Song Review: Agony In The Garden – “Obsolete”

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews3 Comments

Dayton, Ohio has produced quite an array of important and influential artists and bands over the years, spanning a broad spectrum of music genres. Some of the notable ones include funk/R&B greats The Ohio Players & Lakeside, rocker Rick Derringer, hip-hop band Zapp, dance-pop singer CeCe Peniston, alt-rock band Guided By Voices, pop-punk band Hawthorne Heights, and metalcore bands Twelve Tribes and Devil Wears Prada. Now let me introduce another band to rise from the Dayton music scene: rock metal band Agony In The Garden.

As they explain in their bio, Agony in the Garden’s music “honors those who would challenge the sun. Though our overture reflects the eternal dream, the sleeper has awakened. As we bore witness to this paradox the logic is ill refute.” Their music style fuses rock, metal and blues to create a powerful wall of sound that grabs hold of and engulfs the listener in a realm of blazing guitars, massive synth chords and sharp percussion. Their poetic song lyrics are always compelling and socially relevant.

Agony In The Garden started out as a concept band, with singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Mack Perry as the solo artist writing and recording all the music. He released a debut four-song EP Where Olympus Dwells in May 2015, receiving critical acclaim and earning a growing legion of fans. Drummer Bobby Milton and guitarist Michael Greer joined the band in July 2016, and they are now working on a new album tentatively named Second Light, and set for release in Fall 2016.

agony-in-the-garden

The first single to be released is “Obsolete,” a sonically hard-hitting metal rock tune that dazes the senses. The song opens with a delicate, crystalline guitar solo, then erupts into a rich stew of snarling, swirling guitars, and pummeling bass.  Assertive drums keep the hard-driving beat moving forward, but never overpower the phenomenal heavily-textured guitars and Perry’s raw, impassioned vocals. Finally, demons expunged and both singer and listener spent, the song closes with a repeat of the gentle guitar riff.

The powerful lyrics speak to the sins of mankind and his impermanence on this earth. The end will come for us all as we cast away our demons (sins), breaking free of our physical selves and ascend to an afterlife. “Burning flames will shatter/in a world made of stone. Hear the dying children’s laughter/in a hell so new it’s old. Darkened sacred waters/Go on and fill them with your name. You can rise above the wreckage/go on and rise above your mortal chains. Throw your demon into the sun, ’til it’s done. Throw your demon, one by one into the sun.”

For a background reference of the band’s music, here’s the video for their excellent 2015 single “Where Olympus Dwells.” It’s a provocative commentary on poverty and homelessness that intertwines beautiful scenery with startling images of the homeless and disasters – both natural and political – that contribute to the homeless epidemic. The song has been chosen to be featured on the soundtrack of the new Ugandan Action Cinema film Precision: The Child Drug Trafficking.

I must make note that, from our conversations by e-mail and Twitter messaging, Mack Perry is one of the most gracious and respectful musicians I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with. So support his band by checking out their website and following on Twitter and Facebook. Stream their music on Spotify and Soundcloud, and purchase on itunes, Amazon and other online music sites.

Album Review: THE ZOUP – “Symbiotic”

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews2 Comments

I’m beginning to think that some of the best rock music these days is coming out of New Zealand, as here I am writing about yet another great band from that island nation at the other side of the world (I’m in Southern California).  My latest subject is The Zoup, an alternative rock band from Auckland, and their sparkling debut album Symbiotic.  As explained in the album notes, Symbiotic is “a sonic journey representing five years of musical exploration and experimentation which truly represents the collective essence of the band.”

The Zoup is comprised of Jaydn de Graaf (lead vocals, guitar), Dominic Mauger (lead guitar, keyboards), Tom Chou (bass) and Dave Johnston (drums, backing vocals).  The band’s sound is characterized by complex, multi-textured guitars over strong, rhythmic basslines and aggressive percussion, accompanied by deGraaf’s amazing vocals that swoop and soar with abandon.  The guys have been making music together for over eight years, and recorded their first self-titled EP in 2009. They continued writing songs and experimenting with their sound, and recorded several tracks in two sessions named for the locations where they took place – the Piha in 2011 and Kaipara in 2012. Three of those tracks have been remastered and are now included on Symbiotic.

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The 10-track album was engineered and produced by band member/drummer Dave Johnston (who also plays drums for the band Villainy), and what a winner it is!  It opens strong with the hyperkinetic title track “Symbiotic.” Rapid-fire drums set the pace, with assertive guitars overlying buzzing basslines. The song hums along, seeming to end at 3:05, then with a touch of feedback, it revs back up to a dramatic finish. I may be totally off-base, but the lyrics seem to address the band’s connection with their past, and their desire to move on into new territory, which this album represents. “Strange how the smallest sounds always seem to trigger the memories I thought that I had lost in time.”

Next up is “Shao Ten” – a standout track with such awesome guitar work, it had the hair on the back of my neck standing straight up. Distorted guitars play off frantic, jangly guitar riffs and wobbly bass, perfectly complementing de Graaf’s powerful soaring vocals. The captivating “Scheming” is one of my favorites, with blistering guitars and aggressive drums, accentuated by an abundance of crashing cymbals. The backing vocals rise and fall in a beautiful chorus, accompanied by distorted guitar.

The melodic “The Cuts and the Crime” is another strong track, and has been released as their latest single. The song speaks to the inner conflict between giving in to one’s darker desires – to “dance with the fire” – and the need to walk a straight line and behave like a good person: “In my mind/The better side of never is what keeps me in line. In my mind/I’m never gonna get it from the cuts and the crime.”  Musically, the song opens with a powerful drumbeat that propels the song forward. Complex, multi-layered stop and start guitar riffs float nicely over a powerful bassline and, as always, deGraaf’s vocals are mesmerizing.

Keeping the energy flowing, “Monuments” is a hard-driving gem with swirling guitars, heavy bass and hammering drums. deGraaf’s urgent vocals weave effortlessly through the music. The pace slows a bit with the sultry but still intense “Talking to Myself.” The killer guitars are shredded, plucked and distorted all over the place, accompanied by crashing cymbals and goosebump-inducing harmonic vocals. This song has some of the best lyrics: “Even dishonest men tell honest lies. To reset those feelings which hold special meanings will take some time.  Trusting this world it takes such arrogance.  Talking to myself is not OK.”

“Ethos” was first recorded at the Piha Sessions in 2011, and is such a good song the band decided to rework and include it on Symbiotic. On this and the following track “Colours,” we’re treated to more mind-bending guitar riffs and Johnston’s wicked drums, along with deGraaf’s beguiling vocals. I’m now certain that I’m addicted to this band’s music.

Another older song from the Kaipara Sessions included on this album is the gorgeous ballad “We Should Have Listened.”  Acoustic guitars have a starring role, giving this amazing track more of a folk-rock vibe than The Zoup’s other songs. The lyrics are compelling: “Time the oppressor waits for no man at all. Save those lucky few who hold it dearest to them.  We should have listened, but now it’s gone. We didn’t listen to what they had to say. We had our chance to change. We had our chance, we threw it all away.” Although the track has been remastered for the album, this video from the session in 2012 features the band recording the song, along with footage of them that provides a glimpse of their friendly, unassuming personalities.

The final track “Young and Unaware” is the third on Symbiotic to come from the previous sessions. It’s a great song, with thunderous shredded guitars, heavy bass and pounding drums giving it the most hard-rock sound of all the tracks on the album.

The Zoup (their name doesn’t really mean anything, according to Johnston, who said they actually saw the word on an old T-shirt belonging to their guitarist Dominic, and thought a name beginning with the last letter of the alphabet was strong) is definitely a band to follow and Symbiotic is an album worth owning.  Show them support by following on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to their YouTube channel. Stream their music on Soundcloud or Spotify, and purchase on Bandcamp or itunes.

Song Review: MUTEMATH – “Changes”

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews3 Comments

On the heels of touring for their superb 2015 album Vitals, and as second opening act for twenty one pilots’ epic Emotional Roadshow World Tour (see my  concert review), New Orleans band MUTEMATH has dropped a positively stunning new single “Changes.” It’s the opening track on their new album of the same name – set for release on September 23.

Upon first hearing the opening vibrating synth chords, it’s clear that “Changes” is a thing of sonic greatness. Our ears are dazed by a gorgeous waterfall of alternating lush and distorted synths, tinkling keyboard and multi-layered percussion.  Lead singer Paul Meany’s heartfelt vocals are sublime, perfectly conveying the slightly melancholy vibe of the track. The ending piano movement is breathtaking in it’s simplicity.

“Changes” is both a metaphor for the album itself, which is a re-imagining of Vitals, featuring reworks and remixes by band members and other producers, and an ode to feeling misunderstood amid life’s ever-changing landscape.  The lyrics are poetic: “I’m just suffering from changes, locked outside for good. Paper cut by turning pages, sitting under dust ’cause I’m not understood.”

It’s interesting that MUTEMATH alludes to cemetery imagery in the song, given New Orleans’ iconic burial grounds: “Monuments blush, while rising in the ashes and dust horizon. I can hear pallid choirs sing, from their headstone hymnals now.”

Take a listen to this masterpiece:

MUTEMATH formed in 2002 and, as with many bands, has undergone personnel changes since then. The band now consists of band frontman Paul Meany (lead vocals, keyboards), Darren King (drums), Roy Mitchell-Cardenes (bass) and Todd Gummerman (lead guitar).

mutemath

If you aren’t already, follow MUTEMATH on Twitter and Facebook, and subscribe to their YouTube channel. “Changes” – both the single and new album – are available for purchase on itunes and all other online music purchase sites.

Artist Spotlight – The Condriacs

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Artist SpotlightLeave a comment

It’s back to the UK for a spotlight on The Condriacs, a singer/songwriting duo from Essex who make some really fine folk-pop music. The Condriacs are close friends Peter Spicer and Tony Slaven, who began writing songs together a couple of years ago, but decided to take their music more seriously in late 2015, when they began recording tracks. Spicer, who’s been making music since he was 14, plays guitar, while Slaven vocalizes their beautiful, compelling lyrics. As the guys explained in an interview with Michelle Ward on Brentwood, Essex radio station Phoenix 98FM in April 2016, they love great lyrics, especially by some of their favorite songwriters Chris Stapleton, Billy Joel and James Taylor, from whom they draw inspiration in penning their own exceptional lyrics. As for their interesting name, their wives came up with that moniker.

The Condriacs have recorded a number of songs, and are working toward producing a full -length album as time and funds permit. Spicer told me it’s a painfully slow process, but so far, they have five songs that will be on their debut album, and they’re working on two more they hope to record in the coming month. Their well-crafted songs are soothing, yet maintain enough of an edgy quality to keep from sounding too pop.

“When You’re Gone” is a lovely but sad ballad that speaks to the heartache and loneliness resulting from a lost love. With strong vulnerability in his vocals, Slaven laments “All I want is just another moment, a minute when I can feel your love. I wanna spend a whole day with you, really. How can I love you baby when you’re gone?”  Spicer’s smooth guitar and the accompanying piano, violin and gentle drums beautifully complement Slaven’s heartfelt vocals, which at times remind me of fellow Brit Rod Stewart.

The gorgeous “Devil’s Mist” is a standout track and my personal favorite. The first few opening musical notes can make or break a song for me, and in “Devil’s Mist” they’re positively captivating. The song’s arrangement and rich instrumentation are perfect from start to finish. Lyrically, the song is about hurt and betrayal over a failed relationship, and such powerful words they are:

“Raging nights, rumbling skies, lighting strikes me, I’m paralyzed. War with words that really hurt. We’ve just dragged up the past and dirt. When that red mist covers me, have to set that devil free. The open road where the air is free, brings me back to you. Why do you leave me in the pouring rain? Always running, never take the blame? I assume you’re OK, ’cause I’ve lost my rage.”

“I’ll Take it All” is a beguiling, upbeat song about life, love and hope. The track was just released as a single in Asia in August.

Another standout is “Run Run Run.” This remix has bit more synth-heavy vibe than the other tracks.

https://soundcloud.com/thecondriacs/run-run-run-remix

Here’s a lovely acoustic performance of the tender ballad “Can’t You See.” It really showcases the guys’ warmth and authenticity, not to mention Slaven’s wonderful a capella vocals.

I look forward to hearing what these fellows come up with next. Show them support by following on Twitter, liking on Facebook and subscribing to their YouTube channel.  They do not yet have music available for purchase, but it can be streamed on Soundcloud.

Top 20 Songs for September 18-24, 2016

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Weekly Top 30's3 Comments

1. ALL WE EVER KNEW – The Head and the Heart (3)
2. HEATHENS – twenty øne piløts (2)
3. BANG BANG – Green Day (5)
4. TROUBLE – Cage the Elephant (1)
5. LIFE ITSELF – Glass Animals (6)
6. CHEAP THRILLS – Sia & Sean Paul (4)
7. GOOD GRIEF – Bastille (8)
8. YOU DON’T GET ME HIGH ANYMORE – Phantogram (9)
9. HYMN FOR THE WEEKEND – Coldplay featuring Beyoncé (10)
10. WAKE UP CALL – Nothing But Thieves (12)
11. SAY MY NAME – (IAM)WARFACE (14)
12. RIVER – Bishop Briggs (15)
13. BURN THE WITCH – Radiohead (7)
14. HARDWIRED – Metallica (16)
15. SEND MY LOVE (To Your New Lover) – Adele (11)
16. SOMETHING TO BELIEVE IN – Young the Giant (13)
17. FEEL INVINCIBLE – Skillet (N)
18. DARK NECESSITIES – Red Hot Chili Peppers (20)
19. WELCOME TO YOUR LIFE – Grouplove (N)
20. TONIGHT – Matto Rules (N)

Song Review – “Stars” by Wons Phreely+the Horses

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews2 Comments

I recently discovered the amazingly talented, quirky-named artist Wons Phreely (his real name is Justin Wonsly).  He has one of the most interesting, unique voices I’ve heard in a long while. The kind of voice that sounds like no one else – a valuable commodity in today’s overcrowded music industry. Phreely draws his musical influences from such disparate artists as Morrissey, Joe Strummer and Buddy Holly, which is why his style is difficult to categorize. He seems to move effortlessly from dance-pop to folk-rock to alt-rock.

The young singer/songwriter started his music career in Sydney, Australia, where he recorded several great upbeat singles, including “The World Has a Bank Account” and “Tonight,” followed by a fairly decent eight-track EP To Begin With… in 2011.  Phreely, along with his new back-up band The Horses, has now dropped a fantastic new single “Stars.”

The song has an interesting backstory. Phreely originally wrote it one night while living in a tiny studio above a bar in the red-light district of Sydney’s Kings Cross.  He penned the lyrics to describe his subconscious longing to make a big life change, but fearful of doing anything about it.  As luck would have it, just a few days after writing the song, he saw an ad for an open call for singers to submit themselves to play the role of young Roy Orbison in a planned biopic feature film. According to his bio information sent to me, Phreely submitted his best song rendition and was soon meeting with the estate of the Orbison family, who were producing the film and would have final say over the casting of the role of their father. Unfortunately, after months of meetings, discussions and auditions, the fate of the proposed film is stuck in limbo. But there’s a silver lining: inspired and invigorated by his new Los Angeles surroundings, Phreely seized the opportunity and decided to further his music career there. In 2015, he assembled a band of accomplished musicians (the lineup of which has changed over time), thereby creating  Wons Phreely + The Horses, who together brought his song “Stars” to fruition.

It’s an incredibly catchy number, with a great hook that immediately grabs hold, forcing you to move with the infectious, 80s retro dance beat. Plucky guitars and sharp percussion add to the fresh synth arrangement, keeping the energy flowing, and Phreely’s smoldering, halting vocals are absolutely captivating.  I had this song on repeat while writing this piece and am now addicted!  It just gets better with each listen. As I noted above, the lyrics speak to his ambivalence about making a life change:

“I went to my neighbor he said why wait another moment later. You wanna find some explanation then you really oughta make your own decision. And if something clouds your vision it’s time to move move move.  Cause there’s too many lights in the city tonight. So I can’t see the stars till the moment has passed.”

I really like the song’s video, in which Phreely sings the song while standing in front of a black background. When he sings the chorus, he wildly gyrates back and forth, this time with varying types of facial hair, and his short hair now long and flowing, perhaps to show the changes he speaks of in the song lyrics.

I like to include extra songs and videos to give a greater perspective of an artist or band’s talent and music style. Here are a couple of performances with session musicians from 2012 at the Skeet Music Studio in Sydney, Australia. In the first, Phreely shows his folk/rock side in the hauntingly beautiful ballad “Manny You’re My Sweetheart.” The song was inspired by Phreely’s former roommate who was transgender.

Here’s a great live performance of the delightful song “Tonight.”

You can follow Wons Phreely on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and learn more about him on his official website.  Stream his music on Spotify or Soundcloud, and watch his videos on YouTube.  “Stars” may be purchased on iTunes, the Google Play Store, Amazon, and Bandcamp, along with other previously released songs.

 

Album Review: Lost In The City – “Genesis”

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews2 Comments

There’s a special place in my heart for earnest, hard-working musicians who dedicate themselves so passionately to making great music that strongly connects with their fans. Such is the case with the young Kansas City band Lost In The City. They play an incredibly dynamic style of Alternative Rock that’s hard to categorize, as it can also be described as Post-Punk, Punk Rock or Punk/Pop. But no matter what label it’s given, the band’s guitar-heavy sound is influenced by some of their (and my) personal favorites, including Fall Out Boy, blink-182, Anberlin,  Jimmy Eat World, Foo Fighters and Dance Gavin Dance. In fact, band front man and lead vocalist Shane Radford at times sounds disarmingly similar to Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump, yet their music is thoroughly unique.

In addition to Radford, who also plays rhythm guitar & synthesizers, the other band members include Danny Davis (bass/synthesizers), Dustin Proctor (guitar) and Kyle Constant (drums).  All are musicians who’ve previously been active in the Kansas City music scene for the past decade. They joined forces to form Lost In The City, and their collective experience gave them a distinct advantage over other newly-formed bands. Once they quickly found their groove, they began playing local shows, writing and recording a full album, and embarking on a nationwide tour. Despite line-up changes, working full-time jobs, going to school, and competing for stage time in a crowded music scene, the band has persevered without skipping a beat.

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Lost In The City dropped their debut album Genesis in June 2016, and what a spectacular debut it is!  Ten songs that shower your ears with thunderous chords, blistering guitar riffs, power drums and mesmerizing, passion-filled vocals. Lyrically, the songs address the familiar subjects of love, relationships and break-ups, but also the travails of touring, anxiety and depression.

We’re introduced to the album by the first track “Too Young For a Comeback (Too Old to Start Over).” The shredded guitars in this hyperkinetic track are monumental, rising and falling with the throbbing bass line. Halfway through the second track – “The Midwest Isn’t Gold, But It’s Full of Color” – it’s clear these guys kill it with their guitars!  The intense, high-energy arrangement of this song make it one of my favorites on the album. The lyrics speak to conflicted dreams of leaving the Midwest for a more exciting existence: “California is calling my name again/Maybe someday I’ll answer it/But for now I’ve got to make do and better myself/My heart is falling for the Midwest/I need some time/I’m looking for a reason to stay.”

The brilliant “It’s Okay To Not Be Okay”is about depression, a subject rarely sung about: “I’ve got a cloud full of sorrows leading me around/This head full of doubt is pulling me down/There’s a battlefield of red, a battlefield of gray/I’m making a stand, inside my head.” The ominous opening guitar riff portends a deeply emotional theme, and Radford’s fervent vocals, sung to furious guitars, make for a tremendously powerful song.  The track was released as a single in 2015, nearly a year before the album was completed. The compelling video produced for the song shows the band performing in the graffiti-covered ruins of an abandoned building, interspersed with footage of a woman fleeing her mental demons. (The drummer in the video is Ryan Meador, who subsequently left the band and was replaced by Kyle Constant.)

Another standout track is “Our Time,” with hammering drums, guitars that alternate between chiming and scorching, and Radford’s heartfelt vocals. The powerful lyrics address the fleeting aspect of life – that each of us has our moment in the sun, but it won’t last forever. “Our souls are burning bright and we’re lighting up the sky/Homesick feelings, there’s no point to lie/Someday we’ll build a legacy, someday we’ll all die.”

“Too Far Gone” is a kick-ass hard-driving track with incredible soaring choruses and distorted guitars, while the smoldering rock ballad “Wildfire”features beguiling circular plucky guitars overlying heavy bass. Shredded guitars rule on the catchy, melodic “Bottles” and pulse-pounding “Novels For the New Moon.”  The power-ballad “Eyes” is yet another standout track, with changing tempo and chord progressions that create tension.  At 3:45, the song appears to end, then abruptly begins again with a reprise of the chorus “I’m building up a way to pay for my mistakes/Don’t forget the stars in your eyes.”

The epic final track, “Monsters Are(n’t) Real,” feels almost like a mini rock opera, clocking in at over seven minutes. The song opens with carnival-like sounds, possibly from a haunted house attraction, and distorted guitars keeping time, then erupts with pummeling bass and fast-paced swirling guitars. The poignant lyrics address the anxieties of growing up and regrets from adult realities and disappointments. The song closes with the chorus “I’m sorry I grew up/I’m sorry I failed.” Some pretty heavy stuff there.

“Genesis” is aptly named, as this album marks the beginnings of a band with great promise. Support Lost in the City by following them on Facebook and Twitter.  Stream the album on Spotify or purchase on Amazon, itunes or Bandcamp.

 

Top 20 Songs for September 11-17, 2016

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Weekly Top 30's2 Comments

1. TROUBLE – Cage the Elephant (1)
2. HEATHENS – twenty øne piløts (2)
3. ALL WE EVER KNEW – The Head and the Heart (4)
4. CHEAP THRILLS – Sia & Sean Paul (5)
5. BANG BANG – Green Day (8)
6. LIFE ITSELF – Glass Animals (13)
7. BURN THE WITCH – Radiohead (3)
8. GOOD GRIEF – Bastille (7)
9. YOU DON’T GET ME HIGH ANYMORE – Phantogram (10)
10. HYMN FOR THE WEEKEND – Coldplay featuring Beyoncé (11)
11. SEND MY LOVE (To Your New Lover) – Adele (6)
12. WAKE UP CALL – Nothing But Thieves (12)
13. SOMETHING TO BELIEVE IN – Young the Giant (9)
14. SAY MY NAME – (IAM)WARFACE (16)
15. RIVER – Bishop Briggs (17)
16. HARDWIRED – Metallica (N)
17. THE SOUND – The 1975 (20)
18. WAY DOWN WE GO – Kaleo (14)
19. BORED TO DEATH – blink-182 (15)
20. DARK NECESSITIES – Red Hot Chili Peppers (18)

EP Review: COUNCIL – “Rust to Gold”

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews8 Comments

The charismatic new band COUNCIL plays a dynamic style of alternative pop/rock that’s radio-friendly, yet still edgy. Hailing from rural upstate New York, the band consists of three handsome brothers – Patrick, Doug and Andy Reeves.  Patrick (bass and lead vocals) and Doug (drums) are twins, and Andy (guitar) is a year younger. The guys are farmers by day, but spend their evenings working on their passion for making music. They’ve recently gained both local and national attention for their high-energy performances, including numerous successful shows in New York City, and opening for bands like The All American Rejects and The Kooks. The guys hope to someday be the headliner band.

COUNCIL band.jpg

They’ve just finished their debut EP, Rust To Gold, under the guidance and assistance of Grammy nominated producer Justin Gray (who’s worked with Mariah Carey & John Legend), 10-time Grammy nominated mixer Mark Needham (Imagine Dragons, The Killers) and mastering legend Howie Weinberg (U2, Nirvana).  The result is a well-crafted EP with a polished sound, and Needham’s influence is strongly evident, as COUNCIL’s songs have a noticeable Imagine Dragons vibe.

Rust to Gold features three anthemic songs, characterized by strong percussion, sweeping orchestration and soaring harmonic choruses. While they all have catchy melodies, their lyrics are quite compelling – sometimes intensely so. The title track “Rust to Gold” is a gorgeous rock song about finding your own truth in the world and holding on to what’s important.

“There is something you should know, I’d die before I’d let you go. I work my fingers to the bone to follow the light of this. All the things that we’ve been told, we will never let them go. All the dreams from rust to gold, we will never let them beat us.“

The powerful “All For You” is an emotional expression of regret and sorrow over the pain caused to a loved one, while pledging undying love and devotion. The lyrics are poetic and deep:

“I was doomed from the start, and I held my regrets.  I was covered in dark and I wore it like death.  Still I got a heart that pounds in this chest.  And my closet is full for days. But when your strength is gone, and the lights go grey, I’ll sing your favorite song. I’ll be your hit parade. With every breath I’ve blown I’ve failed a million ways. And everything I own I tore to pieces.“

The track calls to mind Imagine Dragon’s massive hit “Demons.” Here’s a short video of a live performance.

“Rise Above It All” is a beautiful, extremely moving declaration of strength and determination to overcome life’s hardships and challenges.

“For every time I’ve fallen down. For every wall that keeps us bound. For everyone we’ve beaten to the ground, and watched them fade away. For every wrong I couldn’t right. For every sleepless night I hoped and dreamed. For every one, everywhere, every cross I couldn’t bear to watch you leave. But I will not break when all hope is lost. I will be brave and rise above it all.“

All in all, a great debut EP for three talented guys with a bright future in music.

Support COUNCIL by following them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, stream their music on Soundcloud or Reverbnation. Rust to Gold may be purchased on iTunes.

Top 20 Songs for September 4-10, 2016

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Uncategorized, Weekly Top 30's1 Comment

1. TROUBLE – Cage the Elephant (1)
2. HEATHENS – twenty øne piløts (2)
3. BURN THE WITCH – Radiohead (3)
4. ALL WE EVER KNEW – The Head and the Heart (5)
5. CHEAP THRILLS – Sia featuring Sean Paul (6)
6. SEND MY LOVE (To Your New Lover) – Adele (4)
7. GOOD GRIEF – Bastille (7)
8. BANG BANG – Green Day (10)
9. SOMETHING TO BELIEVE IN – Young the Giant (11)
10. YOU DON’T GET ME HIGH ANYMORE – Phantogram (12)
11. HYMN FOR THE WEEKEND – Coldplay featuring Beyoncé (16)
12. WAKE UP CALL – Nothing But Thieves (15)
13. LIFE ITSELF – Glass Animals (17)
14. WAY DOWN WE GO – Kaleo (8)
15. BORED TO DEATH – blink-182 (9)
16. SAY MY NAME – (IAM)WARFACE (18)
17. RIVER – Bishop Briggs (20)
18. DARK NECESSITIES – Red Hot Chili Peppers (13)
19. WOW – Beck (14)
20. THE SOUND – The 1975 (N)