Sad Park - | SLEEP |

GARAGE ROCK

Here's more proof that jarring yells can be charming. SLEEP is recorded to help flaunt the highlights from Sad Park's live shows. 

The vocalist Graham Steele roars sincere emotion powerful enough to melt into your skin. The introductory energetic track "IN MY HEAD" encapsulates the band's tone. But don't be fooled by the excessive amp noise. This album is layered with much more than that.

The album dynamics contrast with the second track "TRAGICALLY YOUNG", slower song with beautiful sincere lyrics about mortality.

"When my life has reached it's end 

I'll be helping all my friends 

to love me just the same"

The drummer Grant Bubar keeps the album interesting by implementing other drum styles like in the Bossa-Nova-influenced track "GOODNIGHT". The guitars also follow these style changes.

There are plenty of vocal lines to sing along to like:

"I just want to feel like I did 

back before I had a reason to pretend I didn't want to stay all fucking night"

Or

"You get so dumb when you're in love"

My favorite track? "ALONE". I'm a sucker for these drums and lyrics. I wish this were mastered loud enough to blast even louder.

2018. 

The Ladyfingers - | GET NERVOUS! |

GARAGE ROCK

"No, you can't relate". Yet relatable, The Ladyfingers! If you need to confess your love or  if you feel alone, this EP overflows with youth's energy expressed in distorted guitars and snappy drums that can help.

There are elements in each track that sound like pop punk elements - like the vocal style in "Beach Cloth" or the guitar tones in "Bedroom Floor". 

While listening to "Bedroom Floor", I noticed that if the vocals cut through the mix a bit more and if the mastered tracks were more compressed, I'd say it'd come sonically close to Blink-182s "All The Small Things". The drums and bass as a rhythm section are mixed very well, by the way.

There are sweet bells in tracks that provide a contrast to the distorted guitars and fierce vocals. I have to admit that using fun percussion like bells helps this garage rock band stand out amongst other garage rock bands. 

The vocals in "Get Nervous" release furious sincerities that most people tip-toe around. 

"And I get nervous when I'm standing next to you

Don't know what the fuck to say or what to do 

I get paranoid just trying to make a move

I get nervous when I'm standing next to you"

Really, the whole EP revolves around the confessions we all think in our head when we are crushing hard on a special someone.

2018.

Chook Race - | Around The House |

GARAGE POP ROCK

Melancholic state! This album is peppy with opposing melancholic lyrics. The female vocals add happy tones. The ad libs encourage sing-alongs. Go ahead. Sing-along. 

 I recommend "At Your Door" and "Lost the Ghost".

from Around the House. by Tenth Court and Trouble In Mind Records. 2016.

The Wytches - | All Your Happy Life |

ALTERNATIVE INDIE GARAGE PUNK ROCK

'Tis Halloween-y more than just because the artist's name is The Wytches. 

Is it the organ chords in the back that makes "Dumb Fill" sound like an old timey horror movie? 

Maybe. It's a combination of the above and other factors. For example, in "Crest of Death" it almost feels like bile will come through the vocalist's chant-like, raspy cries.

The fuzzy distortion of the guitars overwhelm this album. "Can't Face It" demonstrates a refreshing moment of where we can hear small pauses of this guitar distortion wall. 

Listening this album reminded me of Danny Elfman. What name this Halloween-y for me? The half-step chord progressions.

Please check out their creative website: The Wytches.

2016.

Melted - 'Still Waiting'

GARAGE PUNK ROCK

Walls of guitars. Crushing! Fast tempos for that energy.

"Still Waiting
For the wrecking ball
For the bridge to fall"
For the day to see Melted live.

25 Years is also a good track.

Ziptripper. 2015.

Hanni El Khatib - 'Moonlight'

GARAGE ROCK

Heavy walks. Simple guitar riffs transformed into a full song.

Moonlight. Innovative Leisure. 2015.

Psychic Driving - 'Dead Flowers'

PSYCHEDELIC DARK SPACE GARAGE ROCK

Sluggish and dazed guitars are moved forward by the bass and snare. An organ synth plays in the back as the swimming guitar solo is accompanied by a beautiful tambourine.

Travel Check - 'Druggy Daddy'

NEO SURF GARAGE ROCK

Groovin' guitars to groove your pinnae. Vocals are fuzzy and match the song perfectly. That is one happy snare. 

From 66$. Howlin' Banana Records. 2014. 

Warm Soda - 'This Changes Everything'

GARAGE ROCK

Acoustic guitar riffs, heavy bass, and telephone vocals. Short and sweet.

The Bixby Knolls - 'Tomorrow Never Comes'

GARAGE ROCK POWER POP

Fuzzy guitars and a jumping snare with a solid bass. And lyrics strung together like pearls of honesty.

"Got me hiding from the sun..."

From Tomorrow Never Comes (2014) by El Camino Media.

BUDDY BANTER - 'INSANE'

GARAGE ROCK

The intro pounds low ends into your head until you are released by airy hats and steady crunching guitars. Enter phasey guitar.

"When ever I am all alone
 I always seem to drift away
I wish I had a time machine..."

From Paradise Thrillz (2013).

L.A. Witch - 'Get Lost'

GARAGE PSYCH PUNK ROCK

"Save me from myself." Hypnotizing guitars with loads of crunch.

Band Site

Penicillin Baby - 'Thought It Couldn't Be This Way'

GARAGE ROCK 

Great Nashville music. Interesting guitar phasing sounds that sweep from one end to the other that give the track a spacey effect. Lots of reverb on the vocals~

Listen for the heavy chord progression of melancholy at 2:35.

From the album " Not Getting Any Younger 7"

Bandcamp