The next Rock and Roll revival may have a champion in newcomers The Heavy Heavy. Their new instant classic Life and Life Only is the kind of full length debut that feels like it took a life time to make. It charts the legacy of young influence and momentous inspiration, tagging their self described heroes like Delaney and Bonnie and The Mamas and Papas, while succumbed to a raucous roots Rock fever akin to Creedence and The Band. The songwriting is gloriously nostalgic without over referencing or replicating anything precisely. It’s their own Rock and Roll soup presented with lofi analog sheen to match its acquired time and place.
They recently floored us at Philadelphia’s ironic new venue Brooklyn Bowl. The record sounds great, but it’s even better live. See them this Summer on the road with none other than Band of Horses.
The Heavy Heavy is featured on our Best New Rock Playlist.
Miami post emo project Frogs Show Mercy recently dropped an impressive 4 song EP When You’re Not Home. It kicks off with the impressive single As Per My Last Email. The theatrical call and response embodies reserved social disappointments. It conceptualizes the silent scream on the inside, the rapture of losing your edge, and the insanity of those polar emotional realities. The band arrangement matches the music’s innovative ethos, with an expressive instrumental post rock outro section that adapts into new influences.
The EP also features the thrashing progressive dynamics of Internal, and the angstier emo folk of Snows of Kilimanjaro. Not to be confused with 5th wave emo, it carries an unheard influence of Smashing Pumpkins and Nirvana. The singer provides a genuine disdain and instinctual melodic talent, while each calculated musical offering shows an attention to care that brings art rock contrast. It’s a collectively buzzworthy work that leaves a solid impression from every member of the band.
Say you heard them first. Frogs Show Mercy is featured on our Best New Rock Playlist.
Philly’s own Foxtrot and the Get Down have a penchant for the epic and anthemic. We’ve been hearing it though live radio broadcasts and they’ve been showcasing it through regular impressive in concert appearances, which besides some notable headlines include a flurry of heavily sought major opening and festival appearances. It’s a testament to their big dynamic sound, one that channels the aura of breakthroughs like The Alabama Shakes and Cage The Elephant.
Foxtrot and The Get Down have that same appeal, honoring the underground within an infectious melodic scope that brings mainstream potential. Their big sound and fun nature is evidenced on their new single Rollin’ Sevens (Until I Disappear). The layered arrangement showcases the energy that their female lead and sax player bring to compliment their lead singers fiery presence. It’s only a matter of time before the final big break pushes them over, say you knew them when.
Dig into Foxtrot and The Get Down now on our Best New Rock Plalylist.
The legacies of The Band, Leon Russel, and Little Feat live on in the music of Family Worship Center. The band updates these classic vibes with their own eccentric energy and indie spirit. They bring this troubadour gypsy vibe into the modern age, embracing elements known to NOLA and Southern Rock equally. Their new single The South will bring any crowd to its feet. Way more than a nostalgia throwback, Family Worship Center shows there’s still room to roam within this stylistic framework. The band is tight, the vocals slay, and the backing singer’s bring it on home.
Hear The South now on our Best New Rock Playlist.
The Wild Is Calling 