Category Archives: Indies, Up n’ comers & Unknowns

Stuff you probably won’t hear on the radio.

Release Day: The Rescues

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Tuesdays are my favorite weekday.  Why?  Quite simple.

Album release day.

Today is extra fabulous. Because The Rescues Let Loose the Horses is out. And, you lucky devils…“Break Me Out” is the free single of the week on iTunes.

For those not familiar with The Rescues, I’ll sum it up:  perfection.  Made up of Kyler England, Gabriel Mann, Rob Giles and Adrian Gonzalez, this California songwriter super group leaves everyone who hears them wanting more.  I was introduced to them about 18 months ago, and instantly fell in love with their soaring harmonies.  They came through Charlotte a few months after that and I got to catch their live performance.  Being in the Evening Muse that night was a soul-shaking experience for me.  I was in awe of their sheer vocal power, stage presence and songwriting.  Made it to my #3 live show of the year, topped only by Joshua James and Will Hoge’s return.

If you’re a “Grey’s Anatomy” fan, you’ve probably heard a song or two of theirs playing during some poignant scene or another.  If you haven’t heard them yet, go click around, take a listen.  Download the free single.  Then get the album.  You will not be disappointed.

The Rescues:  Facebook | Twitter | MySpace | iTunes | Amazon | Spinner Magazine Interview

New Sounds in Charlotte: Campbell the Band

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Suddenly, there are a few new and exciting young music acts coming out of Charlotte.  First, Flagship…now, Campbell the Band.

Hailing from Charlotte/Concord (the same small town that spawned indie music darlings The Avett Brothers), this quintet has a sound that will make any 70s-bear-my-soul-songwriter lover happy.  Absolutely stunning vocals. Their layered harmonies stand out against a stark backdrop of simple guitars and piano. The lyrics are smart and honest, questioning and hopeful, and at times a bit sad.

Their EP Bear With Us is a pleasure to listen to.  Stand out tracks include “This Family,” a heartbreaking number that is the clearest expression of emotions laid bare in family turmoil I’ve ever heard, and “We Are Free.”  But really, they’re all quite wonderful. This is the perfect quiet Sunday afternoon music.

I usually don’t make assessments of a band until seeing them live, but there’s so much promise in Campbell the Band’s music, I think it’s safe to say they’re going to impress me…Check them out, see if you agree.

Campbell the Band:  Facebook | MySpace | Twitter | iTunes

The Honeymoon Thrillers

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When Luna Halo came through town back in April, a conversation with lead singer Nathan Barlowe got me excited.  He was working on a side project, he said, called The Honeymoon Thrillers, with his brother (songwriter Cary Barlowe, who wrote Lady Antebellum’s “American Honey”) and some other Nashville musicians (Jared Byers, Josiah Holland and Chris Boyle).   California surf pop-influenced.  Call me intrigued.

Two months later, The Honeymoon Thrillers release their debut album. As promised – it’s like a modern day Beach Boys with a big ol’ splash of rock n’ roll.  Mixed by Vance Powell (he’s only the engineer involved with a little band called The White Stripes). It’s pretty much awesome of the day.

I’ve been streaming it non-stop for two days.  Breezy, beach rock for the summer.  Perfect.

I’d put money on this project taking off in a big way.  You?

The Honeymoon Thrillers:  Web | Facebook | MySpace | ReverbNation | iTunes

It’s Summer – Kick Back & Love on Gareth Asher

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One of my favorite musicians (and favorite people) released a new video today… Gareth Asher‘s “I’m Not Worried About It” is now out there for the world to see.  Check it out…it’s the perfect summer song!

If you like what you hear, you can pick up Gareth’s new CD “Between the Smiles and the Tears” at CD Baby or on iTunes. Better yet, get out and see him live – I guarantee you’ll love him!

Gareth Asher: Website | Facebook | Twitter | MySpace

Alpha Rev: New Music – “New Morning”

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One of my top ten bands of all time, Alpha Rev, releases a new record this week. I won’t prattle on about how much I love their music – we all know.

You can snag it at Amazon.com – today only – for $3.99.  It’s really not fair to sell it for that cheap, but I think you should probably take advantage of it.

Alpha Rev’s members are true artists – incredible musicians and songwriters. This band has worked hard to get here; they deserve every ounce of attention they are getting. It’s nice to see the good guys win.

Congratulations, guys.  It’s a stunning album.  So proud to be your fan!

Alpha Rev - New Morning

P.S.  In the world of fabulous things happening to me, seeing Alpha Rev live has eluded me since I became a fan a little over 3 years ago.  However, yesterday, they announced they’ll be touring with Carolina Liar in May…and they’re coming to North Carolina!  I already bought my ticket…  I’m SO unbelievably excited. Expect effusiveness to follow.