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(04/17/19 5:51pm)
by Brandon Carson
Back in 2018, Alaria Spurling, lead guitarist and vocalist of Four Fates, needed three people to back her up for a tiny music festival in Bloomington, Indiana. This led to the formation of a band. Some of the songs they performed at this festival would end up being on their EP. After playing a show at the Hoosier Dome in Indianapolis, the band began working on Realms, which released April 6. On this EP, a completely unique sound emerges as Spurling sings about sadness and trouble. Ian Chambers brings his own flair to the songs with his excellent drumming, Evan Tusing adds an Alter Bridge style to the guitars, and Adam Schaefer completely nails his bass lines. However, Realms’ faults lie in the production and a tiny bit in the structure.
(03/29/19 9:23pm)
American Football were ahead of their time back in 1999 with their first record, American Football. The album had a sound like no other. But shortly after, they broke up. Fifteen years later, the band and many fans celebrated the 15th anniversary of the record. That led to a tour, which eventually led to the band getting back into the studio. American Football (LP2) was released in 2016, to the surprise of many. While mainly a sequel to its predecessor, the record truly captured the band’s sound back to the ’90s. With no signs of slowing down, American Football just released (LP3). Yes, it still has the American Football sound they became critically acclaimed for, but this album has a whole new flow. This album breathes, and the listener can feel it. A more atmospheric sound takes control and meshes with the lyrics to where they build each other up. Gorgeous arrangements, great guest appearances and incredibly poetic lyrics create an honest album filled with emotion.
(03/29/19 5:00pm)
By Brandon Carson
American Football were ahead of their time back in 1999 with their first record, American Football. The album had a sound like no other. But shortly after, they broke up. Fifteen years later, the band and many fans celebrated the 15th anniversary of the record. That led to a tour, which eventually led to the band getting back into the studio. American Football (LP2) was released in 2016, to the surprise of many. While mainly a sequel to its predecessor, the record truly captured the band’s sound back to the '90s. With no signs of slowing down, American Football just released (LP3). Yes, it still has the American Football sound they became critically acclaimed for, but this album has a whole new flow. This album breathes, and the listener can feel it. A more atmospheric sound takes control and meshes with the lyrics to where they build each other up. Gorgeous arrangements, great guest appearances and incredibly poetic lyrics create an honest album filled with emotion.
(03/10/19 1:34am)
It’s hard to believe that Weezer has now made 13 albums and It’s crazy to think of how far they have come. Blue Album took the world by storm with excellent singles like “Say It Ain’t So,” “Buddy Holly,” and “Undone.” Their second record, Pinkerton, was initially hated by critics, but later praised for its raw sound and incredible depth. After those two, however, Weezer has never crafted another stand-out record. Each album after, from Green to Hurley, has been inconsistent with a couple of strong singles to keep the band afloat. Each record offers a good listen but still suffers from poor songwriting and frontman Rivers Cuomo trying desperately to add every trending sound into each album. This trend temporarily stopped when White Album was released. On this record, the band went back to their roots with fun, catchy songs that felt just as delightfully awkward and nerdy as Blue and Pinkerton. The record after, Pacific Daydream, fell flat on its face in the most disappointing way. It added to Weezer’s ever-growing inconsistent discography. Their newest album, Weezer (The Black Album) remains pop-friendly with catchy tunes and predictable song structures. While some songs may be bland and lifeless, a majority of the record remains fun and memorable.
(03/08/19 5:40pm)
by Brandon Carson
It’s hard to believe that Weezer has now made 13 albums and It’s crazy to think of how far they have come. Blue Album took the world by storm with excellent singles like “Say It Ain’t So,” “Buddy Holly,” and “Undone.” Their second record, Pinkerton, was initially hated by critics, but later praised for its raw sound and incredible depth. After those two, however, Weezer has never crafted another stand-out record. Each album after, from Green to Hurley, has been inconsistent with a couple of strong singles to keep the band afloat. Each record offers a good listen but still suffers from poor songwriting and frontman Rivers Cuomo trying desperately to add every trending sound into each album. This trend temporarily stopped when White Album was released. On this record, the band went back to their roots with fun, catchy songs that felt just as delightfully awkward and nerdy as Blue and Pinkerton. The record after, Pacific Daydream, fell flat on its face in the most disappointing way. It added to Weezer’s ever-growing inconsistent discography. Their newest album, Weezer (The Black Album) remains pop-friendly with catchy tunes and predictable song structures. While some songs may be bland and lifeless, a majority of the record remains fun and memorable.
(02/25/19 5:00pm)
By Brandon Carson
The opinions and views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion of Byte or Byte’s editorial board.
If you were a teen in the 2000’s, chances are you have listened to Paramore. Lead singer Hayley Williams, guitarist Josh Farro, drummer Zac Farro, and bassist Jeremy Davis all hail from Franklin, Tennessee. Growing pains and breakups have definitely plagued the band members with hard times over the years. With some lineup changes, Paramore has managed to create a discography with sounds ranging from emo rock to indie pop. With hits like “That’s What You Get,” “Misery Business,” and “Ain’t It Fun,” Paramore has toured the world bringing fun melodies, catchy hooks, and heartfelt lyrics to fans everywhere. In this guide I will cover all five Paramore studio albums from All We Know Is Falling to After Laughter.
(02/02/19 7:05pm)
Bring Me the Horizon is a band that is not tied down to a certain genre; the group never said they would make metal music for the rest of their career, and yet their own fans are criticizing them because of their musical evolution showcased in their latest album, amo. Back in 2006, they released Count Your Blessings, their first full-length album. It’s a wild, sporadic deathcore record that shatters the earth with double bass and heavy riffs. But apparently, BMTH did not want to be viewed as a metal-core band forever, as they started to transition from that to a more pop sound. On their third record, There is a Hell Believe Me I’ve Seen It. There is a Heaven Let’s Keep It a Secret, the deathcore sound is still prevalent, but we hear more open chords, choirs, orchestras, and even electronics.
(02/01/19 8:48pm)
by Brandon Carson
Bring Me the Horizon is a band that is not tied down to a certain genre; the group never said they would make metal music for the rest of their career, and yet their own fans are criticizing them because of their musical evolution showcased in their latest album, amo. Back in 2006, they released Count Your Blessings, their first full-length album. It’s a wild, sporadic deathcore record that shatters the earth with double bass and heavy riffs. But apparently, BMTH did not want to be viewed as a metal-core band forever, as they started to transition from that to a more pop sound. On their third record, There is a Hell Believe Me I’ve Seen It. There is a Heaven Let’s Keep It a Secret, the deathcore sound is still prevalent, but we hear more open chords, choirs, orchestras, and even electronics.
But it wasn’t until 2013’s Sempiternal when their fans saw the real progression. Jordan Fish, a new member in the band, added synths and electronic progressions to the sound no one had heard from them before. It was nowhere near as heavy as their last three records, and even had ballads like “And the Snakes Start to Sing.”
Flash forward to 2015, BMTH released their fourth record That’s the Spirit. The screaming, guttural growls and double bass were gone. That’s the Spirit saw the band in a new light; not pop stars, but alternative rockers. Heavy guitars were still there, but the riffs were groovier and driving. Many fans were confused and some even felt betrayed. On their new full-length album amo, the band goes further down the rabbit hole of experimentation. There are eerie experimental songs, fantastic rock songs, and a vast diversity in genres. However, the album is a bit tainted by corny lyrics and generic melodies.
(01/27/19 6:21pm)
Deerhunter may not ring a bell to the common music listener but, in the Indie music world, the band brings something new to the table with every release. Each album is something different from psychedelic rock, to alternative, pop, garage rock, and straight-up indie. The band broke new ground in pop-rock with 2010’s Halcyon Digest, a beautiful pop album with a wide soundscape and captivating hooks. However, that sound would not last forever—not even for another album. In 2013, Deerhunter turned up their amps and plugged in their fuzz pedals for Monomania, which is exactly what it sounds like, but with Deerhunter hooks. The point is: the band is always doing something different with their discography. It was no surprise that they would bring new sounds to the table with Why Hasn’t Everything Disappeared Already?, but the real surprise came in the lyrics and structures. On Disappeared, Deerhunter creates beautiful soundscapes that are complimented by melancholy lyrics. However, the songs themselves aren’t entirely memorable.
(01/25/19 5:00pm)
by Brandon Carson
Deerhunter may not ring a bell to the common music listener but, in the Indie music world, the band brings something new to the table with every release. Each album is something different from psychedelic rock, to alternative, pop, garage rock, and straight-up indie. The band broke new ground in pop-rock with 2010's Halcyon Digest, a beautiful pop album with a wide soundscape and captivating hooks. However, that sound would not last forever—not even for another album. In 2013, Deerhunter turned up their amps and plugged in their fuzz pedals for Monomania, which is exactly what it sounds like, but with Deerhunter hooks. The point is: the band is always doing something different with their discography. It was no surprise that they would bring new sounds to the table with Why Hasn’t Everything Disappeared Already?, but the real surprise came in the lyrics and structures. On Disappeared, Deerhunter creates beautiful soundscapes that are complimented by melancholy lyrics. However, the songs themselves aren’t entirely memorable.
(01/23/19 8:34pm)
by Brandon Carson
The opinions and views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion of Byte or Byte’s editorial board.
Pearl Jam are undoubtedly one of the biggest rock bands out of the 90s along with Nirvana, Soundgarden, and of course, Alice In Chains. They’ve been through it all: fame, fatigue, tragedy, just about everything a popular band has to endure. They are truly a veteran band with an extensive discography on their back. In this guide I will cover the studio albums and mention the live albums as well. However, if you’re a Pearl Jam fan, then you know that listening to their extensive collection of live bootlegs that they make themselves is the true way to listen to the band. In this discography guide, I will be talking about the band’s five most important albums. Fortunately for Pearl Jam, their first album is their most acclaimed and most appreciated.
(12/08/18 1:00pm)
Three years have passed since Earl Sweatshirt’s (aka Thebe Kgositsile) second record I Don’t Like Sh**, I Don’t Go Outside and his fans have been wondering when he was going to make new music. Over 2017 he tweeted that new music was being made to get buzz circulating. However, this album is far from what his last two albums were instrumentally and sonically. On Some Rap Songs, Earl creates a sound that is unlike anything out now in hip-hop. He creates a mood that sticks with the listener throughout the entire record and even after. His lyrics stay mostly as in-depth and introverted as they usually are. On this album, the lyrics are sadder and more introspective about his life, state of mind, and current emotional state after the tragic loss of his father.
(12/06/18 4:00pm)
by Brandon Carson
Three years have passed since Earl Sweatshirt’s (aka Thebe Kgositsile) second record I Don’t Like Sh**, I Don’t Go Outside and his fans have been wondering when he was going to make new music. Over 2017 he tweeted that new music was being made to get buzz circulating. However, this album is far from what his last two albums were instrumentally and sonically. On Some Rap Songs, Earl creates a sound that is unlike anything out now in hip-hop. He creates a mood that sticks with the listener throughout the entire record and even after. His lyrics stay mostly as in-depth and introverted as they usually are. On this album, the lyrics are sadder and more introspective about his life, state of mind, and current emotional state after the tragic loss of his father.
(11/23/18 4:00pm)
J Mascis is not a household name and neither is his three-piece indie rock band of himself, Lou Barlow, and Murph that make up Dinosaur Jr. Mostly known for their hit in the ’90s called ‘Feel the Pain,’ Dinosaur Jr. made their underground stride known with albums like You’re Living All Over Me, Bug, and Where You Been? (which is interestingly classified as ‘Adult Alternative’ on Apple Music). Roaring, fuzzy guitar solos, loud crushing bass, and a mumbling low-toned voice carried Dinosaur Jr.’s sound back then. The band broke up in the early ’90s, and suddenly, Mascis (vocals, guitars) was left to do whatever he wanted with the band.
(11/17/18 5:00pm)
By Brandon Carson
J Mascis is not a household name and neither is his three-piece indie rock band of himself, Lou Barlow, and Murph that make up Dinosaur Jr. Mostly known for their hit in the '90s called ‘Feel the Pain,' Dinosaur Jr. made their underground stride known with albums like You’re Living All Over Me, Bug, and Where You Been? (which is interestingly classified as ‘Adult Alternative’ on Apple Music). Roaring, fuzzy guitar solos, loud crushing bass, and a mumbling low-toned voice carried Dinosaur Jr.’s sound back then. The band broke up in the early '90s, and suddenly, Mascis (vocals, guitars) was left to do whatever he wanted with the band.
On Without a Sound and Hand It Over, Mascis turned down the volume and stripped back the heavy sound for some soft, sad tracks. But then 10 years later, the Dinosaur Jr. reunion happened, and we were given four albums from 2007 to 2016. In between these albums, Mascis made his own music with two albums, Several Shades of Why and Tied to a Star, where he returned to his soft sound he brought to Dinosaur Jr. in the '90s. On his new record, Elastic Days, Mascis doesn’t stray away from that sound but expands upon it. His lyricism feels like a stream of consciousness, his instrumentation flows like a moody river, and his solos add an emotional depth to the music his voice and lyrics couldn’t do. Yet, as the album drags on, the music feels tired in certain areas.
(11/12/18 4:00pm)
Tenacious D is a comedy rock/metal band, they are not supposed to be taken seriously and never have been by their fans. Jack Black and Kyle Gass have been making wacky rock music since 1994, and with each record there came a new theme. The first, a group of crazy rock songs, the second, a movie, the third, a ginormous tour with a giant inflatable penis onstage. So, what is new about this one? Well, Jack Black confirmed that it is a direct sequel to their second album and movie ‘The Pick of Destiny,’ but this album did not spawn a movie. Instead, Jack Black drew an entire YouTube cartoon series himself.
(11/07/18 10:48pm)
by Brandon Carson
Tenacious D is a comedy rock/metal band, they are not supposed to be taken seriously and never have been by their fans. Jack Black and Kyle Gass have been making wacky rock music since 1994, and with each record there came a new theme. The first, a group of crazy rock songs, the second, a movie, the third, a ginormous tour with a giant inflatable penis onstage. So, what is new about this one? Well, Jack Black confirmed that it is a direct sequel to their second album and movie ‘The Pick of Destiny,’ but this album did not spawn a movie. Instead, Jack Black drew an entire YouTube cartoon series himself.
The cartoon looks like a 3-year-old drew it on Microsoft Paint, and it is hilarious. The story follows our heroes, JB and KG after someone dropped a nuclear bomb, creating a post-apocalyptic world. They meet a two-headed dog and fittingly name it Hope. Soon after, they run into a tribe of cave women, go to space, meet the Terminator and kill the Daddy-Ding-Dong. Then, the D arrive at the White House to retrieve a green crystal and foil Donald Trump Jr.’s plan of taking over the world. In the end, JB meets his 80-year-old son and they save the world. Whew. The album loosely follows the cartoon, missing a couple pieces of what I think are vital for understanding the end of the album. But what this record does well shows itself in the voice acting, music, and the jokes.
(10/31/18 4:00pm)
(10/28/18 1:00pm)
by Brandon Carson
What else is left to say about Greta Van Fleet that hasn’t been said? Do they sound like Led Zeppelin? Yes, absolutely. I remember when I heard ‘Safari Song’ from their EP ‘From the Fires’ for the first time and all I could think of was Led Zeppelin. In fact, I played the song for my friends and asked them to guess who it was; and who was their guess? Led Zeppelin. The influences of Zeppelin and 70’s rock are very much in the forefront for Greta Van Fleet, however with this album you can hear hints of their own sound come out. But unfortunately, it is mostly bogged down in their influences and choruses that aren’t memorable.
(10/25/18 4:00pm)
I remember when I was in my early teenage years looking for metal-core bands to unleash my angsty youth, listening to A Day to Remember, Bullet for My Valentine, and of course Bring Me the Horizon. One day I was playing Guitar Hero 6 with my friend and stumbled upon a song called ‘Ravenous’ by Atreyu. The song is filled with skull-crushing guitar solos and a killer hook that drives the whole song. It feels completely unique to the genre. Eight years later the band releases ‘In Our Wake’ and all I’m left with to say is: what happened? The album is full of three-minute songs that sound exactly the same featuring boring melodic choruses and a sound that is desperately trying to stay relevant.