This Wild Life Stream New Song “Hit the Reset”

August 15, 2016 by Leave a Comment

this-wild-life-2016

We’re only a few short weeks away from Low Tides, the new release from This Wild Life. The Long Beach duo made a splash in 2014 with their debut album, Clouded, a mostly acoustic affair full of rich melodies and heartbreak. This time around, This Wild Life appear to be adding to the mix, exemplified by their new song “Hit the Reset”. Take a listen to the new track below:

If you like what you hear, you can pre-order Low Tides through the band’s website. The album releases on September 9 via Epitaph Records.

What are your thoughts on the new track? Share in the replies!

Posted by Kiel Hauck

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5 New Songs to Add to Your Christmas Playlist

November 30, 2015 by Leave a Comment

carly-rae-jepsen-last-christmas

Now that the last of the Thanksgiving leftovers have been devoured, it’s time to conjure up some holiday cheer in the form of your favorite Christmas songs! In addition to your usual playlist, we’d like to offer up a few fresh tracks that we think will add nicely to your holiday decorating soundtrack. Take a look below for five new songs to guide you through the holiday season.

This Wild Life – “Sleigh Ride”

With their airy-light acoustic delivery and Kevin Jordan’s delicate vocals, This Wild Life are the perfect duo for Christmas cheer. Their rendition of “Sleigh Ride” is a jolly ride through a classic holiday song and will serve as the perfect backdrop to your winter gatherings. Can we get a full album of this, guys?

Carly Rae Jepsen – “Last Christmas”

There have been several covers of Wham’s smash single through the years, but Carly Rae has joined the party with her own unique take on a holiday classic. With a sensual saxophone backdrop and Carly’s token bubblegum melody leading the way, this rendition of “Last Christmas” is sure to be tickling your ears during your holiday shopping trips this year.

August Burns Red – “Home Alone Theme”

Why has nobody thought to do this sooner? August Burns Red continue their tradition of serving up metalcore instrumentals of some of our favorite Christmas classics, this time in the form of a John Williams cover. It’s a brutal, guitar-filled ride conjuring up memories of that creepy dude with the snow shovel outside Kevin’s house who turned out to be a pretty decent guy.

Issues – “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays”

If anyone was going to cover this *NSYNC holiday classic, who better than Issues, guided by the vocal gymnastics of Tyler Carter? Carter’s smooth delivery guides glorious liberties taken with the melody. Even when Michael Bohn chimes in with some backing screams, the track still manages to feel cheerful, which is quite the feat.

The Killers – “Dirt Sledding”

Carrying on a tradition of Christmas originals, The Killers have returned with “Dirt Sledding”, a hilarious country-tinged track of a holiday song, highlighted by Brandon Flowers over-the-top vocal delivery. In need of a laugh and a smile this holiday season? The Killers have just what you need.

by Kiel Hauck

kiel_hauckKiel Hauck is the editor in chief at It’s All Dead. Over the past decade, he has been a contributor for multiple online and print publications and was most recently an editor at PopMatters. Kiel currently resides in Indianapolis, IN with his wife and their imaginary pet, Hand Dog. You can follow him on Twitter.

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Warped Tour 2015: Searching for Hope in a Wounded Scene

August 3, 2015 by Leave a Comment

blessthefall-splash1

Make no mistake – the conversation around Warped Tour is no longer framed as a discussion about the summer’s best music. That ship has sailed, and time will tell if the problems that plague this scene find resolution and if an answer is found to rectify the steady stream of sexual misconduct that continues to rear its ugly head. Until those answers come, it’s hard to care about much else.

At the same time, It’s All Dead was created with a purpose of finding light in the dark, spotlighting the music that makes our hearts full and our minds contemplative. Amidst the frustration surrounding this summer’s tour, we want to take a moment to highlight some of the good things – bands playing with passion and speaking life in a wounded scene.

Below is a collection of bands that we feel encapsulate that idea. Take a look at a few of our favorites from the tour’s recent stop in Noblesville, Indiana.

Palisades

Palisades want you to move. The band’s unique blend of danceable electronics and crunchy hardcore riffs are the perfect pairing for hot summer days on Warped Tour. Vocalists Louis Miceli and Brandon Sidney combine cool melodies with spastic screams for a light/dark combination that adds an array of emotion to their tracks. Holding down the Kevin Says stage, Palisades appear to be gaining followers by the day.

Palisades

Palisades

This Wild Life

Just one year ago, acoustic duo This Wild Life were one of the biggest buzz bands on Warped Tour. This year, they’re holding down the main stage like scene veterans. Kevin Jordan and Anthony Del Grosso’s calm, unflappable presence on stage matches the peaceful journey through pain found on their debut, Clouded. The band even finds time to slip in a quick cover of blink-182’s “First Date” for good measure.

This Wild Life

This Wild Life

The Amity Affliction

The Amity Affliction’s last run on Warped Tour in 2013 found lead vocalist Joel Birch hospitalized and near the end of his rope. This year, the band appears re-energized, fresh off of the release of Let the Ocean Take Me. Birch roars with confidence while Ahren Stringer provides clean vocals that soothe against the band’s pounding sonic background. A substantial crowd sings along passionately as the band rocks the Monster Energy stage, emphasis on the “energy.”

The Amity Affliction

The Amity Affliction

PVRIS

Another buzz band turned breakout, PVRIS are riding high on White Noise, their smash debut album. Lynn Gunn has become a staple in this scene behind the microphone in less than a year, belting out powerful anthems like “My House”, while also being capable of crooning softly on more mellow numbers like “Holy”. When the band opens with “Fire” on the Unicorn stage, the crowd jumps to the beat, becoming a welcome backup choir for Gunn.

PVRIS

PVRIS

The Wonder Years

If you can’t wait for the upcoming release of No Closer to Heaven, you’re not alone. The Wonder Years have already claimed the pop punk crown, but they’re not taking their foot of the gas pedal. Dan Campbell is as lively as ever, singing his heart out to new single “Cardinals” as the crowd shouts along. It’s a fast-paced set, but every minute is filled with poppy guitar riffs, passionate vocals and pumping fists.

The Wonder Years

The Wonder Years

Pierce the Veil

It’s been three long years since Pierce the Veil released Collide with the Sky, an album that propelled the band to new heights. Now, the post-hardcore act is back on Warped Tour with a new song, “The Divine Zero”, and a massive set filled with powerful tracks like “Caraphernalia” and “Hell Above”. Vic Fuentes sounds as good as ever, and it’s hard not to get excited about the band’s forthcoming album, whenever it arrives.

Pierce the Veil

Pierce the Veil

As It Is

As It Is are making the most of their first run on Warped Tour. The British pop punk group made their mark earlier this year with their debut album Never Happy, Ever After. Their songs are full of melody and spunk and lead vocalist Patty Walters is chaotic on the stage as he sings his heart out. Walters may be a blur, but he’s still able to hit the notes with ease. After starting their set with “Speak Soft”, the band never takes their foot off of the gas pedal.

As It Is

As It Is

blessthefall

Metalcore vets blessthefall are Warped Tour pros at this point. Holding down the final set of the day on the Shark Stage, a large turnout sticks around to watch Beau Bokan and company rage through a collection of songs. New track “Up in Flames” sounds like the band at their best, combining crushing breakdowns with melodic passages that mesh with ease. Eric Lambert shreds through each song as Bokan runs from side to side, belting out his notes. It’s hard not to appreciate the work ethic of this band, especially when they show no signs of slowing down.

blessthefall

blessthefall

by Kiel Hauck

kiel_hauckKiel Hauck is the editor in chief at It’s All Dead. Over the past decade, he has been a contributor for multiple online and print publications and was most recently an editor at PopMatters. Kiel currently resides in Indianapolis, IN with his wife and their imaginary pet, Hand Dog. You can follow him on Twitter.

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This Wild Life Release “Clouded Atmosphere Edition”

June 10, 2015 by Leave a Comment

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Acoustic duo This Wild Life recently hit the studio with A Day to Remember’s Jeremy McKinnon and Erik Ron to record three brand new songs that are included on the band’s new Clouded – Atmosphere Edition. This revamped version of last year’s Clouded features the new songs along with live versions of “Sleepwalking”, “Concrete” and “Roots and Branches (Meant to Be Alone)”. Check out the full track list below:

1. Concrete
2. Over It
3. No More Bad Days
4. History
5. Roots and Branches (Meant To Be Alone)
6. Bound to Break
7. Better With You
8. Looking Back
9. Don’t Say
10. 405
11. Stay Up Late
12. It’s Alright
13. Alone With Me
14. Sleepwalking (live session)
15. Concrete (live session)
16. Roots and Branches *(Meant To Be Alone) (live session)

You can buy the album on iTunes.

What are your thoughts on the new songs? Share in the replies!

Posted by Kiel Hauck

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10 Bands You Can’t Miss on Warped Tour 2015

May 26, 2015 by Leave a Comment

warped_tour_2015

The weather is warm, the sun is shining and school is out. You know what that means – it’s almost time for Vans Warped Tour. The longest running music festival in America returns once again and this year’s lineup is ready to hit the road. We already expressed why our excitement for the tour continues, but we figure it’s time to share a few bands to watch out for.

As usual, the festival is full of scene stars such as Pierce the Veil, The Wonder Years, blessthefall and Motion City Soundtrack. However, each summer presents the opportunity for new bands to break out and make their mark. Below are 10 bands to look for. Some are new, some have already begun their rise to stardom, but all are worth of your attention.

Be sure to share some of your favorite bands on this year’s tour in the replies!

as_it_isAs It Is

Pop punk newcomers As It Is hail from Brighton, England, and have burst onto the scene with their debut album, Never Happy, Ever After. The record is full of poppy jams and melodic choruses, courtesy of lead vocalist Patty Walters. With an energetic stage presence and ton of sing-alongs, it won’t be long before As It Is find their way to the main stage.

moose_bloodMoose Blood

Another act from across the pond, Moose Blood have quickly made a name for themselves with a throwback punk/emo hybrid that’s as catchy as anything you’ll hear this summer. Their debut, I’ll Keep You In Mind, From Time to Time, is a danceable affair full of fight. Their first appearance on Warped Tour is sure to be an enjoyable one.

PVRISPVRIS

Rise Records act PVRIS made their Warped debut last year, but are ready to take over after the release of their debut, White Noise. Vocalist Lynn Gunn is brings the house down over synth beats and dancy breakdowns. PVRIS have a knack for combining rock and electronic sounds into ear-pleasing tracks that sound radio ready.

this_wild_lifeThis Wild Life 

Hailing from Long Beach, California, This Wild Life made a name for themselves on last summer’s tour with heartfelt, acoustic tracks that anyone can relate to. The duo’s debut, Clouded, is a poignant affair full of delicate melodies. You have to hear Kevin Jordan’s vocal performance to believe it. There won’t be much moshing their set, but there will be plenty of back-up singers in the crowd.

hands_like_housesHands Like Houses

Australian rockers Hands Like Houses made their Warped debut back in 2013 after the release of Unimagine. With a new album on the horizon, the band makes their return with a new track titled “I Am”. Hands Like Houses put on one of the best live performances you’ll see, thanks in part to the stratospheric vocals of Trenton Woodley.

the_amity_afflictionThe Amity Affliction

Another Australian band, The Amity Affliction brought the house down with last year’s Let the Ocean Take Me. Now, the band makes their return to the Warped Scene with a ton of new tracks that are just as crushingly heavy in sound as they are in content. Be prepared to move – you can’t watch The Amity Affliction sitting still.

alive-like-meAlive Like Me

Rise Records newcomers Alive Like Me hit the ground running last year with their debut, Only Forever. Blending alt rock with a dash of post-hardcore, Alive Like Me are led by vocalist Jairus Kersey, whose vocals emulate scene stars like Kellin Quinn and Vic Fuentes.

Emarosa1Emarosa

Post-hardcore stars Emarosa make their first Warped appearance since 2010 this summer, this time with a new singer in Bradley Walden. Last year’s album, Versus, may have been the comeback record of the year. The band sounds better than ever and Walden can bring the house down with his dynamic range and bravado.

palisades_2015Palisades

The electronic hardcore act from New Jersey is ready for their close up. Palisades combine pulsing synthesizers with crunchy breakdowns as vocalist Lou Miceli sings and screams his way through each furious song. Their latest release, Mind Games, is full of accessible tracks that seem custom made for Warped Tour, including the incredibly catchy “Bad Girls”.

Youth_In_Revolt_-_2014Youth in Revolt

Youth in Revolt have only just begun to make their mark on the scene with their debut EP Love is a Liar’s Game. The band is full of energy and adds a fresh sound to the metalcore scene. Singer True Arahill is a performer at heart and appears ready to shine on the Warped stage.

by Kiel Hauck

kiel_hauckKiel Hauck is the editor in chief at It’s All Dead. Over the past decade, he has been a contributor for multiple online and print publications and was most recently an editor at PopMatters. Kiel currently resides in Indianapolis, IN with his wife and their imaginary pet, Hand Dog. You can follow him on Twitter.

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Review: This Wild Life – Clouded

June 9, 2014 by Leave a Comment

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Every now and then, an album will come along that seems to catch an entire community of music listeners off guard. These albums generally upend scene conventions by intentionally chasing a different sound, choosing to stand out from the pack rather than follow it.

With Clouded, This Wild Life have crafted one of the most unique, delightful, heartbreaking and unexpectedly inviting albums of 2014.

Kevin Jordan and Anthony Del Grosso are no strangers to the punk scene, although their music couldn’t sound further from it upon first listen. The duo signed to Epitaph Records, a label synonymous with punk, to release a collection of delicate acoustic songs about love, hope and loss.

In truth, abandoning the expected output from such a label is about as punk as it gets. The songs on Clouded beg to be heard and enjoyed – not labeled or pigeonholed – and are certainly crafted in such a way as to be enjoyed by just about everyone.

It’s no surprise to learn that Copeland frontman Aaron Marsh manned the production duties on Clouded. The band’s soft touch for crafting quiet, reflective tracks mirrors that of Marsh’s. Many of the album’s songs wouldn’t sound out of place on Beneath Medicine Tree.

While the sonic presentation of the album is beautiful, it’s Jordan’s knack for crafting melodies that make this listen such a pleasure. Album opener, “Concrete”, starts with the painful lines, “I’ve got feet like concrete and a head like lead / God, I feel so empty, I give up and head home”. While the content is heavy, Jordan’s singing is light and contains a dash of hope, shining a bit of beauty amidst the pain.

This is a recurring theme throughout Clouded. Lead single, “History”, is a cutting break-up song about the guts it takes to walk away from years of memories. To hear Jordan sing these words is an experience of a different and unexpected kind of catharsis. Perhaps time does heal all wounds. Perhaps there is a calm after the storm.

While the obvious comparison between This Wild Life and early-Dashboard Confessional is somewhat appropriate, it ignores a key point in presentation. While Chris Carrabba’s early work gushed with painful notes and sadness, This Wild Life have crafted their songs in a way that emphasizes hopeful expectation and joy that exists beyond the pain of brokenness. In a way, both of these dig at different nerves while addressing the same subject matter.

Songs like “No More Bad Days” and “Looking Back” even resort to outright positivity and a determination to overcome. It’s almost impossible to sing along without a smile on your face.

For a scene riddled with angst and frustration-filled break-up songs, it’s refreshing to hear a new and brighter take on the subject. Clouded is bouncy, folky and full of energy, even as it seeks to cope with difficult and frustrating issues. It finds originality amidst common themes and well-worn styles.

This Wild Life will be playing Vans Warped Tour all summer long, assuredly gaining new fans every step of the way. This is a great starting point, but it’s hard to imagine this band not extending its reach much, much further in the very near future.

4/5

by Kiel Hauck

kiel_hauckKiel Hauck is the editor in chief at It’s All Dead. Over the past decade, he has been a contributor for multiple online and print publications and was most recently an editor at PopMatters. Kiel currently resides in Indianapolis, IN with his wife and their imaginary pet, Hand Dog. You can follow him on Twitter.

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