In today's world, before most bands can get a single on a the radio, they have to gain an audience. This is usually done through social media and outlets like YouTube and SoundCloud. In order to broaden our music exposure, I'll check out some of the singles of artists that have reached out to me and provide a short review. We'll just call these reviews 45s.
Fairview
Twitter: @Fairviewband4
Genre: Light Rock / Country
From: Elmhurst, IL
Single: Put It On
Thoughts: I really loved this song. The sound gave me a throwback to things like "Two is Better Than One" from Boys Like Girls feat. Taylor Swift. And the band knows that's their style. I'm a sucker for vocal pairings like this song features and they keep the instrumentals simple, but accenting the song. This was one of those songs that was almost perfect to me. It's got a video featuring people loving vinyls and a local record store. And since they're local, I'll plan on checking them out live based on this single.
Natalie Gray
Twitter: @NatalieMusic24
Genre: Rock / Pop
From: London
Single: Little Secrets
Thoughts: I spent a minute trying to place this song and finally settled on it being 80s pop rock with lead female vocals. A light Pat Benatar or a darker Bananarama type of piece. Which, if you think of those songs, is fun, driving, and catchy. The kind of song you don't feel bad turning up a bit with the windows down during a summer drive and singing along.
SANGUINE
Twitter: @sanguineband
Genre: Rock / Metal
From: The UK
Single: Save Me
Thoughts: A really solid heavy rock piece with a decent guitar transition later in the song. I could've gone without the independent gruff metal vocals but loved when they layered them with the lead female vocals. Also enjoyed the "We Are" mob vocals that would probably translate well live if the audience recognizes the song.
D2D Music - Heart Impaled
Twitter: @d2dmusiconline
Genre: Metal / Video Game Covers
From: Los Angeles, CA
Single: Spirit of the Cyclones
Thoughts: The first minute and half of this song is solid rock / metal instrumentals before the vocals kick in. I'm torn on the "off-beat" lead guitar. Some moments it's on, others off. I like it because it clashes with the typical metal backing, highlighting it. When the vocals do kick in, whatever distortion is being used, I'm a big fan of. Still tough to hear each lyric, but its metal. At least it's not screaming at me. Just before the four minute mark we get some what I'm going to call "extra-terrestrial ooohs" which were a nice touch to keep things interesting and provided a decent bridge. As the song finishes out, we get more of the solid metal instrumentals. If you're looking for some harder rock, this is it.
Stormy Strong
Twitter:
Genre: Saltwater Rock
From: Santa Cruz, CA
Single: Holiday
Thoughts: Let's just start with the obvious. The nautical theme is a little cheesy. But let's say you want some solid rock music and can overlook a cheesy theme, then Stormy Strong is really solid. Has that soft late 90s, early 2000s rock feel to it. With bands like Goo Goo Dolls and Blink-182 reemerging on the scene, consider giving these guys a listen if you want something new. At least this music's theme isn't "you loved us 20 years ago". Okay, so it's nostalgic vs nautical, but this band owns it and has really good tunes too.
R Y N O
Twitter: @RYNOmusicNYC
Genre: Synth / Pop /Rock
From: New York, NY
Single: Stars In The Sky
Thoughts: This song left me stumped for a few minutes. I really like to relate to artists I know and think "if this was _____" would I like it? Maybe Owl City? Walk the Moon? The thing I came away with is that R Y N O fits right in with the pop rock scene and has decent music. I enjoyed listening to Stars in the Sky. It's light and fun. Nothing terribly bold, but it's good, easy listening music.
Crestillion
Twitter: @CrestillionBand
Genre: Pop / Rock/ Electronic
From: Stockholm, Sweden
Single: Paradox
Thoughts: I think the best way to decide if this song is for you would be to answer the following question "Do you enjoy electronica music that could be the opening theme for an anime?" If the answer is no, this probably isn't for you. But if you're open to that style of music, this is pretty solid. I did have to accept the accent of the lead singer, but beyond that, decent music for the genre that seemed to have all the right parts and in all the right places.
Hal B1n0
Twitter: @HalB1n0
Genre: Rock
From: Los Angeles, CA
Single: Sour Grapes
Thoughts: Based on what I could find, this is Hal B1n0's first song out there and it's not bad for a first go. It had a solid, simple musical backing that, given the right hook could go somewhere. Wasn't the biggest fan of the vocals (had good rhythm just a little nasal sounding for my taste). The nice bit was the lyrics were posted and I could recognize and could mentally respond to them quickly. Kudos to Hal B1n0 for having the confidence but I would find something little bit softer / more people can relate to for his next single.
Shinobi Ninja
Twitter: @ShinobiNinja
Genre: Rock Fusion
From: Brooklyn, NY
Single: What If Times
Thoughts: What if Black Eyed Peas and Beastie Boys decided to do a light rock piece? Well you'd end up with something like "What If Times". Almost getting an early 90's pop / hip pop vibe from this song. Not the biggest fan of the opening (I understand and respect the reasoning behind it), but being immediately followed but a solid guitar riff definitely helped to draw my attention. Based on the rock backing, decided to check out a few other songs and find those fall more in my typical listening habits. Either way, check out both and see if either does something for you.
A. Myren
Twitter: @E_music_1
Genre: Electronic
From: Denmark
Single: Ecstasy (Renewalmix)[2013]
Thoughts: I'll be the first to tell you electronic music isn't usually my thing. I can't tell the difference the difference between the various styles so they all just fall under electronic. When the local EDM night comes on, I can't tolerate anything for more than a couple of minutes because the songs seem to just repeat and drone. This single, despite being seven and half minutes, had good pace and balance when it came to transitions in the sound elements. As for the video, I'm always a fan of visualizers, space, and nature time lapses, but the cropping did bother me a bit.
Rakunk
Twitter: @Rakunk
Genre: Rock
From: Chicago, IL
Single: Trillionaire
Thoughts: This song caused me to listen to the rest of their stuff on SoundCloud. Great rock number with solid vocals and guitar. I found the chorus infectious and the song driving, despite a slightly longer play time. Here's to hoping the band comes up through the floor to gain the fan base the music deserves.
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