🎤 The Resurrection of Guitar Solos & Songs That Don’t Suck This Week
Welcome back to Songs That Don’t Suck — I’m your host Mark, and I’ve got a riff-heavy, harmony-rich episode for you this week. Before we get into the four fresh tracks that’ll melt your playlist in the best way, let’s talk concerts, chicken tenders, and the spiritual experience that is a blistering guitar solo. 🤘
🎸 Live from Mahall’s: The Band FEEL & Trauma Illinois
This past Friday, I caught The Band FEEL on their first-ever trip to Northeast Ohio at the iconic Mahall’s — part bowling alley, part bar, part rock temple. I rolled in 45 minutes early (classic anxiety move), snagged prime parking, and took refuge in the bar. Pro tip: the “chicken tenders” are actually three half chicken breasts. You’re welcome. 🍗
👊 Trauma Illinois Opens the Night
Hats off to Jack from Trauma Illinois, a Cincinnati-based power trio. Jack was on a personal promo mission before the show, handing out stickers and hyping up the crowd. On stage, they delivered tight harmonies, punchy riffs, and stick tricks galore from drummer Garret Crider. Check these guys out if they roll through your city.
🤯 The Band FEEL: Pure Rock Fire
Introduced to me by Jordy from The Bites, The Band FEEL hails from St. Louis and brought the house down. Garret Barcus absolutely slayed on vocals, while guitarist Tyler Armstrong shredded like it was 1982. It was a glorious throwback to the golden era of guitar solos, all anchored by the solid rhythm section of TJ Steinwart (drums) and Kadin Rea (bass). If you love authentic rock with a modern edge, run, don’t walk to their next show.
🎸 The Fall (and Hopeful Rise) of Guitar Solos
Let’s talk solos. Remember when a song without a guitar solo was unthinkable? From Hendrix to Slash, solos were the soul of the track. But then came the ‘90s — grunge happened, attention spans shrank, and guitar solos became an endangered species.
Sure, pop and hip-hop dominate now, but I still crave those expressive six-string sermons. The good news? They’re still out there — if you know where to look. Like this week’s playlist:
🎧 Songs That Don’t Suck This Week
1. 🏴☠️ “Pirates of the Caribbean” – Galactic Empire
If John Williams met Dream Theater in a dark alley, you’d get Galactic Empire. These cosplaying metalheads (yes, they dress as Stormtroopers) bring brutal prog-metal energy to movie soundtracks. Their take on Pirates of the Caribbean is all chugging riffs, bombastic drums, and face-melting solos. 🎬🎸
Album alert: Their new release Cinemetal is on the way!
2. 🌀 “Glum” – Hayley Williams
Known to many through Paramore or her duet with Taylor Swift on “Castles Crumbling,” Hayley Williams goes ethereal on “Glum.” With subtle vocal effects and self-harmonizing choruses, the track has shades of Dido’s Thank You, but with a modern melancholy twist. Plus, that possible “Asian flute” sound? A vibe. 🌫️🎶
3. 🇨🇦 “Amerika” – Wintersleep
Discovered mid-disc golf round, this Wintersleep track from 2016 hit me out of nowhere. Hailing from Nova Scotia, these guys serve up accessible, rootsy rock with depth. “Amerika” is one of those songs that quietly burrows into your brain and won’t let go. ⛳🎧
4. 🌞 “Broke as Folk” – Kula Shaker
This one’s got everything: Floydian textures, Doors-like mysticism, 60s nostalgia, and somehow still feels fresh. With warm harmonies, layered soundscapes, and a couple of tasty solos, Kula Shaker delivers a perfect soundtrack for aimless summer drives. 🚗💨
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