Rough Dreams Debuts ‘Termites Hollow’ Cover From New EP, ‘From The Graves Of Better Days’

Courtesy: 95X Records

Independent emo-core band Rough Dreams debuted the second single from its forthcoming EP this week.

The band debuted its cover of Grade’s song ‘Termites Hollow‘ Thursday. The song is the second single from the band’s forthcoming covers EP From the Graves of Better Days, which is scheduled for release Feb. 5 through 59X Records. The debut of the band’s cover of ‘Termites Hollow’ follows that of the band’s cover of Thrice’s ‘The Artist in the Ambulance‘ last month.

Front man Jake Jones discussed the inclusion of ‘Termites Hollow’ to its new EP in a recent interview.

“When we were picking songs to cover for our covers EP, I knew that there needed to be at least one seemingly obscure song on the record,” he said. “I pitched “Termites Hollow” by Grade to the band because they are one of my biggest inspirations when it comes to songwriting. The guys weren’t familiar with the band, but I played them the track, and everyone agreed that it’s a killer song and needed a new life in new times.”

“It was probably one of the most fun tracks to record especially after [guitarist] Chris [Suggs] suggested throwing in the acoustic guitar in the bridge,” added Jones. “However, the vocals on this song were quite taxing and both Chris and I completely blew out our voices while tracking.”

From the Graves of Betrer Days is just one of the records that Rough Dreams has planned for release this year. The band also has plans to release a new album this year. more information on that record is available along with all of Rough Dreams’ latest news at:

Websitehttp://www.roughdreams.bandcamp.com

Facebookhttp://www.facebook.com/roughdreams

Twitterhttp://twitter.com/roughdreamsband

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://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.

Rough Dreams Debuts Thrice Cover, Companion Video; Announces Title, Release Date For New EP

Courtesy: 59X Records

Independent emo-core band Rough Dreams debuted the first song from its forthcoming covers compilation this week.

The band debuted the video for its cover of Thrice’s ‘The Artist in the Ambulance‘ Tuesday. The song is featured in the band’s forthcoming covers EP From The Graves of Better Days. The record is scheduled for release Feb. 5.

Vocalist/guitarist Jake Jones talked about the decision to include the cover in its upcoming EP and making a video for the song during a recent interview.

“We decided to make a video for The Artist in The Ambulance because the song perfectly sums up the vibe of the early 2000’s underground emo/punk/post-hardcore era,” said Jones. “That time period in music is so nostalgic and brings back such great memories for so many people.”

According to vocalist/guitarist Chris Suggs, the video, directed by Kurt Fowles 9of Sirius Cenema), was recorded in an abandoned school building.

“Filming the video in a massive, multi-level, abandoned school in the middle of nowhere in Pennsylvania could’ve been a disastrous proposal, but Kurt was on top of every detail, and it ended up being an incredible experience,” said Suggs. “He captured the lonesome, forgotten beauty of the once-majestic school in every shot, and it fit the style and theme of the song perfectly. From the time we arrived, until the time we left, we never ran out of things to explore, or potentially dangerous situations to put ourselves in, and somehow in-between all the fun we had, we managed to make a video we are extremely proud of.”

Rough Dreams’ cover stays in line with its source material, stepping up the fullness and richness in the sound as the only notable change. Thrice is just one of the bands whose work Rough Dreams covers in its new EP. It also tackles work from bands, such as Saves The Day, and Lucero.

More information on Rough Dreams new cover, video, and EP is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: http://www.roughdreams.bandcamp.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/roughdreamsband

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://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.

Dyatlove to Re-Issue Its Self-Titled Debut EP

Courtesy: Coup Sur Coup Records

Post hardcore/sludge band Dyatlove will re-issue its debut EP next month.

The band is scheduled to re-issue to self-titled recording on a limited edition cassette release Aug. 31 through Coup Sur Coup Records.  It will feature the bonus track ‘Die! Kill! Pig!’  Initially released in May, the EP will appeal to fans of bands, such as Converge, Thrice, and Deafhaven.

Guitarist Rikki Jennings-Buford discussed the forthcoming re-issue in a recent interview.

“We are all super excited to have the cassette release with Coup Sur Coup,” said Jennings-Buford. “Max has supported us from day one and it’s a great working relationship. Even more so we are pumped for everyone to get to hear the bonus track ‘DIE! KILL! PIG!’ It’s a song we are proud of and we are ready for it to be out in the world. Be ready for some more treats after the official release date!”

Coup Sur Coup Records official Max Cayer added his own thoughts about the EP’s re-issue.

“Vancouver’s Dyatlove brings the perfect balance between sludge and shoegaze. Somewhere between Cult of Luna/Khoma & Hum,” he said. “It’s a proven fact that the Pacific Northwest always was a hotbed for heavy music, lots of rainy days enable groups to lock up in rehearsal spaces and hack out heavy, intense music. Dyatlove is a testament to that. They’ve put their own twist on the genre, hints of post-hardcore, Emo, and atmospheric heaviness. I’m super proud to be involved in making this release happen, they are right at home with Coup Sur Coup…” I think it’s a testament to the quality of the music to say that after dubbing the tapes, I still want to listen to the album.”

Those who prefer platforms other than cassette can download and stream Dyatlove’s new EP here.  Dyatlove‘s track listing is noted below.

Track Listing:
1. Pass The Heavens (8:14)
2. Empty Lungs (6:53)
3. Fragile Fixation (4:51)
4. Old Haunts (8:11)
5. Die! Kill! Pig! (2:52)*
*(track 5 only on Cassette version released by Coup Sur Coup Records)
EP Length: 31:03

More information on Dyatlove’s forthcoming re-issue is available along with all of the band’s latest news and more at http://www.facebook.com/dyatlovesounds.

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://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.

 

2017 Rock On The Range Festival Lineup Announced

Courtesy: Danny Wimmer Presents/AEG Live

Courtesy: Danny Wimmer Presents/AEG Live

The lineup for the 2017 Rock on the Range Festival has been announced, and once again it has proven to be quite the collection of acts.

The three-day festival will be headlined by Metallica, Soundgarden and Korn.  It will feature more than 50 bands over the course of that time along with some of the country’s top comics at the festival’s Rock on the Range Rolling Rock Comedy Tent.

The lineup for the 2017 Rock on the Range Festival includes: Metallica, Soundgarden, Korn, The Offspring, Volbeat, Primus, Bush, Chevelle, Papa Roach, Seether, Coheed & Cambria, Alter Bridge, The Pretty Reckless, Taking Back Sunday, Thrice, Amon Amarth, Pierce The Veil, Sum 41, Skillet, Dillinger Escape Plan, In Flames, Gojira, Biffy Clyro, Motionless In White, Nothing More, Beartooth, Starset, Every Time I Die, The Story So Far, Deafheaven, Zakk Sabbath, Rival Sons, The Amity Affliction, Attila, Norma Jean, Suicide Silence, Whitechapel, I Prevail, Turnstile, Dinosaur Pile-Up, Red Fang, Dorothy, Kyng, Radkey, As Lions, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, Sylar, Fire From The Gods, Badflower, Wage War, Goodbye June, Cover Your Tracks, DED, Bleeker, Royal Republic, Mother Feather, Aeges and One Less Reason.

Rock on the Range—fueled by Monster Energy—is billed as America’s largest and most acclaimed rock festival.  The festival will also feature in 2017 “The Music Experience,” art installations, and unique on-site activities over the course of the festival’s three days.

Tickets for the 2016 festival sold out more than two months in advance of the festival.  It marked the fourth consecutive year the festival has sold out in advance.

Weekend Field, new Weekend Field VIP, Weekend Stadium and a limited number of Weekend Stadium 4-packs are available now for purchase.  A layaway option is also available for concert-goers.  That option allows audiences to split the cost of their ticket/ticket packages into four separate monthly payments.

Fans can get a pre-sale password for Weekend Field VIP, Weekend Field GA, Weekend Stadium GA and Weekend Stadium GA 4-packs on the official Rock on the Range website, Facebook page and Twitter page.  The ticket prices are listed below.

 

  • Weekend Field VIP: starting at $349.50* + fees
  • Weekend Field GA: starting at $199.50* + fees
  • Weekend Stadium GA: starting at $99.50* + fees
  • Weekend Stadium GA Ticket 4-Pack: $380.00 + fees
  • * Phase One prices listed
  • *** Ticket prices automatically move to the next price level once the allotment sells out ***

General on-sale for tickets is Friday, Dec. 2 at 10 a.m. EST.  Tickets will be available online at the festival’s website, at Ticketmaster locations and the MAPFRE Stadium box office.

Audiences who want an even more special concert experience can purchase the new Uber Ranger Camping Package.  The package includes amenities for four people such as luxury RV on a double campsite at the Ohio Expo North Campground (May 18 – 21), a dedicated concierge with golf cart shuttle, 4 Weekend VIP Field Admission Tickets, a backstage tour, access to the stadium club (with catered lunch and dinner), access to the Side Stage Viewing Platform, access to the VIP Lounge and more.  More information on the new Uber Ranger Camping Package is available here.

Rock on The Range celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2016.  More than 120,000 people attended the festival from around the world.  As part of its 10th anniversary celebration, Columbus, OH mayor Andrew J. Ginther and the Columbus, OH city council presented festival organizers with awards of recognition.  A resolution was also announced from the Franklin County Board of Commissioners acknowledging the festival’s economic impact on the city.

The commissioners pointed out in their resolution pointed out the festival brought in more than $140 million for the city over the course of its ten years in the city.

Rock on the Range is produced by Danny Wimmer Presents, AEG Live and MAPFRE Stadium.  It is supported by Monster Energy, Bud Light and Zippo.  They and other partners will feature interactive experiences, meet & greets, and other special fan engagement opportunities throughout the festival.

More information on the 2017 Rock on the Range Festival is available online now at:

 

 

 

Website: http://www.RockontheRange.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/rockontherange

 

 

 

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.

a toi meshen Gets Off To A Good Start With Its Self-Titled Debut LP

Courtesy:  Misery Pill Records

Courtesy: Misery Pill Records

Orange County, California is one of the most historic regions of the country in regards to the modern history of music. It has been home to the likes of Agent Orange, Fu Manchu, Offspring, Aquabats, Thrice, Social Distortion, and so many others. Odds are most music lovers out there have probably not heard of most of those bands save perhaps for the likes of Offspring (no, it’s not THE Offspring, just like it’s not THE Deftones) and Social Distortion at least in terms of that short list. Orange County, California has been home to some of the biggest acts both in the mainstream and the underground. That’s the point of that statement. There are more acts than can be noted in one sitting, plain and simple. One of the region’s bands looking to add its name to that already expansive list goes by the name of, a toi meshen. Yes, that is really the band’s name. It is pronounced A Toy Machine. The band released its self-titled debut album this past October (October 1st to be exact). The ten-track, thirty-seven minute record is an interesting first effort from the band. That is thanks in large part to its sound. The easiest way to define the band’s sound is in its similarity to that of Linkin Park, Breaking Benjamin, and certain other more well-known acts. That is thanks to its balance of rap and rock elements throughout the course of the record. Interestingly enough even with such comparison, the band actually holds its own against the likes of LP and other rap rock acts. One of the best examples of that ability lies in the album’s opener ‘Waste of Time.’ That song will be discussed shortly. ‘Phony People’ is another key example of the band’s famliar sound and its abiilty to use said sound to hold its own against its more well-known counterparts. ‘Tear Down,’ the album’s penultimate is one more example of the band’s sound and its ability to use that sound to hold its own against its more well-known counterparts. All three songs noted here each show in their own way what audiences can expect from the band’s self-titled debut. Together with the other seven songs not noted here, the album in whole proves to be one that is a promising start for the band.

a toi meshen’s self-titled debut album is a good start for the band. Listening through the course of its ten total tracks, it is easy to make a comparison between this five-piece Orange County, CA-based band and the likes of Breaking Benjamin, Linkin Park and to a lesser degree Shinedown among other more well-known counterparts. Even with such comparisons easily made, it can be said of the band and its debut album that both do a good job of proving independent acts (both those signed to indie labels and those that are unsigned) can and in many cases do hold their own against their more well-known counterparts. That is proven right off the top in the album’s opener ‘Waste of Time.’ This rap-rock composition takes the influence of the noted acts to form a song that radio programmers would be just as comfortable adding to their stations’ play lists as any of the songs from said acts. Audiences can hear that mix of sounds for themselves via the band’s bandcamp page at http://atoimeshen.bandcamp.com/releases. In terms of the song’s lyrical content, vocalists Tony Lanza and Daynon Lato don’t come out and say whether the song is referring to a broken romantic relationship or friendship at any point in the song. That is exemplified as Lanza raps over Lato’s own vocals in the song’s lead verse, “At a time/To define/Who we are/Where we at/How it is/It ain’t a prophecy/We relaying/A part of a tragedy/You cannot/Justify/What you do/Cuz I’m not gonna wait/You can never create/You in a blind state/Destroy your fate/Take me back/To the day/When I was never locked in a cage/Easy to rock the spot/Drop/My world is hot/Moving on/Understand where we stand/How we dropping the plan/Looking back at our time/I realize it was never mine.” And that is just the start. In the song’s second verse, the duo’s call and response paints even more of a vivid picture as they sing/rap against one another, “Rising up/From the fall/As I call/Just to weaken you all/Is it making me stronger/I feel the anger within/Begin my ultimate sin/Rah/Said to me/Now the hold that you had is now gone/It’s a twist of reality/Don’t get it twisted/Avoid the fact you missed it/I’m the one/That is breaking you down/Now I see all the madness around/And I’m not gonna take it/So check it out/I’m at the very point/To kill the joint.” Yet again there is some ambiguity in the song’s lyrical content. That ambiguity is maintained in the song’s third and final verse. considering the fact that the band left the song’s interpretation at least somewhat in the air is actually a good thing. The song is clear enough lyrically that listeners know that it comes from a very personal place. Now whether or not the song comes from a romantic or general personal standpoint is another story. And in all honesty regardless of which angle is the correct one, it could be used for both in examining these lyrics. That dual use of the song’s lyrics coupled with the song’s overall musical content makes it a solid example of what makes this record a good first effort from e toi meshen. It’s just one example, too.   ‘Phony People’ is another example of what makes this album a good first effort from the band.

‘Waste of Time’ is a clear example through its musical and lyrical content as to why a toi meshen’s debut album is a good start for the band. The personal, self-assured statement made through the song’s lyrical content set against its solid musical content makes it a song that could easily be the song to break the band on any mainstream rock radio station. It is just one example of what makes this album a good first effort from the band. ‘Phony People’ is another example of what makes this record a good first effort from a toi meshen. Just as with ‘Waste of Time,’ this song’s musical content clearly shows the influence of its more well-known counterparts. It can also be heard via the band’s bandcamp page. In regards to the song’s lyrical content, the song is a sharp indictment of all of the fake people in the world. This could apply to people in our everyday lives, the fake people who line the halls of the entertainment world, and anywhere else. Lanza and Lato make that clear as they rap/sing against one another, “Look at all the phony people out there/They’re the reason that I don’t even care/And now I’m forced to make you tell the truth/And make you realize that you’re full of/Lies.” The pair goes on in the song’s second verse, saying, “And I don’t believe/That you can prove/All the stories that you devise/Cause now I know/That what I see/Is far from perfect.” It’s not the first time that any band has crafted such an indictment of the fake people who fill the world. That is a given. But it is still a solid statement in its presentation here. That being the case, it becomes yet another example of what makes e toi machine’s self-titled debut record a good first effort. And together with ‘Waste of Time,’ both songs together paint an even richer picture of what makes this record a good first outing for the band.

‘Waste of Time’ and ‘Phony People’ are both clear examples of what makes a toi meshen’s self-titled debut a good first effort from the band. While both songs are good examples of what the album has to offer they are also not the only examples. ‘Tear Down’ is one more example of just what a toi meshen has to offer in its debut record. Much as with ‘Waste of Time’ this song is another radio-ready composition. That is exhibited through its up-tempo musical content. The balance of the song’s guitar and keyboard line throughout the course of the driving tempo will keep listeners fully engaged. The song’s lyrical content will keep listeners just as engaged as Lanza takes the lead, rapping “On the inside where it all began/Pressing on my mind for the right plan/And it feels out of time/And it feels like an SOS/From the outside as I’m looking in/Trying to make new in my old skin/And I don’t understand/Why you treat me the way you do/Yeah I don’t like it/I think twice/I won’t pay the ultimate price/Now I’m walking backwards/Falling from the weight of you/So here I am again/And I’m standing.” Lanza comes across as addressing a figure that aims to…well…tear down others emotionally and psychologically. That is made clear in the song’s chorus in which Lanza and Layto write, “Is this what you’re looking for/Tear down/You tear me down/And I’m about to break/I think I’m breaking/Tear down/You wear me own/I just can’t sit and take it/I’m just about to break/On the front side/Seeing crystal clear/Never too far from a lost tear.” No matter how much said figure tries to tear down the song’s speaker, that speaker never lets that happen, thus the line, “So here I am again/And I’m standing.” it comes across as a solid message of inner strength and self-confidence for listeners. That is just this critic’s own take on the song of course. It could very well be wholly wrong. If however it is somewhere in the proverbial ballpark then it shows even more why a toi meshen’s self-titled debut is a good first effort from the band. Of course it is not the only other song that could be cited as an example of what makes this record worth at least one listen. Any of the other seven songs that make up the rest of the album’s body could be cited just as easily. That being the case, all ten tracks featured in this record come together to show why this new record is a good effort in whole.

a toi meshen’s self-titled debut record is a good first effort from the band. This is exhibited from start to finish in the album’s ten-track, thirty-seven-minute run time. Musically speaking, the album presents a band that holds its own against the likes of Linkin Park, Breaking Benjamin, Shinedown and other more well-known counterparts to the band. Lyrically, its personal stories and social commentary make it even more worth hearing. The combination of its musical and lyrical content together makes a toi meshen a solid start for the band. a toi meshen is available now and can be ordered direct via the band’s website at http://www.atoimeshen.com and the band’s official bandcamp page at http://atoimeshen.bandcamp.com. More information on a toi meshen is available online along with the band’s latest news at:

Website: http://www.atoimeshen.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/AToiMeshen

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.

Taste of Chaos Festival Returns This Fall

Courtesy:  Earshot Media

Courtesy: Earshot Media

The Taste of Chaos Festival is back!

After a long five-year wait, the Taste of Chaos Festival will return this year. The day-long festival will be held Saturday, October 3rd at the San Manuel Amphitheater Festival Grounds in San Bernadino, California. This year’s festival will be a very special one for anyone that was a fan of the alternative/indie scene in the 90s and early 2000s because it pays tribute to that scene with a lineup of bands that once made up that scene. They are the same bands that have since gone on to become some of the biggest names in the industry. Those bands include: Jimmy Eat World, The Used, Dashboard Confessional, Thrice, The All-American Rejects, Saves The Day, Glassjaw, The Movielife, Story of the Year, and Finch. Mark Hoppus will perform his own special DJ set at this year’s festival. Greek Fire and Adair will also be on hand for this year’s festival.

The bands tapped for this year’s festival make up just part of its enjoyment. There will also be carnival rides, games, food trucks, and a craft beer and concession area. Those that might be coming from a long distance to see this year’s festival will be glad to know that organizers have also established an on-sight overnight camping area. That means fans can get there the day before and rest up overnight for the big day. All tickets for this year’s festival are general admission. They will go on sale beginning this coming Monday, June 22nd at TasteofChaos.com. Early bird tickets start at $  will go up in price from there. Regular on-sale ticket price is $42.50 per ticket. Ticket prices do not include service fee or parking. A very small number of VIP packages will be available with the cheapest going for $199.00. It includes fast lane entrance into the festival, VIP laminate with lanyard, VIP Lounge access along with complimentary beer and snacks while supplies last, full cash bar, and VIP restroom trailers. The second VIP package, runs for $299.00. It includes everything included in the $199.00 VIP package plus a commemorative The Used /Taste of Chaos laminate with lanyard a meet-and-greet/one-on-one photo shoot with the members of The Used, collector’s edition Taste of Chaos screen-printed poster for autographs, and a merch-pack from The Used that includes a t-shirt from the band.

The Taste of Chaos Festival is sponsored by Rockstar Energy Drink, Coldcock Whiskey, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and FYE.

More information on the Taste of Chaos Festival and all of the latest festival news is available online now at:

Website: http://www.tasteofchaos.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Taste-Of-Chaos-Festival

Twitter: http://twitter.com/TOCfest

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.