Brooklyn based rockers Book/Spirit have one foot in classic rock while the rest of the body resides in the realm of indie. It’s heard in the dynamic of their guitar tones in contrast to the raw presence of the vocals and the Strokes like syncopations they embrace. We also hear elements of Weezer to match their Dinosaur Jr slacker appeal.
All of these bands embrace a catchy credo and Book/Spirit fits the mold. Their new single Haunt You has a magnetic appeal, the kind of concert intro that pulls a crowd to the front. The progression resolutions are hypnotic, helping to remove your worldly infiltrations so that you may be immersed in this musical moment. Embrace the escape.
Haunt You is featured on our Best New Rock Playlist.
Shady Baby rises to an immediate boil in the video for their single All Too Late. A killer rock song that’s both catchy and melodically intriguing, the effective music video helps its sparkle. It’s simple but convincing, and there’s a youthful comraderie to it that beckons to the legacy of classic bands (cite the Beatles style balcony shots).
Stylistically we hear elements of grunge bands like Silverchair with some classic Hendrix tonality. The contrast arrives in how that influence collides with modern inspirations like Sports Team and Wunderhorse. We dig it immensely.
Hear All Too Late now on our Best New Rock Playlist.
We were grabbed by the infectious catchy nature of Alive, the new single from Gunning For Allie. There’s an excitability that permeates through every moment. It’s held up by the snap of the drums, as they bring a convincing punch throughout.
The arrangement effectively blends synths into a rock and roll framework in a way that doesn’t stray synth pop. There’s an undeniable emo pop punk sensibility in the realm of Jimmy Eat World that collides with the anthemic magnetism known to the Killers or their self prescribed influence The 1975. It suits the nostalgic melodic tendencies, an affect that accentuated by the timepiece sparkling synths. They bring an 80s aura legit enough to offer a retro pop crossover. For us it’s a great rock song no matter how you swing it.
Lyrically Alive references the passing of lead singer Josh’s best friend Courtney. It’s a recurring theme that’s popped up a couple times in their recent work. Alive is an honorable tribute that erupts with an energy. It reflects the frustration of a loved one gone too soon. They would want you to shout, to embrace the chance to be Alive in this way.
Hear Alive now on our Best New Rock Playlist.
We were thrilled by the sonic fury exploding out of Into The Otherside, the new single from Toronto duo The Listros. The band offers a big sound fit for a stadium. It’s an engulfing presence, meant to be played live and lend itself to outbursts of ecstatic participation. Thrash your life out of convention. You can’t reject this kind of rock and roll energy.
Much like the Foo Fighters or their self prescribed influence QOTSA, The Listros retain a melodic brilliance within a fairly heavy construct. They add an additional sonic shine, with atmospheric undertones that cite an influence of NIN and Muse. That blend offers some refreshing nostalgia in the world of rock. Get some.
The Listros are featured on our Best New Rock Playlist.
The Wild Is Calling 