Another Lost Year Returns; Announces New Re-Issues, Live Dates

Posted on July 29, 2021 by philspicks

Another Lost Year is ending its hiatus of more than a year and a half.

The announcement was made Thursday through a news release. In celebration of the return, the band has announced it will re-issue its 2016 album Alien Architect as well as its three-part EP series, The Revolution. Pre-orders for the Alien Architect are open. Each re-issue will come through Godsize Records.

In anticipation of the two forthcoming re-issues, Another Lost Year premiered the video for its single, ‘Trigger Finger‘ July 23. The video features many of the band’s past members performing the single in an audition style setup as the song plays over.

The musical arrangement featured in the song is a catchy, driving rock song. It is centered on its guitar and vocals. The addition of the bass and drums to the mix makes the whole a song that is another engaging and entertaining fit for any mainstream rock radio programmer’s daily playlist.

No information was provided about the song’s lyrical theme in the press release announcing the band’s return and re-issues.

In other news, Another Lost Year has announced a brief series of live dates in support of its re-issues. The schedule is slated to launch Sept. 16 in Des Moines, IA and to run through Nov. 5 in Dubuque, IA with performances in cities, such as Fort Wayne, IN; Denver, CO and Lombard, IL.

The tour’s schedule is noted below.

ALY LIVE DATES:

Sept 16 – Des Moines, IA
Sept 17 – Omaha, NE
Sept 18 – Denver, CO
Sept 22 – Pekin, IL
Sept 23 – Lombard, IL
Sept 24 – Detroit, MI
Sept 25 – Fort Wayne, IN
Sept 26 – Battle Creek, MI
Oct 30 – Chicago, IL
Oct 31 – Fort Wayne, IN
Nov 5 – Dubuque, IA

In more news, Another Lost Year is working on a new album that it hopes to release later this year through Godsize Records/Mirage Mhal Records, LLC.

More information on Another Lost Year’s return is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anotherlostyear

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Official_ALY

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to https://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Another Lost Year Debuts ‘H.O.M.E.’ Video

Posted on September 29, 2019 by philspicks

Courtesy: O’Donnell Media Group

Another Lost Year debuted the video for its latest single this week.

The band debuted the video for its song ‘H.O.M.E.‘ The video crosses footage of the band performing its song against an evening backdrop with footage of the band members enjoying time with family and friends.

The song’s musical arrangement is a melodic hard composition that will appeal to a wide range of listeners. The band’s front man Clinton Cunanan talked about the song’s lyrical content in a recent interview, noting it is a love letter to the band’s home state.

“I feel where I came from is the reason I work nonstop,” he said. “I wanted to write a song to pay tribute to that, a Friday night anthem for anyone, anywhere. North Carolina has had some amazing talent come out of it. I hope to have one day left my mark for where I call HOME.”

‘H.O.M.E.’ is available now through Spotify, iTunes and Apple Music. The band is scheduled to join Dark Station in November. Dates for that tour will be announced soon.

More information on the upcoming tour is available online along with all of the band’s news at:

Website: http://www.whoisALY.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AnotherLostYear

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Official_ALY

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Another Lost Year Unveils New Single, Video

Posted on December 12, 2017 by philspicks

Courtesy: O’Donnell Media Group

Another Lost Year is giving audiences their first taste of its next album.

The band unviled on Tuesday the video for its new single ‘Call It Like It Is.’ The video places the band in a wild west setting that includes a gunfight, poker game and much more. Musically speaking, the song’s arrangement is one that will appeal to fans of Otherwise, Saliva, Pop Evil and other similar acts.

Front man Clinton Cunanan said of the song and its video that the band wanted the song and the video alike to have an impact on people. He added the band was pleased with the result of the time and effort put into each, praising Dillenger Media, the company that helmed the clip, for its part in the video’s creation, along the way.

“We just decided to literally do what we wanted to do, get back to the reasons we fell in love with music, to make people feel something, even if that feeling is uncomfortable,” Cunanan said. “When it came to our latest single, ‘Call It Like It Is,’ we used imagery that we felt would invoke some feelings in people, and when it came to the video, well, we dug in hard, probably a little over ambitious, but we shot for the moon and could not be happier with how it turned out! Dillinger Media and Dan Johnson helped us execute the idea flawlessly in our opinion.”

While little else has been released about Another Lost Year’s next album, audiences are sure to hear its new single and other music on its current live schedule, which includes performances Dec. 14 and 15 in Clarksville, TN and Sevierville, TN respectively. The band’s current schedule also includes performances in Hickory, NC (12/16); Mentor, OH (12/20); Warren, MI (12/21) and Battle Creek, MI (12/22).

More information on Another Lost Year’s new single and video is available online now along with all of the band’s latest news and more at:

Website: http://www.WhoIsALY.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AnotherLostYear

Rock Into Spring Festival Adds New Sponsors, Bands

Posted on March 4, 2017 by philspicks

Courtesy: O’Donnell Media Group

More new sponsors have been added to this spring’s upcoming Rock Into Spring festival presented by music products company Gangster.

Heineken and Findlay Chevrolet have signed on as the latest new additions to the festival’s already long list of sponsors. While Heineken will serve as a sponsor for the three-day pool party at the M Resort’s pool, Findlay Chevrolet will add even more interest to the festivities with a free car giveaway.

The Las Vegas-based dealership will give away a brand new car on April 30, the festival’s final day. The car will be given away during the event.

Heineken and Findlay Chevrolet are just two of the companies to recently sign on as sponsors for the event. Shakespeare Vodka, No Cover Magazine, Presidential Limousine, SB Craft Jerky and Fest Pop also signed on as sponsors of the weekend-long festival.

The festival’s list of sponsors isn’t the only list that recently grew in size. Two more bands were also recently added to the festival’s already extensive list of performers in the form of Buckcherry and Adelitas Way.

Already listed as performers on the festival’s bill are: Art of Anarchy, Sick Puppies, Trapt, DJ Lethal from Limp Bizkit, Alien Ant Farm, Eve To Adam, Bobaflex, 9Electric, Another Lost Year, Shallow Side, Blacklite District, VYCES, Behind The Fallen, Artifas, Lola Black, The Broken Thumbs, Quor, Silent Theory and many others.

Along with its extensive list of performers, Rock Into Spring will also feature 20 top tattoo artists to provide concert-goers with new ink. They include Ink Master’s Randy Vollink, James Francis, Cleen Rock One, King Rock, MTV’s Drama Diablo and others.

Rock Into Spring is presented by Gangster and hosted by Crank Up Live, Yourlisten.com, the Rocking Comedy Show and Radio Rock Vegas. The festival is a 21 and over event. Valid state or federal ID is required for entry. Tickets can be purchased online now via Ticketfly. VIP packages can be purchased online now here.

More information on the Rock Into Spring Festival is available online now at:

Website: http://rockintospring.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/rockintospring

Hannah Williams’ Second LP Takes First On Phil’s Picks’ 2016 Top 10 New Independent Albums List

Posted on December 3, 2016 by philspicks

Courtesy: Record Kicks

The countdown to the year’s end continue today with yet another addition to Phil’s Picks’ 2016 “Best Of” lists. This time, Phil’s Picks offers its list of the year’s top new independent albums. This list was just as difficult as any assembled. Readers should understand independent doesn’t necessarily mean unsigned. Rather it encompasses unsigned bands and bands signed to independent labels, thus the title “Independent Albums.” Included in this year’s list are new releases from Cage9, All Hail The Yeti, Hannah Williams and the Affirmations among many others. As always, the list includes the year’s Top 10 new albums on the list as well as five honorable mention titles, bringing the total album count to 15. So, without further ado, here are Phil’s Picks 2016 Top 10 New Independent Albums.

2016 Top 10 New Independent Albums

1) Hannah Williams and the Affirmations – Late Nights and Heartbreak

2) All Hail the Yeti – Screams From A Black Wilderness

3) Love and a .38 – Nomad

4) Buffalo Summer – Second Sun

5) Cage9 – Illuminator

6) Apollo Under Fire – Apollo Under Fire

7) The Heavy – Hurt and the Merciless

8) Celeb Car Crash – People Are The Best Show

9) Radio Exile – Soulfire

10) Ray Rocket – Do You Wanna Go To Tijuana

11) Another Lost Year – Alien Architect

12) Alexis Taylor – Piano

13) Garrett Klahn – Garrett Klahn

14) Pareidolia – Denied Truths

15) Phill Rocker – Hard To Bleed

Apollo Under Fire’s Self-Titled Debut Is One Of 2016’s Top New Independent Albums

Posted on July 31, 2016 by philspicks

Courtesy: EMP Label Group

Dave Ellefson’s upstart record label EMP Label Group has been quite busy ever since its birth late in 2015. The label has already assembled a roster rich with heavy acts ready to reach the metal masses. Those acts include the likes of Cage9, Doll Skin, Green Death, Dead By Wednesday, and a handful of others. While the label has its fair share of heavy acts as part of its stable it also has some acts that are just as anxious to make it to the mainstream. They are Another Lost Year and Apollo Under Fire. Both bands have already released their latest respective records this summer. The latter released its new album Alien Architect just last month and the prior released its self-titled debut this past June. That record is perhaps the most standout of any of the records released by EMP Label Group so far this year. That is because it is by far the label’s most radio ready record hands down. Between its solid musical arrangements and its equally uplifting lyrical content this ten-song record proves to be one that will move listeners deeply from beginning to end. Being that it is so powerful, it ultimately proves to be one of 2016’s top new independent albums and one of EMP Label Group’s best offerings yet.

Apollo Under Fire’s self-title debut album is one of 2016’s top new independent albums hands down. It is also one of EMP Label Group’s best offerings yet. That is thanks to the combination of the album’s solid musical arrangements and its equally uplifting lyrical content. From one song to the next, the combination of those elements makes this record one that will put a smile on any listener’s face. That is something that the rock (and music) community needs now more than ever. The album’s opener and lead single ‘Gotta Believe’ is a prime example of how that combination gives this record such strength. The song’s musical arrangement instantly conjures thoughts of Creed with its modern power ballad approach. Love Creed or hate it, audiences on either side of the discussion should understand this comparison is meant only in an observational fashion. Guitarists Peter Klett (Candlebox, Lotus) and Jimmy Kwong have crafted a sound in this song that almost directly mirrors that crafted by Mark Tremonti in his days with Creed. To be more specific, its sound is akin to that of Creed’s ‘hit ballad ‘Higher.’ It isn’t a direct lifting. But the influence (intended or not) is there. And it does its own part in making the song so enjoyable. The song’s lyrical content does its own share to make the song enjoyable, too. That is because of the positive outlook on life offered up in that content. It is exhibited as front man Donald Carpenter (Eye Empire/Submersed) sings here, “Even though I live in daydreams/I don’t feel like holding on/But I gotta believe my days aren’t over/Gotta believe this sun will shine sometime/Gotta believe this rain will cleanse my pain/An stand before a brand new life.” This is just part of the hopeful vibe presented by Carpenter in the song’s lyrical content. He goes on to sing, “We must face this fear of failing/With the will to overcome/Many candles shining brightly/Though they all were lit from one/We’re mirrors in faceless crowds/Bound by the sound/Of our lives as they pass us by.” From here he and his band mates return to the song’s chorus, driving home that sense of determination and positive mindset once again. Some might call it sappy. But there are just as many people out there that need that positive reminder in their lives. Even this critic has needed such a reminder more than once in life. To that end, that positive lyrical message and the song’s equally moving musical arrangement make the song in whole a clear example of what makes Apollo Under Fire such a solid debut for the band. It is just one of the songs presented in this record that serves to exhibit that, too. ‘One Track Mind’ is another key example of what makes this record such a strong debut for AUF.

‘Gotta Believe’ is a key example of what makes Apollo Under Fire’s self-titled debut album such a strong effort from the band. The song’s sweeping, Creed-esque musical arrangement couples with its equally uplifting lyrical content to make the song in whole a work that will put a smile on so many listeners’ faces. The positive vibes exhibited through that combination of music and lyrics makes this song one of the record’s best moments. It is only one of those great moments, too. ‘One Track Mind’ is another song that shows the strength of this new effort from the band. It stands out in part due to its musical arrangement. Much as with ‘Gotta Believe’ (and most of the songs presented in this record) this song’s musical arrangement also boasts a certain influence from Creed. That is obvious in the fact that its arrangement is also centered on that familiar modern day power ballad style presentation. On the good side it isn’t just a repeat of ‘Gotta Believe’ in that arena. It is, however just as big and epic as the arrangement presented in said song. What’s different is those big, epic moments are saved here for the song’s chorus. They are juxtaposed by a softer, more introspective sound presented in the song’s verses. Speaking of the verses they offer their own value to the song, too. Carpenter comes across here as singing from the vantage point of a figure who has changed quite a bit over time; someone that has gone from having that one-track mind to being more open to different viewpoints in life. This critic in particular interprets the song’s lyrical content as centering on someone who is looking back on who he once was versus who he is now. That is, again, just this critic’s own take on the song. Hopefully it isn’t completely off the mark. Regardless, it is clear through that interpretation and the song’s musical arrangement why this song is another important part of Apollo Under Fire’s self-titled debut. The deep thought presented in the song’s lyrical content couple with its equally powerful musical arrangement to make it really stand out as yet another of the album’s best moments. It is definitely not the last of those key moments either. ‘Weightless’ is one more example of what makes the album such a strong first effort from the band.

‘Gotta Believe’ and ‘One Track Mind’ are both key examples of what makes Apollo Under Fire’s self-titled debut record such a strong effort from the up-an-coming quintet. That is due to the songs’ mix of powerful musical arrangements and their equally deep and moving lyrical content. One is a full-on uplifting piece that reminds people to try and maintain an optimistic outlook even as difficult as it might be to do. The other is more of a figure offering an introspective look at his past and present. It basically reminds people (at least in this critic’s interpretation) that if he can change, anyone can change. Cue the Rocky theme song. Yes, that really bad reference to Rocky IV was fully intended. While both songs offer their own insight and power they are not the only songs that stand out on this debut effort from Apollo Under Fire. ‘Weightless’ stands on its own merits, too. In regards to the song’s musical arrangement, it stands out because yet again that Creed influence is just as evident as ever. Yet in its defense it still maintains its own identity separate from those power ballads crafted by Creed. Keeping this in mind, the song’s lyrical content stands out even more as its main anchor. The song’s lyrical content serves as its main anchor because of just how much it boasts its own identity separate from the rest of the album’s offerings. This time out Carpenter sings about the power of a person’s love. Carpenter’s subject seems to be addressing a love interest here as he sings, “Can I stay/With this restless heart/Is it too damn cold living miles apart/Can I stay/These games I play/With my fragile heart/I always push away/From a caring thought/These games I play/These games I play/These walls I built come crashing down/I am free/Your love has embraced me now/I am free/It’s a love that can overwhelm…floating ten feet off the ground.” This is a feeling to which so many people can relate. Who hasn’t felt that overwhelming sense of happiness at finding that person whose love overpowers everything else? Carpenter’s subject continues on much in the same manner in the song’s second verse singing, “Well I have faith/In my changing heart/I have found the strength missing from the start/I have faith/I now have faith/These walls I built/Come crashing down/I am free/Your love has embraced me now/I am free/It’s a love that can overwhelm.” What is interesting, in hindsight is that Carpenter mentions as he returns to the song’s chorus something to the effect of being on his knees and finding happiness. So it leaves one to wonder if he is referencing not so much romantic love but spiritual love. It would definitely be interesting to learn if that is what was being referenced here. Regardless of spiritual or romantic, the positive message of strength from love is there. It makes the song stand out even more. Considering this, it joins with ‘Gotta Believe’ and ‘One Track Mind’ to show once more just what makes Apollo Under Fire’s self-titled debut record such a strong outing for the band. Any of the other songs not noted here that make up the rest of the album’s body could be cited just as easily when considering the album’s strengths. All things considered, Apollo Under Fire proves in the end to ultimately be one of 2016’s top new independent albums. It also proves to be (along with Alien Arnchitect, Another Lost Year’s new offering) yet another viable chance for EMP Label Group to gain some real mainstream notoriety.

Apollo Under Fire’s self-titled debut album is one of 2016’s top new independent albums. It is also one of EMP Label Group’s best chances at attaining real mainstream notoriety. Another Lost Year’s new album Alien Architect is the label’s other major chance at that notoriety. As is evidenced in all three of the songs noted here, the album’s powerful musical arrangements join with their equally uplifting lyrical content to put a smile on any listener’s face. The same can be said of any of the album’s other offerings, too. All things considered, this record proves to be a strong start for Apollo Under Fire, and with any luck just the start for the band. Apollo Under Fire is available now. It can be ordered online direct via the band’s official website. More information on the album is available now online along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: http://www.apolounderfireband.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/apollounderfire

Twitter: http://twitter.com/apollounderfire

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Another Lost Year Announces New Tour Dates

Posted on July 30, 2016 by philspicks

Courtesy: EM Label Group/Mirage M’Hal Records

Another Lost Year has added more dates to its current tour schedule.

The Charlotte, North Carolina-based band announced this week that it has added six more dates to its current tour schedule. Those dates, in support of the band’s new album Alien Architect, run from Friday, August 5^th – Friday, August 19^th. After finishing that run the band will take some time off to rest and prepare for a tour with Death Division that launches Thursday, August 25^th in Sauget, IL. That tour schedule runs through Saturday, September 10^th in Yorkville, Illinois. ALY’s updated live schedule is noted below.

Another Lost Year Tour Dates:
Aug 5th – Fayetteville NC @ Drunk Horse Pub
Aug 12th – Algona, IA @ LoCO Fest w/ EVE6, Smile Empty Soul
Aug 13th – Varna, IL @ Lake WIldwood Pavillion
Aug 14th – Joliet, IL @ The Tree of Joliet
Aug 18th – Ironton, OH @ Rally On The River w/ Bobaflex
Aug 19th – Morgantown, WV @ Schmitts Saloon w/ Bobaflex

Dates w/ Death Division

Aug 25th – Sauget, IL @ Pop’s
Aug 26th – Keokuk, IA @ L-Tryn’s
Aug 27th – Clarksville, TN @ O’Connor’s
Aug 28th – Jackson, TN @ Empourium
Aug 30th – Tupelo, MS @ Goodtime Charlies
Sep 1st – Slidell, LA @ Corner Pub
Sep 2nd – San Leon, TX @ 18th St. Pier
Sep 3rd – Dallas, TX @ Gas Monkey Bar & Grill
Sep 7th – Omaha, NE @ Shamrocks
Sep 9th – Dubuque, IA @ Diamond Jo Casino
Sep 10th – Durand, IL @ Durand Biker Bash
Sep 10th – Yorkville, IL @ The Revival @ Hide A Way Lakes

More information on Another Lost Year’s tour schedule is available online now along with all of the band’s latest news and more at:

Website: http://www.whoisALY.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AnotherLostYear

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Official_ALY

ALY Unveils New Video; Announces New Live Dates

Posted on June 21, 2016 by philspicks

Another Lost Year has some big news for fans.

The Charlotte, North Carolina-based band has unveiled a new music video and announced a new slate of live dates. The newly released video is the companion piece to the song ‘We All Die Alone.’ The song is taken from the band’s new album Alien Architect. The video sees front man Clinton Cunanan in a cemetery as he performs against the song. The video is streaming online now here.

Courtesy: entertainment 1/Mirage Ma’Ha recordsEllefson Music Productions Label Group

Along with its new video the band has also announced a new slate of live dates. The band’s new live schedule launches July 2^nd in Battle Creek, Michigan and runs through September 10^th in Yorkville, Illinois. It also includes a performance at the Drunk Horse Pub in Fayetteville, North Carolina on August 5^th. The band’s current tour schedule is noted below.

Another Lost Year Tour Dates:

7/2/2016 Battle Creek MI @ Private Party

7/3/2016 Pekin IL @ Twisted Spoke w/ DRUGS DELANEY CDRP

7/7/2016 Ft Atkinson WI @ Hijynx

7/8/2016 Battle Creek MI @ The Music Factory

7/15/2016 Kankakee IL @ Kankakee BBQ Fest w/ VINCE NEIL

7/16/2016 Clarksville TN @ z97.5 Festival w/ THOUSAND FOOT KRUTCH

7/16/2016 Grayson KY @ HeadCase Festival

7/23/2016 Rock Island IL @ Rock The District w/ RED SUN RISING

8/5/2016 Fayetteville NC @ Drunk Horse Pub

8/6/2016 Hagerstown MD @ Private Party

8/12/2016 Algona IA @ Algona Fairgrounds w/ EVE6/SMILE EMPTY SOUL

8/18/2016 Ironton OH @ Rally On The River w/ BOBAFLEX

8/27/2016 Knoxville TN @ Oconnors

9/10/2016 Durand IL @ Durand Biker Bash

9/10/2016 Yorkville IL @ Revival Party

More information on Another Lost Year’s new video, tour schedule, and more is available online now at:

Website: http://www.whoisALY.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AnotherLostYear

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Official_ALY

ALY Could Be Anything But Alien To Audiences Thanks To ‘Alien Architect’

Posted on June 8, 2016 by philspicks

Courtesy: EM Label Group/Mirage M’Hal Records

Support independent music. Who hasn’t heard or spoken those words at one point or another when discussing the acts being played across America’s major corporate radio stations? For all of the acts that are lucky enough to get their music on the radio there are just as many independent acts out there working to make a name for themselves. This includes acts both signed and unsigned. One of the most notable of those many acts is a band known as Another Lost Year. The Charlotte, North Carolina-based band was recently signed to Megadeth Bassist Dave Ellefson’s new record label EMP Label Group. And its new album Alien Architect will be released via EMP Label Group. This twelve-song, forty-four minute record is a prime example of why independent acts deserve just as much support as the acts being played over and over again today on America’s major radio stations. The album’s songs boast a decidedly radio ready sound from one to the next. Its lyrical themes will grab listeners just as much as that radio ready sound exhibited in its songs. All things considered Alien Architect is a record that in the end could very well earn Another Lost Year many new years of success given enough support.

Alien Architect is not Another Lost Year’s first full-length recording. It is however, a record that could very well earn the band many years of success. But that will only happen if the band, signed to Megadeth bassist Dave Ellefson’s independent label EMP Label Group gets enough support. That is clear right from the first of the twelve-song (technically eleven since the album’s first track isn’t even a song, but a sample) record’s full compositions, ‘Wolves.’ In terms of the song’s musical arrangement it boasts a song that can easily be compared to that of Breaking Benjamin and certain other acts. It is a very high-energy arrangement that serves to make the song a solid opener for the album. The song’s lyrical content is just as interesting. It solidifies the song’s overall frame even more as front man Clinton Cunanan addresses someone who is a bit too hung up on himself or herself. That is inferred as he sings over the song’s driving musical arrangement, “I’m breaking the lock on broken bones/You carry scars just to show/Pride is your weakness/I’m brining with me the best of Hell/Everything you fear/Your worst dream/And I’m on your trail/How do you even sleep at night/When the wolf’s at your door/And no one’s in sight.” He comes across as saying to that person, “You are so full of yourself. I’m coming after you. How do you even sleep with yourself, knowing what’s coming?” The song’s chorus even seems to hint at the noted message as Cunanan and his band mates—Adam Hall (bass, vocals), Nate Walker (drums), and Jorge Sotomarino (guitar)—sing, “Wake Up!/I’m giving you one last chance to run like hell/Before I come/Unleashing the darkest depths/You know you’ve got one minute left.” In other words, he’s saying to that person, “this is your last warning. Run now or pay the consequences.” What is interesting about this is that as aggressive as the song’s lyrical message appears, the song’s musical arrangement doesn’t entirely match that lyrical content. One would think that a much more aggressive sound would accompany such lyrical content. Yet somehow the combination of the two elements actually works in this case. That being the case the song stands out as not just a solid opener for Alien Architect but also a clear example of why this “independent” act deserves as much support as its more mainstream counterparts. It is not the album’s only standout composition. ‘He Took Beautiful Away’ stands out among the album’s body of songs just as much as ‘Wolves.’

‘Wolves’ is a standout addition to Alien Architect’s overall presentation. One wouldn’t think that the song’s musical and lyrical content would work together. But somehow they do. And being that they do they make the song a solid opener for the album and, again, one of the album’s most notable compositions. It isn’t the album’s only notable inclusion. ‘He Took Beautiful Away’ stands out just as much as ‘Wolves’ but in a completely different fashion. Whereas ‘Wolves’ boasted a much more driving, confident sound this composition’s musical arrangement is far more emotional in its approach yet no less powerful. Its arrangement feels based somewhat in its vocal delivery and guitar work. The album’s companion booklet doesn’t note specifically if Cunanan specifically handled the song’s lead guitar line or if it could be attributed to [Jorge] Sotomarino. Regardless of who handled the guitar line here, that line couples with Cunanan’s vocal delivery to make a solid foundation for the song. That is not to ignore the Walker’s work on drums or Hall’s work on bass. As a matter of fact both men add their own extra touch to the song with their work. All things considered here the song’s musical arrangement is a good match for its lyrical content. The song’s lyrical content is just as powerful as its musical content. It hints at being centered on a woman who has been physically abused. This can be deducted as Cunanan sings over the song’s equally emotional musical arrangement, “He took beautiful away from you/An empty smile with a vacant soul/How do you find the strength/With all that’s done/To just move on/To just let go?/A word so perfect/That’s from a world that’s so cruel/A feeling so true/And there’s no more hiding in your eyes/He took beautiful away from you.” This would seem to be a relatively clear story. Here, audiences meet a woman who has been through hell yet hides it all and keeps on going. The song’s closing verse hints at this even more as Cunanan sings, “The feelings of worthless/The cost of a fool/You stay so pretty/No on can guess the secrets you hold/I see the corner he chased you to/Is this the place you hide the things you would say/And the things you would do?” If there was any doubt before about the song’s story, then that final verse completely erases that doubt. That emotional story, when coupled with the song’s equally emotional musical content makes this song a powerful statement from Another Lost Year. It makes the song in whole yet another of Alien Architect’s standout compositions, but not its last either. ‘Best Is Yet To Come’ is yet another one of the album’s key compositions.

‘Wolves’ and ‘He Took Beautiful Away’ are both key inclusions in Alien Architect. That is due to the songs’ mix of musical and lyrical content. The songs’ musical content in question varies drastically between the two compositions as do their lyrical content. The songs’ lyrical content is just as notable because of its stories. The latter tells a powerful story about what one has to assume is a woman who has been abused. The other is a more adrenaline fueled piece that makes for a solid opener for the album. Keeping all of this in mind, both songs prove to be equally important additions to Alien Architect. They are not the album’s only key compositions. ‘Best Is Yet To Come’ is yet another of the album’s key compositions. Listening to this song’s musical arrangement it is perhaps the record’s most radio ready piece with its power chords and catchy hooks. Those hooks and chords couple with the song’s lyrical content to make it an instant hit for the band. Speaking of those lyrics, Cunanan’s story (of sorts) is one of a rather strong-willed person; Someone that has been put through the proverbial wringer but refuses to give up and back down. This is hinted as Cunanan sings, “I won’t back down, I won’t pretend/I’ve given you everything in me/This time you threw it all away/I won’t forgive you/The best is yet to come.” That’s just the song’s chorus. He sings in the song’s final verse, “Had the world in the palm of your hand/Held it up like it was a dream/This time was it everything/You know you’re just a pawn in this game you’re playing” This is a person that was completely wrapped up in himself/herself; so much so that he/she didn’t realize what was going on. So the song’s subject is putting him/her in his/her place. He is telling that person, “I’ve done everything and given everything. I’m not doing any more.” It’s a strong statement. Yet it isn’t one of those pummeling, screaming statements either. It is just a solid, confident statement from the song’s subject. That statement, coupled with the song’s equally confident musical arrangement, makes the song one of the album’s strongest compositions, if not its strongest. And together with the likes of ‘Wolves’ and ‘He Took Beautiful Away’ all three songs show clearly what makes Alien Architect just as good as any record released by the band’s more well-known counterparts. It is a record that deserves just as much support as those released by those acts, too. The rest of the album’s songs not noted here prove that just as much. All things considered Alien Architect shows in whole to be one of 2016’s top new independent albums.

Another Lost Year’s new album Alien Architect is one of 2016’s top new independent albums. It is a record that clearly exhibits why independent acts (signed and unsigned) deserve their own share of support. That is made clear through the record’s collective musical arrangements and its equally insightful lyrical content. The three songs noted here make the crystal clear. The songs not noted here could be cited just as much as the compositions noted here to support those statements. In the end, the combination of the album’s musical arrangements and lyrical content make Alien Architect in whole a record that is not just one of the year’s best new independent releases but also an album proving why independent music deserves just as much support as that played on major radio stations. It is currently scheduled to be released this Friday, June 10^th via EMP Label Group and Mirage M’Hal Records. The band recently premiered the video for the album’s lead single ‘Wolves’ online. It can be viewed via YouTube and Vevo. More information on Alien Architect is available online now along with more information on the band’s upcoming live dates at:

Website: http://www.whoisALY.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AnotherLostYear

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Official_ALY

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Another Lost Year Added To Shiprocked 2017 Lineup

Posted on May 12, 2016 by philspicks

Courtesy: O’Donnell Media Group

Another Lost Year is getting Shiprocked!

The Charlotte, North Carolina-based band has been announced as the latest addition to the 2017 edition of the annual Shiprocked cruise. The cruise will feature a number of today’s top rock acts including but not limited to: Breaking Benjamin, Papa Roach, Alter Bridge, Sevendust, Pop Evil, and The Stowaways. The floating music festival will be held aboard the Carnival Victory. The liner will sail out of Miami Florida on January 16th, 2017, and make its way to Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos before returning to port on January 20^th, 2017. Also featured in the 2017 Shiprocked cruise will be: Avatar, Crobot, 12 Stones, and many others. A very limited number of rooms is still available for the 2017 Shiprocked cruise. VIP packages are sold out. Pricing information for the available rooms is noted via the official Shiprocked website.

Before the band takes to the high seas it will also perform live at the 2016 Laconia Fest Motorcycle Music Festival. The Laconia Fest is part of what is billed as the “oldest motorcycle rally on the planet.” The nine-day festival takes place at Weirs Drive-In Theatre in Laconia, New Hampshire from Saturday, June 11^th to Sunday, June 19^th. The debut installment of the Laconia Fest will feature performances from some of the top acts from rock’s past, present, and future. They include but are not limited to: Steven Tyler, Lita Ford, Ted Nugent, Warrant, LA Guns, Dope, Everybody Panic!, Sevendust, Buckcherry, Fuel, Saving Abel, and many more. General Admission tickets and VIP passes are available for a number of the festival’s performances. General admission tickets include: Admission to the Festival village, the FMX Stunt Show, Main stage & EMP Group Label Group – Stage 2 Views, and more. VIP Pit passes include: Exclusive, best-position access to stage-front from the Pit viewing area, 2 complimentary tokens, and access to cash bar and other amenities. VIP Tower passes are also available. They include: Exclusive access to an elevated 15-foot platform with premium stage view, private bar with beer and other drinks, prepared box meal, luxury accommodations, and other optional extras. Those extras come at an added cost. Wheel chair access will also be available for the festival. Tickets and VIP passes allow for “all-day” access to the Laconia Fest and all related events and attractions. Tickets are sold on a per-day basis and re-entry is allowed per day. More information on ticketing, VIP passes, performance lineups, and more is available on the festival’s official website.

The band’s performance at the Laconia Fest is just one of a number of dates that is on ALY’s current live schedule. The band will be live today in Chesterfield, Michigan before heading to Janesville, Wisconsin for a performance there this Sunday, May 15^th. Performances in Pinehurst, NC and Charlotte, NC on June 2^nd and 4rth are also included in that schedule, which is noted below.

Another Lost Year Tour Dates:
5/12/2016 Chesterfield MI @ Diesel w/ P.O.D.
5/15/2016 Janesville WI @ Back Bar w/ DEVOUR THE DAY
5/18/2016 Belvidere IL @ Apollo Theatre w/ P.O.D.
5/20/2016 Janesville WI @ Back Bar w/ ROMANTIC REBEL – JJO Presents
5/29/2016 Algona IA @ Afterlife Lounge
6/2/2016 Pinehurst NC @ Private Acoustic
6/4/2016 Charlotte NC @ Rabbit Hole w/ SCOTT BARTLETT of SAVING ABEL
6/9/2016 Hagerstown MD @ Municipal Stadium – Hagerstown Suns Baseball Game After Party

6/10/2016 Battle Creek MI @ The Music Factory w/ SHAMANS HARVEST
6/11/2016 laCrosse WI @ Pearl Street Brewery w/ DRUGS DELANEY
6/12/2016 Ft Atkinson WI @ Hyjinx w/ DRUGS DELANEY
6/15/2016 Laconia NH @ Laconia Fest w/ STEVEN TYLER
6/16/2016 Laconia NH @ Laconia Fest w/ BRET MICHAELS
6/17/2016 Cranston RI @ 1150 Oak Bar w/ EVERYBODY PANIC
6/18/2016 Cranston RI @ 1150 Oak Bar
6/19/2016 Hampton Beach NH @ Wally’s
7/2/2016 Battle Creek MI @ Private Party
7/3/2016 Pekin IL @ Twisted Spoke w/ DRUGS DELANEY
7/15/2016 Kankakee IL @ Kankakee BBQ Fest w/ VINCE NEIL
7/16/2016 Clarksville TN @ z97.5 Festival
7/16/2016 Grayson KY @ HeadCase Festival
8/6/2016 Hagerstown MD @ Private Party
8/12/2016 Algona IA @ Algona Fairgrounds w/ SMILE EMPTY SOUL

Another Lost Year will release its new album Alien Architect Friday, Jun e10th via EMP Label Group and Mirage M’Hal Records. The band recently premiered the video for the album’s lead single ‘Wolves’ online. It can be viewed via YouTube and Vevo. More information on Alien Architect is available online now along with more information on the band’s upcoming live dates at:

Website: http://www.whoisALY.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AnotherLostYear

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Official_ALY

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Tag Archives: Another Lost Year

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