I’m aware I’m Couple days late with this one, but february’s a short month so honestly, the calendar’s at fault here. somehow, the local scene packed a lot of great songs into these 28 days. a lot of saxophone showed up too, which was delightful. anyways, per usual, if you like anything you hear below, please stream/listen/share accordingly. now let’s all get together and do a warm weather dance.
Reviews by TJ Foster
New Monarchy - HOSTAGE!
IThis actually came out last month, but it was sent to me THIS month and honestly, rules are just sort of guidelines anyway, right? Anyways, I have no idea where New Monarchy came from but "HOSTAGE!" reminds me of the industrial-leaning rock from the early 2000s, calling to mind bands like Deftones and even Muse a bit. Good stuff right here!
Sova (feat. Sam Torres) - “Hymn For Slowing (Live)”
"Hymn for Slowing" kicks off at a droney lull, almost begging the listener to stop what they're doing and slow down. In other words, it's living up to its name. When the piano comes in, it's almost a breath of fresh air, and bonus points to the insanely delicate and well-performed saxophone lead by Sam Torres. Thoroughly enjoyed this one.
The Paper Prince - “Under the Mud”
According to Bandcamp, The Paper Prince is "an existential experiment". Latest single "Under the Mud" kicks off with a moving (literally) synth leads before giving way to a drum and acoustic guitar groove. Even the vocals have an experimental nature to them -- Bon Iver-lite, perhaps. And throughout the 5 and a half minutes, it maintains your interest expertly.
E.R.I.E. - “May Your Heart Always Be Young”
Hey, I wrote this song. Consider this some shameless self-promotion I guess. It's for anyone who has fond memories of making music with their friends in a garage hoping the cops didn't come for noise complaints, and also for the next generation of musicians who may be on the precipice of doing the same things. Go start a band.
GRRLTHING - “LOL EW NO"!”
Honestly, what a perfect title for a song, that can best be described as gritty pop. "You talk a lot of shit for being under 5'8" got me good, not to mention a line comparing someone to a cyber truck. (EW NO!) grrlthing put out a wicked fun track here. Definitely NSFW though.
ShortWave RadioBand - “Crash Site”
A pop-punk song about aliens? Must be blink-182, right? Nope! ShortWave RadioBand are currently working on their first proper record, and "Crash Site" is the first taste. It's clear these guys have upped their songwriting game exponentially, and this song in particular is sure to kill live.
Canella - “Cortisol”
I've said it before and I'll say it again: this band is just so damn good. Canella are in a league of their own when it comes to writing interesting songs with earworms galore. If you're looking for a new favorite indie-rock group, trust me - they're right here.
Tops of Trees & Eliyakim - “Warmth”
Beginning with a reverberant choir of humming, Tops of Trees' latest is truly an uplifting journey. For "Warmth", they've enlisted the help of Eliyakim on vocals, and what a match it is. The pairing is perfect, resulting in the best song the band has released to date.
David Tyo - “Amen”
Anyone who knows David Tyo knows he's an insanely adept vocal producer, and "Amen" is a shining example of that. This piano-led track feels very musical theatre, in the best way. Well-written and well-performed, this track about the fleetingness of life is quite a next-level production for Tyo.
Of the Atlas - “Time and Space”
The best way I can describe "Time and Space" is that it's Nada Surf meets '90s alt-rock. Would definitely not be out of place in a coming-of-age comedy. Really nice hook on this one, and singer Jay Woodruff has a great vocal delivery. Stay tuned for a new record coming later in March.
Arrow Through Me - “Guilty”
A stunning throwback to the early 2000s, when emotionally charged rock was in its prime. I can't say enough good things about this track. If you like classic Paramore or midwest emo, Arrow Through Me are going to be your new favorite band.
Anacortez - “Wrong Light”
"Wrong Light" is a medium-paced post-hardcore tinged rocker in 6/8. Some really captivating riffage and a nice vocal hook here, including an epic screaming refrain near the end. Reminds me of the "scene" I grew up in which was a nice throwback today.
Kick Out the Rouge - “You’re Cute (But You Give Me Anxiety")”
The title of this song sounds like it would be an Olivia Rodrigo song, which is ironic since it sounds very little like her. In reality, this is garage punk through and through. It's loud, brash and fun as hell. Not to mention, it didn't give me a single bit of anxiety. Win/win.
Mikey Cheese and the Musical Muensters - “He’s the Cheese”
The story behind this song is honestly incredible. Before The Sugar Hold became a local phenomenon, frontman Mikey Baish created royalty-free entrance music for wrestling promoters with his friend Jud Rodgers (who sadly passed away in 2021). Earlier this year, Baish rediscovered the original files for "He's The Cheese" (still used today by wrestler Mikey Cheese), and gave it a full blown glow up. I don't know if it's because it's chock full of cheese puns or in spite of that, but it’s way better than it has any right to be. It’s so catchy it's smile-inducing, and it's a really nice glimpse into life before The Sugar Hold.
Simon Elijah - “Childhood Home (Single Version)”
At just 18 years old, Simon Elijah is jumping into folk music with both feet already. And maybe it's because I just watched A Complete Unknown, but it's hard not to think that new single "Childhood Home" is a glimpse into a future of stardom. Just a lovely homecoming song that one day we're likely to look back on and say, "We knew him when." Kudos, Simon.