Tyler Childers – “House Fire”: Tyler Childers is a name that some Tuned Up readers may recognize, as he is an artist that we have covered a few times. You might even say he is a favorite. But you also may recognize the name because he is changing country music for the better. He is part of this revival of sorts, along with Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson, and other artists that are taking country music back to its roots and he very well may be the one of the best at it. If you don’t believe me, just take a listen to his latest single, “House Fire”. When I think country music one of the first things that come to mind is storytelling. Tyler is a natural at this. And the music, well it speaks for itself. I can listen to this song over and over. It has done its job and is a great lead single. It has me excited for the release of his new album later in the summer.

Have Mercy – “Clair”: Another act that is no stranger to Tuned Up. A few years back their debut album was my album of the year. I likened it to Full Collapse by Thursday. And Have Mercy was also the second interview I ever did with Tuned Up. Still to this day, my favorite one I’ve done. Anyways “Clair” is a return to what I feel made me fall in love with this band. I have always loved the songwriting of Brian Swindle but this song is amazing. It’s one of those songs that you can feel the passion coming through your speakers and you can’t help but smile or even cry, depending on the day. The point is this, this song will make you feel things, whether you like it or not. Much like Tyler Childers above, this single has me really stoked for the release of their new album, also later in the summer.

What If When We Die, We Scatter? – “Cycles”: Just when I think I have this Ohio group figured out they hit me with something new and every time it is better than the last. “Cycles” is for sure different than their last release, but don’t get me twisted, it’s good, real good. I love that this band keeps evolving like a Pokémon. It keeps us on our feet.  Even with the changing, they stay true to their sound, which is a 90s college rock feel with a pinch of Brand New. At the halfway mark they even throw in a blues like riff and all I can think is, I want more of that. I will warn you however that you may get sucked into a vortex if you listen to this track too many times in a row. It’s a very powerful track, one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. 

Broadside – “King of Nothing/Empty”: A few weeks ago Broadside surprised us with two singles and upon first listen I was not a fan. To be honest, this was not a shock to me, as Broadside is a band that I wasn’t a fan of the first time I heard them, it took a good six months for me to become a fan. So I listened again and still nothing. I was prepared to write about that but then I sat down today to do that and what do you know, they have grown on me; especially “King of Nothing”. I am a firm believer in the idea that something has to stand out to you the listener in order for one to appreciate a song, a band, or an album. Listening to “King of Nothing” just hit home for me. Everything that I’m feeling now, is what Ollie is singing about. So I was able to enjoy the song more. In the end, it still has that Broadside swagger that I love about them, they are just going about it in a different way now.

Knocked Loose – “And Still I Wander South”: This five-piece machine from Kentucky just keeps getting better with everything they release. At this point, I would say they are the leaders of this new wave of hardcore bands. No one is doing what they are doing. They have mastered their craft. And that alone is scary, simply because I feel they haven’t reached their full potential. They are going to continue to churn out bangers. Also, they are one of 3 bands that cause me to come out of pit retirement. If hardcore is your poison, then this is a band you should be listening to.