One of her most popular songs also known as her first hit single called “DDLG” has been going viral on Tik Tok. Ppcocaine has been an influence on some of the most popular Tik Tokers which includes Charlie D’Amelio, Sommer Ray, and James Charles which have helped her increased her stardom.
Spaindagoat met Ppcocaine one time in the studio and they automatically clicked. Ppcocaine identities as an independent artist but her focus is to make different impactful music and change the music game.
-Drew Hollinger
The Australian Indie pop duo Confidence Man released their official music video "First Class Bitch". The brother and sister duo have been dropping amazing tunes since 2016. Both artists have brought the cool funk vibe with their vogue sound and style. The video was directed by Julian Lucas and produced by Jessica Galea. Check them out, Hot Tub Johnnie approved.
-Drew Hollinger
From Ashes to New is set to release their newest album, Panic, on August 28th and you do not want to miss out on this. This is the first time I have heard their music and I must say, it is killer. I got major Linkin Park vibes from the album and it was no joking around from there. I think taking on that iconic sound is one you have to do right, and From Ashes to New slayed it on their latest album. Quite frankly, I was caught off guard by how great this one was out the gate. With everything going on in the world, I can’t think of a better name for this album – PANIC. Let’s go ahead and dive right in.
The album starts out with a track called “Scars That I’m Hiding” and at first listen, you really get sucked into the heavy screams by Brandyberry and the gut punching drums by Matt Madiro. I really enjoy how they balance out the screaming and singing. It’s really easy to hear the nu-metal sound that Linkin Park gives off in their music. They do a great job of evolving that sound into 2020 and making it work. They also give off a hint of I Prevail, and they are blowing up right now. The forward trajectory of From Ashes to New is definitely exciting to say the least.
The next song that really stood out to me was “Blind”, and it was the lyricism and flow to Brandyberry’s rock/rap vocals. It has such a powerful emotion that you can really feel as you continue to listen. You can tell a lot about a band when they are able to capture that emotion you are feeling, and then throw it into a song that is relatable. A few songs later, you hit their big first single, and title track, “Panic”. They don't skip a beat and jump straight into it. In this particular song, Brandyberry’s screams are so identical to how Chester Bennington did his in Linkin Park that I couldn’t stop listening. The nostalgia I got from hearing those types of screams was unreal. They killed this track!
At the time of writing this, I am on my 3rd go-around of the album and I don’t think I can speak any more highly of how well it was crafted. From composition to engineering, every song is without a doubt a banger. For my fans of Linkin Park and I Prevail, definitely give this a listen when it hits streaming platforms on August 28th. The moment concerts come back and life gets back to normal, I will be putting these guys on my bucket list to take photos of and see live. I just found a new album to keep me sane through this time and I’m so hyped!
As always, rock on my friends and stay safe! Hunnypot Approved! Overall Rating: 10 out of 10
Artist: From Ashes to New LP: Panic, Release Date: August 28th, 2020, Label: Better Noise Music
I’ve been a Heavy Music fan for as long as I can remember, and since the late 70’s when any guitar-oriented music would play, I’d perk up immediately. Today, decades later, I STILL anticipate the release of new material like I did when I was counting the days to get my hands on albums such as Shout at The Devil, Balls to the Wall, and Powerslave! Dokken, of course, was one of those bands that anchored the L.A. scene back when it exploded, and when recently given a chance to listen to and review The Lost Songs: 1978-1981, I was elated.
The Lost Songs presented here are, for lack of a better phrase, truly unpolished gems. We have nine studio tracks and two live tracks that reach way back in time (almost 40 years to be exact). Each song is presented here in various states of production, which can jolt the unsuspecting at first. For me, admittedly, it took me a while to get into it, but eventually, it succeeded in dusting off memories of not so much Dokken, but the scene in general, and where I was as a music fan at that time. I remember trying to get a hold of demo tapes, and other unreleased music was quite the feat at the time. Heavy Metal was indeed an underground entity, driven solely by word of mouth, and that “Demo” of unreleased music was like gold in those days.
The first track on this album, “Step into the Light” is in my opinion “classic” Dokken. A mid-tempo, melodic song steeped in hair-metal goodness and seemingly sums up the entire genre in one song. This one could easily have found a home on their debut effort, and it doesn’t stop here. The raw and edgy “We’re Going Wrong” follows, which carries the same classic Dokken feel, but with more prominent guitars. I can easily imagine popping in a cassette of this back in the day, feeling like I put one over on my friends having this in hand. The next two are early attempts at what feels like the obligatory ballads everyone had on their albums. However, “Day after Day" (which has a remote Scorpions “Lady Starlight” feel), coupled with Dokken sounding a bit like an early Vince Neil, isn’t all that cringe-worthy yet interesting to say the least. “Rainbows” follows and is another attempt to pull on the heartstrings, but to me, this one falls a tad short of hitting the ballad bull’s-eye.
“Felony,” “No Answer,” and “Back in the Streets” follow, and it’s here you can hear the band begin to develop into that Dokken formula we all know and love. The version of “Felony,” which made it onto the debut record, surprisingly pales compared to the one presented here - very upbeat, raw, and fast. Interestingly, the “Conception” live album broke the seal on the song “Hit and Run,” and here we’re treated to an early demo that’s still as upbeat and melodic as what they used to put out live. One of the fascinating things about albums like this is the decisions made about songs from conception to the final product.
Here’s the scoop: If you are expecting to hear these songs with the polish and punch of “Under Lock and Key,” it’s simply not going to happen. Instead, we’re treated to a peek into the inner workings of a fledgling Hard Rock band, as they were, 40+ years ago. It's important to remember that what you have here is the music of a hungry, raw band searching for themselves (not unlike those of us growing up at that time as well). A hardcore Dokken fan from day one will go weak in the knees after taking The Lost Songs: 1978-1981, for a spin. It's just what the Doctor ordered during these unprecedented times and most will enjoy this as a catalyst to remember our formidable years, when we were growing up right alongside bands like this. Good times.
Be well, and keep washing your hands!
As always, rock on my friends! Hunnypot Approved! Overall Rating: 8.5 out of 10
Artist: Dokken LP: The Lost Songs: 1978-1981, Release Date: August 28th, 2020, Label: Silver Lining Music
There is a fine-line between reminiscing and living in the past. With metal music, we all think back to "The good ole days" when we first heard our heroes we love to this day. Relentless, powerful, full of energy, there was no stopping them. Would they carry the torch forever? Time can be a ruthless opponent for most, but I'm here to tell you there's one metal legend in particular who has managed to kick time in the nuts and continue without losing a single step.
Of course, I'm referring to former Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider. He and his new band will be releasing a new live album in the coming days, and I'm here to tell you this man is nothing short of amazing on this album. With his being on the scene for more than 40 years and being a fan of his since I first laid ears on the classic tune Under the Blade in '82, this man still sounds astoundingly good. With one of the most recognizable voices in metal, he takes his over-the-top persona, comedic wit, and lays it all out on this instant classic.
In 2018, Snider released a solo album entitled For The Love of Metal, which was in itself was a top-notch release, and paying homage to it here, there are no less than EIGHT songs from that record on this one! The two opening salvos "Lies Are a Business" and "Tomorrow's No Concern" are all you need to hear to understand how Snider's iconic voice fits so well with today's metal. Bloodcurdling barking, the essence of thrash, a very clean and natural recording, and a band that's tight as a drum left me wanting more and fast!
Of course, the next tune was from the way-back machine, the title track from Twisted Sister's 1983 album, You can't stop Rock and Roll. I've never heard it sound better. From here, I was hooked. There's truly something here for Metal lovers of any generation. Twisted Sister classics, "Under the Blade," (the version here gave me chills) "The Kids Are Back," "We're Not Gonna Take It," and "I Wanna Rock" are interlaced with barn-burners "American Made," "Before the Storm," and "Roll over You," from the latest solo album. There's nothing more fascinating to me than hearing "I Wanna Rock," and then this band bursting into the new "For the Love of Metal"… Snider has indeed scooped up everything great from back in the day, blended it with some compelling new stuff, and created an impressive collection here.
But wait, There's more! Included here is an excellent cover of AC/DC's "Highway to Hell," "The Fire Still Burns" from Twisted Sister's 1985 release "Come out and Play," and a hidden gem from Dee's band Widowmaker "Ready to Fall." A great song from a very underappreciated album from back in the day, that fits well here. Finally, there's also a new studio track entitled "Prove me Wrong," another new shredder that brings it full-circle.
Here's the bottom line, if you a fan Dee Snider, Twisted Sister, or anything metal for that matter, you'll love For The Love of Metal Live. Plain and simple, it pays homage to the past while staying current with some of the most vicious, raw, unapologetic metal out there today. This is one bad-ass live album that, for me, is going to be on repeat for a long while. As always, be well, and wash your hands!
As always, rock on my friends! Hunnypot Approved! Overall Rating: 9.5 out of 10
Artist: Dee Snider LP: For The Love of Metal Live, Release Date: July 31, 2020, Label: Napalm Records
I first came across Pop Smoke about a year ago when I first heard “Welcome To The Party” off his debut mixtape, Meet The Woo. Singles like “Welcome To The Party” and “Dior” catapulted him out of obscurity and into the mainstream as one of the leaders of New York City’s rendition of the drill movement.
Unfortunately, the 20-year old’s life was cut short on February 19, 2020 after being shot twice during a home invasion in the Hollywood Hills (a suburb of Los Angeles, CA). During this time period, he was hard at work putting together his debut album. After his passing, 50 Cent stepped up to plate in the role of Executive Producer to finish the task and get Pop Smoke’s music out to the world. This video, "The Woo" (feat. 50 Cent & Roddy Ricch) released on what would have been Pop Smoke’s 21st birthday, gives us a good sampler of what is on his posthumous debut album, Shoot For the Stars, Aim For The Moon.
In traditional commercial hip-hop sense, Roddy Ricch and 50 Cent can be found surrounded by beautiful women, fast cars, and bottles of champagne. But in the corner of the room, there’s a collection of TV screens, and on each of those screens displays old music videos, live shows, and raw tour footage of the late Pop Smoke. Roddy and 50 deliver a very modern “2020” hip-hop flavor in both of their verses. You almost wonder how much Pop’s going to contrast with his counterparts, but when he starts that final verse of the song, you almost think 50 was delivering another verse of his own. But no, it’s Pop. Dropping references to “Candy Shop” and “Hate It or Love It” in a slightly melodic tone, two things become abundantly clear: First, 50 Cent was a huge influence on Pop Smoke, and it makes sense why 50 jumped up to the task. Secondly, Pop intended to make an album that showed us more sides of himself than just a drill rapper. Its rumored Pop Smoke has up to 400 pieces of unreleased records, so my hope is we can see more of this stuff down the line.
Rest In Power, Pope Smoke
- Kris
With the sudden passing in 2014 of lead vocalist and founding member of the Techno/Industrial Metal band Static-X, Wayne Static, it was widely assumed this pioneering powerhouse would fade away forever.
"The unexpected thing tragedy gives us is the opportunity to rebuild."
These are the first words you hear on the new Static-X album, Project Regeneration Vol. 1. Fitting both then and now. Since in today's world, it seems we are rebuilding our sanity and fighting for that sense of normalcy daily, The phrase also rings true in the context of Static-X and it's sudden end. It's time to rebuild.
This album drops on the heels of a massive world tour last year (cut short by the pandemic like so many others) celebrating the 20th anniversary of their debut album, Wisconsin Death Trip. The tour also introduced fans to the mysterious masked figure Xer0 filling in for the late Wayne on vocals. The shows were electrifying, widely acclaimed, and ultimately revitalized interest in the band from a wider audience—the perfect momentum builder to set the stage for this fascinating release.
Project Regeneration Vol. 1 boasts the return of the original Static-X lineup; Tony Campos (bass), Koichi Fukuda (guitarist, programmer, and keyboardist), and Ken Jay (drums). They have joined forces with new frontman/producer Xer0 and put together their first recordings since 2009. The album features bits and pieces of the last recordings and unused vocal tracks of deceased frontman Wayne Static. They did an outstanding job here. The essence of Static-X is very indeed prominent on this album with the sound they became famous for on full display here!
The first track "Regeneration" is an intro of sorts, paying direct homage to Wisconsin Death Trip's "I'm With Stupid" with some of their classic sampling, seemingly to get us primed for what's to follow. "Hollow" hits with our first taste of this oh-so familiar sound and pays perfect homage to what was. Wayne's vocals are displayed here in classic Static fashion, and you are instantly transported into the past… or the future, for that matter! What they did here is nothing short of amazing.
Next up is "Worth Dyin' For", which brutally executes that classic Static sound with Wayne's vocals interlaced with new frontman Xer0's. Seamlessly stitched together in the same precision as Xer0's stage mask, the album steamrolls from here. The sound they became famous for is back in all its glory as the album progresses, and "Terminator Oscillator" is a perfect example of this. The intensity, the energy, the power of the band on display once more. This song is one massive upbeat behemoth of a tune, exclusively sung by Xer0, and feels like a peek into the future of what's in store from this band. Realistically, both singers are at the top of their game here, rounding out the delivery of a top-notch record. If this is what Static-X means by rebuilding and regenerating, I'm on board.
If there is one takeaway from this record, it's Static-X certainly have not mellowed with age. The brief nu-metal/industrial scene in general came and went in a heartbeat, but did yield some classic stuff (i.e., '90s Korn and Rob Zombie). Static-X was a massive part of this genre, and with this reawakening of their unique sound, they ensure they are won't soon be forgotten. They certainly have not strayed from their roots here. Older fans of Static-X will love this record, and newer fans who hear this for the first time will wonder how they managed this long without Static-X in their life. Every track is hard-hitting, gritty, industrial metal at its finest. It is music you can both dance to and head-bang to at the same time. I've listened to this record over and over the past week and cannot put it down. Give this album a try. It will not disappoint.
"The unexpected thing tragedy gives us is the opportunity to rebuild."
It's Static-X.
It's Evil Disco.
It's Rebuilt.
All Photos: Greg Vitalich Photography
Rebelution re-introduces 15 of their greatest songs in dub style in a killer album appropriately titles, The Dub Collection. Featuring remixed versions of songs from past albums, this collection presents a different shade of the classic reggae combined with a California-style of rock that this band does so well. Between their reggae-rock fusion, their tight musicality, and the unique style they bring with this new album, Rebelution has created an interesting Summer playlist.
Anyone familiar with Rebelution’s previous work will immediately notice a difference in style, instrumentation, and overall mix as “Attention Span” opens the album. There’s more ambiance in the track overall, and many elements have been made brighter, especially the brass. On most of the songs, Rachmany’s vocals swell in and out in various sections, leaving extra room for instrumental work. A few songs, especially “Feeling Alright,” have a more trippy vibe than their original cuts. Many songs also provide extra instrumentation in the mix, making some feel much more alive, and allowing for a new taste.
This mix of reggae and rock takes an extra step with the production choices made. Williams’s bass dominates in a way that still allows the rest of the music to stand out, and serves as an excellent counterpart to Finley’s drum work. While the mixing took away the better rhythmic qualities of certain tracks, the production on this album overall is impressive, and breathes a new life into the music. Of course, Rebelution’s ability to groove shines through on this album, and some songs contrasted others in creative ways, despite little compositional variety overall.
“Mirage” stood out in particular, for its smooth feeling, with an extra haunting mix. This song is a fine example of how Rachmany’s vocals benefit from the style on this album. The ambiance on his voice gives a certain darkness to his bright tone, without sacrificing its presence in the mix.
The keys work by Carey also has a new color in these mixes, and makes the music much more full. Rachmany’s guitar compliments and is complimented by the keys, and they work together to define the music’s tonality—both in the original and new cuts—and have an excellent new vibrance on this album. With the grooves from the rhythm section, and various new instrumentations, there is a freshness that doesn’t quite compare to Rebelution’s other albums.
Overall, The Dub Collection is a great choice for reggae and rock fans in general, and makes a solid introduction for new fans of Rebelution, as it peaks into the band’s various talents and takes on their genre. It’s fun and lively, but most importantly a jam that will keep this on repeat throughout the Summer and beyond!
As always, rock on my friends! Hunnypot Approved! Overall Rating: 8.5 out of 10
Artist: Rebelution, LP: The Dub Collection Release Date: July 17th, 2020, Label: Easy Star Records
Tokyo Motor Fist comes in heavy with their new release, Lions. Featuring singer Ted Poley of Danger Danger and guitarist/producer Steve Brown of Trixter along with Chuck Burgi on drums and Greg Smith on bass, Tokyo Motor Fist produces an old school metal and hard rock sound with new and interesting takes. Lions is an excellent entry for old and new fans of high energy, guitar-driven, kick-you-in-the-face music.
The album starts off hot with a classic ‘80s feel. Listeners will immediately notice a freshness in delivery in opening track, “Youngblood.” This song’s catchy hook and lively gang vocals give the listener a taste for what’s to come. The victorious mood is fitting for the overall theme of Lions. “Monster In Me” includes fun, walking rhythms by Brown and gives an interesting contrast to the previous track. Then, “Around Midnight” shifts to a fun, modern feel, with some of those more classic metal and rock influences still very present. Immediately, there’s a nice mix of style and arrangement, making it feel fresh track after track.
“Mean It” is another energetic piece with charming guitar work from Brown and a thick bass tone from Smith. The album then makes a shift with the title song, “Lions.” Featuring a dark orchestral arrangement, this one is highlighted with an amazing performance by Poley along with an incredibly impactful hook. Without warning, “Decadence On 10th Street” takes the listener down a hard, riffy trail. Creative melodies on the guitar keep the song moving, while Poley expresses a late ‘70s hard rock attitude. The band really glues together on this track. The victorious feeling of the album returns in “Dream Your Heart Out” and “Blow Your Mind.”
Possibly my favorite song on Lions was “Sedona,” and not just for the brass that makes for a pleasant surprise, and without taking away from the harder styles found within this album. “Sedona” shows the versatility of these artists, taking a big step away from the vibe of the other songs on Lions, but doing so in a way that couldn’t be smoother. This song definitely has something to offer for lovers of various genres. “Look Into Me,” takes it back again to an atmospheric ballad, then “Winner Takes All” makes for another triumphant anthem, to close out this powerhouse of an album.
Overall, the heavy tone and riffing by Brown, cool bass lines by Smith, and the fat kick and snare by Burgi, coupled with Poley’s spectacular vocals, makes this album feel nostalgic, yet new. While it all has a heavy rock and metal feel, many of the songs step away from what one might expect, and generally in creative ways, which definitely pay off. Whether you love old school or new school hard rock and metal, you will love Lions. It's truly a pleasant surprise in an otherwise chaotic world, and an album that will have you pressing repeat over and over. Great job Toyko Motor Fist, this one ROCKS!!
As always, rock on my friends! Hunnypot Approved! Overall Rating: 8.1 out of 10
Artist: Tokyo Motor Fist, LP: Lions, Release Date: July 10th, 2020, Label: Frontiers Music Srl
My roots in Hard Rock and Metal music reach back decades. During my formidable years, I can remember spending endless hours in the record store rifling through rows of vinyl discovering bands I'd never heard of, and imagining what they'd sound like based on the album art. Metal was mostly an underground, word-of-mouth society that stayed that way until the 80's glam movement broke and catapulted the genre for all to hear. One of the bands that created some buzz at the time was a little known band by the name of Alcatrazz. This English-American band's unique melodic, soaring theatrical style lasted only a few short years but not without exposing us to the now legends Graham Bonnet, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Steve Vai.
Now, almost 35 years later, Graham Bonnet, along with fellow founding members including Jimmy Waldo (keyboards) and bassist Gary Shea have put together a flat-out barn-burner of a record! With a reputation of launching guitar virtuoso's, Born Innocent marks the studio debut of Boston-based Berklee College Of Music assistant professor of guitar, the magnificent Joe Stump. With Mark Benquechea on drums, Alcatrazz continues their heavy, melodic and finely articulated hard rock flavor that was a cornerstone of the likes of Rainbow and the Michael Schenker Group, when the band went on hiatus decades ago.
The album begins with the title track "Born Innocent", showing us immediately that Bonnet's unique and powerful self-taught singing style is alive and well. Stump's guitars are also in the forefront here, and we're treated to a perfect song to get one's blood pumping. The album's first single "Polar Bear" follows, and here is where they start to shine. A double-base tour de force showcasing soaring vocals along with a refreshing melody that's all wrapped up in another double-bass ass-kicker of a song. You immediately get a taste for the classic sound of Alcatraz presented in a modern package that feels nothing short of exhilarating.
The album continues, one killer track after another. "Finn McCool" rounds out the 1-2-3 punch to open the record, which leads to a couple of medium tempo grinders. "We Still Remember" and "London 1666" where Stump unloads a solo that'll surely scorch anything not fireproof. This guy's insane. "I Am The King", a big fat grinder of a song along with "The Wound is Open", a groove-laden tune, further showcases Bonnet's unmistakable power. Perhaps my favorite song on the whole album could be "Body Beautiful," a behemoth of a song nestled toward the end of the collection. Again, a classic Bonnet melodic chorus wrapped up by a song that could rest easy on a newer Judas Priest album. A hidden gem for sure.
Fans of Alcatrazz will surely embrace this album as it checks all the boxes for an amazing rock masterpiece and then some. For me, it serves as a reminder that this music we love is nothing short of timeless. Alcatrazz has proven here that despite their 35-year hiatus, they are still relevant to the classic Hard Rock sound and have much to offer still. Fingers crossed that soon they'll be free to take this new fistful of metal on the road, as surely there will be many folks clamoring to be a part of the classic Alcatrazz's resurgence. In the meantime, grab this album when it drops and listen to it often and loud, you'll be glad you did. Be well!
As always, rock on my friends! Hunnypot Approved! Overall Rating: 8.9 out of 10
Artist: Alcatrazz LP: Born Innocent, Release Date: July 31, 2020, Label: Silver Lining Music
