It is perceived that there has been a decline in rock music
over the last decade. I however don’t buy into this theory. Yes rock music
doesn’t feature in the charts as much as it once did, but that doesn’t mean
that it isn’t there. You just have to search for it more than you did before.
That’s what this blog is going to focus on.
I’m not going to include the likes of Foo Fighters, Muse,
RHCP, Black Keys etc… as they are all high profile bands, and it is more than
likely that people have heard of them. Furthermore sub genres, such as Pop
Punk, Nu Metal and Emo bands aren’t going to be included either (Linkin’ Park,
System of a Down, Green Day, My Chemical Romance etc…). I’m just going to focus
more on the ‘classic rock’ sound. So no metal bands are going to be included; the
likes of Metallica, Iron Maiden or Slipknot for example. Classic Rock heavy
hitters Guns ‘n’ Roses, Motley Crue and AC/DC have all released new material
since the turn of the millennium, but they’re not on the list. Newer bands such
as Alter Bridge, Biffy Clyro and The White Stripes have also enjoyed success,
selling out arena across the country, but they too have missed out.. There have
also been a number of Supergroups, with the likes of Audioslave, Brides of
Destruction and Them Crooked Vultures making an appearance on the rock scene,
and they’re just going to be mentioned here.
Basically there are too many to mention them all, so I’ve
decided to concentrate on bands that perhaps aren’t high profile, but have
released music that shows the spirit of rock and roll is still alive today.
This means I’m not going to be mentionioning well known bands, and suggesting songs you may
already know. Hopefully below there is some new music for you to explore.
Hope you enjoy J
Airbourne- Blonde,
Bad and Beautiful: The heirs to AC/DC, this Australian four piece sure know
how to make good old fashioned rock ‘n’ roll. What you see is what you get, and
with Blonde, Bad and Beautiful, you get a song saluting the good times of the
rock n roll lifestyle. Uncomplicated and loud, they’re one of the loudest bands
I’ve seen live, Airboune are a band that shows that the spirit of rock n roll
lives on.Band of Skulls- I Know What I Am: This bluesy 3 piece band from Southampton have recently released the follow up to their critically acclaimed debut. This song, taken from their debut, shows what The White Stripes might have sounded like if both Jack and Meg were on vocals. A band that sticks to their blues roots, they are already gathering a strong legion of fans. One to keep an eye on as they can only get bigger from here.
Black Country Communion- One Last Soul: The first ‘Supergroup’ on the list, and are perhaps the strongest of recent times. Members include Glenn Hughes, formerly of Black Sabbath and Deep Purple, Joe Bonamassa, blues guitarist extraordinaire, Jason Bonham, son of infamous Led Zeppelin drummer John and keyboardist Derek Sherinian. I saw this band live at a festival, not really expecting much and they blew me away. They were fantastic, and one of the best bands I saw over the weekend. This song is my personal favourite from them.
Black Stone Cherry- Please Come In: This hard rock band from Kentucky are one of the best young rock bands to emerge in the last few years. Their explosive self-titled debut made me sit up and notice, while their follow up album, Folklore and Superstition which this song is taken, carried on in much the same vein. This song shows them at their best, with an infectious riff that sticks in your head. They released their third album a couple of years ago and are sure to carry on with their own with their sound from the Deep South.
Big City- Call Paul Stanley: Not a band I know too much about, but I love this song. After being recommended this song in Classic Rock Magazine, I gave it a listen and loved it. As the band are huge Kiss fans, this song is about a young fan who stumbles across Paul Stanley’s phone number and decides to give him a call. A great sing-along song, it’s a real anthem that deserves greater recognition.
Buckcherry- Too Drunk: The band that have been holding the sleaze rock mantle since Guns ‘n’ Roses fell apart, you know exactly what you’re going to get with Buckcherry. A song that manages to incorporate Sex, Drugs and Rock n Roll, it is full of pure sleaze. This is what makes it so good. That, and the infectious riff that gets under your skin. This song, and ‘Crazy Bitch’, show that there is still room on the market for songs full of dirty guitar and dirty lyrics.
Chickenfoot- Soap on a Rope: Another Supergroup on the list, and another one with a super strong line-up. With members including ex-Van Halen members Sammy Hagar on vocals and Michael Anthony on bass with RHCP drummer Chad Smith and six-string superstar Joe Satriani on guitar, this band know how to make top quality rock music. This song from their debut album shows their strength and undoubted talent, making hard rock how it should be played.
Diemonds- Highway: Only discovered this band recently but they're one I can't stop listening to. Imagine Joan Jett fronting Guns 'n' Roses and you're just about there. This song actually reminds a lot of GnR. Hard and fast, it is brilliant sleazy rock song. Certainly a band to keep an eye on, as they could be seriously be going places.
Electric Mary- Let Me Out: Hailing from Melbourne, this band shows that, along with Airbourne, the spirit of rock n roll is still alive and kicking down under. This song shows them at their best, a real hard hitting song with a fantastic riff, you can clearly hear their blues influences.
Foxy Shazam- Count Me In: Could easily be discarded as Queen-wannabies, but if you embrace the style and image, Foxy Shazam are the real deal. A real force to be reckoned with, they are the craziest band I’ve ever seen live. Fantastic guitars, and arguably one of the best singers of recent years, this song will get under your skin and you’ll have it on repeat for a while afterwards. A real feel good song, this is a band that doesn’t take itself too seriously, with the result being they make really fun music.
Halestorm- Love Bites (So Do I): A band with a big future if their first two albums are anything to go by, this hard rock band from Pennsylvania should go really far. Fronted by the gorgeous and talented Lzzy Hale, she provides the searing and varied vocals to accompany the ferocious riff and thumping drums. She really does have an amazing vocal range, and the full range can be heard on this song. But it’s not all about her, the crazy Arejay Hale crashes away on the drums like a madman while Joe Hottinger on guitar and Josh Smith on bass help glue the song together. It’s a real in your face track by a band that deserves more recognition. Certainly remember the name.
Jaded Sun- Breaking Through: Irish band Jaded Sun were highly rated when they released their debut album back in 2008 full of hard hitting blues based rock. Haven’t heard much of them of them recently, but this song is arguably their best. It’s just straight forward bluesy rock.
Lordi- Hard Rock Hallelujah: Coming to prominence in 2007 when they won The Eurovision Song Contest, Lordi are a hard rock band from Finland. Even though it could be easy to write them off as a bit of a gimmick, behind the striking costumes, this is a group of talented musicians who make very good music. This song, one that achieved a then record number of points for a Eurovision winner, wears its heart on its sleeve saluting the genre it is proudly part of.
Orianthi- Shut Up and Kiss Me: Currently lead guitarist for Alice Cooper, Orianthi is a Greek/Australian singer songwriter and guitarist. Having been chosen to be Michael Jackson’s guitarist for his 50 dates at the O2, she has also played with the likes of Steve Vai and Carlos Santana. She has also released a solo album, which also showcase her undoubted talent. This song, perhaps a little Avril Lavigne in sound, shouldn’t distract from the fact that she can seriously play. The album, ‘Believe’, gets heavier as it progresses and is one that I highly recommend.
No Connection- Last Revolution: A song that I doubt you would have heard of if you haven’t played FlatOut2, this is a right gem and one that I suggest you listen to. It’s the hard and fast riff that stands out on this song. Not a band that people have heard of, but a song that you really should hear.
Pearl- Nobody: Being Meat Loaf’s adopted daughter, there was always going to a chance that Pearl Aday was going to follow in the Bat Out Of Hell man’s footsteps. Having spent almost a decade as backing singer to her step-father, she finally released her own solo album ‘Little Immaculate White Fox’ in 2010, with this song being the pick of the bunch. A fusion of hard rock with strong vocals makes this song one you’ll want to listen to on repeat.
Pig Iron- …and the Bodies Fall: Pig Iron are a hard rock band from London, who have released three albums in the last few years. This song is my favourite of theirs and has a brilliant intro. It builds up brilliantly with heavy guitars and crashing drums, layering each part until it explodes with a fantastic riff. Flirting with heavy metal influences, this song is recommended if you are into hard and heavy rock.
Poets and Pornstars- Rock ‘n’ Roll: Around for just the one album, Poets and Pornstars made a brief appearance into the world of rock, but left a lasting impression with this brilliant song. As the title suggests, it’s just rock n roll, what you see is what you get. It also has a wonderfully memorable intro, one of the best from recent times. It’s a real shame that this band broke up, as they know how to create proper old style rock n roll.
Pride Tiger- The Lucky Ones: Another band that only lasted one album, but created one of my favourite songs, Pride Tiger could have been the new Thin Lizzy. Spawned after three members quit heavy metal band 3 Inches of Blood, their sound bared a close resemblance to classic rock outfit Thin Lizzy. However the album never really took off, and the band split. A real feel good song, this is one I highly recommend to any rock fan.
Rev Theory- Hell Yeah: American rock band Rev Theory make the list with their explosive song ‘Hell Yeah’. This song is the business, a real hard hitting anthem, full of heavy riffs, crunching guitars and soaring sing along vocals, this is a song that you can’t help but turn up loud when it comes on.
Royal Republic- Full Steam Spacemachine: Hailing from Sweden, Royal Republic show that the Scandinavians still know how to make crazy rock music. Infectious is the best way to describe this song, it stuck in my head for ages when I first heard it. They may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but they’re a fun band to listen to, and one whose music will stay on your mind for a while.
Slash feat. Fergie- Beautiful Dangerous: A song that I think shows that Fergie should sing more rock, this is a combination that on paper looks like it might not work, but it really, really does. She has one hell of a voice, one that fits the rock genre perfectly. Taken from Slash’s first solo album, this is song shows Slash on top form, with typical Slash guitars fused with Fergie’s soaring vocal. I recommend the whole album, but this song is a fantastic taster.
Sick Puppies- Riptide: Taken from the album ‘Tri-Polar’, Riptide is a fantastic song by Australian three piece Sick Puppies. Don’t let the name put you off, they are a fantastic band, with ‘Tri-Polar’ being one of my favourite albums, and not just because I have a soft spot for bassist Emma Anzai. Their music is very accessible and radio friendly, but don’t think that means they can’t play. Riptide, a song about being happy with who you are and not caring what other people think, their songs have a habit of carrying an underlying message. Give this a listen, and there’s a strong chance you’ll become a fan too.
Sixx A.M.- Life Is Beautiful: The side project of Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx, he teamed up with guitarist DJ Ashba and singer James Michael to create the soundtrack to his autobiography ‘The Heroin Diaries’. Those of you who aren’t familiar with Sixx’s exploits, I suggest you get his book, it’s a fantastic read. This song is about realising the worth of life and that it shouldn’t be wasted (Sixx was actually technically dead back in 1987 at the height of his addiction). Not only does this song have a strong meaning, as does the whole album, but musically it is brilliant. Sixx provides his usual heavy bass line, while Ashba provides excellent guitar work. James Michaels on vocals is a very underrated singer, and after listening to this you’ll see why. Work is currently in progress to make the Heroin Diaries into a musical, which might be worth going to.
Skillet- Monster: Not a name that is all too familiar over here, but on the other side of the pond, Skillet have a big following. This is arguably one of their better known songs, a very radio friendly sing-along type song. With loud guitars and a big chorus this is a song that is well worth listening to.
Steel Panther- Just Like Tiger Woods: Basically 1980s Sunset Strip throwbacks, Steel Panther are a band that pay homage to the likes of Motley Crue, Poison and Def Leppard, but can actually play. Very tongue in cheek, this is a band not to be taken seriously and ‘Just like Tiger Woods’ is the perfect example of this. After the revelations of his private life, I think you get the idea about what the song is about. Full of innuendo and double entendre, this song is actually pretty funny. Away from the tongue in cheek lyrics, the members are all talented musicians, which help with the OTT 80s image. Very much a welcome throwback to the days of old.
Stereoside- On Our Way: This may sound like a bold statement, but this is one of the best songs of the last 10 years or so, and I bet you have never heard of it. Well I suggest you give it a listen. It is lyrically superb. It may just be paying homage to the rock greats that influenced them, but the lyrics are fabulous. It starts slowly before exploding into life halfway through. A truly brilliant song, it is one of my all-time favourites. You have to give it a listen.
The Answer- On and On: We’ve had the heirs to AC/DC, and with The Answer we have the heirs to Led Zeppelin. Very much in the blues style of Led Zep, this four piece from Belfast are holding the beacon for blues based rock high at the moment. They play good old fashioned rock, and are a band that deserves to make it big. In frontman Cormac Neeson they may have someone who is very similar to Robert Plant, but there is no doubt that he is a very talented singer. Furthermore, in guitarist Paul Mahon, they have a vastly underrated axe man, something you really notice when you see this band live. The song ‘On and On’ is taken from their second album ‘Demon Eyes’.
The Donna’s- Who Invited You: You don’t see too many too many all-girl rock groups, but The Donna’s are just that, and they can rock just as hard as any of their male counterparts. There is nothing cheesy or gimmicky about them either. They aren’t a novelty act. You just have to listen to opening few bars of the song to realise they mean business. ‘Who Invited You’ is just one of a number songs that I could have chosen for this list. It’s a song that any rock fan will love.
The Pretty Reckless- Make Me Wanna Die: Taylor Momsen may divide opinion, but there is no denying that she is fantastic front women for The Pretty Reckless. I can see why people have their doubts. For me she doesn’t need to take her clothes off in the videos, the music is good enough for there to be no need for her to do that. Back to the song, and it has a proper dirty riff that I love. That and the bass are the things that will hook you in, and then Momen’s vocals will keep you there. The Pretty Reckless I think are going to be a big band.
So there you have it, 30 bands that show that rock is very
much still alive, even if it isn’t in the charts. There are a lot of other bands
that I haven’t mentioned. For example the likes of Avenged Sevenfold, The
Darkness and Kid Rock just to name a few. However there are also a lot of bands
that are worth keeping an eye out for in the future:
·
Black Spiders
·
Furyon
·
Heaven’s Basement
·
Pure Love
·
Rival Sons
·
Saint Jude
·
The Virginmary’s
These are all young bands that are up and coming and are
keeping the rock and roll machine going. Always around, never in fashion, it is
the one music genre that will never go away.
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