Against The Grain

A couple of weeks ago I talked about a new and upcoming band from Vancouver, Canada, The Veer Union. Their premier album, Against The Grain, just came out today. I have been playing it over and over on my iPod, and I have to say it is an amazing record. 

This album is truly outstanding. The rock is just catchy enough to get stuck in your head but you don't mind singing these songs over and over. Every song on the album holds its own but there are definite high points. Here are my top five.

First off is Seasons. This is the single off the record, call and request it, and it does a really good job defining the band's style. The catchy guitar hook mix excellently with the vocal melody to create a beautiful melody counter melody sound. Crispin's voice is one of the defining features of this band, it can bend and meld with the music to cause wonderful blends at times.

Second on my list has to be Darker Side of Me. This song shows the harder side of the band. The guitar rift in the chorus makes me think of a band much heavier in sound than The Veer Union. the opening bass line is something to notice as well.

Third in this list is Over Me. Noticeably more mellow than the earlier songs, this song is a welcome break from the harder hitting rock. I've never been a huge fan of ballads but for this song I made an exception. The introduction of the piano really adds to the feeling of the song. I have heard songs where the band adds piano and the sound is usually either too overpowering or gets lost in the mix, this is not the case for this song, the piano melds excellently.

Fourth is The Final Moment. This song jumps the listener out of a slower portion of the album. The song makes me want to get in my car and just drive. The energy of the song will probably make me speed though, so it might not be a good idea.

Finally is What Have We Done. This is the last song on the record and it is so different that you have to take notice of it. With a stomp pattern backing the verses instead of drums, and with a constant piano melody this song sounds almost like a different band. But at the same time it showcases a lot of the talent in the band. The open a cappella part shows the vocal talent that both Crispin and Eric, and the chorus gives Fid, the lead guitarist, a chance to flex his talent. 

I'm not stating that these are the only good songs on the record. The entire record is worth going out and buying. I would highly recommend that anyone who likes alternative rock go give it a listen.

Always Listening

Nick

Swan Songs

Ever heard a song that just made you want to jump around and go crazy? A song that makes you want to dance, mosh, and go workout, all at the same time. This is what almost every song on Hollywood Undead's premiere album Swan Songs makes me want to do. They are the Beastie Boys or our generation and they want your attention.  

The six member rap rock group from Los Angeles got its start back in 2005 on Myspace. Due to their insane following and popularity they were named Myspace's number one unsigned group in 2006. They played their first live show in 2008 and released Swan Songs in September of the same year. They signed to A&M/Octone in 2008.

Members:

• Charlie Scene
• Johnny 3 Tears
• J-Dog
• Da Kurlzz
• Deuce
• Funny Man

The group is different by many means. To start with, the group wears masks on stage. They are six white kids rapping on stage with masks. To the common viewer this sounds like a side show at a circus. But these young men are quick to show they are no opening act, they are the main attraction. 

The album is a constant barrage of hard hitting beats and lyrics. Their single Undead will have any listener at least bobbing your head to the beat. The song shows the full aspect of the group, featuring every member in the song and not pulling any punches in the lyrics. Note: this group is very explicit, so if you are not into swearing in your music, just a heads up. 

The rest of the album is a constant rap rock hit. Think Linkin Park meets Beastie Boys and throws an epic party. The band doesn't just sing about parties though. The talk on heart ache, My Black Dahlia, social activism, Young, and broken homes, The Diary. This group could  be called the voice of the generation, but I would be scared to cliche this group, who is everything but a cliche. 

If you want an album with dance tracks go buy this song. If you want an album with head-banging tracks go buy this album. If you want an album with chilled out songs buy this album. Basically if you are into rap rock, hip hop, or dance, I would highly recommend this album. 

Always Listening.

Nick