Tag: alternative

L.S.U. has been around since the mid 80’s & have had several monikers including Lifesavers, Lifesavers Underground & L.S. Underground. They have also attacked several genres including, alternative, new wave, indie rock, surf rock & a tad being goth tinged with Michael Knott being the mainstay. Freedom is the first I heard from them from 1994’s Grace Shaker & the lyrics portray an homage to the death, burial & resurrection of Jesus. Hopefully you will like this song as much as I have over the years.… Continued →

for KING & COUNTRY just dropped their live concert film for viewing on YouTube here. It’s an intimate look at the band from behind the scenes and a showcase of their unforgettable, energizing live show. The band also released a Deluxe Edition of “Burn The Ships” which coincidentally just went GOLD by the way. The deluxe edition is out now and features remixes, collaborations, and more of all the songs found on “Burn The Ships“.… Continued →

I’d like to congratulate the band HOMEPLATE for taking home the award for “New Artist of The Year” through the Jesus Freak Hideout 2021 Awards. Grandpa Loves Rhinos also charted under “State Of Independents Album of the Year” (#3) and “Best Album Cover Art of The Year” (#5). Congratulations to IVM Artists and thanks to JFH for giving independent bands a fair chance.… Continued →

4•4•1 burst onto the SoCal new wave scene in 1984, releasing their debut album on Royal Commandment Records (soon to be re-named Blue Collar Records). The band formed in 1983 in Los Angeles County, diligently rehearsing in the garage of bassist/keyboardist Glenn Holland’s parents. They recorded a 4-song demo and subsequently sent out copies to area youth pastors. The unconventional move proved successful as they caught the attention of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, a large church that hosted lots of concerts for Christian new wave and early alternative bands.… Continued →

I’m really hesitant to do this, but I’m gonna lay it on you. I’ve been a fan of music for well over 40 years. Narrowing down a favorite anything is really difficult. My list of favorite songs probably numbers near 1,000, and that’s just favorites, not all the songs I ‘just like.’ But, most days, if you ask me my favorite song of all time, it’s this one. The Seventy Sevens have had an extremely long career, with roots going as back as the late 70s/early 80s in a Sacramento church-based band called the Scratch Band.… Continued →

Orion Walsh just dropped his cover of The Postal Service “Sleeping In” through all digital markets and streaming sites. This and “House Arrest” released late last year are some of Orion’s strongest work by far and I encourage you to give this song a listen. It’s The Postal Service, it’s a Cover, it’s Orion Walsh, how can you go wrong? Listen below. [Bandcamp]… Continued →

First things first–merry Christmas everyone! It’s been a challenging year, and many of us are ready to see the back of it. I always post my Song of the Day picks on Friday, so I was pleased to the lucky draw for Christmas Day! Of course, it had to be a Christmas song, and there are lots of good ones to choose from, even from our niche scene. For those unfamiliar with Adam Again, they have deep roots in the Christian music scene. They started out in the California scene of the 1980s through Broken Records and later Brainstorm Artists.… Continued →

Don’t you hate it when an amazing band releases one stellar album and then disappears off the map leaving virtually no trace whatsoever? That’s more or less what happened to Minnesota’s The Swoon. This intelligent, artsy, literate (one of the band’s song titles is a Dante reference) band made up one third of Christian jangle-pop’s ‘holy trinity’ (also including The Throes and The Walk). Their debut album was released on Narrowpath Records, in conjunction with Refuge (the obscure indie label also released such classics as debuts by Breakfast with Amy and The Crucified), and was made up of two earlier cassette-only demos, ben son, ben son Beatrice and Neverland, the latter of which was produced by Charlie Peacock.… Continued →

This is a big year not only for music, anniversaries, but also Indie Vision Music in general. Yes, my friends, this year is the 20th Anniversary of the website/store/label and everything IVM means to me. I thought of a few different things I could do for the anniversary but due to time constraints and well, this pandemic which has completely changed EVERYTHING about our daily lives, I decided to keep it simple. I have put together this little write up on what I consider to be 20 of my favorite albums of that monumental year in music history.… Continued →

Listen: Amazon Music | Bandcamp | Apple Music | Spotify | YouTube Lyrics:… Continued →

There used to be a fairly well-known release formula for SF59. Step one: release full-length album. Step two: release EP of similar material within the following year (or even later that same year). While the formula has been tweaked over the years, it still more or less holds. Whereas She’s the Queen was the counterpart to Silver, Miami functions that way for Young in My Head. Although there are some stylistic—and more noticeably, lyrical—differences, any of these songs probably could have been on Young in My Head.… Continued →

One of my favorite indie singer/songwriters, Arthur Alligood, returns with a kickstarter campaign to fund his upcoming new full length record. He is working with a couple Toad The Wet Sprocket members (as well as other guest musicians) on this album and it’ll be produced by Mikal Blue who has worked with groups/artists like Five For Fighting, One Republic, Jason Mraz, and Colbie Caillat among others. This highly anticipated new album needs support from fans and new fans alike. Arthur is a talented songwriter and I know this will be his biggest and best album to date.… Continued →

Friend Club Records are reissuing the classic Denison Marrs album “Holding Hands @ 35,000 Feet” on limited run cassette tape. You can preorder this tape right here. Tapes ship in November. Also check out all the other fine releases this new label is putting out. I recommend Bares His Teeth and Caterpillars. Listen to this classic below.… Continued →

Listen: Amazon Music | Apple Music | Spotify | YouTube Music Lyrics:… Continued →

Listen: Amazon Music | Apple Music | Spotify | YouTube Music Lyrics:… Continued →

I had this song on my mind the other day as I was thinking about what song I was going to choose for this week. The modus operandi: Ruminate on a song and make a choice. Find it on YouTube. Listen while I’m writing. Dang. I’ve loved this song for years, but was still surprised at how good it sounded more than 2 decades after it was recorded. I highly recommend headphones! This song has so many layers. So many things that make it great. It’s difficult to know where to begin.… Continued →

In what seems to be a surprise announcement, Wolves At The Gate just let all their fans know that they are releasing an EP titled “DAWN” that will be released on October 8th through Solid State Records. It appears to be a remix release with possible new versions of some of their classics? Anyone have more info? Check out the first song, “Voice In The Violence (Redux)” below and on all digital platforms. What do you think?… Continued →

Southern California native, David Di Maria, is back with a brand new 3 song ep titled “Spirit Train” that tugs on all the right heart strings. The EP offers uplifting alternative, pop-rock and 90’s inspired tunes. These songs are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face and help alleviate some of the pain felt throughout this chaotic year of 2020. There is a certain nostalgic leaning in his sound that defines the songwriting and this music he creates is nothing short of pure, ear pleasing bliss.… Continued →

Not much is known about this band, who released one album for major label Curb Records in 1997, called Yours Truly. They played a fairly straight-forward brand of alternative rock that hinted at grunge without ever fully going to Seattle. The lead single was “Low,” with its provocative chorus: I’m wasted! I’m wasted! I’m wasted . . . without You!” While the song might have raised eyebrows among critics of faith-based rock music, the lyrics hit home for some. I remember playing the song for a friend of mine, who at the time was not a fan of anything hard or heavy.… Continued →

Paul and Seth Hyde of Grandpa Loves Rhinos were recently interviewed for the site Bionic Buzz which you can watch or read here. You can also check out the interview direct on our site below this post. “Searching in the Sarchasm” has been out for over a week now and we would love to know your thoughts on which song or songs are your favorite. Sound off in the comments below and make sure to check out Grandpa Loves Rhinos on all digital networks now.… Continued →

Listen: Amazon Music | Apple Music | Spotify | YouTube Lyrics:… Continued →

The two person team known affectionally as “Idle Achiever” just dropped their brand new EP titled “The Pop Tapes”. It’s like the perfect combo of indie hip hop, alternative rock, and pop music. This young duo make music that’ll please most fans and create new followers out of even the most jaded. You can grab these songs on any digital platform now. FFO: Twenty One Pilots, Capital Kings, John Reuben, Heath McNeese. Listen to “Poor Man’s Dream” below.… Continued →

Today is the big day, Grandpa Loves Rhinos “Searching In The Sarchasm” is officially out and available on all digital platforms. The album can also be bought on CD or Vinyl right here. I will leave the bundles up until the end of the weekend but by Monday they will be pulled down. You have a few days left to purchase one of these sweet bundles. CDs are shipping now but Shirts and Vinyl will take a few more weeks to arrive. Any purchase on bandcamp includes instant download of the album.… Continued →

We are gearing up for the release of the new full length by the band Grandpa Loves Rhinos, THIS FRIDAY! Are you ready? Check out some video reveals of the CD and Merch. (Vinyl will be shown soon). You can also still order this album in several different bundles right here via Bandcamp. Just a word of caution, after Friday night, the bundles will come down and only the stand alone merch will be available (no more bundles). If you want a bundle, now is your chance.… Continued →

Off Road Minivan just dropped their new music video for the song “Vampire” off their latest album, “Swan Dive”. Check out it below and comment with your thoughts.… Continued →

I’m proud to reveal a track titled “It’s Gotta Be The Gaming” off the upcoming album from Grandpa Loves Rhinos, “Searching In The Sarchasm”. The album drops on August 7th through Indie Vision Music and is available to purchase in several different bundles right here. Just take note, these bundles will come down after August 7th and all that’ll be left is the CD and Vinyl as stand alone products. Get those orders in soon. Order right here. This deeply personal song about the problems with mental health and society woven in between all your favorite video games and sarcasm, can be heard below.… Continued →

Many people nowadays have a love-hate relationship with worship music. It can sometimes be too simplistic, or based on shallow theology, yet believers have a real desire to connect with the Lord through music. The so-called Modern Worship movement has both helped and hindered this process. While it’s outside of our purposes here to give an overview of the practical, musical, and theological ramifications of modern worship music, let’s take a look at an early innovator. the violet burning (lower case intentional) started out as a hard-edged alternative rock band with both goth and post-punk tendencies.… Continued →

We are going to premiere the last new song from Grandpa Loves Rhinos before album release date on August 7th, called “It’s Gotta Be The Gaming”. It’s a heavy track lyrically and sure to make heads turn. Check back here on Friday morning for the full song and explanation from the band. You don’t want to miss this. Pre-Order the band’s new album in several different bundles right here on bandcamp.… Continued →

Jangle Pop. While the term might not mean much to most listeners today, it was the dominant form of alternative rock (on both sides of the Atlantic) in the late 80s to early 90s. As 70s punk gave way to 80s new wave and synth pop, underground bands were looking for more earthy sounds, moving away from sythesizers and often including acoustic guitars and instruments borrowed from folk rock. There was less emphasis on the lead guitar licks of glam metal and arena rock, and more emphasis on jangly guitar rhythms, hence the name.… Continued →