Getting to Know: Biffy Clyro, The Wrecks, and Hiss Golden Messenger

Get To Know:

Scotland’s Biffy Clyro might not be a household name in the United States when you think of anthemic alt-rock bands, but that doesn’t mean this trio hasn’t been constantly progressing and dominating overseas since essentially their inception in 1995. Formed by singer/guitarist Simon Neil, James Johnston (bass and vocals), and Ben Johnson (drums), the band took hold in the early 2000s in the UK with their powerful alt-rock, grunge, prog, and occasional hardcore tunes, all laced with catchy choruses and throaty vocals. The band has released eight full studio records which have collectively earned them multiple chart-topping singles and releases, totaling 165 weeks in the top twenty-five spots in UK charts, fifteen awards, and 26 nominations for various recognitions of best album, best song, best band, and more.

Watch: “Tiny Indoor Fireworks” Official music video.

Sounds Like: Frightened Rabbit, At The Drive In, Modest Mouse

Listen: Spotify, Apple Music

Follow: Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook

Gear: Skinny Top Heavy Bottom Slinkys, Beefy Slinkys, Not Even Slinkys, and Custom 13-58 gauge electric guitar strings, and Earthwood Phosphor Bronze Medium Light acoustic strings.

Get To Know:

The Wrecks have snuck onto the alt-rock scene with high-energy and captivating live shows, evolving from their humble beginnings recording their debut EP in their home studio, using YouTube tutorials and laptops, to help get the mix right. The result was a breakout single titled, “Favorite Liar” racking millions of streams on Spotify. The band followed up the success with an  EP titled, “Panic Vertigo” and supporting bands on tour like All Time Low, The Hunna, and The Maine. Since then, the band has racked up a few singles including their own post-pandemic anthem titled “I Want My Life Back Now” which you can watch in the official video below. The band announced headlining tour dates and supporting dates with The Driver Era on their website.

Watch: Official music video for “I Want My Life Back Now“

Sounds Like: Dreamers, With Confidence, Waterparks

Listen: Spotify, Apple Music

Follow: Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter

Gear: Ernie Ball Power Slinky electric guitar strings, Regular Slinky bass strings, Everlast Phosphor Bronze Light acoustic strings, and the MVP Volume Pedal.

Get To Know:

Often when meandering through roads unknown, or on misty drives between the trees on a long trip, there is a sound you hear that puts life in perspective. Somewhere between an honest reality and self-reflection sits Hiss Golden Messenger. The vehicle was driven by singer-songwriter M.C. Taylor bridges folk and roots rock. M.C.’s voice is familiar, like an iconic poet you once heard spinning on your record player or buried in your parents’ vinyl collection. On every track or performance Hiss Golden Messenger gives, a light shines through with his melodic acoustic guitar playing. Check out the official music video for the single “Sanctuary” below. 

Watch: “Sanctuary” Official music video.

Sounds Like: Jeff Tweedy, Dawes, Nathaniel Rateliff

Listen: Spotify, Apple Music

Follow: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube

Gear: Paradigm Regular Slinky electric guitar strings and Earthwood Phosphor Bronze Medium acoustic guitar strings.