KrashKarma - Falling To Pieces (2023)

I am always a little apprehensive when listening to new music. In my honest opinion, it is littered with rubbish & drivel. This was tagged as Alternative Metal, Nu-Metal. My audio horizons are vast. I listen to it all if it sounds good to me. I like what I like. Not a fan of the Cookie Monster vocals, or harder faster, musician that turn music to noise. I need a melody, I love harmonies, and I love a good hook. Who doesn’t? Nonetheless, I gave this a listen. Starts out with a typical nu-metal growl, instantly said to myself, “oh boy here we go, wait…. was that a woman?... Not a fan of growling women in nu-metal. Woah, great guitars and drums here…wait, she is singing, and she’s great! Complimented by his growlish vocals. This is awesome. The chorus is the hook for me that works, as well as the vocal break after the unique and astounding guitar solo. This song is fantastic!! It’s an official video and, wait, are there only two people in this band? Clearly I hear more than one guitar and bass. Do a little research, and yes they are a duo. Incredible… His guitar has two pick ups, one standard guitar, and one bass. Add some effect pedals and you got yourself a full sound. I did watch some live performances, where some of it is more like performance art, but this song at least is worth a listen.

Crashing Wayward - Listen! (2023)

The song I selected randomly was Disco Kills. Very grungy, dirty, gritty all in a good way.Overall it's not bad. It's not my favorite sound/genre being today's Modern Rock, as it's a bit drab, and dreary. There is some good musicanship in here. Vocals, guitars and drums are solid. I may listen to a few more later on. I give it a 5 out of 10.

The Ben Cote Band - Use It Or Lost It (2023)

The song I listened to is called Strike First. Starts out very synthy, and weak. Then the drums kick in, those sucked and sound looped. Once the guitar kicks in, this is where is takes off. The guitar is stellar!! This might be a guy in his self made studio who put this together, because everything but the guitar is generic. No vocals.. So I will listen to another one to see if this is self made instrumental release. Next one I listened to is Take The Past Away. THis one had vocals, not the best not the worst. I may give this a listen to, it has some promise. 4 out of 5 stars for me.

Give It a Listen!

Joan Jett - If You're Blue (2023)

 Joan Jett - If You're Blue (2023)

I have been a Joan Jett since The Runaways, but perhaps my musical taste has changed or I expected more. This is nothing special. It's typical Joan Jett, but it's seems more like a sitcom theme than a hit single. I do give her credit for still being out there, but nothing here makes me want to hear more. If you listen to Whiskey Goes Good, it will make If You're Blue even better. 4 out of 10. Give it a Listen!

Leathürbitch - The Dark Mirror (2023)

Leathürbitch - The Dark Mirror (2023)

Never heard of these guys before, the song I listened to was one they had a video release for. It's from their 2023 Shattered Vanity release. Musically I enjoyed this as it's reminiscent to the NWOBHM era, but vocally, the falsetto singing is a bit over the top and gets a bit on my nerves, a bit like King Diamond. I did enjoy his very last scream though. If it wasn't for the vocals, I may want to hear some more but I will pass on this, 4 out of 10. Give it a listen!

Band Of Brothers - Ship Of Fools (2023)

Band Of Brothers - Ship Of Fools (2023)

Based on looks alone, I did not know what to expect. It's a tip of the hat to 80s hard rock, but it's nothing special. The music is simplistic, which isn't bad, but it fairly redundant and lacks depth. Vocally it's reminds me of Ray Gillan's vocals during his stint with Black Sabbath. Somewhat monotone delivery with an occasional inflection. From what I heard the chances of me picking this up and listening to more is about 4 out of 10. Give it a listen here.