From April 4th to June 4th The Ripple Effect ran a campaign on the excellent online music website ReverbNation (www.reverbnation.com). This campaign allowed any artist or band registered with ReverbNation to submit their music to The Ripple Effect for possible review on the site and airplay on The Ripple Effect radio shows. When all was said and done we had received 4,799 submissions! Incredible! The purpose of this column is to highlight those artists and bands whose musical submissions I accepted as being worthy of consideration. While these are not reviews per se, I’m going to provide a brief rundown of what to expect from each artist/band, a sample when available, and a link to check out more on their corresponding ReverbNation page.
Public Jones – This five member band from Pasadena, CA is out to deliver some fresh grooves upon anyone who crosses their path. They describe themselves as rock/electronic/indie, and I’d say that hits the nail on the head. Their submission along with a second song I listened to featured insistent bass lines and jangly guitars being propelled forward on a bed of steady drumbeats and synthesized sounds. Take a listen if you feel like doing some head bobbing.
ReverbNation Page – http://www.reverbnation.com/publicjones
Song Sample – “Alright”
Penny Jo Pullus – This lady and her three musical compatriots from Austin, TX deliver the goods for anybody looking for some solid country rock/Americana. Her submission impressed me not only due to the fact that it was ear pleasing, but also because of its patient buildup to the choruses that easily kept my attention throughout the whole song. I also quickly related Ms. Pullus’ voice in my head to Exene Cervenka’s, which is a plus in my book. Similar artists include Sheryl Crow, Lucinda Williams, and Rosanne Cash.
ReverbNation Page – http://www.reverbnation.com/pennyjopullus
Song Sample – “Baby Please”
Stranger From The East – First of all this four member group calls Bronx, NY home which is nowhere near where I would expect them to have their base of operations. Secondly, if you list “Y’allternative” in your genre description along with country/power country I can guarantee you have my attention. Happily it turned out that I really enjoyed their song submission. The band has a full rich sound that I find very appealing. Similar artists include Jason Aldean, Eli Young Band, and Big & Rich.
ReverbNation Page – http://www.reverbnation.com/strangerfromtheeast
Motogruv – This hard rocking quartet from Petaluma, CA is out to give aggressive music fans what they crave. Their submission really impressed me with the different influences I heard in the mix. The tempo was for the most part mid-range bringing to mind some grunge anthems. The powerful female vocals often reminded me of Heart, and I also heard strains of 80s glam metal thrown in for good measure. All in all a very likable mix. Click the link to see if you hear the same things.
ReverbNation Page – http://www.reverbnation.com/motogruv
Song Sample – “Walk With Me”
Magnificent Applesauce – Are you kidding me? What a great name! Better yet, the music is great! The song submission sent in by these four musicians from Lakeland, FL definitely falls into their self-described genre categories rock/progressive/experimental. The two immediate comparisons that came to mind were Mastodon and Faith No More. Hey, those bands are listed as similar artists! What do you know? A second song retained the Mike Patton-like vocal delivery but switched gears musically into a more down-tempo synthesized affair. Pretty righteous if you ask me! Check these guys out.
ReverbNation Page – http://www.reverbnation.com/magsauce
Song Sample – “Smoother”
Destroy She Said – Have you ever wondered what it would sound like if AC/DC decided to cover Black Sabbath songs and add grunge elements into their sonic makeup? Well wonder no more because this five member wrecking crew from Melbourne, AU is here to provide the answer. I expect everyone listening to this to cause some serious damage to their surroundings. With guitar tones this filthy and vocals this energized there can be no other outcome! Listen at your own risk waveriders. (I’m kidding, go listen right now!)
ReverbNation Page – http://www.reverbnation.com/destroyshesaid
Song Sample – “Game Over”
--Penfold
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