Recently we were down in Nashville where we came across some killer bands that are revolutionizing Nashville’s music scene. Jack White and the Black Keys may be responsible for popularizing the shift in trends after their moves to the city, but there are plenty of other reasons why this Tennessee hub appears to be the country’s new music mecca. Forget the cowboy boots and honky tonk. These guys are here to rage.

 

Though the government might not like their music (according to their Facebook page), Fly Golden Eagle is leading the way with a fresh pysch-funk spin that will have you listening to tracks over and over again, without really meaning to. They rocked Bonnaroo 2012 and will rock Red Rocks 2013 with some very special friends next month.

 

 

Because the 60s and 70s are all that really matters, Natural Child reminds everyone of that, with hot and heavy rock ‘n’ roll. They dig the Stones, have opened for Bobby Keys, and have some of the raddest, most ballsy merchandise logos around: “If it ain’t Natural Child, I don’t give a fuck.”

 

The Kings of Leon didn’t need much convincing to sign the Weeks to their Snakes and Serpents label. With deep southern roots, hints of prog-rock flair and an energizing stage presence, it’s obvious why these guys are spending more time on the road than at home.  

 

 

The heavy groove that bassist Aaron Martin and drummer Ryan Usher cook up may be enough, but trippy synths, psychedelic riffs, and frontman Brett Hammann’s all-too-pretty vocals make Sol Cat the type of band best suited for late-night sets along the summer music festival circuit. Recently, they melted faces at Pianos in NYC, and though it was the band’s first time playing in the Big Apple, the size of the crowd said otherwise.

A band that started out as a joke has garnered quite the following. On JEFF the Brotherhood’s Infinity Cat label, Diarrhea Planet find five guitarists racing to the finish line with their punk rock attitudes they were so lucky to have grown up with. Though their name and songs (“Ghost with a Boner”) may offend some, you’d be hard-pressed to find a band so free of inhibitions. Think Beavis and Butthead do rock ‘n’ roll.