No More Moments - Rock Is Red #29

In all of the time that we've been doing ROCK IS RED we have feature a punk band here and a punk band there but we've never had anything as hard, heavy and fast as the band NO MORE MOMENTS. Hailing from the Siksika Nation in Alberta, Canada, NO MORE MOMENTS epitomize the D.I.Y. philosophy of punk. Formed in 2009, the band have shown what they are made of on the Calgary music scene and throughout the provinces. Their hardcore punk sound has proven to be a relentless as the band who have given their public something to bang their heads to in the form of two EPs MOMENTS REBORN and MOMENTS NEVER SAY DIE and now the band is riding the wave of their new release STILL GOING. After eight years of being together, the title of their latest EP sums up the band's solidarity and we've gotta give a shout out to the STAR WARS-themed CD cover. Short, blistering sets rules the day on this recording with the stand outs being CALLIN' IN, RETIREMENT PARTY and HANGOVER BLUES. In a time where what's left of rock n roll has become slick and refined, it's nice to hear a band like this keeping it raw. 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/rockisred/rockisred29.mp3

Daphne Willis - Rockwired Radio Profiles #687

The title track of singer-songwriter DAPHNE WILLIS' forthcoming EP FREAK LIKES ME is built on a steady and confident soulful groove and WILLIS' vocal strut above the groove playfully and knowingly. Not only is  this song effortlessly catchy, it  serves as almost a response to the political upheaval that has taken place since you-know-who has assumed the highest of this Nation. It's practically a rallying call for those living on the outskirts who either go unnoticed or don't get noticed enough. Of course this is only a guess on our part. It could mean something else entirely but our interpretation has led us to believe that WILLIS' FREAKS LIKE ME is one of the most satisfying listens that we've come across so far this year. A professional songwriter based in Nashville, there's no doubt that WILLIS knows what it takes to create a song that will stand out but when you combine that sort of know-how with a need to express inner turmoil, then you've really got something and WILLIS has tons to say despite this newest effort being an EP. In addition, the songs DOPAMINE (about a different kind of drug entirely) and the haunting SOMEBODY'S SOMEONE are bound to find that wider audience.

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles687.mp3

Mayve - Rockwired Radio Profiles #685

Just check out any music video from the 1980's on YOUTUBE and if you turn your attention to the comments section you will find raw, unrestrained and unrequited longing for the music that made the REAGAN era such over-the-top fun despite IRAN-CONTRA and trickle down economics. Hell, we've even got youngsters longing for a time that was "simpler" even though I doubt they could function in a time and space without the internet or i-phones. The Long Island, New York based band MAYVE brandish a sophisticated synth pop sound reminiscent of the new romantic fair that was all the rage in the early eighties from such acts as SPANDAU BALLET, DURAN DURAN and ROXY MUSIC's glossier output. In my interview with MAYVE's front man NICK MICHELINE, I probably should've asked what the draw was for him to create this melodic synth sound that brings to mind a giddy sense of familiarity for a guy my age but why look a gift horse in the mouth? MAYVE's new EP MOTION proudly shows what these electro-pop torch-bearers are capable of in the studio with such ambitious tracks as 1924 and the pulsating CRUEL INTENTIONS. With all of the embrace of synths and guitars, don't expect mere nostalgia on this fine release. 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles685.mp3

Float Like A Buffalo - Rockwired Radio Profiles #675

It’s been a crazy couple years since the summer of 2014, when CORY PEARMAN (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and GARRET ACHTEN (percussion, backing vocals) - founders and core members of Denver based rock-funk-blues-folk powerhouse FLOAT LIKE A BUTTERFLY - jammed out a few of CORY's acoustic tunes with a djembe and guitar in CORY's apartment. After countless creative differences, resulting personnel changes and stops and starts, they solidified their lineup in January 2016 with the addition of drummer PHIL PLECKHAM. This past year, they’ve become a non-stop machine, rocking their home region and beyond with the stylistic diversity of JACK WHITE and the fiery live energy of THE FOO FIGHTERS. With the release of their perfectly titled EP, the band - which also includes EVAN CRABDREE (lead guitar) and JASON CLUKIES (bass) from the band SHREDDING HEIGHTS – invites the world to follow their wild musical adventures and ENJOY THE RIDE. 

The band recorded the five tracks of ENJOY THE RIDE in two days at DECIBEL GARDEN STUDIOS in Denver, helped along by engineers SILAS MERA THOMASEN and EVERETT OKLAR. CORY penned the raucous title track in response to his girlfriend, who moved to Colorado from Southern California to be with him but was having second thoughts. It's crafty rhymes need a bit of clever deciphering but his core message makes for a great life philosophy: "You can let it go and enjoy the ride while there’s still time." Inspired by a botched attempt to tell her he loved her before midnight on New Year's Eve, the likewise spirited THIS MOMENT offers a similar seize the day philosophy: "When it feels just right, don’t let it slip away." Drawing on Cory’s acoustic roots, he was in full on retro MARTY ROBBINS mode when he wrote the bar-soaked singalong WHISKEY DREAM. The band's balance of harder rock edges and lush vocal harmonies is perfectly reflected on GARRETT'S jamming DR. ORDERS. 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:

http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles675.mp3 

 

VYCES - Rockwired Radio Profiles #669

Rock n roll is a driving force that will not be denied. Just ask front man and guitarist DAVE NARUSZEWICZ. After making his musical presence known with the band HEART-SET SELF DESTRUCT and their two LP's, NARUSZEWICZ felt it was time to move on and chase that musical muse that could potentially lead to a wider audience and even wider appeal. After not finding what he was looking for in his native Chicago music scene he went to Los Angeles and reached out to drummer RUSSELL RAY formerly of OLD FASHIONED BEATDOWN. Along with former OLD FASHIONED BEATDOWN guitarist SHAWN PATTERSON, the three began to lay down the foundation of what would form the potent sound of VYCES. Eventually the band filled out to include MARK JAMES KLEPASKI on bass and EVAN SEIDLITZ to round out the band's hard edged sound on keyboards and synths. Tons of songs have been written by this unit which explore the darker side of human emotions and now an unsuspecting public is getting it's first taste of all that this band has to offer with the bands debut EP DEVILS. The guitar-driven, aggressive approach of the band is balanced the SEIDLITZ's nuanced approach to the keyboards making this first offering from VYCCES something to pay attention to. 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:

http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles669.mp3

Soles Of Passion - Rockwired Radio Profiles #663

In the days following the first Presidential Debate of this most brutal election year the good ol' U.S. of A seems to be on more shakier ground than ever and what better music to serve as a soundtrack to these delicate times than the progressive country rock stylings of SOLES OF PASSION. Sure their stance is a little harder than what we favor but what excites us about the music of this dynamic duo is a need to shake things up. When was the last time rock n roll ever did that. BUMP  ME UP is the duo's latest offering and the driving rhythms that propelled their previous release ESCAPE FOR JURISDICTION B a few months ago pound even louder herewith ecclesiastic guitar licks and symphonic flourishes which add finesse and pop smarts to such songs as the title track, HOLD ON and ON MY OWN. This this new release SOLES OF PASSION sound more committed than before and musicians with a message. 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:

http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles663.mp3

Todd Apfel | Rockwired Radio Profiles #658

Any story arc having to do with chasing the rock n roll dream usually ends in glory, tragedy or simply fading into obscurity and if fame and fortune weren't the things the hero of the story was able to walk away with then at least he or she had a bunch of memories they could share with whoever is kind enough to listen. TODD APFEL got on that road to rock n roll glory as the lead of a band that had toured much of the Midwest. His band had even shared the stage with CHEAP TRICK. While APFEL experienced the highs of performing in front of large crowds and rubbing elbows with folks more famous it wasn't long before the grind of a life on the road caught up with him and his band mates and the rock n roll life was ditched in favor or Corporate America. Upon retirement from the corporate world, APFEL settled in the small town of VINING with a populations of 50. While this sounds like the denouement of some rock n roll tale, it is actually where the story gets interesting. It is the small town setting where APFEL has found the very thing that has eluded him for years - inspiration. We first became acquainted with him on his debut EP REFLECTIONS and now his music takes a more biographical turn with the aptly titled EP ONE HORSE TOWN.

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:

http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles658.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #648 - Red Tide Rising

There was a time when rock n roll was a dream that guys strove for  but now it's all about survival and the band RED TIDE RISING wears the survival on their sleeve proudly. And you thought that MAD MAX-styled figure on the cover of their latest EP VOICES was just them being cute but for music that's all about surviving a world that's on the brink of coming apart, the sleeve is all the more purposeful for what ends up being a five-song concept album. The hard and heavy sound and the subject matter have even made a strong impression on the band's recent live shows with lead singer ANDREW WHITEMAN taking to the stage in ROAD WARRIOR get up. Produced by MIKE LUCE of DROWNING POOL, VOICES is a step in the right direction creatively and given the recent chart action the EP has seen - commercially. This is indeed a classic case of survival of the fittest.

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles648.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #637 - Ray Goren

RAY GOREN has a musical talent that is beyond comprehension and beyond his sixteen years of life. At the age of three after tinkering away on an electronic keyboard he came to the realization that TWINKLE TWINKLE LITTLE STAR and the ALPHABET SONG were the same bloody tune.  Almost immediately he was given the building blocks for playing and composing music. His early years (it sounds strange putting it that way) were marked by virtuosity on the piano but his love for the six string was stoked when he accidentally came upon a performance by the legendary BB KING on line. From there a love for blues, soul and rock n roll was cultivated as well an ear for whatever passes as new these days and all of it can be heard on his brand new EP SAVE MY SOUL. The guitar playing is seasoned, the vocal delivery is confidant and assured and the songwriting is brash but that can happen when one of your songwriting mentors is the legendary LEON RUSSELL. With songs such as the blistering title track, the irresistible pop rocker STOP and and pleading blues/gospel rocker RISE TOGETHER, GOREN proves that he is in this for the long haul and we are happy to be seeing this potentially legendary career unfold from the beginning.

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:

http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles637.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #633 - Stewart Franke

I will first address the fact that BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN himself makes an appearance on the opening track of STEWART FRANCKE's self-titled EP. The song is SUMMER SOLDIER (HOLLER IF YOU HEAR ME) and if no one could imagine THE BOSS himself making some magic out of this gloriously stomping rocker on life on the pointlessness of war than I don't know what I can say to convince you but SPRINGSTEEN isn't the point. It's STEWART FRANCKE's lyrical narrative and parched delivery that anchor this SPRINGSTEEN-esque tale.  FRANCKE's self-titled EP is an eight song collection that truly tells a story of the Detroit singer songwriters own musical journey over the years. An informal greatest hits if you will where the FRANCKE and company sway with balladry, stomp with rockers such as KISS KISS BANG BANG and rolling to an R&B groove like he does on the HALL AND OATES-ish splendor of SAM COOKE'S ON THE RADIO.

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles633.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #621 - Jillian Kohr

When we spoke with singer-songwriter JILLIAN KOHR regarding her new EP FREE she made it clear to us that she wanted people to appreciate real music written by real people. In a time when much of what is popular in music is dismissed as being digitized and lacking in substance we find something noble in KOHR's hope to connect with a listener on a deeper level. Of course she shouldn't have a problem finding an audience for the songs on FREE. The songs on her latest release are family affair with her husband and 12-year old son chipping into the songwriting process and the pay off here is that the songs not only deliver but transcend the genre of country music. The EP's opener is the bluesy LEAVE THE LIGHT ON which will bring back a memory or two of SAMMI SMITH'S "HELP ME MAKE IT THROUGH THE NIGHT". The verses for the title track are built around a soulful groove but the chorus simply soars and WRAPPED is a moody rocker about being a fool for love and is curiously sung from a guy's perspective. She maybe two EP's into her music career but it feels like this is only the beginning for a fine talent. 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles621.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #588 - Gabe Close

An exciting new voice in the indie Americana world, Louisville singer/songwriter GABE CLOSE can pinpoint a host of powerful influences that have driven the development of his uniquely diverse sound and compelling, thought provoking lyrical themes. After leaning towards the blues on his previous recordings LEARNING TO WAIT FOR THE DAWN (2010) and SOUNDS FOR AN OLD SOUL (2013), he’s taking a powerful mixed acoustic-electric approach – with some songs stripped down, others dynamically produced – on his latest six track EP LEAVE THAT LIGHT ON. Concurrently developing his chops as a producer, GABE n his previous projects – a total of two years – and get the musicians and sound he felt like each song deserved. The energetic, acoustic driven WEARY WIND – a semi-love song about leaving all you’ve known for what you believe will be a better life – benefits from the beautiful vocals of Louisville singer MOLLY GREER. While the provocative LOVE YOU LIKE A MAN – a hard hitting look at the evils of men to who turn to domestic violence – achieves its emotional intimacy via a gentle acoustic guitar accompaniment, other tunes like EVERYTHING REMINDS ME OF YOU (a heartfelt song inspired by friends who had suffered the loss of loved ones) and CRIPPLING WEIGHT are powerhouse productions featuring a horn section, organ and sax solos by MUSCLE SHOALS veteran RONNIE EADS.

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:

http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles588.mp3

 

Rockwired Radio Profiles #559 - Denny Diamond

Singer and songwriter NEIL DIAMOND has always been an anomaly. The man has made a fifty plus year career based on simple tunes with a curious lyrical approach and an unassuming sex appeal made even more unassuming by those glittering shirts. The man's place in the American pop cultural pantheon is secured. It's so secured that the man has inspired a number of tribute artists - with one of the most acclaimed being DENNY DIAMOND. For years he has paid homage the gravelly voiced troubadour and now has become a recording artist in his own right with the release of his two-song EP DIAMOND MOUNTAIN. The title track is a song penned by Irish folk singer LUKA BLOOM and is set to be featured in the documentary film PLAY ME which will examine the lives of NEIL DIAMOND tribute artists. Coupled with that track is a stirring cover of NEIL DIAMOND's HOLLY HOLY. One listen and you can hear why DENNY gets the acclaim he does for paying tribute to this all too American icon.

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles559.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #558 - Don Puglisi

Back in 2010 DON PUGLISI had us concerned. Clearly a relationship gone sour had gotten the better of him and you could hear it on the album GOODBYE, NEW YORK. Okay so I'm exaggerating just a bit but the point is the guy had a way with taking a bad relationship and putting it under the microscope in  musically pleasing way.  In the five years since he has played out and toured regularly and found the time to release a live album. Now PUGLISI is back with a brand new EP and and whole new perspective on this thing called life. BUBBLES OF LIGHT is only four songs but is a cut above his 2010 release in terms  of it's top notch production and a new found lyrical dexterity that takes a more optimistic view of love and life without coming across all saccharine and cloying - but just plain honest.

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles558.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #557 - Matthew Azrieli

It's nice when we can turn the volume down just a little bit every now and then. Singer-songwriter MATTHEW AZRIELI serves up a delectable little EP called CHLOE (named for the artist's girlfriend) which showcases AZRIELI's earnest and immediate songwriting which is given extra punch with a full band and and the singer songwriter's own DYLAN-esque howl which is brought to full effect on the tracks CONDOMS AND RAZORBLADES, MOCKING BIRD and the epic coffee shop ballad WHERE ARE YOU TONIGHT? AZRIELI is currently in his Sophomore year at BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC studying songwriting. Clearly the education is paying off.

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles557.mp3