Hello everyone welcome back to the New Music Roundup! We’re here for a roundup of five of the best recently released tracks. They’re not all within the same genre and they’re all different in some way or another but that means that there’s a little something for everyone here but come on, let’s get down to the music!
First up this week, we have the five-piece alt-indie band JSA have released the punchy title-track from their upcoming EP ‘Fools Empire’.
‘Fools Empire’ is the second track to be released from the EP, set for release 2nd December via Undead Collective Records, following on from ‘Down & Out’, which was released earlier this year.
Vocalist David Marley says of the new track, “It touches on the difficulties of finding the balance between work and play, and how if you spend long enough somewhere, you can see what is coming. There is so much angst in this track, and it was extremely cathartic to get that internal conversation out of my head, and on to record.”
Guitarist Alan Smith says of the music video: “We wanted to convey chaos through the use of trippy, loud imagery. It was exciting for us to experiment with a different style of video and take ourselves out of our comfort zones of the less conventional video formats that we have done previously.”
Now, NOLA’s Cane Hill are back with their first new heavy material in 2 years. The single, ‘Power Of The High’, which originally premiered on the Radio 1 Rock show, is both brutal and arresting.
“‘Power Of The High’ is inconsolable fury & anguish. An accumulation of the woes, trails, & tribulations of our recent years from mind-altering aficionados to unwilling servants drowning in the unforgiving tides of the music industry we’ve found ourselves passionately emboldened by the rage fostered whilst stuck between our realities.” says singer Elijah Witt. He continues “a declaration of third-eye-rebellion, ‘Power Of The High’ is a calling to everyone we know & may meet to join us in breaking the mould that’s been given to you by a higher power & realise the divine being you always have been.”
Regarding the music video, singer Elijah Witt says, “We dove back into our horror roots by joining forces with the local production company, Dreamseeker, to create a psychedelic twist on Louisiana folklore such as The Rougarou. ‘Power of the High’ kicks off Krewe De La Morte, which is Volume 1 of larger vision. Join us, live with us, die with us. Welcome to The Krewe.”
Next we have the torchbearers of progressive, instrumental rock, Intervals, whom debuted their third single “String Theory” in line with their latest record Circadian, which is out now. Marking some of the heaviest yet most memorable pieces of the album, “String Theory” finds Aaron Marshall delving deep into his influences and coming out the other side with some of his most rewarding material yet. As with all of Marshall’s work, no matter how complicated it may get, the melodies and hooks are left swirling around in the listener’s head for days afterward. “String Theory” features one of Marshall’s early influences and favorite guitarists of all time, Marco Sfogli, who contributes an impossible solo that creates a jaw-dropping moment before the band dives back into the captivating and sinuous interplay that makes the track a highlight of Circadian. “String Theory” follows the explosive “5-HTP” and delicately intricate “Lock & Key”. Co-produced by Marshall and fellow Torontonian, Sam Guaiana (Silverstein, Obey The Brave, Like Pacific).
Quote from Aaron Marshall (Intervals):
“I’ve been patiently anticipating the roll out for this tune. Not only have I been itching to compose some more 7 string material for some time now, but this tune features one of my favourite guitarists of all time. Marco is an absolute legend and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to feature him on this track. This is a major bucket list moment and I am so stoked to have put this one together. I hope everyone enjoys this last single before the album drops!”
Last week, we got a ridiculously lucky Friday The 13th. We got the return of Love And Dead. Now back from an eight-year hiatus, the band – featuring Korn’s Brian ‘Head’ Welch on vocals/guitar, newly-official member Breaking Benjamin’s Jasen Rauch on bass, JR Bareis on guitar/vocals and Isaiah Perez on the drums – are set to release new album Perfectly Preserved on February 12, 2021, with new single Down out now.
“Everybody knows my foundation,” begins Head. “I feel like what our world needs most in this very unique moment in time are real stories about overcoming struggle. These are honest songs co-written by our group of friends targeting depression/mental health, challenging relationships, trauma, loneliness, and related issues.”
“There are certain things we can do melodically in Love and Death that might not work in Korn,” continues Jasen, who also produced the band’s 2013 Between Here & Lost debut. “For me, there are certain creative risks I can take with the arrangements and production that wouldn’t fit with Breaking Benjamin. In this band, we don’t worry about how long a song might be, for example.”
And lastly now, we have a huge solo track. This is from Telle Smith, (otherwise known as Telle as a solo act) the vocalist of The Word Alive with his latest track, ‘Too Hard On Myself’.
“I think we all have had that feeling of bring to hard on ourselves. Our minds often gravitate towards self-doubt and doubting others ability to see you for who you really are, underneath the baggage we all carry.
I posted a tweet in September that said “why do sad songs make me so happy?” and I quickly realized so many of you felt the same. So I went into the studio and wrote this song last month with my boy Matt Keller. I said “I have the chorus written already and I want a sad progression that feels hopeful”. He played around on the piano until we found the perfect progression and the song came to life so quickly. It felt like magic.
I love the lyrics, I love the beat and I think this is one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written. It is a direct insight into how I have felt so many times in my life, so if it connects with you I hope you’ll share it with the world.”
And that’s it for another week of a countdown of the best new tracks out in the world in the last week. Be sure to check back next-time for another round of great music videos. If you have any suggestions for me to check out, be sure to send an email or message us via the socials on Facebook or Twitter!
Almost Anything Music 