The best tracks from June 2017, featured on http://obscuresound.com

Obscure Sound - Best of June 2017

The Pulltops continue their dynamic musical journey with the release of their new song, "Ain't Home Anymore." Blending the heartfelt introspection of Americana with a pop/rock sensibility, the tracks timeless sound is filled with nostalgic imagery and rich storytelling. Set against a backdrop of melodic guitars and soaring harmonies, the song captures the bittersweet reflection of changing times and the feeling of no longer belonging to a place that once felt like home. It's a song for anyone who has ever felt like they were chasing memories, only to realize that what once was, can never fully be reclaimed.

Lyrics:

I walk the streets of this quiet little town
Like a ghost I've been roaming around
Kicking up old used-to-be's
Under the cover of the night you will find me
But this ain't home anymore

Looking for clues to a way it was back when
I was trying to be cool hanging with my friends
Summer nights with no place to go we
Crank up the music on my stereo
But this ain't home anymore

Woh oh oh oh
Woh oh oh oh
Woh oh oh oh
Woh oh oh oh
oh oh oh oh oh

Unlock the doors to the portraits in my mind
Shine up the memories leaving only the good times
I close my eyes and see it all so clear
But like smoke hits the sky then disappears
This ain't home anymore
Woh oh woh oh
Now this ain't home anymore

Woh oh oh oh
Woh oh oh oh
Woh oh oh oh
Woh oh woh oh oh oh

Woh oh oh oh
Woh oh oh oh
Woh oh oh oh
Woh oh woh oh oh oh

Ain't Home Anymore

The Pulltops new alternative rock song "red Eye Open Sky" captures the haunting experience of late-night solitude on the open road, where every mile brings you closer to love yet reminds you of the emptiness left behind. With lyrics that explore longing, reflection, and the passage of time, the song paints a vivid picture of a "lonely satellite" navigating endless highways. Ultimately, the destination holds the promise of peace and reconnection.

Red eye open sky
Driving thru the night
I’m like a lonely satellite
Without you by my side

Fading away
Just another town with a different name
Something lost and something gained
As I make my way she's waiting

Years fly by like a runaway car 
Faster than the speed of time
I travel
Unravel back to you

Into the arms where I belong
Inner peace sings like a song
As we reach our destiny
Back together rediscovering (uncovering)

Red eye open sky
Driving thru the night
I’m like a lonely satellite
Without you by my side

Fading away
Just another town with a different name
Something lost and something gained
As I make my way she's waiting

And I can't sleep
‘til I'm by your side
 Cutting thru this open line
I can make it home by daylight

Red eye open sky
Driving thru the night,
I’m like a lonely satellite
Without you by my side

Fading away
Just another town with a different name
Something lost and something gained
As I make my way she's waiting

Red Eye Open Sky

The Pulltops' Pop Punk rendition of the classic Christmas carol "I Saw Three Ships" brings a high-energy twist to this timeless tune. Featuring punchy guitars, driving rhythms, and spirited vocals, the song retains its festive charm while delivering a fresh and modern edge. With its catchy "Oh oh oh" refrains and uplifting melodies, this vibrant cover is perfect for rocking out on Christmas Day!

Arranged, produced, and mixed by  by Tom Crowell at Smile Studios, Wauwatosa, WI
Mastered in Toronto by Bryan Lowe at João Carvalho Mastering

I saw three ships come sailing in
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
I saw three ships come sailing in
On Christmas Day in the morning

And what was in those ships all three
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day?
And what was in those ships all three
On Christmas Day in the morning?

On Christmas Day
On Christmas Day
And what was in those ships all three
On Christmas Day in the morning?

And all the bells on Earth shall ring
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
And all the bells on Earth shall ring
On Christmas Day in the morning

Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Ah ah ah
Ah ah ah
On Christams day

Then let us all rejoice again
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
Then let us all rejoice again
On Christmas Day in the morning
Let us all rejoice again
On Christmas Day in the morning

Ah ah ah ah
On Christmas day

On Christmas Day (I Saw Three Ships)

The Pulltops' latest alternative rock anthem, "Carry On," fuses soaring synth textures with driving guitars to create an emotionally charged, uplifting soundscape. Built on heartfelt lyrics that confront pain and struggle, the song transforms into a powerful message of perseverance and hope. A balance of raw emotion and electrifying energy, the track’s rich harmonies and propulsive rhythm make it both deeply personal and universally inspiring—an undeniable call to rise above and reclaim one's own path.

Lyrics:

The pain in me, the pain in me is real
I feel it all the time
I'd like to know, I'd like to know a way
To leave it all behind

Carry on
Find a way
Through it all to find a road to better days
Though its hard
I hope to see
My life beyond this broken tragedy

It's you I need, it's you I need with me
To help me through it all
'Cause you give me the courage and the strength
To knock down all these walls

Carry on
Find a way
Through it all to find a road to better days
Though its hard
I hope to see
My life beyond this broken tragedy

Stand up don't be afraid
Rise above your yesterdays
Straight ahead and leave behind
Resounding sorrows
Level head and inner peace
Life is more than fantasy
Open sky, sink or fly
Paint the world in your design

Carry on
Find a way
Through it all to find a road to better days
Though its hard
I hope to see
My life beyond this broken tragedy

Carry on, carry on
Carry on, carry on
Carry on, carry on
Carry on, carry on

Carry On

Take a stroll down memory lane with "Always Together", the newest retro pop/rock ballad from The Love Avengers. Wrapped in the warm glow of 1950s nostalgia, this heartfelt tune blends doo-wop harmonies, sweet guitar licks, and classic sock hop sentimentality. With lyrics like "You're the apple of my eye, ice cream to my pie," it captures the pure, timeless feeling of young love that stands the test of time. It's a slow dance under the stars, a malt shop serenade, and a jukebox promise—all in one. This is a love song for sweethearts then, now, and forever.

Always Together

With a gritty pulse and soaring defiance, You Tripped Me Up dives headfirst into the fallout of broken trust. Fueled by raw guitars and emotionally charged vocals, The Pulltops capture the moment where frustration turns into clarity—and the climb back up begins. It’s a cathartic anthem for anyone who’s stumbled, stood back up, and decided they’re done looking back.

Written by Mark Pierret & Tom Crowell
Mixed by Tom Crowell at Smile Studios, Wauwatosa, WI
Produced by Mark Pierret & Tom Crowell
Mastered in Toronto by Bryan Lowe at João Carvalho Mastering

Lyrics:

Your tunnel vision has caused an aggravation
Without a thought you break your promises

Only thinking of yourself 
Not a care for anyone else
Feeling like I've had enough

You tripped me up
Another round knocked me off my feet
You tripped me up
You had me down but now I’m getting back up
You know you tripped me up

When your world has turned and all your suns are set
You learned to sleep beside all of your regrets

Just think back to what we had
Or maybe reappear with somebody else
Listen when the voice in your head said

You tripped  me up
Another round knocked me off my feet
You tripped me up
You had  me down but now I’m getting back up
You tripped me up
Another rider knocked off his seat
You tripped me up
I was feeling low but now I’m filling my cup
You tripped me up

You tripped me up
You tripped me up

You Tripped Me Up

Fault Lines is a powerful collection of six tracks that explore the cracks beneath the surface—of relationships, identity, and resilience. From the soaring intensity of "Red Eye Open Sky" to the driving urgency of "Mission Control," The Pulltops deliver a dynamic blend of alternative rock with heartfelt melodies and gritty emotional depth. The Americana-tinged "Ain’t Home Anymore" and the reflective "Waiting Here" showcase the band’s softer side, while "You Tripped Me Up" and "Carry On" close out the EP with anthemic strength and hard-earned hope.

Written by Mark Pierret & Tom Crowell
Mixed by Tom Crowell at Smile Studios, Wauwatosa, WI
Produced by Mark Pierret & Tom Crowell
Mastered in Toronto by Bryan Lowe at João Carvalho Mastering

When stress builds and doubt creeps in, “Rise or Fall” feels like a rallying cry that tells us to keep our head up through our own struggles in the framework of our trying times. It's a powerful alt-rock anthem that feels personal and inspiring, encouraging resilience and drive. This powerful song is music to fuel comebacks, victories, and breaking limits.

Written by Mark Pierret & Tom Crowell
Mixed by Tom Crowell at Smile Studios, Wauwatosa, WI
Produced by Mark Pierret & Tom Crowell
Mastered in Toronto by Bryan Lowe at João Carvalho Mastering

The world was waiting for a hero to be
The one to surface, bring them to their knees
They’re building armies and plan strategies
But you’re ready as the fires ignite

Rise or fall
They’re coming in out of nowhere
Riding high
You'll chase the devil tonight

Time is critical and starting to bleed
Stress is building up and needs to release
So keep your head strong, you’ve got to believe
You’re the fire that will knock them all down

Rise or fall
They’re coming in out of nowhere
Riding high
You'll chase the devil tonight

Rise or fall
They’re coming in out of nowhere
Riding high
You'll chase the devil tonight (yes you will)

Rise or fall (not gonna fall)
They’re coming in out of nowhere (coming in out of nowhere)
Riding high
You'll chase the devil tonight (not gonna fall)
You'll chase the devil tonight

Purchase On BandCamp

Rise Or Fall

“Unbroken” by The Pulltops is an anthem of endurance — a modern rock journey through scars, struggle, and renewal. With gritty guitars, soaring melodies, and lyrics that capture the fight to stay strong when everything feels lost, Unbroken blends alternative and heartland rock into something both timeless and urgent.

Written by Mark Pierret & Tom Crowell
Mixed by Tom Crowell at Smile Studios, Wauwatosa, WI
Produced by Mark Pierret & Tom Crowell
Mastered in Toronto by Bryan Lowe at João Carvalho Mastering

Lyrics:

Weather worn, cracked and torn
Shifting sands from what I've know
Reaching out to reach within
To the sin of innocence

Now I could never see
What’s good for me
Still unbroken

When I'm left to choose
I’ll always lose
Still unbroken

Take the bars and the liars and the scars the world has given me
I don't need it (Yeah I don’t need it)
All the noise and the toil and trouble it’s put me through
I think I'll leave it
Far behind

Now I could never see
What’s good for me
Still unbroken

When I'm left to choose
I’ll always lose
But still unbroken

I've had enough of this running around
Playing this game and feeling low down
I'm sinking

Starting over to start again
Gotta know no and when to say when
I'm leaving,
Bye bye bye

Rattle down these empty tracks
Don't know no and when I'll be back
I'm raising my glass to you
All of you along the ride

And I
Still unbroken

And I, am
Still unbroken

Unbroken

The Pulltops are a power trio turned dynamic duo with a singing drummer celebrating their 15th anniversary. Their music is best described as energetic Power Pop meets Album Rock. They were formed in Milwaukee in 2002 with the release of their first and more up-beat Power-Pop focused CD, “8-Track”. Since then, they have added in Classic Rock and Album Rock elements along with instrumental experimentation resulting in a mix of hooks and moody rock.

While live bassist Steve Kerwin lends a hand on two of the tracks on this new studio release, the remainder of the instruments and production fall squarely on the shoulders of long-time musical partners Mark Pierret and Tom Crowell. Their 2017 EP shows growth in the diversity of their writing and production style, all the while keeping the core elements of Power Pop hooks in tow.

The opening track, “Poison The Well”, brings back of the 60’s Soul influence found on their first release. The addition of horns and organ, along with the four-on-the-floor rhythm section give it that nostalgic feel, yet they still keep the energy of modern rock driving the song along.

“Closer” leans more toward their album rock influence, with atmospheric delay-textured guitars that build and then fall into delicate string breaks. It’s a powerful landscape with contrasting quiet moments.

“When I Was Young” is the straight-forward rock track on the album. Powerful guitars, alternating vocal leads, and a searing guitar solo over a power-house rhythm section adds weight to the EP.

By contrast, “Even” sets a softer tone. Simple, clean and repetitive guitars lay down a foundation for a more delicate vocal delivery. The song then opens up into a more theatrical production with timpani, strings, and orchestrated guitar work ending the song in a sonic climax.

The EP closes with an updated arrangement of the When In Rome 80’s classic, “The Promise”. Synth is replaced with guitar textures, and the song is given a drive that is characteristic of The Pulltops sound.

There are a lot of musical ideas condensed into this well produced 18 minute package that will leave any listener satisfied.

By Accident Or Design

Poison The Well

Additional musicians:
Electric guitar - Alex Lee
Violin - Alexandra Touzinsky
Cello - Paul Watrobski

Once more for the boys
Imma make something real

Trust in all the noise
‘Cause it’s part of the deal

Do-si-do, baby know that it’s all wearing thin
And toe to toe, dancing on me, wanna watch it cave in? 

I’m not looking towards the man
Handing me useless ideals
Holding up nothing that’s real

Passing years by, the sun must go down
And holding on tight, though the water surrounds
But me, no. 
I wanna be my own
Cheers to the sea of the old
But that’s not the me that I know

Do-si-do, baby know that it’s all wearing thin
And toe to toe, dancing on me, wanna watch it cave in?

Cave In

In My Ways

Debut EP 'In My Ways' out now!
Listen here: http://smarturl.it/InMyWaysEP

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In My Ways

Under Bridges

Pre-order the Album: https://raremonk.bandcamp.com/
Written and Recorded by Rare Monk 
Engineered and Mixed by Skyler Norwood at Miracle Lake Studios 
Produced by Skyler Norwood and Rare Monk 
Mastered by Gus Elg @ Sky Onion Studios 
Artwork by Chris Bigalke (Showdeer)

A Future

Happy Haunting

Fresh pressed indie music. 
http://obscuresound.com

The Pulltops are a Milwaukee based duo delivering a hooky mix of Indie Rock, Power Pop, and Album Rock.

Drummer Mark Pierret and guitarist Tom Crowell were both eclectic record collectors, so they immediately clicked when they joined their first band together. While Mark always leaned heavier on old country and soul music, Tom drew stronger influences from the experimental and underground scene.

Despite these differences, the two always found common ground with pop music and strong hooks, and this would be at the heart of their writing. Though they never strayed too far from the classic pop and indie rock formula, they would often incorporate elements from their eclectic influences.

Poison The Well

The Pulltops

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