Sleeping at Last – “We’re Still Here”: Not one to keep fans waiting, Ryan O’Neal brings us this song to tide us over until the announcement of his next major project with Sleeping at Last. The song is classic Sleeping at Last, hearkening to the Storyboards era. Some may find the lyrical depth lacking, but I am amazed at O’Neal’s consistency in writing emotion-laden tunes that exude beauty. Don’t worry – “We’re Still Here” very much exudes a band-like feel.
The Devil Wears Prada – “Mammoth”: Dayton, Ohio’s metalcore kings have released a fourth music video off Dead Throne, and what a video it is. Doesn’t get more eerie than a hovering coffin showing a man aging within, throughout the storms of life. The song itself is a bit stormy as well. That breakdown in the intro is simple but carries enough punch to sound like a machine gun. There are cleans, of course but the band seems to be jumping on the “beard-core” wagon with the release of this video – what do you think?
Morning Parade – “Headlights”: This band has the distinction of being the direct support for Anberlin on their Fall 2012 tour. With “Headlights,” we hear a Two Door Cinema Club influence. Indeed, the vocals bear resemblance to Alex Trimble without seeming entirely copycat. Actually, I really like the optimistic sounding song. It straddles the line between pop rock and alternative without sounding too manufactured. This would be a great song live, I think.
