This month, we’ve selected 17 bands that you’re sure to add to your playlist!
Of Shadows and Ligths – Under Control
The single “Under Control” is one of those songs that caught my attention right at the beginning due to two factors: the set of well-marked riffs and mainly the melodic and powerful voice of the vocalist. The music transits through various scenarios, sometimes making you feel like you’re in a wild race, sometimes taking that break of relief and enjoying breathing.
Thus, Of Shadows and Lights portrays the situation caused by the pandemic. “We want our social status back”, “Don’t you get bored of hearing that it’s all under control?” are phrases repeated during the exact 3:33 minutes of “Under Control”.
And if there’s one thing we’re sure about in Brazil, it’s that things aren’t under control, no matter how hard they try to convince us of it. Both in the political issue and in our personal lives.
Listen to “Under Control” and use the lyrics to reflect, I recommend!
Of Shadows and Lights is the stage name of Italian singer Angelo Pitone. Follow his work, which is full of interesting arrangements that contain several elements of classic rock combined with synthesizers, in addition to the impeccable voice.
Helmie – Lies
Singer and songwriter Helmie, is yet another artist who enters the hall of young talents in Finland. She wrote her first songs when she was just 10 years old and was in the school band. At 16, she recorded her first album with the help of friends.
On the single “Lies”, Helmie’s voice contrasts with the instrumental and the electronic beat. And despite being young, the singer manages to express in her performance, all the feeling of betrayal she experienced when her relationship came to an end, with just one phone call.
“The words that came out of her mouth were all lies,” sings Helmie. Check out:
“Thank you so much for taking the time to listen to my music. Feel all my love straight from Finland”, declared the singer when I asked if she would like to say some special words to the Brazilian audience!
Edge of Desire – Internet’s Children
Edge of Desire is an alternative rock band from the UK, formed by two childhood friends, Daniel Fraser and Caleb Hartley.
The single “Internet’s Children” contains a wonderful instrumental arrangement. They have a very dark atmosphere, which oscillates with the presence of electronic elements where Muse references are remarkable and even comparable to Billie Eilish, since the lyrics are totally recited like poetry.
“We live in a frustrating culture that closes open and healthy discussion and encourages division between groups of people. We can’t resolve these things if we can’t come together and talk.” – Daniel Fraser
“Without seeming abrasive, Internet’s Children still captures the anguish and frustration that comes with seeing society divide as it tries to come together.” – Caleb Hartley
The Archivist – Lifejackets & Flareguns
The Archivist is a four-piece indie and pop-punk/emo-influenced alternative rock band from the United States.
“Our hope is that this track will reach enough ears to be useful and begin to be meaningful in conversations about mental health and addiction.” – declared the band.
The single “Lifejackets & Flareguns” was written during the stay of one of the band members in an alcohol and drug treatment center.
Alcohol and drug addiction is a disease. Always remember the importance of seeking expert help!
Garvie – Bad Person
Brit Garvie spent a lot of time playing video games during the pandemic and came to the conclusion that it’s okay to be a bad person, after all, at some point we all are.
So, the musician decided to sing about that conclusion, and used the video game as inspiration to illustrate his first single, “Bad Person”.
The sounds support his 8-bit visual style perfectly – the video for “Bad Person” is a fully animated story based on a 2-level video game, chronicling the life and struggles of being an independent musician and struggling to sign a contract with FatCat Records. Check out:
Volts – Glass Walls
Volts is an alternative rock band from New Zealand! They have just released the single “Glass Wall”, where they talk about the famous Imposter Syndrome. The track is featured on the debut album that is scheduled for this year 2021.
Musically, the band Volts strictly follows the pattern of an alternative rock band. With the presence of the striking guitar, the bass sustaining the base, the marked drum beat, and some elements that, together with the voice, make the music dance. Without leaving aside, of course, the intense chorus!
Thehighwaystory – Apocalyptic
Thehighwaystory is the solo project of Toby, an American singer who used his influences such as Linkin Park, Incubus, Kanye West to compose a song where he vents about the racism that is still present around him. “Apocalyptic” is a message he would like the whole world to reflect on.
“Making music is honestly therapy for me. Being able to convey my deepest feelings on one track and present to the world to judge and criticize in various ways helps me to deal with my fears and anxiety. I make music for the sake of my sanity and hope to help someone who can feel what I feel, and know that they are not alone.” declared Tobi.
Tobi manages to convey all that feeling in “Apocalyptic” with his calm voice, but at the same time, entirely powerful. It’s a song that touches the soul.
Brandon Wade – How to Love
Singer Brandon Wade,, after the end of a relationship, decided to bring to the public his reflection on the questioning, also present in the song cited there above the singer Helmie about love. Is it really, that all that feeling that was said in the beginning was a lie?
“How to Love” comes from this place, reconciling your current feelings with those of the past, affirms the singer.
Softly and emotionally, Brandon sings that “I just don’t know how to love you.”
Elizabeth II – All My Failures
American singer and guitarist Elizabeth II has just released the single “All my Failures”. A strident and energetic track, full of dynamism and hardcore and punk rock personality. In 2020, the artist took the award for Best Rock Music and this year, in the category of Best Hard Rock Music at The WAMMIE DC Awards, with her previous work.
Elizabeth II has musical influences such as Whitesnake, Nirvana and My Chamical Romance. This new single is an excellent result of this unusual mix. Check out:
Intaglio – Subject to Time
Russian death metal band Intaglio has just released the single “Subject to Time”. The grunting voice that appears right at the beginning of the track is so deep that it leaves you paralyzed. Gradually, the violin shows its smoothness and then a melodic voice comes along to accompany it.
The composition “Subject To Time” is presented in a simplified way in order to provide the first impressions of the conceptual work that will be the next album, scheduled for 2021.
But if you think that Intaglio is now coming onto the music scene, you are mistaken. It’s been 15 years since the band released their debut album!
“Intaglio has always been a project that is not afraid to push boundaries and set new standards in the genre. The extensive use of double bass and cello injects a unique character into the recording, and it’s just one of the many things that help make the band stand out from their peers in death doom metal.” – affirms the band.
Spitfire Tides – Snowflake
Spitire Tides is an indie/alternative rock band from the UK, formed in 2020. They study music at the BIMM Institute, an institution that brings together 8 independent faculties.
Last year, the friends decided to start making their presence felt in the music world with their seductive and energetic compositions, which are capable of making our whole body throb!
“This is our third release and it’s a special song for us. It was the first song we wrote as a band, and it recently had some lyrics rewritten in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.” Declared the band.
The single “Snowflake” is an open letter to social media pressure, where the band emphasizes that we must be independent, not be influenced by any information, and accept ourselves. This whole message is conveyed by a mesmerizing voice and emphatic guitar solos. Listen:
Tough on Fridays – Cabin Fever
If you’re into post-rock and a more grunge mood, I’m sure you’ll also add Tough on Fridays‘ “Cabin Fever” to your playlist.
The American band has just released the single that talks about how it feels when you have a panic attack. And be warned, if you’ve never had one, you’ll be able to feel it by listening to the song!
“Cabin Fever” is dense, dark and shyly frantic. As if they released small shots of electric shock, between the vocalist’s enveloping and melodramatic voice. This was my feeling when listening to the whole arrangement.
“Caleigh wrote about feelings encountered at night during a panic attack in the Colorado mountains last year. It’s something that can happen anytime, anywhere.” Affirms the band.
Guerilla State – Handle With Care
British band Guerilla State decided to pay homage to the American post-punk scene of the early 2000s with the single “Handle With Care”.
Blending modern synthesizers with aggressive brit-pop vocals, the song tells the story of angst against intrusive authoritarianism and increasing dystopia as society advances, “censoring my frustration, always crushing my confrontation”.
Under Delusion – Follow Me
The dark pop band Under Delusion, based in Moscow, has just released the single “Follow Me”. They told me they are focused on making their sound grow here in Brazil, cool right? So, if you want to help with their dream, press play and add the song to your playlist!
“Follow Me” is a very dark ballad, with an excellent mix of guitars and synthesizers. Another point that draws a lot of attention is the vocalist’s voice, which has a very low timbre.
In his compositions, Under Delusion speaks for passion and lifelong experiences. Featuring themes of love, anger, loss, and all sorts of honest reflections on humanity and life itself. In times of great division and difficulty, they offer understanding, escapism, and comfort.
ANATé – One Last Time
ANATé is a collab formed by Ana and Andrea, after meeting in Brussels due to a mutual friend who introduced them, they have already composed more than 20 songs and recently released the single “One Last Time”.
In this song, they talk about addictions and recurring mistakes, taking into account that many people live this type of experience, at least at some point in their lives.
Ana’s deep and melodic voice accompanied by synthesizers and some echoes, result in an extremely engaging pop ballad!
The track is part of the Confessions album which will be released in the fall of 2021.
Crimson Clean Sweep – Reflections
Crimson Clean Sweep is a metalcore band from the United States. The boys are inspired by nu-metal bands from the 90s to compose songs with grungy voices, spoken phrases, heavy guitars, and a sinister atmosphere.
As fans of horror movies, the band used the reference to mirrors in these movies that can be scary, as it is often scary to face yourself in front of one.
The single “Reflections” is about self-loathing and disappointment when realizing your flaws. This work was recorded in the home studio of one of the members in just a few hours. Check the result:
Caramel – Dreams of 60s Counterculture
Caramel is bringing new life to the Brighton music scene. The band’s sound can be recognized for its exploratory and spontaneous nature, inspired by the diverse musicality of artists such as Jeff Buckley, Queens of the Stone Age, and Unknown Mortal Orchestra.
The band’s musical personality is a postmodern mix of sounds, colors, and vibes that are refreshing even for the most monotonous palettes.
Check out their new single “Dreams of 60s Counterculture”, a lively track without being extravagant, with a contagious melody capable of lightening your day!
All these songs in on the official playlist of Diário de Shows on Spotify! #DiáriodeShowsINDICA.