Neurosonic: Drama Queen (2007)

Somehow it feels like there isn't much to say about this band, or perhaps I'm just feeling lazy. It's been a long few days but Neurosonic has kept me going surprisingly well and thus it will be shared with you.

If you have ever listened to Out of Your Mouth the vocals should sound strangely familiar. That would be because Jason Darr had been in that band before Neurosonic was formed. It was actually the vocals that caught me when a friend initially introduced them. Are Solar is possibly my favorite track and for good reason because the rift is just so damn catchy and the lyrics are a mix between amusing and offensive, but it was about time someone ripped Ashlee Simpson up for her lip syncing fiasco in music form.

It saddens me that they aren't as well known. Sadly, they have broken up.

Sample Video: Are Solar

Econoline Crush: The Devil You Know (1997)

I know what you're thinking. "{Blogger Name Here}, how much do you rely on Pandora to find new music for you?" I actually haven't used it for a while now; this is a find from around 2007-2008 and another great one at that but they also belong in the category of bands that don't regularly release albums (as they went on a 7 year hiatus). They apparently even released an album I wasn't even aware of in 2008 that I feel stupid for not being aware of. Still, The Devil You Know is a personal favorite of mine and somewhere in my top albums.

I'm not quite sure what the first song I heard by them was. In fact, I think it was actually on Brand New History. For some reason I gave this one a try first and I was very pleased with what I found. It's no surprise that this has commercially been the band's greatest success. Each song has it's own unique sound and structure and I'm especially fond of 'Sparkle and Shine' and the vocals on 'Elegant'. They use a lot of distortion, which in most cases doesn't exactly sound pleasant but it's implemented very well.

Currently they have 4 LPs out but I have yet to check up and see if they have any more plans for the future.

Sample Video: Sparkle and Shine

Celldweller (2003)

I don't think Celldweller is exactly obscure, but I thought I would put this up anyway, seeing as I came across them recently thanks to a friend of mine.

Celldweller is (if the internet isn't lying to me) is a project started by Klayton, one of those artist/producer/etc hybrids of the music industry. I suppose his experience with all that and projects he has been a part of in the past has armed him with quite a bit of talent. I'll admit what I found the most amusing part I found in my findings was that Criss Angel was in a band? Really? I think I will seriously look into that, if only for my amusement.

But now, the music. I actually heard one of the tracks a few years back; Switchback, in it's instrumental form, was featured in one of the levels in Enter the Matrix. Yes, I played it, don't judge me. Hearing this again may have been what influenced me to look into it a little more and I am quite pleased with what I found. The contrast between tracks like 'Switchback' and (my favorite on the album) 'Stay with Me (Unlikely)' is almost sudden, yet somehow fits seamlessly into the album. It's an awesome record if you're into industrial or electronic music.

Sample Video: Switchback

Drugstore Fanatics: What's Born in the Basement (2009)

When I first heard the band name my first thoughts were 'quirky pop-rock'. I'm not really sure why that was in mind but since a friend managed to find them, I decided to give them a try and to my surprise, I really enjoy it.

Drugstore Fanatics debut album was actually recorded and mixed in the creator's basement and for their kind of music and being a new band, it came out very well. Last.fm describes their sound being similar to Nine Inch Nails, Tool and Devin Townsend but they really stand alone with their own unique ambirock sound. The vocals are fresh and damn he hits the notes nicely.

Currently What's Born in the Basement is on their website as a free download and another copy for $5 that contains the B-sides. I would like to encourage everyone to go ahead and buy the album since it's cheap and I'm hoping with some encouragement they'll get the recognition they deserve. Some good bands just don't get enough love.

Sample Video: 'You Got the Ball (live rehersal)'

Imperative Reaction: Ruined (2002)

One of my favorite bands lately is Apoptygma Berzerk and being late to the party I didn't know until a couple weeks ago that their new album came out this year. I gleefully listened to it and enjoyed it immensely, then decided I wanted to look into more music like it.

Imperative Reaction is similar perhaps in the electronic elements and style, but the tone is much darker. Now I'm not going to say I know everything ever about ebm and futurepop, but I will admit that the moment I listened to Severed off of this album, I fell in love with it. I couldn't turn it off. Actually, I still can't turn it off. I even have it playing right now while I'm typing this.

I've seen a couple people say that the vocals sound too bland but I have to give that a polite 'shut the hell up'. Given the genre and style, I find that they go very well with the beat.

All and all, if you're a fan of the darkelectro and industrial, I'd go for it.

Sample Video: 'Severed (System Syn Mix)'