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| Tarek Jafar of The Blue Stones and Jasper James of In My Coma |
December 31 2012 – T-Mak World presents Indie On Indie where we match up two musicians of different bands and give them the task to review one of the other band’s songs. In this ongoing series we will match up bands with similar styles of music, as well as bands on opposite sides of the musical spectrum. Kick back, listen to each tune and read what the other band has to say about it. If you have a suggestion for a cool match up or are in a band and want to be featured email us here.
- Artist 1 – Jasper James is the vocalist and guitarist of Toronto’s alt rock powerhouse In My Coma. The song he picked for Artist 2 to review is Losing Sleep.
- Artist 2 – Tarek Jafar is the vocalist and guitarist of Windsor’s garage blues juggernaut The Blue Stones. The song he picked for Artist 1 to review is Criminals.
I’m a big fan of bands that make sounds beyond their individual members. As a musician in a three-piece band, I work very hard to help us sound bigger than a three-piece. And naturally, I’m extremely proud when we get compliments about how big we sound. If The Blue Stones were trying to sound enormous, then job well done. With “Criminals,” track 2 off the band’s sophomore release “How’s That Sound?,” The Blue Stones weave you into a trance a la QOTSA with a touch of Cold War Kids. The main groove of the song has that infectious double-hit on the backbeat that would make even a member of the walking dead bob their head. The Blue Stones have done with a gritty guitar and drums what many four and five-piece bands strive to do.
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| In My Coma |
The melody and musicianship on “Criminals” are of a level that this song would fit comfortably on a Black Keys album. And any Black Keys fans, this is definitely a song you will enjoy. You’ll be left humming the hook “cry just a little bit,” which I found to be the catchiest element of the song. I would have liked to hear that hook again near the end of the song, but alas, it gives you a reason to listen again. And just in case you’re more a fan of energetic balls-out rock, the choruses will take you to your musical cloud nine as well as the pounding guitar and drum barrage that commences at approximately 2:35. Guitarists will love the half-wah effect at about 2:50. Vocalists will love the aforementioned hook. Rock enthusiasts will like this song. – Jasper James
Tarek Jafar – Guitarist/Vocalist of The Blue Stones shares his thoughts on In My Comas’ Losing Sleep
Within the first few seconds, “Losing Sleep” hits you with deeply pounding drums, melodious guitar tones, and a riff that you won’t be able to shake for days. The fantastic production value keeps you hooked, while Jasper’s vocals complement the intermittent guitar swells with every word, carrying the verses seamlessly. These folks are pros. The undeniably catchy hook makes your head bang, and foot tap without even thinking. It’s a shame that a song as accessible as this isn’t constantly played over radio channels across the nation. Nonetheless, I feel it’s only a matter of time before alt-rock lovers everywhere are turning “Losing Sleep” WAY up. – Tarek Jafar
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| The Blue Stones |
Verdict: Thanks Jasper and Tarek. We are fans of both In My Coma and The Blue Stones and both of your bands have been listed on T-Mak World’s Top 10 Indie Bands of 2012. We know that both are some of the best music we have heard in 2012 and highly recommend your live shows to our readers. Have a great 2013 guys!
Previous Indie On Indie Features:
Oct 2012 – Last Bullet vs. TimeGiant
Nov 2012 – One Bad Son vs. The Blue Stones
