Belvedere Album To Get Vinyl Re-Issue Treatment Next Month

Posted on December 3, 2021 by philspicks

Belvedere will see its 2016 album The Revenge of the Fifth re-issued on vinyl next month.

The announcement was made Friday through a news release. The document states the album is scheduled for re-issue Jan. 4 through Thousand Islands Records. Approximately 1,000 copies of the album will be available, with 500 copies on pink marble pressing and another 500 on baby blue marble.

Belvedere released its latest album, The Sixth Sense in May through Thousand Islands Records/Lockjaw Records. The album is available to stream and download here.

More information on Belvedere’s forthcoming vinyl re-issue of The Revenge of the Fifth is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: https://belvederepunkrock.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belvedere669

Twitter: https://twitter.com/belvedere669

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.Advertisements

Family Entertainer SaulPaul Takes Top Honors In Phil’s Picks’ List Of 2021’s Top New EPs

Posted on December 1, 2021 by philspicks

It’s hard to believe but 2021 is officially only four weeks from its big finale. One can only hope that moving forward from here into 2022, that sooner rather than later, we’ll finally be rid of this COVID-19 crap and life can finally go back to what it was. Time will tell. In the meantime, this critic has checked over his calendar for the year’s waning weeks, and surprisingly, there are no more new EPs to go through for the year. That means it is finally time to start in on this year’s “best of” year-ender lists. Of course, as in every year past, the very first of those lists comes in the form of the smallest of the music releases noted.

This year’s list of new EPs features new releases from at least one relatively well-known figure and a number of others who are either up-and-coming or semi-established. They run the gamut from family music to pop to rock and metal to even some southern rock/country. These lists are never easy to finalize because even among the EPs there is so much to appreciate musically and lyrically. That was taken into full consideration with this list, too. Those who have followed this critic’s ramblings for years on end, know how the lists work. For everyone else, they work as such: Instead of just 10 new offerings, this list is composed of 15 titles. The top 10 are the best of the best while the following five are honorable mention titles. This is not a stab at those releases or the acts that released them, either. Far from it. The whole purpose is to give those extras their due credit, too.

So without any further ado, here for your consideration is Phil’s Picks Top 10 New EPs of 2021.

PHIL’S PICKS 2021 TOP 10 NEW EPS

SaulPaul – OK To Be Different
Gabriel & The Apocalypse – Alpha Transcendence
Decent Criminal – Decent Criminal
The Mercy Kills – New Rule
Dirkschneider & The Old Gang – Arising
Repentance – Volume 1 – Reborn
All Hail The Yeti – Within The Hollow Earth
Kulick – Sitting in a Quiet Coffeehouse
Blue Eyed Christ – World on Fire Remixes
Zero Theorum – The Killing II
Sydney Sherwood – Headspace
Christopher Shayne – Ten High
20 Watt Tombstone – Year of the Jackalope
Post Death Soundtrack – Pathless Land
Black TarPoon – The Thad

That’s it for this year’s top new EPs. Thanks goes out to all of the firms that sent out this great music and so much more. No offense is meant to any act left out. For instance Of Mice & Men released a trio of new EPs this year, but they ended up as the new album, Echo, so that album is up for consideration among this critic’s top new hard rock/metal albums of the year. Even more year-enders are on their way as the last days of the year start to wind down, so stay tuned!

The Aquadolls Debuts Cover Of The Waitresses’ ‘Xmas Wrapping’

Posted on November 29, 2021 by philspicks

The Aquadolls is getting into the holiday spirit with an update on a lesser-known holiday song.

The band debuted its take of ‘The Waitresses’ 1981 single, ‘Xmas Wrapping‘ Nov. 18. The Aquadolls’ update on the song was produced by NOFX’s Fat Mike and features guest appearances from fellow NOFX band member El Jefe and Fishbone’s Angela Moore.

Aquadolls vocalist Melissa Brooks was humble as she talked about working with the noted figures.

“It’s so exciting for us to collaborate with so many music icons on this and put a new twist on such an underrated and timeless classic,” she said. “We hope you start a mosh pit to this and this makes your holiday season rock harder than before!”

The Aquadolls’ update on ‘Xmas Wrapping’ gives it a fresh new take. That is evidenced in the ska influence incorporated into the song alongside the band’s own punk leanings. It also cuts the song by almost as much as two minutes from the original song’s run time, making for even more appeal in its more direct instrumentation.

In other news, The Aquadolls has a pair of live performances scheduled for the coming days. The band is scheduled to perform live 10 p.m. ET Tuesday at Budtender Session and at Punk Rock and Paint Brushes Dec. 11 in downtown Los Angeles, CA.

Audiences can stream the Budtender show through YouTube and Cannabis Capitol’s official Twitch channel. Audiences can RSVP for the upcoming sixth annual Punk Rock and Paintbrushes event here.

More information on The Aquadolls’ cover of ‘Xmas Wrapping’ is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: https://theaquadolls.bandcamp.com

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

TV Coma Releases New Album, Single, Video

Posted on November 19, 2021 by philspicks

Independent rock band TV Coma released its new album, Wuss, today.

The band debuts the album’s then latest single, ‘Celebrities,’ and its companion video last week. The song is a simple composition both musically and lyrically, and will appeal to a wide range of audiences through those elements. The song’s musical arrangement immediately lends itself to comparison to works from the likes of Weezer with its fuzzed, poppy/stoner sound and stylistic approach.

The song’s lyrical theme is centered on an overarching theme of how millenials are dealing with the world and their impact on the world. The band addressed that theme in a prepared statement, which reads, “Wuss is about the people who run the world now, the millennial adults, who are still trying to figure out how to be adults, a generation left blinking at the lights of a rapidly changing world that they helped create, but no longer understand.”

The song’s video is a relatively simple approach. It features the band performing its new single on a soundstage. The soundstage is bathed in shades of pink and blue. There are some other funny moments added in the mix, which audiences can discover for themselves. They enhance the video even more.

Wuss is available to stream and download here. The record’s track listing is noted below.

‘Wuss’ Track Listing:

1. My Millennial Life

2. Ian

3. Celebrities

4. Natural Loser

5. Boomerang

6. The Baby

7. Greebo

8. Someday Town

9. Congratulations

More information on TV Coma’s new album, single, and video is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: https://www.tvcoma.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tvcomamusic

Underoath Vocalist Debuts Lead Single From Side Project’s New Album

Posted on November 18, 2021 by philspicks

Underoath vocalist Spencer Chamberlain is presenting a message of hope through a new song from his side project.

Chamberlain premiered the new single, ‘Neck High‘ Wednesday. The song is the lead single from his side project slo/tide. The project consists of himself and alt rock band Sir Sly. The song is a stark contrast to everything that Chamberlain has crafted as a member of Underoath. Instead of the sounds of that band, this song’s musical arrangement is a lighter, almost 80s new-wave-tinged composition.

Chamberlain spoke about that dramatic difference in style and sound in a prepared statement.

“I’ve been writing music since I was a kid and 9 times out of 10 it’s not the heavy music the world knows of me,” he said. “slo/tide was an idea I started in 2015, but the songs started coming together in 2019-early 2021. “Neck High” was created after jamming with my friends in Sir Sly for over ten hours – the last song I wrote before the pandemic and the first taste for the listener to see how the other side of my brain works.

In regards to the song’s lyrical content, Chamberlain said it delivers a positive message.

In this song I’m singing to myself in a hopeful tone about how no matter how bad things seem, I’ve always found a way to swim through it,” said Chamberlain. “So here’s “Neck High” – I hope you enjoy it.”

More information on slo/tide’s new single is available along with all of the act’s latest news at https://www.instagram.com/slotideband.

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to https://www.facebook.com/phispicks 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.

Joker’s Hand Takes On Societal Standard In New Single, Video

Posted on November 13, 2021 by philspicks

Courtesy: Earshot Media

Independent rock band Joker’s Hand is taking on a major social more in its latest single and video.

The band premiered its new single, ‘Goth Girlfriend‘ Tuesday, along with the song’s companion video. The premiere comes approximately six months after the premiere of the band’s then latest single, ‘War Profiteer.’ The duo premiered that socially conscious song in May through New Noise magazine.

The musical arrangement featured in ‘Goth Girlfriend’ is a catchy, pop punk style composition. The song’s hooks and choruses will find themselves getting stuck in audiences’ minds with ease along the way.

The song’s lyrical theme takes on society’s view of what is still considered a very taboo topic, according to a statement from the band.

“Goth Girlfriend is the ultimate middle finger to what we were constantly told growing up: ‘Sex is bad,’” the statement reads. “Watch as Joker’s Hand embraces their dark side in this sex-positive tale of repressed lust and desire.”

Front man Kevin Kawano expanded on that statement with his own explanation.

“I grew up in a conservative household where I wasn’t allowed to get tattoos, and talk of sex was forbidden,” he said. “But deep down inside I always knew my heart craved darkness, so I got me a goth girlfriend.”

The song’s video seems to somewhat outline Kawano’s relationship with that goth girlfriend as he takes on the somewhat BDSM lifestyle with that young woman. This all while the band is featured performing its new single throughout the video.

More information on Joker’s Hand’s latest single is available along with all of the act’s latest news at:

Website: https://www.jokershand.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jokershandband

The Maguas Debuts New Single, Video; Announces New Live Dates

Posted on September 28, 2021 by philspicks

Independent rock band The Maguas premiered its new single and video this week.

The band premiered its new single, ‘Shapeless‘ and its video Tuesday. The song is taken from the band’s next record, on which the band is working.

The musical arrangement featured in The Maguas’ new single is a catchy, infectious composition. It is grounded in its guitars and vocals. The overall sound and stylistic approach will appeal to fans of bands, such as The Story So Far, The Wonder Years, and The Menzingers.

No information was provided about the song’s lyrical theme in the press release announcing the single’s debut. However, the lyrics provided with the song’s video infers that the theme in question centers on a broken relationship. It is unclear whether that relationship is romantic or familial, but the emotional depth in the lyrics and their accessibility will resonate with audiences.

The video for ‘Shapeless’ is a simple presentation. Directed, shot, and edited by Alex Zarek, it features the band on stage in an aged auditorium setting as it performs its new single.

In other news, The Maguas is scheduled to launch a brief tour next month beginning Oct. 14 in Boston, MA. The short run is scheduled to wind down Oct. 23 in Oneonta, NY. The tour’s schedule is noted below.

UPCOMING 2021 TOUR Dear Youth & Outatime!

10/14 – Boston, MA @ Sammy’s Patio

10/15 – Scranton, PA @ Stage West

10/16 – Washington, DC @ DC9

10/17 – Amityville, NY @ Amityville Music Hall

10/20 – Akron, OH @ Musica

10/21 – Youngstown, OH @ Westside Bowl

10/23 – Oneonta, NY @ Black Oak Tavern

More information on The Maguas’ new single, video, and tour schedule is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: https://themaguas.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/themaguas

Deviates Premieres ‘The Liar’ Video; New LP Now Available

Posted on September 17, 2021 by philspicks

Independent punk rock band Deviates premiered the video for its latest single to kick off the weekend.

The band premiered the video for its new single, ‘The Liar’ Friday. The song is the third single from the band’s new album, Holding Out, which released today. The album has also produced the singles, ‘40 Days and 40 Nights‘ and ‘Wasted.‘

The video for ‘The Liar’ mixes footage of the band performing its new single in what looks like a warehouse setting that is well-lit by a group of lights, and the story of a young man who apparently is recollecting his friendship with another young man. The imagery is meant to seemingly translate the message in the song’s lyrical theme.

Front man Brian Barbara said of the song’s lyrical theme, “The liar only tells you what you want to hear. Don’t listen to the liar.”

The musical arrangement featured in ‘The Liar’ is much like that of the album’s other singles. The vocals and instrumentation immediately lends itself to comparison to works from the likes of Offspring and Pennywise.

In other news, The Deviates is scheduled to hold a headlining show Dec. 11 and to perform on a series of dates next month with Pennywise. Tickets for all of the shows are available here.

More information on Deviates’ new single, video, and album is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: https://www.deviatesband.com

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

Another One Down! Debuts New Single, ‘Headspace’, Companion Video

Posted on September 10, 2021 by philspicks

Independent pop punk band Another One Down! debuted its latest single and companion video this week.

The band premiered its single, ‘Headspace’ and the song’s video Thursday. the song is featured in the band’s forthcoming debut album, A Bitter Descent, which is scheduled for release Nov. 5. Pre-orders are open now.

The musical arrangement featured in ‘Headspace’ is pure pop punk. That is evidenced through the vocal delivery style and overall instrumentation.

The band addressed the song’s lyrical theme in a prepared statement.

“‘Headspace’ is about trying to cope with a mentally overwhelming situation that consumes every fiber of your being,” the statement reads. “Specifically, it is a reflection of a breakup and an attempt to erase the memories and words said from the forefront of your mind. Going back and forth between somber laid-back verses and colossal choruses, the song is as emotional as it is catchy.”

More information on Another One Down!’s new single and album is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/anotheronedown_

Deviates Takes On The Negatives Of Addiction In New Single

Posted on August 31, 2021 by philspicks

Independent punk rock band Deviates is giving audiences another preview of its new album.

The band premiered the album’s new single, ‘40 Days and 40 Nights‘ Tuesday. The song is the second from the band’s forthcoming album, Holding Out, which is scheduled for release Sept. 17. A limited run of translucent blood red vinyl pressings (approximately 500 copies) is scheduled for release Nov. 15.

The premiere of ’40 Days and 40 Nights’ comes less than a month after the band premiered the album’s lead single, ‘Wasted‘ and its companion video. The musical arrangement featured in the band’s new single is everything that any punk purist will appreciate with its high-energy guitar riffs and time keeping.

Front man Brian Barbara addressed the song’s lyrical theme in a prepared statement.

“40 Days and 40 nights began to take shape twenty years ago,” he said. “The song is a true representation of Deviates. The lyrics address the ongoing struggles and losses associated with addiction and sadly, ring truer every day. Life isn’t meant to be lived alone. Despair is real. Pick up the phone.”

In other news, Deviates is scheduled to join Pennywise for a handful of live shows this fall. The bands’ dates are noted below. Tickets are available here.

Tour Dates:

10/7 – Majestic Ventura Theater – Ventura, CA (w/ Pennywise + Dead Kennedys + Slaughterhouse)

10/8 – The Majestic Ventura Theater – Ventura, CA (w/ Pennywise + Strung Out + The Line) (SOLD OUT)

10/9 – Fremont Theatre – San Luis Obispo, CA (w/ Pennywise + The Line)

11/5– SOMA – San Diego CA (w/ Pennywise + Strung Out + Urethane)