The 45 Second Challenge
About the acts
These acts represent five very different genres. They range from new acts with their first album to industry veterans with very impressive credentials.
Common denominators they share?
A passion for excellence in their musicianship and their writing.
After listening, stop by and say "hi" at https://www.facebook.com/PlanetNerve8
Episode 3
Jump
Lazuli
Lazuli
Jump has a knack for weaving elaborate storytelling into their lyrics. This song, Johnny V, tells the story of the passing of an old record collector who was the "go to" person if you wanted to know about great new acts. Singer John Dexter Jones has one of the most distinctive voices I've heard in a long time and bandmate Ronnie Rundle does a masterful job of weaving in and out with some glorious harmonies.
Lazuli
Lazuli
Lazuli
We're throwing a curve ball at you with this one. Lazuli is the first non-anglophone act we've featured. Many acts from non-anglophone countries sing in English as a means to reach a larger audience. Hailing from France, Lazuli chooses to sing in their native tongue. Good for them!
As with many songs from the world of Progressive Rock, you can expect a fairly long intro which, in this case, makes very interesting use of an instrument called a Léode which was actually invented by band member Claude Leonetti after an accident deprived him of the use of his left arm. Some very tasty David Gilmour-esque guitar licks found here also. Full volume kicks in at around 1:44.
Let us know your thoughts (for you Anglophones) about listening to songs in other languages at https://www.facebook.com/PlanetNerve8/posts/2798080740472745
Circu5
Lazuli
TrailerHawk
For those who prefer their rock with a bit of a harder edge, we present Circu5. They make great use of dynamics with this song. Soft and gentle one moment and then WHAM!
Another great use of vocal harmonies (and check vocalist Steve Tilling leaning into a Chris Cornell wail just after 2:03!). Feel the need for some hot guitar playing? Guitarist Paul Clark fills your prescription in the second half.
TrailerHawk
TrailerHawk
TrailerHawk
Sometimes, you just need that perfect blend of acoustic and electric instruments that old school Americana delivers so well. TrailerHawk serves up a wonderful example. (Since they're from British Columbia, can we call it Canadiana?). They are masters of well crafted songs with very tasty instrumentation and superb vocals.
Carmanah
TrailerHawk
Carmanah
From muddy blues-funk to light soaring melodies, Carmanah creates music that curves and tumbles through valleys and over peaks guiding the listener on a celebratory sonic journey. Carmanah is crafting a musical niche of their very own, a vintage blend of the intuitive and the technical; a blend that lies somewhere among roots, rock and blues — all seamlessly woven together by Laura Mina Mitic’s soulful vocals
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