Rival Sons from Long Beach, California, are one of those few modern bands who are doing classic absolutely right. They manage to do pure, sexy rock with a hint of stoner without sounding cliché. After the big success of their last album, The Great Western Valkyrie, Rival Sons are set to release their 5th album, Hollow Bones, through Earache Records on 10th June. From it, Earache preview the track Hollow Bones Pt.1 on YouTube and the track is available for download on iTunes. Hollow Bones Pt.1 is more of what one comes to expect from the heavier, dirtier side of Rival Sons. With its groovy rhythm, low, heavy riff and haunting vocals, no fan should be disappointed by this nod to Led Zepplin style rock. The drum break near the end is something that would have been repeatedly sampled by hip hop acts and DJs all over if it had come out decades ago. Can't wait to check out the whole album.
A little while ago, I fell in love with a little band from California called City Mouse. I saw their music video for a song called Dumb, Dumb, Dumb and was taken in by the catchy melodies and frontwoman Miski's powerful vocals. Jughead Jones and You were the next songs I heard from them, both brilliant and infectious. "You" is one of the most interesting songs lyrically I have ever heard. Although written from a female perspective, it can work on all levels.
Today, after not having seen much action from them in a while, I see a new video posted on City Mouse's facebook for a song called Really Really (above). Just like the other songs, it has great melody, stunning vocals and that punk rock rawness. It's incredible to believe that these guys have been around for over 10 years and are still pretty much unknown. You can check out the rest of their stuff through their Youtube channel and the bandcamp links below.
