Category Acoustic

Bitters and Distractions Unlock Another Level Of Greatness With New Single, “The Threads”

The Whole Kameese Leave a comment

Some bands have such a special sound that it is almost indescribable. We feel beyond blessed to check out Long Island, Ny based and a Whole Kameese favorite, punk duo Bitters and Distractions and their sharp and impressive new single, “The Threads” via Berkeley-based independent label Sell The Heart Records.

You can listen to “The Threads” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here

The energy from Long Island acoustic punk duo, Bitters and Distractions ( Jeremy Quitko and Travis Johnides) is more electrifying and vibrant than a thousand piece marching band . As soon as we heard the first chord on “The Threads “ we instantly started singing along and quickly grabbed a pint of our favorite brew.

While the instrumentation may be minimal, the emotional weight is anything but. Punk as Folk described their sound as: “This is punk proper, just done with acoustic guitars.”

guitars.”

“The Threads” captures the tension between striving for a meaningful future and grappling with the fleeting nature of time. The lyrics reflect resilience—“spread our wings and stretch our legs”—while also embracing nostalgia and the imperfections of life, summed up in the refrain: “that’s why we can’t have nice things.” (best freaking line ever)

The duo explains:

“The song is a bittersweet toast to the journey, the struggles, and the moments that define us. It’s about holding onto hope while acknowledging the scars along the way.”

Recorded, produced, mixed, and mastered entirely in the duo’s homes, “The Threads” also features guest backing vocals by Natalia Neal, a former student of Jeremy’s.

Bitters and Distractions began as Jeremy’s personal songwriting outlet, drawing from his formative years in Colorado and the loss of a close friend. The project evolved when Travis began composing music to accompany Jeremy’s words, sparking a creative partnership that resonated with listeners and transformed the duo into a fully realized band.

We fell in love with Bitters and Distractions, the first time we heard them…. And “The Threads” hasn’t changed that one bit.

The National Parks Deliver Another Stunningly Beautiful New Single “Whatever Comes”

The Whole Kameese Leave a comment

Wild Spirit to be released August 23rd.

We recently had the phenomenal opportunity to check out the new single “Whatever Comes” from The Provo, UT quartet- The National Parks —Brady Parks [vocals, guitar], Sydney Macfarlane [vocals, keys], Cam Brannelly [drums], and Megan Parks [violin]

You can listen to “Whatever Comes “ on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here

The National Parks, have this amazing energy , and it comes through beautifully on “Whatever Comes”

The National Parks are musical tour de force. Their music is an endless joyfully expression, that we can’t get enough of. We can’t for their new album “Wild Spirit”

Sam Varga Has Crafted A Work Of Art With Debut Album “Shadow Work”

The Whole Kameese Leave a comment

We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the debut album “Shadow Work” from Nashville based , Louisville,Kentucky raised singer-songwriter Sam Varga .

You can listen to “Shadow Work” Here

We don’t like to beat around the bush on The Whole Kameese so, we are going to come right out and say it… The debut album “Shadow Work” from Sam Varga features 11 high quality brilliantly written songs . When you hit play you get 36 minutes of absolute musical nirvana.

Right from note one on “Shadow Work” Sam Varga draws you in with smart , witty lyrics and addictive melodies. “Never Better” is a cleverly written song that we found ourselves mindlessly singing the chorus throughout our day. “Up Down” has a power punk feel. Sam Varga’s impressive vocals are on full display on “Up Down”

Sam Varga shows a stroke of song writing genius with “Alive” The Meg Ryan “When Harry Met Sally “ reference is simply amazing!

One of our favorites on “Shadow Work” is “Jim Carey” Varga carefully delivers an absolutely stunningly beautifully written song . ( We were literally hanging on every word )

In our book Sam Varga gets extra credit on “Shadow Work” for including a song with a Harry Potter reference. “Horcrux” is simply otherworldly.

If we had to pick a favorite song ( which on a record this good , is so hard to do ) We would have to go with “Stories We Tell” it is a beautifully written sonically and melodically pleasing song . “Stories We Tell” played out like a diary entry, authentic,personal- perfect !

If music is your thing , then you owe it to yourself to check out “Shadow Work “ from Sam Varga.

Announcement: The Whole Kameese Is Going On Hiatus

The Whole Kameese Leave a comment

We started The Whole Kameese back in 2020 as a way to keep busy during the pandemic. We are so lucky to have worked with so many wonderful artists, promoters and other music professionals. We were also so blessed to be able to share so much amazing music . We have made the difficult decision to put the blog on the back burner. At this time we need to focus on other important matters. We do not know how long we will be away but, we will return. We thank all of you for your support

-Jay

Melonball Prove That You Can Still Rock Even If You Don’t Plug In

The Whole Kameese Leave a comment

Nuremberg Germany’s Melonball Launch Pre-Orders For Acoustic EP ‘eup•nea’ out April 12; Stream The First Single “SINKING (ACOUSTIC) Feat. Vik from Deadends

We were over the moon excited when we found out that Nuremberg Germany‘s will release an acoustic EP titled eup•nea on April 12. The first single “SINKING” (featuring Vik from Deadends) is now available to STREAM Here

Since we first heard their debut album “Breathe” we instantly fell in love with their speedy and punchy punk rock sound. However, with their amazing new album acoustic EP eup•nea, they take us on a fresh acoustic journey. And… it is positively brilliant.

Melonball artfully presents a fresh perspective that navigates the delicate balance between mellowness and the spirited energy inherent in their punk roots.

The first single “Sinking” (Acoustic) featuring Vik from Deadends, shows off both Melonball’s amazing versatility and second to none musicianship.

What sets this EP apart is its ability to deliver a more nuanced and introspective view without diluting the potency of the band’s poignant political messages and social criticism. This EP shows Melonball’s artistic skill and proves that even in the unplugged realm, the passion of their rebellious spirit remains undiminished.

Melonball are like master painters, carefully constructing a beautiful work of art

Melonball is : Oli (lead vox), Basti (guitar + backing vox), Jens (bass), Jonny, (drums)