{"id":7735,"date":"2014-08-20T10:00:38","date_gmt":"2014-08-20T14:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.gadflyonline.com\/home\/?p=7735"},"modified":"2014-08-27T11:04:13","modified_gmt":"2014-08-27T15:04:13","slug":"rock-for-all-new-singles-for-the-classic-and-post-modern-rock-fan-in-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/gadflyonline.com\/home\/index.php\/rock-for-all-new-singles-for-the-classic-and-post-modern-rock-fan-in-you\/","title":{"rendered":"Rock for All: Four New Singles for the Classic or Post-Modern Rock Fan in You"},"content":{"rendered":"

Stereo Off \u201cBullet Time\u201d<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"WEB.STEREO.OFF.RING.V2-001\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Beating its way into your heart with its jazzy drums, and grungy guitar and vocals, Stereo Off\u2019s first single \u201cBullet Time\u201d<\/a> is just simply awesome. With synth backing, reminding you of the eighties \u2014 without being too overused \u2014 this song is electric and captivating, much like the common romantic situation that the band explains inspired it: \u201cthe song is about lovers\u2014 that feeling when you get to an impasse, and instead, you both slow down and are drawn back together.\u201d Leading then into a excited, electro-heavy, darker bridge, Stereo Off quite clearly is (and describes themselves is) \u201celectro rock.\u201d Surprisingly though, this isn\u2019t how the song always started. The band adds, \u201c\u2018Bullet Time\u2019 was one of our very first tracks, and the goal of the sound was to give it something driving, yet personal. It started predominantly digitally and then more guitars, bass and other parts started being changed, developing it into more of a rock track at times.\u201d As I have been playing this song on repeat, I am definitely glad for how it came together, and more generally, about Stereo Off and their hypnotizing, eclectic “electro-rock” vision. For fans of Muse, The Black Keys, and more, this band should be instantly followed.<\/span><\/p>\n

In watching the\u00a0music video<\/a> for \u201cBullet Time,\u201d I could not have been even more thrilled. Remarkably created and filmed by themselves \u2014 a true DIY project \u2014 it completely captures the grungy rock, and eighties-esque electro essence of the song; it\u2019s old-school inspired and wholly entertaining, including an undead dance party. However, in order to capture that essence, they changed the storyline from that in their lyrics; they explain, \u201cDirector Justin from Dead Red Eyes and Niall (the bassist) really wanted to catch that old school grimy NYC feel, as well as almost a sort of tribute to various movies of the past. One of the scenes, for instance, is the same location as a scene in \u201cSerpico,\u201d while the bar scene is a reference to \u201cCarnival of Souls.\u201d Concluding with an extended scene of them playing in a dive bar, they remark that their presence in the final chorus, after being put in the mobsters basement, was a little unusual for them; it was \u201ca bit more contained.\u201d With their live performances, they explain, they prefer to \u201cto add a bit more to the tracks. There are bits and pieces that have developed over time and have evolved from the initial recordings. We’ve been told the songs are a bit heavier live, and we also mix up the sounds more.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Initially started as a solo project by lead singer Sebastian, he eventually sought \u201cmore between the worlds of digital and analog, [and thus] asked various friends to get on board and add their style to the sound. Gradually with each person, the sound developed in new ways \u2013- as all five members have completely different tastes. The result is a mix of rock riffs with a digital undertone that sounds familiar, yet unique at the same time.\u201d Nevertheless, they\u2019re evolving, and clearly for the best, \u201cwith the integration of the viola on tracks and a move towards a more electronic sound, [and with] some tracks go[ing] back to rock too.\u201d They conclude that their \u201cEP this fall will be a combination of the two.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

In the meantime, they hope to \u201c[finish] the second EP that is currently in the works, building more new material for a third one in a few months after, then leading up to the first full album. Adding that they have two shows in the near future to look forward to: Spike Hill on Friday, August 29th and Trash on Thursday, September 18th. In conclusion, they kindly add their thanks, as well as an insider scoop that \u201cyou can check out the EP and get show updates and links, along with some out-takes, live tracks and songs not on the EP at their site\u00a0here<\/a>.” You can also talk to and hear more about them on their twitter<\/a>, facebook<\/a>, and soundcloud<\/a>!<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Cleopatra Club \u201cPray\u201d<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"Cleopatra<\/a><\/p>\n

Another awesome multiple-eras-inspired song, Cleopatra Club’s new single “Pray”<\/a> brings back all the fun of rock and disco, with an unusual though intriguing overlay of Christian allusions and tones. The band adds, \u201cLyrically it wasn\u2019t a personal experience, but we wanted to touch on the theme of forbidden love and temptation, and all the feelings people go through with that, and we wanted people to come away with different perspectives. Musically, it uses consistent influences of the song Girls from the band 1975.\u201d While they explain that the song initially began as two separate songs, they later wonderfully weaved it together into an electric, vibrant pop-rock song that masterfully blends\u00a0several eras of music. Strong lyrically, instrumentally and vocally \u2014 as well as catchy \u2014 this is an exciting and surprisingly mature release for the young band; a must-watch for fans of Michael Jackson, Ariana Grande, the 1975 and more, as well as for anyone who has been looking for something original and<\/i> \u201cradio-ready.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking to their origins and energy, I sat down with the band to ask them a few questions. Confusingly, they admit, they came together as a mixed group of acquaintances and close friends, but that their line up was solidified when they played at a benefit show. They explain, \u201cthat after we played [there], we had this energy that we didn\u2019t want to go away. After that it has been a blur.\u201d Quickly, they realized that they needed a band name, Matt, who shortly thereafter went on a trip to Italy, was inspired by \u201cthese performers with an Egyptian theme who kept popping up. With a female singer, we wanted to keep that theme and brought it together with the addition of the name Cleopatra.\u201d As everything came together, they found their influences to be excitingly disparate, creating a band that blends Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake, Mel Rogers, the 1975, to name a few. Altogether, they have created a band that will truly appeal to fans of both old and new pop-rock. Ultimately, their vision is to be truly alternative, but also entertaining: \u201cOur music scene in New Jersey is stagnant. The people who really inspire us are not complacent. We try to show that through everything we do whether thats album artwork.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking to the future, they suggest that their current goal is \u201cto get signed, to tour, to expand our fan base, and at the very core, add to music.\u201d Excitingly ambitious, I am excited about this band, and eager to follow them as they grow. If you loved them as much as I did, be sure to check out their site<\/a>, especially as they will be releasing music videos to each song on their new EP “Neon Collection.”<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

One Finger Riot \u201cThe Sea\u201d<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"onefingerriot-thesea_5\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Soothing and gritty, one-man band One Finger Riot releases \u201cThe Sea,\u201d<\/a> a beautiful, new single perfect for any wistful day. While Faris McReynolds modestly calls this \u201cjust another breakup song,\u201d he injects real beauty, hope and maturity to such a situation in shaping the song to be a means \u201cto see failure as evolution instead.\u201d He continues, \u201cFew things in life are up to you, others you can’t control. As far as I can tell, none of us chose to be here, yet here we are. Born in the sea as single cells, trying for some reason to eventually live in the sky with zero cells instead.\u201d The inspiration behind the song, he explains, came, however, from a much less encouraging place: \u201cI wrote the song while I was in Longview TX with my grandpa while he was dying, and my marriage was basically done but not over yet. I guess I kind of hid one story behind another when it came to writing the lyrics.\u201d Fueled by the frustration of such a situation, Faris successfully creates a song that is both mournful and supportive; he delivers us to a place as comfortable and reassuring as the sea, and yet as distant, distorted, despairing as the bottom thereof. He offers, \u201cThis whole record was written and recorded at the bottom of an ocean of sorts. I like to name an album after a lyric usually. I wanted a name that on it’s own meant nothing, \u2026 I wanted a name that was kind of bold and simple, visual, expansive.\u201d Successful in that vision, One Finger Riot\u2019s distorted track delivers an atmospheric, introspective single that will appeal to those looking for airy, distorted and yet raw rock.<\/span><\/p>\n

More broadly, Faris\u2019 one-man music project has been quite an evolution itself.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI started this when the band I was in for four years (exdetectives) was taking too long to learn new songs. We were working on a record we never finished, and I made the first One Finger Riot album during that time (2009). I spent two nocturnal weeks on it, and basically put it in a drawer and forgot about it. I figured it had nothing to do with the broader musical landscape, was way too twee, too dour, too clinical. And definitely not selling you wallpaper for a good time in that indie-normative 80s way that has been cool for a while now. My friend Ted Scarlett who I’ve worked with a lot in the studio was the only person who I played it for, and he convinced me to put it out and make more music. Honestly, I probably wouldn’t have bothered otherwise. That first record was made entirely in 2009, but I didn’t put it out until 2011.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Faris McReynolds thus wonderfully unveiled a band that moves beyond the familiar, or normative. Aptly, he calls it \u201cPost-everything\u201d or \u201cNo sounds in quotation marks.\u201d Maybe this mature, transcendent sound is due to the fact that he is not in music \u201cfor anything other than the songs [he] write[s], and the sounds [he] create[s].\u201d In other words, he is simply influenced by \u201clife, love, mistakes, the kids in [his] art class, Texas, India, LA,\u201d and ore profoundly, \u201cfeeling like a one-person culture;\u201d mostly,\u00a0 \u201ca lot of art, but no artist in particular.\u201d Deciding eventually upon One Finger Riot as the name of this now public project, Faris reflects that it \u201cembodied a certain irreverence that was just \u2018me.\u2019\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking to maintain the practicality of his music and general perspective, McReynolds explains that he wants to focus on the moment: \u201cIn a general sense, I don’t aspire to anything, and don’t really even believe in the concept of aspiration. You are either doing things, or you’re not. I’ve always just done things, and made everything I have lined up to make. It doesn’t always turn out to my liking but I just do it anyways. I’m deeply suspicious when an artist or musician never makes a move away from their brand, because I just try to make every idea I have and they don’t always fit together. At the current rate I’m working it will take me 30 years to finish the songs I’ve started. Not all of it sounds like One Finger Riot. I’m also working on some remixes and covers.\u201d He concludes, \u201cI don’t think I have a musical journey that is separate from any other part of my life. Just going with it, whatever it is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Bailiff \u201cGolden Hour\u201d<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"Bailiff_Melissa<\/a><\/p>\n

Grungy but chill, \u201cGolden Hour\u201d<\/a> is an ambience-inducing track that you should definitely consider adding to your playlists. Inspired by their deconstruction of the song \u201cMy Girl\u201d and a drum and bass rhythm that the band had also been keen on, the song is at first listen, thoroughly exciting. But its namesake \u2014 from the medical slang \u201cGolden Hour\u201d which ambulance drivers and doctors use to denote that short period for which they have to save the patient \u2014 reveals a more sophisticatedly fantastic or surreal undertone to the lyrics. Combined with a guitar hook that quickly pulls you in and leads you into the thrill of the lyrical situation and apt, fast-paced beat, \u201cGolden Hour\u201d is a truly original, zesty single. For fans of Arcade Fire, The Fray, and Phoenix, Bailiff will be a quick favorite.<\/span><\/p>\n

Music as career was something that each band member had certainly considered by a young age \u2014 or at least kept returning to even if it was not their main pursuit as it was for Josh\u2014 leading each to independently join a band, and finally coalescing into the three members today. In seeking their name, they similarly found coincidence \u2014 this time a shared dream between two members of wanting to be cops at one point when growing up \u2014 discovered by Josh\u2019s daily reading of the ledger which had that day included the word \u201cbailiff.\u201d And so, Bailiff, grew into the beautiful melange of blues-rock and international musics we hear today; on their site, they list just such a surprising variety of influences: \u201cIndian raga, new wave reggae and Native American chant\u201d and quite recently, \u201cWest African blues, Celtic folk, and jagged electro-pop.\u201d They add, \u201cIt\u2019s always a reflection of what music you\u2019ve discovered that excites you, as long as you are listening to music, you\u2019re always growing. There will always be the fundamentals, but we will always be interpreting somebody else\u2019s music and somewhere in that process you get your own style.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Describing themselves quite simply and aptly as just \u201cBailiff,\u201d they explain that they are \u201call about simplicity, and how simple can be really bold. We have been thinking about whittling things to make them shine,\u201d and they truly have done so. They love to tour \u2014 savoring even their free-time together with a humorous, self-created game of 6-degrees-of-separation with B rated films and their actors \u2014 so be sure to check out their upcoming shows\u00a0here<\/a>, including one next Friday, August 29 in Bowling Green, KY.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Beating its way into your heart with its jazzy drums, and grungy guitar and vocals, Stereo Off\u2019s first single \u201cBullet Time\u201d is just simply awesome. With synth backing, reminding you of the eighties \u2014 without being too overused \u2014 this song is electric and captivating, much like the common romantic situation that the band explains inspired it: \u201cthe song is about lovers\u2014 that feeling when you get to an impasse, and instead, you both slow down and are drawn back together.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":209,"featured_media":7739,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,213,217,220],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/gadflyonline.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7735"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/gadflyonline.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/gadflyonline.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/gadflyonline.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/209"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/gadflyonline.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7735"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"http:\/\/gadflyonline.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7735\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7747,"href":"http:\/\/gadflyonline.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7735\/revisions\/7747"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/gadflyonline.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7739"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/gadflyonline.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7735"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/gadflyonline.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7735"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/gadflyonline.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7735"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}