Girls and Guitars

Well it's been snowing where I am, so I gathered that was enough of an excuse to post another blog. I've had the idea for this one buzzing round my head for a few days so here it is.

One thing I’ve noticed recently is that there are a lot of rock chicks around at the moment. It’s not a bad thing, far from it, just an observation. There’s always been a few about, but none that I've ever really been a big fan of.

Of course there’s the likes of Paramore, Evanescence and before them Hole, but they’re well known and well established, and if you’ve read my previous blogs, I prefer to champion less well known bands. So here are ten bands that show that rock chicks are well represented in the current music scene. You might want to turn the volume up a bit :P

 

Cherri Bomb- Cherri Bomb are a band with a big future and have the world at their feet.  An all-girl rock band, with members aged from just 15-18, they have already come a long way in a short space of time. They have opened for the likes of Foo Fighters, Smashing Pumpkins and Steel Panther as well playing the likes of Oxegen, T in the Park and Reading/Leeds Festivals. Their song ‘Shake the Ground’ also featured in The Avengers soundtrack. Not bad going for a band so young. I first became aware of them after hearing their cover of ‘The Pretender’ by Foo Fighters. That was a very brave song choice, especially one to release as a download, but they blew me away. It is a very strong cover and they really impressed me. Enough to check out their other work and download their EP and pre-order their debut album. Their debut is very strong, with a sound that belies their tender years. They are all very talented musicians, and in Nia Lovelis especially, they have a fantastic drummer who provides a solid backbone to the band. The best thing about Cherri Bomb is that they can only get better from here. As they get older, and their sound matures, they will no doubt grow into a headline act. Definitely a band for the here and now and for the future.

Featured tracks- The Pretender, Too Many Faces and Let It Go

 

 

Dead Sara- I band I only discovered very recently, but they are one I wish I had heard of sooner. Dead Sara released their debut album last year, and although not being too familiar with it, I have been very impressed with what I’ve heard. I’m not the only one, as they are touring with Muse in February this year. They have a bluesy rock n roll sound and this is heard throughout the album. They offer a mixture hard rocking songs such as ‘Weatherman’ and gentler ballads like ‘Sorry for It All’. What I like about them is their hard rocking sound is offset against Emily Armstrong’s strong vocals which offer a great contrast. They are similar to the White Stripes in a way, and they are a band that will only grow and get bigger.

Featured Tracks- Weatherman and Sorry for It All

 

 

Diemonds- Another band I discovered recently, but they are one that I can’t stop listening to. I have described them in previous blogs as “imagine Joan Jett fronting Guns N Roses”, which pleased them (I even got a retweet J) .  Singer Priya Panda does sound similar in places to GnR frontman Axl Rose. Not saying they’re exactly the same, but the fast delivery of lyrics did remind me of ‘Garden of Eden’.  Their music is full of attitude, but that’s got to be expected from a band that plays hard, sleazy rock. They play it hard, fast and very loud. Their debut album was released only last year, but they have been offered the chance to open for the likes of Slash, Steel Panther and Sebastian Bach. So far they have concentrated on North America, not surprising being from Canada, but they will gain a strong legion of fans when they hop over the pond and play in Europe.

Featured Tracks- Get the F**k Outta Here, Highway

 

 

Halestorm- Halestorm are one of my favourite bands, and in Lzzy Hale they have one of the best singers around at the moment. Those who are sceptical about that statement simply haven’t heard her yet. The power and range she has is truly amazing. There is a not a Halestorm video on YouTube I’ve seen that does not have comments about her voice. It was their cover of Lady Gaga’s ‘Bad Romance’ that first caught my interest, with Hale’s awesome vocal range sending shivers down my spine. After hearing it, the original sounds weak in comparison, such is the strength of Lzzy’s vocals. ‘Bad Romance’ featured on a covers EP called ‘ReAniMate’ done by the band between their two full length albums. They covered the likes of Heart, Guns N Roses and The Beatles, and although the tracks aren’t ones that immediately stand as well known, I must admit I didn’t know some of the tracks, they more than do justice once you’ve heard them. Their song choices were very brave, but they made all the songs their own. But it’s not just covers their own material is very strong. Personally I prefer their second album, ‘The Strange Case Of…’ but their self-titled debut is still very good. They do both hard rock songs such as ‘Love Bites…(So Do I)’, ‘ Mz Hyde’ and ‘It’s Not You’ as well as ballads such as ‘In Your Room’, ‘Break In’ and  ‘Bet You Wish You Had Me Back’.  Their song ‘Here’s to Us’ was even featured on Glee, just without the swearing. Joe Hottinger is a very talented guitarist, while Arejay Hale is a mad but brilliant drummer. However it’s Lzzy Hale’s vocals that set them apart from other bands. She really does grab your attention.  On her twitter page she describes herself as “Halestorm’s Rock Banshee”, and I think that’s an accurate description. There’s always the worry that a band may get pigeonholed for sounding too like someone else, but Halestorm don’t, they have their own distinct sound.

The four videos below showcase what the band are all about and just how good Lzzy Hale is. The first is the single 'Love Bites...', the second is the 'Bad Romance' cover. The third is a cover of 'Empire State Of Mind'. If it doesn't send shivers down your spine, nothing will. The final video is a live acoustic version of 'Here's to Us' and this shows what an amazing singer Lzzy Hale is. I challenge you to listen to them and not be captivated.

 

 

 

 

Icon For Hire- The worry with Icon For Hire is that people will see a rock band fronted by a girl with pink hair and will be passed off as another Paramore. They would be wrong, if anything they sound heavier and more grown up than Paramore.  The riffs are heavier and the vocals have a mature sound compared to the pop/punk sounding bands. Even though they have pop/punk sound themselves, there are also element s of alternative metal as well as strings and electronics. The use of electronics works really well, and the odd use of auto tune as well is very effective.  Singer Ariel Bloomer has stated “We love the combination of brutal, in-your-face riffs, with the fun candy of pop production sprinkled all over it.” Have to say it works really well. They may have only released the one album, ‘Scripted’ in 2011, but every song is solid.  Stand out tracks include ‘Get Well’, ‘Make A Move’, ‘Off With Her Head’ and ‘Iodine’.

Featured Tracks- Get Well and Make A Move

 

 

 

Orianthi- Guitarist and Singer/Songwriter Orianthi has played with some big names in her career. Having jammed with Carlos Santana, was Michael Jackson’s lead guitarist for his 50 dates in London and currently Alice Cooper’s lead guitarist she has established herself as a very accomplished musician. As a guitarist she is very talented.  However it was as a solo artist that I first discovered her and her debut ‘Believe’ is fantastic. The singles ‘According To You’ and ‘Shut Up and Kiss Me’ offer a fantastic opening couple of tracks. They are both radio friendly sing along songs. Gradually though as the album progresses it starts to get heavier, but the blend of pop and rock works really well and is very effective. Her duet, or duel with Steve Vai ‘Highly Strung’ is a great instrumental piece. There are even a couple of covers thrown in as well, including a cover of Cream’s ‘Sunshine of Your Love’ being given an impressive new lease of life. The most impressive cover I’ve seen her do though is Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Voodoo Child’, it really is awesome. Rumour has it she is going to be releasing a new solo album this year. I for one can’t wait.

Featured Tracks- According to You, Highly Strung, Voodoo Child

 

 

Sick Puppies- Sick Puppies are the black sheep of this listing because the rock chick is not the lead singer, but she plays bass and in my opinion, one best of the best around at the moment. Admittedly I only own their album ‘Tri Polar’, but throughout, Emma Anzai offers fantastic bass lines throughout. Just listen to ‘Riptide’, ‘You’re Going Down’ or ‘Shoud’ve Known Better’ and you’ll understand exactly what I mean. Being a girl playing a guitar will make people notice her, but she is a fantastic musician in her own right. The bass in ‘You’re Going Down’ is especially heavy and dirty and sets up the aggressiveness of the song perfectly.  I’m not going to say too much more about them as their album ‘Tri Polar’ will feature soon in a future blog.

Featured Tracks- You're Going Down, Riptide, Odd One

 

 

 

 

Sonic Boom Six- Manchester 5-piece Sonic Boom Six started life as a Ska band, but in truth they defy genre boundaries, such is the amount of different sounds on offer. You’ve got the heavy guitar, mixture of electronic and live drums, use of electronics and distortion, grime and punk. The use of auto tune as well might not please purists, and I usually can’t stand it, but it works really well here, while the punk aspect of the lyrics isn’t lost. On the track ‘Virus’ especially, auto tune blends in really well with the rest of the song. It really does help give the band a unique sound. They are similar in ways to Utah Saints and Apollo 440. They might have strayed from their Ska beginnings but they are much more accessible for it. Their versatility is also shown in the acoustic track ‘Sunny Side of the Street’, which is fantastically light hearted song. They may not be to everyone’s taste, but I have grown to love their music. Their sound has a habit of sticking in your head. Certainly a case of an independent band doing their own thing.

Featured Tracks- Virus, For the Kids of the Multiculture, Sunny Side Of the Street

The Donna’s- An all-female rock band, The Donna’s really know how to rock. Drawing inspiration from The Runaways, AC/DC and Kiss they offer their own blend of classic rock. It’s a real shame they aren’t bigger than they are, I only heard of them through chance, but they have the big 80s rock sound.  If you’re a rock fan, then you’ll appreciate the big riffs, the big choruses and the pounding drums. Brett Anderson is a very talented front woman, while Allison Robertson (guitar), Maya Ford (bass) and Amy Cesari (previously Torry Castellano on drums) provide the big sound. Maybe it’s just a case of being around at the wrong time, but they have built up a loyal following and are currently working on their 8^th studio album.

Featured Tracks- Take It Off and Who Invited You

 

 

The Pretty Reckless- Fronted by Taylor Momsen, The Pretty Reckless are an alternative rock band

from America. Influenced by the likes of The Beatles, Oasis and Nirvana, they offer a taste of modern rock. Taylor Momsen definitely has the attitude, swagger and talent it has to be said to be a very successful front woman. Their 2010 debut album ‘Light Me Up’ is a very good album. ‘Make Me Wanna Die’ and ‘Miss Nothing’ are, in my opinion, the stand out tracks and show what the band are all about.  ‘You’ is a slower track, but is still a very good song. They have the talent to become a big band. They have already opened for the likes of Marilyn Manson and Evanescence as well as playing Download Festival and T in the Park. They released an EP last year with three new tracks, and two live ones from their first album, which was very good. If they continue the way they are, they will be

a force to be reckoned with.

 

 

Featured Tracks- Make Me Wanna Die and Miss Nothing

 

 

 

 



There is talk of an all-girl supergroup consisting of Lzzy Hale, Orianthi, Emma Anzai and the girls from the band Skillet. I for one would love to see that happen, it would be an amazing band.

http://loudwire.com/halestorm-lzzy-hale-the-runaways/

 

Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed it. Feel free to comment and have a read of other blogs if you like what you've read.