Bandcamp Bonanza – 101

Here’s this week’s recommendations. Most are brand new finds within the last couple weeks and a few are older finds but deserve your attention as well. It doesn’t appear that bandcamp is slowing down anytime soon. That’s a good thing.

Coogan’s Bluff - Metronopolis

These guys are seriously one of my favorite bands that nobody seems to say much about. At least here in the states. When I caught wind of them putting out a new album I was frothing at the mouth in excitement. They are a hard funk rock band, blending brass, guitar and blues like no other. They’ve done a great job putting out engaging music videos for over a decade and this new album is perhaps their most progressive album to date, keeping a kindred groove. Metronopolisadds more of a southern rock flair this time around, maintaining its rattling rhythm and jazz-oriented groove. The songs range from airy grunge-like melodies layered inlounge buzzed licksto intense progressive jams thatflow like red wine in a Spanish pasture. Coogan’s Bluff is a class act and I urge you to pick this one up as well as their entire discography.

Mount Hush – Mount Hush

This is their first proper full length album and after the taste we got on their split album with the band Deaf Proof from a couple years ago I was certain we were in for a treat and boy are we. Mount Hush reigns down upon us an intense output of tranquil psych and pulsing groove, towering with immense progression and lush soundscape. Holy moly!!

Bailjack – Spring

Oh ya, instant approval and excitement with that hard hitting bass and soulful croon, giving this a heavy funk groove mixed with acid drenched harmony. You’ll want to take this trip. CD same price as digital, might as well hold in your hand.

Paradise – Paradise

Driving melody, metallic crunch, muscular chops, charismatic chorus runs, soaring solos.... all descriptors apt for this blazing Canadian quintet.

High Tone Son of a Bitch – Death of a New Day / Eye in the Sky

These guys are a supergroup of sorts who have been around for over 15 years but endeuring a hiatus after a tragic death of one of the members. They are back now and stronger than ever and rumor is a brand new album in the works. This is their most recent output and a prelude of whats to come. Made up of ex-members of Noothgush, Neurosis, Kalas recorded with Billy Anderson who also plays on the album as well as guest artists including the one and only Matt Pike. What’s not to be excited about. Take a listen for yourself and gear up for one of the more engaging upcoming projects currently in the works.

Elden – Nostromo

Elden have arrived with their first album under the proper moniker (formerly Atlas) and debut on Fuzzorama Records. Been a big fan since day one and Nostromo proves the band is the real deal. Loaded with technical riffs, soaring melody and progressive hooks like nobodies business. The beauty of a hard metallic album like this is it continues to get better with each listen. The gritty fuzz melts with complex structure and retains a cool and catchy atmosphere.

Pink Cigs – Pink Cigs

I love seeing 3 microphones in action. The Pink Cigs puff away a raucous plume of riffs both heavy and hooky. Think a more punk rock version of The Sword laying down that sleazy dive bar swagger.

Second-Hand Apes – Second-Hand Apes

These guys aren’t aping around here. Loaded with proggy gloom and groovy doom, this 3 song set is perfect for a 20 minute excursion of immaculate atmospheric fuzz. It’s much more dynamic than you’d think from all those fuzz tags.

Goatriders–The Magician’s Keep

Hey all you doomers and stoners we’ve got a new goat band on the block. ‘The Magician’s Keep’ comes riding in all misty and morose with a full-bearded blues attack. Forget the saddle, these goat riffs bust a mean mutt bareback and carve a succulent groove.

The Swell Fellas – The Big Grand Entrance

These swell fellas sure do make a big grand entrance psychedelic into the hard rock underworld with this fresh and. You can't help but hear the All Them Witches influence as the record was mixed and co-produced by Ben McLeod of ATW. The debut full length brings us that sought-after bass heavy chug warped by progressive and atmospheric riffs and gentle, yet charismatic vocals. Can't get enough.

-The Huntsman