Unsigned Bands Of The Month: February 2008

Unsigned bands do tend to be a little erratic, as I discovered in my hunt for unsigned talent after January’s article. I was astonished at the feedback it received, and both the criticism and the praise was taken on board as I set out in choosing the bands that feature below. Understandably, many readers wished to see a greater number of bands, not to mention a wider range of musical genres on show. Thank you to anyone who contributed to my search for talented unsigned bands; it would be valued if you could keep the feedback coming this month. Your private messages and comments are much appreciated, and I just hope that, together we can all learn to appreciate music of all genres over the course of this monthly column.

Exemption is a band that embraces a variety of influences, ranging from Sex Pistols, to Pantera to Johnny Cash. These guys don’t just list a host of influences; the proof is in the pudding, and the pudding in this case is the band’s recent album, "Rabbit Hole," an explosive album. Exemption breaks genre barriers down, particularly on Swing Darling, which includes a sonic surprise halfway through the track, when what sounds like a Steve Jones influenced guitar solo transpires to become a technically adept legato masterpiece. There is no doubt that these guys can play, and credit must go to the energies of Nicky, the solitary guitarist, who, fills out the sound admirably. I personally have a thing for 3-piece bands, and Exemption proves to be no, erm, exemption to the rule. Tom, Nicky and Ray have taken great pleasure in playing live with legendary bands such as the Misfits, and long may they continue. With such credentials, it can only be a matter of time before a band as talented as this is signed to a Record Label. Versatility is fast becoming a vital element of the evolving music industry. The fact is that there is only so much more generic music that the market can put up with; it is arguably saturated, and a band like Exemption could help to change that. Exemption have somehow uncovered that sweet spot that enables the band to epitomise the precise, yet raw sound that only very few three-pieces have captured over the years. This band does New York’s divine musical dynasty proud, and is paramount to this article because of the experimentation the band undertakes on songs like Chunderpuss, while still maintaining the band’s ‘sound’: A band that all should aspire to emulate.

UG Underground Rating: 9

Coyote, a five-piece classic rock band whose origins lie in the Midlands of the United Kingdom are situated in Lichfield, where they wow local audiences with their brand of Guns N’ Roses/Thin Lizzy influenced sleaze. Scotty and Miller, the guitar duo proves their aptitude with striking interplay and ferocity as they widdle and chug their way through the band’s set, which includes a range of originals and of course, Slash-dominated covers. With tracks as marvellous and poignant as Goin’ Down and Let Me Live It respectively, the potential here is immeasurable. Screaming guitar solos, a tight rhythm section, and of course dazzling musicianship is what vocalist Josh can thrive on with his authoritative voice that truly is the final piece to this fabulous jigsaw.

Although the band was founded a few years ago, Coyote’s progress has been stunted by line-up changes, the most ill fated of which was spurred by the untimely death of Scotty’s “close friend” and jamming partner, Richard Dowling. Taking this into account, one can further put Coyote’s intense live performances and proficient song writing. With the motivation to succeed, coupled with the ‘right’ circumstances, Coyote may be able to prosper as a band by sparking a renewed interest in Classic Rock. The overwhelming question is whether they can make their own luck by extending their touring schedule and repertoire. With an excellently produced four-track EP recently uploaded to myspace, Coyote’s place in this month’s article is more than justified due in no small part to the excellence of their four track EP that will have you yearning for more.

UG Underground Rating: 8

Jake Skubisz is not only an overwhelmingly pleasant individual, but also an individual of immense talent. His sincere acoustic numbers are sonic works of art. His voice rings out over the instrumentation, which, he reminds us; he plays himself, unless mentioned otherwise, of course. Some of you may doubt Jake’s prowess, but he is everything an acoustic player should be. Some of his attributes include his apt for song writing, and the tenderness of his singing voice. It reminds me of a blank slate (tabula rasa), in that it has so much to it, despite having capacity for improvement. With tracks as grand as the rhythmic Easy On The Eyes, and the palm-muted You’ll Never Know you simply have to commend his ability. His songs, though simplistic at times, should not be overlooked, because minimalism can sometimes be far more powerful than the studio-beneficiaries of the major label industry. I think that this is one of those cases, and for as long as Jake records his own songs, he’ll be able to remind us all of what unsigned bands should aspire to.

UG Underground Rating: 7.5

Stonecreep is a band that has been touted as the heirs to the classic metal throne. In 2006 the album, "Tonight We Ride" landed in the Canadian metal magazine's Top 10 list of unsigned demo releases. Their latest effort, "We Bleed Disaster" is reminiscent of ‘Tallica in their pomp. Poised, ready in waiting to leave their home of Portland, Oregon in the USA, Stonecreep have opened for Exodus, Entombed, 3 Inches of Blood, Watch Them Die and 36 Crazyfists; not bad for a (currently) unsigned band. Matt Litton’s Hetfield influenced vocals and rhythm guitar should suit well with most '80s thrash listeners, while Aaron Mullaney’s more intricate lead is arguably more varied than Hammet’s '80s efforts. That said, Stonecreep are not in the same league as the '80s thrash legends, and many are skeptical that emulating Metallica’s thrash albums is even a viable goal anymore. Perhaps this could explain Stonecreep’s unsigned status. Nevertheless, with songs as solo laden as Live To Die Again, the energy of these four guys from Oregon cannot be doubted, and this, this, is greatly in their favour as they look to make 2008 their year.

UG Underground Rating: 6.5

Choosing this month’s bands prove to be no easy task, due in no small part to the numerous suggestions received in my message inbox. Leave any suggestions below, as always, and try not to be so harsh: be objective; be open-minded.

POSTED: 02/29/2008 - 02:59 am

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Comments

[ss311]

Sorry, the links are as follows:

http://myspace.com/exemption
http://myspace.com /rockincoyote
http://myspace.com/jakeskubisz
http://myspace.com/stonecreep

I should have included them in the article. Sorry about that.

fixed

[ss311]

Thanks Dyuha.

[BlisteringDDj]

Great stuff!

good stuff yo!! =))))

[Xeus]

nice to see this hasnt fizzled out

[neverspoiled]

How about Silver City Skyline, The American Tragedy, Undying Novelty, I Am Israel, Her Sweet Autumn Misery, or Harbor the Thief??? All great local unsigned bands

[Lemmon]

how about The Bogrolls :P
http://artists.ultimate-guitar.com/bogrolls/

[hitek008]

how about burying the trend from the lonestar state? Great local metal band.
www.myspace.com/buryingthetrend

[TheUnholy]

You put the wrong link in the article for Coyote, btw

[LegsOnEarth]

i would like to recommend
www.myspace.com/halidemetal

[snoopythursday]

for cumbria and scotland bands how about; The Thursdays www.myspace.com/thethursdaysrock, Shore www.myspace.com/shorebanduk, The Mortal www.myspace.com/themortalweb and Runt Hornet www.myspace.com/runthornet not only four awesome bands but great guys too :

[=Thunderbird=]

i'm listening to Jake Skubisz at the moment and I've to say, thanks for the link I really like the music he makes

[DreamTheater09]

www.myspace.com/nightpyreband
these guys are pretty good indy band
i sugest checking them out

[Sol9989]

exemption are actually quite good.

good find, sir.

[SyN6661]

www.myspace.com/betrayal1

[CapnKickass]

Wonder if Stonecreep got their name from
Stone Temple Pilots and their song Creep.

[Scotty Coyote]

Awesome review of us
Thanks alot

[rejected1]

Nice list there... exemption definitely my recommendation... i love them!

[Lurgeeboy]

could i recommend www.myspace.com/fatallyyours
recently been on tour with 'Boy Hits Car' and 'Four Star Mary'

[nirvanafan11111]

i recommend http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewpro file&friendid=127823220
a glam rock band called wyld side

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user .viewprofile&friendid=140352807
a thrash band called insinerate!

[josh_lomas]

WRONG LINK FOR COYOTE!!!!!

Real link: www.myspace.com/rockincoyote

[NoEndToWinter]

www.myspace.com/detoura

^^ melodic/progressive metal!

[Les_Paul_12]

myspace.com/legendofagun
legendofagun.com

[Les_Paul_12]

Those guys are sick!

[evilleguitar]

YOU should check out a new band at MYSPACE called "CALLING CORNERS" !!

[metallica72487]

with faith or flames good local thrash metal band

www.myspace.com/withfaithorflames

[convictionless]

these guys are unsigned and there amazing
www.myspace.com/anamericanshootout

[mayht]

www.myspace.com/marigoldtaxi

Alt/Indie ooo aye :P

[reedplaysgeetar]

you should check out illumanation nation

and

pj & the whistlers

[reedplaysgeetar]

http://www.myspace.com/pjandthewhistlers

http://www.myspace.com/illuminationation

[Riffer_maddness]

Im usually striaght metal-classic rock but this is my band directors band there kinda tool with an acoustic feel check them out myspace.com/versetheory

[Lukeguitarman]

you guys houdl check out The Fast Romantics,, love their sound... http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewpro file&friendID=165306068

[rod koc]

check us out...

www.myspace.com/muckyswall

[Coasternerd]

Seriously need to check out Tachycardia from Arlington Texas because they are a group of teenagers who totally blow these bands away. Atleast check them out and I'm sure you will be impressed.

[roarinflames]

dude stonecreep are ****ing awesome
ive seen them twice live already

**** yeah!!!

[roarinflames]

oh btw

2 Headed chang from arlington, washington,usa

those guys have local legend status for the best live shows around

[RCH15]

I only know one, really great, local band. That'd be The Epilogues, up in Denver, Colorado. They're cool guys. The music is really great, too. =D

[sundayserenade]

Foxy Shazam. PEACE

[aliceinnirvana]

Way to keep it real, mate.
Nice job.

[Dumpweedrock]

My recommendations are
A Lesser Evil www.myspace.com/alesserevil

Free Yon www.myspace.com/freeyon
and
Anchorage www.myspace.com/anchoragenj

check em out! all great local bands from central New Jersey

[thesmartguy50]

Try www.myspace.com/justplainchaddario

[jmh886]

check out periphery. myspace.com/periphery
these guys are bound for greatness. you wont be dissappointed.

[Pontius]

Lol, here're some really good local indiana bands: Still Beating (so friggin close to getting signed!), The Blood Reckoning, The Great Escape

[Scotty Coyote]

Awesome review

Check our UG site too

http://artists.ultimate-guitar.com/coyote/

[not a bumblebee]

myspace.com/ministryofpain
http://www.myspace.com/mutinynj
Both are good mutiny is alot more popular though.

[Mikey1989]

myspace.com/halftimerehearsal

Those guys are pretty good. Decent on the local metal scene too.

[_Tenacious_]

Coyote sound awesome.

[ParkerScks]

i bet everyone is posting there own bands haha :P

[noodleplugerine]

http://www.myspace.com/halidemetal

Seen these guys a few times on the local scene - Great live band, and their lead guitarist is just shred-tastic.

[Anno[fzk]]

http://www.myspace.com/whitebison

if you like prog-rock that falls somewhere between Tool and The Mars Volta, this band is for you.

[ss311]

Remember that any suggestions as to where I should take this article are welcome. Thanks for the feedback.

[zhoustonh]

You should check out a band from Louisiana called Sugarfoot. I have seen them twice and it was great.

[zhoustonh]

www.myspace.com/sugarfootrock

[pacmandemon]

www.myspace.com/killthecliche

[olenmursu]

Exemption and Coyote rule=)

[WCS_Is_Worse1]

Stonecreep +1

[Thrash Metal]

http://www.myspace.com/havok

Good stuff.

[TDAJGuitarist]

http://www.myspace.com/the6dead6are6judged

[Punks|Not|Dead]

www.myspace.com/uk77

Great punk/ska/reggae band.

Defiantly worth a few minutes of your time

[Scourge441]

http://www.myspace.com/neobliviscaris

Progressive black metal who absolutely deserve to be mentioned here.

And this progressive rock band:

http://www.myspace.com/mmz

[Trivium1991]

Check out shakodi and Project Darko from Clarksville, Tennesee and Dickson Tennesee! www.myspace.com/shakodi and www.myspace.com/projectdarko

[cruehead187]

theres a bad ass band call WAITING FOR DECAY check them out

[Sidewinder1090]

This is the best unsigned band out there
www.myspace.com/forverwingsfold

[jbridge90]

I would like to recommend the band In Public View. They are very skilled. I Recommend listening to the song Colorless Green Ideas first.

Here's a link to their myspace:

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction= user.viewprofile&friendid=2243760

[-Franb92-]

This guy Jake Skubitz is really good with the acoustic. Thanks for sharing!

[boxcarblink94]

check out tragedy andy. myspace.com/tragedyandyband

im friends of theirs. great stuff

[INCARNATENZ]

CHECK OUT INCARNATE ((((( www.myspace.com/incarnatenz ))))) CHUR

[georgez]

how about band name? www.myspace.com/bandnamerox

[georgez]

it's such a great band!

[The Rev Rules]

http://www.myspace.com/thestonegods
http://www.myspace.com/ heavensbasementofficial

2 quality bands, I think theyre both unsigned.
Stone gods - ex Darkness
Heavens Basement - ex Roadstar

[WhiteStripesIII]

Le chat noir - check out them www.lechatnoir.org.uk

[MusicLover#1]

Short stack
or
Falling For Beloved.

[MusicLover#1]

Or Liberation front

[mister bass guy]

i checked out exemption's myspace. lots of solid songs.

[noodleplugerine]

http://www.myspace.com/thesafetyfire
http://www.myspace.com /redseasfire

Two absolutely AWESOME metal bands - Pure brilliance in both musicality and playing.

[6atreyu9]

How about Until Eternity from Tampa, Fl. And if i do say so myself floridas music scene is through the roof.

[john54eva1]

I would like to highly reccomend a band called Nylon Sky. They are only about 16 years old but sound about 25.

www.myspace.com/nylonskyspace

[jack&sally]

i wanna reccomend van atta aigh
myspace.com/vanattahigh

[Cr3sc3nT]

good choice, man!

[Papasmurf69]

myspace.com/konspiracy1

[kennertoys]

www.myspace.com/westpoint

my band, from the Toronto area of Ontario Canada. Just released our first full length album and are about to head out on a major Canadian tour to support the disc.

[megadeth_2011]

YALL SHOULD CHECK OUT MELIPTIC THIER FUKING BADASS!! THIER GOIN TO B DA NEXT TRIVIUM BUT BETTER

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/MELIPTIC

[SBox]

www.myspace.com/brucebombilla
Acoustic/Folk from Iowa. Decent stuff.

[gthorn2000]

www.myspace.com/mrjonesandtheinvaders
Lots of good influences

[FERAL1975]

Check out my page, hardly the greatest music in the world but good fer a laugh I suppose.
www.myspace.com/stephenmckennamusic

[LDiehlmann]

If you like Jeff Buckley, Bob Dylan, or just mellow music check out Tom Moran's solo stuff (he's the bassist and lead singer from Exemption)

Also, check out Exemption's friends Fastizio
They are pretty rockin'
Influences include: The Bronx, The Flaming Lips, Queens of the Stone Age, and many more

http://www.myspace.com/fastizio

Trust me it's all worth while

[LDiehlmann]

I forgot to post the link to Tom's myspace

http://www.myspace.com/thomasmoran

oops