Browsing Tag

Retro Rock

Call Me Cannon rekindled the resonance of rock’s golden era with their latest nostalgic installation of soul, JAMEY

Posted on 4 March 2024

Call Me Cannon’s latest single, JAMEY is a nostalgically fresh breath of air. The pop-rock gem, infused with soulful undertones, is a masterful blend of past and present and echoes the robustness of rock with the catchy allure of pop.

The track is a harmonious blend of piano-driven melodies and rock-solid guitar riffs, creating a sound that carries the influence of the Human League, Billy Idol, and Aerosmith while reverberating a sonic signature steeped in a style of soul that could only belong to Call Me Cannon.

The trio, consisting of Michael Fitzgerald, Jonathan Clark, and Tony Brock, brings a wealth of experience and musical prowess to the table. Their chemistry is undeniable, evident in the seamless way their talents converge in their latest evocative earworm. The song is a testament to their philosophy of “doing what we want as long as it rocks”. We can definitively argue that it does.

Michael’s songwriting shines, offering a glimpse into his impressive repertoire of 17 independent albums and multiple award nominations. Tony Brock, with his extensive credentials, and Jonathan Clark, known for his collaborations with music legends, add endless layers of depth and expertise to the mix that you’ll turn to every time you want to feel the sanctity that only soulfully constructed rock can deliver.

JAMEY proves that sometimes, the most impactful innovations are those that skilfully revisit and revitalise the past.

Watch the official music video for JAMEY on YouTube or add your single to your Spotify playlists.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Ana & Gene scribed a modern love story with retro tones in their power-pop hit, Narcissistic You

Posted on 13 February 2024

Ana & Gene, the dynamic duo behind the fresh and invigorating EP, Uh-Oh Who Do You Love, have struck gold with their single Narcissistic You. The earworm is an infectious paradox through its synthesis of sticky-sweet retro power-pop and modern fusionist and lyrical touches.

The song is a masterclass in blending genres, contorting classic rock riffs into pop hooks without losing an ounce of their retro charm. Ana & Gene’s commitment to live elements in their recording process shines through, promising an electric replication of this energy in their live performances.

What sets ‘Narcissistic You’ apart is its playful yet piercing commentary on the modern lexicon and societal shifts. The lyrics cleverly weave in the increasing awareness of narcissism, striking a chord with contemporary listeners. The dual harmonies between Anastacia Bella and Gene Roberts are nothing short of magnetic. Their voices intertwine with a natural chemistry, elevating the song’s playful, tongue-in-cheek nature.

The track is a testament to Ana & Gene’s ability to craft music that appeals across generations. Their aim to reach audiences through radio, TV, commercials, film, and social media is not just ambitious but achievable with such a universally appealing sound.

Stream Narcissistic You with the rest of Ana & Gene’s 4-track EP, Uh-Oh Who Do You Love on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Nate Ridgeway romantically reinvented the 80s rock aesthetic with ‘Here I Fall’

Posted on 6 December 2023

Nate Ridgeway romantically reinvented the 80s rock aesthetic with the standout single, Here I Fall, from his double LP, The Emancipation of the Heart. The seminal single has already racked up over 71k streams on Spotify alone. From the very first hit it is evident why people struggle to part ways with the inexplicably superlative track which will cause your serotonin levels to spike as you lose yourself in the dreamy harmonies which blend effortlessly well into the colourfully rich choral atmosphere of the single.

Here I Fall effortlessly reignites the spirit of 80s rock, infusing it with Ridgeway’s unique blend of pop-rock and R&B influences. This sonic tapestry evokes the essence of iconic bands like Boston, Journey, and Foreigner, making it a perfect addition to playlists that celebrate the golden era of rock music.

Ridgeway, hailing from Muscle Shoals, brings a distinct authenticity to his music, drawing on the legendary musical heritage of the region. His double LP showcases his talent for crafting songs that resonate with listeners; produced and engineered by Eric Myers of Sonic Boost in Raleigh, NC, this record is a testament to Ridgeway’s commitment to quality and his passion for music. For those looking to rekindle their love for classic rock or discover its timeless charm, Here I Fall is a must-listen.

Stream Here I Fall on Spotify and keep up to date with Nate Ridgeway’s latest sonic ventures via Facebook.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Black Smoker shake, rattle and roll through their raucous and raw garage rock debut, Dissolution

Posted on 25 October 2023

With all the sonic swag of Eagles of Death Metal and psychedelic garage rock kicks of King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, the debut raucous and raw with distortion single, Dissolution, from the Washington-based five-piece, Black Smoker, is a frenetic hair-raiser that could easily lead a crowd into sharing the same furore that unfurls like smoke from a loaded gun from the riffs.

It is only a matter of time before the outfit stops reigning supreme in dive bars and takes its sound to bigger arenas; God knows that their maniacally wild hits could fill them. After banding together in 2017 and dominating the live circuit, they’ve got their blackened hearts set on making digital platforms their dominion. You may as well submit to their supremacy now before they assert it with even more force in their sophomore release.

Dissolution dropped on October 10^th; stream it on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

The Impersonators evoke campus radio nostalgia with ‘Scarlett Hell’

Posted on 25 April 2021

The Impersonators unleashed the ultimate perennial pop-rock earworm with the release of ‘Scarlett Hell’, just one of the soul-kissed tracks found on the duo’s debut LP, ‘Life of Grant’.

If you could imagine what it would sound like if Ricky Martin collaborated with R.E.M., you’ll get an idea of just how enlivening the timeless pop melodies in Scarlett Hell are. With funk-infused instrumental breakdowns between the choppy sun-bleached staccato guitar chords and the upraising vocals that are sure to evoke campus radio nostalgia, it is a serious contender for your alt pop-rock Summer playlists.

Scarlett Hell is now available to stream via Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Ten Gram Tang take us on a riot of retro bluesy rock with ‘Vintage Slide’

Posted on 19 January 2021

Smoky, sultry, husky, and bluesy, with a wicked swagger and singer/rhythm guitarist Paige Lee’s amazing vocals ‘Vintage Slide’ is the third single from Boston, MA., retro-rockers Ten Gram Tang, and it’s simply stunning. Dragging in 60’s and 70’s rock and blues references left, right, and centre – Hendrix, Joplin, Grace Slick – mixed with some more modern touchstones in the form of the Tedeschi Trucks band, the White Stripes, The Dead Weather, Beth Hart, a dash of Melissa Etheridge, a huge dose of Elle King, with some of Lorde’s ‘Perfect Places’ melancholic breathiness, a bit of Lana Del Rey, and perhaps some Linda Perry in the background.

That by itself is a pretty heady mix, and Lee’s vocals really are that good, but once you throw in guitarist Connor Powell’s killer lead work throughout the track, and the stop-start groove driven by Kevin Reilly’s bass and guest/co-writer Michael Samse’s staccato drum patterns, you’ve got a stunning 4’20” of bluesy 70’s-inspired retro rock’n’roll with a large helping of soul thrown in for good measure.

Ten Gram Tang release their debut album in February 2021, but in the meantime, ‘Vintage Slide’ is an absolute must-have.

Hear ‘Vintage Slide’ on Spotify, and check out Ten Gram Tang on Facebook and Instagram.

Review by Alex Holmes

Addressing rising poverty in lower income areas: Schenectady, NY retro rock duo Pigpen Jonez drop ‘On The Hill’ lyric video

Posted on 21 December 2020

Pigpen Jonez drop their real story about how some neighborhoods change so quickly and progress, while others are left in ruin on their ‘On The Hill‘ lyric video which is taken off ‘Livin’ In Delafly Side 1‘.

With a 70’s funky rhythm that will remind you of the good old days, this is a track that cuts into the huge problems that face a lot of lower income communities in the USA and across the world.

A loud police siren blares through as the bass-lines show the quality of this duo that have been friends from school days and just love making music together. When the gigs shut down, the tough got going and the band got together to release music that actually means something.

After living in Schenectady for many a year, leaving and coming back recently due to covid-19, the realness really hit home. The area hasn’t changed in a good way and crime has risen to almost unimaginable levels of disorder, that a 7pm curfew had to be implemented. The sad thing is that other areas close by have blossomed like a sprouting flower which shows you how things really work in life.

‘On The Hill‘ from Schenectady locals Pigpen Jonez is a real look inside the door of what really goes on inside neighborhoods that are often left to fend for themselves. The funky retro rock is a warm embrace to the good people in the community that want change badly but nothing ever seems to change. Crime and drugs are main thing that is spoken about and the example to the youngsters is extremely scary and sets the wrong example.

Music has the power to change and if there ever is a massive peace concert after covid-19, this is a band that needs to be on that big stage, singing about peace and helping with the solutions to better the lives of all humans in the world. Love must always win over hate.

See this real-life lyric video on YouTube on IG & FB.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen