If It's Too Loud...

Photo by Rich Gilligan "Hearts & Minds," the new single from Dublin's Pillow Queens," is a giant alt-rock anthem. This is the kind of song that borders the worlds of alt-rock and pop, but it is a little too guitar heavy to truly be pop. One of the things that helps elevate the song about the usual alt-rock anthems are the harmonies in the song. While the harmonies are beautiful and include guitars to match, there is definitely a rock edge to the song. I hate comparing any Irish band to U2, but "Hearts & Minds" remind me of U2's anthemic rock at its very best, but a little less clean cut. This is a beast of a song from a band poised to explode very soon. Singer/guitarist Pamela Connolly says of the band's new song: "'Hearts & Minds' is about experiencing the feeling of being a teenager again.  The insecurities about body image and ability when it comes to being a musician that’s seeing themselves recorded and pictured, as wel...

Red On Red Records have only existed for a few months, but they've already won us over as one of those must listen labels. I can't truly compare them to early Sub Pop since they don't have an official sound, but they've been releasing consistently great music Boston area based artists. Andrea Gillis isn't an artist I would normally find myself liking, but since she's on Red On Red Records, I felt the need to at least check it out. "Leave the Light On" is definitely poppier than the music I normally find myself into, but I'm glad I gave it a shot. Sure, it's a pop song, but it's more pop rock than a pure top 40 song. Plus, it has a retro feel that reminds me a lot of music from my youth, so it's impossible for me to resist. Fun pop rock songs dripping in 80's nostalgia are one of our weaknesses here, so "Leave the Light On" is right up our alley. You can listen to "Leave the Light On" below. The song is available ...