Author: Shannon Shumaker

My Silent Bravery Diamond From Coal

Review by Shannon Shumaker Every single track on My Silent Bravery’s Diamond From Coal is upbeat, cheerful and happy. It’s apparent after only listening to a few songs that this is an album written by someone who loves what they do – this is music for people who love life, and it’s impossible not to smile when you’re listening to it. The first track on Diamond From Coal, “Amazing,” is simply that; amazing. It’s a great opening track to show the listener what this cheerful album has in store for them, and by the time the catchy chorus kicks in,…

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Exotype

Review by Shannon Shumaker The awesome thing about Exotype’s self-titled full length is that it doesn’t sound like what every other band is currently releasing. While there are many acts in the metal scene that seem to be incorporating electronic music into their sound, the overall execution doesn’t leave much to be desired. That being said, it seems that Exotype have hit the nail on the head with this release when it comes to mixing both metal and electronica. Throughout the majority of the album, the electronic parts compliment their Exotype’s sound well – it’s not overdone and it actually…

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Favorite Weapon Sixty Saragossa

Review by Shannon Shumaker Favorite Weapon’s debut full-length, Sixty Saragossa is hard-hitting, lyrically charged, and most of all, solid. This is an album written by musicians who know exactly what they’re doing and what they want out of their music, making for an amazingly well-rounded record. One of the best things about Sixty Saragossa is the way it manages to get into your head. The first track, “Hollow” is an incredibly strong opener, and the chorus is bound to have you singing along. It’s catchy, but without being “hollow” if you will. The lyrics on this track are deep, introspective, and most importantly,…

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Yellowcard Lift A Sail

Review by Shannon Shumaker It’s hard not to feel moved by Yellowcard’s latest release, Lift A Sail. A lone violin starts the album off in a slow, mesmerizing way, and by the time that the first track, “Convocation,” transitions into “Transmission Home,” Lift A Sail promises to be one of Yellowcard’s greatest releases to date. While Yellowcard have definitely stepped away from the sound that their fans have gotten accustomed to over the years with a bigger, fuller and more asthmatic sound, the change couldn’t have come at a better time. Lift A Sail definitely marks an evolution for Yellowcard, as this…

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Favorite Weapon Hance Alligood Interview

Article by Shannon Shumaker In a way, Favorite Weapon has been a long time coming. By the time that the Atlanta quintet stormed the stage at their nearly sold-out Denver show in support of The Amity Affliction, they more than had the crowd’s attention, and with good reason. No stranger to the tour circuit, vocalist Hance Alligood easily commanded the stage, captivated the audience and absolutely killed it on his vocal runs only an hour after expressing that he had been sick all week. It comes as no surprise, however, because after only a few minutes of chatting with Alligood…

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Bailiff Remise II

Review by Shannon Shumaker Bailiff can do no wrong. The Chicago three-piece pick up the pace with the second installment in their Remise series, making for an awesome release. “Golden Hour”, the first song on Remise II, starts off slow, but when the drums kick in, the pace of the track picks up, and that’s when the whole song really comes together. The way that “Golden Hour” progresses is natural, gorgeous, and most importantly, pleasant to listen to, and the first track is just a snippet of the amazing songwriting on this EP. The overall songwriting on Remise II is…

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Moose Blood Ill Keep You In Mind From Time To Time

Review by Shannon Shumaker I’ll Keep You In Mind, From Time To Time is real. That’s the best way to describe Moose Blood’s debut full-length record. The lyrics on each track on this album are personal and emotional, making even the slowest, softest songs really reach out and hit hard. It’s difficult not to feel like you know and understand Moose Blood, as if you share the personal experiences in each song, and that’s exactly how an amazing album should make you feel. The opening track on I’ll Keep You In Mind, From Time To Time is mellow, melancholy, and…

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Aryk Crowder Interview

With the first half of his two part EP series, 2×4 Vol. 1 out now, we got the chance to chat with singer-songwriter Aryk Crowder about the new EP, the reason behind the series and his inspirations as an artist. You can pick up 2×4 Vol. 1 now and keep an eye out for the second installment in the series next spring! For anyone who hasn’t had the chance to listen to your music yet, can you tell us a little bit about yourself? How would you describe your sound? Hi, my name is Aryk. I like ice cream, my favorite color is…

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The Funeral Portrait For The Dearly Departed

Review by Shannon Shumaker The Funeral Portrait’s debut EP, For The Dearly Departed is theatrical, anthematic and explosive. As far as first impressions go, The Funeral Portrait definitely deliver with this EP. From the moment that the first track, “Casanova (Ces’t La Vie)” begins, they’ve got me hooked, and then when the powerful chorus pumps through my speakers, I’m blown away. In fact, “Casanova (Ces’t La Vie)” is easily the strongest track on the album, both vocally and musically. The Funeral Portrait waste absolutely no time in throwing you right into a theatrical anthem and I wouldn’t have it any…

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Rain City Rockers Mayday

Review by Shannon Shumaker The coolest thing about Rain City Rockers’ new full length Mayday, is that it is timeless, as punk music has the tendency to be. It makes sense that this band knows what they’re doing and knows just the right sound to create, though. With members coming from bands such as Sum 41, Gob, Die Mannequin and Goldfinger, it’s no surprise that Rain City Rockers are completely on top of their game, and Mayday just proves it. The first track on the album, “Mindful Madness,” is the perfect mix of punk-rock and 50’s doo wop. It’s catchy,…

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