WSOU Picks of the Week: Derek Smalls, Phil X and Taylor Hawkins; Clutch; Vein
Seton Hall University’s WSOU radio is the only all-metal, all-the-time station currently broadcasting in the US, and has been a force in metal for DECADES. It’s also streamable onlinefrom anywhere in the world! Each week, the staff of WSOU shares their picks for the heaviest of the heavy, as well as the station’s charts for that week, right here on MetalSucks. Enjoy:
Derek Smalls, Phil X, and Taylor Hawkins – “Butt Call” (Rachel H.)
If you didn’t know this was a thing – well, now you do. This piece comes from Spinal Tap’s Derek Smalls, Bon Jovi guitarist Phil X and Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins. This new track features a compilation of sound effects and pays tribute to the evolution of cell phones – what once was a wonderful invention is now a problematic obsession. Unique in it’s composition, the track stays true to classic metal sounds. Definitely a fun listen.
Clutch – “Gimme The Keys” (Nick E.)
As is custom with every other Clutch track known to man, the band’s new single, “Gimme the Keys,” delivers. A number of tracks on their new album, Book of Bad Decisions, tell the stories of different experiences the band has gone through over the years. Neil Fallon’s vocals on “Gimmie the Keys” give off a story telling vibe while the tough beat and resounding guitar throughout the track add to the vibe and create a truly awesome song. Clutch are always experimenting with new sounds and “Gimmie the Keys” blends classic Clutch with some new flavor; a real treasure.
Vein – “Virus://Vibrance” (Nick P.)
Vein: a vessel for carrying blood through your body or an up and coming hard rock artist? “Virus://Virbance,” the first track off of Vein’s upcoming album Errorzone is a rage-fest that starts off with a sick guitar track that actually sounds like it’s giving you some kind of error message or alarm. From there until the end the entire band takes you on a wild ride filled with fast drums, screams, and expert guitar work. I don’t know which hits harder: this banger, or a spinkick to the side of the head.
