Simon and The Bande A Part - Am I The Worm

Picture source: https://www.facebook.com/simonandthebandeapart

Artist: Simon and The Bande A Part 

Singles - Am I The Worm
Genre: acoustic, folk

Listen to Blinking & Breathing:

Yet another success to grace the Cape Town shores is South African folk rock band, Simon and The Bande A Part. A developmental indie project created by singer/songwriter Simon Van Gend, the trio are making waves both locally and overseas with their latest single, 'Am I The Worm?' from their fourth studio album, Blinking and Breathing.

Songs That Should Be Mainstream fans may be well acquainted with this band via the bassist, Eric Michot (Mr. Kito), who has been featured for his solo expedition in an earlier STSBM piece (which can be viewed here). Michot and drummer Ross Campbell accompany Van Gend to create seamless compilations of original and distinctive music. 'Am I the Worm?' encapsulates the quirky niche of indie-folk that the band has naturally created for themselves, while simultaneously appealing to a broad and diverse audience across the globe.

Simon and The Bande A Part - Am I The Worm

Working with established Australian producer Ian Pritchett, who is best known for his work with folk sensations 'Angus and Julia Stone' and Australian roots music band 'The Beautiful Girls', Simon and The Bande A Part is shaping up to follow in the footsteps of these indie greats, rapidly rising to first place on the Reverbnation Folk charts for ZA in Cape Town earlier this year. Furthermore, with almost 30,000 fans on Facebook, the band is gaining a significant online following to support their upcoming releases.

It's no wonder Simon and The Bande A Part have received such positive attention from their fans. Each release from the band is well-crafted, displaying ingenuity and thoughtfulness in each track of the album. Am I The Worm? is particularly thought-provoking as it details the struggles of a man riddled with misfortune, searching for 'sunlight' within his life. The notion of life experiences expressed through song is indicative of the folk music genre that the band pertains to.

What results is a hybrid mix of rustic folk renditions entwined within a jovial and upbeat tune consistent with more modern stylistic forms of the 'folk' practice. Simon and the Bande A Part have created a balance within their music that both traditional and contemporary folk enthusiasts can enjoy.

Taking their music to the next level, the band have been known to include unique and unusual instruments in the compilation of their music. Including a vast range of instrumental accompaniments within their music, Blinking and Breathing in particular has increased the band's musical threshold. Including a french horn, mandolin, banjo, harmonica and bandoneon within their music, Simon and the Bande A Part are exploring new territories and expanding their minds to a new range of possibilities previously unconsidered by other folk-rock bands of today.

With such unique avenues explored within Am I The Worm and the album overall, it is gripping to imagine the potential for Simon and The Bande A Part to explore within their future releases. With such an overwhelmingly expanding fan-base, the band can only look towards bigger ventures within the years to come.

You can find more information on Simon and The Bande A Part on the official webpage, Facebook and Twitter accounts.

To buy a copy of Am I The Worm (single), or Blinking and Breathing (album), click <<here>>.

By Lily Pavlovic posted 5 November 2013, for STSBM

From Slaves to Kings - (individual single releases).

Picture source: http://www.kilo943.com/2013/04/page/4/

Artist: From Slaves to Kings - (individual single releases). 

Singles - individual releases
Genre: rock, metal 

Listen to their latest singles

Fans of Avenged Sevenfold, As I Lay Dying and Five Finger Death Punch rejoice - the latest addition to this hard-rock family is Texan-born quintet: From Slaves to Kings. With killer guitar riffs, catchy choruses and a traditional rock/nu metal-esque sound, the band is gaining attention with each release of individual tracks throughout the year. 

Considering each other 'brothers' both on and off the stage, the band has a chemistry that flows through their music and on to their live performances. Praised for their energetic stage performance, From Slaves to Kings have worked towards rock royalty: winning a series of accolades within their home town of Colorado for first place in the Indy Music Awards, People's Choice winner for Best Progressive Hard-Rock Band and Best Vocalist categories. 

Opening for rock band Hoobastank, 12 Stones and I Wrestled a Bear Once, the band has increasingly gained momentum since its inception in 2011. Regular appearances on online radio streaming sites such as Pandora.com have seen the band's fan base grow into the thousands, hailing not only from America, but to a further worldwide audience. 

From Slaves to Kings - (individual single releases).

As of late, the band has focussed on providing their fans with some fresh new music. Teasing the masses with snippets of their upcoming track 'Feeding the Flies' via Soundcloud links, the band is preparing for more songs at a faster pace. Unfortunately for From Slaves To Kings, however, the focus on creating this music has caused a lapse in the number of live shows played in the past months, in comparison to October of the previous year. From Slaves to Kings assure that the band is 'back on track', playing gigs throughout the month to concert-hungry fans. 

Part of the band's enticing live performance is the ability to sing along to the catchy choruses. In particular, the song listed 'Track 5' is a great example of this - FSTK are able to create the same heavy rock ambience that fans crave, without compromising the use of lead singer Jason Coahran's clean vocal work. From Slaves to Kings are unique in the sense that for a rock band, they do not require the hyper-usage of screaming or overtly grungy vocals; instead focussing on perfecting a high-quality and well-established sound without taking away from the band's genuine talent and authentic atmosphere. 

Overall, the band appear to have a chemistry between them that is both effective and original both within their studio music and live renditions. However, From Slaves to Kings still have a long path before them. With a full studio album yet to be released, it may be a short while before the band take the throne to rule the hard-rock charts. Nevertheless, the band has both a promising outlook and killer sounds to boot. Both fans of FSTK and onlookers of the rock scene are warned: Watch this space and remember the name. 

From Slaves to Kings are currently playing across Colarado Springs. You can reach the band via Facebook, Twitter or Reverbnation pages for news, upcoming gigs and additional information. 

By Lily Pavlovic posted 15 October 2013, for STSBM

A Course of Action - Singles: 107 and Who We Are.

Picture source: http://www.untappedradio.com/

Artist: A Course of Action

Singles: 107 & Who We Are

Genre: rock, metal 

Listen to the single 107

North Carolina quartet A Course of Action are considered 'the band next door' - resonating with many  fans as 'four normal guys from the South making great rock music'. However, their latest releases '107' and 'Who We Are' have exposed their talent to a whole new level - becoming the talk of the town in the rock and metal spectrum.

Neighbouring on bands such as Sevendust, Five-Finger Death Punch and Alter-Bridge, A Course of Action are rapidly drawing attention from fans across America and gaining an international following since their single releases. Playing weekly shows across the south in the U.S, the band is gaining a loyal following with enthusiastic live performances and a quality sound.

A Course of Action - Singles: 107 and Who We Are. 

The band's first debut studio album, Dark Before the Dawn stands as a testament to 'hard work paying off' for the band. After months of production, the nine track album rose to both domestic and international success - with album tracks playing on stations Q Star Radio and Occupation Radio, and online stations Jango Music, IndyPalooza, and Raidio Corca Baiscinn (Ireland) providing increased exposure for a growing number of fans. 

Now, A Course of Action are expanding on thematic structures, sonic richness and a solid rock base within their most recent releases, '107' and 'Who We Are'. '107' in particular is the band's triumph: providing a seamless mainstream metal sound that is carried out with expert precision and diligence. With a Stone Sour-esque vibe to the chorus, metal and rock fans can't help but become absorbed in the rough vocals, clever lyrics and killer guitar-shreding solos characteristic of classic rock and metal sound.

'107' has become increasingly more popular with fans since its release. It is a prime example of the band's capabilities, however both fans and reviewers alike urge ACOA not to rest on their laurels just yet - as the track allows room to both progress and develop in future albums in terms of finding a niche for themselves, and developing from classic genres to a more diverse and original sound.

'Who We Are' to an extent demonstrates some of these capabilities. This track slows down the tempo in comparison to the band's other releases, showcasing the band's adaptability to both hard and soft rock styles. However, in doing so, the chorus is perhaps not as punchy as 107 and tracks from Dark Before the Dawn. 'Who We Are' is best suited for fans of  bands such as Creed or Shinedown, as it is a distinct step away from the hard rock of the band's previous work. 

By juxtaposing 'Who We Are' with the band's former releases, it is difficult to speculate where ACOA may head in the future. With glimpses of diverse directions to which they may lead, it will be interesting to see whether the band continues their hard-rock roots, or branches out into softer rock sub-genres seen in their latest tracks. 

Either way, A Course of Action seem to be on the path to success. With a plethora of live shows on the horizon, fans will love whatever course the band decides to take. 

You can visit their OFFICIAL website here

By Lily Pavlovic posted 15 October 2013, for STSBM

Matchstickmen - Acoustic Grooves to Soothe The Soul.

Picture source: https://www.facebook.com/Matchstickmen.band

Artist: Matchstickmen

Album:  Acoustic Grooves to Soothe The Soul.

Genre: acoustic, rock, alternative

Listen to songs from their past album Make Mountains:

Liverpool lads Matchstickmen are turning alternative rock into acoustics with a more mellowed release of music in their latest 2013 EP, ‘’Acoustic Grooves To Soothe The Soul’. 

Adapting music from their previous works, the band are incorporating their greatest-hits from 'Through Hell... And Kept Going' (the band's 2011 album release),  'A Change in Season' (2012 EP) and unreleased material from prior workings within the band. As a result, Acoustic Grooves to Soothe the Soul takes a stunning snapshot of Matchstickmen's best work, and displays it in a revised format to which fans can experience their favourite songs all over again in a more intimate and mellowed setting. 

Matchstickmen - Acoustic Grooves to Soothe The Soul.

In their original content, the band are compared to American rockers Pearl Jam, Shinedown and Alter-Bridge - all established artists in the chart-topping rock field. The band's sound takes on a mainstream rock form that is not unlike the beginning albums of these bands, retaining an 'aggressive' style that is ore comparable to classic rock, while maintaining softer stylistic elements such as catchy choruses and a pop-rock twist to appeal to both classic rock lovers and newcomers alike. 

Furthermore, Matchstickmen's release of a varied sound in Acoustic Grooves To Soothe The Soul is a strategically beneficial move for the band to appeal to a broader audience and increase the fan-base in an increasingly developmental and progressive time for the band. By utilising previous releases, Matchstickmen not only allures new fans who prefer more acoustic renditions of rock music, but also eager fans who enjoy back-tracking the new release to find out more information about Matchstickmen's previous releases. 

Most notable of the re-releases is 'Jealous Times'. Retaining the husky vocals of lead singer Lewis Wright throughout, the Acoustic Grooves version retains it's somewhat grungy and raw vibe, while maintaining an upbeat strummed rhythm throughout - providing a relaxing atmospherical notion that is in most cases, detached from the 'noise' that surrounds rock music as a genre. 

The acoustic rendition of Matchstickmen's songs also allow the listener to appreciate the clever lyrical work used by the band. 'Dark Blue' is especially poignant, delivering the lyrics in a more concise and impacting mode. The adaptability of the band's sound is impressive in this particular track- as the atmosphere changes from a dense, grungy narrative into a traveller's journey focussing more on the need to escape from a downward-spiraling 'dark-blue' life. The emphasis of Matchstickmen's lyrics seem to change dependant on the genre by which the band is displaying. 

As a result, it is a rewarding task to listen to both the band's original works in order to juxtapose the Acoustic Grooves album with previous works such as  'Through Hell... And Kept Going'  and  'A Change in Season'.  Both versions of the songs produced showcase an array of talent from each member of the band, and provide the listener with rock music that is both engaging and easy on the ear. 

Following their acoustic release, the band is looking to revert to their original rock sound for an upcoming album release in 2014. To find out more about Matchstickmen's upcoming album, or to listen to a copy of ‘’Acoustic Grooves To Soothe The Soul’ click: here

By Lily Pavlovic posted Wed 25 September, 2013, for STSBM

Juven - Space Trademark: The Sessions.

Picture source: http://spacedoutjuven.com/pictures

Artist: Juven

Album:  Space Trademark: The Sessions. 

Genre: hip-hop, rnb, soul, rap

The sky is the limit for Houston hip-hop artist Juven, in his release of his astronomical EP - Space Trademark: The Sessions.

Dubbing himself 'Spaced-Out Juven', the 27-year-old is dabbling in themes of 'misunderstanding' and confusion in his 2013 release, taking on a literal approach via the use of 'space' metaphors to explain 'alienation' and departure from societal norms. Juven's quest for 'musical discovery' throughout these themes has gained him attention within the hip-hop sphere, creating a niche for himself in the American music scene in states such as Missouri, New Orleans and his hometowns of Houston and California.

Finding influence in performers such as Virginia's Pharell Williams and Brooklyn-born Busta Rhymes, Juven's musical inspirations are clearly heard in his performances, yet don't act to compromise his own originality and personal flair.

Juven - Space Trademark: The Sessions. 

The first track of the album, 'Runaway On The Farcyde' is a prime example of Juven's creativity and expression of originality. Teaming up with emerging R&B songstress Tiffany Star, Juven works to his strengths - contrasting upbeat rap sections with Star's more mellowed choruses. The male/female duo work well in this instance, providing a hooking introduction to the EP and demonstrating a well-defined layout of the upcoming songs on the track. Songs such as 'Runaway On The Farcyde', which lean towards a more pop influence, would not sound out of place playing on the commercial music stations of today.

A few tracks further down in Space Trademark: The Sessions, the mood changes with 'Ziggy Ziggy' (ft. Teek Da Don) and 'She Spaced Out (ft. Nosa)'. Taking on another atmosphere altogether, Juven's tracks sound made for the club scene. Ziggy Ziggy is repetitive by nature, which allows for a good dance track that is simple to follow, while 'She Spaced Out' allows Juven to showcase his impressive rapping talent.

The remaining tracks all fit within a more mellowed category. Juven takes the listener back to 'classic and clean' R&B with the majority of the EP. The tone of the music is slower in the second half of the track listing, allowing for time to appreciate the lyrical content and the holistic approach to creating a fluent 'space' theme throughout the piece.

It is interesting to note that although each song follows the narrative association with 'space', a large majority of tracks are produced under different labels. Predominately, Juven has paired up to create the EP with producer ID Labs, but also draws upon production techniques from Ric and Thadues, Brandon Lee, Artem and Jayaruh Productions for tracks Cruise Control, Ziggy Ziggy, Cunning Space and She Spaced Out respectively.

This coming month, Juven is expected to expand on the artist/producer relationships created throughout the recording and distribution of Space Trademark: The Sessions. Working with Big Jerm from ID Labs, Juven is expecting to release a new mix tape, titled 'Unreleased Data' this September, which will feature vocals from Georgian Hip-Hop artist, 'Ka Flame'. 

With the success of Space Trademark: The Sessions, Juven is set to reach star status in little to no time at all. Fans, R&B enthusiasts and astronomers alike are encouraged to 'watch this space' for further success.

View album here

By Lily Pavlovic posted Sat 7 September, 2013, for STSBM

Mr Kito - The Middle of Everything

Picture source: http://mrkito.bandcamp.com/

Artist: Mr Kito

Track: The Middle of Everything

Genre: rock, alternative, indie

Mr. Kito is the result of Frenchman Eric Michot, who currently resides and produces music in Cape Town, South Africa. Michot is a multi-instrumentalist, who not only sings as Mr. Kito, but also produces the accompanying music that complements it. The result of Mr. Kito's solo work is highly ambitious - the dedicated performer releasing 'The Middle of Everything' as his sixth album to date. Beginning to write and produce songs in 2012, and then creating the 'Mr. Kito' project in 2013, it is at an impressive speed that Michot releases his albums. In March 2013, Michot released four albums at once on a range of online platforms, including Bandcamp, Myspace and Soundcloud. 

Mr Kito - The Middle of Everything

Alternative rock one-man-band Mr. Kito is exploring new territories in his experimental new album, 'The Middle of Everything'. The album, released 12 August 2013, is dubbed as 'alternative rock', yet dabbles in a range of different genres, speeds and tones. Best described as a mix between alternative British rockers Radiohead and Placebo, Mr. Kito's compilations are a significant step away from the generic alt-rock sound. 

The first track on the album, 'Broken Arrow' has an electronic melody that flows throughout the song. Mr Kito is known for electronic influences, touching on this notion in his previous albums, My Tattooed Self and The Weatherman. In Broken Arrow, it is positive to see Mr Kito expanding and developing and expanding on sound from his previous work. 

Also, in juxtaposing songs such as Broken Arrow to Kito's previous work, it is interesting to note a shift in vocalisation. Vocal work dominates Kito's new sound, which is not particularly different from previous works, however the tone of his vocals has significantly changed. Songs including 'Broken Arrow', 'Illusion of a World' and 'Nowhere Else to Go' are more mellowed tracks that although slow, showcase Michot's vocal capabilities whilst drawing sharper attention to the lyrics of each song. 

The lyrics, which are also written by Michot himself, are quite abstract and experimental in content, which coincides with the album's experimental genre choices. On his inspiration for music and lyrical content, Michot says that he bases his inspiration on his experience of reality.

'Life and how I fit into it (what i experience at a given time) would be the source of inspiration. I aim to enter the state of presence as much as possible (mind less) and invite what ever would come from within...I believe we are interpreters of "what is",' he says.  

SB wire says that The Middle Of Everything represents 'a retrospective outlook on human behavior, seeking freedom from the mind of conceptualized created reality.' 

Since the start of his career, Michot's reality has been a string of successes. Receiving airplay in a number of international countries such as Sweden, Australia, France, Ireland and the United States, Mr. Kito has received what is labeled as an 'enviable response from music fans worldwide'. Earlier this year, Mr. Kito shot to number one place on the alternative charts for South Africa on music hosting site Reverbnation. 

Now, with a fan-base of over 150,000 online fans, including over 62,000 Twitter followers and 79,000 'likes' on Facebook, demand for Mr. Kito is rising at a rapid speed. Judging by Michot's ability for speedy releases, fans can most likely expect that a seventh album following The Middle of Everything will be released in the short future.  

You can download a copy of The Middle of Everything here

By Lily Pavlovic posted Friday 30, 2013, for STSBM