This week’s selection 0f Five Songs You Must Hear This Week (culled from more than 600 pitches that came through my inbox) includes something from Vegas, a return (sort of ) by Nada Surf, and a great all-woman collaboration that rocks really hard.
1. Palaye Royale, Showbiz
Death or Glory (Sumerian)
Recommended If You Like: Things that don’t stay in Vegas
Like The Killers, Imagine Dragons, Five Finger Death Punch, and Panic! At the Disco, Palaye Royale is from Las Vegas. (What the heck is going on there? Oh, hang on. Doesn’t this band have roots in Toronto?) They’ve been around for a while (est. 2008 under the name Kropp Circle) and have seen their fanbase grow slowly but steadily. Looking for something with a 70s/glam throwback feel? Try this. They’ll be in Vancouver on September 24, Montreal, on October 8, and in Toronto on October 9.
2. Nada Surf, Losing
Moon Mirror (New West Records)
RIYL: Bands from the 90s that just keep going
Nada Surf (est. NYC 1992) had some big moments in the 90s, especially with the song Popular. That brought in a little cash, but the band members have spent most of the 2000s working at day jobs to finance their musical ambitions. Their latest cache of savings went to fund their ninth studio album which they recorded at the famous Rockfield Studios in Wales.
3. BAND-MAID and The Warning, Show Them
Loads of Remixes (Independent)
RIYL: (1) Interesting collaborations and (2) Women who rock
BAND-MAID is from Japan. The Warning features three sisters from Monterey, Mexico. Back in 2022, they found themselves on the same festival bill and got along famously. That led to this transpacific collaboration where Saiki Atsumi and Daniela Villarreal trade lead vocals. There are similarities between Japanese and Mexican rock, but there are also differences. It’s cool to hear these eight women come together.
4. Seven Hours After Violet, Radiance
Seven Hours After Violet (Sumerian Records)
RIYL: System of a Down, for reasons that will soon become clear
The last time System of a Down released an album, it was 2005 so I think we can probably stand down. Meanwhile, there’s Seven Hours After Vioet, a new project by SOAD bass player Shavo Odajian. There’s a bit of a nu-metal thing going on here, but it’s also very melodic. We’ll see what the entire album sounds like when it arrives on October 11.
5. Seether, Judas Mind
The Surface Seems So Far (Fantasy Records)
RIYL: Grunge 90s-style rock
South Africa’s biggest rock export is ready with their ninth album (due September 2). Damn, singer Shaun Morgan still has that same YRAAWWWL in his voice that Kurt Cobain had. This will be the band’s first album in about four years.
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