Song of the Day: Out of Self – Darris Robins

Darris Robins Out of Self

Love hip-hop with aggressive rock? Well here’s a treat for you! Today’s song is Out of Self by St. Louis -born  experimentalist  DARRIS ROBINS.

From a very young age, Darris started experimenting with different instruments and his love for music lead to a place in a band at school…and a golden opportunity to met JETRO, a band player of the great late WHITNEY HOUSTON. Armed with some serious mentoring from JETRO, this hip-hopper makes no apologies for his fusion of hip-hop, funk and aggressive rock. He went on to release his album, My Beautiful Dark Freshman in College back in 2012, which highlights moving away from home for the first time and meeting new people. The 14-track album earned him local and national exposure plus  raving reviews across the web.

Now have a listen to Out of Self. This track truly displays his well-honed fusion of explosive hip-hop, funk and seriously aggressive rock – it’s truly MIND BLOWING.

If you’re feeling this track, why not you show your appreciation and connect with him on Twitter @darrisrobinscom

Song of the Day: Wing and a Prayer – Southway

Southway

Today’s song is Wing and a Prayer from British new wave electro rock band SOUTHWAY. The single is coming from their album, The Outside World, due for release in early 2014.

SOUTHWAY was initially a solo project set up by Shaun Jason after emigrating to the US from his home town in Bristol. He released two full-length albums, Electroganic (2004) and Somapop (2007). Jason then moved to Seoul, which led to the completion of his third album, Suitcase (2008).

 SOUTHWAY was no longer a solo project after Jason met Shiun Kim in a club on Christmas eve in 2008. After two years of touring together in Asia and UK, the duo relocated in the UK, where they worked on the fourth album (and the first as a duo), reinventing their new wave/electronic rock sound, which can easily compared to NEW ORDER, THE KILLERS and MUSE.

In early 2013, they release the EP Changing World, which earned them a deal with Seoul-based SundayDisco Records in the spring. Since then it’s been full-steam ahead for the duo, as they performed live at festivals and clubs throughout the summer. They shared the stage with MUSE, METALLICA and IGGY POP at the Hyundai Card Super Concert in August. There’s no rest for these guys – they will be playing at a Christmas concert in Seoul and begin their UK tour in February.

Take time out and listen to Wing and a Prayer – this track is too good to miss, as they really put their stamp on that 80’s racy new wave/punk sound. If you seriously into this sound, it is REALLY worth visiting their SoundCloud page and checking out their other tracks – enjoy (I know you will!)

Song of the Day: Down – Trevor Black

trevor black Down

Today’s song is Down by Canadian rocker TREVOR BLACK. The track will be coming his first full length album…keep you posted on the release date.

The singer/songwriter mixes heavy punk with alternative overtones, possessing all the  ingredients of BLACK SABBATH and MONTROSE. Down made it to the hotspot today, as beyond the raging guitars (well executed by the man himself, I must say), there are serious lyrics of experiencing loss and  failure due to the lack of belief in others  – I guess that’s something  we can all relate to – have a listen.

If you’re digging this track, head over to his SoundCloud page where there’s a load of head-banging-let-it-all-out  tracks. Enjoy!

News: Latka releases video for single The Arrival

Latka The Arrival

Canadian pop rockers LATKA first appeared on NEW LEASE MUSIC with their single The Arrival back in July. Now they released a larger-than-life video to the single – take a look – oh, look out for the cute bear (to be honest, it’s not hard to miss it!) Enjoy!

Review : Half Moon Run – Dark Eyes

Half Moon Run Dark Eyes

1. Full Moon
2. Call Me In The Afternoon
3. No More Losing The War
4. She Wants To Want
5. Need It
6. Give Up
7. Judgement
8. Unofferable
9. Drug You
10. Nerve
11. Fire Escape
12. 21 Gun Salute

Devon Portielje (vocals/drums/guitars), Conner Molander (vocals, guitar, keys), Dylan Phillips (vocals, drums, keys) and Isaac Symonds (vocals, drums, keys, guitar) -aka HALF MOON RUN- are on the verge of releasing their album, Dark Eyes (through Glassnote / Communion / Island Records).

The twelve-track production was first released in Canada March last year, but as been remastered and remixed for global release. Already available in France (through Polydor Records) and in United States (through Glasstone Records), Dark Eyes will be available to the UK and the rest of Europe today.

The four-piece folk-rock act came together in the most unlikely situation – they met in Montreal on a Craigslist list ad. However after listening to their album several times, they sound like a band that has a special bond from high school.

Darks Eyes offers an infusion of 60s inspired soft folk, rock and which is topped off angelic harmonies – they really put me in the mind of COLDPLAY and perhaps DR HOOK? When I listen to Dark Eyes, I was greeted with such infusion in Full Circle, Call Me In The Afternoon and No More Losing The War. Halfway through the production, I was met with roaring guitars and melodic bass line in She Wants to Know and for the first time, I really appreciate Portielje’s vocals, which turned from ultra mellow to gusty. The gutsy vocals brought the whole production together. My absolute favourites are Give up, Judgement and Nerve (this song reminds me of Dr Hook) where there is a little funk added that folk and rock.

I have to say that Dark Eyes took me by surprise as (I have to admit) I’m not a massive fan of folk music. However after listening to this album, I’ll more open-minded about folk music and I’d be more than happy to listen to this album over and over again, as it perfect for those warm summer nights.