I like to listen to music new, old and everything in between. I also have no issue giving something a listen I never heard before. For example at a recent show a song came on the PA so I asked what tune that was. Well, I asked my wife to ask. No soundman would ignore her whereas I am easily ignored! It was “Spanish Stroll” by Mink DeVille….from 1977! Somehow I totally missed out on this band and awesome song(s). So here I am to introduce 5 bands I have never heard of before, well one only briefly, and having given their upcoming/recent releases a listen my thoughts follow.
Consider this Blair’s New & Noteworthy section (thanks Meister for the title!), I think each band has something to offer for a variety of taste.
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21 Octayne: 2.0 (Release Date: October 16, 2015)
This band hails from Germany, a 3 piece, and this is their second release hence the name I suppose. Very good and catchy tunes! A heavier Bon Jovi (heck a bucket of feathers has been heavier the last 2 decades!) with a 90’s edginess to them. The guitar is outstanding. They can go from slower ballad style song to a thundering metal sound in one song. My only beef is the vocals are a tad too close to Nickelback styling sometimes, not all the time thankfully. You may recognize the singer from the reformed in 2009 The Joe Perry Project. Sometimes they are more along a Buckcherry style.
Worth a listen, I can see this band progressing and rounding out very well if given the chance.
Tracks to try: “When You Go” ( a radio friendly song) / “Devil in Disguise” (a rocker!) / “Fly With Me” ( a stomper!)
21 Octayne Website / 21 Octayne Facebook
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42 Decibel: Rolling in Town (Release Date: October 2, 2015)
Another sophomore effort, and isn’t it amusing that 42 is double 21? This was not planned, just noticed. The band, 42 Decibel, is from Argentina and from their first song; “Can’t Keep Control”, I can hear the Bon Scott era influence. I believe this sums them up very well “Our music doesn’t attempt to raise any particularly complex issues, it’s based pure and simple on a conscious vintage aesthetic, a traditional sound and the essence of classic rock and blues,” explains drummer and founding member Nicko Cambiasso.
While I tend to lean towards Brian Johnson era AC/DC and less towards blues forward rock, if you like straight ahead rock n’ roll twanged blues I have no doubt you would enjoy this.
Tracks to try: “Can’t Keep Control”
BUY: 42 Decibel-Rolling in Town
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High Heeler: Force and Finesse (Release Date: October 31, 2015)
Fifteen years in the making since their formation, this first full-length release from Vienna-based High Heeler is heavy on the image and polished sound of 80’s era power pop metal. The album name is apropos, it is Force and Finesse.
I am duly impressed with the sound all around from double bass drums, dueling guitars and backing vocals, as well the attitude of the songs. Could be compared musically to The Darkness however nowhere near their high pitched vocals, which I happen to love, however, the vocals from High Heeler are more on the lower end and fit very well.
Band members are Poison Poser, CC Stiletto, Andee Overtone & Dynamike.
Very worthwhile listen should your preference of sounds fit the description above.
Tracks to try: “Au Revoir” / “Axe in Hand” / “Midnight Angel”
High Heeler Website / High Heeler Facebook
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The Jokers: Hurricane (Release Date: October 16, 2015)
Their 3rd release, the band formed in Liverpool, England in 2005 keeps delivering on their brand of rock n’ roll which is hook-heavy with clean vocals. Having heard of The Jokers from Joe Elliott who seems to have been a fan from their beginning and their touring together. A classic rock sound is evident throughout. I always like when I listen to a record and instantly want to see a band live, that is usually a good indication for me. I can imagine the stage swagger The Jokers have. There have been comparisons to The Black Crowes and I can hear why, in fact, I can hear an evolution of that comparison I don’t think the Crowes ever managed for me. On a side note, the cover art is fantastic, something that has been lost since the digital distribution (de)evolution of music.
The record begins with a fine rocking song, then moves into a 60’s style groove for the next tune. My only beef is the middle album syndrome which occurs with a couple of tracks; both beautiful songs but could be distributed throughout rather than back to back. Not a real issue, just my own! Things pick back up on for a strong rockin’ finish.
A definite worthwhile listen.
Track to try: “Run 4 Cover” / “Hurricane” / “Silver City”
The Jokers Website / The Jokers Facebook
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Voodoo Hill: Waterfall (Release Date: October 16, 2015)
Another 3rd release from a band that has been around since 2000, this release has been 10 years in the making. More of a melding of minds, from Italian Dario Mollo and Glenn Hughes. Yes, that Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple and Black Sabbath. The song structures are strong and based on the 70’s era hard rock sound with good melodic backing vocals and the sultry style lead vocals. Having never been a complete listener of Deep Purple/Led Zeppelin/Rainbow/Black Sabbath, please forgive me, I do like the occasional song from each I tend to prefer either much heavier such as Judas Priest or much lighter and fluffier (which is why I love the Priest Turbo record). That being said these are songs I can listen to and appreciate.
Tracks to try: “All That Remains” / “Waterfall” / “Evil Thing”
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- Blair De Abreu
