Third Realm — “Dance Like You Wanna Die”
electronic rock
Playlist Challenge, Day 150
Skold — “Better the Devil”
One of my favorite songs, at the moment ❤
Playlist Challenge, Day 149
Neon Coven — “Down”
Playlist Challenge, Day 147
Dope Stars Inc. — “Vyperpunk”
Playlist Challenge, Day 145
Neon Coven — “Bleeding Love”
Playlist Challenge, Day 142
Dope Stars Inc. — “Can You Imagine?”
New Music: Neon Coven
I know I’ve talked about Lynam on here, and I’m fairly certain I’ve mentioned Adler. But for those who aren’t familiar with either band, here’s what you need to know.
Lynam is a rock band from Birmingham, Alabama. The members include vocalist/guitarist Jacob Bunton, drummer David Lynam, and bassist Mark Dzier. They are heavily influenced by the 80’s glam rock scene (Poison, Mötley Crüe, Guns ‘N’ Roses, etc.) Which is why it was a big deal when, back around 2011, Jacob joined forces with former GNR drummer Steven Adler.
Along with Jacob and Steven, guitarist Lonny Paul and bassist Johnny Martin became a band known as “Adler.” In 2012, they released the full-length Back From the Dead (and Lonny became a member of Lynam). Unfortunately, Steven ended up back in rehab. I don’t know what happened once he was out, just that Adler has done nothing since.
Anyway, fast-forward to the present. Jacob has been writing and producing (and relocating to) Los Angeles. He has since put together another band: Neon Coven.
I was surprised to discover that Jacob is not the front man in Neon Coven. A mix of electronica and rock, I find that his new endeavor is quite different from Lynam and Adler. Why don’t you see for yourself? This is their song “No One Knows You’re Dead” from the recently released EP, Risen.
Let’s Talk Covers (Pt. 23)
1. Fiona Apple: “Across the Universe” (The Beatles cover)
2. Emilie Autumn: “All My Loving” (The Beatles cover)
3. Maroon 5: “Ticket to Ride” (The Beatles cover)
Album Review: Almost Kings’ Forever This Time
Band: Almost Kings
Album: Forever This Time
Genre: Rap/rock
Release date: August 25, 2017
Standout tracks: “Better Than This,” “OMG,” “Closer to You,” and “Bad One”
I never know what to expect from Almost Kings, and that may hold true more for this album than any of their others. After a few lineup changes, including the addition of a second rapper and a DJ, there was no way to anticipate how Forever This Time would sound. Every record Almost Kings has released has been different from its predecessor, but what direction would they take with only two of the original members left?
Well, I’ll tell you. There is not a single dull moment on this album. In the opening track, “With Force,” the listener immediately receives an introduction to Jude Buckingham, who lends his own brand of rap to Bozeman’s smooth flow. There is also a shining example of what DJ Breezus Khrist can do.
And the formalities end there.
Almost Kings storms in at the top of their game, and they don’t slow down until Bozeman’s promise at the very end of the record: “We ain’t leavin’.”
The band stays true to its interesting blend of rap and rock with songs such as “Envy and Enemies,” “Forever This Time,” and “Where It All Ends.” The rock edge is heavier than ever, the subject matter matching the vibe, tending towards rising above your enemies and the realization of our own mortality.
Not for nothing, though, is Almost Kings known as a party rock band. Want something to get you moving? “OMG,” “Bad One,” “Lit,” and “The Weekend” fit the bill nicely, further showcasing AK’s funk/dance/hip-hop side.
A harder and funkier punch than their past releases, intricately woven with that uniqueness that keeps the AK faithful coming back, Forever This Time is a perfect example of why we love this Atlanta-based sextet. This album has something for everyone. You’ll go from headbanging, to bobbing your head, to dancing like a fool, and you will love every minute of it.
I don’t have an official rating system, but I used “stars” when I reviewed Alter Bridge’s The Last Hero, so… I give Forever This Time 5/5 stars. If you’re already familiar with Almost Kings, I’m certain you’ll be satisfied. If you’ve never heard them, then this is a fantastic place to start!
Weekly Focus: Amerakin Overdose, Day Seven
Amerakin Overdose — “Letting Go,” ft. Waylon Reavis, from the album The Great Amerakin Dream… (2016).
Mostly Music 