Sample if you like: 30 Seconds to Mars, Deftones, Muse, Tool
Location: Atlanta, GA

The album begins with an instrumental intro that sounds ideal for building anticipation at a live show. Beginning with a squealing guitar, it gains heavy momentum as the song progresses. This is followed by “Goodnight Cold Earth”, which was a good choice as a title track, considering the marketable sound similar to 30 Seconds to Mars. The repetitive high-pitched guitar is paired with a pulsating drum and whispering vocals, then picks up intensity once it reaches the chorus. In this song as well as others the back-up vocals have a notable harmony that compliments the lead vocals. The hammer-ons and pull-offs paired with the distortion in the guitar solo is an engaging way to lead into to the finale. “Forward Motion” demonstrates a more progressive sound with a dark guitar and bass to help set the mood. The listener can also get a better grasp of Jake’s vocal range. “If We’re Quiet” is a bit bi-polar as there’s a dramatic difference between the soft verses and the stronger chorus. We hear screaming vocals for the first time on the album. The guitar solo really offsets the bridge into the chorus at the end. “Maybe Tomorrow” has a more generic sound with lyrics listeners can relate to. “The Cycle” has ambient melodies in its verses, with changes that seem to come in waves or a cycle much like its title. Very rarely can a singer be compared to Tool’s lead vocalist Maynard, but there is certainly some resemblance in parts of this song. They’re next scheduled show is in Alpharetta, GA on Friday, September 25th at Uptown Loft.

RFR Rating:
Rock Fist Up
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Wake of the Titan is:
Lead Vocals/ Guitars- Jake
Guitars/ Vocals- Blue
Drums/ Vocals- Daniel
Bass/ Vocals- Moss

Wake of the Titan MySpace: www.myspace.com/wakeofthetitanband

The debut EP from Atlanta band Verse Under Current is as diverse as it is familiar to the ear; with sounds parallel to Incubus, Silverchair, A Perfect Circle, Fuel, and local band FERVoR. Their self titled CD is a result of six years of hard work by Bluefield, VA natives Kurt Ziegler (drums), Jeff “The Frey” Gess (guitar), and Michael Garrett (bass). After moving to Atlanta, they discovered Josh Ricks (vocals) in the spring of 2007 and the official Verse Under Current was formed. In the short time they have been together they have already released their EP, are a Home Grown band of the week for Project 96.1, and have begun to establish a fan base in the local scene.

Each song on the CD has its own entity and unique twist on a genre that has been fully embraced and at times over done. With melancholy vocals, alternative guitar, and ambient waves woven into every song, they have a base sound without a monotone delivery. For instance their song Spasm is atypically upbeat for their style, bursting with reggae flavor, and indie vocals. Garrett’s bass line is deep and really stands out during the verses, and Rick’s voice is reminiscent of Incubus’ Brandon Boyd. Ziegler and Gess pick up the pace in Anticon. The quicker drums make this one of their faster songs that finishes with a comparably more technical guitar solo. Upon hearing this song for the first time, I found myself lost in all of the change-ups, but the core of the song is good. Where this band truly shines is in songs like Honeysuckle, Mary Mourn, and Story (a personal favorite). These songs have passionate, beautiful, melancholy vocals that truly embrace Rick’s talent. Their slow and heavy bass and drum lines are complimented with simple guitar rifts that give off an airy, relaxing, spacey ambience and harmony. What You Will, embodies that somber tone mixed with a heavy guitar that seems to cry out to the listener. I envision this song becoming their single, should the opportunity present itself.

With only a year under the band’s official belt, Verse Under Current is working to build their fan base and expand their performances into new venues and locations. Verse Under Current will be performing next at Lorena’s in Dawsonville, GA on September 6th and again at The Local in Marietta, GA on October 24th.

~Kris Melton

Sample if you like: Three Days Grace, Slipknot, Breaking Benjamin, 30 Seconds To Mars
Location: Atlanta, GA

This Atlanta quartet was formed in 2002, and has been a familiar name on the local scene for the past several years. They have established a fan base both in Atlanta and abroad thanks to outlets such as Sirius radio and an article in Spin magazine. Their collective influences give them both a familiarly popular sound and their atypical vocals for their genre makes them recognizable. They share similarities to Breaking Benjamin, Avenged Sevenfold, Three Days Grace, and Linkin Park vocalist Chester Bennington. They pair heavy instrumentals with high pitched vocals that range from singing to screaming, which may help them branch out to audiences normally not in tune with what they call “modern edge metal”. Unlike their previous release of “Simple Sick Device” which had a whopping total of 22 songs (eight of which were about 30 seconds in length) “Devils and Angels” holds five songs and an additional three unlisted mixes that follow. While songs seem more developed when compared to the past, their initial sound remains the same. Three songs are worthy of mentioning. The EP opens with “Devil in My Hand” which is heavy, repetitive, and full of squealing vocals. This is followed by their best off the EP, “Remember Your Ghost”, in which the heavy instruments are complimented by softer vocals. Stephen Bazzell’s voice is comparable to Mindless Self Indulgence’s singer Jimmy Urine in these verses. “Waking in White Lights” has emotionally charged vocals in the chorus “Waking in white lights and running away from the shadows”. This song somewhat bridges the heavy to pop gap, introducing new fans to an otherwise unlikely genre. While there is nothing necessarily new or riveting about their overall presentation, many will enjoy the southern rock familiarities, the heavy delivery, and the variations between verses and choruses. They are currently touring up and down the east coast. Their next local show is at Soho in Columbus, GA with Almost Kings and Afreudianslip on February 12th.

~Kris Melton

Uncrowned is:
Lead Vocals: Stephen Bazzell
Guitars/ Vocals: Jack Andrad
Bass/ Vocals: Stuart Clark
Drums: Scott Sellers

Sample if you like: Disturbed, Staind, Chevelle, Shinedown
Location: Atlanta, GA

UltraDrive has been a part of the Atlanta music scene for the better part of the last decade. In that time they have been featured on Project 9-6-1’s HomeGrown show as well as opening for Saving Abel last year and Chevelle this past April. Their familiar southern rock appeal and lack of it straying into uncharted territory will appeal to those who go for that typical sound. The four songs off their current untitled EP, while relatively monotone, stuck to the band’s true colors and what has previously drawn their fan base. “Crush” has an alternative backbone with a catchy chorus. “I Don’t Know” reflects a softer, slower side with an acoustic guitar. “Fairer Side” picks up the pace with heavier instrumentals. “From the Outside” opens with a heavy rift on guitar and positive lyrics. Having caught a live performance of theirs in the past, what you hear recorded is what you’ll hear at their show. A point of suggestion would be for the guys to try something new. While remaining true to the sound that originally captured your audience can be important, equally so is branching out to get noticed. When it’s been tried and yet to achieve its ultimate goal, its time to adjust the game plan. If the traditional alternative, southern rock is what you love then these guys are worth checking out.

~Kris Melton

RFR Rating:
Rock Fist Up
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UltraDrive is:
Lead Vocals/ Acoustic Guitar- Jay Henderson
Lead Guitar/ Vocals- Tommy Thompson
Bass/ Vocals- Allen “Whisky” Milligan
Drums/ Keys- Derrick Dickey

www.myspace.com/ultradrive
www.UltraDriveMusic.com

Photo by KO-Tography 09

For a creative and catchy collaboration of both progressive and alternative rock, give Twilight Gunfight a spin on the ole music player. The EP starts and ends with instrumental pieces. “Silent Wars” opens with dramatic and classical strings in a somber yet beautiful manner. About three minutes into the song however the guitar and drums hit into a heavier gear and dazzle the listener. “Just Enough Light to Cast Shadows” closes the EP with a slow, spacey track that’s complimented by a piano and acoustic guitar. The best way possibly to describe it is as a rock lullaby sending the listener on their way. The tracks that fill the gap between these two instrumental beauty’s each have their own unique sound from the others, making the EP dynamic as opposed to drab. One quality that holds true for each track is the phenomenal guitar and its creative impact. Songs like “The Strangers” and “Mech-Aquatil Equinox” really reflect the talent behind the player with their badass guitar sequences. “Gravity” carries a little more pop meets progressive sound in comparison to other songs. “Damn Right” begins with an ambient guitar and drums, but then breaks into a heavier set. As the guitar cries during the chorus a sense of desperation is felt. “Still Frame” is slower and sweeter with a prominent bass line. “The Great Neutrality” is by far the band’s best track and probably the most marketable. With strong vocals, playful hammerons and pulloffs, and a catchy chorus, this song was love at first sound.
The band recently played on the “Loose Lips Sink Ships Tour” with The Armory in Rochester, NY with locals This AM Static. They guys recently finished up their summer tour, and are currently working on new material which is likely to be out early 2010. After recording is completed they plan on touring the southeast to promote the upcoming album. It’s too early to post information on their future shows, but Twilight Gunfight should stay on your radar for bands you should check out live.
RFR Rating:
Both Rock Fists Up
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Twilight Gunfight is:
Vocals/ Guitars- Ricky Free
Drums- Beetle
Bass (on album, no longer with band)- Mike Hale

www.myspace.com/twilightgunfight

Grab your skinny jeans and a tall-boy PBR, a new artsy-rock band has popped up on the local radar. The Whigs’ debut album, Mission Control, is a collaboration of music from the past several decades with a modern psych/ indie influence. While the songs sound very similar to one another, each one has its own distinctive twist with influences ranging from The Killers to The Beatles. I was impressed with Parker Gispert’s unique voice for what’s now a highly popular genre in the music industry. In the place of girly and whiny vocals, is a more sincere, alto pitch. The undertones of the songs on this album tend to vary greatly. “Production City” has an 80’s dance vibe that’s fun, upbeat, and danceable. “Sleep Sunshine” is a surprising combo of retro and a country twang. “Like A Vibration” is reminiscent of the 90’s college scene, and has a strand of alternative rock. “Mission Control” is glimmering with brass instruments and late 60’s melody. Its vast assortment of musical flavors is strangely appealing and memorable. A personal favorite off this album was I Never Want To Go Home. The formula of a prominent bass by Adam Saunders, Gispert’s softer voice, a sedative melody, and back-up piano makes this song stand out off the album. With the indie/ emo/ pop scene dominating, The Whigs will appeal to a large audience. Suggestion: Pop in this CD on your next road trip. The simple instruments and playful rhythms will set a chill mood for the drive.

~Kris Melton

Sample if you like: Ben Harper, John Mayer, Dave Matthew’s Band
Location: Atlanta, GA

The First Stone’s “Quarter to Never” is a rustic, easy going album with traces of soul and storytelling as its core. Lyrics tend to be poetic and tender paired with beautiful melodies and catchy choruses. The instruments never over power each other, but play off each other. The bass shines out in their songs, the guitars capture the mood, and additions like a piano bring a simplistic beauty to their melodies. “Are You With Me” is fairly simple with deep, dramatic vocals. “Close To Nothing” has more of an alternative influence and a bitter undertone. “Hideaway” adds a bit of funk to the mix with clever love lyrics like, “I’d like to make you the queen of my afternoon”. “The First Stone” combines soul and pop creating playful rifts. The guitar solo has a good tone and is creatively in synch with the rest of the song. “With A Little Luck” features an acoustic guitar and piano creating a humble and sweet love song. “This Time” changes gears into a more sexually charged song with fun change-ups. The band’s personal favorite is “What About You”. The melancholy piano and tormented vocals make this song deeper and more contemplative compared to others on the album. If lyrics with depth, funky bass lines, and unique guitar riffs sound right up your ally, check out The First Stone’s debut album. Their single “Walking Away” is available for download now from the band’s Myspace page.

RFR Rating:
Rock Fist Up
lml

The First Stone is:
Vocals/ Acoustic & Electric Guitar/ Piano- Brian Kelly
Bass- Dave Baranik
Acoustic & Electric Guitar/ Wurlitzer/ Piano- Nate Kieser
Drums- Aubrey Bailey

www.thefirststone.com
www.myspace.com/thefirststonemusic

Sample if you like: Sublime, Dropkick Murphy’s, Rancid, Pennywise, Authority Zero
Location: Atlanta, GA

In a time where Atlanta’s rock scene is dominated by alternative southern rock, The Bastard Suns’ reggae/ punk/ Irish folk combination sets them a part from the crowd. While their sound may be more common in other areas, they stand out in the southeast, and this has drawn in a large audience who welcome their diversity. Add Dropkick Murphies, Sublime, and Flogging Molly together and the sum is The Bastard Suns. Most songs intertwine more than one influence, creating abrupt changes in melody, which adds a little something for every listener. “We’d Go For Broke” reflects the true colors of this band in every way; strong vocals, playful bass, punk to reggae change-ups, drums that deliver, creative and technical guitar, and of course lyrics professing their undying love for music. Lead singer, Clayton Hiers, has a phenomenal voice that ranges from strong serenades mixed with an Irish folk flare, like “Oh, Celina” and “Irish Drinking Song,” to belting fast lyrics served with reggae or punk, like “Hold Fast” and “Pirates of the Whiskey Sea”. The album opens strong with “Never Say Die”, a punk anthem declaring to “never give in and don’t take no shit”. It also gives you a taste of lead guitarist’s, Wes Driscoll, ability to whip out creative, strong solos. “Away, Away, Away” is a break-up song with distinctive drum segments by Jay Tea, and an emotional yet humorous cry from bassist and back-up vocalist, Levon White. “Hold Fast” has a strong reggae vibe and a fun bass line. Kevin Howell is the unsung hero, whose strong support demands little attention, but helps seal the songs. These guys express positivity and humor, but can also touch on a deeper note. “R.I.P.” is a somber, yet beautiful tribute to lost friends. “Oh, Celina” has an Irish folk feel and lyrics that surrender pride and declare true love. “What Have We Won” gets political (they are a punk band after all) regarding the current war and opens with a fun, almost classical guitar that speeds up with the urgency of the lyrics, and then drops back down to reggae. This album gives each member at least one song where their genuine talent is given a spot light. A personal favorite off the new album is “S.B.M.T.” which opens with a sound clip from the movie “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story”. Levon and Jay Tea are the pulse of the song, while Clay’s voice captivates the listener and Wes rips into a classic guitar solo with a twang. It’s definitely a type of love song, and could be for these Bastards, what “Smoke Two Joints” was for Sublime. The album was released January 9th and is available for purchase now.

~Kris Melton

RFR Rating:
Both Rock Fists Up!
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The Bastard Suns is:
Lead Vocals: Clayton Hiers
Lead Guitar: Wes Driscoll
Rythym Guitar: Kevin Howell
Bass: Levon White
Drums: Jay Tea

Sample if you like: My Chemical Romance, Motley Crue, Quicksand, or The Donnas
Location: Atlanta GA

Picture from roadrunnerrecords.co.uk

Steadlur is a band I have heard on many rock bills around Atlanta for at least four to five years. They put on a great live show, which they soon will be taking to Europe. On the other hand, this is about how Steadlur translates to a recorded form. I missed the show the other day. So I went to roadrunnerrecords.com, the band’s label, and pre-listened to the entire record. Something more labels should do.

This band is defiantly in line with our 80’s power rock and metal gods. Back in my pre-teen years, this record would for sure been a number one. Saying that I think this record falls right into line with some of the bigger records that are coming out today too. I was taken away on songs like “My Mom hates me”. It has a cool, funny, catchy hook (chorus). The lead guitar riff is ripping. It kind of reminds me of a strip tease with a big finish. “Bumpin” is a song I have heard before, by them, but it has never been done this well by the guys. The song has a gigantic refrain, bigger than previous demo versions and is produced to the tee. “Angel (on the wrong side of Town) is my favorite on the record. Then again I am a sap for the big power ballad with a solid lead guitar. I dig, what I believe the song to be about. The drums have an off timing feel to them which makes the song remind me of Angels for Air Waves!

Picture from roadrunnerrecords.co.uk

I commend the boys in Steadlur on a great record. The world should be in for a big treat now, and in the future. Pick up this record on pre-order at the bands web page. It’s a record to not miss in 2009.

Rock Fist Rating:
Rock fist up and banging my big hair
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Steadlur is:
Philip Steadlur /Guitar & vocals
Daniel Steadlur/ Bass
Tommy Steadlur/ Lead Guitar
Dallas Steadlur/ Drums

www.myspace.com/steadlur
www.roadrunnerrecdords.co.uk

Sample if you like: Nickelback, Train, Live, 3 Doors Down
Location: Atlanta, GA

Soul Stash delivers a musically dynamic collaboration of songs on their self titled album. Sounds vary from alternative/pop to heavy instrumentals, to rap-style vocals. This is not one of those bands where every song sounds the same. They prove to be risk takers in that aspect, creating what they want and unafraid to explore within their talents. “Big Impression” has positive lyrics paired with dual guitars that compliment each other, while the drums and bass seem to pop. “Frantic” opens with funky squealing guitars and quickly changes to an easy going flow. The guitars really make the song, especially with strong drums and a playful bass in its chorus. Both lyrics and instruments express a sense of urgency and frustration. “Hold Me Under” adds a slight country sound to the mix, giving off a taste of southern soul. The bass is funky, the vocals are quick, and the guitar solo has a classic catch to it. “Lost in Las Vegas” has a wild, southern sound, and has the best guitar solo on the album. “Blame” slows things down featuring an acoustic guitar and sweet vocals. “Creation” is a beautiful addition. This instrumental song has a delicate melody and an enchanting acoustic guitar. Although “Catching On” opens with a heavy intro, the chorus has more of a pop feel to it, thus appealing to a wide range of audiences. This is definitely a song that you could envision hearing on the radio. Perhaps the best song on the album is also the last. “When Will The Time Come” is a catchy song that really strikes a chord with the listener. Who can’t relate to lyrics like “When will the time come when I will heal”? The vocals flow from smooth into a “rap” style, paired with alternative music in its bridge. All in all a solid album that gives a great first impression of Soul Stash. The guys next performance is on Friday, October 9th at The Masquerade in Atlanta, GA with Almost Kings (see our previous review on Almost Kings).

RFR Rating:
Both Rock Fists Up
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Soul Stash is:
Vocals/ Guitar- Joel Williams
Guitar- Clay Houle
Drums- Tanner Hendon
Bass/ Guitar/ Vocals- Marshall Coats

www.soulstashmusic.com
Soul Stash’s MySpace: www.myspace.com/soulstash