More Recent Digs and Artists Worth Your Time

Exams are next week, which is ostensibly why I am on here. Studying? Bah! As if. I can't remember the last time I actually sat down and cracked open a book, and studied. Really studied. Sure, under the guise of prepping for a huge test, I've opened up a text book, with its never opened spine creaking under new found pressure, but I've never gained anything from these charades of academic advancement.

Right into it then, so I can have time to stare blankly at my Math book.

Chickenfoot are a group that, based on the success all supergroups have had before them, should really suck the big one. You can't get much more super than the stellar lineup they have put together (on paper). Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony of Van Halen fame, providing vocals and bass duties, respectively, as well as skin man Chad Smith, relocated from the Chili Peppers to hammer out the rhythm section. On face melting guitar, we have THE Joe Satriani (to those who are unsure, is pretty much what aspiring shredders pay homage and pray to for even an ounce of the talent this man has in his pinky finger). So...are they any good? The answer, for the most part is yes. Succeeding in creating a brand of fun, energetic rock that has seemed to be missing in the past couple of years. What I dig about these guys (super guys) is that they play straight up, balls to the wall rock n roll. And I can't remember the last time a new band in this decade has brought this to the musical dinner table. Chickenfoot are here, and I am hungry for more tasty jams! (had to be done)

+++ Check out 'Oh Yeah' on their myspace to see if you dig these guys.

-note: I don't actually know if 'Oh Yeah' is on their myspace, but google isn't that hard to use!

Closure In Moscow are a great band from Australia that have released a great album in 'First Temple'. Imagine if The Mars Volta brought back the straight forward rock sensibilities of their former incarnation, At The Drive-In (RIP!!!) and incorporated it with the technical proficiency and soaring vocal delivery of TMV, and you have Closure In Moscow. Interesting guitar leads, pumping drums and superb vocals that go from high, to really freaking high falsetto on a dime will have you spinning this record on repeat.

+++Closure In Moscow's myspace

The Pax Cecilia are great, and not just because they give away their music for free (which you can grab here). A refreshing band, which genre hop innumerable times create for a new and exciting listen. Strings and piano will soothe you, and the next moment you will be crushed with a harrowing wall of distortion. The juxtaposing moments of extreme serenity and beauty, followed by anguished, impassioned screams leave listeners breathless. A great and innovating band fast becoming one of my favorites.

+++ Grab their music here, and donate too if you dig it!

The Blood Brothers come from the much revered Seattle music scene with their take on spastic punk/post-hardcore. Or came from Seattle, as the now defunct quintet broke up in 2007. Which is a shame, because these guys are amazing. If you had any interest in the Fall of Troy's self titled, or even Doppleganger, these guys are right up your alley. Acrobatic vocals that almost call to mind Daryl Palumbo (of Glassjaw fame), guitar riffs that hit hard like sinus clearing jabs and groovy bass lines to hold it down - good, good shit. Check it!

+++ The Blood Brothers ghost town of a myspace