CD Review: New Music From Indie-Rock Bands Edge Of Free, Earth Groans, Reagan Bombs And Orthodox

From Nashville, TN comes the self-titled debut studio album from the acoustic based hard rock band Edge Of Free. Their new 8-song release became available on May 19th through Digital Sound Records and was produced by Toby Wright (Alice In Chains, Metallica). They kick off the album with the build-up of "Blood Eagle" as the acoustic guitars give way to the underlying hard rock drumming and vocal screams of singer Scott Sneddon. The album's first single, "Pony" takes on a southern rock vibe with the acoustic/electric guitar strumming and soaring chorus. Edge Of Free come roaring back with the intense delivery of "Higher" before slowing down for the quieter "In My Time (Falling)." Edge Of Free finish up their new album with the acoustic, Led Zeppelin-vibe of "Autumn" and the slinky melody of "Pushin' The Needle," which explodes into a full rock assault. To find out more about Edge Of Free and their debut album, please visit edgeoffree.com.

From South Dakota comes the debut release from underground, hardcore metal band Earth Groans. Their new 5-song EP titled "Renovate" is an all-out attack on your senses. They come blasting out of the gate with the growls of "The Estate" and continue with the grinding guitars and swift drumming of "Driving Out." They mix in different tempos for "Propaganda," before closing their new album with the high-powered, high-energy attack of "Eclipse." To find out more about Earth Groans and their latest release "Renovate," please visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/earthgroansband.

One of the newest underground duos to appear on the Swedish Columbia label is Reagan Bombs. There new self-titled release is hard to place in one musical category as they prefer using samples as compared to a live band. Their new album begins with the dance floor beats and deep bass groove of "Wind Me Up," before incorporating interview snippets into the funk-based rhythm of "Chuckin." They tell a story with the spoken words of "Marion County" as the modern beats continues to swirl around your speakers. Reagan Bombs keep the rhythm steady in "Lover" as they continue to layer new sounds into the mix. Their new 12-song release closes with the drum-infused rhythm of "Card," the international flavor of "Gogo Musik" and the steady, modern jazz feel of "Deuce." To find out more about Reagan Bombs and their latest self-titled release, please visit reaganbombs.bandcamp.com.

 

From Nashiville, TN comes the latest release titled "Sounds Of Loss" from heavy metal band Orthodox. The new 12-song release begins with the speech and screeching guitars of "The Anticipation." Then, they deliver a sonic assault on your ears with the thunderous eruption of "Panic," before the hardcore metal delivery of "Second Best." They combine the screams and growling vocals of "In The Dark" and raise the energy of the album with the power of "Dementia." The album closes with the deep, dark classic metal groove of "Resent Me" and the squealing guitars of "The Taking." To find out more about Orthodox and their latest release "Sounds Of Loss," please visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/orthodoxtn.