Kory's Recs: "This One Time On Bandcamp"

By: Kory Kasler, Promotions Director

I don't use iTunes. I don't have a Spotify account. I've never used last.fm. I just spend way too much time on Bandcamp, and I thought I'd share some albums I've stumbled upon during that time.


1. "Sad Bastard EP" - Algebra



Algebra is a really solid alternative hip-hop act from Tulsa, Oklahoma. I am a big fan of Cincinnati hip-hop artist Evolve, and this album immediately reminded me of that same style. I wish there were more of this in the world and less Wiz Khalifa or Lil Wayne.

2. "SON.R22" - Hexis



European black metal/grind artist Hexis is definitely one to check out if you are into black metal. It adds a ton of intensity with the ultra-fast grind element and forms a really solid album. Check it out for sure.

3. "Demo 2011" - Traitors



Traitors is a strange mix of hardcore, punk, thrash and sludge. They do a great job of switching between the styles and still making the demo sound like an album and not just a collection of songs. The first track comes in and is really sludge-heavy, and then they go into the second track that is faster and has more of a thrash element in it. It's really interesting, and is definitely one for a fan of hardcore.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

4. "DOMESPLITTER" - Direct Hit!



This is one of the best pop-punk albums I've stumbled across in a long time. It's got really catchy lines and a lot more energy than a lot of pop punk bands I've seen. The scratchy, screamed vocals really bring it all together to make it sound more intense than you'd expect from a pop punk band. Great album!
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5. "Follow Me" - Chalk Dinosaur



Chalk Dinosaur is a really eclectic project that encompasses some elements of surf rock, indie pop, funk, and all kinds of other odds and ends and really makes something unique. It's always good to see someone doing something new rather than copying what other people have done in the past. Definitely check it out. With that many different things mixed together, there's got to be something you like.

Kory's Recs: Discovery Is Wonderful

By: Kory Kasler, Promotions Director

While I struggled to think of a fun theme for my first Exec Recs blog, I ended up failing miserably and decided to share a few artists and bands I discovered over the past year that I believe are worth passing along to the dedicated Rock Lobsters reading my ramblings. So, here are the first five that came to mind:

1. The Holy Mess



I feel like a lot of pop-punk bands these days have developed a consistently slightly boring sound, which saddens me as a pop-punk fan. These guys give me hope. They've got a knack for writing catchy songs and making their way into any playlist I try to put together.

2. Teen Daze



I'll be the first one to admit it....I'm a sucker for chill wave and synth pop. I came across Teen Daze this summer, and his ability to put together really solid synth pop tracks really impressed me. He is also well-versed when it comes to surf-pop and can make you feel like you're surrounded by sand and sunshine.

3. Dog Shredder



I am also a big fan of metal and hardcore, and after I stumbled across their Bandcamp page, I was hooked. I typically get bored when I listen to 10 minute long songs, but these guys have the ability to keep my attention for the entirety of their long tracks without making me shut off my iTunes.

4. Wax Phantom



This band's name alone should tell you they are rad....but in case you have never seen Scooby Doo, these guys are another solid pop-punk band I came across over the summer. I like their simple and catchy pop-punk, as well as the Scooby Doo samples throughout their album. My apologies for being unable to find a good live video for them.

5. Daytrader



I am also a fan of good emo/math rock stuff (i.e. the kind that isn't produced by teenagers wearing their sisters' jeans). Daytrader is just a good band who stuck with the early math rock sound. I make it a point to share them with my fellow emo/math rock fans.