Music, the good stuff.

[JackC 0]

There is a hell of a lot of bands out there. The vast majority will never get signed and end up on MTV. But that doesn't mean they're rubbish. In fact some are really rather good. Some are better than good.

So of all the unsigned, unknown or underground bands, which ones do you like? They might be something you found on the interweb, a recomendation by a friend or even a local band that deserve a wider audience. Either way, tell us about it.

To get the ball rolling (in no particular order):

Ready for the Rodeo

Some interestingly dark riffs going on here. Reminds me a bit of Early Black Sabbath but a good deal faster.

Joski

London based, pretty good stuff. I see a future for these guys.

Spitting off Tall Buildings

A good German punk band. Fronted by singer Bonnie Riot, AKA actress and MTV presenter Jana Palaske, star of the movie Extreme Ops which incidentally contains some good Freeflying and BASE footage. Mp3's available on the website.

Shade (site appears to be down)

A female fronted Rock band from Helsinki, Finland. Reminds me of Evanescence's heavy rock riffs, without the operatic overtones and a healthy dose of attitude. I like these guys alot. Mp3's available Mnqnn

Pronounced mannequin. More female fronted rock (sense a pattern here?). On their website it says "true music is like trash removal, it should leave you empty if done right". Sounds like a plan.

The Incurables

I've always had a soft spot for these guys. I've followed them through the many incarnations they've had. Their brand of pop-rock is definately worth a go.

Hammerbox

OK, not exactly unsigned but for my money, Carrie Akre has singularly the finest female rock voice in the world bar none. Hammerbox was Carrie's first band and one of her best. The album Numb never leaves my play list, ever. Hammerbox split over 10 years ago, but recently reformed to do some live shows in Seatle and did an accoustic set on KEXP radio which is damn good. Carrie went on to form Goodness (mp3's available at Bob's garage, check out Blackfoot and Candlebox while you're here) and then The Rockfords with Mike McReady of Pearl Jam. Now she does solo work. Love that voice.


Alex Flouros

A guitarist from Athens, Greece. Some nice covers of Satriani, Vai and others. Check out the video of him doing Malmsteen's Far Beyond the Sun. Damn.