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Thursday, September 15, 2016

Shallow State - Now or Never


Shallow State - Now or Never
Chicago area rockers, Shallow State recently released their new single “Now or Never” to Reverbnation. The track is reminiscent of Core/Purple (1992-1994) Stone Temple Pilots with just a touch of Come Clean (2001) Puddle of Mudd, heavier alternative rock with a layer of chick friendly radio rock (in a very good way).
From beginning to end “Now or Never” is very enjoyable; exhibiting tremendously tight vocals, exceptionally catchy rhythms and chorus, and a diverse appeal to fans across rock subgenres, all while being mainstream radio friendly. The only issue with “Now or Never” is the enormous amount of cymbal just after the chorus, 15 seconds of cymbals crashing is a bit excessive, but some may feel ‘you can never have too much cowbell’.
Shallow State should absolutely provide “Now or Never” to mainstream radio outlets for rotation consideration; it is a song that will garner notice from the conventional, but obviously not as badass, rock outlets. Overall, “Now or Never” is an awesome track and will definitely be in Asgard Radio’s regular rotation for listeners around the world to enjoy.  And we patiently await more from Shallow State….okay, impatiently.  
Fans in the Chicago should head over to Penny Road Pub on August 5 to check Shallow State out, the event can be found here:https://www.facebook.com/events/171124969967027/.

Monday, September 5, 2016

Essential End - Deadwood

Essential End – Deadwood



Since 2014 east coast natives Essential End have been sharing the stage with the likes of Buckcherry, Saving Abel, and Texas Hippie Coalition.  On August 26th they released their new EP, Deadwood, courtesy of Pavement Entertainment.  Made up of a father-son team and three of their best friends, Essential End, has covered a lot of ground in a very short time.  The name Essential End implies death, everyone’s essential end, but is that what the band intends to convey or does it imply that enough is enough, that the negativity has to stop and it is time for positivity to reign supreme?  Deadwood may provide some insight into the name and mindset of Essential End.

Fans of Ax7, Stone Sour, and Mastodon will eat Deadwood’s intensity up.  The title track, “Essential End” begins soft and measured, but quickly transitions to heavy, killer riffs and a primitive, brutal scream…basically knocking you on your ass (in the best way possible).  “Wasted Time” is another other heavy hitter, while “Sacrifice” is emotional and filled with passion.

While Deadwood is short, four tracks, those tracks are deliberate and purposefully arranged to draw the listener in and keep them interested.   Well rounded, deliberate, and intense Deadwood is enticing and just enough to keep listeners craving more.   

Tracklist:
1.     Essential End
2.     Pain
3.     Sacrifice
4.     Wasted Time

Lineup:
Vocals- Tad Davis
Guitar- Scott Hearn
Drums- Brady Hearn
Guitar-Connor Green
Bass- Caleb Staner



Written by Ken Bowden for Bloodrock Media