Welcome to Ashley Release New Video For "Nothing But Grey Skies Ahead" (Chicago Post-Punk)

Chicago post-punk band Welcome to Ashley have released a new video "Nothing But Grey Skies Ahead", which was filmed by singer Coley Kennedy and bassist Jeremy Barrett. "Nothing But Grey Skies Ahead" is the first video from the band's newest EP "Absent Man" which is available on iTunes.



Links:
Welcome to Ashley

Welcome to Ashley - Absent Man EP Review (Power-Pop)

Welcome to Ashley is a four-piece post-punk band from Chicago, IL whose music combines the melancholy pop influences of bands like The Smiths and The Bravery with an Urge Overkill style alt-rock swagger.

This new 4-track EP follows a 2007 EP ("The Catbird Seat") and the band's 2006 self-titled full-length debut. Singer Coley Kennedy has a distinctive voice and a way of turning a phrase that keeps this CD memorable. The band also keeps the production lean (there is none of The Bravery or Echo & the Bunnymen's "layers upon layers" of sound) which gives focus to the jangling guitar and melodic bass sounds and keeps the music uplifting over the somewhat melancholy lyrics.

Welcome to Ashley look like they are staying close to home for the next few months. Here is the band's upcoming tour dates:

Oct. 23, 2009, 9:00PM, Empty Bottle, Chicago, Illinois
Dec. 04, 2009, 9:30PM, Radio Radio, Indianapolis, Indiana
Dec. 09, 2009, 9:00PM, Schubas, Chicago, Illinois

Links:
Welcome to Ashley's MySpace Profile

keygrip - vis-à-vis CD Review (Indie Rock)

Indie rock band keygrip have announced the release of their debut CD vis-à-vis via RRMC Recording on July 28th.

keygrip is led songwriter/vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Michael Di Lalla and the band includes Michael's brother Jared Di Lalla (drums), Will Salween (guitarist) and Ivan Evangelista (bass). Even though keygrip are from New York, the band's music fits well with many of the current and past atmospheric BritPop bands. All of the cuts on this disc are driven by atmospheric guitars and melodic vocals. The first single "If I Could (You Know I Would)" is streaming on keygrip's MySpace profile. Strong songwriting is complemented by stellar production by Michael Di Lalla. His layered and well-developed production fits well with the band's BritPop leanings.

While vis-à-vis is keygrip's first proper release, Michael Di Lalla had put together the original keygrip debut (The Unaimed Arrow Never Misses) a few years ago. This is one of those "lost albums" as this release got shelved as Michael was severely injured after being hit by a car shortly after completing this disc. keygrip is planning on releasing this disc later in the year.

No tour dates are announced yet but keygrip is planning on touring the Northeast throughout the summer.