Locals, it’s about that time to talk local music. Of course, I have to start off by thanking all of you for recommending so many good bands to me lately; you are all on fire! So many acts are doing big things so far in 2014, like Owel opening for Minus The Bear and The Front Bottoms touring with Saves The Day. I love hearing success stories for groups that are hard working and totally deserving.
If you have been following the Local Radar for the past few weeks, you will have noticed that I have been spotlighting bands that are as fresh as produce and brand new to the game. While I want to continue to do so, I am taking a step back for a moment to bring a group into the spotlight that has been around for a few years (2009 to be exact). However, they are new to me and may be new to you, so let us talk more about them.
Butchers Of Sky Valley consists of Mike, John, Jeff, Tim and Davis. They categorize themselves as “rock, indie, blues” all in one package, which immediately grabbed my attention. Their self-titled debut album is available for purchase now, which I recently dove into for review. Needless to say I have a lot to talk about, for this is a masterpiece on so many different levels.
I started off listening to “Hold On, Heartbreak,” and was immediately swept off my feet. There isn’t really any glitz or glam here; it’s natural and raw with a blues melody. I feel like I’m sitting in the studio with them when I’m listening to this track, and if you take a spin, you will agree with me 100 percent. The guitar is very prominent on this track, really showcasing the band’s musical abilities. The vocals are completely natural with no fakeness whatsoever. I am not saying the vocals are groundbreaking or earth-shattering by any means, but that’s a good thing. This track just proves that sometimes bands don’t need a million tools to make a great hit.
Next, I poured my heart and soul into “Black Magic,” which may be my favorite track on the record. Why? I don’t know if I could really tell you exactly; there is just something about it that stuck out. Maybe it’s the catchy riffs in the beginning or the chanting that any fan could sing-along to. This track brought me into an illusion that I was in a karaoke bar, beer in hand, hair in a bun, dancing at a happy hour with the sun about to set in July. Weird you may ask? Nope, not at all. When a song can completely change your mindset and bring you into a state of mind that is nothing but carefree, it’s a hit in my book. It is, ironically enough, magic.
I also highly recommend you check out “Get Loose,” for there are many people that this message needs to go out to. This song will make you get off of your butt and dance. Again, that feeling of being right in the studio with the band is what you will experience, in the best way possible. “I’ve got the blues, so let’s get loose…” How many times has that personally happened to you? I am sure you’ve lost count at this point in your life, as have I.
If you want to take a complete turn and slow things down a little bit for perhaps a date or a relaxing wine night, put on “Youngblood.” It will completely relax you from head to toe, making you yearn for days when music was just music. I truly feel that every member of this band brings something equally as important to the table, completing it like a puzzle that you could put together in no time. If you’re looking for a high-talented, great quality, undone and completely not over-the-top group to settle into, these are the guys for you.
Now, what exactly does Butchers Of Sky Valley mean? I haven’t the slightest idea, but I know that they are making an impact on ears everywhere. They’ve been getting tons of press on the new record, with some astounding and rewarding quotes complimenting their style and talents. I cannot sit here and say anything about their live set, for I have yet to experience it, but judging by the many places I visually took myself in this article, it would be filled with surprises.
Check out Butchers Of Sky Valley’s social media pages for their contact information, and hopefully you can catch them at a venue near you. They do reside in New York, though they make their way around, so I am sure they’ll make a visit to one of our local stages in the not-so-distant future! Who knows, maybe once they see they are wanted in the Local Radar they will make some moves! If you are impatient like myself and want a sneak peak, find something on YouTube of theirs and be sure to pick up their new album. I only had the time to chat about a few songs on there, but trust me, there is a whole lot more where that came from. In fact, there are at least four more tracks that I can personally relate to which, as we all know, is what separates the good songs from the bad ones. Kudos guys, you’ve done well here.
I will be back next week with another local band to boast on, whether they are new, old, young, heavy, acoustic or something completely new! As always, please keep sending me any acts you’ve been into lately, for this is a platform where we can all share our love of music!
