Into July and slowly, very slowly seeing a small light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel. Which I reckon means time for our eighth singles round-up of 2020. This one features five cracking tunes, I love them!
These five tracks feature another incredible and eclectic mix of bands and singers from the Netherlands, California, Besançon (France), Russia and New York City. All of these acts are new to With Just A Hint Of Mayhem and I reckon they will all feature again sometime in the future. Get into them now!
“Text Your Ex” – Richard Spitzer
“Text Your Ex” is a lightly funky pop rock tune which quickly takes up residence in your head and refuses to believe. At times it feels like a more acoustic Weezer with some input from Jonathan Richman and is that a syn drum in there? The song is accompanied by a very amusing video, keep an eye on all the text messages, especially those from the little girl. It is also worth noting that in response to the COVID-19 health and economic crisis, all bandcamp proceeds from this song will be donated to the Bronx Conservatory Of Music. Download sales will go directly to subsidize lessons for students whose parents lost work or tragically lost their lives. Click here to download and contribute.
“Better Than Wine” – Stemin
This is a sublime slab of funky and jazzy modern R & B from Netherlands based Stemin. It follows hot on the heels of his earlier single, the fabulous “Closer” It is taken from his new album ‘Tell Your Heart’ which is scheduled for release in September. I can here influences from Anderson Paak and on the instrumentation, perhaps 70s Stevie Wonder. Stemin speaks five languages, in fact it is probably six as he has a great understanding of the universal language of music.
“Planet Chaos” – Carcariass
Carcariass are a metal band from France with elements of death metal right through to heavy metal and, I sense a small dose of prog in their sound too. “Planet Chaos” is the title track to their new album and this eight minute instrumental beast rocks like a violently angry Great White Shark. It should sound like that too, given that the band’s name Carcharodon Carcharias, the Greek name of the great white shark. This will be a total headbanger in a live environment. If they carry on like this they’re gonna need a bigger boat venue!
“Songs” – Pinkshinyultrablast
This band are a Russian shoegaze band and this epic fifteen minute song is stunningly good. I was left not so much gazing at my shoes but watching my feet make them dance for most of the track. Even at this length the tune does not outstay its welcome. Vocalist Lyubov Soloveva moved to LA some months ago so the band became adept at working remotely before the COVID-19 lockdown hit. They might fit into the same box, or at least the same shelf, as bands like Ringo Deathstarr and Mogwai. I will definitely be listening to more from Pinkshinyultrablast, you should too!
“That Girl Is Trouble” – John O’Brien
O’Brien’s new single is a very catchy, upbeat piece of modern country rock. It has a real 70s vibe and is reminiscent of Smokie in their prime. “That Girl Is Trouble” has encouraged me to check out his latest album ‘The Love You Need’ and it is pretty good.
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