9 Apr
When I hear about solo acts what usually runs through my mind is dull acoustic chords being played in repetition for three minute segments followed by one uninspired song after the other. Thankfully SoundSuck has found hope in one JB Barnett, a relative newcomer to the scene but definitely an artist who is here to stay. I got the chance to ask JB some questions and pick at the mind of one of our favorite upcoming musicians…
21 Feb
Music today often feels like it’s all about image; the look of a band or how “professional” the album sounds have become dominating priorities when recording and marketing an artist. To hear someone like Olin and the Moon, whose music and lyrics are grounded in earnestly, is a stimulating change of sonic scenery…
14 Feb
We’re big supporters of the local music scene. Unfortunately there isn’t much of a scene in Waco, TX which means when a band like Ethan Durelle showed up on our radar with their debut release in 2003 you can imagine how elated we were. Their introspective lyrics make for a meaningful listen and with their sophomore release, Talks To The Dark, they let everyone know they’re here to stay. A few days ago Jordan spoke with lead singer Evan Lecker, here’s what he had to say…
4 Feb
A few days ago I caught up with Dustin Aguilar, half of the new band Darcy. I’ve been keeping tabs on these guys for awhile so I thought what better way to introduce the band than with an interview. I asked them a few questions, let them speak for themselves, and let you decide if they really are SoundSuck material.
24 Jan
Sounds Like: A smooth and well told story that never gets old.
Some people were just born to play a guitar. Seriously I think this kid came from the womb with a Martin clutched in one hand and the other was strummin’ away. Not sure how his mother would have felt about that…. but anyways, back to the article. Even though Tommy is young there’s a certain aura about him that makes him feel as if he’s had much more experience than his 20 odd years of life would suggest. The fact that Tommy effectively mixes a number of different genres into his own blend gives his music a certain degree of variation that still offers the warmth of familiarity. There’s also a distinctive level of earnestness associated with these tracks that I haven’t seen from such a talented musician in a long time.
Lit The Autumn.mp3 (right click to save)
Why They Don’t Suck: The lyrics in this music are not only well written and entertaining but often very relevant. Tommy has the rare ability to weave a storyline through the music as he plays. Watch for his band, Judas Feet’s new album posted on SoundSuck sometime in the future.
15 Jan
Sounds Like: how you imagine that girl you never talked to in high school because you got so freaking nervous every time she came around you might sing.
When I hear about an all girl band the first thing I usually think is “that’s cute.” I guess years of hearing pop divas releasing overproduced top 40 trash has conditioned me to dismiss the words girl and music when mentioned together, but Taffy has completely turned my biased notions upside down. Here are three girls who not only look and sound beautiful, they actually rock out. This band has laid gritty lyrics down against an exceptionally well balanced musical composition. It’s refreshing to hear a female lead who doesn’t sound like she’s trying to break a glass window pane or could be mistaken for a man’s; Sofia simply sounds comfortable with her voice and isn’t trying to take her vocals places it shouldn’t go.
Why They Don’t Suck: Before I heard them I wanted to tear them to pieces for attempting to be an all girl band, but now that I’ve heard them I might be in love. Three girls who are excellent musicians, write relevant songs, and who work together even better as a team. The simple fact that a guy like myself who dislikes even the idea of girl bands enjoys listening to them should be proof enough that they don’t suck.
Taffy.mp3 (right click to Save As)
A Break or A Joke To Yourself.mp3 (right click to Save As)
Sorry Kid.mp3 (right click to Save As)
12 Jan
Album: not yet released
Sounds Like: what should be played on a night drive through a foreign city.
This band doesn’t have an album out, they don’t sing in English, and the little information that is available about Mille Monarques is in French. But they’re from Montreal and, more importantly, they’re exceptionally talented. Mille Monarques (Thousand Monarchs) have an uncanny ability to take a song that could have been very boring and reworking it to the point where it has a distinct quirkiness to it. They have an EP slated for release sometime this March in Quebec, but unless a label picks them up soon it may be awhile before anything is released in the U.S.
Why they don’t suck: Mille Monarques doesn’t push the boundary so far that it feels weird but they stay creative enough to make you take notice. And although I have no idea what they’re saying, the lead singer’s voice works well with the band’s style of play.
