Up and Coming Music: The Undersound

Reverse Phone Detective Lookup

2010-01-05T01:58:00.000-08:00

Reverse Phone Detective is this cool new software I just found and it let's you look up the information of a user behind any cell phone number out there. check it out! Reverse Phone Detective

sdfsdfdd

2010-01-04T23:32:00.000-08:00

Stihl Wood Boss Review

2010-01-04T19:36:00.000-08:00

Stihl Chain Saws

Chainsaws

2009-12-13T03:37:00.000-08:00

Hey guys. It's been a while since I've blogged, but I've been working on a really cool site I created with Wordpress. You can read more about it at Chainsaw Blog. It's cool if you like logging or forestry or whatever and it'll really help you out. Well, that's all for today. Chainsaws. Yes!

Warcraft Affliction Warlock

2009-11-25T00:10:00.000-08:00

Check out this post about World of Warcraft Affliction warlock spell rotation

World of Warcraft Fan?

2009-11-11T11:01:00.001-08:00

I got into playing World of Warcraft recently and I've gotta say. This Zygor Guide is amazing. Also, there are a lot of new hunters out there looking for some new pets to do their bidding. Why not check out this aricle World of Warcraft Hunter Pets.

Warcraft Guide

2009-06-20T15:30:00.000-07:00

Warcraft Guide | Warcraft Articles | Warcraft Pvp

Warcraft Articles by Thomas Kearo

2009-06-17T18:30:00.000-07:00

Warcraft Articles by Thomas Kearo

2009-04-09T02:03:00.003-07:00

Looking for Magic The Gathering Cards cheap? Check out EverythingMTG.com

2009-03-28T13:35:00.000-07:00

Also check out: Music News,

2009-03-28T13:15:00.000-07:00

Hey. One of my buddies is reviewing some games alongside this music blog:

Check out some of the video game reviews that he's been doing.

So far, he's reviewed:

Resident Evil 5 Review

Oblivion Review

Madworld Review

Red Alert 3 Review

Blizzard new battle.net

Classic Video Games

Fable Review

New Elder Scrolls Game

Emery - I'm only a man

2007-09-30T15:18:00.000-07:00

Emery has always been a wierd band in the sense that they are a rigid mix of a bunch of different styles. The vocals are heavily influenced by punk, and the guitars are a mix of metal and...rockabilly of sorts. They're airy, yet heavy. It's quite a mix, and that's what made them unique in a world of regurgitated guitars and vocals about their girlfriends getting a new man. Today, the new album from Emery - I'm only a man.

New Music: Emery!

1. Well, as I said before, Emery has always been a rhyming rock band, with condescending lyrics like that of a yard gnome reaching back at his would be captors. Strange analogy I know, but it fits (don't question it, I'm a scientist.) Anyway, these boys have taken a risky step. The scene today is so full of overcompressed, as loud as possible albums. Nothing is raw anymore, and nothing has emotion anymore (as far as the music is concerned.) YOu might be able to pick up a brand new album, and feel the raw emotion, but until now, that was one of the only albums as of late with actual fidelity and emotion built into not just the vocals, but the music itself. Emery is changing that. On first listen to the cd, you will notice that the vocals are less affected, they sound raw as if someone recorded them in a "real place" like a basement or a room instead of an over saturated studio. Some might not be used to this, but it WILL grow on you, because hearing someone in the raw is very very intiguing (once again, science). Instead of hearing a random voice with several effects and autotunes over it, this time it feels like the vocals are coming straight from somebody in the room with you, something I applaud these days.

2. The guitars on this album are plainly....wacky. They has such a dynamic range, as well as also sounding like they are real. They change so much throughout the song, from rigid, sharp riffs and then to wet, soft arpeggios. It is truly a rollercoaster ride. If you're not a fan of diversity, odds are this album will throw you for a loop (rollercoaster...loop...)and you probably won't like it very much. However, if you have a short attention span, like I do, you'll love it because with every song, and every next track click, it'll be something new, and even when you think you have the song pinned down, they throw something ELSE in. It's truly unique.

3. Drums so raw, make you wanna smack yo' momma.
Alright, here's the thing drummers. I know you. You're the ones who are always hitting shit all the time, and trying to be as loud as you can always. Emery applauds your style with their own. These drums are LOUD. These drums are DIRTY. These drums SPEAK. You can hear the cymbals, crashing through the mix, you can hear the deepest lows and shrillest highs imaginable. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. The Rawness of this album is spectacular. They've made it so you feel at home when you listen. You feel like they're in front of you, or in the same room with you when you listen. They are your new best friends. As for the beats and technicality of the drums, it's pretty good. The drums vary as much as the guitars do, so it's always a surprise again. Just like on the last albums, there are some funky beats, and there are some heavy beats, but suffice it to say both are done perfectly. They draw attention, but not so much that it takes away from the song.

4. Bass Fishing Well, I will have to say, yet again that the bass is there, and it does it's job, but never really gets the chance to shine. I know that bassists out there are reading my posts and getting miffed at me, but I can't report on what isn't outstanding. The bass is good, don't get me wrong, but it doesn't stand out. Also, Suffice it to say the songs wouldn't be as good without the bass, but I didn't scream to the heavens when I heard it. I'll try and look for a bass oriented album for all you bassists, but If i can't find one, and you're band has one, send it to the sister site: Up and Coming Music: Unsigned. I'll review it and put it up there.

Rockafeller's Resolution: This is altogether a REAL album. The dynamics are there, the feeling is there, and it hits pretty hard. Everything blends together really well, and nothing is overproduced. Emery's "I'm only a man" lives up to it's name. In a world of overproduced albums, Emery takes a step back and let's you know that they too, are people, and not just autotuned voices.

Life In Your Way - Waking Giants

2007-09-25T21:12:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody, just checked this band out today while scrolling through countless pages. Upon first listen, I found them to be quite evoking for a few reasons. Primarily, (something we haven't covered much recently) the impressive synchronization of the songs. Even when you first rip the shrink wrap off of the album, you begin to listen, and realize how tight this band is: as in their drum rolls and guitar notes. At some points it even has a prog feel to it. If you're a drummer, and you like the harder music, this is definitely for you. I'm rambling as always. In short: It's not the best thing I've ever heard, but it's definitely worth a gander.

New Music: Life In Your Way!

First thing's first: I'm not going to recommend this album as a must have or dump on it, it's just one of those things I found intriguing, so I'm gonna post about it. It's on of those things you'll just have to listen to and figure it out for yourself. I will tell you though, a good track to start with that encompasses their entire sound in one song would be: We Don't Believe

Heck, I'll even throw in the myspace URL: http://www.myspace.com/lifeinyourway
(I'm such a nice guy)

If that song doesn't tickle your fancy, this album might not be for you. Ok, onward!

Guitars: It's hard to explain these guitars, but think of a mix between As Cities Burn and Underoath. It's not exact, because obviously every band varies, but they have those half dirty chords, with pretty arpeggios thrown in. It's quite a unique blend, and I have to be honest, this paired with the harder synchronization proves a dynamic, yet melodic blend. They do experiment with a few weird rhythms (notice they're weird, not odd time, proggies don't get too excited)

All in all the guitars are pretty damn good. They vary a lot, so if you have a short attention span, (like I do sometimes) you'll love the diversity.

Vocals: Alright, this is where the quality can get questionable. If you're a fan of balls-out screaming this album should tickle your erogenous zone (or peepee for those youngins....maybe that crossed the line). Anyway, I predict this to be a love of hate kind of thing when the band's marketability comes into play. Some bands boast a Jeckyl and Hyde type persona, but this is truly a prime example. Just go get a gander on it...don't worry I'll wait...seriously, we're waiting.

Drums and Bass Boyeee!!: Well, like I said before, that synchro is awesome. Truly, it takes talent to write some of that into your songs, however, other than that the drumming can be a little dull. Now, this being the first time I've encountered this band, I can't base the drummer's skill on past releases, so I'm not sure if he is indeed just playing what's needed, or he's just mediocre. I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, just because he is the backbone for some of those "weird" rhythms. As for the bass: I wish I had more to write about guys and gals, but this is just plain ol' bass guitar from what I can tell. It's not bad though, it fits right in where it needs to go, but It would be nice if he got more breakdown, intro, outro parts etc.

Rockafeller's Resolution: Well, this album is a good one, and If you're jamming out some older stuff, and you're sick of it, this could very well be that album you've been waiting for, but my writing could very well be in vain. Like I said, it's going to be a love/hate, a bush/kerry, or even a butter/margarine type deal. Accept it folks, that butter / margarine thing was gold, literally...oh man...I'm on fiya!

Every Time I Die - The Big Dirty

2007-09-23T20:17:00.000-07:00

Ahh... Every Time I Die. These boys hardly ever dissapoint, however they can sometimes play to odd for their own good, shattering what little catchiness they have. As with their first album: Hot Damn, and then Gutter Phenomenon, The Big Dirty promises a blistering barrage of down and "dirty" (ohhh, im clever) southern chunk riffs over and over (which is always fun). In my personal belief, The Big Dirty as an album name comes closest to describing what Every Time I Die has evolved into: A hellish wildcat, spewing dirt and prophecy from it's mouth, while shredding the grass with it's claws, and ultimately putting just enough force into you to make it interesting. Let's get this shindig started: It's the Big Dirty.

New Music: Every Time I Die!

What's first? Let's start with Keith Buckley, the rant and rave of Every Time I Die.

Keith has always been a powerhouse vocalist, even back in the old day, however, the one thing that shines through in The Big Dirty, is: confidence. Keith has grown from a singer, who pushed the limits every once in a while, to a full blown confidant lunatic. Just by listening to some of the lyrics, one begins to ponder why he isn't locked up, but it's quite entertaining to say the least. Wait, is it time for the Keith Buckley Lyric-off? *judges?*....yes, I believe it is.

1. No Son of Mine: We’ve drained full confession booths, polluted drinking wells with our repentances and then stood, grinning with our arm around shoulders of a rotting child. Hold that pose! Provisional, arrogant little pigs who devour their siblings. Shoot that dog if we can’t afford to feed. Shoot that dog if we can’t afford to feed.

2. We'reWolf: turn the lights off, turn the lights off daddy better lock up his girl say a prayer boy, call on the cops? cause you ain't gotta run when the music comes on. board up the doors, the windows and keep your crying under your breath.Cause I smell a drop of fear in a ten gallon tank and I'm movin' in for the kill.

He's just crazy enough to be awesome

What's that? You hear a noise? Well what does it sound like?....Bendy, and drunk? Ahhh, Every Time I Die must be playing guitar.

That's right folks, I said, for the record that Every Time I Die's guitars sound drunk, and if you think it's a beer drunk, you're mistaken. These boys have truly harnessed the spirit of AC/DC, the grit of ZZ Top, and the drunken dad at a birthday party belligerence and rolled it into on fat ass tone. One of the main things on this album that keeps me coming back for more is that guitar. It's one that (if it could speak) would tell of tales when rock was rock, and things were much simpler. It is one, that would tell of just plainly rocking, without the thought of doing anything else. This is, in a nutshell, what Every Time I Die has done, especially on the big dirty. They don't concern themselves with shredding, or overly technical things. They concern themselves with making you move, and that's exactly what they do.

Ze Drums

The Drums on this album, are so cleverly monotonous, that they provide just the foundation for the rock. Too many drummers (and musicians in general) concern themselves with being the center of attention all the time, and this is just not the case with the Big Dirty. The Rhythm section is strong, but not too strong. It'll carry you where you need to go, without frying your brain. Michael Novak is no slouch, but he knows that too much crowds the music.

We goin' fishin? Hell no, Bass is not a fish.

Now, I know I've been telling you how awesome everything on this album is so far, but I would be lying if I didn't say I wasn't a little disappointed with the bass. There are no drops to speak of, and the difference between bass and guitar is hardly discernible. There's nothing really wrong with it, but there's nothing really spectacular about it either. So there you have it, my first rag on a band member. I guess it had to happen sometime.

Rockafeller's Resolution: Every Time I Die has launched this feral monstrosity, including pounding drums, wet, drunk ass guitars, and the extroverted, maniacal vocals that are Keith Buckley's own...and bass. The Big Dirty is a work of art that rocks you in such a way that even the Virgin Mary would end her day screaming: "You don't live 'til you're ready to die."

Hopesfall - Magnetic North

2007-09-18T12:29:00.000-07:00

The new album from Hopesfall pushes some limits, but accepts some as well. I have been listening to and following these boys for some time, and the most evident thing that shines through on this album is: (drumroll) maturity. Hopesfall has made a significant breakthrough in letting people know that they are serious, and that they're doing what they want now. This is not to say that Hopesfall has been a sellout band, but as with every band, I get the feeling from their other albums, that they were at least in a small way, attempting to write for the fans. This time, they're writing for themselves.

New Music: Hopesfall!

1. Rx Contender The Pretender

First of all, let it be known that I bought this cd completely on a hunch. I had heard Hopesfall's other stuff, so I gave this a gander. Upon the first sonic imprint, I had an epiphany. This was a new band, and It was surprising how quickly the realization came to me. From the rapid, stony bass drum to the frantic vocals of Jay Forrest, it is a completely new experience. This is the song that sucked me in and left me wanting more, so it's a good starting point. It's a phenomenal song, but even if you aren't particulary partial, there are tons of new elements waiting right around the corner, so don't give up on it.

2. Well, any definition of good has to be relative, so...
let's stack Magnetic North up to the guys' other releases

The Sattelite Years: First of all, if you're looking for the Sattelite years, part two, you won't find it within the confinds of Magnetic North. What you will find are the best parts of the Satellite years blended with a newer, catchier sound. I would even go to say that Magnetic North is a cleaner album than The Satellite Years, but if you're looking for that progressive experience, you're not going to find in with Magnetic North.

A-Types: Magnetic North is closest to A-Types in terms of song structure, guitars, and rythms, but don't get me wrong, this isn't A-Types. When I first bought A-Types, I was expecting The Satellite Years, Part II, and because it wasn't that, I didn't like it as much then, as I do now. Hopesfall broke all boundaries when they released A-Types. It showed that post-hardcore can indeed be catchy and heavy at the same time. All in all, a great album. If you need a part II from any previous album (like I did), It would hands down be A-Types. The main differences being that while A-Types took you to the atmosphere, Magnetic North takes you to the stratosphere, and while A-Types delivered a steady stream of catchy rock, Magnetic North will take you for an unexpected spin every once in a while.

Rockafeller's Resolution:

Magnetic North, from Hopesfall is a terrific album. The vocals are catchy, but honest. The guitars are heavy, yet spacy, the drums are heavy, but sullen, and the bass give it just that boost it needs to bring the entire piece together. Altogether, Hopesfall has always been a good band, but they're showing me now the capability of being a great band.

As Cities Burn - Come Now Sleep

2007-09-17T17:49:00.000-07:00

Ahh yes...the first primordial post. What better to describe one's thoughts or feeling than a list. Let's begin this (arguably) delicious, decadent rant and rave that is The Undersound. Today's article, the new Album from As Cities Burn: Come Now Sleep.

New Music: As Cities Burn!

1. Phenomenal guitar playing as we can normally expect from As Cities Burn.
Their chords are as fat as ever, and resonate even more in your minds eye, creating not only a more atmospheric effect, but as a more intimate experience.

2. The loss (and gain) of a vocalist.
Though as cities burn has always had two vocalists, and both have always been mediocre to good at what they did, the absence of one, in this case, leads to a better overall experience, and a highly prophetical sound that one can easily relate to. It gives you a glimpse into the mind of just one individual, which also leads to a more intimate experience. As far as the sound and style of the vocals themselves....plainly...great. The albums first gem, "Contact" starts with a slothy guitar that brings you down and prepares you, then is accompanied by Cody's vocals. It's an introspective piece to say the least, and just by listening to that first track (headphones if you've got em, oh yeah), you know it's going to be a great ride.

3. As much as As Cities Burn (as As, holy shister) captivates our mind's eye with their airy, atmospheric guitars... and intimate vocals, which ring unnaturally genuine compared to other bands of the type, the drums and bass are equally amazing. Though not revolutionary, they do exactly what they're supposed to do, and do it at the very best. Trust me when I say the rhythm section is as tight and amazingly accurate than even before. It's as if Colin and Aaron share a mind, and a flow, the likes of which is particulary uncommon in todays music.

Rockafeller's Resolution:

In a time of regurgitated power chords, the boys from As Cities Burn crack the mold of new rock over their knees, and bring you amazingly atmospheric, ultimately intimate rock. With so many copycat bands, it's nice to at least see this one that broke away, but can still be catchy, while playing complex, "just right" music. Hats off gentlemen, every band is out to make a buck, but contrary to the norm, these guys actually earn it.

Technorati Profile

Up and Coming? Who's coming?

2007-09-15T19:17:00.001-07:00

This being the first post, first of all I'd like to express a little bit about myself. I'm a suburban guy, who just really really likes (and hates some of the things being passed of as) music. Once upon a time, every day, I find myself browsing the internet in hopes of finding something new, something hot (and maybe a bit sexy) to fulfill my musical taste and give me that proverbial boost that we all crave when listening to music. No matter how much you like a band, and how many times you hit that back button on your cd player (or iPod for you fancy shmancy folks), you'll still tire of it at some point of another. This blog exists to try and take the mower to some of those "weeds" that we find in the search for new music, and get to the rich roots of the music tree. (Ahh...Foliage....)

Anywho, I figured that in an initial post, some things need to be stated!

1. If you disagree with me, tell me, and tell me your true feelings. Where else can the faceless combat each other in bold face letters and all caps than the internet? Let's get some conversation and heated debate in this sandbox, and if you do agree, me love you long time.

2. Ahem, Further, if theres something I'm overlooking or a new artist you find incredible seeeeeeennnnndddd mehhhhh sssooooooommmmmeeeeeee comments! That's half the
reason this blog exists, to try and network us critics together and get some goodness brewing.

3. SEND ME COMMENTS ON WHAT TO PUT DOWN FOR THREE.
(Why make a list if you can't even get to three?)

Anyway, now that we're done with the stream of consciousness, I'm off to do research on some bands that will open the first actual post, be it digging up dirt, or dusting off my pedestal for a new band that tickles my fancy. Also, check out my friend's site! dining tables