Today’s Past, Present, Future comes to you all the way from Wiesbaden, Germany.The Sharpest Sword is a “futuristic 80s electropop” duo, who just released their debut album late last year. While the music is very much electronic in nature, Stephanie Puchala’s relaxed vocals are what really give The Sharpest Sword their personality. Her vocal style is cold and unemotional, complementing the sparse, dystopian beats. The combination creates some fantastic, yet haunting, electro music.
The Sharpest Sword hosts monthly remix contests. They make the stems of their songs available to DJs and producers, so if that’s your thing, go for it!
Check out our short interview with the duo, and be on the lookout for a link to some free downloads!
I am a fan of honesty. So when I saw the band name “Spaceships Are Cool”, I said “yes, that is a true statement, spaceships are cool”. Although the awesome band name would have been enough to get me to do an interview, it just so happens that Spaceships Are Cool have some great music. It’s Nintendeo meets 70’s UK pop. While there are blips and bleeps to be had, the real heart of the music comes from the soft, harmonic vocals and acoustic guitar. It’s an introspective vocal pop group in a NASA wrapper, and I love it.
Not only is the music fun and interesting, it also sounds like they have a blast at their live shows. From the interview below: Their shows feature “bright orange spacesuits, cartoon animation, astronaut marionettes and free flying saucer candy.” Sign me up!
Download the track below, read the interview and click the Spaceships Are Cool banner below to hear some more music.
Last week, we brought you some great new rock from Captain Incredible and Falling Still. To start of this week, we’re going to take a turn into the Great White North and feature some fantastic new pop.
I’m always amazed how new artists mix and match elements from different genres, yet retain a unique, identifiable sound. Musical genres have become like paints on a palette: a little of this, a little of that and boom, you’ve got happy trees…or, you know, music. So, bear witness the “atmospheric pop” styling of Broad Way Sleep. This Canadian foursome crafts their sound by mixing (among others) rap, pop, experimental rock, and soul. Listen to the new single “Too Late” below; the heavy distorted intro leads into vocal pop with boom/clap beats. Contrast that to “Something to Touch”, which features rap over a reggae beat.
Broad Way Sleep’s, debut self-titled will come out early next month. Check out their website for details. Also, rumor has it that TwoGroove will be getting a few copies to give away. Last time we did a giveaway most of the CDs were gone in less than an hour, so stay tuned for the time and date of the next.
Members/Instruments: BROAD WAY SLEEP is a fresh songwriting collective, formed and led by Ralph Joseph and
based in Toronto, Canada. Members include:
• Ralph Joseph: keys, synth bass, drums/percussion
• Robert Bolton (Arowbe): vocals
• Sarah Shafey: vocals, additional guitars and keys
• Alexander The: vocals, guitars, bass
+ special guests
Every once in a while, I need a band to just rock out. Not thrashing mindless rock, just something to remind me that not every band out there is catering to the hipster set. Falling Still, a rock trio out of Studio City by way of Akron, fits that need perfectly. Although they evoke memories of the grunge era, Falling Still sets themselves apart from the time of flannel. From straightforward rock to sparse ballads to blues-grunge, they provide plenty of variety. Full disclosure, I’m been listening to “Yeppadoo (The Wave)” on repeat for about 10 minutes. It’s exactly what I needed.
Join me in listening to “Yeppadoo (The Wave)”. Just hit play in the nifty SoundCloud player below. Read our interview with Falling Still below the break, and be sure to check out the debut album May All Magic Guide and Change You. Fun fact: The album was produced by Michael Parnin, who has produced Rage Against the Machine, Marilyn Manson, and Substance D.
Members/Instruments:
Eric Podnar (Vocals/Guitar)
Brett Hamilton (Vocals/Bass)
Jeremy Cull (Drums)
Indie Funk. Now there is a genre I can get into. Indie pop, tasteful funk guitar licks, and a sprinkle of Red Hot Chili Peppers combine to create Germany’s propylaion. Although their influences show through, propylaion keeps each song fresh and different. From wah guitar to “melancholic pop”, the Hamburg foursome display a lot of range and keep things interesting.
The guys just released their debut album 2k8, and are looking to release a new record soon as well as playing shows in and around Germany. If you, like me, can’t get out to Europe anytime soon, then find some of their music (hint: read the interview for links. duh) and thank me later!
Members/Instruments:
nils wommelsdorf – voice, gimmicks, noises
michael holland – guitar, backing vocals, various instruments
patrice serfort – drums, percussions
georg sheljasov – bass, backing vocals, various instruments
Designed by Inspired Roots