Monday: Anup Sastry - Reflex

     Skyharbor fans have more to lament about the recent line-up shuffle than the departure of vocalist Dan Tompkins. Skinsman Anup Sastry bid the band adieu as well, meaning that the groove quotient for Skyharbor's next album remains a semi-open question (we've heard new drummer Aditya Ashok's first crack at some Skyharbor material in the form of recent single "Out of Time").

     Anup's got a couple of solo EPs under his belt, but it doesn't look like he's joined up with another collaborative project just yet. I certainly hope he finds the right group of people, if he's looking for another band, because he's be an asset to a variety of heavier styles. For now, though, we can only fall back on said catalogue of EPs for some Anup Sastry Monday Funday groove.

     To that end, your belated Monday song is "Reflex" from Anup's 2013 EP Ghost. It's a little djenty, but don't let that stop you from bobbing your head and catching the energy that Anup's beats have got in spades.

Skyharbor - Out of Time

     No throwback this Thursday, because the beneficent gods of new music have dropped something particularly exciting into all of ours laps today, and I'd be remiss if I let it slide even until tomorrow.

     That something is a new Skyharbor single, the first to feature the complete new lineup, including vocalist Eric Emery (in for departed Dan Tompkins) and drummer Aditya Ashok (replacing skinsman Anup Sastry). We heard Eric's take on "Evolution" back when he was announced as Dan's replacement, but this "Out of Time" is our first taste of all-new material.

     Does it live up to Skyharbors past? Not right off the bat, but I for one would like to sit with it for a bit, and hear the rest of the record-in-progress, before I pick any favourites. The word so far on this one is just "2016", so let's hope that means more Q1 than Q4.

Intervals - Automaton

     Playthrough videos have been the order of the day in heavy music for a while now, and that suits me just fine. As someone who plays guitar, and wishes they had the coordination to play drums, I enjoy being able to see a song actually played on an instrument, from start to finish. This is especially true of songs by bands I've never seen in concert, or likely will never see.

     There's just something about being able to watch and say, "so that's what he's doing there!" And as I said above, not being able to play the drums myself just makes a good drum playthrough video that much more impressive for me personally.

     So when the stars align and the Venn diagram circles of "good song" and "good playthrough" overlap, who am I to deny the will of the gods and forgo making such a song your Song of the Day. That's why tonight you're getting "Automaton" from A Voice Within, the latest from Canadian former instrumental act Intervals. Drummer Anup Sastry has put out a lot of good playthroughs, and this one's no exception.

Friday: Marty Friedman - Steroidhead

     If you're into metal -- and there's a good chance you are, why else would you be here? -- then you likely have at least heard the name of former Megadeth guitarist and also around shredmaster Marty Friedman. I know I've mentioned him at least once before, in the context of his guest solo on a Skyharbor track.

     Well now Keshav and Anup from Skyharbor have returned the favour, appearing on what has turned out to be the first single off of Marty's new album Inferno. It's not necessarily the most memorable or exciting song in the world, but it is a nice thrashy slice of guitar-driven instrumental topped off with some buttery Friedman leads. Have a listen and discover why the Japanese shouldn't be the only people interested in this guy.

Song of the Day: Anup Sastry - Limitless

     I've written about the purveyor of today's track before, but previously it's always been by way of his connection  to other musical projects. You see, up and coming drummer Anup Sastry is the skinsman for both Intervals and Skyharbor, two slick bands that are more than worth checking out. But Mr. Sastry has just released his first solo effort, which means more tasty grooves for the masses!

Song of the Day: Intervals - Tapestry

     Guten tag, everyone. Today I've got a killer new tune for you from a band that I've been talking up at every available opportunity over the last few months. They've been streaming their new EP online for the last week or two, but since said EP is officially out today, what better day to crank some instrumental metal?*

Song of the Day: Intervals - Sonar

     I've got some cool Canuck instrumetal for you today. I just recently discovered today's band, Intervals, and downloaded their debut EP The Space Between. I've only had the chance for a couple of listens, but so far I'm digging it: djenty, headbanging grooves, some good leadwork, a couple of nice (and audible, thank the gods!) basslines, and some solid drumming courtesy of Anup Sastry of Skyharbor (among other things). There's even some electronic-style manipulation and ambient-ish stuff, and the whole package amounts to something that makes me very excited for the new material that their Facebook page tells me will soon be in the works.

     Your song today is "Sonar" by Intervals. Check it out.