Monday, November 19, 2012

Candy Cigarettes

Portland, OR
By Rachael Alvine

Candy Cigarettes is the evolved project of Lane Mueller, self-proclaimed music veteran from northern Oregon.  The music definitely falls into the indie rock genre with shoegazer overtones and a mellow yellow feel.  The track "Take 4 Granted" has a folksie musicality with hints of British indie rock and tongue-in-cheek vocals that ring of the Moldy Peaches. More of a female vocal would add some depth and warmth to the track.

"Tomorrow" also brings the Brit-Rock essence but with more complex tempo changes and an interesting soundscape.  The guitar is especially nice and completes the song.  "Weary Is" boasts the most ethereal and mellow, however, while the piano adds depth to the track, it seems to have a bravado that somewhat takes away from the original mood of the song. 

Overall, Candy Cigarettes is a pleasant music project and one that I would enjoy hearing live in a laid-back, low lit music venue that would set the mood for a sexy date or calming come-down.  These tracks would be perfect for a feature in the neo-hippie show, Portlandia, for sure.  

LISTEN HERE!

Saturday, March 24, 2012

GUNS UP!

KING NIKO RELEASES NEWEST SINGLE, "GUNS UP."
Salt Lake City.  January 24, 2012. 
By RW

King Niko, who's most recent single "Intentions" has been in rotation across the country, today released their latest single digitally.  "Guns Up" has already been getting radio play in King Niko's hometown of Salt Lake City and today is available for download on iTunes, Rhapsody, Amazon and bandcamp.com.  The song can also be streamed for free on popular sites like Spotify, Grooveshark and Soundcloud.  

King Niko frontman Ransom Wydner describes "Guns Up" as "a song about urgency and the impetus to live right this second--not in some cheesy way, but in a very real and very gritty way.  It's a song about living as much as it's a song about dying."  The song's catchy chorus, shout-along hooks and compelling verses are bolstered by driving bass and drums, pulsating keys and guitar riffs that cut to the bone.  

Guns Up was recorded at MetCom Studios in downtown Salt Lake City by Producer/Engineer Mateo Coletti who also recorded King Niko's last single "Intentions."
ABOUT KING NIKO

King Niko is a rock-n-roll band from Salt Lake City, which came together in 2009 for the purpose of "making chicks dance."   King Niko has played with many nationally-renowned groups including Say Anything, Rooney, 30 Seconds to Mars, Neon Trees, Anberlin and Panic! At The Disco.  Their music is available on iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody and many other music retailers.  More information can be found at http://www.kingniko.com.

Attached Link: Guns Up, by King Niko via bandcamp.com

http://kingniko.bandcamp.com/track/guns-up