PawnShop kings - PawnShop kings EP

SoCal natives PawnShop kings have arrived with their brand-new self-titled EP. The 5 disc collection is a welcoming mixture of down home folk sensibilities mixed in with a slight inspirational aesthetic that is subtly reflected in the lyrics, and gives those listening an idea of where these musicians come from and how their upbringing is reflected in their music.

We start things off with "Love Like Jesus", a rapturous, driven tune with a strong musical state of mind that shows everyone who Scott & Joel Owen are, two brothers who have a passion for what they believe in but don't force it down people's throats and express their sensibilities through the power of music. "Gonna Let You" is a pure, unadulterated folk tune with a strong lyrical framework built into the mainframe that allows the instrumentation to come out freely and is not forced out by any means and lets it do its own thing naturally. "Fall Apart" is my favorite song off the effort that features Scott & Joel's vocals working their magic yet again, but this time at a much higher level than the prior two tracks and with a stronger musical connection that allows you to be honed in with what they're feeling at the same time the instruments are being played, and gives you an immediate vision of what these guys really are like and how their musical kinship has evolved over the years. We begin to wrap things up with "When You're Holding Me", a downtempo, piano laden tune that showcases a different side of the duo that we haven't had the opportunity to experience much on this record, and works to a great degree here with the soft laced melodies working their way in quite well with Joel & Scott's tremendous vocal ranges. "Make Me Whole" concludes matters here with a soft, harmonic number featuring Joel & Scott's vocal abilities once again proving their mettle as they've done all throughout the record and gives folks a chance to retrace their steps from earlier in the record, and see what different musical soundscapes we've encountered in our journey home.

In conclusion, a decent effort from PawnShop kings, a group that are much more than just a Christian group if you listen closely, they are two brothers who thoroughly enjoy what they do for a living, and that is making honest and heartfelt music.

                                                                                                                               EP Score: 3/5

Track Listing:

1. Love Like Jesus
2. Gonna Let You
3. Fall Apart
4. When You're Holding Me
5. Make Me Whole

Liz Lawrence Releases Music Video For "Health & Safety"

Burgeoning U.K. singer-songwriter Liz Lawrence has just released her music video for "Health & Safety" from her forthcoming EP due out later on this year. The inventive clip features a compilation of random clips interspersed throughout that provides for a thorough and enjoyable viewing experience that coincides well with the laid-back and serene nature of her song,  and has that unsung characteristic to it that sets it apart quickly from the others and puts it on a pedestal all its own. Definitely one of the most enjoyable tracks of the year thus far, and Liz is one artist to keep an eye out throughout the year.

For more information on Liz Lawrence, 'Like' her on Facebook here and follow her on Twitter at this location over here.

Those Mockingbirds Kick Off Tour Today, To Play Middle East On March 9th

Montclair, NJ's own Those Mockingbirds are kicking off their tour today with a live performance on WDHA 105.5FM. The band recently won the mtvU Freshman competition which places the band in full rotation on the channel over the next couple of months. The band is also gearing up to release an album in the summertime that was recorded by Dean Baltulonis who also worked with Arctic Monkeys, and will be touring even more extensively after the new disc is released. The band also has coverage in this month's edition of Alternative Press and are available for spins in all AMI Jukeboxes nationwide throughout the month as well.

The band will be stopping by The Middle East on March 9th alongside Friendly People, a mainstay here on the site who are amazing musicians and terrific human beings as well. Here is their full tour itinerary:

2/18 WDHA 105.5FM -  Live Performance
2/19 Atlantic City, NJ - Le Grand Formage
2/20 Reading, PA - Reverb
2/21 Campbell Hill, NY - The Venue
2/22 Brooklyn, NY - Spike Hill
3/6 Hartford, CT - Webster Underground
3/7 Pittsfield, MA - Casey's
3/8 Providence, RI - Dive Bar
3/9 Boston, MA - Middle East
3/16 Middletown, NY - Sounds Asylum
3/27 Dunellen, NJ - Roxy & Duke's
4/9 Washington, DC - The Black Cat
4/11 Columbus, OH - Kobo
4/12 Buffalo, NY - The Forum

For more information on Those Mockingbirds, 'Like' them on Facebook here and follow them on Twitter at this location here.

Sugar Bomb To Release New Single "Kiss Me" on March 4th

Boston's own Sugar Bomb are gearing up to release their brand new single titled "Kiss Me" on March 4th. The band is currently based in Brooklyn but calls Boston their homeland, and their new song is an infectious, groove laden affair with a non-stop punk edge to them that gives them attitude and a certain name cache amongst concertgoers who will fall for them almost instantaneously and their infectious tunes. I really enjoyed the new track, as it evokes the musical characteristics that they've meticulously set out to mold while in the studio creating this song and all their other outstanding jams. What is even more important is that they have a local connection which seals the deal on them and immediately has me tuned in.

For more information on Sugar Bomb, 'Like' them on Facebook here and follow them on Twitter right here. For those living in the NYC area, they will be performing a show at Arlene's Grocery the night of the single's release on 3/4 so make it your mission to attend the show that night, regardless of the weather conditions which will not halt your mission to see this incredible on the rise act.

Artist Spotlight: Rust Belt Lights

Starting off another week with a brand new edition of Artist Spotlight! Today, we head to Buffalo, NY birthplace of the wings where we come across the ever vibrant sounds of Rust Belt Lights. The band consists of Zach Dietsch on lead vocals, Pat McAndrew on guitar, Cody K. on bass, Tom Mayer on guitar, and Brochure on drums. The band's sound is reminiscent of the DIY movement that I grew up listening to high school, with elements of Brand New and Taking Back Sunday thrown in for good measure to balance the sound out and accentuate the high energy vocals that are present at every turn throughout their music. I found out about them through their recent performance through Audiotree, which has become my go-to source in finding the newest acts that are popping up outside the region, and it has given me a great barometer as to the depth of talent that is just outside the doorstep, and these guys are a perfect example of that diamond in the rough and have that extra spark that sets them apart from the other acts currently entrenched in the scene right now. A terrific up and coming act that is worthy of a spot here on the site. Some recommended tracks to have a listen at include "Haters Get Hated" and "With No Hesitation".

For more information on Rust Belt Lights, head on over to their Facebook page located here and give them a 'Like' to show your appreciation for their music and all that they do. Give the band a follow on Twitter over here and stay in touch with the guys directly to see when they may be stopping by your area sometime. Head on over to their Bandcamp site right here to listen to all of their music that they have released thus far.

Product Review: Sonos Play:1 Wireless Speaker System

The Play: 1 system is Sonos' newest and most affordable speaker. The set delivers crystal clear sound at an affordable price, without risking space in your house to put the speakers, or your wallet for that matter.

The speakers are slightly larger than I imagined, easily towering over my old Jam wireless speaker that I used on a regular basis. The set up for the speakers was a breeze, and had a handy locking mechanism for the power cord that prevents tangling and allow you to tuck the cords behind tables or other furniture, just allowing you to see the speaker itself plain and simple as intended without having to look at cords sticking out all over the place. The speaker works seamlessly via the Sonos Controller app available for iPhone, Android, and a host of other mobile operating platforms that fulfills the musical needs of all junkies out there who are constantly roaming around and want to control music wherever they are. Music can be controlled via a host of services, including iTunes, Spotify, Rhapsody, Napster, and the new Beats Music service, which is what I used to play music on this device. One thing I enjoyed about the device was the ability to add songs to the queue and adjust the order you want the songs to play, allowing you to play the tracks in any order you choose and skip over the ones you want to come back to later.

The sound on this speaker was purely sublime, delivering a crystal clear, streamlined sound that filled the entire room. It also allowed me to control music from two different zones in the house, I had one set up in the dining room and the other in my bedroom, and I could control songs from different endpoints in the house, creating a custom level of musical satisfaction and giving the power of choice right in my fingertips. One thing I would've liked from this device that I've seen from others is the portability function and internal battery. While this device is intended for use inside your house, I like the option of listening outside and the ease of use function without being confined to cords or worrying about a deluge of water suddenly converging overhead and having to unplug and cover your speaker before it gets ruined.

All in all, the Sonos Play: 1 is a formidable choice in the ever expanding wireless speaker arena, and delivers a high quality sound with the ease of use and the ability to listen to music from any source imaginable. A terrific choice for unwinding in your place and controlling the music wherever you are.

                                                                                                                                Product Score: 4/5

Oakland Athletics Player Music Overview

Starting off a recurring weekly featured heading into the upcoming baseball season. Over the course of the next few weeks beginning with Spring Training, we're going to take a look at some teams around the league and see what the players individual music tastes are like, allowing us to get a sense of what their personalities are like both on and off the field.

Today, we start off and take a look at a team that personifies character and individuality, the Oakland Athletics. The team won the AL West last year for the 2nd year in a row, but lost in the 1st round of the playoffs again to the Detroit Tigers and are looking to have a strong finish and a long and fruitful run deep into the postseason. I've always been a deep admirer of the A's and their ability to finish strong in the regular season and get into the playoffs despite having one of the smallest payrolls in the league, they totally evoke the qualities of a model franchise and one that I have a great deal of respect and admiration for year in and year out. Here is a rundown of some of the players and their individual walk up songs:

AJ Griffin:  Wolfgang Gartner - Illmerica

The starting pitcher has some high energy house music ready for him to put on full blast when charges out to the mound. It's very different than the usual genres of some of the players from other teams who traditionally choose something like rock, pop, country, hip-hop, but AJ is in a class all his own and he delivers with this funky number here.

Brandon Moss:  Eric Church - Homeboy

The former Red Sox pays homage to his Southern roots with some country music courtesy of Eric Church. While the music may be a little offbeat in the clubhouse, the whole team chemistry of the A's is built upon being a little different and doing things against the grain from what others expect you to be like. And this song totally reflects the elements that he calls home.

Coco Crisp: Kid Ink - Badass

Another former Sox player bringing up the rear with some hip-hop style to add to the mix. The slick fielding center fielder is a hot commodity over in the Bay Area these days with his massive fro and free wheeling personality turning heads and attracting legions of devotees in the process as well. What better way to express his personality than this nugget right here.

Derek Norris: Soundgarden - Outshined

The highly skilled backstop has some classic grunge rock courtesy of Soundgarden to help him unwind when he goes up to the plate. A strong choice for a walk up song, the high energy riffs will make opposing pitcher shake in their shoes a little bit and could give Norris an advantage as a ball comes right down in the heart of the plate.

Eric Sogard: Guns N Roses - Welcome to The Jungle

Nerd power! The strong fielding second baseman has a very popular song choice for his walk up song in Guns N' Roses. The only player in MLB to wear glasses, this player has captured the attention of fans alike with his unique style and sensibility making fans create signs showing support for this optically enhanced player.

Jarrod Parker: Red - Breathe Into Me

The young starting pitcher has some Christian music influenced in his walk-up song that gives him an advantage when facing opposing hitters. A newcomer on the scene, Parker has greatly increased his presence as a front line starter and while he had a bit of a slow start last season, he is ready to catch on and move straight ahead with this blazing track.

Josh Reddick: Ryback (Jim Johnston WWE) - Meat On The Table

Another former Red Sox player brings his unique and flashing sensibilities (and an awesome beard to boot) with this wrestling theme used by Jim Johnston of the WWE. While his presence here in Boston is greatly missed, the right fielder is building quite the following in Oakland that has inspired fans to create signs featuring championship belts proclaiming him, "The Champ", and he certainly is with this song choice.

Ryan Cook: Breaking Benjamin - So Cold

This oldie but goodie from Breaking Benjamin is Ryan Cook's song choice that gives him an intense edge and something to look forward to when he steps out on the mound. Usually pitchers depend on an intense and uptempo song to get them into the mood right before first pitch, and this song does the trick and keeps his mind focused on the task at hand.

Sean Doolittle: Metallica - For Whom The Bell Tolls

This classic track from Metallica gives Doolittle an intense and glaring edge that towers over opposing hitters when faced with the difficult challenge of facing Doolittle on the mound. Saving games is an important task, and Doolittle does his job of bridging the gap between the latter innings and giving his team a chance to go home with a well deserved victory all through the power of this song.

Yoenis Cespedes: Clyde Carson - Slow Down (Yoenis Cespedes Remix)

This song from the Bay Area native gives the latest Cuban sensation a chance to prove his worth and test his strength among some of the top talent throughout baseball. A tough out at any point, Yoenis takes his time in finding the pitch he wants, and making the pitcher pay dearly for his sorry mistake that will later be buried somewhere deep in the stands for fans to fight over later.

Keep an eye out for more MLB team music rundowns each week throughout spring training heading into the beginning of the regular season on March 31st. And, I just want to give a special shoutout to Benjamin Christensen, a diehard A's fan year in and year out who is also an accomplished writer himself for his site called Hats and Tats where he writes about his extensive and ever growing collection of hats from MLB teams and minor league affiliates. You can view it right over here and if you ever have the opportunity to meet him in person, ask if you can tug his majestic and ever growing beard!

Vote For The Bottom Line To Play The Groezrock Festival!

South Coast, U.K.'s own The Bottom Line need your help in a contest being put on by the fine folks over at Macbeth Stage. The band is among a handful of nominees competing for a slot to play the Groezrock Festival in Belgium coming up in April. The band is a little behind in the voting and they need your help to win this contest! All you need to do is click on this link here and scroll down to the middle of the page until you see The Bottom Line. You have to register to vote, but it's free and it's all for a good cause to help these lovely lads win this contest to show off the pride of their native land and play amongst a group of bands hungry and eager for attention just as much as they are.

For more info on The Bottom Line, 'Like' them on Facebook here and buy their album "Role Models" on iTunes at this link right here.

Valentine's Day Playlist

With February 14th officially here, you might be running around in the midst of getting those last minute dinner reservations and flowers all ready for your special someone. But you forgot one thing, and that is the music! Never fear, because today I have a specially curated playlist designed to transmit that special message to your significant other that probably gets lost in the shuffle sometimes with everyone's busy schedules. These songs are more alternative/indie leaning, and instead avoids the traditional V-Day love songs that permeates those other playlists. Here is my personal playlist for your delight:

Jack's Mannequin - American Love
Incubus - Love Hurts
The Cure - Love Song
Bob Marley & The Wailers - Could You Be Loved
Nada Surf - Always Love
Beck - Think I'm In Love
Band of Horses - No One's Gonna Love You
Nada Surf - Inside of Love
311 - Love Song
The Avett Brothers - I and Love and You
Bon Iver - Skinny Love
The Lumineers - Stubborn Love
Mumford & Sons - Lover of the Light

Any favorite love songs of yours that you appreciate the most? Let me know your personal playlist and I'll share it on the site!

Max Garcia Conover Premieres Video For "Wildfires Outside Laramie, WY"

Portland, ME's own Max Garcia Conover just released his brand new music video for 'Wildfires Outside Laramie, WY". The black and white clip features gorgeous and lush winter imagery conjured upon a serene and winter laden landscape that evokes all the powerful and comforting imagery that Max seeks to convey in this video. With the winter season not loosening its grip on the region anytime soon, this video provides the perfect visual accompaniment of what we're currently feeling with this dreary weather, but also shows the untouched beauty that winter can provide and also acts as a companion as you cruise up and down the roads in search of what's coming up next.

For more information on Max Garcia Conover and to listen to his music, 'Like' his Facebook page here and follow him on Twitter here.

Artist Spotlight: Set Your Sails

Another edition of Artist Spotlight is ready to go! Today, we head across the pond to Portsmouth, United Kingdom and seek out the hardcore leaning sounds of Set Your Sails. The band consists of Sean Kelly, Carl Michie, Harry Fielder, Harvey Ware, and Nick Bowen. The band has an ear-piercing, gut wrenching sound similar to their fellow countrymen Asking Alexandria and our Underoath with their own unique and cutting edge musical blueprint to fall upon. Some of you guys may not know this, but I happen to enjoy some metalcore music, most particularly Pierce the Veil and some of the aforementioned acts mentioned because it has a certain dexterity and edge to it that balances out the hardcore screaming that it's often associated with melodic interludes interspersed in between to present a full bodied and rich sound that brings together a new element of music that is slowly growing by the numbers. A neat, undiscovered act from England that has plenty of promise moving forward.

For more info and all the latest on Set Your Sails, head on over to their Facebook page located right here and find out everything that there is to know about the group. The fellas can be followed on Twitter from over here and see if they plan on stopping by the States sometime soon with a concert appearance. Their Bandcamp site is at this spot here and contains all of their music, including their latest track "Connect:Rebuild".

Sleepy Hahas Release "Dull Days" From Forthcoming Debut Album

Buffalo, NY based Sleepy Hahas have just revealed the first hint of what is coming off their debut LP titled "Dull Days" which will be released on May 12th. The title track was recently just made available for streaming on their Soundcloud page, and the song has a blues rock feel to it a la The Black Keys with their own unique and progressive approach that sets them apart from their contemporaries, and gives them a competitive edge amongst all the other up and comers out there in the scene who sometimes might sound too like one another and may end up getting lost in the shuffle because of it. These guys don't suffer the syndrome that sometimes plagues those other bands, and instead relies on their own unique characteristics to pay it forward.

To listen to "Dull Days" for yourself, give it a listen on their Soundcloud page right here for your listening pleasure. For more information on Sleepy Hahas, 'Like' them on Facebook here, follow them on Twitter here, and give their Bandcamp site a whirl while you're at it here.

Seasick Mama Releases Music Video For "Man Overboard"

New York's own burgeoning singer-songwriter known as Seasick Mama has just released her ultra sleek and sexy music video for the song titled "Man Overboard". The lusty clip features the gorgeous musician who also moonlights as a model gallivanting in the water while attracting the attention of dozens of males while expressing her earnest musical talents in a terrestrial and realistic setting featured prominently here in the video. I was impressed with what she had to offer, and displayed a strong and confident bad-ass nature with her style dictating which way the music is traveling, something that is almost unheard of in this day of age.

For more info on Seasick Mama, give her a 'Like on Facebook right here where you can keep an eye out for tour dates that may be stopping by your area relatively soon. 

Artist Spotlight: San Fermin

Starting off your snowy Thursday with a brand new edition of Artist Spotlight! Today, we head off to Brooklyn, NY and come into contact with the lovely indie rock sounds of San Fermin. The group consists of Allen Tate on vocals, Rae Cassidy on vocals, Rebekah Durham on vocals and violin, John Brandon on trumpet, Stephen Chen on saxophone, Ellis Ludwig-Leone on keyboard, Tyler McDiarmid on guitar, and Mike Hanf on drums. The band's music is a baroque indie-pop hybrid with a dynamic synapse of beautiful vocals and ambient instrumentation running amok throughout the musical wavelengths that provides for a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience. These guys played a show this past Monday at Brighton Music Hall with Friendly People opening up for them (another past Artist Spotlight alumni) and while I was unable to attend, I know they were in good hands with what I'm sure was a strong crowd dedicated to experiencing the highest quality music out there, and a band from what I've heard has a strong musical aesthetic to them that is entirely unique and has a certain unbridled musical chemistry that is just plain infectious. A terrific upstart band deserving of some love from here in the New England area. Some tracks to discover from the group include "Sonsick" and "Daedalus (What We Have)".

For more information on San Fermin, cruise on over to their Facebook page located right over here and discover what musical goodness they have concocted for your listening ears. You may also follow them on Twitter from this location here and see where else they'll be traveling on the musical map. Visit their official website located here for more in depth information about them, and pick up their self-titled release now available for download on iTunes conveniently at this link here.