TheWorst – Yes Regrets
Somewhere along the way, angry vocals used in rock songs became more and more polished. It leads us to the point where we are now when, once in a while, a screamed singing voice as crystal clear as a bell, will find its way on to the radio.
Sure, there’s technique involved in creating those sounds, but they rob off of some of the insanity and intensity that characterized, especially the grunge-rock groups of the early 2000s. Yes Regrets by theWorst is noteworthy for a few reasons, but the enraged, start of mental breakdown type of singing is certainly the highlight.
The rest of the song is an expert’s class into how to combine loud-soft dynamics, playfully stroke tension, and exploding choruses. Yes, Regrets also benefits from the help of legendary saxophonist Dana Colley’s bluesy, moody contribution. It’s a moody, aggressive, terrific single.
Kujo & Doyle – The Second Power
We’re suckers for a song with a good riff. Especially songs like The Second Power that seem constructed for the purposes of playing that great riff as often during the actual song as possible. We’re especially interested when the riff belongs to a tune that also tries to incorporate Motown sensibilities, played by a dynamic duo.
Kujo & Doyle, the stoner-comedy sounding moniker behind the collaboration, are in love with their rock n’ roll basics. They like the fast pace of punk, the sharp lead lines of classic rock, and the soulfulness of Motown.
Lyrically the song promises “Ultraviolence to the second power”, and consequently the group flexes their muscles throughout the duration of it. This is not exactly a demented garage-rock akin to Black Pistol Fire or Reignwolf, but it’s certainly an interesting collection of some of the best things that music made in the last century has to offer.
