bands
Rock n' roll, boy bands, jazz trios, and more; the greats, newbies, and forgotten icons who create our favorite groups.
Can Greta Van Fleet and Birdy Bardot Save Rock?
It was September 2017 and I was barreling through the 5 North to Clairmont, listening to San Diego’s Rock 105.3 when suddenly I heard a primal, raunchy, 70s-esque guitar riff. Musical Deja Vu hit as the guitar sounded insanely familiar, yet couldn’t be, for I would have remembered listening to such a Riff. Once you get past the ripping electricity of the guitar, you hear the most Robert Plant-like howl this side of Zeppelin II, and after another triumphant, roaring guitar part, the real fun commences. Bashing drums, unpolished blues guitar notes, underlying bass lines, and lyrics of driving through the highways with his special girl, the average listener would genuinely believe they’ve stumbled on an unreleased track off of Houses of the Holy or a deep cut off of Zeppelin III. But in fact what I and thousands of Americans were listening to was the track "Highway Tune" by Greta Van Fleet.
By Logan Mang8 years ago in Beat
Deap Vally's Guttural Feminist Tunes
The guttural feeling of familiarity, empowerment, and dread are ever present, as they always have been, within Deap Vally’s latest album Femejism. A couple of self-described valley girls out of California, Julie Edwards and Lindsey Troy have been musically taking on the patriarchy over the past 7 years, beginning with their debut album Sistronix from 2013. Featuring “Gonna Make My Own Money,” a powerful track as the name suggests, is of a conversation between a daughter and her parents. Women around the world will be familiar with this expectation from their family, being told their whole lives they need to marry a man who will support them, a rich one if they can. Deap Vally spins this story on its head and insists they will be self-sufficient, make their own money and buy their own land, burying the stereotype of a damsel in distress needing a man to save them. Breaking out of Sistronix for me is “Walk of Shame” which takes back the stigma of a woman making her way home from a one-night stand, owning her sexuality and walking with pride and her head held high. Stories like this of shattering old-school societal expectations of gender norms and sexuality on Sistronix prove provocative, empowering, and enlightens the audience—even younger generations of women—to the true power and autonomy of a woman, and specifically these women. None of these themes change from Sistronix to Femejism, they only get more intense. Once I found out that the drummer Julie Edwards, was not only pregnant during most of the recording but she also toured and played shows for Femejism while pregnant, it became more clear than ever that these women are not just down to earth but they love their craft enough that they will stop at nothing to share their intense messages with their hard hitting grooves.
By Practical Stunts8 years ago in Beat
Mermaids Exist at the Horseshoe Tavern
On an absurdly chilly Monday in April, a day that you would not expect people to be out and about at a bar, the Horseshoe Tavern on Queen St. W was bustling. The night was going to consist of three very contrasting bands. A country band, a heavier rock band, and an upbeat pop rock group. Upon arriving the first act was already on stage, the country act supporting lead vocalist/songwriter, Stacey Hunt. She oozed a country pop essence akin to artists like Faith Hill and Jewel. The songs had a bubbly relatability and her band was talented and supported her fully. Her voice did not waver or crack once, and her vocal control was undeniable. The music was pure country pop and overall incredibly enjoyable as a live performance. The venue seemed filled with her fans and supporters. The excitement was palpable, and they have great promise as a country band. The second act that went on was called Defcon Brown, they were a three piece band with music similar to bands like Nickelback and other early 2000s rock bands of the like. The subject matter was moody and dark. The crowd of country fans diminished significantly during their set, but despite this they played fully and contently.
By Practical Stunts8 years ago in Beat
American Hardcore: A Chaotic History
Let's face it. It is almost impossible for any music fan to bypass punk rock. From The Sex Pistols, Velvet Underground to Richard Hell. It's a genre that has not only inspired and shaped generations, but has permanently reinvented music and cultural history.
By Ida kubisz8 years ago in Beat
The Top 5 Most Underrated Beatles Songs
I fancy myself a Beatles fanatic, so I have spent countless hours listening to every Beatles song ever produced to the masses. Like everyone, I, too, love the classics from Let It Be and Abbey Road, but the Beatles are truly one of the greatest bands that have ever lived because of their wide selection of incredible songs. Let's take a look at the top 5 most underrated Beatles songs.
By Rachel Brown8 years ago in Beat
The Delicate Balance of Pink Floyd
As a prominent fan and borderline dealing with an obsession for the band Pink Floyd, I have to express something that needs to be expressed within this sphere in the last few years. Floyd fans know that the most prominent figures of the band are Roger Waters and David Gilmour. They have both embarked on comparatively mildly successful careers since Waters left the band in 1985, and had a Gilmour lead era for ten years succeeding the departure. In that time, the albums released, such as Momentary Lapse of Reason and Division Bell, are retrospectively regarded as similar to Gilmour solo work, backed by original members Nick Mason and the immense keyboard/synth talent that was Rick Wright. (It is imperative to note that Rick Wright’s 1978 album Wet Dream speaks volumes to his musicality and Floyd contribution; essentially he was the backbone of their signature sound.)
By Practical Stunts8 years ago in Beat
