Album Review:: Watching the Sky | Sheppard

So, full disclosure: I didn’t even know this album was coming. And that was such a treat, because I’ve been wanting more from this band for a while. I was a big fan of 2015’s Bombs Away, and their set in Albany when they rolled through town a year or two ago was a blast. So, when I heard Sheppard were finally back for their follow-up, I was eager to see where these last three years have brought them.

The angelic, calm introduction “Watching the Sky” begins the album on a build, dropping directly into “Coming Home” after a brief minute-long instrumental. Early on, it seems like during this gap between albums, the six-piece perfected their layered, swirling-vocals brand of pop, and Exhibit A shows its face immediately. Following right on its heels is “Keep Me Crazy,” another top pick, with George Sheppard carrying the weight. Sister/co-vocalist Amy takes the reins on “Love Me Now,” a swaying, swooning example of the success that Sheppard’s multi-vocalist formula can create.

Watching the Sky has its patches of clouds. There are things that I’m probably just nitpicking (and I’ll admit I am), that aren’t quite negatives, but could be better. “We Belong” is good, and it only reaches “good.” The pre-chorus of “now that we’ve lit this fire / we’ve got to fan the flame” has the potential for a huge note, but instead gets held in-check. Like I said, still good, it just could have hit a peak. Amy’s strong vocals on “Live For You”  reinforce this notion, proving she can deliver. Here, however, a powerful vocal performance can’t fully recover from the cringeworthy lyrics  – “Are we really breaking up / Wasn’t I enough for you / I gave my very best / But I failed every test you put me through.” It salvages itself, for the most part, but the first impression is a wince.

“Choke” is catchy and “It’s been a little while since you even said a word / if you never get to first then you’ll never get to third” is a great line but the track feels like Macarena 2.0 and I can’t shake that comparison. Sorry. And I swear, I’ll get back to more positives very soon, but I there’s one more moment I need to mention and if you’ve heard the album you know exactly what it is. “Edge Of the Night” is an upbeat, funky dancealong. And then out of nowhere, it drops into an almost comically deep-voiced chorus that is too sexy for itself. And yet, here I am again, convincing myself that it doesn’t not work? It’s wild and unexpected and confusing and I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t at least fun. Plus, if you imagine Amy Sheppard as the one bellowing along, it makes it much better.

As promised, there’s more here to be appreciated. After the lukewarm “Live For You,” “Sorry” is the perfect reset; a wall-shaking power ballad with some of George’s best contribution on the record. Saving the best for [near] last, “Castaways” makes a late appearance and a lasting impact; a track so perfect for summer you’ll wish it were longer than just three months. Last, “I Was Lost” is a culmination of everything Sheppard can do well and know they do well. Starting gentle, it builds and adds elements throughout, with both Sheppards’ voices bouncing off one another as it gains momentum before a soaring conclusion.

After a week of play-throughs, I was torn. Still kind of am, if we’re being honest. On one hand, I told myself Watching the Sky doesn’t really do a whole lot of anything drastically new, so I should be bummed, right? But on the other, that’s not to say it’s all just more of the same here. Where they have found their best success – bold, bright, infectious pop music, these aspects are more refined and expanded on than ever. So where it might seem similar to things you’ve heard, it’s a better version of that. Like I said, I’m torn. So I’ll say this: some moments fizzle and some lyrics fall flat here and there, but all in all, Watching the Sky is a fun, energetic celebration that has the band showcasing great improvements and big steps forward.

Release Date: June 8th, 2018
Rating: 3.33/5
Run Time:

Check Out: “Castaways,” “Keep Me Crazy,” “Sorry”
For Fans Of: Bleachers, MisterWives, Gin Wigmore

Track Listing:
1. Watching the Sky
2. Coming Home
3. Keep Me Crazy
4. Love Me Now
5. We Belong
6. Edge of the Night
7. Live for You
8. Sorry
9. Choke
10. Call Me Up
11. Hometown
12. Castaways
13. Ride the Wave
14. I Was Lost

The Weather Report: Rich Aucoin

Canadian singer/songwriter Rich Aucoin has never been one to do things normally. On top of executing his musical releases in brilliant ways, such as how his debut EP Personal Publication syncs up perfectly with How The Grinch Stole Christmas, he is also an extraordinary person looking to give back to the community. He previously biked across Canada and back, running a half-marathon in every city and raising money for childhood leukemia research for The Childhood Cancer Foundation. As if that wasn’t enough, Aucoin decided on round two, an untraditional tour titled Press On where he rode his bicycle from Los Angeles to New York,  raising awareness for mental health by donating 100% of tour proceeds to Mental Health America and The Canadian Mental Health Association. 

Needless to say, when we heard about Rich Aucoin’s mission to raise money for mental health, we knew we had to ask him the question: If you were the sky, what kind of day would you be? You can read Aucoin’s Weather Report below.

Album Review: Here We Go Love | The English Beat

The English Beat have returned to the scene with their first album since 1982’s Special Beat Service. A lot has happened since then, much less in the short span between their 1980 debut I Just Can’t Stop It and 1981’s Wha’ppen? which denoted a departure in sound from their ska influences towards Caribbean and Roots Reggae. The English Beat is known for taking fun and sunny tropical arrangements with subject matters that are dark, frank and cerebral. With the release of Here We Go Love, a title that indicates optimism, we dive into lyrics that are even more unsettling with an undercurrent of dread. This would seem appropriate, given the current political climate, and it would seem Dave Wakeling has decided, with decades of observation under his belt, that this would be the time to release a new album.

Here We Go Love is a collection of songs that have the same frantic energy and frenzy of their debut album. The album still has a familiar feel, with melodies that are reminiscent of their two tone ska days but with a modern kick utilizing lyrics that pertain to the today’s climate (lyrics that may be categorized as dark, confused, questioning, and pessimistic). In other words, it’s a natural progression in the band’s sound over the last few decades, a progression which we had not heard until now, where it was built up to a loud crescendo in the form of this release. The songs still retain the bright, Calypso-infused feel, but lyrically, Dave goes into the paranoia, fear, and corruption of the 21st century.

The album opens up with “How Can You Stand There,” a catchy organ opens up before going into a steady, rhythmic ska beat. The track explodes with upbeat energy while the lyrics draws on themes of taking action at a time of despair. The production on the album is superb, making use of the clarity of each instrument- like an 80’s production with an extra sheen. The lyrics here are intelligent and expressive, drawing upon themes of a tumultuous time within the last few years. The tunes are catchy, as to be expected, and the rhythm section is thumping, fast, and driving.

“The One and the Only,” a surprisingly cynical song, has a lovely piano solo in the middle of the song that breaks up a song about an unlikeable man. The song deals with themes of blame and finger pointing and, according to Wakeling, examines “the Donald Trump in all of us. The cutting condemnation of leaders and situations leads to multiple use of expletives scattered throughout the album, which juxtaposes with the cheery, happy-go-lucky melody and upbeat instrumentation. The song, “Here We Go Love,” has a carefree attitude, yet questions the logic of that attitude- “sick and tired, mad as fuck, that much lying can’t stand up,” Wakeling surfs through a pulsating drumming section and background vocals while simultaneously proclaiming, here is what I want to say, take it or leave it.

The album becomes a musical rollercoaster as the the music and themes become two separate entities, yet there are moments of earnest happiness. “The Love You Give” starts off with an excellent guitar lick and, as a change of pace, has optimistically romantic lyrics that may be jarring yet provide reprieve from the darkness. “Every Time You Told Me” has a danceable, grooving background chorus – “I told you I told you I told you” that I found to be irresistible. Every song here has a strong hook that keeps the album moving at a breathy pace, despite a runtime of almost an hour.

Here We Go Love is a very clever album, one that may not reveal its sophistication upon an initial listen. You’ll find yourself moving to the music, but a close listen will reveal the lyrics of a dark time and coming to terms with it through a bright, splattered burst of Ska, Reggae, Dub, Latin and other tropical influences. The vocals throughout are very strong- I was reminded of Elvis Costello, but backed with even more swagger. The band still retains its edge while creating grooves. They leave no stones unturned, and while the songs themselves may be too heavy under lesser hands, they present it in the from of clear-eyed, rhythmic tunes that instead become healing.

Release Date: June 15, 2018
Rating: 4/5

Track listing:
1. how can you stand there?
2. the one and the only
3. redemption time
4. if killing worked
5. here we go love
6. never die
7. the love you give
8. you really oughtta know
9. you’re stuck
10. every time you told me
11. dem call it ska
12. drive her away
13. be there for you

“a.t.w.” by Ben Khan is your new weekend jam

Grooving the weekend away just got so much easier. Ben Khan has released a truly entrancing song titled “a.t.w. (against the wall)”. You can hear (and dance to) the song below.

If you like what you hear, you’ll want to watch for the London artist’s debut album, due out this summer. In the meantime, you can catch us hitting repeat.

For more on Ben Khan: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Daughtry prepare to rattle the cage

It’s been over two years since Grammy nominated and multi-platinum selling band Daughtry released some new tunes, but guess what? The band is back with a new single and the announcement of their upcoming album, Cage To Rattle. Set for release on July 27th via 19 Recordings/RCA Records, the album is said to be the most challenging release from the band. Frontman Chris Daughtry shares, “It’s a musical stew we’ve been cooking up for more than 2 years and we can’t wait to satisfy the appetites of our amazing fans who’ve been patiently waiting for this record!”

From the album comes lead single, “Deep End,” which you can listen to above! Are you ready to rattle the cage with Daughtry? Pre-order the album and get “Deep End” here!

For more on Daughtry: Facebook | Instagram

Real Friend’s “From The Outside Video” is full of color (and unicorns)

It’s time to celebrate with our Real Friends… the band, of course. The well loved pop punkers have released a new video for their song “From The Outside”, and it’s got us popping champagne.

The colorful flick is full of 70’s vibes and even has a unicorn piñata. The song accompanying it shows how much Real Friends has grown in their time as a band, thanks to a mature edge partnered with their usual hard hitting sound. Watch “From The Outside” above!

For more on Real Friends: Facebook| Twitter | Instagram

The Frights’ video for “Crutch” invites you into their tour van

If you drank ten cups of coffee this morning, you still wouldn’t have as much energy as The Frights’ new music video. The San Diego punk band paired their loud, catchy song “CRUTCH” with a video that makes us want to head out on tour.

Watch along and follow their trip through town to a sold out venue where they will, presumably, play an epic show. Most of the video focuses on the band as they lay head to head in the back of the van (pre-show bonding exercise?) and eat snacks—so yeah, you’re gonna be hungry after this one.

For more on The Frights: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Phish teams up with Ben + Jerry’s to release new ice cream flavor

Whether you’re a Phish fan or just really like ice cream, you’re about to be stoked. Frozen desert gods Ben & Jerry have announced a collaboration to celebrate the 21st anniversary of The Water Wheel Foundation.

The new flavor will be titled “It’s Ice… Cream,” playing on the band’s 1991 track “It’s Ice.” As for what to expect when you take a bite, you’ll be indulging in caramel malt ice cream, almond toffee pieces, fudge fish, and a caramel swirl. Plus, you can avoid sharing by telling everyone it’s fish food (it’s not a total lie, right?)

For more information on when and where you can pick up this sweet treat, head to the Ben & Jerry’s website.

Dance Gavin Dance drops video for “Count Bassy”

Waiting to hear Dance Gavin Dance’s new album when it drops tomorrow? While it’s true that Artificial Skeleton won’t be out for a few more hours, we have something to hold you over until then. The band has dropped a strange and intense video for the song “Count Bassy”.

Centered around a key and the discovery of some photos, the four minute flick can’t be described—so you’ll just have to watch it for yourself. Directed by Mount Emult, it’s truly a wild ride from start to finish. Hit play on the video above!

For more on Dance Gavin Dance: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Sister trio Von Grey release self-directed music video for “Plans”

A few weeks back, I had the chance to catch sister trio Von Grey perform at Mercury Lounge in NYC. I was immediately enamored by the classically trained act whose eerie yet wistful vocals grabbed the attention of every single person in the room – and for good reason. One of my favorite tracks from their set was “Plans,” a track about transition and growth, and earlier this week Von Grey released the accompanying music video.

The video itself is simple. Self-directed and produced by the sisters, the video shows their lives in an unstaged, documentary-type way. Fiona Von Grey explains, “Plans video is a quick, intimate snapshot of our past few years. We’ve been in and out of studios, we’ve been intermittently in school, we’ve collaborated with some stunningly talented individuals, and we’ve changed a lot. This video is a little keepsake for us – a little memory saver.”

“Plans” is the first single off Von Grey’s new EP, In Bloom: Acoustic, set for July 20th, 2018.

For more on Von Grey: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram