AltCtrlToob: Getting in the Season with Arden & the Wolves’ Take on “Mary, Did You Know?”

The modern Christmas classic “Mary, Did You Know?” was originally recorded by Christian singer Michael English in 1991.  Since then, the song has been covered many times — notably by Clay Aiken, Pentatonix, and Wynonna Judd and Kenny Rogers performing a duet version.  The latest band to put their own spin on it is LA… Continue reading AltCtrlToob: Getting in the Season with Arden & the Wolves’ Take on “Mary, Did You Know?”

Album Review: Hardcore by Dead Friends 46

In case you weren’t sure genre Dead Friends 46 is playing on their new album Hardcore, well, it’s hardcore.  Released December 1st by Rank-n-File Records, the California band draws inspiration from East Coast and West Coast scenes as well as the folks across the pond. As I pressed play on the opening track, I guessed… Continue reading Album Review: Hardcore by Dead Friends 46

AltCtrlToob Video Feature: Paul Maged’s “The Resistance”

New York rocker Paul Maged released his single “The Resistance” on November 5th, 2018 — fittingly the day before Election Day.  The song will be part of an upcoming 2019 EP, but was released in advance due to its timely nature.  However, “The Resistance” may not turn out to be the anthem that Maged intends.… Continue reading AltCtrlToob Video Feature: Paul Maged’s “The Resistance”

Album Review: max lee’s Colors of Noise

The latest in the inbox is max lee (lowercase intentional).  The New York experimental rock artist wrote and recorded his June 2018 album Colors of Noise by himself, a fact which he stresses in his press release.  Says lee: “I recorded everything on the album by myself. I mixed it, mastered it, and released it all… Continue reading Album Review: max lee’s Colors of Noise

AltCtrlToob Video Feature: Post Death Soundtrack’s “Chosen Sons”

Described as “sardonic trudge-hop,” Post Death Soundtrack offers up a video for the lead single “Chosen Sons” from their upcoming album of the same title.  This Bowie-meets-Manson track is a commentary on extremist groups; composer Steve Moore “temporarily place(s) himself in the shoes of one of these misguided soldiers (and) investigates with biting sarcasm the… Continue reading AltCtrlToob Video Feature: Post Death Soundtrack’s “Chosen Sons”

AltCtrlToob Video Review: “On Fire” by EverIgnite

If you’re looking for pop rock, EverIgnite is your new favorite band.  This Denver quartet just released their debut album Shift on September 28, 2018, and are ready to tour the country in a blaze of glory.  The featured single “On Fire” (ignite, on fire, get it???) is a hooky melange of harmonized vocals and… Continue reading AltCtrlToob Video Review: “On Fire” by EverIgnite

Album Review: Crooked Flower’s Into the Light

California psych rockers Crooked Flower put out their sixth release, Into the Light, on October 15th.  Celebrating the party life with an anti-Prohibition undercurrent, “California” is not just a location for this album but also an adjective. Crooked Flower makes use of many influences, from the sorta-groovy to the truly psychedelic.  The ska-inspired guitar line… Continue reading Album Review: Crooked Flower’s Into the Light