MusicFreaks

Tag: Rock music

  • Fiddlehead Announce New EP Out Friday: Hear Title Track “Baby I’ll Change”

    After dropping their powerful 2023 album Death Is Nothing To Us, the post-hardcore outfit Fiddlehead has been relentlessly busy, diving headfirst into the vibrant world of music. Their journey since that release hasn’t been a quiet one; instead, it has been packed with high-energy experiences, collaborations, and creative expansions.

    The band has spent significant time engaging with the live music scene, taking part in numerous festivals that have showcased their raw energy to audiences across the country. This exposure has only fueled their drive to experiment and build new material.

    Beyond the main stage, Fiddlehead has embraced the collaborative spirit of the music community by guesting on various releases from friends and fellow artists. These collaborations demonstrate the band’s commitment not just to making music, but to being an active, contributing force within the broader rock landscape.

    Furthermore, the creative momentum continues through their side projects. These exploratory ventures allow members of Fiddlehead to push musical boundaries and explore sounds that might not fit on their main studio albums, proving that the band remains a fertile ground for fresh, diverse sounds.

    This ongoing creative flow culminates in some exciting news: Fiddlehead is ready to deliver something new. The group has officially announced a brand-new EP titled Baby I’ll Change, which will be released this week.

    The anticipation is already building, and fans are eager to hear the latest offering from the band. The title track, “Baby I’ll Change,” promises to be a compelling addition to their discography, continuing the journey of creative exploration that has defined Fiddlehead since 2023.

    Credit: Stereogum

  • Brandon Flowers Announces New Countrified Solo Album Thrasher

    From Arena Rock to Open Range: Brandon Flowers Pivots to Country Roots with Solo LP Thrasher

    For fans of arena-rock anthems, the name Brandon Flowers is synonymous with stadium-sized sound. Yet, behind the glitter and guitar riffs of the Killers, Flowers has always possessed a restless artistic energy that pushes him toward new sonic territories. After releasing compelling solo work over the years, he is now embarking on an exciting new chapter, deliberately steering his focus toward the heartland.

    His previous explorations into solo music have provided rich material, including the quietly excellent 2015 release, The Desired Effect. While his time with the Killers saw major releases like Pressure Machine in 2021, Flowers has demonstrated a willingness to experiment beyond the established framework of rock music.

    This artistic curiosity was perhaps most evident in 2023, when Flowers made a significant creative choice, deciding to step away from an unfinished project and scrap an entire Killers album halfway through. This decision signaled a desire for fresh direction, freeing him to explore sounds that resonated with a different kind of storytelling.

    Now, Flowers is ready to unveil the next evolution of his sound: a solo LP titled Thrasher. Framing this new project as his “country/western” album, it marks a bold pivot from stadium rock nostalgia to the open range. This move suggests an appetite for narratives steeped in tradition, storytelling, and the expansive landscapes associated with country music.

    Thrasher is more than just a genre shift; it appears to be an invitation to explore deeper, more grounded songwriting. It promises a fascinating journey for listeners—taking the high-octane energy of his rock legacy and grounding it in the rich, honest tones of country music. Fans are eagerly anticipating how Flowers will blend his signature melodic sensibility with these new, roots-oriented themes.

    Credit: Stereogum

  • The Schizophonics Announce North American Tour

    Get ready to crank up the volume, because the Schizophonics are hitting the road for an electrifying North American tour this fall! The band has just announced dates that promise a wild ride across the continent, bringing their unique sound to audiences from California all the way to the East Coast.

    The excitement is only growing, fueled by hints of new music and some seriously legendary collaborations. The band recently teased the imminent arrival of a new album, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable musical journey.

    This tour kicks off in their home state of California with a double-header, starting September 17th in Santa Cruz and continuing the next day in Sacramento on September 18th. Kicking off this epic trek, they will be supported by some heavy hitters, including Fever Dog, Descartes A Kant, and Dale Crover from the Melvins, adding an extra layer of raw energy to the experience.

    The journey doesn’t stop at the West Coast. The band is heading east, hitting major cities across the Midwest before making a significant stop in Canada. Fans in Toronto can catch a show at Sound Garage on October 2nd, followed by another night of rock and roll in Montreal at L’Escogriffe on October 3rd.

    The itinerary is packed with energy, bouncing through major hubs like Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Nashville, culminating in a massive run across the United States. The full schedule promises incredible live performances at venues like The Broadway in Brooklyn, New York, and Hotel Vegas in Austin.

    Mark your calendars for these key stops: Santa Cruz (9/17), Sacramento (9/18), Portland (9/19), Seattle (9/20), Boise (9/22), Salt Lake City (9/23), Denver (9/25), Omaha (9/26), Minneapolis (9/27), Chicago (9/30), and Detroit (10/1). The tour continues with high-energy dates through October, including stops in Oklahoma City, San Antonio, and Phoenix.

    For those planning to catch these shows, tickets are available here. Fans are encouraged to keep an eye on Concert Central for more Canadian listings and updates on the upcoming dates.

    Credit: Exclaim!

  • Punching Nazi Teeth with Gregg Deal of Dead Pioneers

    Gregg Deal and Dead Pioneers Ignite the Stage with New Music

    The noise level is about to get seriously interesting. Performance artist and punk icon Gregg Deal of the band Dead Pioneers is bringing a potent mix of raw energy and polished sound to the music scene, culminating in an exciting opening slot for one of rock’s titans: Pearl Jam.

    Deal is not just known for his provocative performance art but also for the fierce, uncompromising sound emanating from his band. Their latest record is a testament to their evolving style, blending the abrasive nature of punk with deeply compelling musical structures that demand attention.

    This new album is more than just a collection of songs; it represents the creative journey of Dead Pioneers, offering listeners an unfiltered look into the band’s unique perspective and intensity.

    The anticipation surrounding their upcoming performance for Pearl Jam has only amplified the buzz. Sharing the stage with such an iconic act is a massive opportunity, positioning Dead Pioneers on a stage where raw talent meets legendary rock history.

    It is more than just a gig; it is a convergence of musical worlds. The expectation is that Dead Pioneers will deliver a performance that matches the intensity of their music and commands the attention of the audience.

    Gregg Deal’s approach, rooted in his experience as a performance artist, brings an unexpected layer of visual and conceptual depth to their live shows, transforming the music into an immersive experience.

    Fans are eager to see how this blend of punk grit and sophisticated songwriting translates into a live setting. Dead Pioneers promises an evening where raw energy and musical dexterity collide.

    As they prepare for this high-profile appearance, the focus remains squarely on the potent new record and the electrifying opportunity to share their sound with an audience that appreciates authenticity above all else.

    Credit: PopMatters

  • The Swifties Are Coming For Metallica’s Kirk Hammett

    When you’re sitting on stage with a legendary band like Metallica, perhaps the last thing you need is a full-blown cultural conflict. Yet, amidst the roar of the music, some rock spectacles are more likely to spark an online firestorm than any guitar solo.

    The recent drama centered around lead guitarist Kirk Hammett, who decided to inject a dose of internet absurdity into his performance. While attending a concert, Hammett chose to wear a T-shirt that made a bold, provocative statement: “Taylor Swift Is a CIA Psyop.”

    This seemingly casual gesture quickly became a flashpoint in the digital arena. The statement immediately landed in the lap of Taylor Swift fans, who reacted strongly to the display.

    The situation escalated rapidly as the reaction spread across social media platforms. The moment Hammett made the provocative choice, the fandom turned on him, engaging in heated debates and attacks regarding the perceived disrespect shown to a global superstar.

    This ensuing clash between rock spectacle and celebrity fandom captured immediate attention online. The story of the incident quickly became known as “The Swifties Are Coming For Metallica’s Kirk Hammett.”

    Credit: Stereogum

  • A Reinvigorated U2 Tackle Political and Spiritual Themes

    The Unfolding Sound: How U2 Found Their True North

    For a band that has consistently redefined the landscape of rock music, the journey from artistic revolution to enduring legacy is often marked by seismic shifts. Yet, for U2, their sonic identity has always been defined not just by the hits they produced, but by the authentic selves they allowed themselves to express during their most formative years.

    There are certain moments in a band’s history that stand out—moments where the music transcends mere entertainment and becomes a pure reflection of the artists’ internal landscapes. For U2, these moments often reside in their more introspective and fiercely honest songwriting.

    The tracks Days of Ash and Easter Lily serve as powerful markers in this journey. They are more than just songs; they are sonic artifacts that capture the spirit of U2 in their most genuine, unvarnished state. These compositions represent a period where the band moved seamlessly between creative intensity and profound vulnerability.

    Since the release of Achtung Baby, the band established a benchmark for artistic courage. It was during this era that they cemented their willingness to embrace complex emotions and raw musicality without compromise. The subsequent work built upon that foundation, allowing them to continue exploring the delicate balance between public perception and private feeling.

    Days of Ash and Easter Lily embody this successful pursuit of authenticity. They are sounds that speak directly to the emotional core of the band—a celebration of introspection, a navigation through complex personal territory, and an unflinching commitment to their unique musical voice. These songs feel like a perfect distillation of U2’s journey, revealing the intricate tapestry of their creative evolution and solidifying their place as masters of evocative sound.

    Credit: PopMatters