Liars Teeth recently dropped a four song EP called Sungrazer. The collection erupts with the intelligent syncopated rhythm of Oblivion. How the drummer and singer pull against the beat adds an intriguing illusion. The affect is hypnotic. Stylistically we hear evidence of Interpol and Idles but within a more dramatic rock framework.
That stadium appeal erupts on the subsequent Modern Romance. The aura blends the sounds of the Killers and U2 effectively.
The band offers that the lyrical themes heard on Sungrazer explore the complexities of the mind in the face of perpetual instant gratification and social media. Written as a fable for the Digital age, it shines a light on the isolation of constant connectivity and the challenge of finding direction in the noise. For us the music adds to the sense of mystery within this construct. It’s a strong release that revives a classic alternative rock ethos. Dig into all of Sungrazer.
Get started with Oblivion, now on our Best New Rock Playlist.
Stranded erupts on their recent single Aftermath. The sonic design has a distorted tape gained grit. It illuminates the bright jangle bred tones. Paired with the singers emotive delivery it evolves into a sensual violence.
The singers vibe recalls the work of Bono while the music has some 90s Brit Pop flavor a la The Verve. Produced in this style it makes for an invigorating combination. Aftermath is seductive and hypnotic, staying within the songs realm without feeling repetitious. It’s a testament to its rare design, a feature that keeps you in its suspense throughout.
Stranded is featured on our Best New Rock Playlist.
The Strange Ones are anthemic on their new single I Don’t Like What I Found. The song at its essence is extremely catchy. The energetic performance adds to the magnetism.
This is a proper opening hype song to introduce a blitzkrieg of a live show. Stylistically it blends the hyper power rock of The Hives with the raw classic fury of The Buzzcocks. With hits this solid, these Oakland based garage punks won’t stay underground for long. WE hear real radio potential and lasting power. Say you heard them first.
Dig into I Don’t Like What I Found now on our Best New Rock Playlist.
We recently revisited The Shaven Primates new breakthrough album Birds Aren’t Real. Previously we spoke about how they blend an influence of progressive rock with psychedelic instincts on songs like Fade Away. Also how we hear stylistic details harkening to an influence of David Bowie and even Pink Floyd on A Decision and Unmasked.
On the single Silicon Implants their theatrical influences break through with Nola flavor and experimental excitement. It’s recalls projects known to icon Mike Patton with some of the eccentric flavor of Frank Zappa. It’s a testament to their impressive musicianship within a guitar based framework. The albums title track Birds Aren’t Real adds a dose of gypsy flash.
Collectively these songs tag an influence of traditional music with garage punk and progressive rock fury mixed in. Shaven Primates have an expansive stylistic range that could please both fans of general rock and the jam band scene. The EP suggests they could go off into an extended solo section at an instant. We can dig it.
Shaven Primates are featured on our Best New Rock Playlist
The Wild Is Calling 