
Candlebox – Riptide (Acoustic Version)
Genre: Grunge, Acoustic
Candlebox bid adieu to the tough-guy appearance and return to basics on Riptide.
Candlebox were one of the most successful groups of the 90s alt-rock boom. Able to distill the sound of grunge down to its most basic pop elements, the Seattle group earned international fame. To some they were pop-rock conquerors. To others, they were a band profiting off of the Seattle craz“.
Surely, they shared only a passing resemblance to bands like Alice in Chains and Nirvana. Of course, they weren’t the only ones to embrace this sound. From Silverchair to Bush, from Collective Soul to Creed, plenty of groups rode the gruff Cobain-like vocals to platinum success.
But, Candlebox sounded better than most. Politics aside, the group was always dependable. Candlebox had more in common with 70s classic rock, than a 90s variant of punk. Time has come to fully embrace this. And, time has been kind to their abilities. Riptide finds them searching for the same sweet-melancholy. Candlebox are no committee for alternative music. They remain, however, a solid pop-rock group.
Pink Leather Jackets – Downtown Livin’
Genre: Post-Punk, Hard Rock, Alternative Rock
Similar artists: PUP, The Offspring, Dirty Nil, Hollerado, The Strokes, Kings of Leon, Glorious Sons
Pink Leather Jackets deliver a quick, catchy rocking number on Downtown Livin‘,
People don’t buy fast cars without knowing how quickly those are bound to go. They don’t buy them simply because of the color scheme. They don’t choose them because they feature a pretty Italian name on the side. For better, or for worse, they buy those for power.
Folks, don’t watch the latest action blockbuster expecting philosophical dialogue. They’ll get mad if the actors are out of shame. They’ll get angry if the action isn’t delivered. They expect the illusion of power and strength.
A lot of people expect the same out of their rock music. Easier said than done. Few can deliver the goods. Pink Leather Jackets are in the business of providing action movie sequence car chases in sonic form. Pink Leather Jackets’ Downtown Livin’ is a punchy rocking tune powered by some of the best pop-punk lead vocals you’re likely to hear in a while.