Either I’m getting older faster or the days are going by
quicker during this pandemic. I know for sure it’s not because I’m having such
a great time, which one of the old saying’s implies. I am however, listening to
loads of music. That’s nothing new, but maybe there is a correlation to aging
with how much great music is out there day in and day out? Or maybe it’s time
to change out of these sweatpants? The days go by faster and the volume of
music grows linearly. Crazy times, and it’s a good thing we have some music to
ease the pain. Check out this week’s Bandcamp Bonanza picks.
CHARLEY NO FACE – THE GREEN MAN An interesting band name that comes across highly enjoyable and moderately progressive. The grunge influence is equal to its blues roots, yet the psychedelic rock mood brings it all home. Each song opens up a whole new can of whoop ass and I think you all are going to dig it.
BILLY CLUBS – STRANGE DRIVING Oh man this one is slimy as shit. It beats you down with hardcore punk energy then smears you around the alley walls with a Sabbath groove. Its in the vein of Cancer Bats, for those familiar with the Canadian Hardcore Sludge band. Its surprisingly accessible for a dirty punk and roll record.
BANSHEE – LIVIN’ IN THE JUNGLE While we’re on the style of intense punk, Banshee brings us an over the top garage/psych rock riddled with insane space jams and drug inspired hooks. This one isn’t for the faint hearted, in fact, it’s made more for hippie punk who trips balls with hallucinogenic plants, or the father who uses music to get his trippy kicks.
BRASS OWL – STATE OF MIND State of Mind combines a soul-drenched heavy blues with funky Stoner groove sounding somewhat like a mish mash of Jerry Cantrell and Joe Bonamassa. As weird as that sounds it’s an invigorating listen for all fans of hard rock, blues and grunge. Solid bass lines, suave vocals, and solid rhythm throughout.
THE HAPPY TRAILS – NIGHT AT THE NEVA For those that live in Reno, you’ll know what the title track is all about. The Cal Neva casino located in downtown Reno is known for its late-night steak and eggs, with all the ghetto bells and whistles that 21-year-oldcollege rebels and 60-year-old drunken gamblers find communion and. The music is well produced indie rock with sprawling blues and soulful punk melodies. This has a sound of its own and I’m ashamed to admit I’ve never seen these guys live. When this pandemic is over that will have to change, and oddly enough I’m jonesing for a night at the Neva and a sloppy plate of $4.99 steak and eggs cause that would mean this whole lockdown was lifted and viral infection risk minimized. The risk of hangover,however, would be 100%.
RIGOROUS PROOF – POSTMODERN APOCALYPSE Another local here for you. Although I may be bias since I am from Reno but doesn’t ignore the fact that your local bands in your town are just as fucking great as the big dogs if you take the time to listen. Rigorous Proof gives more proof that rhythm is king, and keyboards always add a welcome dynamic. The production is pristine, and the lyrics are relatable and current. It’s only 5 songs, but it brings the complete package. For more go check out their catalog right here on bandcamp.
BLACK BLIZZARD – READING GAOL Black Blizzard reigns down with colossal fuzz, reeking with distortion and destroying with doomy riffage. The 2 dudes harness the energy of the amp and bring us low and slow groove with a mixture of melodic vocals and devastating atmosphere. There is an underlying noisy punk tone built beneath theouter shell of modern doom. And how about that sick album art by the one and only Adam Burke?
WRECK TOTEM – A CURSE FOR THE LIVING The Spanish trio bring us straight up heavy rock meant for the underground masses. Super groovy licks and patented stoner rawk vocal tones giving us another edition of Sabbath worship through the lens of classic rock meets grunge. You know that’s kind of the theme of the heavy underground. Blues, Sabbath, Classic rock and a touch of the 90s. This one is killer!
DEAF LIZARD – NO MAN’S SKY Hot off the press comes the debut album by the German rockers Deaf Lizard. Hard fuzzy bass drives this superbly trippy stoner space rock with bluesy elements and ultra-groove induced harmonies. The fuzzorama is thick with this one.
MOOCH – MANTRA At the moment this is just a single, but by the time this post goes live, the full debut album may be out and alive. I’ve only heard this one single, but its enough to recommend checking out with it trance inducing heavy rock with vocals sounding like a cross between Jim Morrison and Pete Sattari of the bay area rock band Zed. I’m super stoked to hear this album and you can stream it over at
Doomed & Stoned right here.
-The Huntsman
