CD Review: New Music From Rising Artists Greta Van Fleet, A Killer's Confession And The Classic Crime

As you begin to listen to the song "Highway Tune," you'd instantly think that this new four-song EP was a lost Led Zeppelin album from 1969. Instead, it is the debut release from the Michigan-based rock band Greta Van Fleet. The band contains 3 brothers and their friend and all have been inspired by the British-based blues rock of The Yardbirds, Cream and The Who. Lead singer Josh Kiszka delivers his vocals almost identical to a youthful Robert Plant and the band follow suit with the blueprint laid down by Led Zeppelin. Their new short 16-minute EP has all the fire and soul of a band breaking out of the mold that many rock bands have unfortunately followed. The shuffle-rhythm of "Highway Tune" lays the perfect groundwork for Josh's vocals to let loose and just take over. Guitarist Jack Kiszka comes out blazing for "Safari Song" to match the intensity of the rhythm section of drummer Danny Wagner and bassist Sam Kiszka. Their new short release wraps up with "Black Smoke Rising," as the lyrics carry a mystical vibe as the song's shuffle rhythm leaves you wanting more from this young new band. Greta Van Fleet will be on the road for half-a-dozen shows in May. For a complete list of dates and to find out more about their new release "Black Smoke Rising," please visit gretavanfleet.com.

Former Mushroomhead singer Waylon Reavis recently released the debut album of his new band A Killer's Confession. The new album titled "Unbroken" was unleashed on April 28 through EMP (label founded by Megadeth bassist David Ellefson). The new 9-song album comes blasting through your speakers with the deathcore metal opener "Awakening," which leads into the grinding rhythm of "Spawn Of 7." Korn's Brian "Head" Welch is the first guest to show up on new album. Welch lends his talents to the electronic, nu-metal appeal of "A Killer's Confession," while Kimberly Freeman (One Eyed Doll) delivers a goth-like presence to the slower tones of "Sympathy." In between, the band lets out their aggression out on "1080P" and "L.O.L." A Killer's Confession are heading out on tour at the end of the month. For a complete list of dates and to find out more about their new album "Unbroken," please visit akillersconfession.com.

Seattle rock band, The Classic Crime are touring behind their new studio album "How To Be Human." They will be performing at The Space in Hamden, CT on May 9th. Their new 12-song release begins with the energetic, alt-rocker "Holy Water" (video: https://youtu.be/w0jsZQKBAyk) and the slower, darker tones of "Ghost" (video: https://youtu.be/mAZONyBQ9ZY). Their song "Driftwood" was built for modern rock radio, while the build-up of "Spare Time" showcases the songwriting talents of the band, delivering an impact, without the need for overpowering the music. The album wraps up with the high-powered chorus of "More" and the acoustic ballad "Black & White." Their currant tour runs until mid-May. For a complete list of shows and to find out more about their latest release "How To Be Human," please visit theclassiccrime.com.

CD Review: New Music Arriving From Bobby Kimball, The Loft Club And Chrome

American rock singer Bobby Kimball returns with a new studio album titled "We're Not In Kansas Anymore." Kimball was the original lead singer for the band Toto, who's hits include "Rosanna" and "Africa." His new solo album was released on April 21st through Purple Pyramid Records and features the production work of John Zaika. The new 11-song release begins with the rocker "Too Far Behind" as Kimball belts out the lyrics with youthful energy. He gets the horns going on the funk/rock delivery of "On My Feet," before picking up the pace for the hard rock pace of "Hey It's Me." His voice sounds timeless on the ballads "One Day" and "Hold On" and feels right at home on the epic feel of "Met Her For." The album finishes with a return to the funk groove of "Some They Do" and the up-lifting, inspirational piece "You're Not Alone." To find out more about Bobby Kimball and his latest release "We're Not In Kansas Anymore," please visit bobbykimball.com.

From Britain comes the latest release from the indie-rock band The Loft Club. Their new 5-song EP is titled "Heart's Desire" and is finally making its way to the U.S. after six months of release. The title-song kicks off their new release as the band follows the blueprint laid down by Fleetwood Mac. They settle into their own with the steady pace of "Flicker" and the slinky, bluesy tones of "I'm Just A Man." Their new short release closes with the Americana feel of "Stick & Stones" and a full-length remix of "Heart's Desire." To find out more about The Loft Club and their latest release "Heart's Desire," please visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/theloftclubband.

Chrome is an American rock band founded by Damon Edge and Helios Creed. They formed Chrome over 40 years ago in San Francisco, utilizing the experimental period of rock music and becoming one of the prime bands of the industrial rock music sound. The band found underground cult success early on their careers as they continued to roll through the eighties. As tension broke the two founding members apart, talks about re-uniting came to a halt when Edge was found dead of an apparent heart attack. Creed decided to go on with the band, as a tribute to the work that him and Edge had started. After a short hiatus, Creed released the band's first album in 13 years back in 2014 with "Feel It Like A Scientist." Now, continuing the legend of Chrome, Creed and his latest band have released a new album titled "Techromancy!" It features a dozen tracks, beginning with the industrial buzz of "Administer The Treatment." They rectify the post-punk energy of "Black Diamond" and "Death Is A Pusher" as they seem primed to become the leaders of the underground industrial rock scene once again. They finish up their latest release with the experimental electronic delivery of "The Mandela Effect Pedal" and classic, alternative, goth-grunge sound of "Just For You." To find out more about Chrome and their latest release "Techromancy!," please visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/chromechronicles.

CD Review: Todd Rundgren Works With Many Fellow Artists On His New "White Knight" Album

Rock artist Todd Rundgren has been a part of the music industry for the last 50 years. He found solo success in the seventies and has become a touring force for the last decade. He is preparing to release his new studio album "White Knight," on May 12th through Cleopatra Records.

 

On this new release Rundgren looks to break down the barriers between music genres with help from some of his friends. This new release features 15 new original studio songs, written with certain collaborators in mind. He starts out his new album with "Come" as Rundgren embraces the studio techniques of layering musical tracks to make listening to this album an experience. Rundgren incorporates some of his seventies flair into the dance-pop of "Got Your Back" as KK Watson and Dam Funk lend a hand to fill out the song. The iconic vocals of Darryl Hall and Bobby Strickland turn "Chance For Us" into a modern R&B gem, while Donald Fagan incorporates Rundgren's sound into what sound like a lost Steely Dan outtake. Joe Walsh lends a hand on the progressive rock sound of "Sleep," then the sweet vocals of Robyn turns "That Could Have Been Me" into a beautiful, soulful ballad. The album finishes with the funky beats of "Buy My T" and fellow guitarist extraordinaire Joe Satriani injecting energy into the closer "This Is Not A Drill."

 

Todd Rundgren is hitting the road this month with a string of dates along the east coast. For a complete list of live shows and to find out more about his new album "White Knight," please visit his Facebook page at facebook.com/toddrundgren.

RJ Podcast: Less Than Jake's JR Talks About Their New Album & Growing Up In Wallingford

Wallingford native, Peter "JR" Wasilewski from Less Than Jake, stopped by the Record-Journal to discuss the new Less Than Jake album "Sound The Alarm." Also he talked with us about staying local when he's not on tour with the band and how his musical career grew into becoming a member of this iconic punk/ska band.

CD Review: Los Straitjackets Pay Tribute To Nick Lowe With Peace And Love

American instrumental guitar combo, Los Straitjackets are preparing to release their new album "What's So Funny About Peace, Love And Los Straitjackets." The album is a tribute to Nick Lowe as the band cover thirteen of his more well-known songs. After the release of the new album on May 19th, Los Straitjackets are heading out on the road with Marshall Crenshaw, beginning June 15 in North Carolina.

 

After finishing out a run of holiday shows in 2015 with Nick Lowe, Los Straitjackets had the perfect subject for their new album. Their new release kicks off with the surf-guitar shuffle of "Shake & Pop" and the sixties style pop of "All Men Are Liars." The tempo slows down for the quiet melody of "You Inspire Me," before the guys pick the energy back up with the fun, light sounds of "Rollers Show" and "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding." Los Straitjackets add a little Spanish flair to "Half A Boy And Half A Man" and "Checkout Time," before finishing with a slower version of Lowe's hit single "Cruel To Be Kind" and the energetic twist of "Heart Of The City." For a complete list of tour dates and to find out more about their new album "What's So Funny About Peace, Love And Lost Straitjackets," please visit straitjackets.com.