By Keith Walsh
This month’s collection features songs with a range of sounds and topics, from hard-edged experimental to pop, to haunting narratives, a love song, and social commentary, all with a focus an punk or postpunk related guitar greatness.
Mr. Phylzzz “Pretend Friends”
The passion and cleverness of this rock project comes across perfectly in this aggressively catchy tune. Based in Chicago, Mr Phylzzz plays live as a two piece featuring Clinton Jacob (guitar and vocals) and Danny Sein (drums) and their latest album, Cancel Culture Club features guest appearances by Kevin Rutmanis (The Melvins, Cows and Tomahawk), Haze XXL and King Buzzo (Buzz Osbourn from The Melvins). There’s a powerful D.I.Y. spirit on the entire album, which features innovative recording techniques and killer songwriting. It’s on Amphetamine Reptile Records.
Mr. Phylzzz dot com
Mr. Phylzzz on Bandcamp
Amphetamine Reptile Records
Chris Connelly “Ripcord, Ripcord”
This atmospheric single and video by Scottish expatriate Connelly (now in Chicago) gives chills with its cold war intrigue, while describing the rape of the Velvet Underground legend Nico by an American solider. There’s powerful art rock beats here, with edgy guitar and Connelly’s sinister vocals — sounding a lot like Lou Reed — from the soldier’s point of view. “Ripcord, Ripcord” is from his upcoming album, Eulogy To Christa: A Tribute To The Music And Mystique Of Nico, due on streaming November 11, and physical media December 2, on Shipwrecked Industries (US) and Easy Action (UK).
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Chris Connelly on Bandcamp
Chris Connelly On Apple Music
Chris Connelly On Amazon Music
Dmitry Wild “Sweetest Thing”
New York- based Wild lives up to the promise of his name, with this raucous love song, as he courts his lover while helping her say goodbye to her fears and old attachments. Wild plays guitar, bass, and his tender vocals contrast with the aggressive rock sound of the track. It’s from his just released album, Electric Souls.
Dmitry Wild On Bandcamp
Dmitry Wild On Spotify
Persian Leaps “Alright Alright”
This catchy little single captures the spirt of classic pop music, with heavier guitar than you might find in 60s pop music, while containing musical references not only to that era but also to the 80s. It’s from the new album Machines For Living which features sweetly melodic rock with a somewhat hard edge. The expert musicianship of Drew Forsberg is all over the catchy disc.
Persian Leaps On Bandcamp
Persian Leaps On Spotify
The Speed Of Sound “Virtual Reality 123”
This art rock gem features a slow burn intro, developing into a new wave homage to the “second life” found in a computer-generated world. Inspired by punk but informed by the sweeter sensibilities of new wave. Ann-Marie Crowley’s vocals tell the tale, which is less science fiction, and more science fact than many of us are ready to believe. It’s on Big Stir Records.
The Speed Of Sound On Bandcamp
The Speed Of Sound On Spotify
Vernons Future “Call To Arms”
From the jangly intro to the interplay of pulsing bass, classic rock guitars and beats, there’s a retro-rock feel to this catchy single. The subtle message is a much-needed plea for us to care about global climate change, disguised as a lovely pop song. It’s from their new album, Aquaplaning, on VF Records.
Vernons Future Official Website
Vernons Future LinkTree
Spin Report September 2022
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