Tiny Moving Parts-Celebrate (2016)

Why I like it: 

To be honest I had a hard time picking which album to showcase for this band but ultimately Celebrate won it. Tiny Moving Parts are band that really drew me in once I started looking up live videos and interviews. 

First of all, they are insanely talented. Just watch Dylan Mattheisen sing his lungs out while playing some complicated math rock riffs, it is inspiring. Then there is their family bond that shines through. The drummer and bassist are brothers (Will and Matt Chevalier) and the lead singer (Dylan) is their cousin. It is pure and heartwarming to see how much they enjoy each other's company and just seem to be in constant state of happiness. Seriously they always seem to be smiling! It is funny that their subject matter is quite the opposite. 

The reason why I picked Celebrate is because it connected with me the most. The lyrics are both sad yet uplifting. Like they are saying yes there are sad times but keep positive because things will get better. This is a great album for excising (up tempo) or just to pick up your spirits. All their albums are like this but for whatever reason, Celebrate resonated the most. 

One cool thing is that every fan seems to have their own favorite Tiny Moving Parts album. Whether it be their early work, that is more screams and DIY feeling, or their later work, that is cleaner but still technical; maybe you will find your own album that becomes a favorite :)

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Highlighted song and lyrics:

Common Cold- "My lungs/Need to act like windows/And open up/I.../I can't/...Breathe"

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Similar bands to check out:

Foxing, Microwave, Modern Baseball, Sorority Noise

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Reviews and links to check out:

Audiotree- Live session

Washed Up Emo Podcast- Interview

Punknews.org- Review

Music Crush Monday Podcast- Review

10 Years-The Autumn Effect (2005)

 

Why I like it: 

In general, I have mostly stopped listening to the hard rock acts of the early 2000s but 10 years is one band that has stuck with me. The band never achieved the same popularity as other acts from that time (such as Red and Breaking Benjamin), and whether you think that is for the better or not, 10 Years has been consistently coming out with solid material. The Autumn Effect is one of their best examples of this.

The Autumn Effect has hard rock elements mixed with beautiful instrumental atmosphere that encompasses you into a haunting and emotional experience. I think the title of the album is perfect because it really captures that autumn feel of darker days yet beautiful scenery surrounding you. I remember listening to The Autumn Effect when walking home from high school, on a cool autumn day, and just being swept into the album. Having tried it out again recently, I'm happy to report that it still reaches the same heights.

I really do feel that The Autumn Effect is a commonly overlooked album in the hard rock conversations and hope that this post may convince someone to give it a closer look! 

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Highlighted song and lyrics:

Wasteland-"Obvious tears, but I will not hide you through this"

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Similar bands to check out:

Earshot, Red, Crossfade, 12 Stones

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Reviews and links to check out:

Vin and Sori- Live reaction

Diamond in the Rock- Review

Documentary- Free on YouTube!

The Metal Forge.com- Review

Del Paxton-All Day, Every Day, All Night (2017)

Why I like it:

I originally discovered Del Paxton on a split with the band Gulfer (a band I plan to make a post about). At first I was thinking, ok this is some decent indie rock music, and threw it onto a playlist not thinking too much else about it.

Then I started noticing that whenever I came across one of their songs on shuffle, I would always be looking to see what the artist is. So I decided to dig deeper into the band on Spotify and saw each band member has a playlist and within each playlist I saw one common artist, Third Eye Blind. Then it clicked why I keep coming back to this band, they emulate Third Eye Blind! 

I've never found a band that can quit capture the sound but my gosh All day, every day, all night is pretty frikin close. The more I listen, the more I hear it, subtly but definitely there. Lyrically Del Paxton is not like their idols, they don't have the traditional verse, chorus, verse structures and instead weave a linear story. It's what really makes them stand out as a unique band and I commend them for it!

To me Del Paxton is a fantastic band doing something unique in the scene. They may seem like a typical rock band but give them a chance and let the technical side of their music grow on you. It sure did for me. 

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Highlighted song and lyrics:

Take it to the limit- and "to find it you must lose it" you were saying something so profound

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Similar bands to check out:

Gulfer, Somos, Sinai Vessel, Donovan Wolfington

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Reviews and links to check out:

Getalternative.com- Review

Thegreyestates.com- Interview

High Fives Punk Rock Podcast- Go to 16:00 for Del Paxton talk

Runny Day Real Estate playlist- made by Del Paxton lead singer

July Talk-July Talk (2012)

 

Why I like it: 

A fun hard rocking album that feels like you are at a bar and ready to dance like a sweaty mess. Having seen this band twice, both times while in a happy state, it was the best time! Now I just want to spontaneously dance every time I listen to this debut album.

Peter Dreimanis and Leah Fay are the lead singers and they exchange lyrics back and forth in each song. Peter has the raspy rock chops, while Leah adds a softer crisp touch. Their voices play off each other like yin and yang and it works very well. 

I was fortunate to be able to meet Peter and Leah in person, after they played for a small group at the local university, and they were very nice people. Both were fun spirited and just happy overall. I have a feeling they would be supper fun to have a drink with!

If I haven't convinced you yet, this album even won a Juno Award (a Canadian music award) for best Alternative Album of the Year. Definitely well deserved. 

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Highlighted song and lyrics: 

Summer Dress- "Took a trip to the smoke, and she hasn't been back since, woo"

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Similar bands to check out:

Glorious Sons, Death From Above 1979, Mother Mother, Headstones

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Reviews and links to check out:

Polydor YouTube-12 Random facts

Renownedforsound.com-Review

July Talk-From the road

The New Exchange Podcast-Interview

Origami Angel-Somewhere City (2019)

 

Why I like it: 

The amount of creativity, skill, and energy that this band (of two only members) outputs is insane!

Somewhere City is a concept album, about a fantasy city of Rylan and Pat's imagination. It is a happy place where you can escape the worries and problems of adulthood. There is an amusement park and Dr. Pepper galore for all. Don't forget the 24 hour drive-thru! If there is one thing that I am sucker for, is a good concept album executed. I can completely be transported to Somewhere City and enjoy myself for 30 mins (the length of a Danny Phantom cartoon if you will). 

Musically, this is fast paced album. The drums and guitar go from bouncy and fun to a hardcore breakdown within one song. It keeps the listener engaged and in anticipation of what will come next. Then there is that final track, "The Air Up Here", where it takes bits from every song you just heard and applies it to the song. Amazing, chef's kiss. 

Hopefully I have at least piped your interest by now. Give this a go, I think you will be pleasantly surprised and will be making a plan to visit Somewhere City again soon. 

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Highlighted song and lyrics: 

Doctor Whomst- "I think I'm starting to like myself/ I think I'm right where I need to be"

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Similar bands to check out:

Commander Salamander, Starts Hallow, Equipment, Jail Socks

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Reviews and links to check out:

Never Normal YouTube-Go to 1:30

Emotrash.net- Review

Pod Goes Punk Podcast

DIY Prom Battle-Go to 2:20 if you just want to see Origami Angel play

Tokyo Police Club-Champ (2010)

Why I Like it:

A great snapshot of indie music at the time. Acts like Kings of Leon, Death Cab for Cutie, and TV on the Radio were starting to make their marks in the scene and it was fun to be an observer of that upward trajectory. 

I had a group of friends that I thought were cool music hipsters and this was the kind of music they would recommend. To me, it felt like I was in the know of a underground trend that was about to explode. Tokyo Police Club was a band that stood out in memory. I remember listening to "Bambi" for the first time and thinking I've never heard of anything like it! 

Then after that I started hearing similar acts like Phoenix and Passion Pit, who utilized that flavor of indie rock well, and it seemed like I was into that sound before it became popular. In high school that is a very big deal (I was never popular or cool so this was as close as I got). 

Anyways why do I like this album? Because this is the album that reminds me the most of that early 2010s and discovering new "trending" music as a young teen. Also, listening back to that album now, I am happy to report it still holds up very well! 

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Highlighted song and lyrics: 

Favorite Food-"But there's another girl and another day/And your favourite foods still taste the same"

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Similar bands to check out:

Vampire Weekend, Death Cab for Cutie, Phoenix, TV on the Radio

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Reviews and links to check out:

Talkhouse Podcast

*I had no idea Dave, the lead singer, has a sister who is in a band (Dilly Dally)!*

Web based content-Fun Q&A.

Pod Goes Punk Podcast

Noripcord.com-Review

Greet Death-New Hell (2019)

Why I like it: 

A book that is hard to judge by its cover, from the title and album art you would think this is a metal band or something. Greet Death are quit the opposite though, they delve more into dark themed shoegaze and I loved the whiplash of the unexpected twist! 

I first heard about this album a few months ago but it has been on my playlist constantly, so much that I was inspired to make a post about this album. 

Most shoegaze you don't typically focus on the lyrics but in New Hell they really stand out and stay stuck in your head. I say the word shoegaze but there's definitely some classic rock and pop elements that keep the sound fresh and interesting. This album is made for long solo walks and drives, where it's just you and your brooding introspective thoughts. To be honest, even while running I will jam to this (better for those long distance ones).  

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Highlighted song and lyrics: 

Do you feel nothing?-"I want to think about my days/Till I waste them all"

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Similar bands to check out:

Strange Ranger, Gulfer, Slow Mass, Gleemer

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Reviews and links to check out:

Audiotree Live

Bummer Boys podcast

Pitchfork review

Bus Invaders-YouTube

Hootie and the Blowfish-Musical Chairs (1998)

Why I like it:

Like most people, I was introduced to Hootie and the Blowfish through Cracked Rear View. That was a fantastic album and I still love it to this day. There are many various opinions and reviews about that album though. So lets talk about their, not well known, third release Musical Chairs. 

The first reason why this record intrigued me is because of the change in sound. Musical Chairs has more bluesy and folk tones, that sounds more mature but still keeping to that care-free feeling. I think in this project they are really coming into their own sound and not following any trends. One of the reasons I think this album got less attention is because of the underperforming second album, Fairweather Johnson. That album, I'm pretty sure, turned many off Hootie and Blowfish's future work unfortunately.  

Then there is the whole country switch that Darius Rucker made, which some will argue, is his most famous work. I do really like "Wagon Wheel". If you like Hootie and the Blowfish or Darius Rucker's country music, then I highly recommend checking Musical Chairs out!

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Highlighted song and lyrics:

Wish-"At least you tried/That's more than anyone around you"

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Similar bands to check out:

R.E.M, Johnny Quest, Dave Matthews Band, Cowboy Mouth

*Bands mentioned in the Popcast link below

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Reviews and links to check out:

Popcast podcast-Very good deep dive into the band

Poprockbands.com-Review

Stand by Your Band podcast

Q on CBC-Interview

Just Friends-Nothing But Love (2018)

 

Why I like:

Nothing But Love is so fun to jam out to. There's essence of rock, ska, hip hop, and other elements. Somehow it's all blended in a way that works. Be ready to have a desire to rock out and boogey because Just Friends have an infectious energy that forces you to get excited. I dare you to not tap your fingers to this!

A band that consists of 10 people (last I counted), there's many pieces to this band and everyone seems to get a fair share of time. When I watch the live videos, Just Friends treat the audience like they are a friend that came over to watch band practice. Everyone is joking, having fun, and encouraged to participate. 

If you need that injection of positivity to get you through the day, I HIGHLY recommend Nothing But Love. Please remember to jam out responsibility to this! It can be easy to hurt oneself when not paying attention to your surroundings (may or may not be speaking from experience). 

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Highlighted song and lyrics: 

Never Gonna Bring You Down-"I don't like it when they bring you down/Tell em: "GO GET LOST, DON'T GET FOUND"

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Similar bands to check out:

Graduating Life, We Are The Union, Prince Daddy & the Hyena, Oso Oso

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Reviews and links to check out:

Live footage for the song Flex

Getalternative.com-Interview

Music video for Supersonic

Medium.com-Review

Wintersleep-Welcome to the Night Sky (2007)

 

Why I like it:

Welcome to the Night Sky is one of my go to albums when I want to get lost into an atmosphere. It is haunting, emotional, and thought provoking. When looking at the album art, that's the exact feelings that are evoked. You feel vast and alone in comparison to the night sky, but also inspired and awestruck by the beauty. 

I saw Wintersleep last year in a small venue at my hometown and got to briefly talk with Paul Murphy, the lead signer. He was nothing like you would expect from a lead signer. Paul was quiet, humble, and polite. He signed my copy of Welcome to the Night Sky, that I had purchased, and took off the wrapping for me, since I forgot to do so. It was embarrassing for me but he didn't mind at all and we continued to go through the awkward but funny exchange. I complimented him on their new material (which is great and worth checking out) and performance. He was was very grateful, thanking me, and handed me back the unwrapped and signed album.

I point out this story because the exchange solidified my love of the band. They are genuine in their lyrics and music. You can tell they are doing the work because they love it and that really translates into the music. 

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Highlighted song and lyrics: 

Astronaut-"Do you still believe in God? Said the preacher to the astronaut"

Oblivion *Bonus* 

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Similar bands to check out:

Hey Rosetta!, Matt Mays, Said the Whale, Mother Mother

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Reviews and links to check out:

Toddcast Podcast

The Pearl Jam Stories-A story of when Wintersleep opened for them

Vice.com

Sputnikmusic.com-Review