Giant Space Ocean - Spike The Media (Album Review)

As an artist nowadays, standing out can be a difficult task. The right combination of playing talent, personality, and flexibility as craftsmen are all needed to incubate unique artistic experiences. With increased art consumption on various forms of media over the past few decades, audiences and musicians alike are made aware of styles from all around the world. This has led to bands more confidently wearing their influences on their sleeves in genre-fluid, inventive projects. One such band based out of Muskegon, "Spike The Media," crafts a unique listening experience that stands out from the typical West Michigan rock offerings in their latest album, Giant Space Ocean. You can hear just about every decade of rock influence from the last 50 years on this record, from their choice of guitar riffage and tones to the presentation of each track with the full band. It's equal parts a display of unrestricted talent and homage to bands that inspired them to pick up their instruments, with each track packing so much into mainly radio-friendly song lengths. 

“Dorsia'' is such a great way to open a record, with solid dynamic contrast emphasized by the soft acoustic guitars on the verses and the more powerful chorus sections that lead into funkier sections. “Fill The Space,” between the layered arrangement and the full sound from the overall mix, lives up to its namesake. The track centers on a meter in 6 and highlights some tasty synths and a stellar guitar solo. “For What It’s Worth” gives off strong Devin Townsend vibes with the playful nature of the instrumentation and vocals. “Maze” slows things down with a lilting, acoustic-guitar-driven track that features some beautiful strings from collaborator Rimma Agbo and an ambient slide guitar riff that spreads over the mix like butter. “Balloons Are Forever (But It's Now Or Never)” feels like a Van Halen classic with the lead guitar work in the opening before building into a disco jam with infectious lyrics. The hits that the band does 3/4ths of the way through on this number are a standout moment on this track as well.

“Walk Away” starts with a throwback acoustic guitar riff reminiscent of “Hey There Delilah” and transforms into a goofy Americana carnival complete with twangy guitar tones and what sounds like a jaw harp. “Cabbage Patch” builds instrumentally and harmonically in a wonderful arch, letting sections develop as more players are introduced into the arrangement (including some upright bass work from Nuri Tett and melodica in the mix). “But What Am I” plays like early 2000’s angst-fueled rock with a dash of danceable, modern pop sensibilities later in the tune. “Wooze” has a chorus and groove throwing it back to the 90’s while also adding a splash of atmosphere to this pop-punk tune. “Female Counterpart” includes a catchy guitar hook nestled in some ska-adjacent riffs that grow into an energetic ending that elevates the tune. “The Color Green” flexes the band’s arranging muscles in a meter of 7 while still delivering an earworm in the chorus, backing vocal hits that add a nice touch, and a sax solo from guest artist Hugo Lee. “Underground” is warm and earthy with great lead guitar/synth layers, and it concludes the new selection of tunes from Spike The Media. However, before the album stops, two new versions of previously recorded tracks are present with “Punk’d,” a tune that sounds like Alice in Chains with its darker tones and off-kilter harmonies, and “Trigger Warning,” a bluesy, in-your-face jam that caps off the full record in style.

Spike the Media has crafted a truly unique sound for West Michigan. With an eclectic display of rock and metal that draws from so many influences, this polished band is primed for all sorts of memorable live moments around these songs. From the plethora of touring acts that come through venues like The Intersection and Pyramid Scheme, it's not out of the question for them to support regional rock acts or be frequent asks for the variety of rock and metal shows in the future. The band is still so new that they have room to grow and solidify their sound, but they're all proficient at their instruments and can actively deliver on the expectations of their recordings. If you're looking to deviate from your usual rock playlist or explore the wider ranges of the Michigan music community, Spike the Media will leave you banging your head, soaked in swirling synths and guitars, and dancing to a disco flare all in one listen. 

Album Credits:
Produced by Spike The Media
Drums, Percussion, and Upright Bass recorded and engineered by Ryan Jamgotch at Electric Moon Studios
Guitars, Bass, Vocals, and Synths recorded and engineered by Brendan Martin at Modern Wax Productions

Saxophone on “The Color Green” performed, recorded, and engineered by Hugo Lee
Strings on “Maze” and “Underground” performed, recorded, and engineered by Rimma Agbo 
Upright Bass on “Cabbage Patch” performed by Nuri Tett

Mixed by Brendan Martin
Mastered by Philip Shaw Bova
Album Artwork by Larisa Murariu|

Support Spike The Media!
Website: www.spikethemedia.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpikeTheMedia
Instagram: https://instagram.com/spikethemedia
Bandcamp: https://spikethemedia.bandcamp.com/
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/spike-the-media/1258363897
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/150kB6A3MiIWUohi1p7I7K?si=9fEeAKkWT0eTHdUSE0wOWw&utm_source=copy-link
YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCwKo2Bz4zZVI5BmB2VRiU9Q

Click the album art to listen/buy the record!

As Am I. So Are You. - As Am I (Album Review)

In West Michigan, you may have heard of Jorge Sanchez Quizena in the rock and DIY music scene. From his organizing charity concerts to supporting artists in Be Conscious Studios with live performance recording and streaming, he is a die-hard fan of the Michigan music scene and does everything in his power to see folks having a good time and having their needs met. They also facilitate podcast-style interviews with performances, an experience I had firsthand as a performer back in March. As a musician, he performs with As Am I, a band that released their first, self-produced record in the last few months to put their brand of hard rock out into the community in an EP called As Am I. So Are You.

Each track on the record showcases a different aspect of their sound, whether it’s driving rock choruses or quieter, simmering sections. The record feels like a live set from the band, with an ebb and flow that feels like you’re catching them opening a night at a rock club. Right away, the opening track “Compass” drives some energetic rock riffs complete with a guitar solo. “Come Down” keeps things riding high with some feel-good riffage that is reminiscent of Black Label Society mixed with some metalcore styles. “Four Letter Word” focuses on the fickle feelings of love with the catchy chorus hook of “Love is a four letter word.” The album takes a second to breath with “Goodbye,” dipping in and out of heavier sections with quieter moments. “Know Your Place” has a contrasting intro from the other songs on the record that catches your attention, with hits that slowly build to the climax, a moment that no doubt hits hard in a live setting. “Lakes” is a track centered around meaty blues riffs that don’t overstay their welcome, and the closing track “What Would You Say” leaves the listener on a different energy to how the album started, letting you exhale as it winds to a close.

What this album is for As Am I is a definitive starting point, and it points to a great foundation to have as a group. Being self-produced, they can continue to hone their skills as engineers and take their experiences with other artists into future studio projects with the band. Because they help young artists with streaming and online content, they’ll be able to creatively display the band online in music video and concert clips alongside quality, streamed concerts. And you know with Jorge Quizena’s positive, supportive vibes, you’re in for a fun concert experience whenever As Am I hits the stage to throw down on some riffs. All in all, this album speaks to the start of a great addition to the up-and-coming rock musicians in the Grand Rapids scene that can also be helpful and supportive in so many avenues of the music industry!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asamitheband
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asamitheband
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVok0ZtDmmHl2u5I0sDQH7g
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/38nlq6husNgAZPpEFYrw5I?si=R6Vr7ZJQS5usLt6ssezArQ