#goodsounds

GOOD SOUNDS:

11. KING GIZZARD & THE LIZARD WIZARD

These Australian dudes are EXCELLENT! This band is definitely legit as far as musicianship is concerned. Even more impressive is their innovation within the realm of musical instruments (and the limitless possibilities of instrumentation). If ya watch the video you’ll see their story about how they pretty much invented a new guitar (by re-fretting the guitar) due to their inspiration by a totally other style of music altogether. It’s absolutely amazing and very, very cool.

I hear a lot of good things about Australia and I’ve always wanted to go there. Who knows maybe one day I will - then I could really dive into what that very special place has to offer (a lot of breath-taking natural landscapes and beautiful beaches for sure). 

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard is an epic psychedelic & experimental rock band that sounds so legendary in style and storytelling that it would make American baby-boomers blush. I have yet to listen to the entirety of this band’s massive work (having a ton of albums), but having checked out a few live sets online I’m definitely finding each of their songs seems to be an album within a song (if ya know what I mean) due to their masterful execution.

GOOD SOUNDS:

6. DAHKABRAHKA

DahkaBrahka is an absolutely inspiring live music experience like no other. This musical group was born originally from a live musical theater crew and eventually branched out and experimented with various incorporated styles (primarily focused around that very rich Ukrainian folk sound). I do not understand a single WORD of this group’s very captivating sound, but it is abundantly clear that each song has a story to tell.

There is a timeless quality to DahkaBrahka (a name derived from the Ukrainian phrase meaning “Give & Take”). From the beautiful wardrobe that calls to a traditional and long-ago time within Ukrainian culture - albeit a culture that has been given much flair and idiosyncratic folklore.

I find it very fascinating that this group had origins in a Center for Contemporary Art - and with that comes an open amount of musical possibilities (especially with the necessary ingredient of story-telling in artform). This group manages to have such an everlasting presence and for sure allows a listener to truly explore the sound of another world and another time with instrumentation that seems to be unfamiliar with the modern-day playing field.

DahkaBrahka is definitely a balance of fine storytelling, with personality quirks and a very fun time. It’s rare to have such unique musical flavors that resist both the rigid structure of traditional music as well as the ever-changing modern trends. DahkaBrahka has a sound all their own which manages to provide a beautiful blend of traditional and forward-thinking all in the same moment. 

GOOD SOUNDS:

4. THE FRONT BOTTOMS

Hailing from Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, USA is a totally awesome band by the name of The Front Bottoms. This band originally started with the main two dudes Brian Sella (Vocals/Guitar) & Mat Uychich (Drums) and eventually started branching out with more members as time went by. I actually have seen more of the recent stuff from this band which is definitely a lot more well-produced and totally legit - however - I actually find this specific line-up to be the BEST I have seen from the band thus far.

One thing I really like about these guys is their genuine manner. It’s something that must be said about musicians: typically guys & ladies can be governed by their egos (which typically become revealed to be as fragile as one could imagine). I honestly don’t get that vibe off of this band (at least I’ve never met them so I could only go with what I’m seein’ so far), and I’ve checked out some interviews here and there from them and I’ve definitely appreciated their down-to-earth outlook and overall approach to their music.

It seems like these guys know how to have fun - and that sincerity correlates into their music. Granted, there’s plenty of songs they have that are a bit along the moody & poetic side - but never going all-the-way to one side of a story. Their sound definitely has an evolution when listening from one album to the other (which I always enjoy from any style of artist). Without question the folky-punk sensibilities mixed with the pop-tacular songwriting is a refreshing combination. There are times when there will be very elegant use of keys and some very subtle use of fanfare with a tasteful use of Trumpet. I think it’s fascinating to listen between TFB’s live stuff and their studio stuff (which is pretty damn popular at this point). By now their sound has grown so far since the days of their cheap demos (made on their own).

Between Sella’s remarkably honest song-writing & clear-as-a-diamond vocals and Uychich’s energetically talented drumming with the rest of the band’s unrelenting musicianship - The Front Bottoms deliver a uniquely poetic and catchy sound that brings a good vibe.

37. EMILYN BRODSKY

Hailing from New York, USA is the one-and-only Emilyn Brodsky! Totally Ukelele-Core/ArtPunk/IndieFolk/Ukelele-Power - Brodsky’s sound is purely magical. Without a doubt one of the best singer-songwriters of our time - Brodsky’s excellence is defined by her insightful, heartfelt, and absolutely meaningful voice (and super catchy and hook-friendly tunes) while also remaining expressively articulate and vibrantly abstract at times.

Emilyn Brodsky has an unparalleled ability of being an introspective extrovert (or an outlandish introvert???). Brodsky’s combined efforts of her music and her totally rad music videos are truly inspiring (with a slightly simplistic brilliance, all-the-while being entirely complex; especially the more one explores her musical arrangements with various instrumentation).

Brodsky’s optimism-despite-adversity attitude shines through playfully throughout her songs. There’s an admirable spirit at the helm of the pen-and-paper (or keyboard-and-screen hahaha), which shows off Brodsky’s hopeful nature amidst overcoming struggle. Her music can be very encouraging and uplifting (as much as it can be melodic and hum-friendly). There are times when listening to Emilyn Brodsky’s music that one could close one’s eyes and almost hear the sounds of angels singing to the soul (if that makes sense to anyone else in the world out there). Totally positive vibes galore.

The beauty of Brodsky’s work is the pure sophistication (while still remaining awesomely juvenile at times) in the songwriting. Her music is so damn good. The lyrical content profoundly transcends the average indie effort in the modern music scene due to Brodsky’s creatively expressive authenticity & intelligence & heart. Emilyn Brodsky’s upbeat optimism, friendly vibes, and overall expression is entirely evident in her musical work. More people should know this artist and more people should support amazing musicians such as Emilyn Brodsky (and a bunch of super talented artists in the real music scene that are keeping awesome Art & Music alive). SO RAD.

36. KINGA GŁYK

Based out of Poland is one of the all-time greatest Bass players I have ever heard: Kinga Głyk! Literally - this is one of the all-time-greatest Bass players in the world.

Kinga Głyk is primarily focused on the Bass Guitar - with some of the sickest Jazz, Blues, and Funk grooves one could ever hear. Aside from having some of the best dance grooves one could find - there’s also softer elements that bring out the poetry of the typically under-appreciated instrument.

Starting music as a child, Kinga Głyk has played music with her family in the Głyk PIK Trio (jammin’ with her father Irek on vibraphone and drums and her brother Patrick on drums). Aside from playing with a smorgasbord of Polish musicians, Kinga Głyk has made multiple albums and toured extensively bringing her awe-inspiring Bass vibes for more and more people to experience.

Kinga Głyk’s philosophy is that of a musician’s musician. Her belief taught from family was one of pure passion for the performance and the music. Despite the amount of audience members, no matter the headcount, to play the music live with the utmost energy and confidence and not to sweat the small stuff and simply have FUN performing music (rather than worry).

Kinga Głyk’s sound is a love letter to the Bass guitar. The expression of such deep tones and lower, thicker notes that give off a smooth (yet powerful) melody (or at times counter-melody). I think every bassist should listen to Kinga Głyk - one of the most uniquely eclectic musical artists one may ever discover. Absolutely Awesome!