“Starting To Fly” by Chester Bennington - Grey Daze

 

     Prior to gaining prominence as a member of Linkin Park, Chester Bennington fronted Grey Daze, a band based in his hometown of Phoenix, Arizona. He left Grey Daze in 1998, but the band reunited in began re-recording music shortly before Bennington’s death in 2017.
 
     Following his death, the widow of Chester Bennington authorized Grey Daze to employ Chester’s vocals. The blessing from Talinda Bennington came with the condition that the integrity of her late husband’s vocals would be preserved.  Grey Daze released the “Amends” album in 2020. Now, the appropriately named “The Phoenix” album is available as a combination of Chester’s vocals and newly recorded instrumentation. Within the ten songs on the album are contributions from Jane’s Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro, Filter’s Richard Patrick, and Chester’s daughters, Lily and Lila Bennington.
 

Daughters Lily and Lila
Bennington

     The other members of Grey Daze are drummer Sean Dowdell, guitarist Jason Barnes, and bassist Mace Beyers. Among the ten tracks on the band’s “The Phoenix” album is the anthemic “Starting To Fly.” The song showcases a Chester Bennington strength, namely the ability to inject shouts and screams that melodically fit within a song. But it should be noted that the vocals were by an early 1990’s Chester; that is, a younger, perhaps less polished vocalist than most fans of Linkin Park came to know.
 
     Sean Dowdell said about the band’s single:
  “‘Starting to Fly’ is a new rock anthem that is about finding yourself and your true potential. It is realizing that you can make the world yours. It’s a song about hope.”
 
"The Phoenix" track listing:

  1.  “Saturation (Strange Love)”

  2.  “Starting To Fly”
  3.  “Be Your Man”
  4.  “Holding You” (featuring Dave Navarro)
  5.  “Hole” (featuring Lily and Lila Bennington)
  6.  “Drag”
  7.  “Believe Me” (featuring Richard Patrick)
  8.  “Anything, Anything”
  9.  “Spin”
  10. “Wake Me”

     “Starting To Fly” by Chester Bennington - Grey Daze

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realgreydaze
Website: https://www.greydazemusic.com/

Lyrics of “Starting to Fly” by Grey Daze

Can we go?
How high can we go?
How high can we go?

How high can we go? (Hey!)

How high can we go?
How high can we go?
How high can we go?

How high can we go? (Hey!)

I know the answers from the words of the prophet
I've seen the light through the fingers, made of magic
I've seen an image of the future, it's a vision
And I know who you are, yeah!

 

Go away, can't you see you're not real
Open your eye some place far away (Hey!)

 

How high can we go?
How high can we go?
How high can we go?
How high can we go? (Hey!)

 

I met a poet, tonight behind the masses
I sang a song ‘bout my many true addictions
I saw myself in a hole, down below
And I know who you are, yeah!

 

I'm alright, though it's hard to feel
Open your eye some place far away
I've seen the ocean and I've seen the sky
I've got my wings and I'm startin' to fly (Hey!)

 

How high can we go?
How high can we go? (Hey!)
How high can we go?
How high can we go? (Hey!)

 

Open your eye, look to the sky
Grab your wings and start to fly
Open your eye, look to the sky
And grab your wings and start to fly, hey!

 

I've seen the ocean and I've seen the sky
I've got my wings and I'm startin' to fly
I've seen the ocean and I've seen the sky
I've got my wings and I'm startin' to fly, yeah!

How high can we go? (Whoa, I'm startin' to fly) (Hey!)
How high can we go?
How high can we go? (Yeah, I'm startin' to fly) (Hey!)
How high can we go?
How high can we go? (Whoa, I'm startin' to fly) (Hey!)
How high can we go?
How high can we go? (Yeah, I'm startin' to fly)

How high can we go?

(Hey!)

“Synchronize” (Acoustic Version) by Milky Chance – A Song Feature

Milky Chance at Shoreline Amphitheatre in California

     Milky Chance recently shared acoustic versions of several of their singles from the past decade. By disqualifying all but acoustic instrumentation, “-tronica” is removed from the genre designation of “Folktronica” that is often attached their songs. But the acoustic versions should not be labeled Folk. Milky Chance is a German-based group with distinctive vocals and an ability to seamlessly fuse Folk, Reggae, Pop, and Rock.
 
     Our favorites of the recent acoustic releases are “Synchronize” and “Stolen Dance.” The voices of Clemens Rebhein and Philipp Dausch are more prominent and easily appreciated than in the originals. That’s particularly accurate for “Synchronize.” The video for the song shows the pair performing the song on the streets of Mexico City, while allowing randomly selected people to participate in the filming using a relatively inexpensive camera. The result is not as polished as it would be if filming were left in the hands of professionals, but it is certainly more charming and revealing. Dausch said:
  “We really just had a rough idea and knew we were going to have to improvise on the go, but it flowed so easily. Mexico City has such a unique vibe and we loved the idea to involve people we met out there on the street since it is such a warm and welcoming country.”
 
      The planning of the “Synchronize” (acoustic version) video involved longtime collaborator Anthony Molina. Rebhein explained:
  “We had just completed the acoustic arrangement of ‘Synchronize’ and were eager to record it. We were about to be in Mexico for Vive Latino and really wanted to shoot a visual there, so we brainstormed what we could do on the plane.”
 
     For Milky Chance tour dates and ticket information, visit https://www.milkychance.net/live/
 
     “Synchronize” (Acoustic Version) by Milky Chance

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milkychancemusic
Website: http://www.milkychanceofficial.com/

Lyrics of “Synchronize” (Acoustic Version) by Milky Chance
Smoke in the sky got me feeling so blue
Burning down the city while I'm here with you
Smoke in the sky and I'm holding you tight

Because
 
I love the way we synchronize
We synchronize
Let the moment crystallize
Don't think twice
 
I just wanna simmer
I like the way you glimmer
Pretty fires all around
Tell me, are we dreaming?
Dancing on the ceiling
Wanna keep you safe and sound

And all the smoke in the sky got me feeling so blue
Burning down the city while I'm here with you
Smoke in the sky and I'm holding you tight

Because

I love the way we synchronize
We synchronize
Let the moment crystallize
Don't think twice

Feel your skin on mine
Forget about the time
Floating on a purple cloud
I don't mind as long as you hold me in your arms
We ain't never coming down

And all the smoke in the sky got me feeling so blue
Burning down the city while I'm here with you
Smoke in the sky and I'm holding you tight

Cause I love the way we synchronize
(I love the way we synchronize
Let the moment crystallize
I love the way we synchronize
Don't think twice)

I love the way we synchronize
(I love the way we synchronize)
We synchronize
(Let the moment crystallize)
Crystallize
(I love the way we synchronize)
Don't think twice
(Don't think twice)

I love the way
I love the way we synchronize

I love the way
I love the way we synchronize
I love

          “Stolen Dance” (Acoustic Version) by Milky Chance

“Fences” by Pastel Blank – A Song Feature

 

      “Fences” is marked by feverishly aggressive guitar hooks and unexpected voice inflections. In the single from Pastel Blank, interweaved guitars cooperate with the other instruments to fashion an energized and energizing texture. Still, there are wrinkles. At one point, there is a shout of “STOP,” and the song stops, but only temporarily.

 

   “Fences” resides on a recently released album that is almost self-titled. The title, “Pastel Blanc,” only changes the last letter of the band’s name. Of the seven songs on the album, “Fences” is the standout in our opinion, but all seven hold an appeal. The Spotify stream of the album is embedded at the bottom of this post. 

     Parcel Blank is fronted by Angus Watt and based in Victoria, British Columbia. The credits for the album identify the musicians as:
    Angus Watt - Guitar, Vocals, Wurlitzer / Rhodes
   Oliver Hollingshead – Drums, Percussion
   Dougie Bedell - Bass
  Jordan Clairmont - Keyboards on “Terracotta Sunroom,” “Picture Perfect,” and “Slouching Like a Seraph”
   Maxwell Stover - Saxophone, Flute on “Goomba Stomp” and “Cellophane Clocks”
   Dexter Hodgins - Violin on “Picture Perfect”

     While discussing his single Angus Watt explained:

   "‘Fences' is a strawman song. I wanted to write about proud fence-sitters who mask indecision as an intellectual and moral virtue. I pulled a few examples from various conversations, but to be honest, this song is also quite self-critical. I wanted to poke fun at this type of person, and parts of myself. Though ultimately, I think the song is more ‘fun’ than ‘poke.’" 

 

     Quoting interesting content from the press material:

  “Fences” sees the group take nods from acts like Pavement and Talking Heads, building their psychedelic guitars and synths around an irresistible, pulsating, rhythmic hook. In lieu of such inspiration the group layers a unique mixbag of carefully chosen genres, utilizing elements of carefully placed funk and delicate shades of bossa-nova to positionally aware, punchy disco beats, and hushed, melodic vocals resulting in an opportunity for listeners to break out some dance moves in a way like never before.  

     “Fences” by Pastel Blank

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pastelblank
Bandcamp: https://pastelblank.bandcamp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pastel.blank/
 
Lyrics of “Fences” by Pastel Blank
I am generous
Oh, so generous
I take some of my very important time
To explain to you what’s wrong
With your paradigm
 
Just a pair of dimes
That’s all it would take
For me to call you brethren
You might weather the question
Of whether or not
Whether or not
Whether or not I might ask you to
STOP
 
And I sat atop fences
And I gave no thought to the consequences
 
I am virtuous
Virtuous paragon
Pay my taxes, take my vitamins, read Seneca
After morning swim at the
Y, Y, Y
Y, Y, Y
Y M C A
 
And I sat atop fences
And I gave no thought to the consequences
 
From up here my vantage
Is endlessly enlightening
 
And I sat atop fences
And I gave no thought to the consequences
 
From up here my vantage
Is endlessly enlightening
 
Get a job
Get ahead
Pull yourself up
By each tenuous thread
[Repeat]

“Come To Life” by Shady Baby – A Song Feature

 

    The ratio of Hype Machine “Posts” to “Favorites” is revealing. Hype Machine is the playground of music bloggers and a fertile field of Indie lovers who are vigilant in their quest for new music.  As of today, ten bloggers have featured the debut single from the guitar band Shady Baby (this post will be the eleventh). That’s a significant number of posts for a band without any previous traction. However, only four registered listeners have entered “Come To Life” as a Favorite.
 
     Ten posts and only four favorites can be interpreted as an indication that bloggers tend to favor guitar bands more than their followers. There is almost certainly some truth to that interpretation. But it would be interesting to research other factors. Perhaps the regular visitors of those 10 blogs are fans of guitar bands, but the Hype Machine regulars are less so. And perhaps there is something about “Come To Life” that appeals to those who write about songs. Indie Obsessive recently featured another guitar-driven song (“Broken” by The Haunted Youth”) that currently has 15 indications of Favorite. That’s a 15 to 1 ratio, much better than the 4 to 10 ratio for “Come To Life.”
 
     Shady Baby is the musical project of Brighton-based Sam Leaver. The full membership is Sam Leaver (vocals, guitar), Laurie Debnam (guitar), Nick Varnava (bass), and Tom Jackson (drums). Regarding their debut single, Leaver said, “‘Come To Life’ is an angry response to feeling like people treated you like shit but you let them get away with it. Feeling both angry at them but also at yourself for letting it happen.”
 
     “Come To Life” by Shady Baby

“Friendship in a Film” by Katmaz – A Song Feature

 

     The single from Katmaz holds the potential of an engaging session if placed in the hands of a skilled song exploder. Exploding “Friendship in a Film” based on its different time segments reveals the careful thought devoted to its composition and production, as well as the skillfulness in its execution.

     “Friendship in a Film” opens with a production-heavy 16 seconds and closes with a slightly shorter segment of uncomplicated yet engaging percussion. Between those bookends, Katmaz establishes an easygoing, pondering energy during the verses and a more demanding feel during the chant of “Hey Wait!”. The song concerns addiction. Katmaz explains: 

   “'Friendship in a Film’ is about growing up with someone that faces problems with addiction. The song feels light and nostalgic and takes us to a more innocent place, while the lyrical content is weighted. Lyrically, it is a plea to get help, and at the same time, it’s a letter, letting them know that they do not face it alone.”

     The single seems influenced by the 1970-71 timestamp of the Moody Blues, as the swell sweeps through during the verse “You are not alone anymore” (specifically, at 3:20). Slightly later, a spoken-word underlayer of the chorus is reminiscent of Paul Simon. Other portions of “Friendship in a Film” are more aligned with Radiohead. 

     Katmaz is Matthew Kaz (aka Kazmierczak), an American songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. He tends to write his music from a visual angle, almost as much as from the melodic perspective. The masterful production of “Friendship in a Film” is a collaborative effort of Katmaz and his long-time friend Savings (Jason Podkulski). The strings are the work of Joe Zeitlin. The single was mixed by Darrell Thorp (Grammy Winner with Foo Fighters, Radiohead, Beck) and mastered by Andy “Hippy” Baldwin (Interpol, Oasis).

     Katmaz was born in Buffalo, New York. He left the state in 2020 and now resides in Los Angeles, where he co-runs a studio with Savings on Melrose Ave. “Friendship in a Film” is the fourth single from the upcoming album “Tell Me How Great You Are.” 

     “Friendship in a Film” by Katmaz

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Katmazmusic
Website: https://www.katmaz.com/
Bandcamp: https://katmaz.bandcamp.com/

Lyrics of “Friendship in a Film” by Katmaz
I wish that I could make you sober
I’d make the time to be there
No one wants to wait until it’s over
We’re all hoping that you will pull through
 
Hey, Wait!
[Repeating]
Hey!
 
Waste your days with indecision
You’re the only one left in your way
Talk about the times we had when we were sippin’
And how you were dropping out in every way
 
Break the reigns of your tradition
They’re only gonna hold you back from what you know
You tell me that your whole life has been conditioned
But remember, what you reap is what you sow
 
You are not alone anymore
 
Hey, Wait!
[Repeating]
 
Please don’t go don’t go don’t go don’t go don’t go
2, 3, 4

“Covered in Sunshine” and “Lady Lightyear” by Goldpark

 

     Goldpark is sharing singles as the band approaches the release of its sophomore album. The band explains:
   “’Covered in Sunshine’ is about the power of stepping outside. All of these problems, anxieties, and fears that have come from a reliance on technology feel a little less heavy when we step into the sunlight. That’s where we realize where ‘real life’ actually lives. Being a ‘part of life’ isn’t being fully connected at all times with the world around us through a viewfinder. It’s being a part of the outside world we forget about so often.”
 
     The members of Goldpark are Wes Hunter (vocals), Andrew Smith (guitar), and Kyle Neblett (drums). They are based in Nashville, Tennessee.

     “Covered in Sunshine” by Goldpark

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goldparkband/
Website: https://goldparkband.com/

     The previous release from Goldpark was “Lady Lightyear,” which tells the story of an intergalactic love affair— a man falls in love with a woman unbound by time and space and has an experience so spectacular that he feels like he may never love again. The band elaborated:
   "Love is the closest thing that we have to magic. It’s the only thing that drives us to cross countries, oceans, or even galaxies. There are traces of love in every truly great thing that we can see, hear or touch. All great art comes from some form of love. It doesn’t all look the same though. Sometimes it’s the fear of love. Or maybe the feeling of being broken over love. But it’s all love. Lady Lightyear is a song for all of the Milky Way and beyond to enjoy together. Leave the door open for love somewhere in the stars. Leave the door open for love somewhere in the stars."
 
     “Lady Lightyear” by Goldpark

Lyrics of “Lady Lightyear” by Goldpark
Time, you're from another time
How did you know?
Been waiting all my life
Stay, oh, baby, won't you stay?
Tell me the future
Or did you lock it away?
 
Gravity just burst into color
Tidal waves keep pulling us under
Lady, you've been light years away
(Give me one more day)
 
Gravity just burst into color
Feel the heartbeat louder than thunder
Lady, you've been light years away
(Give me one more day)
 
Space, are you from outer space?
Some kind of alien
Part of the human race
And if you're alone in the sky when you're flying high
Could you take me to your paradise? We'll go
'Cause, baby, I wanna know
 
Gravity just burst into color
Tidal waves keep pulling us under
Lady, you've been light years away
(Give me one more day)
 
Gravity just burst into color
Feel the heartbeat louder than thunder
Lady, you've been light years away
(Give me one more day)
 
Angel eyes
For one more night
You're leaving me broken
 
And if it hurts
Come back to earth
I'll leave the door open
 
Gravity just burst into color
Tidal waves keep pulling us under
Lady, you've been light years away
(Give me one more day)
 
Gravity just burst into color
Feel the heartbeat louder than thunder
Lady, you've been light years away
(Give me one more day)

“Broken” by The Haunted Youth – A Song Feature

 

     The Haunted Youth harness the musical energies of several decades and different genres in their release of “Broken.” Similar to many Rock singles in the ‘60s and ‘70s, the importance of the vocals relevant to the instrumentation is reversed when compared to today's usual emphasis on vocals. That is, “Broken” is a guitar-driven single that includes vocals, rather than the reverse. The guitars are a combination of artist from the ‘80s, including The Cure and the strongest Metric singles (such as “Gold Guns Girls). The guitars also bring to mind Shoegaze of the ‘90s to the present.
 

     “Broken” is something of a Trojan Horse, since the appeal of the high energy instrumentation misleads the listener as to its contents. The Haunted Youth explain, “The song is about feeling lost or helpless after being betrayed in a friendship or relationship you thought would last forever.”
 
     The members of The Haunted Youth are Joachim Liebens (vocals guitars), Tom Stokx (guitars), Hanne Smets (keys), Nick Caers (drums), and Stef Castro (bass). They are based in Hasselt, Belgium. The band released three versions of “Broken” on its Bandcamp site. The versions vary in length (Extended, Bedroom, and Tape versions). They can be individually or collectively purchased at CLICK HERE.
 
     “Broken” by The Haunted Youth

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehauntedyouthofficial/
Website: https://www.thehauntedyouth.be/
Bandcamp: https://thehauntedyouthofficial.bandcamp.com/

Lyrics of “Broken” by The Haunted Youth
Feels like my brain is lost without you
You felt like somewhere I belong
Feels like the heavens fall without you
But I'm afraid I'll stay forever young
Tonight
 
No, you don't even wanna think about the way it hurts
To see you downtown with another guy
No, you don't even wanna think about the way it hurts
Just to see you with him when the eyes don't lie
 
Feels like my brain is lost without you
You felt like somewhere I belong
Feels like the heavens fall without you
 
But I'm afraid I'll stay forever young
Tonight
 
No, you don't even wanna think about the way it hurts
To see you downtown with another guy
No, you don't even wanna think about the way it hurts
Just to see you with him when the eyes don't lie
The eyes don't lie

“The Water” by Riley Pearce – A Song Feature

      We agree with Riley Pearce when he says, “The song is very much divided in two.” The first portion of “The Water” has the feel of rotating wheels delivering steady forward motion to listeners. The rhythm and vocals are somehow both mechanical and enchanting. Still, a degree of freedom is offered to the “lighter” of the instruments. As the end of the first portion approaches, there is a greater urgency, but the wheels continue to turn.
 
     The second portion of “The Water” is characterized by builds and swells. An instrumental crescendo begins at 1:34. When the vocals enter, the warmth of the song by Riley Pearce jumps a level. The vocals are lush, noticeably more so than during the earlier portion. At this time, the piano is not complicated, but it enhances the song’s texture. The final build on the warmth of “The Water” occurs at 2:52, when the brass becomes a featured contributor.
 
      Riley Pearce is from Perth Australia. His debut full-length album “The Water & The Rough” was released via Nettwerk. For options in listening or purchasing the album, CLICK HERE.
 
          “The Water” by Riley Pearce

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RileyPearceMusic/
Website: https://www.rileypearce.com.au/

Lyrics of “The Water” by Riley Pearce
Both sides are gonna let you down
So put your faith in something real
Something you can feel
 
Everybody’s got a truth to shout
You’re gonna learn
Come on in and wait your turn
 
I can take you to the front door
I can show you the water
I can fill up the cup
But I can’t make you drink
 
I don’t know what I’m supposed to find
But I guess I’ll find out
I don’t know what I’m looking for
But I’ll keep an eye out
You, you’ve got it figured out
Tell me what’s your secret
And I, and I want to know where to stand
So I know how to keep it
 
Of course it shines
It’s made of lights
But it was never going to be what I wanted
It’s too damn bright
It’s fucking up my eyes
But it was never going to be what I wanted
 
Can we turn
Can we turn this plane around
Can we turn
Can we turn this plane around

     While talking about “The Water” and its video. Riley said:
  “We wanted to lean into the song’s concept but bringing in a more cult like collective mindset to represent the struggles so many of us have in finding solace and the often sheep mentality that comes with carving out success in the music scene. The song is very much divided in two. After chatting with director Cedric Tang about the way we’d film the music video, we wanted to highlight the bass - stuttering to match it with zombielike movements from the actors…..The moment we hit that water though it was a real battle to control the teeth chatters, it was a great team to work with on this video and I’m super proud of how it turned out.”

     Cedric Tang, director of “The Water,” shared:
   “Riley came to me with the idea behind the track and I loved it. The track is split into two parts, and we really wanted to visually show this sense of trance-like social conformity in the first half by having everyone dressed in similar clothes and walking the same way to the beat. Once the song changes pace, that's the moment where 'the spell breaks' and Riley has a kind of personal epiphany about his journey in music, and that's when visuals get a bit more eclectic and alive. I decided to shoot the first half almost completely on the tripod, in the middle of the afternoon to give it that static, lifeless feeling; and the second half was pretty much shot handheld through the evening & night to give it a bit more energy and human-like movement. I loved the idea of using twilight, the transition time between day and night, to really push the moment the song transitions. Shooting day itself was everything all at once, we were hot & sweaty, then cold and shivering a few hours later, but it was a great time with everyone out in the bush. Working with Riley is always super collaborative and I love that.”

“Into The Night” by The Darling Suns – A Song Feature

Victoria Marie Photography

     The intro of “Into The Night” positions energizing guitar and appealing percussion atop a wandering underlayer that is likely either Shoegaze guitar or a synth. The attention-demanding guitar abruptly jumps aside just prior to the entrance of the vocals, but the wandering of the underlayer is slightly more persistent as it wanes into the start of the first verse.
 
     With the end of the intro, the song from The Darling Suns transitions into a vocals-driven single. The voice carries a charisma that draws the listener into the lyrics of “Into The Night.” The lyrics, which are included at the bottom this post, reflect on a relationship that has faded – “Desperate for a change // The feeling just dissipates.” The first verse seems to question the wisdom of allowing the relationship to end.
 
     The vocals are the major draw to the single from the Darling Suns, but the instrumentation deserves praise. The band includes a violinist, in addition to the guitarists and drummer that standout during the intro. The Darling Suns are based in Chicago, Illinois. The members are Robert Krause (guitar, lead vocals), John Stenger (guitar, synth, vocals), Lindsey Ward (violin, vocals), Zack Kidder (bass), and Charlie Dresser (drums, percussion).
 
     The Darling Suns say about “Into The Night:”
   “This song is meaningful in so many ways to us. We started writing this over a year ago from an idea Zach played at a rehearsal and when we brought it to Jake [Jake Rye at Social Recording Company], he really leaned into it with us. Grateful for those times and what we’ve created. Thanks to those who have been listening & showing us love lately, more new music to come.”
 
     “Into The Night” by The Darling Suns

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedarlingsuns/
Website: https://thedarlingsuns.com/
Bandcamp: https://thedarlingsuns.bandcamp.com/

Lyrics of “Into The Night” by The Darling Suns
Caught a glimpse of your eyes
Think I made a mistake
Laying awake late at night
Wondering if my phone’s gonna ring
And I believed you and I
I believed you and I
 
I'm guessing it didn't take
Things just go that way
Desperate for a change
The feeling just dissipates
 
I'm offering it to the light
Watching the walls start to break
A picture of us in our lives
Do you think it caught everything?
You and I
I believed you and I
 
I'm guessing it didn't take
Things just go that way
Desperate for a change
The feeling just dissipates
Into the night
Into the night
 
I'm guessing it didn't take
Things just go that way
Desperate for a change
The feeling just dissipates
I'm guessing it didn't take
Things just go that way
Into the night
Into the night