WHITE NOISE ZINE ISSUE 17 - GLASS MANSIONS, HOLDN, VANILLA SUGAR, + MORE!

GLASS MANSIONS HOLDN VANILLA SUGAR TOUGH ON FRIDAYS + MORE!

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CONTENTS

WHITE NOISE

EDITORIAL

2

VANILLA SUGAR

4

HOLDN

10

GLASS MANSIONS

14

TOUGH ON FRIDAYS

20

KEVLAR

24

THE ROYAL ORDER

28

REVIEWS

30

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EDITORIAL

17 EDITORIAL Happy New Year everyone! This month White Noise Zine turns three years old, and it’s hard to believe that it’s been that long. So, happy third birthday to us, here’s to many, many more!

Our first issue of 2018 is finally here, and we can’t 02

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believe it’s our 17th issue! We are jam-packed with content this go round. We have features with some amazing bands — Glass Mansions, The Royal Order, Kevlar, and Vanilla Sugar. We also have some great Q&As with Tough on Fridays and HOLDN. Definitely check out all of these bands, they have some serious talent, and even better music.

As always, we have reviews on the latest and greatest albums that are out today— Give them a read and see if you’ll find some new music to listen to.

We hope you enjoy everything we have for you — make sure you share with all of your friends!

DANIELLE GIT TLEMAN & CRISANNE GL ASSER

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VANILLA SUGAR DOING THE DIRTY WORK WORDS BY \\ GIANLUCA D’ELIA

VANILLA SUGAR

S

ound technicians and concert-goers are often surprised to see two young women

hauling equipment into a venue on their own, along with a giant prop ice cream cone — and less than an hour later, the same two women appearing on stage, slaying original hard rock numbers. But this is business as usual for Vanilla Sugar, an alternative duo made up of musicians Jessica Perry and Vanessa Vallejo.

Hailing from Houston, Vanilla Sugar was

originally intended to be a solo project by Perry, but the two-piece band is now growing a strong reputation in the Texas indie scene for their genre-bending sound.

Early in their career, they earned an award in 2013 for “Best Indie Band” at the state’s Buzz Music Awards.

Now, their first two music videos — “Be OK”

and “Lost My Mind” — have been released on YouTube in anticipation of an upcoming debut album, as well as a potential tour this summer.

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“We were wondering how the reception would

be for ‘Be OK’ because our music had changed so much since the last time we released a song,” Perry said. It’s a departure from the heavy rock they originally set out to make, but along with the dancier vibe, Vanilla Sugar’s new music still has the thriving guitars and hard rock edge that day-one fans crave.

The band’s sound on recent songs is a mixture

of heavy synths and distorted guitars, “with a pop sense when it comes to vocal melodies,” said Perry. “It’s a combination of the types of genres Vanessa and I love the most — metal, EDM, Hip Hop, the list goes on.”

Discussing their recording process, Perry said

they start out in a Los Angeles studio with a synth riff or a drum beat, and then layer on the guitar and add vocals — a process that takes anywhere from a day to a whole month.

WHITE NOISE

“No matter what you’re going through, you are not alone, and as long as you keep your head up and your view optimistic, you can get through anything.”

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VANILLA SUGAR

Inspiration for Vanilla Sugar’s music can come from anywhere, she says. But their musical influences

are diverse, as seen in their unique music. They are inspired by music from rock legends such as Jimi Hendrix, Korn and Coheed & Cambria, as well as the distinctive, gritty noise rock of Sleigh Bells and the experimental electronica that Grimes is famous for.

“When I came across Korn’s music, I found a very heavy sound that I couldn’t compare to anything

else,” Perry said. “Their albums never had a song that sounded the same, and I want that for Vanilla Sugar. I hate when I hear an album and each song sounds exactly like the next.”

The genre-defying sound that Vanilla Sugar produces is also inspired by electro-punk icons Mindless

Self Indulgence — it was the first time Perry had heard a band that combined synth-driven music with live guitars and drums.

Meanwhile, Perry hopes that Vanilla Sugar can use their deep, emotional lyrics to empower their

listeners. Perry faced years of challenges as she developed Vanilla Sugar into what it is now, and she wants the band’s fans, both old and knew, to know the struggle is worthwhile.

“Even though there have been many trials and tribulations, I made it through them and ended up

fine,” she said. “The message I would like for the listener to take away is that no matter what you’re going through, you are not alone, and as long as you keep your head up and your view optimistic, you can get through anything.”

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Solore, te dolore simpos ilis prae cusam eossus esequi inull

WHITE NOISE

HOLDN

WNZ: YOU JUST RELEASED A NEW SINGLE, “LOSER.” HOW HAS THE RECEPTION BEEN SO FAR?

INTERVIEW BY \\ The reception has been awesome. It’s really cool to see so many people all DANIELLE GITTLEMAN over the world giving my song a listen or adding it to their playlist or sharing it on social media. Such a cool feeling.

WNZ: WHAT WAS IT LIKE WORKING WITH MARCAUX? Marcaux is DOPE. I don’t really have any other way to put it. He’s one of those rappers that has such taste and class in the way he forms his verses.

The content is relevant and important. Was such an honor to have him on the track.

WNZ: CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE SONG? WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND IT? The song was inspired by a feeling that has been sitting in the pit of my stomach for quite some time now. To put this in simple terms, everyone has heard of the “path” in life. It’s something “they” (whoever “they” are) made up for a everyone to follow to give everyone a sense of validation when they take the next step in life. This song was kind of a pivotal point in me realizing that the “path” that is established to give comfort and assurance along the way isn’t necessarily the only path. School was never for me, but I can confidently say I’m not stupid. Some of the smartest and most successful people I know are college dropouts. And no, this is not me saying go drop out of school tomorrow. This is me saying that sometimes not everyone needs a piece of paper to validate their intelligence, their potential, their creativity, and/or themselves. I am SO proud of all of my friends that have graduated from incredible schools. But I can also tell you they are just as proud of me for realizing that I would’ve been doing myself an injustice if I were to “fit to the mold”. It’s about any type of situation that forces you to be anything but yourself; school, jobs, being accepted by family and friends, etc.

WNZ: ARE YOU WORKING ON ANY MORE NEW MUSIC? WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT IT? I’m always working on new music whether its for me or for other people. I love writing with other artists and other songwriters, but some of my best and most true-to-myself ideas come from me sitting in my bedroom by

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HOLDN

myself just writing it out. 2018 is going to be a great

WNZ: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR

year for music. Lots in store, but nothing I can share

SOUND?

just yet!

I always find it really interesting how other people describe my sound because I always hear

WNZ: WHAT’S YOUR WRITING AND RECORDING

something different, but I think my best description

PROCESS LIKE? CAN YOU WALK US THROUGH

is dark-pop. Pop has the perception of being much

IT?

more upbeat and bubbly when it comes to the

My writing process is always different. Inspiration

mood, so I call my genre “dark-pop.”

strikes at different times in different places.

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Sometimes the music comes first. Sometimes

WNZ: YOU RECENTLY PLAYED A SHOW RIGHT

the words come first. I’ve worked with the same

BEFORE THE END OF THE NEW YEAR. HOW WAS

producer on my last two releases (“BURN” and

THAT EXPERIENCE?

“LOSER”). He and I work really, really well together

Yes! I played with my friend Mike Schiavo. I always

because when I describe a sound that I may not be

enjoy playing on the same bill as Mike. Taking the

able to produce myself or think of what it would be

stage is something I will never take for granted. The

called, we’re always on the same wavelength. That’s

show was an awesome experience especially since

a special thing and super hard to find. I’m lucky to

Mike and I figured out we’ve been playing together

have found Lupo. He’s crazy talented.

for about 8 years now!

WNZ: WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR MUSICAL

WNZ: DO YOU HAVE PLANS TO PLAY ANY MORE

INFLUENCES? DO YOU FEEL THEY MAKE AN

SHOWS IN THE UPCOMING MONTHS? WHERE

IMPACT ON YOUR OWN MUSIC?

CAN FANS EXPECT YOU?

You’ll probably never hear my main influence come

Still in the works, but I’m bad at keeping secrets

through in my music, or maybe you will one day.

about my music, so i’m sure as soon as I know,

Who am I to speak for the future right? haha. But

everyone will know. But expect a lot, because in the

seriously Sara Bareilles has and always will be my

first 10 days of 2018 alone, I’ve been filling up days

number one musical inspiration. Her ability to paint

on my iCalendar like crazy. I’ve got some work to

such a visual experience with her sounds and her

do!

tones and her words has always stuck with me and inspired me. Sara, if you ever read this, which I’m

WNZ: IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO

sure you obviously will, write with me… or be my

TELL YOUR FANS?

best friend. I’m here for it.

1) Thank you for sticking with me 2) Music is super special and I’m really thankful that I have the opportunity to share my music with you 3) Go check out Marcaux’s new album. It’s DOPE.

WHITE NOISE

“Music is super special and I’m really thankful that I have the opportunity to share my music with you.”

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MAKING WAVES G LASS MANSIONS ON THEIR OWN WORDS BY \\ DANIELLE GITTLEMAN

WHITE NOISE

W

hen Jayna Doyle first met Blake

know over the years to execute what we wanted as

Arambula at a show in South

easily, if not better, as a two piece with less hands

Carolina, she never thought she’d instantly click

in the pot affecting our intended sound,” explained

with him and start a band. After many trials

Doyle. “Since November 2017, we’ve been focused

and tribulations — multiple band members, and

on sharpening our live show as a duo, and creating

different band names — Doyle and Arambula

music for 2018 that is 100% our authentic selves.”

realized they didn’t need all of that. The two were

just fine working with one another, and Glass

Wombats, Metric, Arctic Monkeys, and Tove Lo,

Mansions was born.

to name a few, and a sound like, “if the Yeah Yeah

Yeahs got into a bar fight with Phantogram after

“We tried several different bandmates,

With musical influences like “The

toured in the traditional four piece setup like we

making out with The Neighborhood,” according to

thought we were supposed to — but it never

Doyle, Glass Mansions have a lot going for them

felt right and we could never find like-minded

already.

musicians that were willing to live, eat, and breathe

“It’s okay to not be okay, it’s okay to be vulnerable and sensitive — standing up for your heart equals strength — and that’s a message we’ve always stood behind” what we were doing in the same way,” explained

Doyle, the singer out of the duo. “We started

“Just Friends,” a track about passion and pouring

playing shows without a traditional drummer, and

your heart out. The raw and vulnerable lyrics

transitioned in electronic drums and added a drum

are really connecting with fans on a deep and

pad to our live show — it was in that moment that

emotional level. “One lyric in particular, ‘I’m not

we realized we had been trying to fit into what we

weak when my heart shows…’ has proven to be a

thought was the mold instead of following our

statement line that has taken on a bigger role than

instincts.”

we had originally intended,” said Doyle. “Listeners

are connecting the line to the truth in the fact that

Since they originally bonded over

The duo recently released a new single,

songwriting, they already knew that they had that

it’s okay to not be okay, it’s okay to be vulnerable

down, and that there was no reason for all of those

and sensitive — standing up for your heart equals

other band members. They would continue on as a

strength — and that’s a message we’ve always

duo, simply because they knew what they wanted,

stood behind, so we decided to make a lyric

and there was no need to involve anyone else.

tee and are raising proceeds for the American

“We realized we’d learned everything we needed to

Foundation for Suicide Prevention on tour.”

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GLASS MANSIONS

“A lot of my songwriting comes from my fascination with the idea of dancing with our own misery,.”

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Solore, te dolore simpos ilis prae cusam eossus esequi inull

WHITE NOISE

With such a powerful song, the band also

released a music video for the track at the end of January. The video revolves around the same lyric that so many fans are connecting to — “Everything follows / I’m not weak when my heart shows / Everything follows me / I can’t, we can’t, I can’t be just friends - not with you babe.” Doyle explained that the lyric means, “we can’t just be friends because I can’t be more, so we can’t be anything.”

“The idea is that sometimes we go through

life unknowingly carrying baggage, some can say that baggage is hesitation, fear, regret in the form of demons from our past. We brought those demons to life, controlling our movements and keeping us transfixed within our own misery in the visual,” said Doyle. “A lot of my songwriting comes from my fascination with the idea of dancing with our own misery, and it’s definitely a theme in our newer material that I’m pulling into our visuals as well.”

Doyle explained that they have so many

powerful inspirations behind their music, and they tend to focus around topics like the eloquence of misery, resilience, confronting personal demons, letting go, and the search for self love. When people listen to Glass Mansions’ music, Doyle wants them to take away something from their music, and feel how powerful music can be. She explained that when listeners hear their music, she wants them to

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GLASS MANSIONS walk away feeling some sort of empowerment. “Never settle for anything. Quit the job you hate. Let go of the toxic people and things in your life that don’t enable your potential to shine. Tell the person you love that you love them. Speak from the heart and SPEAK UP. Don’t let anyone ever tell you you’re not good enough or that you’re too much. Be your authentic self, unapologetically. Be present. Be wild. Don’t hesitate, live,” she said.

Glass Mansions work incredibly hard to put out music that comes from the heart, and they do so all

on their own. Doyle noted that the band calls themselves a “DIY sort of band,” and that’s because they literally do everything on their own. There’s a lot that goes into being a DIY band, and most people really don’t realize how hard it is. “After booking our own tours, seeking PR, managing seven plus social media platforms, filming and editing our own content/graphics, being our own roadies, crew and merch slingers — getting to go into the studio to write/record/create and then take that on the road to a new city each night truly makes all ten plus hours/day worth it,” explained Doyle. “We live, sleep, eat and breathe every move our band makes but it makes every small victory worth it. Being DIY means a lot of learning, failing, trying, risk-taking, gut-trusting but ultimately every musician is better for it because you set the bar high for the team you bring in next when you being to expand.”

Putting that much work into the band with no help is a bit exhausting for the duo. Doyle said that

“There are lots of female-fronted bands out there, and bands with female members — the real problem is that there are too many mediocre male-fronted bands out there” 18

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they’d like to expand the team eventually and work with a booking agency. “We can have more time to focus on writing and recording, grow our UK fanbase, play more festivals, open for more national artists, more sync placements in television, film, netflix, and hulu, start or partner with a nonprofit that focuses on mental health issues, get sponsored by a coffee company, and every band’s favorite — tame the beast that is Spotify,” said Doyle. That in itself is a lot to juggle as a band. However, Glass Mansions are stronger than ever, nothing is stopping them, not even being a female-fronted band. To Doyle, this isn’t a setback in any way in their eyes.

The band is confident and believe that the music should speak for itself, regardless of who’s singing.

“I stay so focused working on my goals that I try not to get too bogged down in this conversation.

Being the only female in a band used to be something that sets us apart, before the music, and honestly that just makes my gender a novelty and I’m more than that. I’m an artist. Art isn’t defined by gender,” explained Doyle. “There are lots of female-fronted bands out there, and bands with female members — the real problem is that there are too many mediocre male-fronted bands out there. I could talk about this topic a million different ways for days on end — but for me, personally, I’ve been fortunate to have a strong community of powerful, badass women from the music industry to lean on and that helps me be a pillar for other young girls and women in music.”

2018 is going to be a big year for Glass Mansions. Fans can expect them to hit the road a lot this

year, since they didn’t tour much in 2017. Doyle says that they’re excited to play new places, like the West Coast, and head out to the UK. New music is also on the horizon for the band as well. “It’s been a long time coming,” said Doyle. “We will be releasing a new EP in Spring 2018.” Hang on tight — 2018 will be the year of Glass Mansions.

WHITE NOISE

TOUGH ON FRIDAYS

WNZ: FIRST OFF, CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT THE BAND? HOW DID TOUGH ON FRIDAYS COME TO BE?

INTERVIEW BY \\ The band started when we (Katie and Caleigh) started playing music DANIELLE GITTLEMAN together in sixth grade. We started out playing open mics around town. We realized we didn’t want to be labelled as an “acoustic duo” because we really wanted to be a rock band. We connected with Eric, our manager/mentor/ producer with Dead Rose Management at the end of 2016, and he’s helped us really focus on becoming a band and define our direction. We started looking for drummers and have had a few growing pains as we looked for the right person. We were so happy when we recently added our wonderful drummer Gina G to the mix. She’s really expand our vision of what we can accomplish!

WNZ: YOUR SONG “LUSH” HAS BEEN OUT FOR A WHILE NOW. HOW HAS THE RECEPTION BEEN SINCE ITS RELEASE? The song is resonating well with everyone who hears it. Tim Palmer (Cure, U2, Tears For Fears, Pearl Jam) did an amazing job co-producing the record with us and we’re so grateful! “Lush” is a great example of the type of music we like to listen to and what we want our future songs to sound like.

WNZ: YOU GUYS ARE ABOUT TO RELEASE A NEW SINGLE, “YACHATS.” CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE TRACKS? “Yachats” was inspired by a trip I took to Oregon a year ago, I fell in love with the sea and the rocks and the entire city itself. Caleigh and I both worked together in making the song what it is today! We brought Beau Burchell (Moose Blood, 888, Saosin) on board to help co-produce the song. It came out January 19, and we’re pretty excited and proud of the work we did.

WNZ: ARE YOU GUYS WORKING ON ANY MORE NEW MUSIC? WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT IT? Yes! We try to release a single every month – so keep an eye out! Everything we write is from our life experience and connects well with our fanbase.

WNZ: HOW WOULD YOU GUYS DESCRIBE YOUR SOUND TO SOMEONE WHO HASN’T HEARD YOUR MUSIC BEFORE? Progressive pop punk. We really like the alt rock and pop-punk genres, but we also realize we’re doing things a bit differently than the other bands we feel we are compared to.

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TOUGH ON FRIDAYS

WNZ: WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR MUSICAL

We play as many shows as we can every month

INFLUENCES? DO YOU FEEL LIKE THEY

because it’s our favorite part of being a band! We’d

TRANSLATE ONTO YOUR OWN MUSIC?

love to play at places we grew up going to – like

We take a lot of inspiration from bands like Green

the Austin, TX, venues Emo’s, Stubbs, Mohawk,

Day, Blink 182, Nirvana and of course female vocal

Moody Theater. And, of course, events like ACL,

powerhouses like Hayley Williams from Paramore.

Lollapalooza, and (Austin’s) 360 Amphitheater.

More recently we’ve taken a lot of inspiration from bands like Moose Blood and The 1975. We cover

WNZ: WHAT’S IT LIKE BEING A GIRL BAND IN A

some of their material live as it fits so well with

PRIMARILY MALE-DOMINATED INDUSTRY?

what we’re all about.

It’s definitely difficult because many people have preconceived notions about all girl bands and they

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WNZ: WHAT’S YOUR WRITING AND RECORDING

can be seen as a “schtick.” When I was starting with

PROCESS LIKE? CAN YOU WALK US THROUGH

endorsements there would be comments claiming

IT?

I’ve only gotten this far because I’m a girl. We also

Either Caleigh or I start with an idea and then bring

grew up lacking in inspiration from all girl bands

in the other one to work through ideas together,

because there are so few. So, we definitely want to

usually through Facetime since I’m off in school.

change that for our fans.

We then record a reference track by the primary songwriter, and then build the song recording

WNZ: WHAT ARE SOME GOALS THAT YOU HAVE

drums to the reference, adding in the bass, rhythm

FOR YOURSELVES AS A BAND? WHAT IS IT

and lead guitars, and record vocals at the very last!

THAT YOU’D LIKE TO ACCOMPLISH?

Because we’re a three-piece, we try to avoid over-

We have a very large and loyal fanbase in the UK

producing our music … it’s really about the fans.

so we would love to be able to tour over there

We try not to record stuff on record that we can’t

sometime. We really want to break the mold in pop

accurately produce live. It’s such a buzzkill when

punk and inspire other young female musicians.

your ears are expecting one thing and they get another.

WNZ: IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO

WNZ: DO YOU GUYS HAVE ANY PLANS TO PLAY

We love y’all and we are so grateful for your

SOME SHOWS IN THE FUTURE? WHERE DO

support! You guys are the foundation of our music

YOU GUYS WANT TO PLAY THAT YOU HAVEN’T

and we always consider y’all in our work!

BEFORE?

TELL YOUR FANS?

KEVLAR BREAKING INTO THE SCENE

WORDS BY \\ EMILY KLINGMAN

WHITE NOISE

“The only thing about a frontperson which should matter is if he or she is entertaining, sings well, and kicks ass.”

A

lthough people

band to create the current line-

might think the

up.

rock and roll life is a constant

party, there’s also long stretches

band has been recording their

of nothing. Like the waiting

newest project, an EP they’re

to record in the studio. Kelci

planning to release this Spring.

Margaret, lead singer of Kevlar,

All four members have been

described the studio sessions

eagerly waiting for the release

as a blend of sitting around and

date when they can finally share

fun, creative times.

their new music with fans.

“People think it’s

During the last year, the

“I can tell you that there

glamorous, and some parts

are screams and emotions —

are, but there’s a lot of sitting

everyone’s definitely going to dig

while you wait for each other

it,” Margaret said. “I actually just

to record parts,” she said. “Lot’s

‘leaked’ the track listing today on

of inside jokes and messing

all of our social media, so if that

with each other. Lot’s of tea in

says anything, it’ll definitely be in

the mornings and bathroom

everyone’s hands soon.”

breaks. And then having our

minds blown when it all comes

the EP was written mostly in

together.”

the studio making it a contrast

to their previous recording

Starting at 14 years

According to Flaugh

old, brothers Nick and Anthony

sessions, which are usually pre-

Sanzo (drummer and bassist

planned, but “this is the process

respectively) formed Kevlar with

that we all liked and jelled at the

other musical friends they had

most.”

met at a local Pennsylvania rock

school. Right away Kevlar began

lot of individual writing on our

writing and performing regional

own, then we all come together

shows in Pennsylvania, Ohio,

and try to put together the

New York and then even some

pieces best we can,” said Nick.

shows on the East Coast. Within

“Sometimes that results in just a

the last four years,guitarist Jake

verse or chorus, sometimes we

Flaugh and Margaret joined the

get full songs out of them. Then

“As of late, we do a

when we go into the studio we

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KEVLAR see what sounds best.”

Overall Nick describes how difficult it is to describe the music Kevlar makes, with such a strong

attachment to their music and its constant evolution. When speaking about which artists have influenced the band the most, Anthony said answering those questions “always stump” him. All four members were open about their wide variety of music tastes. Flaugh cited going from “from Periphery, to bands like State Champs then Frank Sinatra to country” as an example of his range.

“[Paramore] really translate with me, but I’m not sure if you can hear that in our music,” said Margaret.

“I have such a vast musical taste that I can really take anything and get inspired from it.”

“I always seem to go back to a few key influences,” said Nick. “Neil Peart of Rush is probably one of

my biggest influences and definitely my favorite drummer of all time. Josh Eppard of Coheed and Cambria is probably my biggest modern influence.”

Kevlar’s wide range in music taste and influences, led them to work on a cover of Katy Perry’s 2014

song, “Dark Horse.” A staple in their live shows for a while, the band recently gave the cover an official release as a treat for fans of the live shows, which was greeted to “amazing” reception.

Anthony also said at the moment Kevlar doesn’t have any plans to release another cover, as they’re

dedicating their focus to their original music. Nick agreed with his brother, saying the bands’ attention has been dedicated to releasing the EP as he is “always in a perpetual state of writing and experimenting.”

Lyrically, Margaret finds her inspiration from such a variety of different topics, ranging from her

relationships to her own mental health. One song off the new EP is about her best friend’s sister, who died by suicide. She explains the creation and inclusion of that song in particular was how she writes about what impacts her.

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Putting themselves out into the world as a female fronted band isn’t easy, but Kevlar for sure isn’t

letting that stop them. Margaret stated she doesn’t define bands as either or anymore.

“The sexism in the industry is absolutely insane, more than I had ever guessed growing up,” she said.

“As I grow older, I’ve realized that, if you’re making good music, it shouldn’t matter who you are. Unfortunately, these days, you have to label yourself as ‘female-fronted’ and so on to market. It’s the only way to survive. So it’s a constant struggle.”

The other members agreed with Margaret’s perspective of removing the label from their vocabulary.

Anthony found the label silly, asking “if you were into art would you label a painting ‘female painted’ or ‘male painted?’ I wouldn’t.”

To Nick, the only thing about a band’s frontperson which should matter is if he or she is “entertaining,

sings well, and kicks ass. At the end of the day, that’s what people should be looking for,” he said.

Overall for Kevlar, the new year is shaping up to be something special. Aside from their upcoming EP,

the band is also playing larger festivals. Though they’ve played big festivals and opened for bigger bands in the past, Anthony admits it was “nothing like this.”

“It is really surreal to be sharing the stage with all these phenomenal acts,” said Flaugh. I’m stoked for

the show and the fun times.”

Aside from the festival shows planned, Kevlar hopes to keep busy with releasing the EP and setting up

shows for the upcoming spring and summer.

As for their future 2018 plans, Kelci admits the band has modest goals, saying she would just “love to

make a living from Kevlar. To be able to do what we love, tour, meet new people, and get our music out there,” she said. “That’s really why I do this. To make a living would be the only accomplishment I could ask for.”

THE ROYAL ORDER LEARNING FROM THEIR PAST WORDS BY \\ CASEY WOLFE

WHITE NOISE

S

ymphonic power metal band, The Royal

Much like their music, The Royal Order draws

Order, has been on the scene for a few

influence from a diverse range of musicians. They

years now, but like all art and technology, has evolved.

list artists such as Gwen Stefani, P!nk, Floor Jansen

Formerly known as Farcy, The Royal Order went from

of Nightwish, Cristina Scabbia of Lacuna Coil, Maria

a hard rock band to what they are now.

Brink of In This Moment, and even Eminem and

Christina Aguilera. Joaquin even cites artists such

Their latest song, “Winter’s End,” has had

a good reception, inside and out of the metal

as The Beach Boys as inspiration for creating quality

community according to the band. “I feel we’ve

music rather than rushing a song before it’s ready.

gotten pretty great feedback from what I’ve heard,”

said drummer, Joaquin. “I’ve had plenty of people

hopes to tour in the future. “I would like to travel

outside of the metal community say it’s a great song.”

all over and play wherever possible. Specifically in

Vocalist, Gracie, added, “I’d say we have gotten a

Oregon, Washington, and maybe even Texas! We

pretty good response from the metal community, as

also have connections from the GMA (Georgia Metal

well as others outside the metal scene.”

Alliance) that want us to play in Arizona,” said Gracie.

The change of genre has been a learning

While there are no official plans yet, the band

“I personally would love to travel around

experience, according to Gracie. “We are focusing on

the country maybe even the world someday playing

getting our newest members up to speed with our

shows,” added Joaquin.

music and gaining more in depth knowledge as a

whole band as to how to go about writing symphonic

EP or album within the next two years. They also

metal, as it is a very complex process.” Joaquin

aspire to tour outside of their local area.

added, “Once everything is set in stone with our

members we will definitely be writing and hopefully

you for all the support, the love, and the dedication

recording more music as soon as we can pick up our

you all have to us. I would like to thank everyone who

instruments and pick up where we left off.”

read this and stuck with us no matter what. You guys

are the best and we truly appreciate every single one

Uniquely labeled, Gracie describes the band

The band’s major goals are to put out a new

Joaquin offers this message to fans, “I thank

as a “weird hybrid of Slayers heavy riffs, Arch Enemy

of you.” Gracie added, “I would just like to thank our

and Lacuna Coil’s vocals — that’s how many fans

fans for their continuous support throughout the

have compared me, not my own beliefs but I am

past 5 years of member changes, genre changes,

honored — and killer drumming skills.” Joaquin has an

and everything else life has thrown at us. There is no

equally complex description. “…thrash sounding riffs,

way to fully show how much gratitude I have for all

total symphonic metal sounding vocals with a mix of

of you other than to offer my open ear and support to

Arch Enemy, killer bass playing, and Dragonforce and

whomever needs it.”

Dethklok sounding drums.”

Order.

Keep an ear out for more from The Royal

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REVIEWS

4/5

Returning from a seven-year break, Story of The Year creates an epic

adventure for listeners in a lengthy 14-track album, Wolves. From start to finish, the band does not let up or slow down. They blend synth sounds and instrumentals with emo-rooted lyrics to create a journey hard to turn away from.

After the intro title track, “Wolves”, the album kicks things off with

“How Can We Go On.” It’s a solid and anthemic opening track to start listeners

STORY OF THE YEAR // WOL VES WORDS BY \\ EMILY KLINGMAN TOP TRACKS // “HOW CAN WE GO ON?” “CAN ANYBODY HEAR ME?” “MY HOME”

off with, really setting the album’s stage. The track puts the listener right in the midst of the action, a little frantic and asking questions like “How do we go on?/ we’re already broken” and “Who will save us?” The track’s instrumental bridge shows how the rest of the album will be structured, keeping energies flowing until the end. “Bang Bang” is the next track, and has one of the many seamless transitions, feeding right in from “How Can We Go On.” It starts off a bit more on the hard rock side, but the synth and instrumental melodies pop up soon after and the track slides right into the chorus.

Throughout the album are lyrics infused with the band’s emo past,

in songs like “I Swear I’m Okay,” “Miracle,” “Can Anybody Hear Me.” The tracks have the high energy and anthemic sounds as the rest of the album with 30

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deeply emotional lyrics. In “Miracle” the desperation in “I need a miracle/ tell me I’m not alone” really exemplifies the idea of needing that one person to help keep pushing on. The track after, “Can Anybody Hear Me” is similar, with lyrics like “I don’t think these lungs can scream loud enough for me to say/ ‘Can anybody hear me?’”

Overall I really enjoyed Wolves, more than I was expecting. Their

blend of emo lyrics and themes and their high energy of post-hardcore with modern synths and sounds created a fresh album to end 2017. It’s an epic adventure for listeners and a solid return for Story of The Year.

WHITE NOISE

3/5

“Album” is more of a loose term in the rap industry these days.

More artists are releasing full length mixtapes that are packed with so many names on one track, rather than a coherent album. However, taking one look at G-Eazy’s star studded feature roster, my hopes were high. With power house names like Halsey, Kehlani, Cardi B, Charlie Puth, and A$AP Rocky mixed with the albums alluring title, The Beautiful & Damned, the album offers an exciting package.

G EAZY // THE BEAUTIFUL AND THE DAMNED WORDS BY \\ LAYNE EDWARDS TOP TRACKS // “PRAY FOR ME” “HIM & I” “LOVE IS GONE”

The album starts off strong with the first three tracks carrying the

sense of continuity, while avoiding repetitive drawbacks. The title track drags us down into G-Eazy’s hazy dark world, and plays into the promised theme of the angels and devils living together in human bodies. “Pray For Me” advances us deeper into the barbed shine edges of Hollywood the “land of dreams.” Serving more as the glue between the opening track and Halsey’s debut, the second track still holds its own and makes its place pertinent to the collective.

Breaking through as the first major feature on the album, Halsey’s

raspy vocals pull you in to a new perspective of a rapper’s love life. While the song itself plays on the old trope of a rogue wild rapper and his loyal badass girlfriend, also known as the Bonnie and Clyde effect, it is by far one of the best songs on the album. That being said, it’s also the turning point where a twisted dark reality is lit up by neon signs and pumped with cocaine dreams. Effectively shattering the idea that the album would not only retain its continuity, but also its engagement.

The tracks “But A Dream,” “Sober,” “Legend,” and “No Limit” all hold

qualities that will surely earn them a spot on every college DJ’s playlist, making them the ultimate party songs. Unfortunately the album continues to unravel and become stagnant for the next twenty minutes. Tracks like “Leviathan,” “Summer In December,” and “No Less” attempt to steer the ship back on course with its original upside down theme from the beginning of the album coming back into view.

The only true saving grace is the second to last track, “Love Is Gone.”

Its powerful lyrics and soulful melodies fall into the crack 2017 carved into all of our hearts, and fills it with a cry to the world for change. It’s raw and honest verses state America’s sins point blank, and calls listeners to action. Pointing towards the devils hiding in us all and begging for the angels to rise, this track makes the entire run on production of this album worth it.

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REVIEWS

3/5

American post-hardcore band Glassjaw recently released their late

album, Material Control, their first album in 15 years. The album sounds a

little rough around the edges, even slightly unpolished, but those qualities a what make it art.

What the album lacks in traditional melodies and rhythms it make

up for in impulse and urgency. Tracks like “New White Extremity” and “Golgotha,” for example, sound like the band threw some noise against a

wall and whatever stuck resulted in these tracks. It’s not sloppy, but carefu

GLASSJAW // MATERIAL CONTROL

organized chaos. Listening to them is like losing your senses simply becau

WORDS BY \\ CASEY WOLFE

relinquish the pent up energy we felt in the first few songs.

TOP TRACKS // “STRANGE HOURS” “MY CONSCIENCE WEIGHS A TON” “CITIZEN”

each one is being evoked so strongly.

like “Strange Hours.” A slowly paced rhythm and eerie instrumentals make

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The band slowly transitions back into the energy they first present

in the album with “Pompeii.” While it’s certainly louder and more heavily

charged than “Strange Hours,” it still has a mellowness to it that listeners w

appreciate. By the end of the song, however, it builds back up to the energe state of some of the previous tracks.

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However, Glassjaw gives listeners a break from the intensity in tra

In “My Conscience Weighs a Ton,” listeners can almost hear the

weight being carried on the artist’s chest. It begins slightly softer than mos

songs before it, however gains a slow intensity less than a minute in. It’s st loud and present, but a little less in-your-face.

Glassjaw grabs listeners’ attention once again in their next track,

“Material Control,” which is no more than a moderate drum beat and some guitar interspersed throughout. It gives us a chance to settle down, take a

breath, and digest what we’ve listened to so far before immersing us in the final track.

“Cut and Run” falls somewhere between the immediacy of early

tracks and the calmness of later ones. With vocals slower than the music behind it, it’s a great combination of what Glassjaw has shown us on this album so far. This track is a great conclusion to a solid album.

Each track on this album has a similar vibe, but also something ne

and unexpected. Glassjaw takes listeners through 12 tracks of heavy rock

music, adding a personal touch to each one. If real music is what you’re af

give Material Control a try. Regardless of whether their music fits your tast you’ll have to admit that it’s an awesome comeback from 15 years off the scene

est

are

WHITE NOISE

5/5

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welcome back lead singer Danny Worsnop, who left the band in 2015 and last appeared on their 2013 release From Death to Destiny. Now, following full five-piece group is at its most grown and mature. 2016’s The Black was packed with heavy, pulsating metalcore tracks, but Asking Alexandria delivers hard rock with some pop and alternative influence, and it even includes a hip-

ully

acks

Asking Alexandria are back with a new, self-titled album, and they

years of conflict between band members, amends have been made and the

es

use

ASKING ALEXANDRIA // ASKING ALEXANDRIA

hop collaboration — this could easily be that album that gets a non-metal fan hooked on Asking Alexandria.

The sound on the self-titled album is unexplored territory for the

band, but it’s fitting, and the overall theme of reconciliation is refreshing, given the past couple of years’ conflicts. Lyrics from the first song “Alone In A

WORDS BY \\ GIANLUCA D’ELIA Room” sum it up well: “I keep pushing the limits of what makes me me.”

TOP TRACKS // “ALONE IN A ROOM” “EVE” “UNDER DENVER”

The fact that Worsnop made a country album during his time

off from the band becomes evident through many of the new tracks. The evolution of Worsnop’s vocals is best reflected in the sole acoustic track, “Vultures.” But the hard, metalcore sound isn’t completely gone. Tracks like “Rise Up” bring that flavor back, with the line “Rise up, take back control,” pack a heavy punch. This is contrasted by the following track, “When The Lights Come On,” and others like “Into the Fire,” which channel more of an arena anthem vibe. Through the whole variety of new influences, aggressive guitars and percussion still remain a strong force.

The one track that stands out from the others the most in terms of

sound is “Empire,” which features Seattle rapper Bingx — this seems like an unexpected move for Asking Alexandria, but on an adventurous album full of new changes, it’s much welcomed.

The closing track, “Room 138,” is inspired by a near-death experience

Worsnop had in a hotel during a time he was struggling with drug addiction.

One of the last lines is, “Through the haze I saw a face, a second chance, another life to live.” It speaks to his own resilience as well as the band’s, and reflects that the band’s struggles have ultimately made them and their music even stronger.

fter,

te,

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