive vinyl this month that is a compilation of our two records and EP. We've compiled enough live audio to make a live album that we'll probably be releasing in the coming months. We're hoping to release a new EP by spring / summer and a full-length after that. We're taking a little breather from the road right now, but things will definitely keep happening.

Thanks once again to Mikey of Kansas Bible Company for being so generous with his time to do this interview! While it would've been impossible to interview all 12 members of the band, I'm glad I got some insight as to what makes these guys so amazing and among one of the musical treasures you should be listening to right now, they are definitely a worthwhile listening experience for sure. Don't forget to pick up their latest album "Hotel Chicamauga" right now via their Bandcamp page located right here for your listening pleasure.

Artist Spotlight: Tyler Addison James

Rounding out the week of Artist Spotlight with a look at Los Angeles bred singer-songwriter Tyler Addison James. His music is an upbeat, melodic blend of roots rock with an obvious Jason Mraz influence embedded deep within the confines of his smooth vocal delivery that allows the songs to have a positive lifeforce to it that surrounds everything that it touches, including the listener wholeheartedly and gives them some perspective as to what to look for in the music that makes them feel so positive and full of zest and a craving for everything that life has to offer. I enjoyed Tyler's music immensely upon first listen, and really understood the gravitas as to what he was singing about and who he was singing it to, and that can leave the door open to interpretation as to how his music fits in your own personal life. An amazing singer-songwriter worthy of some notice here on the site. Some music for you to check out include "Beauty Queen" and "Good Night".

For more information on Tyler Addison James, head on over to his Facebook page right here and give it a well deserved 'Like' and see what amazing talent he has to offer you right before your eyes and ears! You can follow him on Twitter as well over here and find out when he'll be stopping by your local concert hall sometime soon. Visit his official website located here for more wide ranging information pertaining to his music, and check out his latest EP titled "Eastbound" now available for purchase and download via his exclusive Bandcamp page here.

Interview w/ Nolan and Patrick of The Wheeler Brothers

Presenting to you today an exclusive, sit down chat with one-half of the five piece band The Wheeler Brothers. Based out of Austin, TX this folk band has captivated and riveted audiences with their down home blend of folk rock designed to take listeners along with them on the ride as we take a musical journey through what makes them wholly unique and different among the plethora of other similar acts touring the country today. Two of the members Nolan and Patrick were nice enough to sit down and do an interview as we find out a little more about them and get to understand what inspires them to create music each and every day. Here is the transcript from that interview:

Give us your names and what you guys do in the band?

Nolan Wheeler-ukulele acoustic guitar glockenspiel keyboard vocals
Tyler Wheeler-bass
Pat Wheeler-drums
A.J. Molyneaux-lead guitar, lap steel, back up vocal
Nathan Rigney-lead guitar back up vocals

What is your earliest memory of being exposed to music, any artists that directly influenced you?

Nolan: Earliest memory would have to be cruising around with my father listening to Don McLean American Pie in his old pick up. I feel like the musical exploration started with classic rock then pit stopped in folk, alternative, soul and experimental.

Patrick: I think taking a lesson from the Galactic guys was probably my most memorable early music experience. We were young impressionable musicians and these guys were masters of their instruments. I honestly could not believe they were at our house teaching me and my brothers. The last time I had seen them, I was way in the back of a sold out Stubbs. Watching that Halloween show was a major catalyst for me deciding to go to LSU and certainly something that inspired me to make a career as a drummer.

What was life like growing up in Austin, TX, what kinds of activities did you do to pass the time?

Patrick: We had a pretty normal suburban upbringing. We had a creek in the back yard, a bb gun, played baseball and had a fascination with fire that lead to each of us being engulfed in flames at one point or another. When you grow up with brothers its pretty hard to get bored. Nolan was the funniest. He would do just about anything to prove how tough he was. I remember we got him to dress up in camo and then run around as we chased him with paintball guns. It definitely wasn't sporty but I'd say he passed the toughness test more than a few times. 

How has music affected or shaped your life up until this point, any memorable experiences that it has provided?

Nolan: It's all I think about. You either spend your time milling over melodies or writing experience to paper. There are so many different ways of approaching an experience or idea that lend themselves to lyric.

Patrick: Making music a full time gig has definitely been a change of lifestyle. Luckily I enjoy the sporadic schedule and late nights. I can't say it's done a whole lot to keep me shape but I have always loved traveling and that is pretty much half of what we do. Once you go these cities enough, you actually start to find your favorite places. Big and small, they all have their charms. 

How do you guys usually compose all of your recorded material, does one person usually handle the songwriting portion or is it all a collective process?

Nolan: At some point it always becomes a collective process. The easiest way to start is with the author who brings the idea however complete to the table. It can range from a simple melody or a completely written song. From there we add the instrumentation and structure.

What are some of your favorite tracks that you've recorded together and ones that your fans seem to gravitate towards as well?

Nolan: My personal favorite is "Cigarette Smoke". I like the loud simplicity that comes from the guitar/drums. It's also the only song I get to play electric guitar.

Patrick: As far as favorite tracks go, I've always liked "Focus". For me it's just fun to play I enjoy the link between Tyler and I.

In your spare time, what do you like to do for fun and leisure away from playing and recording music?

Nolan: I just put the final touches on a home studio in my spare bedroom. It's a great place for pre-production ideas. I've been spending most of our off time working ideas for the next album.

Patrick: The ever changing schedule also affords us random down time. Sometimes you get a whole month off like this last month and you get to pick up a quick hobby like skydiving.

What's coming up next for you guys, any further tour dates or new music happening down the road?

Nolan: We're going to take a two month break following our Thanksgiving date. I'm getting a polyp taken of my right vocal cord. However we'll be back on the road late February. It's always just a balance between touring/promoting the last album and writing/recording the next.

Lastly, any last words do you want to give to your fans who may be reading this?

Nolan: Thanks for all your support!

Patrick: To the readers all I can say is thanks for taking the time to listen to our music and learn a bit about our background.

Thanks once again to Nolan and Patrick for taking some time out of their ever busy tour schedule to do this interview. I know how hard they work touring the country exposing their sound to an ever increasing audience, and it was great chatting with them and getting to know them a little bit better as well. The band will be performing in Boston tonight @ Royale along with Houndmouth and The Ballroom Thieves. For more information, head on over to Royale's website located right here and buy tickets via Ticketmaster at this link here before they sell out in a hurry!