This band is intense, there is no doubt about that. I love the first verse to this song, with that wonderful bass line that entices the listener. The song escalates to a roaring chorus and takes the song to the next level, but at the same time it creates a great contrast.
Rival Sons – Do Your Worst
The Rival Sons are back and I couldn’t be more excited after listening to their latest track. It delivers a groovy rock song with their signature flavour sprinkled on top. The melody and timing of the song has an addictive quality to it and the drumming is tasty, indeed.
Thrice – Only Us
An electronic sound permeates this song and forms the melody which is supported with the electric guitar. Dustin Kensrue’s vocals are impeccable on this track and I’m in love with the grittier undertone that he possesses.
Bring Me The Horizon – MANTRA
The video for MANTRA raises some interesting social questions regarding modern society and the images that we are presented with on a daily basis. The song feels very current and like it belongs in 2018. It is a commentary on our current societal norms and what we accept without question.
Slash ft Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators – Mind Your Manners
The notes Myles hits in this song is basically superhuman and Todd’s backing vocals just adds to the magic. Slash’s guitar provides an undeniable rock ‘n roll groove that won’t allow you to forget this song anytime soon. The band’s latest album, “Living The Dream” released on the 21st of September 2018.
Make sure to check it out!
Asking Alexandria – Alone In A Room
This song’s lyrics resonate deeply with me and I’m surprised that the subject matter would mean so much to me. The song’s structure is different from the band’s other material. There are tender moments contrasted with a heavier chorus. I really love this song!
Smash Into Pieces – In Need Of Medicine
I find the composition of this song is what caught my attention. The genre of the song might be debatable if you wanted to get into that. I found it easy to relate to the lyrics and the duet is refreshing as well.
Red Sun Rising – Stealing Life
Powerful subject matter is addressed in the music video for this song and I think the message is conveyed in a gentle manner. Mental illness is a very real, but rarely discussed subject in society and music has a way of addressing these issues in a powerful manner. I love Mike Protich’s vocals on this track, powerful yet subdued.
In no particular order, here are some of The Rock Riff’s favourite acoustic performance video. These songs were chosen due to the emotion that it evokes from the performer and the listener as well as the quality of the performances.
1) Rival Sons – Open My Eyes (Acoustic)
2) We As Human – We Fall Apart (Acoustic)
3) We Are Harlot – Dancing on Nails (Acoustic)
4) The Pretty Reckless – House on a Hill (Acoustic)
5) Slash ft Myles Kennedy – Bent To Fly (Acoustic)
6) Alter Bridge – Watch Over You (Acoustic)
7) Three Days Grace – Lost In You
8) Seether – The Gift (Acoustic) – in South Africa
(*The Rock Riff was there!!)
I hope you have enjoyed this short, but entertaining article.
So we find ourselves in 2013 and the world didn’t end which served as an anti-climax, when everyone realised it was just another day just like the many days that passed before it.
Rock music fans have a lot to look forward to this year, quite a few bands are releasing new material while others are embarking/continuing with their tour schedules.
Sad news came from My Darkest Days three days ago when it was announced that one of their most-loved members, Sal Costa was leaving the band. It seems like Sal wants to embark on his own musical journey and calls his fans “Saldiers”, he recently launched his own brand of merchandise which you will be able to take a look at if you visit his Facebook page. Its sad to see Sal leave the band, but I can’t wait to see what he is going to do next!
I’m so excited for Alter Bridge to release their fourth studio album that I can hardly contain myself, loyal fans can be prepared for more talent, guitar riffs, angelic lyrics and astounding vocals. For new fans hold on to your earphones/headphones and be prepared to be inspired. They started writing on the 4th of January and the sessions seem to be going quite well.
Source: Alter-Bridge-Facebook The band posted this picture on the 4th of January stating that writing has begun.
Look at what Slash decided to tweet today, I was FREAKING out, just too bad I will have to wait more or less another two years before it happens. In case you were wondering thats me commenting like a crazy fan, that I just HAVE to see Slash play live. 😀
Source: Slash on Twitter
So seeing as it is 2013 I decided to share what I consider my rock music collection at present. Take a look!
My personal rock music collection
My personal rock music collection
My Slash Figurine (my prized possession)
All the best for the new year and thanks for reading!
I have really enjoyed writing this blog and I’m glad that I finally decided to write about something that I’m truly passionate about. I have compiled some of my favourite rock songs of the past year. Thank you for all the support that I have received from readers and visitors alike, I will continue in my quest to supply rock fans with valuable and relevant information in the new year.
A jarring intro to a hard-hitting and chilling song about a man who was cursed by a lost love and the pain he experienced when that person left him behind just like a chalk outline on the sidewalk.
Mark Tremonti from Creed and Alter Bridge decided to venture out on his own this year with his first solo album All I Was. This song is a great demonstration of Mark’s talent, the song contains great vocals and guitar segments .
Green Day has had a difficult year with all the controversy surrounding frontman Billy Armstrong‘s addiction and rehabilitation, but it doesn’t show with this track. Its an enjoyable old-school”esque” rock track that anyone can enjoy and it has a memorable chorus.
Green Day !Uno!
Number 6
Dead Sara – Weatherman
This song has been featured on more best rock songs of 2012 lists than I can count, so I just had to add it to mine. Its always interesting to me when a band has a powerful female lead singer that can compete with the best rock male vocalists.
There is nothing I like more than an aggressive, angst-driven rock song with ferocious and intense vocals. This song contains all those elements in bucket loads.
Number 4
Slash ft Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators – You’re A Lie
I have fallen in love with this band and all of its characters this year and I have enjoyed every second of Apocalyptic Love. Another stand-out from the album for me was Bad Rain, but I fell in love with You’re A Lie the first time I listened to it, which rarely happens. This song is edgy and mesmerizing with Myles on the vocals and Slash on the guitar its hard not to like it. What really stands out to me with this song is the tempo and the rhythm, it allows you to blow off some steam and leads you to ponder about all the liars you have dealt with in your life. 😉
Slash Apocalyptic Love cover
Number 3
Halestorm – Love Bites (So Do I)
I love a strong female that isn’t afraid of stereotypes and Lzzy Hale is definitely one of those females. This song is refreshing, especially in the rock music genre. Arejay Hale’s drumming skills is perfectly demonstrated with this song. I love everything about this song, it is a perfect rock song and I hope Halestorm delivers more kick-ass songs like this one in the years to come.
Love Bites (So Do I)Halestorm Cover
Number 2
In This Moment – Blood
Not my usual cup of tea, but I listened to this song so many times I have lost count. Its powerful, weird, creepy supported by amazing musicality. It has a strong chorus and makes you want to strike the air with your fist, have a listen you won’t regret it.
In This Moment – Blood
NUMBER 1
Shinedown – I’ll Follow You
Easily one of the best songs I’ve ever heard, Brent Smith’s vocals on this track is astounding. The build-up to the chorus has you holding your breath and the emotions of the song reach out to touch your soul. Shinedown has had an amazing year and most of the best rock songs of 2012 lists has a song of theirs on there. The music video for this song will soon be released, so keep your eyes peeled!!
Todd Kerns was born on the 5th of December 1969 in Smallville, Canada. Todd is a Canadian musician who has worked with several successful Canadian bands most notably Age of Electric where Todd contributed to the band as a guitarist and a vocalist. Todd’s brother bassist John Kerns was part of the band including another pair of brothers namely Kurt and Ryan Dahle. Age of Electric was one of the most commercially successful Canadian rock bands in the mid-90s. Their commercial breakthrough came with the release of their debut album titled Ugly which was released in 1993, after that they released their second album called The Age of Electric in 1995. The band regrouped in 1997 to release their third album titled Make A Pest A Pet, the album spawned the radio rock hit “Remote Control” which peaked at Number 9 on Canada’s Singles Chart. Although the album was a hit, tensions within the band led to a breakup after a 1998 tour as the opening act for Our Lady Peace.
Todd, his brother John along with their youngest sibling Ryan Kerns and Scott McCargar formed Static in Stereo in 1999. Static in Stereo released a self-titled album in 2002 which documented the challenges that the band members experienced after the breakup of Age of Electric. Each song on the album is written in quasi-diary form and each song chronicles the obstacles the band faced after Age of Electric. The album pays homage to the bands that inspired Static in Stereo such as The Rolling Stones, The Clash and Kiss. The different musical style of each band member is present throughout the entire album. Heavy guitar driven tracks and heavy bass dominate on the album.
In 2004 Todd released a solo album called GO TIME which is a collection of original songs influenced by artists that is close to Todd’s heart for example T-Rex, Bowie, MC5 and The Stooges. In the past up until now Todd has delved into another passion of his which is production and songwriting with other musicians. Todd has appeared on albums by artists like The Matthew Good Band, Bif Naked and The Neverending White Lights.
In 2007 production projects brought Todd to Las Vegas where he formed Sin City Sinners with former Faster Pussycat guitarist Brent Muscat which would eventually become Vegas’ favourite rock band. Sin City Sinners perform self-penned originals and rock ‘n roll covers throughout Las Vegas, Nevada. The band is composed of Brent Muscat, Todd Kerns, Zachary Throne and Rob Cournoyer. Sin City Sinners regularly feature appearances by many notable musicians, actors. comedians and other entertainers. In 2009 Sin City Sinners finally decided to put some of their self-penned originals and covers on their debut album. The album “Exile on Fremont Street” was produced by Todd Kerns and released in early 2010. The album was met with rave reviews.
In mid 2010 Todd was offered the opportunity of a lifetime, to go on tour with the one and only Slash. Todd joined Slash on his solo album promotion tour and still fronted Sin City Sinners when he was in Las Vegas. On the 17th of December 2010 the Sin City Sinners released an acoustic album titled “Broken Record” and on November 25th the band released a holiday album called “A Sinners Christmas”.
Todd is currently on tour with Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators as the bassist and backing vocalist. Todd joined Slash in 2010 and after his solo tour Slash decided that he wanted to make the band more permanent, because they had such great chemistry together. So the band recorded Apocalyptic Love which they are currently supporting out on tour. Todd’s addittion to Slash’s band brought him to my attention for the first time. Todd has his own blog where he chats about his experiences while he is on tour. You can read his blog here: http://toddkerns.com/blog/
You will probably be forgiven for being transfixed by Slash and Myles during their live performances, but Todd can hold his own among these talented musicians. He even sang a 1/4 of their set when Myles Kennedy was ill with bronchitis. His current bandmates tease him, because he is so handsome. My impression of Todd when I see him perform is that he was born to be a musician and that he is extremely passionate about his career in music. He is a fun-loving guy and he enjoys music as a listener as well. He has found some really unique ways of connecting with his audience, by answering their questions on his website and through his blog he shares interesting stories that his fans can appreciate. I love the way he mimics the words of a song while Myles is singing. To me it just shows how humble he is and that he enjoys the music just as much as the audience does. I love his version of Doctor Alibi he sings during their live shows. Todd has proven himself time and again, I hope we can look forward to many more years of music with this talented musician.
Today I feature my most recent obsession, Mr Myles Kennedy himself! I can’t wait to tell you more about this talented vocalist and guitar player.
Myles’s story started on the 27th of November 1969 when he was born Myles Richard Bass in Boston, Massachusetts and as a child he moved to a farm in Spokane, Washington. His father Richard Bass died when he was at the tender age of 4. Myles’s mother later remarried to a minister and they took the surname Kennedy. Myles was inspired by musicians Led Zeppelin, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder and he started playing trumpet at the age of 10 and guitar at the age of 15. He attended Mead High School while he played guitar in the school’s jazz band and trumpet in the school’s marching band. His extracurricular activities included playing in a local heavy metal band called Bittersweet with some of his fellow classmates. Myles found his singing voice by listening to his parents’ Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder records, Myles also states that Robert Plant was a huge influence on him. After graduating in 1988, Myles enrolled in Spokane Falls Community College where he decided to study music.
Upon graduating Myles enrolled in a Commercial Music/Jazz Studies Program at the Community College. Using the skills he learned from this program in 1990 he joined jazz band Cosmic Dust (Fusion Band) as a guitar player. Myles’s work with Cosmic Dust was very advanced, using his knowledge of jazz theory combined with his advanced technical abilities and interweaving cord changes it wasn’t long before he became a well-respected guitarist among local musicians. Cosmic Dust’s first album, Journey, was released in 1991. The album was well-received by critics.
After the release of Cosmic Dust’s first album, Myles left the band in order to start working on a new band that would become known as Citizen Swing. Myles provided the lead vocals as well as the lead guitar for the band. The band’s sound was a combination of funk, R&B, blues and alternative all rolled into one. They released their first album in 1993 which was called Cure Me With The Groove, Myles helped produce the album. The band consisted of Myles, Craig Johnson on rhythm guitar, bassist Dave Turner, drummer/percussionist Mike Tschirgi and trumpeter Geoff Miller. Citizen Swing’s second album Deep Down was released in 1995. The band disbanded in the same year as their second release. All the music and lyrics on Deep Down was written by Myles Kennedy. Journey, Cure Me With The Groove and Deep Down is obviously highly sought after by fans, but these albums are extremely rare. I wouldn’t mind hearing it either, it should be interesting to hear a young Myles sing a different genre of music.
In 1995, Myles started teaching guitar lessons at a store called Rock City Music (if we only knew then what we know now!). By August 1996 Myles was in a band called The Mayfield Four where he took the role as lead vocalist and lead guitarist of the band. His childhood friends Craig Johnson, Marty Meisner and Zia Uddin completed the lineup for The Mayfield Four. They signed a contract with Epic Records thanks to a critically acclaimed demo the band recorded in 1996 followed by a live extended play called Motion in 1997. The band’s debut album Fallout was supported with a 15-month tour with bands like Creed, Big Wreck and Stabbing Westward. This is where Myles’s voice was introduced to future bandmates Mark Tremonti, Brian Marshall and Scott Philips. Fallout was praised by critics but failed to chart, Craig Johnson was subsequently fired from the band for unknown reasons.
Following the Fallout tour Myles made an appearance in the 2001 drama film Rockstar starring Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Aniston. Myles was contacted by his manager and told that the filmmakers needed someone that could sing high and that his name was mentioned. Myles met Zakk Wylde and Jason Bonham on set. Myles was the only actor in the movie whose real voice was used.
The Mayfield Four’s second and last album Second Skin was released in June 2001. Myles stated in an interview conducted on the 26th of October 2010 with Entertainment-Focus that Second Skin was one of his most personal albums lyrically up until the release of AB III. Although The Mayfield Four was popular they never garnered enough attention to break into the mainstream. In 2002 the future of the band began to look uncertain and Myles began recording new music. The band went on hiatus that year and ultimately disbanded. It was during this time that Myles damaged his ears by listening to music on his headphones that was played at volumes that were too high. This resulted in tinnitus which is defined as the perception of sound within the human ear in the absence of corresponding external sound. Myles fell into a depression in 2002, because of this condition and claimed that he had grown disillusioned with music and the music business. He consequently went on a musical hiatus. Former Guns ‘n Roses guitarist (the one and only) Slash contacted Myles and asked if he was interested to be a vocalist for a new band he was forming now known as Velvet Revolver. Myles declined the offer. Myles continued to work on his music, but took a more acoustic approach.
Myles Kennedy is best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist for hard rock band Alter Bridge. In late 2003 Myles was contacted by then-former Creed bandmember Mark Tremonti who wanted Myles do do some vocals on a few tracks he had recently written. Mark, Brian and Scott left Creed in 2000 and wanted to start a new band. Alter Bridge took its name from an actual bridge located near Mark Tremonti’s home in Detroit. Alter Bridge was officially formed in January 2004, their debut album, One Day Remains was released in 2004 by Wind-up Records and it was certified Gold by the RIAA. One Day Remains is the only album released by a band which Myles is officially part of that does not feature Myles playing guitar.
Their second album Blackbird was released in 2007 on Universal Republic to mostly positive reviews. Blackbird featured Myles on guitar as well as some of his songwriting. Mark Tremonti recalls passing Myle’s bedroom one night on his way up to his own room. He heard jazz music coming from Myles’s bedroom, at first he thought it was a CD, but when he entered the room he saw Myles jamming on his guitar. Mark says that Myles hid his guitar skills, because he didn’t want to step on Mark’s toes. Myles knew his current bandmates contacted him for his voice and not his guitar skills. Myles’s guitar skills turned out to be quite an asset to the band and it brought a new dimension to their music. Alter Bridge toured in support of Blackbird from 2007 through to 2008. They released a concert film Live in Amsterdam an it was sold through Amazon.com in 2009 and in stores in 2011 after several delays.
Alter Bridge took a break in 2009, while the bandmembers were busy with various projects, but they continued to write music throughout the year. In early 2009 Myles confirmed that he was working on a solo project and described it as being “dreamy” the opposite of Alter Bridge’s more aggressive sound. Myles described the material as being more singer/songwirter based. A firm release date has not been announced and in 2010 the album was put on hold. Myles has previously confirmed that Slash will appear on the record. In late 2009 it was reported that Myles will be working with Slash on his solo debut album. Myles has co-written Starlight and Back from Cali and provided the vocals on the tracks. On February 3rd, 2010 Slash announced that Myles would provide the vocals on his tour supporting his self-titled solo album. The self-titled solo album from Slash was released in April 2010. Alter Bridge regrouped later that year (2009) and began working on AB III and it was released in 2010 through Roadrunner Records worldwide, except in North America where the album was self-released on Alter Bridge Recordings via EMI.
Myles wrote about his personal experience concerning faith, belief and spirituality. According to Mark Tremonti Myles is an atheist, but Myles has stated in an interview with Kerrang! Magazine that he is somewhere between being an atheist and being a Christian. Myles has said that despite being raised in a Christian household he does not believe in any organised religion. Myles considers himself to be part of a growing segment of the community who questions authority and scrutinize concepts that no longer seem as logical as they once did. I can sympathise with his views on this subject. Myles has said that this is his most personal album since Second Skin from The Mayfield Four. A second concert film Live at Wembley was released on the 26th March 2012. I need to get my hands on these dvds ASAP!
Slash’s second album Apocalyptic Love features Myles Kennedy as the sole vocalist and along with Bobby Schneck, Todd Kerns, Brent Fitz and Slash they complete the lineup for the album. Apocalyptic Love was released on May 22nd, 2012. Myles reportedly mentioned that some of the lyrics on the album dealt with his earlier experiences with drugs. You can read my review for Apocalyptic Love here: https://therockriff.wordpress.com/2012/07/16/apocalyptic-love-album-review-2/
Myles has collaborated with numerous musicians over the years including a collaboration in 2005 with Chris Jericho from Fozzy where Myles sang the chorus of “Nameless Faceless” from their album All That Remains.
Myles is influenced by a wide range of artists from different genres ranging from jazz, blues, rhythm and blues, soul to name a few.
Myles has stated at various times that Jeff Buckley is a major influence on him as a singer. Myles says that Jeff Buckley’s emotional intensity was one of the most inspirational things for him as a singer and made him come to terms with the fact that he is a tenor. A tenor is a type of male singing voice and is the highest male voice within the modal register( a vocal register most frequently used in speech and singing in most languages).
In February of 2012 I decided on impulse to purchase AB III from a local online store, I wanted to see what all the hype surrounding Myles and Alter Bridge was about since I’ve heard quite a lot about them on Twitter. I follow the Creed bandmembers and I became aware of Myles and Alter Bridge in that manner. I became irritated with the fact that I was in the dark and that I had no knowledge of this band. I had to grow accustomed to Myles’s voice on my first few listens, since it isn’t common to hear a tenor singing rock music. After a few days I was hooked and my love for Alter Bridge consumes me everytime I listen to their albums. I now have all three albums and I listen to them on a daily basis.
Personally I love the soft, mysterious tone of Myles’s voice on Slip To The Void and his amazing vocal acrobatics on All Hope Is Gone. I love his emotional delivery of the song In Loving Memory and his aggressive tone in Ties That Bind. I love his uplifting high notes on Rise Today. His performance on Apocalyptic Love showcases the variety in his voice and his lighter side. He starts off softly on Not For Me and then the song escalates up to where he makes his stand against drugs and the lifestyle that goes with it. I’m so glad that I bought that album and I look forward to many more years of listening to his beautiful voice.
Listen to Myles Kennedy’s rendition of Hallelujah:
I became aware of Rob Fenn’s photography when I saw some photos he took of Shinedown which was posted by Shinedowns Nation’s blog (http://wp.me/1Gy1Q). I was impressed by his skills, but never really saw any of Rob’s other photos that he took of other rock bands. Eventually I saw a competition that was advertised by Shinedowns Nation on Facebook. You could enter to win 1 of 10 Limited Edition Frames of Brent Smith plus some other Shinedown goodies. Its still running if you’re interested: http://www.facebook.com/#!/MusicThroughTheLens/app_403359706360567
I took a peek through all 10 photos and I was dumbfounded. All 10 of those photos capture Brent’s passion for music and his intensity on stage. I realised I had to find out more about this fantastic photographer.
“Rob Fenn’s photography career started in 2009 when he borrowed a camera from his friend to shoot Avenged Sevenfold in concert. After experiencing the rush of a live show, Rob was hooked and ready to make concert photography his life’s passion. Two years later, Rob was on the Rockstar Energy DrinkUproar Festival tour with Avenged Sevenfold capturing their live show.” -Quote from Rob Fenn’s LinkedIn profile.
“Rob founded a book project titled ‘On The Road…Where MUSIC Lives’ after realising that his daughter’s idea of a record store was purchasing music from iTunes. Rob’s daughter was given the opportunity to buy one album a week of her choosing. The only rule is it has to be a full album from a store. This has turned into a great bond between them, and let them both discover new music together.” Quote taken from http://www.facebook.com/#!/MusicThroughTheLens/info
Rob Fenn has a passion for continuing the tradition of purchasing physical albums and for people to go to a record store to purchase their favourite music. Later this year Rob will be releasing a 376 page hard cover photo book that will be for sale in record stores ONLY with part of the proceeds going to charity to fund music programs in public schools. I really admire Rob’s passion for the music industry and his concern for the future of music. Rob is using his experiences on the road to motivate people to appreciate music more, to admire the musicians and their talent. Through his new endeavour he is aiming to make music an experience and not something you purchase just to fulfil an immediate need which will later be discarded after the fad has passed.
Rob is currently attending the Carnival of Madness and is on tour with Halestorm.
Below are examples of Rob’s work, I do not claim ownership of any of these photos.
Copyright by Rob Fenn.
I absolutely love this photo of Lzzy Hale and Joe Hottinger from Halestorm by Rob Fenn.
This is such an epic photo of Brent Smith from Shinedown by Rob Fenn. This is such a strong pose from Brent, wow!
Great photo of Chris Traynor from Bush, such a graceful capture from Rob Fenn.
Obviously this collection wouldn’t be complete without the talented Myles Kennedy from Alter Bridge and Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators by Rob Fenn.
So I couldn’t leave out Slash in my Rob Fenn Highlight Reel. Do you know another man who can pull off wearing a belly ring and silver hoop earrings? I don’t, so pictured here is Mr Cool and Calm himself, Slash performing with Lzzy Hale from Halestorm by Rob Fenn.
