Like a Storm — “Become the Enemy,” from the album Awaken the Fire (2015).
Bands You Should Know
Weekly Focus: Like a Storm, Day One
I discovered this band through Twitter, and I’m so glad I did. They’re pretty effin’ amazing!
Like a Storm — “Love the Way You Hate Me,” from the album Awaken the Fire (2015).
Bands You Should Know: Lynam
From left to right: Lonny Paul, David Lynam, Jacob Bunton, and Mark Dzier
Band: Lynam
Genre: Rock
Hometown: Birmingham, Alabama
Sounds like: Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, KISS…80’s glam rock with better vocals
Discography: White Trash Superstar (2002), Bling Bling (2003), Life in Reverse (2004), Slave to the Machine (2006), Tragic City Symphony(2008), Thank You Good Night (2010), and Halfway to Hell (2013)
Suggested Tracks: “The Best Thing,” “Left for Dead,” “Tanis,” “Letting Go,” “By Your Side,” “Is This a Heartbreak or a Loaded Gun?” and “Cold”
I saw Lynam for the first time in October of 2008. After the show, I wasted absolutely no time in buying both of the CDs they had available at the time (Slave to the Machine and Tragic City Symphony). I listened to both albums obsessively until the next time I made it to a show, which unfortunately wasn’t until August 2009.
All it will take is one time seeing/hearing Lynam to get addicted. I’ve been following them for five years and actually find it very difficult to describe them. I think I have too much to say, but at the same time, no words seem accurate enough to explain how amazing this band really is. For this reason, I again went to my friends for help. There were a lot of responses, so I’ll just share the best three:
“[Lynam is] the complete package – they are great live, their CDs are full of great, straightforward ROCK, and they are genuinely good people.”
“One of the hardest working bands to come out of Alabama in years. They reached that level by never resting on past accomplishments and somehow finding a way to give a little more of themselves every time they took the stage, or wrote a new tune. I’ve watched these guys for years now and they truly get better every show/record. For anyone looking to form a rock band and take it on the road, look to this band as a “how to” and you should be fine. They have definitely raised the standards.”
“Everything [about Lynam] is great. They put on one of the greatest shows I’ve seen. They are super cool and make you feel like you’re a part of their show!! Jacob’s voice is….a-mazing!!!!!!! David’s drumming skills are like no other.”
I couldn’t have said it better myself. I’ve compared Lynam to bands such as Def Leppard and Bon Jovi, yet that isn’t quite right. Lynam has an additional something that I can’t quite put my finger on. Maybe it’s their creativity, their lack of fear for thinking outside the box and writing tracks like “The Party Starts Now” and “Store Bought Halo.” Maybe it’s the fact that vocalist/guitarist Jacob Bunton has the most beautiful voice in the world. Or maybe it’s the way they so obviously love what they do, and that definitely adds to both the recordings and the live performances.
I can’t write about Lynam without mentioning the guys themselves. It is easy to understand why they have such a loyal following. Jacob, drummer David Lynam, bassist Mark Dzier, and the latest addition to the band, guitarist Lonny Paul are all sweet guys. They’re just so normal and relatable. I can’t imagine them ever turning a fan away, whether (s)he wanted an autograph, a picture, or simply to talk. I have never left a show without a smile on my face.
Talented, fun, and crazy (in the best way possible), Lynam is a band you should definitely add to your music library.
Want more information? Check out my review of the band’s latest release, Halfway to Hell.
Bands You Should Know: Within Reason
Band: Within Reason
Genre: Rock
Hometown: Birmingham, Alabama
Sounds like: A mix of Linkin Park, Daughtry, and Breaking Benjamin
Discography: Bloodshot Life (2009) and After the Crawl (2012)
Suggested Tracks: “We’ll Have It All,” “Here Comes the Light,” “Favorite Sin,” and “Instigator”
I saw Within Reason for the first time in October of 2008 and immediately fell in love. Perhaps the best thing about their performance was how apparent it was that they enjoyed each other, as well as the crowd. It always makes me happy when I have the chance to witness that camaraderie between members of a band, that certain something that shows that they don’t view this as only a job. This is their passion. These guys live for their music.
Within Reason’s music is something else. “Unique,” “astounding,” “addictive”…all of these words can be used to describe it. I have compared them to Linkin Park, Daughtry, and Breaking Benjamin, but that isn’t quite right, it’s just the closest I could get. Vocalist Chris Dow, bassist David Koonce, guitarist Chase Davidson, and drummer Griffin Zarbough create a sound that isn’t exactly like any other band. Therefore, I asked my friends for help describing their music. Here is what I was given:
“Their music is honest, pure, and just all-around great to listen to on any occasion, no matter what mood you’re in…”
“[Our songs] are songs by everyday people, just like you and me, about everyday issues.”
“They are one of the best bands I’ve ever been introduced to. The vocals are captivating, the lyrics amazing, and the music perfect.”
“[Within Reason] has a variety of music to listen to. None of their songs sound the same, and there’s a song to fit any mood.”
“[Within Reason’s music] is something a little different that will hook you and pull you in because you will identify with the lyrics.”
All of these descriptions are accurate. Within Reason writes about real aspects of day-to-day life, things that everyone can understand. Two great examples of this are “We’ll Have It All,” a track that deals with personal loss, yet is also an anthem of hope and encouragement, and “Don’t Walk Away,” written for a soldier who served in Iraq. While the band is undoubtedly not afraid to touch on serious issues, they do occasionally break away for some fun. Their cover of 50 Cent and Justin Timberlake’s “Ayo Technology” is absolutely fantastic and will give you a whole new love for the song, whether you cared for the original or not. (At live shows, Within Reason breaks out some of the most random covers, such as “Bleed It Out” by Linkin Park, “Boom” by POD, and “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley.)
Last, but certainly not least, is the fact that the guys themselves are amazing. All four of them are humble and down-to-Earth. They are always willing to take time out of their day to talk to a fan, sign an autograph, pose for a picture. I have never had a bad experience when in their presence, and that serves to add to my love for the band. This loyalty they inspire won them the Garage to Grammy contest in early 2013.
Relatable, fun, and entertaining, Within Reason is another band that I believe should hold a place in your music library. So give ’em a listen. They will not disappoint.
Bands You Should Know: Almost Kings
Band: Almost Kings
Genre: Rap/Rock
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Sounds like: Rage Against the Machine meets the Beastie Boys, with Eminem as the singer
Discography: Filthy Nice (2009), Club Rock EP (2011), Hear Me Out (2013)
Suggested Tracks: “Bounce,” “On Like That,” “Unstoppable,” “Cheers,” “Hold On Me,” and “Lose Control”
The best way to describe Almost Kings is with the clichéd “they are not like anything you’ve ever experienced before.” Only in this case, it’s true. There is no way to fully convey what listening to Almost Kings–or seeing one of their performances–is like.
I was first introduced to the band in July 2012, when a friend urged me to come to a show in Florence, Alabama. I was told that they were rap/rock and was given comparisons to everyone from Linkin Park to Hollywood Undead. Honestly, it left me with no idea of what to expect…and not a lot of hope for what I was about to witness. But I soon discovered that my friend had not done Almost Kings justice. At all.
The show was amazing! Vocalist Bryan Bozeman, guitarist Ryan Yunker, bassist Daniel Helms, and drummer Kevin Compton went non-stop. There was never a dull moment, and the guys didn’t slow down until it was over. They were energetic and interactive, and they gave 100% to every aspect of their performance. I have since found out that this is true at every show. (And it doesn’t hurt that they are four of the nicest guys you will ever meet.)
While the live shows are nothing short of spectacular, they wouldn’t be what they are if the music itself wasn’t up to par. I asked the band to describe their music in a single word, and Kevin said “diverse,” which summed it up pretty accurately. I have defined them as rap/rock, but they actually span multiple genres. There are so many things about each album, each track, that are appealing, and my interest was held by the fact that no two tracks sounded exactly the same. The only problem with that is it makes it extremely difficult to recommend just one song to a person unfamiliar with the band. It all depends on tastes. Want rap? Listen to “Bounce.” Want rock? Check out “Hold On Me” or “Shadows.” Want something with a touch of funk? Crank up “Lose Control.” Want something fun with a catchy chorus? “Cheers,” “On Like That,” and/or “Unstoppable” should fit the bill nicely.
I have to acknowledge that the first thing that caught my attention was the skill of Bozeman. His rapping is just mind-blowing, and he integrates it in with a full band so seamlessly. I can’t think of anyone else who combines rap and rock as well as Almost Kings.
While Bozeman’s vocals are the most easily discerned part of their sound, when one gets down to it, there is a depth to the music. Almost Kings is one of the few bands that has earned what is perhaps the biggest compliment I can pay a band: they are multi-faceted. They are not stuck emphasizing one member over and over again, because all four of them are very talented. This makes it possible for them to highlight a different element in each song.
Putting it simply, Almost Kings is the most fun you will ever have listening to music, and one of the most entertaining live shows you will ever witness. Easily enjoyed by anyone, but with the talent to satisfy fellow musicians and music connoisseurs alike, this is a band that should definitely have a place in your music library. Do yourself a favor and check them out. Now!
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