Album Review
OF LIMBO Conjures A Modern Hard Rock Classic With “California Demon”
If and when your friends tell you that hard rock is dead, steer them in the direction of this band. OF LIMBO will prove them wrong. Fast.
Led by brothers Jake and Luke Davies, OF LIMBO’s new single “California Demon” satisfies every conceivable requirement for a modern hard rock classic. It’s a slab of molten riffage married with well-orchestrated lighter sections whose union never comes off as forced. I’m a fan of how they balance the dynamics of this song to maximum effect because it shows confidence beyond their years. I came away from this performance convinced that, as much as they show us, I believe they are capable of even more.
The vocals show the same elasticity and confidence. They discharge moments of low-key drama and screaming heights of passion with equal skill. It’s a song that realizes the full potential of its subject matter. Resist the temptation to roll your eyes hearing another hard rock song about making a deal with the devil. Instead, take a listen. OF LIMBO may be treading the path of a timeless story, but they do it with flair and decisiveness that reclaims the subject as their own.
The production flexes impressive muscle. Luke Davies’ guitar attack sounds well-nigh unstoppable and even the transitions between beat your over-the-head riffing and nuanced passages are scorching. All of this is possible thanks to a rock-solid rhythm section that plays hard enough to rattle your sternum. They know how to build a convincing hard rock track from the ground up and the results are masterful.
It doesn’t mess around either. If you are expecting or dreading some lengthy tune showing off pseudo-virtuosity, sweep your concerns aside. OF LIMBO can play, there’s no question of that, but their first instinct is to serve the song and it serves them well. “California Demon” is all killer, no filler, and wrapping these often thunderous proceedings up in less than four minutes suits the song well.
The video is a perfect fit for the track. It’s obvious that the band and their collaborators put a great deal of thought into the video, rather than making some slapdash performance clip. It highlights the band’s physical interaction with the music as well as offering complementary scenes that further illuminate the song. They’ve enlisted the right actors to help convey the song’s story but thankfully never belabor it with pretentious attempts to shoehorn a narrative around the music. They let the song, for the most part, speak for itself.
It’s arguably OF LIMBO’s best single yet. The band’s steady ascent from indie act to marquee-level mainstream hard rock band is happening without compromise or diluting their music. OF LIMBO is arriving on their own terms. “California Demon” provides ample evidence for that and practically crackles with the promise of even greater triumphs to come. This is a band that attacks each new song as if it’s their first and they have something to prove. Give this song a chance and they’ll prove to you that they are one of the best hard rock bands working today.
Christian Gardenhire
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Album Review
Couldn’t Be Happiers unleashes a harmonious ode to modern existence with its EP “Couple(t)s Side A”
Get ready to be enchanted as North Carolina’s folk-rock duo Couldn’t Be Happiers invites listeners into their universally resonant anthems by releasing their eagerly awaited EP masterpiece, “Couple(t)s Side A.” This ambitious and heartfelt six-track collection brimm with introspection, poetic storytelling, and bold sonic exploration. The timeless melodies EP showcases the duo’s signature blend of heart-on-sleeve authenticity and genre-defying artistry.
More than a clever title, “Couple(t)s Side A” celebrates Jodi Hildebran Lee (playing drums, vocals, harmonica) and Jordan Crosby Lee (guitar, vocals) both as a married couple and as fervent admirers of poetic couplets. Produced in collaboration with Doug Davis of Flytrap Music Production, the EP is a testament to the duo’s harmonious synergy that defines their partnership in music and life. Organized thematically into categories of romantic compositions, protest anthems, and folk narrative ballads, the EP interweaves a complex tapestry of emotion, resulting in a work that is both diverse and cohesive.
The EP evocatively begins with “Come Back Tomorrow,” a euphoric folk-rock brilliance brimming with optimism and hope. With assertive harmonies and striking lead vocals, the track embodies a poignant reflection on the resilience of love and community amidst the uncertainties of modern life. The title track, “When I Die,” follows with a soulful warmth that lays bare life’s imperfections through melancholic yet therapeutic tones.
Each subsequent track deepens the EP’s emotional and thematic complexity. “Plastic Bag Odyssey (I’ll Never Die)” delivers a skillfully crafted critique against societal ills, while “Tear It Down” electrifies with timeless folk-infused grooves and emotive instrumentation. The haunting “Devil’s Tramping Ground” pairs dynamic beats with a dreamlike atmosphere, exploring the euphoria of discovery. Closing the EP, “Pretty Polly” leaves an indelible mark with its hauntingly introspective folk narrative, with trembling vibrato and seamless narrative flow.
With robust instrumentation including sousaphone, melodica, accordion, and musical saw, “Couple(t)s Side A” captures the essence of the duo’s dynamic live performances while pushing the boundaries of their artistry. It’s a sonic odyssey that invites listeners into the intimate, heartfelt world of Couldn’t Be Happiers, blending classic folk vibes with modern, introspective charm.
This EP marks a significant milestone in the duo’s growing discography, highlighting their unique approach to songwriting and storytelling. As Couldn’t Be Happiers continues to evolve and innovate, “Couple(t)s Side A” firmly solidifies its place as an exciting rising voice in the folk-rock scene.
For more information about Couldn’t Be Happiers, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Couldn’t Be Happiers’ EP “Couple(t)s Side A“ on Spotify.
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Album Review
Raised on Candy unveils sonic brilliance with its self-titled album that redefines rock’s nostalgia
Raised on Candy, the electrifying rock trio born from the creative pulse of the San Francisco Bay Area and New York Tri-State has unveiled its eponymous debut self-titled album. With a nod to the golden age of ’90s rock and the raw edge of post-punk and shoegaze, the album promises a transcendent journey that redefines modern rock’s emotional and melodic possibilities.
The 12-track opus marks a significant milestone for the band, featuring Joe Penna (vocals/guitar), Scotty Imp (drums/percussion), and Kevin Harris (bass/vocals). Produced by legendary engineer Steve Albini, “Raised on Candy” is rumored to be their final recorded project, adding an air of historical significance to this groundbreaking release.
The album commences with the invigorating track “Nishuane Park,” characterized by an energizing and euphoric melody alongside a compelling rhythm that underscores the evocative potential of rock music. This introductory song is promptly succeeded by the soul-baring “Lonely Bill,” imbued with melancholic undertones and introspective depth. Subsequent tracks such as “Midnight Creeper” and “Rococo” exemplify the band’s sonic versatility for weaving deftness and soulfulness with dynamic guitar and piano interplay to create rich musical pieces that resonate through a timeless lens of the listener’s emotional clarity.
“Raised on Candy” extends beyond a singular vision. The energetic vibrancy of “Like A Bird” juxtaposes with the nostalgic smoothness of “Maxing The Clink,” creating contrasting yet complementary auditory experiences. Furthermore, compositions such as “Reunion,” “The Ponderosa,” and “Big Game Hunter” engage in profound sonic exploration, eliciting deep emotional resonance. Other tracks include “Soft Metal“ and “Ora.” The album culminates with the hauntingly beautiful track “Whisper Me Your Wish,” which envelops listeners in a synthesis of introspection and melodic excellence.
Every track on “Raised on Candy” attests to the band’s meticulous craftsmanship and relentless pursuit of authentic artistic expression. From shimmering guitar melodies to poignant lyricism, the album traverses a vast emotional landscape, cementing the trio’s place as a powerful force in today’s music scene.
Raised on Candy’s self-titled album is a collection of musical expertise and a profoundly personal adventure through the band’s sonic evolution. It’s a must-listen for rock enthusiasts and anyone yearning for an authentic, introspective experience. “Raised on Candy” is poised to resonate with listeners, solidifying the band’s legacy as pioneers of a new rock renaissance.
For more information about Raised on Candy, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Raised on Candy’s Album “Raised on Candy“ on Spotify.
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