Unsigned Artists Of The Month: May 2008

It's been an arduously lengthy month for me. The weather has heated up just in time for my exams, and if sitting through exams in sweltering conditions isn't enough, I've grown accustomed to getting home to receive a 'Notice of Arrival' from the post office half a kilometre away. Here in Cyprus, packages are not sent to homes directly; instead, the despondent tax-payer must somehow get to the post offices -- which all close at approximately one o'clock, give or take twenty minutes -- to pick up their packages. Most irritatingly, I do not drive because I do not wish to go to the bank to ask for a loan for the ever-inflating price of fuel, so that leaves me with two options in collecting these parcels: I can cycle, or I can walk. Cycling doesn't take as long, but it's really quite sweltering outside, so it can be a nuisance. However, it is a way to get fit, and upon arriving at the post office, falling off my bike, I step inside to the cool, air-conditioned room inside (they can't deliver our packages, but air-con is no problem), and it is here where I first set my eyes on the hand writing of whichever band member has written my address on the package. Furiously cycling home, I rush inside to open the package, which usually includes at least one CD, perhaps and album and a couple of demos, although one band did send me a t*shirt, which is fabulous. Thank you, you know who you are! The bottom line is that I love CDs. I own over 300, and they're certainly the greatest things a band can send me.

On the subject of last month's article, I have noticed that the UG readers have indeed added new friends and listened to new music on myspace. However, I think we should each make it out personal mission to get these bands and artists to sign up to UG. Since last month's article was published, Rachel Trow, husky jazz singer extraordinaire has seen her total play count on myspace augment by 5,887. Voodoo Johnson, the classic rockers with a metal mascot to rival Eddie have seen a similar surge of plays, but because the profile is undergoing 'routine maintenance' (yes, it is inconvenient, myspace), I can't tell you the exact figure. Matt Parsons has had slightly less of an increase in total plays at an augmentation of 3,925, coupled with Andy Mitchell at 2,710 plays. Overall, the figures are pleasing, but it would be great if we could see a balance at around the 5,000 mark. I would also like to take the time to make a correction to last month's article, in which I noted an enigmatic, perhaps a non-existent band called Soul Catcher. I obviously meant Soul Jacker, and I can only put my error down to some absent mindedness, ridiculous horror movies that aren't scary, and the handy culprit, George Bush. To the bands:

Await Rescue is rightfully gaining the plaudits in Boston, Massachusetts with the band's blend of alternative rock. The metal influence is somewhere here, albeit in a distilled form. I personally doubt whether metal fans will enjoy Await Rescue, because the band obviously lacks that tangible factor that defines the music as solely metal, but go ahead and prove me wrong. To most other fans of rock 'n' roll, Await Rescue, whose members point to bands such as Black Sabbath, Metallica and Tool as prime influences, should prove to be a popular inclusion in this month's article.

Front man and vocalist, Johnny brings a poignant sense of melody to the mix, and it cannot be doubted that his influence extends to the rest of the band members. It is my personal perspective that he is pivotal to the band's distinctive tunes. It may sound peculiar, but his interaction with Matt, who resides behind the drums, is exceptional in that they clearly bring about the transitions from verse to chorus. The stand out track, Alright, is a song that I feel can be recognised as Await Rescue at any point of the track. From the intertwining crescendo of Johnny's soaring cries of 'Roller coaster' and Matt's simultaneously thumping drums, to the initial bluesy guitar solo, Await Rescue have a potential track of the month, and I haven't talked about the second guitar solo. That Drew should calm down, or the wood on his fret board will need replacing sooner rather than later. Significantly, the bass position in the band has recently become vacated, so it shall be interesting to hear the successor. Songs with the whooshing thunder of Salvadorian Gunslingers and Heedless define Await Rescue as an exciting unsigned band with plenty of potential. However, the band's self-titled album does include some lyrical cliches such as Bombs Away, even if the delivery is excellent on the whole, in fact, I'm a big fan of the song with the exception of its title! Despite this, I for one cannot wait to hear Await Rescue's future album. It shall be intriguing to discover whether or not the band members can hone their skills to greater heights next time round.

UG Underground Rating: 7.5

Total plays at time of writing: 23,374

I have reason to believe that the readers of this article will appreciate a break from the norm, and FattyBoomBasstic offers just that. Despite the rather appalling name of the band, I can assure you that it is appropriate in that the bass playing is top notch -- I'm not sure where the fatness comes in. The band comprises of four members: John Diver (guitar), Peter Gibbs (bass) and McFly (drums) -- oh, and there's Laura too. Laura James is, if you'll excuse the cliche, a foxy vixen. She has quite the Afro, not to mention quite the voice. Her voice is tangibly the rhythmic teasing debonair that a funk band like this needs.

On the musical side of things, John Diver seems to have a certain mutation that is a certain sign of evolution: his foot seems to have an extendable wah pedal mechanism, and when plugged into his Fender Telecaster, he delivers some funk riffs and solos that a certain John Frusciante would be pleased with. Pete Gibbs is a slapping rioter of a bassist, and his groove on tracks like Supersexyfunkotronic is a joy to behold. I don't even like dancing in private, but it is fortunate that the walls of the house I live in don't have a surveillance system to them... I'm not a very good dancer. Drawing from Jamiroquai, funk rock out of the '70s, and of course, some rather salacious allusions to alternative sex live, FattyBoomBasstic deserves to arise from the depths of McFly's basement where they record. I think they will 'wake up the clouds', being far more worthwhile than the pop rock angst-ridden guitar bands that FBBT claims to be an antidote to. By the way, FattyBoomBasstic is a funk band.

UG Underground Rating: 8

Total plays at time of writing: 4,344

Silent Border, one of the bands that has contacted me from a country other than the UK or the USA, hail from Sweden. I personally respect the Swedes, because Henrik Larsson, formerly of Celtic, is a Swedish national, and one of my friends at school is Swedish too. She's cool as a cucumber, and Silent Border is too. Drawing from such bands as Pink Floyd and Muse, Silent Border is definitely Sweden's aquatic answer to them. I say aquatic, because Silent Border offers the sort of emotion that one feels when looking at that National Geographic video footage of the bottom of the sea. Just picture the great reefs of Australia (assuming my memory serves correctly), and simultaneously play Riptide by Silent Border. The feeling is enigmatically pleasurable, soothing to the strained mind.

There are plenty of professional bands that don't quite manage to achieve the intensity of Silent Border, and much in the band's favour is the immense achievement of being able to sound intensely vivacious despite playing mellow, non-distorted music. The philosophy of art and music is difficult to contrive, because it is so otherworldly and peculiar. Silent Border's great talent as a band is that I cannot possibly single out any one of Jonas, Anders, Peter or Sebastian as the highlight. Silent Border is a paragon of excellence. When writing to me, Jonas used the word 'constellation' in a sentence. I don't recall the context at this moment of time, but Silent Border can be thought of as a constellation, and I believe the band might just warrant a place in the stars, record deal or no record deal.

UG Underground Rating: 8

Total plays at time of writing: 7,226

Cellar 170 lists Shinedown as an influence. Having had to put up with Shinedown for the past couple of years, I really didn't think I would enjoy Cellar 1700 at all when we came into contact. Shinedown is a band that knows exactly how to pen the sort of song that I like to call an appeal to emotion in that much of the band's music is centred on a typically catchy chorus that just invades the mind, no matter the resilience of the host.

Whilst bands like Shinedown irritate me, bands like Cellar 170 manage to embrace a welcome approach to recording their songs. Lauren Diamon certainly warrants her sparkling name, with a voice that acts as a pacemaker. Yet despite her obvious aesthetic appeal, Lauren refuses to dress like a cheerleader—just listen to End of the Road until the end.

Adam Bicker and Matt Crooks manage to capture their dynamics poignantly as guitarists, but I'd personally like to see some more lead play that could propel Cellar 170 to the next level. Such levels are met when one of them does decide to go a little mad, but whilst Cellar 170 is an unsigned artist of the month, there is room for improvement. I have witnessed such improvements as I have monitored the band for a few months now, but I would like to hear more spontaneity, as is the case on a recent track, Romeo Juliet. It's a track on which the recording quality is absolutely excellent, and Lauren rises to the occasion, with Dan Atkinson sounding a lot like a pro behind the drums, while Matt and Adam are to be found at their productive best. Lyrically emotive and certainly mature, it is a direction in which I hope to see Cellar 170 go. If you live in Kent, London and South East, I do implore you to watch Cellar 170 live, but don't go because I'm telling you to. My confessional response is that the music speaks for itself.

UG Underground Rating: 7.5

Total plays at time of writing: 3,398

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this month's artists of the month. I have a pretty rough picture of two bands that shall feature next month, but until the final decision is made, the places are very much subject to change. If you wish to suggest a band, either your own or somebody else's you can contact me through myspace, my email address, or closest to home, through Ultimate Guitar. You're a click away from my username at the top of the page. I'm welcoming of any feedback on the article, negative or positive; just be polite please.

Comments

[The Silence]

I'm first!!!! now that's out of the way... i really liked Cellar 170!!!anyways, i think what UG is doing is great keep up the good work!!!!!

[utahotc]

Silent Border is amazing and inspirational. Give it a listen.

[HethaHORRIFIC]

what about us? www.myspace.com/madasahatterband

[Jau_Peacecraft]

http://www.deadspacevolume.com/. otem relik is pretty consistent.

[Regression]

Silent Border is really good.

Await Rescue isn't to bad either. It's definately catchy.

[McPrestidge]

Silent Hill is surprisingly awesome for Swedes, quite frankly I thought they only produce Black Metal and ABBA (yes I know that sounds really ignorant, properly 'cause I am)

[ss311]

Thanks for the feedback so far, everyone. Keep it up, and keep listening to the songs.

[iron_maiden93]

some good stuff, favorite was silent border

[ss311]

Right, I'm pretty irritated that someone had the nerve to give the article a rating of just 1. It transpires that the user in question is: gr33nday101. It would be appreciated if he could provide me with some reasoning.

[AugusTBurnShred]

www.myspace.com/thrustmoment , i think kids should def check out thus band ! amazing music :P

[beatlemaniac-93]

www.myspace.com/thefroobsmusic

[highway1]

http://www.myspace.com/zaszrevolution

[highway1]

http://www.myspace.com/cheerselephant amazing band

[untrammeled]

myspace.com/calltoattraction

[whitesummer527]

silent border are really awesome, It truly amazes me how Sweden keeps spitting out all these stellar bands!

[cmos_LP]

hey man from what part of Cyprus are you from/???

[ss311]

Limassol.

[ticklemeemo]

This is a great article, and its really cool that you are helping out your fellow musician.
I wouldnt mind a few more bands being listed each month, either.

[BurningTheLives]

The Silence wrote:

I'm first!!!! now that's out of the way... i really liked Cellar 170!!!anyways, i think what UG is doing is great keep up the good work!!!!!

What is with everyone and the first comment thing? Being the first comment means nothing. Anyway Silent Border is the best one up there. I don't listen to much of that type of music but they are pretty incredible.

[LiVexXxhIgh]

awesome im a check out FattyBoomBasstic and Silent Border

[the_kooks666]

listen to this
NEW DEMO COMING THIS WEEK..!!!

www.myspace.com/theabandonedact

[ss311]

What do you all make of the inclusion of 5 bands per month? I'm not sure if I can manage it, but some feedback would be good.

[SuperSam23]

Wow, Silent Border really is great. Though, are there any tabs for them?
i am definately going to keep listening to them

[MrDinkleberry]

what about us?

myspace.com/cosmicheatengine

[The Silence]

ss311 wrote:

What do you all make of the inclusion of 5 bands per month? I'm not sure if I can manage it, but some feedback would be good.

I think it would help!!!the more the merrier!! anyways i think this band deserves some exposure www.myspace.com/themiragetheory just give it a listen!!!

[The Silence]

BurningTheLives wrote:

The Silence wrote:

I'm first!!!! now that's out of the way... i really liked Cellar 170!!!anyways, i think what UG is doing is great keep up the good work!!!!!

What is with everyone and the first comment thing? Being the first comment means nothing. Anyway Silent Border is the best one up there. I don't listen to much of that type of music but they are pretty incredible.

I know but i couldn't help myself . Besides, it shouldn't bother you!!!

[a7xsoad]

KUDOS TO YOU FOR INCLUDING SILENT BORDER!!! Very good unsigned band. We need more bands that hark back to progressive rock from the 70's or other modern progressive rock bands and not just the kind of bilge emerging these days, like GoAudio... what a pile of shit!

[HavokStrife]

All those bands suck, seriously. Await Rescue is the only one that deserves more than a 5.

Honestly, UG, where do you get these bands? I get friend requests all the time by unsigned bands that are way better than any of this woo ha.

Granted, I get much worse requests too, but that's a different story.

Prolly gunna get banned (againagain) for this, but like... are these like, bands of the people who run UG looking for some extra promo?

[awaitrescue]

HavokStrife wrote:

All those bands suck, seriously. Await Rescue is the only one that deserves more than a 5.

Honestly, UG, where do you get these bands? I get friend requests all the time by unsigned bands that are way better than any of this woo ha.

Granted, I get much worse requests too, but that's a different story.

Prolly gunna get banned (againagain) for this, but like... are these like, bands of the people who run UG looking for some extra promo?

Thanks HavokStrife ... we appreciate the respect! Please spread the word around about us!

Much respect to the other bands featured here as well. We've checked into all of you and are proud to be listed in the same review as you all.

Peace,

AR

[Auals]

Hmmm...

None of them really did it for me. All their stuff sounded quite contrived... AwaitRescue reminded me of Trapt.

FattyBoomBastic was alright but just... Something about her voice and melody creation annoyed me slightly.

Silent Border were ok but they sound like they're trying to copy bands like Muse and then all of a sudden they bust into simple powerchords with obvious changes. Again didn't do it for me. But I will admit their choruses are pretty good.

Cellar170 sounds like a failed rip off of The Hush Sound mixed with Yellowcard and a little bit of Kelly Clarkson. Yeah, that is a little harsh I know, but that's what it all sounded like.

I'm in a really pessimistic mood so the fact none of you are Say Anything or Brand New probably means that's why I didn't like it all that much.

Good luck guys, I hope for the best for all of you

[howie21]

they all suck penisssss

[ss311]

HavokStrife wrote:

All those bands suck, seriously. Await Rescue is the only one that deserves more than a 5.

Honestly, UG, where do you get these bands? I get friend requests all the time by unsigned bands that are way better than any of this woo ha.

Granted, I get much worse requests too, but that's a different story.

Prolly gunna get banned (againagain) for this, but like... are these like, bands of the people who run UG looking for some extra promo?

That's a fair opinion. You expressed it without flaming the, so it's okay. I hope you enjoy next month's bands instead. I believe in a pretty raw sound for unsigned bands, so that could explain the rawness to some of them. If you have any suggestions, that would be nice.

Yours,

Sam

[TyrsFromAbove]

McPrestidge wrote:

Silent Hill is surprisingly awesome for Swedes, quite frankly I thought they only produce Black Metal and ABBA (yes I know that sounds really ignorant, properly 'cause I am)

So you're saying that metal isn't awesome?!?! Metal is where the truly devoted and talented musicians lie, anyone who honestly believes any different is truly ignorant (like you)!!!

[arcanus trexor]

ss311 :
HavokStrife wrote:

All those bands suck, seriously. Await Rescue is the only one that deserves more than a 5.

Honestly, UG, where do you get these bands? I get friend requests all the time by unsigned bands that are way better than any of this woo ha.

Granted, I get much worse requests too, but that's a different story.

Prolly gunna get banned (againagain) for this, but like... are these like, bands of the people who run UG looking for some extra promo?


That's a fair opinion. You expressed it without flaming the, so it's okay. I hope you enjoy next month's bands instead. I believe in a pretty raw sound for unsigned bands, so that could explain the rawness to some of them. If you have any suggestions, that would be nice.

Yours,

Sam

and what exactly qualifies as flaming, if not saying these bands suck? what if i were say that it's disgusting how much pro-censorship there seems to be on a site that's supposed to be about art? does that count as flaming? taking away a freedom is never a permanent solution to a problem, and wherever that solution is implemented, the problem is always ignorance, and it's only permanent cure is information.

[Adarsh]

TyrsFromAbove wrote:

McPrestidge wrote:

Silent Hill is surprisingly awesome for Swedes, quite frankly I thought they only produce Black Metal and ABBA (yes I know that sounds really ignorant, properly 'cause I am)

So you're saying that metal isn't awesome?!?! Metal is where the truly devoted and talented musicians lie, anyone who honestly believes any different is truly ignorant (like you)!!!

Jeez. Truly devoted and talented musicians can come under any genre. Someone who makes as opinionated a statement as you have is truly ignorant.....

[ss311]

Auals wrote:

Hmmm...

None of them really did it for me. All their stuff sounded quite contrived... AwaitRescue reminded me of Trapt.

FattyBoomBastic was alright but just... Something about her voice and melody creation annoyed me slightly.

Silent Border were ok but they sound like they're trying to copy bands like Muse and then all of a sudden they bust into simple powerchords with obvious changes. Again didn't do it for me. But I will admit their choruses are pretty good.

Cellar170 sounds like a failed rip off of The Hush Sound mixed with Yellowcard and a little bit of Kelly Clarkson. Yeah, that is a little harsh I know, but that's what it all sounded like.

I'm in a really pessimistic mood so the fact none of you are Say Anything or Brand New probably means that's why I didn't like it all that much.

Good luck guys, I hope for the best for all of you

arcanus trexor wrote:

ss311 :
HavokStrife wrote:

All those bands suck, seriously. Await Rescue is the only one that deserves more than a 5.

Honestly, UG, where do you get these bands? I get friend requests all the time by unsigned bands that are way better than any of this woo ha.

Granted, I get much worse requests too, but that's a different story.

Prolly gunna get banned (againagain) for this, but like... are these like, bands of the people who run UG looking for some extra promo?


That's a fair opinion. You expressed it without flaming the, so it's okay. I hope you enjoy next month's bands instead. I believe in a pretty raw sound for unsigned bands, so that could explain the rawness to some of them. If you have any suggestions, that would be nice.

Yours,

Sam

and what exactly qualifies as flaming, if not saying these bands suck? what if i were say that it's disgusting how much pro-censorship there seems to be on a site that's supposed to be about art? does that count as flaming? taking away a freedom is never a permanent solution to a problem, and wherever that solution is implemented, the problem is always ignorance, and it's only permanent cure is information.

I meant to quote Auals' post.

[DrKingKong]

www.myspace.com/seizefireband is awesome!

[hobojo888]

myspace.com/tripepitoch
good!!!

[grille]

McPrestidge wrote:

Silent Hill is surprisingly awesome for Swedes, quite frankly I thought they only produce Black Metal and ABBA (yes I know that sounds really ignorant, properly 'cause I am)

have you ever heard of Melodic death metal ?

[Regression]

TyrsFromAbove wrote:

McPrestidge wrote:

Silent Hill is surprisingly awesome for Swedes, quite frankly I thought they only produce Black Metal and ABBA (yes I know that sounds really ignorant, properly 'cause I am)


So you're saying that metal isn't awesome?!?! Metal is where the truly devoted and talented musicians lie, anyone who honestly believes any different is truly ignorant (like you)!!!

There are more devoted musicians in the metal genre than any other imo, but it's ignorant to think there aren't any in other genres. Look at classical, and jazz. If you look at any genre theres always dedicated musicians there.

It's irrelevant anyway, I don't listen to certain music because the artists are dedicated, I listen to it if it sounds good.

[djmay71]

not my band, but a friends band
wwww.myspace.com/xxhailtotheexx

[Stefanz]

if you could perhaps check out my band, and tell me what you think... all criticisms greatly appreciated. :]

myspace.com/sympathyversussymphony

[SpedGangster]

www.myspace.com/ourjudgmentwi

[FERAL1975]

Hey, check out my page: www.myspace.com/stephenmckennamusic

[aidenxxaizen]

if you really want to see a good unsigned band that is pretty talented i found one called dodging catherine look up on myspace

[ss311]

aidenxxaizen wrote:

if you really want to see a good unsigned band that is pretty talented i found one called dodging catherine look up on myspace

Link me.

[ReiDSaN]

"and what exactly qualifies as flaming, if not saying these bands suck? what if i were say that it's disgusting how much pro-censorship there seems to be on a site that's supposed to be about art?"

If you're not bringing anything to the discussion why shouldn't you be censored? You talk a good game but it's bullshit.

[numbfig09]

I have to say, I liked all of the bands.

I can see some of the heavier influence from Await Rescue, from some of the riffs as well as song arrangement. I loved the vocal melodies and the layering in the songs was very good.

FattyBoomBastic was great. I am a huge funk fan and loved the groovy bass lines and the use of the effects with guitar. Also, I loved Laura's voice; she has very good vocal control and dynamics.

Silent Border was unbelievable. The simplistic, but incredible melodies within the music was a thrill to hear. It's been a while since I have heard a newer band sound that classic.

Cellar 170 has a very catchy feel to them, and I really liked them. I love female vocalists, so I definitely liked them.

I really like these finding unsigned artist. There's a local band from Charleston, SC (where I am) that has a lot of potential. Their name is Infamous.
www.myspace.com/infamousmetal
The recording is a little rough and their new music is so much better...they are supposed to be recording it, but check them out. It's good time trash/sludge/death metal, with a lot of guitar work.

[ss311]

numbfig09 wrote:

I have to say, I liked all of the bands.

I can see some of the heavier influence from Await Rescue, from some of the riffs as well as song arrangement. I loved the vocal melodies and the layering in the songs was very good.

FattyBoomBastic was great. I am a huge funk fan and loved the groovy bass lines and the use of the effects with guitar. Also, I loved Laura's voice; she has very good vocal control and dynamics.

Silent Border was unbelievable. The simplistic, but incredible melodies within the music was a thrill to hear. It's been a while since I have heard a newer band sound that classic.

Cellar 170 has a very catchy feel to them, and I really liked them. I love female vocalists, so I definitely liked them.

I really like these finding unsigned artist. There's a local band from Charleston, SC (where I am) that has a lot of potential. Their name is Infamous.
www.myspace.com/infamousmetal
The recording is a little rough and their new music is so much better...they are supposed to be recording it, but check them out. It's good time trash/sludge/death metal, with a lot of guitar work.

Thanks

[cmos_LP]

Re mase lemessianos???ma exi k kipreous oste sto UG

[LeX_207]

Good article m8, keep up the good work and the quality writing

cmos_LP :
Re mase lemessianos???ma exi k kipreous oste sto UG

Kipreous eshi all toutos entha se katalavi giati par ola bou zi edo shedon 12 hronia en mila ellinkina

[ss311]

That was harsh, Alex

[LeX_207]

Well Im sorry Im the kind of friend that tells the truth :P

[that_i_am]

these guys make some good tunes
http://www.myspace.com/vaudevilleonline

[slap-a-bass]

www.myspace.com/bandloremipsum

[billy_lee]

check out www.myspace.com/metrokueen