Categories
Weekly Charts

Chainsaw Charts 2/4

Artist Record Label
1 WORMHOLE The Weakest Among Us Lacerated Enemy
2 SEPULTURA Quadra [Advance Tracks] Nuclear Blast
3 CATTLE DECAPITATION Death Atlas Metal Blade
4 MAGNITUDE To Whatever Faithful End Triple B
5 BRAND OF SACRIFICE God Hand Unique Leader
6 SHADOW OF INTENT Melancholy Self-Released
7 SIGNS OF THE SWARM Vital Deprivation Unique Leader
8 UPON A BURNING BODY Southern Hostility Seek & Strike
9 AFTER THE BURIAL Evergreen Sumerian
10 DISENTOMB The Decaying Light Unique Leader

Categories
Weekly Charts

Daytime Charts 2/4

Artist Record Label
1 BLACK SURFER Black Surfer [EP] Self-Released
2 TRUTH CLUB Not An Exit Tiny Engines
3 BASEMENT REVOLVER Wax And Digital [EP] Sonic Unyon
4 JUNIOR ASTRONOMERS Body Language Self-Released
5 VACANT COMPANY Decolonize [EP] Deep Sea
6 DOTWAV MEDIA Rather Die Than 9-5 Dotwav Media
7 LALA LALA Sleepyhead (Reissue) Hardly Art
8 OH SEES Face Stabber Castle Face
9 GREEN BUZZARD Amidst The Clutter And Mess I Oh You
10 PAT JUNIOR I Thought I Knew Be Absxlute
11 CEREMONY In The Spirit World Now Relapse
12 METZ Covers [EP] Sub Pop
13 GEOWULF My Resignation PIAS
14 MILLY Our First Four Songs [EP] Dangerbird
15 OH ROSE While My Father Sleeps Park The Van
16 BLACK BELT EAGLE SCOUT At The Party With My Brown Friends Saddle Creek
17 BLACK MARBLE Bigger Than Life Sacred Bones
18 FLORAL PRINT Floral Print Tiny Engines
19 PEAER A Healthy Earth Tiny Engines
20 MANNEQUIN PUSSY Patience Epitaph
21 CHARM “Leo Rising” [Single] Self-Released
22 KING GINO Cold Blooded Callisto
23 CHASTITY BELT Chastity Belt Hardly Art
24 DESERT SESSIONS Vol. 11 & 12 Matador/Beggars
25 HOP ALONG How simple Saddle Creek
26 MACSEAL Super Enthusiast 6131
27 ALEXANDRA SAVIOR The Archer 30th Century
28 DARKSOFT Brain Self-Released
29 KATE TEAGUE Kate Teague [EP] Muscle Beach
30 BODYWASH Comforter Luminelle

TOP ADDS 

1 FRANCES QUINLAN Likewise Saddle Creek
2 REAL ESTATE “Paper Cup” [Single] Domino
3 COLD BEAT Mother DFA
4 BAD SOUNDS Escaping From A Violent Time, Vol. 1 [EP] Theory
5 DEEPER “This Heat” [Single] Fire Talk
6 FYOHNA Radio Sampler [EP] Self-Released
7 SLOTFACE Sorry For The Late Reply Nettwerk
8 PAPOOZ Night Sketches Half Awake
9 WOLF PARADE Thin Mind Sub Pop
10 DIET CIG “Night Terrors” [Single] Frenchkiss

Categories
Weekly Charts

Underground 2/4

Artist Record Label
1 LAVA LA RUE “Widdit” [Single] NiNE8 COLLECTIVE
2 LO VILLAGE “Jefe’s House” [Single] Rebel
3 ZACK COKAS “Bust Down” [Single] 808s and Beatbreaks
4 SKYXXX “Hotboy” [Single] Warner
5 EVIDENCE 10,000 Hours Rhymesayers Entertainment
6 J.I.D. Off Deez (ft. J. Cole) Dreamville/Interscope
7 FOGGIERAW “I Gotta Ball” [Single] Diff Sound
8 NESS HEADS “Pull Me Up” [Single] Ness Heads
9 HEALTH “HATE YOU (ft. JPEGMAFIA)” [Single] Loma Vista
10 LESTHEGENIUS “Raleighwood Hills (ft. Sonny Miles and Jaxson Free)” [Single] Self-Released

Categories
Band/Artist Profile

Artist of the Week: Neil Peart

On January 7, 2020 we lost one of the most prolific drummers of all time. Neil Peart, best known as the drummer and primary lyricist of RUSH, died from brain cancer (glioblastoma).

Peart was born in Hamilton, Ontario on September 12, 1952.  He first began in music with piano lessons, something he would later say had no impact on him. He was always drumming on various things around the house as a child, so at 13 his parents bought him drum sticks, promising that if he practiced for a year they would buy him a drum set. He began taking lessons on his new kit at 14. By his late teens Peart had played in several local bands

At 18, he moved to England hoping to further his career. It took about a year and a half before he became frustrated and returned to Canada. He joined a band named Hush, and they toured the Southern Ontario bar circuit. Soon, though, he heard that a rising band, RUSH, needed a new drummer to replace the band’s original, John Rutsey. Peart officially joined the band on July 29, 1974. Two weeks later Peart and RUSH were on tour, beginning in Pittsburgh, PA.

The band had one record out when Peart arrived, and in 1975 Fly by Night was their first offering with Peart. It was considered a successful record, though the next (Caress of Steel) was not. In 1976 RUSH released their breakthrough album, 2112, and the rest is history. The band has 19 studio albums, with ten exceeding one million copies sold in the US. They are ranked third for the “most consecutive gold or platinum albums by a rock band" – Billboard.

Peart’s drumming style is fascinating! Its foundation is the rock bands of the 60’s and 70’s (John Bonham, Led Zeplin ; Ginger Baker, Cream). Into this solid base he added Jazz and Big Band techniques and styles. He played while holding his sticks butt-end out, giving him bigger sound and greater rimshot. Sometimes he played with a traditional grip and others with matched grip. His drum kits were 360 degrees around him, rotating to reverse the layout of the drums, with as many as 40+ drums.

Neil Peart – “The Goat" as he was affectionately known; “your favorite drummer’s favorite drummer,” other musicians would say; Variety wrote, “Widely considered one of the most innovative drummers in Rock history.” USA Today considered him “one of the best Rock drummers of all time, alongside John Bonham, Ringo Star (The Beatles), Keith Moon (The Who), Ginger Baker, and Stewart Copeland (The Police).” Best known for his “technical proficiency,” he was the youngest inductee into the Modern Drummers Hall of Fame in 1983. Over 40 years with RUSH… You are missed, sir.

Categories
Classic Album Review

Album of the Week: KoRn – KoRn

You would have to try really hard to find a better record of the time than KoRn’s debute album, KoRn! Released on October 11, 1994, through Immortal/Epic Records, the record (and the band) rewrote how Metal was played and how it was supposed to sound. In fact, it was the beginning of a whole new genre – Nu Metal.

The iconic album cover depicts a small girl bringing her swing to a stop as she squints to see an ominous figure standing before her holding knives. A shadow of the figure and the knives is all that can be seen in the art. Speaking of shadows, the little girl’s shadow appears to depict her hanging from the KoRn brand. Intense!

Korn recorded almost the entire album with all members playing (and singing) simultaneously, rather than the normal routine of tracking one instrument at a time. They felt that playing as a band captured the distinctive sound and quality of the music, rather than the production. Jonathan Davis (vocals) recorded the bagpipes on “Shoots and Ladders" by walking around the parking lot, playing, while a microphone was set up at the back door.

“Blind" is THE song on this record! The awesome dueling riffs of James “Monkey" Shaffer and Brian “Head" Welch are matched only by the trademark line of Davis, “Are you ready?!?!?!?” “Ball Tongue" is an example of the incredible bass playing of Reginald “Fieldy" Arvvizu, with his patented clicking of his pick-ups. “Shoots and Ladders" calls into question nursery rhymes and their dark meanings of racism, plague, rape, and killing. The lyrics in quite a few of the songs concern experiences suffered by Davis – “Clown" is about a skinhead getting an attitude with Davis, and the road manager knocking the clown out. “Helmet in the Bush" is about Davis’ drug abuse. “F***“ is about when Davis was in high school where he was continuously bullied and called names. And “Daddy” is a very dark and disturbing track about Davis being abused by a close family friend. It is extremely graphic! “Need To,” “Divine,” “Predictable,” “Fake,” and “Lies” are the rest of the songs on the record, all dealing with Davis’ experiences. David Siveria plays drums and his quick, snapping hits really add a tribal feel to the album.

This record (and a major motivator for the band) is to be a voice for the voiceless; for those broken, beaten, and scarred. It helps to heal by realizing that you aren’t the only one going through this horrible thing. KoRn knows and understands.

As of 2013, KoRn has sold over 10 million copies worldwide.

Favorite songs: Blind and every other song on this record, but especially Blind!!

Rating: 10/10!!! One of my all-time favorites!

Stay Metal,

THE SAW

Categories
New Album Review

New Album Review: Pinegrove

ALBUM REVIEW: Pinegrove – Marigold

BEST TRACKS: Dotted Line, Moment

FCC Clean

Pinegrove is the best thing to come out of New Jersey since the invention of the lightbulb. They are seemingly always lovelorn, and exist so in a most vulnerable, straightforward, poetic way.

Strangely enough, this album reminds me of Ed Sheeran’s album Divide. There are similarities in the simple guitar and complementary percussion. The music sounds slightly bleak but mostly nostalgic and sweet. Marigold does not encapsulate the full range of lead singer Evan Hall’s astonishing range. I think it’s safe to say that I was blown to the ground the first time I heard Hall scream the word ‘underground’ in the song “Aphasia” from the album Cardinal. There barely a trickle of strain or intensity in Hall’s singing on this album. I am disappointed that we don’t see any raspy, twangy yawps or chilling screams and growls on this album.

On the surface, this album contains all the signature warmth and beauty of a Pinegrove album, but the lyrics this time are less hard-hitting and heart-wrenching. I feel less of a deep personal connection, as the lyrics are vague, and less vulnerable than Pinegrove’s last few albums.

I feel that Marigold is lacking the powerful, raw emotions, with touches regret and mortality that I have grown to expect from Pinegrove. Musically, this album is on par with the high standards I set for Pinegrove, but when I try to dive deeper into this album, I find that my skull cracks against the concrete at the bottom of the shallow pool that is Marigold. All in all, this album is good. The only reason that I was so harsh in this review is because I know that Pinegrove can do better. I haven’t given up on Pinegrove yet. I will be eagerly awaiting their next album and in the meantime, I will stick to listening to Pinegrove’s best album, Cardinal.

-Safia Rizwan

Categories
Music News and Interviews

Strange Ranger on WKNC’s The Lounge

Strange Ranger stopped by The Lounge to play a few songs off their latest album “Remembering the Rockets” 0:04 “Rockets” & “Ari Song” 4:32 “Living Free” WKNC is a student operated, independent college radio station, playing the best of indie rock, metal, electronic, hip hop, local music and more. The Lounge sessions are live recording sessions with bands and recording artists that visit the station. by WKNC 88.1 FM HD-1/HD-2

Categories
Miscellaneous

Would You Rather…WKNC / Music Edition

Do you ever sit around with your friends and realize no one has said anything to each other for the past hour? Do you find it hard to start conversations? Do you wish you had some sort of fun activity to do to encourage communication?

Well now you do! Play this version of the classic game, “Would you rather…?”, and talk to your friends about WKNC and music in general! 🙂

1. Would you rather listen to Daytime or Afterhours WKNC? 

2. Would you rather host a Local Lunch or a Chainsaw Rock show on WKNC?

3. Would you rather only be able to listen to your favorite DJ on WKNC, or be able to listen to everything on WKNC except your favorite DJ’s show?

4. Would you rather be in a talented but underrated band, or in a bad but famous band?

5. Would you rather be interviewed on WKNC or conduct an interview on WKNC?

6. Would you rather have a silly DJ name or a serious DJ name?

7. Would you rather listen to music from the 60’s or music from today?

8. Would you rather have a 3-hour dinner with your worst enemy, or attend a 3-hour concert for a music group you hate?

9. Would you rather listen to WKNC HD-1 or HD-2?

10. Would you rather be fluent in every language or be able to play every musical instrument?

-miss monet

Categories
New Album Review

Album Review: Andy Shauf – The Neon Skyline

BEST TRACKS: Neon Skyline, Living Room, Try Again, Changer

FCC violations: Where Are You Judy, Thirteen Hours, Living Room, Fire Truck

Listen if you like: Jens Lekman, Bedouine, Faye Webster

“Essentially it’s an album about nothing”.

On January 24th, Andy Shauf released his highly anticipated follow up to his 2016 album, The Party. Just as The Party was, The Neon Skyline is another concept album in which all of the songs take place in the span of one night. The basic gist of the story is one many of us are probably familiar with: The narrator heads off to a bar with his friend, where he soon learns that his ex is in town. After that shocking news, he’s forced to revisit the and wade through the memories of their failed relationship. If you’re wondering if our narrator eventually sees his ex…I guess you’ll just have to listen to the whole story!

The album opens with the title track, (my favorite off the record) Neon Skyline. The gentle guitar and Shauf’s melodic voice – perfect for storytelling, do a wonderful job of setting the mood for the rest of the album. Sprinkled throughout the rest of the songs you’ll hear dashes of country, indie, and jazz intermingling with his usual folk / soft-rock sound.

Make sure you have ample time to listen to this album the whole way through. You’ll be so caught up in the fictional story that Shauf has brilliantly created that you won’t want to stop it for anything. If you need a quiet, peaceful album to listen to and enjoy during some much needed R&R, look no further. Put in your ear buds, close your eyes, listen and enjoy.

I hope you’ll add this wonderfully refreshing and endearing album to your “must listen to” lists soon – you won’t regret it!

-miss monet <3

Categories
Concert Review

Review of Scott Avett’s Exhibition

Scott Avett, co-founder of The Avett Brothers, is currently featured at the North Carolina Museum of Art for his exhibition, INVISIBLE. Although Avett is most widely known for his contributions to the band that he shares with his brother, Seth; he has gained prominence in the visual art community as well. Many fans of The Avett Brothers recognize his signature relief print artwork which has been featured many times on album covers and promotional products. 

The Avett Brothers is a folk rock band which originated in Concord, North Carolina in the early 2000s. The band has gained national recognition including receiving three Grammy nominations and three awards from the Americana Music Association. Rooted in traditional bluegrass and folk music found in western North Carolina, they also are clearly influenced by rock & roll. 

I visited Scott Avett’s exhibition, INVISIBLE last weekend. His artistic talent is evident and the exhibit focuses primarily on his work with relief printing. INVISIBLE includes pieces of artwork found on Avett Brothers albums and posters from their shows but also showcases portraiture of Avett himself and other members of the Avett family. Both his art and the discography of the band reflect universal ideas like spirituality, love, and loss in a beautiful way.

One room of the exhibit includes a display of the music video to Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise, a song released in 2009. The song itself has been impactful to my life, its lyrics are motivational and reflect on the temporary nature of the world around us. The music video had a profound emotional impact on me, which is why I find the artistry behind the video so interesting. The artist, Ryan Mitcham, spliced together a compilation of over 2,600 images creating an animation from the canvas he physically painted. The music video depicts the rise and decline of an urban area, and its significance is indescribable. I highly recommend checking it out

Tickets for the exhibition are paired with the Mexican Modernism exhibit at the NCMA. The limited-time exhibition will close February 2nd.  

– Miranda

Sources: NPR, NCMA