The Spark Double Shot: Week of November 24th-December 1st, 2013 and December 1st – December 8th, 2013
Sorry about the lack of a Spark feature last week folks! To make up for the lack of a post, we’re giving you two bands this week by posting this week and last week’s picks at the same time. That’s right, two for the price of one!
Now for those of you who are just tuning in…
Welcome to The Spark, a weekly feature on AltWire where we put the spotlight on fun, exciting and electrifying bands that we feel deserve your undivided attention. All available for immediate consumption and in satisfying servings for your cerebral taste buds. Fast food for your ears, what could be better then that?
The North – Sheffield, UK (Unsigned)
The North are a 60’s folk/indie inspired band hailing out of Sheffield, UK that consists of Christian Meadows on vocals, Zak Richards on guitar, Si Shaw on bass and Mark Haworth on drums. Having supported several well-known acts on stage (Kasabian, Stereophonics and Miles Kane to name a few), The North are now looking to break out on their own as a band and have released six songs for download and purchase on their ReverbNation page.
We originally discovered The North’s music through a follow they gave to our Twitter account, and were impressed with their sound from the first listen. Despite being a fairly young band, their debut EP already brings to mind comparisons to Oasis and Kasabian and is a solid slice of 60’s Psychedelic Rock N’ Roll. For those craving a return to that bygone era of rock n’ roll, just follow your musical compass and head towards The North. You won’t be disappointed.
Greek Fire – Saint Louis, MO (Unsigned)
Greek Fire are a Progressive Rock/Post-Hardcore band from Saint Louis that currently have two releases under their belt (an EP and full length) with a third one on the way. Founded by members from Story of The Year (Phil Sneed, Ryan Phillips) and Maybe Today (Johnny Venus, Mark Joseph Roth) in 2008, we’re honestly surprised this band hasn’t experienced more nationwide attention based on their incredible body of work thus far. Featuring a sound that’s difficult to categorize (as it changes from song to song), Greek Fire includes elements of electronica, hardcore, progressive rock and even at times power pop, into one highly energetic package.
By historical definition “Greek Fire” was a highly effective and deadly incendiary weapon used by the Byzantine Empire that was notable for it’s ability to continue burning even when introduced to water resulting in many victories for the Byzantines. Given the raw power of Greek Fire’s instrumentals under band member Phillip “Moon” Sneed’s powerhouse vocals, we couldn’t think of a more fitting name for this band. Have a listen below:
