THE ALTERNATIVE WITH CHRIS ATWOOD

10 tracks from 10 bands I have never heard of, but the sound of the first ones was good enough to give it a shot as I love to discover unkonw pearls! The idea behind this compilation is a search for more airplay for bands that got on a radio show. Well: at least now I run into them, so part of the mission is a success and now it's your turn...

James Stevenson opens with 'Twilight Riders' a nice retro rocker with a melancholic male voice. It sounds pretty catchy (for sure with the soul-minded backings) and is simply the best track on the album!

More into Punk Rock and New Wave is James Straight and the Wide Stance 'Higher Elevation'. The Buzzcocks ('Ever Fallen in love') comes close to it. The New Frustrations 'Biggest Lie' remind of the young version of Billy Idol. I would call it retro punk wave, I love the melancholic sound and well speeded up guitars! Suzy Blu brings 'Well' a nice New Wave tinted and female fronted track. I like the 80's guitar touch. Ruby Rae 'Deena Met the Devil' reminds me of Hole in a country and western version, a bit like the opening track of 'True Blood'! Workforce 'Body Sweat' sounds like an electronic or New Wave kind of a work out! It takes you indeed to the gym! A nice Yello versus Front242 minded track very much into the 80's! A Fifth Column 'A Fifth Column' sounds a bit like Marc Almond in a dramatic mood. The Feel Bad Hit of the Winter 'Smile' is a nice retro New Wave track and very radio friendly.

Kevin Nolan 'Splinter' is a nice soft rocker, with a bit of a dreamer’s rhythm, very gently weeping you into a deep sleep. Didn't Planet 'We're Goin' Nowhere' is pretty nice post punk with nice vocals and very catchy!

Well: it was worth it! I hope you give it a chance!

Bandcamp

Filip VAN MUYLEM
03/08/2014