Defeater

So last night at band practice the boys are showing me some fresh material. As usually we're there pretty late working out a part and last night there's one piece in the music I'm having trouble playing. As we rehearse I'm hear the phrase the "Defeater part" getting tossed around to describe the section. Since I'm now actively pursuing new music, I figured I'd better check them out; if not for my own pleasure, at least for the sake of the band.

So I hope on Youtube and begin my search, looking for the song with the most plays. I stumble upon Cowardice, then quickly look up the lyrics after accidentally playing the song. I wasn't ready for it. HOLY SHIt THIS IS DEPRESSING! It has to be the saddest song ever written, next to Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton. That is one seriously sad song, but this one's worse. Immediately after hearing it your mood changes for the worse, but the song is really good. Go buy the album Travels then cry. You'll thank me later.

Gallows

I would often hear Gallows when getting picked up for band practice or on the way somewhere with my buddies. The album Grey Britain would be playing through someone's Ipod, and there is one song in particular I will always associate with cars or going places. After sitting down and actually listening to the song I realized why.

I Dread the Night is one of those songs you'd listen to before a nasty scrap. If I were a prize fighter, or real f-ing badass, I'd listen to this song every time before my brawls. Since I am neither I'll have to play it while going to the food store, or on the way to work, or at any dull point during the day.

The song is so loud and raw and angry sounding I clench my fists. Frank Carter sounds really pissed during the entire song, which is probably why now I'm so angry. The music never really mellows out. The entire time you think you're in a fight or are about to get punched. A high-octane listening experience.

Have Heart

So I ask my buddy (and bassist) Joe where to start. He tells me about the band Have Heart and the album Songs to Scream at the Sun. His exact words in the text message were "Sick album bro, u should check it out."

So I hop on YouTube, look up some lyrics (read along) and begin my education. I choose the song Bostons on a whim, and it's a great way to begin the blog .

The song has got a lot of energy in its melodies. The drums are fast and chaotic (which I'm already familiar with) and the guitars are aggressive and sharp, but not overpowering (just how I take my coffee). What undoubtedly makes the song powerful, and in my opinion different from other genres, are the vocals and lyrics. Patrick Flynn's singing style sounds so raw and angry and lends so much emotion to the other melodies that you can't help but get excited. The words are clearly a refection of personal experiences (which makes the song that much more intense) and though the content is difficult, the message is ultimately very positive. Compulsively, I found the rest of the album to be the same way.

I've been listening a lot of different types of music recently, but hearing Have Heart reminds me of a movie for some reason. The plot is not clear, but when the song starts its at the part in the movie where the good guy is winning. Its also all happening in slow-motion. It's the clearest thing that comes to mind.