Browsing Tag

Sunset Strip Rock

Mario Vayne – Electric: A High-Voltage Homage to 80s Rock

It may have been almost a year since we got hooked on Mario Vayne’s earworm, Baby, but there was no forgetting the rock virtuoso’s infectiously euphoric energy and charisma, which is just as visceral in his latest single, Electric.

After a tenderly melodic and choked-with-sunset-strip-atmospherics prelude, Electric riffs its way into a vibrant homage to the 80s, boldly asserting that the future of classic rock is charged with an exhilarating, new energy.

Following the success of his debut single which captivated over 200K Spotify listeners, ‘Electric’ is poised to ignite the airwaves in a similar vein. Vayne’s journey, from a shy child crafting songs at eleven to a dynamic frontman in the UK and Australia, culminates in this release. His hiatus during the grunge era only seems to have honed his craft, leading to this moment of resurgence.

‘Electric’ is a testament to Vayne’s belief in following his rock-licked heart. The track is a fusion of adrenalizing riffs and memorable hooks, all set against the backdrop of 80s iconography. Yet, it’s the sheer zeal and fervour that Vayne pours into his music that truly defines the song. The lyrics, more than just words, are mantras for living, weaving through the music and urging listeners to embrace a vibrant lust for life.

In an era where optimism can feel scarce, ‘Electric’ offers a potent reminder of rock’s unifying power. Mario Vayne’s name might have been synonymous with the rock legends of yesteryear had this track been released in their time. Today, it stands as a signal that the spirit of classic rock not only endures but evolves.

Electric was officially released on March 8th; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Rich Kid Express became the voice of volition in their symphonic with sleaze hard rock hit, U Never….

Under The Purple Lights by Rich Kid Express

The Carolina-hailing hard rock prodigal son, Rich Kid Express, glammed up symphonic synth rock in his slick with Sunset Strip sleaze EP, Under the Purple Lights, featuring the volition-driven single, U Never….

With whammy-laden guitars that sound like they’ve been torn from a Slayer hit punctuating the harbingeringly dark synth lines and an edge of antagonism that continues to slice through the KISS-esque atmosphere with every verse, hard rock scarcely hits harder.

There’s nothing quite like pouring all your contempt into a creative work in terms of catharsis but for hard rock fans who need iconic outfits to be their voice of vindication, there’s plenty of resolve in U Never…. which uses its razor-sharp teeth to tear through the deception and manipulation of the kind of exes we always come to regret getting in bed with.

Stream and purchase the EP in full via Bandcamp.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Herringbone speak to the sinners in their classic rock revivalist debut single, Soloman’s Song

Herringbone’s debut single, Soloman’s Song, is a classic rock to the core exploration of shame, secrecy, and repentance that will throw you right back to the most iconic era of sunset strip glam rock.

The upbeat track raucously unravels through the momentum its overdriven lead guitars that amplify the cheeky swagger in the lead vocals, which are joined by choral female backing vocals. The feminine energy and shimmering organ keys take this renegade rock revival to a spiritually enrapturing level.

When they talk about music being the best medicine, they must be alluding to the enlivening aural elixir that runs through this stellar rock track which is enough to make you pious to the prowess of Herringbone. Now that a decent live show is beyond Axl Rose, it’s time to embrace Herringbone.

Soloman’s Song is available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

OCEANS OF TEARS told the ultimate redemption story with ‘IF LOOKS COULD KILL’

It certainly isn’t every day that you get to enjoy an empowering redemption story through rock n roll, but thanks to OCEANS OF TEARS’ rock musical ‘DROWNED IN A SEA OF TEARS’, you’ll get to enjoy theatrical intensity alongside glam rock riffs and supercharged synths. Especially in the standout single ‘IF LOOKS COULD KILL’.

With dirty rhythms coalescing with dancey beats that wouldn’t be out of place on a 90s dance workout tape, IF LOOKS COULD KILL is a sonic trip down the sunset strip with a side serving of adrenalizing lyricism which acts as a reminder that you’re stronger than you know.

The official video to IF LOOKS COULD KILL is now available to stream via YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Sunset-Strip-Sleaze and Sticky-Sweet Soul Collide in The Impersonators’ Latest Single “Rodeo”

If your playlists are crying out for a hit of funky, sexy Alt-Rock, you can consider the latest single from The Impersonators a playlist staple.

While it’s got all the efficaciously sleazy allure that you’d expect from any accoladed Sunset Strip act, there’s also an extra juicy element of amorously playful sentimentality which means that Rodeo will give your soul a prod to see if it is still alive as you get snared by the seriously lacerating melodic hooks.

The Impersonators may be a new name for the airwaves, but the talented duo behind the moniker definitely aren’t fresh from their inception. Tom Tikka and Antti Autio were formerly two important components of one of Finland’s hottest Rock acts, Carmen Gray. The same talent is exhibited, but a far more organic sense of soul is on offer. You just can’t help getting pulled into the dreamy Pop-laden melodies crafted by The Impersonators.

You can check out The Impersonators’ single Rodeo by heading over to Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Songs for Sabotage give Peter Murphy a run for his money with their cover of Cuts You Up

Songs for Sabotage

LA Alt-Rock artist Songs for Sabotage cooked up the dreamiest feat of Rock you’ll hear in 2020 with their cover of Peter Murphy’s “Cuts You Up”. Which is just one of the soul-swellingly sweet tracks you’ll find on their debut album “Coast to Coast

With the infusion of Swedish Pop, 80s Alternative and 00s Electro in their lush Rock ensemble, once you hit play on Cuts You Up your entire consciousness is consumed by the escapism-aiding deftly orchestrated hit. Cuts You Up is the kind of track you need a recovery period after hearing as your rhythmic pulses become your own again and you adjust to being present in the real world. There really is no higher accolade than that. And that doesn’t even come close to capturing the sunset-strip-magic offered by the track.

Night of Joy releases on all major streaming platforms Friday, September 25th and SFS will be performing their album live in full via Instagram livestream on Saturday, September 26th.

You can pre-save the track on Spotify via this link.

Keep up to date with news on the release via Facebook.

Review by Amelia Vandergast