New Music Friday – Ep.8 – Vote in the poll to decide who wins a full album review

New Music Friday – Ep.8 – 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!

Island – “Come With Me”
-This is just good indie rock flavor. The vocals are just peachy and the guitars sell the sound for me. It’s atmospheric without being too reverb filled. The feeling of the song is just exactly what I expect from this kind of trendy, but delicious rock music.

The Marrieds – “Fingers Crossed”
-I love the delicious irony of this song, the message “there’s something better out there” sung by a duo called The Marrieds. Clearly they’ve found what they want and are not being called by “something better” out there. It’s a beautiful folk duet, too, keeping the strings and the vocals as a focal point. You won’t hear excessive hand claps or gang vocals here; instead it’s an appropriately intimate performance.

Minden – “Artist Statement”
-The image for this track is a cupcake and that’s pretty much perfect. It’s sweet and satisfying in all the right ways. I absolutely love the funky turn in this track partway through. I can’t always follow the lyrics, but it’s definitely a killer track with a ton of the right kind of attitude. It’s like someone took the best elements of 70s dance music and put a contemporary twist on it. And no, that’s not product in my hair thank you very much.

Cereus Bright – “River Run”
-I can never decide if Cereus Bright are upbeat folk music, or chill rock music. Either way (maybe folk rock), fans of bands like Dawes should really give them a spin. These cats are good, from comfortable rock guitars to gritty and emotive vocals, it’s a sound you’ll find infinitely rewarding. Sometimes I confuse them with The Head and the Heart – so that’s pretty much the highest compliment ever. Do enjoy!

North11 – “Getaway”
-This is the happiest song in the history of the world. Okay it might not actually be, but I just love the way it makes me feel. It’s full of so much positive energy! It’s a bit of pop punk and just a whole lot of sunshine. I wish I could bottle this sound and unleash it on the world. If this doesn’t make you feel #NewMusicFriday I don’t know what will!

Motel Radio – “Phasing Out”
-If you are in an indie rock band, I want you to listen to this song over and over again. Do you hear how it pays homage to the classics of the 60s, while still developing its own style? Furthermore, can you hear how the lead singer nails EVERY. STINKING. NOTE. This is exquisite. It’s a timeless performance. The feeling the lyrics conjure for me, too, is sort of psychedelic love – which the world could clearly use more of right now.

Linying – “Sticky Leaves”
-This downtempo piano ballad at the beginning of the track is richly satisfying. When the layers come in to add texture to the performance, it continues to feel more and more complex. Although we often dismiss elements of electro music, when used tastefully they can really highlight the performance. But make no mistake, the best part is the clear and precise lead vocal. This is an outstanding track, without qualification.

Titus – “Blind and Afraid”
-This epic indie rock anthem builds from the beginning with a sound that let’s you know you’re headed out for an adventure. As the guitars build, it’s some sort of cross between a worship service and an arena rock feel, then suddenly this incredible lead vocal comes in, with a style that puts me a little in mind of Jared Leto. It’s snazzy and sleek in all the right ways, keeping that indie rock feel with just a little bit of classic rock intonation here and there.

HUNNY – “Vowels (and the Importance of Being Me)”
-Yet another college rock anthem, HUNNY bring a sound that will have you wondering if Marty McFly is nearby. The lead vocal sounds like the All-American Rejects while the synth and guitars might have you flashing back 20 years before that to the 80s. That said, the sound comes together for something you could share with your skater punk friends or, as I hear it, on that late night college rock station.

Vintage Talk – “Habits”
-For all of you that follow ETTG for the folk, this is the track you’re waiting to hear on this list. The vocal, the melody, and really the whole composition is just outstanding. In fact, this jam is going on the short list for the song of the year and I’m going to keep my ear out for Vintage Talk. The melody line is imminently fascinating while the piano works wonders to reinvigorate the composition; this is not your average folk music. It’s progressive folk in the most beautiful, innovative way I’ve heard so far this year. Bravo.

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