Featured Posts

[Travel][feat1]

“Executioner's Song” by Blueburst – A Song Feature

October 27, 2023

 

     In “Executioner's Song,” Blueburst touches the news, the literature, and the guitar style of the 1970s. The song shares the title of a Norman Mailer true crime novel about events relating to the firing squad execution of Gary Gilmore. Gilmore’s story was remarkable because he led the fight for his 1977 execution, and he selected the method. Gilmore asserted that any discussions about his ability to turn his life around were not based in reality. He previously had been jailed for 13 years, and was not “rehabilitated.” The lyrics of the Blueburst song are in the first person, with Gilmore explaining:

I never got well, I never got right

Cause I never wanted to give up this fight

Against no one, everyone, anyone I could find

 

     From the musical perspective, “Executioner's Song” captures the guitar virtuosity style that had its heyday during the 70s. Slightly less than 10 seconds into the song, the guitar layering is most reminiscent of the influential Southern Rock band Outlaws. In particular, we hear the style of the Outlaws’ “Green Grass and High Tides.”

 

     Blueburst is driven by guitarist/vocalist Craig Douglas Miller, who revitalized his career after connecting with guitarist Marty Willson-Piper of The Church (and Noctorum). For “Executioner's Song,” Miller and Wilson-Piper are the guitarists, while Miller provides the vocals. The bassist is Ryan Kelly (Dayroom) and the drummer is Michael Jerome (Better than Ezra, John Cale). “Executioner's Song” is one of 11 tracks on Blueburst’s recently released album “Significance.” The album is available via the Bandcamp site identified in this post, as well as the other typical sources.

 
      “Executioner's Song” by Blueburst

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueburstMusic
Website: https://blueburst.band/
Bandcamp: https://blueburst.bandcamp.com/
 
Lyrics of “Executioner's Song” by Blueburst
I am my own father
My own right hand
Don’t lead this horse to water
Don’t make demands
 
Cause I wasn’t made for this kind of ride
I can’t get on board, I can’t pick a side
I won’t let you mold me in this cage.
 
So, lightning crackles, sparks they fly around me
So, light this candle, cure my life of travesty
 
Everyone gather ‘round now to watch me die
Don’t tell me you don’t know that it’s the best thing for you and I
 
I spit on your morals
Ignored them all
I stood on my laurels
And didn’t see the wall
 
I never got well, I never got right
Cause I never wanted to give up this fight
Against no one, everyone, anyone I could find
 
So lightning crackles, sparks they fly around me
So light this candle, cure my life of travesty
 
Everyone gather ‘round now to watch me die
Don’t tell me you don’t know that it’s the best thing for you and I
 
I’m on fire, now it’s over
 
Everyone gather ‘round now and watch me die
Don’t tell me you don’t know that it’s the best thing for you and I
 
Everyone gather ‘round now to see my last ride
Maybe you’ll see me someday in another life


“Executioner's Song” by Blueburst – A Song Feature “Executioner's Song” by Blueburst – A Song Feature Reviewed by Lehvi on October 27, 2023 Rating: 5

No Big Sky by The Sizzos A Song Feature

July 10, 2023

 
     Each contribution to the song "No Big Sky" demonstrates a commanding presence while simultaneously embracing an understated nature. That dynamic is reflected not only within the individual elements but by the entirety of the song from The Sizzos. It is best demonstrated during the intro, when a resonant guitar with the power to dominate the conversation allows the “programming” and then percussion to have a voice.

 

     Fittingly, as the harmonization unfolds, it possesses an emotive passion, yet both voices maintain a hushed quality. The female backing vocals are almost whispered at times. The enchanting female voice belongs to Emily Beebe. The lead vocals are by George Zaninovich, who is the founder and driving force behind The Sizzos. The project is based in Eugene, Oregon, and features a host of talented contributors whose individual styles offer a distinctive sound.

 

     While talking about “No Big Sky,” George Zaninovich explained:
  “It's about a woman who has dealt with many setbacks and has decided that while her life might not be what she had hoped, there is plenty to make it ok. It's about perseverance in hard times and changing relationships.”

 

     “No Big Sky” is the first release from the upcoming sophomore LP of The Sizzos. The LP, interestingly entitled “Glitter in Gravel,” is coming out on August 4, 2023. The song was written by George Zaninovich and Joe Dagostino. Dagostino contributed the ebow, and the electric and acoustic rhythm guitars, while Zaninovich provided the synth bass, programming, and lead guitar.

 

     The Bandcamp site for the album by The Sizzos includes credits for each of the 8 songs (CLICK HERE), as well as a tantalizing description of the album’s focus:
  “In their second full album, ‘Glitter in Gravel,’ the Sizzos return with a shoegaze infused, indie folk rock sound. The album's atmosphere is buoyed by tight harmonies, vintage synth and new wave guitar blended with acoustic guitar and even banjo. Continuing to probe the depths of relationship and wonder at the world around us, Zaninovich pulls back the curtain and asks us to join him on a pilgrimage that is wistful, unguarded and searching. Love and rebirth glimmer through the album as Zananiovich and bandmates meditate on grief and hope following deep personal loss during the album’s two year creation. With a release targeted for August, the album will be available for streaming and purchase in digital and vinyl formats.”

 

       “No Big Sky” by The Sizzos

No Big Sky by The Sizzos A Song Feature No Big Sky by The Sizzos A Song Feature Reviewed by Lehvi on July 10, 2023 Rating: 5

Que Sera Sera by Thrillhouse A Song Feature

June 30, 2023

 

     Thrillhouse has amassed a passionate following after a string of appealing singles over a span of more than three years. Yet, we are prepared to argue that the UK band is getting stronger and put its best foot forward with the release of “Que Sera, Sera.” The argument is primarily supported by two load-bearing pillars.
 
     Firstly, as evidenced by the Soundcloud waveform, the song is a progressive intensity build. At the start of “Que Sera, Sera,” the instruments are peaceful, and the vocals are quietly reflective. However, as the song unfolds, it gradually builds up an edginess and intensity, peaking with the guitar lick at 3:20. The song concludes with a brief decrescendo, leaving the listener with a desire to repeat the journey.
 
     Secondly, “Que Sera, Sera” holds a greater emphasis on the backing vocals than other singles from Thrillhouse. The depth of the lead vocals from Sam Strawberry is a consistent strength of the band. But this track stands out with its compelling use of octave contrast in the vocals, enhancing the richness and textured sonic experience of the Thrillhouse sound.
 
     Taking a short historical side path, in 1956, the phrase "Que sera, sera" entered the vernacular of the working-class English-speaking population to express “What will be, will be.” It gained popularity as the title of a Doris Day song, which featured lyrics reflecting upon various stages of a person's life. Interestingly (to us anyway), the song release was nearly a decade before Frank Sinatra's rendition of "It Was A Very Good Year," which is widely regarded as the most renowned songs exploring the progression through one's lifetime.
 
     Thrillhouse is moving toward their release of the album, “Something About This Place.” Each song on the album tells a story and evokes an emotion. “Que Sera, Sera” is the closing track. The band explains that the song is about “the transition from youth to adulthood and all the emotions accompanying the transition. Lamenting forgotten dreams, wasted opportunities, and painful memories whilst trying to look forward to what's still to come, even if that can be hard to see.”
 
      “Que Sera, Sera” by Thrillhouse 

Que Sera Sera by Thrillhouse A Song Feature Que Sera Sera by Thrillhouse A Song Feature Reviewed by Lehvi on June 30, 2023 Rating: 5

Things You Never Said by Hello Sister A Song Feature

June 27, 2023

 

     It is easy to be enamored with their music before being charmed by their backstory. All within the initial 30 seconds of “Things You Never Said,” Hello Sister sequentially showcase their vocal prowess, feature a strong bass line, add power percussion, and ultimately unveil an electrifying guitar riff. Upon reaching a drop at the end of that intro, Hello Sister has built a high expectation upon which the body of “Things You Never Said” delivers.

 

     Lyrically, “Things You Never Said” intelligently addresses the challenges of how to operate within a toxic relationship. A portion of the lyrics are included at the bottom of this post. The vocal passion embraces the difficulties of the situation, and the instrumentation is consistently strong.

 

     The backstory? The members of Hello Sister are three sisters under the age of 17. They share the surname Mason. They are Grace (16) the bassist and lead vocalist, Gabriella (15) the electric guitarist, and Scarlett,14 the drummer. Hellos Sister is based in Orlando, Florida.

 


     In an explanation of their song “Things You Never Said,” Hello Sister said:
  “’Things You Never Said’ brushes on the harsh truth of toxic friendships. It can be so hard when the ones you love so much are the same ones who end up stabbing you in the back. Writing this song was definitely a journey, with the first step being acceptance and denial. Was I just seeing things, or was my friend actually intentionally doing these things to hurt me? The second stage: why? What have I done wrong to ever be treated this way? And by someone I care about? And then stage 3: plan of action, do I speak up? (something I never ended up doing… which is why we have a song about it, LOL). I was completely aware of what she was doing to me, but at the same time, I just couldn’t picture myself ruining a friendship that mattered so much to me.
   Plus, it was hard to stand up to her, because what could even be said? I had no proof, because everyone around me wasn’t seeing this same version of her. I guess all I could come up with was “I know all the things you never said.” 

 

     “Things You Never Said” by Hello Sister




Selected Lyrics of “Things You Never Said” by Hello Sister
You're the other half of my heart
Then you tear it apart
I'm falling into pieces
 
Wanna shut you out but I need you
Run away?
You'll always find me
 
I wish that you would light that fire
No one would have to find me
Why’s it so hard to live in the flames?
You find a way to burn it out
 
Nothing's a secret
A journal’s just things you never said
Not hiding from people
I know all the things you never said
You never said
You never said
Things you never said
You never said
 
Things You Never Said by Hello Sister A Song Feature Things You Never Said by Hello Sister A Song Feature Reviewed by Lehvi on June 27, 2023 Rating: 5

ribbons by quinnie A Song Feature

June 23, 2023

 

     “ribbons” has a composition that demonstrates a musician’s dedication to artistic fulfillment, prioritizing it over monetary gain. We are in an era characterized by listeners with short attention spans and a seemingly infinite number of song options. Musicians are aware that Spotify and other streaming platforms pay royalties only if a song reaches a certain minimum playing time. So, captivating song intros have never been more important to the financial well-being of musicians. However, “ribbons” does not include an intro, and the initial 50 seconds of the song from quinnie are basically free of any embellishments or ornamentation. The lush texturing of her song is withheld until its final minute.

 

     As an explanation of her song, quinnie said, “‘ribbons’ is about being exhausted with the time and effort it takes to present ‘feminine,’ and a desire to just be. i was inspired by joni mitchell’s ‘carey’ and the line ‘got me used to those clean white linens and my fancy French cologne,’ considering these motifs as markers of girlhood and feminine cleanliness.” The writing style exposes her disregard of the rules of capitalization. More importantly, the content of the writing shows her creativity and her willingness to embrace intimate subject matter. quinnie’s bio interestingly states:
   “[S]he can promise you this: the music is sentimental and earnest, with a sprinkle of playfulness and a truckload of honesty. Having wanted to be a marine biologist for most of her childhood years, quinnie’s music is greatly inspired by a love for the underwater world. quinnie hopes her music has the capacity to transport you to an array of biomes, whether it be the lush deciduous forests of New Jersey, or the vibrant tide pools she loves to explore in California. Above all else, she wants you to find beauty in the details: a smooth stone from the beach or a bolt found on the ground. Magic is all around us, you just need to know where to look.

 

      Instrumentally, the highlight of “ribbons” begins just after the three-minute mark. There is the sound of trumpet, and the acoustic guitar gives ground to Rock guitar. Vocally, the same segment of the song layers quinnie’s voice into a rich melancholic chorus.

 

      quinne is currently based in Los Angeles. The 22-year-old released her debut album in February 2023 called "flounder," which boasts breakout songs like "touch tank" and fan favorites "man" and "get what u get."

 

     “ribbons” by quinnie



Lyrics of “ribbons” by quinnie
I took off my clothes and ribbons
To see what it looks like
I took off the face paint, no shame
It looks alright
 
I wore the same clothes
Ten days in a row
(One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten)
Seems like I'm the same
But I don't know
 
I'm tired of pretty dresses
I'm tired of clean white linens
I'm tired of pretty dresses
I'm tired of tying ribbons
 
I'm the smell of a coat from out in the cold
I'm a frozen mandarin, skin frosty and gold
No fun to be sexy on the websites
Whеn I know I always shine in the light
 
I'm tired of pretty drеsses
I'm tired of clean white linens
I'm tired of pretty dresses
I'm tired of tying ribbons
 
For as much as I'd like to vaporize
Sometimes I'm happy as a clam
Because I am
Ooh-ooh, ooh
 
I'm tired of pretty dresses
I'm tired of clean white linens
I'm tired of pretty dresses
I'm tired of tying ribbons
I'm tired of pretty dresses
I'm tired of clean white linens
I'm tired of pretty dresses
I'm tired of tying ribbons
I'm tired of pretty dresses
I'm tired of clean white linens
I'm tired of pretty dresses
I'm tired of tying ribbons

ribbons by quinnie A Song Feature ribbons by quinnie A Song Feature Reviewed by Lehvi on June 23, 2023 Rating: 5

SHADOW by SAMSARA A Song Feature

June 22, 2023

 

     From the initial bars of the song, it is immediately evident that “SHADOW” is hook-heavy Rock. Based in New York, SAMSARA wastes no time as the guitar kicks in and is soon joined by power percussion. Then as the song progresses, the band flexes other muscles. Their compositional skills shine through beginning at 1:44 with the uncompleted statement “Sometimes I feel okay, sometimes I feel alright, but then I just think back to that godforsaken…” At that time, the guitar that introduced the song makes a modified return, leading “SHADOW” into melodic dark territory. The vocals soon exhibit a strength and sustainability that only a select number of bands can match (Nothing But Thieves comes to mind). At 2:29, the song returns to its original upright driving position.

 

       The instruments and vocals are aligned with the lyrics. Has he been wronged? The most telling lines include the bookends to the above-mentioned uncompleted statement:
I see you in the shadow
Every time I close my eyes
And I wonder if I’ll ever see you
In the same light
Sometimes I feel okay
Sometimes I feel alright
But then I just think back
To that godforsaken night

 

      The members of SAMSARA are Dylan Trif, (lead vocals), Charlie LoMonaco (guitar, background vocals), John Devito (bass), Ben Bustamante (drums, background vocals), and Brendan Sandhovel (rhythm guitar). Their bio explains, “Charlie, Ben and John began playing music together at an early age through a local music school.  Years later they connected with Dylan and Brendan and formed what is now SAMSARA.” They draw their influence from several styles including grunge, funk, metal and alternative. SAMSARA's “alt sound” weaves grunge with today's modern rock.

 

     “SHADOW” by SAMSARA


SHADOW by SAMSARA A Song Feature SHADOW by SAMSARA A Song Feature Reviewed by Lehvi on June 22, 2023 Rating: 5

Overcome by Nothing But Thieves A Song Feature

June 19, 2023

 

      Nothing But Thieves released a second single from their upcoming fourth album “Dead Club City.” Based upon the singles, the band is moving in a more synth-heavy direction. We have a preference for their more guitar-based Rock, but we hope the transition works as well as it did for Van Halen in 1984.

 

     While talking about “Overcome,” the band said:
  "Overcome has always felt like a 'throw your stuff in a bag and get away' song. Dead Club City (the city) would definitely feel enticing for someone like that. We're all battling something, so having a song on the album that would describe why someone would want change felt right."

 

     The album is scheduled for release on July 7, 2023. “Dead Club City” is a concept album:
  “Through their forthcoming 11-track album and new singles ‘Overcome’ and ‘Welcome to the DCC,’ the band showcase their city-sized members-only club ‘Dead Club City.’ The album's tracklist and overall narrative is formed by different characters and story arcs from in and around the city. Is it a shared consciousness? Another planet? The next corporate wasteland? Heaven? Or somewhere else? Creatively engineered by the band themselves, the stories, themes and connections across ‘Dead Club City’ will be revealed in the lead-up to the album through songs, videos and artwork.
  Using the club as a focal point, it is easy to imagine the real-world meaning behind ‘Dead Club City.’ Themes such as advertisement, unity, internet culture, the music industry, ageing and politics, as well as escapism and change are highlighted by the alienation or privilege of a members-only club.”

 

     The members of Nothing But Thieves are Conor Mason (vocals, guitar), Joe Langridge-Brown (guitars), Dominic Craik (guitars, keyboard), Philip Blake (bass), and James Price (drums). We chanced into seeing the band at a bar during one of their visits to the San Francisco Bay Area. Our not-so-sneaky picture is included in this post.
 
      “Overcome” by Nothing But Thieves

Lyrics of “Overcome” by Nothing But Thieves
I don't wanna fight
My money's in a bag in the back for you
The future's overdue
Yeah, I know that
Turn the engine on
Our song blaring out a dead radio
Singing "I need to know"
No turning back

 

I've been thinkin', babe, maybe you're right
When you said the pain weathers in time
We're just waitin' for a change to follow
We don't always get all that we want
Redefine my pain to something more
And we shall overcome as we've done before

 

Scrolling through a life I barely recognised from a hotel room
Took in the lonely view
Got unattached (hey)
Bringer of the calm
Your arms wrapped around when the fever took
Thought I was gone for good
You brought me back (back, back)

 

I've been thinkin', babe, maybe you're right
When you said the pain weathers in time
We're just waitin' for a change to follow
We don't always get all that we want
Redefine the pain to something more
And we shall overcome as we've done before (oh)

 

It's when we lean in, into the moment
It's when we're reachin' through the divide
It's when we begin feelin' the open
It's when the stranger's fallen behind
When we shake off the darkness and harness the light

 

I've been thinkin' babe, maybe you're right
When you said the pain weathers in time
We're just waitin' for a change to follow
We don't always get all that we want
Redefine the pain to something more
And we shall overcome as we've done before
And we shall overcome as we've done before
And we shall overcome as we've done before

 

Overcome by Nothing But Thieves A Song Feature Overcome by Nothing But Thieves A Song Feature Reviewed by Lehvi on June 19, 2023 Rating: 5
Subscribe to: Posts ( Atom )
Powered by Blogger.