Truth Or Sarah
Reviews
Citadel Releases Self-Titled EP
Truth:
Citadel, the project of Justin Chapman has released a self-titled EP. Justin Chapman is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and founder of music subscription startup FeedbackLoop. Citadel was created as a collaborative effort between many of Philadelphia’s biggest singers and songwriters.
“To me this EP (and the project as a whole) is an excuse to get together with the artists I work with as a producer, and take them out of context to write something that neither of us would have written on our own. There’s something to be said for liberating yourself of fan/artist/label expectations and just doing whatever you want. I think it helps keep us on our toes, and keeps our ears fresh. These first four songs also represent a pretty wild and transitional time in my life.”–Chapman
Each song features the talents of vocalists like Lucy Stone, Will Lindsay, and Geoff Vanover, as well as incredible up-and-coming instrumentalists.
Sarah:
With everyone striving to be different in the music industry, many ideas and sounds overlap. As hard as it is to stand out, though, Citadel manages to distinguish itself by bringing people together. The EP commences with a collab between Lucy Stone and Citadel’s Chapman. Stone offers her mesmerizing fairy-ish voice to the enchanting strings-heavy track. The juxtaposition of Stone’s vocals and the haunting chants of the chorus is impeccable; the mixture of genres doesn’t muddy up the song, but rather adds to its charm. The song was smartly released as a single, providing us with a glimpse into the extent of Citadel’s talent, and exposure to the lovely Lucy Stone.
Citadel takes a bold and successful leap from the synth-y “Heartstrings” to the jazzy/disco/acoustic track, “Stand Next To Me.” The steady drums provide the backbone of the dance-y beat infused in the upbeat love song. “Stand Next To Me” has a very radio-friendly appeal, with its pop influences. The simple chorus is catchy as heck, and Miss Stone’s whistle plays a prominent role in the charm of the song.
“…Gravity, gravity pull me right in
if you wanna stand next to me,
I’d understand…”
“Theta” is the interlude of the album. Even without lyrics, the 1 and a half minute track is moving. Citadel helps prove that you don’t need fancy tricks to make a song speak to you.
The EP concludes with “Weight Of The World,” possibly the heaviest song off the album. All four vocals play a part in making the lyrics come to life, and the instrumentalists create a musical world to cushion the emotion the singers evoke. Lindsay, Vanover, and Stone are necessary assets to the emotional side of the song, and Lenny Skolnik’s strings, along with Chapman’s piano/guitar/percussion provide strength to lift the spirits of the song.
“Citadel” is amazing. The EP is unlike musical projects you have heard before. And Citadel’s Chapman understands that it takes a village to raise a (brain)child, so his addition of local talent is wisely used. Each song speaks to listeners in different ways, so the whole album is worth a listen.
LINKS
The Joy Of Painting Drops “Tender Age”
Truth:
From South Division Records comes The Joy of Painting’s latest album, “Tender Age.”
You can order the album on Bandcamp.
Sarah:
Put on your surfing trunks because The Joy of Painting is providing the ultimate wave soundtrack. Reminiscent of Elvis Costello and Weezer, The Joy of Painting gives us a classic rock and roll sound in their album “Tender Age.”
Introducing the album is the confident “High Definitions.” With the swagger and timelessness of an Elvis Presley record, “High Definitions” makes it okay to make pure rock tracks extremely dance-able. The upbeat melodies and fun chorus have a pop quality, but the guitar harmonies and chipper drums are just pure art. The vocals are just as timeless as the melodies; the vocalist effortlessly howls the song title in the chorus, inviting listeners to howl (or squeal) along.
“Dontchu Wanna” was the album’s single, and smartly so. The song talks about the Roaring 20s. And not the 20s that inspired “The Great Gatsby.” This song is about the roaring 20s that a good percent of the American population is in: where we are either in or just getting out of college, looking for a job/girlfriend/place to live/purpose in life (all while trying to have fun). The lyrics hit home for the majority of their target audience:
Dontchu wanna
Get married at 23,
Seal our fate for eternity
And lock up my beating heart in a cage’Cause once in a while I get to thinking
Get to thinking about my life
Nothing’s more pure than correcting your wrongs
Correcting your wrongs to make it right
As scarily true as the lyrics are, the band doesn’t sacrifice their quirky fun sound to get their message across.
“Dontchu Wanna” is packed with pop-influenced melodies that will make you bounce along, even though you’re second-guessing your liberal arts degree.
The album does slow down for “Back To Romance” and “Ghost,” though. “Back To Romance” is as sappy as you’d expect, but it has an old-school Doo-wop love tune vibe. The Joy of Painting does an amazing job of transporting us back to the 50s with “Back to Romance;” it’s unlike most love songs today (“Super Bass” by Nicki Minaj is actually considered a love song). “Ghost” on the other hand, is pretty eerie. It’s beautifully made: the vocals are calming, the guitars and bass flood the speakers with mesmerizing lines, and the drums refrain from overwhelming listeners by relying mostly on light taps and the refreshing cymbals.
“I’m Reeling” is where the vocals stand out. Falsetto after falsetto, the song is fun to listen and sing along to. Plus the raw recording helps you appreciate the depth of talent of not just the vocalist, but the guitarists, bassist, and drummer.
“Good Mood” is a re-released track, and it does just as the title suggests. The high-energy track has enough waking power as a shot of espresso and the easygoing lyrics and melody will just make you feel good. That’s it.
The album ends with “I Didn’t Think,” another song that references the awkward 20s. Again, the band softens the blows of realizing you were born in the 1900s by accompanying the lyrics with a fun beat and energetic delivery.
I wanna do whatever I want to
Even with my reckless ways
When I lay my head down
I didn’t think I’d make it through the dayI know I’m young
but I feel so old
My ankles click
My eyes roll
The Joy of Painting finds a genius niche for themselves with their surf rock/garage pop sound. With thought-provoking lyrics and melodies to die for, “Tender Age” is an album you can’t sleep on. The album title, courtesy of the lyrics of their single “Dontchu Wanna” best describes the band and their listeners: at a “Tender Age.” Writing about personal experiences and subjects that actually relate to them, The Joy of Painting draws in their tender-aged peers to listen and relate to their music.
Make sure you pick it up on Bandcamp!
On My Honor To Release “I Never Deserve The Things I Need” June 11
Truth:
On My Honor is following up their critically acclaimed “Nature & Nurture with their new full-length, “I Never Deserve The Things I Need.” The album, produced by Nick Diener of The Swellers, will be supported as the band goes on tour this summer (and hopefully throughout the year).
The album is slated to be released June 11, and fans can order physical CDs and vinyls by clicking here.
P.S.–On My Honor is now endorsed by Pop Punk Not Pills so make sure you pick up a shirt to dress like the band.
Tracklist:
1. Tired
2. Time to Heal
3. Gypsy Summer
4. Sketchbooks
5. I Never Deserve the Things I Need
6. Say It With The ‘I’
7. A Negative Mind
8. Rafters
9. Indrid Cold
10. Present Tense
Sarah:
On My Honor’s “Nature & Nurture” didn’t receive a single bad review when it was released back in 2011. The 
band took their time to build on the positive support, and almost two years later, the band has only gotten better.
Intro track, “Tired” serves as a crystal ball into what the rest of the album has to offer. The mellow acoustic track is the first time you’ll hear the album title, and definitely not the last time the band gets slow and emo on us (and not “Fall Out Boy circa 2009″ emo, but maybe “Jimmy Eat World” emo).
The slightly melodramatic, yet completely understandable, lyrics carry on throughout the album. Rather than throwing in needless angst and forced tears, On My Honor’s lyrics are real. Songs like “Time To Heal” and the “Gypsy Summer” border on dark, but it’s artistic.
“Sketchbooks” is a standout track off the album. The melodious guitars and bass take on a life of their own as the animated vocals spew metaphors so deep that you’d need a flashlight to find your way out of the song. Lead singer Drew Justice proves that his voice has improved as he wails throughout the song, save for the cute little quiver he does in the bridge. The song is single-worthy: fun melodies, dope chorus, and lyrics you won’t be embarrassed to sing along to.
“I Never Deserve The Things I Need” (the song) is a fiery pop-punk monster that will have you chanting the title long after. It leads into “Say It With an ‘I’,” in which OMH gets out their frustrations. It builds in intensity; the drums and guitars stay relatively calm as the song opens, but by the end of the song the guitars are thrashing, the drums are ferociously tapped and the vocals go from sad to raging. The overall production of the song makes it the perfect song to name the album after. The quirky chorus may take time to get used to, but by the end of the song, the beat is second nature.
“A Negative Mind” goes back to the acoustic emo-ness that we heard in the intro, serving as a nice interlude. Unlike the title suggests, the song has some pretty positive undertones:
“If there’s good in it
You have to try and find it
Somehow”
Again, On My Honor gets mad deep and super personal in the dramatic “Rafters.” The song discusses disappointments the future, and intentions. The heart-wrenching reality heard in the song only makes the band more likable as they have a realistic POV of the music business and their futures (they aren’t here to “disregard females and acquire currency”). That said, the band deserves kudos for making it THIS far as a DIY band for over 6 years (the band is now signed to Little Heart Records). P.S.–it’s not exactly *confirmed* but I’m assuming that the song inspired the album art.
Previously released single, “Indrid Cold” was given a mini-facelift, smoothing out the vocals and guitars to blend it in nicely with the album. The crowdpleaser got a music video back in December, seen below:
“Present Tense” closes out the album with another scarily relatable set of lyrics. As one would assume, it deals with self-realization and coming to terms with yourself. The guitars and drum solo are an appropriate exit out of the album, and the triumphant last chorus is their chance to express how proud they are of themselves, a sentiment that fans new and old alike share.
On My Honor deserves all the accolades for the amazing album. Make sure to pick up the record when it drops June 11.
Catch the band on tour this summer with Far From Proper and Good Luck Varsity!
Review: Audiostrobelight, “What You’re Running From”
Photo by Brandon Hambright
Truth:
VA rock outfit Audiostrobelight will be releasing their newest album, “What You’re Running From,” May 14. The 7-track album will feature their latest single, “California Gold Rush.”
Sarah:
Audiostrobelight is helping us usher in the summer season with their hot new album, “What You’re Running From.” The VA Beach group shreds the stereotypical idea of a rock album and instead creates an amalgam of sounds in their seamless EP. With the help of producer WIll Pugh (Cartel), Audiostrobelight seamlessly combines genres and shoots out an album for the masses.
Unlike their previous album, “The Whole Shebang,” this album has a more cohesive theme. The album opens with 1-and-a-half minute intro track, “Last Summer.” Complete with wave sounds and a laidback melody, the 
song proves to be the calm before the storm that is to break right after the vocalist sings the eerie album title. The intro smoothly leads into the title track, in which Audiostrobelight returns to their amped selves. We’re reminded of why we fell in love with the band as the cheery gang vocals, heavy guitars, and quirky violin (yes, a violin) fill our ears. The chorus is the first of many catchy lines the album has to offer.
“California Gold Rush” was already released as a single, as it should have been. While it fits in perfectly with the flow of the album, it also has this Beyoncé quality (Beyoncé was great in Destiny’s Child; Beyoncé is also even better on her own). The song showcases the band’s stadium-worthy talent: from Kris’s and Gabe’s powerful vocals, to Scott’s pounding drums, and Edwin’s guitar-thrashing. And while Adam and his fiddle are not as prominent on the track, they do take center stage in the (for lack of a better word) boomtastic “It’s About To Get Real.” The song is a major rush, from beginning to end, save for a couple dramatic moments in the bridge.
“Divisions” gives us a semi-break from the whirlwind of an album. The guitars, bass, and drums remain relatively constant, leaving the energy levels up to the vocals. The song itself is geniusly written, but only Audiostrobelight could pull off the sassy lyrics.
She doesn’t want the “boy” in boyfriend
Just the “man” in romance
I start to think that I’ll never grow up
And miss another chance
The quirky “breakup” song is tame enough for people who can’t handle the band’s normal raucousness, but it has enough ASL craziness to reassure current fans that this band will not change for anyone.
“What You’re Running From” concludes with two insane tracks, “Never Say Never” and “We’ll Never Make It Out Alive.” “Never Say Never” is catchy, but not in a Justin Bieber way. It purposefully spits out the word “never” throughout the chorus, making it fun to sing, and easy to remember. “We’ll Never Make It Out Alive” isn’t as single-worthy as “California Gold Rush” or “Divisions,” but its theatrical instrumentals and dark undertones are breathtaking. It’s a far cry from the peaceful “Last Summer,” but the smooth transitions between the tracks lead you to the Armageddon-like track without you noticing. And if you aren’t paying attention, you also may not notice previous song titles hidden in the lyrics (whether intentional or not).
“What You’re Running From” is genius. The guys have created their own obscure niche in music that only they can pull off. The album was clearly well-planned and well-thought-out. Every little detail makes sense, and it’s impossible to not listen from beginning to end.
Make sure you grab your summer soundtrack here: “What You’re Running From”
LINKS
Spose to Drop “The Peter Sparker Mixtape” June 10
Truth:
Maine rapper Spose will be dropping his album, “The Peter Sparker Mixtape” this June. The album will be released for free through Spose’s own label, Proposterously Dank Entertainment.
“The Peter Sparker Mixtape” is the first of two free mixtapes Spose will be releasing this year.
“The Peter Sparker Mixtape is a proud moment for me because there are no pop songs on it. There are no desperate attempts to get radio play. I don’t think my fans are dumb and I don’t think I have to dumb my music down to get them to appreciate it. So, I didn’t.
“The album is packed with very lyrical verses, wordplay, and honestly, sounds a lot like the proper follow up to my first album (2008′s “Preposterously Dank“) that I would’ve made if I hadn’t ever signed with Universal.”
Sarah:
Unless you have been living under a rock (or living under rock music), you have heard, or heard of, Spose. While not necessarily a household name like Mac Miller or Sammy Adams, Spose is definitely getting there. Not that he’s trying though. The Maine resident is hardly the typical rap artist. The white-as-Wonder-bread 27-year-old rapper uses his album to introduce us the paradox that he is. In track 2, “The King of Maine,” Spose eloquently spits about his 2003 Nissan Altima (the same car that I, a 21-year-old college student with a mall job, drives). He relates to his middle-class fanbase by talking about doing dishes, and not being able to ‘throw money’ at strip clubs. Rather than boasting about rolling in dough, the rapper claims his only motive is paying off debt. The song itself is far from radio-friendly, and purposefully so. Instead of appealing to the mindless masses, Spose reaches out to appeal to the everyday music listener with his honest and relatable lyrics.
Spose pokes fun at his Maine residence with “All Rs,” a song composed of words all starting with R. It’s a fun(ny) track that isn’t trying to break new ground or revolutionize the rap scene. It’s just a song that consists of R words.
Chris Webby joins Spose in “In Your Dreams,” a song slated to be a fan favorite. From the catchy beat to the fun chorus, “In Your Dreams” is definitely going to be stuck in your head. Plus, as fast as Spose raps in the track, you can still understand exactly what he’s saying.
“The People’s Douche” is ironically the least douche-y rap song ever. Spose AKA Peter Sparker spills what his dreams are for the world, including: making sure the poor become the rich, giving employees benefits, and having hipsters shop at Wal-Mart.
The album concludes with previously released “I’m Done.” Spose spills his lyrical genius in the clever chorus that is more than just a bunch of cheap rhymes thrown together:
Yeah, I’m done holding on to the past, tryin’ to make a million dollars and then go and take a nap.
Until then no sleep, ’cause sleep is the cousin of the two horned creep from the deep
I’m done (I’m done) holding on to the past tryin’ to make a billion dollars and then go and take a nap.
Spose successfully flips from the dark and heavy topics from his last mixtape, “The Audacity!” and instead focuses on making music that makes him, and his fans, smile. Paying tribute to his homestate, his car, and Bob Johnson, Spose creates a lighthearted and fun album that will sound good on your iTunes playlist, and not on “Now That’s What You Call Music 57.”
LINKS
Tracklisting:
01. Salami
02. The King of Maine
03. All Rs
04. 03 Altima
05. I’m Starving
06. In Your Dreams (ft. Chris Webby)
07. The People’s Douche
08. Nineteen
09. Cows Come Home
10. Fresh Raps
11. Still Bimpin
12. Bob Johnson
13. I’m Done
Upcoming Shows:
5/05 – NORTH ADAMS, MA @ MCLA FESTIVAL
6/09 – PORTLAND, ME @ OLD PORT FESTIVAL
6/19 – STOCKBRIDGE, VT @ ZIONTIFIC FESTIVAL
7/12 – PORTLAND, ME @ THE STATE THEATRE
7/19 – ROXBURY, NY @ THE COME UP FESTIVAL
8/08 – BANGOR, ME @ KAH BANG FESTIVAL
Austin Nivarel, “What We Don’t Say Out Loud”
Photo by Austin Risler
Truth:
Wisconsin singer-songwriter Austin Nivarel has released his debut full-length, “What We Don’t Say Out Loud.” The album can be purchased by clicking here.
Sarah:
Austin Nivarel may not be a household name yet, but he may soon be. The 20-year-old singer-songwriter just dropped his debut album and it’s nothing short of amazing.
For fans of Joel Piper, Taylor Thrash, and A Rocket To The Moon comes the refreshing record, “What We Don’t Say Out Loud.” Opening with “On Our Own,” Nivarel’s upbeat pop-rock album shows promise. Nivarel shows off his wide range of musical skills, from his angelic pipes, to his impressive guitar, piano, bass, programming, and percussion skills. “On Our Own” is made to be catchy without sacrificing the importance of well-thought-out lyrics.
The trend of clever lyrics and infectious melodies flows through the record. Songs like “Fortunes” and “Under My Breath” have a fun, edgy vibe, and Austin’s confident delivery make them stand out. Both feature Nivarel’s effortless vocal range, as his voice dances into falsetto.
Nivarel doesn’t just pump out poppy tracks. The album is actually heavy with acoustic ballads. “Fall In Love” 
proves to be a fan favorite, and for good reason. His pure voice and his earnest take on love is engrossing. While the majority of the song is slow, Nivarel holds your attention with his genius lyrics and pleasant voice.
The album concludes with the acoustic ballad, “When You Leave.” Nivarel pours out his heart in the slow track, practically weeping the lyrics. The emotion in his voice, combined with the drawn out guitar solos, plus the subject matter make this song the star that it is. Reminiscent of The Maine or A Rocket To The Moon, the song has just the right amount of sadness without getting depressing. Nivarel makes it easy for you to sympathize with him, and most likely relate to his situation.
“What We Don’t Say Out Loud” is a great first album from Austin Nivarel. Fitting right in with other acts in his genre, Nivarel can only expect to gain a loyal following that relates to his songs. Without defaulting to cheesy pop songs, Nivarel manages to create catchy songs that will stick in your head, while making you feel a genuine emotion.
Look out for Austin Nivarel:
Varna Releases “This Time, It’s Personal” EP
Photo by Ken Weil
Truth:
Los Angeles band Varna has released their debut EP, “This Time, It’s Personal.”
Sarah:
Varna may have just released their debut EP, but they clearly already know what they’re doing. With strong female vocals, thrashing guitars and pounding drums, Varna introduces themselves as a force to be reckoned with.
The band’s first single, “Down,” was released as a free download, but it’s definitely worth the 99 cents on iTunes. Reminiscent of Evanescence or We Are The Fallen, “Down” serves as a powerful glimpse into the depths of Varna’s talent. The grim lyrics read as poetry, and vocalist Tiana Woods delivers them with such moxie that you can’t ignore her. Rossen Pinkas (guitar) and Rob Shin (drums) also stand out with their dynamic energy; Pinkas’s gritty guitar combined with Shin’s angry drums form to create a dark hole of of a melody that you can’t get out of your head.
Varna continues to crank out the hits with “My Heart,” an emotional power ballad (minus the frilly piano). he lyrics reflect a failed relationship, and they could possibly relate to many of the band’s growing fanbase.
The EP concludes with “Running Away,” a brash rock tune with lyrics that are cutting, yet encouraging:
Stop running away
Why don’t you just face the courage I know you have inside
Get out of this place
Step out of this darkness and back into the light
Varna sounds amazing, and that’s an understatement. In three songs, rock fans can fall head over heels in love with this edgy three-piece.
Beta State, “#FRIENDSHIP”
San Francisco’s Beta State have announced the release of their full-length album, “#FRIENDSHIP.” The album, to be released May 21, will feature ten original tracks, one cover, and nine remixes. The deluxe album includes ten original tracks, one cover and nine remixes
Fans can pick up the album, produced by Erik Ron (Panic! At The Disco, Hit The Lights, Saosin), here: http://www.betastatemusic.com/
“We are so excited to share this album with our fans! We spent countless hours in our home studio, as well as working with Erik Ron, to achieve something that sticks out from all the same-old-same-old that you hear on the radio these days.
“We think the remixes will be quite the treat for our fans. As someone who is really into EDM, I am so stoked that we got to work with these DJs. It really brings Beta State into a new light and is a great compliment to the album. I’m looking forward to hearing one of those remixes in the club soon!”–Adrian Robison, drummer
Sarah:
When Mike Shinoda (Linkin Park) gives you props on his blog, you know you’re doing something right. That’s what Beta State has going on, since the release of their debut EP, when they gave Mike a copy of their demo. Now the band has set the bar even higher with their upcoming full-length, “#FRIENDSHIP.” With 3 new songs, a new cover, and nine remixes added to the band’s resume, fans get a fuller sense of the depth of the band’s 
talent. The ambient rock group follows in the footsteps of world-renowned bands like Linkin Park and Breaking Benjamin, with their crisp, yet musically textured sound.
Kicking off the album with the explosive “Weightless,” Beta State forces you to fall in love with them. Wasting no time, the band thrusts the best of their best in your face; from Matt McDonald’s monster voice, to Ryan Hernandez’s hypnotic ambient guitar lines, to Justin Kastner’s brooding bass lines, to Adrian Robison’s mammoth drum beats. The energy spills into track 2, “Start A Clean Slate.” It’s slightly grittier, with Matt’s booming vox belting out the chorus, yet it maintains a clear and crisp sound, thanks to Erik Ron’s master production.
“Wait For You” serves as the band’s power ballad. The tear-jerking track tugs on the heartstrings, not only because the lyrics are an emotional roller coaster, but also because the band takes their edgy energy and transposes it into a sentimental pop ballad. It could easily be Beta State’s ticket to go from indie radio spots to being featured on Top 40 countdowns. The love song doubles as a passionate love poem:
“The clocks tick by
Without you by my side
Let’s turn back time
Oh, then
I’ll make you laugh
We’ll start over as friends
Hold you close
AgainI will wait for you
I will wait for you
I’ll set you free to see the world as you need
I will wait for you”
The first half of the album concludes with a cover of Bjork’s “Unravel.” Obviously, the band isn’t expected to sound much like the eccentric solo artist. But in this case, they make the song sound like a whole new track. Beta State injects their ambient rock vibe into the single. Matt is to be commended for extending his vocal range to unimaginable heights, complemented by a hauntingly beautiful choral group. Adrian, Justin, and Ryan up the punx on the song, making it almost unrecognizable (in a good way). The band’s breathtaking cover may actually help introduce younger fans to Bjork’s genius, because her lyrics remain just as powerful no matter who performs them.
The album concludes with fun remixes from some of the best up-and-coming DJ’s in the local San Francisco and Los Angeles electronic scene.
Beta State’s album is sure to leave you breathless. It’s honestly shocking that the band hasn’t “made it” yet, but in due time, this band is sure to make waves.
Help Beta State in the world domination by pre-ordering “#FRIENDSHIP!”
Tracklisting:
LINKS
www.betastatemusic.com/
www.facebook.com/BetaState
www.twitter.com/betastate
www.youtube.com/betastatetv
UK band Alexander Release Debut Album “Say Hello”
Photo by Ian West
Truth:
Newcastle indie rock band Alexander has released their debut album, “Say Hello,” through I Am Mighty Records. The album is also available on iTunes.
Sarah:
Everything about Alexander and their new album is just so proper and flawless. The boys properly introduce themselves with “Say Hello,” a hip blend of indie rock and old-school swag. Opening with title track, “Say Hello,” Alexander sets the tone for their instrumentally rich album. Right off the bat, Alexander proves to be musically mature, with a song seasoned with classic undertones. Sounding like a mellowed mix of The Kinks and Pink Floyd, Alexander marks their album as a future classic.
Alexander released their single, “You Lost Yourself,” earlier this year to rave reviews. With clean guitar lines surrounding by gritty drum beats and animated vocals, the song was a perfect choice of a single and music video:
This simple video, filmed by James Sieradzki, features the four-piece group jamming out in a room, each vibing off of each other. The chemistry and (literal) sparks are clearly seen, and even more clearly heard in the rest the album.
“Say Hello” manages to be a perfect balance of pop and indie rock. Upbeat songs like ” You Lost Yourself” 
seem to have deep pop influences, while songs like “Maybe I Was Wrong” and “Find My Way Out” get grittier and edgier. “Without a Parachute” is not as poppy as “You Lost Yourself,” nor is it as edgy as “Find My Way Out.” What makes the track stand out is its effortlessly catchy chorus and high-energy melodies.
Alexander also sprinkles some slow jams into the mix. The acoustic “A Sweet Song” will melt hearts with the raw and very personal lyrics. Fans of Ed Sheeran would probably gravitate to the song in which the sultry vocalist, accompanied by only an acoustic guitar, proclaims an everlasting love. The band makes you love them even harder with concluding track, “Old Fashioned Romance.” The vocalist sexily (yet respectfully) whispers the lyrics as the tinny piano and mellow guitars/bass and drums fill in the empty spaces.
“Say Hello” makes you never want to say goodbye to this band. If the gorgeous lads of Alexander keep this up, one could only assume that Alexander will be around for years to come.
LINKS:
Battleghost to Release “Don’t Be A Hero” EP May 11
Truth:
Richmond’s Battleghost will be releasing their latest Ep, “Don’t Be a Hero” this May. The melodic, easycore band has shown a major commitment to touring, and yu can catch them as they promote their new EP this summer.
Sarah:
Battleghost has built a modest following in and around RVA but they step their game up with “Don’t Be a Hero.” The EP opens with a burst of energy that is “Habitats.” Complete with the longest guitar solo ever (it’s actually only 25 seconds long) and a high energy chorus, the song gets the album started on the right foot. The abundance of energy flows into “Grown,” which is notable for its pop-punk melodies and fun harmonies.
“Boundary” gives us a brief cool-down, opening with calm vocals and the light strum of an electric guitar.
But as soon as the intro finishes, the song goes into beast mode, with punchy drums and a catchy chorus. “Boundary” might just be the band’s ticket to fame; from the lively melody and memorable lines, the song has the potential to garner fans worldwide.
Drummer Nick Craven gets to show off in the intro to “I’m Gone” and bassist/vocalist Lloyd McDonald reaches unbelievable high notes in the chorus.
The EP closes with an easycore dream track, “You Words.” The pop-punk anthem showcases the band’s best skills; from Cooke and McDonald’s bold vocals to Ciucci’s and Cooke’s guitar lines and Craven’s monster drumming. It’s a solid ending to a solid EP, and it only goes to prove that 2013 will be their year.
“Don’t Be a Hero” will be a must-have when it drops May 11. In the meantime, you can keep up with the band with the links below:
Gratuitous video of Battleghost covering a Katy Perry song:
