Review by Anne Erickson

Atlas Genius offer a catchy, earnest track with ‘Trojans’

Atlas Genius first grabbed the attention of the music world with their indie pop nugget “Trojans,” and now, the track is near the top of the BDS Nielsen alternative radio chart. Musically, the song is a perfect fit for today’s alternative radio wold, featuring a polished but sincere, offering a shiny pop sound with hypnotic keys and subtle guitars.

From the get-go, lead singer Keith Jeffery’s understated vocals grab the listener’s attention with a yearning message: “Take it off / Take it in / Take off all the thoughts of what we’ve been / Take a look / Hesitate / Take a picture you could never recreate.” The plugging rhythms and swirling guitars give the song a catchy, carefree quality and a danceable feel.

The song revs up in the chorus, with bright keyboards and Jeffery singing, “Your trojan’s in my head / Take it off / Take it in / Take off all the thoughts of what we’ve been.” At the same time, the chorus and verses share the same stylistic quality, almost making the song sound like one big line of music as opposed to the usual verse/chorus/verse/chorus structure.

With solid songwriting and an imaginative delivery, it’s hardly a surprise that “Trojans” is the song that catapulted Atlas Genius into the spotlight. The song –- which appears on the band’s debut full-length album, “When It Was Now” -– is a solid start for a band on target to enjoy a lengthy career.

Audio Ink Rating: 4 out of 5 Guitars

Stream Atlas Genius’ ‘Trojans’:

Story by Anne Erickson

Stone Sour singer Corey Taylor chats with Audio Ink Radio about his three favorite concept albums

Stone Sour frontman Corey Taylor is doubly busy with the band’s latest release. That’s because Stone Sour is releasing not one by two albums for their current album cycle, the first being “House of Gold & Bones Part 1,” which dropped last year, and the second “House of Gold & Bones Part 2,” which dropped in April.

Both albums make up one big concept release, so we caught up with Taylor to find out if he’s a fan of concept albums in general.

“I’ve been a fan of good concept albums!” he said, laughing. “At the same time, it depends on the story. Every good concept album has an amazing story, whether it’s Pink Floyd’s ‘The Wall’ or Queensryche’s ‘Operation: Mindcrime’ or (Green Day’s) ‘American Idiot.’”

“Those three great albums get you caught up in the moment and rooting for those characters, no matter what role those characters play. You can feel the characters and momentum building and the story behind it. They’re great albums.”

The rest of this year will bring more touring for Stone Sour, as well as a four-part Dark Horse comic book series to go along with the releases. The band is currently wrapping up a North American tour and getting ready to play Rock on the Range on May 18 in Columbus, Ohio. Find Stone Sour’s current tour roster via their official website.

Photo credit: Chapman Baehler.

Story by Anne Erickson

From Linkin Park to the Black Keys, a slew of alternative rock bands are releasing Record Store Day exclusives this year

Record Store Day is coming up in just a few weeks, which is a good thing, as the annual event offers exclusive releases for the music fan in everyone. The annual event, which celebrates its sixth birthday this year, is dedicated to supporting local, independently-owned record stores and classic vinyl.

A collection of big names are releasing Record Store Day exclusives this year, and those in the alternative rock genre are no exception. The Black Keys, Cake, the Cure, the Joy Formidable, Linkin Park, the Gaslight Anthem, Deftones and more are all offering up exclusive vinyl releases on April 20 to help support the passionate, neighborhood record stores across the country.

We dug up a list of rock and alternative-flavored Record Store Day releases to check out these year, and for the full list, head to the event’s official website.

Record Store Day 2013 Alternative Rock Guide:

The Black Keys/ Stooges, “Side by Side: No Fun” (7-inch Vinyl)
Deftones, “Live: Volume 1 – Selections from Adrenaline” (12-inch Vinyl)
Flaming Lips, “Zaireeka” (Vinyl Box Set)
Frightened Rabbit, “Midnight Organ Fight” (12-inch Vinyl)
The Gaslight Anthem, “Handwritten Deluxe” (DVD)
Grouplove/Frightened Rabbit/Manchester Orchestra, “Architech/Make It To Me” (7-inch Vinyl)
Ben Harper, “By Your Side” (12-inch Vinyl)
Imagine Dragons, “Live at Independent Records” (CD)
The Joy Formidable, “A Minute’s Silence” (12-inch Vinyl)
Linkin Park, “Hybrid Theory” (12-inch Vinyl)
Dave Matthews Band, “Live Trax Vol 1 Vinyl Box” (12-inch Vinyl)
MGMT, “Alien Days” (Cassette)
Misfits, “Side By Side: Skulls” (7-inch Picture Disc)
Thurston Moore, “The Only Way to Go” (12-inch Vinyl)
Mumford & Sons, “Live at Bull Moose” (10-inch Vinyl/CD)
Ra Ra Riot, “Binary Mind” (12-inch Vinyl)
R.E.M., “Live In Greensboro EP” (CD)
Soundgarden, “Animal Demos” (10-inch Vinyl)
White Stripes, “Elephant” (10th Anniversary) (12-inch Vinyl)

Review by Anne Erickson

Imagine Dragons create drama and excitement with their dubstep-inspired jam, ‘Radioactive’

Las Vegas-based alternative indie rockers Imagine Dragons introduced their synth-based, alt-pop sound to the masses with their single “It’s Time” last year. The folk-y, indie-pop number quickly caught on and fought its way inside the Top 10 on Nielsen’s BDS Alternative Radio Chart. Now, Imagine Dragons are back with a new song, “Radioactive,” and it couldn’t be more different than their debut single.

While Imagine Dragons’ first single started off with lots of mandolin and a definite folk-feel, “Radioactive” really showcases the group’s ability to incorporate dubstep and dance-oriented music into their sound. The song starts out with a thick, heavy bass wub and strong beat, before frontman Daniel Coulter Reynolds’ post-apocalyptic lyrics kick in: “I’m waking up to ash and dust / I wipe my brow and I sweat my rust / I’m breathing in the chemicals / I’m breaking in, shaping up, then checking out on the prison bus / This is it, the apocalypse.”

The track explodes into the chorus, as Reynolds triumphantly announced, “Welcome to the new age … Whoa, whoa, I’m radioactive, radioactive!”

“Radioactive” is a hook-y, emotional, midtempo anthem that, unlike many of the so-called new alternative tracks out there, should appeal to everyone from alternative pop fans to hard rockers. The song, which appears on the band’s current album, “Night Visions,” carries the kind of drama and excitement that turns a simple song into something just a little bit greater.

Audio Ink Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Guitars

Review by Anne Erickson

Soundgarden’s new song, ‘Been Away Too Long,’ is packed with energy, grungy riffing

One of the biggest songs of the year in the rock world, no doubt, is Soundgarden’s “Been Away Too Long,” a song that marks the first original music from the band since 1996′s “Down on the Upside.” From the first winding riff to the last crackle in Chris Cornell’s voice, Soundgarden’s “Been Away Too Long” is classic Soundgarden, recalling the band’s ‘90s grunge rock roots but still sounding contemporary enough to fit on the radio dials today.

“Been Away Too Long” is certainly one of Soundgarden’s heavier songs. Following their new, somewhat mellow track “Live to Rise,” which the band released earlier this year, “Been Away Too Long” shows that Soundgarden can still rock, with fast-paced, meaty guitar riffing and frantic, catchy drum beats.

Following a brisk, upbeat verse, the chorus quickly kicks in with Cornell crooning, “Going straight / I only ever really wanted a break / I’ve been away for too long /No I never really wanted to stay / I’ve been away for too long / I’ve been away for too long / I’ve been away for too long!” Musically, the chorus offers an uber-psychedelic aura that’s retro and simply fun.

One of the highlights of the song is the bridge, which offers trippy, experimental guitars and Cornell’s longing, lingering vocals: “Keyholes, trough key holes / Where those I am still hiding / Everyone inside/ Tank girls and fly guns and silver boots on my way home.”

With the energy and creativity that’s all throughout “Been Away Too Long,” it’s obvious Soundgarden are as inspired as ever and haven’t lost their vision. The song appears on the band’s current full-length, “King Animal.”

Story by Cat Badra

Interview: Asking Alexandria frontman Danny Worsnop checks in with Audio Ink Radio

Asking Alexandria are gearing up for the 2012 Outbreak Tour, which also features Ask I Lay Dying, I See Stars, Memphis May Fire and Attila. The tour comes right as the guys are finishing up their much-anticipated new full-length, set to arrive sometime in 2013. But even with all this activity going on, frontman Danny Worsnop is keeping busy with another one of his musical loves: Harlot.

“Harlot is straight-up rock and roll,” Worsnop exclusively told Audio Ink Radio. “There’s a great reaction in the industry to it, and we haven’ t even released music yet. All of these mind-blowingly huge people are so excited and wanting to be a part of it, and I’m very taken back by it a lot. It’s bigger stuff than I’ve ever seen before, and I’m definitely excited for this to come together.”

We chatted more with Worsnop about Harlot, Asking Alexandria’s new album and what bands would make up his dream gig.

How is the new Asking Alexandria album coming along?

It’s coming along well! I’m in the studio right now, recording the second half. A few mountains need to be climbed recording the third album, but it’s coming along. I have no idea when it will be out, though! I guess it will be finished when it’s finished.

Do you notice any major themes on the album?

This album is much more positive and more mature. It’s just much more mature and adult.

If you could put together a show with any three bands in the world right now, who would they be?

Aerosmith, Journey and Motley Crue! And, I know I can only pick three, but I would put Def Leppard in there, too. They’re all my favorite bands, and they’re who inspire me.

You’re also involved with a new band, Harlot. Any idea when that new album might come together?

Not sure, but it will be a while! After the Outbreak Tour, our [Asking Alexandra’s] album will be finished by then, and then I’ll go into the studio with Harlot and probably do a few more Asking Alexandria tours.

For more information on the 2012 Outbreak Tour, head to the trek’s official website. (Courtesy photo.)

Story by Anne Erickson

Interview: Ed Kowalczyk chats with Audio Ink Radio about his upcoming EP and what he and other ‘90s frontmen have in common

Ed Kowalczyk is widely known as the lead singer and songwriter of Live, a ‘90s alternative band famous for its grungy sonics and spiritual songwriting. If you dig alternative music, chances are you’ve heard every one of Live’s hits, from “Lightning Crashes” to “I Alone” to “Heaven.”

Never one to stick to conventions, Kowalczyk has branched out with a full-fledged solo career. He released a new solo EP, “The Garden,” earlier this month, and the set features 10 tracks: five new songs and five remixes of those tracks.

A few hours before a gig in his hometown of York, Penn., Kowalczyk caught up with Audio Ink Radio to talk about the solo EP and what he has in common with Chris Cornell and Eddie Vedder.

So many frontmen-turned-solo artists try going the solo route and then go back to the band. Why did you decide to forge forward as a solo musician?

Three years ago, I came to a point in my life and career where I was just bored. It’s part of my contemplative nature to ask, ‘What’s going on here?’ I had been doing in for so long in the same way, and I really wanted to branch out and start to do new things and play with new people.

Do you have a favorite song on “The Garden?”

You know, “The Garden” itself is the namesake of the EP, and it’s a song that’s not only my favorite but really consists of the path of this new chapter, being the solo career.

The music industry has changed so much since Live broke out in the ‘90s. What do you think are some of the positives and negatives of the changes?

I think every situation is unique is how you perceive it. This new era for me as a solo artist has been colored more positively for me, because of my engagement with social media and my transition into this new thing. I’m really engaged in this hardcore, tight knit fan collective that continues to support me. I’ve had an incredibly positive experience the past few years, and that’s colored my vision of things. There are ups and downs to it, but I’m experiencing a lot more of the ups right now, because of social media and the fact I’m not in one monolithic record deal. I’m embracing all of that as a certain amount of freedom I wasn’t used to having.

Several ‘90s frontmen are doing the solo thing lately, including Chris Cornell of Soundgarden and Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam, to name a few.

Yeah, I saw Chris’ songbook tour last year in Los Angeles and loved it. There comes a cycle where it makes sense and the fan base is ready for that kind of experience in the life of a songwriter. You mentioned all of those artists and myself in there, and with all of us, we have so many songs that people identify with and know, and to be able to experience those in such a stripped-down, intimate way after 10 or 15 years seems like the thing to do. People are ready to sit down in a theater and really soak that in. There seems to be space for it at some point in a career, and my fans love it.

Your music in Live is very spiritual. Does that carry over to your solo music?

It always has. I’ve always had this contemplative side of me. I’d be interested in these big things other than music, and the fact I’ve been able to channel that into a worldwide recording and performing career as a musician is part of the magic to me as an artist. It’s proof positive that music is ultimately a spiritual thing and it does communicate truths to people in a way that’s unique.

Real quick: What’s the first album you ever bought?

I think Pink Floyd, “The Wall,” was the first cassette I ever bought. It was at a flea market! [Laughs] The first album I bought that I remember really going out and finding was U2’s “Joshua Tree.” That was the first time I really fell in love with an album. (Photo credit: Douglas Sonders.)

Stream Ed Kowalczyk’s New Song, ‘I’m The Proof (feat. Eva & The Heartmaker)’:

Story by Anne Erickson

From Mumford and Sons’ latest album to a Nirvana tee, find gift ideas for the alternative music lover on your Christmas list

The holidays are here, and Christmas shopping season is in full swing. A music-themed gift is always an appropriate option for the alternative music fan on your Christmas list, and this year, you’ll find plenty of options to put a smile on the face of that music-minded friend or family member. Take a peek at our handy 2012 Alternative Rock Gift Guide featuring releases from a variety of alt-rock bands below, and happy shopping.

The Lumineers, Eye Chart T-Shirt. The Lumineers are one of the biggest break-out alternative acts of the year, thanks to their laid-back smash “Ho Hey.” For a friend who wants to sport something just as unique as the Lumineers’ sound, the band has a T-shirt that’s actually laid out in an eye chart design. The shirt is available via the Lumineers’ official merchandise site.

Mumford & Sons, ‘Babel.’ Alternative folk-rockers Mumford & Sons are no doubt one of the biggest bands on alternative radio at the moment. If your buddy doesn’t have the band’s latest album yet, “Babel,” Christmas might be a great time to hook your friend up with the ear candy. “Babel” was the No. 1 rock album of 2012 and second largest debut of the year, according to Nielsen SoundScan, so it’s certainly one of the most popular albums of the year. The album is available in stores and at all the usual online retail outlets.

Nirvana Jump Girls T-Shirt. This one is for the ladies. If there’s a girl on your list who is sick of those huge band T-shirts, Hot Topic is selling a girl tee featuring a live shot of ‘90s grunge pioneers Nirvana. The shirt is available in sizes extra small up to XXL, and it’s a “baby tee” style. To check out the shirt online, head to Hot Topic’s official site.

Rage Against the Machine, ‘Rage Against the Machine XX.’ Rap-rockers Rage Against the Machine broke out during the ‘90s alternative rock explosion, and while the guys don’t plan on releasing a new album at any point soon, they’re reissuing a special 20th anniversary edition of their self-titled debut Tuesday (Nov. 27). The set will offer a few different versions, and the most decked-out one includes two CDs, two DVDs, one 12? 180gm vinyl LP, a 40-page booklet and a two-sided Rage Against the Machine poster. To purchase the collection straight from Rage, head to the band’s official website.

The Shins, ‘No Way Down / Fall of ’82’ Vinyl. The folks behind national Record Store Day always arrange some special releases to unleash on Black Friday, coined “Back to Black,” as part of their initiative to help independently-owned record shops across the U.S. This year, the Shins have released a special 7” vinyl of “No Way Down / Fall of ’82,” two stand-out tracks from their newest album, “Port of Morrow,” available now at participating local record shops. For our Record Store Day Black Friday gift guide, go here, and for a list of participating stores, head to Record Store Day’s official website.

Story by Anne Erickson

Incubus will release five of their albums on 12” vinyl on Friday as part of Record Store Day’s Black Friday initiative

Black Friday is this Friday (Nov. 23), and for music lovers, that means one thing: Special album releases available exclusively through Record Store Day’s Back to Black initiatives. This year, Incubus fans have lots to like about Black Friday, as Brandon Boyd and the band will release five of their albums on 12” vinyl beginning this Friday at local record shops.

Incubus will release limited-edition, 12” vinyl versions of their albums “A Crow Left of the Murder,” “Light Grenades,” “Make Yourself,” “Morning View” and “S.C.I.E.N.C.E” as Record  Store Day “First Releases,” meaning they’ll be available first at independently-own shops that participate in National Record Store Day events. Each album is numbered and presented on 180-gram audiophile vinyl. This is the first time these Incubus albums have ever been available on vinyl.

The folks behind Record Store Day launched their Black Friday spin-off two years ago, and it’s a good chance to glance through exclusive releases and a make a shopping list. Additional offerings this year include limited-edition runs from Primus, My Morning Jacket, the White Stripes, Mad Season, Rolling Stones and many more. For Audio Ink Radio’s Black Friday gift guide, go here, and to find out if you’re near a participating record store, head to Record Store Day’s official website. (Photo credit: Anne Erickson.)

Story by Anne Erickson

Interview exclusive: Foxy Shazam’s Sky White talks about writing and more with Audio Ink Radio

Foxy Shazam rose to fame in the fall of 2011 thanks to their uber-catchy and cool rock radio hit, “I Like It,” off the band’s fourth studio album, “The Church of Rock and Roll.” The song went to No. 1 in a jiffy, and Foxy Shazam soon found themselves playing a crop of high-profile tours and festivals all over the world, including opening for Slash and Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators on their North American tour this past fall.

Keyboard player Sky White says the success of Foxy Shazam stems from the band’s determination to make a living doing what they love: creating weird and wacky rock and roll. “All the songs on the record are put together in really weird, different ways coming from different people,” White told Audio Ink Radio. “That’s how we’ve gone about making music from day one.”

Regarding the songwriting for “I Like It,” White says it was a lengthy process. But the extra time spent was well worth it. “We worked with Justin Hawkins of the Darkness, and we recorded that in the U.K.,” White said. “He’s always helpful with taking crazy ideas and making actual good songs made out of crazy ideas, so we had a lot of stuff before going into the studio, and then there was a rhythm change we did with it, but it came together really cool.

“For this one, the general idea started with Eric [Nally, frontman]. Somebody had a riff, and Justin helped us structure it and make parts make sense, and then we ended up with ‘I Like It.’” (Courtesy photo.)