A little morning trio.

Some days you feel like other days. Some days you feel better than other. Some days you feel like lying in bed and doing nothing, but ofcourse, those days you can't. So, in order to start today, which is one of those days, I will post up a little trio playlist.

Oh, it's dedicated to my sis who I love alot, and adore.

Death Cab for Cutie- I will follow you into the Dark

Feist- Lonely Lonely (Frisbee'd) Mix

Birdy- Shelter

Cheers, Captain.

Michael Kiwanuka

I came across Michael Kiwanuka, by reading about this year's Little Noise Sessions. Little Noise sessions is a row of acoustic performances made by many different artists. This year's artists that contributed to the 6th Little Noise Sessions, were among others Coldplay, Ben Howard and Michael Kiwanuka.

With the 3 Eps and the upcoming album Home Again, I think that Kiwanuka has just started. He grew up in London, and by listening to his music you can distinguish that brittish light indie acoustic sound (or even a slight Bob Dylan feeling?) . But, on the same time he manages to mix it all with soft and smooth soul, influences. He reminds me of a melow Jack Johnson, a younger Bill Withers, or even a Johny Legend, but since I believe that he is influenced by the "elder"ones, he should remind me of all the great soul/ blues singers from the 60s...Perhaps, Percy Sledge or Otis Redding.

You can read more about him on this youtube post's description, and check out his site here.

Enjoy,

Captain.

Song of Today

The perfect choise for a marked day here in Greece. 17th of November, was once, a celebration of democracy, not any longer. Police repression, social misery, mind control, parliamentary oppression. Ruled by a right- winger government in order to implement plans of national exploitation. And, we, just stand here. Doing nothing.

// Captain

No boundaries

I feel that I've been kinda exposed lately, due to the radio station and it feels like I'm constantly being judged for the music I post from times to times. Thing is that I am so tired of having to explain myself and provide analysis of why I listen to what I listen to.
I believe that music is not only a form of expression but also a form of belief. Let's think of the entity we live in called society. A huge variety of factors constantly shaping and forming our routines, our values, believes and opinions, thus defining our "style".
Style, hm what is style anyway? Is it the image you represent? Or is it the combination of the external you and the way you live? Everything is so banal in the end. I don't understand why we should try to fit in. To be excepted? Excepted in what? And why? I mean, I like music ok? Not like, I love music, art, expression. But the way I show it, or at least try to share my opinions about that is clearly based on pure interest. I am tired of getting placed into categories when it comes to what I listen to. Yes, I like punk, punkrock, hardcore, but I also enjoy listening to pop, indie, even some good electro, or how about Katy Perry? I don't care. As long as it "touches" me, it can be whatever.
As you see what/why you listen to a certain musicgenre, is a subject which unfortunately has been discussed WAY too much. As long as I hear (based to my limited knowledge ofcourse) that the song/artist is characterized by sincereness, emotion, innovative playing, good technique thus, QYALITY, I don't care what it is. On this point I must put on some emphasis on the not so rare phenomenon of "sell-out". A recent example which randomly pops up in my head is Against me. That's why I mention sincereness. If you write, play, sing music which comes from the heart and only, well the result won't be dissapointing.

So next time, some punkrocker, hardcorer, poper or how they now enjoy calling themselves has a problem with the fact that I am not locked into one style, I will send them this post. (ha ha)
And least but not last, no I am not a fake music-genre fan, just because I don't know about all the releases, albums, influences and all the other information you can SO EASILY find on internet nowdays.
The important thing is to listen to everything, and to be picky with what you keep. Let's stop labelizing, and get into the point.

Sincerelly yours,

Captain Shilly.

La Casa Fantom

Many times I've discussed with friends about the fact that Scandinavia has the tendency to "raise" many great musicians, and especially within metal, hardcore, punk, and so on .
Last week, while visiting Berlin I had the chanse to see two gigs, from two different scandinavian countries, Norway and Sweden. La Casa Fantom, a norwegian duo, is a recent recommendation, and I was pleasently suprised when I saw that would play in Berlin.

The band consists of two rather musically talented guys, the drummer Lars and the bassist Bård. The thing I really enjoy with this band is the fact that they experiment alot. They are not iced into one genre. Of course they are influenced by hardcore, or punk but they've got alot of post- rock features. Distorded bass, and explosive drums with a rather "empty" sound from times to times. I guess that their aim is the emotion itself, and not the sound of it. Well in combination with depressive dark scandinavian poetic lyrics they succed.

It was kinda cold and moisty in that basement and La Casa Fantom was next on the line after Avverkad. After a rather long come-into-the-mood ceremony, and a slight strip show (the bassist, changed clothes infront of everyone....Funny seeing norwegian white ass from the woods?) they started. As a warmup I guess they chose to play the more instrumental tracks, such as The golden Promise. (since being a swede I can imagine that it could also be an ironic reffeering to pee? haha no kidding) Then they headed off to stronger stuff.

This song, is from their recent 12'' and CD "Ingen Ny Dag" ( "Not a new day" in Free translation) which I strongly recommend. After listening to their previous work I believe that Ingen Ny Dag, is their most integrated release.

Enjoy// Captain Shilly

Lonely, Im so lonely...

Or not... The 6th of December approaches..What happens then? Well the cool, brilliant, groovy, sincere, duo Black Keys will release their 8th album "El Camino". I am curious if it will be as praised as their album Brothers (Brothers was announced to be the 2nd best album of 2010 by Rolling Stones Magazine). I am also curious if it will replace my personal favourite, Thickfreakness. But, till then, lets get a small taste of what will come, by listening to the single Lonely Boy.

P.S. Here you have the voicemail of Patrick. I guess that the El camino is his. haha

Cheers, Captain

How many moons?

Ninth Moon Black - Satya Yuga

Sure their titles might sound like strange yoga positions, but their post-rock with a slight psychedelic notion sounds amazing. Former of the band was the guitarist Erin, who was recordinig solo 5 years ago in his bedroom in Oregon. He felt that it was kinda boring though, so he decided to bring four more members into the picture.
They have released two albums 'till now, with the most recent one (2010) their self-released EP "Kalyug" being praised by the audience . I hope we will hear more from these guys.

Ninth Moon Black

Enjoy, Captain

Rinoa

So, five guys playing Final Fantasy VIII in Essex. And, this guy, Rinoa Heartilly comes into the battlefield. What is the first thing you might think? Exactly.... the guys will form a post-metal band named Rinoa. Unfortunately the band "demised" last year (2010) but its' members are now bussy running their own projects.

In 2008, they released their first EP called Rinoa. As the audience welcomed them in the underground post- something something scene, the EP was followed by a split with Bossk. (also a great band!) Just a few weeks before the break up the brittish music magazine Rock Sound listed their debut album An age among them as one of the best albums of 2010.I can imagine that the guys didn't go along musically, since James May (their drummer) joined the dubstep group Tek-One, and their guitarist Josef Norocky joined Devil Sold his Soul (touring with Architects last year)

The reason for picking this band is that they manage to put in so much emotion in their music. The perfect combination of hard continious drums and metal guitars, followed by heartbreaking vocals, just gives me the chills. Seriously, it's a perfect choise for, "one of those days". To be honest though, I can recognize a lack of imagination and variety on their album An age among them. But hey, I still like it.

Sol Winds

Between the Pillars

Enjoy//Captain

Three steps to wake up rapidily.

I've come across alot of great bands lately. To the amount that I don't really know which one to pick (to present to you). Hopefully though, I will find the courage, to dig deeper, one day..Someday. For now I just want to present a couple of songs (they are more than 2) from my recent "discoveries".

Swallow the Ocean- Amphibian

comment. How about some Cult of Luna?

Tesseract- Lament

comment. These vocals just give you the chills. The song is from their debut album "one", which was released this March.

The Dear Hunter - A sea of solid earth

comment. From the series of the dear hunter's colour spectrum. An amazing work, where every colour has it's own release.

Thrice- Words in the Water

comment. It's Thrice. What else can I say? The song is from their latest album, Major/Minor

The Mire- Fears

comment. Let's just say that Brighton has given us alot of great bands. (former bassist from Bossk formed the band with the vocalist from Centurion. So I can see from where this great post- feeling comes from)

Vildhjarta- All these feelings

comment. Swedish math- metal- sludge something. What ever it is, I like it! Btw, the band's name means Wild Heart.

Enjoy// Captain Shilly

Oh, My

Today's post is dedicated to the song of the day. Reveries of flight, by the american band Oh, Sleeper.

Enjoy//Shilly

Endless Roads.

Today's song.


Enjoy// Captain

Musicians Play, Architects Draw.

I was introduced to Architects a couple years ago. I didn't pay so much attention to them at first, since I listened to their album Hollow Crown. Architects is a brittish metalcore/ hardcore band (I hate putting genres on bands but I must guide you somehow...) from the rather cultural town Brighton. Their first band name was "inharmonic" but after a few yes and nos, a small change to "Counting the Days" they concluded to Architects.

The band was formed in 2004 and is currently signed on Century Media Records ( other artists on CMR are among others and Fu Manchu, Heaven Shall Burn, Arch Enemy). Architects have changed their member though, so the current singer, who is amazing btw, Sam Carter, joined the band 2007. They've had numerous tours on festivals, such as Download Fest and Sonisphere on 2009, and independent tours with among others Emmure, Parkway Drive, Every time I die, The Ghost inside, Bring me the Horizon. Cool thing to say though is that Comeback Kid and This is hell, supported them on a mini tour last December.
They released their fourth album this January, and I was pleasently suprised. "The Here the Now", totally blew my mind. It's very enriched with different "sounds" and lines of music...(i want to avoid the word genre....) It's like they've totally changed influences. A small collaboration by Andrew Neufeld from CBK, is just a small little extra plus;)

It was hard to pick out one song, since everyone is different, so I present to you my own top 3 from this album.

An open letter to myself

Delete.Rewind.

Year In Year Out

Enjoy//

Captain

Balance and Composure

I came across with Balance and Composure recently I must say. And I guess that the reason is their low profile. Consisting of five members the band delivers a strong punk/indie rock sound, which I happily listen to, since it suits every occation.

They've collaborated with the pop/hardcore Title Fight, releasing a split. By the time though the band was called The Erection Kids. Their second collaboration was with Tigers Jaw, on Run for Covers Records.

They are now on their summer tour, heading of to Australia and around the US, with several bands. We will expect their upcoming album, "Separation" on No sleep Records.

I now give you a small taste, from their new song Quake.

For more info check,

www.myspace.com/balanceandcomposure

Enjoy,

Captain Shilly

Reuben Reuben

Post for the song of the day! Info about the band will soon come...

Reuben- We're all coming home in an Ambulance

Enjoy//

Captain Shilly.

Matt takes you to Heaven

Im just dedicating this post to the song of the day.

Heavens - Patent pending

Enjoy//

Captain shilly

MillioN Dead

A song to Ruin

What do the bands Million Dead and swedish Refused have in common? Well except from the genre or the hardcore punk, the name million dead, is a lyric from Refused's song The Apollo Programme was a Hoax. The band was formed in 2000 but after five years they led it to an end. The vocallist Frank Turner launched his solo career after the split. (collaborating and touring with artists such as Chuck Ragan, Brian allon, Matt Skiba a.s.o)

They released their first album Smiling at Strangers on Trains in 2002 after being signed to Integrity Records. They videoclip below created a greater dispute (watching it you might understand).

Their album Harmony No Harmony was recorded after Cameron Dean's checkout (he got married) in only 8 weeks, featuring their new guitarist Tom Fowler. On September 2005 they announced though their career's withdrawal.

“irreconcilable differences within the band mean that it would be impossible to continue”

Enjoy,

Captain Shilly

Flying with Idiot Pilot!

I must admit that since we begun the broadcasting on www.indiegroundradio.com I've been listening to alot of music....alot...different bands, genres what so ever.One of the surpsises though was the duo Idiot Pilot.

With a very different sound, using electronic influences, they manage to give a powerful, majestic meaning in their songs, supported by Michael Harris amazing vocals. It is also worth mentioning that Idiot Pilot has collaboarated with Deftones, and the guitarist and other half Daniel Anderson, featured on guitar on the album B-sides & rarities, at the song Teenager(Idiot Version.)

The band was formed 2003, and released their first selfproduced album Strange we Should meet Here the same year. After that they got signed to Frank Sinatras' label Reprise Records (which is now run by Warner Bros). Two years after they released their second album Wolves, on which Travis Baker from Blink-182 and Chris Pennie from Coheed and Cambria (even played in Dillinger Escape Plan) guested on the drums.

Sadly the band announced their "break up" in January this year. But at least we will expect a compilation of unreleased material till the end of the year.

Good Luck

Comeback WITHOUT the kid..

Owing to yesterday's live I just had to make a post about the Canadian hardcore/ punk band Comeback Kid. Despite the fact that I only saw 3 songs, the live was really strong. The crowd was amazing, the air filled with electricity (eventhough the heat was at the highest levels) and Comeback Kid increased the pressure. Closing with Wake the Dead, I think that everything came to a point where nothing could go wrong. There just ain't no words.....

One thing though was that the song- lineup was exactly the same as 3 years ago when I first saw them on West Coast Riot in Goteborg in Sweden. I guess we will experience "Symptoms & Cures" (released 2010) on the next live!

Reading about the band I was pleasently surprised to know that CBK was initialy ment to be a side project, since the formers Adrew Neufeld (vocals) and guitarist Jeremy Hiebert were also playing in the band Figure Four (which is now on a time- out). Since 2002 the band's popularity has been growing, mostly word of mouth, since the scene is rather social, we might say....

Starting off with Facedown Records they released their first album in 2003, Turn it Around. Their most recent release Symptoms & Cures was with Victory Records, as their previous ones like Broadcasting and Wake the Dead.

For more info you might check out their myspace, and even Victory Records.

www.victoryrecords.com

www.myspace.com/comebackkid

Wake the Dead

Broadcasting

Do yourself A favour

Enjoy// Captain Shilly

Queens from what Age?

Since I've now reached to a point where I can't really decide if Im a punkrocker, a rocker or what so ever, I came to conclude that it doesnt matter. I just love music. And I will always be open to new suggestions and bands.

Today's dedication goes to a band which has followed me and been around for many many years. I'm talking about Queens of the Stone Age. With their latest album Era Vulgaris (a title refearing to an ordinary Era/ Epoc) I just have to admit that they won't refine or "re- tune" their sound.

Formed in 1997, in a place called Palm Desert, it's needles to say why they tend to play what is called stoner rock. Well I don't know if they're stoned while compossing and writing the music (everything from mushrooms to coca cola) but I surely Like it! With the ginger Josh Homme in the lead (after leaving Kyuss) who is also cooporating in side projects such as Desert Sessions, Eagles of Death Metal, Them Crooked Vultures, Troy in the guitar ( former of Perfect Circle), Joey Castillo (who started of his drum-career in Wasted Youth and has also played in Danzig), handsome Dean Fertita (keyboards) and last but not least Michael Shurman playing the bass in the band since 2007.

Funny thing is that when Josh Homme was asked, why they didn't name the band "Kings of the Stone Age", he just answered that it would be too macho.

They've released 5 albums so far with Era Vulgaris (2008) being their latest one. My favourite is the album Songs for the Deaf released 2001 and might be their most commercial release. Of course it's hard to compare but I must admit that Songs for the Deaf stands out.

Albums

- Rated R (1999)

- Songs for the Deaf (2001)

- Lullabies to Paralyze (2004)

- Era Vulgaris I (2006)

- Era Vulgaris II (2008)

And of course expecting their new album which's recordning started off this Januari. I hope it will be out by the end of 2011.

I now give you my very own top 5 in a random range

Mosquito Song (Songs for the Deaf)

Make it Wit Chu (Era vulgaris)

Song for the Dead (Songs for the Deaf)

Burn the Witch (Lullabies to Paralyze)

Millionaire (Songs for the Deaf)

" This record was supposed to sound bizarre—like lightning in a bottle. We also were extremely fucked up. It even sounds that way to me, like a crazy person. The radio interludes are supposed to be like the drive from L.A. to Joshua Tree, a drive that makes you feel like you’re letting go—more David Lynch with every mile."

Enjoy// Captain

Vheissu stands for.....

17th of october 2005 and Thrice's 4th album has been released by island Records. Just as their previous album, "Vheissu" faced a tremendous success, as it topped place 15 on billboard 200.

This album is by far their statement of a new character. Vheissu has it all. Piano, organ, electronic touches, folk even morse code! (in the beginning of "Image of the invisible" which is the first track of the album, the morse code heard spells out the title Vheissu). It's nice to mention that the title of the album has been inspired by a novel that Dustin read.

I don't know if it's thrice's first attempt to show their musical expressions and variations, but they've managed to bring their music to a higher lever. Experimenting with sounds, effects, feelings and emotions, they've given Vheissu a special place in my list. I just believe that this album's got it all.

It was rather difficult though to point out 3 songs, since all the 13 tracks are amazing. Here is my try though, hope you agree.

Image of the Invisible

The earth will shake

Red Sky

Quiet and cold.

Silent and Slow.

Night black as Coal.

Miles here below.

Enjoy//

Shilly

An ambulance please!

The year was 2003 and it was finally Island Record's turn to be incharge of the next Thrice Album. As I've read the title " Artist in the Ambulance" is connected to the financial aid organisation Syrentha Savio Endowment, which's objective was to support breast cancer patients. It's not a secret that Thrice has chosen to donate a big part from their profits to several organisations and institutes.

The single "Stare at the Sun" was perhaps the top reason of their exponential increasement in popularity and "growth". In combination with a sold out tour across the US (with Coheed and Cambria) which continiued throughout 2004, Island records issued "If we Could Only see us Now", that contained a slightely different version of "Artist in the Ambulance" and an acoustic version of "Stare at the Sun".

I don't think its a coincidence that the album reached nr.16 at Billboard 200! It was really difficult to pick out three songs. Every song is something special. The album is a collection of songs that opened the road to what I would call the true identity of Thrice. I must say that Artist in the Ambulance claims a Hall of Fame place (yeah it's kinda mainstream but still a hit). And of course Stare at The sun has a special place in my generall top list so I'll give it the "priceless" award:P

Anyway here it goes,

Silhouette

Cold Cash Colder Hearts

The Abolition of Man

I see the parts but not the Whole
study saints and Scholars both
But no perfect plan unfurls
Do I trust my Heart or Just my Mind?
Why is truth so Hard to Find in this World?
 Enjoy//Shilly

The Illusion of.......

This day is dedicated to Thrice's second album "Illusion of Safety" which was released in Februari 2002. The album was recorded in Brian McTernan's studio Salad Days in Baltimore. Brian has collaborated with bands such as Converge, Strike Anywhere, Darkest Hour, Hot Water Music a.s.o.

I don't believe that it's a matter of luck that Thrice signed with Island Records after their release. The album is in one word great! A little bit more distortion (comparing to Identity Crisis) and it seems as Thrice is now ready to explore their music and approach a higher level.

After the release, they head off on tour with "Hot Water Music" and "Coheed and Cambria".

I believe that this album is just as all their other albums a class of it's own. Hard, with anger at times, and a pace which makes you follow through the whole collection without noticing.

I now give you my very own top 3 from "Illusion of Safety".

Trust

Betrayal is a Symptom

A Subtle Dagger

so feed us all

another lie,

to still our thoughts,

appease our pride,

so we wont have

to change the way we see, we live, we love, we die

Enjoy//
Shilly

Once, twice, Thrice?

I will from today start following a new guideline when it comes to my posts. I figured out, that since every band goes through different phases, and since most of the bands tend to develope (or at least try to) I will dedicate a whole week to bands that represent me (their music is connected to different periods of my life). I will say a few words about each band, present their works and make my top 3 on each work. So this week starts off with my absolute top, Thrice.

Thrice was formed in 1998, and was founded by the childhood friends Dustin Kensrue and Teppei Teranishi. They started off as rock, or perhaps punk rock. I don't believe it matters what genre they belonged to, it was the beginning of a new era, Thrice would leave it's mark.

Playing with assymetric hard 2-step rythms and riffs remarkable for that time, they quickly won their fans' hearts. Their absolute first work was the self released EP First Impressions(1999). Two years later followed their first album, Identity Crisis.

Band Members

Dustin Kensrue

Teppei Teranishi

Eddie Breckenridge

Riley Breckenridge

Identity Crisis is with no doubt Thrice's first statement, they came and they would stay. And they still do. And guess what, this fall, they will release their 7th album! Anticipation? Hell yeah.

Anyway, I now present you my very top 3 from Identity Crisis, and hold on for more...

• Phoenix Ignition
• A Torch to end all Torches
  
• Under Par
  

www.myspace.com/thrice

Enjoy//

Shilly

Liam goes Beady Eye

Imagine Oasis wihtout one of the brothers, Noel Gallagher. This post is written in regard to the release of Beady Eye's debutalbum "Different Gear, Still Speeding" ( in Beady Eye Records label) which was produced by Steve Lillywhite, who has collaborated with amongst others U2.

The band was formed in 2009 and prefers to call itself a rockband. It's three members will take off on UK and European tour on march to promote their new release.

www.beadyeyemusic.com

Enjoy//
Shilly

Junip

I am pretty sure that most of you, are familiar with the tremendous singer- songwriter José Gonzalez. Well if you don't Im pleased to inform you that José is also featuring with two other swedish guys, Elias Araya and Tobias Winterkorn in "Junip".

The band took off it's career 2005 by releasing their first work, the EP Black Refuge. After five years followed Ropes and Summit and even the LP, Fields.
Junip is something special. Junip takes you away with it's acoustic, tabulature in combination with various sounds and effects, and of course González's extraordinary voice.

I give you Black Refuge, from the omonymous EP since I believe that it's the best song on the specific collection.

Another ending on your story
Now I'll have to speak to you from a distance
Because I tend to forget my duty
when I get to close to your resistance
Say what you have to say
I know it isn't you anyway
Use all the colours that you want to
I'll use black

http://junip.net/

Enjoy//
Shilly

Solace, just a side-project?

Today Im really pleased to present to you, an insanely good side project. Karl Schubach, singer in one of my absolute favourite bands, Misery Signals, started in 2008 his own side-project called "Solace".

Solace is mostly an expression of all those riffs that didnt suit Misery Signals. But that doesnt make it a recycle project. The melodies are strong, deep, dark far from monotonous. The melody (heavy, dark, distorted at times) in combination with Karl's intense and strong voice and of course the expocitive lyrics, gives us powerful music, or perhaps what I would call, quality music.

www.myspace.com/solace1234

Enjoy//

Shilly

The Bronx in third

Set up by its 5 members the LA hardcore punk band "The Bronx", is certainly a class of its own. The band was formed in 2002 and has released 4 albums.

• The Bronx ( 2003)
• The Bronx (2006)
• The Bronx (2008)
• Mariachi El Bronx (2009)

Don't let the titles misslead you though, the content is as far from dull as it could be. One interesting thing with The Bronx is the fact that they made a very good impression from the start, leading to a contract with Island Def Jam Music Group after only 3 shows. But instead of releasing their first album with the label, they chose to start their own label called "White Drugs", in which other bands such as The dipps are signed to.

Funny Facts

• Matt Caughthran, lead singer, has provided guest vocals for among others Biffy Clyro and the band "Every time I die"
• Their 4th album is nothing like the usual The Bronx music. It's a clear Mariachi sound taking you to sunny places with a cold margarita in hand.

This is their first music video which was released in 2003 to support their first album.

www.myspace.com/thebronx

Enjoy//

Shilly

16 Horsepower, going fast?

From rock to a mixture of bluegrass, folk, country and of course a touch of melancholy. A feeling of moodyness and perhaps a little bit of sorrow, but at the same time, they give you the feeling of statement, independence and awareness. 16 Horsepower music is melodic, filled with variations in harmonies, scales and instruments. Guitar, bass, drums, harmonica, cello, fiddle, keyboard, piano.

The band was formed in 1992 and lasted for 13 years. With 7 albums in their pocket, (by my opinion is the "Olden" at nr.1) their last signed label contract was with Alternative Tentacles Records ( run by Jello Biafra!) .

Despite the fact that the band has split, David Eugene Edwards (leader singer and former) is now busy with his own project called Woven Hand. A pretty similar expression of emotion ( in form of music of course) yet with a heavier tone of country music feeling. ( btw, they've got plans on touring with tool this year)

So, for a cloudy day 16 horsepower is as right as it ever could be. I give you "Haw" by my opinion their best song.

www.myspace.com/16horses

Enjoy//

Shilly.

O' Brother

I couldn't really put my finger on it and describe the feeling but it was deep. Perhaps in combination with my morning coffe. Or due to the "thrice"-like guitars, the sorrow reflected in Tanner Merritt's voice (vocals/guitar).

I think the fact that they've shared stage with bands and artists like Thrice, Biffy Clyro, Manchester Orchestra says it all.

www.myspace.com/obrothermusic

Enjoy// Shilly