Author Archives: Clayton Warwick

The Glorious Sons discuss touring, their origin story, and sobriety [EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW]

Posted by Clayton Warwick - April 29, 2018

Nestled into the tiny stage at Globeville’s half BBQ joint, half music venue, Kingston, Ontario-based rock and rollers The Glorious Sons seized my attention with authority. I wasn’t alone, either. The entire crowd was entranced throughout. This didn’t come as much of a surprise, though, given the nature of their music.

I had previously spent some time with their latest album Young Beauties and Fools, finding solace in the down home instrumentals and Brett’s anthemic lyrics. It’s easy to get addicted to it. The blue-collar vibes, crunchy riffs, and expert story telling create an atmospheric listening experience that’s hard to come by.

But, Jay Emmons, Chris Koster, Adam Paquette, Chris Huot & Brett Emmons seemingly make it easy. Which, is why I wanted to chat with them ahead of their fourth trip through Denver.

TMN: Welcome to Denver! Is this your first time in the Mile High City?

Jay: Fourth! We opened for a band called Ten Years three years ago. We came back twice to Marquis Theater after that. We headlined for like five people. Tonight is going to be a real show.

How has the tour been going so far?

Jay: It’s been good — busy. I think this is the most distance we’ve traveled in such a short span. We did 15 days in Europe. 14 of them had shows attached to them. The last three dates of the tour we were flying from Norway to Sweden, then to Denmark. That just adds a whole other element — being up at 7:00 or 8:00AM every day. It’s the first we’ve experienced something like that.

Here, we started in Chicago. Then to Minneapolis, North Carolina, New Orleans, Kansas City.

TMN: Any cities rise above the rest as far as highlights go?

Jay: Minneapolis was cool. We did 7th Street Entry. It’s attached to the club First Avenue where ‘Purple Rain’ was shot. It’s a really legit venue, kind of a rite of passage, I guess.

New Orleans was interesting. We had our AirBNB broken into by a crackhead. I had to chase him out shirtless. I had been completely naked, jumped into a pair of jean shorts.

TMN: What?!

Jay: We heard this booming, and I woke up. Me and my girlfriend were like “what the fuck is going on?” Our drummer thought it was gunshots. So, he pushed his girlfriend off the bed and dove on her. It was actually some crackhead kicking the door in. The guy walks in and is stand over them.

TMN: Jesus. That’s terrifying.

Jay: The look in her eyes — she was speechless with fear — made him (our drummer) realize there was a guy who busted in. Everyone was in shock. He got up and pushes him back. I jump into my jean shorts, rip off my belt, and start screaming at the top of my lungs at this guy. We both managed to get him out. It was scary.
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Organised Scum – Unborn Cars [TMN VIDEO PREMIERE]

Posted by Clayton Warwick - March 22, 2018

Organised Scum
Unborn Cars

Soundcloud

“Unborn Cars” has an intrinsic attraction to it, one which feels warmly nostalgic. Not that I’d directly compare it to tracks from artists who managed churned out chart-toppers, but I can’t help but feel this strange connection to time-honored acts like The Cars or Devo.

Coming your way via London, Organised Scum is comprised of Tom Duggins (Vocals, Guitar), Tom Williams (Bass) and Sean Canty (Drums). After gaining a fair amount of attention with their debut EP, back in 2016, they’re back with this fresh offering.

I also wrote this track thinking of my niece – who’d just turned two at the time. She was starting to talk properly and the phrase ‘we can understand what you’re saying’ was going through my head. I realized how incredible even the simplest acts of communication are, and how we take this stuff for granted, especially nowadays when we’re in constant contact with everyone and everything. – Tom Duggins

“Unborn Cars” dropped via Soundcloud and Spotify a few weeks back, but today, I’m bringing you a first look at visual representation of the track. Featuring the robotic arm from their cover art, laid over scenic mountain views, and a spattering of lyrics to help you sing along, it’s definitely as unique and quirky as the track itself.

Alternative/Rock

#TMNMailbag #5: Gold Koa – Little Lost

Posted by Clayton Warwick - March 21, 2018

Gold Koa
Little Lost

Buy

Next up in our #TMNMaibag series is the debut track from three-piece act Gold Koa. Other than a brief email with a Spotify and Soundcloud link, I don’t have a ton of background information to share with you. In fact, you’ll be hard pressed to find any on your own. But, that doesn’t really matter, now does it? It’s all about the music, especially when we’re talking about a #TMNMailbag submission.

“Little Lost” is a gorgeous, shimmering number from this brand new act. Endearing lyrics are the driving force throughout, making a strong emotional connection from the get-go. Instrumentals are lovely, to boot, offering up a warm, sunshine-y soundscape. It’s hard not to smile, so don’t fight it. Just grin and take advantage of all those warm ‘n fuzzies from Gold Koa.

Indie

SHEAFS – Shock Machine [TMN PREMIERE]

Posted by Clayton Warwick - March 14, 2018

I always scoff when people say “there aren’t any good guitar-centric acts right now.” I can certainly attest to plenty that are flying under the radar, while glancing over their shoulders at giants like Wolfmother, Eagles of Death Metal, and Queens of the Stone Age. Sure, I’ll concede that latter have been around for a minute, but that doesn’t absolve them from the fact that they exist and still draw crazy crowds worldwide.

You’re not here to read about them though, nor will you find me covering them. However, I will introduce you to an act you might not familiar with just yet, but they’re gaining some serious momentum. Enter Sheffield-based SHEAFS, a a riotous 5-piece that’s getting love from BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music and Radio X alike.

Today’s offering is on the airwaves already, but hasn’t come online until just now. “Shock Machine” follows up their breakthrough single “This is Not a Protest,” and it’s rife with ample attitude and a driving lead riff. Energy and edge aside, it boasts a intriguing structure that brings ripping hard, anthemic choruses and a wicked, psychedelic breakdown.

If you’re digging this tune, be sure to check their tour schedule. They’re currently in the midst of their debut headline tour, which includes 14 dates. You better act quick though, London, Sheffield, and Nottingham are already sold out.

Photo Credit: Lewis Evans

Alternative/Rock

Altopalo – Blur/Frozen [TMN PREMIERE]

Posted by Clayton Warwick - March 9, 2018

Part R&B. Part alternative. Part electronic. Completely unique.

Comprised of Rahm Silverglade, a solo artist who’s also releasing material through Terrible Records, guitarist Mike Haldeman (who moonlights as a member of TMN-favorite Moses Sumney’s band), Jesse Blelenberg and Dillon Tracy, Altopalo is the breath of experimental fresh air you’ve been waiting for.

“Blur” is a wickedly wild ride, sandwiched up between a bizarre, yet ultimately comforting intro and outro. The musical influences and techniques vary widely, showcasing the depth of this young act’s abilities. Included in that set are spattering of guitar notes that perfectly jar against a backdrop of faded vocals, atmospheric hiss, and industrial percussion. While it is outside the norm, fans of the mainstream should be attracted to the eventual and warmly familiar R&B vibes.

The other offering on this two-track release is “Frozen,” which is delightfully avant-garde. A steady kickdrum is offset by a breakbeat-style piano sample, which provides an inventive soundscape for Rahm’s softly-sung vocals. The song saunters along beautifully with just those elements for quite some time, before coming together with more percussion, vocal chops, and sections of strings in a closing crescendo.

This is one of the more intriguing pieces I’ve heard in a while, the best part is — it’s the first offering from this burgeoning act’s full album, frozenthere. Be on the lookout for that.

’Blur’

Download

’Frozen Away’

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#TMNMailbag #4: Sam Eagle – 15/8

Posted by Clayton Warwick - February 21, 2018

Sam Eagle
15/8

Soundcloud

This is actually the second time 18-year-old Sam Eagle has submitted music to the #TMNMailbag. This time, it stuck with me.

While I believe that he would benefit from a little refinement with his recording, mixing, and mastering, there’s something inherently charming about this Essex-based act. He’s lyrically adept, weaving in engaging storytelling through unique instrumentation. He goes well beyond “the guy with the guitar” stereotype, offering up playful, yet simplistic percussion work and intriguing song structures.

“15/8” has me head over heels, to be perfectly honest. And, we’re not alone. He recently got love from Spotify’s Fresh Finds: Six Strings playlist, and got some love from BBC 6Music and XFM. You’re catching on before almost anyone else, as this up-and-comer only has 50 soundcloud followers. Give him a follow, sit back, and enjoy the ride.

#TMNMailbag #3: Flower Cult – Violet

Posted by Clayton Warwick - February 21, 2018

Flower-Cult
Violet

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Hailing from the Pelican State, Flower Cult is our latest addition to our #TMNMailbag series. Consisting of Dave Fol and Chandler Young, two producers from the pop/soul 5-piece OK Music, this developing act is following down a road of personal inspirations like Wilco, Yo La Tengo, and Local Natives.

It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with “Violet.” The calming and intriguing vocal harmony was the first thing that piqued my interest, calling on associations of TV On The Radio. Coupled with ethereal guitar work, smooth bassline, and a pronounced kick drum, it wound up hooking me in for the long haul.

With less than 50 Soundcloud followers, you’re coming in at ground level. Enjoy the ride as they continue to pick up steam.