Rock Music Reviews

Check out my reviews and artist spotlights below.

The Long and Short of “Pile of Pills”

“Pile of Pills” is one of the heaviest tunes that Zahna has ever released. According to an interview with Zahna, it was written at a time that she was “in a chaotic stage of survival.” The song is written for those who are just trying to get through, and provides an anger and stress relief through the screams.

The bottom line: Zahna has landed a heavy metal hit with a powerful and important message of surviving each day.

Review of “Pile of Pills”

I haven’t heard a song quite like this from Zahna - it is chaotic and LOUD (turn up the volume, folks). Recently signed to XOVR records, a label owned by Korn’s Brian “Head” Welch, this song is about getting through darkness and just surviving each day.

“Pile of Pills” has an outraged feel to it, backed by furious and heavy guitar, steady and booming drums and featuring the “earth-shattering voice” that is Zahna. It’s message begins in a desperate and hopeless place. Verse 2 leans into that:

“I’m bitter and jaded with this sickness I admit it
consumed with the pursuit of money
I can’t clean myself from it
I’ve been sick for a long time
Both body and mind await the day I say goodbye
I change my mind all the time”

The ultimate resolution comes at the end of the song, facing fears and hopelessness and being resilient:

“I slam the door on dath ‘cause he’s early again
I drink a pile of pills and I start over again”

Buckle up when you listen to this banger by Zahna.

Listen to “Pile of Pills” on Youtube and check out Zahna on Spotify and at www.zahnaofficial.com.

Source: Atom Splitter PR
Photo cred: Adrienne Beacco

Published on December 12, 2024

Jennifer Knapp: Kansas 25

The Long and Short of Kansas 25

Kansas 25 is an acoustic reimagination 25 years later of Knapp’s debut album, Kansas. She has taken quite a journey both professionally and personally in those years. A constant is the beauty and distinctfulness of her her voice, as she lays down folk rock sound on point and on every song.

The bottom line: This folk rock album stands on its own, a re-introduction to longtime fans and a great introduction into the Jennifer Knapp collection for newcomers.

Review of Kansas 25

I was excited to hear a spin on one of my favorite records from 1999. I saw Jennifer Knapp on the dc Talk Supernatural Experience tour, and became interested in her music at that time. I’ve kept up with her journey and her music along the years and been impressed with her continued musical sound.

So when she announced that she’d be releasing a 25th anniversary of Kansas, I knew I’d be spinning it on Spotify.

Kansas 25 is like a laid back acoustic set on the backstage of a music festival at midnight. It’s an easy listen, and keeps you drawn in starting with “Whole Again,” which is delivered with such passion particularly on the chorus.

“If I give my life, if I lay it down
Can you turn this life around, around?
Can I be made clean by this offering
Of my soul?
Can I be made whole again?”

“Undo Me” is one of the songs that comes close to the original version with some different tone and fluctuation vocally. A must listen for returning fans, this one put her on the map 25 years ago.

Following the hit tune, Knapp slows it down a little with “Trinity” before picking it up again on “In The Name.”

Another favorite, “His Grace Is Sufficient” follows. This is a slower tempo than the original and intentional pauses between phrases in the verses. This song, for me, has a dual meaning in reflection of Jennifer Knapp’s journey the last 15-20 years - according to her website bio, Knapp “became a trailblazer in advocacy, notably becoming the first major artist in the Christian music realm to openly discuss LGBTQ+ identity.”

As we all examine our faith and it grows and changes over time (deconstruction?), I’ve learned that there is room for grace in doubt and questioning.

“Romans” is a highlight for me on the album with a steady rock beat on drums and compelling vocals, this is a head bopper and toe tapper. It’ll make you want to dance a little.

The album closes with reflective tunes in “Refine Me,” “Hold Me Now,” and “Visions.”

In a year where I listened to a lot of heavy, dark-ish music and struggled with mental health, this album stands out as a nostalgic bright spot.

You can check out Kansas 25 and Jennifer Knapp’s entire collection on Spotify.

Published on December 9, 2024

The Long and Short of From Zero

From Zero is the chart topping return of Linkin Park, featuring new lead singer Emily Armstrong. There are elements of this album familiar to Linkin Park fans while not trying to replicate the Chester Bennington era of LP. The album stands on its own as a great installment from the nu-metal rockers.

The bottom line: Linkin Park explodes back onto the scene with tunes that will have fans jumping and singing along during sold out live shows.

Review of From Zero

From Zero starts off with an intro leading into the first single from the Emily Armstrong led Linkin Park. “The Emptiness Machine” was met with skepticism from fans and critics. However, according to an article on Wikipedia, the single “ the song debuted at number three on the Billboard Global 200 chart with 74 million streams and 19,000 sales sold in its first full week.” The other singles released before the album, “Heavy is the Crown” and “Two Faced” get back to the blend of hard rock/metal vocals blended with rapped verses by Mike Shinoda. In my opinion, “Two Faced” is one of the top songs on the album.

“Cut the Bridge” is a song similar in style to the first two singles, featuring Emily Armstrong’s raspy and strong vocals and Shinoda’s hip hop vibes.

The band goes into a balad about broken down communication in a relationship with “Over Each Other,” and cranks up the metal with “Casualty.”

On the latter, Armstrong demonstrates her screaming abilities out of the gate.

“IGYEIH” is an anthemic rocker, which has already been featured by the NFL.

From Zero is an example of how a band can successfully introduce a new lead vocalist while creating music in their past style and make unique music as well.

Listen to From Zero on Spotify

Published on November 20, 2024

Halflives: Inferno

The Long and Short of Inferno

Inferno is alternative rock at its finest, blending elements of pop, punk, hard rock perfectly together as musical taste buds are satisfied to the fullest. The theme of the album has a bit of an angry tone with frustration, pain and brokenness taking on different forms as the album progresses. Ultimately the final track brings a resolution to the story.

The bottom line: Catchy and captivating tunes will have you hooked on Halflives while tension grips you until it lets you go.

Review of Inferno

This album will rock your face off. The first track on the 5-song EP, “everybody knows it,” is an in your face punk rock feel with a cheeky message about the state of things that reminds me of a dumpster fire meme - ‘nothing to see here.’ “sorry mom x” is more of a pop/alt rock vibe, melodic guitars and smooth vocals backed by a steady rock beat. The tune is an unapologetic apology and admission of how messed up and imperfect one can be and not live up to the hype (I think that’s what the kids are saying these days).

“Dynamite” has a Miley Cirus “Wrecking Ball”-esque style with a tune and concept video demonstrating the beauty and brokenness of human relationships. Appropriately with the theme of the album, “EVERYTHING SUCKS!” comes next. This is my favorite song on the album because I am a fan of spoken word (almost rap). It’s fun to listen to, and basically blaming someone else for life’s problems.

All great rock bands can deliver a ballad at some point on a pop/punk/rock album. “Oblivion” rounds out Inferno nicely with a lovely piano chart and beautiful singing which resolves the frustration and pain expressed in the previous tracks with a much calmer message of finding someone to save the day.

Learn more about Halflives in the artist spotlight and listen on Spotify

Published on July 19, 2024