Pospolite Ruszenie – Swiebodnosc

February 21, 2012
By
PR_Swiebodnosc_okladka

The thing that is so amazing about music is that it transcends religion, sex, race, color and language. It is universal in its appeal because of the sounds that are created, not just because of words that are spoken or sung. There are some bands that sing in a language other than English that I absolutely love; Einsturzende Neubauten is one of my favorite bands, and Rammstein are another solid act that sings in their native German language – which also is perfect for the type of music they play. Sigor Ros and Cocteau Twins are also bands that are amazingly beautiful but don’t need the hindrance of a language to translate their craft. That being said, this was a first for me…Pospolite Ruszenie is a band that Matt sent me the link to and recommended I check out. I went to the website and found out these guys...

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The Bloody Strummers – Return of the Halcyon Days

February 15, 2012
By
the-bloody-strummers

Joshua Lory and Matt Biggers are no strangers to Down the Line readers.  Both guys play on the latest LS Underground record and Josh is also one of the members of the upcoming Lifesavers project. In addition to Knott’s bands, both guys played in...

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Insomniac Folklore – A Place Where Runaways are not Alone

February 3, 2012
By
Insomniac-Folklore

Matt introduced me to this band, so I checked them out and was immediately pleased with the sound. These folks hail from Portland, OR and have developed a hodge podge style that mixes folk, rock, elements of punk and an overall sense of good...

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The Sea Wolf Mutiny – The Last Season

January 5, 2012
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The Sea Wolf Mutiny - The Last Season

I need to check around and see if members of The Sea Wolf Mutiny have some connection with any Velvet Blue Music artists. I could easily see this band fitting in perfectly with the current bands on the VBM roster. The Mutiny is led...

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Bill Mason Band – No Sham!

January 3, 2012
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Bill Mason Band - No Sham

“Most Christian Music was 6 years behind secular music, the Bill Mason Band were only 6 months!” While many debate who the first true Christian punk rock band was, some point to the Bill Mason Band and their fairly obscure No Sham! album. Even...

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Omar Domkus – Shades of a Shadow

January 2, 2012
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Omar Domkus - Shades of a Shadow cover

Omar Domkus has crafted a completely unique album that is what I would describe as world music influenced ambience with slight touches of jazz influenced percussion and fretless bass driven goodness. The entire album is relaxing and restful. Domkus sounds as if he’s just...

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The Beckoning – Demystifying the Oracle

January 1, 2012
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The Beckoning - Demystifying the Oracle

This was a welcomed release as well as a nice surprise to the ears! I am a huge fan of metal, but I really like the more extreme genres of the spectrum. The Beckoning is a Canadian band that I can best describe as...

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James and Evander – Constellating EP + 2

December 31, 2011
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James and Evander - Constellating EP

James and Evander are one of the latest groups to join the roster over at Velvet Blue Music – which is a great thing for a new band. Velvet Blue continues to stretch and redefine the story of solid output from an indie label...

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Blood Red by Low and Behold

November 1, 2011
By
low & behold - blood red

I was pretty excited when I saw the announcement for this release. Low & Behold is Jason Martin from SF59 and Ryan Clark most notably from Demon Hunter… but I am more of fan of his work in Focal Point and Training for Utopia....

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The Power & The Glory by Bill Mallonee

October 13, 2011
By
BillMallonee_PowerGlory

I have always made a point to cover every Bill Mallonee release that I can. Bill is without a doubt one of the most prolific artists around. His music is a rarity – not only in the sense of how much better it gets...

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Locust by Leslie DuPre Grimaud

October 8, 2011
By
Leslie DuPre Grimaud - Locust

I’m sitting at work while I am listening to this song, plugged into my headphones and on the verge of tears. Seriously, this song really has me on the verge of tears. There are few artists that can convey the depth and emotion with...

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Mandala EP by Jim Wiita

September 12, 2011
By
jim-wiita-mandala

Another Basement Tapes alumnus, Wiita was actually the first person to take the trip to the basement. His music is minimalistic in a sense… mostly just guitars and few other sounds on each track. Mandala is different and accessible at the same time. Comparisons...

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Toothy Like a Saw by And How

September 11, 2011
By
and-how-toothy

And How might sound familiar to you if you listen to the Basement Tapes podcast. And How’s first album, Endless Winter, was featured in the basement in July. The dreamy alternative songs featured on the podcast can now be downloaded for free at the...

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