A few weeks before Froglix's inaugural launch, David received a one line e-mail from Chris that simply said, "How would you feel about creating a website...like say an online, indie radio station?" Thrilled by the prospect of crafting a site dedicated to something he has always had a passion about, discovering and listening to great new music, he jumped right in and got to work. An accomplished web developer and fueled by an excitement to fashion a venue for sharing these musical treasures with the rest of the world, David works tirelessly to ensure that Froglix delivers on its mission to bring all who visit the best indie music the world has to offer.
For me, when I think of quintessential Brit Alt-Rock over the last few years bands like Kaiser Chiefs, The Enemy, and Hard-Fi come immediately to my mind as some of my favourites. I have a new band to add to that list. Attention Thieves, from Reading, England, launch their brand new single “Broken Promise” today. And this track delivers everything I love about British alternative rock. It’s post punk, post hardcore, with melodies your gonna find yourself singing along to at the top of your lungs in the privacy of your own car.
Also check out their 2009 four track EP Fear To Lose. The third track off the EP, “From My Reach”, should give you reason enough to get the rest of the album for yourself.
When I introduced Romania’s Grimus on here a few weeks ago I mentioned their upcoming single “Started”. Well, here it is. I’m excited to finally add it to the global broadcast and share it with you. Tell us what you think.
artist: Grimus genre: alternative | indie rock label: Eden Music
listen now… In A Glimpse:: Started (will be released in Aug)
When you hear the name Transylvania, often the notion of a dark, yet somehow alluring, place comes to mind. From the stories we’ve all seen and heard, this place in the heart of Romania probably elicits a wider range of emotions than any other place I can think of. Now what if you want to find a band that can play the soundtrack for such a milieu? Look no further than the Romanian band Grimus.
Bogdan Mezofi’s vocal delivery combined with the driving bass and drums from Titus Vădan and Tamás Adorjáni, respectively, instantly invokes a comparison to Muse. But the guitar work from Vali Rauca and Cristian Csapo along with the keyboards from Lehel Kiss make you think Killers. The final recipe is a surprisingly refined sound of their own. Catchy melodies, hooks in the right places, vocal angst, driving beats, yet all slightly brooding.
“In A Glimpse”, from their 2008 release Panikon, and the yet to be released single “Started” (coming in August) probably showcase what I’m talking about best. But I haven’t heard a single track from them that disappointed.
With her commanding yet earthy/folk voice, strong melodies and gift for writing incredibly honest lyrics you can’t help but like Kirsten DeHaan. What’s even better is that all of the aforementioned elements come together perfectly on her latest album entitled Thorns On a Crown. “I’m Coming Home“ is a prime example of all of DeHaan’s strengths on display. The intro starts with a delicate guitar solo, plucking each audible note all the while preparing the listener for what’s coming next…potent lyrics delivered so candidly that you can actually feel her heart ache as your own personal angst percolates to the surface along with it. “Double or Nothing” is an upbeat tune that will have you tapping your foot for the whole ride and by the second chorus you’ll find yourself singing along. For sure it’s pop, but DeHaan’s voice and guitar make it the perfect antidote to the formulaic dross sung by pre-packaged female artists that is currently being offered by the “mainstream” music industry these days. After listening to the other tracks on the album it’s apparent that everything one may have discerned about about DeHaan culminates with “1984″. Her voice (reminiscent of Stevie Nicks), guitar, bass and drums all blend beautifully together to create a compelling folk/rock sound.
Is the current recession negatively impacting your ability to see the bands you want when you want? Hopefully not. However, if you find yourself in the “this recession sucks” category here is an interesting twist on procurring concert tix. The band Lotus has decided to let fans pick their own price–anywhere from $1 to $20. This little experiment is being dubbed the Pay What You Want Tour and, for those concert goers who choose to pay $15 or more, they will get an added bonus from the band–a link to download both of the band’s digital EPs for free. (Technically, it’s not free because there is the little issue of the $15. Consider it more of an economical package deal.) All in all, we applaud Lotus’ innovative efforts and are very curious to see how this works out for them. Who knows…maybe they’re on to something.
It’s no secret that music fans everywhere show their support for their favourite bands with their wallets, even in a down economy. From a business perspecitive, the risk is pretty low as for every frugal explorer Lotus stands to pick up a new loyal fan and all for a nominal fee. The goodwill created with this benevolent approach could pay huge divdends down the road.
Would this work for every band? Probably not. The upside seems to be geared more toward established bands but you never know. Regardless, it’s these types of pioneering approaches that always perk our ears up here at Froglix.
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