Custom Made Music Radio Episode 8

Check out Episode 8 of Custom Made Music Radio featuring tracks from A Deer A Horse, Telespace, Dares, Orations, The Red Shift, Rolling Blackouts, Citrus Clouds, Tall Tall Trees, Meatbodies, Joan Of Arc, The Birth Defects, The Blow Up, The Undertones, Death Valley Rally and Chuck Berry.

Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Dxncer "Whitechapel" E.P. (dxncer.bandcamp.com)

Lead by London based musician/producer Nicolas Lewis lo-fi indie experimental outfit Dxncer may have one of the most unique sounds I've heard in ages. The projects first release titled "Whitechapel" is cagey, and haunting and has a knack for crafting truly remarkable and original sounding tones that harness a primal and dark presence throughout the E.P.'s 5 tracks. Beginning with the mesmerizing flair of "At Sea", Lewis balances a vocal stance that moves from a bold and dusky style in the vein of Leonard Cohen to a higher more falsetto approach. This is quickly followed by the rolling cadence of "The Dirt & The Riverbed" which carries a captivating, cinematic element while the elegance and grace of "Song Without Words" is absolutely epic. The intrigue and darkness continues on "There Goes Our Breath" as it's swinging rhythm and ominous mood are absolutely ace while "5AM Lullaby" sends everything off with a sonic soundscape highlighted by a euphoric Ukulele performance. Overall "Whitechapel" is an incredible release that is original, cryptic and compelling all at once. Highly recommended

GallantHorn "Mostly Stories" E.P. (gallanthorn.bandcamp.com)

Gallant, Alabama's GallantHorn deliver an incredibly beautiful collection of songs on their latest 5 track E.P. "Dream" starts things off as an intro of sorts. It's ethereal tones blend right into the the soothing presence of "Somehow I Manage to Always Disappear" which eventually builds into a galloping blast of sonic rock n roll mayhem. The chiming lull of "Bellweather" serves as one of the most melodic pieces on the record as it's distorted guitars and powerful percussion offer a frantic yet strong presence that meshes well with the angular and more experimental slants of "Hold The Door" and "The Quarry". Overall "Mostly Stories" draws you into another world that's colorful, calming and surreal. There's an underlying energy that's heartwarming, intricate and alluring. Can't wait to hear what's next for this promising new unit.

Grayne "No" LP (grayne.bandcamp.com)

It was great discovering this guitar based gem out of Nottingham, UK. The tracks range from highly intricate, modulated tones and epic experimental soundscapes to more straight forward riff oriented rock n roll. This eclectic mix is well represented in opening number "Flipper" as it drifts from beautifully executed textures to full on space rock and back again. There's even a blast of frantic drum rolls that for just a split second take you to a world of muscualr classic rock before returning to a more ethereal approach. "Ambient Sack" has a bit of a jazz feel to it that works well alongside it's shuffling beat and deep chorus based tones while "Dogbeans" allows you to indulge in it's warm rich presence that is quite cinematic in spirit. "Bath" is super intricate and technical and makes good use of some interesting samples and intriguing arrangements and "British-Golf" is a damn good name for a song and adds. an undeniably peaceful appeal to everything. A captivating and inspiring album that you can tell was a blast to make. I love the way Grayne includes so many tones and influences to make a sound that is angular, inviting and thought provoking. A remarkable achievement indeed.

Martian Cult "Cheater's Wave" E.P. (martiancult.bandcamp.com)

Channeling the "new romantics" era of rock n roll, Salt Lake City's Martian Cult impress on their debut E.P. "Cheaters Wave". Things kick off with the title track which falls someplace between Orchestral Maneuvers In The Dark and INXS. It's got that jangling guitar feel and infectious beat that work so well together. The driving force of "Till The Grass Is Gone"ramps up the energy level even more as the darker stance of "Danger" focuses on synths and a cunning vocal approach. "Control" is a hook filled blast that shows off the band in fine form. It's a passionate and at times chaotic song that never steers away from it's melody. A well crafted release that's upbeat, straight forward and fun.

The Red Shift S/T LP (redshiftcin.bandcamp.com)

So at last I've been graced with the debut album from Cincinnati, Ohio's The Red Shift. This high energy power pop/punk rock unit has quickly become one of my favorite bands over the last year or so. The album is full of energy and exciting hooks and brings to mind classic 90's pop punk like J Church, and Jawbreaker mixed with a solid dose of 50's icon Buddy Holly for good measure. The production and songwriting is top notch and the band keep the hooks coming and the levels on ten from beginning to end. Opening barn burner "Belly Ache" is full of screaming melodic guitars and lead vocalist Aaron Sutton's nerd like vocal stance. "Rebel Leaf" offers a slower side to things and shows a nice bit of diversity to their sound while "Stubborn" is one of the most infectious songs of the batch backed by Chris Coffing's lead guitar work and the relentless rhythm section of bassist Evan Baker and drummer Daltin Loomi. Another highlight of the album is the anthem like track "No One Else". It's got all the makings of a pop punk classic as Sutton's unforgettable lyrics "where the friendships will sway but we'll sing all day and we will have to pray all the storms stay away this is way too good to be" make a statement we can all easily relate to. The album covers tales of heartbreak, sorrow, hope and love and really gives you a feeling of being alive. Don't miss out on this absolutely stellar release.

Yu Coream "Digital Avalanche" E.P. (yucorean.bandcamp.com)

Atlanta musician Corey Gronner.returns with the latest installment of Yu Corea songs and man are you in for a treat. The level of musicianship is off the charts. Gronner is a total musical manic and the playing rivals that of classic heavyweights like Mahavishnu Orchestra and Mike Oldfeild.Opening track "The Disent' is an absolute whirlwind of sound. Imagine a collection of franticly pulsating tones that seem to filter together all at once to make a gigantic epic collage of euphoric sound. "Drawing" has more of a traveling feel to it and also features some of the most impressive piano playing on the planet while "Poppy Seeds" is more soothing and laid back. The mood shifts to a more quirky direction on "Knives Only" as flashes of video game like tones sway throughout the songs eclectic mix. It's got a magical flavor to it that I really enjoy. The colorful almost psychedelic feel of "Goodbye" makes for a lovely send off to this immensely enjoyable E.P. I really can't say enough good things about it. I'm simply blown away. Top notch from beginning to end.

Custom Made Music Radio Episode 7

Check out Episode 7 of Custom Made Music Radio as we discuss the new Stooges, Drivin' N' Cryin' and Morphine documentaries plus play tracks from Ballad of Geraldine, Potential Red, Booji Boys, The Red Shift, Circus Devils, Holy Water, WANWEIRD, The Free Radical, The Retinas, Sebadoh, Surfer Blood and ELORA.

Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Ethan Gruska "Reoccurring Dream" Single (www.ethangruska.com)

Acclaimed singer/songwriter Ethan Gruska is set to release his debut album "Slowmotionary" on March 3rd via Sire Records. The passion and honesty expressed on lead single "Reoccurring Dream" is as real as it gets. Gruska's bare bones acoustic guitar and clever hooks move beautifully next to the dark, haunting like vibe that looms underneath it all. It's the kind of song that leaves everything on the line right out of the gate and never looks back. “What I hope is that people can sense the vulnerability in the writing," Gruska says while reflecting on the album. “I didn’t want perfect. I wanted true. I wanted honest. I didn’t want to hide behind anything. That’s why it’s produced and arranged the way it is. It’s very barren at certain moments. These songs slow down time for me, which is why I called it Slowmotionary. I needed to put myself out there musically and lyrically.” What I enjoy most about "Reocurring Dream" is that it creates a realm and presence that is all it's own but one that anyone who has experienced love and heartbreak can easily relate to. It's like a love letter sent from the battleground of life and is a song sure to cement Gruska as one of the top new artists of 2017.

Guided By Voices "Hiking Skin" (Advance Track) (GBV Inc)

Guided By Voices are set to release a brand new album called "August By Cake" this coming Spring. The 32 track release will be the bands first double LP and it will also mark the 100th album from the bands founder/guru Robert Pollard. "Hiking Skin" is the albums fist single and it's as classic GBV as you can get all the way from the big bodied guitars and signature swing to Pollards trademark vocal delivery and the tracks no punches pulled 2 minutes or less time frame. Essential listening as always.

Meatbodies "Creature Feature" Single (intheredrecords.com)

"Creature Feature" the latest single from Meatbodies brand new album "Alice" is a whirlwind of rock n roll chaos and deep psychedelia that brings to mind T Rex, Donovan and early Mercury Rev. It's got an intensely odd slant to it all that's backed by a swaggering groove that reeks with undeniable appeal. It also includes some of the best guitar manipulation and fuzz driven leads you will hear anywhere that are equally matched by the deranged vocal cadence that sends the track into psychedelic overdrive. "Alice" is available today courtesy of garage rock heavyweights In The Red Records.

Potential Red S/T E.P. (potentialred.bandcamp.com)

Canadian post punk/new wave outfit Potenial Red strike big on this brand new 4 song E.P. Lead off track "Broken" is an energetic piece full of swirling soundscapes and chiming guitars that fans of The Smiths and The Cure are sure to enjoy as it gets things started in grand fashion. The gliding mood of "Day Dreaming" features a colorful blast of intricate instrumentation that sits well with it's lush angular stance while "Passive Wav." carries a striking presence that radiates with strength and beauty. All of the songs stick with a simple to the point time frame as the band keep things intriguing with each song, allowing just the right amount of room for experimentation. It's a style that chooses mystery and mood over flamboyance and flash. Overall a brilliant collection of songs from one of my favorite new bands.

The Red Shift "No One Else" Single (redshiftcin.bandcamp.com)

There's a lot to love about The Red Shift from West Chester Ohio. Their blistering power pop/punk rock sound has been blasting through my speakers here at CMM headquarters for the last couple years and "No One Else', the first single from the bands upcoming debut album harnesses all the energy and spirit that I'm such a big fan of. It's driving guitars and relentless rhythm section are as crushing as ever and there is no shortage of melodic hooks throughout this blistering number either as the track references classic bands like Jawbreaker and Smoking Popes with a heavy dose of Buddy Holly for good measure. Play this loud, play this often and stay tuned for news on the upcoming album.

Trip Hill "Saucers" E.P. (triphill.bandcamp.com)

Italian psychedelic rock unit Trip Hill take you on a cosmic journey on their latest E.P. "Saucers". Things kick off with the lush, free spirited feel of "Try To Elevate Your Mind" which creates a cinematic world full of spaced outguitars and primal garage rock intensity. The more experimental dimension of "Redeemer" flows steadily alongside the deep introspective stance of "Saucers" while the organic sounds of "Electro-Domestico" makes for another flavorful offering. Everything seems to build to the epic masterpiece known as "Rollercoaster". It's mechanical rhythm and futuristic stance really shows just how incredible Trip Hill are and why they are one of the most impressive and prolific projects to come out of Italy in recent years.A must for fans of mind bending, innovative psychedelic rock n roll.

Custom Made Music Radio Episode 4

Check out Episode 4 of Custom Made Music Radio featuring tracks from Poomse, Holy Rollers, Girls Against Boys, SEVEN TIN STARS, Whale Hum, False Sacrament, J Church, Samiam, The Gr'ups, Electric Sheep, AUX PORTES, Creepoid, The Red Shift, Cushing, Egg Hunt, Clifffs, The Retinas, and Masonna.

Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Daytime Cleaners S/T E.P. (daytimecleaners.bandcamp.com)

Excellent debut from this Bethlehem P.A. based jangle pop unit. Simple song structures accompanied by catchy vocal melodies give these songs a heavy does of lovable charm. The guitars in stand out numbers like "Sleep Debt" and "Limerence" remind me of old favorites like Ultra Cindy and Velocity Girl while "Traces" is more reflective of late 70's indie rockers The Clean. The engineering work of Matt Molchany (Shards Studios) adds an extra layer of icing to the cake as the production reflects the bands personality in fine form. A stellar effort from beginning to end.

Fugleflugten "Ensom Galakse" Single (soundcloud.com/fugleflugten)

Denmark's Fugleflugten have just released this truly beautiful single. "Ensom Galakse" brings layers of ethereal guitars and futuristic keyboards to create a swirling mix of post punk energy reminiscent of The Cure, Echo & The Bunnymen and Sigur Ros. The underlying melodies and pop hooks that flow throughout this piece are simply breathtaking while it's crawling rhythm and haunting vocals play at your soul. A welcoming blast of sonic bliss.

The Red Shift "Belly Ache" Single (redshiftcin.bandcamp.com)

I've been happily blasting these guys debut E.P. for months and this new single "Belly Ache" is even more amazing. You can call it pop punk, you can call it indie rock but really what you get here is a stripped down rock n roll number that's as aching to Buddy Holly as it is essential punk bands of the 90's like Jawbreaker and J Church. It's charming, it's powerful and word on the streets is these guys have a full length coming this Fall. Get into it.

This Blinding Light "Mercury" Single (thisblindinglight.bandcamp.com)

Drenched in reverb and fuzz This Blinding Light take you on a rich hypnotic trip on "Mercury" the first single from their new album "Seven Feathers". The enticing vocal delivery that opens the track draws you in building up to an infectious rhythm fueled by pulsating guitars and powerfully organic drumming. It's a psychedelic mind bender that fans of bands like Spaceman 3, Ride and Loop are sure to enjoy. A fabulous effort from these Seattle based shoegazers.

Today Junior "Leaving Easy" Single (todayjunior.bandcamp.com)

Another top notch single here from Today Junior. "Leaving Easy" is catchy as hell, uplifting and certain to elevate your day in the most positive way. Backed by galloping drums and a captivating guitar sound that channels the best of Mascis and Santiago while adding it's own brand of indie rock snarl to the mix. Stay tuned for a new album in the months to come.

We Are Scientists "Buckle" Single (wearescientists.com)

My favorite track from the bands new album "Helter Seltzer". I'm especially fond of the way the vocal cadence moves alongside the undeniable hook that is sure to have you singing along by the second chorus. The blistering guitar solo adds a nice touch and it looks like these guys had a fun time making the video too. "We've always made overtures toward being a pop band, but we've generally had the inclination to obscure those pop leanings in grit and chaos — to screw them up with fuzzed-out tones and raucous performances," says guitarist and vocalist Keith Murray. Another great one from one of America's best bands.

6 Records CMM Wants You To Know

Animal Holograms "Phantasmagoric Menagerie" E.P. (animalholograms.bandcamp.com)

Jason Williams, the mastermind behind Chicago based project Animal Holograms makes big waves with his debut E.P. "Phantasmagoric Menagerie". Leading off with the high energy number "Black Cats" Williams pushes the envelope between art rock and indie pop with a healthy dose of noise driven guitar chaos. The captivating feel of "Psychoasis" carry things on an atmospheric whirlwind that channels the spirits of Mercury Rev and The Flaming Lips while the synth drenched sounds of "Ferdinand Hodler" give way to an upbeat yet overall darker tone. It's a brilliant balance of both moody and uplifting territory. This mood continues with the dirge like grind of "Hello Mr. Dark" which at some point moves into a delightful realm of shoegaze bliss. Things wind down as the lulling presence of "The World Is Math" cap everything off with a collection of highly experimental textures that reverberate inside your mind . A beautiful collection of psychedelic dream pop wizardry.

Comasummer "Out of the Sun" E.P. (comasummer.bandcamp.com)

Channeling the spirits of The Doors, The Moby Grape and The Animals, Bulgaria's Comasummer deliver an impressive E.P. of psych filled songs that sound undeniably cool. From the crushing groove of "Out Of The Sun" to the hypnotic demeanor of "My Vantage Point" the band sweep you into an intoxicating sea of mystical sounds.The garage rock shuffle of "Rental Kisses" is an upbeat blast of hypnotic energy capped off by a driving beat and rolling organ. The slow swagger of "Hurricane Love" features a laid back bass line alongside layers of shimmering guitars that sound like they came straight out of a Peter Fonda film, while "Man In The Sand" is a hard hitting selection that harnesses the presence of early hard rock and metal. The E.P. is rounded out by the soul fueled elegance of "The Trickster" which is highlighted by Vladimir Lalov's stellar vocals and a heavy dose of fuzzed out guitar bliss. A top notch debut that leaves me wanting more.

Dakota Inlet "Back To The Start" Single (dakotainlet.bandcamp.com)

What a beautiful track from the Melbourne based Dakota Inlet. It's rich textures of ambient soundscapes and ethereal vocals are simply delightful. It's the type of song that is subliminally meditative and can instantly take you to another place in your mind you may have not have visited in a while. Sure the mood is reflective of artists like Pink Floyd, The Beatles and Brian Eno but it's the original bit of swing and sway that Dakota Inlet's lone member Declan McNamara puts on things that makes "Back To The Start" so great. From it's subtle drumming and pumping bass line to the almost jazz guitar style this track is nothing short of stellar. Looking forward to the new E.P. due for release by years end.

Hearts & Minutes "77" Single (heartsandminutes.bandcamp.com)

The L.A. based Hearts & Minutes take you on a psychedelic journey with their latest single "77". Backed by haunting drones, hypnotic guitars and vocals filled with mystery and intrigue the band create a mood that's inviting, cinematic and warm. This song makes me think of dark clouds and heavy rain fall during a hot Summer storm that finally eases up to reveal a beautiful skyline. Looking forward to hearing more from this impressive, dream like trio.

The Red Shift "Blind" E.P. (theredshiftm.bandcamp.com)

I'm loving the lo-fi garage rock sounds of Ohio's The Red Shifts. This 3 song E.P. is packed full of short to the point powerful songs that take me back to the days of Jawbreaker and The Smoking Popes. "Perfume" is a hook filled song based around heartache and love while "Stubborn" brings to mind the songwriting excellence of the late great Lance Hahn of J Church. The more delicate sounding "My Eyes" falls somewhere between Buddy Holly and GBV but with it's own brand of character and charm. A fun release for fans of heartfelt no frills rock n roll.

Tuval "Obscure Salvation" E.P. (tuval.bandcamp.com)

I've heard quite a bit of excellent music coming out of Brighton recently and Tuval is no exception. The title track makes for a dreamy opener that combines jazzy elements from bands like Minus The Bear with a psychedelic flair. There's also a lot of experimentation as the track is filled with layers of colorful atmospherics throughout. "Washingmachine" opens at breakneck speed before giving way to a collage of cinematic sounds that are breathtaking and cold while "In My Head" has a much more sinister twist to it. "The Loam" rounds out this unique collection of vibrant sounds with it's obscure lyrical brilliance and wandering spirit. "Obscure Salvation" is like that house at the end of a long dark road that your always finding yourself drawn to. Challenging, dark and mysterious.