The summer rush is fully upon us, as another crop of singles we need to talk about has come out in just the last week. Let's see what we have this time.
The Wallflowers – Maybe Your Heart's Not In It No More
Now that we have two singles from the new album, I'm feeling much more comfortable that The Wallflowers are at least on the right track this year. Both songs still borrow more heavily from Jakob Dylan's folk solo work than ever before, but the songs are back to being rootsy rock, and not the more beat-influenced sound that made "Glad All Over" such a disappointment. I will say, however, neither song has the kind of muscle or hooks that the band was so great at before their first long break. I'm not calling it a disappointment, but it's only half a step back in the right direction. Hopefully, there will be a few gems deeper in the track list.
Powerwolf – Beast Of Gevaudan
When it comes to power metal in recent years, Powerwolf has been as good as it gets. Their last two albums have been fantastic, and this song sounds like they are carrying right on where they left off. Their sound is dramatic and powerful, and they can make a four minute song sound more epic than most bands could dream of. With the catchy melody, and Atilla's operatic voice, they embody the cheese of power metal and gimmicks in exactly the right way. I have no reason to doubt the upcoming record is going to be anything but another great effort.
The Warning – Choke
I was in position to hear The Warning before their first album was released. The DIY ethos was a point of pride, so I was surprised to see this new song is their first for a label deal. What I can say is that nothing has changed as a result of that, but the pendulum has swung. The elements of their alternative rock style are the same, but the song goes back to the quality of their first album, and avoids the slight slump I felt from the follow-up. They're a good band, and if they can release more songs like this, they will keep climbing the ladder.
Alicia Witt – Talk To You
I was incredibly fond of Alicia's "15,000 Days" EP. The blend of her piano and voice was a pillowy platform for her melodies, and I've often found myself going back to those songs when I want to hear something soft and embracing. "Talk To You" is the first taste of an upcoming album, and it's just the sort of song we need more of. Or maybe it's just me who does. Regardless, the song tells of Alicia's desire to connect to people, and that exactly what it feels like. The warmth of the sound feels like a hand reaching out, and I am ready to accept it. With her most recent efforts, Alicia has more than proven herself as a worthy songwriter.
Gritty Gang - Hunger Strike
Raising awareness and money to combat homelessness in LA, the women of Gritty In Pink have come together to give us this cover of the Temple Of The Dog classic (I was a touch too young to remember it as such). Leah Martin-Brown and VK Lynne take up the roles of Chris Cornell and Eddie Vedder, and the shift in voices alters the tone of the song. The societal roles stereotype presents us makes the song sound like an even more heartfelt expression of caring for those who are suffering. Cornell and Vedder's pain sounded more personal, while Leah and VK's hearts bleed for the people. Perhaps that isn't fair, but in this case the roles social psychology assigns make this more effective for its goal. With great vocals and a pristine production, it catches you off-guard how hard Alex Nicole Windsor comes in with that heavy riff. They don't make them like that anymore, and these women are more than up to the task of showing us what that era might have been like cleaned up just a bit. They are showing there is often a gem waiting for us underneath the dirt and grime, both in music and society. All we need to do is help wipe away the struggle. We need to hear that message, and this song is a perfect vehicle to teach us. This temple is proper worship, and calling for our devotion.
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