New Music Friday – Ep.3 – Vote in the poll to decide who wins a full album review

New Music Friday – Ep.3 – Vote in the poll to decide who wins a full album review

Each of these artists has an incredible amount of talent, so let’s give them all a fair listen. After clicking on each one, please vote in the poll posted below. The winner (after one week), will receive a full album review here on EarToTheGround Music. Please share these outstanding artists with your friends, too. Everyone wins!

Army of Bones – “Break Away”
-Before I learned what breadth the genre of indie rock really has, the sound of Army of Bones is pretty much what I thought all indie rock bands sound like. They are not quite hard enough to be hard rock, not quite vintage enough to be classic rock, but they have an authenticity that makes them addictive. Army of Bones are good solid rock and roll music. I like how the song waxes and wanes from hard driving rhythms to much more relaxed chill vibes. It all flows together for a cool experience and the vocals are all on point.

The Plastics – “In Threes”
-I don’t always get chills when I listen to music, but the opening line of “In Threes” gets me. It’s a combination of a vocal that conveys some sort of sensuality with a backing band that develops a hypnotic draw. As I listen through the song, it feels like a nice pull on a good jug… if you get what I mean. It packs a punch and mellows you right out. If I ran a college rock radio station, I would play this track EVERY. FREAKING. SHOW.

Jake Herring – “Blood Beats”
-The music reminds me of early to mid 90s alternative. Herring’s vocal reminds me of… an exquisite blend of folk and rock singers. The song has that exceptional quality of being able to lull you into submission while it’s also expressing a deep personal angst. If you listen carefully, it’s actually the organ that stars in this track. One might call it genre bending, but I just call it good stuff.

Little Brother Eli – “Hanging”
-The band bills themselves as alternative rock, which is absolutely true. This is not your grandfather’s country-rock fusion. The guitars are pretty much pure rock, but in the background (especially at the beginning) you’ll hear all sorts of twangy instrumentation. Is that a dobro? Anyways, the vocal is well delivered, creating a firm attitude that comes through on the entire song. I bet it would be great live.

West AM – “Honey”
-Sometimes you hear a hook and think, “I’ve heard this on the radio before.” As far as I know no one in northeast Ohio is actually playing West AM on the radio, but they freaking should be! Now I’m not great at dissecting lyrics, but I’m pretty sure this song is not actually about eating honey. It might even be about love or something closely related to it. There’s definitely a fascinating carnality to it, “we’re all waking up unsatisfied.” I can’t tell if it’s countercultural, or perfectly embedded in culture. Either way, it’s sonically pleasing and lyrically entertaining.

Meiko – “I Do”
-I don’t remember the first time I heard Meiko, but I do know that I have this sort of nostalgic trigger when I hear her name that makes me say “awww.” Her style is easily compared with someone like Ingrid Michaelson, but I can assure you she performs with a gentle authenticity all her own. The backing strings on this track are almost enough to take over, but instead Meiko’s clear vocal quality cuts through with a soft admirability you are sure to enjoy.

Wildlife – “Dead Century”
-To give some indication of how I feel about this track, I shared it with one of my good friends before I even put it in this post. I was blown away by the quality of the production, the epic nature of the song, and the outstanding vocal harmonies. This is a song clearly written for the arena. These guys should be opening for U2 or something. It’s an infinitely satisfying song that fills me with all sorts of “I can conquer the world” good vibes.

The Tin Man – “Already Gone”
-I try not to judge an artist by his picture, but when I first saw The Tin Man, I was expecting a sort of Tom Waits folk artist. But nope, this is mainstream country, baby. There are even those filler keys and Rascal-Flatts-perfect harmonies. I happen to find it extremely interesting and satisfying, even it isn’t the kind of roots country we typically cover.

Bad Pony – “Sideways”
-So Bad Pony is about as energetic as a band can get. This track “Sideways” is a cosmopolitan flirty rock song. There are some electro sounds that keep it bumpin’ and the drums give it just enough texture to keep it from devolving out of control. The vocals, including some pretty sweet vintage harmonies, all come together for something that feels like Miami Vice meets modern South Beach. It’s full of sunshine and hip-moving goodness. Put this on your dance playlist and see how your friends like it.

In Motion – “Change of Scenery”
-My note on this track was “chill indie rock” and with another listen, that’s exactly what it is. This is the kind of music you want while you’re getting some work done. It’s comfortable and yet won’t let you go to sleep. But I challenge you to focus a little bit harder and listen to the message, an expression of the need to move on from the negative influences in your life. Stylistically it’s pleasing to the ear and the lead vocal smooth enough to keep listeners interested for more.

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