Hello Luna – “Wait So Long”: The Columbus, Ohio quartet responsible for hits “Sound and Sorrow” and “Sympathize” returns with yet another remarkable tune. Back to a four-piece, members Kenzie Coyne (vocals, guitar), Michael Neumaier (drums), Eric Morgan (guitar), and newest member Mitchell Horn (bass) click on all cylinders to come up with a track that ought to be an Alternative radio staple much like their previous fare. Coyne’s dove-like vocals, her and Morgan’s guitar work, Neumaier’s drumming, and Horn’s bass play are an excellent match making “Wait So Long” reminiscent as “Stitching Holes”, which is the song that started it all for the band. The song strongly reinforces the band’s strong work ethic, brilliant songwriting, and prolific performing. Hello Luna is making tremendous songs on their terms and although they are not chasing a record deal, they are more than deserving of one.
Meagan Hillyer feat. Moistrus – “Never Stop”: The Central Ohio singer-songwriter dropped her first ever Spotify single just three days ago and it is a winner right out of the gate. Hillyer combines pop, funk, and soul to come up with her own unique style to stand out from the pack of other soloists. This collaborative effort with Moistrus on the Tribal Trap label packs power with badass beats combined with Hillyer’s fabulous vocals making it a formidable single on the Pop and Hip-Hop charts. This definitely leads to a curiosity factor of what else Hillyer has up her sleeve. Hillyer is an industry veteran at age 27 and based on the result of this most recent release, it is evident she has a full tank left for ages. When live events can commence on a large scale, it is in quality music lovers’ best interest to see this terrific talent grace the stage as they will not be disappointed.
The (?!?!) – “WHAT’S UP?”: Released on October 18, the alternative pop artist known as The Punctuation’s new single is a fun and funky ditty that reflects what a lot of people are experiencing this year. With an edited version suitable for mainstream radio, the track has tons of potential at R&B and Top 40 stations with its amazing harmonies, bombastic beats, and on-point vocals. What makes “WHAT’S UP?” so brilliant are the relatable lyrics about overcoming adversity and having nowhere to go but up. “The bottom is a place down a lonesome lane / in Hell, USA but it’s also in your brain / God forbid you find yourself stuck there / On a one-way ticket on a bus from nowhere.” Now calling Arizona home, Ben Brown has himself a head bobbing tune that will make listeners interested in what he has in store going forward. Plans are to release a record next year, but until then those who love this new jam should give previously released gems “Sex, Drugs, & Violence!” and “Panic Pandemic” several spins.
The Wet Darlings – “Radiation”: On this well-written prolific piece, the much beloved Columbus four-piece demonstrates they are ready to make their long-awaited comeback. “Radiation” is the follow-up to the band’s critically acclaimed album Beautiful Things. The new song has received much love over the past few weeks and after just a few seconds, listeners will know why. Jenny Lute (vocals), Aaron Bishara (drums), and brothers Joe and Bill Patterson (bass and guitar, respectively) slow down the pace compared to prior hits “Bicycle” and “Used To Be Better”, but the quality is still top notch. Lute’s haunting vocals are on point with the music serving as the perfect background to provide a ravishing tune. It is the perfect tease to what the local scene hopes is an equally impressive album, which will be their first in half a decade.
Faith In Failure – “Leave Me Behind”: Ten days ago, Columbus-based heavy modern rock quintet dropped a rager that rips from start to finish. It is four and a half minutes of the band going pedal to the metal, or perhaps in this case metal to the pedal. Every member plays their role to the hilt, making for a surefire smash on Rock radio. In fact, “Leave Me Behind” recently made it all the way to fifth place of Cincinnati station 96Rock’s fan voting contest with a spot at the Bunbury Music Festival at stake. Approximately one year ago, the band played one of the biggest shows of their careers at PromoWest owned venue A&R Music Bar with other local heavy hitters A Decade Apart, Noise Auction, The Lost Boys Collective, and deadbeat. Their stage presence along with raucous recorded material means a long and successful future in this business. People who are blown away by this metalcore act’s latest offering ought to check out prior tunes “Sleepless” and “Vampire” to get the full effect of what FIF is capable of.
Summer School – “Feelin’ Myself”: Released October 23, the Love Groove recording artist has himself a very slickly produced and performed poppy bop. The vocals and melody are tremendous, making for a very catchy track for the fall. The song is most definitely worthy of inclusion on Hip-Hop and Pop stations as listeners will not help but to tap their toes and sing along to the chorus. With 2020 being a morale drainer, leave it to Summer School to provide a song with a sense of escapism with flair and passion. It is well worth for listeners to stream songs of yesteryear like “Kim” and “God” (in which the vocals are similar to that of Tears For Fears’ Roland Orzabal).
Northern Remains – “Antipathy (Carry Me Home)”: Two weeks back, the metalcore outfit released this rampaging banger to much praise. The screaming is perfectly placed and the chorus is wonderfully song alongside each member playing their part to precision, making for a can’t miss radio smash. People cannot help but root for the Reynoldsburg, Ohio group to succeed as the band has had to overcome multiple lineup changes and even tragedy to get to where they are now. The new single is not necessarily reflective of where the band has been, but where they are going. What Northern Remains has generated thus far makes them a band on the rise in the local scene and once live shows happen again, expect them to captivate audiences from the first note to the last.
Hollin Kings – “Hold On”: This Cleveland area quartet’s latest offering is good old-fashioned rock n’ roll brilliance and is a breath of fresh air from anything heard in recent memory. The guys combine their love of classic rock and modern rock to come up with something in between that defines their signature sound. The group started as a cover band and continued to do that to earn money and eventually transitioned into creating and recording their own material, which is most definitely up to code as heard on previously released tunes “Echoes of the Past” and “Dead and “Gone. On “Hold On”, the singing is sharp and the drum and guitars are striking throughout the banger. In conjunction with Black Squirrel Radio, the band will be performing as part of a live stream on Wednesday, October 28 at The Kent Stage. Those curious of what these blokes bring to the stage ought to tune in and they should most certainly live up to the praise they have received thus far.
Cassidy – “The Devil”: From Berlin, Germany by way of Calgary, Alberta, this talented singer-songwriter introduced the world to this poppy ballad 13 days ago. The song was written a few years back and details the trials and tribulations of heartache, which should be relatable subject matter for pop aficionados. Her vocals hit the target throughout and gel quite well with the piano and drum work. Cassidy’s soulful voice is distinct that she does not sound like any other pop divas currently ruling the airwaves. The song has enough kick to compete at Top 40 radio and fingers crossed that “The Devil” finds an audience as its performance and performer are heavenly. For more evidence of the Canadian-German crooner’s bright future, singles “Lying” and “Sex and Wine” are recommended streaming.
BRAVADO PRESS 