PULO REVÉ - É

I have always found myself trying to explain what genre a band is and there is so much collaboration from different spectrums of the music world that it’s hard to pinpoint where a band belongs.  Recently I was introduced to a band that has made that job even harder.  When a band is so different from the niche of what is mainstream and breaks through all of the walls we have built around music, what do you call them?  Innovative leaders taking the music world back to what it once was.  A place where your ART was your own and you were appreciated for your work.  U.K. based band PULO REVÉ  takes you on a journey aboard with their debut album “É” to a place of no restrictions and I never want to leave.  

The spoken poem style singing is stitched within a very diverse sound of hardcore music with a jazzy edge and rock-like influence.  There is actual singing as well and I thoroughly enjoy the vocals in this band.  The lyrics are expertly written from a background of philosophy and english literature and tell a tale of ardent adolescent relationships going through the trials of time.  The music is spacey and relaxing at times with a whimsical feel and other times it kicks you up a few gears but when you close your eyes this music seems to take over and you just melt into the song.  From spanish style acoustic guitars to punishing metal riffs, the music behind the whole album is definitely interesting to say the least but delivers for anyone willing to break away from the herd and be an individual.  This album has something for everyone.

This experimental band is delivering a fresh new sound that this industry desperately needs.  The songwriting on this whole album is absolutely phenomenal.  I love when a band pushes the limits of what they can do and holds nothing back.  Even more impressive, this album was done entirely by the band.  No producers telling them what to do or how to do it.  If you’re a free thinker and love the art of music then you have to give PULO REVÉ’s debut album “É” a chance to free you from the norm.  I expect amazing things to come from this diverse and clever band. 

Find them on Facebook!

Facebook.com/puloreve

Interview with Dead Gakkahs

For those who have missed out on my introduction to this band back in November last year, Dead Gakkahs is an absolutely killer Fastcore/punk band hailing from South Korea that I discovered during one of my lucky hours searching for new music on the web.

I had always wondered how, despite the growing interest in South Korean culture in the West, we had yet to hear about the countries talents in the indie music scene. It was during one of these curiosity-fueled internet searches that I encountered with this exceptional, ferocious act from Seoul. I was lucky enough to get in contact with the band and ask them a few quick questions about their background as well as the punk scene in South Korea.

1.        So to start things off, could you tell us how you guys started out?

Dead Gakkahs started out 2 years ago by our vocalist and guitarist Juhl with the intention of playing music amongst the likes of bands like Sugar Pie Coco.

2.        How would you describe your music?

The best way to define it would be Fastcore, Thrashcore. We basically focus on playing fast music. We just want to sing and call assholes out. We’re neither left nor right wing, we oppose authoritarianism, bureaucracy and social stratification, and that’s what our songs stand for.

3.        What are you main influences?

Bands like Sugar Pie Coco, Punch, Fuck on the beach

4.    Despite the growing interest in Korean culture over the past few years, korean indie music culture still doesn't get much coverage. Could you tell us a bit more about the punk/metal scene in Korea?

The Korean punk scene seems smaller than that of other countries. However that doesn’t mean that it’s flat or boring at all. Although the quality of the songs are the primary aspect of any kind of music, we think the business part (event planning, promotion, management etc…) is also important. Our hardcore punk scene friends are always thinking of ways to make the scene more fun. Hopefully, the more interestingly the local punk scene is run, the more active it will eventually become. But in society run by capital, everything runs on money. Every day consumerism grows stronger, land prices increase… it’s very hard these days.

5.    Could you recommend any other bands from the Korean music scene to our readers?

The Kitches, Find the Spot, Scumraid. These are all ripping and passionate bands from the local Korean scene.

6. If you could tour with any band (active or disbanded), who would it be?

Sugar Pie Coco. Masshysteri

7. To finish things off, what can we expect from Dead Gakkahs in the future?

We plan to release split album and hope to release a full length album after that.

Robin

A huge thank you goes out to the band for taking the time to answer my questions.
Again, I can only reinstate my suggestion that you take 1 minute of your time to check out their lightning-fast songs. Before you know it, you’ll be playing the whole demo on repeat for the 5 time in a row.

 

Dead Gakkahs

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/DeadGakkahs?ref=br_tf

Bandcamp
https://deadgakkahs.bandcamp.com/album/dead-gakkahs

My review for their self-titled debut release:
http://www.twoguysmetalreviews.com/2014/11/dead-gakkahs-self-titled.html

Not Scientists - Destroy to Rebuild

I always like finding a cool indie-punk band, especially when they come from my homeland of France. Not Scientists are the kind of band who have managed to fuse two disparate genres and make a brand of punk that is accessible and powerful, something that can touch the heart and show the eternal power that a four on the floor beat and only a couple of chords can have. With Destroy to Rebuild Not Scientists have been able to create something distinctly human that will capture your imagination and show you a bright new future for punk rock. 

The thing is, this record has stellar production and great singing. They come together alongside some tight songwriting to create something that is truly memorable. There is a sense of hope that dominates Destroy To Rebuild, it shows us a way forward in the darkness, through the thorns of despair Destroy To Rebuild provides hope on the other side. Not Scientists are the kind of band who will allow you to explore new soundscapes of a sort you might have never experienced otherwise. It simply speaks the greatness of this band, not just as a musical force, but as craftsmen of a sound greater than themselves.

Never too ferocious but not afraid to bite, Not Scientists have come far from their punk roots to create something almost transcendent. They sound beautiful and powerful, musicians who are crafting a brave new world before us to give us the means we need to triumph. Destroy To Rebuild is indie-punk in its finest form, speaking to the power of a band who seem destined to take on the world. These guys have it figured it out, and I look forward to hearing more from these soul touching rock and roll masters.

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/notscientists

Manfred Kidd

I'm more used to reviewing Gothenburg metal than Gothenburg indie, but y'know, sometimes something cool will find its way into my inbox and I have to review it no matter what. Manfred Kidd is that 'something cool'. There is something deliciously romantic about Manfred Kidd, the fact that the two guys in this band were childhood friends who had lost contact before bumping into each other in the midnight train is just beautiful to me. With stellar production and lots of cool layers in the music, the debut single from Manfred Kidd, Lights, is the kind of thing that millions of indie kids the world over will raise their lighters too. Its 'the sort of triumphant anthem of youth that can truly resonate with the listener at some specific crucial moment in their life and leave them with an everlasting memory. It's easy to get lost in the beautiful sounds of Manfred Kidd and it's hard not to want more. These guys can do big things, I just get on my knees and pray that they get the promotion and recognition they so apparently deserve.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/manfredkiddmusic

Jodee-After the Hurricane

I know this isn't a site for pop, folk rock or indie music, but sometimes I get a submission that's just so darn good I can't really ignore it. That's the case with todays review, the new EP from Jodee, entitled After the Hurricane. With powerful and oftentimes haunting vocals, Jodee has found a spot in my heart as more than just a gifted musician but also a veritable force. There is a very human beauty to her music that speaks to the power of those who came before and those who will come after. Jodee touches on the very humanity within all of us and allows us to find peace.

I think the appeal of Jodee for me is that her voice is very distinct. It's beautiful and powerful, but not overdone. It may be the focal point of the music, but I wouldn't accuse her of trying to dominate the sound, instead she soars over top of it providing touching melodies. The use of dynamics to allow engaging crescendos on tracks like Emerald City shows her ability as a songwriter. Meanwhile the solid keyboards always seem to help bring her music to a new level. It's a pleasure to latch on to her voice and really dig in to what she's all about. Jodee understands the power of music as a healing force and seems to want to drive that home.

So sure, my perception of the After the Hurricane EP might be a bit romantic, but this is seriously some top notch stuff. This is the kind of girl who has the potential to be a mega-star. Oftentimes haunting and always touching I'm excited to see what the future has for a musician with this much promise. Already starting to make a name for herself I expect this Pennsylvania girl to take the pop world by storm. With beautifully layered soundscapes and a great sense of what she wants to do as well as how to do it, Jodee is a true musical princess.

Find her on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/jodeeseidersmusic

Monks of Mellonwah-Turn the People

I have covered Monks of Mellonwah quite a bit in the past, and with good reason. These award winning Australians have some innovative and magical alternative rock magic. Their new full length Turn the People is actually made up of a trilogy of EP's they put out in 2013. So where does that leave us now? Well, quite frankly, this is essentially the best alternative rock debut that I have heard in many years. The mysterious Monks of Mellonwah have an aura of power around them that can not be dissuaded, and that is what will allow them to truly triumph.

I especially enjoy how cinematic so many of these songs are. There is a sort of otherworldly power to tracks like Escaping Alcatraz. With Turn the People Monks of Mellonwah transcend their records forty six minute run time and instead come out to make something that goes beyond. The music of Monks of Mellonwah reaches out and rubs against the soul. With strangely anthemic pieces, like the legendary Pulse Turn the People draws you in, and if my listening is any indication, it will never let you back out. The lush and majestic soundscapes that give this record so much depth capture my heart in a way that few records can. Do not be dissuaded, my metal brethren, by the 'Alt rock' sticker so often applied to this group, theyy are so much more.

So, if you want the sort of record that will drive right into your heart and give you a new way to look at an entire genre, then Turn the People is the album for you. Already having been featured on MTV, Discovery Channel and Fox Sports this band knows how to sell their brilliant brand of rock and roll magic. Music lovers across the globe will be talking about Turn the People decades from now. This is Monks of Mellonwah's crowning achievement so far and their is no way that they will falter given the momentum they've already built up. Prepare your ears dear readers, this is Monks of Mellonwah and by Thor is it good.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/monksofmellonwah

Marla Mase-Half Life

Marla Mase may very well be this generations Lou Reed, and I mean it. With powerful, varied and moving spoken word music that somehow goes beyond what you think music should be Marla Mase has an impressive approach to sound. Deeply personal and incredibly beautiful, her new EP Half Life is evidence of the power that her fans have always known she had. Marla gets what she wants to do and executes with a perfection that none of her peers can claim to have. Not a lot of spoken word artists really capture the imagination like she does. This may be because Marla isn't entirely spoken word, there are strange and triumphant sung passages that add a lot of flavor and keep things interesting.

On top of all of this, her backing band is clearly excellent, they help to provide lush soundscapes and vivid solos for the mysterious tones of Ms. Mase to dance over. The diverse sounds found throughout this record is impressive and helps to give the entire affair a much more interesting vibe, bringing in diverse genres and keeping things fresh throughout. These New Yorkers have taken a clear artistic step from Speak Deluxe with this latest release, and I like it. Who knows what this mysterious modern rock genius will do next?

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marla-Mase/170044966351982?fref=ts

Gumshen

Gumshen is the kind of unique genre bending band that the world could only do with more of. You see, Gumshen have got it in mind to create a sound that mixes indie, electronic music and progressive music to get something new, exciting, and well, totally unheard of. Their is something unique and powerful going on here that (pardon the pun) must have taken a lot of gumption to pull off. The way that Gumshen craft their songs is unique, the electronic elements that abound throughout the music give the entire thing a very unique flavor and make me curious to hear more from this band. The entire structure of their latest release Progtronica defies expectations, from the stunning beginning in Bell Ringer to the masterful closing track Fragile We Are Castles. Gumshens soundscapes are impressive and diverse, making you fall in love with the type of music that you simply don't get enough of. An incredibly successful fusion of diverse genres I am excited to hear what these guys put out in the future!

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gumshen/8012797314?fref=ts

Secondhand Habit-Anaphylactic Rock

I last reviewed Secondhand Habit a very long time ago (God that review is embarassing), and now they have something new for you to enjoy, their new EP Anaphylactic Rock a record that captures all of the magic of their previous releases these four songs reach out and touch the soul in a way only Secondhand Habit can. These guys have long had a clear artistic direction defined by beautiful lyrics and melodic riffs that you can get lost in. Yet there is something more here. These guys have progressed as songwriters and the music tends to have some more complicated ideas than you might have found on their earlier releases. The way they approach their songs with a loud and proud, fun loving dedication is great, yet their is also an intellectual power behind these tracks. They prove that the band is more than just another alt rock group but a troupe of musicians capable of making a very real and deeply personal artistic statement. I for one am still a fan, and I hope that this EP launches Secondhand Habit into the success they so deeply deserve!

Listen to the EP on Soundcloud!
https://soundcloud.com/secondhandhabit/sets/anaphylactic-rock 

Stoney

Stoney is an interesting indie/alternative act who is in fact a good bit more interesting than any of his peers. Their is something powerful and unique about the music of Mark Stoney that just transcends what common man can do. I may not be one for this kind of music but their is a unique brand of incredible power in Stoney's music that can not be denied. This is a man who lives and dies by his music, crafting delicate soundscapes that have enough heft to appeal to the modern listener. With a clear artistic direction and a unique sound Stoney often manages to impress the listener not just with chops but an incredible songwriting ability. Many of the songs are distinctly progressive, and build up to creating luscious masterpieces that reach out and touch the soul. A man who grasps the spirit of his generation in a way that manufactured top forty music could never touch Stoney can reach out and directly impact anyone whose living in this crazy era. There is a magic to this mans music and at times it is almost tear jerking. If you love music, of any kind, then be sure to check Stoney out!

Find him on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/stoneystuff

Khamsin

And now for something completely different, Khamsin is an emotional and beautiful ambient indie rock band from Clarksville. Their sound is powerful in all of its atmospheric glory. The thing is, Khamsin are not necessarily here to create songs as much as they are to craft intricate and beautiful soundscapes. That makes it all the more jarring when they rip these soundscapes apart on songs like God Is Place You Will Wait For Your Whole Life. The internal power of this band is stunning and the way that they are unafraid to craft sounds that are wholly their own is pretty inspiring. I've never heard anything quite like Khamsin and I suspect it will be a while before I hear anything like them again. So, if you're looking for an innovative and majestic band whose sound dwells more on the power of the music than that of the song Khamsin is something you're going to want to check out (And maybe even help fund their Kickstarter) I for one am excited to get more than these measly four tracks!

Find out more about them and their Kickstarter on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/KhamsinBand

At Her Feet

At Her Feet is a really stellar alt rock band who I have been meaning to review for a couple of days now. The thing about this band is the way they seamlessly craft darker edges with a more polished overall sound that reaches out and touches the soul. Few alt rock bands can really have this slightly darker side, doubly impressive considering the wholly upbeat outer shell of the band. (Who like, among other things, free stuff and egg shakers). The one song that they currently have up on their Reverbnation profile is Unhinged, a veritable testament to the power that this kind of indie rock can have in the year 2013. The main highlight of At Her Feets sound is the stellar female vocals followed closely by the dynamic songwriting. In short, this is a punchy band with a bit of a bleaker side that helps to give their music breadth and beauty. If you want something that goes beyond your typical alt rock group then At Her Feet is the band for you!

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/AtHerFeetBand/app_2405167945