I was the kid at bar/bat mitzvahs that waited until the DJ played Come Out and Play by The Offspring or Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana to approach the dance floor. Although I was called a "poser" a few times in my day (and to this day), I have always identified as a "head banger". If you like head banging to good ol' rock n' roll, then you should check out these 3 bands.
1. Crobot, Supernatural
On Supernatural, Crobot blends funk, blues, metal and good old-fashioned rock and roll into an amazing album. Good luck sitting still during "Legend of the Spaceborne Killer" and "Skull of Geronimo". You can't do it. Every song on this album has great energy sparked by loud guitars by Chris Bishop, funky bass lines by Jake Figueroa, solid drumming from Paul Figueroa, and "howling" vocals from Brandon Yeagley which are vintage classic rock. If you want to listen to a fun, riff heavy, good time album -- check this one out.
2. Datura4, Demon Blues
Put the Bloomin' Onion down and take a listen to these rockers from Western Australia. Their new album, Demon Blues, blends progressive blues with psychedelic rock that takes you back to the great rock sounds of the 60s. Classic guitar riffs and blusey guitar solos litter this album. "You Ain't No Friend of Mine" is my favorite track and it will probably be yours too.
3. Royal Blood, Royal Blood
This band is not really a best kept secret anymore. Hailing from Brighton, U.K., Royal Blood is now sharing the stage with legends of rock, Foo Fighters, as their supporting act on many of their U.S. Tour Dates. When I first listened to the opening track of their self-titled debut album, I was shocked that their were only two members of the band: Bassist/singer Mike Kerr and drummer Ben Thatcher. These guys take on the responsibility of being the only two musicians in the band by playing harder and louder. With Royal Blood, you get heavy blues and rock riffs mixed with ferocious drumming. If you haven't taken a listen yet, you need to do so right now.