Album of the Week 2/28 - 3/5: "Sore" by Dilly Dally

     Been missing the weirder aspect of Rock n' Roll in the mainstream? The Toronto-based, mostly-female, brash Alternative Rock group Dilly Dally is here for you. Many critics have been comparing the group to The Pixies, and, if you know The Pixies, it's quite easy to see why. In similar fashion, Dilly Dally features loud, distorted, and seemingly-out-of-control-guitars. And, the lyrics are even more bizarre than the some of the composition. However, this doesn't detract from the music one bit. While following the comparison to The Pixies, the weirdness works. In fact, it's damn refreshing. The single "Desire" has been picked up by Alternative radio stations, and has even scored its own music video. The album artwork is disturbing and creepy, but evokes a definite need to ponder what's going on. Similarly, with an album name like "Sore", most listeners most likely feel the need to mull things over in their head. As we do just that as listeners, this female-fronted group demands our attention. The track "Purple Rage" is a perfect representation of the album as a whole. The intro kicks off with chords blow your hair back. Right away, vocals come in with an aggressive tone, and there is plenty of Punk-esque shrieking. Front woman Katie Monks declares with authority and angst, "I've got that purple raaaaage!" And, something about the sincerity of her tone makes listeners believe her. The album ranges from angsty (with tracks like "Purple Rage") to vulnerable and damaged (with tracks like "Burned By the Cold"). Check this tuneage out and find some refreshment in a newly-directed form of musical angst. Our fav five songs are listed below for suggestion:

Ballin Chain

Desire

Purple Rage

The Touch

Burned By the Cold

We give this album a 3.5/5! Check it out and tell us what you think! Stream below!

Sore Full Album Playlist via YouTube

In Case You Haven't Seen/Heard It - Scott Weiland Tribute by Stone Temple Pilots

     As music lovers know (especially fans of Grunge), the music world had its cage rattled when the former front man of Stone Temple Pilots, Scott Weiland, died suddenly last December. The singer had been known for his past battles with inner demons, which often included drugs and other self-destructive vices. Still, many were shocked by the loss. Many musicians immediately took to social media or to covering STP songs at their concerts in memorial of the fallen rocker. However, Weiland's former band mates took things a step further for their memorial. The surviving members of STP teamed up with Rolling Stone to shoot an intimate listening session, where the trio is sitting at a studio mixing board and singling out portions of Weiland's vocals during the famous STP track "Atlanta". The video is definitely worth a watch, even as haunting as it is. Through the band's catharsis, they share some beauty that was often clouded by struggle for the late Scott Weiland. Though this video came out a little before Christmas, we wanted those who haven't seen/heard to get a chance to check out this gem. Legends die, but preserved examples of talent never do.

Scott Weiland

1967-2015

Watch the official video below (The actual songs starts at 1:33, after each band member says a bit about Scott):

"Memories of Candles and Incense" - A Weiland Tribute by STP

Album of the Week 2/21 - 2/27: Drones by Muse

     Muse are far from new to the music scene; they've been grabbing our attention via our ears for years. However, unlike some of their counterparts in the industry, Muse hasn't grown the least bit stale over their run. If anything, they've honed their skills and become ten times more potent in their bad-assery. After nabbing the Grammy win for Best Rock Album last week, it only seemed fitting that this British three-piece receive a review from Multi-Fret that we have been planning on for some time now. The album artwork is cynical and dark--this is blatantly indicative of what the album holds for listeners. For example, on the song "Psycho", there is a sample of an irate drill sergeant commanding what sounds to be a soldier-in-training to yell that he is a "psycho killer". Distressed, the trainee screams back verbatim, "I AM A PSYCHO KILLER!!!" This is only one instance of many within the album that carry an unapologetic societal commentary on how we have all become "drones", if you will. There are also tracks lasting under a minute of more drill sergeant tirades and a sample of a JFK speech. There is certainly a political twist on the commentary from Muse here.  Despite the dark themes, the music is pure ear candy. Be sure to play this album loud and thank your lucky stars that Muse is still pumping out sick tuneage. Our top 5 fav songs off the album are listed below:

Defector

Reapers 

Psycho 

Dead Inside

Revolt 

We give this album a 4.5/5, and urge you to pick up a physical copy, or just stream it whenever you get the chance!

Drones by Muse (Full Album) via YouTube   

Rock Winners from the 58th Grammys

The Grammys shook up the music universe on February 15. A slew of rockers were nominated, but there could only be one winner per group. Here's a snapshot of the winners from the Rock category at last week's award show:

Best Rock Performance: Alabama Shakes - Don't Wanna Fight

Best Rock Song: Alabama Shakes - Don't Wanna Fight

Best Rock Album: Muse - Drones

       Alabama Shakes

Listen to "Don't Wanna Fight" by The Alabama Shakes

                 Muse

Listen to Drones by Muse (Full Album)

Album of the Week 2/14 - 2/20: Mister Asylum by Highly Suspect

     If you haven't heard of Highly Suspect yet, you will very, very soon. Just like last week, this week's Album of the Week was released in 2015. It was released last July, actually. However, the band is really starting to gain some traction within this year. They're up for Grammy nominations, and will also be performing at the upcoming Grammys, too. This Bluesy-Rock trio from NYC is sure to blow your back with their unique way of crafting songs that can be rebellious and personal. Regardless of the subject matter, it's musically pleasing and in your face. The band's breakthrough single, "Lydia" received non-stop rotation at radio stations after their newest album (pictured above), Mister Asylum, was released. "Lydia" is definitely an attention-grabber; it's dark, dismal, primal, and Blues-inspired. However, this is certainly not the only track worth mentioning. Below are the Multi-Frette Gazette's voted-on favs:

Bath Salts

23

Mom

Lydia

Claudeland

We gave this album a 5/5, and hope you do, as well! Be sure to check out Highly Suspect, whether it's with their Grammy performance or at a place on your Spotify account. Stream the entire album using the YouTube playlist below:

Mister Asylum Full Album Playlist via YouTube

New Music! Deftones Release New Single From Upcoming Album!

***New Tune Alert***

     Despite the recent death of the Deftones' former bassist and a close brush with death in Paris, the Sacramento five-piece has proven that tragedy and danger don't phase them! The band has already released the date of their newest upcoming album, Gore, for April. However, it seems the band has been eager to give fans something to tide our ears over. Recently, the group released their first single from the upcoming LP, titled "Prayers/Triangles". It is clear that the Deftones are sticking to their staple of odd and vague lyrics/song titles. The track certainly makes the album seem like something to look forward to. Check out the single for yourself below with the official audio video from YouTube!

"Prayers/Triangles" - Deftones~Officially Released Audio

Album of the Week 2/7 - 2/14: Tell Me I'm Pretty by Cage the Elephant

     For all of you Indie Rock fans out there that have been chomping at the bit for a new favorite album, look no further! Kentucky-based Indie band Cage the Elephant sent 2015 packing with a bang, as they released this newest LP in mid-December. The staff here at The Multi-Fret Gazette have had the album streaming non-stop lately, and it's an all-around favorite in the office. Hell, it's not hard to see why! The album, whose title in itself is a brilliant work of societal satire, kicks off with the catchy, off-the-wall first chords of "Cry Baby". Following the cynical tone of the album title, this first track even has an embedded line that declares,"We all have something important to say/But talking's a waste of time." The track is followed by the swift-tempo'd chorus and guitar riff of the latest Rock radio staple "Mess Around".  The album is killer throughout all ten tracks, but, as music lovers and critics, we narrowed down some favorites that we recommend you check out.  The Multi-Fret favs are below:

Mess Around
Sweetie Little Jean
Cold, Cold, Cold
Punchin' Bag
Portuguese Knife Fight

Check out this album, which is sure to rack up some awards this year! We give it a 5/5! Stream the entire album below:

Tell Me I'm Pretty (Full Album) via YouTube