FELLOW KIDS is an alt-rock band from Vancouver, British Columbia, that has been around since 2015. According to their official website, their ‘multi-genre sensibilities’ have led to a repertoire of compositions ranging from rhythm and dance to hard and emotional. Following the release of their EP in August 2019, the band progressed from a garage-rock tone to a sound infused with more pop, dance, and synth. This past February they recorded three songs at Vancouver’s Monarch Studios with Tom Dobrzanski, who contributed his artistry on keys and percussion to this track.
FELLOW KIDS' upbeat and sophisticated new release FADED is a flawless fresh track that is destined for greatness! The song’s symphonic synth intro quickly morphs into a funky hypnotic bass riff that drives the track throughout…kudos to bassist extraordinaire Ian Lavery. Accompanied by Navin Sundar and Jamie Gordon’s polished and riveting guitar riffs, FADED includes striking lead vocals by Navin. Keyboards and additional percussion Cemented by Ryan’s steady, rollicking drumbeat, FADED is a refreshing and exhilarating synth-pop-rock gift to the world!! It is an absolute delight to revisit this style of music that is reminiscent of popular classic bands of the 1980’s New Wave era like Dead or Alive, Depeche Mode, Erasure, Spandau Ballet, Frankie Goes To Hollywood and more. The song begins with these profound lyrics: I think my eyes are faded. My favourite song is playing, now. It seems the pain is sinking. With every drop of whiskey, now. But maybe I’ll find I’m not the first one that’s left behind. Maybe I’ll go wherever devil’s can steal the show. FADED’s chorus is extremely bright, catchy and relatable (you will find yourself singing it over and over in your head). Can’t we all relate to wanting to leave (our home, a relationship, a job, a situation, etc.) and the desire to strike out on our own? Don’t leave the lights on ‘cause I’m never coming home. I’m gonna’ leave this place and find it on my own. Don’t leave the lights on ‘cause I’m never coming home. The following verse is especially meaningful given the situation we collectively find ourselves in at the moment…how many of you are feeling like this or have in the past? I’m on the edge of sinking. Let’s throw out all our demons now. I’m stuck beneath the ceiling. It’s a forgetful feeling now. The bridge is a work of instrumental genius and proves to be a rousing showcase of the bands’ technical musicianship. It greatly illustrates the rich and complex texture of this song, as it then segues to repeat this deliciously melodic verse in slo-mo before returning to the song’s catchy refrain: But maybe I’ll find I’m not the first one that’s left behind. Maybe I’ll go wherever devil’s can steal the show. Don’t leave the lights on ‘cause I’m never coming home. I’m gonna’ leave this place and find it on my own. Don’t leave the lights on ‘cause I’m never coming home. As the song played repeatedly during my review, I found myself craving an accompanying music video to watch on MTV and Much Music! Perhaps the band will consider it? This tune demands and deserves visual expression. FADED is a top-flight masterpiece and is as good, if not better, than many of this genre’s greatest hits of days gone by! FADED is available now on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Tidal, Deezer, and every other streaming platform around! https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/fellowkids/faded *(Review written by Lisa Wartur, the CEO & Publicist at NoodleHead Productions PR. Her music industry experience includes several years with CBS Records/Sony Music in the 1980’s). ROBOTS AND GODS are a Vancouver based rock band. Inspired by the 90’s Seattle scene, but adamant to push boundaries with a cutting edge new sound. They are as talented, if not more, than some of the classic bands that have inspired them.
In early 2019, they began pre-production on their first EP, which will be released in 2020. Their highly anticipated first single “MORE” was released TODAY, and my rock-radar and gut instinct tells me the band has a number one hit on their hands! Listen on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/r7dkqlc “MORE” is pure HIGH-VOLTAGE, an exhilarating and melodic modern rock track that explodes out of the gate with the rapid steady beat of Ryan Smith’s drums and Bogdan Pyasta’s rich, soulful and dynamic vocals. Accompanied by Greg Smithwick’s skillful and hypnotic guitar riffs, Jerry Ocol’s steady, driving bass and Tyson Harrington killing it on synths. The intro featuring a ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ sci-fi-like electrical burst is an especially nice touch! Reminiscent of 90’s legends like Stone Temple Pilots, Pearl Jam, Nine Inch Nails, Nirvana and more, Robots and Gods has infused their unique brand of music with those familiar 90’s sounds to create a 22nd century lively rock sound that is energizing, delightful and here to stay! The song’s lyrics are extremely relatable, as we’ve all had times in our lives when we’ve done some soul-searching, wondered if this “is enough?” and had to make difficult choices: “It’s time to take a stand There is no way back now How can I live my life Without knowing why Can someone stop this noise I’ve gotta make a choice I ain't got time, to waste” Haven’t we all longed for more at one time or another, as expressed in the song’s chorus that has quite a catchy hook that will reel you in: “And I want More, So much More Give me more, I want more And I want More, So much More Give me more, I want more” The slowed tempo during the mellifluous bridge conveys a soothing sigh of realization and is a testament to the band’s masterful skill of musical composition: “It's been here all along The sound of a familiar song Hidden in a dream, hidden in a dream I accept my fate” As the song continues, the band takes us along with them as they are determined to find their way through the darkness: “Looking for the hidden path Through the darkness, make my way Things ain't looking bright right now I feel the strength fade in me In the horizon I can see, A familiar sight I think I'm finally here” Robots and Gods is making a refreshing and important contribution to the Vancouver music scene and is a Rock and Roll force to be reckoned with. “More” is definitely destined to chart at number one and is going to put the band on the international music map! "MORE" was recorded at the legendary Fader Mountain Sound (formerly Little Mountain Sound) and Monarch Studios. It was produced and mixed by Elisa Pangsaeang (Yukon Blonde, Said the Whale), with additional mixing by Karl Dicaire (Big Wreck, Devin Townsend Project) and mastered by Randy Merrill (Muse, Imagine Dragons). *(Review written by Lisa Wartur, the CEO & Publicist at NoodleHead Productions PR. Her music industry experience includes several years with CBS Records/Sony Music in the 1980's). |
AuthorNoodleHead Productions PR Archives
November 2024
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