Icon For Hire - Icon For Hire

I wasn't a big fan of Icon For Hire's debut record, Scripted. It was a lot of cliched female fronted rock and roll. There were some solid moments and a handful of catchy hooks but overall I failed to connect with the record.

The band's new self-titled record is both an improvement and a minor step backwards. The band's sound is more concise and focused. Part of that focus moves into Icon For Hire embracing a heavy pop influence on their sound. It's kind sounds like Paramore as a Nicki Minaj dubstep band. Ok, that might be a little far, but it sure paints a certain image in your head.

Icon For Hire's strong suit is their upbeat catchy rock and roll. Cynics and Critics is an attention grabber that kicks off the record. It has an underlying dubstep feel on the pre-chorus but gives the track an interesting electronic vibe. The song is miles ahead of any of the band's previous work and it's a great start to the record. Nerves feels like an anthem for the youth. It has more electronic elements and you can get a feel for Icon For Hire's musical shift. Sugar Spice has an almost rapped verse. It doesn't feel forced, and the chorus hits you with all it's catchiness that you don't mind the oddity of the track.

Hope Of Morning is a low key ballad. The first of a couple (Slow Down and Fix Me are the others). They're solid tracks and they give the record a respite but the songs just don't do that much for.

Pop Culture, Watch Me, and Rock and Roll Things continue the lyrical theme of disconnecting from the world around us and finding our own way. Think I'm Sick is my favorite track on the record. It kind of reminds me of No Doubt right before they broke up. Electronic pop with a hint of rock and roll spirit, while being super catchy and makes you want to dance.

I like Icon For Hire's growth and maturity. The band built something on their debut, and improved on it. This record has all the makings to be a huge record for Icon For Hire.

Beautiful Eulogy - Instruments of Mercy

When I first heard Satellite Kite, I was speechless. It was unlike any hip-hop record I'd ever heard and I (like many others) were instantly obsessed with Beautiful Eulogy. Satellite Kite was the perfect mix of original instrumentation and unique beats combined with honest and heartfelt lyricism. It was lightning in a bottle.

Even with Satellite Kite being perfect, I still had high expectations for Instruments of Mercy. If anyone could catch lightning twice, it would be Beautiful Eulogy.

While Instruments of Mercy won't be a surprise, it's every bit as good as Satellite Kite... In fact, it might be better. There are familiar sounds, and stylings between the two records. Some of the more unique sounds and time signatures are missing, but don't take that to mean that Instruments of Mercy is boring or more mainstream.

Cello From Portland is vastly different from Satellite Kites opener, Hello From Portland, but if you listen to the two side by side, you find a common theme. Vital Lens is a great introduction both musically and lyrically about what Beautiful Eulogy is about. You Can Save Me has a similar tone and vibe that the song Beautiful Eulogy had on Satellite Kite. Instruments of Mercy has a great palm muted acoustic guitar driving the track and giving it an almost rock feel. Symbols and Signs is a great hard hitting track that I could see easily finding it's way onto mainstream radio. The Size of Grace has a spoken word style chorus that feels familiar to that of Covet (although very different). The instrumentation the moves beautifully under Acquired In Heaven and creates a perfect soundscape to close the record.

Instruments of Mercy is more of a ballady record (if I can say that). Some of the creative fun might be missing but the production is fuller and Urbano has created a beautifully lush soundtrack for Braille and Odd Thomas' rhymes. While there might be songs I like more of Satellite Kite, the overall record in stronger. The rhymes are tighter. And even though Braille and Odd Thomas have never been shy about their faith, the lyrics really hit harder on Instruments of Mercy. Fans will love Instruments of Mercy. It's a great hip-hop record, start to finish.

You can download Instruments of Mercy at http://www.humblebeast.com/downloads/beautiful-eulogy-instruments-of-mercy-download/

Dustin Kensrue - The Water and The Blood

I'm excited about any project Dustin Kensrue is a part of. I enjoyed the former Thrice frontman's ep as The Modern Post (Grace Alone). And I was looking forward to hearing Kensrue's latest worship offering, The Water and The Blood.

The Water and The Blood is more of a conventional worship record than Grace Alone, but the songs are strong and passionate. Rejoice is a great anthemic declaration that kicks off the record. Rock of Ages is an excellent update on the classic hymn. It's songs like Suffering Servant, The Voice of the Lord, and It's Not Enough, the darker toned originals that are the gems on The Water and The Blood. It's that edge that you'd almost expect from Kensrue and those songs hit hard and cut the soul deeply with ardent conviction.

The Water and the Blood is a great worship record and fans of that genre will love the record. And I think long-time fans of Thrice and Kensrue's previous work will find something to attach themselves to as well.

Aaron Sprinkle - Water & Guns

Poor Old Lu, Rose Blossom Punch, Fair, and his solo material. Everything Aaron Sprinkle is involved with is alternative/pop gold. Even on the production/engineering side, bands like Anberlin, Demon Hunter, Mxpx, Emery, and countless others, trust Sprinkle to deliver.

Sprinkle's latest effort might be his grandest and greatest work yet.

Sprinkle lets his pop sensibilities shine on Water & Guns. Gone are the acoustic singer song-writer efforts of his previous solo work. And it's not a rock tinged project. It's even a departure from Fair, Spinkle's poppiest work before Water & Guns.

It's obvious as soon as Heatstroke kicks in that this record is something special and fun. The synth line moves fluidly and Sprinkle's comforting voice draws you in. Can't Last Forever is a power pop song with a hook that knocks you down. Later On has all the makings of a great ballad. Turn Around is an updated version of Sprinkle's previous acoustic work. I've Missed You is a beautifully complex pop song that borders heartbreaking ballad and upbeat love song. Washboard Road follows that, and it's the most simplistic track on Water & Guns. But that simplicity helps the track and gives you a sense of closure.

Water & Guns feels like the pop album Relient K wanted to make. But Sprinkle's experience shines and his years of crafting beautiful songs and production techniques help him pull of a beautiful pop record. The melodies are strong and while every hook isn't the catchiest chorus you've every hear, there's no denying Sprinkle's talent.

False Idle releases "California Or Bust" acoustic album

Hot on the heels of the debut full-length release from False Idle comes their first acoustic effort, a 7 song EP entitled "California Or Bust".  This latest recording is a more transparent, stripped-down release that re-vamps a strong collection of their favorite tracks from the recent powerful full-length, "Threat", and the earlier the "I Refuse" EP.  False Idle clearly shows that they are a band that can not only bring an in-your-face brand of punk rock to the studio and the stage, but are also proficient in grabbing the acoustic guitar and toning it down for a good time with friends around a fire.  The instrumental version of "I Refuse" even features a cello taking over the bass parts.  A completely re-worked outlaw-rock version of "Retaliate" gives credence to their self-proclaimed eclectic tastes in music.  The tracks "Threat" and "Where Do We Go" in particular offer a sing-along feel that will leave you with a new mental soundtrack.  And, as with every creation from False Idle, the name of the EP, "California Or Bust" is not a coincidence...  The EP was created thanks to the generous contributions of False Idle fans to make it possible to trek down to Fillmore, CA for the annual Thumper Punk Records Night in September 2013.  An accompanying music video to "Where Do We Go" was created using video clips from the trip and the show, and gives a little peek at the personalities of the guys of False Idle.  In short, "California Or Bust" is a fun, uplifting album, and a great addition to any music collection!

1. Façade (4:19)

2. High Hopes (3:04)

3. I Refuse (2:57)

4. In The Dark (2:59)

5. Retaliate (3:00)

6. Threat (3:38)

7. Where Do We Go (2:58)

Video from the tour can be seen in the music video for Where Do We Go: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTLAWUhNX_c

The Meltdown 2.14

New music from Aaron Sprinkle and Norma Jean. Plus tracks from Fanmail, War of Ages, and Lights.

Kings & Daughters to Release Free EP

Houston's Kings & Daughters has officially inked a distribution deal with California hardcore label OnTheAttack Records. The band will release their debut EP entitled "THE LION" for FREE on December 4th Nationwide, which will be hosted by HM Magazine.  OnTheAttack Records will press and release a limited amount of physical CD copies of the EP which will be available November 4th, when Kings & Daughters plays their first show alongside For The Fallen Dreams in their hometown of Houston, Texas.  

Vocalist Carlos Salazar had this to say about the joint venture: "Trent (Gibson) & I set out to make some honest music & we knew from the get go that we wanted to give away our music for free. I think when you do that, people know that it's really just about the songs and nothing else. No image. No hype. Just rock and roll. Dave at OnTheAttack Records understood that we just wanted to make an impact & was encouraging about the way we set out to do things, and we love the idea that someone can choose to purchase a physical copy of our EP with Artwork and lyrics, or just download the songs for free without feeling like they are failing us in some way. We are excited to share the music, & hopeful that it might mean something to someone else." 

You can check out an exclusive new track from THE LION entitled "Of Judah: A Man Alive (Feat. Blake Williams of Concepts)" here:   http://ontheattackrecords.bandcamp.com/track/of-judah-a-man-alive-feat-blake-williams-of-concepts.

Kings & Daughters features vocalist Carlos Salazar and guitarist Trent Gibson, both formerly of the band Before There Was Rosalyn.  Additional information about Kings & Daughters can be found at https://www.facebook.com/kingsanddaughters.

Copies of THE LION EP can be pre-ordered for $5 for delivery after November 4 through the OnTheAttack Records webstore (http://ontheattackrecords.storenvy.com/products/3463436-kings-daughters

The Meltdown 2.13

New music from Icon For Hire, Extol, Brett Detar, and Beartooth.

Brett Detar - Too Free To Live

It's hard to believe that it's been three year since Detar's first solo record, Bird In The Tangle. Bird In The Tangle was a great introduction to the solo world of Brett Detar. It was a nice bluesy country record with great moments of understated beauty.

Too Free To Live is even better than Detar's debut. Where I thought Bird In The Tangle lacked passion and excitement, Too Free To Live excels.

The album's title track is an upbeat, bluesy americana song. There's a joy about the track that Bird In the Tangle didn't have on any of it's songs. A Solider's Burden hits on a deep and painful note. The change in tone between the two songs hits deep. Neither feels out of place or weird, but both do a great job at conveying different emotions. It shows a lot of maturity and growth for Detar. Satan's Foot On My Neck is a great toe tapping song with a classic feel to it. Losers Baby is a beautifully heartbreaking ballad. Your Heart Grows More Heartless Each Day is a tried and true, classic country song. And Damaged Girl is a dirty southern rock song.

There's a wider array of styles and variety on Too Free To Live and it helps make the record interesting and compelling. Detar does a great job having the music match the emotion of each and every song. Where Bird In the Tangle was polished and clean, Too Free To Live is raw and gritty. It has soul and heart. It's country the way it was meant to be heard.

You can pick up Too Free To Live for free at http://www.brettdetar.com/

Korn - The Paradigm Shift

While I've never been a huge Korn fan, like most metal fans, I enjoyed listening to the band from time to time when I was in middle school and high school. And maybe it's because I discovered "real" metal or that the band really has fallen off, but everything post Issues was pretty boring to me. So with Brian "Head" Welch returning to Korn, the band had my attention. Because there's no denying that Head's solo record and Love and Death's debut were sick. It seemed obvious where the good songwriting had gone. So what would his return mean for Korn?

The Paradigm Shift is enjoyable. I'm not sure metal heads often refer to a record as enjoyable but listening to The Paradigm Shift is enjoyable. It also might be the bands most accessible work to date. Which again, fans probably don't want to hear. But it's some of the band's catchiest work to date. The melodies are strong. Call it pop metal if you want, but it works. I think the catchiness of the album  is what makes it the bands best work in fourteen years.

For those hoping that Korn will look a lot different from a lyrical perspective, you're in for a shock. While two thirds of the band might be believers, Jonathan Davis is not.

Prey For Me showcases nicely the band's strengths and as an album opener it grabs your attention. Solid riff to open the track the gets your head banging a little and you hear some of Fieldy's classic bass slapping. But it's the chorus that's the key for the song. It's a great catchy hook that instantly gets stuck in your head and the second time through the song, you're singing along. While most people will gravitate to Davis' line about being a shell of what he used to be and saying "no kidding", I think they're missing out on something special.

Love & Meth feels like it could've been on Love and Death's debut record. It even sounds like Welch might have added some low growls on the song. What We Do adds some of the electronic dubstep elements that Korn had on their previous record. It'll disappoint a lot of fans but it's part of Korn's identity and sound now and they weren't just going to throw it out the window because Head is back. It's not an offensive use of electronics. It's pretty subtle and tastefully done. Paranoid and Aroused is as close as the band gets to an old school sound (and even then, it's Issues old school).

A lot of people have kick Never Never around for being this super poppy track and being a bad choice for the band to unleash as their first single and I get that. It was disappointing to hear such a poppy track with a dubstep breakdown when you wanted to hear Blind part two. But it the context of the album, it's not a bad song. Punishment Time has the heaviest riff on the album. The hook breaks into a great melody and gives the song a nice balance. (Another song that has some old school vibes)

The Paradigm Shift isn't going to be what fans hoped for or wanted. It isn't going to be the second coming of Life is Peachy or Follow the Leader. But it is damn good. Davis' hooks have never been so catchy and I attribute that to Welch and Shaffer's guitar work. It's a strong album and if you listen to it with an open mind and put aside and hopes you have, you'll find an album full of enjoyable songs.

The Meltdown 2.12

Celebrating 20 years of Tooth and Nail: 1993-2013

Wolves At The Gate - Back To School

Wolves At The Gate aren't teasing any new material but have given fans something to tide us over until they get around to putting out some new music.

The band's new cover ep gives us an insight into the band's influences and they makes sense. The band's covers all stay true to the original. It's nice to hear the band paying homage to some of their favorites, but it would have been great to hear Wolves At The Gate give some of the songs a new twist. The Deadbolt (Thrice) and Sleep Walking (Blindside) covers are fantastic, but it's the cover of Thursday's Understanding In A Car Crash that's my favorite. The acoustic cover of  Planning a Prison Break is a nice close to the ep.

It's good to finally get some new music from Wolves At The Gate. And while I wish it had been new music, it's nice to hear the band pay tribute to those that influenced them.

The Meltdown 2.11

New music from Anberlin, Dustin Kensrue, Eshon Burgandy, Beartooth, and Aaron Sprinkle.

Eshon Burgandy - For God's Sake

I've been looking forward to new music from Eshon Burgandy ever since Humble Beast announced he was joining the label. Honestly, I get excited for anything Humble Beast releases. And after months of delay, Burgandy's new mixtape finally hit the internet.

For God's Sake is excellent. It's underground with an air of familiarity, which gives the tape an instant connection with hip hop fans. Not only is Burgandy's flow better than any of the beats originals, but the lyrics are deeper and give these songs the life that they desperately needed. This isn't just a christian artist ripping off his secular counterparts. This is a mixtape that showcases an artist redeeming songs about drugs, sex, and violence.

And that doesn't mean For God's Sake is all rainbows and kittens. Burgandy tackles some tough themes and there's still pain in his lyrics. But the pain and hurt is balanced with the love and grace of God. It's a beautiful mixtape of redemption and hope.

The standouts for me on the tape are Lord Knows (Exhibit A), Foolishness (I'm a Fool), Look Back (Hometown), and Push Thru (Push Thru).

You can download For God's Sake for Free at http://www.humblebeast.com/downloads/for-gods-sake-mixtape/