AWOLNATION - New Single 'Windows'

"Windows" finds AWOLNATION mastermind Aaron Bruno searching for a balance between blissful and abrasive: Over sparse, bass-heavy production, Bruno lets his voice run ragged before jumping into his upper register as a soft piano line tumbles out of nowhere. Bit by bit, the song melds the two sections together until they combine at the end, as Bruno howls over thumping drums and delicately anthemic piano. excerpt courtesy of ROLLING STONE 
LOve this SOng

Paranoia - The Neo-Kalashnikovs (an exclusive music video debut)

The Neo-Kalashnikovs release their latest music video "Paranoia" directed by the talented Nick Tidmarsh (Graduate of Design Unitec). As one of The Neo-Kalashnikovs in house directors he has created what the band labels as ecstasy in motion underscored by hear hitting rock. Gabriel the frenetic bass player who has also studied classical piano for 4 years said;

 "This is just what the band wanted, something to get the people fired up like Fish Filet" 

Lead singer Volita Bioletti was also beaming from the bands latest video release for "Paranoia" she said to me that she is so proud of the Neos for creating the track under heavy time constraints in the studio. She told me the recording took place in Point Chev Auckland, NZ at Tonewheel studios. I talked to her over the phone after the release, she said;

"Recording Paranoia was done fast, like the band had learnt the track the night before we were slamming it out a little sleep deprived (laughs) the next day in the studio. By the way we used some un-conventional microphone techniques to get the vocal sound which was something we were aiming for as a nod to our rock influences like the nine inch nails. Also if it wasn't for producer Justin James who worked tirelessly to create our vision this song would have been destined to be a no show, stuck in the vault as a draft. 

But you know, everyone rose to the occasion and were so glad we can present it to all our loyal fans. Paranoia is off our album "She's on Heat" which is available as a instant download so everyone can share our art, but anyone who buy it from our bandcamp gets a credit on the next album coming soon"

They're you have it guys rock music for all 

The Neo-Kalashnikovs "She's on Heat" instant download

The Neo-Kalashnikovs "She's on Heat" Instant album download

After playing together as a band for 5 years the L.A rockers The Neo-Kalashnikovs release their debut album to all their fans as a free download. If you like Lana Del Ray and Paramore this albums for you and remember to listen to it loud !

(click on the album for an instant download of pop rock goodness)

Clap Clap Riots' "Counting Spins" = Rock with Attitude

An album review of Clap Clap Riot's: Counting Spins 

Clap Clap Riots debut album Counting Spins has been finished to an extremely high standard that demands respect. Any rock musician or rock fan knows that budgets are tight and sales are down so when a flawlessly produced album drops its serious stuff. I also vividly remember catching the members talking about how they financed the album by the dearest mother getting a bank loan which I had real respect for. To me this album reeks of well spent money that is undeniably world-class. The actions of the young men to carve out such a strong album with a lot on the line is impressive. Pressure who needs it. 

From the "Kasabian-esque" guitar tone and thundering bass drum of opening track "Holiday" a dynamic rock sound erupts from my speakers. For a second it causes me to abruptly think about Clap Clap Riot as a band objectively. I personally believe it's important to note their original approach is direction that is not strictly commercial or alternative but somewhere in-between which is better. I'm not saying that all NZ bands aren't original but unique pieces of art in NZ music in most cases aren't always truly realized. I personal believe that being located so far away from any real music hot-spots globally NZ bands do have a tendency to follow instead of lead .However, the wickedly phased guitars and gated claps of "Moss-haired girl" are a testament to a band that flourishes under the imaginative pressures in the studio. Once in full swing "Moss haired girl" really comes alive chugging along like a testosterone fueled Ozzfest at it's peak. The solid groove and playful lyrics I strongly believe would do well on radio (perhaps not an obvious pick but a strong one nevertheless).

The evocative lyrics of Counting Spins also adds a great deal of weight to the L.P making for a great aesthetic experience. My favorite track based on lyrics is 'Forget You'. Clearly a therapeutic break up song the simple chorus "I won't forget you baby" really hits home. This song really has a strong feeling of emotion within it. By listening to the song I actually feel a feeling of genuine love in the singers voice and that maybe overly romantic but I definitely think that he's working out some heavy emotional issues because "he's so cold- so cold". 

As a rock music fan I know that there is always a struggle to keep up with pop musics boundary pushing production level standards. Maria and the diamonds latest album and Katy Perry's music are a testament to the level of U.S/U.K's music production prowess. Fortunately Counting Spins is easily equal. It's first single 'So You Say' has achieved fantastic results of heavy rotation on all the major radio stations in NZ and has stormed the itunes rock charts for multiple weeks. I highly recommend this album!.

Moss

The Neo-Kalashnikovs: She's On Heat

The Neo-Kalashnikovs: She's On Heat

[Here's a link to the album for instant download http://www.mediafire.com/?o58i803sulne38t  ]  

If you have ever wanted a record that brought back those pre 1990's vibes of 

hard rocking Nirvana She's on Heat is for you. Hailing from Auckland 

The Neo-Kalashnikovs know how to rock. From the drum shattering start of 

"Bohemia" a song reminiscent of Metillica's "Nothing else matters" I like it … lots.

Before I listened to She's on Heat I had the pleasure of talking to guitarist Volita Bioletti about her debut album. She said that her aim was to define a movement towards rock without the manufactured stupid girl stereotype. Judging from the first song off the album "Diamonds" I think she's achieved just that. From the twangy sting of what most certainly is a Gibson guitar my speakers imploded. However, what I really like about the lead single "Diamonds" is it's vintage distorted vocals that sound like lead singer Volita is singing down a well in Siberia.

My second favorite song off the swelteringly hot under the collar album was "Shining Star". It's more relaxed tone has a depth lyrically that punches home a theme of love with some tasty banjo. "In a State of Paranoia" was also a real stand out with a reminiscent Yeah Yeah Yeahs swag. Sick.

Gee Gee (L.A Rocker)