Update on ma Life!

Hey everyone! Your favorite music lover is here with an update like I said I would write  for you guys about what the heck is going on. Yes this is a music blog, but this is also a blog. It's mine, so I can write whatever I want. I just wanted to say thanks to anyone who reads these reviews and I really do hope you've found some new music. If you want to see what I've written over the past few months, go to the right side of your page, click on the drop down option and you'll see all the previous blogs I've written.

I got married! It was fantastic, it was beautiful. It was the perfect day. The 3rd of November 2013. The few days following, no one ever tells you that you are still busy. Making sure family gets out of town safely, paying off anything that was due after the wedding, cleaning up your place to sort out all the gifts you received. It was nuts, few days after the wedding just FLEW by. Before we knew it, it was time to pack for the honeymoon. I worked a few days, all 8 hours shifts so those flew by, all while I was packing at home when I could. All of a sudden I wound up at L.A.X. flew out to Miami then sailed away. It wan an amazing week. Words can't describe what adventure it was to go to different countries and finally see different places.

A week went by, by the time we got back in the U.S. it was already the 16th of November. WOw. 16 days flew by like it was a week. I got a message from a friend of mine about a possible interview for a position in L.A. Unfortunately, I was getting sick. The last day of the cruise I started feeling weird. But as the symptoms started to come to light, it is my usual winter time bronchitis setting in. I was feeling terrible but I decided to go for the interview, why not. I'm here in So Cal, it's the only time for me to do this. (I think it was from all the people smoking on the ship throughout the week, seeing how it was allowed and smoke really messes up my lungs.)

 As I was interviewed, I was more worried about if I looked like I had snot running out of my nose rather than answering my questions to my full potential. I think I did an ok job though. Seeing how I got a call back the following day. Which means holy crap we need to pack. I wasn't worried about getting anyone there sick because you can't catch bronchitis from me. It's my own dandy bunk ass lung infection I get it once every winter, every year since 8th grade. No big deal. It just sucks for a week or so in my life.

Turned in my two weeks notice at work, packed and all of a sudden it's Dec 3rd and I'm in Southern California unpacking everything. Holy Crap. What a month. It's been an awesome month. Only thing I wish that didn't happen was me getting sick, but no worries, thank you antibiotics and my inhaler.

Now I do have a lot of footage to edit, for those who don't know I upload videos weekly to YouTube. I am a vlogger, if you want to see what that is, head to www.youtube.com/mykandandie and you can check us out! I have weeks of footage to edit and upload, once that is complete I promise I will be getting back to my every day at noon album review. I do love doing these thing, I am fortunate to have the free time to do things I love. So soon, I will be back in full swing again bringing you music lovers new bands to listen to, new music to hear, and my terrible jokes and bad puns to come.

-MYK

Wow

Hey everybody.  Myk here. And wow. Do I have a lot to blog about. It's been the craziest month I've ever had. In my life. I will have to take note. November 2013. Bonkers. I know this is supposed to be mainly a music review blog. But I also did say in the beginning I will chime in on my life here and there. I want you to be filled in on where the heck are these music reviews. I'm currently on my way up to Central California. First time I haven't been driving or flying anywhere and I have a second to think.  I'll tell you all about it once I have a computer in front of me. I'm using my phone for this blog entry. Thanks everyone. I am sorry on the lack of material but once I get back to normality, these posts will be back everyday at 12pm. PACIFIC Time are my posts. Just fyi. See you guys soon!!

-Myk

Going to take a break this week.

I am getting married!!! This week will be very hectic and I dont have time to write any reviews.  Ill que up some when I go on my honeymoon so you wont be blog-less.   Thanks for undrstanding everyone!!! Its going to be an awesome week I am excited. See ya next week. Check out my last posts for new music you may not have heard of.

BAND: GREEK FIRE Album: Deus Ex Machina

It's FRIDAY. Enjoy this album. This band. Is. AMAZING. 

BAND: GREEK FIRE Album: Deus Ex Machina 

Band Bio:

Greek Fire is an American rock band from St. Louis, Missouri. The band was formed in 2008 by members of Story of the Year and Maybe Today. Greek Fire has released a self-titled EP, a single entitled Doesn't Matter Anyway, and on August 16, 2011, they released their debut, full-length album, Deus Ex Machina. The band has been in talks of recording new material in the studio. 

Editors Note:

ok. I am not going to lie. I am actually already biased with this album. Why? because two members of this band are pretty much my musical influences as far as being a musician. Who are they? Phil Sneed and Ryan Phillips. Two extremely talented song writers. They are pretty much the reason I picked up a guitar 11 years ago. Phil is the Front Man of Greek Fire and guitarist in Story of the Year (my favorite band). Ryan is the guitar player in both Story of the Year and Greek Fire. Ryan is the gnarliest guitar player that has emerged in a long while. I'd put money on it. Phil also has an amazing voice. Which is why I was super stoked that Greek Fire began. He takes on the name Moon and rocks the stage as Greek Fire's front man. 

So, as you could guess, you probably already know my album rating  (5/5 spotlights) and what I have to say about the album. 100% biased. I figure I just let you, the reader, know right away to go check this band out. I know this actually is not a review now. This is just me sort of just telling you to go listen to these guys. But honestly, we are what, almost a month in now, with my review one album a day, I have not lead you wrong yet. Go give this album a listen. It is filled with amazing melodies, sick guitar riffs, on point vocals, excellent drumming, as well as funky bass lines. As you know, I love when I can hear bass guitar players. 

Band: Pendulum Album: Immersion

Thursday! The weekend is so close we can all taste it. Which means a week from today, I will be at my wedding rehearsal! OH SNAP! 

Band: Pendulum Album: Immersion

Band BIO:

Pendulum is an Australian/British drum and bass group founded in 2002, and has been writing music since. Pendulum was formed in Perth, with Rob Swire, Gareth McGrillen, and Paul Harding. Rob and Gareth also constitute the Electro House duo Knife Party. ( GO check out Knife Party if you love dub step). The group was noticed  for a distinctive sound, mixing hard rock with electronic music, and developing to cover a wider range of genres. Swire and McGrillen were members of the metal band known as Xygen. After hearing Konflict's "Messiah" at a club, they were inspired to enter into the Drum & Bass genre. They founded Pendulum with Paul Harding, who was a veteran DJ in the Drum & Bass scene. In 2003 the band moved to the U.K. Pendulum have since experimented with mixing other genres into their work, as can be heard on In Silico and Immersion. In August 2013, Pendulum's Rob Swire announced that a new album may be released some time next year 2014.

The Review: 

Oh man. Where the hell do I even begin. This album hits so many genres at once, it's amazing. I do have to thank this band. They sort of opened up the world of drum and bass for me. After becoming a fan of this band, I started to browse different d&b artists. They get a big thank you for that. I think how I found these guys was just luck. I was on my many random midnight music searches on YouTube and I found the music video for their song "The Island," I was hooked immediately. I wanted to check out more. Went on iTunes. Clicked by so fast my mouse got click burn. Ok not really, but I needed that album. Listening to "The Island pt. 1," then leading into "the Island pt 2," is a must. They really nailed some amazing art right there. This album has many collaborations with different artists which keep it really fresh. This is certainly an album you need to listen to while working out. You will probably run much faster. It is always on my work out playlist.

It's ok if you want to thank me for this one. It is another album where you just need to listen to the first song through till the last. How often can anyone really say that?  I cannot pick a favorite couple of songs. I really hope you dig this album. Been saving this one.  FIVE OUT OF FIVE SPOTLIGHTS.

It just seems this week, it's been pretty amazing albums so far. Just wait till tomorrow ROCK fans. You'll love this next band I have lined up. Thanks everyone. See ya tomorrow at 12pm!

Band: I am Abomination Album: Let the Future Tell the Truth

HUMPDAY! Check out this band to make that middle of the week a little bit better. I picked a real good one so enjoy! Grab a pair of headphones if you are really into individual instrumentals. There is certainly something in store for you. 

Band: I am Abomination Album: Let the Future Tell the Truth

Band Bio:
Phil Druyor - Vocals
Nick Sampson - Guitar

That is pretty much the band. These two dudes are holding this band strong. They started back in 2007. They released their debut EP Jaw-Dropper in 2008, their debut album To Our Forefathers, was released in 2010, a digital EP titled Passion Of The Heist, and their newest Let The Future Tell The Truth.

I Am Abomination is a progressive metal band from Detroit, MI. They're known for their use of clean vocals over heavy music and have currently released their fourth album. They were a full band but after a few members left, these two decided to hold it together. Phil was the new front man for the band Attack Attack, until recently that band disbanded starting up a new project called Nativ. (Which I'm Excited for to explode.)

The Review: 

It's like Iron Maiden and Every Time I Die instrumentals made a baby, then an opera singer came in and laid an egg fertilized by Michael Jackson. (Which is funny, this band did an amazing Dirty Diana cover.) Needless to say, these two dudes have more talent than I've seen in a while from all these new bands coming out now. I've been a long time fan of the group, I was listening to them since MySpace days. I remember coming across their fancy page all tricked out. For this album they did some fantastic work. Very impressive sound. Fast paced guitar work, on point vocals. 

I would say the singer even got meaner as far as singing. He has this fierce growl to his voice which is pretty damn tasty. Especially in the song "One False Step," when that song hit my ears, it was on repeat a few times. I would say that is my album favorite. All the other songs, are equally great. I can't really pick out a bad song. Believe, I've listened to this album a bunch of times over. It's an album you go to the first song and listen all the way through. 

 I love when bands produce albums like that. Where you don't have to skip a song. For that, instant Five out of Five Spotlights for me. Seriously, just take your money at throw it at your computer screen. Go snag their latest album. Hope you enjoyed this review. Don't forget, if you are on a desktop or i pad, you can go to the right side of the page and sign up your email address to get these posts in your email!!

Band: Hands Like Houses Album: Ground Dweller

Holy Tuesday. This week needs to hurry already. Anyone feel the same? Maybe the anticipation of my up coming wedding is just making me impatient with time. NEXT REVIEW! LET'S DO IT! 

Band: Hands Like Houses Album: Ground Dweller

Hands Like Houses is an Australian rock band from Canberra, Australia. Brought together in 2008. The group is a part of Rise Records. Their debut album Ground Dweller, was released on 13 March 2012 and charted at number 141 on the Billboard Top 200. Their sophomore album, Unimagine, was released on 23 July 2013, during their route on Warped Tour.

The Review: 

Yes this is their first album, I have yet to get a hold of their new one that came out this year. But maybe I will be doing another review of these dudes soon then. One of the first things I noticed when I gave this band a listen through, they sounded like a band I played a few shows with. It was an awesome band called The Messenger. They were from Long Beach, CA, they disbanded, but this band has the same feel as they do. Powerful clean vocals being a main focus, with pretty awesome heavy and melodic guitar playing. Not to mention the drums on point. It's really pop driven vocals with awesome heavy instruments. Really great sound this band hand. I was listening to this album again and I figured I needed to do a review of these dudes. These guys have similar sounds with the likes of bands; Emarosa and Broadway. 

Check out the songs, "This Aint No Place For Animals," "A Clown and His Pipe," and my album favorite "Lion Skin, Ft. Johnny Craig." That song is fabulous. Now, don't dis Craig, he did his bull crap and cleaned up his mess responsibly. That dude is talented. Now they have a few great songs, but not every song is a winner. A few of them do sound just like another song of theirs. I will let you go and listen and decide for yourself. They are talented no doubt, but a few of these songs sound like I hit repeat while I'm listening through this album. That being said, I give Ground Dweller Three and a Half Spotlights. I like these guys enough to most certainly check out their newest album which I need to get on. 

BAND: Glass Cloud Album: Perfect War Forever

Oh Crap. It's Monday. Well...... Here is this in your face album to shake off that Monday feeling. 

Band: Glass Cloud  Album: Perfect War Forever

Glass Cloud is a metalcore band from Hampton, Virginia. Formed by Jerry Roush, Joshua Travis, Travis Sykes, and Chad Hasty in late 2011. The band released their debut album, The Royal Thousand on July 10 with Equal Vision Records in the US only and Basick Records for the rest of the world. Lead vocalist Roush was formerly the vocalist of Sky Eats Airplane and Of Mice & Men. 

(side note: Sky Eats Airplane was a SICK BAND. Go find their stuff on the interwebs.) 

Joshua Travis was the guitar player for the The Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza until 2012. Their newest release Perfect War Forever is scheduled for an October 22, 2013 release via Equal Vision Records and Basick Records. Which means yes, This review is before the album is even out. Go to Glass Cloud's facebook and there is a link to listen to the new EP for free. Yes this one is an EP. Not a full length. 

LE Review:

I'm a big fan of Glass Cloud. Their debut album was pretty amazing. There were one or two iffy songs I didn't dig on that album, but that is still a solid album in my books. This EP is gnarly heavy. I feel like I should be moshing in my living room, with this on full blast, spreading war paint on my face, and punching holes in the walls. Then proceeding to eat gun powder and spitting fire. It's that heavy. The guitar is just sick nasty. The drums in this album are spot on just tasty. Those time signatures. weeeew. I really love bands that utilize their bass player. I love when I can hear those thunder strings.  (edit: upon later research, yes, the dude uses a nine string guitar, hence the GNARLY heavy riffs in this album.)

 I know I've seen Joshua Travis use a nine string and it's just some heavy riffs that rattle your brain. The song "Soul is Dead," is going to be on repeat for me. Watch out for that intro in the song, "Lilac," its going to give you a punch in the gut. Especially while working out. It's an all natural workout enhancement. Just play this while running and you'll do your best lap time. Pretty solid EP I have to say. I wish they were releasing another full length, but who is to say they wont in the near future pretty soon. Some bands I love, their EPs between albums are almost their best material. This EP gets a Four out of Five stars. Just because it's an EP. I WANT MORE MUSIC GLASS CLOUD. Go and give this one a listen. This one is for the metal lovers out there. Take it easy and see ya here tomorrow! 

Band: Walk Off The Earth Album: R.E.V.O.

FRIDAY! Saving one of my absolute favorites for the end of the week to kick off your weekend with some awesome music!

Band: Walk Off The Earth  Album: R.E.V.O.

Band Bio:

Walk off the Earth is a Canadian rock band that was formed in 2006 in Burlington, Ontario, and has blown up by making low-budget music videos of covers and their original music. The band built its base with no help from record labels. In Feb. 2012 the band signed a recording contract with Columbia Records. The band is best known for its covers of popular music on YouTube, making use of uncommon instruments such as the ukulele, big guitars, sharing one regular guitar, one man band drum set up, cardboard instruments, and beat boxing. A lot of the time they use instruments they sort of taped together or created. They are best known for their cover of Gotye's "Somebody I Used to Know," it's the video of everyone on one guitar? Familiar to you? Which as of right this moment the video has 154,183,175 views. WOW.  

Album review: 

For a while all the Walk off The Earth I was getting was strictly on youtube. When they released R.E.V.O. I was stoked. I tried my best not to listen to any of the songs before the album came out, but their songs "Red Hands," and the cover of "Somebody that I Used to Know," I had already heard because of their popularity on YouTube. The song styles are so versatile it's ridiculous. I would say they hit, rock, country, folk, indie, hip/hop, acoustic, types of music throughout this album. 

Usually some sort of mixing pot like that would be a mess in any other album, but not this one. It totally works just perfectly.  If you want in for a good time check this one out. I am not going to list songs for you to check out because you can't go wrong with any of the songs on this record. They are each solid, each filled with amazingness. When you have a moment, go look for them on YouTube. See their song covers and their instruments they all switch around with. I would really love to see them live eventually. We are actually using their song "Gang of Rhythm" in our wedding. Five out of Five Spotlights for WALK OFF THE EARTH. 

Band: Small Black Album: Limits of Desire

Why Hello Thursday. How's it going? It's going good? Almost Friday right? AWE YEAH.  I've picked a very relaxing band. The setting for this band I imagine is putting on a pair of headphones. GO OUTSIDE lay on the grass, hammock, go for a walk, go to the beach, do any of those, then relax, and listen. Or if you really want, even at night in your bed to go to sleep. 

Band: Small Black   Album: Limits of Desire 

Really quickly! I want to thank my brother Cory for telling me about this one. His music taste is very much so this style. He game me a mix of a few great bands I'll for sure be telling you about in the near future, don't you worry.

Band Bio: 

Small Black have announced that they will release their new album, Limits of Desire on May 14, 2013 via Jagjaguwar. Small Black formed in 2009 in Brooklyn, New York. Members consist of Ryan Heyner, Josh Hayden Kolenik, Juan Pieczanski, and Jeff Curtin.
The cover of the album, shot by Dutch artist Scarlett Hooft Graafland, serves as as sort of visual source code for its themes. Featuring a man and a woman embracing on either side of a ladder, the two are completely naked, divided by its triangular span - close but unable to get any closer. It is a moving depiction of modern connectivity and interaction.


I really could not find too much information on the band. Only that they are pretty darn good at what they do.

Album Review:

The first thing I noticed with this album is that there was a gradual build in music. It started off very chill and very relaxed. Then it builds in each song and just grows. It very synth and light drumming filled with pretty chilling vocals. If you are in a mood for calming relaxing music. This is a great idea. Go check out the songs, "No Stranger," "Canoe," and my album favorites, "Proper Spirit" and "Breathless." I really don't have much to say because I put them on as I am typing this and I'm in the most relaxed mood, so much so, I can't type any further. But really, give this one a chance if you like slow, calming jams; with great instrumentals. I give this album Three and a Half Spotlights. 

Band: Young The Giant Album: Self Title.

HUMPDAY. Woah, sorry for this going up so late but I've been at work so much the past few days. but hey. I have still written a review every day like I said I would have. :) Here is one I BADLY wanted to review when I heard the song "My Body" on pandora earlier today. Had some wedding business immediately after work and heard this one and instantly my ears ZOOMED IN on this sound. 

Band: Young The Giant   Album: Young The Giant (Self title debut Album) 

Band Bio: 
Young the Giant is the debut album by American indie rock band Young the Giant. It was released digitally by the Roadrunner record label on October 26, 2010, and was followed by a physical CD and vinyl release in the United States on January 25, 2011. The album was released in the United Kingdom on May 2, 2011.

The band began work on the album in early 2010. Young the Giant lead singer Sameer Gadhia described the album as having a "summery, kind of an Orange County sound." Songs on the album include the U.S. single "My Body", which reached the top five of Billboard's Alternative Songs chart; "Apartment", the first international single; and "Cough Syrup", which was originally recorded for the 2008 EP Shake My Hand when the band was known as The Jakes.

note from Myk:
So as I said earlier, I was running errands and I heard this song "My Body." Didn't see the band name. Just kept the song name in mind.  It's very rare that I hear something I've never heard on the radio. Usually even on Pandora, they play sort of the same feel of artists you've selected to listen to. I was on Imagine Dragons' station and this band hit my ear holes nicely. I went home, found this album. And DUH. I've heard of this band's name before and their hit song "Cough Syrup." I really wanted to check out the entire album. How do I do this when I don't have the album? Well. I am putting every penny I have towards the wedding that is coming up, (18 days YO!) What I do is go to YouTube and look up the full album someone has graciously uploaded. Ta Dah! Usually I just buy the album or find a friend who has it. 

The Album review: I KNOW I'm a little late. This album and band has been out for a while, but some how they've slipped through my musical finger tips and I just never caught wind of this band. 
Like I said right away the song "My Body," is some great stuff. But giving this entire album a listen to. I know right away this band has some great skill. Young The Giant isn't a one hit wonder I feel. The song "I Got," made me think the singer was sort of channeling Frank Sinatra a little bit. Totally had a crooner vibe going AND IT WAS WORKING. Very versitile style of music through this whole album. I LOVE it when musicians do this. It keeps the album fresh. It keeps you listening over and over again trying to pick out different sounds you haven't heard the first time listening. I see this happening as I listen to this album a few more times. 

Of course the song "Cough Syrup," is great. It's catchy. You've probably heard it before. But I say to you, give the whole album a listen to if you haven't. I love the tones of the guitars so much. I want to grab mine and learn a few of their songs. Some of the songs made me feel like I was also listening to some oldies style music. "Your Side," has to be my favorite song of the album. I give this a very solid Four out of Five Spotlights. 

BAND: Funeral Party Album: The Golden Age of Knowhere

How was your Monday? Was it bad? I'm sorry if it was. But hey. It's Tuesday. Let's get in the swing of things and it's time for this week's second album review. It's fun and very upbeat. CHeeeeck it out!

BAND: Funeral Party Album: The Golden Age of Knowhere

Band Bio!:
Funeral Party is a 4-piece American band made up of Chad Elliot, James Lawrence Torres, and Kimo Kauhola. They formed the band one night in a park in their hometown of Whittier, California, a suburb just outside Los Angeles, California, choosing to name themselves after The Cure song of the same name. The band became their ticket out of Whittier: "We all came from the same shitty town, and you have two choices: grow up and get a job or get out. That's what we tried to do with the band."

Album Review:
 I want to right away just tell you go check out these songs, I can't wait till the end. "Where Did it Go Wrong," "Just Because," "City in Silhouettes," "Relics to Ruins," and my album favorite is "Giants Song." BOOM. Go now. Go find these. Listen to one. Read this review. These guys sound like Vampire Weekend almost,  but better. I love the singers distinct voice. The talent in this band is ridiculous. I love the sound they have. I feel myself groovin to this album. It is definitely up beat dance music. If this was tossed on during a party, there'd be dancing. The songs I threw out there were my album favorites. The rest of the songs are good, but I didn't really attach to them. Like I said yesterday, I listen to an album a few times before I review it. I've had this one for a few months now and I know most the songs by lyrics. I know my favorites on this album. Great music though. I see good things coming this bands way. THREE and a HALF Spotlights for this band.
 I hope your Tuesday is an awesome one.

Artist: A Day To Remember Album: Common Courtesy

It's a Monday! So I chose a band I love who released a new album. They are pretty well known, but maybe you will give them a chance. I haven't heard this album before so you are getting my first taste of the album point of view. Usually I listen to a record a few times before I even have anything to say about it. 

Artist: A Day To Remember Album: Common Courtesy 

Band Bio: 

A Day to Remember is an American rock band from Ocala, Florida, founded in 2003 by guitarist Tom Denney and drummer Bobby Scruggs. They are mainly known for their unusual amalgamation of metalcore and pop punk as a musical style. The band consists of vocalist Jeremy McKinnon, rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist Neil Westfall, bassist Joshua Woodard, percussion and drummer Alex Shelnutt and lead guitarist Kevin Skaff.

Signing with Indianola for their first album, And Their Name Was Treason (2005), Scruggs was replaced by Shelnutt in 2006. Later that year the band recorded For Those Who Have Heart (2007) for Victory. Embarking on several tours of the UK and U.S. and playing at several festivals, before recording and released Homesick (2009). While promoting Homesick on tour, Denney was replaced by Skaff. Soon after releasing their next album,What Separates Me from You (2010), the band went on a worldwide tour to promote it. In 2011, the band was involved in a lawsuit with Victory over their recording contract, which was settled in October 2013. The band released their fifth album, Common Courtesy (2013), the same month.

That there Album review:

The first song starts off pretty solid. It gives a great feel to the album. You know it is A Day To Remember when you hear it. The second song "Right Back At it Again," has a break down that just makes you nod your head, it's groovy. "Dead and Buried," starts off pretty darn ferocious and the song takes off. It is probably one of the better ones on this album. "I'm Already Gone," It's a solid song, I love the emotion in it. It sort of takes the album for a weird turn. I think it would have fit for a last song on the album. It just stops the heavy feel of the songs that were previous. "Violence," which is right after sort of makes up for it with a pretty tasty guitar intro. The song, "Life Lessons Learned the Hard Way," belongs on a different album. It's way heavy and full of breakdowns. It stands out completely on this album. 

The thing is, with this album, it is the bands fifth album and they have a certain sound now. I get that it's hard to get away from the sound you've established, but this album really does sound like their last. I do like it, but it's just very similar and robotic to their sound. I will say they have gotten way more pop and even softer, but a lot of palm muting of break downs in each of the songs. It's a typical break down note you'll find in most "hardcore" genre sound. With that I give the album a Three and a Half Spotlight score. Almost a four but, I have to say I wasn't very impressed. I gave it a second listen through as I was writing this and I still feel the same. OK album, it's good, it's ADTR, but it didn't blow my mind like their last one did. 

Week 2!

It was a very awesome second week. More people are stopping by and viewing the blog. Don't forget to look to the right side of your desktop and you'll see an option to get my posts emailed to you. Just in case you forget to swing by.  See ya next week.

Band: The Safety Fire Album: Mouth of Swords

IT IS FRIDAY! I have been saving the best for last this week.

 An album that I listen to at least once a day since it's been out. Let's DO THIS!

BAND: THE SAFETY FIRE

ALBUM: MOUTH OF SWORDS
Band Bio: The Safety Fire formed around 2006 and they are a progressive metal band. They say their musical influences are from the bands, Karnivool, Sikth, Opeth, Bjork, Jaga Jazzist, Kaki King and Between the Buried and Me. They all met at school and after a brief break they decided to really take on music seriously which is the reasoning between the gaps in the release dates of their EP to their full length.The huge differences in these bands being an influence are the reason for The Safety Fire's unique sound. In 2009 they released their first EP, Sections. February 2012 they released their first album Grind the Ocean, and recently in September, their second full length Mouth of Swords.

Random Note:
Right now these dudes are touring all over the U.S. and parts of Canada. I unfortunately couldn't make it to either of their shows that were somewhat close to me because of pretty much just life. Things get in the way at the worst times. I have a friend who saw them play and he said they TORE IT UP. I believe it. I've only ever have seen live videos of them and they look and sound great.

Le Review:
This album. I mean. Wow. I. The insane time signatures. The heavy and sick rhythm guitar. Not to mention the nasty shredding lead guitar riffs. I'm not forgetting that funky bass I hear either. Sean's singing has greatly improved.  His screams are nice and clean. VERY unique and awesome voice. Which by the by is an amazing album in itself. A lot more clean singing in this album versus Grind the Ocean. But this album Mouth of Swords just leaks musical ooooze of talent. By far for me, THE Album of 2013. What impresses me so much is how amazing it sounds as far as quality. Dez (guitar/lead mustache) produced this album. All on their own was this album made. I wish I had enough time to review song by song because I could. 

Every song is different but fits together. It's like riding a musical roller coaster that changes up every 30 seconds but you love it. The slowest song on the album is, "Wise Hands," keep in mind this song is a nice break in the record. You have time to pick up your jaw off the floor and put it back, because after the song your face will be melted off by the rest of the record. This is easily a Five out of Five SPOTLIGHT album. It's no joke how good of a job these dudes did. Usually I give a song to look out for on a record, but instead I will just say my favorite song, "Old Souls." It has a break down and guitar solo that sounds illegal to listen to. 

Band: The Story So Far Album: What You Don't See

THURSDAY! It is almost the end of the week. Oh Snap! 

That actually doesn't matter for me. I work a job where I work weekends as well. "Sigh." LET'S GET ROCKIN!

Band: The Story So Far

Album: What You Don't See

Band Bio: The Story So Far is an American pop punk band from Walnut Creek, California formed in 2007. They are currently signed to Pure Noise Records. The band released its debut studio album Under Soil And Dirt in June 2011. On March 26, 2013, they released their second studio album, What You Don't See. which debuted at number 46 on The Billboard 200. The band was featured on the cover of Alternative Press's March 2013 issue "100 Bands You Need to Know."

This band most certainly is a YOU NEED TO KNOW. They are a refreshing taste in my ears every time I put on this album. A few of my friends started writing about these dudes and I just had to check them out. I had to get this CD after listening to only a few songs. I was hooked so fast. This band sounds like if Four Year Strong and Blink-182 had a love child. The album is a fantastic transition throughout the entire listening. They don't switch between genres like most bands I've been reviewing. This is most certainly an album you can hit replay on the moment it's over. It sounds new each time you hear it. 

They stick to their pop-punk sound because they are great at it. The songs you should check out on this album are; "Bad Luck," "Face Value," "Right Here," "Stifled," and "The Glass." I would say all the songs on this album are VERY good. But those ones right there have me rocking out with my windows down in my car. I know you will love this album. I give it Four Spotlights out of Five. Go give this a listen. Play this one on a road trip or when you are working out. 

Band: General Ghost Albums: IF THEN & GIVE ME TO THE WAVES

Band: General Ghost  Albums: IF THEN  &  GIVE ME TO THE WAVES

Welcome to HUMPDAY! It's Wednesday! Time for another amazing band you should know about!

Switching it up a little bit, just a tad bit today. Instead of one album, it will be two. Why? Well, each album from this group only has about five songs. So. I figure hey, slap it together, they have a full length out. 

&

(random personal side note)

After I checked out this band and looked up their info. I knew something was fishy. I am talking about the lead singer. He was familiar for some reason. I felt like I've seen him before. I don't know what it was. Turns out he lived in a city over from me for a little while and I of course saw him perform here and there. As well as just seeing him around town. Holy crap. Well. I wish I approached the guy. Would have loved to have written music with this talented individual. 

Band Bio:

His name is Jon Howard. He was in a band called Dizmas in Lancaster. They sort of blew up. But called it quits. Jon went on to tour with Paramore as a touring guitarist. He joined up with Kyle Rictor and In Jan 2012 he released his first EP as General Ghost titled Give Me to The Waves. Then quickly to release the next Ep If Then.

Lets go over the first album.

Give me to the Waves. It has a great feel to it. It really is refreshing. You can sort of tell it's the first one to come out between the two EPs. Not that it's bad at all in any way, but because each song is a different taste of acoustic/ rock. Where as the following album each song has a feel that meshes VERY well with each other. The songs on this album I would want you to listen to would be "Get Up and Move," "Give Me to the Waves," and "Strange Animals." Those three are pretty amazing songs. You will love them. 

The next album

If Then. . The five songs on this EP are VERY well put together. They sound great. Each song on this one sounds like it belongs as a brand new song from a very big label name group. They are quite good. I don't want to give too much away from these two EPs because I feel this is a most certainly NEED TO LISTEN. Their tunes are up free on Noisetrade where you can download a lot of new bands un heard of and their music for free. Just go and do it. in that case, these two get a SOLID Four Spotlights out of Five. Why? Because it's amazing and you can go and download their stuff. I say when they release their full length officially. SPEND THE MONEY on this band. It will most likely be an amazing album. 

We are actually going to play their song cover of "Closing Time" at our wedding to get people the heck out of the venue. It will be the closing song sort of last dance as well. It's a great and well done cover song. 

Both of these albums sound amazing. I really can't put it into other words. They sound like if, Silversun Pickups and City and Colour had a kid, the kid would be General Ghost. A taste of sounds mixed with acoustic and spilling rock. 

If you want to get my posts much easier...

Look to your right. Right under the description of who I am, there is a box and in that box, an option to enter your email address. It's free! Enter that in, you will be asked to verify your email address through feedburner. That's all! Super simple. You don't have to wait by and wait for a link you'll see me post from a certain site somewhere here on the internet. You can go ahead and get a notification right in your inbox! Super convenient and simple! 

Band: STORY OF THE YEAR Album: TEN YEARS AND COUNTING

STORY OF THE YEAR.  Album: Page Ave:  Ten Years and Counting

HAPPY TUESDAY everyone!

Just want to say first and foremost thank to one of my best friends Victor for getting me this album!

This band greatly influenced my musical taste. I went from listening to rock to listening to Story of the Year. Listening to them expanded me to Coheed and Cambria and a whole multitude of other bands back in 2003. This then turned me to wanting to learn guitar even more after listening to Page Avenue over and over again.

I’ve written a ten page essay on the band before so I think I know the history of the band pretty well.  But I will keep it short.  

The band was known as Big Blue Monkey but had to change their name due to a Jazz band having the same name. After winning a contest they were allowed to open for Goldfinger. Success came of the group after their hit “Until the Day I Die” blew up all over MTv.  As well as their other hits you might know, “Anthem of our Dying Day,” and “Sidewalks.” This caused an opening of the gate for other bands of the same aggressive vocals and metal guitars to start coming out onto MTv. They've been releasing albums since then. After their fourth album “The Constant” The band took a break after touring for that album. They each pursued their own musical project.  GREEK FIRE being one of them and that band is a HUGE success.

TIME FOR DA REVIEW.

I've never done a review of an album that has been out for only a few hours before. This album was coming out today and it’s one of my most life influencing bands so I knew I had to do a review for it.

The album is a complete redone and rehashed version of their album that has came out TEN years ago PAGE AVENUE. Same lyrics in the songs, but the songs re-imagined completely. There are a few songs that didn't make it on to this album, but I feel the songs they re-done were beautiful.  

They stripped down the songs and it’s sort of an acoustic album, but it’s not. 

They use some electronic elements in some of these songs. It works perfectly. You really really need to give this one a listen. Each song sounds brand new, but at the very same time I KNOW the song already. Ive heard them all a thousand times. Literally. “Anthem of Our Dying Day,” “Sidewalks,” "Dive and Conquer," “Dive Right In,” and “Razorblades,” are the jewels of this album. Yes every song is perfectly well done, but those songs are going to be on repeat all day. I love that I was also able to hear Phil Sneed  in some of these songs doing background vocal work. Phil has had success being the front man of Greek Fire. Which has put out solid talented work as well. 

I rate this album FIVE SPOTLIGHTS out of FIVE. GO buy it. It’s amazing. Story of the Year did a fantastic job.

Artist: Number One Gun Album: To The Secrets and Knowledge

It's Monday! How about we start off this week's album reviewing with an awesome one. I feel this album is fantastic no matter the circumstances. Hard day at work? Grab a beer, kick back, and crank this one up. Had an amazing day? Do the same damn thing.  (if you are underage, substitute with a Yoo-Hoo)

Artist: Number One Gun
Album: To The Secrets and Knowledge

Mini-Bio: Number One Gun is a Christian rock band from Chico, California, that signed to Tooth & Nail Records. They self-released their debut EP Forever in 2002, before releasing their follow-up albums Celebrate Mistakes (2003) on Floodgate Records and Promises for the Imperfect(2005) on Tooth & Nail Records.

The band's latest release, To The Secrets And Knowledge, is a continuation of the one-man project.

In June 2012, Jeff Schneeweis announced on his Twitter that he was developing a new song under the Number One Gun band name. Further posts on Twitter and Facebook revealed that the original NOG lineup would be reuniting to write and record a new full-length album. In July 2012, the band launched a Kickstarter page to help fund their new album and subsequent tour. 

Which yet has a release date I will add to the info I've come across. Upon checking out the band's Facebook, they said the newest album is DONE. Tooth and Nail will be announcing a release date for the band's next album soon I'm reading. 

What I feel of the band:
My brother actually introduced me into this band. He said to check them out a few years ago and I've loved them since. Which I'm confused about when I say "them." I went to check out the band's info, went to good ol google, I looked up Number One Gun when I first heard about the band. Turns out it was just ONE GUY. I was thinking nah.....no way. Went to handy dandy YouTube, there it was. The same dude playing drums, layering the guitars, and singing with that ANGEL LIKE VOICE. I was impressed immediately. 

But then, I'm reading that currently, he has formed a few others members into the project. Which I get. When you play live, it'd be sort of hard to play all the sounds unless you were doing acoustic.

The sound of this album is fantastic. It really is up beat with a full band sound of rock/pop, then it slows down with some soft melodies, an acoustic sound here and there, a few songs being just instrumental focus, then picks back up again being a full band sound. It certainly is a great balance between the music types.

I also am dearly in love with the last album, The North Pole Project, but this second one just kisses you on your brain. It's amazing. It is very easily a Four and a half Spotlights out of Five.

The song I'd recommend would be : "Noises" and if you love covers, check out their version of Journey's "Don't Stop Believing."

Jeff Schneewei also has a YouTube channel where he does music covers and holy hell. They are amazing. His cover of Justin Timberlake's "Mirrors" is outstanding. 

Who am I to decide?

Who am I to decide if an album is good or not? Who am I to tell you who to listen to? 

Welp. Let me just say a few things about myself and maybe you will agree with what I have to say. If not, well then, see ya later. 

I distinctly remember opening a cassette tape, sort of old. The album came out a little before my time, of Guns N Roses. My Dad had just taken it out of his room to start playing it on the stereo. I still remember the cover very well. It was the dudes in the band, in skeleton, on a cross. This cassette right here:

We were sitting down and relaxing to it. I think my Mom was gone, because if music was blasting very loud, my Mom would be the one to walk up to the stereo to turn it down. I remember listening to just the guitars, the drums, and the singing. Thinking, holy crap, this is cool!

Other times it would be my Dad and I blaring Led Zeppelin when him and I would be going around town. I would start to just be in my room a lot listening to Metallica,Ozzy, Def Leppard, Motley Crue, and a lot of Van Halen. Mind you I'm probably about 7,  rocking out to these song. Not even really knowing what I'm listening to as far as lyrics are concerned. (but hey I turned out fine. I'm not out all night snorting coke and dancing with ladies. All while rocking out on stage in leather pants.) What I did know is the feel of ROCK! I loved the melody of the music.

From that point on I always wanted to play an instrument. I tried various kinds. Wasn't till I was 13 I decided, hey, let's try another one, GUITAR. Made sense. Most of the music I listened to involved guitar. To this day, 11 years later. I still play. I've had my fair share of bands I've been in. Heck, that's how I met my future wife.( From this post, it's exactly 28 days until the Wedding!) I've toured, played lots of shows in sketchy places, I've gone to after parties. I've had my fun. But now I only leisurely play on my own here and there.

One thing for certain that has come out of all of this, is that I've got an undying love for music. One of my favorite games to play with my Fiance is to listen to a sound clip for a few seconds, and guess the band/artist as fast as I can. I win a lot.

 I'm listening to music most moments of my entire day. A favorite thing of mine to do is go on YouTube or plain google.com and to stumble a band from god knows where. One time I did that, I ended up buying their discography. Which the band I'm speaking of, will be tomorrow's (Monday's) album review. The band I found is easily a favorite of mine. Although, who am I kidding? I have LOTS of favorite bands. Not because I can't just pick one, but because there is so much talent and so much amazing music out there. I can not pick only one band. 

As you can see, I've got a great passion for music. I'm not some random schmo wanting to write about music for kicks. I am writing to spread the word about who I stumble across that blows my mind. I want to share with everyone which bands should be listened to because they are AMAZING. It's almost a way of me giving my thanks to those bands for writing music. 

 There is that. Almost an essay about why I love music. Can't recall the last time I've written an essay. Does this almost count? Or do I need a bibliography page? Thanks everyone for reading. This is going to be a pretty awesome time I feel. 

Thank You Very Much!

I really want to thank everyone for dropping by the backstage spotlight. Thank you to friends and family who have taken the time to check it out. I really do hope you like what I am doing here. I hope you find a new artist/band you will like here on this blog. It's been a successful first week reviewing albums. I am still finding out the format of the blog, but I will be posting some sort of review on here every weekday at 12pm no matter what. 

If at any time you would like me to review an album of your choosing, send me a tweet on good ol twitter.  @mykofyoutube. Just say, "Hey Myk! You should check out so and so." Easy as that.  This week we did sort of an indie-rock sort of vibe. I felt it was a nice smooth transition for you guys with my style of music taste. I think the first few weeks will be bands I really love. Then as the blog picks up steam, I feel I will just branch out to everything. 

 I will be doing various styles of music. I don't think I will do a full week of a certain type of music I've decided. It will just really be what I feel is a good album for the day. One day can be some metal, next day some dub step, switching into ska, classical, movie scores, or hitting up some good ol rock. 

Thanks again for reading this blog. Have fun on your journey discovering new music.

Artist :Cover Up Casual Album: The Come Up

It's Friday! I thought I would do a completely unknown artist. Which is the main focus of this blog. Until I start gaining a bigger audience and more unknown or unsigned bands start asking me to review their album, I will do 100% new and upcoming artists a few times here and there. Here is the first Backstage Spotlight. Behind the curtain awaits a new artist to emerge. Let's flip on that Spotlight Backstage on this artist For Friday's album review, I review Cover Up Casual's The Come Up. 

Formed in late 2010 in Christopher Rossi's bedroom as a way to write acoustic songs about his experiences in Life. Opening up around the local Antelope Valley coffeeshop and houseshow circuits in early 2012, He released his Debut Ep "The Come Up." produced by Ric Ilejay in late January 2013.

I've had a chance to hang out with Chris here and there. He is a VERY talented drummer. I mean holy crap. He sounds like a machine. Little did I know he was working on this album. When I heard it the first time, I actually thought he was sharing a friend's album. I had no idea it was HIM until he asked what I thought of the album. To be brutally honest. Yes, it has a low quality feel to it. It's grainy. It's rough. BUT IT WORKS. It brings me back to cutting demos and listening to music raw and un edited. Not all dolled up with effects and autotune. Chris' voice actually really reminds me of early an version of Shabutie, (the band name of  Coheed and Cambria before the name change). I hear young Claudio Sanchez in Chris' voice and at other times, he really reminded me of Johnny Craig.  I know if he keeps working on it, he will continue to grow and get even better than I think he is. Be sure to check out this up and coming aritst. Cover Up Casual. Go to bandcamp.com and find his 4 track EP on there. 

Three and a half Spotlights out of Five. Go and listen to this album. 

Song to look for: "Speak Your Dreams" 

This concludes my review for Cover Up Casual's The Come Up

Have a great weekend everyone! See ya Monday with a new week and a new album. Since this was sort of an Indie week, I'm feeling metal next? Sounds good. 

-Myk

Artist: Lydia Album: Devil

It's that time again! It seems every day around noon I should have a spanking new review up during the week! Good ol Exciting Thursday! To hold you over to one more day till the weekend, here is an awesome album. LYDIA's Devil.

The history of Lydia is so crazy that I would actually just recommend you to check out their website. They pretty much started writing music in 7th grade, won a few contests, got recognized, started taking themselves seriously. They also released multiple badass albums. Then went on a hiatus. Just came off the hiatus last year announcing this new album Devil. 

If you were curious as to what Lydia sounds like, Tom DeLonge's way of pronouncing words in Blink 182, mixed with Never Shout Never plus City and Colour, while slapping a subtle slight country twang, all mashed up into a band. 

After listening to this album for the 100th time. I will say this is most certainly a GREAT road trip album. Upbeat melodic music keeping you interested in listening to the next song. I will say the jewel of this album is a song called, "Take Your Time." Every time it comes on, the singer, Leighton Antelman's voice is super chilling. It's amazing. I will say he has a very distinct voice and he is definitely a great song writer. That boy has some talent. He has a great thing going there. 

They most certainly touched on a few elements they had on their second album Illuminate, which is fantastic as well. Go check that out. 

This album gets a solid Four Spotlights out of Five.
Song to listen to from them : "Take Your Time." 
It seems this week I am doing a sort of Indie Rock theme. I guess The Films album review on Monday's blog set the mood for the week. 

Artist: Mutemath Album:Odd Soul

Artist: Mutemath Album: Odd Soul

Where do I start? Oh hey, a little history of the band seems to be what people like. Mutemath is an American alternative rock band from New Orleans that formed in 2003. The group consists of lead vocalist and keyboardist Paul Meany, drummer Darren King, guitarist Todd Gummerman, and bassist Roy Mitchell-Cárdenas, but they often perform on any mixture or variation of these instruments.

 (I’ve actually seen them interchange between things during a set. SUPER talented dudes.) They were nominated for a Grammy Award in 2007.

"WOW," is what I have to say about this album. Such melody, such talent, just all over in your ear holes on this album.(Sorry if that sounds gross, but it’s very true.) From the first song till song number thirteen. You will turn up those headphones or roll those windows down in that car. There have been times where I actually replay the album right after the end. 

Songs like, “Odd Soul,” “Heads Up,” “Blood Pressure,” “All or Nothing,” the album finisher, “In No Time,” and what I think is my favorite song on the album “Equals,” is all just amazing. There isn’t any other word I can use.

This is one of a VERY few selected albums I’ll ever give a full FIVE SPOTLIGHTS to. I felt I wanted to share this album early on with my album reviews because I can’t leave you not knowing who this band is. MUTEMATH. 

Mutemath has 6 other albums/EPs I recommend checking out. Each one is pretty solid as well. Although I feel Odd Soul is definitely a home run for these talented guys. 

Artist: Land of Talk Album: Cloak and Cipher

This is my review of Cloak and Cipher by Land of Talk

Land of Talk is a Canadian indie rock band formed in 2006 from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The band consists of singer and guitarist Elizabeth Powell, bass guitarist Joseph Yarmush, and drummer Andrew Barr. Cloak and Cipher written and produced in 2010 after a six month recovery period the singer had, after having a vocal polyp removed.

I was told about this band from my Fiancé’s Father. He is a music lover as I am. He gave me a cd of music and they were on it. So, I played it and loved it. I recommend listening to this band if you want a relaxed atmosphere. I can almost imagine this playing in the background softly when you have a bunch of friends over for a few drinks just to chit chat.

The album reminds me of a mix between Silversun Pickups meets Circa Survive if the singer was Female. (Both bands which I will be doing reviews of their albums sometime soon.)

The album is a solid listen through. Just hit play at the first song. It’s very relaxing. You’ll find yourself tapping your fingers; maybe even head swaying a little bit there. The song, "The Hate I Wont Commit" I have to say is the only song on the album I would say that doesn't belong. It is very upbeat and sort of heavy. It's great, but takes the flow of the songs for a right turn out of the blue. The album gets right back on track after it though.

“Quarry Hymns” or “Swift Coin” should be the songs you go and check out to listen to them for the first time. They do have three previous album I've yet to check out. I don’t see why I shouldn't. I should get on that.

I believe the band deserves Three and a Half Spotlights!



This is my review of Cloak and Cipher by Land of Talk

The Artist: THE FILMS The Album: Don't Dance Rattlesnake

Time for the first review! Here we go. Let us see how it goes. 

Today's review:

 THE FILMS, their album: Don't Dance Rattlesnake

The Films is an American indie rock band. The band is originally from Charleston, SC and consists of Michael Trent, Kenneth Harris, Jacob Sinclair and Adam Blake. The band members met in high school and produced Don't Dance Rattlesnake in 2007.

When I first heard of this band years ago in 07, at the time, I was just stuck in ROCK music but slowly starting to expand my taste. Just regular ROCK was all I played. Foo Fighters. Metallica. Story of the Year. U2. AcDc that sort of thing. I think this band is a great transitional taste of good ol rock/indie. 

The album starts off with a song called "A Good Day". It really sets the album up with the sort of upbeat feel you are going to get. It actually is an individual style these guys have. It's refreshing. 

"Jealousy" is a great song, but cranking up the song "Tabletops" in your car is the way to go. It has the feel of being out with your friends just having a fantastic time. Over all this is a pretty solid album. There are only a couple songs that are just OK, but don't get me wrong, they are not terrible. But I will have to say the song "Blackshoes" is the way to go if you want to listen to these dudes for the first time.

Four Spotlights out of Five. 

Check out the song "Blackshoes" on Don't Dance Rattlesnake by The Films 

Lets explain a little before the first review!

Now as this is my first music review. Let me explain a few things really quick.

This is first and foremost complete 100% my opinion type of a blog. I'm pretty open minded to music and like different sorts. I don't expect you to LOVE every single album review I do or even completely agree. But I'd like to think I know what I'm talking about and what I am reviewing.

So, hey. Let us come up with a rating system. Every big site sort of has one. Stars. Thumbs up. That sort of thing. Hmmmm Lets do Spotlight! SIMPLE!

Zero Spotlights means it wasn't so great.
One Spotlight. Give it a listen, but that's all you'll need.
Two Spotlights. Download it and keep it for a rainy day.

(Now, I don't condone illegal downloading, but how ever you get your music, go about that direction.)

Three Spotlights will mean, give it a few listens. It was pretty good.
Four Spotlights will be, It was great! Go and download it right now!
Five Spotlights will mean it was Amazing and go actually buy it.

Alright, now it's time to decide what albums to share with you! I will being reviewing music maybe as far back as the 90's all the way up to now. You may have heard of a few bands here and there that I will be speaking about, but there may be a great handful of people who have never heard of them.

Let the listening begin!

The Backstage Spotlight

WHAT IS The Backstage Spotlight? Well, I'll tell you.

When you go to a concert, you are either at a huge arena, the band is upfront in your face.Monitors. Loud speakers everywhere. Huge light show and lots of effects. OR you are at a small venue and it's sold out, completely packed of people. Hot and sweaty. You could even be at Warped Tour, at the main stage, being packed in like a sardine in a sea of fans. What does it all have in common? Well, a few things.

One: THE LOVE OF MUSIC IS ALL AROUND. That is certain.

Two: Everyone is there to see the main band play. The big name, the name the record label is spitting everywhere by advertisements all over your social media.

The Backstage Spotlight will be a blog that is not the main stage spotlight sort of thing. It will be a music review blog. Not necessarily by no name bands, but I will occasionally scout and review albums from unsigned bands. Up and coming bands. Even bands who were in the spotlight before, but now sort of unheard from lately.

I'm a huge fan of music and hopefully people who find this blog will find it useful. Lots of music reviews to come. Not all completely new music, but maybe you will find bands on here that you never heard of, but will thank me for later. First in depth review coming up later today. But for now, this is The Backstage Spotlight signing out!