8 Tracks – Collection CLVI

It’s been a crazy long time since our last “8 Tracks” (three months, if we’re getting specific) – we’re waaaay overdue, but I promise this one is well worth the wait. Check out the mini reviews of these eight songs, the info from the artists, and then give ’em a listen!

The Warning – “S!CK”

Such a killer song from rock band, The Warning – I love their sound, and the way they mix heavy, hard-hitting guitar and drums with catchy melodies. This is yet another stellar track from these three sisters. From The Band’s PR: Showcasing their evolution, the single shows a new side of the band, leaning into an evolved yet familiar sound.“Kill the silence. Till it makes me feel, till it makes me feel, till it makes me feel…SICK!” A hypnotic bridge takes hold punctuated by haunting harmonies only for the momentum to pick up with one last blast of energy. The accompanying video mirrors this ebb and flow of the song as it simultaneously captures the band in the throes of a powerhouse performance.

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Higher Education – “Fell For You”

Such a great mix of genres here – it brings the alt rock edge, indie rock sensibilities, and a pop rock catchiness and accessibility. Get this track on mainstream radio and out to the masses! It sounds like a hit to me. From The Band:“This is our new song “Fell for You” from our upcoming 5th album “We’re Not Getting On The Radio”.”

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The Sylvia Platters – “Severance”

The latest from The Sylvia Platters is a mellow, accessible, summer sound – always glad to hear new tracks from this band, and “Severance” is no exception. From the Band’s PR: “Severance” is a bittersweet slice of country-tinged jangle pop. Led by drummer Tim Ubels’ plaintive vocal, our latest track is a nostalgic tune about taking stock, letting go, and moving on.

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Mattie Leon / Nelson Sobral / Mike Leon – “Gotta Get Paid”

The only thing better than any one of these guys putting out a new single? All three of ’em putting a song out together! The lovely and talented men of Castlemore Records teamed up, shared vocals, and created such a killer tune that we know you’re all going to love. Turn it up, and groove the hell out!  From The Artists: If Martin Scorsese got up from the directors chair, walked off set and found a piano to write a 3 minute rock song standing up for the petty criminal, this would be it. In a truly unique collaboration, Mattie Leon, Mike Leon and Nelson Sobral (all artists on Castlemore Records) share the spotlight on ‘Everybody’s Gotta Get Paid’.

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The Horizons – “Fortune Teller”

Great catchiness to this track, with its fast-driving riffs and heavy drums. The chorus is insanely pcativating memorable, and will have listeners singing along in no time. From The Band:The Fortune Teller features a huge, in your face guitar riff that sits perfectly under the epic vocal hits. The song was written to reflect how certain people think they know you better than you know yourself. They think they can predict what you are going to do next, thus becoming Fortune tellers.

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The Minimum Wage – “Everyone Is”

Do I have a bias here because the lead singer of The Minimum Wage is my fellow Music Jerk / the other half of our band, Lonely Little Kitsch? Nah – I write about songs I like, so that’s that. I’m glad that “Everyone Is” is finally out in the world, because I’ve had it in my head since they first started playing it. The audiences of their live shows have been lucky enough to get a sneak peek, but now you can all give this one a listen and love it like the rest of us. From The Band:“We all consider ourselves victims of something – past traumas, the system, perception of reality – it’s how we deal with being “victimized” that defines us…do you run to social media and desperately seek validation? Do you put your head down and slog out day after day? Do you use it as a tool to better yourself? That’s pretty much the theme…”

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Blinker The Star – “Doomgazers”

The latest from Blinker The Star is a fuzzy throwback, similar to what it would sound like if Joy Division went into more of an indie rock/shoegaze direction. It’s a great sound, and a stellar track.  From The Band: “Doomgazers” is the first advance single from Blinker The Star’s upcoming, lucky 13th album.

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GreenWing – “At The Time”

Killer new song from Canadian band, GreenWing – Weezer meets the Nil in the best way possible. Catchy yet edgy and hard-hitting! This is the first single from their sophomore album, now streaming everywhere. From The Band:“At The Time” is a song that tackles the awkward moments in life when you think everything is just fine until someone close to you helps you achieve a new perspective on your situation and suddenly your eyes are opened to the reality with the newfound clarity. In the case of vocalist Matt Stinn, this was when a group of his friends lovingly staged an intervention to check on his mental and physical well being following a year that could only be summed up as “hell”. Tackling this heavy topic with a tongue-in-cheek attitude, this song’s playful vocals lean heavily on the one two punch of GreenWing’s rhythm section featuring Travis Wiliams on bass and Kolton Kimbley on drums. All these elements are topped with a tasteful sprinkling of melodic hooks supplied by lead guitarist, Anthony Allegretto.

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