Crossed Keys

The Black Keys: A Garage Rock Dynamo

The Black Keys, hailing from Akron, Ohio, burst onto the scene in 2001 as a raw, two-piece force. This gritty garage rock duo, consisting of Dan Auerbach (guitar, vocals) and Patrick Carney (drums), honed their sound in basements, self-producing their early records. Their independent spirit and dedication to their craft soon propelled them to the forefront of a garage rock revival in the early 2000s.

Influenced by blues legends like Junior Kimbrough, R.L. Burnside, Howlin' Wolf, and Robert Johnson, the Black Keys' music drips with a raw, bluesy intensity. Their story is one of true grit and perseverance. Friends since childhood, Auerbach and Carney formed the band after dropping out of college, and they quickly gained a loyal following through relentless touring, frequent album releases, and strategic licensing of their music.

Their 2004 album, Rubber Factory, solidified their status as a critical darling, earning them a major label deal with Nonesuch Records in 2006. After years of self-production, they embraced a more professional approach for Attack & Release (2008), collaborating with producer Danger Mouse, who became a key player in their sound.

The Black Keys' commercial breakthrough arrived in 2010 with Brothers. This Grammy Award-winning album, featuring the hit single "Tighten Up," cemented their place as a major force in contemporary rock, and their journey from basement sessions to international stardom is a testament to their raw talent and dedication to their unique, blues-infused garage rock sound.

Journey: A Rock Legacy Built on Melodic Majesty

Journey, the iconic American rock band, emerged from the vibrant San Francisco music scene in 1973. Born from the creative union of former members of legendary bands like Santana, the Steve Miller Band, and Frumious Bandersnatch, Journey's story is one of enduring success and musical evolution.

The band, as it stands in 2024, features Neal Schon, the last remaining original member, on guitar and vocals, alongside Jonathan Cain on keyboards and vocals, Jason Derlatka on keyboards and vocals, Deen Castronovo on drums and vocals, Todd Jensen on bass, and Arnel Pineda on lead vocals.

Journey's golden era, however, is intrinsically linked to the vocal powerhouse of Steve Perry. During his tenure from 1978 to 1987, the band achieved their greatest commercial triumphs, crafting a string of timeless hits that still resonate today. "Don't Stop Believin'," released in 1981, became a cultural phenomenon, reaching the top of the iTunes charts in 2009, cementing its place as one of the most enduring rock anthems of all time.

Their seventh album, Escape, released in 1981, reached the pinnacle of the Billboard 200, becoming their most successful album to date. It gifted the world another unforgettable single, "Open Arms," solidifying Journey's status as musical giants. Their follow-up album, Frontiers, released in 1983, continued their winning streak, achieving chart dominance in both the United States and the United Kingdom.

The band has enjoyed several successful reunions, first with Steve Augeri from 1998 to 2006, and then with Arnel Pineda, who has fronted the band since 2007.

Journey's legacy is firmly cemented in the annals of rock history. With an impressive 25 gold and platinum albums, including the 18x platinum RIAA Diamond Certified Greatest Hits album, their influence on the music landscape is undeniable. They hold the distinction of having 19 Top 40 singles in the US, second only to Electric Light Orchestra in terms of charting success without reaching the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100.

Initially rooted in progressive rock, Journey re-defined their sound in 1978 with their fourth album, Infinity, embracing pop arrangements that captivated audiences worldwide. They are recognized by AllMusic as "one of America's most beloved (and sometimes hated) commercial rock/pop bands." Despite the occasional criticism, Journey's impact on the music scene remains undeniable, leaving a legacy of melodically rich rock anthems that continue to be enjoyed by generations of music lovers.

Miserable Faith (Chinese: 痛仰乐队), originally named Painful Faith band, was established in Beijing in 1999. Their style is rock and independent music. The strong critical awareness expressed in their first album "This Is a Question," released in 2001, gained them attention from fans. The band was once hailed as one of China's "Four Hardcore" rock bands along with Yaksa, Twisted Machine, and Tongue. Their representative works include: "The Need of the Nation," "Highway Song," "Give Way," "Anger," "Sing a Song for You," "Where There Is Oppression, There Is Resistance," and others.

Juliette and the Licks: A Rock & Roll Story

Juliette and the Licks, fronted by the iconic actress and singer Juliette Lewis, burst onto the rock scene with a raw and infectious energy. The band's core lineup featured Lewis's powerhouse vocals, Todd Morse's blistering guitar riffs, and a dynamic rhythm section.

Their debut EP, "Like a Bolt of Lightning," in 2004, quickly ignited a firestorm of attention. Their follow-up, the self-titled debut album "You're Speaking My Language," cemented their status, with the title track becoming their signature anthem. While "Got Love to Kill," their disco-infused single, didn't reach the same heights, it showcased the band's versatility and willingness to experiment.

After a successful run, the band went on hiatus in 2009, leaving fans wondering about their future. A reunion show in Los Angeles in 2015 sparked a wave of excitement, followed by an extensive tour in 2016.

However, Juliette Lewis's announcement of a solo tour in June 2016 left the fate of The Licks uncertain. The band's future seemed to be up in the air until May 2018 when members took to Twitter, hinting at a return to the studio and new music on the horizon.

The band's story is one of rock and roll grit, with Lewis's undeniable charisma driving the energy of the band, leaving a lasting mark on the music scene. While the future of The Licks remains to be seen, their music continues to resonate with fans, a testament to their powerful sound and undeniable talent.

Early Days:

The band's origins can be traced back to a Blondie concert where Lewis, accompanied by Patty Schemel (Hole's drummer), decided to form their own band. This initial lineup featured Lewis on vocals, Schemel on drums, Todd Morse on guitar, and Paul Ill on bass. The Licks quickly gained recognition with their high-octane live performances, captivating audiences with their raw energy and fiery stage presence.

My Bloody Valentine: Shoegaze Pioneers and Sonic Innovators

My Bloody Valentine, often stylized in all lowercase or abbreviated as MBV, are a legendary alternative rock band hailing from Dublin, Ireland. Formed in 1983, the band has remained a core unit since 1987, consisting of founding members Kevin Shields (vocals, guitar, sampler) and Colm Ó Cíosóig (drums, sampler), joined by Bilinda Butcher (vocals, guitar) and Debbie Googe (bass).

Widely recognized as pioneers of the shoegaze genre, My Bloody Valentine's signature sound is characterized by ethereal and hypnotic textures, achieved through dissonant guitar layers, subdued and androgynous vocals, and innovative production techniques that blurred the lines between instrument and effect.

Their journey to sonic prominence began with a series of early releases and lineup changes. After signing with Creation Records in 1988, they released a string of successful EPs and two landmark albums, Isn't Anything (1988) and Loveless (1991). The latter, considered their magnum opus and a cornerstone of alternative rock history, achieved critical acclaim but also marked a turning point for the band.

The album's extensive production costs, pushing the boundaries of sonic experimentation, led to their parting with Creation Records. In 1992, they signed with Island Records, accumulating a wealth of unreleased material, but largely retreated from the public eye.

By 1995, Googe and Ó Cíosóig left the band, followed by Butcher in 1997. The weight of following up Loveless proved too much for Shields, who, in his own words, "went crazy" in the years after.

A long-awaited reunion in 2007 saw them embark on a global tour, reintroducing their music to a new generation of fans. In 2012, they released the compilation EP 1988-1991, showcasing the evolution of their sound through their early years.

My Bloody Valentine's impact on alternative music is undeniable. Their sonic explorations, particularly on Loveless, continue to inspire and influence musicians across genres. They stand as a testament to the power of experimentation and the enduring impact of a sound that redefined the boundaries of rock music.

The werewolf in question is none other than Michael J. Wolf, frontman of Wolf-Face, a local punk band now achieving legendary status. Their sound echoes influences like the Misfits, Dillinger Four, Dead Mechanical, and even the late Jay Reatard.

Ten years ago, Tampa Bay was introduced to Wolf-Face when they emerged from their practice space, armed with anthems like "Give Me a Keg of Beer," "Be a Man!," and "​​I'm a Son of a Bitch." These songs, filled with biting lyrics, were a direct response to the producers of the 1985 film "Teen Wolf," who, according to Wolf, appropriated his life story and turned it into a movie.