Bands
Vegas Demilo
Vegas DeMilo‘s mix of 80’s New Wave and 21st Century Electronica has been mesmerizing crowds all over the West Coast for the past two years. Music Connection magazine just named them one of the top 100 indie bands in the country! Imagine the sleek pop of the Cars mingling in a raucous strain of The Clash.
Pinwheel
Once you crack the shrink-wrap from Pinwheel you have exposed yourself. In fact, playing Chemical Jar can stimulate an irreversible chemical reaction in the joy zone of noise-pop fans: Things get a little fuzzy, things start to sound a little buzzy, then the world starts to spin like a Pinwheel.
Third Grade Teacher
Third Grade Teacher is a bit lo-fi like Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, yet thick and meaty like early Who or Zeppelin. Sabrina has the swagger of Patty Smith, the growl of Courtney Love and the psychosis of Linda Blair in the Exorcist.
The Tearaways
The Tearaways represent everything that is quintessentially guitar pop. This Santa Barbara band’s soaring vocals touch the magic of Badfinger, The Raspberrys, and Jellyfish. Produced by Tom Werman (Cheap Trick) & Earl Mankey (Concrete Blonde), their latest CD The Ground’s The Limit has been added by over 170 stations across the country. Prominent tracks include Jessica Something and Can’t Get Through.
Punchy
Punchy are knock-out Texas roots rock with the soul of Wilco and the power of The Replacements. This decadent breed of Austin rock will shake you to the bone!
Bad Haskells
Reminiscent of contemporary artists Radiohead and Blur, the Bad Haskells dish up cool modern pop. Their second record Day Glo is sparklingly clever from start to finish.
Munkafust
Santa Barbara’s Munkafust dishes up an alternative, blues-based rock, with plenty of hooks and a funky undertone for it all.
Zoomer
Trippin’. On his debut Pinch Hit Records release Maximum Plastic, Zoomer shows a wit often lacking in modern music. If you’re tired of all the angst and rebellion, this is something different. Sure, times aren’t easy, but Zoomer seems to smirk at all the badness out there with a Louisiana charm that will endear you before track 2. Sonically in the vein of T Rex, Bowie, and early Jesus & Mary Chain.
Shapeshifter
Shapeshifter‘s music and style mirrors their Portland, Oregon surroundings, showcasing their influences, including The Cult, Soundgarden, and Everclear.
Squish
Squish, from LA, features great song writing reminiscent of Squeeze and Crowded House. Fig. 1’s laid back groove and catchy songs are appreciated by fans of The Beatles, Elvis Costello, and The Replacements. Standout tracks on Fig. 1 include Rollercoaster Ride, Best in Show, and Diary.
Miracle Mile
Producer Johnny Indovina (Human Drama) stumbled upon Miracle Mile as an opening act at The Troubadour in Hollywood. Their vast sonic landscape shows traces of King Crimson, Cream, and Live. Their debut CD To Burn Together features standout tracks Jaded Green, Heaven, and Break Me.
Placebo Royale
Placebo Royale‘s debut CD Creme de Mentia unveils a tight pop trio with sweet Beatle-esque vocal harmonies reminiscent of Matthew Sweet. Drifting, Blowin’ My Mind, and (You Won’t) See Emily Play are a few of the outstanding tracks mixed by Paul duGre (Cracker, Toad the Wet Sprocket, and Los Lobos).
Gift Horse
The debut Gifthorse CD should bear a consumer warning label: Contains Content Damaging to Your Mindlessness. GiftHorse’s songs fall somewhere between David Bowie and Black Francis.
Sunflower
Sunflower, from Santa Barbara, rocks like no tomorrow… There’s a hint of Wire Train, a dash of Beatles, and a slight alternative seasoning to the Sunflower sound.