Featured Single: Lauren Strange covers Zombie

A new single was released this month that I thought deserved special attention -- 
Lauren Strange & The Pretty Killers



Lauren Strange has the unique ability to blend Nashville soul with the gritty smoky vocals of grunge to produce a sound that is pure Rock'N'Roll at its finest. This month she released a cover of the 90's classic Zombie by the Cranberries. Not an easy vocal track to cover, but Strange nails it flawlessly. Her previous EP "Say Yes" features 3 emotionally charged tracks that were only a preview of what is bound to come. Be on the lookout for a full-length debut later this year.

You can find the Zombie audio here (may need to click a link or two):
 https://laurenstrange.bandcamp.com/

and a brief sample of LS & The Pretty Killers here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZ0QTv92_Uw


and generally more here:
http://www.laurenstrange.com/

New EP: Weekend Recovery

 


Weekend Recovery is an up-and-coming band from the UK, near the Spunk mecca of London. They released their debut 4-song EP "Rumors" back in July. This is a new band coming into their own and finding their sound, and I like what I hear! These are great songs with distinct personality and feeling. Driving, energetic rhythm section, a mix of pop-punk and more classical guitar work, and delightful vocals floating over the top. This is a promising new-comer to the UK scene, good sound, good songs, good voice.

One of the exciting bands of our time, check them out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIUbJudH6to

New Record: Hands Off Gretel: Burn the Beauty Queen

This has been one of the most eagerly awaited new records of 2016 in the Spunk Rock Universe. It has been clear since the first listen that the force is strong and the spunk is great with this one. Hands Off Gretel has a sound that is instantly recognizable as ass-kicking grrrl grunge.

It feels like they are channeling, or maybe reviving, the spirit of so many grunge bands before. Many names come to mind. Babes in Toyland and Mudhoney are the two that sum it up best for me, but one could easily throw Hole, Nirvana, Dinosaur Jr., and L7 into the list, to name a few.

This is not to say that Hands Off Gretel sounds like those bands. No, I don't think so. Rather, they sound fresh, and intense, and exciting, in a way those bands did when they were new. They have the sound of a young band taking their space in the world -- not so much asking.

This record is the whole deal.. Big Boomin' Bass to fill the space. Sharp, jagged power riffs and driving beats, expertly lead by Lauren's firey, rapsy vocals. 

The quality of the record is also strong.. good song writing, every song is a keeper.. no filler. A fine debut from one of the bands that keeps me excited about the possibility of new music, proving that the best is yet to come in the world of rock'n'roll.

But don't take my word for it.. see for yourself:

Oh Shit! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cz0xxjUgqiA

One-Eyed Girl: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIJb64JI4BQ
..